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Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Funds Withheld Receivables with FGL - OTTI

The Company’s available-for-sale securities included in the funds withheld portfolio related to the reinsurance agreements with FGL with unrealized losses are reviewed for potential other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers several factors including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the extent and the duration of the decline; (2) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening); and (3) the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer. The Company also considers the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time to allow for a recovery of value.

When assessing the Company’s intent to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the Company’s security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing and tax planning strategies. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows the Company expects to recover. The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying security. The effective interest rate is the original purchased yield or the yield at the date the debt security was previously impaired.

The Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of the security. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions, based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recognized.

The Company includes the total OTTI recognized in “Net investment gains (losses)” on the face of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, with an offset for the amount of non-credit impairments recognized in AOCI. The Company discloses the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI and other disclosures related to OTTI in Note 13, Other Assets, and the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When hedge accounting is elected at inception, the Company formally designates the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure and documents both the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge. Depending on the nature of derivatives designated as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets or liability through earnings or recognized in equity through other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is recognized in earnings. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the change in the fair value is recognized in earnings.

Consumer Products Segment

Derivative financial instruments are used by the Company’s Consumer Products segment principally in the management of its interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and raw material price exposures. The Company’s Consumer Products segment does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Insurance Segment

The Company’s insurance segment hedges certain portions of its economic exposure to product related equity market risk by entering into derivative transactions. Such derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments in accordance with hedge accounting with change in fair value recognized within “Net investment gains (losses)” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company purchases financial instruments and issues products that may contain embedded derivative instruments. If it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract for measurement purposes. The embedded derivative is carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Corporate and Other

Prior to exercising its option to convert its outstanding preferred stock on May 15, 2014 (except for one share of preferred stock that remains outstanding and only has information and governance rights), such outstanding preferred stock contained a conversion feature. If the Company were to have issued certain equity securities at a price lower than the conversion price of the respective preferred stock, the conversion price would have been adjusted downward to reflect the dilutive effect of the newly issued securities (a “down round” provision). In accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” the conversion feature was considered to be an embedded derivative that must be separately accounted for as a liability at fair value with any changes in fair value reported in current earnings. The embedded derivative was bifurcated from the host contracts as of the respective issuance dates, marked to fair value with the change in fair value shown separately in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

The Company’s investments are reflected in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and consisted of (i) marketable equity securities classified as trading and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings and (ii) investments in debt securities with amortized cost approximating fair value that were designated available-for-sale (“AFS”) and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”), net of deferred income taxes. Refer to Note 13, Other Assets, for further detail.

Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

The Company reports a business as held for sale when the criteria of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”) are met. A business classified as held for sale is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell, a loss is recognized. Assets and liabilities related to a business classified as held for sale are segregated in the current and prior balance sheets in the period in which the business is classified as held for sale. Transactions between the business held for sale and businesses held for use that are expected to continue to exist after the disposal are not eliminated to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held for sale. If a business is classified as held for sale after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, the business continues to be classified as held and used in those financial statements when issued or when available to be issued.

The Company reports the results of operations of a business as discontinued operations if a disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the business is sold or classified as held for sale, in accordance with ASC 360 and Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 2015) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). The results of discontinued operations are reported in “(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for current and prior periods commencing in the period in which the business meets the criteria of a discontinued operation, and include any gain or loss recognized on closing or adjustment of the carrying amount to fair value less cost to sell. Transactions between the business held for sale and businesses held for use that are expected to continue to exist after the disposal are not eliminated to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held for sale.

The guidance above does not apply to oil and gas properties that are accounted for using the full-cost method of accounting as prescribed by the U.S. SEC (Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10, Financial Accounting and Reporting for Oil and Gas Producing Activities Pursuant to the Federal Securities Laws and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975) unless the disposal represents all or substantially all of a full cost pool as a discontinued operation. As discussed in Note 4, Divestitures, on July 1, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of its remaining oil and gas interests. Consequently, the Company’s investments in oil and gas properties have been reclassified as discontinued operations.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Postemployment Benefit Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Employee Benefit Obligations

The recognition and disclosure provisions of ASC Topic 715: “Compensation-Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”) requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and to recognize changes in that funded status in AOCI.

In accordance with the measurement date provisions of ASC 715, the Company measures all of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plan assets and obligations as of September 30, which is the Company’s fiscal year end.

Refer to Note 17, Employee Benefit Obligations, for further detail.

Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]

Legal Matters and Contingencies

The Company records legal fees and accruals in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies”. Contingencies arising from environmental remediation costs, regulatory judgments, claims, assessments, guarantees, litigation, recourse reserves, fines, penalties and other sources are recorded when deemed probable and reasonably estimable.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of HRG and all other entities in which HRG has a controlling financial interest and those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions between businesses held for use have been eliminated. Results of operations of acquired companies are included from the dates of acquisition and for VIEs, from the dates that the Company became the primary beneficiary. At September 30, 2016, the non-controlling interest component of total equity primarily represents the 42.2% share of Spectrum Brands and the 19.6% of FGL not owned by HRG.

VIE is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity through their equity investments. The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. A corporation is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company, through its subsidiary, Salus, primarily uses VIEs for its securitization activities, in which Salus transfers whole loans into a trust or other vehicle such that the assets are legally isolated from the creditors of Salus. Assets held in a trust can only be used to settle obligations of the trust. The creditors of these trusts typically have no recourse to Salus except in accordance with the obligations under standard representations and warranties. When Salus is the servicer of whole loans held in a securitization trust, Salus has the power to direct the most significant activities of the trust. Salus consolidates a whole-loan securitization trust if it has the power to direct the most significant activities and also holds securities issued by the trust or has other contractual arrangements, other than standard representations and warranties, that could potentially be significant to the trust. See Note 6, Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities for additional information on the Company’s investment in consolidated VIEs.

Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid temporary instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Receivables

Trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and credit history, but generally does not require collateral. The Company monitors its customers’ credit and financial condition based on changing economic conditions and will make adjustments to credit policies as required. Provisions for losses on uncollectible trade receivables are determined based on ongoing evaluations of the Company’s receivables, principally on the basis of historical collection experience and evaluations of the risks of nonpayment or return for a given customer. Refer to Note 9, Receivables, net, for further detail.

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill

Goodwill reflects the excess of acquisition cost over the aggregate fair value assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred between annual impairment tests. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing based upon the relative fair value of the asset to each reporting unit. The Company performs its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year.

Consumer Products Segment

The reporting units of Spectrum Brands are consistent with the product lines for the Consumer Products segment. Impairment of goodwill is evaluated by Spectrum Brands using a two-step approach. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value, including goodwill. In estimating the fair value of their reporting units, Spectrum Brands uses a discounted cash flow methodology, which requires the estimation of future revenues, expenses, and capital expenditures and make assumptions about Spectrum Brands’ weighted average cost of capital and perpetuity growth rate, among other variables. Spectrum Brands tests the aggregate estimated fair value of the reporting units by comparison to Spectrum Brands’ total market capitalization, including both equity and debt capital. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, step two is performed. For step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to that excess.

The fair values of the global batteries and appliances, hardware and home improvement, global pet supplies, home and garden and global auto care product lines, which are also Spectrum Brands’ reportable segments, exceeded their carrying values by 157%, 110%, 58%, 326% and 12%, respectively. As a result, a step two analysis was not required and there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk of impairment.

Corporate and Other

During Fiscal 2016, the Company concluded that an interim impairment test of goodwill for its CorAmerica reporting unit was necessary. This conclusion was based on certain indicators of impairment, primarily related to an amendment, which became effective September 1, 2016, to an investment management agreement to which CorAmerica is a party. The amendment changed the asset management fee structure, which resulted in a significant decrease to the projected future revenues we expect from CorAmerica. In addition, the counterparty reduced its allocation of investments into commercial mortgage loans, which reduced the amount of new loan originations we expect from CorAmerica and reduced CorAmerica’s projected future revenues.

As discussed above, during the third fiscal quarter of 2016, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for the CorAmerica reporting unit. The Company estimated the fair value of the CorAmerica reporting unit using the income approach. Under the income approach, the Company calculated the fair value of the CorAmerica reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The Company’s estimate of discounted cash flows for each reporting unit required significant judgment. Cash flow projections were based on management’s estimates of revenue and operating margins, taking into consideration existing agreements, industry and market conditions. The discount rate used was based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to CorAmerica’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. The evaluation was management’s best estimate of projected fair values. Management’s estimate of implied fair value of goodwill was zero and, consequently, resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $10.7. The goodwill impairment charge was reflected in “Impairments and bad debt expense” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for Fiscal 2016.

During the first fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company concluded that an interim impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for its Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc. (“FOH”) reporting unit was necessary. This conclusion was based on certain indicators of impairment, primarily related to the departure of Philip Falcone, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, in December of 2014 (the “2014 CEO Departure”), and subsequent change in strategic direction of FOH. The revised plan changed the focus from expansion to rationalization of the existing business and was expected to result in lower revenues and profitability with a reduced level of capital expenditure by the Company as compared to the levels of capital expenditure contemplated under prior management at the time of FOH’s acquisition in May of 2014.

The Company estimated the fair value of the FOH reporting unit using a combination of the income and market multiple approaches. Under the income approach, the Company calculated the fair value of the FOH reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The Company’s estimate of discounted cash flows for each reporting unit required significant judgment. Cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions, projected costs of closures, including the costs of exiting leases. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the FOH’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. The market data utilized included publicly-traded prices and transaction values of comparable companies with operations considered to be similar to those of the Company’s reporting units. Collectively, these evaluations were management’s best estimate of projected fair values. Management’s estimate of implied fair value of goodwill of $16.2 was below the carrying value for the FOH reporting unit and, consequently, resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $28.3 for Fiscal 2015.

Intangibles with Definite or Estimable Useful Lives

Intangibles

Intangibles with Indefinite Lives

Indefinite-lived intangible assets (certain trade name intangible assets) are not amortized; but instead are tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth fiscal quarter or as triggering events or indicators of potential impairment are identified.

Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed by comparing the estimated fair value of the identified trade names to their carrying value to determine if potential impairment exists. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined using an income approach, the relief from royalty methodology, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future revenues, royalty rates, and the discount rate, among others.

Intangibles Impairment Test

Consumer Products

Spectrum Brands performs its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year. During Fiscal 2016, the Company recognized $4.7 impairment on indefinite-lived intangible asset due to the reduction in value of certain tradenames in response to changes in management’s strategy. In connection with its annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets, Spectrum Brands concluded that the fair values of its intangible assets exceeded their carrying values resulting in no impairment for 2015 and 2014.

Corporate and Other

Prior to conducting the goodwill impairment test for the FOH reporting unit discussed above, the Company first evaluated the recoverability of FOH’s intangible assets. The Company valued indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. Under this method, the asset value was determined by estimating the hypothetical royalties that would have to be paid if the trade name was not owned. Royalty rates were selected based on consideration of several factors, including prior transactions of the FOH business, related trademarks and trade names, other similar trademark licensing and transaction agreements and the relative profitability and perceived contribution of the trademarks and trade names. Management estimated the fair value of the trade name and trademarks at $9.9 under this approach, which resulted in an impairment of $31.9 for Fiscal 2015.

Both the goodwill impairment charge and the intangible assets impairment charge, totaling $60.2, were reflected in “Impairments and bad debt expense” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for Fiscal 2015. Effective April 19, 2015, FOHG, FOH and their subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy. Following the completion of the bankruptcy of FOHG, FOH and their subsidiaries, such entities ceased to be subsidiaries of HRG.

Intangibles with Definite or Estimable Useful Lives

Intangible assets are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value if acquired in a business combination. Customer lists, proprietary technology and certain trade name intangibles are amortized, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives. The range and weighted average useful lives for definite-lived intangibles assets are as follows:



Asset Type	Range	Weighted Average
Customer relationships	2 to 20 years	18.5 years
Technology assets	5 to 18 years	11.2 years
Tradenames	5 to 13 years	11.4 years

Definite-lived intangible assets held and used are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If indicators of potential impairment are identified, the Company performs undiscounted cash flow analysis to determine if impairment exists. The asset value would be deemed impaired if the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset did not exceed its carrying value. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value. There were no triggering events identified during Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 that necessitated an impairment test of definite-lived intangible assets.

Impairment reviews are conducted at the judgment of management when it believes that a change in circumstances in the business or external factors warrants a review. Circumstances such as the discontinuation of a product or product line, a sudden or consistent decline in the sales forecast for a product, changes in technology or in the way an asset is being used, a history of operating or cash flow losses, or an adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others, may trigger an impairment review. Refer to Note 12, Goodwill and Intangibles, net, for further detail

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws or rates is recognized in the income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company has the ability and intent to recover in a tax-free manner assets (or liabilities) with book/tax basis differences for which no deferred taxes have been provided, in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Accrued interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded in “Income tax expense (benefit)” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Refer to Note 19, Income Taxes, for further detail.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based compensation

The fair values of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are determined based on the market price of HRG’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of stock option awards and warrants are determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. HRG uses the simplified method to estimate the expected option term for stock option grants, as the Company does not have a sufficient history of stock option exercises to reliably estimate the expected option term. HRG recognizes stock based compensation expense in income on a straight line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of such stock based compensation awards. In certain instances during Fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased restricted stock upon vesting from its current and former officers and employees to cover the minimum applicable statutory taxes.The Company classifies certain stock awards as liabilities. For these awards, the fair value is classified as a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the liability is marked-to-market through net income at the end of each reporting period, and included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Spectrum Brands measures the compensation expense of its stock-based compensation awards, which consist of restricted stock units, based on the fair value of the awards at the date of grant and recognizes these costs on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the market price of Spectrum Brands’ shares of common stock on the grant date.

Refer to Note 18, Stock-Based Compensation, for further detail.

Foreign Currency Translation

Local currencies are considered the functional currencies for most of the Company’s operations outside the United States (“U.S.”). Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange existing at year-end, with revenues, expenses, and cash flows translated at the average of the monthly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation of the financial statements are recorded as a component of equity in AOCI, including the effects of exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature.

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, accumulated losses related to foreign currency translation adjustments of $92.4 and $87.3 (net of taxes and non-controlling interest), respectively, were reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets in AOCI.

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses for transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period they occur. Exchange losses on foreign currency transactions aggregating $6.8, $26.8 and $7.6 for Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

Net Consumer and Other Product Sales

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales generally upon delivery to the customer, or at the shipping point in situations where the customer picks up the product or where delivery terms so stipulate. This represents the point at which title and risks and rewards of ownership of the product are passed, provided that: there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and ability to collect is deemed reasonably assured. The provision for customer returns is based on historical sales and returns and other relevant information. The Company estimates and accrues the cost of returns, which are treated as a reduction of “Net consumer and other product sales” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company enters into promotional arrangements, primarily with retail customers, that entitle such retailers to earn cash rebates from the Company. These arrangements require the Company to estimate and accrue the costs of these programs, which are treated as a reduction of “Net consumer and other product sales” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company also enters into promotional arrangements that target the ultimate consumer. The costs associated with such arrangements are treated as either a reduction of “Net consumer and other product sales” or an increase of “Cost of consumer products and other goods sold,” based on the type of promotional program. The income statement presentation of the Company’s promotional arrangements complies with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” For all types of promotional arrangements and programs, the Company monitors its commitments under all promotional arrangements and uses various measures, including past experience, to determine amounts to be recorded for the estimate of the earned, but unpaid, promotional costs. The terms of the Company’s customer-related promotional arrangements and programs are tailored to each customer and are documented through written contracts, correspondence or other communications with the individual customers.

The Company also enters into various arrangements, primarily with retail customers, which require the Company to make upfront cash payments in order to secure the right to distribute through such customers. The Company capitalizes these payments provided the payments are supported by a time or volume based arrangement with the retailer, and amortizes the associated payment over the appropriate time or volume based term of the arrangement. Capitalized payments are treated as a reduction of “Net consumer and other product sales” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and a corresponding asset is reported in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net Investment Income

Dividends and interest income of Front Street and Salus and on the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL recorded in “Net investment income,” are recognized when earned, net of related expenses. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments in fixed maturity securities related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL are reflected in “Net investment income” over the contractual terms of the investments in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.

For asset-backed securities included in the fixed maturity AFS securities portfolios, which are related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL, the Company recognizes income using a constant effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from originally anticipated prepayments, the effective yield is recalculated prospectively to reflect actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. Any adjustments resulting from changes in effective yield are reflected in “Net investment income”.

Net investment (losses) gains

Net investment (losses) gains include realized losses and gains from the sale of investments, write-downs for OTTI of AFS investments related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL; dividends and interest income and changes in the fair value of Front Street’s funds withheld receivables with third parties; and gains and losses on derivative investments.

Insurance and investment product fees and other

Insurance premiums and product fees are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations within the caption “Insurance and investment product fees and other.” Insurance premiums for traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenue when due from the contractholder. Traditional life insurance products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of term life insurance and certain annuities with life contingencies.

Premium collections for fixed indexed and fixed rate annuities and immediate annuities without life contingency are reported as deposit liabilities (i.e., contractholder funds) instead of as revenues. Similarly, cash payments to policyholders are reported as decreases in the liability for contractholder funds and not as expenses. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income, surrender and other charges deducted from contractholder funds, and net realized gains (losses) on investments.

Product fee revenue from deferred annuities is comprised of policy and contract fees charged for the cost of insurance policy administration and rider fees that are assessed on a monthly basis, and recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Product fee revenue also includes surrender charges which are recognized and collected when the policy is surrendered.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs, which are included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, include costs incurred with third-party carriers to transport products to customers and salaries and overhead costs related to activities to prepare the Company’s products for shipment at the Company’s distribution facilities. The Company’s shipping and handling costs were $294.7, $272.9 and $260.3 during Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which are included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, include agency fees and other costs to create advertisements, as well as costs paid to third parties to print or broadcast the Company’s advertisements and are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs of $39.8, $35.1 and $21.5 during Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the period they are incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs of $58.7, $51.3 and $47.9 during Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Environmental Expenditures

Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations or to conditions caused by past operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. The Company determines its liability for environmental matters on a site-by-site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and such liability can be reasonably estimated. The estimated liability is not reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers. Estimated environmental remediation expenditures are included in the determination of the net realizable value recorded for assets held for sale.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation gains and losses on assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, effects of exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term nature and transactions designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary, deferred gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, actuarial adjustments to pension plans, and unrealized gains (losses) and non-credit related OTTI on investment securities classified as AFS of business held for sale. Net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities classified as AFS by the business held for sale are reduced by deferred income taxes and adjustments to intangible assets that would have resulted had such gains and losses been realized. The foreign currency translation gains and losses for Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 were primarily attributable to the impact of translation of the net assets of Spectrum Brands’ European and Latin American operations, which primarily have functional currencies in Euros, Pounds Sterling, Mexican Peso and Brazilian Real.

Refer to Note 16, Shareholders’ Equity, for further detail.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which may include the Company’s own credit risk. The Company’s estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”). The Company categorizes financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

Level 1 — Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves.

Level 3 — Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lower level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. However, Level 3 fair value investments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 inputs, observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.

Funds Withheld Receivables, Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Other Invested Assets

The Company measures the fair value of its securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and the Company will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. The Company’s fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include a third-party pricing service, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. The Company uses observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Management believes the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trends executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices. The Company did not adjust prices received from third parties as of September 30, 2016 and 2015. However, the Company does analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.

Derivatives

The fair values of the embedded derivatives in Front Street’s assumed FIA business from FGL are derived using market indices, pricing assumptions and historical data. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the embedded derivatives in Front Street’s assumed FIA business are market value of option, interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at September 30, 2016 and 2015 was applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. Significant increases or decreases in the market value of an option in isolation would result in a higher or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Significant increases or decreases in interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurement. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not result in a change in any other unobservable input.

Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets and liabilities are valued on a recurring basis using internal models, which are based on market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities, which are generally based on quoted or observed market prices and classified as Level 2. The fair value of certain derivatives is estimated using pricing models based on contracts with similar terms and risks. Modeling techniques assume market correlation and volatility, such as using prices of one delivery point to calculate the price of the contract’s different delivery point. The nominal value of interest rate transactions is discounted using applicable forward interest rate curves. In addition, by applying a credit reserve which is calculated based on credit default swaps or published default probabilities for the actual and potential asset value, the fair value of Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets reflects the risk that the counterparties to these contracts may default on the obligations. Likewise, by assessing the requirements of a reserve for non-performance which is calculated based on the probability of default by Spectrum Brands, it adjusts its derivative liabilities to reflect the price at which a potential market participant would be willing to assume Spectrum Brands’ liabilities.

The Company has not changed its valuation techniques in measuring the fair value of any derivative assets and liabilities during the year.

Refer to Note 7, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for further detail. Refer to the “Reinsurance” section above for an explanation of the fair value measurements used to account Front Street Cayman’s reinsurance agreements.

Restructuring and Related Charges

Restructuring charges include, but are not limited to the costs of one-time termination benefits such as severance costs and retention bonuses, and contract termination costs consisting primarily of lease termination costs. Related charges, as defined by the Company, include, but are not limited to, other costs directly associated with exit and relocation activities, including impairment of property and other assets, departmental costs of full-time incremental employees, and any other items related to the exit or relocation activities. Costs for such activities are estimated by management after evaluating detailed analyses of the costs to be incurred.

Liabilities from restructuring and related charges are recorded for estimated costs of facility closures, significant organizational adjustments and measures undertaken by management to exit certain activities. Costs for such activities are estimated by management after evaluating detailed analyses of the costs to be incurred. Such liabilities could include amounts for items such as severance costs and related benefits, impairment of property and equipment and other current or long term assets, lease termination payments and any other items directly related to the exit activities.

Restructuring and related charges associated with manufacturing and related initiatives are recorded in “Cost of consumer products and other goods sold”. Restructuring and related charges reflected in cost of goods sold include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs associated with manufacturing employees, asset impairments relating to manufacturing initiatives and other costs directly related to the manufacturing components of a restructuring initiative. Restructuring and related charges associated with administrative functions are recorded in operating expenses, such as initiatives impacting sales, marketing, distribution or other non-manufacturing related functions reflected in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses”. Restructuring and related charges reflected in operating expenses include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs, any asset impairments relating to the administrative functions and other costs directly related to the administrative components of the restructuring initiatives implemented.

See Note 20, Restructuring and Related Charges, for further detail.

Revenue Recognition, Customer Acquisitions [Policy Text Block]

Acquisition and Integration Related Charges

Acquisition and integration related charges include, but are not limited to, transaction costs such as banking, legal, accounting and other professional fees directly related to both consummated acquisitions and acquisition targets, termination and related costs for transitional and certain other employees, integration related professional fees and other post business combination expenses associated with integration activity.

Restructuring and Related Charges

Benefit expenses for deferred annuity and FIA policies related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL include index credits and interest credited to contractholder account balances and benefit claims incurred during the period in excess of contract account balances. For the periods from Fiscal 2014 through Fiscal 2016, the interest crediting rates associated with funds invested ranged from 0.0% to 6.0% for deferred annuities and FIAs, combined. Other changes in policy reserves include the change in the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative and the change in the reserve for secondary guarantee benefit payments. For immediate annuities, policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves also include changes in the fair value of the insurance liabilities with third parties.

Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Interest Expense

Interest expense on the Company’s short-term and long-term debt is recognized as due and any associated premiums, discounts, and costs are amortized (accreted) over the term of the related borrowing utilizing the effective interest method. Interest expense also includes fees on the Company’s credit facilities.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per Share (“EPS”)

The Company computes net income (loss) per common share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated in the same manner, but shares outstanding are adjusted to reflect the potential dilution that would occur if unvested options, warrants, restricted stock units and unvested restricted stock awards were vested and if outstanding preferred stock was converted to common stock. The dilutive effects of such stock-based compensation awards are calculated using the treasury stock method. In periods where losses are recorded, inclusion of potentially dilutive securities in the calculation would decrease the loss per common share and therefore they are not added to the weighted average number of shares outstanding due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Refer to Note 21, Earnings Per Share, for further detail.

Reclassifications and Retrospective Adjustments

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit.

Change in Accounting Method

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The accounting guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. Current guidance generally requires entities to capitalize costs paid to third parties that are directly related to issuing debt and that otherwise wouldn’t be incurred, and present those amounts separately as deferred charges. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-03 effective March 31, 2016. The Company applied the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented was adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs resulted in reductions in other assets and debt of $101.8 and reductions in assets and liabilities of business held for sale of $4.1 as of September 30, 2015. Other than this reclassification, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, debt issuance costs continue to be capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the lives of the related debt agreements.

Refer to Note 15, Debt, for further detail.

Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 simplifies the presentation of provisional amounts recognized in a business combination during the measurement period (one year from the date of acquisition). Whereas the prior guidance required retrospective adjustment of prior periods, ASU 2015-16 eliminates this requirement. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 effective the first day of Fiscal 2016 and all subsequent measurement period adjustments are recorded in the period identified, resulting in the recognition of adjustments to goodwill of $3.3 as of September 30, 2016 related to Spectrum Brands’ acquisition of Armored AutoGroup Parent Inc. (“AAG”). See Note 12, Goodwill and Intangibles, net for adjustments to goodwill.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires that the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. The new guidance requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be presented as noncurrent as the separate current classification results in little to no benefit to users of the financial statements because the classification does not generally align with the time period in which the recognized deferred tax amounts are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-07 effective March 31, 2016. The Company applied the new guidance on a retrospective basis, resulting in a reclassification reducing both deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by $39.1 in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015.

Refer to Note 19, Income Taxes, for further detail.

Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 provides for changes to the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees, primarily income taxes upon award vesting or settlement, cash flow presentations of excess tax benefits and employee withheld taxes paid, as well as an entity forfeiture policy election. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual period. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09 effective as if adopted the first day of the fiscal year, October 1, 2015.

Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee stock compensation will be recognized within income tax expense. Under prior guidance, excess tax benefits were recognized to additional paid-in capital and tax deficiencies were only recognized to income tax expense to the extent they exceeded the pool of excess tax benefits.

As of September 30, 2015, there was $28.4 of unrecognized deferred tax assets attributable to excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized as they did not reduce income taxes payable. The cumulative adjustment for the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have an impact on net equity as the incremental deferred tax assets were fully offset by a corresponding increase in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance as of September 30, 2015. The adoption of the new standard impacted the Company’s previously reported quarterly results for the recognition of excess tax benefits in the Company’s provision for income taxes rather than paid in capital. Further, as part of the adoption, the Company elected to account for forfeitures in compensation cost as they occur.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset-based Loans

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company’s asset-based loans at September 30, 2016 and 2015 of $35.0 and $226.7, respectively, are reflected in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Originated asset-based loans that are intended to be held in the Company’s portfolio are stated at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for an allowance for credit losses. The delinquency status is based upon the contractual terms of the loans. At September 30, 2016, the Company had delinquent loans with a net carrying value of $30.1.

The allowance for credit losses represents the Company’s estimate of probable losses inherent in its lending activities and is initially established upon origination of a loan. The allowance for credit losses does not include amounts related to accrued interest receivable, as accrued interest receivable is reversed when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on a combined loan basis is being constantly evaluated. The Company will charge loans off against its allowance for credit losses when it becomes evident that the Company will not fully collect the balance of the loan. The provision for credit losses related to the loan portfolio is charged to “Impairments and bad debt expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Included in the allowance for credit losses are reserves that are maintained to cover uncertainties that affect the Company’s estimate of probable losses, including domestic and global economic uncertainty and large single name defaults. This collective allowance for credit losses is calculated using loss rates delineated by risk rating and loan type. Factors considered when assessing loss rates include the value of the underlying collateral, if applicable, the industry of the obligor, and the obligor’s liquidity and other financial indicators along with certain qualitative factors. If necessary, a specific allowance is also established for loans if they are deemed to be individually impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and/or interest, according to the contractual terms of the agreement. Once a loan has been identified as potentially impaired, management measures impairment based on the present value of payments expected to be received, discounted at the loans’ original effective contractual interest rates, or discounted at the portfolio average contractual annual percentage rate. Impaired loans may also be measured based on observable market prices, or for loans that are solely dependent on the collateral for repayment, the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. If the recorded investment in impaired loans exceeds this amount, a specific allowance is established as a component of the allowance for loan losses.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company monitors credit quality as indicated by various factors and utilizes such information in its evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The Company is a non-bank asset-based lender, who uses a bank-compatible risk rating scale as a guide as to the relative risk of the loan. This scale places primary reliance on a loan’s cash-flow as a source of repayment, as compared to Company’s primary reliance on the sale or liquidation of collateral. The Company’s accounting and credit teams review all substandard loans for any potential impairment on a quarterly basis.

The likelihood of collectibility in accordance with the contractual terms of a loan is, in large part, dependent upon the assessed level of risk associated with the specific loan. Borrowers provide the Company with financial information, in accordance with the loan agreement. Additionally, the Company performs further credit due diligence, such as conducting site visits to the borrowers, as well as obtaining collateral appraisals as a measure of safeguard against decline in loans’ collateral values. The Company internally risk rates loans based on individual criteria on at least a quarterly basis. The internal rating that is assigned to a loan provides a view as to the relative risk of each loan. The Company employs an internal risk rating scale to establish a view of the credit quality of each loan. This scale is based on the credit classifications of assets as prescribed by industry standards for the banking industry. The internal risk rating scale is separated into the following groups:


•	Pass - Loans with standard, acceptable levels of credit risk. The Company scores these loans between 1 and 5;


•	Special mention - Loans that have potential weaknesses that deserve close attention, and which, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the Company’s credit position at some future date. The Company scores these loans as a 6;

•

Substandard - Loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well defined weakness or weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Although substandard loans in the aggregate may have a distinct potential for loss, an individual loan’s loss potential does not have to be distinct for the asset to be rated substandard. The Company scores these loans as 7; and


•	Doubtful - Loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full improbable based on currently existing facts, conditions, and values. The Company scores these loans as an 8.

Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reinsurance

Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd. (“Front Street Cayman”) has entered into various reinsurance agreements on a funds withheld basis, meaning that funds are withheld by the ceding company from the coinsurance premium owed to Front Street Cayman as collateral for Front Street Cayman’s payment obligations. Accordingly, the collateral assets remain under the ultimate ownership of the ceding company. Front Street Cayman manages the assets supporting reserves in accordance with the internal investment policy of the ceding companies and applicable law. Front Street Cayman has entered into such reinsurance agreements with FGL, as well as third parties as further described below. For segment reporting purposes, at the inception date of the reinsurance transactions, Front Street elected to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserves related to its assumed reinsurance. For consolidated reporting, the results from Front Street’s assumed reinsurance business with FGL is reported on FGL’s historical basis. Upon completion of the FGL Merger, the Company’s consolidated results will reflect all reinsurance business on the fair value option.

Reinsurance Agreements with FGL

On December 31, 2012, following regulatory approval, Front Street Cayman entered into a coinsurance agreement (the “Cayman Reinsurance Agreement”) with FGL. Pursuant to the Cayman Reinsurance Agreement, Front Street Cayman reinsured a 10% quota share percentage of certain FGL annuity liabilities.

Effective September 17, 2014, FGL entered into a second reinsurance treaty (the “MYGA Treaty”, and together with the Cayman Reinsurance Agreement, the “Reinsurance Agreements with FGL”) with Front Street Cayman whereby FGL ceded 30% of any new business of its multi-year guaranteed deferred annuity (“MYGA”) block of business on a funds withheld basis. This treaty was subsequently terminated as to new business effective April 30, 2015, but remains in effect for policies ceded to Front Street Cayman with an effective date between September 17, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

At September 30, 2016 and 2015, Front Street had $978.8 and $1,058.0, respectively, of funds withheld receivables and $1,119.5 and $1,226.8, respectively, of insurance reserves related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL.

The funds withheld receivables portfolio related to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL consists of investments in debt and equity securities that are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI, net of associated intangibles “shadow adjustments” and deferred income taxes. The funds withheld receivables portfolio also includes cash, derivatives and accrued income.

The liabilities for contractholder funds for deferred annuities consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the contractholders, excluding surrender charges and other liabilities. The liabilities for fixed index annuities (“FIA”) consist of the value of the host contract plus the value of the embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is carried at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value reported in “Benefits and other changes in policy reserves” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Liabilities for immediate annuities without life contingencies are recorded at the present value of future benefits.

Liabilities for investment-type contracts are calculated by multiplying the benefit ratio by the cumulative assessments recorded from contract inception through the balance sheet date plus interest. If experience or assumption changes result in a new benefit ratio, the reserves are adjusted to reflect the changes.

The liabilities for future policy benefits and claim reserves life contingent pay-out annuity policies are computed using assumptions for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals based principally on generally accepted actuarial methods and assumptions at the time of contract issue. The investment yield assumptions for life contingent pay-out annuities range from 0.8% to 6.0%.

Reinsurance agreements with third parties

On December 16, 2013, Front Street Cayman closed a reinsurance treaty with Bankers Life Insurance Company. Under the terms of the treaty, Bankers Life Insurance Company ceded annuity business to Front Street Cayman, on a funds withheld basis. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, Front Street had $125.8 and $148.3, respectively, of funds withheld receivables and $119.0 and $145.7, respectively, of insurance reserves related to this transaction.

On October 31, 2014, Front Street Cayman purchased Ability Re from Ability Re Holdings. The Ability Re acquisition consisted of long-term care reinsurance business. The acquired reinsurance agreements complement Front Street Cayman’s existing in force long-duration insurance liabilities. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, Front Street had $295.6 and $357.5, respectively, of funds withheld receivables and $271.5 and $348.4, respectively, of insurance reserves related to this transaction.

During Fiscal 2015, Front Street Cayman also closed three additional reinsurance transactions with unaffiliated parties. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, Front Street had $250.2 and $146.3, respectively, of funds withheld receivables and $241.3 and $135.1, respectively, of insurance reserves related to these transactions.

Front Street elected to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserve related to its assumed reinsurance with third parties. Front Street measures fair value of the funds withheld receivables based on the fair values of the securities in the underlying funds withheld portfolio held by the cedant. The non-funds withheld assets held by Front Street, backing the future policyholder benefits reserve, are measured at fair value. Policy loans included in the funds withheld receivables with third parties are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Front Street uses a discounted cash flows approach to measure the fair value of the future policyholder benefits reserve. The cash flows associated with future policy premiums and benefits are generated using best estimate assumptions (plus a risk margin, where applicable) and are consistent with market prices, where available. Risk margins are typically applied to non-observable, non-hedgeable market inputs such as mortality, morbidity, lapse, discount rate for non-performance risk, discount rate for risk margin, surrenders, etc. Mortality relates to the occurrence of death. Mortality assumptions are based upon the experience of the cedant as well as past and emerging industry experience, when available. Morbidity relates to the occurrence of a claim status and is a key assumption for the long term care business. Morbidity assumptions are based upon the experience of the cedant as well as past and emerging industry experience, when available. Mortality and morbidity assumptions may be different by sex, underwriting class and policy type. Assumptions are also made for future mortality and morbidity improvements.

Policies are terminated through surrenders and maturities, where surrenders represent the voluntary terminations of policies by policyholders and maturities are determined by policy contract terms. Surrender assumptions are based upon cedant experience adjusted for expected future conditions. As of December 31, 2015, Front Street began discounting the liability cash flows by using the market yields on the underlying assets backing the liabilities plus a risk margin to reflect uncertainty and adjusts the discount rate to reflect the credit risk of Front Street. In prior periods, the discount rate was based on risk free rates plus non-performance spreads plus a risk margin and a factor to reflect own credit risk. The change in discount rate methodology reduced the fair value of the Front Street future policyholder benefit liability by $7.0 at December 31, 2015.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Front Street future policyholder benefit liability are non-performance risk spread and risk spread to reflect uncertainty. Significant increases (decreases) in non-performance risk spread and risk margin to reflect uncertainty would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Refer to Note 7, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for further detail.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The Company periodically, and at least annually, reviews the assumptions associated with reserves for policy benefits and product guarantees. With respect to the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL, as part of the assumption review process in Fiscal 2016, changes were made to the surrender rates and earned rates to bring assumptions in line with current and expected future experience; in Fiscal 2015, changes were made to the earned rates and the guaranteed option costs; and in Fiscal 2014, changes were made to the changes were made to the surrender rates, earned rates and future index credits. The assumption changes associated with the Reinsurance Agreements with FGL resulted in an increase in insurance reserves of $1.0 in Fiscal 2016, an increase in insurance reserves of $0.8 in Fiscal 2015, and a decrease in insurance reserves of $0.4 in Fiscal 2014. With respect to the reinsurance agreements with third parties, as part of the assumption review process in Fiscal 2016, changes were made to morbidity and premium rate increases to bring assumptions in line with current and expected future experience; in Fiscal 2015, changes were made to morbidity; and in Fiscal 2014, there were no changes made as part of the assumption review process. The assumption changes associated with the reinsurance agreements with third parties resulted in a decrease in reserves of $1.6 in Fiscal 2016 and an increase in insurance reserves of $12.0 in Fiscal 2015.

Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Subsequent Events

ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events” (“ASC 855”), establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855 requires the Company to evaluate events that occur after the balance sheet date through the date the Company’s financial statements are issued and to determine whether adjustments to or additional disclosures in the financial statements are necessary. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued. See Note 4, Divestitures, for discussion of the extension of the outside termination for the completion of the FGL Merger Agreement from November 7, 2016 to February 8, 2017, and Note 15, Debt, for Spectrum Brands’ redemption of the remaining $129.7 aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Notes, as well as Spectrum Brands’ replacement of all of its U.S. dollar-denominated term loans with new U.S. dollar-denominated term loans that carry lower interest rate margins. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations, for the announcement that Mr. Omar Asali, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, plans to leave the Company and the Company’s review of strategic alternatives. No other significant events occurred subsequent to September 30, 2016.