(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia
58-1167100
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1932 Wynnton Road
Columbus,
Georgia
31999
(Address of principal executive offices)
(ZIP Code)
706.323.3431
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share
AFL
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þYes¨ 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). þYes¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes þ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 604,226,995 shares of the issuer's common stock were outstanding as of April 21, 2023.
Items other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts - Unaudited)
2023
2022
Revenues:
Net earned premiums, principally supplemental health insurance
$
3,688
$
4,079
Net investment income
943
903
Net investment gains (losses)
123
122
Other income (loss)
46
69
Total revenues
4,800
5,173
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims, excluding reserve remeasurement
2,203
2,517
Reserve remeasurement (gains) losses
(53)
(34)
Total benefits and claims, net
2,150
2,483
Acquisition and operating expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
205
207
Insurance commissions
280
300
Insurance and other expenses
775
833
Interest expense
48
56
Total acquisition and operating expenses
1,308
1,396
Total benefits and expenses
3,458
3,879
Earnings before income taxes
1,342
1,294
Income taxes
154
247
Net earnings
$
1,188
$
1,047
Net earnings per share:
Basic
$
1.94
$
1.61
Diluted
1.94
1.60
Weighted-average outstanding common shares used in computing earnings per share (In thousands):
Basic
611,205
649,753
Diluted
613,950
652,827
Cash dividends per share
$
.42
$
.40
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions - Unaudited)
2023
2022
Net earnings
$
1,188
$
1,047
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period
(43)
(452)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities during period
2,578
(4,752)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on fixed maturity securities included in net earnings
(57)
(77)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period
1
1
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions during period
(3,537)
5,347
Pension liability adjustment during period
9
3
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
(1,049)
70
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
(200)
110
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
(849)
(40)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
339
$
1,007
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts - Unaudited)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Assets:
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value, (no allowance for credit losses in
2023 and 2022, amortized cost $72,084 in 2023 and $72,246 in 2022)
$
74,174
$
71,936
Fixed maturity securities available for sale - consolidated variable interest entities, at fair value
(amortized cost $3,222 in 2023 and $3,223 in 2022)
3,925
3,805
Fixed maturity securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance
for credit losses of $6 in 2023 and $7 in 2022 (fair value $21,616 in 2023 and $21,210 in 2022)
18,936
19,056
Equity securities, at fair value
1,087
1,091
Commercial mortgage and other loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $223 in 2023 and $192
in 2022 (includes $10,684 in 2023 and $10,832 in 2022 of consolidated variable interest entities)
13,328
13,496
Other investments
(includes $2,049 in 2023 and $1,909 in 2022 of consolidated variable interest entities)
5,241
4,070
Cash and cash equivalents
3,809
3,943
Total investments and cash
120,500
117,397
Receivables
789
647
Accrued investment income
701
745
Deferred policy acquisition costs
9,267
9,239
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation
528
530
Other
3,181
3,180
Total assets
$
134,966
$
131,738
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Liabilities:
Policy liabilities:
Future policy benefits
$
91,293
$
88,241
Unpaid policy claims
229
201
Unearned premiums
1,743
1,825
Other policyholders’ funds
6,668
6,643
Total policy liabilities
99,933
96,910
Income taxes
647
698
Payables for return of cash collateral on loaned securities
3,460
1,809
Notes payable and lease obligations
7,420
7,442
Other
3,722
4,739
Total liabilities
115,182
111,598
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 13)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000
shares in 2023 and 2022; issued 1,355,012 shares in 2023 and 1,354,079 shares in 2022
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
1,289
(702)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
(26)
(27)
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
(4,894)
(2,100)
Pension liability adjustment
(29)
(36)
Treasury stock, at average cost
(21,293)
(20,574)
Total shareholders’ equity
19,784
20,140
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
134,966
$
131,738
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions, except for per share amounts - Unaudited)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
135
$
2,641
$
44,367
$
(6,429)
$
(20,574)
$
20,140
Net earnings
0
0
1,188
0
0
1,188
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
(54)
0
(54)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities during period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments
0
0
0
1,991
0
1,991
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
1
0
1
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
(2,794)
0
(2,794)
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
7
0
7
Dividends to shareholders (1)
($.00 per share)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Exercise of stock options
0
3
0
0
0
3
Share-based compensation
0
14
0
0
0
14
Purchases of treasury stock
0
0
0
0
(732)
(732)
Treasury stock reissued
0
7
0
0
13
20
Balance at March 31, 2023
$
135
$
2,665
$
45,555
$
(7,278)
$
(21,293)
$
19,784
(In millions, except for per share amounts - Unaudited)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
135
$
2,529
$
40,963
$
(8,411)
$
(18,185)
$
17,031
Net earnings
0
0
1,047
0
0
1,047
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
(453)
0
(453)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities during period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments
0
0
0
(3,815)
0
(3,815)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
1
0
1
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
4,224
0
4,224
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
3
0
3
Dividends to shareholders (1)
($.00 per share)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Exercise of stock options
0
6
0
0
0
6
Share-based compensation
0
13
0
0
0
13
Purchases of treasury stock
0
0
0
0
(523)
(523)
Treasury stock reissued
0
12
0
0
14
26
Balance at March 31, 2022
$
135
$
2,560
$
42,010
$
(8,451)
$
(18,694)
$
17,560
(1) Dividends to shareholders are recorded in the period in which they are declared.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions - Unaudited)
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings
$
1,188
$
1,047
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Change in receivables and advance premiums
(34)
(29)
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(270)
(255)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
205
207
Increase in policy liabilities
(361)
143
Change in income tax liabilities
154
325
Net investment (gains) losses
(123)
(122)
Other, net
(51)
(56)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
708
1,260
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold or matured:
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
949
545
Equity securities
126
102
Commercial mortgage and other loans
418
638
Costs of investments acquired:
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
(1,090)
(707)
Equity securities
(134)
(114)
Commercial mortgage and other loans
(315)
(1,161)
Other investments, net
(1,074)
(138)
Settlement of derivatives, net
(480)
(558)
Cash received (pledged or returned) as collateral, net
1,756
142
Other, net
(51)
41
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
105
(1,210)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock
(700)
(500)
Dividends paid to shareholders
(248)
(250)
Change in investment-type contracts, net
(28)
(21)
Treasury stock reissued
2
9
Other, net
41
25
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
(933)
(737)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(14)
(89)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(134)
(776)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
3,943
5,051
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
3,809
$
4,275
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid
$
0
$
(77)
Interest paid
37
37
Noncash interest
11
19
Noncash financing activities:
Lease obligations
18
73
Treasury stock issued for:
Associate stock bonus
4
3
Shareholder dividend reinvestment
9
9
Share-based compensation grants
5
5
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) primarily sell supplemental health and life insurance in the United States (U.S.) and Japan. The Company's insurance business is marketed and administered through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) in the U.S. and through Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd. (ALIJ) in Japan. The Company’s operations consist of two reportable business segments: Aflac U.S., which includes Aflac, and Aflac Japan, which includes ALIJ. American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac. Most of Aflac's policies are individually underwritten and marketed through independent agents. With the exception of dental and vision products administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. (ABS) and certain group life insurance products, Aflac U.S. markets and administers group products through Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance. Additionally, Aflac U.S. markets its consumer markets products through Tier One Insurance Company (TOIC). The Company's insurance operations in the U.S. and Japan service the two markets for the Company's insurance business. The Parent Company, other operating business units that are not individually reportable, and business activities, including reinsurance activities, not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in Corporate and other. Aflac Japan's revenues, including net gains and losses on its investment portfolio, accounted for 62% and 70% of the Company's total revenues in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The percentage of the Company's total assets attributable to Aflac Japan was 81% at March 31, 2023, compared with 80% at December 31, 2022.
In 2022, the Company established Aflac Re Bermuda Ltd. (Aflac Re), a Bermuda domiciled insurer that reinsures certain policies issued by ALIJ. Aflac Re is subject to regulation in Bermuda, where the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) has broad administrative powers relating to granting and revoking licenses to transact reinsurance business, approval of specific reinsurance transactions, capital requirements and solvency standards, limitations on dividends to shareholders, the nature of and limitations on investments, and the filing of financial statements in accordance with prescribed or permitted accounting practices. Financial results from Aflac Re are included in Corporate and other.
Basis of Presentation
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, references to U.S. GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. The most significant items on the Company's balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to changes in the future are the valuation of investments and derivatives, deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC), liabilities for future policy benefits, and income taxes. These accounting estimates and actuarial determinations are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, interest rates, mortality, morbidity, commission and other acquisition expenses, and terminations by policyholders. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised and reflected in operating results. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, the Company believes the amounts provided are reasonable and reflective of the best estimates of management.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company, its subsidiaries and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. As a result, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (2022 Annual Report).
6
Significant Accounting Policies
The Company revised the following accounting policies as a result of the adoption of amended accounting guidance effective January 1, 2023 and certain reclassifications. Refer to Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements below for details of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 Financial Services - Insurance: Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. In conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2018-12, the Company changed its practice of recording the change in the deferred profit liability on products with limited payment features from the benefits and claims, net line item to the net earned premiums line item in the consolidated statement of earnings. This reclassification had no impact on net earnings. The change in presentation has been made for all comparative periods presented. All other categories of significant accounting policies remain unchanged from the 2022 Annual Report.
Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition: Substantially all of the supplemental health and life insurance policies the Company issues are classified as long-duration contracts. The contract provisions generally cannot be changed or canceled during the contract period; however, the Company may adjust premiums for supplemental health policies issued in the U.S. within prescribed guidelines and with the approval of state insurance regulatory authorities.
Insurance premiums for most of the Company's health and life policies, including cancer, accident, hospital, critical illness, supplemental dental and vision, term life, whole life, long-term care and disability, are recognized as earned premiums over the premium-paying periods of the contracts when due from policyholders. When earned premiums are reported, the related amounts of benefits and expenses are charged against such revenues. This association is accomplished by means of annual increases or decreases to the liability for future policy benefits (LFPB) and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs.
Premiums from the Company's products with limited-pay features, including cancer, medical and nursing care, term life, whole life, WAYS, and child endowment, are collected over a significantly shorter period than the contract term (i.e., the period during which benefits are provided). Premiums for these products are recognized as earned premiums over the premium-paying periods when due from policyholders. Any gross premium in excess of the net premium is deferred and recorded as a deferred profit liability, which is subsequently amortized in net earned premiums such that profits are recognized in a constant relationship with insurance in force. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. An LFPB is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net premium method.
Policyholders also have an option to pay discounted advanced premiums for certain of the Company's products. Advanced premiums are deferred and recognized when due from policyholders over the otherwise required contractual premium payment period.
Benefit expense is bifurcated between benefits and claims and reserve remeasurement (gains) losses. The net premium ratio (NPR) is used to measure benefit expense and is calculated as the ratio of the present value of actual and future expected benefits and expenses to the present value of actual and future expected gross premiums. A revised NPR is calculated as of the beginning of each reporting period using updated future cash flow expectations.
Reserve remeasurement (gains) losses represent the difference between two reserve measures both calculated as of the beginning of the current reporting period using the same locked-in discount rates. One reserve measure uses the NPR as of the end of the prior reporting period, and the second uses the revised NPR. Benefits and claims represent the difference in the liability balance calculated as of the beginning of the current reporting period and the end of the current reporting period both using the revised NPR and the locked-in discount rates. The locked-in interest accretion rate utilized for accretion of interest expense on insurance reserves is the original discount rate used at contract issue date.
Advertising expense is reported as incurred in insurance and other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: Certain direct and incremental costs of acquiring insurance contracts are deferred and amortized on a grouped-contract basis over the expected term of the related contracts, using a constant-level basis. For life and health products issued in Japan, the constant-level basis used is units in force, which is a proxy for face amount, and insurance in force, respectively. For life and health products issued in the U.S., the constant-level basis used is face amount and number of policies in force, respectively. Amortization is computed using the same contract groupings (also referred to as cohorts) and mortality and termination assumptions that are used in computing the LFPB, and these assumptions are reviewed and updated at least annually. The effects of changes in assumptions are recognized prospectively over the remaining contract term as a revision of the future amortization pattern, while current period amortization is calculated based on the actual experience during the quarter. Deferred costs include the excess of current-year commissions over ultimate renewal-year commissions and certain incremental direct policy issue, underwriting and sales expenses directly related to successful policy acquisition.
7
For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. The Company performs a two-stage analysis of the internal replacements to determine if the modification is substantive to the base policy. The stages of evaluation are as follows: 1) determine if the modification is integrated with the base policy, and 2) if it is integrated, determine if the resulting contract is substantially changed.
For internal replacement transactions where the resulting contract is substantially unchanged, unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life of the cohort, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred.
For an internal replacement transaction that results in a policy that is substantially changed, the policy is treated as lapsed for amortization purposes, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with the Company's accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.
Riders can be considered internal replacements that are either integrated or non-integrated resulting in either substantially changed or substantially unchanged treatment. Riders are evaluated based on the specific facts and circumstances of the rider and are considered an expansion of the existing benefits with additional premium required. Non-integrated riders to existing contracts do not change the Company's profit expectations for the related products and are treated as a new policy establishment for incremental coverage.
Policy Liabilities: For long-duration insurance contracts, the Company calculates an integrated reserve that represents all payments under the contract including future expected claims and unpaid policy claims and related expenses. The liability for future policy benefits is measured using the net level premium method.
Long-duration insurance contracts issued by the Company are grouped into annual calendar-year cohorts based on the contract issue date, reportable segment, legal entity and product type. Limited-pay contracts are grouped into separate cohorts from other traditional products in the same manner and are further separated based on their premium payment structures.
The LFPB is determined as the present value of future policy benefits to be paid to or on the behalf of policyholders and certain related expenses less the present value of future net premiums receivable under the Company’s insurance contracts, where future net premiums receivable are future gross premiums receivable under the contract multiplied by the NPR.
Future policy benefits are calculated using assumptions and estimates including mortality, morbidity, termination (also referred to as lapses), expense, and discount rates. The assumptions and estimates that the Company uses depend on its judgment regarding the likelihood of future events and are inherently uncertain.
Cash flow assumptions (mortality, morbidity, and termination) are established at policy inception and are evaluated each quarter to determine if an update is needed. To facilitate a more detailed review of cash flow assumptions, experience studies are performed annually during the third quarter. Changes in cash flow assumptions are the result of applying the updated best estimate assumptions as of the beginning of the reporting period and are recognized in reserve remeasurement (gains) losses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Expense assumptions are established at policy inception and determined for each issue-year cohort as a percentage of paid claims. These expense assumptions are locked-in and remain unchanged over the term of the insurance policy. Actual experience is reflected in the calculation of future policy benefits each quarter, and changes in the liability due to actual experience are recognized in reserve remeasurement (gains) losses in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Discount rates used to calculate net premiums are locked in at policy inception and represent the basis to recognize interest expense in the consolidated statement of earnings. Discount rates used to measure the carrying value of the LFPB in the consolidated balance sheet are updated each reporting period, and the difference between the liability balances calculated using the locked-in discount rates and the updated discount rates is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI).
The Company has designed its discount rate methodology for the U.S. and Japan insurance business. The methodology incorporates constructing a discount rate curve separately for discounting cash flows used to calculate the U.S. and Japan LFPBs, reflective of the characteristics of the insurance liabilities, such as currency and tenor. Discount rates comprising each curve are determined by reference to upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed-income instrument yields that
8
reflect the duration characteristics of the corresponding insurance liabilities. The Company uses for these yields single-A rated fixed income instruments with credit ratings based on international rating standards. Where only local ratings are available, the Company selects the fixed-income instruments with local ratings that are equivalent to a single-A rating based on international rating standards. The methodology is designed to prioritize observable inputs based on market data available in the local debt markets where the respective policies were issued in the currency in which the policies are denominated. For the discount rates applicable to tenors for which the single-A debt market is not liquid or there is little or no observable market data, the Company uses various estimation techniques consistent with the fair value guidance in ASC 820, which include, but are not limited to: (i) for tenors where there is less observable market data and/or the observable market data is available for similar instruments, estimating tenor-specific single-A credit spreads and applying them to risk-free government rates; (ii) for tenors where there is very limited or no observable single-A or similar market data, interpolation and extrapolation techniques.
The locked-in discount rate used for the computation of interest accretion on LFPBs is determined separately for each issue-year cohort as a single discount rate, calculated as the weighted-average of monthly upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed-income instrument forward curves in the calendar year, determined using the methodology described above and weighted using issued annualized premiums for each issue month. The single discount rate for each issue-year cohort is determined by solving for a rate that produces an equivalent net premium ratio to the forward curve and will remain unchanged after the calendar year of issue.
Unearned premiums consist primarily of discounted advance premiums on deposit from policyholders in conjunction with their purchase of certain Aflac Japan limited-pay insurance products. These advanced premiums are deferred upon collection and recognized as earned premiums over the contractual premium payment period.
The other policyholders’ funds liability consists primarily of the fixed annuity line of business in Aflac Japan which has fixed benefits and premiums.
For internal replacements that are determined to be substantially changed, policy liabilities related to the original policy that was replaced are immediately released, and policy liabilities are established for the new insurance contract. The policy reserves are evaluated based on the new policy features, and changes are recognized at the date of contract change/modification. For internal replacements that are substantially unchanged, no changes to the reserves are recognized. For modifications that are not integrated with the base policy, new coverage is recognized as a separately issued contract within the current cohort.
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to current-year reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or total shareholders' equity.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2018-12 Financial Services - Insurance: Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, as clarified and amended by:
ASU 2019-09 Financial Services - Insurance: Effective Date
ASU 2020-11 Financial Services - Insurance: Effective Date and Early Application
In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments that significantly changed how insurers account for long-duration contracts. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2023 using a modified retrospective transition method which resulted in applying the amended guidance as of the beginning of the earliest period presented on the January 1, 2021 transition date (Transition Date). The modified retrospective transition method generally results in applying the guidance to contracts on the basis of existing carrying values as of the Transition Date. On the Transition Date, the Company calculated the ratio of the present value of future expected benefits and expenses less existing carrying values to the present value of future expected gross premiums (Transition Date NPR) using updated assumptions and the discount rate immediately before the Transition Date. The Company capped the Transition Date NPR at 100% for any cohorts with a Transition Date NPR greater than 100%. The Company calculated the LFPB using the Transition Date NPR (capped at 100% if required) and two different discount rates: (i) the discount rate used immediately before the Transition Date, and (ii) the discount rate determined by reference to the Transition Date market level yields for upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed income instruments (as of December 31, 2020). For cohorts with their Transition Date NPR capped at 100%, the Company recorded as an adjustment (decrease) to opening retained earnings any difference between the LFPB calculated using the discount rate immediately before the Transition Date and the existing carrying value as of the Transition Date. For all cohorts on the Transition Date, the Company recorded in accumulated other comprehensive
9
income (AOCI) net of tax, the difference in the LFPB calculated using the two different discount rates (i.e., the discount rate used immediately before the Transition Date and the updated discount rate as of the Transition Date).
Upon adoption, the Company adjusted opening equity for the Transition Date impacts to AOCI and retained earnings and adjusted prior periods presented (years 2021 and 2022) following the updated standard. Based upon the modified retrospective transition method, the Transition Date impact from adoption resulted in a decrease in AOCI of approximately $18.6 billion and a decrease in retained earnings (RE) of approximately $0.3 billion.
See Note 6 and Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for expanded disclosures for DAC and future policy benefits, respectively, required as a result of the amended guidance.
Transition Impact to Shareholder's Equity
The following table presents the cumulative transition impact as of January 1, 2021 to the Company’s Shareholder’s Equity as a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-12, using the modified retrospective transition method.
(In millions - Unaudited)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
135
$
2,410
$
37,984
$
8,934
$
(15,904)
$
33,559
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, ASU 2018-12, net of income taxes
0
0
(324)
(18,570)
0
(18,894)
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
135
$
2,410
$
37,660
$
(9,636)
$
(15,904)
$
14,665
The following table presents the transition impacts as of January 1, 2021 to the Company's AOCI and RE as a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type, using the modified retrospective transition method.
(In millions - Unaudited)
Impact to Retained Earnings
Impact to AOCI
Transition impacts:
Aflac Japan
Cancer
$
0
$
14,529
Medical and other health
1
2,382
Life insurance
0
3,314
Other (1)
398
433
Aflac U.S.
Accident
0
92
Disability
0
149
Critical care
4
2,258
Hospital indemnity
0
223
Dental/vision
0
65
Life insurance
5
149
Other
2
218
Reinsurance
0
(305)
Transition impact before income taxes
410
23,507
Less: income taxes
86
4,937
Total transition impact, net of income taxes
$
324
$
18,570
(1) Impact to retained earnings is driven primarily by capping the Transition Date NPR on Care products.
Transition Impact on the Liability for Future Policy Benefits
The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 using the modified retrospective transition method. The tables below present the disaggregated transition impacts to the Company’s LFPB as a result of adoption, split between the changes in the present
10
value of expected net premiums and the present value of expected future policy benefits as of the Transition Date and the LFPB rollforward for the year ended December 31, 2021. The locked-in discount rates on the policies held at the Transition Date reflect the locked-in rates in existence immediately before the Transition Date. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Under the modified retrospective transition method, the NPR for future policy benefits existing as of the Transition Date considers the carryover basis of those liabilities, which equals the future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims balance as of December 31, 2020. If the revised Transition Date NPR for a cohort is greater than 100%, the Company capped the Transition Date NPR at 100% and increased the LFPB with an offsetting decrease to opening retained earnings.
The LFPB recorded in the consolidated balance sheet includes the deferred profit liability for limited-payment contracts. This deferred profit liability is not included in the Transition Date and LFPB rollforwards. For products with limited-payment features, to the extent the transition date adjustment related to updating cash flow assumptions is favorable, the Company increased the deferred profit liability.
11
The following table presents the transition impacts to the present value of expected net premiums by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type due to the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle as a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 using the modified retrospective transition method.
Transition Impact at January 1, 2021
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected premiums:
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
25,601
$
21,270
$
12,440
$
2,080
$
3,350
$
1,921
$
5,898
$
1,376
$
281
$
710
$
154
Impact to retained earnings from capping Transition Date NPR
0
(1)
0
(398)
0
0
(4)
0
0
(5)
(2)
Impact of deferred profit liability
15
7
36
26
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Beginning balance at original discount rate
25,616
21,276
12,476
1,708
3,350
1,921
5,894
1,376
281
705
152
Effect of change in discount rate assumptions
3,982
2,598
908
148
479
197
1,048
154
41
78
27
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
29,598
$
23,874
$
13,384
$
1,856
$
3,829
$
2,118
$
6,942
$
1,530
$
322
$
783
$
179
The following table presents the changes in the present value of expected net premiums by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type for the year ended December 31, 2021.
December 31, 2021
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected premiums:
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
29,598
$
23,874
$
13,384
$
1,856
$
3,829
$
2,118
$
6,942
$
1,530
$
322
$
783
$
179
Beginning balance at original discount rate (1)
25,616
21,276
12,476
1,708
3,350
1,921
5,894
1,376
281
705
152
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
32
88
40
1
(163)
(129)
(302)
0
(26)
31
0
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(134)
(449)
(135)
(11)
(109)
(38)
(290)
(32)
(14)
34
(3)
Adjusted beginning of period balance
25,514
20,915
12,381
1,698
3,078
1,754
5,302
1,344
241
770
149
Issuances
1,116
1,132
284
55
365
345
552
263
39
112
0
Interest accrual
586
439
202
27
116
61
210
45
10
25
6
Net premium earned (2)
(2,206)
(1,692)
(1,609)
(151)
(552)
(393)
(665)
(268)
(47)
(124)
(19)
Foreign currency translation
(2,539)
(2,111)
(1,194)
(167)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
(1)
(2)
0
(1)
(8)
(7)
(8)
(4)
(2)
(3)
(1)
Ending balance at original discount rate
22,470
18,681
10,064
1,461
2,999
1,760
5,391
1,380
241
780
135
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
3,423
2,493
783
125
284
102
632
87
23
54
18
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
25,893
$
21,174
$
10,847
$
1,586
$
3,283
$
1,862
$
6,023
$
1,467
$
264
$
834
$
153
(1) Includes the adjustment for capping the Transition Date NPR.
(2) Net premiums earned represent the portion of gross premiums collected from policyholders that is used to fund expected benefit payments.
12
The following table presents the transition impacts to the present value of expected future policy benefits by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type due to the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle as a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 using the modified retrospective transition method.
Transition Impact at January 1, 2021
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected future policy benefits:
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
64,056
$
34,638
$
43,729
$
7,620
$
3,818
$
2,919
$
13,427
$
2,258
$
599
$
1,562
$
661
Effect of change in discount rate assumptions
18,511
4,980
4,222
581
571
346
3,306
377
106
227
245
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
82,567
$
39,618
$
47,951
$
8,201
$
4,389
$
3,265
$
16,733
$
2,635
$
705
$
1,789
$
906
The following table presents the changes in the present value of expected future policy benefits by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type for the year ended December 31, 2021.
December 31, 2021
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected future policy benefits:
Balance at January 1, 2021
$
82,567
$
39,618
$
47,951
$
8,201
$
4,389
$
3,265
$
16,733
$
2,635
$
705
$
1,789
$
906
Beginning balance at original discount rate
64,056
34,638
43,729
7,620
3,818
2,919
13,427
2,258
599
1,562
661
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
24
85
31
(11)
(178)
(143)
(326)
(3)
(29)
31
0
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(149)
(458)
(139)
(15)
(115)
(41)
(304)
(36)
(15)
34
(3)
Adjusted beginning of period balance
63,931
34,265
43,621
7,594
3,525
2,735
12,797
2,219
555
1,627
658
Issuances
1,133
1,155
287
62
372
355
563
271
40
115
0
Interest accrual
2,014
769
833
129
137
100
553
85
23
58
33
Benefit payments
(3,894)
(1,313)
(1,373)
(238)
(439)
(520)
(834)
(275)
(69)
(107)
(46)
Foreign currency translation
(6,377)
(3,478)
(4,366)
(760)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
(1)
0
0
0
0
1
0
Ending balance at original discount rate
56,807
31,398
39,002
6,787
3,594
2,670
13,079
2,300
549
1,694
645
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
15,940
4,623
3,718
535
355
201
2,309
252
67
149
192
Balance at December 31, 2021
72,747
36,021
42,720
7,322
3,949
2,871
15,388
2,552
616
1,843
837
Net liability for future policy benefits
46,854
14,847
31,873
5,736
666
1,009
9,365
1,085
352
1,009
684
Less: reinsurance recoverable
0
2,150
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
Net liability for future policy benefits after reinsurance recoverable
$
46,854
$
12,697
$
31,873
$
5,736
$
666
$
1,009
$
9,365
$
1,085
$
352
$
999
$
684
13
The following table presents a reconciliation of the rollforwards by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type for the year ended December 31, 2021 to the liability for future policy benefits as of December 31, 2021 under the amended guidance. The deferred profit liability for limited-payment contracts and reinsurance is presented together with the LFPB in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and has been included as a reconciling item in the table below.
(In millions)
December 31, 2021
Balances included in future policy benefits rollforward:
The adoption of ASU 2018-12 did not have an impact on the Company's balance for deferred policy acquisition costs upon adoption.
Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
ASU 2023-02 Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method
In March 2023, the FASB issued amendments to permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received and recognizes the net amortization and income tax credits and other income tax benefits in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit).
The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and if an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it shall adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period.
The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
Recent accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable, did not have, or is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's business.
For additional information on new accounting pronouncements and recent accounting guidance and their impact, if any, on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
14
2. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company consists of two reportable insurance business segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S., both of which sell supplemental health and life insurance. In addition, the Parent Company, other operating business units that are not individually reportable, and business activities, including reinsurance activities, not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in Corporate and other.
The Company does not allocate corporate overhead expenses to business segments. Consistent with U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, the Company evaluates and manages its business segments using a financial performance measure called pretax adjusted earnings. Adjusted earnings are adjusted revenues less benefits and adjusted expenses. The adjustments to both revenues and expenses account for certain items that cannot be predicted or that are outside management’s control. Adjusted revenues are U.S. GAAP total revenues excluding net investment gains and losses, except for amortized hedge costs/income related to foreign currency exposure management strategies and net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies. Adjusted expenses are U.S. GAAP total acquisition and operating expenses including the impact of interest cash flows from derivatives associated with notes payable but excluding any nonrecurring or other items not associated with the normal course of the Company’s insurance operations and that do not reflect the Company's underlying business performance. The Company excludes income taxes related to operations to arrive at pretax adjusted earnings. Information regarding operations by reportable segment and Corporate and other, follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Revenues:
Aflac Japan:
Net earned premiums
$
2,170
$
2,625
Adjusted net investment income (1),(2)
611
680
Other income
9
9
Total adjusted revenue Aflac Japan
2,790
3,314
Aflac U.S.:
Net earned premiums
1,428
1,413
Adjusted net investment income (3)
197
184
Other income
35
42
Total adjusted revenue Aflac U.S.
1,660
1,639
Corporate and other (4),(5)
129
74
Total adjusted revenues
4,579
5,027
Net investment gains (losses) (1),(2),(3),(4)
221
146
Total revenues
$
4,800
$
5,173
(1) Amortized hedge costs of $58 and $26 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and reported as a deduction from net investment income when analyzing operations.
(2)Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(62) and $(10) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.
(3) Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(7) and $1 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.
(4)Amortized hedge income of $29and $11 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies has been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and reported as an increase to net investment income when analyzing operations.
(5)The change in value of federal historic rehabilitation and solar investments in partnerships of $51 and $12 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, is included as a reduction to net investment income. Tax credits on these investments of $52 and $16 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, have been recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of earnings. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these investments.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
15
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Pretax earnings:
Aflac Japan (1),(2)
$
788
$
870
Aflac U.S. (3)
352
333
Corporate and other (4),(5),(6)
(7)
(42)
Pretax adjusted earnings (7)
1,133
1,161
Net investment gains (losses) (1),(2),(3),(4),(5)
209
134
Other income (loss)
0
(1)
Total earnings before income taxes
$
1,342
$
1,294
Income taxes applicable to pretax adjusted earnings
$
180
$
219
Effect of foreign currency translation on after-tax adjusted earnings
(41)
(35)
(1) Amortizedhedge costs of $58 and $26 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and reported as a deduction from net investment income when analyzing operations.
(2)Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(62) and $(10) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.
(3)Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(7) and $1 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.
(4)Amortized hedge income of $29 and $11 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies has been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and reported as an increase in net investment income when analyzing operations.
(5) A gain of $12 and $13 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable has been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings when analyzing operations.
(6)The change in value of federal historic rehabilitation and solar investments in partnerships of $51 and $12 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, is included as a reduction to net investment income. Tax credits on these investments of $52 and $16 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, have been recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of earnings. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these investments.
(7) Includes $34 and $41 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, of interest expense on debt.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
Assets were as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Assets:
Aflac Japan
$
108,762
$
105,734
Aflac U.S.
21,385
21,002
Corporate and other
4,819
5,002
Total assets
$
134,966
$
131,738
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
16
3. INVESTMENTS
Investment Holdings
The amortized cost for the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities, the cost for equity securities and the fair values of these investments are shown in the following tables.
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value through other comprehensive income:
Fixed maturity securities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies
$
25,264
$
0
$
1,534
$
1,079
$
25,719
Municipalities
1,028
0
152
42
1,138
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
238
0
9
8
239
Public utilities
3,979
0
351
63
4,267
Sovereign and supranational
543
0
31
3
571
Banks/financial institutions
6,313
0
337
427
6,223
Other corporate
6,402
0
705
309
6,798
Total yen-denominated
43,767
0
3,119
1,931
44,955
U.S. dollar-denominated:
U.S. government and agencies
179
0
0
5
174
Municipalities
1,280
0
53
55
1,278
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
2,307
0
90
69
2,328
Public utilities
3,479
0
315
128
3,666
Sovereign and supranational
132
0
36
11
157
Banks/financial institutions
2,966
0
316
85
3,197
Other corporate
21,196
0
1,946
798
22,344
Total U.S. dollar-denominated
31,539
0
2,756
1,151
33,144
Total securities available for sale
$
75,306
$
0
$
5,875
$
3,082
$
78,099
17
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value through other comprehensive income:
Fixed maturity securities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies
$
25,418
$
0
$
1,259
$
1,724
$
24,953
Municipalities
1,034
0
124
61
1,097
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
241
0
8
12
237
Public utilities
3,932
0
301
108
4,125
Sovereign and supranational
659
0
24
5
678
Banks/financial institutions
6,348
0
324
531
6,141
Other corporate
6,288
0
555
408
6,435
Total yen-denominated
43,920
0
2,595
2,849
43,666
U.S. dollar-denominated:
U.S. government and agencies
169
0
0
8
161
Municipalities
1,269
0
43
89
1,223
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
1,926
0
67
84
1,909
Public utilities
3,481
0
240
180
3,541
Sovereign and supranational
133
0
35
12
156
Banks/financial institutions
2,992
0
271
105
3,158
Other corporate
21,579
0
1,549
1,201
21,927
Total U.S. dollar-denominated
31,549
0
2,205
1,679
32,075
Total securities available for sale
$
75,469
$
0
$
4,800
$
4,528
$
75,741
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies
$
18,154
$
2
$
18,152
$
2,548
$
0
$
20,700
Municipalities
285
0
285
56
0
341
Public utilities
37
0
37
5
0
42
Sovereign and supranational
447
4
443
67
0
510
Other corporate
19
0
19
4
0
23
Total yen-denominated
18,942
6
18,936
2,680
0
21,616
Total securities held to maturity
$
18,942
$
6
$
18,936
$
2,680
$
0
$
21,616
18
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
Allowance for Credit Losses
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies
$
18,269
$
2
$
18,267
$
2,045
$
0
$
20,312
Municipalities
287
0
287
48
0
335
Public utilities
38
1
37
4
0
41
Sovereign and supranational
450
4
446
54
0
500
Other corporate
19
0
19
3
0
22
Total yen-denominated
19,063
7
19,056
2,154
0
21,210
Total securities held to maturity
$
19,063
$
7
$
19,056
$
2,154
$
0
$
21,210
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Equity securities, carried at fair value through net earnings:
Fair Value
Fair Value
Equity securities:
Yen-denominated
$
679
$
670
U.S. dollar-denominated
360
374
Other currencies
48
47
Total equity securities
$
1,087
$
1,091
The methods of determining the fair values of the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities are described in Note 5.
During the first quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively, the Company did not reclassify any investments from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category.
Contractual and Economic Maturities
The contractual and economic maturities of the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2023, were as follows:
19
(In millions)
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Available for sale:
Due in one year or less
$
1,690
$
1,765
Due after one year through five years
6,964
7,350
Due after five years through 10 years
15,878
17,289
Due after 10 years
48,230
49,128
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
2,544
2,567
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
$
75,306
$
78,099
Held to maturity:
Due in one year or less
$
0
$
0
Due after one year through five years
40
42
Due after five years through 10 years
10,067
11,271
Due after 10 years
8,829
10,303
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0
0
Total fixed maturity securities held to maturity
$
18,936
$
21,616
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
Economic maturities are used for certain debt instruments with no stated maturity where the expected maturity date is based on the combination of features in the financial instrument such as the right to call or prepay obligations or changes in coupon rates.
Investment Concentrations
The Company's process for investing in credit-related investments begins with an independent approach to underwriting each issuer's fundamental credit quality. The Company evaluates independently those factors that it believes could influence an issuer's ability to make payments under the contractual terms of the Company's instruments. This includes a thorough analysis of a variety of items including the issuer's country of domicile (including political, legal, and financial considerations); the industry in which the issuer competes (with an analysis of industry structure, end-market dynamics, and regulation); company specific issues (such as management, assets, earnings, cash generation, and capital needs); and contractual provisions of the instrument (such as financial covenants and position in the capital structure). The Company further evaluates the investment considering broad business and portfolio management objectives, including asset/liability needs, portfolio diversification, and expected income.
Investment exposures that individually exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity were as follows:
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Credit Rating
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Credit Rating
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Japan National Government(1)
A+
$42,355
$45,299
A+
$42,618
$44,178
(1)Japan Government Bonds (JGBs) or JGB-backed securities
20
Net Investment Gains and Losses
Information regarding pretax net gains and losses from investments is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net investment gains (losses):
Sales and redemptions:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Gross gains from sales
$
1
$
70
Gross losses from sales
(3)
(3)
Foreign currency gains (losses)
59
10
Other investments:
Gross gains from sales
0
9
Total sales and redemptions
57
86
Equity securities
(3)
(156)
Credit losses:
Fixed maturity securities held to maturity
1
0
Commercial mortgage and other loans
(31)
16
Loan commitments
3
7
Reinsurance recoverables and other
(3)
2
Total credit losses
(30)
25
Derivatives and other:
Derivative gains (losses)
17
(466)
Foreign currency gains (losses)
82
633
Total derivatives and other
99
167
Total net investment gains (losses)
$
123
$
122
The unrealized holding losses, net of gains, recorded as a component of net investment gains and losses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, that relate to equity securities still held at the March 31, 2023 reporting date, were $5 million.
Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
Effect on Shareholders’ Equity
The net effect on shareholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses from fixed maturity securities was as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
$
2,793
$
272
Deferred income taxes
(1,504)
(974)
Shareholders’ equity, unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
$
1,289
$
(702)
Gross Unrealized Loss Aging
The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized losses of the Company's available-for-sale investments for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
21
March 31, 2023
Total
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
(In millions)
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and agencies:
U.S. dollar-denominated
$
149
$
5
$
62
$
1
$
87
$
4
Japan government and agencies:
Yen-denominated
8,845
1,079
565
77
8,280
1,002
Municipalities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
817
55
356
13
461
42
Yen-denominated
303
42
57
4
246
38
Mortgage- and asset- backed securities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
1,007
69
753
58
254
11
Yen-denominated
70
8
5
0
65
8
Public utilities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
1,380
128
776
53
604
75
Yen-denominated
726
63
37
2
689
61
Sovereign and supranational:
U.S. dollar-denominated
31
11
0
0
31
11
Yen-denominated
72
3
35
3
37
0
Banks/financial institutions:
U.S. dollar-denominated
982
85
448
17
534
68
Yen-denominated
3,907
427
736
43
3,171
384
Other corporate:
U.S. dollar-denominated
8,128
798
3,297
119
4,831
679
Yen-denominated
2,064
309
753
72
1,311
237
Total
$
28,481
$
3,082
$
7,880
$
462
$
20,601
$
2,620
22
December 31, 2022
Total
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
(In millions)
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
U.S. government and agencies:
U.S. dollar-denominated
$
159
$
8
$
85
$
3
$
74
$
5
Japan government and agencies:
Yen-denominated
8,856
1,724
3,733
580
5,123
1,144
Municipalities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
854
89
735
57
119
32
Yen-denominated
286
61
150
26
136
35
Mortgage- and asset- backed securities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
936
84
640
42
296
42
Yen-denominated
62
12
38
6
24
6
Public utilities:
U.S. dollar-denominated
1,852
180
1,667
144
185
36
Yen-denominated
880
108
576
61
304
47
Sovereign and supranational:
U.S. dollar-denominated
30
12
0
0
30
12
Yen-denominated
71
5
34
4
37
1
Banks/financial institutions:
U.S. dollar-denominated
1,147
105
786
58
361
47
Yen-denominated
3,957
531
1,760
174
2,197
357
Other corporate:
U.S. dollar-denominated
10,529
1,201
8,636
785
1,893
416
Yen-denominated
2,090
408
1,507
273
583
135
Total
$
31,709
$
4,528
$
20,347
$
2,213
$
11,362
$
2,315
Analysis of Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions
The unrealized losses on the Company's fixed maturity securities investments have been primarily related to general market changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and/or the levels of credit spreads rather than specific concerns with the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. In the first quarter of 2023, interest rates for longer durations have declined which is the primary driver of the decrease in unrealized losses. However, compared to the prior year, interest rates have risen significantly which is the primary driver contributing to the increase in unrealized losses 12 months or longer.
For any of its fixed maturity securities with significant declines in fair value, the Company performs detailed analyses to identify whether the drivers of the declines are due to general market drivers, such as the recent rise in interest rates, or due to credit-related factors. Identifying the drivers of the declines in fair value helps to align and allocate the Company‘s resources to securities with real credit-related concerns that could impact ultimate collection of principal and interest. For any significant declines in fair value determined to be non-interest rate or market related, the Company performs a more focused review of the related issuers' specific credit profile.
For corporate issuers, the Company evaluates their assets, business profile including industry dynamics and competitive positioning, financial statements and other available financial data. For non-corporate issuers, the Company analyzes all sources of credit support, including issuer-specific factors. The Company utilizes information available in the public domain and, for certain private placement issuers, from consultations with the issuers directly. The Company also considers ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs), as well as the specific
23
characteristics of the security it owns including seniority in the issuer's capital structure, covenant protections, or other relevant features. From these reviews, the Company evaluates the issuers' continued ability to service the Company's investment through payment of interest and principal.
Assuming no credit-related factors develop, unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities are expected to diminish as investments near maturity. Based on its credit analysis, the Company believes that the issuers of its fixed maturity investments in the sectors shown in the table above have the ability to service their obligations to the Company, and the Company does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity.
However, from time to time the Company identifies certain available-for-sale fixed maturity securities where the amortized cost basis exceeds the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected due to credit related factors and as a result, a credit allowance will be estimated. Based on an evaluation of its securities currently in an unrealized loss position, the Company has determined that those securities had not incurred a credit loss and therefore, should not have a credit loss allowance as of March 31, 2023. Refer to the Allowance for Credit Losses section below for additional information.
Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans
The Company classifies its transitional real estate loans (TREs), commercial mortgage loans (CMLs) and middle market loans (MMLs) as held-for-investment and includes them in the commercial mortgage and other loans line on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company carries them on the balance sheet at amortized cost less an estimated allowance for credit losses.
The following table reflects the composition of the carrying value for commercial mortgage and other loans by property type as of the periods presented.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Amortized Cost
% of Total
Amortized Cost
% of Total
Commercial Mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans:
Office
$
2,142
15.8
%
$
2,158
15.8
%
Retail
465
3.4
493
3.6
Apartments/Multi-Family
2,616
19.3
2,701
19.7
Industrial
416
3.1
123
.9
Hospitality
825
6.1
803
5.9
Other
236
1.7
231
1.7
Total transitional real estate loans
6,700
49.4
6,509
47.6
Commercial mortgage loans:
Office
380
2.8
388
2.8
Retail
308
2.3
310
2.3
Apartments/Multi-Family
610
4.5
630
4.6
Industrial
469
3.5
694
5.1
Total commercial mortgage loans
1,767
13.1
2,022
14.8
Middle market loans
5,084
37.5
5,157
37.6
Total commercial mortgage and other loans
$
13,551
100.0
%
$
13,688
100.0
%
Allowance for credit losses
(223)
(192)
Total net commercial mortgage and other loans
$
13,328
$
13,496
CMLs and TREs were secured by properties entirely within the U.S. (with the largest concentrations in California (20%), Texas (12%) and Florida (10%)). MMLs are issued only to companies domiciled within the U.S. and Canada.
24
Transitional Real Estate Loans
TREs are commercial mortgage loans that are typically relatively short-term floating rate instruments secured by a first lien on the property. These loans provide funding for properties undergoing a change in their physical characteristics and/or economic profile and do not typically require any principal repayment prior to the maturity date.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $709 million in outstanding commitments to fund TREs. These commitments are contingent on the final underwriting and due diligence to be performed.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
CMLs are typically fixed rate loans on commercial real estate with partial repayment of principal over the life of the loan with the remaining outstanding principal being repaid upon maturity. This loan portfolio is generally considered higher quality investment grade loans.
Middle Market Loans
MMLs are typically first lien senior secured cash flow loans to small to mid-size companies for working capital, refinancing, acquisition, and recapitalization. These loans are generally considered to be below investment grade. The carrying value for MMLs included $21 million and $28 million for a short term credit facility that is reflected in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had commitments of approximately $748 million to fund future MMLs. These commitments are contingent upon the availability of MMLs that meet the Company's underwriting criteria.
Credit Quality Indicators
For TREs, the Company’s key credit quality indicator is loan-to-value (LTV). Given that TREs involve properties undergoing a repositioning of their commercial profile, LTV provides the most insight into the credit risk of the loan. The Company monitors the performance of the loans periodically, but not less frequently than quarterly. The monitoring process also focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are delinquent or for which foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is anticipated.
For CMLs, the Company’s key credit quality indicators include LTV and debt service coverage ratios (DSCR). LTV is calculated by dividing the current outstanding loan balance by the most recent estimated property value. DSCR is the most recently available operating income of the underlying property compared to the required debt service of the loan.
For MMLs and held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities, the Company’s key credit quality indicator is credit ratings. The Company’s held-to-maturity portfolio is composed of investment grade securities that are senior unsecured instruments, while its MMLs generally have below-investment-grade ratings but are typically senior secured instruments. The Company monitors the credit ratings periodically, but not less frequently than quarterly.
For the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance, the key credit quality indicator is the credit rating of the Company’s reinsurance counterparty. The Company uses external credit ratings focused on the reinsurer’s financial strength and credit worthiness. As of March 31, 2023, the Company's reinsurance counterparties were rated A+. The Company monitors the credit ratings periodically, but not less frequently than quarterly.
25
The following tables present as of March 31, 2023 the amortized cost basis of TREs, CMLs and MMLs by year of origination and credit quality indicator.
Transitional Real Estate Loans
(In millions)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Total
Loan-to-Value Ratio:
0%-59.99%
$
77
$
692
$
588
$
36
$
153
$
10
$
1,556
60%-69.99%
42
663
707
135
490
430
2,467
70%-79.99%
0
882
947
98
365
146
2,438
80% or greater
0
77
162
0
0
0
239
Total
$
119
$
2,314
$
2,404
$
269
$
1,008
$
586
$
6,700
Commercial Mortgage Loans
(In millions)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Total
Weighted-Average DSCR
Loan-to-Value Ratio:
0%-59.99%
$
0
$
0
$
299
$
46
$
507
$
599
$
1,451
2.52
60%-69.99%
0
0
15
0
45
169
229
2.00
70%-79.99%
0
0
0
0
39
24
63
2.21
80% or greater
0
0
0
0
0
24
24
1.41
Total
$
0
$
0
$
314
$
46
$
591
$
816
$
1,767
2.43
Weighted Average DSCR
0.00
0.00
2.93
1.93
2.45
2.24
Middle Market Loans
(In millions)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Revolving Loans
Total
Credit Ratings:
BBB
$
7
$
75
$
142
$
70
$
37
$
17
$
134
$
482
BB
1
347
444
299
171
128
381
1,771
B
20
230
661
382
464
406
297
2,460
CCC
0
0
21
39
111
128
57
356
CC
0
0
0
0
0
14
1
15
C and lower
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
$
28
$
652
$
1,268
$
790
$
783
$
693
$
870
$
5,084
Loan Modifications
The Company granted certain loan modifications in its MML and TRE portfolios during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, these loan modifications did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company calculates its allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities, loan receivables, loan commitments and reinsurance recoverable by grouping assets with similar risk characteristics when there is not a specific expectation of a loss for an individual asset. For held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities, MMLs, and MML commitments, the Company groups assets by credit ratings, industry, and country. The Company groups CMLs and TREs and respective loan commitments by property type, property location and the property’s LTV and DSCR. The credit allowance for the reinsurance recoverable balance is estimated using a probability-of-default (PD) / loss-given-default (LGD) method.
The credit allowance for held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities and loan receivables is estimated using a PD / LGD method, discounted for the time value of money. For held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale fixed
26
maturity securities and loan receivables, the Company includes the change in present value due to the passage of time in the change in the allowance for credit losses. The Company’s methodology for estimating credit losses utilizes the contractual maturity date of the financial asset, adjusted when necessary to reflect the expected timing of repayment (such as prepayment options, renewal options, call options, or extension options). The Company applies reasonable and supportable forecasts of macroeconomic variables that impact the determination of PD/LGD over a two-year period for held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities and MMLs. The Company reverts to historical loss information over one year, following the two-year forecast period. For the CML and TRE portfolio, the Company applies reasonable and supportable forecasts of macroeconomic variables as well as national and local real-estate market factors to estimate future credit losses where the market factors revert back to historical levels over time with the period being dependent on current market conditions, projected market conditions and difference in the current and historical market levels for each factor. The Company continuously monitors the estimation methodology, due to changes in portfolio composition, changes in underwriting practices and significant events or conditions and makes adjustments as necessary.
The Company’s held-to-maturity fixed maturity portfolio includes Japan Government and Agency securities of $18.0 billion amortized cost as of March 31, 2023 that meet the requirements for zero-credit-loss expectation and therefore these asset classes have been excluded from the current expected credit loss measurement.
An investment in an available-for-sale fixed maturity security may be impaired if the fair value falls below amortized cost. The Company regularly reviews its fixed maturity security investments portfolio for declines in fair value. The Company's debt impairment model focuses on the ultimate collection of the cash flows from its investments and whether the Company has the intent to sell or if it is more likely than not the Company would be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost. The determination of the amount of impairments under this model is based upon the Company's periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective securities. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
When determining the Company's intention to sell a security prior to recovery of its fair value to amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, future cash flow needs, decisions to reposition its security portfolio, and risk profile of individual investment holdings. The Company performs ongoing analyses of its liquidity needs, which includes cash flow testing of its policy liabilities, debt maturities, projected dividend payments, and other cash flow and liquidity needs.
The Company’s methodology for estimating credit losses for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities utilizes the discounted cash flow model, based on past events, current market conditions and future economic conditions, as well as industry analysis and credit ratings of the fixed maturity securities. In addition, the Company evaluates the specific issuer’s probability of default and expected recovery of its position in the event of default based on the underlying financial condition and assets of the borrower as well as seniority and/or security of other debt holders in the issuer when developing management’s best estimate of expected cash flows.
The Company designates nonaccrual status for a nonperforming loan or debt security or a loan that is not generating its stated interest rate because of nonpayment of periodic interest by the borrower. The Company applies the cash basis method to record any payments received on non-accrual assets. The Company resumes the accrual of interest on fixed maturity securities and loans that are currently making contractual payments or for those that are not current where the borrower has paid timely (less than 30 days outstanding).
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had an immaterial amount of loans and fixed maturity securities on nonaccrual status.
27
The following table presents the roll forward of the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment.
(In millions)
Transitional Real Estate Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Middle Market Loans
Held to Maturity Securities
Available for Sale Securities
Reinsurance Recoverables
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
(54)
$
(9)
$
(129)
$
(7)
$
0
$
(8)
(Addition to) release of allowance for credit losses
(11)
0
(20)
1
0
(3)
Write-offs, net of recoveries
0
0
0
0
0
0
Change in foreign exchange
0
0
0
0
0
0
Balance at March 31, 2023
$
(65)
$
(9)
$
(149)
$
(6)
$
0
$
(11)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
(68)
$
(10)
$
(96)
$
(8)
$
0
$
(13)
(Addition to) release of allowance for credit losses
16
2
(2)
0
0
2
Change in foreign exchange
0
0
0
0
0
2
Balance at March 31, 2022
$
(52)
$
(8)
$
(98)
$
(8)
$
0
$
(9)
During the first quarter of 2023, the Company identified certain TREs collateralized with commercial real estate properties with an amortized cost of $521 million in anticipation of potential foreclosure or deed-in lieu foreclosure transactions. The Company established a credit allowance of $10 million for those amortized loans of $345 million for which the fair value of the collateral was below the amortized cost of the loans.
For assets that are subject to the credit loss measurement, the change in credit loss allowance will be significantly impacted by purchases and sales in those assets during the period as well as entering into new non-cancelable loan commitments. The estimate of credit losses for loan commitments as of March 31, 2023 was $21 million.
Other Investments
The table below reflects the composition of the carrying value for other investments as of the periods presented.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Other investments:
Policy loans
$
214
$
214
Short-term investments (1)
2,561
1,532
Limited partnerships
2,432
2,290
Other
34
34
Total other investments
$
5,241
$
4,070
(1) Includes securities lending collateral
The Parent Company invests in partnerships that specialize in rehabilitating historic structures or the installation of solar equipment in order to receive federal historic rehabilitation and solar tax credits. These investments are classified as limited partnerships and included in other investments in the consolidated balance sheet. The change in value of each investment is recorded as a reduction to net investment income. Tax credits generated by these investments are recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of earnings.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $2.0 billion in outstanding commitments to fund alternative investments in limited partnerships.
Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
As a condition of its involvement or investment in a VIE, the Company enters into certain protective rights and covenants that preclude changes in the structure of the VIE that would alter the creditworthiness of the Company's investment or its beneficial interest in the VIE.
28
For those VIEs other than certain unit trust structures, the Company's involvement is passive in nature. The Company is not, nor has it been, required to purchase any securities issued in the future by these VIEs.
The Company's ownership interest in VIEs is limited to holding the obligations issued by them. The Company has no direct or contingent obligations to fund the limited activities of these VIEs, nor does it have any direct or indirect financial guarantees related to the limited activities of these VIEs. The Company has not provided any assistance or any other type of financing support to any of the VIEs it invests in, nor does it have any intention to do so in the future. For those VIEs in which the Company holds debt obligations, the weighted-average lives of the Company's notes are very similar to the underlying collateral held by these VIEs where applicable.
The Company's risk of loss related to its interests in any of its VIEs is limited to the carrying value of the related investments held in the VIE.
VIEs - Consolidated
The following table presents the cost or amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs are reported.
Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost (1)
Fair Value
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale
$
3,222
$
3,925
$
3,223
$
3,805
Commercial mortgage and other loans
10,684
10,688
10,832
10,762
Other investments (2)
2,049
2,049
1,909
1,909
Other assets (3)
63
63
62
62
Total assets of consolidated VIEs
$
16,018
$
16,725
$
16,026
$
16,538
Liabilities:
Other liabilities (3)
$
399
$
399
$
390
$
390
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs
$
399
$
399
$
390
$
390
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
(2)Consists entirely of alternative investments in limited partnerships
(3)Consists entirely of derivatives
The Company is substantively the only investor in the consolidated VIEs listed in the table above. As the sole investor in these VIEs, the Company has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and is therefore considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs that it consolidates. The Company also participates in substantially all of the variability created by these VIEs. The activities of these VIEs are limited to holding invested assets and foreign currency swaps, as appropriate, and utilizing the cash flows from these securities to service its investment. Neither the Company nor any of its creditors are able to obtain the underlying collateral of the VIEs unless there is an event of default or other specified event. For those VIEs that contain a swap, the Company is not a direct counterparty to the swap contracts and has no control over them. The Company's loss exposure to these VIEs is limited to its original investment. The Company's consolidated VIEs do not rely on outside or ongoing sources of funding to support their activities beyond the underlying collateral and swap contracts, if applicable. With the exception of its investment in unit trust structures, the underlying collateral assets and funding of the Company's consolidated VIEs are generally static in nature.
Investments in Unit Trust Structures
The Company also utilizes unit trust structures in its Aflac Japan segment to invest in various asset classes. As the sole investor of these VIEs, the Company is required to consolidate these trusts under U.S. GAAP.
29
VIEs - Not Consolidated
The table below reflects the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the Company's investment in VIEs not consolidated are reported.
Investments in Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale
$
3,890
$
4,274
$
3,998
$
4,259
Other investments (1)
383
383
381
381
Total investments in VIEs not consolidated
$
4,273
$
4,657
$
4,379
$
4,640
(1)Consists entirely of alternative investments in limited partnerships
Certain investments in VIEs that the Company is not required to consolidate are investments that are in the form of debt obligations from the VIEs that are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by their corporate parents or sponsors. These VIEs are the primary financing vehicles used by their corporate sponsors to raise financing in the capital markets. The variable interests created by these VIEs are principally or solely a result of the debt instruments issued by them. The Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, nor does it have the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity. As such, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and is therefore not required to consolidate them.
The Company holds alternative investments in limited partnerships that have been determined to be VIEs. These partnerships invest in private equity and structured investments. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to the amount of its investment. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and is therefore not required to consolidate them. The Company classifies these investments as Other investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
Securities Lending and Pledged Securities
The Company lends fixed maturity and public equity securities to financial institutions in short-term security-lending transactions. These short-term security-lending arrangements increase investment income with minimal risk. The Company receives cash or other securities as collateral for such loans. The Company's security lending policy requires that the fair value of the securities received as collateral be 102% or more of the fair value of the loaned securities and that unrestricted cash received as collateral be 100% or more of the fair value of the loaned securities. The securities loaned continue to be carried as investment assets on the Company's balance sheet during the terms of the loans and are not reported as sales. For loans involving unrestricted cash or securities as collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability for the return of the collateral. For loans where the Company receives as collateral securities that the Company is not permitted to sell or repledge, the collateral is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.
30
Details of collateral by loaned security type and remaining maturity of the agreements were as follows:
Securities Lending Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Overnight and Continuous(1)
Up to 30 days
Total
Overnight and Continuous(1)
Up to 30 days
Total
Securities lending transactions:
Fixed maturity securities:
Japan government and agencies
$
0
$
2,912
$
2,912
$
0
$
1,087
$
1,087
Public utilities
4
0
4
12
0
12
Banks/financial institutions
60
0
60
89
0
89
Other corporate
484
0
484
621
0
621
Total borrowings
$
548
$
2,912
$
3,460
$
722
$
1,087
$
1,809
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions
$
3,460
$
1,809
(1) The related loaned security, under the Company's U.S. securities lending program, can be returned to the Company at the transferee's discretion; therefore, they are classified as Overnight and Continuous.
In connection with securities lending, in addition to cash collateral received, the Company received from counterparties securities collateral of $5.9 billion and $6.8 billion at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default. Such securities collateral is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.
The Company did not have any repurchase agreements or repurchase-to-maturity transactions outstanding as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Certain fixed maturity securities can be pledged as collateral as part of derivative transactions, or pledged to support state deposit requirements on certain investment programs. For additional information regarding pledged securities related to derivative transactions, see Note 4.
4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company's freestanding derivative financial instruments have historically consisted of:
•foreign currency forwards and options used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan's portfolio, with options used on a standalone basis and/or in a collar strategy;
•foreign currency forwards and options used to economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen and hedge the Company's long term exposure to a weakening yen;
•cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with certain senior notes and subordinated debentures;
•foreign currency swaps that are associated with variable interest entity (VIE) bond purchase commitments, and investments in special-purpose entities, including VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary;
•interest rate swaps used to economically hedge interest rate fluctuations in certain variable-rate investments;
•interest rate swaptions used to hedge changes in the fair value associated with interest rate fluctuations for certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities; and
•bond purchase commitments at the inception of investments in consolidated VIEs.
Some of the Company's derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value hedges or net investment hedges; however, other derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting or the Company elects not to designate them as accounting hedges.
31
Derivative Types
Foreign currency forwards and options are executed for the Aflac Japan segment in order to hedge the currency risk on the carrying value of certain U.S. dollar-denominated investments. The average maturity of these forwards and options can change depending on factors such as market conditions and types of investments being held. In situations where the maturity of the forwards and options is shorter than the underlying investment being hedged, the Company may enter into new forwards and options near maturity of the existing derivative in order to continue hedging the underlying investment. In forward transactions, Aflac Japan agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of yen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. The Company also uses one-sided foreign currency put options to mitigate the settlement risk on U.S. dollar-denominated assets related to extreme foreign currency rate changes. From time to time, Aflac Japan also executes foreign currency option transactions in a collar strategy, where Aflac Japan agrees with another party to simultaneously purchase put options and sell call options. In the purchased put transactions, Aflac Japan obtains the option to buy a fixed amount of yen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. In the sold call transactions, Aflac Japan agrees to sell a fixed amount of yen and buy a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. The combination of purchasing the put option and selling the call option results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar).
From time to time, the Company may also enter into foreign currency forwards and options to hedge the currency risk associated with the net investment in Aflac Japan. In these forward transactions, the Company agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of U.S. dollars and sell a corresponding amount of yen at a specified price at a specified future date. In the option transactions, the Company may use a combination of foreign currency options to protect expected future cash flows by simultaneously purchasing yen put options (options that protect against a weakening yen) and selling yen call options (options that limit participation in a strengthening yen). The combination of these two actions create a zero-cost collar. Additionally, the Company enters into purchased options to hedge cash flows from the net investment in Aflac Japan.
The Company enters into foreign currency swaps pursuant to which it exchanges an initial principal amount in one currency for an initial principal amount of another currency, with an agreement to re-exchange the principal amounts at a future date. There may also be periodic exchanges of payments at specified intervals based on the agreed upon rates and notional amounts. Foreign currency swaps are used primarily in the consolidated VIEs in the Company's Aflac Japan portfolio to convert foreign-denominated cash flows to yen, the functional currency of Aflac Japan, in order to minimize cash flow fluctuations. The Company also uses foreign currency swaps to economically convert certain of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior note and subordinated debenture principal and interest obligations into yen-denominated obligations.
In order to reduce investment income volatility from its variable-rate investments, the Company enters into receive–fixed, pay–floating interest rate swaps. These derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearinghouse.
Swaptions are used to mitigate the adverse impact resulting from significant changes in the fair value of U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities due to fluctuation in interest rates. In a payer swaption, the Company pays a premium to obtain the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap contract where it will pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate. Interest rate swaption collars are combinations of two swaption positions. In order to maximize the efficiency of the collars while minimizing cost, a collar strategy is used whereby the Company purchases a long payer swaption (the Company purchases an option that allows it to enter into a swap where the Company will pay the fixed rate and receive the floating rate of the swap) and sells a short receiver swaption (the Company sells an option that provides the counterparty with the right to enter into a swap where the Company will receive the fixed rate and pay the floating rate of the swap). The combination of purchasing the long payer swaption and selling the short receiver swaption results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar).
Bond purchase commitments result from repackaged bond structures that are consolidated VIEs whereby there is a delay in the trade date and settlement date of the bond within the structure to ensure completion of all necessary legal agreements to support the consolidated VIE that issues the repackaged bond. Since the Company has a commitment to purchase the underlying bond at a specified price, the agreement meets the definition of a derivative where the value is derived based on the current market value of the bond compared to the fixed purchase price to be paid on the settlement date.
32
Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
The table below summarizes the balance sheet classification of the Company's derivative fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals. Derivative assets are included in “Other Assets,” while derivative liabilities are included in “Other Liabilities” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not reflective of exposure or credit risk.
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Fair Value
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Fair Value
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign currency swaps - VIE
$
18
$
0
$
3
$
18
$
0
$
3
Total cash flow hedges
18
0
3
18
0
3
Fair value hedges:
Foreign currency options
7,743
20
0
7,940
45
0
Total fair value hedges
7,743
20
0
7,940
45
0
Net investment hedge:
Foreign currency forwards
4,956
359
43
4,982
383
85
Foreign currency options
2,235
3
0
2,630
7
0
Total net investment hedge
7,191
362
43
7,612
390
85
Non-qualifying strategies:
Foreign currency swaps
1,900
55
0
1,900
66
0
Foreign currency swaps - VIE
3,466
63
396
3,420
62
387
Foreign currency forwards
3,701
0
133
5,049
17
640
Foreign currency options
5,717
23
0
5,521
30
0
Interest rate swaps
17,730
26
483
17,730
7
583
Total non-qualifying strategies
32,514
167
1,012
33,620
182
1,610
Total derivatives
$
47,466
$
549
$
1,058
$
49,190
$
617
$
1,698
Cash Flow Hedges
For certain variable-rate U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities held by Aflac Japan via consolidated VIEs, foreign currency swaps are used to swap the U.S. Dollar (USD) variable rate interest and principal payments to fixed rate Japanese Yen (JPY) interest and principal payments. The Company has designated foreign currency swaps as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction or of amounts to be received or paid related to a recognized asset (“cash flow” hedge). The remaining maximum length of time for which these cash flows are hedged is approximately four years. The derivatives in the Company's consolidated VIEs that are not designated as accounting hedges are discussed in the "non-qualifying strategies" section of this note.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates and accounts for certain foreign currency forwards, options, and interest rate swaptions as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. The Company recognizes gains and losses on these derivatives as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the related hedged items in current earnings.
Foreign currency forwards and options hedge the foreign currency exposure of certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale fixed-maturity investments held in Aflac Japan. The change in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards related to the changes in the difference between the spot rate and the forward price is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The change in fair value of the foreign currency option related to the time value of the option is recognized in current earnings and is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Interest rate swaptions hedge the interest rate exposure of certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities held in Aflac Japan. For these hedging relationships, the Company excludes time value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognizes changes in the intrinsic value of the swaptions in current earnings within net investment income. The change in the time value of the swaptions is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into earnings (net investment income) over its legal term.
33
The following table presents the gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges.
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
(In millions)
Hedging Derivatives
Hedged Items
Hedging Derivatives
Hedged Items
Total Gains (Losses)
Gains (Losses) Excluded from Effectiveness Testing(1)
Gains (Losses) Included in Effectiveness Testing(2)
Gains (Losses)(2)
Net Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:
Foreign currency options
Fixed maturity securities
$
(39)
$
(39)
$
0
$
0
$
0
Total gains (losses)
$
(39)
$
(39)
$
0
$
0
$
0
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:
Foreign currency options
Fixed maturity securities
(15)
(15)
0
0
0
Total gains (losses)
$
(15)
$
(15)
$
0
$
0
$
0
(1)Gains (losses) excluded from effectiveness testing includes the forward point on foreign currency forwards and time value change on foreign currency options which are reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as net investment gains (losses). It also includes the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the swaptions which is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).
(2)Gains and losses on foreign currency forwards and options and related hedged items are reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as net investment gains (losses). For interest rate swaptions and related hedged items, gains and losses included in the hedge assessment, premium amortization and time value amortization while the hedge items are still outstanding are reported within net investment income. The time value gains and losses for interest rate swaptions when the related hedged items are redeemed are reported in net investment gains and losses consistent with the impact of the hedged item. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, gains and losses included in the hedge assessment on interest rate swaptions and related hedged items were immaterial.
The following table shows the carrying amounts of assets designated and qualifying as hedged items in fair value hedges of interest rate risk and the related cumulative hedge adjustment included in the carrying amount.
(In millions)
Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)(1)
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Fixed maturity securities
$
2,068
$
2,360
$
186
$
189
(1) The balance includes hedging adjustment on discontinued hedging relationships of $186 in 2023 and $189 in 2022.
Net Investment Hedge
The Company's investment in Aflac Japan is affected by changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. To mitigate this exposure, the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (see Note 9) have been designated as non-derivative hedges and certain foreign currency forwards and options have been designated as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of the Company's net investment in Aflac Japan.
The Company's net investment hedge was effective during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
34
Non-qualifying Strategies
For the Company's derivative instruments in consolidated VIEs that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, all changes in their fair value are reported in current period earnings within net investment gains (losses). The amount of gain or loss recognized in earnings for the Company's VIEs is attributable to the derivatives in those investment structures. While the change in value of the swaps is recorded through current period earnings, the change in value of the available-for-sale fixed maturity securities associated with these swaps is recorded through other comprehensive income.
As of March 31, 2023, the Parent Company had $1.9 billion notional amount of cross-currency interest rate swap agreements related to certain of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes to effectively convert a portion of the interest on the notes from U.S dollar to Japanese yen. Changes in the values of these swaps are recorded through current period earnings. For additional information regarding these swaps, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
The Company uses foreign exchange forwards and options to economically mitigate the currency risk of some of its U.S. dollar-denominated loan receivables held within the Aflac Japan segment. These arrangements are not designated as accounting hedges, as the foreign currency remeasurement of the loan receivables impacts current period earnings, and substantially offsets gains and losses from foreign exchange forwards within net investment gains (losses). The Company also has certain foreign exchange forwards on U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities where hedge accounting is not being applied.
The Company uses interest rate swaps to economically convert the variable rate investment income to a fixed rate on certain variable-rate investments.
35
Impact of Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
The following table summarizes the impact to earnings and other comprehensive income (loss) from all derivatives and hedging instruments.
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2022
(In millions)
Net Investment Income(1)
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(2)
Net Investment Income(1)
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(2)
Qualifying hedges:
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign currency swaps - VIE
$
0
$
(1)
$
1
$
0
$
(1)
$
1
Total cash flow hedges
0
(1)
(3)
1
0
(1)
(3)
1
Fair value hedges:
Foreign currency options(3)
(39)
(15)
Total fair value hedges
0
(39)
0
0
(15)
0
Net investment hedge:
Non-derivative hedging instruments
0
25
0
199
Foreign currency forwards
90
29
(76)
301
Foreign currency options
(3)
0
(1)
0
Total net investment hedge
87
54
(77)
500
Non-qualifying strategies:
Foreign currency swaps
1
28
Foreign currency swaps - VIE
(27)
23
Foreign currency forwards
(51)
(241)
Foreign currency options
(19)
(10)
Interest rate swaps
69
(156)
Forward bond purchase commitment - VIE
(3)
(17)
Total non-qualifying strategies
(30)
(373)
Total
$
0
$
17
$
55
$
0
$
(466)
$
501
(1)Interest expense/income on cash flow hedges are recorded in net investment income. For interest rate swaptions classified as fair value hedges, the change in the time value of the swaptions is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into net investment income over its legal term. If the swaption is early terminated but the hedge item is still outstanding, the amortization of disposal amount of the swaptions is recorded in net investment income over the remaining life of the hedged items.
(2) Gains and losseson cash flow hedges and the change in the fair value of interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the swaptions in fair value hedges are recorded as unrealized gains (losses). Gains and losses on net investment hedges related to changes in foreign currency spot rates are recorded in the unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(3)Impact of cash flow hedges reported as net investment gains (losses) includes $1 of losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, and $1 of losses during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022. In addition, an immaterial amount of losses were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, and an immaterial amount during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, related to fair value hedges excluded component.Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail).
As of March 31, 2023, $5 million of deferred losses on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months.
Credit Risk Assumed through Derivatives
For the foreign currency swaps associated with the Company's VIE investments for which it is the primary beneficiary, the Company bears the risk of loss due to counterparty default even though it is not a direct counterparty to those contracts.
The Company is a direct counterparty to the foreign currency swaps that it has entered into in connection with certain of its senior notes and subordinated debentures; foreign currency forwards; and foreign currency options, and therefore the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties in those contracts. The risk of counterparty default for the Company's foreign currency swaps, certain foreign currency forwards, and foreign currency options is mitigated by collateral posting requirements that counterparties to those transactions must meet.
36
As of March 31, 2023, all of the Company's derivative agreement counterparties were investment grade.
The Company engages in over-the-counter (OTC) bilateral derivative transactions directly with unaffiliated third parties under International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) agreements and other documentation. Most of the ISDA agreements also include Credit Support Annexes (CSAs) provisions, which generally provide for two-way collateral postings at the first dollar of exposure. The Company mitigates the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral value while generally requiring that collateral be posted at the outset of the transaction. In addition, a significant portion of the derivative transactions have provisions that give the counterparty the right to terminate the transaction upon a downgrade of the Company's financial strength rating. The actual amount of payments that the Company could be required to make depends on market conditions, the fair value of outstanding affected transactions, and other factors prevailing at and after the time of the downgrade.
The Company also engages in OTC cleared derivative transactions through regulated central clearing counterparties. These positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these derivatives.
Collateral posted by the Company to third parties for derivative transactions can generally be repledged or resold by the counterparties. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position by counterparty was approximately $767 million and $1.3 billion as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on March 31, 2023, the Company estimates that it would be required to post a maximum of $222 million of additional collateral to these derivative counterparties. The Company is generally allowed to sell or repledge collateral obtained from its derivative counterparties, although it does not typically exercise such rights. (See the Offsetting tables below for collateral posted or received as of the reported balance sheet dates.)
Offsetting of Financial Instruments and Derivatives
Most of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Parent Company or its subsidiaries and the respective counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements with the master netting arrangements generally provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral at the first dollar of exposure.
The Company has securities lending agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions that post collateral to the Company in return for the use of its fixed maturity and public equity securities (see Note 3). When the Company has entered into securities lending agreements with the same counterparty, the agreements generally provide for net settlement in the event of default by the counterparty. This right of set-off allows the Company to keep and apply collateral received if the counterparty failed to return the securities borrowed from the Company as contractually agreed.
The tables below summarize the Company's derivatives and securities lending transactions, and as reflected in the tables, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company's policy is to not offset these financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
37
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
March 31, 2023
Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Securities Collateral
Cash Collateral Received
Net Amount
Derivative assets:
Derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
$
460
$
0
$
460
$
(71)
$
(61)
$
(326)
$
2
OTC - cleared
26
0
26
(26)
0
0
0
Total derivative assets subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
486
0
486
(97)
(61)
(326)
2
Derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
63
63
63
Total derivative assets not subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
63
63
63
Total derivative assets
549
0
549
(97)
(61)
(326)
65
Securities lending and similar arrangements
3,418
0
3,418
0
0
(3,418)
0
Total
$
3,967
$
0
$
3,967
$
(97)
$
(61)
$
(3,744)
$
65
38
December 31, 2022
Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Securities Collateral
Cash Collateral Received
Net Amount
Derivative assets:
Derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
$
548
$
0
$
548
$
(167)
$
(60)
$
(320)
$
1
OTC - cleared
7
0
7
(7)
0
0
0
Total derivative assets subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
555
0
555
(174)
(60)
(320)
1
Derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
62
62
62
Total derivative assets not subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
62
62
62
Total derivative assets
617
0
617
(174)
(60)
(320)
63
Securities lending and similar arrangements
1,788
0
1,788
0
0
(1,788)
0
Total
$
2,405
$
0
$
2,405
$
(174)
$
(60)
$
(2,108)
$
63
39
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
March 31, 2023
Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Securities Collateral
Cash Collateral Pledged
Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
$
176
$
0
$
176
$
(71)
$
(80)
$
(9)
$
16
OTC - cleared
483
0
483
(26)
0
(456)
1
Total derivative liabilities subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
659
0
659
(97)
(80)
(465)
17
Derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
399
399
399
Total derivative liabilities not subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
399
399
399
Total derivative liabilities
1,058
0
1,058
(97)
(80)
(465)
416
Securities lending and similar arrangements
3,460
0
3,460
(3,418)
0
0
42
Total
$
4,518
$
0
$
4,518
$
(3,515)
$
(80)
$
(465)
$
458
40
December 31, 2022
Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet
(In millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Securities Collateral
Cash Collateral Pledged
Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
$
725
$
0
$
725
$
(167)
$
(506)
$
(52)
$
0
OTC - cleared
583
0
583
(7)
0
(577)
(1)
Total derivative liabilities subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
1,308
0
1,308
(174)
(506)
(629)
(1)
Derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
OTC - bilateral
390
390
390
Total derivative liabilities not subject to a master netting agreement or offsetting arrangement
390
390
390
Total derivative liabilities
1,698
0
1,698
(174)
(506)
(629)
389
Securities lending and similar arrangements
1,809
0
1,809
(1,788)
0
0
21
Total
$
3,507
$
0
$
3,507
$
(1,962)
$
(506)
$
(629)
$
410
For additional information on the Company's financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 5 and Notes 1, 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value Hierarchy
U.S. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. These two types of inputs create three valuation hierarchy levels. Level 1 valuations reflect quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 valuations reflect quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets or model-derived valuations in which all significant valuation inputs are observable in active markets. Level 3 valuations reflect valuations in which one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in an active market.
The following tables present the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
41
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies
$
24,903
$
990
$
0
$
25,893
Municipalities
0
2,416
0
2,416
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0
2,149
418
2,567
Public utilities
0
7,583
350
7,933
Sovereign and supranational
0
691
37
728
Banks/financial institutions
0
9,259
161
9,420
Other corporate
0
28,389
753
29,142
Total fixed maturity securities
24,903
51,477
1,719
78,099
Equity securities
806
60
221
1,087
Other investments
2,561
0
0
2,561
Cash and cash equivalents
3,809
0
0
3,809
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps
0
118
0
118
Foreign currency forwards
0
359
0
359
Foreign currency options
0
46
0
46
Interest rate swaps
0
26
0
26
Total other assets
0
549
0
549
Total assets
$
32,079
$
52,086
$
1,940
$
86,105
Liabilities:
Other liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps
$
0
$
399
$
0
$
399
Foreign currency forwards
0
176
0
176
Interest rate swaps
0
483
0
483
Total liabilities
$
0
$
1,058
$
0
$
1,058
42
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies
$
24,158
$
956
$
0
$
25,114
Municipalities
0
2,320
0
2,320
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0
1,803
343
2,146
Public utilities
0
7,169
497
7,666
Sovereign and supranational
0
797
37
834
Banks/financial institutions
0
9,140
159
9,299
Other corporate
0
27,620
742
28,362
Total fixed maturity securities
24,158
49,805
1,778
75,741
Equity securities
822
60
209
1,091
Other investments
1,532
0
0
1,532
Cash and cash equivalents
3,943
0
0
3,943
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps
0
128
0
128
Foreign currency forwards
0
400
0
400
Foreign currency options
0
82
0
82
Interest rate swaps
0
7
0
7
Total other assets
0
617
0
617
Total assets
$
30,455
$
50,482
$
1,987
$
82,924
Liabilities:
Other liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps
$
0
$
390
$
0
$
390
Foreign currency forwards
0
725
0
725
Interest rate swaps
0
583
0
583
Total liabilities
$
0
$
1,698
$
0
$
1,698
43
The following tables present the carrying amount and fair value categorized by fair value hierarchy level for the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value.
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Carrying Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Assets:
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies
$
18,152
$
20,517
$
183
$
0
$
20,700
Municipalities
285
0
341
0
341
Public utilities
37
0
42
0
42
Sovereign and supranational
443
0
510
0
510
Other corporate
19
0
23
0
23
Commercial mortgage and other loans
13,328
0
0
13,052
13,052
Other investments (1)
34
0
34
0
34
Total assets
$
32,298
$
20,517
$
1,133
$
13,052
$
34,702
Liabilities:
Other policyholders’ funds
$
6,668
$
0
$
0
$
6,569
$
6,569
Notes payable (excluding leases)
7,270
0
6,175
797
6,972
Total liabilities
$
13,938
$
0
$
6,175
$
7,366
$
13,541
(1)Excludes policy loans of $214 and equity method investments of $2,432, at carrying value
44
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Carrying Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Assets:
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies
$
18,267
$
20,132
$
180
$
0
$
20,312
Municipalities
287
0
335
0
335
Public utilities
37
0
41
0
41
Sovereign and supranational
446
0
500
0
500
Other corporate
19
0
22
0
22
Commercial mortgage and other loans
13,496
0
0
13,212
13,212
Other investments (1)
34
0
34
0
34
Total assets
$
32,586
$
20,132
$
1,112
$
13,212
$
34,456
Liabilities:
Other policyholders’ funds
$
6,643
$
0
$
0
$
6,543
$
6,543
Notes payable (excluding leases)
7,295
0
6,024
802
6,826
Total liabilities
$
13,938
$
0
$
6,024
$
7,345
$
13,369
(1)Excludes policy loans of $214 and equity method investments of $2,290, at carrying value
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fixed maturity and equity securities
The Company determines the fair values of fixed maturity securities and public equity securities using the following approaches or techniques: price quotes and valuations from third party pricing vendors (including quoted market prices readily available from public exchange markets), in-house valuations and non-binding price quotes the Company obtains from outside brokers.
The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices provided by third-party pricing vendors. The Company utilizes internally generated valuations or broker quotes for privately-issued fixed maturity securities or fixed maturity securities where there is no price available from a third-party pricing vendor. For internally generated valuations, the Company utilizes valuation models developed by a third-party pricing vendor. The models and associated processes and controls are executed by Company personnel.
These models are discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation models but also use information from related markets, specifically public bond markets and the credit default swap (CDS) market, to estimate expected cash flows. The models take into consideration any unique characteristics of the securities and make various adjustments to arrive at an appropriate issuer-specific loss adjusted credit curve using the most appropriate comparable security(ies) of the issuer and issuer-specific CDS spreads. This credit curve is then used with the relevant recovery rates to estimate expected cash flows and modeling of additional features, including illiquidity adjustments, if necessary, to price the security by discounting those loss adjusted cash flows. In cases where a credit curve cannot be developed from market information for the specific issuer, the valuation methodology takes into consideration other market observable inputs, including:
1) the most appropriate comparable security(ies) of a guarantor and/or parent
2) CDS spreads of a guarantor and/or parent
3) bonds of comparable issuers with similar characteristics such as rating, geography, or sector
45
4) CDS spreads of an appropriate index or of comparable issuers with similar characteristics such as rating, geography, or sector
5) bond indices that are comparative in rating, industry, maturity, and region.
Prices for public equity securities are readily available and are acquired from independent market data providers or established security dealer associations.
The pricing data and market quotes the Company obtains from outside sources, including third party pricing services, are reviewed internally for reasonableness. If a fair value appears unreasonable, the Company will re-examine the inputs and assess the reasonableness of the pricing data with the provider. Additionally, the Company may compare the inputs to relevant market indices and other performance measurements. Based on management's analysis, the valuation is confirmed or may be revised if there is evidence of a more appropriate estimate of fair value based on available market data. The Company has performed verification of the inputs and calculations in any valuation models, including independent validations and back testing, to confirm that the valuations represent reasonable estimates of fair value.
For the periods presented, the Company has not adjusted the quotes or prices it obtains from the pricing services and brokers it uses.
The following tables present the pricing sources for the fair values of the Company's fixed maturity and equity securities.
46
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor
$
24,903
$
610
$
0
$
25,513
Internal
0
380
0
380
Total government and agencies
24,903
990
0
25,893
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
2,108
0
2,108
Internal
0
308
0
308
Broker/other
0
0
0
0
Total municipalities
0
2,416
0
2,416
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
2,038
0
2,038
Internal
0
53
0
53
Broker/other
0
58
418
476
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0
2,149
418
2,567
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
3,898
0
3,898
Internal
0
3,685
0
3,685
Broker/other
0
0
350
350
Total public utilities
0
7,583
350
7,933
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor
0
232
0
232
Internal
0
459
0
459
Broker/other
0
0
37
37
Total sovereign and supranational
0
691
37
728
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor
0
4,690
0
4,690
Internal
0
4,569
108
4,677
Broker/other
0
0
53
53
Total banks/financial institutions
0
9,259
161
9,420
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor
0
22,726
0
22,726
Internal
0
5,663
289
5,952
Broker/other
0
0
464
464
Total other corporate
0
28,389
753
29,142
Total securities available for sale
$
24,903
$
51,477
$
1,719
$
78,099
Equity securities, carried at fair value:
Third party pricing vendor
$
806
$
60
$
0
$
866
Broker/other
0
0
221
221
Total equity securities
$
806
$
60
$
221
$
1,087
47
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor
$
20,517
$
183
$
0
$
20,700
Total government and agencies
20,517
183
0
20,700
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
341
0
341
Total municipalities
0
341
0
341
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
42
0
42
Total public utilities
0
42
0
42
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor
0
246
0
246
Broker/other
0
264
0
264
Total sovereign and supranational
0
510
0
510
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor
0
23
0
23
Total other corporate
0
23
0
23
Total securities held to maturity
$
20,517
$
1,099
$
0
$
21,616
48
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor
$
24,158
$
582
$
0
$
24,740
Internal
0
374
0
374
Total government and agencies
24,158
956
0
25,114
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
2,021
0
2,021
Internal
0
299
0
299
Total municipalities
0
2,320
0
2,320
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
1,798
0
1,798
Internal
0
3
0
3
Broker/other
0
2
343
345
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities
0
1,803
343
2,146
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
3,786
0
3,786
Internal
0
3,383
0
3,383
Broker/other
0
0
497
497
Total public utilities
0
7,169
497
7,666
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor
0
232
0
232
Internal
0
565
0
565
Broker/other
0
0
37
37
Total sovereign and supranational
0
797
37
834
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor
0
4,622
0
4,622
Internal
0
4,518
105
4,623
Broker/other
0
0
54
54
Total banks/financial institutions
0
9,140
159
9,299
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor
0
22,268
0
22,268
Internal
0
5,352
200
5,552
Broker/other
0
0
542
542
Total other corporate
0
27,620
742
28,362
Total securities available for sale
$
24,158
$
49,805
$
1,778
$
75,741
Equity securities, carried at fair value:
Third party pricing vendor
$
822
$
60
$
0
$
882
Broker/other
0
0
209
209
Total equity securities
$
822
$
60
$
209
$
1,091
49
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturity securities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor
$
20,132
$
180
$
0
$
20,312
Total government and agencies
20,132
180
0
20,312
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
335
0
335
Total municipalities
0
335
0
335
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor
0
41
0
41
Total public utilities
0
41
0
41
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor
0
242
0
242
Broker/other
0
258
0
258
Total sovereign and supranational
0
500
0
500
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor
0
22
0
22
Total other corporate
0
22
0
22
Total securities held to maturity
$
20,132
$
1,078
$
0
$
21,210
The following is a discussion of the determination of fair value of the Company's remaining financial instruments.
Derivatives
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified in the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated asset. The significant inputs to pricing derivatives are generally observable in the market or can be derived by observable market data. When these inputs are observable, the derivatives are classified as Level 2.
The Company uses present value techniques to value non-option based derivatives. It also uses option pricing models to value option based derivatives. Key inputs are as follows:
The fair values of the foreign currency forwards and options are based on observable market inputs, therefore they are classified as Level 2.
The Parent Company has cross-currency swap agreements related to certain of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes to effectively convert a portion of the interest on the notes from U.S dollar to Japanese yen. Their fair values are based on observable market inputs, therefore they are classified as Level 2.
To determine the fair value of its interest rate derivatives, the Company uses inputs that are generally observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Interest rate swaps are cleared trades. In a cleared swap contract, the clearinghouse provides benefits to the counterparties similar to contracts listed for investment traded on an exchange since it maintains a daily margin to mitigate counterparties' credit risk. These derivatives are priced using observable inputs, accordingly, they are classified as Level 2.
For derivatives associated with VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company is not the direct counterparty to the swap contracts. Nevertheless, the Company has full transparency into the contracts to properly value the swaps for reporting purposes. For these derivatives, the Company utilizes valuation models developed by independent valuation analytics providers. The models are market standard DCF models and all associated processes and controls are executed by Company personnel. These models take into consideration any unique characteristics of the derivatives in determining the appropriate valuation methodology to estimate expected cash flows. The fair values of these swaps are based on observable market inputs and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
For forward bond purchase commitments with VIEs, the fair value of the derivative is based on the difference in the fixed purchase price and the current market value of the related bond prior to the settlement date. Since the bond is typically a public bond with readily available pricing, the derivatives associated with the forward purchase commitment are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Commercial mortgage and other loans
Commercial mortgage and other loans include TREs, CMLs and MMLs. The Company's loan receivables do not have readily determinable market prices and generally lack market liquidity. Fair values for loan receivables are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury or floating-rate benchmark yield plus an appropriate spread that considers other risk factors, such as credit and liquidity risk. The spreads are a significant component of the pricing inputs and are generally considered unobservable. Therefore, these investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Other investments
Other investments includes short-term investments that are measured at fair value where amortized cost approximates fair value.
Other policyholders' funds
The largest component of the other policyholders' funds liability is the Company's annuity line of business in Aflac Japan. The Company's annuities have fixed benefits and premiums. For this product, the Company estimates the fair value to be equal to the cash surrender value. This is analogous to the value paid to policyholders on the valuation date if they were to surrender their policy. The Company periodically checks the cash value against discounted cash flow projections for reasonableness. The Company considers its inputs for this valuation to be unobservable and have accordingly classified this valuation as Level 3.
Notes payable
The fair values of the Company's publicly issued notes payable are determined by utilizing available sources of observable inputs from third party pricing vendors and are classified as Level 2. The fair values of the Company's yen-denominated loans approximate their carrying values and are classified as Level 3.
51
Transfers between Hierarchy Levels and Level 3 Rollforward
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.
The following tables present the changes in fair value of the Company's investments carried at fair value classified as Level 3.
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2023
Fixed Maturity Securities
Equity Securities
(In millions)
Mortgage- and Asset- Backed Securities
Public Utilities
Sovereign and Supranational
Banks/ Financial Institutions
Other Corporate
Total
Balance, beginning of period
$
343
$
497
$
37
$
159
$
742
$
209
$
1,987
Net investment gains (losses) included in earnings
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
3
10
0
2
30
0
45
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases
192
0
0
0
75
10
277
Issuances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sales
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Settlements
(120)
(7)
0
0
(2)
0
(129)
Transfers into Level 3
0
18
0
0
0
0
18
Transfers out of Level 3
0
(168)
0
0
(92)
0
(260)
Balance, end of period
$
418
$
350
$
37
$
161
$
753
$
221
$
1,940
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period included in earnings
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
0
$
3
$
3
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
Fixed Maturity Securities
Equity Securities
(In millions)
Mortgage- and Asset- Backed Securities
Public Utilities
Sovereign and Supranational
Banks/ Financial Institutions
Other Corporate
Total
Balance, beginning of period
$
291
$
493
$
43
$
45
$
426
$
173
$
1,471
Net investment gains (losses) included in earnings
0
0
0
0
0
7
7
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(15)
(37)
(2)
0
(18)
0
(72)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases
76
9
0
0
0
10
95
Issuances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sales
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Settlements
(2)
(8)
0
(3)
(1)
(7)
(21)
Transfers into Level 3
0
128
0
18
24
0
170
Transfers out of Level 3
(32)
0
0
0
(141)
(17)
(190)
Balance, end of period
$
318
$
585
$
41
$
60
$
290
$
166
$
1,460
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period included in earnings
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the Company's Level 3 investments carried at fair value. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Fair Value
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
$
418
Consensus pricing
Offered quotes
82.69
-
107.62
(a)
100.39
Public utilities
350
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
170 bps
-
268 bps
(b)
206 bps
Sovereign and supranational
37
Consensus pricing
Offered quotes
N/A
(c)
N/A
Banks/financial institutions
161
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
67 bps
-
188 bps
(b)
111 bps
Other corporate
753
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
66 bps
-
295 bps
(b)
187 bps
Equity securities
221
Adjusted cost
Private financials
N/A
(d)
N/A
Total assets
$
1,940
(a) Represents prices for securities where the Company receives unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques.
(b) Actual or equivalent credit spreads in basis points.
(c) Category represents a single security; range not applicable.
(d) Prices do not utilize credit spreads; therefore, range is not applicable.
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Fair Value
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities:
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
$
343
Consensus pricing
Offered quotes
97.38
-
106.71
(a)
102.98
Public utilities
497
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
128 bps
-
286 bps
(b)
192 bps
Sovereign and supranational
37
Consensus pricing
Offered quotes
N/A
(c)
N/A
Banks/financial institutions
159
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
67 bps
-
188 bps
(b)
113 bps
Other corporate
742
Discounted cash flow
Credit spreads
66 bps
-
647 bps
(b)
191 bps
Equity securities
209
Adjusted cost
Private financials
N/A
(d)
N/A
Total assets
$
1,987
(a) Represents prices for securities where the Company receives unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques.
(b) Actual or equivalent credit spreads in basis points.
(c) Category represents a single security; range not applicable.
(d) Prices do not utilize credit spreads; therefore, range is not applicable
53
The following is a discussion of the significant unobservable inputs or valuation techniques used in determining the fair value of securities classified as Level 3.
Credit Spreads
The Company holds certain assets that are of a unique, specialized, and/or securitized nature that do not trade on a regular basis in an active market, which makes their fair values difficult to estimate. Most of these assets are managed by external asset managers and the Company utilizes these managers for their expertise when evaluating various inputs used to determine the fair values for these assets, including identifying the appropriate credit or risk spread over risk-free interest rates that incorporates the unique nature or structure of the asset in the valuations. For those assets of a similar nature but not managed by external asset managers, the Company internally estimates the spreads and risk adjustments over risk-free interest rates that reflect the unique nature or structure of the asset as well as the current pricing environment and market conditions for comparable or related investments. Credit or risk spreads are an important input needed to complete the discounted cash flow analyses used to estimate an investment’s fair value. Credit or risk spreads underlying these fair values are a significant, unobservable input whose derivation is based on the Company’s evaluation of a combination of the external manager’s expertise and knowledge, the current pricing environment, and market conditions for the specific asset.
Offered Quotes
In circumstances where the Company's valuation model price is overridden because it implies a value that is not consistent with current market conditions, the Company will solicit bids from a limited number of brokers. The Company also receives unadjusted prices from brokers for certain of its mortgage and asset-backed securities. These quotes are non-binding but are reflective of valuation best estimates at that particular point in time. Offered quotes are an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, certain banks/financial institutions, certain other corporate, and equity securities investments.
Private Financials
The Company invests in the debt and equity securities of private companies operating in the cancer, healthtech, insurtech, finance, internet of things, big data and analytics sectors. Due to their private and often small, startup nature, these companies rely on capital provided by institutional and private equity investors for their ongoing operations. They do not have public securities that trade on a regular basis in an active market, which makes their fair values difficult to estimate. The Company values these investments on a cost basis with appropriate adjustments made based on monitoring private financial information provided by these companies. Adjustments to valuations are generally made as new funding tranches are executed or if the financial information provided significantly changes indicating the need for impairment. This private financial information is unobservable and is a significant determinant in the fair value of these corporate venture investments.
For additional information on the Company's investments and financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 4 and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
6. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
The following tables present a rollforward of deferred policy acquisition costs by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type.
54
March 31, 2023
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Total
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
3,035
$
2,161
$
525
$
55
$
904
$
613
$
1,304
$
418
$
88
$
135
$
1
$
9,239
Capitalization
76
33
9
4
39
31
41
21
2
14
0
270
Amortization expense
(48)
(28)
(9)
0
(34)
(28)
(34)
(16)
(3)
(6)
1
(205)
Foreign currency translation and other
(19)
(13)
(3)
(1)
0
0
0
0
0
0
(1)
(37)
Balance at March 31, 2023
$
3,044
$
2,153
$
522
$
58
$
909
$
616
$
1,311
$
423
$
87
$
143
$
1
$
9,267
December 31, 2022
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Total
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
3,464
$
2,372
$
595
$
51
$
887
$
604
$
1,270
$
399
$
90
$
115
$
1
$
9,848
Capitalization
291
161
33
12
147
117
160
80
11
40
0
1,052
Amortization expense
(188)
(112)
(35)
(3)
(130)
(108)
(126)
(61)
(13)
(20)
4
(792)
Foreign currency translation and other
(532)
(260)
(68)
(5)
0
0
0
0
0
0
(4)
(869)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
3,035
$
2,161
$
525
$
55
$
904
$
613
$
1,304
$
418
$
88
$
135
$
1
$
9,239
The Company uses the following constant level bases to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs:
Policy Type
Constant-level Basis
Life Products (U.S.)
Face Value
Health Products (U.S.)
Policy Count
Health & Life Products (Japan)
Units in Force
Face value is the stated dollar amount that the policy’s beneficiaries receive upon the death of the insured. For life and health products issued in Japan, the constant-level basis used is units in force, which is a proxy for face amount and insurance in force, respectively. Future DAC amortization is impacted by persistency.
There were no changes to the inputs, judgements, assumptions and methods used to determine amortization amounts during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on deferred policy acquisition costs.
55
7. POLICY LIABILITIES
Future Policy Benefits
The liability for future policy benefits is determined as the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on the behalf of policyholders and certain related expenses less the present value of future net premiums receivable under the Company's insurance contracts, where future net premiums receivable are future gross premiums receivable under the contract multiplied by the NPR.
The following tables present the changes in the present value of expected net premiums and the present value of expected future policy benefits by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type.
56
March 31, 2023
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected premiums:
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
19,298
$
16,714
$
7,485
$
1,256
$
2,534
$
1,635
$
4,486
$
1,220
$
211
$
724
$
110
Beginning balance at original discount rate
18,221
16,195
7,284
1,242
2,760
1,775
5,050
1,365
231
799
118
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(120)
(25)
(14)
(2)
(48)
(20)
(104)
(39)
(7)
(4)
(1)
Adjusted beginning of period balance
18,101
16,170
7,270
1,240
2,712
1,755
4,946
1,326
224
795
117
Issuances
229
104
111
8
117
120
192
103
10
49
14
Interest accrual
111
92
33
5
25
15
46
11
2
7
1
Net premiums earned (1)
(420)
(344)
(286)
(31)
(118)
(95)
(147)
(62)
(10)
(33)
(4)
Foreign currency translation
(109)
(100)
(44)
(8)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
9
Ending balance at original discount rate
17,912
15,922
7,084
1,214
2,736
1,795
5,037
1,378
228
822
137
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
1,542
1,045
319
42
(173)
(112)
(444)
(117)
(15)
(60)
(6)
Balance at March 31, 2023
$
19,454
$
16,967
$
7,403
$
1,256
$
2,563
$
1,683
$
4,593
$
1,261
$
213
$
762
$
131
Present value of expected future policy benefits:
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
54,766
$
27,419
$
31,954
$
5,582
$
3,098
$
2,445
$
11,489
$
2,074
$
488
$
1,526
$
622
Beginning balance at original discount rate
47,677
27,566
32,800
5,940
3,391
2,636
12,846
2,300
532
1,778
624
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(136)
(24)
(14)
0
(55)
(24)
(120)
(48)
(9)
(6)
(2)
Adjusted beginning of period balance
47,541
27,542
32,786
5,940
3,336
2,612
12,726
2,252
523
1,772
622
Issuances
232
108
112
9
124
127
201
111
12
53
13
Interest accrual
396
163
166
27
31
23
133
21
5
16
8
Benefit payments
(825)
(367)
(493)
(61)
(115)
(118)
(224)
(69)
(15)
(29)
(11)
Foreign currency translation
(295)
(171)
(201)
(35)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
9
Ending balance at original discount rate
47,049
27,275
32,370
5,880
3,376
2,644
12,836
2,315
527
1,816
641
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
8,750
1,164
344
(110)
(227)
(149)
(1,019)
(176)
(33)
(210)
15
Balance at March 31, 2023
55,799
28,439
32,714
5,770
3,149
2,495
11,817
2,139
494
1,606
656
Net liability for future policy benefits
36,345
11,472
25,311
4,514
586
812
7,224
878
281
844
525
Less: reinsurance recoverable
0
1,643
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
Net liability for future policy benefits after reinsurance recoverable
$
36,345
$
9,829
$
25,311
$
4,514
$
586
$
812
$
7,224
$
878
$
281
$
834
$
525
(1) Net premiums earned represent the portion of gross premiums collected from policyholders that is used to fund expected benefit payments.
57
December 31, 2022
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
(In millions)
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Present value of expected premiums:
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
25,893
$
21,174
$
10,847
$
1,586
$
3,283
$
1,862
$
6,023
$
1,467
$
264
$
834
$
153
Beginning balance at original discount rate
22,470
18,681
10,064
1,461
2,999
1,760
5,391
1,380
241
780
135
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
(639)
317
(494)
25
(52)
5
(38)
42
10
(1)
(12)
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(284)
61
(81)
(10)
(152)
(43)
(421)
(111)
(20)
(16)
6
Adjusted beginning of period balance
21,547
19,059
9,489
1,476
2,795
1,722
4,932
1,311
231
763
129
Issuances
947
639
221
62
355
384
537
273
33
146
0
Interest accrual
459
364
146
22
105
57
193
45
9
27
5
Net premiums earned (1)
(1,734)
(1,376)
(1,229)
(123)
(496)
(382)
(612)
(261)
(42)
(131)
(17)
Foreign currency translation
(2,997)
(2,488)
(1,343)
(195)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
(1)
(3)
0
0
1
(6)
0
(3)
0
(6)
1
Ending balance at original discount rate
18,221
16,195
7,284
1,242
2,760
1,775
5,050
1,365
231
799
118
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
1,077
519
201
14
(226)
(140)
(564)
(145)
(20)
(75)
(8)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
19,298
$
16,714
$
7,485
$
1,256
$
2,534
$
1,635
$
4,486
$
1,220
$
211
$
724
$
110
Present value of expected future policy benefits:
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
72,747
$
36,021
$
42,720
$
7,322
$
3,949
$
2,871
$
15,388
$
2,552
$
616
$
1,843
$
837
Beginning balance at original discount rate
56,807
31,398
39,002
6,787
3,594
2,670
13,079
2,300
549
1,694
645
Effect of changes in cash flow assumptions
(721)
352
(550)
96
(70)
5
(43)
40
13
(1)
(15)
Effect of actual variances from expected experience
(333)
83
(91)
(10)
(177)
(48)
(465)
(130)
(23)
(21)
7
Adjusted beginning of period balance
55,753
31,833
38,361
6,873
3,347
2,627
12,571
2,210
539
1,672
637
Issuances
960
646
222
68
364
397
550
282
34
149
0
Interest accrual
1,599
642
670
106
128
94
539
85
21
62
32
Benefit payments
(3,050)
(1,375)
(1,248)
(202)
(456)
(483)
(823)
(277)
(62)
(103)
(45)
Foreign currency translation
(7,585)
(4,180)
(5,205)
(905)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
8
1
9
0
0
(2)
0
Ending balance at original discount rate
47,677
27,566
32,800
5,940
3,391
2,636
12,846
2,300
532
1,778
624
Effect of changes in discount rate assumptions
7,089
(147)
(846)
(358)
(293)
(191)
(1,357)
(226)
(44)
(252)
(2)
Balance at December 31, 2022
54,766
27,419
31,954
5,582
3,098
2,445
11,489
2,074
488
1,526
622
Net liability for future policy benefits
35,468
10,705
24,469
4,326
564
810
7,003
854
277
802
512
Less: reinsurance recoverable
0
1,579
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
Net liability for future policy benefits after reinsurance recoverable
$
35,468
$
9,126
$
24,469
$
4,326
$
564
$
810
$
7,003
$
854
$
277
$
793
$
512
(1) Net premiums earned represent the portion of gross premiums collected from policyholders that is used to fund expected benefit payments.
58
The following tables present the weighted-average interest rates and weighted-average liability duration (calculated using the original discount rate) by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type.
March 31, 2023
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Weighted-average interest, original discount rate (1)
3.9 %
2.6 %
2.1 %
1.8 %
3.9 %
4.2 %
4.6 %
4.4 %
4.3 %
3.7 %
5.4 %
Weighted-average interest, current discount rate (1)
1.7 %
2.2 %
1.7 %
2.0 %
5.0 %
5.0 %
5.1 %
5.1 %
5.0 %
5.0 %
5.1 %
Weighted-average liability duration (years)
13.7
26.7
17.3
18.0
8.5
5.6
11.8
9.6
8.0
12.9
9.5
(1) The weighted-average interest rates are calculated using the reserve balances as the weights. No adjustments were made to observable market information.
December 31, 2022
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
Cancer
Medical and Other Health
Life Insurance
Other
Accident
Disability
Critical Care
Hospital Indemnity
Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Other
Weighted-average interest, original discount rate (1)
4.1 %
2.6 %
2.1 %
1.8 %
3.8 %
4.2 %
4.6 %
4.4 %
4.3 %
3.7 %
5.4 %
Weighted-average interest, current discount rate (1)
1.6 %
2.2 %
1.6 %
1.9 %
4.8 %
4.7 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
Weighted-average liability duration (years)
13.7
26.9
17.3
18.2
8.5
5.6
12.0
9.4
8.1
13.1
9.6
(1) The weighted-average interest rates are calculated using the reserve balances as the weights. No adjustments were made to observable market information.
59
The following table presents a reconciliation of the disaggregated rollforwards above to the ending future policy benefits presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred profit liability for limited-payment contracts and the deferred profit liability for reinsurance is presented together with the liability for future policy benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and has been included as a reconciling item in the table below.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Balances included in future policy benefits rollforward:
Discount rates are determined using upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed-income instrument yields that reflect the duration characteristics of the liability. Locked-in discount rates are determined as a weighted average of monthly upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed-income instrument forward curves, where the weights are the annualized premiums issued for each month of the cohort. Discount rates are updated each reporting period and require estimation techniques (e.g., interpolation, extrapolation) for determination of points on the curve for which there is limited or no observable market data.
More specifically, the Company constructs a discount rate curve separately for discounting cash flows used to calculate each of the Japan and U.S. liabilities for future policy benefits, reflective of the characteristics of the corresponding insurance liabilities, such as currency and tenor.
In the Aflac Japan segment, all long-duration insurance policies are denominated in yen. A significant portion of policies are characterized by tenors exceeding the availability of liquid market data in Japan for single-A rated (as a proxy for upper-medium grade) corporate yen-denominated debt. The discount rate curve is designed to prioritize the observable inputs where available, while past the last liquid point, the data is derived based on estimation techniques consistent with the fair value guidance in ASC 820. The Aflac Japan segment curve utilizes liquid market indices tracking publicly traded yen-denominated single-A corporate debt for the initial 10-year tenor. For the bonds within these market indices where only local ratings are available, the Company prioritizes the bonds with local ratings that are equivalent to a single-A rating based on international rating standards.
For the discount rates applicable to tenors for which the Japan single-A debt market is not liquid but there is sufficient observable market data and/or the observable market data is available for similar instruments (between 10 and 30 years), the Company estimates tenor-specific single-A credit spreads and applies them to risk-free government rates. Lastly, for the tenors where there is limited or no observable single-A or similar market data or risk-free government rates (beyond 30 years), the discount curve is derived by extrapolation of risk free rates beyond their last liquid point following the Smith-Wilson method and grading of the estimated forward credit spread anchored by the ultimate forward rate. The ultimate forward rate is based on the economic value-based solvency regime, which is consistent with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) Insurance Capital Standards (ICS) (which is expected to be introduced in Japan in 2025), and is adjusted for credit and inflation components.
60
For the Aflac U.S. segment where all long-duration insurance policies are denominated in U.S. dollar and substantially all have cash flow duration within 30 years, for which the U.S. upper-medium grade fixed-income market is liquid and observable, the Company uses data from a liquid fixed-income market index tracking single-A U.S. corporate debt. For the insignificant portion of the policies with cash flow tenors exceeding 30 years, the discount curve beyond that tenor is extrapolated following the Smith-Wilson method from year 30 to the same ultimate forward rate calculated for the Japan discount curve at year 60 and held constant thereafter. The use of the same ultimate rate for U.S. and Japan segments is based on the assumption of long-term global economic convergence.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $(2.8) billion and $4.2 billion in other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, respectively, due to changes in the future policy benefits estimate from updating the discount rate assumptions. There were no changes to the methods used to determine the discount rates during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $13.7 billion in other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax, due to changes in the future policy benefits estimate from updating the discount rate assumptions. There were no changes to the methods used to determine the discount rates during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Mortality rate assumptions are based on industry tables and adjusted for the Company's actual or expected experience where credible or appropriate. These assumptions typically will vary by age, gender, and other demographic characteristics such as smoking status.
Morbidity assumptions are based on the Company's internal data and consider emerging experience. These assumptions are reflective of the coverage and benefits provided and generally vary by age, gender, duration, and any other material policyholder characteristics. In cases where a calendar-year trend is significant, future cash flow projections may include a trend adjustment.
In Japan, separate lapse assumptions are set based on actual or expected experience. These lapse and total termination rate assumptions will vary by line of business and with policyholder characteristics such as duration. In the U.S., the majority of the future cash flows are modeled using total termination rates (which include both lapse and mortality) and are adjusted for actual experience. Policy provisions, such as reaching premium paid-up status, are taken into account when setting assumptions.
During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company's adjustment for actual variances from expected experience resulted in reserve remeasurement gains of $53 million and $34 million in the consolidated statement of earnings, respectively. The variance of actual experience from expected experience was primarily due to favorable variances in morbidity assumptions as compared to actual experience. There were no changes to the inputs, judgments, assumptions and methods used in measuring the liability for future policy benefits during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
In 2022, the Company's annual review process resulted in favorable changes to its morbidityassumptions due to favorable claims experience, primarily. This, together with the variance of actual experience from expected experience, resulted in reserve remeasurement gains of $215 million in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2022.
61
The following table summarizes the amount of net earned premiums recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net earned premiums:
Aflac Japan
Cancer
$
1,132
$
1,336
Medical and other health
689
828
Life insurance
399
524
Other
39
44
Aflac U.S.
Accident
329
337
Disability
309
296
Critical care
443
446
Hospital indemnity
184
185
Dental/vision
53
49
Life insurance
115
99
Other
10
10
Corporate and other
90
42
Reinsurance ceded
(104)
(117)
Total
$
3,688
$
4,079
The following table summarizes the amount of interest expense related to insurance contracts recognized in total benefits and claims, net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Interest expense:
Aflac Japan
Cancer
$
285
$
329
Medical and other health
71
80
Life insurance
133
149
Other
22
24
Aflac U.S.
Accident
6
5
Disability
8
9
Critical care
87
86
Hospital indemnity
10
10
Dental/vision
3
3
Life insurance
9
8
Other
7
7
Corporate and other
0
0
Total
$
641
$
710
62
The following tables summarize the amount of undiscounted expected future gross premiums and expected future benefits and expenses and discounted (discounted at the current period discount rate) expected future gross premiums and expected future benefits and expenses by reporting segment and disaggregated by product type. Future gross premiums represent the expected amount of future premiums to be received. For limited-payment policies, the premiums are collected over a shorter period than the policy term over which benefits are provided. As a result, once the policy reaches premium paid-up status, the future gross premiums can be significantly less than the future benefit payments. Further, benefits and expenses are generally greater in the later years of a policy. These are the primary factors that result in future gross premiums lower than future benefit and expense payments for certain lines of business of the Company.
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Gross Premiums
Benefits and Expenses
Gross Premiums
Benefits and Expenses
Undiscounted expected future gross premiums and expected future benefits and expenses:
Aflac Japan
Cancer
$
74,863
$
83,549
$
75,529
$
84,246
Medical and other health
50,153
50,573
50,720
50,778
Life insurance
16,690
52,993
16,946
53,271
Other
2,309
9,379
2,322
9,433
Aflac U.S.
Accident
9,467
4,621
9,481
4,636
Disability
5,889
3,286
5,858
3,267
Critical care
21,134
22,085
21,069
22,113
Hospital indemnity
5,213
3,360
5,164
3,338
Dental/vision
1,194
754
1,208
759
Life insurance
2,466
2,871
2,375
2,787
Other
359
1,165
333
1,147
Total
$
189,737
$
234,636
$
191,005
$
235,775
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Gross Premiums
Benefits and Expenses
Gross Premiums
Benefits and Expenses
Discounted expected future gross premiums and expected future benefits and expenses:
Aflac Japan
Cancer
$
53,806
$
55,799
$
53,278
$
54,766
Medical and other health
35,030
28,439
34,693
27,419
Life insurance
12,875
32,714
12,951
31,954
Other
1,712
5,770
1,697
5,582
Aflac U.S.
Accident
6,625
3,149
6,510
3,098
Disability
4,554
2,495
4,468
2,445
Critical care
13,013
11,817
12,659
11,489
Hospital indemnity
3,592
2,139
3,483
2,074
Dental/vision
826
494
821
488
Life insurance
1,756
1,606
1,663
1,526
Other
252
656
228
622
Total
$
134,041
$
145,078
$
132,451
$
141,463
63
Loss expense as a result of net premium ratio capping for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was immaterial.
Other Policyholders' Funds
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the largest component of the other policyholders' funds liability was the Company's annuity line of business in Aflac Japan. The Company's annuities have fixed benefits and premiums.
The following table presents the changes in other policyholders’ funds.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Other policyholders' funds:
Fixed annuities account balance, beginning of period (1)
$
6,423
$
7,410
Premiums received
39
150
Transfers from WAYS conversions
58
214
Surrenders and withdrawals
(14)
(52)
Benefit payments
(104)
(367)
Interest credited
14
57
Foreign currency translation and other
(40)
(989)
Fixed annuities account balance, end of period
6,376
6,423
Other deposit type reserves
292
220
Total
$
6,668
$
6,643
(1) Aflac Japan fixed annuities
The following table presents other policyholders’ funds balances by range of guaranteed crediting rates.
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Range of Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rates (2)
At Guaranteed Minimum
Cash Surrender Value
Range of Guaranteed Minimum Crediting Rates (2)
At Guaranteed Minimum
Cash Surrender Value
Fixed annuities (1)
0.5% - 2.3%
$6,376
$6,281
0.5% - 2.3%
$6,423
$6,326
(1) Aflac Japan fixed annuities
(2) Weighted-average crediting rate of 1.5% at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Aflac Japan’s fixed annuities have guaranteed fixed crediting rates which results in the policyholders' funds balances being able to cover all guaranteed benefit amounts. The reserves are adequate to fully fund future benefits at any given time.
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on policy liabilities.
8. REINSURANCE
The Company periodically enters into fixed quota-share coinsurance agreements in the normal course of business. For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and benefits are reported net of insurance ceded.
In January 2023, ALIJ entered into a coinsurance transaction whereby it ceded 28% of the liabilities associated with certain cancer insurance policies and riders to Aflac Re. This transaction transferred approximately $2.1 billion of reserves associated with these policies. Approximately $1.9 billion of assets were transferred from ALIJ to Aflac Re as preliminary consideration for assuming the reinsurance risk, and final settlement is expected in the second quarter of 2023. This internal reinsurance transaction with Aflac Re has no financial statement impact on a consolidated basis, except for the effect of foreign currency accounting.
64
In January 2023, ALIJ also entered into an external coinsurance transaction to cede 1.5% of the liabilities associated with the same cancer insurance policies and riders, in connection with which ALIJ transferred cash consideration to the reinsurer.
The Company has recorded a deferred profit liability related to reinsurance transactions. The remaining deferred profit liability of $682 million and $692 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, is included in future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized into income over the expected lives of the policies. The Company has also recorded a reinsurance recoverable for reinsurance transactions, which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and had a remaining balance of $1.1 billion and $912 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The following table reconciles direct premiums and direct benefits and claims to net amounts after the effect of reinsurance which also includes the elimination of inter-segment amounts associated with affiliated reinsurance.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Direct earned premiums
$
3,738
$
4,115
Ceded to other companies:
Ceded Aflac Japan closed blocks
(82)
(98)
Other
(25)
(19)
Assumed from other companies:
Retrocession activities
34
41
Other
23
40
Net earned premiums
$
3,688
$
4,079
Direct benefits and claims, excluding reserve remeasurement
$
2,256
$
2,334
Reserve remeasurement (gains) losses
(53)
(34)
Total direct benefits and claims
2,203
2,300
Ceded benefits and change in reserves for future benefits:
Ceded Aflac Japan closed blocks
(100)
(88)
Eliminations
14
5
Other
(18)
(5)
Assumed from other companies:
Retrocession activities
5
37
Eliminations
10
(5)
Other
36
239
Total benefits and claims, net
$
2,150
$
2,483
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
These reinsurance transactions are indemnity reinsurance that do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. In the event that the reinsurer is unable to meet their obligations, the Company remains liable for the reinsured claims.
As a part of its capital contingency plan, the Company entered into a committed reinsurance facility agreement on December 1, 2015, with reserves of approximately ¥120 billion as of March 31, 2023. This reinsurance facility agreement was renewed in 2022 and is effective until December 31, 2023. There are also additional commitment periods of a one-year duration, each of which are automatically extended unless notification is received from the reinsurer within 60 days prior to the expiration. The reinsurer can withdraw from the committed facility if Aflac's Standard and Poor's (S&P) rating drops below BBB-. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has not executed a reinsurance treaty under this committed reinsurance facility.
65
9. NOTES PAYABLE AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
A summary of notes payable and lease obligations follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
1.125% senior sustainability notes due March 2026
$
398
$
397
2.875% senior notes due October 2026
298
298
3.60% senior notes due April 2030
992
992
6.90% senior notes due December 2039
221
221
6.45% senior notes due August 2040
254
254
4.00% senior notes due October 2046
394
394
4.750% senior notes due January 2049
542
541
Yen-denominated senior notes and subordinated debentures:
.300% senior notes due September 2025 (principal amount ¥12.4 billion)
93
93
.932% senior notes due January 2027 (principal amount ¥60.0 billion)
448
450
1.075% senior notes due September 2029 (principal amount ¥33.4 billion)
249
250
.500% senior notes due December 2029 (principal amount ¥12.6 billion)
94
95
.550% senior notes due March 2030 (principal amount ¥13.3 billion)
99
99
1.159% senior notes due October 2030 (principal amount ¥29.3 billion)
218
220
.633% senior notes due April 2031 (principal amount ¥30.0 billion)
224
225
.843% senior notes due December 2031 (principal amount ¥9.3 billion)
69
70
.750% senior notes due March 2032 (principal amount ¥20.7 billion)
154
155
1.320% senior notes due December 2032 (principal amount ¥21.1 billion)
157
158
.844% senior notes due April 2033 (principal amount ¥12.0 billion)
89
90
1.488% senior notes due October 2033 (principal amount ¥15.2 billion)
113
114
.934% senior notes due December 2034 (principal amount ¥9.8 billion)
73
73
.830% senior notes due March 2035 (principal amount ¥10.6 billion)
79
79
1.039% senior notes due April 2036 (principal amount ¥10.0 billion)
74
75
1.594% senior notes due September 2037 (principal amount ¥6.5 billion)
48
49
1.750% senior notes due October 2038 (principal amount ¥8.9 billion)
66
66
1.122% senior notes due December 2039 (principal amount ¥6.3 billion)
47
47
1.264% senior notes due April 2041 (principal amount ¥10.0 billion)
74
75
2.108% subordinated debentures due October 2047 (principal amount ¥60.0 billion)
445
448
.963% subordinated bonds due April 2049 (principal amount ¥30.0 billion)
224
226
1.560% senior notes due April 2051 (principal amount ¥20.0 billion)
148
149
2.144% senior notes due September 2052 (principal amount ¥12.0 billion)
89
90
Yen-denominated loans:
Variable interest rate loan due August 2027 (.35% in 2023 and .33% in 2022, principal amount ¥11.7 billion)
87
88
Variable interest rate loan due August 2029 (.45% in 2023 and .43% in 2022,
principal amount ¥25.3 billion)
188
190
Variable interest rate loan due August 2032 (.60% in 2023 and .58% in 2022,
principal amount ¥70.0 billion)
522
524
Finance lease obligations payable through 2030
8
8
Operating lease obligations payable through 2049
142
139
Total notes payable and lease obligations
$
7,420
$
7,442
Amounts in the table above are reported net of debt issuance costs and issuance premiums or discounts, if applicable, that are being amortized over the life of the notes.
66
A summary of the Company's lines of credit as of March 31, 2023 follows:
Borrower(s)
Type
Term
Expiration Date
Capacity
Amount Outstanding
Interest Rate on Borrowed Amount
Maturity Period
Commitment Fee
Business Purpose
Aflac Incorporated and Aflac
uncommitted bilateral
364 days
December 28, 2023
$100 million
$0 million
The rate quoted by the bank and agreed upon at the time of borrowing
Up to 3 months
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporated
unsecured revolving
5 years
May 9, 2027, or the date commitments are terminated pursuant to an event of default
¥100.0 billion
¥0.0 billion
A rate per annum equal to (a) Tokyo Interbank Market Rate (TIBOR) plus, the alternative applicable TIBOR margin during the availability period from the closing date to the commitment termination date or (b) the TIBOR rate offered by the agent to major banks in yen for the applicable period plus, the applicable alternative TIBOR margin during the term out period
No later than May 10, 2027
.28% to .45%, depending on the Parent Company's debt ratings as of the date of determination
General corporate purposes, including a capital contingency plan for the operations of the Parent Company
Aflac Incorporated and Aflac
unsecured revolving
5 years
November 15, 2027, or the date commitments are terminated pursuant to an event of default
$1.0 billion
$0.0 billion
A rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, either, (a) Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for U.S. dollar denominated borrowings or TIBOR for Japanese yen denominated borrowings, in either case adjusted for certain costs, or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the rate of interest for such day announced by the agent as its prime rate, or (3) SOFR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, in each case plus an applicable margin
No later than November 15, 2027
.08% to
.20%, depending on the Parent Company's debt ratings as of the date of determination
General corporate purposes, including a capital contingency plan for the operations of the Parent Company
Aflac Incorporated and Aflac
uncommitted bilateral
None specified
None specified
$50 million
$0 million
A rate per annum equal to, at the Parent Company's option, either (a) a rate determined by reference to USD LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing or (b) the base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the lender's USD short-term commercial loan rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (c) USD one-month LIBOR plus 1%. USD LIBOR is subject to replacement with SOFR under certain circumstances
Up to 3 months
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
November 30, 2023
$250 million
$0 million
USD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum
No later than December 1, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporated(1)
(Tranche 1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
November 27, 2023
¥50.0 billion
¥0.0 billion
Three-month yen TIBOR plus 45 basis points per annum
No later than November 28, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporated(1)
(Tranche 2)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
November 27, 2023
¥50.0 billion
¥0.0 billion
Three-month yen TIBOR plus 45 basis points per annum
No later than November 28, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac New York(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
April 10, 2023(2)
$25 million
$0 million
USD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum
No later than April 11, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
CAIC(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
March 21, 2024
$15 million
$0 million
USD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum
No later than March 22, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
(1) Intercompany credit agreement
(2) Renewed in April 2023 with an expiration date of April 8, 2024
(continued)
67
Borrower(s)
Type
Term
Expiration Date
Capacity
Amount Outstanding
Interest Rate on Borrowed Amount
Maturity Period
Commitment Fee
Business Purpose
Tier One Insurance Company(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
March 21, 2024
$0.3 million
$0 million
USD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum
No later than March 22, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Ventures Japan K.K.(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
May 2, 2023
¥500 million
¥0 million
A rate per annum equal to the short-term prime lending rates of banks appearing on the website for the Bank of Japan on the first day of the applicable period
No later than May 3, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
Hatch Healthcare K.K.(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
January 3, 2024
¥900 million
¥0 million
A rate per annum equal to the short-term prime lending rates of banks appearing on the website for the Bank of Japan on the first day of the applicable period
No later than January 4, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
Hatch Insight K.K.(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
January 3, 2024
¥600 million
¥0 million
A rate per annum equal to the short-term prime lending rates of banks appearing on the website for the Bank of Japan on the first day of the applicable period
No later than January 4, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac GI Holdings LLC(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
July 17, 2023
$30 million
$0 million
USD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum
No later than July 18, 2023
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporated(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
January 2, 2024
$400 million
$0 million
A rate per annum equal to three-month term SOFR plus 10 basis points for U.S. dollar denominated borrowings or three-month TIBOR for Japanese yen denominated borrowings
No later than January 3, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
Aflac Re Bermuda Ltd.(1)
uncommitted revolving
364 days
January 2, 2024
$400 million
$0 million
A rate per annum equal to three-month term SOFR plus 10 basis points for U.S. dollar denominated borrowings or three-month TIBOR for Japanese yen denominated borrowings
No later than January 3, 2024
None
General corporate purposes
(1) Intercompany credit agreement
The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of its notes payable and lines of credit at March 31, 2023. No events of default or defaults occurred during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023.
For additional information, see Notes 4 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
68
10. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The following table is a reconciliation of the number of shares of the Company's common stock for the three-month periods ended March 31.
(In thousands of shares)
2023
2022
Common stock - issued:
Balance, beginning of period
1,354,079
1,352,739
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares
933
1,041
Balance, end of period
1,355,012
1,353,780
Treasury stock:
Balance, beginning of period
738,823
700,607
Purchases of treasury stock:
Share repurchase program
10,348
8,007
Other
347
343
Dispositions of treasury stock:
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan
(239)
(259)
Exercise of stock options
(48)
(58)
Other
(171)
(209)
Balance, end of period
749,060
708,431
Shares outstanding, end of period
605,952
645,349
Outstanding share-based awards are excluded from the calculation of weighted-average shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share (EPS). The following table presents the approximate number of share-based awards to purchase shares, on a weighted-average basis, that were considered to be anti-dilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the following periods.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2023
2022
Anti-dilutive share-based awards
164
249
Share Repurchase Program
During the first three months of 2023, the Company repurchased 10.3 million shares of its common stock for $700 million as part of its share repurchase program. During the first three months of 2022, the Company repurchased 8.0 million shares of its common stock for $500 million as part of its share repurchase program. As of March 31, 2023, a remaining balance of 106.3 million shares of the Company's common stock was available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations by its board of directors.
69
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The tables below are reconciliations of accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the following periods.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturity Securities
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Effect of Changes in Discount Rate Assumptions
Pension Liability Adjustment
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
(3,564)
$
(702)
$
(27)
$
(2,100)
$
(36)
$
(6,429)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
(54)
2,036
0
(2,794)
7
(805)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
0
(45)
1
0
0
(44)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
(54)
1,991
1
(2,794)
7
(849)
Balance at March 31, 2023
$
(3,618)
$
1,289
$
(26)
$
(4,894)
$
(29)
$
(7,278)
All amounts in the table above are net of tax.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturity Securities
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Effect of Changes in Discount Rate Assumptions
Pension Liability Adjustment
Total
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
(1,985)
$
9,602
$
(30)
$
(15,832)
$
(166)
$
(8,411)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
(453)
(3,754)
0
4,224
(2)
15
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
0
(61)
1
0
5
(55)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
(453)
(3,815)
1
4,224
3
(40)
Balance at March 31, 2022
$
(2,438)
$
5,787
$
(29)
$
(11,608)
$
(163)
$
(8,451)
All amounts in the table above are net of tax.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
70
The tables below summarize the amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income into net earnings for the following periods.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2023
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
$
57
Net investment gains (losses)
(12)
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
45
Net of tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
$
(1)
Net investment gains (losses)
0
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
(1)
Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Actuarial gains (losses)
$
0
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
Prior service (cost) credit
0
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
0
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
0
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
$
44
Net of tax
(1)Based on 21% tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 12 for additional details).
(In millions)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
$
77
Net investment gains (losses)
(16)
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
61
Net of tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
$
(1)
Net investment gains (losses)
0
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
(1)
Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Actuarial gains (losses)
$
(6)
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
Prior service (cost) credit
0
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
1
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
$
(5)
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
$
55
Net of tax
(1) Based on 21% tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 12 for additional details).
71
11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
As of March 31, 2023, the Company has outstanding share-based awards under the Aflac Incorporated Long-Term Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated February 14, 2017), as further amended on August 9, 2022 (the Plan). Share-based awards are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions to the Company and provide incentives for them to remain with the Company. The number and frequency of share-based awards are based on competitive practices, operating results of the Company, government regulations, and other factors.
The Plan, allows for a maximum number of shares issuable over its term of 75 million shares including 38 million shares that may be awarded in respect of awards other than options or stock appreciation rights. If any awards granted under the Plan are forfeited or are terminated before being exercised or settled for any reason other than tax forfeiture, then the shares underlying the awards will again be available under the Plan.
The Plan allows awards to Company employees for incentive stock options (ISOs), non-qualifying stock options (NQSOs), restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights. Non-employee directors are eligible for grants of NQSOs, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 34.8 million shares were available for future grants under this plan. The ISOs and NQSOs have a term of 10 years, and the share-based awards generally vest upon time-based conditions or time and performance-based conditions. Time-based vesting generally occurs after three years. Performance-based vesting conditions generally include the attainment of goals related to Company financial performance. As of March 31, 2023, the only performance-based awards issued and outstanding were restricted stock awards and units.
Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the amended Plan have an exercise price of at least the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date and have an expiration date no later than 10 years from the grant date. Time-based restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options granted after January 1, 2017 generally vest on a ratable basis over three years, and awards granted prior to the amendment vest on a cliff basis over three years. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the discretion to determine vesting schedules.
Share-based awards granted to U.S.-based grantees are settled with authorized but unissued Company stock, while those issued to Japan-based grantees are settled with treasury shares.
The following table provides information on stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2023.
Stock Option Shares (in thousands)
Weighted-Average Remaining Term (in years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding
1,414
2.8
$
45
$
32.56
Exercisable
1,414
2.8
45
32.56
The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options in the amount of $4 million during the first three months of 2023, compared with $8 million in the first three months of 2022. The tax benefit realized as a result of stock option exercises and restricted stock releases was $17 million in the first three months of 2023, compared with $16 million in the first three months of 2022.
As of March 31, 2023, total compensation cost not yet recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements related to restricted stock awards and units was $75 million, of which $43 million (1.8 million shares) was related to restricted stock awards and units with a performance-based vesting condition. The Company expects to recognize these amounts over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years. There are no other contractual terms covering restricted stock awards once vested.
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023.
72
(In thousands of shares)
Shares
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2022
2,414
$
56.21
Granted in 2023
1,066
70.52
Canceled in 2023
(41)
57.33
Vested in 2023
(1,080)
52.66
Restricted stock at March 31, 2023
2,359
$
62.34
In February 2023, the Company granted 454 thousand performance-based stock awards and units, which are contingent on the achievement of the Company's financial performance metrics and its market-based conditions. On the date of grant, the Company estimated the fair value of restricted stock awards and units with market-based conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The model discounts the value of the stock at the assumed vesting date based on the risk-free interest rate. Based on estimates of actual performance versus the vesting thresholds, the calculated fair value percentage pay-out estimate will be updated each quarter.
The Company uses third-party analyses to assist in developing the assumptions used in, as well as calibrating, a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards.
For additional information on the Company's long-term share-based compensation plans and the types of share-based awards, see Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2022 Annual Report.
12. BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has funded defined benefit plans in Japan and the U.S., however the U.S. plan was frozen to new participants effective October 1, 2013. The Company also maintains non-qualified, unfunded supplemental retirement plans that provide defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law for certain Japanese, U.S. and former employees, however the U.S. plan was frozen to new participants effective January 1, 2015. U.S. employees who are not participants in the defined benefit plan receive a nonelective 401(k) employer contribution.
The Company provides certain health care benefits for eligible U.S. retired employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents (other postretirement benefits). The health care plan is contributory and unfunded. Effective January 1, 2014, employees eligible for benefits included the following: (1) active employees whose age plus service, in years, equaled or exceeded 80 (rule of 80); (2) active employees who were age 55 or older and have met the 15 years of service requirement; (3) active employees who would meet the rule of 80 in the next five years; (4) active employees who were age 55 or older and who would meet the 15 years of service requirement within the next five years; and (5) current retirees. For certain employees and former employees, additional coverage is provided for all medical expenses for life.
Pension and other postretirement benefit expenses are included in acquisition and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, which includes other components of net periodic pension cost and postretirement costs (other than service costs) of $2 million and $4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total net periodic benefit cost includes the following components:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Pension Benefits
Other
Japan
U.S.
Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
$
4
$
5
$
4
$
6
$
0
$
0
Interest cost
2
2
11
9
0
0
Expected return on plan assets
(2)
(2)
(9)
(11)
0
0
Amortization of net actuarial loss
0
0
0
5
0
1
Net periodic (benefit) cost
$
4
$
5
$
6
$
9
$
0
$
1
73
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan contributed approximately $6 million (using the weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023) to the Japanese funded defined benefit plan, and Aflac U.S. did not make a contribution to the U.S. funded defined benefit plan.
For additional information regarding the Company's Japanese and U.S. benefit plans, see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
In February 2023, the Company renewed an outsourcing agreement with a management consulting and technology services company to provide application maintenance and development services for Aflac Japan. As of March 31, 2023, the agreement has a remaining term of five years and an aggregate remaining cost of ¥20.9 billion ($157 million using the March 31, 2023 exchange rate).
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and receives various regulatory inquiries considered to be in the normal course of business. Members of the Company's senior legal and financial management teams review litigation and regulatory inquiries on a quarterly and annual basis. The final results of any litigation or regulatory inquiries cannot be predicted with certainty. Although some of this litigation is pending in states where large punitive damages, bearing little relation to the actual damages sustained by plaintiffs, have been awarded in recent years, the Company believes the outcome of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on certain investment commitments.
Guaranty Fund Assessments
The U.S. insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that is monitored and regulated by state insurance departments. These life and health insurance guaranty associations are state entities (in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) created to protect policyholders of an insolvent insurance company. All insurance companies (with limited exceptions) licensed to sell life or health insurance in a state must be members of that state’s guaranty association. Under state guaranty association laws, certain insurance companies can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for certain obligations to the policyholders and claimants of impaired or insolvent insurance companies that write the same line or similar lines of business.
Guaranty fund assessments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were immaterial.
74
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent Company, the Company) desire to take advantage of these provisions. This report contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by Company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as the ones listed below or similar words, as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
• expect
• anticipate
• believe
• goal
• objective
• may
• should
• estimate
• intends
• projects
• will
• assumes
• potential
• target
• outlook
The Company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:
•difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy, including inflation and the continued effects caused by COVID-19
•defaults and credit downgrades of investments
•global fluctuations in interest rates and exposure to significant interest rate risk
•concentration of business in Japan
•limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments
•foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate
•differing interpretations applied to investment valuations
•significant valuation judgments in determination of expected credit losses recorded on the Company's investments
•decreases in the Company's financial strength or debt ratings
•decline in creditworthiness of other financial institutions
•concentration of the Company's investments in any particular single-issuer or sector
•major public health issues, including COVID-19 and any resulting or coincidental economic effects, on the Company's business and financial results
•the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers, employees, and distribution partners
•deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions
•ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems and on successful execution of revenue growth and expense management initiatives
•interruption in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems
•subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent Company
•inherent limitations to risk management policies and procedures
•operational risks of third party vendors
•tax rates applicable to the Company may change
•failure to comply with restrictions on policyholder privacy and information security
•extensive regulation and changes in law or regulation by governmental authorities
•competitive environment and ability to anticipate and respond to market trends
•catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, as a result of climate change, epidemics, pandemics (such as COVID-19), tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, war or other military action, terrorism or other acts of violence, and damage incidental to such events
•ability to protect the Aflac brand and the Company's reputation
•ability to effectively manage key executive succession
•changes in accounting standards
•level and outcome of litigation
•allegations or determinations of worker misclassification in the United States
75
MD&A OVERVIEW
MD&A is intended to inform the reader about matters affecting the financial condition and results of operations of Aflac Incorporated and its subsidiaries for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. As a result, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes that are included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (2022 Annual Report). In this MD&A, amounts may not foot due to rounding.
Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) provide financial protection to millions of policyholders and customers in Japan and the U.S. The Company’s principal business is supplemental health and life insurance products with the goal to provide customers the best value in supplemental insurance products in the United States (U.S.) and Japan. The Company's insurance business consists of two reporting segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Parent Company’s primary insurance subsidiaries are Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd. in Japan (Aflac Japan) and American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac); Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance (AGI); American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York); Tier One Insurance Company (TOIC) and Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. (ABS), which provides a platform for Aflac Dental and Vision in the U.S. (collectively, Aflac U.S.). The Parent Company, other operating business units that are not individually reportable, and business activities, including reinsurance activities, not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in Corporate and other.
In 2022, the Company established Aflac Re Bermuda Ltd. (Aflac Re), a Bermuda domiciled insurer that reinsures certain policies issued by ALIJ. Aflac Re is subject to regulation in Bermuda, where the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) has broad administrative powers relating to granting and revoking licenses to transact reinsurance business, approval of specific reinsurance transactions, capital requirements and solvency standards, limitations on dividends to shareholders, the nature of and limitations on investments, and the filing of financial statements in accordance with prescribed or permitted accounting practices. Financial results from Aflac Re are included in Corporate and other.
Performance Highlights
Total revenues were $4.8 billion in the first three months of 2023, compared with $5.2 billion in the first three months of 2022. Net earnings were $1.2 billion, or $1.94 per diluted share in the first three months of 2023, compared with $1.0 billion, or $1.60 per diluted share, in the first three months of 2022.
Results in the first quarter of 2023 included pretax net investment gains of $123 million, compared with pretax net investment gains of $122 million in the first three months of 2022. Net investment gains in the first three months of 2023 included an increase in credit loss allowances of $30 million; $99 million of net gains from certain derivative and foreign currency gains or losses; $3 million of net losses on equity securities; and $57 million of net gains from sales and redemptions.
The average yen/dollar exchange rate(1) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 was 132.30, or 12.2% weaker than the average yen/dollar exchange rate(1) of 116.18 for the same period in 2022.
Adjusted earnings(2) in the first quarter of 2023 were $1.0 billion, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared with $942 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2022. The weaker yen/dollar exchange rate negatively impacted adjusted earnings per diluted share by $.07.
Total investments and cash at March 31, 2023 were $120.5 billion, compared with $117.4 billion at December 31, 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, Aflac Incorporated repurchased $700 million, or 10.3 million of its common shares. At March 31, 2023, the Company had 106.3 million remaining shares authorized for repurchase.
Shareholders’ equity was $19.8 billion, or $32.65 per share, at March 31, 2023, compared with $20.1 billion, or $32.73 per share, at December 31, 2022. Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2023 included a cumulative decrease of $4.9 billion from the effect of changes in discount rate assumptions on insurance contracts, driven by the adoption of the new accounting guidance for long-duration insurance contracts, compared with a corresponding cumulative decrease of $2.1 billion at December 31, 2022, and a net unrealized gain on investment securities and derivatives of $1.3 billion, compared with a net unrealized loss of $729 million at December 31, 2022. Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2023 also included an unrealized foreign currency translation lossof $3.6 billion, compared with an unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $3.6 billion at December 31, 2022. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity in the first quarter of 2023 was 23.8%.
Shareholders’ equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)(2) (adjusted book value) was $27.1 billion, or $44.66 per share at March 31, 2023, compared with $26.6 billion, or $43.18 per share, at December 31, 2022. The annualized adjusted return on equity (ROE) excluding foreign currencyimpact(2) in the first quarter of 2023 was 14.8%.
(1) Yen/U.S. dollar exchange rates are based on the published MUFG Bank, Ltd. telegraphic transfer middle rate (TTM).
(2) See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for a definition of this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure.
77
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company earns its revenues principally from insurance premiums and investments. The Company’s operating expenses primarily consist of insurance benefits provided and reserves established for anticipated future insurance benefits, general business expenses, commissions and other costs of selling and servicing its products. Profitability for the Company depends principally on its ability to price its insurance products at a level that enables the Company to earn a margin over the costs associated with providing benefits and administering those products. Profitability also depends on, among other items, actuarial and policyholder behavior experience on insurance products, and the Company's ability to attract and retain customer assets, generate and maintain favorable investment results, effectively deploy capital and utilize tax capacity, and manage expenses.
This document includes references to the Company’s financial performance measures which are not calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) (non-U.S. GAAP). The financial measures exclude items that the Company believes may obscure the underlying fundamentals and trends in insurance operations because they tend to be driven by general economic conditions and events or related to infrequent activities not directly associated with insurance operations.
Due to the size of Aflac Japan, where the functional currency is the Japanese yen, fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate can have a significant effect on reported results. In periods when the yen weakens, translating yen into dollars results in fewer dollars being reported. When the yen strengthens, translating yen into dollars results in more dollars being reported. Consequently, yen weakening has the effect of suppressing current period results in relation to the comparable prior period, while yen strengthening has the effect of magnifying current period results in relation to the comparable prior period. A significant portion of the Company’s business is conducted in yen and never converted into dollars but translated into dollars for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes, which results in foreign currency impact to earnings, cash flows and book value on a U.S. GAAP basis. Management evaluates the Company's financial performance both including and excluding the impact of foreign currency translation to monitor, respectively, cumulative currency impacts and the currency-neutral operating performance over time. The average yen/dollar exchange rate is based on the published MUFG Bank, Ltd. telegraphic transfer middle rate (TTM).
The Company defines the non-U.S. GAAP financial measures included in this document as follows:
•Adjusted earnings are adjusted revenues less benefits and adjusted expenses. Adjusted earnings per share (basic or diluted) are the adjusted earnings for the period divided by the weighted average outstanding shares (basic or diluted) for the period presented. The adjustments to both revenues and expenses account for certain items that cannot be predicted or that are outside management’s control. Adjusted revenues are U.S. GAAP total revenues excluding adjusted net investment gains and losses. Adjusted expenses are U.S. GAAP total acquisition and operating expenses including the impact of interest cash flows from derivatives associated with notes payable but excluding any nonrecurring or other items not associated with the normal course of the Company’s insurance operations and that do not reflect the Company's underlying business performance. Management uses adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share to evaluate the financial performance of the Company’s insurance operations on a consolidated basis and believes that a presentation of these financial measures is vitally important to an understanding of the underlying profitability drivers and trends of the Company’s insurance business. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures for adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share (basic or diluted) are net earnings and net earnings per share, respectively.
•Adjusted net investment gains and losses are net investment gains and losses adjusted for i) amortized hedge cost/income related to foreign currency exposure management strategies and certain derivative activity, ii) net interest cash flows from foreign currency and interest rate derivatives associated with certain investment strategies, which are both reclassified to net investment income, and iii) the impact of interest cash flows from derivatives associated with notes payable, which is reclassified to interest expense as a component of total adjusted expenses. The Company considers adjusted net investment gains and losses important as it represents the remainder amount that is considered outside management’s control, while excluding the components that are within management’s control and are accordingly reclassified to net investment income and interest expense. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for adjusted net investment gains and losses is net investment gains and losses.
•Amortized hedge costs/income represent costs/income incurred or recognized as a result of using foreign currency derivatives to hedge certain foreign exchange risks in the Company's Japan segment or in Corporate and other. These amortized hedge costs/ income are estimated at the inception of the derivatives based on the specific terms of each contract and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the hedge. The Company believes that amortized hedge costs/income measure the periodic currency risk management costs/
78
income related to hedging certain foreign currency exchange risks and are an important component of net investment income. There is no comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for amortized hedge costs/ income.
•Adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign currency impact are computed using the average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior-year period, which eliminates fluctuations driven solely by foreign currency exchange rate changes. Adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding current period foreign currency impact is adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign currency impact divided by the weighted average outstanding diluted shares for the period presented. The Company considers adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign currency impact and adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding current period foreign currency impact important because a significant portion of the Company's business is conducted in Japan and foreign exchange rates are outside management’s control; therefore, the Company believes it is important to understand the impact of translating foreign currency (primarily Japanese yen) into U.S. dollars. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures for adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign currency impact and adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding current period foreign currency impact are net earnings and net earnings per share, respectively.
•Adjusted book value is the U.S. GAAP book value (representing total shareholders’ equity), less AOCI as recorded on the U.S. GAAP balance sheet. Adjusted book value per common share is adjusted book value at the period end divided by the ending outstanding common shares for the period presented. The Company considers adjusted book value and adjusted book value per common share important as they exclude AOCI, which fluctuates due to market movements that are outside management’s control. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures for adjusted book value and adjusted book value per common share are total book value and total book value per common share, respectively.
•Adjusted return on equity excluding foreign currency impact is adjusted earnings excluding the current period foreign currency impact divided by average shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI. The Company considers adjusted return on equity excluding foreign currency impact important as it excludes changes in foreign currency and components of AOCI, which fluctuate due to market movements that are outside management's control. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for adjusted return on equity excluding foreign currency impact is ROE as determined using net earnings and average total shareholders’ equity.
•U.S. dollar-denominated investment income excluding foreign currency impact represents amounts excluding foreign currency impact on U.S. dollar-denominated investment income using the average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior year period. The Company considers U.S. dollar-denominated investment income excluding foreign currency impact important as it eliminates the impact of foreign currency changes on the Aflac Japan segment results, which are outside management’s control. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for U.S. dollar-denominated investment income excluding foreign currency impact is the corresponding net investment income amount from the U.S. dollar denominated investments translated to yen.
79
The following table is a reconciliation of items impacting adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures of net earnings and net earnings per diluted share, respectively.
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted Earnings
In Millions
Per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net earnings
$
1,188
$
1,047
$
1.94
$
1.60
Items impacting net earnings:
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses (1)
(209)
(134)
(.34)
(.21)
Other and non-recurring (income) loss
0
1
.00
.00
Income tax (benefit) expense on items excluded from adjusted earning
(26)
28
(.04)
.04
Adjusted earnings
953
942
1.55
1.44
Current period foreign currency impact (2)
41
N/A
.07
N/A
Adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign currency impact
$
994
$
942
$
1.62
$
1.44
(1) See reconciliation of net investment (gains) losses to adjusted net investment (gains) losses below.
(2) Prior period foreign currency impact reflected as “N/A” to isolate change for current period only.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
Reconciling Items
Net Investment Gains and Losses
Reconciliation of Net Investment (Gains) Losses to Adjusted Net Investment (Gains) Losses
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net investment (gains) losses
$
(123)
$
(122)
Items impacting net investment (gains) losses:
Amortized hedge costs
(58)
(26)
Amortized hedge income
29
11
Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated
with certain investment strategies
(69)
(9)
Interest rate component of the change in fair value
of foreign currency swaps on notes payable
12
13
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses
$
(209)
$
(134)
The Company's investment strategy is to invest primarily in fixed maturity securities to provide a reliable stream of investment income, which is one of the drivers of the Company’s profitability. This investment strategy incorporates asset-liability matching (ALM) to align the expected cash flows of the portfolio to the needs of the Company's liability structure. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of generating investment gains or losses. However, investment gains and losses may be realized as a result of changes in the financial markets and the creditworthiness of specific issuers, tax planning strategies, and/or general portfolio management and rebalancing. The realization of investment gains and losses is independent of the underwriting and administration of the Company's insurance products.
Net investment gains and losses excluded from adjusted earnings include the following:
•Securities Transactions
•Credit Losses
•Changes in the Fair Value of Equity Securities
•Certain Derivative and Foreign Currency Activities.
80
Securities Transactions, Credit Losses and Changes in the Fair Value of Equity Securities
Securities transactions include gains and losses from sales and redemptions of investments where the amount received is different from the amortized cost of the investment. Credit losses include losses for held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, loan receivables, loan commitments and reinsurance recoverables. Changes in the fair value of equity securities are the result of gains or losses driven by fluctuations in market prices.
Certain Derivative and Foreign Currency Activities
The Company's derivative activities include:
•foreign currency forwards and options used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan's portfolio, with options used on a standalone basis and/or in a collar strategy;
•foreign currency forwards and options used to economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen and hedge the Company's long term exposure to a weakening yen;
•cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with certain senior notes and subordinated debentures;
•foreign currency swaps that are associated with variable interest entity (VIE) bond purchase commitments, and investments in special-purpose entities, including VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary;
•interest rate swaps used to economically hedge interest rate fluctuations in certain variable-rate investments;
•interest rate swaptions used to hedge changes in the fair value associated with interest rate fluctuations for certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities; and
•bond purchase commitments at the inception of investments in consolidated VIEs.
Gains and losses are recognized as a result of valuing these derivatives, net of the effects of hedge accounting. The Company also excludes from adjusted earnings the accounting impacts of remeasurement associated with changes in the foreign currency exchange rate.
For additional information regarding net investment gains and losses, including details of reported amounts for the periods presented, see Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other and Non-recurring Items
The U.S. insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that provides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers. The system can result in periodic charges to the Company as a result of insolvencies/bankruptcies that occur with other companies in the life insurance industry. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. These charges neither relate to the ordinary course of the Company’s business nor reflect the Company’s underlying business performance, but result from external situations not controlled by the Company. The Company excludes any charges associated with U.S. guaranty fund assessments and the corresponding tax benefit or expense from adjusted earnings.
In Japan, the government also requires the insurance industry to contribute to a policyholder protection corporation that provides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers; however, these costs are calculated and administered differently than in the U.S. In Japan, these costs are not directly related to specific insolvencies or bankruptcies, but are rather a regular operational cost for an insurance company. Based on this structure, the Company does not remove the Japan policyholder protection expenses from adjusted earnings.
The Company considers the costs associated with the early redemption of its debt to be unrelated to the underlying fundamentals and trends in its insurance operations. Additionally, these costs are driven by changes in interest rates subsequent to the issuance of the debt, and the Company considers these interest rate changes to represent economic conditions not directly associated with its insurance operations.
81
Income Taxes
The Company's combined U.S. and Japanese effective income tax rate on pretax earnings was 11.5% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, compared with 19.1% for the same period in 2022. The combined effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to historic and solar tax credits and the exclusion of foreign currency translation gains and losses held in the Delaware Statutory Trust. For additional information, see the Critical Accounting Estimates - Income Taxes section of Item 7. MD&A in the 2022 Annual Report.
The Company expects that its effective tax rate on adjusted earnings for future periods will be approximately 20%. The effective tax rate continues to be subject to future tax law changes both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. See the risk factor entitled "Tax rates applicable to the Company may change" in Item 1A. Risk Factors of the 2022 Annual Report for more information.
Foreign Currency Translation
Aflac Japan’s premiums and a significant portion of its investment income are received in yen, and its claims and most expenses are paid in yen. Aflac Japan purchases yen-denominated assets and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, which may be hedged to yen, to support yen-denominated policy liabilities. Yen-denominated income statement accounts are translated to U.S. dollars using the weighted average Japanese yen/U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate for the reporting period, except realized gains and losses on securities transactions which are translated at the exchange rate on the trade date of each transaction. Yen-denominated balance sheet accounts are translated to U.S. dollars using the spot Japanese yen/U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate at the end of the reporting period.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
U.S. GAAP financial reporting requires that a company report financial and descriptive information about operating segments in its annual and interim period financial statements. Furthermore, the Company is required to report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain revenue and expense items, and segment assets. The Company's insurance business consists of two segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. Aflac Japan is the principal contributor to consolidated earnings. In addition, the Parent Company, other business units that are not individually reportable, and business activities, including reinsurance activities, not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in Corporate and other. See Item 1. Business in the 2022 Annual Report for a summary of each segment's products and distribution channels.
Consistent with U.S. GAAP guidance for segment reporting, pretax adjusted earnings is the Company's U.S. GAAP measure of segment performance. The Company believes that a presentation of this measure is vitally important to an understanding of the underlying profitability drivers and trends of its business. Additional performance measures used to evaluate the financial condition and performance of the Company's segments are listed below.
•Operating Ratios
•New Annualized Premium Sales
•New Money Yield
•Return on Average Invested Assets
•Average Weekly Producer
•Premium Persistency
For additional information on the Company’s performance measures included in this MD&A, see the Glossary of Selected Terms found directly following Part II. Other Information. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the reconciliation of segment results to the Company's consolidated U.S. GAAP results and additional information.
82
AFLAC JAPAN SEGMENT
Aflac Japan Pretax Adjusted Earnings
Changes in Aflac Japan’s pretax adjusted earnings and profit margins are primarily affected by morbidity, mortality, expenses, persistency and investment yields. The following table presents a summary of operating results for Aflac Japan.
Aflac Japan Summary of Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net earned premiums
$
2,170
$
2,625
Net investment income: (1)
Yen-denominated investment income
263
299
U.S. dollar-denominated investment income
407
406
Net investment income
669
705
Amortized hedge costs related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies
(58)
26
Adjusted net investment income
611
680
Other income (loss)
9
9
Total adjusted revenues
2,790
3,314
Benefits and claims:
Benefits and claims, excluding reserve remeasurement
1,466
1,793
Reserve remeasurement (gains) losses
(13)
(14)
Total benefits and claims, net
1,453
1,779
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
85
94
Insurance commissions
138
161
Insurance and other expenses
326
409
Total adjusted expenses
549
664
Total benefits and adjusted expenses
2,002
2,443
Pretax adjusted earnings
$
788
$
870
Weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate
132.30
116.18
In Dollars
In Yen
Percentage change over previous period:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net earned premiums
(17.3)
%
(11.5)
%
(5.9)
%
(2.8)
%
Adjusted net investment income
(10.1)
(3.6)
2.4
5.9
Total adjusted revenues
(15.8)
(10.0)
(4.1)
(1.2)
Pretax adjusted earnings
(9.4)
(5.0)
3.2
4.7
(1) Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(62) and $(10) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
In the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan's net earned premiums decreased, in yen terms, mainly due to limited-pay products reaching premium paid-up status and the implementation of the Aflac Re global reinsurance strategy. Adjusted net investment income, in yen terms, increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar-denominated investments offset by higher hedge costs. The increase in pretax adjusted earnings in yen for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in total benefits and adjusted expenses.
Annualized premiums in force decreased 4.8% to ¥1.28 trillion as of March 31, 2023, compared with ¥1.35 trillion as of March 31, 2022. The decrease in annualized premiums in force in yen was driven primarily by limited-pay products
83
reaching premium paid-up status and lower sales. Annualized premiums in force, translated into dollars at respective period-end exchange rates, were $9.6 billion at March 31, 2023, compared with $11.0 billion at March 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan exceeded 23 million individual policies in force in Japan, with more than 14 million cancer policies in force in Japan.
Aflac Japan's investment portfolios include U.S. dollar-denominated securities and reverse-dual currency securities (yen-denominated debt securities with dollar coupon payments). In years when the yen strengthens in relation to the dollar, translating Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated investment income into yen lowers growth rates for net investment income, total adjusted revenues, and pretax adjusted earnings in yen terms. In years when the yen weakens, translating U.S. dollar-denominated investment income into yen magnifies growth rates for net investment income, total adjusted revenues, and pretax adjusted earnings in yen terms.
The following table illustrates the effect of translating Aflac Japan’s U.S. dollar-denominated investment income and related items into yen by comparing certain segment results with those that would have been reported had foreign currency exchange rates remained unchanged from the comparable period in the prior year. Amounts excluding foreign currency impact on U.S. dollar-denominated investment income were determined using the average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior year period. See non-U.S. GAAP financial measures defined above.
Aflac Japan Percentage Changes Over Previous Period
(Yen Operating Results)
For the Periods Ended March 31,
Including Foreign Currency Changes
Excluding Foreign Currency Changes
Three Months
Three Months
2023
2022
2023
2022
Adjusted net investment income
2.4
%
5.9
%
(5.9)
%
.3
%
Total adjusted revenues
(4.1)
(1.2)
(5.8)
(2.3)
Pretax adjusted earnings
3.2
4.7
(3.0)
.5
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
The following table presents a summary of operating ratios in yen terms for Aflac Japan.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Ratios to total adjusted revenues:
2023
2022
Total benefits and claims, net
52.1
%
53.7
%
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
3.1
2.8
Insurance commissions
4.9
4.8
Insurance and other expenses
11.7
12.4
Total adjusted expenses
19.7
20.0
Pretax adjusted earnings
28.2
26.2
Ratios to total premiums:
Total benefits and claims, net
67.0
%
67.9
%
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
3.9
3.6
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
In the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the total benefits and claims ratio to total premiums decreased, compared with the same period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in the third sector benefit ratio due to favorable experience and the continued change in the mix of first and third sector business. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the total adjusted expense ratio decreased slightly, compared with the same period in the prior year, reflecting the decrease in total adjusted revenues and an offsetting decrease in total adjusted expenses due to expense control efforts as well as the reinsurance transaction with Aflac Re. In total, the pretax adjusted profit margin
84
increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to a lower benefit ratio and a lower expense ratio and an offsetting decrease in total adjusted revenues.
The following table presents Aflac Japan's premium persistency on a 12-month rolling basis as of March 31.
2023
2022
Premium persistency
93.9
%
94.3
%
Aflac Japan Sales
The following table presents Aflac Japan’s new annualized premium sales for the periods ended March 31.
In Dollars
In Yen
Three Months
Three Months
(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)
2023
2022
2023
2022
New annualized premium sales
$
100
$
103
¥
13.2
¥
11.9
Increase (decrease) over prior period
(3.2)
%
(22.4)
%
10.8
%
(14.8)
%
In 2023, the new annualized premium sales on a yen basis increased, compared with 2022, due primarily to sales of Aflac Japan's new cancer insurance product and updated first sector products, all of which were launched in the second half of 2022. Further, these products were launched at Dai-ichi Life and other financial institutions in January 2023.
The following table details the contributions to Aflac Japan's new annualized premium sales by major insurance product for the periods ended March 31.
Three Months
2023
2022
Cancer
59.9
%
53.0
%
Medical and other health:
Medical
20.8
31.4
Income support
.6
1.1
Life insurance:
Traditional life (1)
7.3
9.0
WAYS
8.9
.7
Child endowment
.6
.3
Other
1.9
4.5
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
(1) Includes term and whole life
The foundation of Aflac Japan's product portfolio has been, and continues to be, third sector products, which include cancer, medical, income support, and nursing care insurance products. With continued cost pressure on Japan’s health care system, the Company expects the need for third sector products will continue to rise in the future and that the medical and cancer insurance products Aflac Japan provides will continue to be an important part of its product portfolio. Moreover, in November 2022, Aflac Japan refreshed its first sector savings-type products WAYS and Child Endowment and began to actively promote sales of these products after having curtailed sales of both products beginning in 2013. The refreshment of these first sector products position Aflac Japan for potential future long-term sales opportunities by marketing these products to a younger demographic as well as potential cross-selling opportunities of Aflac Japan's third sector products.
Sales of Aflac Japan cancer insurance products in the Japan Post Group channel experienced a material decline beginning in August 2019. Japan Post Group resumed proactive sales of cancer insurance policies in April 2021 and Aflac Japan continues to strengthen the strategic alliance. In April 2023, Japan Post Group began selling Aflac Japan's new cancer insurance product that was launched in August 2022. For additional information, see the risk factor entitled "Sales of the Company's products and services are dependent on its ability to attract, retain and support a network of qualified sales associates, brokers and employees in the U.S. and sales associates and other distribution partners in Japan," in Item 1A. Risk Factors in the 2022 Annual Report.
85
Aflac Japan continues to promote digital and web-based sales to groups and use of its system that enables smart device-based insurance application by allowing the customer and an Aflac Japan operator to see the same screen through their smart devices. Further, Aflac Japan continues to utilize its virtual sales tool that enables online consultations and policy applications to be completed entirely online.
The following table details the contributions to Aflac Japan's new annualized premium sales by agency type for the three-month periods ended March 31.
2023
2022
Independent corporate and individual
50.9
%
48.9
%
Affiliated corporate (1)
45.4
46.5
Bank
3.7
4.6
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
(1) Includes Japan Post Group, Dai-ichi Life and Daido Life
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan recruited 4 new sales agencies. At March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan was represented by approximately 7,300 sales agencies, with approximately 110,000 licensed sales associates employed by those agencies. The number of sales agencies has declined in recent years due to Aflac Japan's focus on supporting agencies with strong management frameworks, high productivity and more producing agents.
At March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan had agreements to sell its products at 359 banks, approximately 90% of the total number of banks in Japan.
Aflac Japan Investments
The level of investment income in yen is affected by available cash flow from operations, the timing of investing the cash flow, yields on new investments, the effect of yen/dollar exchange rates on U.S. dollar-denominated investment income, and other factors.
As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac Japan invests in yen and U.S. dollar-denominated investments. Yen-denominated investments primarily consist of JGBs, public and private fixed maturity securities and public equity securities. Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated investments include fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including alternative investments in limited partnerships or similar investment vehicles. Aflac Japan has been investing in both publicly traded and privately originated U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loan receivables, and has entered into foreign currency forwards and options to hedge the currency risk on the fair value of a portion of the U.S. dollar investments.
86
The following table details the investment purchases for Aflac Japan.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Yen-denominated:
Fixed maturity securities:
Japan government and agencies
$
151
$
0
Private placements
273
307
Other fixed maturity securities
77
17
Equity securities
123
91
Other investments
6
3
Total yen-denominated
$
630
$
418
U.S. dollar-denominated:
Fixed maturity securities:
Other fixed maturity securities
$
376
$
85
Collateralized loan obligations
0
67
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans
53
507
Middle market loans
150
311
Other investments
137
48
Total U.S. dollar-denominated
$
716
$
1,018
Total Aflac Japan purchases
$
1,346
$
1,436
See the Investments section of this MD&A for further discussion of these investment programs, and see Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report for more information regarding loans and loan receivables.
The following table presents the results of Aflac Japan’s investment yields for the periods ended March 31.
Three Months
2023
2022
Total purchases for the period (in millions) (1)
$
1,203
$
1,385
New money yield (1),(2)
5.18
%
3.90
%
Return on average invested assets (3)
2.57
2.54
Portfolio book yield, including U.S. dollar-denominated investments, end of period (1),(2)
3.13
%
2.62
%
(1) Includes fixed maturity securities, commercial mortgage and other loans, equity securities, and excludes alternative investments in limited partnerships
(2) Reported on a gross yield basis; excludes investment expenses, external management fees, and amortized hedge costs
(3) Net of investment expenses and amortized hedge costs, year-to-date number reflected on a quarterly average basis
The increase in the Aflac Japan new money yield in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in U.S. interest rates. See Notes 3, 4 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Investments and Hedging Activities sections of this MD&A for additional information on the Company's investments and hedging strategies.
AFLAC U.S. SEGMENT
Aflac U.S. Pretax Adjusted Earnings
Changes in Aflac U.S. pretax adjusted earnings and profit margins are primarily affected by morbidity, mortality, expenses, persistency and investment yields. The following table presents a summary of operating results for Aflac U.S.
87
Aflac U.S. Summary of Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net earned premiums
$
1,428
$
1,413
Adjusted net investment income (1)
197
184
Other income
35
42
Total adjusted revenues
1,660
1,639
Benefits and claims:
Benefits and claims, excluding reserve remeasurement
691
686
Reserve remeasurement (gains) losses
(40)
(20)
Total benefits and claims
651
666
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
119
114
Insurance commissions
142
140
Insurance and other expenses
395
387
Total adjusted expenses
657
640
Total benefits and adjusted expenses
1,308
1,306
Pretax adjusted earnings
$
352
$
333
Percentage change over previous period:
Net earned premiums
1.1
%
(.6)
%
Adjusted net investment income
7.1
4.5
Total adjusted revenues
1.3
.7
Pretax adjusted earnings
5.7
.6
(1) Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies of $(7) and $1 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been reclassified from net investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
In the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, net earned premiums for Aflac U.S. increased primarily driven by continued investments in growth initiatives. Adjusted net investment income increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to higher floating rate income due to higher volumes and rates. The increase in pretax adjusted earnings in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 was driven primarily by lower benefits and higher revenues, partially offset by higher expenses.
Annualized premiums in force increased 1.4% to $6.0 billion at March 31, 2023, compared with $5.9 billion at March 31, 2022.
88
The following table presents a summary of operating ratios for Aflac U.S.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Ratios to total adjusted revenues:
2023
2022
Total benefits and claims
39.2
%
40.7
%
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
7.2
7.0
Insurance commissions
8.6
8.5
Insurance and other expenses
23.8
23.5
Total adjusted expenses
39.6
39.0
Pretax adjusted earnings
21.2
20.3
Ratios to total premiums:
Total benefits and claims
45.6
%
47.1
%
Adjusted expenses:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
8.3
8.1
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the total benefits and claims ratio to total premiums decreased compared with the same period in 2022, reflecting assumption updates in the third quarter of 2022 and reserve remeasurement gains related to experience. The total adjusted expense ratio increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, when compared with the same period in 2022, primarily due to higher planned spending, reflecting ongoing investments in the U.S. platform and higher DAC amortization associated with lower persistency. The pretax adjusted profit margin increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, compared with the same period in 2022, primarily due to the lower benefit ratio.
The following table presents premium persistency for Aflac U.S. on a 12-month rolling basis as of March 31.
2023
2022
Premium persistency
77.9
%
78.7
%
Aflac U.S. Sales
The following table presents Aflac's U.S. new annualized premium sales for the periods ended March 31.
Three Months
(In millions)
2023
2022
New annualized premium sales
$
315
$
299
Increase (decrease) over prior period
5.3
%
19.0
%
New annualized premium sales for accident insurance decreased 1.8%; disability sales increased 13.8%; critical care insurance sales (including cancer insurance) increased 1.8%; hospital indemnity insurance sales increased .2%; dental/vision sales increased 22.7%; and life sales increased 10.3% in the first quarter of 2023, compared with the first quarter of 2022. The increase in sales for Aflac U.S. in the first quarter of 2023 reflects continued improvement from investment in growth initiatives as well as productivity gains.
89
The following table details the contributions to Aflac's U.S. new annualized premium sales by major insurance product category for the periods ended March 31.
Three Months
2023
2022
Accident
23.5
%
25.3
%
Disability
25.2
23.3
Critical care(1)
20.5
21.2
Hospital indemnity
15.9
16.7
Dental/vision
6.6
5.6
Life
8.3
7.9
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
(1) Includes cancer, critical illness, and hospital intensive care products
In the first quarter of 2023, the Aflac U.S. sales force included an average of approximately 6,100 U.S. agents, including brokers, who were actively producing business on a weekly basis. The Company believes that this average weekly producer equivalent metric allows sales management to monitor progress and needs, as well as serve as a leading indicator of future production capacity.
Aflac U.S. Investments
The level of investment income is affected by available cash flow from operations, the timing of investing the cash flow, yields on new investments, and other factors.
As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac U.S. invests in fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including public equity securities and alternative investments in limited partnerships. Aflac U.S. has been investing in both publicly traded and privately originated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loan receivables.
The following table details the investment purchases for Aflac U.S.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Fixed maturity securities:
Other fixed maturity securities
$
209
$
232
Infrastructure debt
0
9
Equity securities
0
9
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans
14
107
Middle market loans
19
166
Other investments
15
5
Total Aflac U.S. Purchases
$
257
$
528
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report for more information regarding loans and loans receivables.
90
The following table presents the results of Aflac's U.S. investment yields for the periods ended March 31.
Three Months
2023
2022
Total purchases for period (in millions) (1)
$
242
$
523
New money yield (1),(2)
7.01
%
4.60
%
Return on average invested assets (3)
4.74
4.61
Portfolio book yield, end of period (1),(2)
5.46
%
4.95
%
(1) Includes fixed maturity securities, commercial mortgage and other loans, equity securities, and excludes alternative investments in limited partnerships
(2) Reported on a gross yield basis; excludes investment expenses and external management fees
(3) Net of investment expenses, year-to-date number reflected on a quarterly average basis
The increase in the Aflac U.S. new money yield in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in U.S. interest rates. See Notes 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Investments section of this MD&A for additional information on the Company's investments.
CORPORATE AND OTHER
Changes in the pretax adjusted earnings of Corporate and other are primarily affected by investment income. The following table presents a summary of results for Corporate and other.
Corporate and Other Summary of Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net earned premiums
$
91
$
41
Net investment income (loss) (1)
7
4
Amortized hedge income related to certain foreign currency management strategies
29
11
Adjusted net investment income
36
15
Other income
2
18
Total adjusted revenues
129
74
Total benefits and claims, net
46
37
Adjusted expenses:
Interest expense
33
40
Other adjusted expenses
57
40
Total adjusted expenses
90
80
Total benefits and adjusted expenses
136
116
Pretax adjusted earnings
$
(7)
$
(42)
(1) The change in value of federal historic rehabilitation and solar investments in partnerships of $51 and $12 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, is included as a reduction to net investment income. Tax credits on these investments of $52 and $16 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, have been recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of earnings. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these investments.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
In the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, total adjusted revenues increased compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due to higher total premiums associated with the Aflac Re global reinsurance strategy and an increase in adjusted net investment income. Total adjusted expenses increased compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due to expenses associated with the Aflac Re global reinsurance strategy. These results also reflect the impact of foreign currency on total net earned premiums and the corresponding benefits. Pretax adjusted earnings increased in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022 reflecting the increase in total adjusted revenue, partially offset by higher other adjusted expenses, net benefits and claims.
The Parent Company invests in partnerships that specialize in rehabilitating historic structures or the installation of solar equipment in order to receive federal historic rehabilitation and solar tax credits. These investments are classified as
91
limited partnerships and included in other investments in the consolidated balance sheet. The change in value of each investment is recorded as a reduction to net investment income. Tax credits generated by these investments are recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of earnings.
INVESTMENTS
The Company’s investment strategy utilizes disciplined asset and liability management while seeking long-term risk-adjusted investment returns and the delivery of stable income within regulatory and capital objectives, and preserving shareholder value. In attempting to optimally balance these objectives, the Company seeks to maintain on behalf of Aflac Japan a diversified portfolio of yen-denominated investment assets, U.S. dollar-denominated investment portfolio hedged back to yen and a portfolio of unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated assets. As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac U.S. invests in fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including public equity securities and alternative investments in limited partnerships. Aflac U.S. invests in both publicly traded and privately originated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loans. The Company is also a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment, a global framework for incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment and ownership decisions.
For additional information concerning the Company's investments, see Notes 3, 4, and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following tables detail investments by segment.
Investment Securities by Segment
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
Corporate and Other
Total
Available for sale, fixed maturity securities, at fair value
$
61,628
$
12,661
$
3,810
$
78,099
Held to maturity, fixed maturity securities,
at amortized cost (1)
18,936
0
0
18,936
Equity securities
655
51
381
1,087
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans (1)
5,277
1,158
200
6,635
Commercial mortgage loans (1)
1,134
624
0
1,758
Middle market loans (1)
4,474
461
0
4,935
Other investments:
Policy loans
189
25
0
214
Short-term investments (2)
1,334
172
1,055
2,561
Limited partnerships
2,034
222
176
2,432
Other
0
34
0
34
Investment in affiliate (3)
0
119
(119)
0
Total investments
95,661
15,527
5,503
116,691
Cash and cash equivalents
1,517
701
1,591
3,809
Total investments and cash
$
97,178
$
16,228
$
7,094
$
120,500
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
(2) Includes securities lending collateral
(3) For consolidated reporting, Aflac U.S.'s investment in Aflac Re is eliminated in Corporate and other
92
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Aflac Japan
Aflac U.S.
Corporate and Other
Total
Available for sale, fixed maturity securities, at fair value
$
61,615
$
12,231
$
1,895
$
75,741
Held to maturity, fixed maturity securities,
at amortized cost (1)
19,056
0
0
19,056
Equity securities
650
51
390
1,091
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans (1)
5,133
1,140
182
6,455
Commercial mortgage loans (1)
1,269
729
15
2,013
Middle market loans (1)
4,557
471
0
5,028
Other investments:
Policy loans
190
24
0
214
Short-term investments (2)
319
184
1,029
1,532
Limited partnerships
1,900
208
182
2,290
Other
0
34
0
34
Investment in affiliate (3)
0
195
(195)
0
Total investments
94,689
15,267
3,498
113,454
Cash and cash equivalents
1,601
720
1,622
3,943
Total investments and cash
$
96,290
$
15,987
$
5,120
$
117,397
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
(2) Includes securities lending collateral
(3) For consolidated reporting, Aflac U.S.'s investment in Aflac Re is eliminated in Corporate and other
The ratings of the Company's securities referenced in the table below are based on the ratings designations provided by major rating organizations such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch or, if not rated, are determined based on the Company's internal analysis of such securities. When the ratings issued by the rating agencies differ, the Company utilizes the second lowest rating when three or more rating agency ratings are available or the lowest rating when only two rating agency ratings are available.
The distributions of fixed maturity securities the Company owns, by credit rating, were as follows:
Composition of Fixed Maturity Securities by Credit Rating
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
AAA
1.7
%
1.6
%
1.6
%
1.5
%
AA
5.3
5.4
5.2
5.3
A
67.9
68.0
68.0
68.1
BBB
23.0
22.8
23.0
22.9
BB or lower
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.2
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's direct and indirect exposure to securities in its investment portfolio that were guaranteed by third parties was immaterial both individually and in the aggregate.
93
The following table presents the 10 largest unrealized loss positions in the Company's portfolio as of March 31, 2023.
(In millions)
Credit Rating
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
B
$
136
$
103
$
(33)
GLP Pte Ltd.
BBB
112
80
(32)
Autostrade Per Litalia Spa
BBB
148
116
(32)
Prologis LP
A
171
141
(30)
JP Morgan Chase and Co.
A
200
171
(29)
Banco de Chile
A
150
122
(28)
Investcorp Capital Limited
BB
327
306
(21)
Credit Suisse Group AG
BBB
75
55
(20)
Grand City Properties SA
BBB
56
37
(19)
Urban Renaissance Agency
A
183
164
(19)
Generally, declines in fair values can be a result of changes in interest rates, yen/dollar exchange rate, and changes in net spreads driven by a broad market move or a change in the issuer's underlying credit quality. The Company believes these issuers have the ability to continue making timely payments of principal and interest. See the Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses section in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions of unrealized losses related to financial institutions and other corporate investments.
Below-Investment-Grade Securities
The Company's portfolio of below-investment-grade securities includes debt securities purchased while the issuer was rated investment grade plus other loans and bonds purchased as part of an allocation to that segment of the market. The following is the Company's below-investment-grade exposure.
Below-Investment-Grade Investments
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Par Value
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Investcorp Capital Limited
$
327
$
327
$
306
$
(21)
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust
225
225
228
3
Commerzbank
187
145
205
60
Telecom Italia SpA
150
150
183
33
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
150
136
103
(33)
Apache Corporation
138
110
130
20
Howmet Aerospace Inc.
100
70
101
31
IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG
97
48
77
29
Generalitat de Catalunya
60
25
60
35
National Gas Co. Trinidad & Tobago
52
50
46
(4)
Other Issuers
63
64
51
(13)
Subtotal (2)
1,549
1,350
1,490
140
High yield corporate bonds
736
622
668
46
Middle market loans
4,642
4,454
4,456
2
Grand Total
$
6,927
$
6,426
$
6,614
$
188
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
(2) Securities initially purchased as investment grade, but have subsequently been downgraded to below investment grade
The Company invests in middle market loans primarily to U.S. corporate borrowers, most of which have below-investment-grade ratings. The objectives of this program include enhancing the yield on invested assets, achieving further diversification of credit risk, and mitigating the risk of rising interest rates and hedge costs through the acquisition of floating rate assets.
94
The Company maintains an allocation to higher yielding corporate bonds within the Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. portfolios. Most of these securities were rated below-investment-grade at the time of purchase, but the Company also purchased several that were rated investment grade which, because of market pricing, offer yields commensurate with below-investment-grade risk profiles. The objective of this allocation was to enhance the Company's yield on invested assets and further diversify credit risk. All investments in this program must have a minimum rating at purchase of low BB using the Company's above described rating methodology and are managed by the Company's internal credit portfolio management team.
Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector
The Company maintains diversification in investments by sector to avoid concentrations to any one sector, thus managing exposure risk. The following table shows the distribution of fixed maturities by sector classification.
March 31, 2023
(In millions)
Amortized Cost (1)
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
% of Total
Government and agencies
$
43,595
$
4,082
$
(1,084)
$
46,593
46.3
%
Municipalities
2,593
261
(97)
2,757
2.8
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
2,545
99
(77)
2,567
2.7
Public utilities
7,495
671
(191)
7,975
7.9
Electric
6,074
551
(134)
6,489
6.4
Natural Gas
844
69
(32)
882
.9
Other
577
51
(25)
604
.6
Sovereign and supranational
1,118
134
(14)
1,238
1.2
Banks/financial institutions
9,279
653
(512)
9,420
9.8
Banking
5,571
455
(295)
5,732
5.9
Insurance
1,716
143
(67)
1,791
1.8
Other
1,992
55
(150)
1,897
2.1
Other corporate
27,617
2,655
(1,107)
29,165
29.3
Basic Industry
2,444
307
(83)
2,669
2.6
Capital Goods
3,275
231
(147)
3,359
3.5
Communications
2,906
375
(66)
3,214
3.1
Consumer Cyclical
2,136
219
(50)
2,305
2.3
Consumer Non-Cyclical
6,148
522
(240)
6,429
6.5
Energy
2,556
359
(60)
2,855
2.7
Other
1,343
95
(113)
1,325
1.4
Technology
3,701
185
(171)
3,716
3.9
Transportation
3,108
362
(177)
3,293
3.3
Total fixed maturity securities
$
94,242
$
8,555
$
(3,082)
$
99,715
100.0
%
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
Securities by Type of Issuance
The Company has investments in both publicly and privately issued securities. The Company's ability to sell either type of security is a function of overall market liquidity which is impacted by, among other things, the amount of outstanding securities of a particular issuer or issuance, trading history of the issue or issuer, overall market conditions, and idiosyncratic events affecting the specific issue or issuer.
95
The following table details investment securities by type of issuance.
Investment Securities by Type of Issuance
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost (1)
Fair Value
Publicly issued securities:
Fixed maturity securities
$
76,825
$
81,310
$
77,176
$
79,090
Equity securities
866
866
882
882
Total publicly issued
77,691
82,176
78,058
79,972
Privately issued securities: (2)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
17,417
18,405
17,349
17,861
Equity securities
221
221
209
209
Total privately issued
17,638
18,626
17,558
18,070
Total investment securities
$
95,329
$
100,802
$
95,616
$
98,042
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
(2) Primarily consists of securities owned by Aflac Japan
(3) Excludes Rule 144A securities
The following table details the Company's reverse-dual currency securities.
Reverse-Dual Currency Securities(1)
(Amortized cost, in millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Privately issued reverse-dual currency securities
$
4,028
$
4,049
Publicly issued collateral structured as reverse-dual currency securities
1,374
1,383
Total reverse-dual currency securities
$
5,402
$
5,432
Reverse-dual currency securities as a percentage of total investment securities
5.7
%
5.7
%
(1) Principal payments in yen and interest payments in dollars
Aflac Japan has a portfolio of privately issued securities to better match liability characteristics and secure higher yields than those available on Japanese government or other public corporate bonds.Aflac Japan’s investments in yen-denominated privately issued securities consist primarily of non-Japanese issuers, are rated investment grade at purchase and have longer maturities, thereby allowing the Company to improve asset/liability matching and overall investment returns. These securities are generally either privately negotiated arrangements or issued under medium-term note programs and have standard documentation commensurate with credit ratings of the issuer, except when internal credit analysis indicates that additional protective and/or event-risk covenants were required. Many of these investments have protective covenants appropriate to the specific investment. These may include a prohibition of certain activities by the borrower, maintenance of certain financial measures, and specific conditions impacting the payment of the Company's notes.
HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company uses derivative contracts to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk. The Company uses various strategies, including derivatives, to manage these risks. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the 2022 Annual Report for more information about market risk and the Company’s use of derivatives.
Derivatives are designed to reduce risk on an economic basis while minimizing the impact on financial results. The Company’s derivatives programs vary depending on the type of risk being hedged. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for:
•A description of the Company's derivatives, hedging strategies and underlying risk exposure.
•Information about the notional amount and fair market value of the Company's derivatives.
96
•The unrealized and realized gains and losses impact on adjusted earnings of derivatives in cash flow, fair value, net investments in foreign operations, or non-qualifying hedging relationships.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Hedge Program
The Company has deployed the following hedging strategies to mitigate exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk:
•Aflac Japan hedges U.S. dollar-denominated investments back to yen (see Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Hedge Program below).
•Aflac Japan maintains certain unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated securities, which serve as an economic currency hedge of a portion of the Company's investment in Aflac Japan (see Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Hedge Program below).
•The Parent Company designates yen-denominated liabilities (notes payable and loans) as non-derivative hedging instruments and designates certain foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedges of the Company’s net investment in Aflac Japan (see Enterprise Corporate Hedging Program below).
•The Parent Company enters into forward and option contracts to accomplish a dual objective of hedging foreign currency exchange rate risk related to dividend payments by its subsidiary, ALIJ, and reducing enterprise-wide hedge costs (see Enterprise Corporate Hedging Program below).
The following table presents metrics related to Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated hedge program and the Parent Company's enterprise corporate hedging program, including associated amortized hedge costs/income, for the periods ended March 31. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of amortized hedge costs/income.
Three Months
2023
2022
Aflac Japan:
FX Forwards
FX forward (sell USD, buy yen) notional at end of period (in billions) (1)
$3.7
$4.5
Weighted average remaining tenor (in months) (2)
9.8
9.9
Amortized hedge income (cost) for period (in millions)
$(39)
$(13)
FX Options
FX option notional at the end of period (in billions) (1)
$13.5
$13.5
Weighted average remaining tenor (in months) (2)
7.4
6.6
Amortized hedge income (cost) for period (in millions)
$(19)
$(13)
Corporate and other (Parent Company):
FX Forwards
FX forward (buy USD, sell yen) notional at end of period (in billions) (1)
$5.0
$5.0
Weighted average remaining tenor (in months) (2)
10.4
10.9
Amortized hedge income (cost) for period (in millions)
$31
$12
FX Options
FX option notional at the end of period (in billions) (1)
$2.2
$1.9
Weighted average remaining tenor (in months) (2)
7.4
7.6
Amortized hedge income (cost) for period (in millions)
$(2)
$(1)
(1) Notional is reported net of any offsetting positions within Aflac Japan or the Parent Company, respectively.
(2) Tenor based on period reporting date to settlement date
Amortized hedge costs/income can fluctuate based upon many factors, including the derivative notional amount, the length of time of the derivative contract, changes in both U.S. and Japan interest rates, and supply and demand for dollar funding. Amortized hedge costs/income have fluctuated in recent periods due to changes in the previously mentioned factors.
97
Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Hedge Program (U.S. Dollar Program)
Aflac Japan buys U.S. dollar-denominated investments, typically corporate bonds, and hedges them back to yen with foreign currency forwards and options to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. This economically creates yen assets that match yen liabilities during the life of the derivative and provides favorable capital treatment under the Japan solvency margin ratio (SMR) calculations. The currency risk being hedged is generally based on fair value of hedged investments. The following table summarizes the U.S. dollar-denominated investments held by Aflac Japan.
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In millions)
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost (1)
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturity securities
$
12,817
$
14,176
$
14,321
$
15,191
Equity securities
33
33
33
33
Commercial mortgage and other loans:
Transitional real estate loans (floating rate)
5,277
5,207
5,133
5,088
Commercial mortgage and other loans
1,134
1,013
1,269
1,129
Middle market loans (floating rate)
4,474
4,468
4,557
4,545
Other investments
2,033
2,033
1,899
1,899
Total U.S. Dollar Program
25,768
26,930
27,212
27,885
Available-for-sale securities:
Fixed maturity securities - economically converted to yen
2,236
2,928
2,209
2,795
Total U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan
$
28,004
$
29,858
$
29,421
$
30,680
(1) Net of allowance for credit losses
The U.S. Dollar Program includes all U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan other than the investments in certain consolidated VIEs where the instrument is economically converted to yen as a result of a derivative in the consolidated VIE. The Company uses one-sided foreign currency put options to mitigate the settlement risk on U.S. dollar-denominated assets related to extreme foreign currency rate changes. From time to time, Aflac Japan also maintains a collar program on a portion of its U.S. Dollar Program to mitigate against more extreme moves in foreign exchange and therefore support SMR. As of March 31, 2023, there were no collars in Aflac Japan, and none of the Company's foreign currency options hedging Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated assets were in-the-money.
As of March 31, 2023, the fair value of Aflac Japan's unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated portfolio was $9.7 billion (excluding certain U.S. dollar-denominated assets shown in the table above as a result of consolidation that have been economically converted to yen using derivatives).
Foreign exchange derivatives used for hedging are periodically settled, which results in cash receipt or payment at maturity or early termination. The following table presents the settlements associated with the Company's currency derivatives used for hedging Aflac Japan’s U.S. dollar-denominated investments.
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2023
2022
Net cash inflows (outflows)
$
(579)
$
(619)
Enterprise Corporate Hedging Program
The Company has designated certain yen-denominated liabilities and foreign currency forwards and options of the Parent Company as accounting hedges of its net investment in Aflac Japan. The Company's consolidated yen-denominated net asset position was partially hedged at $11.1 billion as of March 31, 2023, with hedging instruments comprised of $3.9 billion of yen-denominated debt and $7.2 billion of foreign currency forwards and options, compared with $11.6 billion as of December 31, 2022, with hedging instruments comprised of $4.0 billion of yen-denominated debt and $7.6 billion of foreign currency forwards and options.
98
The Company makes its accounting designation of net investment hedge at the beginning of each quarter. If the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivative notional is equal to or less than the Company's net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective, and the currency exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities and the change in estimated fair value of the derivatives are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. The Company's net investment hedge was effective during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For additional information on the Company's net investment hedging strategy, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In order to economically mitigate risks associated with the enterprise-wide exposure to the yen and the level and volatility of hedge costs, the Parent Company enters into foreign exchange forward and option contracts. By buying U.S. dollars and selling yen, the Parent Company is effectively lowering its overall economic exposure to the yen, while Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar exposure remains reduced as a result of Aflac Japan's U.S. Dollar Program that economically creates yen assets. Among other objectives, this strategy is intended to offset the enterprise-wide amortized hedge costs by generating amortized hedge income. This activity is reported in Corporate and other. The Company continually evaluates the program’s efficacy.
As part of the Company’s internal reinsurance platform, Aflac Re enters into foreign currency forwards with the Parent Company to economically manage the currency mismatch between Aflac Re's assets, which are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars, and liabilities, which are mostly denominated in yen, in order to support and optimize BMA capital requirements. For additional information on the Company's internal reinsurance platform, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this MD&A.
Interest Rate Risk Hedge Program
Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. use interest rate swaps from time to time to mitigate the risk of investment income volatility for certain variable-rate investments. Additionally, to manage interest rate risk associated with its U.S. dollar-denominated investments held by Aflac Japan, from time to time the Company utilizes interest rate swaptions.
For additional discussion of the risks associated with the foreign currency exposure refer to the Currency Risk section in Item 7A., Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, and Item 1A, specifically to the Risk Factors titled “The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate" and “Lack of availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity" in the 2022 Annual Report.
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's hedging activities.
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
The following table presents deferred policy acquisition costs by segment.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
% Change
Aflac Japan
$
5,776
$
5,776
.0
%
(1)
Aflac U.S.
3,491
3,463
.8
Total
$
9,267
$
9,239
.3
%
(1) Aflac Japan’s deferred policy acquisition costs increased .6% in yen during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's deferred policy acquisition costs.
99
POLICY LIABILITIES
The following table presents policy liabilities by segment.
(In millions)
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
% Change
Aflac Japan
$
88,944
$
86,088
3.3
%
(1)
Aflac U.S.
11,542
11,187
3.2
Corporate and other
1,874
302
100.0
Intercompany eliminations(2)
(2,427)
(667)
100.0
Total
$
99,933
$
96,910
3.1
%
(1) Aflac Japan’s policy liabilities increased 4.0% in yen during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
(2) Elimination entry necessary due to the internal reinsurance transaction with Aflac Re and to recapture of a portion of policy liabilities ceded externally as a result of the reinsurance retrocession transaction. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Prior-year amounts have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2023 related to accounting for long-duration insurance contracts.
See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's policy liabilities.
BENEFIT PLANS
Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. have various benefit plans. For additional information on the Company's Japanese and U.S. plans, see Note 12 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
POLICYHOLDER PROTECTION
Policyholder Protection Corporation
The Japanese insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that provides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers. Legislation enacted regarding the framework of the Life Insurance Policyholder Protection Corporation (LIPPC) included government fiscal measures supporting the LIPPC. In March 2022, Japan's Diet passed legislation that extended the government's fiscal support of the LIPPC through March 2027. In March 2022, the LIPPC reached the required balance for the total life industry of ¥400 billion as specified by its Articles of Incorporation. As a result, additional contributions are not expected to be required unless the balance is reduced due to payments made by the LIPPC to the policyholders of insolvent insurers. Accordingly, Aflac Japan did not recognize an expense for LIPPC assessments for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. Aflac Japan recognized an expense for LIPPC assessments of ¥.9 billion for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022.
Guaranty Fund Assessments
Under U.S. state guaranty association laws, certain insurance companies can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for certain obligations to the policyholders and claimants of impaired or insolvent insurance companies that write the same line or similar lines of business. The amount of the guaranty fund assessment that an insurer is assessed is based on its proportionate share of premiums in that state. Guaranty fund assessments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were immaterial.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity refers to the ability to generate sufficient cash resources to meet the payment obligations of the Company. Capital refers to the long-term financial resources available to support the operations of the businesses, fund business growth and provide for an ability to withstand adverse circumstances. Financial leverage (leverage) refers to an investment strategy of using debt to increase the potential ROE. The Company targets and actively manages liquidity, capital and leverage in the context of a number of considerations, including:
•business investment and growth needs
•strategic growth objectives
•financial flexibility and obligations
100
•capital support for hedging activity
•a constantly evolving business and economic environment
•a balanced approach to capital allocation and shareholder deployment.
The governance framework supporting liquidity, capital and leverage includes global senior management and board committees that review and approve all significant capital related decisions.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash on hand, money market instruments, and other debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased, all of which have minimal market, settlement or other risk exposure. The target minimum amount for the Parent Company’s cash and cash equivalents is approximately $1.8 billion to provide a capital buffer and liquidity support at the holding company. The Company remains committed to prudent liquidity and capital management. At March 31, 2023, the Company held $3.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents for stress conditions, which includes the Parent Company's target minimum amount of $1.8 billion.
Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. generate cash flows from their operations and provide the primary sources of liquidity to the Parent Company through management fees and dividends, with Aflac Japan being the largest contributor. The primary uses of cash by the Parent Company are shareholder dividends, the repurchase of its common stock, interest on its outstanding indebtedness and operating expenses.
The following table presents the amounts provided to the Parent Company for the three-month periods ended March 31.
Liquidity Provided by Subsidiaries to Parent Company
(In millions)
2023
2022
Management fees paid by subsidiaries
$
38
$
33
Dividends declared or paid by subsidiaries
780
514
The following table details Aflac Japan remittances, which are included in the totals above, for the three-month periods ended March 31.
Aflac Japan Remittances
(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)
2023
2022
Aflac Japan management fees paid to Parent Company
$
16
$
15
Aflac Japan dividends declared or paid to Parent Company (in dollars)
505
339
Aflac Japan dividends declared or paid to Parent Company (in yen)
¥
67.3
¥
41.1
The Company intends to maintain higher than historical levels of liquidity and capital at the Parent Company for stress conditions and with the goals of addressing the Company’s hedge costs and related potential need for collateral and mitigating against long-term weakening of the Japanese yen. Further, the Company plans to continue to maintain a portfolio of unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated investments at Aflac Japan and to consider whether the amount of such investments should be increased or decreased relative to the Company’s view of economic equity surplus in Aflac Japan in light of potentially rising hedge costs and other factors. See the Hedging Activity subsection of this MD&A for more information.
The Company believes that its balance of cash and cash equivalents and cash generated by operations will be sufficient to satisfy both its short-term and long-term cash requirements and plans for cash, including material cash requirements from known contractual obligations and returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. For additional information, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Item 7. MD&A in the 2022 Annual Report.
In addition to cash and cash equivalents, the Company also maintains credit facilities, both intercompany and with external partners, and a number of other available tools to support liquidity needs on a global basis. In September 2021, the Parent Company filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC that allows the Company to issue an indefinite amount of debt securities, in one or more series, from time to time until September 2024. The Company believes outside sources for additional debt and equity capital, if needed, will continue to be available. Additionally, as of March 31, 2023, the Parent Company and Aflac had four lines of credit with third parties and twelve intercompany lines of credit. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of its notes payable and lines of credit at March 31, 2023. For additional information, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
101
As part of enterprise-wide capital management and optimization, the Company also utilizes the newly-created intercompany reinsurance platform to execute internal reinsurance transactions with Aflac Re. For additional information, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company's consolidated financial statements convey its financing arrangements during the periods presented. The Company has not engaged in material intra-period short-term financings during the periods presented that are not otherwise reported in its balance sheet or disclosed therein. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had no material letters of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees or standby repurchase obligations. The Company has not entered into transactions involving the transfer of financial assets with an obligation to repurchase financial assets that have been accounted for as a sale under applicable accounting standards, including securities lending transactions. See Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1, 3, and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report for more information on the Company's securities lending and derivative activities. See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report for information on material unconditional purchase obligations that are not recorded on the Company's balance sheet. With the exception of disclosed activities in those referenced footnotes and the Risk Factors in the 2022 Annual Report entitled, "The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate" and "Lack of availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity," the Company is not aware of any trend, demand, commitment, event or uncertainty that would reasonably result in its liquidity increasing or decreasing by a material amount.
Consolidated Cash Flows
The Company consistently generates positive cash flows from operations, and has the ability to adjust cash flow management from other sources of liquidity including reinvestment cash flows and selling investments in order to meet short-term cash needs.
The Company translates cash flows for Aflac Japan’s yen-denominated items into U.S. dollars using weighted-average exchange rates. In periods when the yen weakens, translating yen into dollars causes fewer dollars to be reported. When the yen strengthens, translating yen into dollars causes more dollars to be reported.
The following table summarizes consolidated cash flows by activity for the three-month periods ended March 31.
(In millions)
2023
2022
Operating activities
$
708
$
1,260
Investing activities
105
(1,210)
Financing activities
(933)
(737)
Exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents
(14)
(89)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(134)
$
(776)
Operating Activities
The principal cash inflows for the Company's insurance activities come from insurance premiums and investment income. The principal cash outflows are the result of policy claims, operating expenses, income tax, as well as interest expense. As a result of policyholder aging, claims payments are expected to gradually increase over the life of a policy. Therefore, future policy benefit reserves are accumulated in the early years of a policy and are designed to help fund future claims payments.
The Company expects its future cash flows from premiums and investment portfolios to be sufficient to meet its cash needs for benefits and expenses.
Investing Activities
The Company's investment objectives provide for liquidity primarily through the purchase of publicly traded investment-grade debt securities. Prudent portfolio management dictates that the Company attempts to match the duration of its assets with the duration of its liabilities. Currently, when the Company's fixed maturity securities mature, the proceeds may be reinvested at a yield below that required for the accretion of policy benefit liabilities on policies issued in earlier years. However, the long-term nature of the Company's business and its strong cash flows provide the Company with the ability to minimize the effect of mismatched durations and/or yields identified by various asset adequacy analyses. From time to time or when market opportunities arise, the Company disposes of selected fixed maturity securities that are available for
102
sale to improve the duration matching of assets and liabilities, improve future investment yields, and/or re-balance its portfolio. As a result, dispositions before maturity can vary significantly from year to year.
As part of its overall corporate strategy, the Company has committed $400 million to Aflac Ventures, LLC (Aflac Ventures), as opportunities emerge. Aflac Ventures is a subsidiary of Aflac Global Ventures, LLC (Aflac Global Ventures) which is reported in Corporate and other. The central mission of Aflac Global Ventures is to support the organic growth and business development needs of Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. with an emphasis on digital applications designed to improve the customer experience, gain efficiencies, and develop new markets in an effort to enhance and defend long-term shareholder value. Investments are included in equity securities or the other investments line in the consolidated balance sheets.
As part of an arrangement with Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB), Aflac U.S. obtains low-cost funding from FHLB supported by acceptable forms of collateral pledged by Aflac U.S. In the first three months of 2023, Aflac U.S. borrowed and repaid $37 million under this program. As of March 31, 2023, Aflac U.S. had outstanding borrowings of $591 million reported in its balance sheet.
See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on certain investment commitments.
Financing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of share repurchases, dividends to shareholders and from time to time debt issuances and redemptions.
Cash returned to shareholders through treasury stock purchases and dividends was $948 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, compared with $750 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022.
The following tables present a summary of treasury stock activity during the three-month periods ended March 31.
Treasury Stock Purchased
(In millions of dollars and thousands of shares)
2023
2022
Treasury stock purchases
$
700
$
500
Number of shares purchased:
Share repurchase program
10,348
8,007
Other
347
343
Total shares purchased
10,695
8,350
Treasury Stock Issued
(In millions of dollars and thousands of shares)
2023
2022
Stock issued from treasury:
Cash financing
$
2
$
9
Noncash financing
18
17
Total stock issued from treasury
$
20
$
26
Number of shares issued
458
526
As of March 31, 2023, a remaining balance of 106.3 million shares of the Company's common stock was available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations by its board of directors.
Cash dividends paid to shareholders were $.42 per share in the first quarter of 2023, compared with $.40 per share in the first quarter of 2022. The following table presents the dividend activity for the three-month periods ended March 31.
(In millions)
2023
2022
Dividends paid in cash
$
248
$
250
Dividends through issuance of treasury shares
9
9
Total dividends to shareholders
$
257
$
259
103
In April 2023, the board of directors declared the second quarter cash dividend of $.42 per share, an increase of 5.0% compared with the same period in 2022. The dividend is payable on June 1, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 17, 2023.
Regulatory Restrictions
Aflac Japan
Aflac Japan is required to meet certain financial criteria as governed by Japanese corporate law in order to provide dividends to the Parent Company. Under these criteria, dividend capacity at the Japan subsidiary is basically defined as total equity excluding common stock and capital reserves (representing statutorily required amounts in Japan) but reduced for net after-tax unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities. These dividend capacity requirements are generally aligned with the SMR. Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) maintains its own solvency standard which is quantified through the SMR. Aflac Japan's SMR is sensitive to interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rate changes; therefore, the Company continues to evaluate alternatives for reducing this sensitivity, including the reduction of subsidiary dividends paid to the Parent Company and Parent Company capital contributions. In the event of a rapid change in market risk conditions causing SMR to decline, the Company has one senior unsecured revolving credit facility in the amount of ¥100 billion and a committed reinsurance facility in the amount of approximately ¥120 billion as a capital contingency plan. Additionally, subject to market conditions, the Company expects that it could take action to enter into derivatives on unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated investments with foreign currency options or forwards or execute additional internal reinsurance transactions with Aflac Re. See Notes 8 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company has already undertaken various measures to mitigate the sensitivity of Aflac Japan's SMR. For example, the Company employs policy reserve matching (PRM) investment strategies, which is a Japan-specific accounting treatment that reduces SMR interest rate sensitivity since PRM-designated investments are carried at amortized cost consistent with corresponding liabilities. In order for a PRM-designated asset to be held at amortized cost, there are certain criteria that must be maintained. The primary criterion relates to maintaining the duration of designated assets and liabilities within a specified tolerance range. If the duration difference is not maintained within the specified range without rebalancing, then a certain portion of the assets must be re-classified as available for sale and held at fair value with any associated unrealized gain or loss recorded in surplus. To rebalance, assets may need to be sold in order to maintain the duration with the specified range, resulting in realizing a gain or loss from the sale. For U.S. GAAP, PRM investments are categorized as available for sale. The Company also uses foreign currency derivatives to hedge a portion of its U.S. dollar-denominated investments. See Notes 3, 4 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report for additional information on the Company's investment strategies, hedging activities, and reinsurance, respectively.
As of March 31, 2023, Aflac Japan's SMR remains high and reflects a strong capital and surplus position. The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital levels, consistent with maintaining current insurance financial strength and credit ratings.
The FSA is considering the introduction of an economic value-based solvency regime based on the Insurance Capital Standards (ICS) for insurance companies in Japan. The FSA continues to conduct field testing with insurance companies in Japan for the purpose of investigating the impact of the introduction of such regulations. Final specifications are expected to be decided in 2024, and a new capital regime to replace the current solvency regime is expected to be introduced in 2025.
Aflac U.S.
A life insurance company’s statutory capital and surplus is determined according to rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as modified by the insurance department in the insurance company’s state of domicile. Statutory accounting rules are different from U.S. GAAP and are intended to emphasize policyholder protection and company solvency. The continued long-term growth of the Company's business may require increases in the statutory capital and surplus of its insurance operations. The Company's insurance operations may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as internally generated statutory earnings, reduced dividends paid to the Parent Company, capital contributions by the Parent Company from funds generated through debt or equity offerings, or reinsurance transactions. The NAIC’s Risk-based capital (RBC) formula is used by insurance regulators to help identify inadequately capitalized insurance companies. The RBC formula quantifies insurance risk, business risk, asset risk and
104
interest rate risk by weighing the types and mixtures of risks inherent in the insurer’s operations. As of March 31, 2023, Aflac U.S.'s combined RBC ratio remains high and reflects a strong capital and surplus position.
Aflac, CAIC and TOIC are domiciled in Nebraska and are subject to its regulations. The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to the Parent Company by Aflac, CAIC and TOIC without prior approval of Nebraska's director of insurance is the greater of the net income from operations, which excludes net investment gains, for the previous year determined under statutory accounting principles, or 10% of statutory capital and surplus as of the previous year-end. Dividends declared by Aflac during 2023 in excess of $1.1 billion would be considered extraordinary and require such approval. Similar laws apply in New York, the domiciliary jurisdiction of Aflac New York.
Privacy and Cybersecurity Governance
The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted an information security policy directing management to establish and operate a global information security program with the goals of monitoring existing and emerging threats and ensuring that the Company’s information assets and data, and the data of its customers, are appropriately protected from loss or theft. The Board has delegated oversight of the Company’s information security program to the Audit and Risk Committee. The Company’s senior officers, including its Global Chief Information Security Officer, are responsible for the operation of the global information security program and communicate quarterly with the Audit and Risk Committee on the program, including with respect to the state of the program, compliance with applicable regulations, current and evolving threats, and recommendations for changes in the information security program. The global information security program also includes a cybersecurity incident response plan that is designed to provide a management framework across Company functions for a coordinated assessment and response to potential security incidents. This framework establishes a protocol to report certain incidents to the Global Chief Information Security Officer and other senior officers, with the goal of timely assessing such incidents, determining applicable disclosure requirements and communicating with the Audit and Risk Committee. The incident response plan directs the executive officers to report certain incidents immediately and directly to the Lead Non-Management Director.
Other
For information regarding commitments and contingent liabilities, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Additional Information
Investors should note that the Company announces material financial information in its SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidance, the Company may also use the Investor Relations section of the Company's website (http://investors.aflac.com) to communicate with investors about the Company. It is possible that the financial and other information the Company posts there could be deemed to be material information. The information on the Company's website is not part of this document. Further, the Company's references to website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In this MD&A, references to U.S. GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. The estimates that the Company deems to be most critical to an understanding of its results of operations and financial condition are those related to the valuation of investments and derivatives, DAC, liabilities for future policy benefits, and income taxes. The preparation and evaluation of these critical accounting estimates involve the use of various assumptions developed from management’s analyses and judgments. Calculations of DAC and the liability for future policy benefits require the use of estimates based on actuarial valuation techniques. The application of these critical accounting estimates determines the values at which 93% of the Company's assets and 80% of its liabilities are reported as of March 31, 2023, and thus has a direct effect on net earnings and shareholders’ equity. Subsequent experience or use of other assumptions could produce significantly different results.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-12, Financial Services - Insurance: Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (LDTI). The update significantly changes how insurers account for long-duration contracts and amends existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements applicable to the Company related to liabilities for future policy benefits and DAC. As part of this adoption,
105
the Company measures together all payments under an insurance contract including future expected claims and unpaid policy claims and related expenses, as an integrated reserve. This resulted in unpaid policy claims on long-duration insurance contracts and accrued claim adjustment expenses that were presented separately in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet pre-adoption to now be presented as part of liabilities for future policy benefits.
For additional information, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this document and in the 2022 Annual Report.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Amortization of DAC is computed using the same contract groupings (also referred to as cohorts) and mortality and termination assumptions that are used in computing the liability for future policy benefits, and these assumptions are reviewed and updated at least annually. The effects of changes in assumptions are recognized prospectively over the remaining contract term as a revision of future amortization pattern, while current period amortization is calculated based on the actual experience during the quarter. For additional information, see Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future Policy Benefits
The Company's liabilities for future policy benefits are determined in accordance with applicable guidelines as defined under U.S. GAAP and Actuarial Standards of Practice and represent claims that are expected to occur in the future and already incurred claims (which represent claims that have been incurred and are in the process of payment as well as an estimate of those claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported to the Company) and are measured using the net level premium method. Future policy benefits are calculated using assumptions and estimates including mortality, morbidity, termination (also referred to as lapses), expense, and discount rates. The assumptions and estimates that the Company uses depend on its judgment regarding the likelihood of future events and are inherently uncertain.
Cash flow assumptions (mortality, morbidity, and termination) are established at policy inception and are evaluated each quarter to determine if an update is needed. To facilitate a more detailed review of cash flow assumptions, experience studies are performed annually during the third quarter. Changes in cash flow assumptions are recognized in reserve remeasurement (gains) losses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Expense assumptions are established at policy inception and are not updated. Actual experience is reflected in the calculation of future policy benefits each quarter, and changes in the liability due to actual experience are recognized in reserve remeasurement (gains) losses in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Discount rates used to calculate net premiums are locked in at policy inception and represent the basis to recognize interest expense in the consolidated statement of earnings. Discount rates used to measure the carrying value of liability for future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheet are updated each reporting period, and the differences between the liability balances calculated using the locked-in discount rates and the updated discount rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). The discount rate methodology is designed to prioritize observable inputs based on market data available in the local debt markets where the respective policies were issued in the currency in which the policies are denominated. For the discount rates applicable to tenors for which the single-A debt market is not liquid or there is little or no observable market data, the Company uses various estimation techniques consistent with the fair value guidance in ASC 820, which include, but are not limited to: (i) for tenors where there is less observable market data and/or the observable market data is available for similar instruments, estimating tenor-specific single-A credit spreads and applying them to risk-free government rates; (ii) for tenors where there is very limited or no observable single-A or similar market data, interpolation and extrapolation techniques.
Upon adoption, if interest rates increased by 100 basis points the Company's FPB balance as of December 31, 2022, would decrease by $13.3 billion, and if interest rates decreased by 100 basis points the Company's FPB balance as of December 31, 2022 would increase by $10.4 billion.
See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of future policy benefits activity.
There have been no other changes in the items the Company has identified as critical accounting estimates during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. For additional information, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of Item 7. MD&A included in the 2022 Annual Report.
106
New Accounting Pronouncements
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted LDTI employing a modified retrospective transition method, which requires the amended guidance be applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented beginning on the January 1, 2021 transition date (Transition Date). The Transition Date impact from adoption resulted in a decrease in AOCI of approximately $18.6 billion and a decrease in retained earnings of approximately $0.3 billion.
For information on new accounting pronouncements and the impact, if any, on the Company's financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company is exposed primarily to the following types of market risks: currency risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. The Company regularly monitors its market risks and uses a variety of strategies to manage its exposure to these market risks. A description of the Company's market risk exposures may be found under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A, of the 2022 Annual Report. There have been no material changes to the Company's market risk exposures from the market risk exposures previously disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the Evaluation Date). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the first fiscal quarter of 2023, the Company executed internal controls associated with new processes supporting the implementation of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-12 for long-duration insurance contracts (LDTI), which the Company adopted on January 1, 2023 using a modified retrospective method. For additional information, see Note 1 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2022 Annual Report.
Except for the change in controls over the Company's adoption of LDTI, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the first fiscal quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
107
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the first three months of 2023, the Parent Company repurchased shares of its common stock as follows:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - January 31
2,440,300
$
72.15
2,440,300
114,201,523
February 1 - February 28
3,542,907
69.48
3,200,100
111,001,423
March 1 - March 31
4,711,768
64.20
4,707,900
106,293,523
Total
10,694,975
(1)
$
67.76
10,348,300
106,293,523
(2)
(1) During the first three months of 2023, 346,675 shares were purchased in connection with income tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted-share-based awards during the period.
(2) The total remaining shares available for purchase at March 31, 2023, consisted of 6,293,523 shares related to a 100,000,000 share repurchase authorization by the board of directors announced in August 2020 and 100,000,000 shares related to a 100,000,000 share repurchase authorization by the board of directors announced in November 2022.
Certification of CEO and CFO dated May 1, 2023, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.
Cover Page Interactive Data File - formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 6 of this report
109
Glossary of Selected Terms
Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company may use certain performance metrics and other terms which are defined below.
Adjusted Net Investment Income - Net Investment Income adjusted for i) amortized hedge cost/income related to foreign currency exposure management strategies and certain derivative activity and ii) net interest cash flows from foreign currency and interest rate derivatives associated with certain investment strategies, which are reclassified from net investment gains and (losses) to net investment income. The Company considers adjusted net investment income important because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the costs and income associated with the Company's investments and related hedging strategies. The metric is used in segment reporting as a component of segment profitability.
Affiliated Corporate Agency – Agency in Japan directly affiliated with a specific corporation that sells insurance policies primarily to its employees.
Annualized Premiums in Force– the amount of gross premium that a policyholder must pay over a full year in order to keep coverage. The growth of net earned premiums (defined below) is directly affected by the change in premiums in force and by the change in weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rates.
Average Weekly Producer– The total number of writing agents who have produced greater than $0.00 during the production week - excluding any manual adjustments divided by the number of weeks in the time period. The Company believes this metric allows sales management to monitor progress and needs, as well as serve as a leading indicator of future production capacity.
Capital Buffer– Established dollar amount of liquidity at the Parent Company reserved for injecting capital into the insurance entities or general liquidity support for general expenses at the Parent Company. Currently, the capital buffer is $1.0 billion and is part of the $1.8 billion target minimum balance at the Parent Company.
Earnings Per Basic Share – Net earnings divided by weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period.
Earnings Per Diluted Share – Net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period plus the weighted-average shares for the dilutive effect of share-based awards outstanding.
Group Insurance– Insurance issued to a group, such as an employer or trade association, that covers
employees or association members and their dependents through certificates of coverage.
Individual Insurance – Insurance issued to an individual with the policy designed to cover that person and his or her dependents.
In force Policies– A count of policies that are active contracts at the end of a period.
Liquidity Support – Internally defined and established dollar amount of liquidity reserved for supporting potential collateral and settlements of derivatives at the Parent Company. Currently, the liquidity support is $0.8 billion and is part of the $1.8 billion target minimum balance at the Parent Company.
Net Investment Income – The income derived from interest and dividends on invested assets, after deducting investment expenses.
Net Earned Premiums – is a financial measure that appears on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings and in its segment reporting. This measure reflects collected or due premiums that have been earned ratably on policies in force during the reporting period, reduced by premiums that have been ceded to third parties and increased by premiums assumed through reinsurance.
New Annualized Premium Sales – (sometimes referred to as new sales or sales) An operating measure that is not reflected on the Company's financial statements. New annualized premium sales generally represent annual premiums on policies and riders the Company sold and incremental increases from policy conversions that would be collected over a 12-month period assuming the policies remain in force for that entire period. For Aflac Japan, new annualized premium sales are determined by applications submitted during the reporting period. For Aflac U.S., new annualized premium sales are determined by applications. that are issued during the reporting period. Policy conversions are defined as the positive difference in the annualized premium when a policy upgrades in the current reporting period.
New Money Yield– Gross yields earned on purchases of fixed maturities, loan receivables, and equities. Purchases exclude capitalized interest, securities lending/repurchase agreements, short-term/cash activity, and alternatives. New money yield for equities is based on the assumed dividend yield at the time of purchase. The new money yield for Aflac Japan excludes the impact of any derivatives and associated amortized hedge costs associated with USD-denominated investments. Management uses this metric as a leading indicator of future investment earning potential.
110
Operating Ratios– Used to evaluate the Company's financial condition and profitability. Examples include: (1) Ratios to total adjusted revenues, which present expenses as a percentage of total revenues and (2) Ratios to total premium, including benefit ratio.
Premium Persistency – Percentage of premiums remaining in force at the end of a period, usually one year, and presented on a trailing 12-month basis. For example, 95% persistency would mean that 95% of the premiums in force at the beginning of the period were still in force at the end of the period. The Company believes that this metric is a key driver of in force levels, which is a key measure of the size of the Company's business and future sources of earnings.
Pretax Adjusted Earnings – Earnings as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. This measure is used in the Company's segment reporting.
Pretax Adjusted Profit Margin – Adjusted earnings divided by adjusted revenues, before taxes are applied. This measure is used in the Company's segment reporting.
Return on Average Invested Assets – Net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets during the period. Management uses this metric to demonstrate how our actual net investment income results represent an overall return on the portfolio to provide a more comparative metric as the size of our investment portfolio changes over time.
Risk-based Capital (RBC) Ratio – Statutory adjusted capital divided by statutory required capital. This insurance ratio is based on rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and provides an indication of the amount of statutory capital the insurance company maintains, relative to the inherent risks in the insurer’s operations.
Solvency Margin Ratio (SMR) – Solvency margin total divided by one half of the risk total. This insurance ratio is prescribed by the Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) and is used for all life insurance companies in Japan to measure the adequacy of the company’s ability to pay policyholder claims in the event actual risks exceed expected levels.
Statutory Earnings– Earnings determined according to accounting rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as modified by the insurance department in the insurance company’s state of domicile. These statutory accounting rules are different from U.S. GAAP and are intended to emphasize policyholder protection and company solvency.
Weighted-Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate – Japan segment operating earnings for the period (excluding hedge costs) in yen divided by Japan
segment operating earnings for the period (excluding hedge costs) in dollars. Management uses this metric to evaluate and determine consolidated results on foreign currency effective basis.
111
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
