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More detailed cash flow modeling was performed on issuances identified through stress testing as being most at risk for payment interruption, such as issuances with a disproportionate number of borrowers from states experiencing significant declines in home values. Key assumptions used in the models are projected defaults, loss severities and prepayments. Each of these key assumptions varies greatly based on the significantly diverse characteristics of the current collateral pool for each security. Loan-to-value, loan size and borrower credit history are some of the key characteristics used to determine the level of assumption that is utilized. Defaults were estimated by identifying the loans that are in various delinquency buckets and defaulting a certain percentage of them over the near-term and long-term. Assumed defaults on delinquent loans are dependent on the specific security’s collateral attributes and historical performance. Loss severity assumptions were determined by observing historical rates from broader market data, while being adjusted for specific pool performance, collateral type, mortgage insurance and estimated loan modifications. Prepayments were estimated by examining historical averages of prepayment activity on the underlying collateral. Once the entire pool is modelled, the results are analyzed by the internal asset specialist to determine whether or not particular tranches or holdings are at risk for not collecting all contractual cash flows taking into account the seniority and other terms of the tranches held. AEGON impaired its particular tranche to fair value where it would not be able to receive all contractual cash flows. 

## Shares 

Objective evidence of impairment of an investment in an equity instrument classified as available for sale includes information about significant changes with an adverse effect that have taken place in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the issuer operates, and indicates that the cost of the investment in the equity instrument may not be recovered. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost is also objective evidence of impairment. 

## GOODWILL 

Goodwill is reviewed and tested for impairment under a fair value approach. Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances that would indicate an impairment charge may be necessary. The recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use and fair value less costs to sell for a cash-generating unit. 

Impairment testing requires the determination of the value in use or fair value less costs for each of AEGON’s identified cash generating units. 

The valuation utilized the best available information, including assumptions and projections considered reasonable and supportable by management. The assumptions used in the valuation involve significant judgments and estimates. Refer note 6 for more details. 

## VALUATION OF DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS 

The liabilities or assets recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit plans is the difference between the present value of the projected defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date and the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and that have terms to maturity that approximate the terms of the related pension liability. Actuarial assumptions used in the measurement of the liability include the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets, estimated future salary increases and estimated future pension increases. To the extent that actual experience deviates from these assumptions, the valuation of defined benefit plans and the level of pension expenses recognized in the future may be affected. 

## RECOGNITION OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 

Deferred tax assets are established for the tax benefit related to deductible temporary differences, carry forwards of unused tax losses and carry forwards of unused tax credits when in the judgment of management it is more likely than not that AEGON will receive the tax benefits. Since there is no absolute assurance that these assets will ultimately be realized, management reviews AEGON’s deferred tax positions periodically to determine if it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized. Periodic reviews include, among other things, the nature and amount of the taxable income and deductible expenses, the expected timing when certain assets will be used or liabilities will be required to be reported and the reliability of historical profitability of businesses expected to provide future earnings. Furthermore, management considers tax-planning strategies it can utilize to increase the likelihood that the tax assets will be realized. These strategies are also considered in the periodic reviews. 

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