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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and include our accounts as well as our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated. In our title segment, our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method until such time that they become wholly or majority-owned. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings represents the portion of a majority-owned subsidiary's net earnings or loss that is owned by noncontrolling shareholders of the subsidiary. Noncontrolling interest recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the portion of equity in a consolidated subsidiary owned by noncontrolling shareholders.
We are involved in certain entities that are considered variable interest entities ("VIEs") as defined under GAAP. Our involvement with VIEs is primarily to invest in assets that allow us to gain exposure to a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes. A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support, where investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or where the entity is structured with non-substantive voting rights. We assess our relationships with VIEs to evaluate if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If we
determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE in our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note E Investments for additional information on our investments in VIEs.
Investments
Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
Fixed maturity securities are purchased to support our investment strategies, which are developed based on factors including rate of return, maturity, credit risk, duration, tax considerations and regulatory requirements. Our investments in fixed maturity securities have been designated as available-for-sale ("AFS") and are carried at fair value, net of allowance for expected credit losses, with unrealized gains and losses included within AOCI, net of deferred income taxes. Fair values for fixed maturity securities are principally a function of current market conditions and are primarily valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable or unobservable. We recognize investment income on fixed maturities based on the effective interest method, which results in the recognition of a constant rate of return on the investment equal to the prevailing rate at the time of purchase or at the time of subsequent adjustments of book value. In our title segment, realized gains and losses on sales of our fixed maturity securities are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income on a trade date basis. Our F&G segment uses first-in first-out cost basis and generally records security transactions on a trade date basis except for private placements, which are recorded on a settlement date basis. Realized gains and losses on sales of fixed maturity securities are reported within Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Fixed maturity securities AFS are subject to an allowance for credit loss and changes in the allowance are reported in net earnings as a component of Recognized gains and losses, net. For details on our policy around allowance for expected credit losses on AFS securities, refer to Note E Investments.
Preferred and Equity Securities
Equity and preferred securities held are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet dates. The fair values of our equity and preferred securities are based on quoted prices in active markets, or are valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable or unobservable or based on net asset value ("NAV"). Changes in fair value and realized gains and losses on sales of our preferred and equity securities are reported within Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Recognized gains and losses on sales of our preferred and equity securities are credited or charged to earnings on a trade date basis, unless the security is a private placement in which case settlement date basis is used. Interest and dividend income from these investments is reported in Interest and investment income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
In our F&G segment, we hedge certain portions of our exposure to product related equity market risk by entering into derivative transactions (primarily call options). We utilize interest rate swaps to reduce market risks from interest rate changes on our earnings associated with our floating rate investments. All such derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The changes in fair value are reported within Recognized gains and losses, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
We purchase financial instruments and issue products that may contain embedded derivative instruments. If it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract for measurement purposes. The Company’s embedded derivative associated to our FIA crediting rates policies is carried at fair value, which is determined through a combination of market observable inputs such as market value of option and interest swap rates and unobservable inputs such as the mortality multiplier, surrender and withdrawal rates and non-performance spread. The changes in fair value of the FIA embedded derivative are reported within Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives
As discussed in Note O F&G Reinsurance, F&G entered into reinsurance agreements to cede a quota share of certain deferred annuity, multi-year guaranteed annuities ("MYGA") and deferred annuity"), respectively, GAAP and statutory reserves on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, net of applicable existing reinsurance. Funds withheld arrangements allow the Company to retain legal ownership of assets backing reinsurance arrangements until they are earned by the reinsurer while passing credit risk associated with the assets in the funds withheld account to the reinsurer. These arrangements create embedded derivatives considered to be total return swaps with contractual returns that are attributable to the assets and liabilities associated with the reinsurance arrangement. The fair value of the total return swap is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld portfolio. Investment results for the assets that support the coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangement, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurer pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangement. These total return swaps are not clearly and closely related to the underlying reinsurance
contract and thus require bifurcation. The reinsurance related embedded derivative is reported in Prepaid expenses and other assets if in a net gain position, or Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, if in a net loss position on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related gains or losses are reported in Recognized gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loans
Our investment in mortgage loans consists of commercial and residential mortgage loans on real estate, which are reported at amortized cost, less allowance for expected credit losses. For details on our policy around allowance for expected credit losses on mortgage loans, refer to Note E Investments.
Commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") are continuously monitored by reviewing appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues, annual inspection reports, loan specific credit quality, property characteristics, market trends and other factors.
CMLs are rated for the purpose of quantifying the level of risk. Loans are placed on a watch list when the debt service coverage ("DSC") ratio falls below certain thresholds and the loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios exceeds certain thresholds. Loans on the watchlist are closely monitored for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. We define delinquent mortgage loans as 30 days past due, consistent with industry practice.
Residential mortgage loans ("RMLs") have a primary credit quality indicator of either a performing or nonperforming loan. We define nonperforming RMLs as those that are 90 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status, which is assessed monthly. Generally, nonperforming RMLs have a higher risk of experiencing a credit loss. We consider residential mortgage loans that are 90 or more days past due and have an LTV greater than 90% to be foreclosure probable.
Interest on loans is recognized on an accrual basis at the applicable interest rate on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and direct costs, as well as premiums and discounts, are amortized as level yield adjustments over the respective loan terms. Unamortized net fees or costs are recognized upon early repayment of the loans. Loan commitment fees are deferred and amortized on an effective yield basis over the term of the loan. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, prepayment fees, and loan commitment fees are reported in Interest and investment income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments
Short-term investments consist of financial instruments with an original maturity of one year or less when purchased and include short-term fixed maturity securities and money market instruments, which are carried at fair value, and short-term loans, which are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
In our F&G segment, we account for our investments in unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method or by electing the fair value option. Initial investments are recorded at cost. For investments subsequently measured using the equity method (primarily limited partnerships), adjustments to the carrying amount reflect our pro rata ownership percentage of the operating results as indicated by net asset value (“NAV”) in the unconsolidated affiliates’ financial statements, which we may adjust if we determine NAV is not calculated consistent with investment company fair value principles. Distributions received from investments measured using the equity method are recorded as a decrease in the investment balance. For investments subsequently measured using the fair value option, adjustments to the carrying amount reflecting the change in fair value of the investment are reported along with realized gains and losses on sales of investments in unconsolidated affiliates in Recognized gains and (losses), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Distributions received from investments measured using the fair value option is reported within Interest and investment income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Recognition of income and adjustments to the carrying amount can be delayed due to the availability of the related financial statements, which are obtained from the general partner or managing member generally on a one to three-month delay. For investments using the equity method, management inquires quarterly with the general partner or managing member to determine whether any credit or other market events have occurred since prior quarter financial statements to ensure any material events are properly included in current quarter valuation and investment income.
In our title segment, we account for our investments in unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting and earnings on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates are recorded within Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We classify distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows using the cumulative earnings approach. Under the cumulative earnings approach, distributions are considered returns on investment and classified as cash inflows from operating activities unless the Company’s cumulative distributions from an investee received exceed the cumulative equity in earnings of such investee. When cumulative distributions from an investee exceed cumulative equity in earnings of the investee, such excess is considered a return of investment and is classified as a cash inflow from investing activities.
Interest and Investment Income
Interest and investment income
Dividends and interest income are recorded in Interest and investment income and recognized when earned. Income or losses upon call or prepayment of fixed maturity securities are recognized in Interest and investment income. Amortization of
premiums and accretion of discounts on investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in Interest and investment income over the contractual terms of the investments, and for callable investments at a premium, based on the earliest call date of the investments, in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.
For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, included in the fixed maturity securities portfolios, one of two models may be used to recognize interest income. For higher rated securities, interest income will be estimated based on an effective yield that considers cash flows received to date plus current expectations of future cash flows. For all other securities, interest income will be estimated based upon an effective yield that considers current expectations of future cash flows. For both interest income models, the estimated future cash flows include assumptions regarding the performance of the underlying collateral pool.
Interest and investment income is presented net of earned investment management fees and the effects of certain reinsurance contracts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid instruments purchased as part of cash management with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
Trade and Notes Receivables
Trade and Notes Receivables
The carrying values reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for trade and notes receivables approximate their fair value.
Premium revenues from agency title operations are recognized when the underlying title order and transaction closing, if applicable, are complete and reported to us. Premium revenues from agency operations and related commissions include an accrual based on estimated historical transaction volume data for policies that have closed in a particular period in which premiums have not yet been reported to us. Historically, the time lag between the closing of these transactions by our agents and the reporting of these policies, or premiums, to us has been up to 15 months, with 66% - 91% reported within three months following closing, an additional 6% - 17% reported within the next three months and the remainder within seven to fifteen months. In addition to accruing these earned but unreported agency premiums, we also accrue agent commission expense, which was 76.9% of agent premiums earned in 2023, 77.1% of agent premiums earned in 2022, and 76.7% of agent premiums earned in 2021. The amount due from our agents relating to this accrual, i.e., the agent premium less their contractual retained commission, was approximately $35 million and $74 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Due to the offsetting effects of reversing prior period accruals, the impact of this accrual to our recorded Agency title insurance premiums, Agent commissions and net earnings in any given period is not considered material.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial instruments presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment in the interpretation of current market data. See a description of the fair value methodology used in Note D Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations, requires an acquirer to recognize, separately from goodwill, the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and to measure these items generally at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is recorded as the residual amount by which the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired. If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, we are required to report provisional amounts in the financial statements for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Adjustments to provisional amounts initially recorded that are identified during the measurement period are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This includes any effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. During the measurement period, we are also required to recognize additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. The measurement period ends the sooner of one year from the acquisition date or when we receive the information we were seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learn that more information is not obtainable. Contingent consideration liabilities or receivables recorded in connection with business acquisitions must also be adjusted for changes in fair value until settled.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment, through a comparison of fair value to the carrying amount. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we perform an annual goodwill impairment analysis based on a review of qualitative factors to determine if events and circumstances exist, which will lead to a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, prior to performing a full fair-value assessment.
We completed annual goodwill impairment analyses in the fourth quarter of each period presented using a September 30 measurement date. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we determined there were no events or circumstances that indicated that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value.
VOBA, DAC, DSI, URL and Other Intangible Assets
VOBA, DAC, DSI and URL
Our intangible assets include the value of insurance and reinsurance contracts acquired (hereafter referred to as "VOBA"), deferred acquisition costs ("DAC"), deferred sales inducements ("DSI") and unearned revenue liabilities ("URL").
VOBA is an intangible asset that reflects the amount recorded as insurance contract liabilities less the estimated fair value of in-force contracts ("VIF") in a life insurance company acquisition. It represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the rights to receive future cash flows from the business in force at the acquisition date. VOBA is a function of the VIF, current GAAP reserves, GAAP assets, and deferred tax liability. The VIF is determined by the present value of statutory distributable earnings less opening required capital. DAC consists principally of commissions and other acquisition costs that are related directly to the successful sale of new or renewal insurance contracts. Indirect or unsuccessful acquisition costs, maintenance, product development and overhead expenses are charged to expense as incurred. DSI represents up front bonus credits and persistency or vesting bonuses credited to contractholder fund balances.
VOBA, DAC, and DSI are amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the related contracts to approximate straight-line amortization. Contracts are grouped by product type and feature and issue year into cohorts consistent with the grouping used in estimating the associated liability, where applicable. The constant level amortization bases of VOBA, DAC and DSI varies by product type. For universal life and indexed universal life ("IUL") insurance products, the constant level basis used is face amount in force. For deferred annuities (fixed indexed annuities ("FIA") and fixed rate annuities), the constant level basis used is initial premium deposit for DAC and DSI and vested account value as of the acquisition date for VOBA. For immediate annuity contracts, the VOBA balance is amortized in alignment with the Company’s accounting policy of amortizing the deferred profit liability ("DPL"). All amortization bases are adjusted by full lapses, which includes deaths, full surrenders, annuitizations and maturities, where applicable.
The constant level bases used for amortization are projected using mortality and lapse assumptions that are based on Company’s experience, industry data, and other factors and are consistent with those used for the future policy benefits ("FPBs"), where applicable. If those projected assumptions change in future periods, they will be reflected in the cohort level amortization basis at that time. Unexpected contract terminations, due to higher mortality and/or lapse experience than expected, are recognized in the current period as a reduction of the capitalized balances. All balances are reduced for actual experience in excess of expected experience with changes in future estimates recognized prospectively over the remaining expected grouped contract term. The impact of changes in projected assumptions and the impact of actual experience that is different from expectations both impact the amortization of these intangible assets, which is reported within Depreciation and amortization in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Some of our IUL policies require payment of fees or other policyholder assessments in advance for services that will be rendered over the estimated lives of the policies or contracts. These payments are established as URLs upon receipt and included in Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. URL is amortized like DAC over the estimated lives of these policies.
Other Intangible Assets
We have other intangible assets, not including goodwill, VOBA, DAC or DSI, which consist primarily of customer relationships and contracts, the value of distribution network acquired ("VODA"), trademarks and tradenames and state licenses, and computer software, which are generally recorded in connection with acquisitions at their fair value. Intangible assets with estimable lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In general, customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally ten years, using an accelerated method, which takes into consideration expected customer attrition rates. VODA is an intangible asset that represents the value of an acquired distribution network and is amortized using the sum of years digits method. Contractual relationships are generally amortized over their contractual life. Trademarks and tradenames are generally amortized over ten
years. Capitalized computer software includes the fair value of software acquired in business combinations, purchased software and capitalized software development costs. Purchased software is recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. Software acquired in business combinations is recorded at its fair value and amortized using straight-line or accelerated methods over its estimated useful life, ranging from five to ten years. For internal-use computer software products, internal and external costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are expensed as they are incurred. Internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized on a product-by-product basis commencing on the date the software is ready for its intended use. We do not capitalize any costs once the software is ready for its intended use.
We review VOBA, DSI and other intangible assets for impairment annually or when events or circumstances occur that indicate a potential change in the underlying basis. For further information, refer to Note M Intangibles.
Title Plants
Title plants are recorded at the cost incurred to construct or obtain and organize historical title information to the point it can be used to perform title searches. Costs incurred to maintain, update and operate title plants are expensed as incurred. Title plants are not amortized as they are considered to have an indefinite life, if maintained. Sales of title plants are reported at the amount received net of the adjusted costs of the title plant sold. Sales of title plant copies are reported at the amount received. No cost is allocated to the sale of copies of title plants unless the carrying value of the title plant is diminished or impaired. Title plants are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets: twenty to thirty years for buildings and three to twenty-five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful lives of such assets. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We recorded $2 million of impairment expense related to property and equipment in our title segment in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Contractholder Funds
Contractholder Funds
Contractholder funds include deferred annuities (FIAs and fixed rate annuities), IULs, funding agreements and non-life contingent ("NLC") immediate annuities (which includes NLC pension risk transfer ("PRT") annuities). The liabilities for contractholder funds for fixed rate annuities, funding agreements and NLC immediate annuities consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the contractholders. The liabilities for FIA and IUL policies consist of the value of the host contract plus the fair value of the indexed crediting feature of the policy, which is accounted for as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative liability is carried at fair value in contractholder funds in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value reported in Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See a description of the fair value methodology used in Note D Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Future Policy Benefits
Future Policy Benefits
The FPB is determined as the present value of future policy benefits and related claims expenses to be paid to or on behalf of the policyholder less the present value of future net premiums to be collected from policyholders. The FPB for traditional life policies and life-contingent immediate annuity policies (which includes life-contingent PRT annuities) are estimated using current assumptions that include discount rate, mortality and surrender/lapse terminations for traditional life insurance policies only, and expenses. The expense assumption is locked-in at contract issuance and not subsequently reviewed or updated. The initial assumptions are based on generally accepted actuarial methods and a combination of internal and industry experience. Policies are terminated through surrenders, lapses and maturities, where surrenders represent the voluntary terminations of policies by policyholders, lapses represent cancellations by us due to nonpayment of premiums, and maturities are determined by policy contract terms.
For traditional life policies and life-contingent immediate annuity policies, contracts are grouped into cohorts by product type, legal entity, and issue year, or acquisition year for cohorts established as of the F&G acquisition date, June 1, 2020. Life-contingent PRT annuities are grouped into cohorts by deal and legal entity. At contract inception, a net premium ratio ("NPR") is determined, which is calculated based on discounted future cash flows projected using best estimate assumptions and is capped at 100%, as net premiums cannot exceed gross premiums. Cohorts with NPRs less than 100% are not used to offset cohorts with NPRs greater than 100%.
The NPR is adjusted for changes in cash flow assumptions and for differences between actual and expected experience. We assess the appropriateness of all future cash flow assumptions, excluding the expense assumption, on a quarterly basis and perform an in-depth review of future cash flow assumptions in the third quarter of each year. Updates are made when evidence suggests a revision is necessary. Updates for actual experience, which includes actual cash flows and insurance in-force, are performed on a quarterly basis. These updated cash flows are used to calculate a revised NPR, which is used to derive an updated liability as of the beginning of the current reporting period, discounted at the original contract issuance date. The updated liability is compared with the carrying amount of the liability as of that same date before the revised NPR. The difference between these amounts is the remeasurement gain or loss, presented parenthetically within Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In subsequent periods, the revised NPR, which is capped at 100%, is used to measure the FPB, subject to future revisions. If the NPR is greater than 100%, and therefore capped at 100%, the liability is increased and expensed immediately to reflect the amount necessary for net premiums to equal gross premiums. As the liability assumptions are reviewed and updated, if deemed necessary, at least annually, if conditions improve whereby the contracts are no longer expected to have net premiums in excess of gross premiums, the improvements would be captured in the remeasurement process and reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period of improvement.
For traditional life policies and life-contingent immediate annuity policies (which includes life-contingent PRT annuities), the discount rate assumption is an equivalent single rate that is derived based on A-credit-rated fixed-income instruments with similar duration to the liability. We selected fixed-income instruments that have been A-rated by Bloomberg. In order to reflect the duration characteristics of the liability, we will use an implied forward yield curve and linear interpolation will be used for durations that have limited or no market observable points on the curve. The discount rate assumption is updated quarterly and used to remeasure the liability at the reporting date, with the resulting change reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings.
Deferred Profit Liability
For life-contingent immediate annuity policies, gross premiums received in excess of net premiums are deferred at initial recognition as a DPL. Gross premiums are measured using assumptions consistent with those used in the measurement of the related liability for FPBs, including discount rate, mortality, and expenses.
The DPL is amortized and recognized as premium revenue with the amount of expected future benefit payments, discounted using the same discount rate determined and locked-in at contract issuance that is used in the measurement of the related FPB. Interest is accreted on the balance of the DPL using this same discount rate. We periodically review and update our estimates using the actual historical experience and updated cash flows for the DPL at the same time as the estimates of cash flows for the FPB. When cash flows are updated, the updated estimates are used to recalculate the initial DPL at contract issuance. The recalculated DPL as of the beginning of the current reporting period is compared to the carrying amount of the DPL as of the beginning of the current reporting period, with any differences recognized as a remeasurement gain or loss, presented parenthetically within Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The DPL is recorded as a component of the Future policy benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Market Risk Benefits
MRBs are contracts or contract features that both provide protection to the contract holder from other-than-nominal capital market risk (equity, interest rate and foreign exchange risk) and expose the Company to other-than-nominal capital market risk. MRBs include certain contract features primarily on FIA products that provide minimum guarantees to policyholders, such as guaranteed minimum death benefit ("GMDB"), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit ("GMWB") riders and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit ("GMAB") riders.
MRBs are measured at fair value using an attributed fee measurement approach where attributed fees are explicit rider charges collectible from the policyholder used to cover the excess benefits, which represent expected benefits in excess of the policyholder’s account value. At contract inception, an attributed fee ratio is calculated equal to rider charges over benefits paid in excess of the account value attributable to the MRBs. The attributed fee ratio remains static over the life of the MRB and is capped at 100%. Each period subsequent to contract inception, the attributed fee ratio is used to calculate the fair value of the MRBs using a risk neutral valuation method and is based on current net amounts at risk, market data, internal and industry experience, and other factors. The balances are computed using assumptions including mortality, full and partial surrender, GMWB utilization, risk-free rates including non-performance spread and risk margin, market value of options and economic scenarios. Policyholder behavior assumptions are reviewed at least annually, typically in the third quarter, for any revisions. MRBs can either be in an asset or liability position and are presented separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as the right of setoff criteria are not met. Changes in fair value are recognized in Market risk benefits gain (losses) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings, except for the change in fair value due to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk,
which is recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. See a description of the fair value methodology used in Note D Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note X Market Risk Benefits.
Reserve for Title Claims Losses
Reserve for Title Claim Losses
Our reserve for title claim losses includes known claims as well as losses we expect to incur, net of recoupments. Each known claim is reserved based on our review as to the estimated amount of the claim and the costs required to settle the claim. Reserves for claims, which are incurred but not reported are established at the time premium revenue is recognized based on historical loss experience and also take into consideration other factors, including industry trends, claim loss history, current legal environment, geographic considerations and the type of policy written.
The reserve for title claim losses also includes reserves for losses arising from closing and disbursement functions due to fraud or operational error.
If a loss is related to a policy issued by an independent agent, we may proceed against the independent agent pursuant to the terms of the agency agreement. In any event, we may proceed against third parties who are responsible for any loss under the title insurance policy under rights of subrogation.
Secured Trust Deposits
Secured Trust Deposits
In the state of Illinois, a trust company is permitted to commingle and invest customers’ assets with its own assets, pending completion of real estate transactions. Accordingly, our Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a secured trust deposit liability of $731 million and $862 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, representing customers’ assets held by us and corresponding assets including cash and investments pledged as security for those trust balances.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, is applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and reflected in the financial statements in the period enacted.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance
Title
In our Title segment, in a limited number of situations, we limit our maximum loss exposure by reinsuring certain risks with other title insurers. We also earn a small amount of additional income, which is reflected in our direct premiums, by assuming reinsurance for certain risks of other title insurers. We cede a portion of certain policy and other liabilities under agent fidelity, excess of loss and case-by-case reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements provide that in the event of a loss (including costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses) exceeding the retained amounts, the reinsurer is liable for the excess amount assumed. However, the ceding company remains primarily liable in the event the reinsurer does not meet its contractual obligations.
F&G
In our F&G segment, our insurance subsidiaries enter into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. For arrangements that meet the criteria to be accounted for as reinsurance, we present the amounts consistently and on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets with the ceded reserves balance presented as a Reinsurance recoverable. Deferred gains will be included within Accounts payable and accrued expenses with the related accretion reflected within Life insurance premiums and other fees on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Earnings, respectively. Deferred costs will be included within the Prepaid expense and other assets with the related amortization reflected within Other operating expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Earnings, respectively. Premium and expense are recorded net of reinsurance ceded.
For arrangements in which the underlying contracts do not include insurance risk or do not meet the criteria to be accounted for as reinsurance, the arrangements are accounted for as separate investment contracts or deposit accounting is applied, respectively. In both cases, we calculate a deposit asset based on the actual and expected cash flows associated to each arrangement and use the interest method to accrete the deposit asset using an effective yield based on changes in actual and expected cash flows. The deposit asset is presented within Reinsurance recoverable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the accretion of the deposit asset is presented within Benefits and other changes in policy reserves on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
For certain arrangements that are not accounted for as reinsurance, the right of offset is applied when there is a right of offset explicit in the reinsurance agreement. This results in the assets and liabilities associated with the arrangement presented on a net basis in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related net investment income, investment gain/loss, and change in deposit asset are presented net on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. F&G intends to apply the right of offset where there is a right of offset explicit in the reinsurance agreement.
Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves
Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves
Benefit expenses for deferred annuities (FIAs and fixed rate annuities), IUL policies and funding agreements include interest credited, fixed interest, floating interest (specific to funding agreements) and/or index credits (specific to FIA and IUL policies), to contractholder account balances. Benefit claims in excess of contract account balances, net of reinsurance recoveries, are charged to expense in the period that they are earned by the policyholder based on their selected strategy or strategies. Other changes in policy reserves include the change in the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative.
Other changes in policy reserves also include the change in reserves for life insurance products. For traditional life and life-contingent immediate annuities (which includes PRT annuities with life contingencies), policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred, net of reinsurance recoveries. Remeasurement gains or losses on the related FPB and DPL balances are presented parenthetically within Benefits and other changes in policy reserves in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
We account for stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method. Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date using quoted market prices, and recognized over the service period.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share, as presented on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In periods when earnings are positive, diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities. For periods when we recognize a net loss, diluted earnings per share is equal to basic earnings per share as the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities is considered to be antidilutive. We have granted certain stock options, shares of restricted stock, convertible debt instruments and certain other convertible share-based payments, which have been treated as common share equivalents for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share for periods in which positive earnings have been reported.
The net earnings of F&G in our calculation of diluted earnings per share is adjusted for dilution related to certain F&G restricted stock granted to F&G's employees in accordance with ASC 260-10-55-20. We calculate the ratio of the shares of F&G we own to the total weighted average diluted shares of F&G outstanding and multiply the ratio by F&G's net earnings. The result is used for F&G's net earnings attributable to FNF included in our consolidated net earnings in the numerator for our diluted EPS calculation.
Restricted stock, options or other instruments, which provide the ability to acquire shares of our common stock that are antidilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
We report Comprehensive earnings (loss) in accordance with GAAP on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. Total comprehensive earnings are defined as all changes in shareholders' equity during a period, other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. While total comprehensive earnings is the activity in a period and is largely driven by net earnings in that period, accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. Amounts reclassified to net earnings relate to the realized gains (losses) on our investments and other financial instruments, excluding investments in unconsolidated affiliates, and are included in Recognized gains and losses, net on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Management Estimates
Management Estimates
The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Periodically, and at least annually, typically in the third quarter, we review the assumptions associated with reserves for policy benefits and product guarantees. During the third quarter of 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2023, based on increases in interest rates and pricing changes, we updated certain FIA assumptions to calculate the fair value of the embedded derivative component within the contractholder funds and also aligned reserves to actual policyholder behavior. These changes resulted in an increase in total benefits and other changes in policy reserves of approximately $73 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, based on increases in interest rates and pricing changes during 2022, we updated certain FIA assumptions used to calculate the fair value of the embedded derivative component within contractholder funds and the fair value of market risk benefits. These changes, taken together, resulted in an increase in contractholder funds and market risk benefits of $99 million.
During the third quarter of 2021, we implemented a new actuarial valuation system. As a result, our third quarter 2021 assumption updates include model refinements and assumption updates resulting from the implementation. The system implementation and assumption review process that occurred in the third quarter of 2021, included refinements in the calculation of the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our FIAs within contractholder funds and updates to the surrender rates, GMWB utilization and earned rate assumptions to reflect our current and expected future experience. These changes, taken together, resulted in a decrease in contractholder funds and future policy reserves of $435 million. The majority of the changes represent one-time adjustments in the third quarter of 2021 related to the cumulative impact of the system implementation and are not expected to re-occur in the future.
Owned Distribution Investments
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we expensed approximately $154 million and $74 million in commissions on sales through our funded owned distribution investments and their affiliates, respectively, with the acquisition expense deferred and amortized in Depreciation and amortization on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Revenue Recognition
Our Direct title insurance premiums are recognized as revenue at the time of closing of the underlying transaction as the earnings process is then considered complete. Regulation of title insurance rates varies by state. Premiums are charged to customers based on rates predetermined in coordination with each states' respective Department of Insurance. Cash associated with such revenue is typically collected at closing of the underlying real estate transaction. Premium revenues from agency title operations are recognized when the underlying title order and transaction closing, if applicable, are complete.
Revenues from our home warranty business are generated from contracts with customers to provide warranty for major home appliances. Substantially all of our home warranty contracts are one year in length and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.
Revenue Recognition, Other
Interest and investment income consists primarily of interest payments received on fixed maturity security holdings and dividends received on equity and preferred security holdings along with the investment income of limited partnerships.
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, primarily related to revenue from our home warranty business, and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
Revenue Recognition, Services, Real Estate Transactions
Escrow fees and Other title-related fees and income in our Title segment are closely related to Direct title insurance premiums and are primarily associated with managing the closing of real estate transactions including the processing of funds on behalf of the transaction participants, gathering and recording the required closing documents, providing notary and home inspection services, and other real estate or title-related activities. Revenue is primarily recognized upon closing of the underlying real estate transaction or completion of services. Cash associated with such revenue is typically collected at closing.
Revenues from ServiceLink, excluding its title premiums, escrow fees and loan subservicing fees primarily include revenues from real estate appraisal services and foreclosure processing and facilitation services. Revenues from real estate appraisal services are recognized when all appraisal work is complete, a final report is issued to the client and the client is billed. Revenues from foreclosure processing and facilitation services are primarily recognized upon completion of the services and when billing to the client is complete.
Life insurance premiums in our F&G segment reflect premiums for life-contingent PRT, traditional life insurance products and life-contingent immediate annuity products, which are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. We have ceded the majority of our traditional life business to unaffiliated third-party reinsurers. While the base contract has been reinsured, we continue to retain the return of premium rider. Insurance and investment product fees and other consist primarily of the cost of insurance on IUL policies, UREV on IUL policies, policy rider fees primarily on FIA policies and surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals in excess of the policyholder's allowable penalty-free amounts.
Premium and annuity deposit collections for FIA, fixed rate annuities, immediate annuities and PRT without life contingency, and amounts received for funding agreements are reported in the financial statements as deposit liabilities (i.e., contractholder funds) instead of as sales or revenues. Similarly, cash payments to customers are reported as decreases in the liability for contractholder funds and not as expenses. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities include net investment income, surrender, cost of insurance and other charges deducted from contractholder funds, and net realized gains (losses) on investments. Components of expenses for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest-sensitive and index product benefits (primarily interest credited to account balances or the hedging cost of providing index credits to the policyholder), amortization of DAC, DSI, and VOBA, other operating costs and expenses, and income taxes.
Real estate technology revenues are primarily comprised of subscription fees for use of software provided to real estate professionals. Subscriptions are only offered on a month-by-month basis and fees are billed monthly. Revenue is recognized in the month services are provided.
Loan subservicing revenues are generated by certain subsidiaries of ServiceLink and are associated with the servicing of mortgage loans on behalf of its customers. Revenue is recognized when the underlying work is performed and billed. Loan subservicing revenues are subject to the recognition requirements of ASC Topic 860.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Not Yet Adopted
Adopted Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2018-12, as clarified and amended by ASU 2019-09, Financial Services-Insurance: Effective Date and ASU 2020-11, Financial Services-Insurance: Effective Date and Early Application, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update introduced the following requirements: assumptions used to measure cash flows for traditional and limited-payment contracts must be reviewed at least annually with the effect of changes in those assumptions being recognized in the statement of earnings; the discount rate applied to measure the liability for future policy benefits and limited-payment contracts must be updated at each reporting date with the effect of changes in the rate being recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”); Market risk benefits (“MRB”) associated with deposit contracts must be measured at fair value, with the effect of the change in the fair value recognized in earnings, except for the change attributable to instrument-specific credit risk, which is recognized in AOCI; deferred acquisition costs are no longer required to be amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins; instead, those balances must be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts; deferred acquisition costs must be written off for unexpected contract terminations; and disaggregated roll forwards of beginning to ending balances of the liability for future policyholder benefits ("FPBs"), contractholder funds, MRBs, separate account liabilities and deferred acquisition costs, as well as information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in measurement are required to be disclosed. We adopted this standard, which required the new guidance be applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented or January 1, 2021, referred to as the transition date, and elected the full retrospective transition method. As a result of adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment, which increased opening 2021 retained earnings by $75 million, net of tax.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this update eliminate the Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") recognition and measurement guidance for creditors and, instead, require that an entity evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, these amendments require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The guidance is effective for entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326) for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, though early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2023, and it did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures upon adoption.
Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The amendments in this update affect all entities that have investments in equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to a contractual sale restriction and clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. Additionally, the amendments require the following disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions: the fair value of equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions reflected in the balance sheet, the nature and remaining duration of the restriction(s), and the circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restriction(s). The amendments in this update do not change the principles of fair value measurement, rather, they clarify those
principles when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and improve current GAAP by reducing diversity in practice, reducing the cost and complexity in measuring fair value, and increasing comparability of financial information across reporting entities that hold those investments. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years, though early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures upon adoption. We do not currently plan to early adopt this standard.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expense categories that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and included in each reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements that are currently required annually, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, and contain other disclosure requirements. The amendments in this update are incremental to the current requirements of Topic 280 and do not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The enhanced segment disclosure requirements apply retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The significant segment expense and other segment item amounts disclosed in prior periods shall be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and the updates must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. We do not currently expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update enhance the transparency of the income tax disclosures by expanding on the disclosures required annually. The amendments require entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign income taxes, in addition to providing details about the reconciling items in some categories if above a quantitative threshold. Additionally, the amendments require annual disclosure of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, and retrospective application is permitted. We do not currently expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.