Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:
The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating reported values for the investments and derivatives described below:
The Company analyzes its general account investments to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Factors considered in this analysis include, but are not limited to, the length of time
In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-16 “Transfers & Servicing (ASC Topic 860): Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets” (“ASU 2009-16”), which eliminates the QSPE concept and requires a transferor of financial assets to:
As of January 1, 2007, 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 and VOBA related to the replaced contracts are written off to Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, total accumulated depreciation and amortization was $92.0 and $103.0, respectively. Depreciation on property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets with the exception of land and artwork, which are not depreciated or amortized. The Company’s property and equipment are depreciated using the following estimated useful lives.
The Company reports separate account assets and liabilities that meet the above criteria at fair value based on the fair value of the underlying investments. Investment income and net realized and unrealized capital gains (losses) of the separate accounts, however, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the separate accounts.
(Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
monitoring of overall exposure. It is the Company’s policy to transact only with investment grade counterparties with a credit rating of A- or better. Valuations for the Company’s futures contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices from an active exchange and, therefore, are classified as Level 1. The Company also has certain credit default swaps that are priced using models that primarily use market observable inputs, but contain inputs that are not observable to market participants, which have been classified as Level 3. However, all other derivative instruments are valued based on market observable inputs and are classified as Level 2.
potential future exposure to the Company on the sale of credit protection under credit default swaps was $84.4 and $161.0, respectively.
The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the net pension cost for 2009 were, as indicated above, a 6.0% discount rate and a 1.5% rate of compensation increase. Since the benefit plans of the Company are unfunded, an assumption for return on plan assets is not required.
Federal and state regulators, and self-regulatory agencies, are conducting broad inquiries and investigations involving the insurance and retirement industries. These initiatives currently focus on, among other things, compensation, revenue sharing, and other sales incentives; potential conflicts of interest; sales and marketing practices (including sales to seniors); specific product types (including group annuities and indexed annuities); product administrative issues; and disclosure. The Company and certain of its U.S. affiliates have received formal and informal requests in connection with such investigations, and have cooperated and are cooperating fully with each request for information. Some of these matters could result in regulatory action involving the Company. These initiatives also may result in new legislation and regulation that could significantly affect the financial services industry, including businesses in which the Company is engaged. In light of these and other developments, U.S. affiliates of ING, including the Company, periodically review whether modifications to their business practices are appropriate.