Attached files

file filename
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COq22015gwla-ex311.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COq22015gwla-exx32.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COq22015gwla-exx312.htm


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
 
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                to               
 
Commission file number 333-1173
 
GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
COLORADO
 
84-0467907
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
8515 EAST ORCHARD ROAD, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(303) 737-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes x         No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).
 
Yes x         No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer x
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
 
Yes ¨         No x
 
As of August 1, 2015, 7,032,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding, all of which were owned by the registrant’s parent company.





Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Number
Part I
 
 
Item 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2
 
Item 3
 
Item 4
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
Item 1
 
Item 1A
 
Item 6
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



Part I     Financial Information
Item1.    Interim Financial Statements


 GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 

 
 

Investments:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $17,112,911 and $18,953,144)
$
17,977,077

 
$
20,162,078

Fixed maturities, held-for-trading, at fair value (amortized cost $125,990 and $331,081)
130,577

 
338,543

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $2,890 and $2,890)
3,362,890

 
3,363,570

Policy loans
4,203,808

 
4,130,062

Short-term investments (amortized cost $2,635,110 and $263,501)
2,635,110

 
263,501

Limited partnership and other corporation interests
45,197

 
49,421

Other investments
15,576

 
16,068

Total investments
28,370,235

 
28,323,243

 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 

 
 

Cash
94,199

 
12,775

Reinsurance receivable
616,087

 
611,270

Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”)
419,418

 
378,694

Investment income due and accrued
259,376

 
278,886

Collateral under securities lending agreements
88,660

 
13,741

Due from parent and affiliates
45,842

 
47,193

Goodwill
137,683

 
137,683

Other intangible assets
25,867

 
27,915

Other assets
885,464

 
773,651

Assets of discontinued operations
23,370

 
24,324

Separate account assets
27,505,755

 
27,718,844

Total assets
$
58,471,956

 
$
58,348,219

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
(Continued)


3



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Liabilities and stockholder’s equity
 
 

 
 

Policy benefit liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Future policy benefits
 
$
26,447,525

 
$
25,968,411

Policy and contract claims
 
355,993

 
339,104

Policyholders’ funds
 
311,404

 
335,484

Provision for policyholders’ dividends
 
57,572

 
58,577

Undistributed earnings on participating business
 
18,320

 
20,050

Total policy benefit liabilities
 
27,190,814

 
26,721,626

 
 
 
 
 
General liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Due to parent and affiliates
 
536,471

 
547,266

Commercial paper
 
98,489

 
98,589

Payable under securities lending agreements
 
88,660

 
13,741

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 
220,425

 
314,616

Other liabilities
 
883,243

 
771,700

Liabilities of discontinued operations
 
23,370

 
24,324

Separate account liabilities
 
27,505,755

 
27,718,844

Total liabilities
 
56,547,227

 
56,210,706

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Stockholder’s equity:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
 

 

Common stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 7,032,000 shares issued and outstanding
 
7,032

 
7,032

Additional paid-in capital
 
779,039

 
777,664

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
409,371

 
603,018

Retained earnings
 
729,287

 
749,799

Total stockholder’s equity
 
1,924,729

 
2,137,513

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity
 
$
58,471,956

 
$
58,348,219

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
(Concluded)


4



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and 2014
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Premium income
 
$
74,717

 
$
62,496

 
$
220,420

 
$
194,350

Fee income
 
237,501

 
172,005

 
462,778

 
338,518

Other revenue
 
1,820

 

 
3,640

 

Net investment income
 
220,169

 
319,610

 
579,025

 
619,633

Realized investment gains (losses), net:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total other-than-temporary gains (losses)
 

 
(1,241
)
 
(558
)
 
(1,929
)
Other-than-temporary (gains) losses transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 
108

 

Other realized investment gains (losses), net
 
15,859

 
38,297

 
34,509

 
65,894

Total realized investment gains (losses), net
 
15,859

 
37,056

 
34,059

 
63,965

Total revenues
 
550,066

 
591,167

 
1,299,922

 
1,216,466

Benefits and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
 
160,485

 
159,058

 
310,024

 
308,947

Decrease in future policy benefits
 
(43,059
)
 
(43,554
)
 
(25,708
)
 
(38,974
)
Interest credited or paid to contractholders
 
143,761

 
135,182

 
286,652

 
267,315

Provision for policyholders’ share of losses on participating business
 
(49
)
 
(128
)
 
(501
)
 
(479
)
Dividends to policyholders
 
11,181

 
12,138

 
29,523

 
32,266

Total benefits
 
272,319

 
262,696

 
599,990

 
569,075

General insurance expenses
 
268,645

 
174,494

 
513,127

 
338,581

Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
10,151

 
29,524

 
27,707

 
29,927

Interest expense
 
9,645

 
9,320

 
19,282

 
18,646

Total benefits and expenses
 
560,760

 
476,034

 
1,160,106

 
956,229

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(10,694
)
 
115,133

 
139,816

 
260,237

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(3,679
)
 
40,180

 
48,218

 
90,534

Net (loss) income
 
$
(7,015
)
 
$
74,953

 
$
91,598

 
$
169,703

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


5



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and 2014
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net (loss) income
 
$
(7,015
)
 
$
74,953

 
$
91,598

 
$
169,703

Components of other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments
 
(494,336
)
 
261,039

 
(312,961
)
 
572,337

Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges
 
(16,633
)
 
3,010

 
522

 
3,894

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income
 
(5,038
)
 
(6,536
)
 
(35,475
)
 
(28,754
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments
 
(516,007
)
 
257,513

 
(347,914
)
 
547,477

Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
 
79,587

 
(29,720
)
 
44,458

 
(86,968
)
Employee benefit plan adjustment
 
2,934

 

 
5,537

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before income taxes
 
(433,486
)
 
227,793

 
(297,919
)
 
460,509

Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(151,720
)
 
79,728

 
(104,272
)
 
161,178

Other comprehensive (loss) income(1)
 
(281,766
)
 
148,065

 
(193,647
)
 
299,331

Total comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(288,781
)
 
$
223,018

 
$
(102,049
)
 
$
469,034

(1) Other comprehensive (loss) income includes the non-credit component of impaired gains (losses), net, on fixed maturities available-for-sale in the amounts of $1,314 and $(4,588) for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and $(1,229) and $(2,816) for the six months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


6



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and 2014
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Accumulated
 other
comprehensive
income
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total
Balances, January 1, 2015
 
$
7,032

 
$
777,664

 
$
603,018

 
$
749,799

 
$
2,137,513

Net income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
91,598

 
91,598

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
 
 

 
 

 
(193,647
)
 
 

 
(193,647
)
Dividends
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(112,110
)
 
(112,110
)
Capital contribution - stock-based compensation
 
 

 
781

 
 

 
 

 
781

Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 

 
594

 
 

 
 

 
594

Balances, June 30, 2015
 
$
7,032

 
$
779,039

 
$
409,371

 
$
729,287

 
$
1,924,729


 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total
Balances, January 1, 2014
 
$
7,032

 
$
774,115

 
$
345,754

 
$
748,831

 
$
1,875,732

Net income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
169,703

 
169,703

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
 
 

 
 

 
299,331

 
 

 
299,331

Dividends
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(135,601
)
 
(135,601
)
Capital contribution - stock-based compensation
 
 

 
2,383

 
 

 
 

 
2,383

Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 

 
48

 
 

 
 

 
48

Balances, June 30, 2014
 
$
7,032

 
$
776,546

 
$
645,085

 
$
782,933

 
$
2,211,596

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


7



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and 2014
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
356,792

 
$
467,517

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales, maturities and redemptions of investments:
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
 
3,723,042

 
3,029,196

Mortgage loans on real estate
 
179,363

 
195,091

Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests and other investments
 
3,033

 
5,243

Purchases of investments:
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
 
(1,762,463
)
 
(1,178,368
)
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
(177,185
)
 
(156,889
)
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests and other investments
 
(883
)
 
(1,745
)
Net change in short-term investments
 
(2,371,057
)
 
(2,630,848
)
Net change in policy loans
 
(396
)
 
(4,314
)
Purchases of furniture, equipment and software
 
(40,551
)
 
(11,500
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(447,097
)
 
(754,134
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Contract deposits
 
1,090,823

 
1,258,359

Contract withdrawals
 
(794,349
)
 
(850,678
)
Net change in due to/from parent and affiliates
 
(9,444
)
 
24,012

Dividends paid
 
(112,110
)
 
(135,601
)
Proceeds from financing element derivatives
 

 
1,556

Payments for and interest paid on financing element derivatives, net
 
(7,572
)
 
(6,689
)
Net change in commercial paper borrowings
 
(100
)
 
901

Net change in book overdrafts
 
3,887

 
190

Income tax benefit of stock option exercises
 
594

 
48

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
171,729

 
292,098

 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash
 
81,424

 
5,481

Cash, beginning of year
 
12,775

 
7,491

Cash, end of period
 
$
94,199

 
$
12,972

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
(Continued)

8



GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and 2014
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 

 
 
Net cash (paid) received during the year for:
 
 

 
 

Income taxes
 
$
(20,505
)
 
$
19,553

Interest
 
(18,632
)
 
(18,646
)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the years:
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
$
781

 
$
2,383

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
(Concluded)


9

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)





1.  Organization and Basis of Presentation
 
Organization
 
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“GWLA”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GWL&A Financial Inc. (“GWL&A Financial”), a holding company.  GWL&A Financial is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc. (“Lifeco U.S.”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“Lifeco”), a Canadian holding company.  The Company offers a wide range of life insurance, retirement, and investment products to individuals, businesses, and other private and public organizations throughout the United States. The Company is an insurance company domiciled in the State of Colorado and is subject to regulation by the Colorado Division of Insurance.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its subsidiaries over which it exercises control and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, which was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q.  In compliance with those instructions, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  As such, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position, and cash flows as of June 30, 2015, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated results of operations and condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results or cash flows expected for the full year.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


10

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



2.  Acquisitions
 
Putnam Retirement Business

Description of transaction

On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired the retirement business of Putnam Investments, LLC (“Putnam”), an affiliate of the Company. The transaction was accounted for as a combination between entities under common control. As such, the assets and liabilities acquired from Putnam were recorded at historical cost as of January 1, 2015. In exchange for cash paid in the amount of $4,114, the Company acquired $11,501 of other assets, assumed $7,895 of other liabilities and recognized a dividend of $508. The 2015 amounts presented are aligned with the new business structure which includes the Putnam retirement business, while the 2014 comparative amounts reflect the previous structure which excludes the Putnam retirement business as the amounts are considered immaterial.

J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services

Description of transaction

On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the voting equity interests in the J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (“RPS”) large-market record-keeping business. This acquisition transformed the Company, together with Putnam, into the second largest provider based on number of participants in the U.S. defined contribution market. The Company presented the allocation of the purchase price to the amounts of assets acquired, goodwill, and liabilities assumed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Revenues and earnings of the acquiree

RPS contributed $46,318 in revenue and $298 in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and $94,946 in revenue and $1,298 in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2015. These amounts are included in the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.


3.  Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-11 Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU No. 2014-11”). ASU No. 2014-11 amends the accounting for entities that enter into repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as repurchase financings. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new footnote disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes in ASU 2014-11 are effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The adoption of the accounting changes for the March 31, 2015 interim financial statements did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has included additional disclosures in Note 5 to these condensed consolidated financial statements around collateral pledged for secured lending transactions on a prospective basis.



11

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU No. 2014-09”). The update outlines a comprehensive model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. While the update does not apply to insurance contracts within the scope of Topic 944, it does apply to other fee income earned by the Company which includes fees from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, administration and record-keeping services, and investment advisory services. The core principle of the model requires that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The update also requires increased disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In adopting ASU No. 2014-09, the Company may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, based upon an update issued by the FASB in July 2015. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810). The update primarily amends the criteria used to evaluate whether certain variable interest entities should be consolidated. The update also modifies the criteria used to determine whether partnerships and similar entities are variable interest entities. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, including in the interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (Subtopic 350-40). The update requires the Company to determine if the cloud computing arrangement contains a software license and if so, apply the accounting requirements for other intangible assets. The update also supersedes the requirement to apply lease accounting requirements by analogy for lease classification. If the arrangement is not a software license, then the Company applies accounting requirements for a service requirement. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (Topic 820). The update removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and related disclosures. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance: Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944). The update requires that all years in the claims development table that precede the current reporting period and the related disclosure about the history of claims duration should be presented as required supplementary information. The update also includes a disclosure objective of providing information about claim frequency along with a description of methodologies for determining claim frequency information, unless it is impracticable to do so. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.



12

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



4.  Dividends
 
The maximum amount of dividends, which can be paid to stockholders by insurance companies domiciled in the State of Colorado, is subject to restrictions relating to statutory surplus and statutory net gain from operations.  Prior to the payment of any dividends, the Company seeks approval from the Colorado Insurance Commissioner.  During the six months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, the Company paid dividends of $112,110 and $135,601, respectively, to its parent, GWL&A Financial.
 
5.  Summary of Investments
 
The following tables summarize fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale and the non-credit-related component of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”): 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross unrealized
 
Gross unrealized
 
Estimated fair value
 
OTTI (gain) loss
Fixed maturities:
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
and carrying value
 
included in AOCI (1)
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
 
$
874,239

 
$
56,416

 
$
2,957

 
$
927,698

 
$

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
 
2,082,123

 
246,232

 
16,451

 
2,311,904

 

Foreign government securities
 
2,373

 
8

 

 
2,381

 

Corporate debt securities (2)
 
11,819,023

 
584,963

 
152,896

 
12,251,090

 
(2,126
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,244,518

 
139,173

 
10,857

 
1,372,834

 
(95,164
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
143,205

 
5,963

 
1,980

 
147,188

 
(150
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
937,893

 
23,354

 
6,800

 
954,447

 

Collateralized debt obligations
 
9,537

 

 
2

 
9,535

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
17,112,911

 
$
1,056,109

 
$
191,943

 
$
17,977,077

 
$
(97,440
)
(1)  Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses.  OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
(2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $129,537.
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross unrealized
 
Gross unrealized
 
Estimated fair value
 
OTTI (gain) loss
Fixed maturities:
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
and carrying value
 
included in AOCI (1)
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
 
$
3,478,153

 
$
70,597

 
$
1,494

 
$
3,547,256

 
$

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
 
1,885,715

 
287,668

 
899

 
2,172,484

 

Foreign government securities
 
2,455

 

 
4

 
2,451

 

Corporate debt securities (2)
 
11,258,517

 
763,036

 
82,104

 
11,939,449

 
(2,228
)
Asset-backed securities
 
1,263,089

 
149,152

 
13,702

 
1,398,539

 
(96,603
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
167,793

 
7,368

 
1,932

 
173,229

 
(185
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
886,748

 
32,556

 
1,099

 
918,205

 

Collateralized debt obligations
 
10,674

 

 
209

 
10,465

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
18,953,144

 
$
1,310,377

 
$
101,443

 
$
20,162,078

 
$
(99,016
)
(1)  Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses.  OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and

13

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
(2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $131,799.
 
See Note 8 for additional discussion regarding fair value measurements.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale, based on estimated cash flows, are shown in the table below.  Actual maturities will likely differ from these projections because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. 
 
June 30, 2015
 
Amortized cost
 
Estimated fair value
Maturing in one year or less
$
664,969

 
$
692,965

Maturing after one year through five years
3,560,986

 
3,839,087

Maturing after five years through ten years
4,865,732

 
5,019,172

Maturing after ten years
5,162,877

 
5,393,104

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
2,858,347

 
3,032,749

 Total fixed maturities
$
17,112,911

 
$
17,977,077


Mortgage-backed (commercial and residential) and asset-backed securities include those issued by the U.S. government and U.S. agencies.
 
The following table summarizes information regarding the sales of securities classified as available-for-sale: 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Proceeds from sales
$
337,206

 
$
59,643

 
$
2,995,877

 
$
2,299,304

Gross realized gains from sales
8,584

 
2,465

 
31,935

 
22,239

Gross realized losses from sales
304

 
28

 
324

 
1,090


Mortgage loans on real estate — The following table summarizes the carrying value of the mortgage loan portfolio by component:  
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Principal
$
3,356,720

 
$
3,356,374

Unamortized premium (discount) and fees, net
9,060

 
10,086

Mortgage provision allowance
(2,890
)
 
(2,890
)
Total mortgage loans
$
3,362,890

 
$
3,363,570

 
The recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio categorized as performing was $3,365,780 and $3,366,460 as of June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  

14

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Commercial mortgages
 
Commercial mortgages
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
$
2,890

 
$
2,890

 
 
 
 
Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method:
$
3,365,780

 
$
3,366,460

Individually evaluated for impairment
12,773

 
12,986

Collectively evaluated for impairment
3,353,007

 
3,353,474

 
Limited partnership and other corporation interests — At June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had $45,197 and $49,421, respectively, invested in limited partnership and other corporation interests. Included in limited partnership interests are investments in low-income housing limited partnerships (“LIHLP”) that qualify for federal and state tax credits and ownership interests in pooled investment funds.
 
The Company has determined each investment in LIHLP to be considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) but consolidation was not required because the Company has no power through voting rights or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. As a 99% limited partner in various upper-tier LIHLPs, the Company expects to receive the tax credits allocated to the partnership and operating losses from depreciation and interest expense.  The general partner is most closely involved in the development and management of the LIHLP project and has a small ownership percentage of the partnership.
 
The carrying value and maximum exposure to loss in relation to the activities of the VIEs was $5,152 and $7,464 at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Special deposits — The Company had securities on deposit with government authorities as required by certain insurance laws with fair values of $14,237 and $14,612 at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Securities lending — The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties through an unaffiliated agent. The Company does not enter into these transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancement on its investment portfolio.

The securities lending agreement requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned.  Cash collateral related to the securities lending program is generally invested in U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities. The Company bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of collateral available for return to a borrower due to a loss in an approved investment. In addition, the securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default.
 
Securities with a cost or amortized cost of $186,082 and $15,252 and estimated fair values of $184,965 and $15,423 were on loan under the program at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The Company received cash of $88,660 and $13,741 and securities with a fair value of $103,103 and $2,131 as collateral at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.


15

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following table summarizes the collateral pledged by the Company under the securities lending program, by class of investment. Under the securities lending program the collateral pledged is, by definition, the securities loaned against the assets borrowed.
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
 
 
 
 
Overnight and continuous
Securities lending transactions
 
 
 
 
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
 
 
 
$
13,021

Corporate debt securities
 
 
 
171,944

Total secured borrowings
 
 
 
$
184,965

 
 
 
 
 
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 7
 
 
 
$
184,965


Unrealized losses on fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale — The following tables summarize unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of OTTI losses reported in AOCI, by class of investment:
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
Less than twelve months
 
Twelve months or longer
 
Total
 
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
Fixed maturities:
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
 
$
142,556


$
2,391


$
25,355


$
566


$
167,911


$
2,957

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
 
301,557


16,134


735


317


302,292


16,451

Corporate debt securities
 
3,098,091


93,177


370,686


59,719


3,468,777


152,896

Asset-backed securities
 
180,431


1,910


208,839


8,947


389,270


10,857

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
14




23,170


1,980


23,184


1,980

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
293,457


6,463


24,673


337


318,130


6,800

Collateralized debt obligations
 
9,534


2






9,534


2

Total fixed maturities
 
$
4,025,640


$
120,077


$
653,458


$
71,866


$
4,679,098


$
191,943

 
 

















Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 


413


 


89


 


502

 

16

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Less than twelve months
 
Twelve months or longer
 
Total
 
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Unrealized
Fixed maturities:
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
 
fair value
 
loss and OTTI
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
 
$
566,335


$
503


$
74,322


$
991


$
640,657


$
1,494

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
 
18,280


218


41,064


681


59,344


899

Foreign government securities
 
2,451


4






2,451


4

Corporate debt securities
 
836,263


16,775


764,528


65,329


1,600,791


82,104

Asset-backed securities
 
88,312


849


200,072


12,853


288,384


13,702

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
4,663


11


24,052


1,921


28,715


1,932

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
35,015


127


57,333


972


92,348


1,099

Collateralized debt obligations
 
10,465


209






10,465


209

Total fixed maturities
 
$
1,561,784


$
18,696


$
1,161,371


$
82,747


$
2,723,155


$
101,443

 
 

















Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 


134


 


153


 


287

 
Fixed maturity investments — Total unrealized losses and OTTI increased by $90,500, or 89%, from December 31, 2014, to June 30, 2015. The overall increase in unrealized losses was across most asset classes and reflects higher interest rates at June 30, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, resulting in generally lower valuations of these fixed maturity securities.
 
Total unrealized losses greater than twelve months decreased by $10,881 from December 31, 2014, to June 30, 2015.  Corporate debt securities account for 83%, or $59,719, of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at June 30, 2015.  Non-investment grade corporate debt securities account for $10,966 of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months and $9,646 of the losses are on perpetual debt investments issued by investment grade rated banks in the United Kingdom.  Management does not have the intent to sell these assets; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings.
 
Asset-backed securities account for 12% of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at June 30, 2015.  The present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is not less than amortized cost and management does not have the intent to sell these assets; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings.
 
Other-than-temporary impairment recognition — The OTTI on fixed maturity securities where the loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component is recognized in realized investment gains (losses) is summarized as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
 
$
115,653

 
$
167,961

 
$
119,532

 
$
167,961

Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired
 

 

 
450

 

Reductions due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security
 
(8,740
)
 

 
(13,069
)
 

Ending balance
 
$
106,913

 
$
167,961

 
$
106,913

 
$
167,961

 

17

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



6.  Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Derivative transactions are generally entered into pursuant to International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreements or Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“MSFTA”) with approved counterparties that provide for a single net payment to be made by one party to the other on a daily basis, periodic payment dates, or at the due date, expiration, or termination of the agreement.

The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions that would allow the counterparties to require immediate settlement of all derivative instruments in a net liability position if the Company were to default on any debt obligations over a certain threshold.  The MSFTA contain provisions which do not stipulate a threshold for default and only apply to debt obligations between the Company and the specific counterparty.  The aggregate fair value, inclusive of accrued income and expense, of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position was $139,370 and $141,653 as of June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The Company had pledged collateral related to these derivatives of $102,444 and $106,110 as of June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, in the normal course of business.  If the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered on June 30, 2015, the fair value of assets that could be required to settle the derivatives in a net liability position was $36,925.
 
At June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company had pledged $120,107 and $106,110 of unrestricted cash collateral to counterparties in the normal course of business, while other counterparties had pledged $820 and $791 of unrestricted cash collateral to the Company to satisfy collateral netting agreements, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2015, the Company estimated $9,035 of net derivative gains related to cash flow hedges included in AOCI will be reclassified into net income within the next twelve months. Gains and losses included in AOCI are reclassified into net income when the hedged item affects earnings.


18

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



Types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies

Interest rate contracts
 
Cash flow hedges
 
Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a floating rate to a fixed rate.  Interest rate futures are used to manage the interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments and are primarily structured to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities.
 
Fair value hedges
 
Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a fixed rate to a floating rate to manage the interest rate risk of the change in the fair value of certain fixed rate maturity investments.
 
Not designated as hedging instruments
 
The Company enters into certain transactions in which derivatives are hedging an economic risk but hedge accounting is not elected.  These derivative instruments include:  exchange-traded interest rate swap futures, over-the-counter (“OTC”) interest rate swaptions, OTC interest rate swaps, exchange-traded Eurodollar interest rate futures, and treasury interest rate futures.  Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearing counterparty while others are bilateral contracts between the Company and a counterparty.
 
The derivative instruments mentioned above are economic hedges and used to manage risk.  These transactions are used to offset changes in liabilities including those in variable annuity products, hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates, manage the potential variability in future interest payments due to a change in credited interest rates and the related change in cash flows due to increased surrenders, and manage interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments and forecasted liability pricing.

Cross-currency contracts
 
Cross-currency swaps are used to manage the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments denominated in other than U.S. dollars.  The Company uses cross-currency swaps to convert interest and principal payments on foreign denominated debt instruments into U.S. dollars.  Cross-currency swaps may be designated as cash flow hedges; however, hedge accounting is not always elected.

Equity contracts
 
Futures on equity indices are used to reduce the Company’s exposure to equity market risks; however, hedge accounting is not elected.  The Company is hedging the risk of declining equity market values having an adverse effect on fee income collected on equity funds. The Company also uses futures on equity indices to offset changes in guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit liabilities.

Other forward contracts
 
The Company uses forward settling to be announced (“TBA”) securities to gain exposure to the investment risk and return of agency mortgage-backed securities (pass-throughs). These transactions enhance the return on the Company’s investment portfolio and provide a more liquid and cost effective method of achieving these goals than purchasing or selling individual agency mortgage-backed pools.  As the Company does not regularly accept delivery of such securities, they are accounted for as derivatives but hedge accounting is not elected. 


19

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following tables summarize the notional amount and fair value of derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives:
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
Net derivatives
 
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
 
Notional amount
 
Fair value
 
Fair value (1)
 
Fair value (1)
Hedge designation/derivative type:
 


 


 


 

Derivatives designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Cash flow hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
$
184,200


$
15,811


$
15,811


$

Cross-currency swaps
269,414


1,544


9,112


7,568

Total cash flow hedges
453,614


17,355


24,923


7,568

 











Fair value hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
33,750


638


647


9

Total fair value hedges
33,750


638


647


9

 











Total derivatives designated as hedges
487,364


17,993


25,570


7,577

 











Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
250,600


(1,559
)

4,620


6,179

Futures on equity indices
18,006







Interest rate futures
8,795







Interest rate swaptions
192,724


260


260



Other forward contracts
7,020,500


(17,760
)

7,157


24,917

Cross-currency swaps
662,935


(116,749
)

7,039


123,788

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
8,153,560


(135,808
)

19,076


154,884

Total derivative financial instruments
$
8,640,924


$
(117,815
)

$
44,646


$
162,461

(1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


20

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Net derivatives
 
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
 
Notional amount
 
Fair value
 
Fair value (1)
 
Fair value (1)
Hedge designation/derivative type:
 


 


 


 

Derivatives designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Cash flow hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
$
184,200


$
17,746


$
17,746


$

Cross-currency swaps
174,245


2,322


5,143


2,821

Total cash flow hedges
358,445


20,068


22,889


2,821

 











Fair value hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
78,000


1,506


1,637


131

Total fair value hedges
78,000


1,506


1,637


131

 











Total derivatives designated as hedges
436,445


21,574


24,526


2,952

 











Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps
128,100


4,402


6,246


1,844

Futures on equity indices
5,505







Interest rate futures
17,958







Interest rate swaptions
293,964


271


271



Cross-currency swaps
662,935


(127,230
)

4,561


131,791

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
1,108,462


(122,557
)

11,078


133,635

Total derivative financial instruments
$
1,544,907


$
(100,983
)

$
35,604


$
136,587

(1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
Notional amounts are used to express the extent of the Company’s involvement in derivative transactions and represent a standard measurement of the volume of its derivative activity.  Notional amounts represent those amounts used to calculate contractual flows to be exchanged and are not paid or received. The average notional outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015, was $431,286, $875,406, $21,453, $255,167, and $5,807,767 for interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, futures, swaptions, and other forward contracts, respectively. The average notional outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2014, was $340,262, $732,581, $21,702, $407,552, and $4,217,408 for interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, futures, swaptions, and other forward contracts, respectively.
 


21

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)




The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated statements of income reported by cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and economic hedges, excluding embedded derivatives: 

Gain (loss) recognized
in OCI on derivatives
(Effective portion)
 
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI
into net income (Effective portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps
$
(2,515
)
 
$
3,900

 
$
1,837

 
$
3,142

(A)
Cross-currency swaps
(14,118
)
 
(890
)
 
276

 
845

(A)
Interest rate futures

 

 
(22
)
 
18

(A)
Total cash flow hedges
$
(16,633
)
 
$
3,010

 
$
2,091

 
$
4,005

 
(A) Net investment income.
 
 
Gain (loss) recognized
in OCI on derivatives
(Effective portion)
 
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI
into net income (Effective portion)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Cash flow hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps
$
626

 
$
5,144

 
$
3,693

 
$
3,705

(A)
Cross-currency swaps
(104
)
 
(1,250
)
 
699

 
845

(A)
Cross-currency swaps

 

 

 
35

(B)
Interest rate futures

 

 
(43
)
 

(A)
Total cash flow hedges
$
522

 
$
3,894

 
$
4,349

 
$
4,585

 
(A) Net investment income.
(B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

 
Gain (loss) on derivatives
recognized in net income
 
Gain (loss) on hedged assets
recognized in net income
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Fair value hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps
$
569

 
$
(1,333
)
(A)
$

 
$

 
Interest rate swaps
(188
)
 

(B)

 

 
Items hedged in interest rate swaps

 

 
(573
)
 
1,333

(A)
Items hedged in interest rate swaps

 

 
188

 

(B)
Total fair value hedges
$
381

 
$
(1,333
)
 
$
(385
)
 
$
1,333

 
(A) Net investment income.
(B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

22

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on derivatives
recognized in net income
 
Gain (loss) on hedged assets
recognized in net income
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Fair value hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps
$
(869
)
 
$
(2,400
)
(A)
$

 
$

 
Interest rate swaps
442

 

(B)

 

 
Items hedged in interest rate swaps

 

 
870

 
2,400

(A)
Items hedged in interest rate swaps

 

 
(442
)
 

(B)
Total fair value hedges (1)
$
(427
)
 
$
(2,400
)
 
$
428

 
$
2,400

 
(A) Net investment income.
(B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.
 
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 

 
 

 
Futures on equity indices
$
271

(A)
$
13

(A)
Futures on equity indices
(266
)
(B)
(196
)
(B)
Interest rate swaps
(8,749
)
(A)
941

(A)
Interest rate swaps

(B)

(B)
Interest rate futures
36

(A)
(62
)
(A)
Interest rate futures
37

(B)
111

(B)
Interest rate swaptions
1,081

(A)
640

(A)
Interest rate swaptions
(1,089
)
(B)
(877
)
(B)
Other forward contracts
(34,585
)
(A)
20,402

(A)
Other forward contracts
7,250

(B)
31,996

(B)
Cross-currency swaps
(37,342
)
(A)
(5,453
)
(A)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
(73,356
)
 
$
47,515

 
(A) Net investment income.
(B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.


23

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 

 
 

 
Futures on equity indices
$
418

(A)
$
90

(A)
Futures on equity indices
(989
)
(B)
(359
)
(B)
Interest rate swaps
(5,927
)
(A)
2,050

(A)
Interest rate futures
(115
)
(A)
(65
)
(A)
Interest rate futures
172

(B)
87

(B)
Interest rate swaptions
1,991

(A)
842

(A)
Interest rate swaptions
(2,076
)
(B)
(1,710
)
(B)
Other forward contracts
(17,760
)
(A)
14,060

(A)
Other forward contracts
(2,090
)
(B)
39,577

(B)
Cross-currency swaps
7,704

(A)
(7,085
)
(A)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
(18,672
)
 
$
47,487

 
(A) Net investment income.
(B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

Embedded derivative - Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit

The Company offers a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (“GLWB”) through a variable annuity or a contingent deferred annuity. The GLWB is deemed to be an embedded derivative. The GLWB is recorded at fair value within future policy benefits on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value of GLWB are recorded in net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The estimated fair value of the GLWB was $2,919 and $6,407 at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively. The changes in fair value of the GLWB were $(6,258) and $609 for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and $(3,488) and $609 for the six months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

24

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



7.  Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
 
The Company enters into derivative transactions and short-term reverse repurchase agreements with several approved counterparties. The Company’s derivative transactions are generally governed by MSFTA or ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Company’s counterparties.  The Company’s MSFTA and ISDA Master Agreements generally include provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative transactions. These provisions have the effect of securing each party’s position to the extent of collateral held.  Short-term reverse repurchase agreements also include collateral provisions with the counterparty.  The following tables summarize the effect of master netting arrangements on the Company’s financial position in the normal course of business and in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Company’s counterparties: 
 

June 30, 2015
 

 
 
Gross fair value not offset
 
 
 

 
 
in balance sheets
 
 
 

Gross fair value of
 
Financial
 
Cash collateral
 
Net
Financial instruments (assets):

recognized assets (1)
 
instruments
 
received
 
fair value
Derivative instruments (2)

$
39,959


$
(39,205
)

$
748


$
6

Short-term reverse repurchase agreements (3)

300,000


(300,000
)




Total financial instruments (assets)

$
339,959


$
(339,205
)

$
748


$
6


 

June 30, 2015
 

 
 
Gross fair value not offset
 
 
 

 
 
in balance sheets
 
 
 

Gross fair value of
 
Financial
 
Cash collateral
 
Net
Financial instruments (liabilities):

recognized liabilities (1)
 
instruments
 
pledged
 
fair value
Derivative instruments (4)

$
154,275


$
(39,205
)

$
(108,896
)

$
6,174

(1) The gross fair value of derivative instrument and short-term reverse repurchase agreement assets are not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument assets is reported in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.
(3) The estimated fair value of short-term reverse repurchase agreement assets is reported in short-term investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The collateral is held by an independent third-party custodian under a tri-party agreement.
(4) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument liabilities is reported in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.
 
 

December 31, 2014
 

 
 
Gross fair value not offset
 
 
 

 
 
in balance sheets
 
 
 

Gross fair value of
 
Financial
 
Cash collateral
 
Net
Financial instruments:

recognized assets/liabilities (1)
 
instruments
 
received/(pledged)
 
fair value
Derivative instruments (assets) (2)

$
32,895


$
(32,595
)

$
279


$
21

Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3)

140,655


(32,595
)

(105,929
)

2,131

(1) The gross fair value of derivative instrument assets is not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument assets is reported in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.
(3) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument liabilities is reported in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.
 

25

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



8.  Fair Value Measurements
 
Recurring fair value measurements
 
The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy category:

Assets and liabilities measured at
fair value on a recurring basis
 
June 30, 2015
 
Quoted prices
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
in active
markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
$


$
927,698


$


$
927,698

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions


2,311,904




2,311,904

Foreign government securities


2,381




2,381

Corporate debt securities


12,246,025


5,065


12,251,090

Asset-backed securities


1,372,803


31


1,372,834

Residential mortgage-backed securities


147,188




147,188

Commercial mortgage-backed securities


954,447




954,447

Collateralized debt obligations


9,535




9,535

Total fixed maturities available-for-sale


17,971,981


5,096


17,977,077

Fixed maturities held-for-trading:
 


 


 


 

U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies


72,118




72,118

Corporate debt securities


57,384




57,384

Commercial mortgage-backed securities


1,075




1,075

Total fixed maturities held-for-trading


130,577




130,577

Short-term investments
193,146


2,441,964




2,635,110

Collateral under securities lending agreements
88,660






88,660

Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements
120,927






120,927

Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


16,458




16,458

Cross-currency swaps

 
9,112

 

 
9,112

Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


4,620




4,620

Interest rate swaptions


260




260

Other forward contracts


7,157




7,157

Cross-currency swaps


7,039




7,039

Total derivative instruments


44,646




44,646

Separate account assets
16,103,914


11,401,841




27,505,755

Total assets
$
16,506,647


$
31,991,009


$
5,096


$
48,502,752

 











Liabilities
 


 


 


 

Payable under securities lending agreements
$
88,660


$


$


$
88,660

Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements
820

 

 

 
820

Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


9




9

Cross-currency swaps


7,568




7,568

Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


6,179




6,179

Other forward contracts


24,917




24,917

Cross-currency swaps


123,788




123,788

Total derivative instruments


162,461




162,461

Embedded derivatives - GLWB

 

 
2,919

 
2,919

Separate account liabilities (1)
7


272,031




272,038

Total liabilities
$
89,487


$
434,492


$
2,919


$
526,898

 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts.

26

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)




Assets and liabilities measured at
fair value on a recurring basis
 
December 31, 2014
 
Quoted prices
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
in active
markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Assets
 


 


 


 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
 


 


 


 

U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
$


$
3,547,256


$


$
3,547,256

Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions


2,172,484




2,172,484

Foreign government securities


2,451




2,451

Corporate debt securities


11,933,607


5,842


11,939,449

Asset-backed securities


1,398,503


36


1,398,539

Residential mortgage-backed securities


173,229




173,229

Commercial mortgage-backed securities


918,205




918,205

Collateralized debt obligations


10,465




10,465

Total fixed maturities available-for-sale


20,156,200


5,878


20,162,078

Fixed maturities held-for-trading:
 


 


 


 

U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies


279,602




279,602

Corporate debt securities


57,850




57,850

Commercial mortgage-backed securities


1,091




1,091

Total fixed maturities held-for-trading


338,543




338,543

Short-term investments
156,935


106,566




263,501

Collateral under securities lending agreements
13,741






13,741

Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements
106,901






106,901

Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


19,383




19,383

Cross-currency swaps

 
5,143

 

 
5,143

Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


6,246




6,246

Interest rate swaptions


271




271

Cross-currency swaps


4,561




4,561

Total derivative instruments


35,604




35,604

Separate account assets
16,146,057


11,572,787




27,718,844

Total assets
$
16,423,634


$
32,209,700


$
5,878


$
48,639,212

 











Liabilities
 


 


 


 

Payable under securities lending agreements
$
13,741


$


$


$
13,741

Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements
791

 

 

 
791

Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


131




131

Cross-currency swaps


2,821




2,821

Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
 


 


 


 

Interest rate swaps


1,844




1,844

Cross-currency swaps


131,791




131,791

Total derivative instruments


136,587




136,587

Embedded derivatives - GLWB

 

 
6,407

 
6,407

Separate account liabilities (1)
15


217,712




217,727

Total liabilities
$
14,547


$
354,299


$
6,407


$
375,253


 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts.


27

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

Fixed maturity investments
 
The fair values for fixed maturity investments are based upon market prices from independent pricing services.  In cases where market prices are not readily available, fair values are estimated by the Company.  To determine estimated fair value for these instruments, the Company generally utilizes discounted cash flows models with market observable pricing inputs such as spreads, average life, and credit quality.  Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty.
 
Short-term investments and securities lending agreements
 
The amortized cost of short-term investments, collateral under securities lending agreements, and payable under securities lending agreements is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their short-term nature and high credit quality of the issuers.
 
Derivative counterparty collateral agreements
 
Included in other assets is cash collateral received from or pledged to derivative counterparties and included in other liabilities is the obligation to return the cash collateral to the counterparties.  The carrying value of the collateral is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
Derivative instruments
 
Included in other assets and other liabilities are derivative financial instruments. The estimated fair values of OTC derivatives, primarily consisting of cross-currency swaps, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, and other forward contracts, are the estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the end of each reporting period, taking into consideration current interest rates and other relevant factors.

Embedded derivative - GLWB

Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of GLWB include long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization, lapses, and partial withdrawals.

Separate account assets and liabilities
 
Separate account assets and liabilities primarily include investments in mutual fund, fixed maturity, and short-term securities.  Mutual funds are recorded at net asset value, which approximates fair value, on a daily basis.  The fixed maturity and short-term investments are valued in the same manner, and using the same pricing sources and inputs as the fixed maturity and short-term investments of the Company.
 

28

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

 
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities

Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
 
 
 
Embedded
 
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Collateralized
 
 
 
derivatives
 
debt securities
 
securities
 
debt obligations
 
Total
 
- GLWB
Balances, April 1, 2015
$
5,329


$
33


$

 
$
5,362

 
$
9,177

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 


 


 

 
 

 
 
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 
(6,258
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(49
)




 
(49
)
 

Settlements
(215
)

(2
)


 
(217
)
 

Balances, June 30, 2015
$
5,065


$
31


$

 
$
5,096

 
$
2,919

Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2015
$


$


$

 
$

 
$
(6,258
)
 

Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
 
 
 
Embedded
 
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Collateralized
 
 
 
derivatives
 
debt securities
 
securities
 
debt obligations
 
Total
 
- GLWB
Balances, April 1, 2014
$
6,523


$
246,025


$
29

 
$
252,577

 
$

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 


 


 

 
 

 
 
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 
609

Other comprehensive income (loss)
17


(12,407
)


 
(12,390
)
 

Settlements
(169
)

(13,484
)


 
(13,653
)
 

Balances, June 30, 2014
$
6,371


$
220,134


$
29

 
$
226,534

 
$
609

Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2014
$


$


$

 
$

 
$
609



29

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
 
 
 
Embedded
 
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Collateralized
 
 
 
derivatives
 
debt securities
 
securities
 
debt obligations
 
Total
 
- GLWB
Balances, January 1, 2015
$
5,842

 
$
36

 
$

 
$
5,878

 
$
6,407

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 
(3,488
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(77
)
 

 

 
(77
)
 

Settlements
(700
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(705
)
 

Balances, June 30, 2015
$
5,065

 
$
31

 
$

 
$
5,096

 
$
2,919

Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2015
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3,488
)

 
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
 
 
 
Embedded
 
Corporate
 
Asset-backed
 
Collateralized
 
 
 
derivatives
 
debt securities
 
securities
 
debt obligations
 
Total
 
- GLWB
Balances, January 1, 2014
$
6,652

 
$
252,958

 
$
32

 
$
259,642

 
$

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 
609

Other comprehensive income (loss)
75

 
(5,594
)
 
(3
)
 
(5,522
)
 

Settlements
(356
)
 
(27,230
)
 

 
(27,586
)
 

Balances, June 30, 2014
$
6,371

 
$
220,134

 
$
29

 
$
226,534

 
609

Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2014
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
609


30

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following tables present significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of certain liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table:
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
Embedded derivatives - GLWB
 
$
2,919

 
Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology
 
Equity volatility
 
15% - 28%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swap curve
 
0.80% - 3.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate
 
Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse rate
 
1% - 12%

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
Embedded derivatives - GLWB
 
$
6,407

 
Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology
 
Equity volatility
 
15% - 28%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swap curve
 
0.44% - 2.70%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate
 
Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse rate
 
1% - 12%

Non-recurring fair value measurements - Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above. The Company held zero and $9,242 of adjusted cost basis limited partnership interests which were impaired at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, based on the fair value disclosed in the limited partnership financial statements. These limited partnership interests were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a non-recurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value was categorized as Level 3.

Fair value of financial instruments
 
The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
 
Estimated
 
Carrying
 
Estimated
 
amount
 
fair value
 
amount
 
fair value
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage loans on real estate
$
3,362,890

 
$
3,514,602

 
$
3,363,570

 
$
3,558,111

Policy loans
4,203,808

 
4,203,808

 
4,130,062

 
4,130,062

Limited partnership interests
36,697

 
38,651

 
38,796

 
41,853

Other investments
14,907

 
44,591

 
15,614

 
43,263

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies
$
10,672,677

 
$
10,466,585

 
$
10,569,147

 
$
10,563,477

Policyholders’ funds
311,404

 
311,404

 
335,484

 
335,484

Commercial paper
98,489

 
98,489

 
98,589

 
98,589

Notes payable
532,561

 
560,140

 
532,547

 
564,904

 

31

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
 
Mortgage loan fair value estimates are generally based on discounted cash flows.  A discount rate matrix is used where the discount rate valuing a specific mortgage generally corresponds to that mortgage’s remaining term and credit quality.  Management believes the discount rate used is comparable to the credit, interest rate, term, servicing costs, and risks of loans similar to the portfolio loans that the Company would make today given its internal pricing strategy.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.
 
Policy loans
 
Policy loans are funds provided to policy holders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates carrying value. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.
 
Limited partnership interests
 
Limited partnership interests, accounted for using the cost method, represent the Company’s minority ownership interests in pooled investment funds.  These funds employ varying investment strategies that principally make private equity investments across diverse industries and geographical focuses.  The estimated fair value was determined using the partnership financial statement reported capital account or net asset value adjusted for other relevant information which may impact the exit value of the investments.  Distributions by these investments are generated from investment gains, from operating income generated by the underlying investments of the funds, and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds which are estimated to be liquidated over the next one to 10 years.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 3.

Other investments
 
Other investments primarily include real estate held for investment.  The estimated fair value for real estate is based on the unadjusted annual appraised value which includes factors such as comparable property sales, property income analysis, and capitalization rates.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.

Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies
 
The estimated fair value of annuity contract benefits without life contingencies is estimated by discounting the projected expected cash flows to the maturity of the contracts utilizing risk-free spot interest rates plus a provision for the Company’s credit risk.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.
 
Policyholders’ funds
 
The carrying amount of policyholders’ funds approximates the fair value since the Company can change the interest credited rates with 30 days notice. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.
 
Commercial paper
 
The amortized cost of commercial paper is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to its short-term nature and the high credit quality of the obligor.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.


32

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 Notes payable
 
The estimated fair value of the notes payable to GWL&A Financial is based upon quoted market prices from independent pricing services of securities with characteristics similar to those of the notes payable.  The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.
 
9.  Other Comprehensive Income
 
The following tables present the accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
fixed
maturities,
available-for-
sale
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
cash flow
hedges
 
Future policy
benefits, DAC
and VOBA
adjustments
 
Employee
benefit plan
adjustment
 
Total
Balances, April 1, 2015
$
883,761

 
$
42,824

 
$
(131,028
)
 
$
(104,420
)
 
$
691,137

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(321,318
)
 
(10,812
)
 
51,732

 

 
(280,398
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(1,916
)
 
(1,359
)
 

 
1,907

 
(1,368
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(323,234
)
 
(12,171
)
 
51,732

 
1,907

 
(281,766
)
Balances, June 30, 2015
$
560,527

 
$
30,653

 
$
(79,296
)
 
$
(102,513
)
 
$
409,371

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
fixed
maturities,
available-for-
sale
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
cash flow
hedges
 
Future policy
benefits, DAC
and VOBA
adjustments
 
Employee
benefit plan
adjustment
 
Total
Balances, April 1, 2014
$
622,302

 
$
25,715

 
$
(107,211
)
 
$
(43,786
)
 
$
497,020

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
169,675

 
1,956

 
(19,318
)
 

 
152,313

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(1,645
)
 
(2,603
)
 

 

 
(4,248
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
168,030

 
(647
)
 
(19,318
)
 

 
148,065

Balances, June 30, 2014
$
790,332

 
$
25,068

 
$
(126,529
)
 
$
(43,786
)
 
$
645,085


33

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
fixed
maturities,
available-for-
sale
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
cash flow
hedges
 
Future policy
benefits, DAC
and VOBA
adjustments
 
Employee
benefit plan
adjustment
 
Total
Balances, January 1, 2015
$
784,183

 
$
33,141

 
$
(108,194
)
 
$
(106,112
)
 
$
603,018

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(203,424
)
 
339

 
28,898

 
(215
)
 
(174,402
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(20,232
)
 
(2,827
)
 

 
3,814

 
(19,245
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(223,656
)
 
(2,488
)
 
28,898

 
3,599

 
(193,647
)
Balances, June 30, 2015
$
560,527

 
$
30,653

 
$
(79,296
)
 
$
(102,513
)
 
$
409,371


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
fixed
maturities,
available-for-
sale
 
Unrealized
holding gains
/ losses
arising on
cash flow
hedges
 
Future policy
benefits, DAC
and VOBA
adjustments
 
Employee
benefit plan
adjustment
 
Total
Balances, January 1, 2014
$
434,023

 
$
25,517

 
$
(70,000
)
 
$
(43,786
)
 
$
345,754

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
372,019

 
2,531

 
(56,529
)
 

 
318,021

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(15,710
)
 
(2,980
)
 

 

 
(18,690
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
356,309

 
(449
)
 
(56,529
)
 

 
299,331

Balances, June 30, 2014
$
790,332

 
$
25,068

 
$
(126,529
)
 
$
(43,786
)
 
$
645,085



34

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following tables present the composition of other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Before-tax
 
Tax (expense)
 
Net-of-tax
 
amount
 
benefit
 
amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
$
(494,336
)
 
$
173,018

 
$
(321,318
)
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges
(16,633
)
 
5,821

 
(10,812
)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income
(5,038
)
 
1,763

 
(3,275
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments
(516,007
)
 
180,602

 
(335,405
)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
79,587

 
(27,855
)
 
51,732

Net unrealized gains (losses)
(436,420
)
 
152,747

 
(283,673
)
Employee benefit plan adjustment
2,934

 
(1,027
)
 
1,907

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(433,486
)
 
$
151,720

 
$
(281,766
)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Before-tax
 
Tax (expense)
 
Net-of-tax
 
amount
 
benefit
 
amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
$
261,039

 
$
(91,364
)
 
$
169,675

Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges
3,010

 
(1,054
)
 
1,956

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income
(6,536
)
 
2,288

 
(4,248
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments
257,513

 
(90,130
)
 
167,383

Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
(29,720
)
 
10,402

 
(19,318
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
227,793

 
(79,728
)
 
148,065

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
227,793

 
$
(79,728
)
 
$
148,065


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Before-tax
 
Tax (expense)
 
Net-of-tax
 
amount
 
benefit
 
amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
$
(312,961
)
 
$
109,537

 
$
(203,424
)
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges
522

 
(183
)
 
339

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income
(35,475
)
 
12,416

 
(23,059
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments
(347,914
)
 
121,770

 
(226,144
)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
44,458

 
(15,560
)
 
28,898

Net unrealized gains (losses)
(303,456
)
 
106,210

 
(197,246
)
Employee benefit plan adjustment
5,537

 
(1,938
)
 
3,599

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(297,919
)
 
$
104,272

 
$
(193,647
)


35

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Before-tax
 
Tax (expense)
 
Net-of-tax
 
amount
 
benefit
 
amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
$
572,337

 
$
(200,318
)
 
$
372,019

Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges
3,894

 
(1,363
)
 
2,531

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income
(28,754
)
 
10,064

 
(18,690
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments
547,477

 
(191,617
)
 
355,860

Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
(86,968
)
 
30,439

 
(56,529
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
460,509

 
(161,178
)
 
299,331

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
460,509

 
$
(161,178
)
 
$
299,331


The following tables presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Details about accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Unrealized holding (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
 
$
(2,947
)
 
$
(2,531
)
 
Other realized investment (gains) losses, net
 
 
(2,947
)
 
(2,531
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
(1,031
)
 
(886
)
 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
(1,916
)
 
$
(1,645
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges
 
$
(2,091
)
 
$
(4,005
)
 
Net investment income
 
 
(2,091
)
 
(4,005
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
(732
)
 
(1,402
)
 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
(1,359
)
 
$
(2,603
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of employee benefit plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs (benefits)
 
$
(181
)
(1) 
$

 
 
Actuarial losses (gains)
 
3,115

(1) 

 
 
 
 
2,934

 

 
Total before tax
 
 
1,027

 

 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
1,907

 
$

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassification
 
$
(1,368
)
 
$
(4,248
)
 
Net of tax

(1) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic (benefit) cost of employee benefit plans (see Note 10 for additional details).


36

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Details about accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Unrealized holding (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
 
$
(31,126
)
 
$
(24,169
)
 
Other realized investment (gains) losses, net
 
 
(31,126
)
 
(24,169
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
(10,894
)
 
(8,459
)
 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
(20,232
)
 
$
(15,710
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges
 
$
(4,349
)
 
$
(4,585
)
 
Net investment income
 
 
(4,349
)
 
(4,585
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
(1,522
)
 
(1,605
)
 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
(2,827
)
 
$
(2,980
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of employee benefit plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs (benefits)
 
$
(362
)
(1) 
$

 
 
Actuarial losses (gains)
 
6,229

(1) 

 
 
 
 
5,867

 

 
Total before tax
 
 
2,053

 

 
Tax expense or benefit
 
 
$
3,814

 
$

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassification
 
$
(19,245
)
 
$
(18,690
)
 
Net of tax

(1) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic (benefit) cost of employee benefit plans (see Note 10 for additional details).



37

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



10.  Employee Benefit Plans
 
Net periodic cost (benefit) of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans included in general insurance expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income includes the following components:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Defined Benefit 
Pension Plan
 
Post-Retirement 
Medical Plan
 
Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan
 
Total
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Components of net periodic cost (benefit):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
1,509

 
$
1,175

 
$
264

 
$
206

 
$
70

 
$
205

 
$
1,843

 
$
1,586

Interest cost
5,997

 
5,739

 
126

 
130

 
531

 
696

 
6,654

 
6,565

Expected return on plan assets
(7,087
)
 
(7,319
)
 

 

 

 

 
(7,087
)
 
(7,319
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs (benefits)
3

 
13

 
(417
)
 
(427
)
 
233

 
233

 
(181
)
 
(181
)
Amortization of losses (gains) from earlier periods
3,106

 
644

 
(157
)
 
(130
)
 
166

 
93

 
3,115

 
607

Net periodic cost (benefit)
$
3,528

 
$
252

 
$
(184
)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
1,000

 
$
1,227

 
$
4,344

 
$
1,258


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Defined Benefit 
Pension Plan
 
Post-Retirement 
Medical Plan
 
Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan
 
Total
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Components of net periodic cost (benefit):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
3,017

 
$
2,349

 
$
528

 
$
412

 
$
141

 
$
410

 
$
3,686

 
$
3,171

Interest cost
11,994

 
11,477

 
253

 
260

 
1,061

 
1,393

 
13,308

 
13,130

Expected return on plan assets
(14,174
)
 
(14,638
)
 

 

 

 

 
(14,174
)
 
(14,638
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs (benefits)
7

 
26

 
(835
)
 
(853
)
 
466

 
466

 
(362
)
 
(361
)
Amortization of losses (gains) from earlier periods
6,212

 
1,289

 
(315
)
 
(260
)
 
332

 
185

 
6,229

 
1,214

Net periodic cost (benefit)
$
7,056

 
$
503

 
$
(369
)
 
$
(441
)
 
$
2,000

 
$
2,454

 
$
8,687

 
$
2,516


The Company expects to make payments of approximately $1,048 with respect to its Post-Retirement Medical Plan and $4,825 with respect to its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015.  The Company expects to make contributions of zero to its Defined Benefit Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015.  A December 31 measurement date is used for the employee benefit plans.
 

38

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following table summarizes contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan and payments made to the Post-Retirement Medical Plan and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
$

 
$
2,690

 
$

 
$
4,714

Payments to the Post-Retirement Medical Plan
 
391

 
84

 
524

 
215

Payments to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
 
830

 
882

 
3,165

 
1,789



11.  Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Current
 
$
10,042


$
22,551

 
$
38,137

 
$
53,596

Deferred
 
(13,721
)
 
17,629

 
10,081

 
36,938

Total income tax provision
 
$
(3,679
)
 
$
40,180

 
$
48,218

 
$
90,534


The following table presents a reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate:
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Statutory federal income tax rate
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Income tax effect of:
 
 

 
 

Investment income not subject to federal tax
 
(2.7
)%
 
(1.9
)%
Tax credits
 
(0.4
)%
 
(0.2
)%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
 
1.9
 %
 
1.4
 %
Other, net
 
0.7
 %
 
0.5
 %
Effective income tax rate
 
34.5
 %
 
34.8
 %
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, and 2014, the Company recorded an increase in unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of $4,927 and $4,372, respectively. The Company anticipates additional increases to its unrecognized tax benefits of $4,000 to $5,000 in the next twelve months. The Company expects that the majority of the increase in its unrecognized tax benefits will not impact the effective tax rate.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2010 and prior.  Tax years 2011 through 2013 are open to federal examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The Company does not expect significant increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits relating to federal, state or local audits.
 

39

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



12.  Segment Information
 
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) of the Company is also the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and Lifeco U.S. The CODM reviews the financial information for the purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources based upon the results of Lifeco U.S. and other U.S. affiliates prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The CODM, in his capacity as CEO of the Company, reviews the Company’s financial information only in connection with the quarterly and annual reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Consequently, the Company does not provide its discrete financial information to the CODM to be regularly reviewed to make decisions about resources to be allocated or to assess performance. For purposes of SEC reporting requirements, the Company has chosen to present its financial information in three segments, notwithstanding the above. The three segments are: Individual Markets, Empower Retirement (formerly known as “Retirement Services”), and Other. 

Individual Markets
 
The Individual Markets reporting and operating segment distributes life insurance, annuity, and retirement products to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels.  Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life, and variable universal life.
 
Empower Retirement
 
The Empower Retirement reporting and operating segment provides various retirement plan products (including individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”)) and investment options as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers, which include educational, advisory, enrollment, and communication services for employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and associated defined benefit plans.
 
Other
 
The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity under the assumption of reinsurance between Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of South Carolina (“GWSC”), a wholly owned subsidiary, and The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”), corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments, and interest expense on long-term debt.
 
The accounting principles used to determine segment results are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements.  Inter-segment transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company’s operations are not materially dependent on one or a few customers, brokers, or agents.
 

40

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



The following tables summarize segment financial information:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Individual
 
Empower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets
 
Retirement
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premium income
 
$
51,253

 
$
16

 
$
23,448

 
$
74,717

Fee income
 
24,967

 
211,532

 
1,002

 
237,501

Other revenue
 

 
1,820

 

 
1,820

Net investment income
 
155,658

 
51,079

 
13,432

 
220,169

Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
3,552

 
12,211

 
96

 
15,859

Total revenues
 
235,430

 
276,658

 
37,978

 
550,066

Benefits and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Policyholder benefits
 
198,590

 
47,748

 
25,981

 
272,319

Operating expenses
 
31,424

 
240,176

 
16,841

 
288,441

Total benefits and expenses
 
230,014

 
287,924

 
42,822

 
560,760

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
5,416

 
(11,266
)
 
(4,844
)
 
(10,694
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,501

 
(3,614
)
 
(1,566
)
 
(3,679
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,915

 
$
(7,652
)
 
$
(3,278
)
 
$
(7,015
)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
Individual
 
Empower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets
 
Retirement
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premium income
 
$
37,461

 
$
469

 
$
24,566

 
$
62,496

Fee income
 
26,938

 
144,079

 
988

 
172,005

Net investment income
 
187,044

 
118,778

 
13,788

 
319,610

Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
9,987

 
27,003

 
66

 
37,056

Total revenues
 
261,430

 
290,329

 
39,408

 
591,167

Benefits and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Policyholder benefits
 
178,712

 
51,520

 
32,464

 
262,696

Operating expenses
 
42,091

 
155,573

 
15,674

 
213,338

Total benefits and expenses
 
220,803

 
207,093

 
48,138

 
476,034

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
40,627

 
83,236

 
(8,730
)
 
115,133

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
13,953

 
29,049

 
(2,822
)
 
40,180

Net income (loss)
 
$
26,674

 
$
54,187

 
$
(5,908
)
 
$
74,953


41

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Individual
 
Empower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets
 
Retirement
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premium income
 
$
176,215

 
$
16

 
$
44,189

 
$
220,420

Fee income
 
46,469

 
414,353

 
1,956

 
462,778

Other revenue
 

 
3,640

 

 
3,640

Net investment income
 
373,311

 
178,809

 
26,905

 
579,025

Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
11,952

 
22,011

 
96

 
34,059

Total revenues
 
607,947

 
618,829

 
73,146

 
1,299,922

Benefits and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Policyholder benefits
 
454,914

 
96,792

 
48,284

 
599,990

Operating expenses
 
67,363

 
461,206

 
31,547

 
560,116

Total benefits and expenses
 
522,277

 
557,998

 
79,831

 
1,160,106

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
85,670

 
60,831

 
(6,685
)
 
139,816

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
29,724

 
20,766

 
(2,272
)
 
48,218

Net income (loss)
 
$
55,946

 
$
40,065

 
$
(4,413
)
 
$
91,598


 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
Individual
 
Empower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets
 
Retirement
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premium income
 
$
150,239

 
$
1,040

 
$
43,071

 
$
194,350

Fee income
 
50,567

 
285,961

 
1,990

 
338,518

Net investment income
 
372,564

 
219,953

 
27,116

 
619,633

Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
16,723

 
47,156

 
86

 
63,965

Total revenues
 
590,093

 
554,110

 
72,263

 
1,216,466

Benefits and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Policyholder benefits
 
417,708

 
100,001

 
51,366

 
569,075

Operating expenses
 
77,431

 
279,559

 
30,164

 
387,154

Total benefits and expenses
 
495,139

 
379,560

 
81,530

 
956,229

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
94,954

 
174,550

 
(9,267
)
 
260,237

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
32,917

 
60,359

 
(2,742
)
 
90,534

Net income (loss)
 
$
62,037

 
$
114,191

 
$
(6,525
)
 
$
169,703


42

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)



13.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Commitments

The Company has a revolving credit facility agreement in the amount of $50,000 for general corporate purposes.  The credit facility expires on March 1, 2018.  Interest accrues at a rate dependent on various conditions and terms of borrowings.  The agreement requires, among other things, the Company to maintain a minimum adjusted net worth, of $1,100,000, as defined in the credit facility agreement (compiled on the unconsolidated statutory accounting basis prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), at anytime.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.  At June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding amounts related to the credit facility.

GWSC and CLAC are parties to a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which GWSC assumes term life insurance from CLAC.  GWL&A Financial obtained two letters of credit for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities and capital support.  The first letter of credit is for $1,180,610 and renews annually until it expires on July 3, 2027.  The second letter of credit is for $70,000 and renews annually until it expires on December 31, 2017.  At June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding amounts related to the letters of credit.
 
In addition, the Company has other letters of credit with a total amount of $9,095, renewable annually for an indefinite period of time. At June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding amounts related to those letters of credit.

The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate and other investments in the normal course of its business.  The amounts of these unfunded commitments at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, were $237,469 and $166,356, of which $4,567 and $4,997 were related to cost basis limited partnership interests, respectively, all of which is due within one year from the dates indicated.
 
Contingencies
 
The Company is currently evaluating the interpretation of Internal Revenue Code rules related to certain product investments. If the Company’s interpretation is not upheld, which is reasonably possible, the potential exposure is estimated to be up to $21,431.
 
The Company is defending a lawsuit related to a motor vehicle accident involving an employee. It received a $20,000 demand from the plaintiff’s attorney during the fourth quarter of 2014.  The amount is fully indemnified by a third-party insurer.

The Company has been named as a defendant in a potential class action lawsuit that relates to its Key Guaranteed Portfolio Fund.  A decision on whether the case should proceed as a class is not expected until next year. The Company is defending this lawsuit, and due to the early nature of the proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate a possible range of loss.

The Company is involved in other various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of loss from the resolution of these proceedings is remote and/or the estimated loss is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations or cash flows.

14.  Subsequent Events

On July 31, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $27,601, payable on September 30, 2015, to its sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial.


43



Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
General
 
As used in this Form 10-Q, the “Company” refers to Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, a stock life insurance company originally organized on March 28, 1907 and domiciled in the state of Colorado, and its subsidiaries.
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are statements not based on historical information and that relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments.  In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “expected,” “anticipate,” “believe,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.  Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements include statements that represent the Company’s beliefs concerning future or projected levels of sales of its products, investment spreads or yields, or the earnings or profitability of the Company’s activities.
 
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change.  Some of these risks are described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company.  Whether or not actual results differ materially from forward-looking statements may depend on numerous foreseeable and unforeseeable events or developments, some of which may be global or national in scope, such as general economic conditions and interest rates, some of which may be related to the insurance industry generally, such as pricing competition, regulatory developments and industry consolidation, and others of which may relate to the Company specifically, such as credit, volatility, and other risks associated with its investment portfolio and other factors.  Readers should also consider other matters, including any risks and uncertainties, discussed in documents filed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
The following discussion addresses the Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the same period in 2014. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” to which the reader is directed for additional information.

Recent Events

Acquisition of Putnam Retirement Business

On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired the retirement business of Putnam Investments, LLC (“Putnam”), an affiliate of the Company. The 2015 figures are aligned with the new business structure which includes the Putnam retirement business, while the 2014 comparative figures reflect the previous structure which excludes the Putnam retirement business. For the full year in 2014, Putnam’s retirement services business recorded a net loss of approximately $20 million. In 2015, this business is integrated within the Empower Retirement segment.

Empower Retirement

On October 30, 2014, the Company announced that its retirement business will officially be named Empower Retirement. Empower Retirement is the retirement services business of the Company, which in addition to completing the acquisition of RPS, integrated the retirement business of Putnam. The Company incurred $15 million and $25 million of costs related to Empower Retirement business integration for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. These amounts are primarily included in the Empower Retirement segment.

Acquisition of J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (“RPS”)

On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of RPS. RPS contributed $46 million in revenue and less than $1 million in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and $95 million in revenue and $1 million in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2015. This business is integrated within the Empower Retirement segment.


44



Current Market Conditions
 
During 2015, the financial markets strengthened over 2014.  The S&P 500 index as at June 30, 2015 was down by less than 1% compared to March 31, 2015, and up by less than 1% compared to January 1, 2015. The S&P 500 index as at June 30, 2014 was up by 5% when compared to March 31, 2014, and was up by 6% when compared to January 1, 2014.  The average of the S&P 500 index during the three months ended June 30, 2015, was up by 11% when compared to the same period in 2014 and the average during the six months ended June 30, 2015, was up by 12% when compared to the same period in 2014.
 
 
2015
 
2014
S&P 500 Index
 
Close
 
Average in Quarter
 
Average for Year to Date
 
Close
 
Average in Quarter
 
Average for Year to Date
June 30
 
2,063

 
2,102

 
2,083

 
1,960

 
1,900

 
1,868

March 31
 
2,068

 
2,064

 
2,064

 
1,872

 
1,835

 
1,835

January 1
 
2,059

 
 
 
 
 
1,848

 
 
 
 

Variable asset-based fees earned by the Company fluctuate with changes in participant account balances. Participant account balances change due to cash flow and unrealized market gains and losses, which are primarily associated with changes in the United States equities market. Fee income increased by $66 million and $124 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily related to fees earned by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. In addition, the increase was related to higher variable fee income as a result of higher average account balances due to the improved average performance of the U.S. equities market.
 
Interest rates increased during the first six months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 when they decreased. The 10-year U.S. Treasury rate as at June 30, 2015, was up by 41 basis points as compared to March 31, 2015, and was up by 18 basis points as compared to January 1, 2015. The rate as at June 30, 2014 was down by 20 basis points as compared to March 31, 2014, and was down by 51 basis points as compared to January 1, 2014. The average of the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate during the three months ended June 30, 2015, was down by 46 basis points when compared to the same period in 2014 and the rate during the six months ended June 30, 2015, was down by 62 basis points when compared to the same period in 2014.
 
 
2015
 
2014
10-Year Treasury Rate
 
Close
 
Average in Quarter
 
Average for Year to Date
 
Close
 
Average in Quarter
 
Average for Year to Date
June 30
 
2.35
%
 
2.16
%
 
2.07
%
 
2.53
%
 
2.62
%
 
2.69
%
March 31
 
1.94
%
 
1.97
%
 
1.97
%
 
2.73
%
 
2.77
%
 
2.77
%
January 1
 
2.17
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.04
%
 
 
 
 

The Company employs hedging strategies for the purpose of managing the interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and equity market risks impacting the Company’s business.  For those derivative instruments when hedge accounting is not elected, all gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.  As a result, fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies or equity markets may cause the Company to experience volatility in its earnings.  For three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded lower unrealized gains (losses), net, of $55 million and $32 million, respectively, on forward settling to be announced (“TBA”) securities as compared to the same period in 2014. Additionally, the realized gains (losses), net, on forward settling TBA securities decreased by $25 million and $42 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2014.

Unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments fluctuate with changes in the prevailing interest rates.  When interest rates rise, market values of fixed maturity investments generally fall.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, fixed maturity investments' unrealized investment gains (losses), net, recognized in net income decreased by $3 million and $11 million, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2014. The Company also recorded in other comprehensive income a decrease in unrealized gains (losses), net, on fixed maturity investments, of $345 million and $285 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and an increase of $554 million and $918 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The realized gains (losses), net, on bonds increased by $2 million and $9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2014.


45



Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Income

The Company uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure operating income as it uses to measure consolidated net income. The Company employs hedging strategies for the purpose of managing the interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, and equity market risks impacting the Company’s business.  For some derivative instruments, hedge accounting is not elected; therefore all gains or losses from these transactions are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.  As a result, fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity markets may cause the Company to experience volatility in net income.

As such, the Company has defined operating income as net income, excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and derivatives and their related tax effect. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP). In addition, the Company’s operating income measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The Company believes that the presentation of operating income enhances the understanding of the Company’s performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income. The following is a summary of the contributions of each segment to the net income and a reconciliation of net income to operating income:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Net (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Markets segment
 
$
4

 
$
27

 
$
(23
)
 
(85
)%
Empower Retirement segment
 
(8
)
 
54

 
(62
)
 
(115
)%
Other segment
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
3

 
(50
)%
Total net (loss) income
 
(7
)
 
75

 
(82
)
 
(109
)%
Adjustments to net (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net
 
(76
)
 
17

 
(93
)
 
(547
)%
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
16

 
37

 
(21
)
 
(57
)%
Pro-rata tax (expense) benefit (1)
 
20

 
(19
)
 
39

 
(205
)%
Operating income
 
$
33

 
$
40

 
$
(7
)
 
(18
)%
(1) Calculated utilizing estimated tax rate of 35%.

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net, decreased by $93 million, from a gain of $17 million in 2014 to a loss of $76 million in 2015. The primary driver of the change was a $55 million decrease in unrealized gains on forward settling TBA securities. The remainder of the decrease was $35 million and $3 million lower unrealized gains on derivatives and bonds, respectively.

Realized investment gains (losses), net, decreased by $21 million, or 57%, to $16 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in gains of $25 million on forward settling TBA securities.

Pro-rata tax expense increased by $39 million, from an expense of $19 million in 2014 to a benefit of $20 million in 2015 resulting from the decrease in total unrealized and realized investment gains (losses), net.


46



Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of the contributions of each segment to the net income and a reconciliation of net income to operating income:

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Markets segment
 
$
56

 
$
62

 
$
(6
)
 
(10
)%
Empower Retirement segment
 
40

 
114

 
(74
)
 
(65
)%
Other segment
 
(4
)
 
(7
)
 
3

 
(43
)%
Total net income
 
92

 
169

 
(77
)
 
(46
)%
Adjustments to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net
 
(13
)
 
17

 
(30
)
 
(176
)%
Realized investment gains (losses), net
 
34

 
64

 
(30
)
 
(47
)%
Pro-rata tax (expense) benefit (1)
 
(7
)
 
(29
)
 
22

 
(76
)%
Operating income
 
$
78

 
$
117

 
$
(39
)
 
(33
)%
(1) Calculated utilizing estimated tax rate of 35%.

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net, decreased by $30 million from a gain of $17 million in 2014 to a loss of $13 million in 2015. The primary driver of the change was a $32 million decrease in unrealized gains from forward settling TBA securities.

Realized investment gains (losses), net, decreased by $30 million, or 47%, to $34 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was driven primarily by a $42 million decrease in gains on forward settling TBA security transactions. Partially offsetting the decrease was a $9 million increase in gains on bonds.

Pro-rata tax expense increased by $22 million, or 76%, to $7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014, resulting from a decrease in total unrealized and realized investment gains (losses), net.


47



Company Results of Operations
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company:
  
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
75

 
$
62

 
$
13

 
21
 %
Fee income
 
238

 
172

 
66

 
38
 %
Other revenue
 
2

 

 
2

 
100
 %
Net investment income
 
294

 
303

 
(9
)
 
(3
)%
Total revenues
 
609

 
537

 
72

 
13
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
272

 
263

 
9

 
3
 %
Operating expenses
 
288

 
213

 
75

 
35
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
560

 
476

 
84

 
18
 %
Income before income taxes
 
49

 
61

 
(12
)
 
(20
)%
Income tax expense
 
16

 
21

 
(5
)
 
(24
)%
Operating income
 
$
33

 
$
40

 
$
(7
)
 
(18
)%

The Company’s consolidated operating income decreased by $7 million, or 18%, to $33 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income and higher operating expenses and policyholder benefits offset by higher fee income and higher premium.
 
Premium income increased by $13 million, or 21%, to $75 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily related to the Company’s Individual Markets segment which had an increase of $14 million primarily due to the amounts assessed for mortality coverage earned from the Company’s single premium universal life (“SPUL) product. The average in-force amount for the SPUL product increased from $1,570 million to $2,122 million.

Fee income increased by $66 million, or 38%, to $238 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily related to $46 million in fees earned by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business earned $2 million in fee income. Additionally, the Company had an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels driven by sales growth and higher average equity market levels. The equity market performance was evidenced by the 11% increase in the average S&P 500 index during the three months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014.
 
Net investment income decreased by $9 million, or 3%, to $294 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to lower investment income on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of lower yields partially offset by higher invested asset balances.
 
Policyholder benefits increased by $9 million, or 3%, to $272 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to the Company’s Individual Markets segment which had an increase of $20 million. The increase was driven by higher interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of increased average liabilities partially offset by a decrease in crediting rate on the Company’s executive benefits market. Offsetting the increase was a decrease in the Company’s Other segment and Empower Retirement segment.

Operating expenses increased by $75 million, or 35%, to $288 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to the Company’s Empower Retirement segment which had an increase of $84 million. The increase was primarily attributable to $46 million incurred by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business incurred $11 million in operating expense. Additionally, Empower Retirement is investing in significant strategic and business development initiatives as part of its integration plan. Enhancements are being made, which will improve the client facing experience as well as streamline back office processing over the next several years. The Company incurred costs of $15 million related to this business integration. The remaining increase in operating expenses is due to business growth.

48



 
Income tax expense decreased by $5 million, or 24%, to $16 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in operating income before tax.

Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company:
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
220

 
$
194

 
$
26

 
13
 %
Fee income
 
463

 
339

 
124

 
37
 %
Other revenue
 
4

 

 
4

 
100
 %
Net investment income
 
592

 
602

 
(10
)
 
(2
)%
Total revenues
 
1,279

 
1,135

 
144

 
13
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
600

 
569

 
31

 
5
 %
Operating expenses
 
560

 
387

 
173

 
45
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
1,160

 
956

 
204

 
21
 %
Income before income taxes
 
119

 
179

 
(60
)
 
(34
)%
Income tax expense
 
41

 
62

 
(21
)
 
(34
)%
Operating income
 
$
78

 
$
117

 
$
(39
)
 
(33
)%

The Company’s consolidated operating income decreased by $39 million, or 33%, to $78 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income and higher operating expenses and policyholder benefits offset by higher fee income and higher premium.

Premium income increased by $26 million, or 13%, to $220 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily related to the Company’s Individual Markets segment which had an increase of $26 million primarily due to the amounts assessed for mortality coverage earned from the Company’s SPUL product. The average in-force amount for the SPUL product increased from $1,482 million to $2,085 million.

Fee income increased by $124 million, or 37%, to $463 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily related to $95 million in fees earned by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business earned $4 million in fee income. Additionally, the Company had an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels driven by sales growth and higher average equity market levels. The equity market performance was evidenced by the 12% increase in the average S&P 500 index during the six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014.
  
Net investment income decreased by $10 million, or 2%, to $592 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to lower investment income on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of lower yields partially offset by higher invested asset balances.
 
Policyholder benefits increased by $31 million, or 5%, to $600 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to the Company’s Individual Markets segment which had an increase of $37 million. The increase was primarily driven by higher interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of increased average liabilities partially offset by a decrease in crediting rate on the Company’s executive benefits market.

Operating expenses increased by $173 million, or 45%, to $560 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to the Company’s Empower Retirement segment which had an increase of $181 million. The increase was primarily attributable to $93 million incurred by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business incurred $21 million in operating expense. Additionally, Empower Retirement is investing in significant strategic and business development initiatives as part of its integration plan. Enhancements are being made, which will improve the client facing experience as well as streamline back office processing over the next several years. The Company incurred costs of $25 million related to this business integration. The remaining increase in operating expenses is due to business growth.

49



 
Income tax expense decreased by $21 million, or 34%, to $41 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to an increase in operating income before tax.

Individual Markets Segment Results of Operations
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Individual Markets segment:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
51

 
$
37

 
$
14

 
38
 %
Fee income
 
25

 
27

 
(2
)
 
(7
)%
Net investment income
 
189

 
181

 
8

 
4
 %
Total revenues
 
265

 
245

 
20

 
8
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
198

 
178

 
20

 
11
 %
Operating expenses
 
31

 
42

 
(11
)
 
(26
)%
Total benefits and expenses
 
229

 
220

 
9

 
4
 %
Income before income taxes
 
36

 
25

 
11

 
44
 %
Income tax expense
 
12

 
8

 
4

 
50
 %
Operating income
 
$
24

 
$
17

 
$
7

 
41
 %
 
Operating income for the Individual Markets segment increased by $7 million, or 41%, to $24 million, during the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase is primarily due to higher premiums and net investment income and lower operating expenses partially offset by higher policyholder benefits.
 
Premium income increased by $14 million, or 38%, to $51 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was primarily related to the amounts assessed for mortality coverage earned from the Company’s SPUL product. The average in-force amount for the SPUL product increased from $1,570 million to $2,122 million.
 
Fee income decreased by $2 million, or 7%, to $25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily related to lower individual annuity fees.
 
Net investment income increased by $8 million, or 4%, to $189 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. This was due to an increase in investment income earned on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of higher invested asset balances partially offset by lower yields.
 
Policyholder benefits increased by $20 million, or 11%, to $198 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily driven by higher interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of increased average liabilities partially offset by a decrease in crediting rate in the Company’s executive benefits market.

Operating expenses decreased by $11 million, or 26%, to $31 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the allocation of shared services expense to the Individual Markets segment as expenses increased in the Empower Retirement segment. The remainder of the decrease was due to lower premium tax expense.
 
Income tax expense increased by $4 million, or 50%, to $12 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to an increase in operating income before tax.


50



Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Individual Markets segment:
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
176

 
$
150

 
$
26

 
17
 %
Fee income
 
47

 
51

 
(4
)
 
(8
)%
Net investment income
 
375

 
363

 
12

 
3
 %
Total revenues
 
598

 
564

 
34

 
6
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
455

 
418

 
37

 
9
 %
Operating expenses
 
67

 
77

 
(10
)
 
(13
)%
Total benefits and expenses
 
522

 
495

 
27

 
5
 %
Income before income taxes
 
76

 
69

 
7

 
10
 %
Income tax expense
 
26

 
24

 
2

 
8
 %
Operating income
 
$
50

 
$
45

 
$
5

 
11
 %
 
Operating income for the Individual Markets segment increased by $5 million, or 11%, to $50 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher premiums and net investment income and lower operating expenses partially offset by higher policyholder benefits.
 
Premium income increased by $26 million, or 17%, to $176 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014.  This increase was primarily related to the amounts assessed for mortality coverage earned from the Company’s single premium universal life (“SPUL) product. The average in-force amount for the SPUL product increased from $1,482 million to $2,085 million.
  
Fee income decreased by $4 million, or 8%, to $47 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily related to lower individual annuity fees.
 
Net investment income increased by $12 million, or 3%, to $375 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. This was due to higher investment income earned on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of higher invested asset balances partially offset by lower yields.
 
Policyholder benefits increased by $37 million, or 9%, to $455 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily driven by higher interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of increased average liabilities partially offset by a decrease in crediting rate in the Company’s executive benefits market.

Operating expenses decreased by $10 million, or 13%, to $67 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the allocation of shared services expense to the Individual Markets segment as expenses increased in the Empower Retirement segment. The remainder of the decrease was due to lower premium tax expense.
 
Income tax expense increased by $2 million, or 8%, to $26 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to an increase in operating income before tax.

51



Empower Retirement Segment Results of Operations
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Empower Retirement segment:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 %
Fee income
 
212

 
144

 
68

 
47
 %
Other revenue
 
2

 

 
2

 
100
 %
Net investment income
 
92

 
108

 
(16
)
 
(15
)%
Total revenues
 
306

 
252

 
54

 
21
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
48

 
51

 
(3
)
 
(6
)%
Operating expenses
 
240

 
156

 
84

 
54
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
288

 
207

 
81

 
39
 %
Income before income taxes
 
18

 
45

 
(27
)
 
(60
)%
Income tax expense
 
6

 
16

 
(10
)
 
(63
)%
Operating income
 
$
12

 
$
29

 
$
(17
)
 
(59
)%
  
Operating income for the Empower Retirement segment decreased by $17 million, or 59%, to $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014.  The decrease was primarily due to higher operating expenses partially offset by higher fee income. In addition, net investment income was lower.

Fee income increased by $68 million, or 47%, to $212 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily related to $46 million in fees earned by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business earned $2 million in fee income. Additionally, the Company had an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels driven by sales growth and higher average equity market levels. The equity market performance was evidenced by the 11% increase in the average S&P 500 index during the three months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Net investment income decreased by $16 million, or 15%, to $92 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The primary driver of the change was lower investment income on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of lower yields partially offset by higher invested asset balances.

Policyholder benefits decreased by $3 million, or 6%, to $48 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to lower interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of lower crediting rates partially offset by increased average liabilities.

Operating expenses increased by $84 million, or 54%, to $240 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to $46 million incurred by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business incurred $11 million in operating expense. Additionally, Empower Retirement is investing in significant strategic and business development initiatives as part of its integration plan. Enhancements are being made, which will improve the client facing experience as well as streamline back office processing over the next several years. The Company incurred costs of $12 million related to this business integration. The remaining increase in operating expenses was due to business growth.
 
Income tax expense decreased by $10 million, or 63%, to $6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in operating income before tax.


52



Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Empower Retirement segment:
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$

 
$
1

 
$
(1
)
 
(100
)%
Fee income
 
414

 
286

 
128

 
45
 %
Other revenue
 
4

 

 
4

 
100
 %
Net investment income
 
190

 
211

 
(21
)
 
(10
)%
Total revenues
 
608

 
498

 
110

 
22
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
97

 
100

 
(3
)
 
(3
)%
Operating expenses
 
461

 
280

 
181

 
65
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
558

 
380

 
178

 
47
 %
Income before income taxes
 
50

 
118

 
(68
)
 
(58
)%
Income tax expense
 
17

 
39

 
(22
)
 
(56
)%
Operating income
 
$
33

 
$
79

 
$
(46
)
 
(58
)%
  
Operating income for the Empower Retirement segment decreased by $46 million, or 58%, to $33 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014 due to higher operating expenses partially offset by higher fee income. In addition, net investment income was lower.

Fee income increased by $128 million, or 45%, to $414 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014.  The increase was primarily related to $95 million in fees earned by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business earned $4 million in fee income. Additionally, the Company had an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels driven by sales growth and higher average equity market levels. The equity market performance was evidenced by the 12% increase in the average S&P 500 index during the during the six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014.
 
Net investment income decreased by $21 million, or 10%, to $190 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The primary driver of the change was lower investment income on bonds, mortgages, and policy loans as a result of lower yields partially offset by higher invested asset balances.

Policyholder benefits decreased by $3 million, or 3%, to $97 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to lower interest credited or paid to contractholders as a result of lower crediting rates partially offset by increased average liabilities. The decrease was partially offset by higher annuity payments.

Operating expenses increased by $181 million, or 65%, to $461 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to $93 million incurred by RPS as well as the impact of the acquisition of the defined contribution business from Putnam. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Putnam defined contribution business incurred $21 million in operating expense. Additionally, Empower Retirement is investing in significant strategic and business development initiatives as part of its integration plan. Enhancements are being made, which will improve the client facing experience as well as streamline back office processing over the next several years. The Company incurred costs of $21 million related to this business integration. The remaining increase in operating expenses was due to business growth.
 
Income tax expense decreased by $22 million, or 56%, to $17 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in operating income before income taxes.
 


53



Other Segment Results of Operations
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company’s Other segment:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
24

 
$
24

 
$

 
 %
Fee income
 
1

 
1

 

 
 %
Net investment income
 
13

 
14

 
(1
)
 
(7
)%
Total revenues
 
38

 
39

 
(1
)
 
(3
)%
Policyholder benefits
 
26

 
32

 
(6
)
 
(19
)%
Operating expenses
 
17

 
16

 
1

 
6
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
43

 
48

 
(5
)
 
(10
)%
Income before income taxes
 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
4

 
(44
)%
Income tax benefit
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
1

 
(33
)%
Operating loss
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
3

 
(50
)%
  
Operating loss for the Company’s Other segment decreased by $3 million to $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in the operating loss was primarily related to lower policy benefits due to fewer lapses on term life insurance policies as compared to the same period in prior year.

Six months ended June 30, 2015, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
 
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company’s Other segment:

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
Income statement data (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
(decrease)
 
change
Premium income
 
$
44

 
$
43

 
$
1

 
2
 %
Fee income
 
2

 
2

 

 
 %
Net investment income
 
27

 
27

 

 
 %
Total revenues
 
73

 
72

 
1

 
1
 %
Policyholder benefits
 
48

 
51

 
(3
)
 
(6
)%
Operating expenses
 
32

 
31

 
1

 
3
 %
Total benefits and expenses
 
80

 
82

 
(2
)
 
(2
)%
Income before income taxes
 
(7
)
 
(10
)
 
3

 
(30
)%
Income tax benefit
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
1

 
(33
)%
Operating loss
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
2

 
(29
)%
 
Operating loss for the Company’s Other segment decreased by $2 million to $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in the operating loss was primarily related to lower policy benefits due to fewer lapses on term life insurance policies as compared to the same period in prior year.
 
 

54



Investment Operations
 
The Company’s primary investment objective is to acquire assets with duration and cash flow characteristics reflective of its liabilities, while meeting industry, size, issuer, and geographic diversification standards.  Formal liquidity and credit quality parameters have also been established.

The Company follows rigorous procedures to control interest rate risk and observes strict asset and liability matching guidelines.  These guidelines ensure that even under changing market conditions, the Company’s assets should meet the cash flow and income requirements of its liabilities.  Using dynamic modeling to analyze the effects of a range of possible market changes upon investments and policyholder benefits, the Company works to ensure that its investment portfolio is appropriately structured to fulfill financial obligations to its policyholders.
 
The following table presents the percentage distribution of the carrying values of the Company’s general account investment portfolio: 
(In millions)

June 30, 2015

December 31, 2014
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

$
17,977


63.2
%

$
20,162


71.1
%
Fixed maturities, held-for-trading

131


0.5
%

339


1.2
%
Mortgage loans on real estate

3,363


11.9
%

3,364


11.9
%
Policy loans

4,204


14.8
%

4,130


14.6
%
Short-term investments

2,635


9.3
%

263


0.9
%
Limited partnership and other corporation interests

45


0.2
%

49


0.2
%
Other investments

16


0.1
%

16


0.1
%
Total investments

$
28,371


100.0
%

$
28,323


100.0
%
 
The June 30, 2015, fixed maturities, available-for-sale amount decreased as compared to December 31, 2014, as the Company sold government agency mortgage-backed security (“MBS”) pools to enter into forward settling TBA contracts which are treated as derivatives.  There is a corresponding increase in short-term investments as the Company holds these investments in order to settle the forward settling TBA contracts.
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Fixed maturity investments include public and privately placed corporate bonds, government bonds, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.  Included in available-for-sale fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity.  The Company’s strategy related to mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is to focus on those investments with low prepayment risk and minimal credit risk.
 
Private placement investments are generally less marketable than publicly traded assets, yet they typically offer enhanced covenant protection that allows the Company, if necessary, to take appropriate action to protect its investment.  The Company believes that the cost of the additional monitoring and analysis required by private placement investments is more than offset by their enhanced yield.
 
One of the Company’s primary objectives is to ensure that its fixed maturity portfolio is maintained at a high average credit quality to limit credit risk.  All securities are internally rated by the Company on a basis intended to be similar to that of the rating agencies.  The Company’s internal rating methodology generally takes into account ratings from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Fitch Ratings, and Moody’s Investor Services, Inc.  In addition, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) implemented a ratings methodology for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other structured securities.  The Company may also utilize inputs from this ratings process to develop its internal rating.


55



The percentage distribution of the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio by the Company’s internal credit rating is summarized as follows:
Credit Rating
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
AAA
 
16.2
%
 
28.2
%
AA
 
17.7
%
 
15.3
%
A
 
33.4
%
 
28.2
%
BBB
 
31.8
%
 
27.5
%
BB and below (Non-investment grade)
 
0.9
%
 
0.8
%
Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
The June 30, 2015, AAA rating percentage decreased as compared to December 31, 2014, as the Company sold AAA-rated government agency MBS pools to enter into forward settling TBA contracts which are treated as derivatives.
 
The percentage distribution of the estimated fair value of the corporate sector fixed maturity portfolio, calculated as a percentage of fixed maturities, is summarized as follows:
Sector
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Utility
 
20.8
%
 
18.3
%
Finance
 
11.3
%
 
10.0
%
Consumer
 
10.7
%
 
9.8
%
Natural resources
 
7.7
%
 
5.9
%
Transportation
 
3.3
%
 
3.2
%
Other
 
14.1
%
 
11.3
%
 
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
 
The Company’s mortgage loans on real estate are comprised exclusively of domestic commercial collateralized real estate loans.  The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified with regard to geographical markets and commercial real estate property types within the United States.  The Company originates, directly or through correspondents, real estate mortgages with the intent to hold to maturity.  The Company’s portfolio includes loans which are fully amortizing, amortizing with a balloon balance at maturity, interest only to maturity, and interest only for a number of years followed by an amortizing period.

Derivatives
 
The Company uses certain derivatives, such as futures, swaps, and interest rate swaptions, for purposes of managing the interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, and equity market risks impacting the Company’s business.  These derivatives, when taken alone, may subject the Company to varying degrees of market and credit risk; however, since used for hedging purposes, these instruments are intended to reduce risk.  For derivative instruments where hedge accounting is not elected, changes in interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity markets may generate derivative gains or losses which may cause the Company to experience volatility in net income.  The Company also uses forward settling TBA securities to gain exposure to the investment risk and return of agency mortgage-backed securities (pass-throughs).  These transactions enhance the return on the Company’s investment portfolio and provide a more liquid and cost effective method of achieving these goals than purchasing or selling individual agency mortgage-backed pools.  The Company controls the credit risk of its over-the-counter derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and in most cases, requiring collateral.  Risk of loss is generally limited to the portion of the fair value of derivative instruments that exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives. 

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to adopt accounting policies to enable them to make a significant variety of accounting and actuarial estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis based on historical developments, market conditions, industry trends, and other information that is reasonable given the facts and circumstances for the Company. These critical estimates and assumptions affect, among other things, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses.  Actual results can differ from the amounts previously estimated, which were based on information available at the time the estimates were made.

56



 
The Company has identified the following accounting policies, judgments, and estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability:
 
·             Valuation of investments;
·             Impairment of investments;
·             Valuation of derivatives and related hedge accounting;
·             Valuation of DAC and related amortization (including unlocking of assumptions); and
·             Valuation of policy benefit liabilities
 
A discussion of each of these critical accounting policies may be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 3 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the application of recent accounting pronouncements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term needs of its operations.  The Company manages its operations to create stable, reliable, and cost-effective sources of cash flows to meet all of its obligations.
 
The principal sources of the Company’s liquidity are premiums and contract deposits, fees, investment income, and investment maturities and sales.  Funds provided from these sources are reasonably predictable and normally exceed liquidity requirements for payment of policy benefits, payments to policy and contractholders in connection with surrenders and withdrawals, and general expenses.  However, since the timing of available funds cannot always be matched precisely to commitments, imbalances may arise when demands for funds exceed those on hand.  A primary liquidity concern regarding cash flows from operations is the risk of early policyholder and contractholder withdrawals.  A primary liquidity concern regarding investment activity is the risk of defaults and market volatility.  In addition, a demand for funds may arise as a result of the Company taking advantage of current investment opportunities.  The sources of the funds that may be required in such situations include the issuance of commercial paper or other debt instruments.  Management believes that the liquidity profile of its assets is sufficient to satisfy the short-term liquidity requirements of reasonably foreseeable scenarios.
 
Generally, the Company has met its operating requirements by utilizing cash flows from operations and maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity in its investment portfolio.  Liquidity for the Company has remained strong, as evidenced by the amounts of short-term investments and cash that totaled $585 million and $276 million as of June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, short-term investments included above exclude any amounts held to settle TBA forward contracts.  In addition, 99% of the fixed maturity portfolio carried an investment grade rating at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, thereby providing significant liquidity to the Company’s overall investment portfolio.
 
The Company continues to be well capitalized, with sufficient borrowing capacity.  Additionally, the Company anticipates that cash on hand and expected net cash generated by operating activities will exceed the forecasted needs of the business over the next 12 months.  The Company’s financial strength provides the capacity and flexibility to enable it to raise funds in the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper.  The Company had $98 million and $99 million of commercial paper outstanding at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The commercial paper has been given a rating of A-1+ by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and a rating of P-1 by Moody’s Investors Service, each being the highest rating available.  Through the recent financial market volatility, the Company continued to have the ability to access the capital markets for funds.  The loss of this access in the future would not have a significant impact to the Company’s liquidity as commercial paper is not used to fund daily operations and is an insignificant amount in relation to total invested assets.
 
The Company also has available a revolving credit facility agreement, which expires on March 1, 2018, in the amount of $50 million for general corporate purposes.  The Company had no borrowings under this credit facility as of or during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  The Company does not anticipate the need for borrowings under this facility and the loss of its availability would not significantly impact its liquidity.
 
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders and financial strength to support the underwriting of insurance risks and allow for continued business growth.  The amount of capital resources that may be needed is determined by the Company’s

57



senior management and Board of Directors, as well as by regulatory requirements.  The allocation of resources to new long-term business commitments is designed to achieve an attractive return, tempered by considerations of risk and the need to support the Company’s existing business.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate and other investments in the normal course of its business.  The amounts of these unfunded commitments at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, were $237 million and $166 million, respectively.  The precise timing of the fulfillment of the commitment cannot be predicted; however, these amounts are due within one year of the dates indicated.  There are no other obligations or liabilities arising from such arrangements that are reasonably likely to become material.
 
The Company participates in a short-term reverse repurchase program for the purpose of enhancing the total return on its investment portfolio.  This type of transaction involves the purchase of securities with a simultaneous agreement to sell similar securities at a future date at an agreed-upon price.  In exchange, the financial institutions put non-cash collateral on deposit with a third-party custodian on behalf of the Company.  The amount of securities purchased in connection with these transactions was $300 million and zero at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Non-cash collateral on deposit with the third-party custodian on the Company’s behalf was $306 million and zero at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, which cannot be sold or re-pledged and which has not been recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Collateral related to the reverse repurchase agreements generally consists of U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities.

The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties for the purpose of enhancing the total return on its investment portfolio.  The Company generally requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned.  The Company received securities with a fair value of $103 million and $2 million as collateral at June 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively, which have not been recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Company has established processes and procedures to effectively identify, monitor, measure, and manage the risks associated with its invested assets and its interest rate sensitive insurance and annuity products.  Management has identified investment portfolio management, including the use of derivative instruments, insurance and annuity product design, and asset/liability management as three critical means to accomplish a successful risk management program.
 
The major risks to which the Company is exposed include the following: 

Market risk - the potential of loss arising from adverse fluctuations in interest rates and equity market prices and the levels of their volatility.
Insurance risk - the potential of loss resulting from claims, persistency, and expense experience exceeding that assumed in the liabilities held.
Credit risk - the potential of loss arising from an obligator’s inability or unwillingness to meet its obligations to the Company.
Operational and corporate risk - the potential of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from other external events.
  
A discussion of each of these risk factors may be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, under Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
 

58



Item 4.         Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Principal Accounting Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”).  The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2015.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
As disclosed in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, management concluded that a material weakness existed in its internal control over financial reporting as it related to complex accounting matters. Specifically, the Company’s controls to ensure that appropriate interpretation and application of accounting principles and the resulting accounting entries and disclosures were properly reflected in the financial statements as it relates to complex accounting matters were not designed at a sufficient level of precision to mitigate the risk of material misstatement.

Management designed and implemented certain remediation measures to address the above-described material weakness and enhance the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting. These measures included re-designing the roles and responsibilities of key finance and accounting positions; creating a comprehensive database of all complex accounting memorandums; formalizing a process for identifying all significant accounting transactions and ensuring they are reviewed on a timely basis for proper accounting treatment; verifying that the complex accounting policies are being applied in practice; and formalizing a process for refreshing all significant accounting policies and procedures on an annual basis or sooner for significant changes in accounting guidance.

These improvements to the internal control infrastructure were implemented from the fourth quarter of 2013 through the second quarter of 2015, and were in place in connection with the preparation of its financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. As such, management believes that the remediation initiative outlined above was sufficient to remediate the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. Management is committed to continuing to improve its internal control processes and will continue to review its financial reporting controls and procedures.


Part II          Other Information
 
Item 1.         Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is currently evaluating the interpretation of Internal Revenue Code rules related to certain product investments. If the Company’s interpretation is not upheld, which is reasonably possible, the potential exposure is estimated to be up to $21 million.
 
The Company is defending a lawsuit related to a motor vehicle accident involving an employee. It received a $20 million demand letter from the plaintiff’s attorney during the fourth quarter of 2014.  The amount is fully indemnified by a third-party insurer.


59



The Company has been named as a defendant in a potential class action lawsuit that relates to its Key Guaranteed Portfolio Fund.  A decision on whether the case should proceed as a class is not expected until next year. The Company is defending this lawsuit, and due to the early nature of the proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate a possible range of loss.

The Company is involved in other various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of loss from the resolution of these proceedings is remote and/or the estimated loss is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
In the normal course of its business, the Company is exposed to certain operational, regulatory, and financial risks and uncertainties.  The most significant risks include the following:

Competition could negatively affect the ability of the Company to maintain or increase market share or profitability.

The insurance and financial services industries are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce profitability.
 
A downgrade or potential downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or claims paying ratings could result in a loss of business and negatively affect results of operations and financial condition.

Deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality, and interest rates used in calculating liabilities for future policyholder benefits and claims could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company may be required to accelerate the amortization of DAC or VOBA, or recognize impairment in the value of goodwill, which could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.

If the companies that provide reinsurance default or fail to perform or the Company is unable to obtain adequate reinsurance for some of the risks underwritten, the Company could incur significant losses adversely affecting results of operations and financial condition.

Interest rate fluctuations could have a negative impact on results of operations and financial condition.
  
Market fluctuations and general economic conditions may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of the Company’s products less attractive to consumers and increase its tax costs.

The Company may be subject to litigation resulting in substantial awards or settlements and this may adversely affect its reputation and results of operations.

The Company’s risk management policies and procedures may leave it exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The Company may experience difficulty in marketing and distributing products through its current and future distribution channels.

A failure in cyber or information security systems could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information, damage the Company’s reputation and could impair its ability to conduct business effectively.

The Company could face difficulties, unforeseen liabilities, or asset impairments arising from business acquisitions or integrations and managing growth of such businesses.


60



Item 6.         Exhibits
 
The documents identified below are filed as a part of this report:
 
Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number
Title
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15-d14(a) Certification
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15-d14(a) Certification
32
18 U.S.C. 1350 Certification
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
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.
 
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
 
By:
/s/
Kara Roe
 
Date:
August 13, 2015
 
 
Kara Roe
 
 
 
 
 
Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 


61