Valuation Methodologies
FGL measures the fair value of its securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and FGL will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. FGL’s fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include a third-party pricing service, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. FGL uses observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Management believes the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trades executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices. The fair value of the asset-backed loans originated by Salus approximate their carrying value, as those loans carry a variable rate, are revolving in nature, and can be settled at the demand of either party.
FGL did not adjust prices received from third parties as of June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012. However, FGL does analyze the third party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what FGL would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if it cancelled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity net of cash settlements). Fair values for these instruments are determined externally by an independent actuarial firm using market observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors. Credit risk related to the counterparty is considered when estimating the fair values of these derivatives. The fair values of the embedded derivatives in FGL’s FIA products are derived using market indices, pricing assumptions and historical data.
Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, IUL and immediate annuities. The fair values of deferred annuity, FIAs, and IUL contracts are based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost FGL would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The fair value of immediate annuities contracts is derived by calculating a new fair value interest rate using the updated yield curve and treasury spreads as of the respective reporting date. At June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, this resulted in lower fair value reserves relative to the carrying value. FGL is not required to and has not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosure of fair value.
The EXCO/HGI JV evaluates oil and natural gas derivative assets and liabilities in accordance with master netting agreements with the derivative counterparties, but reports them on a gross basis on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net derivative asset values are determined primarily by quoted futures prices and utilization of the counterparties’ credit-adjusted risk-free rate curves and net derivative liabilities are determined by utilization of a credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve. The credit-adjusted risk-free rates of EXCO/HGI JV's counterparties are based on an independent market-quoted credit default swap rate curve for the counterparties’ debt plus the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") curve as of the end of the reporting period. The EXCO/HGI JV's credit-adjusted risk-free rate is based on its cost of debt plus the LIBOR curve as of the end of the reporting period.
The EXCO/HGI JV's oil derivatives are swap contracts for notional Bbls of oil at fixed NYMEX West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") oil prices. The asset and liability values attributable to oil derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent active NYMEX futures price quotes for WTI oil, and (iii) the applicable estimated credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve, as described above.
The EXCO/HGI JV's natural gas derivatives are swap contracts for notional Mmbtus of natural gas at posted price indexes, including NYMEX Henry Hub ("HH") swap contracts. The asset and liability values attributable to natural gas derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent
