Voya Financial Inc

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Voya Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the "Company") is a financial services organization that offers a broad range of retirement services, investment management services, mutual funds, group insurance and supplemental health products, primarily in the United States. Products and services are provided by the Company through three segments: Wealth Solutions, Health Solutions and Investment Management. Activities not directly related to the Company's segments and certain run-off activities that are not meaningful to the Company's business strategy are included within Corporate. See the Segments Note to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

On July 25, 2022, the Company completed a series of transactions pursuant to a Combination Agreement dated as of June 13, 2022 (the "AllianzGI Agreement") with Voya Investment Management LLC ("Voya IM") and VIM Holdings LLC ("VIM Holdings"), both indirect subsidiaries of the Company, Allianz SE ("Allianz") and Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC ("AllianzGI"), an indirect subsidiary of Allianz, which combined Voya IM with assets and teams comprising specified transferred strategies managed by AllianzGI. The AllianzGI Agreement was executed for noncash consideration and accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values as of the closing date. Following the transaction, the Company holds, indirectly, a 76% interest in VIM Holdings and has full operational control of the business, while Allianz holds, indirectly, the remaining 24%. The transaction increased Voya IM's assets under management ("AUM") by approximately 40%. The acquisition has increased Voya IM's international scale and distribution and provides it with new investment strategies that help us meet the needs of a larger and more global client base.

On November 1, 2022, Voya Investment Management Alternative Assets, LLC ("VIMAA"), one of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries, acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Czech Asset Management, L.P., a private credit asset manager dedicated to the U.S. middle market pursuant to a sale and purchase agreement ("SPA") entered into on August 1, 2022, with Czech Management GP, LLC, Czech Holdings, LLC and Stephen J. Czech. The purchase consideration for the acquisition included cash paid upon close and contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is based on revenues that will be earned during the earn out period and capital raised in the underlying funds and is subject to conditions as set forth in the SPA. The acquisition expanded VIMAA's private and leveraged credit business and increased the Company's AUM by approximately $1.4 billion.

On January 24, 2023, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of Benefitfocus, Inc. ("Benefitfocus"), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") entered into on November 1, 2022. The acquisition expands the Company’s capacity to meet the growing demand for comprehensive benefits and savings solutions and increases its ability to deliver innovative solutions for employers and health plans. The total purchase consideration for the acquisition was $595, of which $583 was paid in cash ($558 paid by the Company and $25 of the cash acquired was used to fund the transaction). Net assets acquired as part of this transaction included cash of $49, goodwill of $319, intangible assets of $275, deferred tax assets of $45 and assumed lease liabilities of $91. This represents the best estimate of fair value of net assets acquired at the transaction date and will continue to be revised during the remeasurement period as further information becomes available. Intangible assets primarily include customer relationships of $190 with a useful life of 15 years, and software of $70 with a useful life of 5 years. The estimated amortization expense of the acquired intangible assets for the next five years is approximately $29 annually. The revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the business acquired are reported in the Health Solutions segment.

On August 1, 2023, the Company acquired all remaining equity interest in VFI SLK Global Services Private Limited previously held by SLK Software Private Limited ("SLK") and renamed the entity as Voya Global Services Private Limited ("Voya India"). Voya India was a private limited company in India formed pursuant to a joint venture agreement between the Company and SLK on August 1, 2019, with the Company and SLK holding 49% and 51% of ownership shares, respectively. The purpose of Voya India is to provide technology and business operation services to the Company. As a result of the acquisition, Voya India has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and provides the Company with improved strategic and operational flexibility.

As part of the purchase consideration, an upfront payment of approximately $53 was made at closing. The Company recorded a gain of $45 in relation to revaluation of the existing investment in Voya India which was recorded in Net gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net assets acquired as part of this transaction included goodwill of $102. The revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the business acquired are reported in Corporate. Intercompany balances between Voya India and other Voya subsidiaries are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The carrying value of long-lived assets is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value. The amount of the impairment loss is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recognized an impairment loss in relation to a management contract rights intangible asset. See the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Note to these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the impairment.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company had a triggering event related to a decrease in the market price of one of its office buildings. Consequently, the Company determined its fair value, based on an appraisal, to be lower than its carrying value. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $32, which is included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Voya Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as other voting interest entities ("VOEs") and variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. See the Consolidated and Nonconsolidated Investment Entities Note to these Consolidated Financial Statements. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on Net income (loss) or Total shareholders’ equity.

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2018-12, Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts ("ASU 2018-12"), under the modified retrospective adoption method. ASU 2018-12 provided new authoritative guidance impacting the accounting and disclosure requirements for long-duration insurance and investment contracts issued by the Company. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented under the new guidance for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2021. See “Adoption of New Pronouncements” below for additional information regarding this adoption and the transition impacts recorded as of January 1, 2021. See "Significant Accounting Policies" below for additional details regarding the key policy changes effected by this ASU and updated accounting policies resulting from the adoption of this ASU, including Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC") and Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA"), Future Policy Benefits and Reinsurance.

Significant Accounting Policies

Estimates and Assumptions

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 as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates, and the differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has identified the following accounts and policies as the most significant in that they involve a higher degree of judgment, are subject to a significant degree of variability and/or contain significant accounting estimates:

•Reserves for future policy benefits;

•Valuation of investments and derivatives;

•Investment impairments;

•Goodwill and other intangible assets;

•Income taxes;

•Contingencies; and

•Employee benefit plans.

The Company measures the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset, or nonperformance risk, including the Company's own credit risk. The estimate of fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability ("exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability. The Company uses a number of valuation sources to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities, including quoted market prices, third-party commercial pricing services, third-party brokers, industry-standard, vendor-provided software that models the value based on market observable inputs, and other internal modeling techniques based on projected cash flows.

Investments

The accounting policies for the Company's principal investments are as follows:

Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities: The Company measures its equity securities at fair value and recognizes any changes in fair value in net income.

The Company's fixed maturities are generally designated as available-for-sale. In addition, the Company has fixed maturities accounted for using the fair value option ("FVO"). Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and presented net of Deferred income taxes. Trading securities are valued at fair value, with the changes in fair value recorded in Net gains (losses) and interest income recorded in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, certain fixed maturities have embedded derivatives, which are reported with the host contract on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with funds withheld reinsurance treaties, the Company has elected the FVO for certain of its fixed maturities to better match the measurement of those assets and related embedded derivative liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Certain collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), primarily interest-only and principal-only strips, are accounted for as hybrid instruments and valued at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded in Net gains (losses). Changes in fair value associated with derivatives purchased to hedge CMOs are also recorded in Net gains (losses).

Purchases and sales of fixed maturities and equity securities, excluding private placements, are recorded on the trade date. Purchases and sales of private placements and mortgage loans are recorded on the closing date. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are generally determined on a first-in-first-out ("FIFO") basis.

Interest income on fixed maturities is recorded when earned using an effective yield method, giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividends on equity securities are recorded when declared. Such dividends and interest income are recorded in Net investment income.

Included within fixed maturities are loan-backed securities, including residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS"), commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") and asset-backed securities ("ABS"). Amortization of the premium or discount from the purchase of these securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for single-class and multi-class mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and ABS are estimated by management using inputs obtained from third-party specialists, including broker-dealers, and based on management's knowledge of the current market. For prepayment-sensitive securities such as interest-only and principal-only strips, inverse floaters and credit-sensitive MBS and ABS securities, which represent beneficial interests in securitized financial assets that are not of high credit quality or that have been credit impaired, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other MBS and ABS, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase. These investments are stated at fair value.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate: The Company's mortgage loans on real estate are all commercial mortgage loans, which are reported at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable is reported in Accrued investment income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Mortgage loans are evaluated by the Company's investment professionals, including an appraisal of loan-specific credit quality, property characteristics and market trends. Loan performance is continuously monitored on a loan-specific basis throughout the year. The Company's review includes submitted appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues and annual inspection reports, among other items. This review evaluates whether the properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the debt.

Management estimates the credit loss allowance balance using a factor-based method of probability of default and loss given default which incorporates relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Included in the factor-based method are the consideration of debt type, capital market factors, and market vacancy rates, and loan-specific risk characteristics such as debt service coverage ratios (“DSC”), loan-to-value (“LTV”), collateral size, seniority of the loan, segmentation, and property types.

The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The change in the allowance for credit losses is recorded in Net gains (losses). Loans are written off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written-off and expected to be written-off.

Mortgages are rated for the purpose of quantifying the level of risk. Those loans with higher risk are placed on a watch list and are closely monitored for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice as 60 days past due.

Commercial mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status when 90 days in arrears if the Company has concerns regarding the collectability of future payments, or if a loan has matured without being paid off or extended. Factors considered may include conversations with the borrower, loss of major tenant, bankruptcy of borrower or major tenant, decreased property cash flow, number of days past due, or various other circumstances. Based on an assessment as to the collectability of the principal, a determination is made either to apply against the book value or apply according to the contractual terms of the loan. Funds recovered in excess of book value would then be applied to recover expenses, impairments, and then interest. Accrual of interest resumes after factors resulting in doubts about collectability have improved.

For those mortgages that are determined to require foreclosure, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell at the point of foreclosure. Property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans is recorded in Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Policy Loans: Policy loans are carried at an amount equal to the unpaid balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned in Net investment income using the contractually agreed upon interest rate. Generally, interest is capitalized on the policy's anniversary date. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as these loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance contracts. Any unpaid principal or interest on the loan is deducted from the account value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the policy.

Limited Partnerships/Corporations: The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnership interests that are not consolidated, which primarily consist of investments in private equity funds, hedge funds and other VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Generally, the Company records its share of earnings using a lag methodology, relying on the most recent financial information available, typically not to exceed three months. The Company's earnings from limited partnership interests accounted for under the equity method are recorded in Net investment income.

Other Investments: Other investments are comprised primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock and property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans, as well as other miscellaneous investments. The Company is a member of the FHLB system and is required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.

Securities Pledged: The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions, through a lending agent, for short periods of time. The Company has the right to approve any institution with whom the lending agent transacts on its behalf. Initial collateral, primarily cash, is required at an agreed-upon percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The lending agent retains the collateral and invests it in short-term liquid assets on behalf of the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates. The lending agent indemnifies the Company against losses resulting from the failure of a counterparty to return securities pledged where collateral is insufficient to cover the loss. See also Repurchase Agreements below.

Investment Impairments

The Company evaluates its available-for-sale investments quarterly to determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis has resulted from credit loss or other factors. This evaluation process entails considerable judgment and estimation. Factors considered in this analysis include, but are not limited to, the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, the issuer's financial condition and near-term prospects, future economic conditions and market forecasts, interest rate changes and changes in ratings of the security. A severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity may not have any impact on (a) the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments and (b) the evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected.

When assessing the Company's intent to sell a security, or if it is more likely than not it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, management evaluates facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to rebalance the investment portfolio and sales of investments to meet cash flow or capital needs.

When the Company has determined it has the intent to sell, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, and the fair value has declined below amortized cost ("intent impairment"), the individual security is written down from amortized cost to fair value, and a corresponding charge is recorded in Net gains (losses) as impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For available-for-sale securities that do not meet the intent impairment criteria but the Company has determined that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss allowance is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company uses the following methodology and significant inputs in determining whether a credit loss exists:

•When determining collectability and the period over which the value is expected to recover for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the Company applies the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates information regarding the specific security, the industry and geographic area in which the issuer operates and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from the Company's best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes, after giving consideration to a variety of variables that includes, but is not limited to: general payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the scheduled interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security's position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies.

•Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain structured securities, such as subprime, Alt-A, non-agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS. These additional factors for structured securities include, but are not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral; expected prepayment speeds; loan-to-value ratios; debt service coverage ratios; current and forecasted loss severity; consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security.

•When determining the amount of the credit loss for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the Company considers the estimated fair value as the recovery value when available information does not indicate that another value is more appropriate. When information is identified that indicates a recovery value other than estimated fair value, the Company considers in the determination of recovery value the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates available information and the Company's best estimate of scenario-based outcomes regarding the specific security and issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security's position within the capital structure of the issuer; fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates; and the overall macroeconomic conditions.

•The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis comparing the current amortized cost of a security to the present value of future cash flows expected to be received, including estimated defaults and prepayments. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the fixed maturity prior to impairment.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded in Net gains (losses) as impairments. Losses are charged against the allowance when the Company believes the uncollectability of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The Company evaluates the collectability of accrued interest receivable as part of its quarterly impairment evaluation of available-for-sale investments. Losses are recorded in Net investment income when the Company believes the uncollectability of the accrued interest receivable is confirmed.

The Company's use of derivatives is limited mainly to economic hedging to reduce the Company's exposure to cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, credit risk, exchange rate risk and market risk. It is the Company's policy not to offset amounts recognized for derivative instruments and amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement, which provides the Company with the legal right of offset. However, in accordance with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME") rules related to the variation margin payments, the Company is required to adjust the derivative balances with the variation margin payments related to its cleared derivatives executed through CME.

The Company enters into interest rate, equity market, credit default and currency contracts, including swaps, futures, forwards, caps, floors and options, to reduce and manage various risks associated with changes in value, yield, price, cash flow or exchange rates of assets or liabilities held or intended to be held, or to assume or reduce credit exposure associated with a referenced asset, index or pool. The Company also utilizes options and futures on equity indices to reduce and manage risks associated with its universal life-type ("UL-type") and annuity products. Derivative contracts are reported as Derivatives assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in Net gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains (losses) and net investment income related to derivatives are reflected as adjustments to reconcile Net cash flows from operating activities, and the net cash activity from derivatives is reflected in Net cash flows from investing activities, in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any noncash activity, to the extent it is material, is excluded and reflected in a noncash supplementary schedule related to investing and financing activities.

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk ("fair value hedge") or (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows that is attributable to interest rate risk to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow hedge"). In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.

•Fair Value Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recorded in the same line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as impacted by the hedged item.

•Cash Flow Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is reported as a component of AOCI. Those amounts are subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, and are reported in the same line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as impacted by the hedged item.

Even if a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, there may be an element of ineffectiveness of the hedge. The ineffective portion of a hedging relationship subject to hedge accounting is recognized in Net gains (losses).

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in Net gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the Company's earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date, or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in Net gains (losses). Derivative gains and losses recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in Net gains (losses).

The Company also has investments in certain fixed maturities and has issued certain UL-type and annuity products that contain embedded derivatives for which fair value is at least partially determined by levels of or changes in domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short-term or long-term), exchange rates, prepayment rates, equity markets or credit ratings/spreads. Embedded derivatives within fixed maturities are included with the host contract on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Net gains (losses). Embedded derivatives within certain UL-type and annuity products are included in Future policy benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Net gains (losses).

In addition, the Company has entered into coinsurance with funds withheld and modified coinsurance reinsurance arrangements that contain embedded derivatives, the fair value of which is based on the change in the fair value of the underlying assets held in trust. These embedded derivatives are reported with the host contract in Other liabilities and Premium receivables and reinsurance recoverable, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives are recorded in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and other highly liquid investments, such as money market instruments and debt instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents of VIEs and VOEs are not available for general use by the Company.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

DAC represents policy acquisition costs that have been capitalized and are subject to amortization. Capitalized costs are incremental, direct costs of contract acquisition and certain other costs related directly to successful acquisition activities. Such costs consist principally of commissions, underwriting, sales and contract issuance and processing expenses directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal business. Indirect or unsuccessful acquisition costs, maintenance, product development and overhead expenses are charged to expense as incurred. VOBA represents the outstanding value of in-force business acquired and is subject to amortization. The value is based on the present value of estimated net cash flows embedded in the insurance contracts at the time of the acquisition and increased for subsequent deferrable expenses on purchased policies. DAC/VOBA amortization is recorded in Net amortization of Deferred policy acquisition costs and Value of business acquired in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Amortization Methodologies

The Company amortizes DAC/VOBA related to certain traditional life insurance contracts, certain accident and health insurance contracts, and deferred annuity contracts on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. Contracts are grouped for amortization purposes by product or market type and issue year cohort on a basis consistent with those used in estimating the associated liability or other related balance, where applicable.

The principal assumption deemed critical to the DAC/VOBA amortization is the estimated contract term, which incorporates mortality and persistency, and represents management’s best estimate of future outcome. The Company periodically reviews this assumption against actual experience and, based on additional information that becomes available, updates the assumption. Changes in contract term estimates are reflected prospectively in amortization expense as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the change is made.

VOBA is subject to recoverability testing; DAC is not. The Company performs testing to assess the recoverability of VOBA on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential loss recognition issue exists. If VOBA is not deemed recoverable, charges will be applied against the VOBA balance before an additional reserve is established.

Internal Replacements

Contract owners may periodically exchange one contract for another, or make modifications to an existing contract. These transactions are identified as internal replacements. Internal replacements that are determined to result in substantially unchanged contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Any costs associated with the issuance of the new contracts are considered maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Unamortized DAC/VOBA related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the new contracts. Internal replacements that are determined to result in contracts that are substantially changed are accounted for as extinguishments of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC/VOBA related to the replaced contracts are written off to the same account in which amortization is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill arises in connection with business combinations and represents the excess of cost of the acquisition over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit at the date the goodwill is initially recorded and is tested for impairment at that level. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or a unit one level below the operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. Once goodwill has been assigned to a reporting unit, it is no longer associated with a particular acquisition and all of the activities within the reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of goodwill.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative assessment or a quantitative test. The qualitative impairment assessment is an assessment of relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company may elect not to perform the qualitative impairment assessment for some or all of its reporting units and instead perform a quantitative impairment test which involves comparing a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. In performing the quantitative impairment test, the Company is required to make significant estimates in determining the fair value of a reporting unit including, but not limited to, projected revenues and operating margins, applicable discount and growth rates, and comparative market multiples.

Intangible assets identified upon the acquisition of a business are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consists of a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative assessment is needed for a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If a quantitative assessment is deemed necessary and the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. In performing the quantitative impairment test, the Company is required to make significant estimates in determining the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset including, but not limited to, projected revenues and discount rates.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives as related benefits emerge and are reviewed periodically for indicators of change in useful lives or impairment. If facts and circumstances suggest possible impairment, the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is compared to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows.

Impairment losses and amortization of intangible assets are recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Contract Costs Associated with Certain Revenue Contracts

Contract cost assets represent costs incurred to obtain or fulfill contracts for non-insurance financial services and software subscriptions and services that are expected to be recovered and, thus, have been capitalized and are subject to amortization. Capitalized contract costs include incremental costs of obtaining a contract and fulfillment costs that relate directly to a contract and generate or enhance resources of the Company that are used to satisfy performance obligations. Capitalized contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated lives of the contracts, which typically range from 5 to 15 years.

Capitalized contract costs are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and costs expensed as incurred are included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 contract cost assets were $98 and $100, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 amortization expense of $20, $21 and $23, respectively, was recorded in Operating expenses. There wasno impairment loss in relation to the contract costs capitalized.

Future Policy Benefits and Contract Owner Account Balances

Future Policy Benefits

The Company establishes and carries actuarially-determined reserves that are calculated to meet its future obligations, including estimates of unpaid claims and claims that the Company believes have been incurred but have not yet been reported as of the balance sheet date.

•Reserves for long-duration traditional life insurance contracts (term insurance, participating and non-participating whole life insurance and traditional group life insurance) and accident and health insurance represent the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of contract owners and related expenses, less the present value of future net premiums.

•Reserves for payout contracts with life contingencies are equal to the present value of future payments.

Principal assumptions used to establish liabilities for future policy benefits include interest rate, mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, contract renewal, payment of subsequent premiums or deposits by the contract owner, retirement, inflation, and benefit utilization. Other than interest rate assumptions, these assumptions are based on Company experience and periodically reviewed against industry standards. The Company reviews these assumptions at least annually and updates them if necessary. In addition to assumption updates, the Company adjusts reserves for actual experience in the period in which the experience occurs. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company's reserve levels and related results of operations. Remeasurements of the reserves as a result of assumption updates and adjustments for actual experience are recognized in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Interest rates used in discounting the reserves are based on an upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed-income instrument yield derived from observable market data. A 30-year forward rate is used for periods beyond the last observable market point. Reserves are remeasured quarterly to reflect changes in the discount rate, with the resulting change recorded in AOCI. Locked-in interest rates used to determine interest accretion on reserves for new contracts sold after January 1, 2021 are based on the upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed-income instrument yield applicable at the time the business was issued. Locked-in interest accretion rates for contracts in-force as of the January 1, 2021 transition date for ASU 2018-12 are based on the locked-in interest rates in effect for those contracts immediately before the transition date. Interest accretion is recorded in Policyholder benefits.

Contract Owner Account Balances

Contract owner account balances relate to UL-type and investment-type contracts, as follows:

•Account balances for funding agreements with fixed maturities are calculated using the amount deposited with the Company, less withdrawals, plus interest accrued to the ending valuation date. Interest on these contracts is accrued by a predetermined index, plus a spread or a fixed rate, established at the issue date of the contract.

•Account balances for UL-type contracts, including variable universal life ("VUL") contracts, are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges, withdrawals and account values released upon death, plus credited interest thereon.

•Account balances for fixed annuities and payout contracts without life contingencies are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges and withdrawals, plus credited interest thereon. Credited interest rates vary by product and range up to 5.1%. Account balances for group immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are equal to the discounted value of the payment at the implied break-even rate.

Product Guarantees and Additional Reserves

The Company calculates additional reserve liabilities for certain UL-type products, certain variable annuity guaranteed benefits and variable funding products. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates and adjusts the additional liability balance, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company's reserve levels and related results of operations.

Universal and Variable Universal Life: The Company establishes additional reserves on universal life ("UL") and VUL contracts, primarily related to secondary guarantees and paid-up guarantees, for the portion of contract assessments received in early years that will be used to compensate the Company for benefits provided in later years. These reserves are calculated by estimating the expected value of benefits payable and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments, using interest rates consistent with the underlying contracts' interest crediting rates. Included are contracts where the Company contractually guaranteed a death benefit even when there is insufficient value to cover monthly mortality and expense charges, whereas otherwise the contract would typically lapse ("no lapse guarantee"), and other provisions that would produce expected gains from the insurance benefit function followed by losses from that function in later years. Additional reserves for UL and VUL contracts are recorded in Future policy benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Stabilizer and MCG: Guaranteed credited rates give rise to an embedded derivative in the stabilizer ("Stabilizer") products and a stand-alone derivative for managed custody guarantee products ("MCG"). These derivatives are measured at estimated fair value and recorded in Contract owner account balances. Changes in estimated fair value, that are not related to attributed fees collected or payments made, are reported in Net gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The estimated fair value of the Stabilizer embedded derivative and MCG stand-alone derivative is determined based on the present value of projected future claims, minus the present value of future guaranteed premiums. At inception of the contract, the Company projects a guaranteed premium to be equal to the present value of the projected future claims. The income associated with the contracts is projected using actuarial and capital market assumptions, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk-free rates and other best estimate assumptions.

The liabilities for the Stabilizer embedded derivative and the MCG stand-alone derivative include a risk margin to capture uncertainties related to policyholder behavior assumptions. The margin represents additional compensation a market participant would require to assume these risks.

The discount rate used to determine the fair value of the liabilities for the Stabilizer embedded derivative and the MCG stand-alone derivative includes an adjustment to reflect the risk that these obligations will not be fulfilled ("nonperformance risk").

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets and liabilities generally represent funds maintained to meet specific investment objectives of contract owners or participants who bear the investment risk, subject, in limited cases, to minimum guaranteed rates. Investment income and investment gains and losses generally accrue directly to such contract owners. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company.

Separate account assets supporting variable options under variable annuity contracts are invested, as designated by the contract owner or participant under a contract, in shares of mutual funds that are managed by the Company or in other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company.

The Company reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in the separate accounts and liabilities of separate accounts if:

•Such separate accounts are legally recognized;

•Assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company's general account liabilities;

•Investments are directed by the contract owner or participant; and

•All investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract owner.

The Company reports separate account assets that meet the above criteria at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the fair value of the underlying investments. The underlying investments include mutual funds, short-term investments, cash and fixed maturities. Separate account liabilities equal separate account assets. Investment income and net realized and unrealized capital gains (losses) of the separate accounts, however, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the separate accounts.

Short-term and Long-term Debt

Short-term and long-term debt are carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance, net of any remaining unamortized discount or premium and any direct and incremental costs attributable to issuance. Discounts, premiums and direct and incremental costs are amortized as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the life of the debt using the effective interest method of amortization.

Repurchase Agreements

The Company engages in dollar repurchase agreements with MBS ("dollar rolls") and repurchase agreements with other collateral types to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. Such arrangements meet the requirements to be accounted for as financing arrangements.

The Company enters into dollar roll transactions by selling existing MBS and concurrently entering into an agreement to repurchase similar securities within a short time frame at a lower price. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed upon interest rate for an agreed upon time frame and pledges collateral in the form of securities. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays the loan amount along with the additional agreed upon interest.

The Company's policy requires that at all times during the term of the dollar roll and repurchase agreements that cash or other collateral types obtained is sufficient to allow the Company to fund substantially all of the cost of purchasing replacement assets. Cash received is generally invested in short-term investments, which are included in Short-term investments under securities loan agreements, including collateral delivered, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included within Payables under securities loan and repurchase agreements, including collateral held, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of the securities pledged in dollar rolls and repurchase agreement transactions is included in Securities pledged on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recognition of Revenue

Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits

Premiums related to traditional life insurance contracts and payout contracts with life contingencies are recognized in Premiums in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when due from the contract owner. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium (i.e., the portion of the gross premium required to provide for expected future benefits and expenses) is deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to insurance in force. Benefits are recorded in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when incurred.

Amounts received as payment for investment-type, UL-type, fixed annuities, and payout contracts without life contingencies are reported as deposits to contract owner account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist primarily of fees assessed against the contract owner account balance for mortality and policy administration charges and are reported in Fee income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Surrender charges are reported in Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company earns investment income from the investment of contract deposits in the Company's general account portfolio, which is reported in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Benefits and expenses for these products include claims in excess of related account balances, expenses of contract administration and interest credited to contract owner account balances.

Performance-based Capital Allocations on Private Equity Funds

Under asset management arrangements for certain of its sponsored private equity funds, the Company, as General Partner, is entitled to receive performance-based capital allocations ("carried interest") when the return on assets under management for such funds exceeds prescribed investment return hurdles or other performance targets. Carried interest is accrued quarterly based on measuring cumulative fund performance against the stated performance hurdle, as if the fund was liquidated at its estimated fair value as of the applicable balance sheet date.

Carried interest is subject to adjustment to the extent that subsequent fund performance causes the fund’s cumulative investment return to fall below specified investment return hurdles. In such a circumstance, some or all of the previously accrued carried interest is reversed to the extent that the Company is no longer entitled to the performance-based capital allocation and, if such allocations have been distributed to the Company but are subject to recoupment by the fund, a liability is established for the potential repayment obligation.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Revenue for various financial services and software subscriptions and services is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer and is recognized when the Company has satisfied a performance obligation, unless the transaction price includes variable consideration that is constrained; in such case, we recognize revenue when the uncertainty associated with the constrained amount is subsequently resolved.

•Financial Services – For advisory, asset management, and recordkeeping and administration ("R&A") services, the Company recognizes revenue as services are provided, generally over time. The Company provides distribution services at a point in time and recognizes the related revenue as consideration is received. Revenue from shareholder servicing is recognized as services are provided over time. Contract terms are typically less than one year, and consideration is variable. Revenue for financial services is recorded in Fee income and Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operation.

•Software Subscriptions and Services – Software subscriptions and services include access to and usage of cloud-based benefits software for employer and health plan customers, software implementation and support services, and distribution services. Contract terms are typicallyone tothree years, and consideration can be fixed or variable. Revenue for software subscriptions and services is generally recognized over time and recorded in Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operation.

For a description of principal activities by segment from which the Company generates revenue, see the Segments Note in these Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. See the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Note in these Consolidated Financial Statements for revenue disaggregated by type of service.

Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on income and expense reported in the financial statements after adjustments for permanent differences between our financial statements and consolidated federal income tax return. Permanent differences include the dividends received deduction, tax credits and non-controlling interest. As a result of permanent differences, the effective tax rate reflected in the financial statements may be different than the actual rate in the income tax return. Current income tax receivable or payable is recognized within Other assets or Other liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Temporary differences between the Company's financial statements and income tax return create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent the tax benefit of future deductible temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. The Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company evaluates and tests the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Considerable judgment and the use of estimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary and, if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers many factors, including the nature and character of the deferred tax assets and liabilities, the amount and character of book income or losses in recent years, projected future taxable income and future reversals of temporary differences, tax planning strategies we would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused, and the length of time carryforwards can be utilized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the applicable taxing authority. The Company also considers positions that have been reviewed and agreed to as part of an examination by the applicable taxing authority. For items that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate resolution with the applicable tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements in most aspects of its insurance business to reduce its exposure to large losses. Such reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers, although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as direct insurer of the risks reinsured.

For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk. The Company reviews contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. The assumptions used to account for long-duration reinsurance agreements are consistent with those used for the underlying contracts, with the exception of the interest accretion rate on reinsurance recoverable assets associated with in-force business reinsured. Ceded Future policy benefits and Contract owner account balances are reported gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

For reinsurance of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid and benefits received related to the underlying contracts is included in the expected net cost of reinsurance, which is recorded in Premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable or Other liabilities, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Deposits received are included in Other liabilities, and deposits made are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted.

Accounting for reinsurance requires use of assumptions and estimates, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business and the potential impact of counterparty credit risks. The Company reviews assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance at least annually and updates them if necessary. In addition to the assumption updates, the Company adjusts these assets or liabilities for actual experience in the period in which the experience occurs. The Company also evaluates the financial strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial condition of reinsurers.

Reinsurance recoverable and deposit asset balances are reported net of the allowance for credit losses on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management estimates the credit loss allowance balance using a factor-based method of probability of default and loss given default which incorporates relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Included in the factor-based method are the consideration of capital market factors, counterparty financial information and ratings, and reinsurance agreement-specific risk characteristics such as collateral type, collateral size, and covenant strength.

The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the reinsurance recoverable balance to present the net amount expected to be collected on the reinsurance recoverable. The change in the allowance for credit losses is recorded in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Current reinsurance recoverable balances deemed probable of recovery and payable balances under reinsurance agreements are included in Premium receivable and reinsurance recoverable and Other liabilities, respectively. Such assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer are recorded net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. Premiums, Fee income and Policyholder benefits are reported net of reinsurance ceded.

The Company has entered into coinsurance funds withheld reinsurance arrangements that contain embedded derivatives for which carrying value is estimated based on the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld payable under the agreements.

Employee Benefits Plans

The Company sponsors and/or administers various plans that provide defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans covering eligible employees, sales representatives and other individuals. The plans are generally funded through payments, determined by periodic actuarial calculations, to trustee-administered funds.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive upon retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The liability recognized in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the projected pension benefit obligation ("PBO") at the balance sheet date, less the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for unrecognized past service costs. This liability is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The PBO is defined as the actuarially calculated present value of vested and non-vested pension benefits accrued based on future salary levels. The Company recognizes the funded status of the PBO for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") for other postretirement plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net periodic benefit cost is determined using management estimates and actuarial assumptions to derive service cost, interest cost and expected return on plan assets for a particular year and is included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The obligations and expenses associated with these plans require use of assumptions, such as discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increases and healthcare cost trend rates, as well as assumptions regarding participant demographics, such as age of retirements, withdrawal rates and mortality. Management determines these assumptions based on a variety of factors, such as historical performance of the plan and its assets, currently available market and industry data and expected benefit payout streams. Actual results could vary significantly from assumptions based on changes, such as economic and market conditions, demographics of participants in the plans and amendments to benefits provided under the plans. These differences may have a significant effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and liquidity. Differences between the expected return and the actual return on plan assets and actuarial gains (losses) are immediately recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For postretirement healthcare and other benefits to retirees, the expected costs of these benefits are accrued in Other liabilities over the period of employment using an accounting methodology similar to that for defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial gains (losses) are immediately recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Share-based Compensation

The Company grants certain employees and directors share-based compensation awards under various plans. Share-based compensation plans are subject to certain vesting conditions. The Company measures the cost of its share-based awards at their grant date fair value, which in the case of restricted stock units ("RSUs ") and performance share units ("PSUs"), is based upon the market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company grants certain PSU awards, which are subject to attainment of specified total shareholder return ("TSR") targets relative to a specified peer group. The number of TSR-based PSU awards expected to be earned, based on achievement of the market condition, is factored into the grant date Monte Carlo valuation for the award. Fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes options valuation methodology. Compensation expense is principally related to the granting of performance share units, restricted stock units and stock options and is recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the requisite service period. The majority of awards granted are provided in the first quarter of each year. The Company includes estimated forfeitures in the calculation of share-based compensation expense.

The liability related to cash-settled awards is recorded within Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unlike equity-settled awards, which have a fixed grant-date fair value, the fair value of unvested cash-settled awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period until the awards vest.

All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based compensation are reported in Net income (loss).

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed assuming the issuance of restricted stock units, stock options, performance share units and warrants using the treasury stock method. Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using unrounded, actual amounts. Under the treasury stock method, the Company utilizes the average market price to determine the amount of cash that would be available to repurchase shares if the common shares vested. The net incremental share count issued represents the potential dilutive or anti-dilutive securities.

For any period where a loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders is experienced, shares used in the diluted EPS calculation represent basic shares, as using diluted shares would be anti-dilutive to the calculation.

Treasury Stock

All amounts paid to repurchase common stock are recorded as Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When Treasury stock is retired and the purchase price is greater than par, an excess of purchase price over par is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings (deficit). Shares that are retired are determined on a FIFO basis.

Consolidation and Noncontrolling Interests

In the normal course of business, the Company invests in, provides investment management services to, and has transactions with, various CLO entities, private equity funds, real estate funds, funds-of-hedge funds, single strategy hedge funds, insurance entities, securitizations and other investment entities. In certain instances, the Company serves as the investment manager, making day-to-day investment decisions concerning the assets of these entities. These entities are considered to be either VIEs or VOEs, and the consolidation guidance requires an assessment involving judgments and analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Company's involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest.

The Company consolidates entities in which it, directly or indirectly, is determined to have a controlling financial interest. Consolidation conclusions are reviewed quarterly to identify whether any reconsideration events have occurred.

•VIEs: The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary at the time it becomes involved with a VIE. An entity is a VIE if it has equity investors who, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or it does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its expected activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The primary beneficiary (a) has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (b) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity.

•VOEs: For entities determined not to be VIEs, the Company consolidates entities in which it holds greater than 50% of the voting interest, or, for limited partnerships, when the Company owns a majority of the limited partnership's kick-out rights through voting interests.

Noncontrolling interest represents the interests of shareholders, other than the Company, in consolidated entities. In the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest represents such shareholders' interests in the earnings and losses of those entities, or the attribution of results from consolidated VIEs or VOEs to which the Company is not economically entitled.

The Company has a redeemable noncontrolling interest associated with Allianz's 24% economic stake in VIM Holdings, which is reflected within Mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This redeemable noncontrolling interest has been classified as Mezzanine equity because in the event of a change in control of the Company, which is not solely within the control of the Company, the redeemable noncontrolling interest could become redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder. A change in control of the Company is not considered probable as of December 31, 2023; therefore, the redeemable noncontrolling interest has not been remeasured to its redemption value.

Contingencies

A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Examples of loss contingencies include pending or threatened adverse litigation, threat of expropriation of assets and actual or possible claims and assessments. Amounts related to loss contingencies are accrued and recorded in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated, based on the Company's best estimate of the ultimate outcome.

Adoption of New Pronouncements

Long-Duration Contracts

The following section provides a description of the Company's adoption of ASU 2018-12 issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the impact of the adoption on the Company's financial statements:

This standard, issued in August 2018, changes the measurement and disclosures of insurance liabilities and DAC for long-duration contracts issued by insurers. In addition to expanded disclosures, the standard’s requirements include:

•Annual review and, if necessary, update of cash flow assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits for nonparticipating traditional and limited payment insurance contracts, measured on a retrospective catch-up basis and recognized in the period the update is made. The rate used is required to be updated quarterly, with related changes in the liability recorded in AOCI.

•Fair value measurement of contract guarantee features qualifying as Market Risk Benefits (“MRB”), with changes in fair value recognized in the Statements of Operations. Changes in the instrument-specific credit risk will be recorded in AOCI.

•Amortization of DAC on a constant level basis over the expected term of the contracts, without reference to revenue or profitability. An accounting election may be made to apply the DAC requirements to VOBA.

•Insurance entities may make an accounting policy election to exclude contracts from application of the requirements in ASU 2018-12 when those contracts have been derecognized because of a sale or disposal of a legal entity before the effective date of ASU 2018-12.

The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 on January 1, 2023, on a modified retrospective basis for the liability for future policy benefits and DAC and on a full retrospective basis for MRBs. The January 1, 2021 transition impact increased Total shareholders’ equity. This increase was primarily driven by the removal of DAC/VOBA and Premium deficiency reserve adjustment balances, and partially offset by the impact of remeasurement of Future policy benefits and Reinsurance recoverable using the discount rate at January 1, 2021. Total shareholders’ equity was also impacted by the establishment of MRB liabilities related to guaranteed minimum benefits on certain deferred annuity contracts. The Company elected the option to exclude contracts reported as discontinued operations in 2021.

Disclosures and post-transition comparative information have been restated to conform to the requirements of ASU 2018-12.

The following tables provide additional information related to the transition adjustments:

(1) Includes long duration retail individual life and annuity business exited via reinsurance

(2) Includes long duration employee-sponsored group life and health products

(3) Includes long duration employee-paid whole life products

The following table presents information on transition adjustments, net of tax, related to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 for retained earnings and AOCI to arrive at the opening balances as of January 1, 2021:

The following table provides a description of the Company's adoption of other new ASUs issued by the FASB and the impact of adoption on the Company's financial statements:

Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

The following table provides a description of future adoptions of new accounting standards that may have an impact on the Company's financial statements when adopted: