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FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.
The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:

a.Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets
b.Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets
c.Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable
d.
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018:
 
Measurement
Category
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
4
 
$

 
$
2,394,370

 
$

 
$
2,394,370

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
4
 

 
1,841,506

 

 
1,841,506

Other asset-backed securities
4
 

 
740,863

 
503,789

 
1,244,652

U.S. government-related securities
4
 
1,041,123

 
286,677

 

 
1,327,800

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
4
 

 
1,700,279

 

 
1,700,279

Other government-related securities
4
 

 
277,459

 

 
277,459

Corporate securities
4
 

 
27,933,364

 
626,409

 
28,559,773

Redeemable preferred stock
4
 
72,244

 
18,325

 

 
90,569

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 
 
1,113,367

 
35,192,843

 
1,130,198

 
37,436,408

Fixed maturity securities - trading
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
3
 

 
265,547

 

 
265,547

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
3
 

 
146,633

 

 
146,633

Other asset-backed securities
3
 

 
94,756

 
34,958

 
129,714

U.S. government-related securities
3
 
31,684

 
5,891

 

 
37,575

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
3
 

 
318,142

 

 
318,142

Other government-related securities
3
 

 
40,368

 

 
40,368

Corporate securities
3
 

 
1,640,575

 
5,324

 
1,645,899

Redeemable preferred stock
3
 
3,264

 

 

 
3,264

Total fixed maturity securities - trading
 
 
34,948

 
2,511,912

 
40,282

 
2,587,142

Total fixed maturity securities
 
 
1,148,315

 
37,704,755

 
1,170,480

 
40,023,550

Equity securities
3
 
615,423

 
36

 
66,061

 
681,520

Other long-term investments(1)
3 & 4
 
87,558

 
354,855

 
144,352

 
586,765

Short-term investments
3
 
327,834

 
113,947

 

 
441,781

Total investments
 
 
2,179,130

 
38,173,593

 
1,380,893

 
41,733,616

Cash
3
 
307,724

 

 

 
307,724

Other assets
3
 
34,463

 

 

 
34,463

Assets related to separate accounts
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Variable annuity
3
 
13,549,068

 

 

 
13,549,068

Variable universal life
3
 
1,019,250

 

 

 
1,019,250

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
$
17,089,635

 
$
38,173,593

 
$
1,380,893

 
$
56,644,121

Liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Annuity account balances (2)
3
 
$

 
$

 
$
81,399

 
$
81,399

Other liabilities(1)
3 & 4
 
7,397

 
189,206

 
621,102

 
817,705

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
$
7,397

 
$
189,206

 
$
702,501

 
$
899,104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) Fair Value through Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$
2,327,212

 
$

 
$
2,327,212

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
1,889,822

 

 
1,889,822

Other asset-backed securities

 
745,184

 
504,365

 
1,249,549

U.S. government-related securities
958,775

 
264,477

 

 
1,223,252

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
1,741,645

 

 
1,741,645

Other government-related securities

 
287,282

 

 
287,282

Corporate securities

 
29,075,109

 
626,901

 
29,702,010

Redeemable preferred stock
72,471

 
18,620

 

 
91,091

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
1,031,246

 
36,349,351

 
1,131,266

 
38,511,863

Fixed maturity securities - trading
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
259,694

 

 
259,694

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
146,804

 

 
146,804

Other asset-backed securities

 
102,875

 
35,222

 
138,097

U.S. government-related securities
21,183

 
6,051

 

 
27,234

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 
326,925

 

 
326,925

Other government-related securities

 
63,925

 

 
63,925

Corporate securities

 
1,692,741

 
5,442

 
1,698,183

Redeemable preferred stock
3,327

 

 

 
3,327

Total fixed maturity securities - trading
24,510

 
2,599,015

 
40,664

 
2,664,189

Total fixed maturity securities
1,055,756

 
38,948,366

 
1,171,930

 
41,176,052

Equity securities
688,214

 
36

 
66,110

 
754,360

Other long-term investments(1)
51,102

 
417,969

 
136,004

 
605,075

Short-term investments
482,461

 
132,749

 

 
615,210

Total investments
2,277,533

 
39,499,120

 
1,374,044

 
43,150,697

Cash
252,310

 

 

 
252,310

Other assets
28,771

 

 

 
28,771

Assets related to separate accounts
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Variable annuity
13,956,071

 

 

 
13,956,071

Variable universal life
1,035,202

 

 

 
1,035,202

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
17,549,887

 
$
39,499,120

 
$
1,374,044

 
$
58,423,051

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Annuity account balances(2)
$

 
$

 
$
83,472

 
$
83,472

Other liabilities(1)
5,755

 
240,927

 
760,890

 
1,007,572

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
5,755

 
$
240,927

 
$
844,362

 
$
1,091,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

Determination of fair values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a "waterfall" approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price approximately 92.4% of the Company's available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations, which are considered to have no significant unobservable inputs. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company obtains one quote per security, typically from the broker from which we purchased the security. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.
The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted- average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.
For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. The Company uses a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.
Asset-Backed Securities
This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of March 31, 2018, the Company held $5.5 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.
After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company held $538.7 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $503.7 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $35.0 million of other asset-backed securities classified as trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. The Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation process the Company reviews the following characteristics of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be level three measurements due to the nature of the transaction.
Corporate Securities, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government Related Securities
As of March 31, 2018, the Company classified approximately $32.2 billion of corporate securities, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted- average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid income and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company classified approximately $631.7 million of securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.
Equities
As of March 31, 2018, the Company held approximately $66.1 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $65.5 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.
Other Long-term Investments and Other Liabilities
Other long-term investments and other liabilities consist entirely of free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of March 31, 2018, 100% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.

Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 were embedded derivatives and include at least one significant non-observable input. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has at least one significant Level 3 input.

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.
The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheet. The changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as “Realized investment gains (losses) - Derivative financial instruments”. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.
The fair value of the guaranteed living withdrawal benefits ("GLWB") embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near- term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table with attained age factors varying from 91.1% - 106.6%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.
The balance of the FIA embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB mortality table modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 46% - 113%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company's non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The balance of the indexed universal life (“IUL”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the IUL product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the SOA 2015 VBT Primary Tables modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 34% - 152%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company's non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. As a result, these agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The investments supporting these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. As of March 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative is based upon the relationship between the statutory policy liabilities (net of policy loans) of $2.4 billion and the statutory unrealized gain (loss) of the securities of $134.1 million. As a result, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are largely offset by the changes in fair value of the related investments and each are reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the policy liabilities.
Annuity Account Balances
The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values. The Level 3 fair value as of March 31, 2018 is $81.4 million.
Separate Accounts
Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.
Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
 
Fair Value
As of
March 31, 2018
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities
$
503,672

 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
$90 - $97 ($94.92)
 
 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Liquidity premium
 
0.07% - 1.09% (0.73%)
 
 
 
 
 
Paydown rate
 
11.63% - 12.53% (12.16%)
Corporate securities
617,724

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread over treasury
 
0.96% - 4.35% (1.61%)
Liabilities:(1)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$
55,468

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
91.1% to 106.6% of
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
0.3% - 15%, depending on
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
product/duration/funded
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
status of guarantee
 
 

 
 
 
Utilization
 
99%. 10% of policies have a one-
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
time over-utilization of 400%
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.14% - 0.95%
Embedded derivative - FIA
218,340

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Expenses
 
$146 per policy
 
 

 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
RMD for ages 70+
 
 

 
 
 
Mortality
 
1994 MGDB table with company
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
experience
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
on duration/surrender
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
charge period
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.14% - 0.95%
Embedded derivative - IUL
77,350

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
34% - 152% of 2015
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
VBT Primary Tables
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
on duration/distribution
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
channel and smoking class
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.14% - 0.95%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.
The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of March 31, 2018, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $49.5 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of March 31, 2018. Of the $49.5 million, $35.1 million are other asset-backed securities, $14.0 million are corporate securities, and $0.4 million are equity securities.
In certain cases, the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of March 31, 2018, the Company held $65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which was predominantly FHLB stock.
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
 
Fair Value
As of
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities
$
504,228

 
Liquidation
 
Liquidation value
 
$90 - $97 ($94.91)
 
 
 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
Liquidity premium
 
0.06% - 1.17% (0.75%)
 
 
 
 
 
Paydown rate
 
11.31% - 11.97% (11.54%)
Corporate securities
617,770

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread over treasury
 
0.81% - 3.95% (1.06%)
Liabilities:(1)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$
111,760

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
91.1% to 106.6% of
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
1.0% - 30.0%, depending on
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
product/duration/funded
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
status of guarantee
 
 

 
 
 
Utilization
 
99%. 10% of policies have a one-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
time over-utilization of 400%
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.11% - 0.79%
Embedded derivative - FIA
218,676

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Expenses
 
$146 per policy
 
 

 
 
 
Withdrawal rate
 
1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
RMD for ages 70+
 
 

 
 
 
Mortality
 
1994 MGDB table with company
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
experience
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
on duration/surrender
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
charge period
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.11% - 0.79%
Embedded derivative - IUL
80,212

 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
34% - 152% of 2015
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
VBT Primary Tables
 
 

 
 
 
Lapse
 
0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
on duration/distribution
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
channel and smoking class
 
 

 
 
 
Nonperformance risk
 
0.11% - 0.79%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.
The Company had considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2017, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $50.4 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017. Of the $50.4 million, $35.4 million are other asset-backed securities, $14.6 million are corporate securities, and $0.4 million are equity securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2017, the Company held $65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which was predominantly FHLB stock.
The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities. The liquidation value for these securities are sensitive to the issuer's available cash flows and ability to redeem the securities, as well as the current holders' willingness to liquidate at the specified price.
The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in spread. When holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease, and decreases when spreads increase.
The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.
The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2018, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
 
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Issuances
 
Settlements
 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 
Other
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities
504,365

 

 
514

 

 
(1,634
)
 

 
(14
)
 

 

 

 
558

 
503,789

 

Corporate securities
626,901

 

 
1,399

 

 
(12,101
)
 
35,000

 
(23,635
)
 

 

 

 
(1,155
)
 
626,409

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
1,131,266

 

 
1,913

 

 
(13,735
)
 
35,000

 
(23,649
)
 

 

 

 
(597
)
 
1,130,198

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other asset-backed securities
35,222

 
194

 

 
(28
)
 

 

 
(396
)
 

 

 

 
(34
)
 
34,958

 
166

Corporate securities
5,442

 

 

 
(94
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(24
)
 
5,324

 
(94
)
Total fixed maturity securities - trading
40,664

 
194

 

 
(122
)
 

 

 
(396
)
 

 

 

 
(58
)
 
40,282

 
72

Total fixed maturity securities
1,171,930

 
194

 
1,913

 
(122
)
 
(13,735
)
 
35,000

 
(24,045
)
 

 

 

 
(655
)
 
1,170,480

 
72

Equity securities
66,110

 

 

 
(49
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
66,061

 
(49
)
Other long-term investments(1)
136,004

 
8,864

 

 
(516
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
144,352

 
8,348

Total investments
1,374,044

 
9,058

 
1,913

 
(687
)
 
(13,735
)
 
35,000

 
(24,045
)
 

 

 

 
(655
)
 
1,380,893

 
8,371

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
1,374,044

 
$
9,058

 
$
1,913

 
$
(687
)
 
$
(13,735
)
 
$
35,000

 
$
(24,045
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(655
)
 
$
1,380,893

 
$
8,371

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Annuity account balances(2)
$
83,472

 
$

 
$

 
$
(794
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
441

 
$
3,308

 
$

 
$

 
$
81,399

 
$

Other liabilities(1)
760,890

 
161,318

 

 
(21,530
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
621,102

 
139,788

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
844,362

 
$
161,318

 
$

 
$
(22,324
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
441

 
$
3,308

 
$

 
$

 
$
702,501

 
$
139,788

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no securities transferred into Level 3.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no securities transferred into Level 2 from Level 3.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 1 into Level 2.



The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2017, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
 
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Issuances
 
Settlements
 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 
Other
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
$
3

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities
562,604

 

 
3,530

 

 
(831
)
 

 
(2,015
)
 

 

 
(6,643
)
 
291

 
556,936

 

Corporate securities
664,046

 

 
7,771

 

 
(282
)
 
37,259

 
(38,884
)
 

 

 
(2,647
)
 
(558
)
 
666,705

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
1,226,653

 

 
11,301

 

 
(1,113
)
 
37,259

 
(40,902
)
 

 

 
(9,290
)
 
(267
)
 
1,223,641

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other asset-backed securities
84,563

 
3,474

 

 
(586
)
 

 

 
(19,308
)
 

 

 

 
609

 
68,752

 
2,888

Corporate securities
5,492

 
34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(22
)
 
5,504

 
34

Total fixed maturity securities - trading
90,055

 
3,508

 

 
(586
)
 

 

 
(19,308
)
 

 

 

 
587

 
74,256

 
2,922

Total fixed maturity securities
1,316,708

 
3,508

 
11,301

 
(586
)
 
(1,113
)
 
37,259

 
(60,210
)
 

 

 
(9,290
)
 
320

 
1,297,897

 
2,922

Equity securities
69,010

 

 
2

 
(2,630
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
3

 
(1
)
 
66,384

 
1

Other long-term investments(1)
124,325

 
11,061

 

 
(1,958
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
133,428

 
9,103

Total investments
1,510,043

 
14,569

 
11,303

 
(5,174
)
 
(1,113
)
 
37,259

 
(60,210
)
 

 

 
(9,287
)
 
319

 
1,497,709

 
12,026

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
1,510,043

 
$
14,569

 
$
11,303

 
$
(5,174
)
 
$
(1,113
)
 
$
37,259

 
$
(60,210
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(9,287
)
 
$
319

 
$
1,497,709

 
$
12,026

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Annuity account balances(2)
$
87,616

 
$

 
$

 
$
(887
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
180

 
$
2,268

 
$

 
$

 
$
86,415

 
$

Other liabilities(1)
571,843

 
44,263

 

 
(59,494
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
587,074

 
(15,231
)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$
659,459

 
$
44,263

 
$

 
$
(60,381
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
180

 
$
2,268

 
$

 
$

 
$
673,489

 
$
(15,231
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there was an immaterial amount of transfers of securities into Level 3.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $9.3 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of March 31, 2017.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no securities transferred from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no securities transferred from Level 1 into Level 2.
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated condensed statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowner’s equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.
The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset transfers in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.
The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:
 
 
 
As of
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
Level
 
Carrying
Amounts
 
Fair Values
 
Carrying
Amounts
 
Fair Values
 
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage loans on real estate
3
 
$
6,846,633

 
$
6,646,782

 
$
6,817,723

 
$
6,740,177

Policy loans
3
 
1,594,642

 
1,594,642

 
1,615,615

 
1,615,615

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)
3
 
2,699,826

 
2,674,129

 
2,718,904

 
2,776,327

Liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Stable value product account balances
3
 
$
4,699,614

 
$
4,658,178

 
$
4,698,371

 
$
4,698,868

Future policy benefits and claims(2)
3
 
220,307

 
220,307

 
220,498

 
220,498

Other policyholders' funds(3)
3
 
135,202

 
135,921

 
133,508

 
134,253

Debt:(4)
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Bank borrowings
3
 
$
325,000

 
$
325,000

 
$

 
$

Senior Notes
2
 
769,776

 
751,951

 
943,370

 
933,926

Subordinated debt securities
2
 
495,324

 
486,595

 
495,289

 
501,215

Non-recourse funding obligations(5)
3
 
2,728,689

 
2,706,594

 
2,747,477

 
2,804,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
(1) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain LLC and Steel City LLC.
(2) Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.
(3) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(4) Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.6 million.
(5) As of March 31, 2018, carrying amount of $2.6 billion and a fair value of $2.7 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2017, carrying amount of $2.7 billion and a fair value of $2.8 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
Fair Value Measurements
Mortgage loans on real estate
The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.
Policy loans
The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policy holders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates carrying value.
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity
The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed maturity, held-to-maturity securities using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.
Stable value product and other investment contract balances
The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholder funds line items on our balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.
Debt
Bank borrowings
The Company believes the carrying value of its bank borrowings approximates fair value as the borrowings pay a floating interest rate plus a spread based on the rating of the Company’s senior debt which the Company believes approximates a market interest rate.
Non-recourse funding obligations
The Company estimates the fair value of its non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.