Brighthouse Financial Inc

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“BHF” and together with its subsidiaries, “Brighthouse Financial” or the “Company”) is a holding company formed in 2016 to own the legal entities that historically operated a substantial portion of MetLife, Inc.’s (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”) former retail segment until becoming a separate, publicly-traded company in August 2017. Brighthouse Financial is one of the largest providers of annuity and life insurance products in the U.S. through multiple independent distribution channels and marketing arrangements with a diverse network of distribution partners. The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Financial, as well as partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLC”) that the Company controls. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships and LLCs when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. When the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations, the investment is carried at fair value.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the 2023 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. See “— Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements” for discussion of the adoption of new guidance on long-duration contracts as of January 1, 2023, parts of which were retrospectively applied to prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Insurance Contract Obligations

The Company has obligations under insurance contracts to pay benefits over an extended period of time. The Company establishes liabilities for future obligations under long-duration insurance contracts based on the accounting model appropriate for each type of contract or contract feature. Liabilities for insurance contract benefits are generally accrued over time as revenue is recognized, or established based on the balance that accrues to the contract holder. In addition, certain insurance contracts may contain features that are required to be measured at fair value separately from the base contracts, either as a market risk benefit (“MRB”) or embedded derivative.

The discussion below provides an overview of the different accounting models for insurance contract obligations and the applicability of such models to the Company’s insurance products.

The Company establishes a liability for future policy benefits (“LFPB”) for non-participating term and whole life insurance and income annuities. LFPBs are accrued over time as revenue is recognized based on a net premium ratio. The net premium ratio is the portion of gross premiums required to provide for all future benefits. LFPBs are established using the Company’s current assumptions of future cash flows, discounted at a rate that approximates a single A corporate bond curve. The Company generally aggregates insurance contracts into groupings by issue year, product and segment for determining the net premium ratio and related LFPBs.

The Company reviews cash flow assumptions regularly, and if they change significantly, LFPBs are adjusted by determining a revised net premium ratio. The revised net premium ratio is calculated as of contract inception using both actual historical experience and updated future cash flow assumptions. The recalculated net premium ratio is applied to derive a remeasurement gain or loss recognized in the current period net income. For insurance policies in-force as of December 31, 2020, January 1, 2021 is considered the contract inception date. The net premium ratio is also updated quarterly for the difference between actual and expected experience.

The net premium ratio is not updated for changes in discount rate assumptions, as changes in the discount rate are updated quarterly and the impacts are reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). The discount rate assumption is determined by developing a yield curve based on market observable yields for upper-medium grade fixed income instruments derived from an external index. The yield curve is applied to the expected future cash flows used in the measurement of LFPBs based on the duration characteristics of those liabilities.

The most significant cash flow assumptions used in the establishment of LFPBs are mortality, policy lapses and market interest rates. See Note 4 for more information on the effect of changes in assumptions on the measurement of LFPBs.

The Company also establishes an LFPB for participating term and whole life insurance using a net premium ratio and the Company’s current assumptions of future cash flows. Assumptions are determined at issuance of the policy and are not updated unless a premium deficiency exists. A premium deficiency exists when the LFPB plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are less than expected future benefits and expenses (based on current assumptions). When a premium deficiency exists, the Company will reduce any deferred acquisition costs and may also establish an additional liability to eliminate the deficiency. See Note 4 for more information on assumptions used in establishing LFPBs related to participating term and whole life insurance.

The Company establishes a policyholder account balance liability for customer deposits on universal life insurance, universal life insurance with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) and deferred annuity contracts. The policyholder account balance liability is equal to the sum of deposits, plus interest credited, less charges and withdrawals, excluding the impact of any applicable charge that may be incurred upon surrender. The Company also holds additional liabilities for certain product features including secondary guarantees on universal life insurance contracts and the crediting rates associated with index-linked annuities.

Additional Liabilities for ULSG

The Company establishes a liability in addition to the account balance for ULSG. These liabilities are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable when the account balance is projected to be zero and recognizing those benefits ratably over the contract period based on total expected assessments. The benefits used in calculating the liabilities are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. The Company also maintains a liability for profits followed by losses on ULSG determined by projecting future earnings and establishing a liability to offset losses that are expected to occur in later years. Both ULSG liabilities are adjusted for the effects of unrealized investment gains and losses.

The Company reviews cash flow assumptions regularly, and, if they change significantly, the liability for secondary guarantees is adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to net income. Liabilities for secondary guarantees are presented within future policy benefits with changes in the liabilities reported in policyholder benefits and claims, except for the effects of unrealized investment gains and losses, which are reported in OCI.

The most significant assumptions used in estimating liabilities for secondary guarantees are the general account rate of return, premium persistency, mortality and lapses. See Note 4 for more information on the effect of changes in assumptions on the measurement of liabilities for secondary guarantees.

Market Risk Benefits on Annuity Guarantees

MRBs are contracts or contract features that provide protection to the policyholder from capital markets risks by transferring such risks to the Company. MRBs are required to be separated from the deferred annuity host contract and measured at fair value. The Company establishes MRB assets and liabilities for guaranteed minimum benefits on variable annuity contracts including guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). MRB assets are also established for reinsured benefits related to these guarantees. Certain index-linked annuity products may also have guaranteed minimum benefits classified as MRBs.

The measurement of fair value includes an adjustment for the risk that the Company fails to satisfy its obligations, which is referred to as nonperformance risk, as well as risk margin to capture the non-capital markets risks of the instrument, which represents the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties in certain actuarial assumptions. MRBs are measured at estimated fair value, with changes reported in change in MRBs on the consolidated statements of operations, except for the change due to nonperformance risk, which is reported in OCI.

See Note 5 for more information on the effect of changes in inputs and assumptions on the measurement of MRBs and Note 11 for more information on the determination of fair value of MRBs.

Embedded Derivatives on Index-Linked Annuities

The Company issues, and assumes through reinsurance, index-linked annuities which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from certain specified equity indices. The crediting rates associated with these features are classified as embedded derivatives and measured at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

Embedded derivative liabilities are required to be separated from the deferred annuity host contract and measured at fair value. The estimated fair value is determined using a combination of an option pricing model and an option-budget approach. Under this approach, the Company estimates the cost of funding the crediting rate using option pricing and establishes that cost on the balance sheet as a reduction to the initial deposit amount. The estimate of fair value includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk, as well as a risk margin.

Actuarial assumptions are reviewed at least annually, and if they change significantly, the estimated fair value is adjusted through net income. Capital market inputs used in the measurement of index-linked crediting rate embedded derivatives are updated quarterly through net income. The reduction to the initial deposit is accreted back up to the initial deposit over the estimated life of the contract. Embedded derivatives related to index-linked annuities are presented within policyholder account balances while changes in the estimated fair value are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

For more information on the determination of estimated fair value of embedded derivatives, see Note 11.

Recognition of Revenues and Deposits on Insurance Contracts

Premiums related to traditional long-duration contracts are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. When premiums for income annuities are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which policyholder benefits are incurred, the Company establishes a deferred profit liability (“DPL”) for the excess of the gross premium over the net premium. DPLs are amortized into net income in proportion to the amount of expected future benefit payments. Assumptions used in the measurement of the DPL are updated at the same time as the related LFPBs, with the updated estimates used to recalculate the DPL as of contract inception. The remeasurement gain or loss from updating DPLs is recognized in current period net income along with the related change in LFPBs.

Deposits related to universal life insurance, deferred annuity contracts and investment contracts are credited to policyholder account balances. Revenues from such contracts consist of asset-based investment management fees, cost of insurance charges, risk charges, policy administration fees and surrender charges. These fees, which are included in universal life and investment-type product policy fees, are recognized when assessed to the contract holder, except for non-level insurance charges which are deferred by the establishment of an unearned revenue liability and amortized over the expected life of the contracts.

Premiums and policy fees are presented net of reinsurance.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles

The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”). These costs mainly consist of commissions and include the portion of employees’ compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new insurance contracts. All other acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is an intangible asset resulting from a business combination that represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity and investment-type contracts in-force as of the acquisition date.

The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA in a manner that approximates a straight-line basis over the expected life of the related contracts. For life insurance contracts, amortization is based on projections of amounts of insurance in-force, while projections of policy counts are used for deferred annuity contracts and expected future benefits payments for income annuities. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually, and if they change significantly, updates are recognized through changes to future amortization. VOBA balances are tested annually to determine if the balance is deemed unrecoverable from expected future profits. All changes in DAC and VOBA balances are recorded to net income.

Periodically, the Company modifies product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occur by the exchange of an existing contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by election or coverage within a contract. If a modification is considered to have substantially changed the contract, the associated DAC or VOBA is written off immediately through net income and any new acquisition costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred. If the modification does not substantially change the contract, the DAC or VOBA amortization on the original contract will continue and any acquisition costs associated with the related modification are expensed.

The Company also has intangible assets representing deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), which are included in other assets, and unearned revenue liabilities, which are included in other policy-related balances. The Company defers sales inducements and unearned revenue and amortizes the balances using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC and VOBA.

Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance arrangements pursuant to which it cedes certain insurance risks to unaffiliated reinsurers. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company’s obligations as the primary insurer. The accounting for reinsurance arrangements depends on whether the arrangement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with GAAP.

For ceded reinsurance of existing in-force blocks of insurance contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, premiums, benefits and the amortization of DAC are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers related to incurred claims and ceded reserves are included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and amounts payable to reinsurers included in other liabilities.

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 premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest on such deposits is recorded as other revenues or other expenses, as appropriate.

The funds withheld liability represents amounts withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements. Under certain reinsurance agreements, the Company withholds the funds rather than transferring the underlying investments and, as a result, records a funds withheld liability in other liabilities. The Company recognizes interest on funds withheld, included in other expenses, at rates defined by the terms of the agreement which may be contractually specified or directly related to the investment portfolio.

Certain funds withheld arrangements may also contain embedded derivatives measured at fair value that are related to the investment return on the assets withheld. Embedded derivatives related to funds withheld arrangements are presented within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in the estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Reinsurance arrangements may also contain features classified as MRBs, including reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits associated with variable annuity contracts.

The Company accounts for assumed reinsurance similar to directly written business.

Investments

Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Income from investments is reported in net investment income, unless otherwise stated herein. Gains and losses on sales of investments, impairment losses and changes in valuation allowances are reported in net investment gains (losses), unless otherwise stated herein.

Fixed Maturity Securities Available-For-Sale

The Company’s fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at their estimated fair value. Unrealized investment gains and losses on these securities are recorded as a separate component of OCI, net of policy-related amounts and deferred income taxes. Publicly-traded security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis, while privately-placed and bank loan security transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis. Investment gains and losses on sales are determined on a specific identification basis.

Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and is based on the estimated economic life of the securities, which for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”) considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount of fixed maturity securities also takes into consideration call and maturity dates.

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on Structured 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 originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for Structured Securities are estimated using inputs obtained from third-party specialists and based on management’s knowledge of the current market. For credit-sensitive Structured Securities and certain prepayment-sensitive securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other Structured Securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis.

The Company regularly evaluates fixed maturity securities for declines in fair value to determine if a credit loss exists. This evaluation is based on management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value including, but not limited to an analysis of the gross unrealized losses by severity and financial condition of the issuer.

For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, when the Company has the intent to sell the security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the amortized cost basis of the security is written down to fair value through net investment gains (losses).

For fixed maturity securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in estimated fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. If the Company determines the decline in estimated fair value is due to credit losses, the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized as an allowance through net investment gains (losses). If the estimated fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of the allowance related to other-than-credit factors is recorded in OCI.

Once a security specific allowance for credit losses is established, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security continues to be reassessed. Any changes in the security specific allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense in net investment gains (losses).

Fixed maturity securities are also evaluated to determine whether any amounts have become uncollectible. When all, or a portion, of a security is deemed uncollectible, the uncollectible portion is written-off with an adjustment to amortized cost and a corresponding reduction to the allowance for credit losses.

Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and any deferred fees or expenses, and net of an allowance for credit losses. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. The allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans represents the Company’s best estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining life of the loans and is determined using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast.

Policy Loans

Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Interest income is recorded as earned using the contractual interest rate. Generally, accrued interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Any unpaid principal and accrued interest is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy.

Limited Partnerships and LLCs

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations; when the Company has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations the investment is carried at estimated fair value. The Company generally recognizes its share of the equity method investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period; while distributions on investments carried at estimated fair value are recognized as earned or received.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments include securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value. The Company’s short-term investments generally involve large dollar amounts that turn over quickly and have short maturities.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, cash proceeds from sales, maturities and repayments of short-term investments were $4.2 billion, $4.9 billion and $6.3 billion, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, cash payments on purchases of short-term investments were $4.2 billion, $4.1 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively.

Other invested assets consist principally of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values which are described in “— Derivatives” below.

Securities Lending Program

Securities lending transactions whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks, are treated as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of cash received. Income and expenses associated with securities lending transactions are reported as investment income and investment expense, respectively, in net investment income.

The Company obtains collateral at the inception of the loan, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned and maintains it at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned on a daily basis and additional collateral is obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to the counterparties the cash collateral received.

Funding Agreements

The Company established liabilities for funding agreements associated with the Company’s institutional spread margin business, which are equal to the unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount. Liabilities related to funding agreements are reported in policyholder account balances.

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are carried at estimated fair value on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets in other invested assets or as liabilities in other liabilities. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

If a derivative is not designated or did not qualify as an accounting hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

The Company generally reports cash received or paid for a derivative in the investing activity section of the statement of cash flows except for cash flows of certain derivative options with deferred premiums, which are reported in the financing activity section of the statement of cash flows.

Hedge Accounting

The Company primarily designates derivatives as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or a variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and subsequently reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

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. In its hedge 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. 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 at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative or hedged item expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). The changes in estimated fair value of derivatives previously recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. When the hedged item matures or is sold, or the forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, the Company immediately reclassifies any remaining balances in OCI to net derivative gains (losses).

The Company has index-linked annuities that are directly written or assumed through reinsurance contracts that contain embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Certain funds withheld arrangements associated with reinsurance may also contain embedded derivatives. See “— Insurance Contract Obligations” and “— Reinsurance” for additional information on the accounting policies for embedded derivatives.

Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In most cases, the exit price and the transaction (or entry) price will be the same at initial recognition.

In determining the estimated fair value of the Company’s investments, fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical investments in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When such quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical investments, or other observable inputs. If these inputs are not available, or observable inputs are not determinable, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring management judgment are used to determine the estimated fair value of investments.

Separate Accounts

Separate accounts underlying the Company’s variable life and annuity contracts are reported at fair value. Assets in separate accounts supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company’s general account liabilities. Investments in these separate accounts are directed by the contract holder and all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract holder. Investment performance and the corresponding amounts credited to contract holders of such separate accounts are offset in the same line on the statements of operations.

Separate accounts that do not pass all investment performance to the contract holder, including those underlying certain index-linked annuities, are combined on a line-by-line basis with the Company’s general account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The accounting for investments in these separate accounts is consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held in the general account.

The Company receives asset-based distribution and service fees from mutual funds available to the variable life and annuity contract holders as investment options in its separate accounts. These fees are recognized in the period in which the related services are performed and are included in other revenues.

Income Tax

The Company’s income tax provision was prepared following the modified separate return method. The modified separate return method applies the Accounting Standards Codification 740 — Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) to the standalone financial statements of each member of the consolidated group as if the member were a separate taxpayer and a standalone enterprise, after providing benefits for losses. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions. Current and deferred income taxes included herein and attributable to periods up until the Company’s separation from MetLife (“Separation”) have been allocated to the Company in a manner that is systematic, rational and consistent with the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC 740.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of 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 realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established, as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such determination, the Company considers many factors, including the jurisdiction in which the deferred tax asset was generated, the length of time that carryforward can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carryback years, tax planning strategies and the nature, frequency, and amount of cumulative financial reporting income and losses in recent years.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was enacted in 2022, established a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) for corporations whose average annual adjusted financial statement income for any consecutive three–tax year period ending after December 31, 2021, and preceding the tax year exceeds $1.0 billion. The Company elects not to consider any future effects resulting from applicability of the CAMT when assessing the valuation allowance for regular deferred tax assets.

The Company may be required to change its provision for income taxes when estimates used in determining valuation allowances on deferred tax assets significantly change or when receipt of new information indicates the need for adjustment in valuation allowances. Additionally, the effect of changes in tax laws, tax regulations, or interpretations of such laws or regulations, is recognized in net income tax expense (benefit) in the period of change.

The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded on the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the threshold are included in other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made.

The Company classifies interest recognized as interest expense and penalties recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Litigation and Other Loss Contingencies

The Company is a party to or involved in a number of legal disputes, including litigation matters and disputes or other matters involving third parties (e.g., vendors, reinsurers or tax or other authorities), and are subject in the ordinary course to a number of regulatory examinations and investigations. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation and other loss contingencies related to these matters and establishes liabilities when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs are recognized as incurred.

In matters where it is not probable, but it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, such losses or range of losses are disclosed, and no accrual is made. In the absence of sufficient information to support an assessment of a reasonably possible loss or range of loss, no accrual is made and no loss or range of loss is disclosed.

Other Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid securities and other investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value.

Employee Benefit Plans

Brighthouse Services, LLC (“Brighthouse Services”) sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans, and New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”) sponsors certain frozen defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. NELICO recognizes the funded status of each of its pension plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, which is the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension benefits in other assets or other liabilities. Brighthouse Services and NELICO are both indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Actuarial gains and losses result from differences between the actual experience and the assumed experience on plan assets or PBO during a particular period and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). To the extent such gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the PBO or the estimated fair value of plan assets, the excess is amortized into net periodic benefit costs over the average projected future lifetime of all plan participants or projected future working lifetime, as appropriate. Prior service costs (credit) are recognized in AOCI at the time of the amendment and then amortized into net periodic benefit costs over the average projected future lifetime of all plan participants or projected future working lifetime, as appropriate.

Net periodic benefit costs are determined using management estimates and actuarial assumptions; and are comprised of service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses, settlement and curtailment costs, and amortization of prior service costs (credit).

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASU”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. Except as noted below, there were no significant ASUs adopted during the year ended December 31, 2023.

In March 2022, the FASB issued new guidance on Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) (ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures). This ASU eliminates TDR recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, requires that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications) 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. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2023. This ASU was applied prospectively and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption but could change the future recognition and measurement of modified loans and other receivables.

In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on long-duration contracts (ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (“LDTI”)). LDTI is effective for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2023. LDTI resulted in significant changes to the measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration insurance contracts. A summary of the most significant changes is provided below:

(1) Guaranteed benefits associated with variable annuity and certain fixed annuity contracts have been classified and presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets as MRBs. MRBs are now measured at estimated fair value through net income and reported separately on the consolidated statements of operations, except for nonperformance risk changes, which will be recognized in OCI.

(2) Cash flow assumptions used to measure LFPBs on traditional long-duration contracts (including term and non-participating whole life insurance and immediate annuities) have been updated on an annual basis using a retrospective method. The resulting remeasurement gain or loss is now reported separately on the consolidated statements of operations along with the remeasurement gain or loss on universal life-type contract liabilities.

(3) The discount rate assumption used to measure the liability for traditional long-duration contracts is now based on an upper-medium grade fixed income yield, updated quarterly, with changes recognized in OCI.

(4) DAC for all insurance products are required to be amortized on a constant-level basis over the expected term of the contracts, using amortization methods that are not a function of revenue or profit emergence. Changes in assumptions used to amortize DAC have been recognized as a revision to future amortization amounts.

(5) There was a significant increase in required disclosures, including disaggregated rollforwards of insurance contract assets and liabilities supplemented by qualitative and quantitative information regarding the cash flows, assumptions, methods and judgements used to measure those balances.

The transition date was January 1, 2021. MRB changes were required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes for insurance liability assumption updates and DAC amortization were applied to existing carrying amounts on the transition date.

The cumulative effect, on an after-tax basis, of the adoption of ASU 2018-12 as of the transition date was a $5.4 billion decrease to retained earnings and a $3.9 billion decrease to AOCI. See Note 2 for more detailed information on the impacts of the ASU to the Company’s financial statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued new guidance on Segment Reporting Disclosures (ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures). This ASU updates reportable segment disclosures primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU does not change how a company identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years starting January 1, 2024, and for interim periods starting January 1, 2025, and will be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued new guidance on Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures). This ASU updates the required income tax disclosures to include disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction and greater disaggregation of information in the required rate reconciliation. This ASU is effective for fiscal years starting January 1, 2025, and will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements.

2. ASU 2018-12 Transition

The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 for LFPBs, DAC and other balances amortized on a basis consistent with DAC by applying the guidance to contracts in-force on the basis of their existing carrying amounts at the transition date. The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 for MRBs on a fully retrospective basis.

The effect of transition adjustments on stockholders’ equity at January 1, 2021 due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 was as follows:

For LFPBs, the transition adjustment to retained earnings relates to instances where net premiums exceed gross premiums resulting in LFPBs being increased to eliminate the premium deficiency. The premium deficiency primarily relates to structured settlement annuities. The transition adjustment related to AOCI represents the effect of the requirement to discount LFPBs based on an upper-medium grade fixed income rate as well as the removal of amounts previously recorded in AOCI for the effects of unrealized investment gains and losses.

For MRBs, the transition adjustment to AOCI relates to the cumulative effect of changes in the nonperformance risk between contract issue date and transition date. In aggregate, the additional spread applied to the risk-free rate decreased from contract inception to the transition date, which had a negative impact on equity. The remaining difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of MRBs at transition, excluding the amounts recorded in AOCI, was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the transition date.

For DAC and VOBA, the Company removed amounts previously recorded in AOCI for the effect of unrealized investment gains and losses.

For reinsurance, the adjustments to both retained earnings and AOCI were made to align the measurement of reinsurance recoverables with the related LFPBs.

2. ASU 2018-12 Transition (continued)

The balances of and changes in LFPBs at January 1, 2021 due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 were as follows:

The balance of and changes in liabilities classified as MRBs at January 1, 2021 due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 were as follows:

The balances of and changes in DAC and VOBA on January 1, 2021 due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 were as follows:

The following tables present amounts previously reported in 2022 and 2021, the effect on those amounts of the change due to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 as described in Note 1, and the currently reported amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Notes 4, 5, 6 and 7 for more information.

2. ASU 2018-12 Transition (continued)

3. Segment Information

The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.

The Annuities segment consists of a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contract holders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.

Life

The Life segment consists of insurance products, including term, universal, whole and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be on a tax-advantaged basis.

Run-off

The Run-off segment consists of products that are no longer actively sold and are separately managed, including ULSG, structured settlements, pension risk transfer contracts, certain company-owned life insurance policies and certain funding agreements.

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes long-term care business reinsured through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements and activities related to funding agreements associated with the Company’s institutional spread margin business.

In connection with the adoption of ASU 2018-12, the Company reclassified direct-to-consumer life insurance that is no longer sold from Corporate & Other to the Life segment. The segment information below reflects the direct-to-consumer life insurance in the Life segment for all periods presented.

Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies

Adjusted earnings is a financial measure used by management to evaluate performance and facilitate comparisons to industry results. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also used to measure segment performance. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its performance by the investor community by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business.

Adjusted earnings, which may be positive or negative, focuses on the Company’s primary businesses by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends.

The following are significant items excluded from total revenues in calculating adjusted earnings:

•Net investment gains (losses); and

•Net derivative gains (losses), excluding earned income and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment (“Investment Hedge Adjustments”).

The following are significant items excluded from total expenses in calculating adjusted earnings:

•Change in MRBs; and

•Change in fair value of the crediting rate on experience-rated contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”).

The provision for income tax related to adjusted earnings is calculated using the statutory tax rate of 21%, net of impacts related to the dividends received deduction, tax credits and current period non-recurring items.

The Company’s adjusted earnings definition and presentation has been updated for all periods presented to reflect the adoption of ASU 2018-12.

The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for the adjustments to calculate adjusted earnings described above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the methods of capital allocation described below.

Segment investment and capitalization targets are based on statutory oriented risk principles and metrics. Segment invested assets backing liabilities are based on net statutory liabilities plus excess capital. For the variable annuity business, the excess capital held is based on the target statutory total asset requirement consistent with the Company’s variable annuity risk management strategy. For insurance businesses other than variable annuities, excess capital held is based on a percentage of required statutory risk-based capital (“RBC”). Assets in excess of those allocated to the segments, if any, are held in Corporate & Other. Segment net investment income reflects the performance of each segment’s respective invested assets.

Operating results by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows:

Total revenues by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows:

Total assets by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, were as follows at:

Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues by major product group were as follows:

Substantially all of the Company’s premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues originated in the U.S.

Revenues derived from any individual customer did not exceed 10% of premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

4. Insurance Liabilities

Information regarding LFPBs for non-participating traditional and limited-payment contracts was as follows:

The measurement of LFPBs can be significantly impacted by changes in assumptions for policyholder behavior. As part of the 2023 and 2022 annual actuarial review (“AAR”), the Company updated assumptions regarding mortality and lapses for term and non-participating whole life insurance. The impact from changes in assumptions is presented in effect of changes in cash flow assumptions in the table above.

Information regarding the additional insurance liabilities for universal life-type contracts with secondary guarantees was as follows:

The measurement of liabilities for secondary guarantees can be significantly impacted by changes in the expected general account rate of return, which is driven by the Company’s assumption for long-term treasury yields. The Company’s practice of projecting treasury yields uses a mean reversion approach that assumes that long-term interest rates are less influenced by short-term fluctuations and are only changed when sustained interim deviations are expected. As part of the 2023 AAR, the Company increased the long-term general account earned rate, driven by an increase in the mean reversion rate from 3.50% to 3.75%. The Company also updated assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, including mortality, premium persistency, lapses, withdrawals and maintenance expenses. As part of the 2022 AAR, the Company increased the long-term general account earned rate, driven by an increase in the mean reversion rate from 3.00% to 3.50%. Both period assumption updates are reflected in the table above.

A reconciliation of the net LFPBs for nonparticipating traditional and limited-payment contracts and the additional insurance liabilities for universal life-type contracts with secondary guarantees reported in the preceding rollforward tables to LFPBs on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

(1)Includes liabilities related to fully reinsured individual long-term care insurance. See Note 8.

(2)Participating whole life insurance uses an interest assumption based on the non-forfeiture interest rate, ranging from 3.5% to 4.5%, and mortality rates guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in such contracts, and also includes a liability for terminal dividends. Participating whole life insurance represented 3% of the Company’s life insurance in-force at both December 31, 2023 and 2022, and 40% and 41% of gross traditional life insurance premiums for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Information regarding policyholder account balances was as follows:

(1)Includes liabilities related to separate account products where the contract holder elected a general account investment option.

(2)Excludes the effects of embedded derivatives related to index-linked crediting rates.

A reconciliation of policyholder account balances reported in the preceding rollforward table to the liability for policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

The balance of account values by range of guaranteed minimum crediting rates and the related range of difference, in basis points, between rates being credited to policyholders and the respective guaranteed minimums was as follows at:

(1)Includes policyholder account balances for fixed rate annuities and the fixed account portion of variable annuities.

(2)Includes policyholder account balances for retained asset accounts, universal life policies and the fixed account portion of universal variable life insurance policies.

(3)Amounts are gross of policy loans.

See Note 6 for information regarding net amount at risk and cash surrender values.

Obligations Under Funding Agreements

Institutional Spread Margin Business

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company has issued unsecured fixed and floating rate funding agreements to certain special purpose entities that have issued either debt securities or commercial paper for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. The Company had obligations outstanding under these funding agreements of $5.5 billion at both December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company has a secured funding agreement program with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta. The Company had obligations outstanding under this program of $4.4 billion and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Funding agreements are issued to FHLBs in exchange for cash, for which the FHLBs have been granted liens on certain assets, some of which are in their custody to collateralize the Company’s obligations under the funding agreements. The Company is permitted to withdraw any portion of the collateral in the custody of the FHLBs as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by the Company, the FHLBs’ recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of the Company’s liabilities to the FHLBs. See Note 9 for information on invested assets pledged as collateral in connection with funding agreements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company has a secured funding agreement program with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and its affiliate Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation (“Farmer Mac”). The Company had obligations outstanding under this program of $700 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Funding agreements are issued to Farmer Mac in exchange for cash, for which Farmer Mac have been granted liens on certain assets to collateralize the Company’s obligations under the funding agreements. Upon any event of default by the Company, Farmer Mac’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of the Company’s liabilities to Farmer Mac. See Note 9 for information on invested assets pledged as collateral in connection with funding agreements.

Inactive Funding Agreement Programs

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company has obligations outstanding under inactive funding agreement programs of $525 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022.

5. Market Risk Benefits

Information regarding MRB assets and liabilities associated with variable annuities was as follows:

(1)Amounts represent the sum of MRB assets and MRB liabilities presented on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, with the exception of $9 million, $3 million and $5 million, respectively, of index-linked annuities not included in this table.

Market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and variations in actuarial assumptions, including policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital markets inputs, as well as changes in nonperformance risk, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. As part of the AAR in 2023 and 2022, the Company updated assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality, separate account fund allocations and volatility, which are reflected in the table above.

6. Separate Accounts

Separate Accounts

Information regarding separate account liabilities was as follows:

A reconciliation of separate account liabilities reported in the preceding rollforward table to the separate account liabilities balance on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

The aggregate estimated fair value of assets, by major investment asset category, supporting separate accounts was as follows at:

6. Separate Accounts (continued)

Net Amount at Risk and Cash Surrender Values

Information regarding the net amount at risk and cash surrender value for insurance products was as follows at:

Products may contain both separate account and general account fund options; accordingly, net amount at risk and cash surrender value reported in the table above relate to the total account balance for each respective product grouping.

7. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

See Note 1 for a description of capitalized acquisition costs.

Information regarding DAC and VOBA was as follows:

(1)Includes an adjustment to eliminate balances included in AOCI related to the adoption of ASU 2018-12 (see Note 2).

Deferred Sales Inducements

Information regarding DSI, included in other assets, was as follows:

7. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Deferred Sales Inducements (continued)

Unearned Revenue

Information regarding unearned revenue, included in other policy-related balances, was as follows:

8. Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by former affiliated and unaffiliated companies. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.

Accounting for reinsurance requires extensive 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 periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the aforementioned assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance and evaluates the financial strength of counterparties to its reinsurance agreements using criteria similar to that evaluated in the security impairment process discussed in Note 9.

Annuities and Life

For annuities, the Company reinsures portions of the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with certain variable annuities to unaffiliated reinsurers. Under these reinsurance agreements, the Company pays a reinsurance premium generally based on fees associated with the guarantees collected from policyholders and receives reimbursement for benefits paid or accrued in excess of account values, subject to certain limitations. The value of MRBs on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer. The Company cedes certain fixed rate annuities to unaffiliated third-party reinsurers and assumes certain index-linked annuities from an unaffiliated third-party insurer. These reinsurance arrangements are structured on a coinsurance basis and are reported as deposit accounting.

For its life products, the Company has historically reinsured the mortality risk primarily on an excess of retention basis or on a quota share basis. In addition to reinsuring mortality risk as described above, the Company reinsures other risks, as well as specific coverages. Placement of reinsurance is done primarily on an automatic basis and also on a facultative basis for risks with specified characteristics. On a case-by-case basis, the Company may retain up to $20 million per life and reinsure 100% of amounts in excess of the amount the Company retains. The Company also reinsures 90% of the risk associated with participating whole life policies to a former affiliate and assumes certain term life policies and universal life policies with secondary death benefit guarantees issued by a former affiliate. The Company evaluates its reinsurance programs routinely and may increase or decrease its retention at any time.

The Company reinsures, through 100% quota share reinsurance agreements, certain run-off long-term care and workers’ compensation business written by the Company. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $5.8 billion of reinsurance recoverables associated with its reinsured long-term care business. The reinsurer has established trust accounts for the Company’s benefit to secure their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. Additionally, the Company is indemnified for losses and certain other payment obligations it might incur with respect to such reinsured long-term care insurance business.

Catastrophe Coverage

The Company has exposure to catastrophes which could contribute to significant fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations. The Company uses excess of retention and quota share reinsurance agreements to provide greater diversification of risk and minimize exposure to larger risks.

Reinsurance Recoverables

The Company reinsures its business through a diversified group of primarily highly rated reinsurers. The Company analyzes recent trends in arbitration and litigation outcomes in disputes, if any, with its reinsurers and monitors ratings and the financial strength of its reinsurers. In addition, the reinsurance recoverable balance due from each reinsurer and the recoverability of such balance is evaluated as part of this overall monitoring process.

The Company generally secures large reinsurance recoverable balances with various forms of collateral, including secured trusts, funds withheld accounts and irrevocable letters of credit. These reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance, which at both December 31, 2023 and 2022 were not significant. The Company had $6.1 billion and $6.2 billion of unsecured reinsurance recoverable balances with third-party reinsurers at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses which is a valuation account that reduces reinsurance recoverable balances to present the net amount expected to be collected from reinsurers. When assessing the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balances, beyond the analysis of individual claims disputes, the Company considers the financial strength of its reinsurers using public ratings and ratings reports, current existing credit enhancements to reinsurance agreements and the statutory and GAAP financial statements of the reinsurers. Impairments are then determined based on probable and estimable defaults. The Company had an allowance for credit losses of $3 million and $10 million on its reinsurance recoverable balances at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, the Company had $3 million of additions to the allowance and $10 million of impairments charged against the allowance.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had $18.9 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables with third-party reinsurers. Of this total, $16.8 billion, or 89%, were with the Company’s five largest ceded reinsurers, including $4.3 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables which were unsecured. At December 31, 2022, the Company had $17.6 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables with third-party reinsurers. Of this total, $15.4 billion, or 88%, were with the Company’s five largest ceded reinsurers, including $4.3 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables which were unsecured.

The amounts on the consolidated statements of operations include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows:

The amounts on the consolidated balance sheets include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows at:

Reinsurance agreements that do not expose the Company to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk are recorded using the deposit method of accounting. The deposit assets on reinsurance were $7.5 billion and $6.0 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The deposit liabilities on reinsurance were $3.9 billion and $3.8 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

9. Investments

See Notes 1 and 11 for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for investments and the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies.

Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale

Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector

Fixed maturity securities by sector were as follows at:

The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $52 million at December 31, 2023. The Company didnot hold non-income producing fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2022.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at December 31, 2023:

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector

The estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows at:

Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, management first assesses whether the Company intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to estimated fair value through net investment gains (losses). For fixed maturity securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in estimated fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the allowance for credit loss evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the extent to which estimated fair value is less than amortized cost; (ii) any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency; (iii) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry or geographic area; and (iv) payment structure of the fixed maturity security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future or the issuer’s failure to make scheduled interest and principal payments. If this assessment indicates 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 is deemed to exist and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited by the amount that the estimated fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, with a corresponding charge to net investment gains (losses). Any unrealized losses that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses are recognized in OCI.

Once a security specific allowance for credit losses is established, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security continues to be reassessed. Any changes in the security specific allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense in net investment gains (losses).

Fixed maturity securities are also evaluated to determine whether any amounts have become uncollectible. When all, or a portion, of a security is deemed uncollectible, the uncollectible portion is written-off with an adjustment to amortized cost and a corresponding reduction to the allowance for credit losses.

Accrued interest receivables are presented separate from the amortized cost basis of fixed maturity securities. An allowance for credit losses is not estimated on an accrued interest receivable, rather receivable balances 90-days past due are deemed uncollectible and are written off with a corresponding reduction to net investment income. The accrued interest receivable on fixed maturity securities totaled $655 million and $602 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included in accrued investment income.

Fixed maturity securities are also evaluated to determine if they qualify as purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD”). To determine if the credit deterioration experienced since origination is more than insignificant, both (i) the extent of the credit deterioration and (ii) any rating agency downgrades are evaluated. For securities categorized as PCD assets, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the par value of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the par value, credit losses are embedded in the purchase price of the PCD asset. In this situation, both an allowance for credit losses and amortized cost gross-up is recorded, limited by the amount that the estimated fair value is less than the grossed-up amortized cost basis. Any difference between the purchase price and the present value of cash flows is amortized or accreted into net investment income over the life of the PCD asset. Any subsequent PCD asset allowance for credit losses is evaluated in a manner similar to the process described above for fixed maturity securities.

Current Period Evaluation

Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position and the current intent or requirement to sell, the Company recorded an allowance for credit losses of $21 million, relating to 17 securities at December 31, 2023. Management concluded that for all other fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, the unrealized loss was not due to issuer-specific credit-related factors and as a result was recognized in OCI. Where unrealized losses have not been recognized into income, it is primarily because the securities’ bond issuer(s) are of high credit quality, management does not intend to sell and it is likely that management will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in estimated fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and non-issuer specific credit spreads. These issuers continued to make timely principal and interest payments and the estimated fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.

Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector

The changes in the allowance for credit losses by sector were as follows:

(1)The Company recorded total write-offs of $8 million and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:

(1)Purchases of mortgage loans from third parties were $311 million and $2.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans

Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies

The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the mortgage loan’s amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the mortgage loan. The loan balance, or a portion of the loan balance, is written-off against the allowance when management believes this amount is uncollectible.

Accrued interest receivables are presented separate from the amortized cost basis of mortgage loans. An allowance for credit losses is generally not estimated on an accrued interest receivable, rather when a loan is placed in nonaccrual status the associated accrued interest receivable balance is written off with a corresponding reduction to net investment income. The accrued interest receivable on mortgage loans is included in accrued investment income and totaled $123 million and $115 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The allowance for credit losses is estimated using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for estimating expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics and environmental conditions. A reasonable and supportable forecast period of two-years is used with an input reversion period of one-year.

Mortgage loans are evaluated in each of the three portfolio segments to determine the allowance for credit losses. The loan-level loss rates are determined using individual loan terms and characteristics, risk pools/internal ratings, national economic forecasts, prepayment speeds, and estimated default and loss severity. The resulting loss rates are applied to the mortgage loan’s amortized cost to generate an allowance for credit losses. In certain situations, the allowance for credit losses is measured as the difference between the loan’s amortized cost and liquidation value of the collateral. These situations include collateral dependent loans, modifications, foreclosure probable loans, and loans with dissimilar risk characteristics.

Mortgage loans are also evaluated to determine if they qualify as PCD assets. To determine if the credit deterioration experienced since origination is more than insignificant, the extent of credit deterioration is evaluated. All re-performing/modified loan (“RPL”) pools purchased after December 31, 2019 are determined to have been acquired with evidence of more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination and are classified as PCD assets. RPLs are pools of residential mortgage loans acquired at a discount or premium which have both credit and non-credit components. For PCD mortgage loans, the allowance for credit losses is determined using a similar methodology described above, except the loss-rate is determined at the pool level instead of the individual loan level. The initial allowance for credit losses, determined on a collective basis, is then allocated to the individual loans. The initial amortized cost of the loan is grossed-up to reflect the sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses. The difference between the grossed-up amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a non-credit discount or premium, which is accreted or amortized into net investment income over the remaining life of the loan. Any subsequent PCD mortgage loan allowance for credit losses is evaluated in a manner similar to the process described above for each of the three portfolio segments.

Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses for Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

The changes in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment were as follows:

PCD Mortgage Loans

There wereno new purchases of PCD mortgage loans during the year ended December 31, 2023. Purchases of PCD mortgage loans were $69 million at December 31, 2022.

Credit Quality of Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

The amortized cost of mortgage loans by year of origination and credit quality indicator was as follows at:

The loan-to-value ratio is a measure commonly used to assess the quality of commercial and agricultural mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the amount of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan and is commonly expressed as a percentage. A loan-to-value ratio less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the loan amount exceeds the collateral value. Performing status is a measure commonly used to assess the quality of residential mortgage loans. A loan is considered performing when the borrower makes consistent and timely payments.

The amortized cost of commercial mortgage loans by debt-service coverage ratio was as follows at:

The debt-service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt-service payments. Debt-service coverage ratios less than 1.00 times indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover the loan’s current debt payments. A debt-service coverage ratio greater than 1.00 times indicates an excess of net operating income over the debt-service payments.

Past Due Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

The Company has a high-quality, well-performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Delinquency is defined consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days.

The aging of the amortized cost of past due mortgage loans by portfolio segment was as follows at:

Mortgage Loans in Nonaccrual Status by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are placed in a nonaccrual status if there are concerns regarding collectability of future payments or the loan is past due, unless the past due loan is well collateralized.

The amortized cost of mortgage loans in a nonaccrual status by portfolio segment was as follows at:

(1)The Company had no mortgage loans in nonaccrual status for which there was no related allowance for credit losses at both December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Current period investment income on mortgage loans in nonaccrual status was $2 million for both years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Modified Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Under certain circumstances, modifications are granted to nonperforming mortgage loans. Generally, the types of concessions may include interest rate reduction, term extension, principal forgiveness, or a combination of all three. The Company didnot have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified during both years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Over 80% of other invested assets is comprised of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. See Note 10 for information about freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values. Other invested assets also includes the Company’s investment in company-owned life insurance, FHLB stock, tax credit and renewable energy partnerships and leveraged leases.

Leveraged Leases

The carrying value of leveraged leases was $47 million and $48 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The allowance for credit losses was $13 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Rental receivables are generally due in periodic installments. The payment periods for leveraged leases generally range fromone tonine years. For rental receivables, the primary credit quality indicator is whether the rental receivable is performing or nonperforming, which is assessed monthly. Nonperforming rental receivables are generally defined as those that are 90 days or more past due. At both December 31, 2023 and 2022, all leveraged leases were performing.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities and the effect on future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in AOCI.

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:

Concentrations of Credit Risk

There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:

(1)Included in fixed maturity securities.

(2)Included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:

(1)The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized in normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at December 31, 2023 was $631 million, primarily comprised of U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.

The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, ABS, U.S. government and agency securities, U.S. and foreign corporate securities, non-agency RMBS and CMBS) with 56% invested in agency RMBS, U.S. government and agency securities and cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral at estimated fair value were as follows at:

(1)The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, on deposit with governmental authorities relating to certain policyholder liabilities, of which $102 million and $21 million of the assets on deposit represents restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(2)The Company has assets, primarily fixed maturity securities, held in trust relating to certain reinsurance transactions, of which $120 million and $240 million of the assets held in trust balance represents restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(3)The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4) and derivative transactions (see Note 10).

See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan. In addition, the Company’s investment in FHLB common stock, which is considered restricted until redeemed by the issuer, was $245 million and $201 million at redemption value at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Collectively Significant Equity Method Investments

The Company holds investments in limited partnerships and LLCs consisting of leveraged buy-out funds, private equity funds, joint ventures and other funds. The portion of these investments accounted for under the equity method had a carrying value of $5.0 billion at December 31, 2023. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss related to these equity method investments is the carrying value of these investments plus unfunded commitments of $1.2 billion at December 31, 2023. The Company’s investments in limited partnerships and LLCs are generally of a passive nature in that the Company does not participate in the management of the entities.

As described in Note 1, the Company generally records its share of earnings in its equity method investments using a three-month lag methodology and within net investment income. Aggregate net investment income from these equity method investments exceeded 10% of the Company’s consolidated pre-tax income (loss) for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. This aggregated summarized financial data does not represent the Company’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities or earnings of such entities.

The aggregated summarized financial data presented below reflects the latest available financial information and is as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Aggregate total assets of these entities totaled $799.2 billion and $880.1 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Aggregate total liabilities of these entities totaled $56.8 billion and $109.3 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Aggregate net income (loss) of these entities totaled $24.8 billion, ($12.8) billion and $22.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Aggregate net income (loss) from the underlying entities in which the Company invests is primarily comprised of investment income, including recurring investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains (losses).

Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities or is structured such that equity investors lack the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity.

The Company enters into various arrangements with VIEs in the normal course of business and has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. VIEs are consolidated when it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the variable interest holder in a VIE with both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In addition, the evaluation of whether a legal entity is a VIE and if the Company is a primary beneficiary includes a review of the capital structure of the VIE, the related contractual relationships and terms, the nature of the operations and purpose of the VIE, the nature of the VIE interests issued and the Company’s involvement with the entity.

There were no material VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary at either December 31, 2023 or 2022.

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss related to the VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, were as follows at:

The Company’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs are described below.

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company invests in U.S. corporate bonds, foreign corporate bonds and Structured Securities issued by VIEs. The Company is not obligated to provide any financial or other support to these VIEs, other than the original investment. The Company’s involvement with these entities is limited to that of a passive investor. The Company has no unilateral right to appoint or remove the servicer, special servicer, or investment manager, which are generally viewed as having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, nor does the Company function in any of these roles. The Company does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity; as a result, the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary, or consolidator, of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these fixed maturity securities is limited to the amortized cost of these investments. See “— Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-sale” for information on these securities.

Limited Partnerships and LLCs

The Company holds investments in certain limited partnerships and LLCs which are VIEs. These ventures include limited partnerships, LLCs, private equity funds, and, to a lesser extent, tax credit and renewable energy partnerships. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary, or consolidator, when its involvement takes the form of a limited partner interest and is restricted to a role of a passive investor, as a limited partner’s interest does not provide the Company with any substantive kick-out or participating rights, nor does it provide the Company with the power to direct the activities of the fund. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to: (i) the amount invested in debt or equity of the VIE and (ii) commitments to the VIE, as described in Note 18.

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:

(1)Includes net investment income pertaining to other limited partnership interests of $187 million, $170 million and $1.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were ($2) million, ($17) million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity Securities

Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity securities and the components of fixed maturity securities net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

10. Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

See Note 1 for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for derivatives and Note 11 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.

Derivative Strategies

The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize its exposure to various market risks, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market.

Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”).

Interest Rate Derivatives

Interest rate swaps: The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate risks primarily in variable annuity products and ULSG. Interest rate swaps are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate caps: The Company uses interest rate caps to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. Interest rate caps are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate floors: The Company uses interest rate floors to protect against a decline in interest rates on floating rate assets in the Company’s institutional spread margin business. Interest rate floors are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate swaptions: The Company uses interest rate swaptions to manage the interest rate risks primarily in variable annuity products and ULSG. Interest rate swaptions are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships. Interest rate swaptions are included in interest rate options.

Interest rate forwards: The Company uses interest rate forwards to manage the interest rate risks primarily in variable annuity products and ULSG. Interest rate forwards are used in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives

Foreign currency swaps: The Company uses foreign currency swaps to convert foreign currency denominated cash flows to U.S. dollars to reduce cash flow fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. Foreign currency swaps are used in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Foreign currency forwards: The Company uses foreign currency forwards to hedge currency exposure on its invested assets. Foreign currency forwards are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Credit default swaps: The Company uses credit default swaps to create synthetic credit investments to replicate credit exposure that is more economically attractive than what is available in the market or otherwise unavailable (written credit protection), or to reduce credit loss exposure on certain assets that the Company owns (purchased credit protection). Credit default swaps are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Credit default swaptions: The Company uses credit default swaptions to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. Swaptions are used to create callable bonds from replication synthetic asset transaction (“RSAT”) positions. This enhances the income of the RSAT program through earned premiums while not changing the credit profile of the RSATs. Credit default swaptions are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Equity Market Derivatives

Equity index options: The Company uses equity index options primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Additionally, the Company uses equity index options to hedge index-linked annuity products and certain invested assets against adverse changes in equity markets. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates (“hybrid options”). Equity index options are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Equity total return swaps: The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Additionally, the Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge index-linked annuity products against adverse changes in equity markets. Equity total return swaps are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Equity variance swaps: The Company uses equity variance swaps to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. Equity variance swaps are used in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

The primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held were as follows at:

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria required under portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities and generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not meet the criteria of being “highly effective” as outlined in Accounting Standards Codification 815 — Derivatives and Hedging; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge MRBs that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the MRBs are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to create synthetic credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship.

The amount and location of gains (losses), including earned income, recognized for derivatives and gains (losses) pertaining to hedged items reported in net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:

At December 31, 2023, the Company held no qualified derivatives hedging exposure to future cash flows for forecasted asset purchases. At December 31, 2022, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions was less thanone year.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $351 million and $638 million, respectively.

In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation.

The estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps were as follows at:

(1)The Company has written credit protection on both single name and index references. The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2)The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance on derivative instruments. Generally, the credit exposure is the fair value at the reporting date less any collateral received from the counterparty.

The Company manages its credit risk by: (i) entering into derivative transactions with creditworthy counterparties governed by master netting agreements; (ii) trading through regulated exchanges and central clearing counterparties; (iii) obtaining collateral, such as cash and securities, when appropriate; and (iv) setting limits on single party credit exposures which are subject to periodic management review.

See Note 11 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.

The estimated fair values of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at:

(1)Represents amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement.

(2)The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreement.

(3)Securities collateral received from counterparties is not reported on the consolidated balance sheets and may not be sold or re-pledged unless the counterparty is in default. Amounts do not include excess of collateral pledged or received.

The Company’s collateral arrangements generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. Certain of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions which permit the party with positive fair value to terminate the derivative at the current fair value or demand immediate full collateralization from the party in a net liability position, in the event that the financial strength or credit rating of the party in a net liability position falls below a certain level.

The aggregate estimated fair values of derivatives in a net liability position containing such credit-contingent provisions and the aggregate estimated fair value of assets posted as collateral for such instruments were as follows at:

(1)After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

(2)Substantially all of the Company’s collateral arrangements provide for daily posting of collateral for the full value of the derivative contract. As a result, if the credit-contingent provisions of derivative contracts in a net liability position were triggered, minimal additional assets would be required to be posted as collateral or needed to settle the instruments immediately. Additionally, the Company is required to pledge initial margin for certain new OTC-bilateral derivative transactions to third-party custodians.

11. Fair Value

When developing estimated fair values, the Company considers three broad valuation techniques: (i) the market approach, (ii) the income approach, and (iii) the cost approach. The Company determines the most appropriate valuation technique to use, given what is being measured and the availability of sufficient inputs, giving priority to observable inputs. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significant input with the lowest level in its valuation. The input levels are as follows:

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are presented in the tables below. Investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and are measured at net asset value (or equivalent) as a practical expedient to estimated fair value are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.

(1)Derivative assets are reported in other invested assets and derivative liabilities are reported in other liabilities. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets.

(2)Embedded derivative liabilities on index-linked annuities are reported in policyholder account balances.

Valuation Controls and Procedures

The Company monitors and provides oversight of valuation controls and policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives, which are primarily executed by its valuation service providers. The valuation methodologies used to determine fair values prioritize the use of observable market prices and market-based parameters and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. The valuation methodologies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised when necessary. In addition, the Chief Accounting Officer periodically reports to the Audit Committee of Brighthouse Financial’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on quoted market prices, where available. Prices received are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. Several controls are performed, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. Independent non-binding broker quotes, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” are used for a non-significant portion of the portfolio. Prices received from independent brokers are assessed to determine if they represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments.

A formal process is also applied to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained. If obtaining an independent non-binding broker quotation is unsuccessful, the last available price will be used.

Additional controls are performed, such as, balance sheet analytics to assess reasonableness of period-to-period pricing changes, including any price adjustments. Price adjustments are applied if prices or quotes received from independent pricing services or brokers are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value. The Company did not have significant price adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Determination of Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Securities

The fair values for actively traded marketable bonds, primarily U.S. government and agency securities, are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For fixed maturity securities classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using either a market or income approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, trades of identical or comparable securities, or duration. Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: market yield curve, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer, and delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues.

U.S. government and agency, state and political subdivision and foreign government securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields, spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security, issuer ratings and issuer spreads, broker-dealer quotes, and comparable securities that are actively traded.

Structured Securities: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary inputs being quoted prices in markets that are not active, spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, ratings, geographic region, weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates and debt-service coverage ratios. Other issuance-specific information is also used, including, but not limited to, collateral type, structure of the security, vintage of the loans, payment terms of the underlying asset, payment priority within tranche, and deal performance.

Equity Securities and Short-term Investments

The fair value for actively traded equity securities and short-term investments are determined using quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For financial instruments classified as Level 2 assets, fair values are determined using a market approach and are valued based on a variety of observable inputs as described below.

Equity securities and short-term investments: Fair value is determined using third-party commercial pricing services, with the primary input being quoted prices in markets that are not active.

The fair values for exchange-traded derivatives are determined using the quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. For OTC-bilateral derivatives and OTC-cleared derivatives classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities, fair values are determined using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models which are based on market standard valuation methodologies and a variety of observable inputs.

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

MRBs principally include guaranteed minimum benefits on variable annuity contracts including benefits reinsured related to these guarantees.

The estimated fair value of variable annuity guarantees accounted for as MRBs is determined based on the present value of projected future benefits less the present value of projected future fees attributable to the guarantees. At policy inception, the Company determines an attributed fee ratio by solving for a percentage of projected future rider fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. To the extent the rider fees are insufficient, the Company may also include fees related to mortality and expense charges in the attributed fee ratio, provided the total fees included in the calculation do not exceed total contract fees and assessments collected from the contract holder. Any additional fees not included in the attributed fee ratio are considered revenue and reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. The attributed fee ratio is not updated in subsequent periods.

The Company updates the estimated fair value of variable annuity guarantees in subsequent periods by projecting future benefits using capital markets inputs and actuarial assumptions including expectations of policyholder behavior. A risk neutral valuation methodology is used to project the cash flows from the guarantees under multiple capital markets scenarios. The reported estimated fair value is then determined by taking the present value of these cash flows using a discount rate that incorporates a spread over the risk-free rate to reflect the Company’s nonperformance risk and adding a risk margin.

The valuation of MRBs includes an adjustment for the risk that the Company fails to satisfy its obligations, which is referred to as nonperformance risk. The nonperformance risk adjustment is captured as an additional spread applied to the risk-free rate in determining the rate to discount the cash flows of the liability. The spread over the risk-free rate is based on the Company’s creditworthiness taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for Brighthouse Financial’s debt. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the financial strength ratings of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to the credit rating of Brighthouse Financial.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital markets risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties in certain actuarial assumptions. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant actuarial judgment, including assumptions of the amount needed to cover the guarantees.

Actuarial assumptions are reviewed at least annually, and if they change significantly, the estimated fair value is adjusted through net income. Capital market inputs used in the measurement of variable annuity guarantees are updated quarterly through net income, except for the change attributable to the Company’s nonperformance risk, which is reported in OCI.

Embedded derivatives include crediting rates associated with index-linked annuity contracts. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The crediting rates associated with these features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract. These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of crediting rates associated with index-linked annuities is determined using a combination of an option pricing model and an option-budget approach. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Actuarial assumptions including policyholder behavior and expectations for renewals at the end of the term period are reviewed at least annually, and if they change significantly, the estimated fair value is adjusted through net income. Capital market inputs used in the measurement of crediting rate embedded derivatives are updated quarterly through net income.

Transfers Into or Out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were as follows at:

(1)Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. The range shown reflects the mortality rate for policyholders between 35 and 90 years old. Mortality rate assumptions are set based on company experience and include an assumption for mortality improvement.

(2)The lapse rate range reflects base lapse rates for major product categories for duration 1-20. Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. For variable annuity guarantees, a dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in-the-money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies.

(3)The utilization rate assumption for variable annuity guarantees estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible in a given year. The range shown represents the floor and cap of the GMIB dynamic election rates across varying levels of in-the-money. For lifetime withdrawal guarantee riders, the assumption is that everyone will begin withdrawals once account value reaches zero which is equivalent to a 100% utilization rate. Utilization rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder.

(4)The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For variable annuity GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For variable annuity GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

(5)Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing MRBs.

(6)Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the MRB or embedded derivative.

The Company does not develop unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value for all other assets and liabilities classified within Level 3; therefore, these are not included in the table above. The other Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily included fixed maturity securities and derivatives. For fixed maturity securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would result in a higher (lower) fair value. For derivatives valued based on third-party pricing models, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads would generally result in a higher (lower) fair value.

The changes in assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (excluding MRBs disclosed in Note 5) were summarized as follows:

(1)Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.

(2)Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are reported net for purposes of the rollforward.

(3)Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included in net investment income. Changes in the allowance for credit losses and direct write-offs are charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

(4)Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

(5)Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.

(6)Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(7)Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for fixed maturities are reported in either net investment income or net investment gains (losses). Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:

12. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt outstanding was as follows at:

(1)Interest on senior notes is payable semi-annually. Interest on junior subordinated debentures is payable quarterly subject to BHF’s right to defer interest payments in accordance with the terms of the debentures.

(2)Represents non-recourse debt for which creditors have no access, subject to customary exceptions, to the general assets of the Company other than recourse to certain investment companies.

(3)Includes unamortized debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums, as applicable, totaling net $30 million and $32 million for the senior notes and junior subordinated debentures on a combined basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2023 were $2 million in 2024, $3 million in each of 2025 and 2026, $761 million in 2027, $3 million in 2028, and $2.4 billion thereafter.

Unsecured senior notes rank highest in priority, followed by subordinated debt consisting of junior subordinated debentures.

Interest expense related to long-term debt of $153 million, $153 million and $163 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, is included in other expenses.

12. Long-term Debt (continued)

The Company’s debt instruments and credit and committed facilities contain certain administrative, reporting and legal covenants. Additionally, the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) contain financial covenants, including requirements to maintain a specified minimum adjusted consolidated net worth, to maintain a ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization not in excess of a specified percentage and that place limitations on the dollar amount of indebtedness that may be incurred by the Company’ subsidiaries. At December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

Senior Notes

In November 2021, BHF used the net proceeds from the issuances of the Series D Depositary Shares (as defined in Note 13) and the 2051 Senior Notes (as defined below) to repurchase $543 million principal amount of senior notes due 2027 and $136 million principal amount of senior notes due 2047. In connection with this repurchase, BHF recorded a premium of $71 million paid in excess of the debt principal and wrote off $4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, which is included in other expenses.

In November 2021, BHF issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due December 2051 (the “2051 Senior Notes”) for aggregate net cash proceeds of $396 million. The 2051 Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.850%, payable semi-annually.

Credit Facilities

Revolving Credit Facility

On April 15, 2022, BHF entered into a new revolving credit agreement with respect to a new $1.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing April 15, 2027 (the “2022 Revolving Credit Facility”), all of which may be used for revolving loans or letters of credit. The 2022 Revolving Credit Facility refinanced and replaced BHF’s former $1.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature May 7, 2024. At December 31, 2023, there wereno borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility.

Committed Facilities

Reinsurance Financing Arrangement

Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“BRCD”) maintains a $15.0 billion financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers consisting of credit-linked notes that each mature in 2039. At December 31, 2023, there wereno borrowings and there was $15.0 billion of funding available under this financing arrangement. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized commitment fees of $21 million, $26 million and $34 million, respectively, in other expenses associated with this financing arrangement.

Repurchase Facilities

At December 31, 2023, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company maintains secured committed repurchase facilities (the “Repurchase Facilities”) with terms of up to three years under which Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may enter into repurchase transactions in an aggregate amount up to $2.5 billion. Under the Repurchase Facilities, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company may sell certain eligible securities at a purchase price based on the market value of the securities less an applicable margin based on the types of securities sold, with a concurrent agreement to repurchase such securities at a predetermined future date (up to three months) and at a price which represents the original purchase price plus interest. At December 31, 2023, there wereno borrowings under the Repurchase Facilities.

13. Equity

Preferred Stock

Preferred stock shares authorized, issued and outstanding were as follows at:

In November 2021, BHF issued depositary shares (the “Series D Depositary Shares”), each representing a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of BHF’s perpetual 4.625% Series D non-cumulative preferred stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) and in the aggregate representing 14,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, with a stated amount of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net cash proceeds of $339 million. Dividends, if declared, will be payable commencing on March 25, 2022 and will accrue and be payable quarterly, in arrears, at an annual rate of 4.625% on the stated amount per share. In connection with the issuance of the Series D Depositary Shares and the underlying Series D Preferred Stock, BHF incurred $11 million of issuance costs, which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

In November 2020, BHF issued depositary shares (the “Series C Depositary Shares”), each representing a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of BHF’s perpetual 5.375% Series C non-cumulative preferred stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) and in the aggregate representing 23,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, with a stated amount of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net cash proceeds of $558 million. Dividends, if declared, will accrue and be payable quarterly, in arrears, at an annual rate of 5.375% on the stated amount per share. In connection with the issuance of the Series C Depositary Shares and the underlying Series C Preferred Stock, BHF incurred $17 million of issuance costs, which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

In May 2020, BHF issued depositary shares (the “Series B Depositary Shares”), each representing a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of its perpetual 6.750% non-cumulative preferred stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and in the aggregate representing 16,100 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, with a stated amount of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net cash proceeds of $390 million. Dividends, if declared, will accrue and be payable quarterly, in arrears, at an annual rate of 6.750% on the stated amount per share. In connection with the issuance of the Series B Depositary Shares and the underlying Series B Preferred Stock, BHF incurred $13 million of issuance costs, which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

In March 2019, BHF issued depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of BHF’s perpetual 6.600% Series A non-cumulative preferred stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and in the aggregate representing 17,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, with a stated amount of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net cash proceeds of $412 million. Dividends, if declared, will accrue and be payable quarterly, in arrears, at an annual rate of 6.600% on the stated amount per share. In connection with the issuance of the depositary shares and the underlying Series A Preferred Stock, BHF incurred $13 million of issuance costs, which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

The Series A Preferred Stock, the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and the Series D Preferred Stock (together, the “Preferred Stock”) rank equally with each other. The Preferred Stock ranks senior to common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. Holders of the Preferred Stock are not entitled to any other amounts from the Company after they have received their full liquidation preference and do not have voting rights except in certain limited circumstances, including where dividends have not been paid in full for at least six dividend payment periods, whether or not such periods are consecutive. In such circumstances, the holders of the Preferred Stock, and, in turn, the underlying depositary shares, will have certain voting rights with respect to the election of additional directors to the BHF Board of Directors, as provided in the Certificate of Designations for each series of Preferred Stock.

Each series of Preferred Stock has a stated amount of $25,000 per share, is perpetual and has no maturity date. Dividends are payable, if declared, quarterly in arrears on the 25th day of March, June, September and December of each year at a specified annual rate on the stated amount per share applicable to each particular series. Dividends are recorded when declared. No dividends may be paid or declared on BHF’s common stock and BHF may not purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire its common stock unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding Preferred Stock have been declared and either paid or a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside.

The Preferred Stock is not convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of stock or other securities of the Company or its subsidiaries and is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, retirement fund, purchase fund or similar provisions. Each series of the Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company’s option in whole or in part on or after a specified optional redemption date applicable to that series (March 25, 2024 for the Series A Preferred Stock, June 25, 2025 for the Series B Preferred Stock, December 25, 2025 for the Series C Preferred Stock and December 25, 2026 for the Series D Preferred Stock) at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. Prior to the optional redemption date applicable to each series of Preferred Stock, the Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company’s option in whole but not in part within 90 days of the occurrence of (i) a specified rating agency event or (ii) a specified regulatory capital event, in each case at a specified redemption price.

The per share and aggregate dividends declared for BHF’s preferred stock by series were as follows:

See Note 20 for information relating to preferred dividends declared subsequent to December 31, 2023.

Common Stock

Changes in common shares outstanding were as follows:

(1)Includes shares of common stock withheld with respect to tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of share-based compensation awards under the Company’s publicly announced benefit plans or programs.

On November 16, 2023, BHF authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of its common stock, which is in addition to the $1.2 billion total repurchases authorized in 2021. Repurchases under the November 16, 2023 authorization may be made through open market purchases, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan or pursuant to accelerated stock repurchase plans, or through privately negotiated transactions, from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, BHF repurchased 5,195,832 shares,10,000,026 shares and 10,703,165 shares, respectively, of its common stock through open market purchases pursuant to 10b5-1 plans for $250 million, $488 million and $499 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023, BHF had $793 million remaining under its common stock repurchase program.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide awards to employees and non-employee directors and may be in the form of non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSU”), performance shares, performance share units (“PSU”), or other share-based awards. Additionally, employees may purchase shares at a discount under an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”). The aggregate number of authorized shares available for issuance at December 31, 2023 under the Company’s various share-based compensation plans was 4,939,296. The Company issues new shares to satisfy vested RSUs and PSUs, as well as stock option exercises.

All share-based compensation is measured at fair value as of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to share-based awards based on the number of awards expected to vest, which for some award types represent the awards granted less expected forfeitures over the life of the award, as estimated at the date of grant and actual forfeitures for other award types. Unless a material deviation from the assumed forfeiture rate is observed during the term in which the awards are expensed, the Company recognizes any adjustment necessary to reflect differences in actual experience in the period the award becomes payable or exercisable. Compensation expense related to share-based awards, which is included in other expenses, is principally related to the issuance of restricted stock units and performance share units with other costs incurred relating to stock options. The Company grants the majority of each year’s awards in the first quarter of the year.

Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Compensation

The following table presents total share-based compensation expense:

At December 31, 2023, unrecognized share-based compensation and the weighted average remaining recognition period was $10 million and 0.8 years, respectively, for RSUs and $17 million and 1.1 years, respectively, for PSUs.

Equity Awards

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs are units that, if vested, are payable in shares of BHF common stock. The Company does not credit RSUs with dividend-equivalents as RSUs do not accrue dividends. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of RSUs is based upon the closing price of shares on the date of grant. Most RSUs use graded vesting and vest in thirds on, or shortly after, the first three anniversaries of their grant date, while other RSUs vest in their entirety on the specified anniversary of their grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances.

Performance Share Units

PSUs are units that, if vested, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a final number of BHF common stock shares. PSUs cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. For awards granted for performance periods in progress through December 31, 2023, the performance factors are based on the achievement of net cash flow to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC and statutory expense ratio targets over the respective performance period depending on year of issue.

For awards granted for performance periods in progress through December 31, 2023, the vested PSUs will be multiplied by a performance factor up to a maximum payout of 150%. Assuming the Company has met certain threshold performance targets, the Compensation and Human Capital Committee of BHF’s Board of Directors will determine the performance factor at its discretion.

The following table presents a summary of PSU and RSU activity:

The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $47.72 and $41.81, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of PSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $48.06 and $41.26, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs that vested during each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $15 million. The total fair value of PSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $9 million, $7 million and $4 million, respectively.

Stock Options

Stock options represent the contingent right of award holders to purchase shares of BHF common stock at a stated price for a limited time. All stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share on the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years. Stock options granted are exercisable at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its model include: expected volatility of the price of shares; risk-free rate of return; graded three-year vesting; and expected option life. At December 31, 2023, there were 187,371 stock options outstanding and exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $53.47 and aggregate intrinsic value of $0, which expire on February 29, 2028. During the year ended December 31, 2023, there wereno stock options granted, exercised, forfeited or expired. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no stock options were granted or exercised.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares

Under the ESPP, eligible employees of the Company purchase common stock at a discount rate of 15% of the market price per share on the lesser of the first or last trading day of the offering period. Employees purchase a variable number of shares of stock through payroll deductions elected just prior to the beginning of the offering period. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, employees purchased 77,598 shares,74,734 shares and 73,999 shares, respectively. The weighted average per share fair value of the discount under the ESPP was $9.04, $8.54 and $10.06 during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which was recorded in other expenses.

Statutory Financial Information

The states of domicile of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries impose RBC requirements that were developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Such requirements are used by regulators to assess the minimum amount of statutory capital and surplus needed for an insurance company to support its operations, based on its size and risk profile (referred to as “company action level RBC”). RBC is based on statutory financial statements and is calculated in a manner prescribed by the NAIC. The RBC ratio, which is the basis for determining regulatory compliance, is equal to total adjusted capital (“TAC”) divided by the applicable company action level RBC. Companies below 100% of the company action level RBC are subject to corrective action. As of December 31, 2023, the annual RBC ratios for the Company’s insurance subsidiaries were each in excess of 400%.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the state of domicile.

Statutory accounting principles differ from GAAP primarily by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefit liabilities using different actuarial assumptions, reporting of reinsurance agreements and valuing investments and deferred tax assets on a different basis.

The tables below present amounts from certain of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, which are derived from the statutory-basis financial statements as filed with the insurance regulators.

Statutory net income (loss) was as follows:

Statutory capital and surplus was as follows at:

The Company has a reinsurance subsidiary, BRCD, which reinsures risks including level premium term life and ULSG assumed from other Brighthouse Financial life insurance subsidiaries. BRCD, with the explicit permission of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner (“Delaware Commissioner”), has included the value of credit-linked notes as admitted assets, which resulted in higher statutory capital and surplus of $11.0 billion and $10.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The statutory net income (loss) of BRCD was ($300) million, ($208) million and $543 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and the combined statutory capital and surplus, including the aforementioned prescribed practices, were $661 million and $696 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Dividend Restrictions

The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid by certain of the Company’s insurance companies without insurance regulatory approval and dividends paid:

(1)Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2024 without prior regulatory approval. However, because dividend tests may be based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2024, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval to the extent dividends were paid in 2023.

(2)Reflects all amounts paid, including those requiring regulatory approval.

(3)Any payment of dividends in 2024 would be considered an extraordinary dividend subject to regulatory approval due to negative unassigned funds (surplus).

Under the Delaware Insurance Law, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is permitted, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, to pay a stockholder dividend as long as the amount of the dividend when aggregated with all other dividends in the preceding 12 months does not exceed the greater of: (i) 10% of its surplus to policyholders as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar year; or (ii) its net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year (excluding realized capital gains), not including pro rata distributions of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s own securities. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company will be permitted to pay a stockholder dividend in excess of the greater of such two amounts only if it files notice of the declaration of such a dividend and the amount thereof with the Delaware Commissioner and the Delaware Commissioner either approves the distribution of the dividend or does not disapprove the distribution within 30 days of its filing. In addition, any dividend that exceeds earned surplus (defined as “unassigned funds (surplus)”) as of the immediately preceding calendar year requires insurance regulatory approval. Under the Delaware Insurance Law, the Delaware Commissioner has broad discretion in determining whether the financial condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of such dividends to its stockholders.

Under the Massachusetts State Insurance Law, NELICO is permitted, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, to pay a stockholder dividend as long as the aggregate amount of the dividend, when aggregated with all other dividends paid in the preceding 12 months, does not exceed the greater of: (i) 10% of its surplus to policyholders as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar year; or (ii) its net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year, not including pro rata distributions of NELICO’s own securities. NELICO will be permitted to pay a dividend in excess of the greater of such two amounts only if it files notice of the declaration of such a dividend and the amount thereof with the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance (the “Massachusetts Commissioner”) and the Massachusetts Commissioner either approves the distribution of the dividend or does not disapprove the distribution within 30 days of its filing. In addition, any dividend that exceeds earned surplus (defined as “unassigned funds (surplus)”) as of the last filed annual statutory statement requires insurance regulatory approval. Under the Massachusetts State Insurance Law, the Massachusetts Commissioner has broad discretion in determining whether the financial condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of such dividends to its stockholders.

Under New York insurance laws, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“BHNY”) is permitted, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, to pay stockholder dividends to its parent in any calendar year based on one of two standards. Under one standard, BHNY is permitted, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, to pay dividends out of earned surplus (defined as positive “unassigned funds (surplus),” excluding 85% of the change in net unrealized capital gains or losses (less capital gains tax), for the immediately preceding calendar year), in an amount up to the greater of: (i) 10% of its surplus to policyholders as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar year or (ii) its statutory net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year (excluding realized capital gains), not to exceed 30% of surplus to policyholders as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar year. In addition, under this standard, BHNY may not, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, pay any dividends in any calendar year immediately following a calendar year for which its net gain from operations, excluding realized capital gains, was negative. Under the second standard, if dividends are paid from a source other than earned surplus, BHNY may, without prior insurance regulatory clearance, pay an amount up to the lesser of: (i) 10% of its surplus to policyholders as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar year or (ii) its statutory net gain from operations for the immediately preceding calendar year (excluding realized capital gains). In addition, BHNY will be permitted to pay a dividend to its parent in excess of the amounts allowed under both standards only if it files notice of its intention to declare such a dividend and the amount thereof with the New York Superintendent of Financial Services (the “NY Superintendent”), and the NY Superintendent either approves the distribution of the dividend or does not disapprove the dividend within 30 days of its filing. To the extent BHNY pays a stockholder dividend, such dividend will be paid to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, its direct parent and sole stockholder.

Under BRCD’s plan of operations, no dividend or distribution may be made by BRCD without the prior approval of the Delaware Commissioner. BRCD didnot pay any extraordinary dividends during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021, BRCD paid an extraordinary dividend in the form of the settlement of affiliated reinsurance balances of $400 million, invested assets of $197 million and cash of $3 million. During each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, BRCD paid cash dividends of $1 million to its preferred shareholders.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:

(1)See Note 9 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits.

(2)Includes OCI related to foreign currency translation and defined benefit plan gains and losses.

(3)See Notes 1 and 2 for information on the adoption of ASU 2018-12.

(4)The effects of income taxes on amounts recorded to AOCI are also recognized in AOCI. These income tax effects are released from AOCI when the related activity is reclassified into results from operations.

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:

14. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Other Revenues

The Company has entered into contracts with mutual funds, fund managers, and their affiliates (collectively, the “Funds”) whereby the Company is paid monthly or quarterly fees (“12b-1 fees”) for providing certain services to customers and distributors of the Funds. The 12b-1 fees are generally equal to a fixed percentage of the average daily balance of the customer’s investment in a fund. The percentage is specified in the contract between the Company and the Funds. Payments are generally collected when due and are neither refundable nor able to offset future fees.

To earn these fees, the Company performs services such as responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, providing information to distributors and shareholders about fund performance and providing training to account managers and sales agents. The passage of time reflects the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations to the Funds and is used to recognize revenue associated with 12b-1 fees.

Other revenues consisted primarily of 12b-1 fees of $266 million, $292 million and $360 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which substantially all were reported in the Annuities segment.

14. Other Revenues and Other Expenses (continued)

Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:

Capitalization of DAC

See Note 7 for additional information on the capitalization of DAC.

Interest Expense on Debt

See Note 12 for attribution of interest expense by debt issuance.

15. Employee Benefit Plans

BHF Active Defined Contribution Plans

Brighthouse Services sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the total employer contributions for the qualified defined contribution plan were $19 million, $18 million and $18 million, respectively, and the total (benefit) expense recognition for the non-qualified defined contribution plans were $9 million, ($2) million and $9 million, respectively, all of which are reported in other expenses.

NELICO Legacy Pension and Other Unfunded Benefit Plans

NELICO sponsors both a qualified and a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan, a postretirement plan and other unfunded benefit plans. These pension and other unfunded benefit plans were amended to cease benefit accruals and are closed to new entrants. The qualified defined benefit pension plan had an accumulated benefit obligation of $129 million and $128 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This plan was fully funded at December 31, 2023 and 2022 with assets in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation of $5 million and $3 million, respectively. The Company didnot make any employer contributions to this qualified plan during 2023 or 2022.

The non-qualified defined benefit pension plan and the postretirement plan had a combined accumulated benefit obligation totaling $83 million and $82 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts are unfunded.

The other unfunded benefit plans consist primarily of deferred compensation due to former agents which represent general unsecured liabilities of NELICO. The amounts due under these other unfunded benefit plans were $57 million and $56 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

15. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

Although NELICO remains the legal obligor for these plans, an employee matters agreement (“EMA”) exists between BHF and MetLife, whereby MetLife has agreed to reimburse BHF for the obligations under the non-qualified and other unfunded plans as payments are made. BHF established a receivable in the amount of the unfunded obligations due under these plans. MetLife is required to annually reimburse BHF for each prior year’s benefit payments, claims and premiums under the NELICO plans that are listed in the EMA. The Company’s receivable under the EMA for future total estimated benefit payments, claims and premiums was $155 million and $174 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The receivable is reported in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. Increases and decreases to the EMA receivable are reported in other revenues.

16. Income Tax

The provision for income tax was as follows:

The reconciliation of the income tax provision at the statutory tax rate to the provision for income tax as reported was as follows:

Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at:

The following table sets forth the net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes at December 31, 2023.

The following table sets forth the general business credits and foreign tax credits available for carryforward for tax purposes at December 31, 2023.

The Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the next 12 months. A reasonable estimate of the increase or decrease cannot be made at this time. However, the Company continues to believe that the ultimate resolution of the pending issues will not result in a material change to its consolidated financial statements, although the resolution of income tax matters could impact the Company’s effective tax rate in the future.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:

The Company classifies interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense, included in other expenses, while penalties are included in income tax expense. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was not significant. The Company hadno penalties for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

The Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities in jurisdictions in which the Company has significant business operations. The income tax years under examination vary by jurisdiction and subsidiary. The Company is no longer subject to federal, state or local income tax examinations for years prior to 2017. Management believes it has established adequate tax liabilities, and final resolution of any audits for the years 2017 and forward is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Tax Sharing Agreements

For the periods prior to the Separation, BHF and certain of its subsidiaries filed a consolidated federal income tax return with MetLife and its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries. Current taxes (and the benefits of tax attributes such as losses) are allocated to BHF, and its includable subsidiaries, under a tax sharing agreement with MetLife. This tax sharing agreement states that federal taxes are computed on a modified separate return basis with benefits for losses.

For periods after the Separation through the year ended December 31, 2022, BHF entered into two separate tax sharing agreements. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, BHNY and BRCD entered into a tax sharing agreement to join a consolidated federal income tax return. BHF and certain of its non-insurance subsidiaries entered into a tax sharing agreement to join a consolidated federal income tax return. The tax sharing agreements state that federal taxes are computed on a modified separate return basis with benefit for losses. NELICO and the non-insurance subsidiaries of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company filed their own federal income tax returns.

BHF and certain of its subsidiaries, including its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, intend to file a consolidated federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2023 and future years. In furtherance thereof, such parties intend to join a single tax sharing agreement, pursuant to which federal taxes are computed on a modified separate return basis with benefits for losses.

Income Tax Transactions with Former Parent

In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a tax receivables agreement (the “Tax Receivables Agreement”) with MetLife that provides MetLife with the right to receive, as partial consideration for its contribution of assets to BHF, future payments from BHF equal to 86% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in federal income tax that Brighthouse Financial actually, or is deemed to, realize as a result of the utilization of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries’ net operating losses, capital losses, tax basis and amortization or depreciation deductions in respect of certain tax benefits it may realize as a result of certain transactions involved in the Separation. In connection with the Tax Receivables Agreement, the Company has a payable to MetLife of $328 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022, reported in other liabilities.

The Company also entered into a tax separation agreement with MetLife. Among other things, the tax separation agreement governs the allocation between MetLife and the Company of the responsibility for the taxes of the MetLife group. The tax separation agreement also allocates rights, obligations and responsibilities in connection with certain administrative matters relating to the preparation of tax returns and control of tax audits and other proceedings relating to taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, MetLife paid Brighthouse Financial $0 and $7 million, respectively, and for the year ended December 31, 2021, Brighthouse Financial paid MetLife $81 million, under the tax separation agreement. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was a current income tax receivable of $21 million and $19 million, respectively, related to this agreement.

17. Earnings Per Common Share

The calculation of earnings per common share was as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2023, basic loss per common share equaled diluted loss per common share. The diluted shares were not included in the per share calculation for this period as the inclusion of such shares would have an antidilutive effect.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, weighted average shares used for calculating diluted earnings per common share excludes 187,371 of out-of-the-money stock options, as the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive to the earnings per common share calculation due to the average share price for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. See Note 13 for further information on share-based compensation plans.

18. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

Contingencies

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

The Company also receives and responds to subpoenas or other inquiries seeking a broad range of information from various state and federal regulators, agencies and officials. The issues involved in information requests and regulatory matters vary widely, but can include inquiries or investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. The Company cooperates in these inquiries.

Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law.

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at December 31, 2023.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made

For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. In addition to amounts accrued for probable and reasonably estimable losses, as of December 31, 2023, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses to be up to approximately $10 million.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made

For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.

Sales Practices Claims

Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.

Cost of Insurance Class Actions

Richard A. Newton v. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, filed May 8, 2020). Plaintiff has filed a purported class action lawsuit against Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff was the owner of a universal life insurance policy issued by Travelers Insurance Company, a predecessor to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff seeks to certify a class of all persons who own or owned life insurance policies issued where the terms of the life insurance policy provide or provided, among other things, a guarantee that the cost of insurance rates would not be increased by more than a specified percentage in any contract year. Plaintiff also alleges that cost of insurance charges were based on improper factors and should have decreased over time due to improving mortality but did not. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, causes of action for breach of contract, fraud, suppression and concealment, and violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Plaintiff seeks to recover damages, including punitive damages, interest and treble damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive and declaratory relief. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company filed a motion to dismiss in June 2020, which was granted in part and denied in part in March 2021. Plaintiff was granted leave to amend the complaint. On January 18, 2023, the plaintiff filed a motion on consent to amend the second amended class action complaint to narrow the scope of the class sought to those persons who own or owned life insurance policies issued in Georgia. The motion was granted on January 23, 2023, and the third amended class action complaint was filed on January 23, 2023. The Company intends to vigorously defend this matter.

Lawrence Martin v. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, filed April 6, 2021). Plaintiff has filed a purported class action lawsuit against Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff is the owner of a universal life insurance policy issued by Travelers Insurance Company, a predecessor to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Plaintiff seeks to certify a class of similarly situated owners of universal life insurance policies issued or administered by defendants and alleges that cost of insurance charges were based on improper factors and should have decreased over time due to improving mortality but did not. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, causes of action for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. Plaintiff seeks to recover compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, interest, and equitable relief including a constructive trust. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company filed a motion to dismiss in June 2021, which was denied in February 2022. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY was initially named as a defendant when the lawsuit was filed, but was dismissed as a defendant, without prejudice, in April 2022. The Company intends to vigorously defend this matter.

MOVEit Data Security Incident Litigation

Kennedy v. Progress Software Corporation, et al. (U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, filed October 3, 2023). BHF has been named as a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit. The action relates to a data security incident at an alleged third-party vendor, PBI Research Services (“PBI”), and allegedly involves the MOVEit file transfer system that PBI uses in its provision of services (“MOVEit Incident”). As it relates to BHF, plaintiff seeks to certify a subclass of persons whose private information was allegedly maintained by BHF and accessed or acquired in connection with the MOVEit Incident. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, that BHF negligently chose to utilize PBI to store and transfer plaintiff’s and purported class members’ private information despite PBI’s use of the MOVEit software which plaintiff contends contained security vulnerabilities. The complaint asserts claims against BHF for negligence, negligence per se, and unjust enrichment, and plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, attorneys’ fees and prejudgment interest. BHF intends to vigorously defend this matter.

Summary

Various litigations, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although, in light of these considerations, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Other Loss Contingencies

As with litigation and regulatory loss contingencies, the Company considers establishing liabilities for loss contingencies associated with disputes or other matters involving third parties, including counterparties to contractual arrangements entered into by the Company (e.g., third-party vendors and reinsurers), as well as with tax or other authorities (“other loss contingencies”). The Company establishes liabilities for such other loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In matters where it is not probable, but is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, such losses or range of losses are disclosed, and no accrual is made. In the absence of sufficient information to support an assessment of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, no accrual is made and no loss or range of loss is disclosed. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to other loss contingencies and, when applicable, updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.

In the matters where the Company’s subsidiaries are acting as the reinsured or the reinsurer, such matters have involved assertions by third parties primarily related to rates, fees or reinsured benefit calculations, and, in certain of such matters, the counterparty has made a request to arbitrate. For tax-related matters, this has involved disputes with taxing authorities, ongoing audits, evaluation of filing positions and any potential assessments related thereto. As of December 31, 2023, the Company estimates the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued for certain other loss contingencies to be from zero up to approximately $200 million for the aforementioned matters. For certain other matters, the Company may not currently be able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of such loss.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company settled a reinsurance-related matter with a third party for $140 million, which is reported in other expenses.

Commitments

Mortgage Loan Commitments

The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $377 million and $247 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments, Bank Credit Facilities and Private Corporate Bond Investments

The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under bank credit facilities and private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.4 billion and $1.9 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Guarantees

In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from less than $1 million to $92 million, with a cumulative maximum of $98 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments.

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and bylaws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future.

The Company’s recorded liabilities were $1 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022 for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

19. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

As described in Note 1, the Company adopted LDTI effective January 1, 2023. LDTI resulted in significant changes to the measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration insurance contracts. The transition date was January 1, 2021. MRB changes were required to be applied on a retrospective basis, while the changes for insurance liability assumption updates and DAC amortization were applied to existing carrying amounts on the transition date. The unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2023 and 2022, which include the impacts of LDTI, are summarized in the table below:

(1)See Note 17 for additional information on the calculation of EPS.

20. Subsequent Event

Preferred Stock Dividend

On February 15, 2024, BHF declared a dividend of $412.50 per share on its Series A Preferred Stock, $421.88 per share on its Series B Preferred Stock, $335.94 per share on its Series C Preferred Stock and $289.06 per share on its Series D Preferred Stock for a total of $26 million, which will be paid on March 25, 2024 to stockholders of record as of March 10, 2024.