Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý  Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20172018
 
or
 
o  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission File Number 001-11339
 
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE 95-2492236
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
2801 HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (205) 268-1000
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated Filer o
   
Non-accelerated filer x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o
   
  
Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o No ý
 
Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value, outstanding as of April 24, 2017:23, 2018:  1,000
 



PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 20172018
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
 
   Page
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
    
    
Item 1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 6. 
  



PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
   
  
Premiums and policy fees$860,586
 $852,795
$889,166
 $860,586
Reinsurance ceded(316,076) (310,327)(345,423) (316,076)
Net of reinsurance ceded544,510
 542,468
543,743
 544,510
Net investment income506,413
 475,117
520,863
 506,413
Realized investment gains (losses): 
  
 
  
Derivative financial instruments(69,878) (73,499)78,059
 (69,878)
All other investments22,841
 81,728
(87,599) 22,841
Other-than-temporary impairment losses(2,725) (2,769)(691) (2,725)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)(5,106) 152
(2,954) (5,106)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(7,831) (2,617)(3,645) (7,831)
Other income109,242
 103,716
114,411
 109,242
Total revenues1,105,297
 1,126,913
1,165,832
 1,105,297
Benefits and expenses 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2017 -$263,377; 2016 -$299,873)749,642
 714,545
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2018 - $347,637; 2017 - $263,377)786,802
 749,642
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired20,519
 30,746
57,981
 20,519
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2017 -$51,017; 2016 -$48,311)222,787
 209,780
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2018 - $43,117; 2017 - $51,017)229,251
 222,787
Total benefits and expenses992,948
 955,071
1,074,034
 992,948
Income before income tax112,349
 171,842
91,798
 112,349
Income tax expense36,935
 56,494
17,686
 36,935
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2017 - $85,962; 2016 - $236,350)159,641
 438,936
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2017 - $(578); 2016 - $(1,028))(1,072) (1,910)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2017 - $1,995; 2016 - $159)3,703
 294
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2017 - $(362); 2016 - $0)(672) 
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2017 - $72; 2016 - $0)133
 
Total other comprehensive income161,733
 437,320
Total comprehensive income$237,147
 $552,668
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net income$74,112
 $75,414
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2018 - $(153,379); 2017 - $85,962)(577,712) 159,641
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2018 - $181; 2017 - $(578))681
 (1,072)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2018 - $3; 2017 - $1,995)11
 3,703
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2018 - $129; 2017 - $(362))487
 (672)
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2018 - $24; 2017 - $72)89
 133
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2018 - $0; 2017 - $0)
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(576,444) 161,733
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(502,332) $237,147

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets 
  
 
  
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017 - $39,880,027; 2016 - $39,832,724)$38,575,433
 $38,183,337
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2017 - $2,746,375; 2016 - $2,733,340)2,758,137
 2,770,177
Equity securities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017 - $783,751; 2016 - $768,423)792,231
 754,489
Mortgage loans (related to securitizations: 2017 - $267,267; 2016 - $277,964)6,311,822
 6,132,125
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2017 - $291; 2016 - $252)7,149
 8,060
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 - $41,165,316 ; 2017 - $41,153,551)$40,023,550
 $41,176,052
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2018 - $2,674,129; 2017 - $2,776,327)2,699,826
 2,718,904
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2018 - $676,451; 2017 - $740,813)681,520
 754,360
Mortgage loans (related to securitizations: 2018 - $1,367; 2017 - $226,409)6,846,633
 6,817,723
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2018 - $154; 2017 - $132)7,531
 8,355
Policy loans1,635,511
 1,650,240
1,594,642
 1,615,615
Other long-term investments879,418
 865,304
920,939
 915,595
Short-term investments299,167
 332,431
441,781
 615,210
Total investments51,258,868

50,696,163
53,216,422

54,621,814
Cash409,377
 348,182
307,724
 252,310
Accrued investment income493,634
 482,388
497,984
 491,802
Accounts and premiums receivable129,443
 118,303
127,762
 124,934
Reinsurance receivables5,308,627
 5,323,846
5,090,572
 5,075,698
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired2,065,274
 2,019,829
2,434,154
 2,199,577
Goodwill793,470
 793,470
793,470
 793,470
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (2017 - $89,573; 2016 - $79,226)675,507
 688,083
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2017 - $19,973; 2016 - $17,450)105,420
 106,111
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (2018 - $154,449; 2017 - $140,368)651,707
 663,572
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2018 - $25,492; 2017 - $22,926)108,682
 111,417
Other assets213,899
 170,004
208,366
 227,357
Income tax receivable110,086
 116,823
6,753
 76,543
Assets related to separate accounts   
   
Variable annuity13,512,921
 13,244,252
13,549,068
 13,956,071
Variable universal life935,427
 895,925
1,019,250
 1,035,202
Total assets$76,011,953

$75,003,379
$78,011,914

$79,629,767

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(continued)
 
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Liabilities 
  
 
  
Future policy benefits and claims$30,626,096
 $30,511,085
$30,690,409
 $30,957,592
Unearned premiums853,786
 848,495
863,162
 875,405
Total policy liabilities and accruals31,479,882
 31,359,580
31,553,571
 31,832,997
Stable value product account balances3,614,225
 3,501,636
4,699,614
 4,698,371
Annuity account balances10,633,964
 10,642,115
11,060,885
 10,921,190
Other policyholders’ funds1,181,951
 1,165,749
1,114,823
 1,267,198
Other liabilities2,015,827
 1,924,155
2,454,942
 2,353,565
Deferred income taxes1,715,987
 1,599,764
1,068,091
 1,232,407
Non-recourse funding obligations2,785,056
 2,796,474
2,728,689
 2,747,477
Secured financing liabilities827,225
 797,721
778,947
 1,017,749
Debt1,305,408
 1,163,285
1,096,368
 945,052
Subordinated debt securities439,260
 441,202
495,324
 495,289
Liabilities related to separate accounts 
  
 
  
Variable annuity13,512,921
 13,244,252
13,549,068
 13,956,071
Variable universal life935,427
 895,925
1,019,250
 1,035,202
Total liabilities70,447,133

69,531,858
71,619,572

72,502,568
Commitments and contingencies - Note 110
 0


 

Shareowner’s equity 
  
 
  
Common Stock: 2017 and 2016 - $0.01 par value; shares authorized: 5,000; shares issued: 1,000
 
Common Stock: 2018 and 2017 - $0.01 par value; shares authorized: 5,000; shares issued: 1,000
 
Additional paid-in-capital5,554,059
 5,554,059
5,554,059
 5,554,059
Retained earnings503,551
 571,985
1,412,583
 1,560,444
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
 
  
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of income tax: (2017 - $(264,157); 2016 - $(349,541))(490,578) (649,147)
Net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2017 - $(1,869); 2016 - $(3,864))(3,472) (7,175)
Accumulated loss - derivatives, net of income tax: (2017 - $101; 2016 - $391)188
 727
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2017 - $578; 2016 - $578)1,072
 1,072
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of income tax: (2018 - $(149,309); 2017 - $6,883)(561,687) 25,896
Net unrealized losses relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2018 - $(3); 2017 - $(6))(11) (22)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2018 - $352; 2017 - $198)1,323
 747
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2018 - $(3,469); 2017 - $(3,469))(13,925) (13,925)
Total shareowner’s equity5,564,820

5,471,521
6,392,342

7,127,199
Total liabilities and shareowner’s equity$76,011,953

$75,003,379
$78,011,914

$79,629,767

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNER’S EQUITY
(Unaudited)

 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareowner’s
equity
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016$
 $5,554,059
 $571,985
 $(654,523) $5,471,521
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 
  
 75,414
  
 75,414
Other comprehensive income 
  
  
 161,733
 161,733
Comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 
  
  
  
 237,147
Dividends to parent    (143,848)   (143,848)
Balance, March 31, 2017$
 $5,554,059
 $503,551
 $(492,790) $5,564,820
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareowner’s
Equity
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017$
 $5,554,059
 $1,560,444
 $12,696
 $7,127,199
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 
  
 74,112
  
 74,112
Other comprehensive loss 
  
  
 (576,444) (576,444)
Comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 
  
  
  
 (502,332)
Cumulative effect adjustments    (81,973) (10,552) (92,525)
Dividends to parent    (140,000)   (140,000)
Balance, March 31, 2018$
 $5,554,059
 $1,412,583
 $(574,300) $6,392,342

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 

For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities   
   
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Realized investment losses (gains)54,868
 (5,612)
Realized investment (gains) losses13,185
 54,868
Amortization of DAC and VOBA20,519
 30,746
57,981
 20,519
Capitalization of DAC(81,474) (80,228)(99,246) (81,474)
Depreciation and amortization expense15,474
 13,829
16,763
 15,474
Deferred income tax29,133
 111,312
20,965
 29,133
Accrued income tax6,737
 (59,802)69,790
 6,737
Interest credited to universal life and investment products160,239
 156,748
178,238
 160,239
Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products(335,883) (314,612)(351,128) (335,883)
Change in reinsurance receivables15,219
 21,203
(14,874) 15,219
Change in accrued investment income and other receivables(9,368) (55,181)(7,185) (9,368)
Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and health products(94,234) (28,581)(111,356) (94,234)
Trading securities: 
  
 
  
Maturities and principal reductions of investments44,041
 23,280
53,420
 44,041
Sale of investments85,382
 112,158
67,298
 85,382
Cost of investments acquired(114,390) (131,030)(129,346) (114,390)
Other net change in trading securities3,801
 22,791
(10,901) 3,801
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments and mortgage loans142,613
 97,131
73,529
 142,613
Change in other liabilities19,373
 90,571
27,947
 19,373
Other, net2,554
 (10,303)(21,303) 2,554
Net cash provided by operating activities$40,018
 $109,768
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(92,111) $40,018


 

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(continued)


For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from investing activities 
  
 
  
Maturities and principal reductions of investments, available-for-sale$166,419
 $290,533
$151,227
 $166,419
Sale of investments, available-for-sale269,509
 468,021
436,969
 269,509
Cost of investments acquired, available-for-sale(623,564) (1,348,046)(674,513) (623,564)
Change in investments, held-to-maturity11,000
 (2,208,000)18,000
 11,000
Mortgage loans: 
  
 
  
New lendings(373,108) (271,230)(248,231) (373,108)
Repayments177,142
 226,869
206,111
 177,142
Change in investment real estate, net832
 2,644
583
 832
Change in policy loans, net14,729
 15,420
20,973
 14,729
Change in other long-term investments, net(33,832) 7,648
(136,969) (33,832)
Change in short-term investments, net31,859
 (199,246)187,652
 31,859
Net unsettled security transactions7,361
 123,117
48,994
 7,361
Purchase of property, equipment, and intangibles(8,118) (3,649)(2,244) (8,118)
Amounts received from reinsurance transaction
 325,800
Net cash used in investing activities$(359,771) $(2,570,119)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$8,552
 $(359,771)
Cash flows from financing activities 
  
 
  
Borrowings under line of credit arrangements and debt$255,000
 $90,000
$375,000
 $255,000
Principal payments on line of credit arrangement and debt(98,498) (127,888)(211,412) (98,498)
Issuance (repayment) of non-recourse funding obligations(11,000) 2,179,700
(18,000) (11,000)
Secured financing liabilities29,504
 221,815
(238,802) 29,504
Dividends to shareowner(143,848) (89,343)(140,000) (143,848)
Investment product deposits and change in universal life deposits901,387
 697,099
884,607
 901,387
Investment product withdrawals(551,597) (552,960)(512,323) (551,597)
Other financing activities, net
 
(97) 
Net cash provided by financing activities$380,948
 $2,418,423
$138,973
 $380,948
Change in cash61,195
 (41,928)55,414
 61,195
Cash at beginning of period348,182
 396,072
252,310
 348,182
Cash at end of period$409,377
 $354,144
$307,724
 $409,377

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Basis of Presentation
On February 1, 2015, Protective Life Corporation (the “Company”) became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (now known as Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., “Dai-ichi Life”), when DL Investment (Delaware), Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, merged with and into the Company. Prior to February 1, 2015, the Company’s stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Merger date, the Company remains as an SEC registrant within the United States. The Company is a holding company with subsidiaries that provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate segment devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. Founded in 1907, Protective Life Insurance Company (“PLICO”) is the Company’s largest operating subsidiary.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for the interim periods presented herein. Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.2018. The year-end consolidated condensed financial data included herein was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP within this report. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.
Entities Included
The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the accounts of Protective Life Corporation and subsidiaries and its affiliate companies in which the Company holds a majority voting or economic interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
2.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies
For a full description of significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. There were no significant changes to the Company's accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018 other than those discussed below.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently AdoptedProperty and Casualty Insurance Products
ASU No. 2017-04-Intangibles-GoodwillProperty and Other (Topic 350): Simplifyingcasualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, and guaranteed asset protection ("GAP"). Premiums and fees associated with service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This Update simplifiesterms of the goodwill impairment test by re-defining the concept of goodwill impairmentcontract on a pro-rata basis. Commissions and fee income associated with other products are recognized as the condition that existsearned when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Update eliminates “Step 2”related services are provided to the customer. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the current goodwill impairment test, which requires entitiespremiums that is related to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by remeasuring to fair value the assets and liabilities of a reporting unit as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The Company elected to adopt the amendments in the Update in the first quarter of 2017, and will apply the revised guidance to impairment tests conducted after January 1, 2017. Applicationunexpired period of the revised guidance didpolicy. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not impactreported ("IBNR") reserves for claims where the Company’s financial position or resultsinsured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of operationsthe balance sheet date. The case basis reserves and will simplify its annual goodwill impairment test, which is generally conducted inIBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the fourth quarter. For more details regarding the Company’s goodwill assessment process, please referlevel of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to Note 9, Goodwill.reflect anticipated trends.

ASUEffective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-09 - Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts.2014-09, TheRevenue from Contracts with Customers. In consideration of the amendments in this Update, require additional disclosuresthe Company revised its recognition pattern for short-duration contracts issued by insurance entities. The additional disclosures focusadministrative fees associated with certain vehicle service and GAP products. Previously, these fees were recognized based on the liability for unpaidwork effort involved in satisfying the Company’s contract obligations. The Company will recognize these fees on a claims and claim adjustment expenses and include incurred and paid claims development information by accident yearoccurrence basis in tabular form, along with a reconciliation offuture periods. To reflect this information to the statement of financial position. For accident years includedchange in the development tables, the amendments also require disclosure of the total incurred-but-not-reported liabilities and expected development on reported claims, along with claims frequency information unless impracticable. Finally, the amendments require disclosure of the historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims. With the exception of the current reporting period, claims development information may be presented as supplementary information. The Update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The additional disclosures introduced in this Update are not required foraccounting principle, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as the short-duration lines of businessJanuary 1, 2018 that resulted in a decrease in retained earnings of $92.5 million. The pre-tax impact to which they apply are not material toeach affected line item on the Company’s financial statements.statements is reflected in the table below:

  As Reported Previous Accounting Method
  For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
  (Dollars In Millions)
Financial Statement Line Item:    
Balance Sheet    
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired $2,434.2
 $2,295.2
Other liabilities $2,454.9
 $2,193.3
Statements of Income    
Other income $114.4
 $113.2
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired $58.0
 $44.2
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded $229.3
 $243.5
Accounting Pronouncements Not YetRecently Adopted
ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This Update provides for significant revisions to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers across various industries. Under the new guidance, entities are required to apply a prescribed 5-step process to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting for revenues associated with insurance products is not within the scope of this Update. The Update was originally effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 - Revenues from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption will be allowed, but not beforeThe Company adopted this Update using the original effective date.modified retrospective approach via a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The amendments in the Update, along with clarifying updates issued subsequent to ASU 2014-09, may impact severalimpacted some of the Company's non-coresmaller lines of business, specifically revenues at the Company's affiliated broker dealers and insurance agency. Additionally,agency, and certain non-insurance products sold fromrevenues associated with the Company's Asset Protection Division, such as fee-for-service arrangements, may be inproducts. The lines of business to which the scoperevised guidance applies are not material to the Company’s financial statements. In consideration of the amendments in this Update, the Company revised guidance. Several application questions remain outstanding, most notably interpretive positions fromits recognition pattern for administrative fees associated with certain vehicle service and GAP products. Previously, these fees were recognized based on the AICPA regardingwork effort involved in satisfying the Update's application to insurance companies and products.Company’s contract obligations. The Company does not anticipate material financial impact from the implementation of the revised guidance. However,will recognize these fees on a claims occurrence basis in future periods. To reflect this change in accounting principle, the Company is assessing whetherrecorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2018 that resulted in a decrease in retained earnings of $92.5 million. The Company also implemented minor changes are needed to its accounting policies, contracts, processes, orand disclosures with respect to the non-insurance lines of business referenced above.     above to ensure compliance with the revised guidance. See above for additional discussion.
ASU No. 2016-01 - Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most notably, the Update requires that equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Update also introduces a single-step impairment model for equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. Additionally, the Update requires changes in instrument-specific credit risk for fair value option liabilities to be recorded in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will bewere applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption, January 1, 2018, transferring unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income. The impact of this adjustment, net of income tax, resulted in a $10.6 million increase to retained earnings and a corresponding decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, resulting in no net impact to consolidated shareowner's equity. The Company has updated its disclosures in Note 4, Investment Operations and Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments in accordance with the ASU.

ASU No. 2016-15 - Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this Update are intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Specific transactions addressed in the new guidance include:Debt prepayment/extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investments. The Update does not introduce any new accounting or financial reporting requirements, and is reviewingeffective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 using the retrospective method. There was no financial impact.


ASU No. 2016-18 - Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Task Force). The amendments in this update provide guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows, thereby reducing diversity in practice related to the presentation of these amounts. The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There was no impact to the Company on adoption.

ASU No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The purpose of this update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in the Update provide a specific test by which an entity may determine whether an acquisition involves a set of assets or a business. The amendments in the Update are to be applied prospectively for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has reviewed the revised requirements, and does not anticipate that the changes will impact its policies or recent conclusions related to its acquisition activities.

ASU No. 2017-07 - Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and processesNet Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amendments in this update require entities to ensure compliancedisaggregate the current-service-cost component from other components of net benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs in the revised guidance.income statement. The other components of net benefit cost must be presented outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the Update requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. As provided for in the ASU, the Company expects to apply the provisions of the statement retrospectively for components of net periodic pension costs and prospectively for capitalization of the service costs component of net periodic costs and net periodic postretirement benefits. The Update did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or current disclosures.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases. The most significant change will relate to the accounting model used by lessees. The Update will require all leases with terms greater than 12 months to be recorded on the balance sheet in the form of a lease asset and liability. The lease asset and liability will be measured at the present value of the minimum lease payments less any upfront payments or fees. The Update also requires numerous disclosure changes for which the Company is assessing the impact. The amendments in the Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company has completed an inventory of all leases in the organization and is currently assessing the impact of the Update and updating internal processes to ensure compliance with the revised guidance.

ASU No. 2016-13 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update introduce a new current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model for certain financial assets, including mortgage loans and reinsurance receivables. The new model will not apply to debt securities classified as available-for-sale. For assets within the scope of the new model, an entity will recognize as an allowance against earnings its estimate of the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected on day one of the asset’s acquisition. The allowance may be reversed through earnings if a security recovers in value. This differs from the current impairment model, which requires recognition of credit losses when they have been incurred and recognizes a security’s subsequent recovery in value in other comprehensive income. The Update also makes targeted changes to the current impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities, which comprise the majority of the Company’s invested assets. Similar to the CECL model, credit loss impairments will be recorded in an allowance against earnings that may be reversed for subsequent recoveries in value. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is reviewing its policies and processes to ensure compliance with the requirements in this Update, upon adoption, and assessing the impact this standard will have on its operations and financial results.

ASU No. 2016-15 - Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this Update are intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Specific transactions addressed in the new guidance include:Debt prepayment/extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investments. The Update does not introduce any new accounting or financial reporting requirements, and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is reviewing its policies and processes to ensure compliance with the requirements in this Update, upon adoption.

ASU No. 2016-18 - Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Task Force). The amendments in this update provide guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows, thereby reducing diversity in practice related to the presentation of these amounts. The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is reviewing its policies and processes to ensure compliance with the requirements in this Update, upon adoption.

ASU No. 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The purpose of this update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in the Update provide a specific test by which an entity may determine whether an acquisition involves a set of assets or a business. The amendments

in the Update are to be applied prospectively for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has reviewed the revised requirements, and does not anticipate that the changes will impact its policies or recent conclusions related to its acquisition activities.

    ASU No. 2017-07 - Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amendments in this update require entities to disaggregate the current-service-cost component from other components of net benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs in the income statement. The other components of net benefit cost must be presented outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the Update requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Update will not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company is reviewing its policies and processes to ensure compliance with the requirements in this Update, upon adoption.

ASU No. 2017-08 - Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this update require that premiums on callable debt securities be amortized to the first call date. This is a change from current guidance, under which premiums are amortized to the maturity date of the security. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Transition will be through a modified retrospective approach in which the cumulative effect of application is recorded to retained earnings at the beginning of the annual period in which an entity adopts the revised guidance. The Company is currently reviewing its systems and processes to determine the financial and operational impact of implementing the Update, as well as to determine whether early adoption of the revised guidance is practicable.

ASU No. 2017-12 - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update are designed to permit hedge accounting to be applied to a broader range of hedging strategies as well as to more closely align hedge accounting and risk management objectives. Specific provisions include requiring changes in the fair value of a hedging instrument be recorded in the same income statement line as the hedged item when it affects earnings. In addition, after a hedge has initially qualified as an effective hedge the Update permits the use of a qualitative hedge effectiveness test in subsequent periods. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this standard will have on its operations and financial results.

3.     MONY CLOSED BLOCK OF BUSINESS
In 1998, MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) converted from a mutual insurance company to a stock corporation (“demutualization”). In connection with its demutualization, an accounting mechanism known as a closed block (the “Closed Block”) was established for certain individuals’ participating policies in force as of the date of demutualization. Assets, liabilities, and earnings of the Closed Block are specifically identified to support its participating policyholders. The Company acquired the Closed Block in conjunction with the acquisition of MONY in 2013.
Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of each Closed Block’s policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of MONY or the Company. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of MONY’s general account, any of MONY’s separate accounts or any affiliate of MONY without the approval of the Superintendent of The New York State Department of Financial Services (the “Superintendent”). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the general account.
The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”))AOCI) at the acquisition date of October 1, 2013, represented the estimated maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. In connection with the acquisition of MONY, the Company developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of MONY’s Closed Block’s earnings as of October 1, 2013. Pursuant to the acquisition of the Company by Dai-ichi Life, this actuarial calculation of the expected timing of MONY's Closed Block earnings was recalculated and reset as February 1, 2015, along with the establishment of a policyholder dividend obligation as of such date.
If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in the Company’s net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block.

Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of VOBA, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block.

Summarized financial information for the Closed Block as of March 31, 2017,2018, and December 31, 2016,2017, is as follows:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Closed block liabilities 
  
 
  
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other policyholder liabilities$5,868,104
 $5,896,355
$5,760,621
 $5,791,867
Policyholder dividend obligation41,180
 31,932

 160,712
Other liabilities46,257
 40,007
34,796
 30,764
Total closed block liabilities5,955,541
 5,968,294
5,795,417
 5,983,343
Closed block assets 
  
 
  
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value$4,508,439
 $4,440,105
$4,497,521
 $4,669,856
Mortgage loans on real estate196,295
 201,088
107,826
 108,934
Policy loans705,640
 712,959
692,632
 700,769
Cash47,203
 108,270
39,464
 31,182
Other assets136,975
 135,794
113,120
 122,637
Total closed block assets5,594,552
 5,598,216
5,450,563
 5,633,378
Excess of reported closed block liabilities over closed block assets360,989
 370,078
344,854
 349,965
Portion of above representing accumulated other comprehensive income: 
  
 
  
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) net of policyholder dividend obligation: $(171,450) and $(197,450); and net of income tax: $60,008 and $69,107
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) net of policyholder dividend obligation: $(162,429) and $(13,429); and net of income tax: $34,911 and $2,820(3,014) 
Future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and closed block liabilities$360,989
 $370,078
$341,840
 $349,965

Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation is as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Policyholder dividend obligation, beginning of period$31,932
 $
$160,712
 $31,932
Applicable to net revenue (losses)(16,753) (19,572)(11,712) (16,753)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated to the policyholder dividend obligation26,001
 116,080
(149,000) 26,001
Policyholder dividend obligation, end of period$41,180
 $96,508
$
 $41,180
Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
   
  
Premiums and other income$42,836
 $43,919
$39,612
 $42,836
Net investment income51,359
 50,867
50,543
 51,359
Net investment gains63
 187
(237) 63
Total revenues94,258
 94,973
89,918
 94,258
Benefits and other deductions 
   
  
Benefits and settlement expenses80,108
 80,055
79,952
 80,108
Other operating expenses166
 1,025
(319) 166
Total benefits and other deductions80,274
 81,080
79,633
 80,274
Net revenues before income taxes13,984
 13,893
10,285
 13,984
Income tax expense4,895
 4,863
2,160
 4,895
Net revenues$9,089
 $9,030
$8,125
 $9,089
4.     INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net realized gains (losses) for all other investments are summarized as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$9,490
 $5,721
$2,783
 $9,490
Equity securities(9) (166)
Equity gains and losses(1)
(8,786) (9)
Impairments(7,831) (2,617)(3,645) (7,831)
Modco trading portfolio18,552
 78,154
(84,709) 18,552
Other investments(5,192) (1,981)3,113
 (5,192)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments$15,010
 $79,111
$(91,244) $15,010
   
(1) Beginning in the three month period ending March 31, 2018, all changes in the fair market value of equity securities are recorded as a realized gains (loss) as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01(1) Beginning in the three month period ending March 31, 2018, all changes in the fair market value of equity securities are recorded as a realized gains (loss) as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01

Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities equity securities, and short-term investments) are as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Gross realized gains$10,738
 $9,048
$8,049
 $10,738
Gross realized losses:      
Impairment losses$(7,831) $(2,617)$(3,645) $(7,831)
Realized losses from sales$(1,257) $(3,493)
Other realized losses$(5,267) $(1,257)
The chart below summarizes the fair value (proceeds) and the gains/gains (losses) realized on securities the Company sold that were in an unrealized gain position and an unrealized loss position.
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Securities in an unrealized gain position:      
Fair value (proceeds)$169,134
 $309,249
$142,133
 $169,134
Gains realized$10,738
 $9,048
$8,049
 $10,738
      
Securities in an unrealized loss position(1):
      
Fair value (proceeds)$12,452
 $53,687
$56,984
 $12,452
Losses realized$(1,257) $(3,493)$(5,267) $(1,257)
      
(1) The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with its overall asset liability management process.
The chart below summarizes the realized gains (losses) on equity securities sold during the period and equity securities still held at the reporting date.
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities$(8,786)
Less: net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period$(1,702)
Gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities still held$(7,084)


The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale are as follows:
As of March 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
As of March 31, 2018 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Fixed maturities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities $1,988,289
 $11,023
 $(29,120) $1,970,192
 $(3) $2,430,278
 $11,723
 $(47,631) $2,394,370
 $14
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,850,816
 3,225
 (39,378) 1,814,663
 
 1,899,618
 583
 (58,695) 1,841,506
 
Other asset-backed securities 1,177,426
 22,172
 (17,148) 1,182,450
 
 1,238,929
 15,376
 (9,653) 1,244,652
 
U.S. government-related securities 1,310,138
 401
 (35,744) 1,274,795
 
 1,377,633
 168
 (50,001) 1,327,800
 
Other government-related securities 253,129
 4,130
 (12,058) 245,201
 
 282,664
 6,421
 (11,626) 277,459
 
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 1,776,716
 1,811
 (105,803) 1,672,724
 
 1,767,604
 6,162
 (73,487) 1,700,279
 
Corporate securities 28,785,229
 213,518
 (1,316,535) 27,682,212
 (5,338) 29,487,086
 261,484
 (1,188,797) 28,559,773
 
Preferred stock 94,362
 316
 (5,404) 89,274
 
Redeemable preferred stock 94,362
 336
 (4,129) 90,569
 
 37,236,105
 256,596
 (1,561,190) 35,931,511
 (5,341) 38,578,174
 302,253
 (1,444,019) 37,436,408
 14
Equity securities 778,213
 16,706
 (8,226) 786,693
 
Short-term investments 247,918
 
 
 247,918
 
 371,290
 
 
 371,290
 
 $38,262,236
 $273,302
 $(1,569,416) $36,966,122
 $(5,341) $38,949,464
 $302,253
 $(1,444,019) $37,807,698
 $14
                    
As of December 31, 2016          
As of December 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
 (Dollars In Thousands)  
Fixed maturities:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities $1,913,413
 $10,737
 $(25,667) $1,898,483
 $(9) $2,330,832
 $19,413
 $(23,033) $2,327,212
 $10
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,850,620
 2,528
 (41,678) 1,811,470
 
 1,914,998
 5,010
 (30,186) 1,889,822
 
Other asset-backed securities 1,210,490
 21,741
 (20,698) 1,211,533
 
 1,234,376
 20,936
 (5,763) 1,249,549
 
U.S. government-related securities 1,308,192
 422
 (40,455) 1,268,159
 
 1,255,244
 185
 (32,177) 1,223,252
 
Other government-related securities 253,182
 1,536
 (14,797) 239,921
 
 282,767
 9,463
 (4,948) 287,282
 
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 1,760,837
 1,224
 (105,558) 1,656,503
 
 1,770,299
 16,959
 (45,613) 1,741,645
 (37)
Corporate securities 28,801,768
 153,715
 (1,583,918) 27,371,565
 (11,030) 29,606,484
 623,713
 (528,187) 29,702,010
 (1)
Preferred stock 94,362
 
 (8,519) 85,843
 
Redeemable preferred stock 94,362
 232
 (3,503) 91,091
 
 37,192,864
 191,903
 (1,841,290) 35,543,477
 (11,039) 38,489,362
 695,911
 (673,410) 38,511,863
 (28)
Equity securities 761,340
 7,751
 (21,685) 747,406
 
 735,569
 22,318
 (8,771) 749,116
 
Short-term investments 279,782
 
 
 279,782
 
 558,949
 
 
 558,949
 
 $38,233,986
 $199,654
 $(1,862,975) $36,570,665
 $(11,039) $39,783,880
 $718,229
 $(682,181) $39,819,928
 $(28)
                    
(1) These amounts are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above.

     AsThe fair value of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the Company had an additional $2.6 billion and $2.6 billion of fixed maturities, $5.5 million and $7.1 million of equity securities, and $51.2 million and $52.6 million of short-termCompany's investments classified as trading securities, respectively.are as follows:    

  
As of
March 31, 2018
 
As of
December 31, 2017
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities $265,547
 $259,694
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 146,633
 146,804
Other asset-backed securities 129,714
 138,097
U.S. government-related securities 37,575
 27,234
Other government-related securities 40,368
 63,925
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 318,142
 326,925
Corporate securities 1,645,899
 1,698,183
Redeemable preferred stock 3,264
 3,327
  2,587,142
 2,664,189
Equity securities 5,366
 5,244
Short-term investments 70,491
 56,261
  $2,662,999
 $2,725,694
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity fixed maturities as of March 31, 2017,2018, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of securities without a single maturity date are allocated based on estimated rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.
Available-for-sale Held-to-maturityAvailable-for-sale Held-to-maturity
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Due in one year or less$583,614
 $584,526
 $
 $
$912,935
 $909,757
 $
 $
Due after one year through five years6,534,001
 6,533,496
 
 
7,026,832
 6,915,584
 
 
Due after five years through ten years7,847,205
 7,767,967
 
 
6,881,555
 6,721,386
 
 
Due after ten years22,271,285
 21,045,522
 2,758,137
 2,746,375
23,756,852
 22,889,681
 2,699,826
 2,674,129
$37,236,105
 $35,931,511
 $2,758,137
 $2,746,375
$38,578,174
 $37,436,408
 $2,699,826
 $2,674,129
The chartcharts below summarizes the Company's other-than-temporary impairments of investments. All of the impairments were related to fixed maturities or equity maturities.securities.
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018
 
Fixed
Maturities
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Other-than-temporary impairments$(691)
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income(2,954)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings$(3,645)

 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Total
Securities
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Other-than-temporary impairments$(95) $(2,630) $(2,725)
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income(5,106) 
 (5,106)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings$(5,201) $(2,630) $(7,831)
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2016
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Total
Securities
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Other-than-temporary impairments$(2,769) $
 $(2,769)
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income152
 
 152
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings$(2,617) $
 $(2,617)
There were no other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities or equity securities that the Company intended to sell or expected to be required to sell for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017.
     The following chart is a rollforward of available-for-sale credit losses on fixed maturities held by the Company for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Beginning balance$12,685
 $22,761
$3,268
 $12,685
Additions for newly impaired securities
 2,092

 
Additions for previously impaired securities
 525

 
Reductions for previously impaired securities due to a change in expected cash flows(12,685) (22,759)(1,033) (12,685)
Reductions for previously impaired securities that were sold in the current period
 

 
Ending balance$
 $2,619
$2,235
 $
The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017:2018:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities$1,137,748
 $(25,086) $159,309
 $(4,034) $1,297,057
 $(29,120)$1,426,703
 $(29,466) $394,955
 $(18,165) $1,821,658
 $(47,631)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,444,322
 (35,054) 97,152
 (4,324) 1,541,474
 (39,378)984,307
 (24,232) 756,845
 (34,463) 1,741,152
 (58,695)
Other asset-backed securities260,723
 (5,836) 173,891
 (11,312) 434,614
 (17,148)143,917
 (1,784) 129,840
 (7,869) 273,757
 (9,653)
U.S. government-related securities1,214,007
 (35,744) 2
 
 1,214,009
 (35,744)145,876
 (3,108) 1,054,322
 (46,893) 1,200,198
 (50,001)
Other government-related securities71,542
 (1,267) 80,422
 (10,791) 151,964
 (12,058)90,010
 (4,221) 112,461
 (7,405) 202,471
 (11,626)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions1,030,078
 (63,063) 546,377
 (42,740) 1,576,455
 (105,803)505,864
 (10,768) 1,007,246
 (62,719) 1,513,110
 (73,487)
Corporate securities11,292,276
 (393,211) 9,399,889
 (923,324) 20,692,165
 (1,316,535)12,307,646
 (337,936) 10,410,752
 (850,861) 22,718,398
 (1,188,797)
Preferred stock59,654
 (3,446) 18,980
 (1,958) 78,634
 (5,404)
Equities148,787
 (2,702) 70,384
 (5,524) 219,171
 (8,226)
Redeemable preferred stock57,050
 (1,408) 22,859
 (2,721) 79,909
 (4,129)
$16,659,137
 $(565,409) $10,546,406
 $(1,004,007) $27,205,543
 $(1,569,416)$15,661,373
 $(412,923) $13,889,280
 $(1,031,096) $29,550,653
 $(1,444,019)
RMBS and CMBS had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $4.0$18.2 million and $4.3$34.5 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2017.2018. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.
The other asset-backed securities had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $11.3$7.9 million as of March 31, 2017.2018. This category predominately includes student-loanstudent loan backed auction rate securities thewhose underlying collateral of which is at least 97%

guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.
The U.S. government-related securities and the other government-related securities had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $10.8$46.9 million and $7.4 million as of March 31, 2017.2018, respectively. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The states, municipalities, and political subdivisions category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $42.7$62.7 million as of March 31, 2017.2018. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The corporate securities category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $923.3$850.9 million as of March 31, 2017.2018. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.
     As of March 31, 2017,2018, the Company had a total of 2,1712,428 positions that were in an unrealized loss position, but the Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. This is based on the aggregate factors discussed previously and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the fair values recover, and the Company does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering the Company’s amortized cost of the securities.

The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016:2017:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities$1,060,569
 $(21,550) $170,826
 $(4,117) $1,231,395
 $(25,667)$766,599
 $(9,671) $416,221
 $(13,362) $1,182,820
 $(23,033)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,452,146
 (37,665) 100,475
 (4,013) 1,552,621
 (41,678)757,471
 (8,592) 796,456
 (21,594) 1,553,927
 (30,186)
Other asset-backed securities323,706
 (9,291) 176,792
 (11,407) 500,498
 (20,698)86,506
 (322) 134,316
 (5,441) 220,822
 (5,763)
U.S. government-related securities1,237,942
 (40,454) 3
 (1) 1,237,945
 (40,455)94,110
 (688) 1,072,232
 (31,489) 1,166,342
 (32,177)
Other government-related securities98,412
 (2,907) 79,393
 (11,890) 177,805
 (14,797)24,830
 (169) 115,294
 (4,778) 140,124
 (4,947)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions1,062,368
 (63,809) 548,254
 (41,749) 1,610,622
 (105,558)170,268
 (1,738) 1,027,747
 (43,874) 1,198,015
 (45,612)
Corporate securities12,553,514
 (469,189) 9,793,579
 (1,114,729) 22,347,093
 (1,583,918)5,054,316
 (55,795) 10,962,689
 (472,394) 16,017,005
 (528,189)
Preferred stock66,781
 (6,642) 19,062
 (1,877) 85,843
 (8,519)
Redeemable preferred stock22,048
 (1,120) 23,197
 (2,383) 45,245
 (3,503)
Equities411,845
 (15,273) 69,497
 (6,412) 481,342
 (21,685)86,586
 (1,401) 91,195
 (7,370) 177,781
 (8,771)
$18,267,283
 $(666,780) $10,957,881
 $(1,196,195) $29,225,164
 $(1,862,975)$7,062,734
 $(79,496) $14,639,347
 $(602,685) $21,702,081
 $(682,181)
RMBS and CMBS had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $4.1$13.4 million and $4.0$21.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016.2017. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.
The other asset-backed securities had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $11.4$5.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. This category predominately includes student-loanstudent loan backed auction rate securities thewhose underlying collateral of which is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.
The U.S. government-related securities and other government-related securities had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $31.5 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2017, respectively. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The states, municipalities, and political subdivisions category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $41.7$43.9 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The corporate securities category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $1.1 billion$472.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.
     As of March 31, 2017,2018, the Company had securities in its available-for-sale portfolio which were rated below investment grade of $2.0$1.8 billion and had an amortized cost of $2.0$1.9 billion. In addition, included in the Company’s trading portfolio, the

Company held $259.8$217.2 million of securities which were rated below investment grade. Approximately $361.0$307.5 million of the available-for-sale and trading securities that were below investment grade were not publicly traded.
The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturity and equity securities,maturities, classified as available-for-sale is summarized as follows:
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$224,115
 $632,685
Equity securities14,569
 (70)

 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$(884,219) $224,115
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as held-to-maturity as of March 31, 2017,2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, are as follows:
As of March 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
As of March 31, 2018 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Securities issued by affiliates:                    
Red Mountain LLC $668,137
 $
 $(55,005) $613,132
 $
 $718,826
 $
 $(56,007) $662,819
 $
Steel City LLC 2,090,000
 43,243
 
 2,133,243
 
 1,981,000
 30,310
 
 2,011,310
 
 $2,758,137
 $43,243
 $(55,005) $2,746,375
 $
 $2,699,826
 $30,310
 $(56,007) $2,674,129
 $
                    
As of December 31, 2016          
As of December 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:                    
Securities issued by affiliates:                    
Red Mountain LLC $654,177
 $
 $(67,222) $586,955
 $
 $704,904
 $
 $(19,163) $685,741
 $
Steel City LLC 2,116,000
 30,385
 
 2,146,385
 
 2,014,000
 76,586
 
 2,090,586
 
 $2,770,177
 $30,385
 $(67,222) $2,733,340
 $
 $2,718,904
 $76,586
 $(19,163) $2,776,327
 $
During the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairments on held-to-maturity securities.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $43.2$30.3 million of gross unrecognized holding gains and $55.0$56.0 million of gross unrecognized holding losses by maturity as of March 31, 2017.2018. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings of the guarantor, financial health of the issuer and guarantor, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information. These held-to-maturity securities are issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's"). The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus the securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are affiliates of the Company.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $30.4$76.6 million of gross unrecognized holding gains and $67.2$19.2 million of gross unrecognized holding losses by maturity as of December 31, 2016.2017. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings of the guarantor, financial health of the issuer and guarantor, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information.

Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a VIE. If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Based on this analysis, the Company had an interest in two subsidiaries as of March 31, 2017, Red Mountain LLC ("Red Mountain")2018 and Steel City LLC ("Steel City"), that were determined to be VIEs. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had an interest in two subsidiaries,2017, Red Mountain LLC ("Red Mountain") and Steel City LLC ("Steel City"), that were determined to be VIEs.
The activity most significant to Red Mountain is the issuance of a note in connection with a financing transaction involving Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) in which Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain and Red Mountain issued a note (the "Red Mountain Note") to Golden Gate V. For details of this transaction, see Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations. The Company had the power, via its 100% ownership through an affiliate, to direct the activities of the VIE, but did not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third party in its function as provider of credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment, through an affiliate, of $10,000. Additionally, the Company

has guaranteed Red Mountain’s payment obligation for the credit enhancement fee to the unrelated third party provider. As of March 31, 2017,2018, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.
Steel City, a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a financing agreement on January 15, 2016 involving Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company, in which Golden Gate issued non-recourse funding obligations to Steel City and Steel City issued three notes (the “Steel City Notes”) to Golden Gate. Credit enhancement on the Steel City Notes is provided by unrelated third parties. For details of the financing transaction, see Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations. The activity most significant to Steel City is the issuance of the Steel City Notes. The Company had the power, via its 100% ownership, to direct the activities of the VIE, but did not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third parties in their function as providers of credit enhancement on the Steel City Notes. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment of $10,000. Additionally, the Company has guaranteed Steel City’s payment obligation for the credit enhancement fee to the unrelated third party providers. As of March 31, 2017,2018, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.
5.     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, 2017:2018:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Measurement
Category
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$
 $1,970,192
 $
 $1,970,192
4 $
 $2,394,370
 $
 $2,394,370
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 1,814,663
 
 1,814,663
4 
 1,841,506
 
 1,841,506
Other asset-backed securities
 625,514
 556,936
 1,182,450
4 
 740,863
 503,789
 1,244,652
U.S. government-related securities1,009,732
 265,063
 
 1,274,795
4 1,041,123
 286,677
 
 1,327,800
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 1,672,724
 
 1,672,724
4 
 1,700,279
 
 1,700,279
Other government-related securities
 245,201
 
 245,201
4 
 277,459
 
 277,459
Corporate securities
 27,015,507
 666,705
 27,682,212
4 
 27,933,364
 626,409
 28,559,773
Preferred stock70,294
 18,980
 
 89,274
Redeemable preferred stock4 72,244
 18,325
 
 90,569
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,080,026
 33,627,844
 1,223,641
 35,931,511
 1,113,367
 35,192,843
 1,130,198
 37,436,408
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 255,779
 
 255,779
3 
 265,547
 
 265,547
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 154,760
 
 154,760
3 
 146,633
 
 146,633
Other asset-backed securities
 112,548
 68,752
 181,300
3 
 94,756
 34,958
 129,714
U.S. government-related securities44,458
 4,517
 
 48,975
3 31,684
 5,891
 
 37,575
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 312,095
 
 312,095
3 
 318,142
 
 318,142
Other government-related securities
 63,369
 
 63,369
3 
 40,368
 
 40,368
Corporate securities
 1,618,360
 5,504
 1,623,864
3 
 1,640,575
 5,324
 1,645,899
Preferred stock3,780
 
 
 3,780
Redeemable preferred stock3 3,264
 
 
 3,264
Total fixed maturity securities - trading48,238
 2,521,428
 74,256
 2,643,922
 34,948
 2,511,912
 40,282
 2,587,142
Total fixed maturity securities1,128,264
 36,149,272
 1,297,897
 38,575,433
 1,148,315
 37,704,755
 1,170,480
 40,023,550
Equity securities725,811
 36
 66,384
 792,231
3 615,423
 36
 66,061
 681,520
Other long-term investments(1)
57,787
 354,430
 133,428
 545,645
3 & 4 87,558
 354,855
 144,352
 586,765
Short-term investments255,251
 43,916
 
 299,167
3 327,834
 113,947
 
 441,781
Total investments2,167,113
 36,547,654
 1,497,709
 40,212,476
 2,179,130
 38,173,593
 1,380,893
 41,733,616
Cash409,377
 
 
 409,377
3 307,724
 
 
 307,724
Other assets27,784
 
 
 27,784
3 34,463
 
 
 34,463
Assets related to separate accounts 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Variable annuity13,512,921
 
 
 13,512,921
3 13,549,068
 
 
 13,549,068
Variable universal life935,427
 
 
 935,427
3 1,019,250
 
 
 1,019,250
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$17,052,622
 $36,547,654
 $1,497,709
 $55,097,985
 $17,089,635
 $38,173,593
 $1,380,893
 $56,644,121
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$
 $
 $86,415
 $86,415
3 $
 $
 $81,399
 $81,399
Other liabilities(1)
12,152
 203,267
 587,074
 802,493
3 & 4 7,397
 189,206
 621,102
 817,705
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$12,152
 $203,267
 $673,489
 $888,908
 $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, 2016:2017:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$
 $1,898,480
 $3
 $1,898,483
$
 $2,327,212
 $
 $2,327,212
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 1,811,470
 
 1,811,470

 1,889,822
 
 1,889,822
Other asset-backed securities
 648,929
 562,604
 1,211,533

 745,184
 504,365
 1,249,549
U.S. government-related securities1,002,020
 266,139
 
 1,268,159
958,775
 264,477
 
 1,223,252
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 1,656,503
 
 1,656,503

 1,741,645
 
 1,741,645
Other government-related securities
 239,921
 
 239,921

 287,282
 
 287,282
Corporate securities
 26,707,519
 664,046
 27,371,565

 29,075,109
 626,901
 29,702,010
Preferred stock66,781
 19,062
 
 85,843
Redeemable preferred stock72,471
 18,620
 
 91,091
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,068,801
 33,248,023
 1,226,653
 35,543,477
1,031,246
 36,349,351
 1,131,266
 38,511,863
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 255,027
 
 255,027

 259,694
 
 259,694
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 149,683
 
 149,683

 146,804
 
 146,804
Other asset-backed securities
 115,521
 84,563
 200,084

 102,875
 35,222
 138,097
U.S. government-related securities22,424
 4,537
 
 26,961
21,183
 6,051
 
 27,234
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 316,519
 
 316,519

 326,925
 
 326,925
Other government-related securities
 63,012
 
 63,012

 63,925
 
 63,925
Corporate securities
 1,619,097
 5,492
 1,624,589

 1,692,741
 5,442
 1,698,183
Preferred stock3,985
 
 
 3,985
Redeemable preferred stock3,327
 
 
 3,327
Total fixed maturity securities - trading26,409
 2,523,396
 90,055
 2,639,860
24,510
 2,599,015
 40,664
 2,664,189
Total fixed maturity securities1,095,210
 35,771,419
 1,316,708
 38,183,337
1,055,756
 38,948,366
 1,171,930
 41,176,052
Equity securities685,443
 36
 69,010
 754,489
688,214
 36
 66,110
 754,360
Other long-term investments(3)(1)
82,420
 335,498
 124,325
 542,243
51,102
 417,969
 136,004
 605,075
Short-term investments328,829
 3,602
 
 332,431
482,461
 132,749
 
 615,210
Total investments2,191,902
 36,110,555
 1,510,043
 39,812,500
2,277,533
 39,499,120
 1,374,044
 43,150,697
Cash348,182
 
 
 348,182
252,310
 
 
 252,310
Other assets23,830
 
 
 23,830
28,771
 
 
 28,771
Assets related to separate accounts 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Variable annuity13,244,252
 
 
 13,244,252
13,956,071
 
 
 13,956,071
Variable universal life895,925
 
 
 895,925
1,035,202
 
 
 1,035,202
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$16,704,091
 $36,110,555
 $1,510,043
 $54,324,689
$17,549,887
 $39,499,120
 $1,374,044
 $58,423,051
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$
 $
 $87,616
 $87,616
$
 $
 $83,472
 $83,472
Other liabilities(3)(1)
13,004
 163,974
 571,843
 748,821
5,755
 240,927
 760,890
 1,007,572
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$13,004
 $163,974
 $659,459
 $836,437
$5,755
 $240,927
 $844,362
 $1,091,044
              
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) During 2016, the Company revised its methodology for assessing inputs to its valuation of certain centrally cleared derivatives. This change in estimate resulted in a transfer of $169.4 million in other long-term investments and $120.0 million in other liabilities from Level 1 to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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”"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 91%92.4% of the Company’sCompany'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-averageweighted- 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, 2017.2018.
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, 2017,2018, the Company held $4.9$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, 2017,2018, the Company held $625.7$538.7 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $556.9$503.7 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $68.8$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. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, theThe 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, 2017,2018, the Company classified approximately $31.2$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, 2017,2018, the Company classified approximately $672.2$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, 2017,2018, the Company held approximately $66.4$66.1 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $65.7$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-TermLong-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, 2017,2018, 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 GLWBguaranteed 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-termnear- 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. ThesePolicyholder assumptions are reviewed on a quarterlyan 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’sCompany'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 38%34% - 153%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’sCompany'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, 2017,2018, 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 $158.2$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, 20172018 is $86.4 million.$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, 2017
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Fair Value
As of
March 31, 2018
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
(Dollars In Thousands)      (Dollars In Thousands)      
Assets:              
Other asset-backed securities$556,782
 Liquidation Liquidation value $88 - $97.26 ($94.97)$503,672
 Liquidation Liquidation value $90 - $97 ($94.92)
  Discounted cash flow Liquidity premium 0.46% - 1.15% (0.75%)  Discounted cash flow Liquidity premium 0.07% - 1.09% (0.73%)
  Paydown rate 11.06% - 12.19% (11.41%)  Paydown rate 11.63% - 12.53% (12.16%)
Corporate securities639,904
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.88% - 4.55% (1.85%)617,724
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.96% - 4.35% (1.61%)
Liabilities:(1)
 
       
      
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$81,738
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of$55,468
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of
 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
   Lapse 0.3% - 15%, depending on 
   Lapse 0.3% - 15%, depending on
 
     product/duration/funded 
     product/duration/funded
 
     status of guarantee 
     status of guarantee
 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one- 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one-
 
     time over-utilization of 400% 
     time over-utilization of 400%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.14% - 0.98% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.14% - 0.95%
Embedded derivative - FIA170,215
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $126 per policy218,340
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $146 per policy
  Asset Earned Rate 4.08% - 4.66% 
   Withdrawal rate 1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
   Withdrawal rate 1% prior to age 70, 100% of the 
     RMD for ages 70+
 
     RMD for ages 70+ 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company
 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company 
     experience
 
     experience 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
   Lapse 2.0% - 40.0%, depending 
     on duration/surrender
 
     on duration/surrender 
     charge period
 
     charge period 
   Nonperformance risk 0.14% - 0.95%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.14% - 0.98%
Embedded derivative - IUL51,385
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 38% - 153% of 201577,350
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 34% - 152% of 2015
 
     VBT Primary Tables 
     VBT Primary Tables
 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
     on duration/distribution 
     on duration/distribution
 
     channel and smoking class 
     channel and smoking class
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.14% - 0.98% 
   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, 2017,2018, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $101.7$49.5 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of March 31, 2017.2018. Of the $101.7$49.5 million, $68.9$35.1 million are other asset-backed securities, $32.3$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, 2017,2018, the Company held $65.9$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, 2016
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Fair Value
As of
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
(Dollars In Thousands)      (Dollars In Thousands)      
Assets:              
Other asset-backed securities$553,308
 Liquidation Liquidation value $88 - $97.25 ($95.04)$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 securities638,279
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.31% - 4.50% (2.04%)617,770
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.81% - 3.95% (1.06%)
Liabilities:(1)
 
       
      
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$115,370
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of$111,760
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of
 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
   Lapse 0.3% - 15%, depending on 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending on
 
     product/duration/funded 
     product/duration/funded
 
     status of guarantee 
     status of guarantee
 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one- 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one-
  time over-utilization of 400%  time over-utilization of 400%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.11% - 0.79%
Embedded derivative - FIA147,368
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $126 per policy218,676
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $146 per policy
  Asset Earned Rate 4.08% - 4.66% 
   Withdrawal rate 1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
   Withdrawal rate 1% prior to age 70, 100% of the 
     RMD for ages 70+
 
     RMD for ages 70+ 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company
 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company 
     experience
 
     experience 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
   Lapse 2.0% - 40.0%, depending 
     on duration/surrender
 
     on duration/surrender 
     charge period
 
     charge period 
   Nonperformance risk 0.11% - 0.79%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09%
Embedded derivative - IUL46,051
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 38% - 153% of 201580,212
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 34% - 152% of 2015
 
     VBT Primary Tables 
     VBT Primary Tables
 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
     on duration/distribution 
     on duration/distribution
 
     channel and smoking class 
     channel and smoking class
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09% 
   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 which book value approximates fair value.
The Company hashad considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2016,2017, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $128.2$50.4 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2016.2017. Of the $128.2$50.4 million, $93.9$35.4 million are other asset-backed securities, $31.3$14.6 million are corporate securities, and $3.1$0.4 million are equity securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016,2017, the Company held $65.9$65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which arewas 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 account balance liability 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 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 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 securities504,365
 
 514
 
 (1,634) 
 (14) 
 
 
 558
 503,789
 
Corporate securities626,901
 
 1,399
 
 (12,101) 35,000
 (23,635) 
 
 
 (1,155) 626,409
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,131,266
 
 1,913
 
 (13,735) 35,000
 (23,649) 
 
 
 (597) 1,130,198
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities35,222
 194
 
 (28) 
 
 (396) 
 
 
 (34) 34,958
 166
Corporate securities5,442
 
 
 (94) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (24) 5,324
 (94)
Total fixed maturity securities - trading40,664
 194
 
 (122) 
 
 (396) 
 
 
 (58) 40,282
 72
Total fixed maturity securities1,171,930
 194
 1,913
 (122) (13,735) 35,000
 (24,045) 
 
 
 (655) 1,170,480
 72
Equity securities66,110
 
 
 (49) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 66,061
 (49)
Other long-term investments(1)
136,004
 8,864
 
 (516) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 144,352
 8,348
Total investments1,374,044
 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 securities562,604
 
 3,530
 
 (831) 
 (2,015) 
 
 (6,643) 291
 556,936
 
Corporate securities664,046
 
 7,771
 
 (282) 37,259
 (38,884) 
 
 (2,647) (558) 666,705
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,226,653
 
 11,301
 
 (1,113) 37,259
 (40,902) 
 
 (9,290) (267) 1,223,641
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities84,563
 3,474
 
 (586) 
 
 (19,308) 
 
 
 609
 68,752
 2,888
Corporate securities5,492
 34
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) 5,504
 34
Total fixed maturity securities - trading90,055
 3,508
 
 (586) 
 
 (19,308) 
 
 
 587
 74,256
 2,922
Total fixed maturity securities1,316,708
 3,508
 11,301
 (586) (1,113) 37,259
 (60,210) 
 
 (9,290) 320
 1,297,897
 2,922
Equity securities69,010
 
 2
 (2,630) 
 
 
 
 
 3
 (1) 66,384
 1
Other long-term investments(1)
124,325
 11,061
 
 (1,958) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 133,428
 9,103
Total investments1,510,043
 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 werewas an immaterial amount of transfers of securities transferred 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.


The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2016, 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 securities587,031
 6,859
 
 
 (13,057) 
 (50,820) 
 
 7,457
 361
 537,831
 
Corporate securities902,119
 
 14,922
 (4,135) (6,287) 16,000
 (24,742) 
 
 (61,179) (2,961) 833,737
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,489,153
 6,859
 14,922
 (4,135) (19,344) 16,000
 (75,562) 
 
 (53,722) (2,600) 1,371,571
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities152,912
 228
 
 (934) 
 
 (1,603) 
 
 172
 (92) 150,683
 (709)
Corporate securities18,225
 308
 
 (259) 
 
 (4,072) 
 
 (8,479) (46) 5,677
 216
Total fixed maturity securities - trading171,137
 536
 
 (1,193) 
 
 (5,675) 
 
 (8,307) (138) 156,360
 (493)
Total fixed maturity securities1,660,290
 7,395
 14,922
 (5,328) (19,344) 16,000
 (81,237) 
 
 (62,029) (2,738) 1,527,931
 (493)
Equity securities69,763
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (36) 1
 69,728
 
Other long-term investments(1)
96,830
 
 
 (30,134) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 66,696
 (30,134)
Total investments1,826,883
 7,395
 14,922
 (35,462) (19,344) 16,000
 (81,237) 
 
 (62,065) (2,737) 1,664,355
 (30,627)
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,826,883
 $7,395
 $14,922
 $(35,462) $(19,344) $16,000
 $(81,237) $
 $
 $(62,065) $(2,737) $1,664,355
 $(30,627)
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$92,512
 $
 $
 $(566) $
 $
 $
 $187
 $3,142
 $
 $
 $90,123
 $
Other liabilities(1)
585,556
 368
 
 (216,593) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 801,781
 (216,225)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$678,068
 $368
 $
 $(217,159) $
 $
 $
 $187
 $3,142
 $
 $
 $891,904
 $(216,225)
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $44.1 million of securities transferred1 into Level 3.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $106.2 million of securities 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, 2016.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $12.2 million of securities transferred from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $0.1 million of securities transferred from Level 1.
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 As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Level
 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values
Fair Value
Level
 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values
  (Dollars In Thousands)  (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Mortgage loans on real estate3 $6,311,822
 $6,180,585
 $6,132,125
 $5,930,992
3 $6,846,633
 $6,646,782
 $6,817,723
 $6,740,177
Policy loans3 1,635,511
 1,635,511
 1,650,240
 1,650,240
3 1,594,642
 1,594,642
 1,615,615
 1,615,615
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)
3 2,758,137
 2,746,375
 2,770,177
 2,733,340
3 2,699,826
 2,674,129
 2,718,904
 2,776,327
Liabilities:   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Stable value product account balances3 $3,614,225
 $3,607,767
 $3,501,636
 $3,488,877
3 $4,699,614
 $4,658,178
 $4,698,371
 $4,698,868
Future policy benefits and claims(2)
3 216,520
 216,520
 221,634
 221,658
3 220,307
 220,307
 220,498
 220,498
Other policyholders' funds(3)
3 134,329
 135,090
 135,367
 136,127
3 135,202
 135,921
 133,508
 134,253
Debt:(4)   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Bank borrowings3 $340,000
 $340,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
3 $325,000
 $325,000
 $
 $
Senior Notes2 965,408
 933,130
 993,285
 937,074
2 769,776
 751,951
 943,370
 933,926
Subordinated debt securities2 439,260
 444,820
 441,202
 443,355
2 495,324
 486,595
 495,289
 501,215
Non-recourse funding obligations(4)(5)
3 2,785,056
 2,777,508
 2,796,474
 2,765,558
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) As of March 31, 2017, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value relates to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2016, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value relates to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
(4) Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.6 million.(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.(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.
6.    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies
The Company utilizes a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through the Company’s analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into the Company’s risk management program.
Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. The Company attempts to minimize its credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. The Company manages the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. The Company monitors its use of derivatives in connection with its overall asset/liability management programs and risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.
Derivatives Related to Interest Rate Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate swaptions.
Derivatives Related to Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures, foreign equity futures, and foreign equity options.
Derivatives Related to Risk Mitigation of Certain Annuity Contracts
The Company may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate its exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to VA contracts and fixed indexed annuities:
Foreign Currency Futures
Variance Swaps
Interest Rate Futures
Equity Options
Equity Futures
Credit Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Swaptions
Volatility Futures
Volatility Options
Total Return Swaps
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” in accordance with GAAP, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of income or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether it qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists.

For a derivative financial instrument to be accounted for as an accounting hedge, it must be identified and documented as such on the date of designation. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their realized gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item impacts earnings.

Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain attributable to the hedged risk of the hedged item is recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis.
The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship through earnings in the period of change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in “Realized investment gains (losses)-Derivative financial instruments.”instruments”.
Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Cash-Flow Hedges
To hedge a fixed rate note denominated in a foreign currency, the Company entered into a fixed-to-fixed foreign currency swap in order to hedge the foreign currency exchange risk associated with the note. The cash flows received on the swap are identical to the cash flow paid on the note.
Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in earnings during the period of change.
Derivatives Related to Variable Annuity Contracts
The Company uses equity futures, equity options, total return swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, currency andfutures, volatility futures, volatility options, and variance swaps to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GLWB, within its VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and interest rate markets, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility.
The Company uses equity options, variance swaps, and volatility options to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GLWB, within its VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets and overall volatility.
The Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GLWB, within its VA products.
The Company markets certain VA products with a GLWB rider. The GLWB component is considered an embedded derivative, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
Derivatives Related to Fixed Annuity Contracts
The Company uses equity futures and options to mitigate the risk within its fixed indexed annuity products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets and overall volatility.
The Company markets certain fixed indexed annuity products. The FIA component is considered an embedded derivative as it is, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
Derivatives Related to Indexed Universal Life Contracts
The Company uses equity futures and options to mitigate the risk within its indexed universal life products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets.
The Company markets certain IUL products. The IUL component is considered an embedded derivative as it is, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.
Other Derivatives
The Company uses various swaps and other types of derivatives to manage risk related to other exposures.
The Company is involved in various modified coinsurance and funds withheld arrangements which contain embedded derivatives. Changes in their fair value are recorded in current period earnings. The investment portfolios that support the related modified coinsurance reserves and funds withheld arrangements had fair value changes which substantially offset the gains or losses on these embedded derivatives.

The following table sets forth realized investments gains and losses for the periods shown:
Realized investment gains (losses) - derivative financial instruments
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
  
Interest rate futures - VA$3,448
 $37,801
Equity futures - VA(30,817) (3,228)
Currency futures - VA(6,256) (6,158)
Equity options - VA(40,185) 16,304
Interest rate swaptions - VA(1,469) (2,234)
Interest rate swaps - VA(8,957) 125,593
Embedded derivative - GLWB33,632
 (175,851)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(50,604) (7,773)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
 

Embedded derivative - FIA(12,411) (2,162)
Equity futures - FIA297
 1,382
Volatility futures - FIA
 
Equity options - FIA10,700
 (5,562)
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(1,414) (6,342)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
 

Embedded derivative - IUL(2,090) (738)
Equity futures - IUL(799) (219)
Equity options - IUL2,891
 (27)
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts2
 (984)
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties(17,865) (58,355)
Other derivatives3
 (45)
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(69,878) $(73,499)
The following table sets forth realized investments gains and losses for the Modco trading portfolio that is included in realized investment gains (losses) — all other investments.
Realized investment gains (losses) - all other investments
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Modco trading portfolio(1)
$18,552
 $78,154
    
(1) The Company elected to include the use of alternate disclosures for trading activities.
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
  
Interest rate futures - VA$(16,892) $3,448
Equity futures - VA(6,428) (30,817)
Currency futures - VA(7,583) (6,256)
Equity options - VA12,016
 (40,185)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(14) (1,469)
Interest rate swaps - VA(63,710) (8,957)
Total return swaps - VA6,490
 
Embedded derivative - GLWB56,292
 33,632
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(19,829) (50,604)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
 

Embedded derivative - FIA11,330
 (12,411)
Equity futures - FIA(161) 297
Equity options - FIA(4,669) 10,700
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts6,500
 (1,414)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
 

Embedded derivative - IUL9,884
 (2,090)
Equity futures - IUL136
 (799)
Equity options - IUL(1,250) 2,891
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts8,770
 2
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties82,658
 (17,865)
Other derivatives(40) 3
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$78,059
 $(69,878)

The following table presents the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as a cash flow hedging relationship. The Company did not have any derivatives that qualified as a cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Amount of Gains (Losses)
Deferred in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location of
Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of
(Losses) Recognized in
Income (Loss) on
Derivatives
Amount of Gains (Losses)
Deferred in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location of
Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of
(Losses) Recognized in
Income (Loss) on
Derivatives
(Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion)(Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion)
  Benefits and settlement Realized investment  Benefits and settlement Realized investment
  expenses gains (losses)  expenses gains (losses)
  (Dollars In Thousands)    (Dollars In Thousands)  
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$615
 $(113) $
Total$615
 $(113) $
     
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 
  
  
 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$(1,034) $(205) $
$(1,034) $(205) $
Total$(1,034) $(205) $
$(1,034) $(205) $
     
Based on expected cash flows of the underlying hedged items, the Company expects to reclassify $0.8$0.4 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings during the next twelve months.

The table below presents information about the nature and accounting treatment of the Company’s primary derivative financial instruments and the location in and effect on the consolidated condensed financial statements for the periods presented below:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Other long-term investments 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Cash flow hedges:              
Foreign currency swaps$
 $
 $117,178
 $132
$117,178
 $12,131
 $117,178
 $6,016
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps1,040,000
 43,730
 1,135,000
 71,644
1,065,000
 25,943
 1,265,000
 55,411
Total return swaps448,872
 18,678
 190,938
 135
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties64,310
 616
 64,123
 2,573
64,798
 497
 64,472
 1,009
Embedded derivative - GLWB4,917,362
 132,812
 4,601,633
 121,752
5,264,710
 143,855
 4,897,069
 134,995
Interest rate futures698,352
 1,917
 102,587
 894
375,718
 8,059
 1,071,870
 3,178
Equity futures445,702
 1,769
 654,113
 5,805
272,807
 11,218
 62,266
 154
Currency futures
 
 340,058
 7,883
150,801
 1,127
 1,117
 2
Equity options4,459,031
 363,614
 3,944,444
 328,908
5,168,294
 365,097
 4,436,467
 403,961
Interest rate swaptions225,000
 1,034
 225,000
 2,503
225,000
 
 225,000
 14
Other157
 153
 212
 149
157
 160
 157
 200
$11,849,914
 $545,645
 $11,184,348
 $542,243
$13,153,335
 $586,765
 $12,331,534
 $605,075
Other liabilities 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Cash flow hedges:       
Foreign currency swaps$117,178
 $485
 $
 $
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps822,500
 1,953
 575,000
 10,208
$997,500
 $12,157
 $597,500
 $2,960
Total return swaps
 
 243,388
 318
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties2,437,200
 150,924
 2,450,692
 141,301
2,375,807
 126,090
 2,390,539
 215,247
Embedded derivative - GLWB5,625,350
 214,550
 5,962,044
 237,122
4,378,592
 199,322
 4,718,311
 246,755
Embedded derivative - FIA1,610,708
 170,215
 1,496,346
 147,368
2,109,420
 218,340
 1,951,650
 218,676
Embedded derivative - IUL120,218
 51,385
 103,838
 46,051
186,173
 77,350
 168,349
 80,212
Interest rate futures769,621
 922
 993,842
 6,611
872,564
 4,630
 230,404
 917
Equity futures280,278
 3,987
 102,667
 2,907
95,918
 1,288
 318,795
 2,593
Currency futures298,852
 6,234
 
 
95,062
 971
 255,248
 2,087
Equity options3,020,620
 201,838
 2,590,160
 157,253
3,623,922
 177,557
 3,112,812
 237,807
$15,102,525
 $802,493
 $14,274,589
 $748,821
$14,734,958
 $817,705
 $13,986,996
 $1,007,572

7.    OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Certain of the Company’sCompany's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements associated with each master netting arrangement provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have been reached. Additionally, certain of the Company’sCompany's repurchase agreements provide for net settlement on termination of the agreement. Refer to Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations for details of the Company’s repurchase agreement programs.

The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities subject to master netting agreementsfor the Company as of March 31, 2017:2018:
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Received Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Assets 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$412,064
 $
 $412,064
 $206,954
 $96,785
 $108,325
$442,253
 $
 $442,253
 $194,876
 $126,320
 $121,057
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement412,064
 
 412,064
 206,954
 96,785
 108,325
442,253
 
 442,253
 194,876
 126,320
 121,057
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties616
 
 616
 
 
 616
497
 
 497
 
 
 497
Embedded derivative - GLWB132,812
 
 132,812
 
 
 132,812
143,855
 
 143,855
 
 
 143,855
Other153
 
 153
 
 
 153
160
 
 160
 
 
 160
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement133,581
 
 133,581
 
 
 133,581
144,512
 
 144,512
 
 
 144,512
Total derivatives545,645
 
 545,645
 206,954
 96,785
 241,906
586,765
 
 586,765
 194,876
 126,320
 265,569
Total Assets$545,645
 $
 $545,645
 $206,954
 $96,785
 $241,906
$586,765
 $
 $586,765
 $194,876
 $126,320
 $265,569
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Paid
 Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Posted Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Liabilities 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$215,419
 $
 $215,419
 $206,954
 $8,465
 $
$196,603
 $
 $196,603
 $194,876
 $1,727
 $
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement215,419
 
 215,419
 206,954
 8,465
 
196,603
 
 196,603
 194,876
 1,727
 
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties150,924
 
 150,924
 
 
 150,924
126,090
 
 126,090
 
 
 126,090
Embedded derivative - GLWB214,550
 
 214,550
 
 
 214,550
199,322
 
 199,322
 
 
 199,322
Embedded derivative - FIA170,215
 
 170,215
 
 
 170,215
218,340
 
 218,340
 
 
 218,340
Embedded derivative - IUL51,385
 
 51,385
 
 
 51,385
77,350
 
 77,350
 
 
 77,350
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement587,074
 
 587,074
 
 
 587,074
621,102
 
 621,102
 
 
 621,102
Total derivatives802,493
 
 802,493
 206,954
 8,465
 587,074
817,705
 
 817,705
 194,876
 1,727
 621,102
Repurchase agreements(1)
787,652
 
 787,652
 787,652
 
 
665,000
 
 665,000
 
 
 665,000
Total Liabilities$1,590,145
 $
 $1,590,145
 $994,606
 $8,465
 $587,074
$1,482,705
 $
 $1,482,705
 $194,876
 $1,727
 $1,286,102
                      
(1) Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.


The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2016:2017: 
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Received
 Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Derivative Assets 
  
  
  
  
  
Offsetting of Assets 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$417,769
 $
 $417,769
 $171,384
 $100,890
 $145,495
$468,871
 $
 $468,871
 $242,105
 $108,830
 $117,936
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement417,769
 
 417,769
 171,384
 100,890
 145,495
468,871
 
 468,871
 242,105
 108,830
 117,936
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties2,573
 
 2,573
 
 
 2,573
1,009
 
 1,009
 
 
 1,009
Embedded derivative - GLWB121,752
 
 121,752
 
 
 121,752
134,995
 
 134,995
 
 
 134,995
Other149
 
 149
 
 
 149
200
 
 200
 
 
 200
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement124,474
 
 124,474
 
 
 124,474
136,204
 
 136,204
 
 
 136,204
Total derivatives542,243
 
 542,243
 171,384
 100,890
 269,969
605,075
 
 605,075
 242,105
 108,830
 254,140
Total Assets$542,243
 $
 $542,243
 $171,384
 $100,890
 $269,969
$605,075
 $
 $605,075
 $242,105
 $108,830
 $254,140
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Paid
 Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Posted
 Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities 
  
  
  
  
  
Offsetting of Liabilities 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$176,979
 $
 $176,979
 $171,384
 $5,595
 $
$246,682
 $
 $246,682
 $242,105
 $4,577
 $
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement176,979
 
 176,979
 171,384
 5,595
 
246,682
 
 246,682
 242,105
 4,577
 
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties141,301
 
 141,301
 
 
 141,301
215,247
 
 215,247
 
 
 215,247
Embedded derivative - GLWB237,122
 
 237,122
 
 
 237,122
246,755
 
 246,755
 
 
 246,755
Embedded derivative - FIA147,368
 
 147,368
 
 
 147,368
218,676
 
 218,676
 
 
 218,676
Embedded derivative - IUL46,051
 
 46,051
 
 
 46,051
80,212
 
 80,212
 
 
 80,212
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement571,842
 
 571,842
 
 
 571,842
760,890
 
 760,890
 
 
 760,890
Total derivatives748,821
 
 748,821
 171,384
 5,595
 571,842
1,007,572
 
 1,007,572
 242,105
 4,577
 760,890
Repurchase agreements(1)
797,721
 
 797,721
 
 
 797,721
885,000
 
 885,000
 
 
 885,000
Total Liabilities$1,546,542
 $
 $1,546,542
 $171,384
 $5,595
 $1,369,563
$1,892,572
 $
 $1,892,572
 $242,105
 $4,577
 $1,645,890
                      
(1) Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.

8.    MORTGAGE LOANS
Mortgage Loans
The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the Company’s mortgage loan holdings were approximately $6.3$6.8 billion. The Company has specialized in making loans on credit-oriented commercial properties, credit-anchored strip shopping centers, senior living facilities, and apartments. The Company’s underwriting procedures relative to its commercial loan portfolio are based, in the Company’s view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. The Company concentrates on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). The Company believes that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which it has chosen not to participate. The Company believes this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout its history. The majority of the Company's mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten by the Company. From time to time, the Company may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
The Company's commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 12 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, the Company may be unable to exercise the call options on its existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. As of March 31, 2017,2018, assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $119.9$143.6 million of principal would become due for the remainder of 2017, $957.52018, $873.1 million in 20182019 through 2022, $129.82023, $105.0 million in 20232024 through 2027,2028, and $10.1$2.0 million thereafter.
The Company offers a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of March 31, 2017,2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, approximately $613.5$672.1 million and $595.2$669.3 million, respectively, of the Company’s total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company recognized $6.8$7.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of participating mortgage loan income.
As of March 31, 2017, approximately $2.0 million2018, none of the Company's invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matchingFor all mortgage loans, the impact of assetstroubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and liabilities.in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company recognized ano troubled debt restructuring as a result of the Company granting a concession to a borrower which included loans terms unavailable from other lenders. This concession was the result of agreements between the creditorrestructurings and the debtor. The Company did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the three months ended March 31, 2017.impaired.
The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: 1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and 2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreement. As of March 31, 2017, $2.0 million of2018, the Company did not have mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement that were nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018.
As of March 31, 2017,2018, none of the loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. The Company did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018.
As of March 31, 2017,2018 and December 31, 2016, the Company had an allowance2017, there were no allowances for mortgage loan credit losses of $5.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.losses. Due to the Company’s loss experience and nature of the loan portfolio, the Company believes that a collectively evaluated allowance would be inappropriate. The Company believes an allowance calculated through an analysis of specific loans that are believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment provides a more accurate presentation of expected losses in the portfolio and is consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310. Since the Company uses the specific identification method for calculating the allowance, it is necessary to review the economic situation of each borrower to determine those that have higher risk of credit impairment. The Company has a team of professionals that monitors borrower conditions such as payment practices, borrower credit, operating performance, and property conditions, as well as ensuring the timely payment of property taxes and insurance. Through this monitoring process, the Company assesses the risk of each loan. When issues are identified, the severity of the issues are assessed and reviewed for possible credit impairment. If a loss is probable, an expected loss calculation is performed and an allowance is established for that loan based on the expected loss. The expected loss is calculated as the excess carrying value of a loan over either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the current estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. A loan may be subsequently charged off at such point that the Company no longer expects to receive cash payments, the present value of future expected payments of the renegotiated loan is less than the current principal balance, or at such time that the Company is party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and does not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan.

A charge off is recorded by eliminating the allowance against the mortgage loan and recording the renegotiated loan or the collateral property related to the loan as investment real estate on the balance sheet, which is carried at the lower of the appraised fair value of the property or the unpaid principal balance of the loan, less estimated selling costs associated with the property:
 As of
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Beginning balance$724
 $
Charge offs
 (4,682)
Recoveries(724) 
Provision5,087
 5,406
Ending balance$5,087
 $724
property. The Company did not have any charge offs or recovery for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is the Company’s general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status. An analysis of the delinquent loans is shown in the following chart.
     Greater       Greater  
 30-59 Days 60-89 Days than 90 Days Total 30-59 Days 60-89 Days than 90 Days Total
As of March 31, 2017 Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent
As of March 31, 2018 Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Commercial mortgage loans $1,968
 $
 $1,235
 $3,203
 $814
 $
 $
 $814
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans 2
 
 1
 3
 1
 
 
 1
                
As of December 31, 2016        
As of December 31, 2017        
Commercial mortgage loans $3,669
 $
 $
 $3,669
 $1,817
 $
 $
 $1,817
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans 4
 
 
 4
 2
 
 
 2
     The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that are collateralized by real estate. Due to the collateralized nature of the loans, any assessment of impairment and ultimate loss given a default on the loans is based upon a consideration of the estimated fair value of the real estate. The Company limits accrued interest income on impaired loans to 90 days of interest. Once accrued interest on the impaired loan is received, interest income is recognized on a cash basis. For information regarding impaired loans, please refer to the following chart:
    Unpaid   Average Interest Cash Basis
  Recorded Principal Related Recorded Income Interest
As of March 31, 2017 Investment Balance Allowance Investment Recognized Income
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Commercial mortgage loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
With no related allowance recorded $1,235
 $1,186
 $
 $1,235
 $
 $
With an allowance recorded 9,573
 9,562
 5,087
 9,573
 101
 101
             
As of December 31, 2016            
Commercial mortgage loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
With no related allowance recorded $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
With an allowance recorded 1,819
 1,819
 724
 1,819
 96
 96
     Mortgage loans that were modified in a troubled debt restructuring as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 were as follows:

Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
As of March 31, 2017    
As of March 31, 2018    
Troubled debt restructuring:        
Commercial mortgage loans1 $739
 $739
0 $
 $
        
As of December 31, 2016   
  
As of December 31, 2017   
  
Troubled debt restructuring:        
Commercial mortgage loans1 $468
 $468
1 $418
 $418
9.    GOODWILL
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company increased its goodwill balance by approximately $61.0 million in the Asset Protection segment, which was attributed to the US Warranty acquisition. The balance of goodwill for the Company as of March 31, 20172018 was $793.5 million. There has been no change to goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018.
Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business to assess the recoverability of the capitalized acquisition goodwill. The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its operating segments (which are each

considered to be reporting units). The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions.
The balance recognized as goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events or circumstances may warrant, including those circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying amount. During the fourth quarter of 2016,2017, the Company performed its annual evaluation of goodwill based on information as of October 1, 2016,2017, and determined that no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company did not identify any events or circumstances which would indicate that the fair value of its operating segments would have declined below their book value, either individually or in the aggregate. Accordingly, no impairment to the Company’s goodwill balance has been recorded.

10.    DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Debt and Subordinated Debt Securities
Debt and subordinated debt securities are summarized as follows:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Outstanding Principal Carrying Amounts Outstanding Principal Carrying AmountsOutstanding Principal Carrying Amounts Outstanding Principal Carrying Amounts
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Debt (year of issue):   
    
   
    
Revolving Line of Credit$340,000
 $340,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
Credit Facility$325,000
 $325,000
 $
 $
Capital lease obligation1,591
 1,591
 1,682
 1,682
6.40% Senior Notes (2007), due 2018150,000
 155,140
 150,000
 156,663

 
 150,000
 150,518
7.375% Senior Notes (2009), due 2019400,000
 450,009
 400,000
 454,688
400,000
 431,015
 400,000
 435,806
8.45% Senior Notes (2009), due 2039233,428
 360,259
 246,926
 381,934
221,516
 338,762
 232,928
 357,046
$1,123,428
 $1,305,408
 $966,926
 $1,163,285
$948,107
 $1,096,368
 $784,610
 $945,052
Subordinated debt securities (year of issue):   
    
   
    
6.25% Subordinated Debentures (2012), due 2042, callable 2017$287,500
 $288,506
 $287,500
 $290,002
6.00% Subordinated Debentures (2012), due 2042, callable 2017150,000
 150,754
 150,000
 151,200
5.35% Subordinated Debentures (2017), due 2052$500,000
 $495,324
 $500,000
 $495,289
$437,500
 $439,260
 $437,500
 $441,202
$500,000
 $495,324
 $500,000
 $495,289
During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company repurchased and subsequently extinguished $20.9$17.5 million (par value - $13.5$11.4 million) of the Company's 8.45% Senior Notes due 2039. These repurchases resulted in a $1.8$0.5 million pre-tax gain for the Company. The gain is recorded in other income in the consolidated condensed statements of income.
During the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, the Company repurchased and subsequently extinguished $82.7issued $500.0 million (par value - $53.1 million)of its Subordinated Debentures due 2052. These Subordinated Debentures are carried on the Company's balance sheet net of the Company's 8.45% Senior Notesassociated deferred issuance expenses of $4.8 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to call and redeem, at par, the entire $150.0 million of 6.00% Subordinated Debentures due 2039. These repurchases resulted in a $9.82042 and $287.5 million pre-tax gain for the Company. The gain is recorded in other income in the consolidated condensed statements of income.6.25% Subordinated Debentures due 2042.
The Company has the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis under a Credit Facility up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion.billion under a Credit Facility. The Company has the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25 billion. Balances outstanding under the Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt, or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s Prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of the Company's Senior Debt. The Credit Facility also provided for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The initialannual facility fee rate was 0.15% on February 2, 2015, and was adjusted tois 0.125% uponof the Company's subsequent ratings upgrade on February 2, 2015.aggregate principal amount. The Credit Facility provides that the Company is liable for the full amount of any obligations for borrowings or letters of credit, including those of PLICO, under the Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is February 2, 2020. The Company is not aware of any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2017.2018. There was an outstanding balance of $340.0$325.0 million bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00% as of March 31, 2017.2018.

Non-Recourse Funding Obligations
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company
On January 15, 2016, Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and a wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, and Steel City, LLC (“Steel City”), a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an 18-year transaction to finance $2.188 billion of “XXX” reserves related to the acquired GLAIC Block and the other term life insurance business reinsured to Golden Gate by PLICO and WCL, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO. Steel City issued notes with an aggregate initial principal amount of $2.188 billion to Golden Gate in exchange for a non-recourse funding obligation issued by Golden Gate with an initial principal amount of $2.188 billion. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Bermuda) Ltd., The Canada Life Assurance Company (Barbados Branch) and Nomura Americas Re Ltd. (collectively, the “Risk-Takers”) provide credit enhancement to the Steel City Notes for the 18-year term in exchange for credit enhancement fees. The transaction is “non-recourse” to PLICO, WCL and the Company, meaning that none of these companies, other than Golden Gate, are liable to reimburse the Risk-Takers for any credit enhancement payments required to be made. As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate principal balance of the Steel City Notes was $2.09 billion. In connection with this transaction, the Company has entered into certain support agreements under which it guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate or Steel City, including a guarantee of the fees to the Risk-Takers. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by the Company if Golden Gate’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts, certain reinsurance rates applicable to the subject business increase beyond modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold

levels. Additionally, the Company has entered into a separate agreement to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Steel City Notes. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.
In connection with the transaction outlined above, Golden Gate had a $2.09 billion outstanding non-recourse funding obligation as of March 31, 2017. This non-recourse funding obligation matures in 2039 and accrues interest at a fixed annual rate of 4.75%.
Prior to this transaction, Golden Gate had three series of non-recourse funding obligations with a total outstanding balance of $800 million. The Company held the entire outstanding balance of non-recourse funding obligations. Series A1 non-recourse funding obligations had a balance of $400 million and accrued interest at 7.375%, the Series A2 non-recourse funding obligations had a balance of $100 million and accrued interest at 8.00%, and the Series A3 non-recourse funding obligations had a balance of $300 million and accrued interest at 8.45%. As a result of the transaction described above, the $800 million of Golden Gate Series A Surplus Notes held by the Company were contributed to PLICO and then subsequently contributed to Golden Gate, which resulted in the extinguishment of these notes.
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate II”), a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company and a wholly owned by PLICO, had $575 million of outstanding non-recourse funding obligations as of March 31, 2017. These outstanding non-recourse funding obligations were issued to special purpose trusts, which in turn issued securities to third parties. Certain of our affiliates own a portion of these securities. As of March 31, 2017, securities related to $58.6 million of the outstanding balance of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by external parties and securities related to $516.4 million of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by the Company and its affiliates. The Company has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate II obligating the Company to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate II’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of the Company’s obligations to Golden Gate II. These support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by the Company to Golden Gate II if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if Golden Gate II’s investment income on certain investments or premium income was below certain actuarially determined amounts. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements, however, certain support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $2.8 million have been collateralized by the Company. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustments of any support agreement collateralization amounts occur annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreements.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company and its affiliates did not repurchase any of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company and its affiliates repurchased $11.3 million of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount. These repurchases did not result in a material gain or loss for the Company.
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company
On October 10, 2012, Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company ("Golden Gate V"), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company, and Red Mountain, LLC ("Red Mountain"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO, entered into a 20-year transaction to finance up to $945 million of “AXXX” reserves related to a block of universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees issued by our direct wholly owned subsidiary PLICO and indirect wholly owned subsidiary, West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”). Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain, and Red Mountain issued a note with an initial principal amount of $275 million, increasing to a maximum of $945 million in 2027, to Golden Gate V for deposit to a reinsurance trust supporting Golden Gate V’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with WCL, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of PLICO. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (“Hannover Re”), the ultimate risk taker in the transaction, provides credit enhancement to the Red Mountain note for the 20-year term in exchange for a fee. The transaction is “non-recourse” to Golden Gate V, Red Mountain, WCL, PLICO, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies are liable for the reimbursement of any credit enhancement payments required to be made. As of March 31, 2017, the principal balance of the Red Mountain note was $580 million. Future scheduled capital contributions to prefund credit enhancement fees amount to approximately $128.3 million and will be paid in annual installments through 2031. In connection with the transaction, the Company has entered into certain support agreements under which it guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate V or Red Mountain. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by the Company if Golden Gate V’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold levels. Additionally, the Company has entered into separate agreements to indemnify Golden Gate V with respect to material adverse changes in non-guaranteed elements of insurance policies reinsured by Golden Gate V, and to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Red Mountain note. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.
In connection with the transaction outlined above, Golden Gate V had a $580 million outstanding non-recourse funding obligation as of March 31, 2017. This non-recourse funding obligation matures in 2037, has scheduled increases in principal to a maximum of $945 million, and accrues interest at a fixed annual rate of 6.25%.

Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2018, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 Maturity
Year
 Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
  (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 $1,981,000
 $1,981,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 58,600
 49,464
 2052 4.29%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 635,000
 695,836
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,389
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,675,691
 $2,728,689
    
         
(1)  Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.
(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.
(3)  Fixed rate obligations
Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following tables:table:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 Maturity
Year
 Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
 Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 
Maturity
Year
 
Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
 (Dollars In Thousands)     (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 2,090,000
 $2,090,000
 2039 4.75% $2,014,000
 $2,014,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 58,600
 50,006
 2052 2.78% 58,600
 49,787
 2052 3.88%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 580,000
 642,599
 2037 5.12% 620,000
 681,285
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,451
 2024 6.19% 1,091
 2,405
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,729,691
 $2,785,056
    
 $2,693,691
 $2,747,477
    
            
(1) Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.(3) Fixed rate obligations
Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following tables:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 
Maturity
Year
 
Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
  (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 2,116,000
 $2,116,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 58,600
 49,983
 2052 2.52%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 565,000
 628,025
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,466
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,740,691
 $2,796,474
    
         
(1)  Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.
(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.
(3)  Fixed rate obligations
Letters of Credit
Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company
Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate III”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”) with UBS AG, Stamford Branch (“UBS”), as issuing lender. Under the original Reimbursement Agreement, dated April 23, 2010, UBS issued a letter of credit (the “LOC”) in the initial amount of $505 million to a trust for the benefit of WCL. The Reimbursement Agreement was subsequently amended and restated effective November 21, 2011, (the “First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), to replace the existing LOC with one or more letters of credit from UBS, and to extend the maturity date from April 1, 2018, to April 1, 2022. On August 7, 2013, Golden Gate III entered into a Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with UBS (the “Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), which amended and restated the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. Under the Second and Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement a new LOC in an initial amount of $710 million was issued by UBS in replacement of the existing LOC issued under the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The term of the LOC was extended from April 1, 2022, to October 1, 2023, subject to certain conditions being satisfied including scheduled capital contributions being made to Golden Gate III by one of its affiliates. The maximum stated amount of the LOC was increased from $610 million to $720 million in 2015 if certain conditions had been met. On June 25, 2014, Golden Gate III entered into a Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with UBS (the “Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), which amended and restated the Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. Under the Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, a new LOC in an initial amount of $915 million was issued by UBS in replacement of the existing LOC issued under the Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The term of the LOC was extended from October 1, 2023, to April 1, 2025, subject to certain conditions being satisfied including scheduled capital contributions being made to Golden Gate III by one of its affiliates. The maximum stated amount of the LOC was increased from $720 million to $935 million in 2015. The LOC is held in trust for the

benefit of WCL, and supports certain obligations of Golden Gate III to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement originally effective April 1, 2010, as amended and restated on November 21, 2011, and as further amended and restated on August 7, 2013, and on June 25, 2014, to include additional blocks of policies, and pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of PLICO. Pursuant to the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, the LOC balance reached its scheduled peak amount of $935 million in 2015. As of March 31, 2017, the LOC balance was $925 million. The term of the LOC is expected to be approximately 15 years from the original issuance date. This transaction is “non- recourse” to WCL, PLICO, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate III are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. The Company has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate III obligating the Company to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate III’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of the Company’s obligations to Golden Gate III. Future scheduled capital contributions amount to approximately $122.5 million and will be paid in three installments with the last payment occurring in 2021, and these contributions may be subject to potential offset against dividend payments as permitted under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by the Company to Golden Gate III if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate III. Pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated letter agreement with UBS, the Company has continued to guarantee the payment of fees to UBS as specified in the Third Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.
Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company
Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate IV”), a Vermont special purpose financial insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement with UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as issuing lender. Under the Reimbursement Agreement, dated December 10, 2010, UBS issued an LOC in the initial amount of $270 million to a trust for the benefit of WCL. Pursuant to the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement, the LOC balance reached its scheduled peak amount of $790 million in 2016 and remained at this level as of March 31, 2017. The term of the LOC is expected to be 12 years from the original issuance date (stated maturity of December 30, 2022). The LOC was issued to support certain obligations of Golden Gate IV to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of PLICO. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLICO, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate IV are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. The Company has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate IV obligating the Company to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate IV’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of the Company’s obligations to Golden Gate IV. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by the Company to Golden Gate IV if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate IV. The Company has also entered into a separate agreement to guarantee the payments of LOC fees under the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.
Secured Financing Transactions
Repurchase Program Borrowings
While the Company anticipates that the cash flows of its operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet its investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, the Company recognizes that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, the Company has established repurchase agreement programs for certain of its insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. The Company expects that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, the Company may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $856.6$753.6 million, and the repurchase obligation of $787.7$665.0 million was included in the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 90173 basis points). During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $885.0 million. The average daily balance was $808.0 million (at an average borrowing rate of 149 basis points) during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $1,006.6 million, and the repurchase obligation of $885.0 million was included in the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 142 basis points). During 2017, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $981.3$988.5 million. The average daily balance was $842.7$624.7 million (at an average borrowing rate of 71 basis points) during the three months ended March 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $861.7 million, and the repurchase obligation of $797.7 million was included in the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 65 basis points). During 2016, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $1,065.8 million. The average daily balance was $505.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 44101 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Securities Lending
The Company participates in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. The Company requires initial collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored on a daily basis. As of March 31, 2017,2018, securities with a market value of $37.9$107.0 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, the Company receives short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “secured financing liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the fair value of the collateral related to this program was $39.6$113.9 million and the Company has an obligation to return $39.6$113.9 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.

The following table provides the amount by asset class of securities of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements and securities that have been loaned as part of securities lending transactions as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:

Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, and Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions
Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the AgreementsRemaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of March 31, 2017As of March 31, 2018
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Overnight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 TotalOvernight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 Total
Repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities$346,440
 $13,666
 $
 $
 $360,106
$293,539
 $
 $
 $
 $293,539
Other asset-backed securities
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans496,528
 
 
 
 496,528
460,072
 
 
 
 460,072
Total repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions842,968
 13,666
 
 
 856,634
753,611
 
 
 
 753,611
Securities lending transactions                  
Corporate securities35,557
 
 
 
 35,557
94,155
 
 
 
 94,155
Equity securities1,907
 
 
 
 1,907
12,798
 
 
 
 12,798
Preferred stock436
 
 
 
 436
Redeemable preferred stock75
 
 
 
 75
Total securities lending transactions37,900
 
 
 
 37,900
107,028
 
 
 
 107,028
Total securities$880,868
 $13,666
 $
 $
 $894,534
$860,639
 $
 $
 $
 $860,639

Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, and Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions
Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the AgreementsRemaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of December 31, 2016As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Overnight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 TotalOvernight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 Total
Repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities$357,705
 $23,758
 $
 $
 $381,463
$307,633
 $
 $
 $
 $307,633
State and municipal securities
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans480,269
 
 
 
 480,269
698,974
 
 
 
 698,974
Total securities$837,974
 $23,758
 $
 $
 $861,732
$1,006,607
 $
 $
 $
 $1,006,607
                  
Securities lending transactions         
Corporate securities$118,817
 $
 $
 $
 $118,817
Equity securities5,699
 
 
 
 5,699
Redeemable preferred stock755
 
 
 
 755
Total securities lending transactions125,271
 
 
 
 125,271
Total securities$1,131,878
 $
 $
 $
 $1,131,878
11.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its current directors other than those that are employees of Dai-ichi Life that provide, among other things and subject to certain limitations, a contractual right to indemnification to the fullest extent permissible under the law. The Company has agreements with certain of its officers providing up to $10 million in indemnification. These obligations are in addition to the customary obligation to indemnify officers and directors contained in the Company’s governance documents.
Under the insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. It is possible that the Company could be assessed with respect to product lines not offered by the Company. In addition, legislation may be introduced in various states with respect to guaranty fund assessment laws related to insurance products, including long term care insurance and other specialty products, that increases the cost of future assessments or alters future premium tax offsets received in connection with guaranty fund assessments. The Company cannot predict the amount, nature or timing of any

future assessments or legislation, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving sales, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Often these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. The financial services and insurance industries in particular are also sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies. Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or regulatory actions or other actions resulting from such investigations. The Company, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such matters.

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory actions when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no liability is established. For such matters, the Company may provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly and annual basis and updates its established liabilities, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or range of loss based on such reviews.
Certain of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as well as certain other insurance companies for which the Company has coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies, are under audit for compliance with the unclaimed property laws of a number of states. The audits are being conducted on behalf of the treasury departments or unclaimed property administrators in such states. The focus of the audits is on whether there have been unreported deaths, maturities, or policies that have exceeded

limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under life insurance or annuity policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. The Company is presently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that may result from the audits due to a number of factors, including uncertainty as to the legal theory or theories that may give rise to liability, the early stages of the audits being conducted, and with respect to one block of life insurance policies that is co-insured by a subsidiary of the Company, uncertainty as to whether the Company or other companies are responsible for the liabilities, if any, arising in connection with suchcertain co-insured policies. The Company will continue to monitor the matter for any developments that would make the loss contingency associated with the audits reasonably estimable.
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are under a targeted multi-state examination with respect to their claims paying practices and their use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or similar databases (a “Death Database”) to identify unreported deaths in their life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for requiring a life insurer to search for unreported deaths in order to determine whether a benefit is owed, and substantial legal authority exists to support the position that the prevailing industry practice was lawful. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into settlement or consent agreements with state insurance regulators under which the life insurers agreed to implement procedures for periodically comparing their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found, and paying penalties to the state, if required. It has been publicly reported that the life insurers have paid administrative and/or examination fees to the insurance regulators in connection with the settlement or consent agreements. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that insurance regulators could demand from the Company administrative and/or examination fees relating to the targeted multi-state examination. Based on publicly reported payments by other life insurers, the Company estimates the range ofdoes not believe such fees, to be from $0 to $4.5 million.if assessed, would have a material effect on its financial statements.

12.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Components of the net periodic benefit cost of the Company's defined benefit pension plan for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, are as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 
Excess
Benefit
Plan
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 

Excess
Benefit
Plan
Qualified
Pension
Plan
 Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
 
Qualified
Pension
Plan
 
Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Service cost — benefits earned during the period$3,348
 $334
 $2,906
 $313
$3,441
 $387
 $3,348
 $334
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation2,191
 297
 2,737
 438
2,397
 359
 2,191
 297
Expected return on plan assets(3,352) 
 (3,605) 
(4,026) 
 (3,352) 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
 

 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial losses
 118
 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)
 265
 
 118
Preliminary net periodic benefit cost2,187
 749
 2,038
 751
1,812
 1,011
 2,187
 749
Settlement/curtailment expense
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total net periodic benefit cost$2,187
 $749
 $2,038
 $751
Total net periodic benefit costs$1,812
 $1,011
 $2,187
 $749
During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company did not make a contribution to its defined benefit pension plan for the 2016 plan year or 2017 plan year.plan. The Company will make contributions in future periods as necessary to at least satisfy minimum funding requirements. The Company may also make additional contributions in future periodsrequirements, to maintain an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of at least 80% and to avoid certain Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting triggers. The Company may also make additional discretionary contributions in excess of the contribution amounts established by the current funding policy.

13.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following tables summarize the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax) (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2017 $25,874
 $747
 $(13,925) $12,696
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 159,641
 (672) 
 158,969
 (577,712) 487
 
 (577,225)
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings 3,703
 
 
 3,703
 681
 
 
 681
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)(1)
 (1,072) 133
 
 (939) 11
 89
 
 100
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 162,272
 (539) 
 161,733
 (577,020) 576
 
 (576,444)
Ending Balance, March 31, 2017 $(494,050) $188
 $1,072
 $(492,790)
Cumulative effect adjustments (10,552) 
 
 (10,552)
Ending Balance, March 31, 2018 $(561,698) $1,323
 $(13,925) $(574,300)
                
(1) See Reclassification table below for details.
(2) As of March 31, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $348.4 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
(2) As of March 31, 2018, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $340.2 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.(2) As of March 31, 2018, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $340.2 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax) (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2015 $(1,247,065) $
 $5,931
 $(1,241,134)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 606,985
 688
 (5,659) 602,014
 700,536
 (563) (15,726) 684,247
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings (6,782) 
 
 (6,782) 7,153
 
 
 7,153
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
(1)
 (9,460) 39
 800
 (8,621) 642
 451
 501
 1,594
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 590,743
 727
 (4,859) 586,611
 708,331
 (112) (15,225) 692,994
Ending Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Cumulative effect adjustments (26,135) 132
 228
 (25,775)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2017 $25,874
 $747
 $(13,925) $12,696
                
(1) See Reclassification table below for details.
(2) As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $623.0 million and $424.1 million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
(2) As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $424.1 million and $(6.3) million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.(2) As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $424.1 million and $(6.3) million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.

The following tables summarize the reclassifications amounts out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
 
 Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments      
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(205) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded $(113) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
 (205) Total before tax (113) Total before tax
 72
 Tax (expense) or benefit 24
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 $(133) Net of tax $(89) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
    
  
Net investment gains (losses) $9,481
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments $2,783
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (7,831) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (3,645) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 1,650
 Total before tax (862) Total before tax
 (578) Tax (expense) or benefit 181
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 $1,072
 Net of tax $(681) Net of tax
   
(1) See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information(1) See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information
(1) See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
 
 Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
 (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments  
  
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(205) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
 (205) Total before tax
 72
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 (Dollars In Thousands)   $(133) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
    
  
Net investment gains (losses) $5,555
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments $9,481
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (2,617) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (7,831) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 2,938
 Total before tax 1,650
 Total before tax
 (1,028) Tax (expense) or benefit (578) Tax (expense) or benefit
 $1,910
 Net of tax $1,072
 Net of tax


14.    INCOME TAXES
The Company used its respective estimates for its annual 2018 and 2017 incomes in computing its effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The estimate of the annual 2018 income excluded unrealized gains and losses on equity securities due to an inability to forecast future gains and losses. The Company's effective tax rate related to continuing operations varied from the maximum federal income tax rates as follows:
  For The Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income 21.0 % 35.0 %
State income taxes 1.2
 0.6
Investment income not subject to tax (2.8) (3.2)
Unrealized tax positions 
 0.5
Other (0.1) 
  19.3 % 32.9 %
In 2012, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2003 through 2007 reported taxable income. The Company protested certain unfavorable adjustments and sought resolution at the IRS' Appeals Division. In October 2015, Appeals accepted the Company's earlier proposed settlement offer. In September 2015, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2008 through 2011 reported taxable income. The Company agreed to these adjustments. As a result, pendingIn April 2017, a routine review by Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation which was finalized without change subsequent to quarter end,and the Company expects to receivereceived an approximate $6.2 million net refund in a future period.the fourth quarter of 2017.
The resulting net adjustment to the Company's current income taxes for the years 2003 through 2011 willdid not materially affect the Company or its effective tax rate.
In July 2016, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2012 and 2013 reported taxable income. The Company agreed to these adjustments. The resulting settlement paid in September 2016 did not materially impact the Company or its effective tax rate.
There have been no material changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, where the changes impact earnings, during the quarter ending March 31, 2017.2018. The Company believes that in the next 12twelve months, none of the unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2017 will be significantly increased or reduced.
In general, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by taxing authorities for tax years that began before 2014. Nevertheless, certain of these pre-2014 years have pending U.S. tax refunds. Due to their size, as of quarter end these refunds were being reviewed by Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company received notification that the Joint Committee review was complete and that no changes were made. The underlying federal statutes of limitations are expected to close in due course on or before September 30, 2018. Furthermore, due to the aforementioned IRS adjustments to the Company's pre-2014 taxable income, the Company is amendinghas amended certain of its 2003 through 2013 state income tax returns. Such amendments will cause such years to remain open, pending the states' acceptances of the returns.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into a reinsurance transaction. This transaction is expected to generategenerated an operating loss on the Company’s consolidated 2016 U.S. income tax return. The Company has evaluated its ability to carrypartially carried back this loss back to receive refunds of previously-paid taxes, plus utilize the remaining loss in future years. The Company expects to receiveand received refunds for substantially all of the U.S. income taxes that it paid in 2014 and 2015 as well asand expects to fully utilize the remaining operating loss carryforward during the carryforward period. Based on the Company’s current assessment of future taxable income, including available tax planning opportunities, the Company anticipates that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize all of its material deferred tax assets. The Company did not record a valuation allowance against its material deferred tax assets as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
In the tax year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized provisional impacts related to the revaluation of certain deferred tax assets under the Tax Reform Act under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, additional analysis, and resulting changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company used its respective estimateshas made. Any adjustments to these provisional amounts will be reported as a component of its annual 2017 and 2016 incomes in computing its effective income tax ratesexpense (benefit) in the reporting period in which any such adjustments are determined. There are no such adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.2018. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were 32.9% and 32.9%, respectively.accounting is expected to be complete by December 22, 2018.
15.    OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company has several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. The Company periodically evaluates its operating segments as prescribed in the ASC Segment Reporting Topic, and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed. A brief description of each segment follows.
The Life Marketing segment markets fixed universal life (“UL”), indexed universal life ("IUL"), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”)

products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, broker-dealers, financial institutions, independent marketing organizations, and affinity groups.

The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies and contracts acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.
The Annuities segment markets fixed and VA products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.
The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. This segment also issues funding agreements to the FHLB, and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”("GICs") to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. The Company also has an unregistered funding agreement-backed notes program which provides for offers of notes to both domestic and international institutional investors.
The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts, andGAP products, credit life and disability insurance, and other specialized ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles, recreational vehicles, watercraft, and powersports. In addition, the segment markets a guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) product. GAP coverage coversproducts are designed to cover the difference between the scheduled loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. Each type of specialized ancillary product protects against damage or other loss to a particular aspect of the underlying asset.
The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income on assets supporting our equity capital, unallocated corporate overhead and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including interest on corporate debt). This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various financing and investment-relatedinvestment related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries.
The Company's management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using "pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" and "after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)". Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is the Company's measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting "income (loss) before income tax",tax," by excluding the following items:

realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives,
changes in the GLWB embedded derivatives exclusive of the portion attributable to the economic cost of the GLWB,
actual GLWB incurred claims, and
the amortization of DAC, VOBA,deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), value of business acquired ("VOBA"), and certain policy liabilities that is impacted by the exclusion of these items.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management's and the Board of Directors' understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017, a rate of 35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% will be used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in the Company's effective income tax rate.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.
In filings prior to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K, "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" was referred to as "Pre-tax operating income", "Operating income before tax", or "Segment operating income". In addition, we referred to "After-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "After-tax operating income" or "Operating earnings". The definition of these labels remains unchanged, but the Company has modified the labels to provide further clarity that these measures are non-GAAP measures.
There were no significant intersegment transactions during the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017.

The following tables presentspresent a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
   
  
Life Marketing$421,392
 $409,082
$434,916
 $421,392
Acquisitions401,367
 424,807
379,094
 401,367
Annuities108,642
 138,414
150,713
 108,642
Stable Value Products40,843
 29,902
53,868
 40,843
Asset Protection80,083
 64,248
76,375
 80,083
Corporate and Other52,970
 60,460
70,866
 52,970
Total revenues$1,105,297
 $1,126,913
$1,165,832
 $1,105,297
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) 
   
  
Life Marketing$18,945
 $13,701
$(17,849) $18,945
Acquisitions53,667
 68,653
55,520
 53,667
Annuities53,007
 53,629
40,531
 53,007
Stable Value Products23,899
 14,448
29,080
 23,899
Asset Protection5,599
 5,300
6,218
 5,599
Corporate and Other(19,728) (13,721)(20,679) (19,728)
Pre-tax adjusted operating income135,389
 142,010
92,821
 135,389
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(23,040) 29,832
(1,023) (23,040)
Income before income tax112,349
 171,842
91,798
 112,349
Income tax expense(36,935) (56,494)(17,686) (36,935)
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414
      
Pre-tax adjusted operating income$135,389
 $142,010
$92,821
 $135,389
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit(44,999) (46,053)(18,044) (44,999)
After-tax adjusted operating income90,390
 95,957
74,777
 90,390
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(23,040) 29,832
(1,023) (23,040)
Income tax benefit (expense) on adjustments8,064
 (10,441)358
 8,064
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414
      
Realized investment (losses) gains:      
Derivative financial instruments$(69,878) $(73,499)$78,059
 $(69,878)
All other investments22,841
 81,728
(87,599) 22,841
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(7,831) (2,617)(3,645) (7,831)
Less: related amortization(1)
(10,744) (4,050)9,156
 (10,744)
Less: VA GLWB economic cost(21,084) (20,170)(21,318) (21,084)
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives$(23,040) $29,832
$(1,023) $(23,040)
      
   
(1) Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).


Operating Segment Assets
As of March 31, 2017
Operating Segment Assets
As of March 31, 2018
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Investments and other assets$14,257,164
 $19,629,308
 $20,485,877
 $3,486,857
$14,744,343
 $19,275,508
 $20,535,539
 $4,571,793
DAC and VOBA1,246,081
 102,691
 680,597
 4,999
1,374,149
 90,466
 800,941
 6,133
Other intangibles296,638
 36,465
 180,116
 8,556
277,489
 33,909
 166,784
 7,889
Goodwill200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
Total assets$16,000,157
 $19,782,988
 $21,683,267
 $3,614,225
$16,596,255
 $19,414,407
 $21,839,941
 $4,699,628
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Investments and other assets$1,005,914
 $13,612,582
 $72,477,702
$1,016,586
 $13,988,814
 $74,132,583
DAC and VOBA30,906
 
 2,065,274
162,465
 
 2,434,154
Other intangibles141,216
 12,516
 675,507
130,573
 35,063
 651,707
Goodwill128,182
 
 793,470
128,182
 
 793,470
Total assets$1,306,218
 $13,625,098
 $76,011,953
$1,437,806
 $14,023,877
 $78,011,914
Operating Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2016
Operating Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Investments and other assets$14,050,170
 $19,679,690
 $20,243,333
 $3,373,646
$14,914,418
 $19,588,133
 $20,938,409
 $4,569,639
DAC and VOBA1,218,944
 106,532
 655,618
 5,455
1,320,776
 74,862
 772,634
 6,864
Other intangibles301,399
 37,103
 183,449
 8,722
282,361
 34,548
 170,117
 8,056
Goodwill200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
Total assets$15,770,787
 $19,837,849
 $21,419,077
 $3,501,636
$16,717,829
 $19,712,067
 $22,217,837
 $4,698,372
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Investments and other assets$1,013,399
 $13,141,759
 $71,501,997
$918,952
 $15,043,597
 $75,973,148
DAC and VOBA33,280
 
 2,019,829
24,441
 
 2,199,577
Other intangibles143,865
 13,545
 688,083
133,234
 35,256
 663,572
Goodwill128,182
 
 793,470
128,182
 
 793,470
Total assets$1,318,726
 $13,155,304
 $75,003,379
$1,204,809
 $15,078,853
 $79,629,767
16.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated the effects of events subsequent to March 31, 2017,2018, and through the date we filed our consolidated condensed financial statements with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All accounting and disclosure requirements related to subsequent events are included in our consolidated condensed financial statements.
On May 1, 2018, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“Lincoln Life”) completed its previously announced acquisition (the “Closing”) of Liberty Mutual Group Inc.’s (“Liberty Mutual”) Group Benefits Business and Individual Life and Annuity Business (the “Life Business”) through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty”). In connection with the Closing and  pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, dated January 18, 2018 (the “Master Transaction Agreement”), previously reported in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2018, PLICO and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, entered into reinsurance agreements (the “Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents (including administrative services agreements and transition services agreements) providing for the reinsurance and administration of the Life Business. 

Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC the insurance policies related to the Life Business on a 100% coinsurance basis. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Life Business was $422.9 million. All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to PLICO under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLICO, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLAIC.  The aggregate statutory reserves of Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC as of the closing of the Transaction were approximately

$13.3 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates and is subject to adjustment following the Closing. Pursuant to the terms of the Reinsurance Agreements, each of PLICO and PLAIC are required to maintain assets in trust for the benefit of Liberty to secure their respective obligations to Liberty under the Reinsurance Agreements. The trust accounts were initially funded by each of PLICO and PLAIC principally with the investment assets that were received from Liberty. Additionally, PLICO and PLAIC have each agreed to provide, on behalf of Liberty, administration and policyholder servicing of the Life Business reinsured by it pursuant to administrative services agreements between Liberty and each of PLICO and PLAIC.

On May 3, 2018, the Company and PLICO (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”) entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 2, 2015 (the “Credit Agreement”) with the several lenders from time to time a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”) and with Regions Bank in its capacity as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”). The Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, continues to provide for a $1 billion, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), including a $500 million sublimit for the potential issuance of letters of credit and a $50 million sublimit for swingline advances. Borrowings made available under the Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including the refinancing of indebtedness. The First Amendment, among other things, extends the commitment termination date and final maturity date under the Credit Agreement from February 2, 2020 to May 3, 2023, allows the Borrowers in certain circumstances to request that the commitment amount under the Credit Facility be increased to a maximum amount of $1.5 billion (increased from the maximum $1.25 billion amount originally provided in the Credit Agreement), and changes the reference dates and base amounts used to calculate the minimum Adjusted Consolidated Net Worth that the Company is required to maintain under the Credit Agreement.  


Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated condensed financial statements included under Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements (Unaudited), of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For a more complete understanding of our business and current period results, please read the following MD&A in conjunction with our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior period amounts comparable to those of the current period. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or shareowner’s equity.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE
This report reviews our financial condition and results of operations, including our liquidity and capital resources. Historical information is presented and discussed, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements instead of historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements, and we cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please refer to Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this report, as well as Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
IMPORTANT INVESTOR INFORMATION
We file reports with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other reports as required. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We are an electronic filer and the SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains these reports and other information filed electronically by us. We make available through our website, www.protective.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. We will furnish such documents to anyone who requests such copies in writing. Requests for copies should be directed to: Financial Information, Protective Life Corporation, P. O. Box 2606, Birmingham, Alabama 35202, Telephone (205) 268-3912, Fax (205) 268-3642.
We also make available to the public current information, including financial information, regarding the Company and our affiliates on the Financial Information page of our website, www.protective.com. We encourage investors, the media and others interested in us and our affiliates to review the information we post on our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.
OVERVIEW
Our Business
On February 1, 2015, Protective Life Corporation (the “Company”"Company") became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (now known as Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., "Dai-ichi Life"), when DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, merged with and into the Company.Company (the "Merger"). Prior to February 1, 2015, our stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Merger, we remain an SEC registrant for financial reporting purposes in the United States. The Company, which is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, operates as a holding company for its insurance and other subsidiaries that provide financial services primarily in the United States through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Founded in 1907, Protective Life Insurance Company (“PLICO”("PLICO") is our largest operating subsidiary. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,”"Company," "we," "us," or “our”"our" refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Corporation and our subsidiaries.
We have several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. We periodically evaluate our operating segments and make adjustments to our segment reporting as needed.
Our operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products, Asset Protection, and Corporate and Other.

Life MarketingWe market fixed universal life (“UL”), indexed universal life (“IUL”), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, broker-dealers, financial institutions, independent marketingdistribution organizations, and affinity groups.
Acquisitions—We focus on acquiring, converting, and/or servicing policies and contracts from other companies. This segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.
Annuities—We market fixed and variable annuity (“VA”) products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.
Stable Value Products—We sell fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. We also have an unregistered funding agreement-backed notes program which provides for offers of notes to both domestic and international institutional investors.
Asset Protection—We market extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) products, credit life and disability insurance, and other specialized ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles, recreational vehicles, watercraft, and powersports. GAP coversproducts are designed to cover the difference between the scheduled loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. Each type of specialized ancillary product protects against damage or other loss to a particular aspect of the underlying asset.
Corporate and Other—This segment primarily consists of net investment income on assets supporting our equity capital, unallocated corporate overhead, and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including interest on corporate debt). This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, financing and investment related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On May 1, 2018, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“Lincoln Life”) completed its previously announced acquisition (the “Closing”) of Liberty Mutual Group Inc.’s (“Liberty Mutual”) Group Benefits Business and Individual Life and Annuity Business (the “Life Business”) through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty”). In connection with the Closing and  pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, dated January 18, 2018 (the “Master Transaction Agreement”), previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2018, PLICO and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, entered into reinsurance agreements (the “Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents (including administrative services agreements and transition services agreements) providing for the reinsurance and administration of the Life Business. 

Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC the insurance policies related to the Life Business on a 100% coinsurance basis. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Life Business was $422.9 million. All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to PLICO under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLICO, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLAIC.  The aggregate statutory reserves of Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC as of the closing of the Transaction were approximately $13.3 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates and is subject to adjustment following the Closing. Pursuant to the terms of the Reinsurance Agreements, each of PLICO and PLAIC are required to maintain assets in trust for the benefit of Liberty to secure their respective obligations to Liberty under the Reinsurance Agreements. The trust accounts were initially funded by each of PLICO and PLAIC principally with the investment assets that were received from Liberty. Additionally, PLICO and PLAIC have each agreed to provide, on behalf of Liberty, administration and policyholder servicing of the Life Business reinsured by it pursuant to administrative services agreements between Liberty and each of PLICO and PLAIC.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The factors which could affect our future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the following risks and uncertainties:
General
we are controlled by Dai-ichi Life, which has the ability to make important decisions affecting our business;
exposure to the risks ofrelated to natural and man-made disasters, catastrophes, diseases, epidemics, pandemics, malicious acts, cyber-attacks, terrorist acts and climate change could adversely affect our operations and results;
a disruption affecting the electronic systems of the Company or those on whom the Company relies could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;

confidential information maintained in the systems of the Company or other parties upon which the Company relies could be compromised or misappropriated, damaging our business and reputation and adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations;
our results and financial condition may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management's assumptions and estimates;
we may not realize our anticipated financial results from our acquisitions strategy;
assets allocated to the MONY Closed Block benefit only the holders of certain policies; adverse performance of Closed Block assets or adverse experience of Closed Block liabilities may negatively affect us;
we are dependent on the performance of others;
our risk management policies, practices, and procedures could leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks, which could negatively affect our business or result in losses;
our strategies for mitigating risks arising from our day-to-day operations may prove ineffective resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition;
events that damage our reputation could adversely impact our business, results of operations, or financial condition;
Financial Environment
interest rate fluctuations or sustained periods of high or low interest rates could negatively affect our interest earnings and spread income, or otherwise impact our business;
our investments are subject to market and credit risks, which could be heightened during periods of extreme volatility or disruption in financial and credit markets;
equity market volatility could negatively impact our business;
our use of derivative financial instruments within our risk management strategy may not be effective or sufficient;
credit market volatility or disruption could adversely impact our financial condition or results from operations;
our ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital;
we could be adversely affected by a ratings downgrade or other negative action by a ratingsrating organization;

we could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals;
disruption of the capital and credit markets could negatively affect our ability to meet our liquidity and financing needs;
difficult general economic conditions could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations;
we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and capital position;
we could be adversely affected by an inability to access our credit facility;
we could be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending;
our securities lending program may subject us to liquidity and other risks;
our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted if our assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of our investments differ from actual experience;
adverse actions of certain funds or their advisers could have a detrimental impact on our ability to sell our variable life and annuity products, or maintain current levels of assets in those products;
the amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that we have and the amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that we must hold to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of our control;
we operate as a holding company and depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us to meet our obligations;
Industry and Regulation
we arethe business of our company is highly regulated and areis subject to routine audits, examinations and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies, and self-regulatory organizations;
we may be subject to regulations of, or regulations influenced by, international regulatory authorities or initiatives;
we are subject to the laws, rules, and regulations of state, federal, and foreign regulators that could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations;
NAIC actions, pronouncements and initiatives may affect our product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations;
our use of captive reinsurance companies to finance statutory reserves related to our term and universal life products and to reduce volatility affecting our variable annuity products, may be limited or adversely affected by regulatory action, pronouncements and interpretations;
laws, regulations and initiatives related to unreported deaths and unclaimed property and death benefits may result in operational burdens, fines, unexpected payments or escheatments;
we are subject to insurance guaranty fund laws, rules and regulations which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations;
we are subject to insurable interest laws, rules and regulations which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations;
the Healthcare Act and related regulations could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
laws, rules and regulations promulgated in connection with the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
new and amended regulations issued byregarding the Departmentstandard of Labor on April 6, 2016, expanding the definitioncare or standard of "investment advice fiduciary" under ERISAconduct applicable to investment professionals, insurance agencies, and creating and revising several prohibited transactions exemptions for investment activities in light offinancial institutions that expanded definition,recommend or sell annuities may have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products, to retain in-force business and on our financial condition or results of operations;
we may be subject to regulation, investigations, enforcement actions, fines and penalties imposed by the SEC, FINRA and other federal and international regulators in connection with our business operations;

changes to tax law, such as the effect of the Tax Reform Act enacted on December 22, 2017, or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect our ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products;
financial services companies are frequently the targets of legal proceedings, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments;
the financial services and insurance industries are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny;
new accounting rules, changes to existing accounting rules, or the grant of permitted accounting practices to competitors could negatively impact us;
if our business does not perform well, we may be required to recognize an impairment of our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
use of reinsurance introduces variability in our statements of income;
our reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates, terminate agreements, or be subject to adverse developments that could affect us;
our policy claims fluctuate from period to period resulting in earnings volatility;
we operate in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit our ability to gain or maintain our position in the industry and negatively affect profitability;
our ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business; and
we may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims.
For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please see Part II, Item 1A of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our accounting policies require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates, as well as expectations

around the valuations of securities. Because of the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the consolidated condensed financial statements. For a complete listing of our critical accounting policies, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using "pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" and "after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)"." Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is our measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting "income (loss) before income tax," by excluding the following items:

realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives,
changes in the GLWBguaranteed living withdrawal benefits ("GLWB") embedded derivatives exclusive of the portion attributable to the economic cost of the GLWB,
actual GLWB incurred claims, and
the amortization of DAC, VOBA,deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), value of business acquired ("VOBA"), and certain policy liabilities that is impacted by the exclusion of these items.

After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017 a rate of thirty five percent.35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% will be used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in the Company'sour effective income tax rate.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not a substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our belief is that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management's and the Board of Directors' understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.
During the year, we modified our labeling of our non-GAAP measures presented herein as "Adjusted operating income (loss)" or "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)". In previous filings, we referred to "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "Pre-tax operating income", "Operating income before tax", or "Segment operating income". In addition, we previously referred to "After-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "After-tax operating income" or "Operating earnings". The definition of these labels remains unchanged, but we have modified the labels to provide further clarity that these measures are non-GAAP measures.
We periodically review and update as appropriate our key assumptions used to measure certain balances related to insurance products, including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, benefit utilization, investment yields, interest

rates, and separate account fund returns. Changes to these assumptions result in adjustments which increase or decrease DAC and VOBA amortization and/or benefits and expenses. The periodic review and updating of assumptions is referred to as “unlocking.” When referring to unlocking the reference is to changes in all balance sheet components associated with these assumption changes.

The following table presents a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) 
   
  
Life Marketing$18,945
 $13,701
$(17,849) $18,945
Acquisitions53,667
 68,653
55,520
 53,667
Annuities53,007
 53,629
40,531
 53,007
Stable Value Products23,899
 14,448
29,080
 23,899
Asset Protection5,599
 5,300
6,218
 5,599
Corporate and Other(19,728) (13,721)(20,679) (19,728)
Pre-tax adjusted operating income135,389
 142,010
92,821
 135,389
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(23,040) 29,832
(1,023) (23,040)
Income before income tax112,349
 171,842
91,798
 112,349
Income tax expense(36,935) (56,494)(17,686) (36,935)
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414
      
Pre-tax adjusted operating income$135,389
 $142,010
$92,821
 $135,389
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit(44,999) (46,053)(18,044) (44,999)
After-tax adjusted operating income90,390
 95,957
74,777
 90,390
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(23,040) 29,832
(1,023) (23,040)
Income tax benefit (expense) on adjustments8,064
 (10,441)358
 8,064
Net income$75,414
 $115,348
$74,112
 $75,414
      
Realized investment (losses) gains:      
Derivative financial instruments$(69,878) $(73,499)$78,059
 $(69,878)
All other investments22,841
 81,728
(87,599) 22,841
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(7,831) (2,617)(3,645) (7,831)
Less: related amortization(1)
(10,744) (4,050)9,156
 (10,744)
Less: VA GLWB economic cost(21,084) (20,170)(21,318) (21,084)
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives$(23,040) $29,832
$(1,023) $(23,040)
      
(1) Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).
 
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 included a $6.6$42.6 million, or 4.7%31.4%, decrease in pre-tax adjusted operating income. The decrease consisted of a $15.0$36.8 million decrease in the AcquisitionsLife Marketing segment, a $0.6$12.5 million decrease in the Annuities segment, and a $1.0 million decrease of $6.0 million in the Corporate and& Other segment. These decreases were partially offset by a $5.2$1.9 million increase in the Life MarketingAcquisitions segment, a $9.5$5.2 million increase in the Stable Value Products segment, and a $0.3an increase of $0.6 million increase in the Asset Protection segment.
We experienced netNet realized losses before amortizationon investments and VA GLWB economic cost of $54.9derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.0 million.
Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $17.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $36.8 million from the three months ended March 31, 2017. The $54.9 million of losses included $69.9 million of losses on derivativesdecrease was primarily due to an increase in claims and lower traditional life net premiums, offset by $15.0an increase in universal life net policy fees. Life claims were approximately $33.4 million gains on other investments. These losses were offset by $31.8 million of VA GLWB economic cost and associated amortization resulting in a total loss of $23.0 million associated with realized investment and derivative gain (losses) activity.
The $23.0 million impact of losses realizedhigher for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were primarily $20.3 million of net losses on derivatives and investments associated with variable and fixed indexed annuity contracts, $7.8 million of other-than-temporary impairment credit-related losses, and net losses of $5.2 million related2018 when compared to other investment and derivative activity. Partially offsetting these losses were gains of $9.5 million related to investment securities sale activity.the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Life MarketingAcquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $18.9$55.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, representing2018, an increase of $5.2$1.9 million fromas compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was2017, primarily due to higher premiumsa decrease in overall benefit expense and policy fees and investment income, partially offset by higher reserves duefavorable adjustments to in-force reserve growth.reinsurance premiums.
AcquisitionsAnnuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $53.7$40.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $53.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease of $15.0 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to higher mortality and the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.
Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $53.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $53.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.6$12.5 million, or 1.2%23.5%. This variance was primarily the result of unfavorable unlocking, an unfavorable change in single premium immediate annuities (“SPIA”("SPIA") mortality, and higher non-deferred expenses, partially offset by increased interest spreads and growth in VA fee income.spreads. Segment results were positivelynegatively impacted by $5.2 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $1.6 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $0.4 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Stable Value Products segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $23.9$29.1 million and increased $9.5$5.2 million, or 65.4%21.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increase in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from a 68.9% increase inhigher average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.values. Participating mortgage income for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, was $6.8$6.9 million as compared to $5.3$6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, increaseddecreased by 17four basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2017, over2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in investment yields.credited interest.
Asset Protection segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $5.6$6.2 million, representing an increase of $0.3$0.6 million, or 5.6%11.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $2.6$1.2 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty Corporation ("US Warranty") in the fourth quarter of 2016.higher investment income. Credit insurance earnings increased $0.1decreased $0.5 million primarily due to lower losses.volume. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $2.4 million primarily resulting from higher losses, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.
$0.1 million.
The Corporate and Other segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $20.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $19.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to an adjusted2017. The higher operating loss of $13.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to otheran increase in corporate overhead expenses, partly offset by an increase in investment income as a result of a $5.5 million change in the gains recognized on extinguishment of debt.due to higher invested asset balances and improved yields.

Life Marketing
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Gross premiums and policy fees$453,135
 $440,749
$487,950
 $453,135
Reinsurance ceded(190,335) (183,724)(220,022) (190,335)
Net premiums and policy fees262,800
 257,025
267,928
 262,800
Net investment income137,543
 128,254
135,356
 137,543
Other income26,378
 28,347
31,909
 26,378
Total operating revenues426,721
 413,626
435,193
 426,721
Realized gains (losses) - investments(5,330) (3,560)(9,047) (5,330)
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives1
 (984)8,770
 1
Total revenues421,392

409,082
434,916

421,392
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES      
Benefits and settlement expenses332,058
 320,843
361,151
 332,058
Amortization of DAC/VOBA30,415
 32,716
31,654
 30,415
Other operating expenses45,303
 46,366
60,237
 45,303
Operating benefits and settlement expenses407,776
 399,925
453,042
 407,776
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(3,165) (5,171)3,418
 (3,165)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments344
 (254)(94) 344
Total benefits and expenses404,955
 394,500
456,366
 404,955
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX16,437
 14,582
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX(21,450) 16,437
Less: realized gains (losses)(5,329) (4,544)(277) (5,329)
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses3,165
 5,171
(3,418) 3,165
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA(344) 254
94
 (344)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$18,945
 $13,701
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)$(17,849) $18,945

The following table summarizes key data for the Life Marketing segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales By Product(1)
 
   
  
Traditional life$182
 $403
$12,592
 $182
Universal life43,189
 39,507
29,759
 43,189
BOLI
 
$43,371
 $39,910
$42,351
 $43,371
Sales By Distribution Channel      
Traditional brokerage$37,368
 $34,201
$35,951
 $37,368
Institutional3,819
 4,131
4,169
 3,819
Direct2,184
 1,578
2,231
 2,184
$43,371
 $39,910
$42,351
 $43,371
Average Life Insurance In-force(2)
      
Traditional$352,440,121
 $371,543,314
$345,308,377
 $352,440,121
Universal life237,765,536
 195,392,995
272,872,804
 237,765,536
$590,205,657
 $566,936,309
$618,181,181
 $590,205,657
Average Account Values      
Universal life$7,546,119
 $7,387,034
$7,716,915
 $7,546,119
Variable universal life680,920
 589,040
767,121
 680,920
$8,227,039
 $7,976,074
$8,484,036
 $8,227,039
      
(1) Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums. Universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or "target" premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. "Target" premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid.(2) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.

Operating expenses detail
Other operating expenses for the segment were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Insurance companies: 
   
  
First year commissions$50,543
 $48,133
$48,352
 $50,543
Renewal commissions9,841
 8,742
9,829
 9,841
First year ceding allowances(701) (849)(132) (701)
Renewal ceding allowances(42,423) (38,209)(34,775) (42,423)
General & administrative55,483
 52,408
55,865
 55,483
Taxes, licenses, and fees8,465
 7,431
10,546
 8,465
Other operating expenses incurred81,208
 77,656
89,685
 81,208
Less: commissions, allowances & expenses capitalized(63,982) (58,716)(63,163) (63,982)
Other insurance company operating expenses17,226
 18,940
26,522
 17,226
Marketing companies: 
  
Distribution companies: 
  
Commissions19,998
 19,975
23,353
 19,998
Other operating expenses8,079
 7,451
10,362
 8,079
Other marketing company operating expenses28,077
 27,426
Other distribution company operating expenses33,715
 28,077
Other operating expenses$45,303
 $46,366
$60,237
 $45,303
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Pre-tax adjusted operating income2017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $18.9$17.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, representing an increasea decrease of $5.2$36.8 million from the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to higheran increase in claims and lower traditional life net premiums, and policy fees and investment income, partially offset by an increase in universal life net policy fees. Life claims were approximately $33.4 million higher reserves duefor the three months ended March 31, 2018 when compared to in-force reserve growth.the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, increased $13.1$8.5 million, or 3.2%2.0%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. This increase was driven by higher investment income due to increases in net in-force reservespolicy fees and yields.distribution company revenue.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $5.8$5.1 million, or 2.2%2.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, due to an increase in policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life business. This increase is offset byOffsetting this was a decrease in traditional life premiums.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $9.3decreased $2.2 million, or 7.2%1.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. Of the increase in net2017, due to lower traditional life and distribution company investment income $6.8of $1.9 million was the result of an increase inand $1.0 million, respectively, offset by higher universal life due to higher yields and universal life reserves. Traditional life investment income increased $0.9 million primarily due to lower excess reserve funding costs.of $0.7 million.
Other income
Other income decreased $2.0increased $5.5 million or 6.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily2017 due to lowerhigher revenue in the segment’ssegment's non-insurance operations.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $11.2$29.1 million, or 3.5%8.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, due primarily to an increase in reserves from growth in retained universal life insurance in-force,claims, partly offset by a decrease in traditional life reserves. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $0.6$3.8 million, as compared to a decrease of $1.1$0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.


Amortization of DAC/VOBA

DAC/VOBA amortization decreased $2.3increased $1.2 million, or 7.0%4.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, due to higher VOBA amortization in the universal life block, offset by lower VOBA amortization in the traditional blocks resulting from lower lapses.blocks. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, universal life unlocking decreasedincreased amortization $0.9$4.2 million, as compared to an increase of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses decreased $1.1increased $14.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. This decrease isincrease was driven by lower new business acquisition costs after capitalization and higher reinsurance allowances, offset by higher commissions and an increase in general and administrative expenses, commissions, and taxes, licenses and fees.fees, along with a decrease in ceding allowances.
Sales
Sales for the segment increased $3.5decreased $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. Universal life sales increased $3.7 million2017, primarily due to an expansionlower sales in distribution partners and focused efforts with existing partners.the universal life block, mostly offset by higher traditional life sales. The change between products was due to a shift in sales focus from a product within the universal life block to a new term life product.
Reinsurance
Currently, the Life Marketing segment reinsures significant amounts of its life insurance in-force. Pursuant to the underlying reinsurance contracts, reinsurers pay allowances to the segment as a percentage of both first year and renewal premiums. Reinsurance allowances represent the amount the reinsurer is willing to pay for reimbursement of acquisition costs incurred by the direct writer of the business. A portion of reinsurance allowances received is deferred as part of DAC and a portion is recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. As the non-deferred portion of allowances reduces operating expenses in the period received, these amounts represent a net increase to adjusted operating income during that period.
Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC or the period over which such DAC is amortized. However, they do affect the amounts recognized as DAC amortization. DAC on universal life-type, limited-payment long duration, and investment contracts business is amortized based on the estimated gross profits of the policies in-force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore, impact DAC amortization on these lines of business. Deferred reinsurance allowances on level term business are recorded as ceded DAC, which is amortized over estimated ceded premiums of the policies in-force. Thus, deferred reinsurance allowances may impact DAC amortization. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Life Marketing segment line items as shown in the following table:
Life Marketing Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Reinsurance ceded$(190,335) $(183,724)$(220,022) $(190,335)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(165,493) (203,365)(233,138) (165,493)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA(1,416) (1,645)(1,323) (1,416)
Other operating expenses(1)
(41,338) (36,686)(33,476) (41,338)
Total benefits and expenses(208,247) (241,696)(267,937) (208,247)
      
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE$17,912
 $57,972
$47,915
 $17,912
      
Allowances received$(43,124) $(39,058)$(34,908) $(43,124)
Less: Amount deferred1,786
 2,372
1,432
 1,786
Allowances recognized (ceded other operating expenses)(1)
$(41,338) $(36,686)$(33,476) $(41,338)
(1) Other operating expenses ceded per the income statement are equal to reinsurance allowances recognized after capitalization.
The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. By ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed, which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on the business that we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified. The impact of including foregone investment income would be to substantially reduce the favorable net impact of reinsurance reflected above. We estimate that the impact of foregone investment income would be to reduce the net impact of reinsurance presented in the table above by 120%305% to 380%390%. The Life Marketing segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.
As shown above, reinsurance had a favorable impact on the Life Marketing segment’s operating income for the periods presented above. The impact of reinsurance is largely due to our quota share coinsurance program in place prior to mid-2005. Under that program, generally 90% of the segment’s traditional new business was ceded to reinsurers. Since mid-2005, a much smaller percentage of overall term business has been ceded due to a change in reinsurance strategy on traditional business. In addition, since 2012, a much smaller percentage of the segment’s new universal life business has been ceded. As a result of that change, the relative impact of reinsurance on the Life Marketing segment’s overall results is expected to decrease over time. While the significance of reinsurance is expected to decline over time, the overall impact of reinsurance for a given period may fluctuate due to variations in mortality theand unlocking of balances, and the impact of term policies in the post-level period.balances.
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
The higher ceded premium and policy fees for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, was caused primarily by higher ceded traditional life premiums of $22.7 million and higher universal life policy fees of $10.6 million, slightly offset by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $3.1$6.4 million.
Ceded traditional life premiumsbenefits and settlement expenses were higher for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreased from the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to post level activity.
Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were lower for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, due to lower universal lifehigher ceded claims and due to net decreases in ceded reserves.claims. Traditional ceded benefits decreased $13.3and settlement expenses increased $58.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to lowerhigher ceded death benefits.reserves and claims. Universal life ceded benefits decreased $23.1increased $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to a decrease inhigher ceded claims, partially offset by an increase inlower ceded reserves. Ceded universal life claims were $24.9$32.8 million lowerhigher and ceded traditional life claims were $39.1 million higher for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Ceded amortization of DAC and VOBA decreased slightly for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Ceded other operating expenses reflect the impact of reinsurance allowances net of amounts deferred.

Acquisitions
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Gross premiums and policy fees$281,450
 $300,508
$276,789
 $281,450
Reinsurance ceded(80,250) (86,422)(77,652) (80,250)
Net premiums and policy fees201,200
 214,086
199,137
 201,200
Net investment income190,969
 187,655
183,597
 190,969
Other income2,788
 2,731
3,589
 2,788
Total operating revenues394,957
 404,472
386,323
 394,957
Realized gains (losses) - investments22,905
 78,125
(90,611) 22,905
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives(16,495) (57,790)83,382
 (16,495)
Total revenues401,367
 424,807
379,094
 401,367
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses316,368
 307,534
306,094
 316,368
Amortization of VOBA(3,085) (1,093)(1,174) (3,085)
Other operating expenses28,007
 29,378
25,883
 28,007
Operating benefits and expenses341,290
 335,819
330,803
 341,290
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses2,448
 2,731
1,164
 2,448
Amortization of VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments13
 2
(457) 13
Total benefits and expenses343,751
 338,552
331,510
 343,751
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX57,616
 86,255
47,584
 57,616
Less: realized gains (losses)6,410
 20,335
(7,229) 6,410
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(2,448) (2,731)(1,164) (2,448)
Less: related amortization of VOBA(13) (2)457
 (13)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$53,667
 $68,653
$55,520
 $53,667

The following table summarizes key data for the Acquisitions segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)
 
   
  
Traditional$233,273,368
 $208,412,727
$218,130,008
 $233,273,368
Universal life28,243,487
 30,336,289
26,216,455
 28,243,487
$261,516,855
 $238,749,016
$244,346,463
 $261,516,855
Average Account Values 
  
 
  
Universal life$4,211,856
 $4,313,082
$4,160,089
 $4,211,856
Fixed annuity(2)
3,523,668
 3,582,906
3,545,506
 3,523,668
Variable annuity1,167,104
 1,207,913
1,205,383
 1,167,104
$8,902,628
 $9,103,901
$8,910,978
 $8,902,628
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities 
  
 
  
Net investment income yield3.99% 3.99%4.14% 3.99%
Interest credited to policyholders3.31% 3.33%3.24% 3.31%
Interest spread(3)
0.68% 0.66%0.90% 0.68%
      
(1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.(2) Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products and is net of coinsurance ceded.(3) Earned rates exclude portfolios supporting modified coinsurance and crediting rates exclude 100% cessions.
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $53.7$55.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease2018, an increase of $15.0$1.9 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to higher mortalitya decrease in overall benefit expense and the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.favorable adjustments to reinsurance premiums.
Operating revenues
Net premiums and policy fees decreased $12.9$2.1 million, or 6.0%1.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Net investment income increased $3.3decreased $7.4 million or 1.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily2017 due to higher yields partly offset by expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.

Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $5.2decreased $12.2 million, or 1.5%3.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to higher mortalitythe expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business, partly offset by favorable VOBA amortization.unfavorable mortality experience and higher amortization of VOBA.
Reinsurance
The Acquisitions segment currently reinsures portions of both its life and annuity in-force. The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Acquisitions segment line items as shown in the following table:
Acquisitions Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Reinsurance ceded$(80,250) $(86,422)$(77,652) $(80,250)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(68,210) (64,524)(83,031) (68,210)
Amortization of value of business acquired(117) (118)(201) (117)
Other operating expenses(9,122) (11,087)(8,814) (9,122)
Total benefits and expenses(77,449) (75,729)(92,046) (77,449)
      
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
$(2,801) $(10,693)$14,394
 $(2,801)
      
(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially reduce the favorable impact of reinsurance.
The segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company. For business ceded under modified coinsurance arrangements, the amount of investment income attributable to the assuming company is included as part of the overall change in policy reserves and, as such, is reflected in benefit and settlement expenses. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not fully reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
The net impact of reinsurance iswas more favorable by $7.9$17.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to lowerhigher ceded revenues. Inclaims. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, ceded revenues decreased by $6.2$2.6 million, while ceded benefits and expenses increased by $1.7$14.6 million primarily due to higher claims.

Annuities
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Gross premiums and policy fees$37,883
 $35,555
$38,644
 $37,883
Reinsurance ceded
 

 
Net premiums and policy fees37,883
 35,555
38,644
 37,883
Net investment income78,988
 79,281
82,009
 78,988
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives(21,084) (20,170)(21,318) (21,084)
Other income43,514
 38,253
43,430
 43,514
Total operating revenues139,301
 132,919
142,765
 139,301
Realized gains (losses) - investments275
 (560)(41) 275
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost(30,934) 6,055
7,989
 (30,934)
Total revenues108,642
 138,414
150,713
 108,642
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses50,711
 50,950
57,370
 50,711
Amortization of DAC and VOBA(559) (5,086)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA6,367
 (559)
Other operating expenses36,142
 33,426
38,497
 36,142
Operating benefits and expenses86,294
 79,290
102,234
 86,294
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses1,316
 (258)(77) 1,316
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments(11,700) (1,100)5,202
 (11,700)
Total benefits and expenses75,910
 77,932
107,359
 75,910
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX32,732
 60,482
43,354
 32,732
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments275
 (560)(41) 275
Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost(30,934) 6,055
7,989
 (30,934)
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(1,316) 258
77
 (1,316)
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA11,700
 1,100
(5,202) 11,700
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$53,007
 $53,629
$40,531
 $53,007

The following tables summarize key data for the Annuities segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
   
  
Fixed annuity$196,617
 $209,305
$418,642
 $196,617
Variable annuity113,561
 173,514
88,886
 113,561
$310,178
 $382,819
$507,528
 $310,178
Average Account Values 
  
 
 .
Fixed annuity(2)
$8,159,205
 $8,233,706
$8,580,851
 $8,159,205
Variable annuity12,855,580
 11,965,807
13,153,489
 12,855,580
$21,014,785
 $20,199,513
$21,734,340
 $21,014,785
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities(3)
 
  
 
  
Net investment income yield3.65% 3.67%3.65% 3.65%
Interest credited to policyholders2.53
 2.71
2.51
 2.53
Interest spread1.12% 0.96%1.14% 1.12%
      
(1) Sales are measured based on the amount of purchase payments received less surrenders occurring within twelve months of the purchase payments.(2) Includes general account balances held within VA products.(3) Interest spread on average general account values.
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
   
  
Interest rate futures - VA$3,448
 $37,801
$(16,892) $3,448
Equity futures - VA(30,817) (3,228)(6,428) (30,817)
Currency futures - VA(6,256) (6,158)(7,583) (6,256)
Equity options - VA(40,185) 16,304
12,016
 (40,185)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(1,469) (2,234)(14) (1,469)
Interest rate swaps - VA(8,957) 125,593
(63,710) (8,957)
Total return swaps - VA6,490
 
Embedded derivative - GLWB(1)
33,632
 (175,851)56,292
 33,632
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(50,604) (7,773)(19,829) (50,604)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
 
  
Embedded derivative - FIA(12,411) (2,162)11,330
 (12,411)
Equity futures - FIA297
 1,382
(161) 297
Volatility futures - FIA
 
Equity options - FIA10,700
 (5,562)(4,669) 10,700
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(1,414) (6,342)6,500
 (1,414)
VA GLWB economic cost(2)
21,084
 20,170
21,318
 21,084
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost$(30,934) $6,055
$7,989
 $(30,934)
      
(1) Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $(14.5) million and $34.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
(1) Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $19.5 million and $(14.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.(1) Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $19.5 million and $(14.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
(2) Economic cost is the long-term expected average cost of providing the product benefit over the life of the policy based on product pricing assumptions. These include assumptions about the economic/market environment, and elective and non-elective policy owner behavior (e.g. lapses, withdrawal timing, mortality, etc.).

As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
GMDB - Net amount at risk(1)
$93,732
 $123,091
$93,678
 $72,825
GMDB Reserves31,119
 31,695
31,334
 30,944
GLWB and GMAB Reserves81,738
 115,370
55,468
 111,760
Account value subject to GLWB rider9,617,991
 9,486,773
9,368,564
 9,718,263
GLWB Benefit Base10,571,749
 10,559,907
10,489,544
 10,560,893
GMAB Benefit Base3,465
 3,770
3,029
 3,298
S&P 500® Index2,363
 2,239
2,641
 2,674
      
(1) Guaranteed benefits in excess of contract holder account balance.
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $40.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $53.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $53.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.6$12.5 million, or 1.2%23.5%. This variance was primarily the result of unfavorable unlocking, an unfavorable change in SPIA mortality, and higher non-deferred expenses, partially offset by increased interest spreads and growth in VA fee income.spreads. Segment results were positivelynegatively impacted by $5.2 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $1.6 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $0.4 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Operating revenues
Segment operating revenues increased $6.4$3.5 million, or 4.8%2.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to higher policy fees and otherinvestment income. The higher investment income from the VA line of business. Those increases were partially offset by higher GLWB economic costrelated to growth in the VA line of business.account value. Average fixed account balances decreased 0.9%increased 5.2% and average variable account balances increased 7.4%2.3% for the three months ended March 31, 20172018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $0.2increased $6.7 million, or 0.5%13.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. This decreaseincrease was primarily the result of lower credited interest, lower guaranteed death benefits, and a favorable change in guaranteed death benefit reserves. Partially offsetting these favorable changes was an unfavorable change in SPIA mortality, results of $5.1 million.higher credited interest, and an unfavorable change in guaranteed benefit reserves. Included in benefits and settlement expenses was $0.1 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $0.1 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $0.5 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization unfavorably changed by $4.5$6.9 million or 89.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The unfavorable changes in normal DAC and VOBA amortization werechange was primarily due to higher fee income in the VA line of business partially offset by a favorable change inunfavorable unlocking. DAC and VOBA unlocking for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, was $5.1 million unfavorable as compared to $1.4 million favorable as compared to $0.1 million unfavorable for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $2.7$2.4 million, or 8.1%6.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase is due to higher2017. Increases in non-deferred acquisition expense and commission expenses were partially offset by lower non-deferred maintenance and overhead expense, and commission expense.
Sales
Total sales decreased $72.6increased $197.4 million, or 19.0%63.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. Sales of variable annuities decreased $60.0$24.7 million, or 34.6%21.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to disruptions in the broader market driven by regulatory rule changes and the proposed DOL rule changes.relative competitiveness of our product within the market. Sales of fixed annuities decreasedincreased by $12.7$222.0 million, or 6.1%112.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017, primarily due to an increase in single premium deferred annuities (“SPDA”) sales.

Stable Value Products
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
     
Net investment income$39,346
 $23,067
$53,893
 $39,346
Other income178
 
Total operating revenues39,346
 23,067
54,071
 39,346
Realized gains (losses)1,497
 6,835
(203) 1,497
Total revenues40,843
 29,902
53,868
 40,843
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses14,448
 7,968
23,643
 14,448
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs456
 112
730
 456
Other operating expenses543
 539
618
 543
Total benefits and expenses15,447
 8,619
24,991
 15,447
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX25,396
 21,283
28,877
 25,396
Less: realized gains (losses)1,497
 6,835
(203) 1,497
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$23,899
 $14,448
$29,080
 $23,899
The following table summarizes key data for the Stable Value Products segment: 
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
   
  
GIC$55,000
 $50,000
$10,000
 $55,000
GFA - Direct Institutional200,000
 
GFA
 200,000
$255,000
 $50,000
$10,000
 $255,000
      
Average Account Values$3,590,453
 $2,125,906
$4,710,531
 $3,590,453
Ending Account Values$3,614,225
 $2,098,870
$4,699,614
 $3,614,225
      
Operating Spread 
  
 
  
Net investment income yield4.39% 4.37%4.58 % 4.39 %
Other income yield0.02
 
Interest credited1.61
 1.51
(2.01) (1.61)
Operating expenses0.11
 0.12
(0.12) (0.11)
Operating spread2.67% 2.74%2.47 % 2.67 %
     

Adjusted operating spread(2)
1.91% 1.74%1.87 % 1.91 %
      
(1) Sales are measured at the time the purchase payments are received.(2) Excludes participating mortgage loan income.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $23.9$29.1 million and increased $9.5$5.2 million, or 65.4%21.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increase in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from a 68.9% increase inhigher average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.values. Participating mortgage income for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, was $6.8$6.9 million as compared to $5.3$6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, increaseddecreased by 17four basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2017, over2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in investment yields.credited interest.



Asset Protection
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Gross premiums and policy fees$84,691
 $72,309
$82,600
 $84,691
Reinsurance ceded(45,432) (40,122)(47,744) (45,432)
Net premiums and policy fees39,259
 32,187
34,856
 39,259
Net investment income6,326
 5,236
6,969
 6,326
Other income34,498
 26,825
34,550
 34,498
Total operating revenues80,083
 64,248
76,375
 80,083
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses31,804
 25,924
29,109
 31,804
Amortization of DAC and VOBA4,635
 5,448
Amortization of DAC/VOBA15,753
 4,635
Other operating expenses38,045
 27,576
25,295
 38,045
Total benefits and expenses74,484
 58,948
70,157
 74,484
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX5,599
 5,300
6,218
 5,599
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$5,599
 $5,300
$6,218
 $5,599
The following table summarizes key data for the Asset Protection segment: 
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
   
  
Credit insurance$4,074
 $5,577
$3,166
 $4,074
Service contracts108,248
 85,159
96,503
 97,834
GAP31,347
 25,561
15,596
 31,347
$143,669
 $116,297
$115,265
 $133,255
Loss Ratios(2)
 
  
 
  
Credit insurance26.2% 32.4%29.8% 26.2%
Service contracts62.1
 75.3
54.4
 62.1
GAP120.7
 105.9
139.2
 120.7
      
(1) Sales are based on the amount of single premiums and fees received(2) Incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $5.6$6.2 million, representing an increase of $0.3$0.6 million, or 5.6%11.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $2.6$1.2 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty in the fourth quarter of 2016.higher investment income. Credit insurance earnings increased $0.1decreased $0.5 million primarily due to lower losses.volume. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $2.4 million primarily resulting from higher losses, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.$0.1 million.

Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased $7.1decreased $4.4 million, or 22.0%11.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. GAP2017. Service contract premiums increased $4.3decreased $1.3 million primarily due to higher volume from existing distribution channels and the addition of US Warranty business. Service contract premiums increased $3.1 million primarily due to the addition of US Warranty business, somewhat offset by higher ceded premiums in existing distribution channels. CreditGAP premiums decreased $2.0 million and credit insurance premiums decreased $0.3$1.1 million as a result of lower sales.
Other income
Other income increased $7.7$0.1 million, or 28.6%0.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to the addition of US Warranty business in the service contract and GAP lines.2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $5.9decreased $2.7 million, or 22.7%8.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. GAP claims increased $6.7 million due to higher loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty.2017. Service contract claims decreased $0.5$2.5 million due to lower loss ratios, somewhat offset by the addition of claims from the US Warranty line.ratios. Credit insurance claims decreased $0.3$0.2 million due primarily to lower loss ratios and lower volume. GAP claims were consistent as compared to the prior year.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA and Other operating expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA was $0.8increased $11.1 million or 14.9%, lowerand other operating expenses decreased $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily2017. The changes were due to the impact of an accounting change implemented in conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Sales
Total segment sales decreased amortization of in-force VOBA in the GAP product line and lower volume in the credit product line. Other operating expenses were $10.5$18.0 million, or 38.0%13.5%, higher for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily2017. GAP sales decreased $15.8 million due to discontinuing the acquisition of US Warranty.
Sales
Total segment sales increased $27.4 million, or 23.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.relationship with a significant distribution partner. Service contract sales increased $23.1decreased $1.3 million due to the additionallower volume provided by US Warranty. GAP sales increased $5.8 million due to additional sales in existing distribution channels and US Warranty.resulting from previous price increases. Credit insurance sales decreased $1.5$0.9 million due to decreasing demand for the product.
Reinsurance
The majority of the Asset Protection segment’s reinsurance activity relates to the cession of single premium credit life and credit accident and health insurance, vehicle service contracts, and guaranteed asset protection insurance to producer affiliated reinsurance companies (“PARCs”). These arrangements are coinsurance contracts ceding the business on a first dollar quota share basis at 100% to limit our exposure and allow the PARCs to share in the underwriting income of the product. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us from our obligations to our policyholders. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
Impact of Reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Asset Protection segment line items as shown in the following table:
Asset Protection Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Reinsurance ceded$(45,432) $(40,122)$(47,744) $(45,432)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(18,369) (19,230)(19,990) (18,369)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA(676) (385)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA(1,032) (676)
Other operating expenses(1,209) (1,087)(799) (1,209)
Total benefits and expenses(20,254) (20,702)(21,821) (20,254)
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
$(25,178) $(19,420)$(25,923) $(25,178)
      
(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially change the impact of reinsurance.

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Reinsurance premiums ceded increased $5.3$2.3 million, or 13.2%5.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ceded service contract and GAP premiums.premiums.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded decreased $0.9increased $1.6 million, or 4.5%8.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to lowerhigher ceded losses in the service contract product line mostly offset by an increase in ceded losses in theand GAP product line.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $0.3$0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, as the result of changes in ceded activity in allthe service contract and credit product lines. Other operating expenses ceded increased $0.1decreased $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to2017, as a result of changes in ceded activity in the service contract line.all product lines.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.



Corporate and Other
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
   
  
Gross premiums and policy fees$3,427
 $3,674
$3,183
 $3,427
Reinsurance ceded(59) (59)(5) (59)
Net premiums and policy fees3,368
 3,615
3,178
 3,368
Net investment income53,241
 51,624
59,039
 53,241
Other income2,064
 7,560
755
 2,064
Total operating revenues58,673
 62,799
62,972
 58,673
Realized gains (losses) - investments(4,337) (1,729)8,658
 (4,337)
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives(1,366) (610)(764) (1,366)
Total revenues52,970
 60,460
70,866
 52,970
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
 
  
Benefits and settlement expenses3,654
 4,024
4,930
 3,654
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 1

 
Other operating expenses74,747
 72,495
78,721
 74,747
Total benefits and expenses78,401
 76,520
83,651
 78,401
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX(25,431) (16,060)(12,785) (25,431)
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments(4,337) (1,729)8,658
 (4,337)
Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives(1,366) (610)(764) (1,366)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)$(19,728) $(13,721)$(20,679) $(19,728)
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $20.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $19.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to an adjusted2017. The higher operating loss of $13.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to otheran increase in corporate overhead expenses, partly offset by an increase in investment income as a result of a $5.5 million change in the gains recognized on extinguishment of debt.due to higher invested asset balances and improved yields.
Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment increased $1.6$5.8 million, or 3.1%10.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to increasesan increase in averageinvested asset balances and investment yields.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $1.9$5.3 million or 2.5%6.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, primarily due to increases in interest expense and corporate overhead expenses.



CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS
As of March 31, 2017,2018, our investment portfolio was approximately $51.3$53.2 billion. The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state insurance laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity and capital needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure. We do not have material exposure to financial guarantee insurance companies with respect to our investment portfolio.
Within our fixed maturity investments, we maintain portfolios classified as “available-for-sale”, “trading”, and “held-to-maturity”. We purchase our available-for-sale investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, we may sell any of our available-for-sale and trading investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, we classified $35.9$37.4 billion, or 86.9%87.6%, of our fixed maturities as “available-for-sale” as of March 31, 2017.2018. These securities are carried at fair value on our consolidated condensed balance sheets. Changes in fair value for our available-for-sale portfolio, net of tax and the related impact on certain insurance assets and liabilities are recorded directly to shareowner’s equity. Declines in fair value that are other-than-temporary are recorded as realized losses in the consolidated condensed statements of income, net of any applicable non-credit component of the loss, which is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss).
Trading securities are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded on the income statement as they occur. Our trading portfolio accounted for $2.6 billion, or 6.4%6.1%, of our fixed maturities and $51.2$70.5 million of short-term investments as of March 31, 2017.2018. Changes in fair value on the Modco trading portfolios, including gains and losses from sales, are passed to third party reinsurers through the contractual terms of the related reinsurance arrangements. Partially offsetting these amounts are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement.
Fixed maturities with respect to which we have both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity”. We classified $2.8$2.7 billion, or 6.7%6.3%, of our fixed maturities as “held-to-maturity” as of March 31, 2017.2018. These securities are carried at amortized cost on our consolidated condensed balance sheets.
Fair values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) we obtain estimates from independent pricing services and 2) we estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. We analyze the independent pricing services valuation methodologies and related inputs, including an assessment of the observability of market inputs. Upon obtaining this information related to fair value, management makes a determination as to the appropriate valuation amount. For more information about the fair values of our investments please refer to Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the financial statements.
The following table presents the reported values of our invested assets:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2017 - $30,457,876; 2016 - $30,523,193)$29,359,412
 57.3% $29,184,566
 57.6%
Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2017 - $12,082,146; 2016 - $11,981,360)11,881,104
 23.2
 11,679,121
 23.0
Preferred stock (amortized cost: 2017 - $98,142; 2016 - $98,348)93,054
 0.3
 89,827
 0.3
Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2018 - $30,779,523; 2017 - $30,880,196)$29,830,326
 56.1% $30,860,541
 56.5%
Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2018 - $12,987,993; 2017 - $12,984,569)12,799,217
 24.1
 12,939,997
 23.7
Preferred stock (amortized cost: 2018 - $97,626 ; 2017 - $97,690)93,833
 0.2
 94,418
 0.1
Fixed maturities41,333,570
 80.8% 40,953,514
 80.9%42,723,376
 80.4% 43,894,956
 80.3%
Equity securities (cost: 2017 - $783,751; 2016 - $768,423)792,231
 1.5
 754,489
 1.5
Equity securities (cost: 2018 - $676,451; 2017 - $740,813)681,520
 1.3
 754,360
 1.4
Mortgage loans6,311,822
 12.3
 6,132,125
 12.1
6,846,633
 12.8
 6,817,723
 12.5
Investment real estate7,149
 
 8,060
 
7,531
 
 8,355
 
Policy loans1,635,511
 3.2
 1,650,240
 3.3
1,594,642
 3.0
 1,615,615
 3.0
Other long-term investments879,418
 1.7
 865,304
 1.7
920,939
 1.7
 915,595
 1.7
Short-term investments299,167
 0.5
 332,431
 0.5
441,781
 0.8
 615,210
 1.1
Total investments$51,258,868
 100.0% $50,696,163
 100.0%$53,216,422
 100.0% $54,621,814
 100.0%
Included in the preceding table are $2.6 billion and $2.6$2.7 billion of fixed maturities and $51.2$70.5 million and $52.6$56.3 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. All of the fixed maturities in the trading portfolio are invested assets that are held pursuant to Modco arrangements under which the economic risks and benefits of the investments are passed to third party reinsurers. Also included above are $2.8$2.7 billion and $2.8$2.7 billion of securities classified as held-to-maturity as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

Fixed Maturity Investments
As of March 31, 2017,2018, our fixed maturity investment holdings were approximately $41.3$42.7 billion. The approximate percentage distribution of our fixed maturity investments by quality rating is as follows: 
 As of As of
Rating March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA $5,395,717
 13.1% $5,241,698
 12.8% $5,848,800
 13.7% $5,740,115
 13.1%
AA 3,534,651
 8.6
 3,500,090
 8.5
 3,476,571
 8.1
 3,577,512
 8.2
A 12,820,894
 31.0
 12,748,585
 31.1
 13,362,349
 31.3
 13,969,721
 31.8
BBB 14,593,186
 35.1
 14,471,125
 35.4
 15,296,986
 35.8
 15,752,970
 35.9
Below investment grade 2,230,985
 5.5
 2,221,839
 5.4
 2,038,844
 4.8
 2,135,734
 4.8
Not rated(1)
 2,758,137
 6.7
 2,770,177
 6.8
 2,699,826
 6.3
 2,718,904
 6.2
 $41,333,570
 100.0% $40,953,514
 100.0% $42,723,376
 100.0% $43,894,956
 100.0%
                
(1) Our "not rated" securities are $2.8 billion or 6.7% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's") and are discussed in Note 4, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(1) Our "not rated" securities are $2.7 billion or 6.3% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's") and are discussed in Note 4, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(1) Our "not rated" securities are $2.7 billion or 6.3% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's") and are discussed in Note 4, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
We use various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations’ (“NRSRO”) ratings when classifying securities by quality ratings. When the various NRSRO ratings are not consistent for a security, we use the second-highest convention in assigning the rating. When there are no such published ratings, we assign a rating based on the statutory accounting rating system if such ratings are available.
The distribution of our fixed maturity investments by type is as follows:
 As of As of
Type March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Corporate securities $29,306,076
 $28,996,154
 $30,205,672
 $31,400,193
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,225,971
 2,153,510
 2,659,917
 2,586,906
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,969,423
 1,961,153
 1,988,139
 2,036,626
Other asset-backed securities 1,363,750
 1,411,617
 1,374,366
 1,387,646
U.S. government-related securities 1,323,770
 1,295,120
 1,365,375
 1,250,486
Other government-related securities 308,570
 302,933
 317,827
 351,207
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 1,984,819
 1,973,022
 2,018,421
 2,068,570
Preferred stock 93,054
 89,828
Redeemable preferred stock 93,833
 94,418
Securities issued by affiliates 2,758,137
 2,770,177
 2,699,826
 2,718,904
Total fixed income portfolio $41,333,570
 $40,953,514
 $42,723,376
 $43,894,956

The industry segment composition of our fixed maturity securities is presented in the following table: 
As of
March 31, 2017
 
% Fair
Value
 As of
December 31, 2016
 
% Fair
Value
As of
March 31, 2018
 
% Fair
Value
 As of
December 31, 2017
 
% Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$3,949,003
 9.6% $3,857,746
 9.4%$4,165,556
 9.9% $4,301,821
 9.8%
Other finance83,222
 0.2
 83,895
 0.2
58,718
 0.1
 60,697
 0.1
Electric utility3,928,224
 9.5
 3,929,300
 9.6
3,807,591
 9.0
 3,977,035
 9.1
Energy3,943,213
 9.5
 3,897,950
 9.5
3,847,300
 9.1
 4,009,926
 9.1
Natural gas594,020
 1.4
 603,149
 1.5
694,907
 1.6
 736,626
 1.7
Insurance3,254,324
 7.9
 3,197,348
 7.8
3,522,587
 8.2
 3,689,572
 8.4
Communications1,633,308
 4.0
 1,654,630
 4.0
1,645,436
 3.9
 1,691,391
 3.9
Basic industrial1,541,790
 3.7
 1,536,879
 3.8
1,552,618
 3.6
 1,629,349
 3.7
Consumer noncyclical3,537,923
 8.6
 3,483,948
 8.5
3,692,177
 8.6
 3,816,011
 8.7
Consumer cyclical1,028,286
 2.5
 1,050,529
 2.6
1,195,713
 2.8
 1,232,991
 2.8
Finance companies143,790
 0.3
 139,050
 0.3
156,666
 0.4
 162,673
 0.4
Capital goods1,831,523
 4.4
 1,779,590
 4.3
1,808,520
 4.2
 1,910,950
 4.4
Transportation1,146,361
 2.8
 1,144,450
 2.8
1,161,945
 2.7
 1,210,272
 2.8
Other industrial199,488
 0.5
 200,605
 0.5
234,963
 0.5
 239,368
 0.5
Brokerage786,859
 1.9
 769,663
 1.9
912,479
 2.1
 921,295
 2.1
Technology1,617,705
 3.9
 1,551,826
 3.8
1,696,725
 4.0
 1,756,746
 4.0
Real estate96,899
 0.2
 122,058
 0.3
81,590
 0.2
 82,125
 0.2
Other utility83,192
 0.2
 83,366
 0.2
64,014
 0.1
 65,763
 0.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,969,423
 4.8
 1,961,153
 4.8
1,988,139
 4.7
 2,036,626
 4.6
Other asset-backed securities1,363,750
 3.3
 1,411,617
 3.4
1,374,366
 3.2
 1,387,646
 3.2
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities1,521,001
 3.7
 1,423,735
 3.5
1,926,327
 4.5
 1,861,883
 4.2
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities704,970
 1.7
 729,775
 1.8
733,590
 1.7
 725,023
 1.7
U.S. government-related securities1,323,770
 3.2
 1,295,120
 3.2
1,365,375
 3.2
 1,250,486
 2.8
Other government-related securities308,570
 0.7
 302,933
 0.7
317,827
 0.7
 351,207
 0.8
State, municipals, and political divisions1,984,819
 4.8
 1,973,022
 4.8
2,018,421
 4.7
 2,068,570
 4.7
Securities issued by affiliates2,758,137
 6.7
 2,770,177
 6.8
2,699,826
 6.3
 2,718,904
 6.2
Total$41,333,570
 100.0% $40,953,514
 100.0%$42,723,376
 100.0% $43,894,956
 100.0%
The total Modco trading portfolio fixed maturities by rating is as follows: 
 As of As of
Rating March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA $384,574
 $341,364
 $350,048
 $355,719
AA 288,454
 301,258
 267,909
 277,984
A 821,396
 849,286
 888,105
 911,490
BBB 889,734
 884,850
 863,977
 890,101
Below investment grade 259,764
 263,102
 217,103
 228,895
Total Modco trading fixed maturities $2,643,922
 $2,639,860
 $2,587,142
 $2,664,189
A portion of our bond portfolio is invested in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). ABS are securities that are backed by a pool of assets. These holdings as of March 31, 2017,2018, were approximately $5.6$6.0 billion. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are constructed from pools of mortgages and may have cash flow volatility as a result of changes in the rate at which prepayments of principal occur with respect to the underlying loans. Excluding limitations on access to lending and other extraordinary economic conditions, prepayments of principal on the underlying loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in market interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates.

The following tables include the percentage of our collateral grouped by rating category and categorizes the estimated fair value by year of security origination for our Prime, Non-Prime, Commercial, and Other asset-backed securities as of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
 As of March 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2018
 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total
 Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
 Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Rating $                                        
AAA $1,859.4
 $1,875.6
 $
 $
 $1,179.5
 $1,197.3
 $711.4
 $714.1
 $3,750.3
 $3,787.0
 $2,352.1
 $2,387.0
 $
 $
 $1,222.7
 $1,256.6
 $584.3
 $585.4
 $4,159.1
 $4,229.0
AA 1.9
 1.9
 
 
 517.1
 532.3
 130.5
 122.4
 649.5
 656.6
 
 
 
 
 517.6
 536.6
 179.8
 173.5
 697.4
 710.1
A 0.8
 0.8
 0.4
 0.4
 265.4
 268.7
 416.4
 417.4
 683.0
 687.3
 6.3
 6.2
 15.2
 15.2
 244.7
 249.9
 498.9
 499.1
 765.1
 770.4
BBB 2.3
 2.3
 1.8
 1.8
 7.3
 7.3
 19.7
 19.6
 31.1
 31.0
 6.2
 6.3
 2.7
 2.7
 3.2
 3.2
 49.6
 49.3
 61.7
 61.5
Below 108.6
 108.7
 250.8
 252.6
 
 
 85.8
 85.2
 445.2
 446.5
 77.5
 77.4
 199.9
 201.0
 
 
 61.7
 61.3
 339.1
 339.7
 $1,973.0
 $1,989.3
 $253.0
 $254.8
 $1,969.3
 $2,005.6
 $1,363.8
 $1,358.7
 $5,559.1
 $5,608.4
 $2,442.1
 $2,476.9
 $217.8
 $218.9
 $1,988.2
 $2,046.3
 $1,374.3
 $1,368.6
 $6,022.4
 $6,110.7
                                        
Rating %                                        
AAA 94.2% 94.3% % % 59.9% 59.7% 52.2% 52.6% 67.5% 67.5% 96.2% 96.3% % % 61.5% 61.4% 42.5% 42.7% 69.1% 69.2%
AA 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 26.3
 26.5
 9.6
 9.0
 11.7
 11.7
 
 
 
 
 26.0
 26.2
 13.1
 12.7
 11.6
 11.6
A 
 
 0.2
 0.2
 13.4
 13.4
 30.5
 30.7
 12.3
 12.3
 0.3
 0.3
 7.0
 6.9
 12.3
 12.2
 36.3
 36.5
 12.7
 12.6
BBB 0.1
 0.1
 0.7
 0.7
 0.4
 0.4
 1.4
 1.4
 0.6
 0.6
 0.3
 0.3
 1.2
 1.2
 0.2
 0.2
 3.6
 3.6
 1.0
 1.0
Below 5.6
 5.5
 99.1
 99.1
 
 
 6.3
 6.3
 7.9
 7.9
 3.2
 3.1
 91.8
 91.9
 
 
 4.5
 4.5
 5.6
 5.6
 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
                                        
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
2013 and prior $971.1
 $975.2
 $253.0
 $254.8
 $1,047.7
 $1,062.9
 $895.3
 $893.0
 $3,167.1
 $3,185.9
2014 200.8
 200.7
 
 
 237.9
 246.6
 110.2
 110.7
 548.9
 558.0
2014 and prior $1,058.0
 $1,070.7
 $217.8
 $218.9
 $1,233.3
 $1,269.0
 $763.7
 $759.6
 $3,272.8
 $3,318.2
2015 454.0
 457.5
 
 
 211.7
 211.9
 66.9
 65.1
 732.6
 734.5
 450.8
 456.3
 
 
 209.8
 211.5
 18.7
 18.2
 679.3
 686.0
2016 218.0
 226.2
 
 
 469.9
 482.1
 266.6
 265.3
 954.5
 973.6
 232.4
 239.2
 
 
 441.4
 459.1
 231.9
 231.9
 905.7
 930.2
2017 129.1
 129.7
 
 
 2.1
 2.1
 24.8
 24.6
 156.0
 156.4
 552.4
 562.2
 
 
 99.6
 102.6
 329.3
 328.2
 981.3
 993.0
2018 148.5
 148.5
 
 
 4.1
 4.1
 30.7
 30.7
 183.3
 183.3
Total $1,973.0
 $1,989.3
 $253.0
 $254.8
 $1,969.3
 $2,005.6
 $1,363.8
 $1,358.7
 $5,559.1
 $5,608.4
 $2,442.1
 $2,476.9
 $217.8
 $218.9
 $1,988.2
 $2,046.3
 $1,374.3
 $1,368.6
 $6,022.4
 $6,110.7
                                        
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities.

 As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017
 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total
 Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
 Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Rating $                                        
AAA $1,767.5
 $1,779.9
 $
 $
 $1,167.9
 $1,186.7
 $727.3
 $732.6
 $3,662.7
 $3,699.2
 $2,264.2
 $2,268.0
 $
 $
 $1,258.2
 $1,271.1
 $591.5
 $590.5
 $4,113.9
 $4,129.6
AA 3.1
 3.1
 
 
 517.0
 532.9
 125.2
 117.8
 645.3
 653.8
 1.4
 1.4
 
 
 522.9
 533.6
 158.5
 150.1
 682.8
 685.1
A 2.8
 2.8
 0.5
 0.5
 266.5
 270.9
 426.4
 428.6
 696.2
 702.8
 1.1
 1.1
 15.9
 15.9
 252.2
 253.9
 512.9
 508.6
 782.1
 779.5
BBB 2.2
 2.2
 1.8
 1.9
 9.8
 9.8
 34.6
 34.7
 48.4
 48.6
 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
 3.3
 3.3
 50.2
 49.6
 56.5
 55.9
Below 118.1
 117.9
 257.5
 260.1
 
 
 98.1
 96.9
 473.7
 474.9
 92.5
 92.1
 208.8
 209.0
 
 
 74.5
 73.7
 375.8
 374.8
 $1,893.7
 $1,905.9
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $1,961.2
 $2,000.3
 $1,411.6
 $1,410.6
 $5,526.3
 $5,579.3
 $2,360.7
 $2,364.1
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $2,036.6
 $2,061.9
 $1,387.6
 $1,372.5
 $6,011.1
 $6,024.9
                                        
Rating %                                        
AAA 93.3% 93.4% % % 59.6% 59.4% 51.5% 51.9% 66.3% 66.3% 95.9% 95.9% % % 61.7% 61.6% 42.6% 43.0% 68.4% 68.5%
AA 0.2
 0.2
 
 
 26.4
 26.6
 8.9
 8.4
 11.7
 11.7
 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 25.7
 25.9
 11.4
 10.9
 11.4
 11.4
A 0.1
 0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 13.5
 13.5
 30.2
 30.4
 12.6
 12.6
 
 
 7.0
 7.0
 12.4
 12.3
 37.0
 37.1
 13.0
 12.9
BBB 0.1
 0.1
 0.7
 0.7
 0.5
 0.5
 2.5
 2.5
 0.9
 0.9
 0.1
 0.1
 0.6
 0.6
 0.2
 0.2
 3.6
 3.6
 0.9
 0.9
Below 6.3
 6.2
 99.1
 99.1
 
 
 6.9
 6.8
 8.5
 8.5
 3.9
 3.9
 92.4
 92.4
 
 
 5.4
 5.4
 6.3
 6.3
 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
                                        
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
2012 and prior $845.2
 $845.2
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $825.5
 $837.1
 $828.7
 $828.9
 $2,759.2
 $2,773.7
2013 166.5
 168.0
 
 
 231.2
 235.7
 98.6
 98.8
 496.3
 502.5
2013 and prior $897.4
 $898.8
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $1,025.2
 $1,039.4
 $761.2
 $752.4
 $2,910.0
 $2,917.0
2014 205.0
 205.0
 
 
 238.2
 246.9
 168.4
 168.4
 611.6
 620.3
 203.8
 202.8
 
 
 239.0
 243.8
 31.2
 31.6
 474.0
 478.2
2015 461.2
 464.6
 
 
 210.9
 211.6
 66.2
 64.6
 738.3
 740.8
 456.4
 458.4
 
 
 213.7
 211.9
 29.4
 28.7
 699.5
 699.0
2016 215.8
 223.1
 
 
 455.4
 469.0
 249.7
 249.9
 920.9
 942.0
 237.0
 240.0
 
 
 456.2
 463.8
 232.9
 230.3
 926.1
 934.1
2017 566.1
 564.1
 
 
 102.5
 103.0
 332.9
 329.5
 1,001.5
 996.6
Total $1,893.7
 $1,905.9
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $1,961.2
 $2,000.3
 $1,411.6
 $1,410.6
 $5,526.3
 $5,579.3
 $2,360.7
 $2,364.1
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $2,036.6
 $2,061.9
 $1,387.6
 $1,372.5
 $6,011.1
 $6,024.9
                                        
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities
The majority of our RMBS holdings as of March 31, 2017,2018, were super senior or senior bonds in the capital structure. Our total non-agency portfolio has a weighted-average life of 9.4412.11 years. The following table categorizes the weighted-average life for our non-agency portfolio, by category of material holdings, as of March 31, 2017:2018: 
  Weighted-Average
Non-agency portfolio Life
Prime 10.1512.69
Alt-A 3.653.31
Sub-prime 2.453.21
Mortgage Loans
We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2017,2018, our mortgage loan holdings were approximately $6.3$6.8 billion. We have specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers and apartments. Our underwriting procedures relative to our commercial loan portfolio are based, in our view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. We concentrate on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). We believe that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which we have chosen not to participate. We believe this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout our history. The majority of our mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten and funded by us. From time to time, we may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
Our commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.

Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 12 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, we may be unable to exercise the call options on our existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. As of March 31, 2017,2018, assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $119.9$143.6 million of principal would become due for the remainder of 2017, $957.52018, $873.1 million in 20182019 through 2022, $129.82023, $105.0 million in 20232024 through 2027,2028, and $10.1$2.0 million thereafter.
We offer a type of commercial mortgage loan under which we will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, approximately $613.5$672.1 million and $595.2$669.3 million, respectively, of our total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, we recognized $6.8$7.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of participating mortgage loan income.
We record mortgage loans net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that have indicators of potential impairment based on current information and events. As of March 31, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, there were $5.1 million and $0.7 million ofno allowances for mortgage loan credit losses, respectively.losses. While our mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, as of March 31, 2017,2018, we estimated the fair value of our mortgage loans to be $6.2$6.6 billion (using an internal fair value model which calculates the value of most loans by using the loan's discounted cash flows to the loan's call or maturity date), which was approximately 2.1%2.92% less than the amortized cost, less any related loan loss reserve.
At the time of origination, our mortgage lending criteria targets that the loan-to-value ratio on each mortgage is 75% or less. We target projected rental payments from credit anchors (i.e., excluding rental payments from smaller local tenants) of 70% of the property’s projected operating expenses and debt service.
As of March 31, 2017, approximately $2.0 million2018, none of the Company's invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We do not expect these investments to adversely affectFor all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is reflected in our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assetsinvestment balance and liabilities.in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we recognized ano troubled debt restructuring as a result of the Company granting a concession to a borrower which included loans terms unavailable from other lenders. This concession was the result of agreements between the creditorrestructurings and the debtor. Wewe did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the three months ended March 31, 2017.impaired.
Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: 1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and 2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreement. As of March 31, 2017, $2.0 million of2018, the Company did not have mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement that were nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018.
As of March 31, 2017,2018, none of the loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. We did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018.
We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities.
It is our policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status.
Unrealized Gains and Losses — Available-for-Sale Securities
The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after March 31, 2017,2018, the balance sheet date. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. Management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including the expected cash to be collected and the intent, likelihood, and/or ability to hold the security until recovery. Consistent with our long-standing practice, we do not utilize a “bright line test” to determine other-than-temporary impairments. On a quarterly basis, we perform an analysis on every security with an unrealized loss to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis includes reviewing several metrics including collateral, expected cash flows, ratings, and liquidity. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain/(loss) position of the portfolio. We had an overall net unrealized loss of $1.3$1.1 billion, prior to tax and the related impact of certain insurance assets and liabilities offsets, as of March 31, 2017,2018, and an overall net unrealized lossgain of $1.7 billion$36.0 million as of December 31, 2016.2017.

For fixed maturity and equity securities held that are in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017,2018, the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below: 
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days$2,461,778
 9.0% $2,496,238
 8.7% $(34,460) 2.2%
>90 days but <= 180 days13,286,534
 48.8
 13,751,831
 47.8
 (465,297) 29.6
>180 days but <= 270 days878,283
 3.2
 943,315
 3.3
 (65,032) 4.1
>270 days but <= 1 year32,542
 0.1
 33,161
 0.1
 (619) 
>1 year but <= 2 years1,533,246
 5.6
 1,618,776
 5.6
 (85,530) 5.4
>2 years but <= 3 years9,013,159
 33.3
 9,931,637
 34.5
 (918,478) 58.7
>3 years but <= 4 years
 
 
 
 
 
>4 years but <= 5 years
 
 
 
 
 
>5 years
 
 
 
 
 
Total$27,205,542
 100.0% $28,774,958
 100.0% $(1,569,416) 100.0%
The book value of our investment portfolio was marked to fair value as of February 1, 2015, in conjunction with the Dai-ichi Merger which resulted in the elimination of previously unrealized gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive income. The level of interest rates as of February 1, 2015, resulted in an increase in the carrying value of our investments. Since February 1, 2015 interest rates have increased resulting in net unrealized losses in our investment portfolio.
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days$9,939,975
 33.8% $10,173,366
 32.8% $(233,391) 16.2%
>90 days but <= 180 days5,207,611
 17.6
 5,366,018
 17.3
 (158,407) 11.0
>180 days but <= 270 days391,672
 1.3
 408,208
 1.3
 (16,536) 1.1
>270 days but <= 1 year122,114
 0.4
 126,703
 0.4
 (4,589) 0.3
>1 year but <= 2 years6,447,678
 21.8
 6,799,375
 21.9
 (351,697) 24.3
>2 years but <= 3 years605,113
 2.0
 666,698
 2.2
 (61,585) 4.3
>3 years but <= 4 years6,836,490
 23.1
 7,454,304
 24.1
 (617,814) 42.8
>4 years but <= 5 years
 
 
 
 
 
>5 years
 
 
 
 
 
Total$29,550,653
 100.0% $30,994,672
 100.0% $(1,444,019) 100.0%
As of March 31, 2017,2018, the Barclays Investment Grade Index was priced at 115107 bps versus a 10 year average of 178173 bps. Similarly, the Barclays High Yield Index was priced at 412370 bps versus a 10 year average of 654642 bps. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the five, ten, and thirty-year U.S. Treasury obligations were trading at levels of 2.0%2.6%, 2.4%2.7%, and 3.0%, as compared to 10 year averages of 1.9%1.7%, 2.8%2.6%, and 3.6%3.4%, respectively.
As of March 31, 2017, 94.8%2018, 93.4% of the unrealized loss was associated with securities that were rated investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and cash flows and expect that our investments will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms. Factors such as credit enhancements within the deal structures and the underlying collateral performance/characteristics support the recoverability of the investments. Based on the factors discussed, we do not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset/liability management, and liquidity requirements.
Expectations that investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions that a market participant would use in determining the current fair value. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such an event may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on our holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within our portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Expectations that our investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through our normal credit surveillance process. Although we do not anticipate such events, it is reasonably possible that issuers of our investments in corporate securities will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead us to recognize potential future write-downs within our portfolio of corporate securities. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead us to dispose of those certain holdings and recognize the effects of any such market movements in our financial statements.
As of March 31, 2017,2018, there were estimated gross unrealized losses of $2.9$3.2 million related to our mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans. Gross unrealized losses in our securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans as of March 31, 2017,2018, were primarily the result of continued widening spreads, representing marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in Alt-A residential mortgage loans and rating agency downgrades of securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans.

We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of March 31, 2017,2018, is presented in the following table:
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$2,467,016
 9.1% $2,536,746
 8.8% $(69,730) 4.4%$2,928,357
 9.9% $3,013,567
 9.8% $(85,210) 5.9%
Other finance58,320
 0.2
 61,162
 0.2
 (2,842) 0.2
37,275
 0.1
 40,361
 0.1
 (3,086) 0.2
Electric utility3,386,108
 12.4
 3,675,237
 12.8
 (289,129) 18.4
3,358,549
 11.5
 3,592,299
 11.6
 (233,750) 16.2
Energy2,546,921
 9.4
 2,688,260
 9.3
 (141,339) 9.0
2,307,388
 7.8
 2,423,585
 7.8
 (116,197) 8.0
Natural gas520,233
 1.9
 564,253
 2.0
 (44,020) 2.8
614,596
 2.1
 652,025
 2.1
 (37,429) 2.6
Insurance2,585,166
 9.5
 2,762,327
 9.6
 (177,161) 11.3
2,841,971
 9.6
 2,990,448
 9.6
 (148,477) 10.3
Communications1,366,706
 5.0
 1,493,512
 5.2
 (126,806) 8.1
1,405,429
 4.8
 1,513,078
 4.9
 (107,649) 7.5
Basic industrial984,159
 3.6
 1,050,049
 3.6
 (65,890) 4.2
999,869
 3.4
 1,055,087
 3.4
 (55,218) 3.8
Consumer noncyclical2,557,021
 9.4
 2,712,679
 9.4
 (155,658) 9.9
2,938,886
 9.9
 3,097,456
 10.0
 (158,570) 11.0
Consumer cyclical671,062
 2.5
 714,956
 2.5
 (43,894) 2.8
857,433
 2.9
 903,586
 2.9
 (46,153) 3.2
Finance companies49,468
 0.2
 53,715
 0.2
 (4,247) 0.3
72,642
 0.2
 76,040
 0.2
 (3,398) 0.2
Capital goods1,207,732
 4.4
 1,280,443
 4.4
 (72,711) 4.6
1,509,374
 5.1
 1,581,897
 5.1
 (72,523) 5.0
Transportation893,791
 3.3
 950,452
 3.3
 (56,661) 3.6
1,021,678
 3.5
 1,074,082
 3.5
 (52,404) 3.6
Other industrial164,005
 0.6
 176,265
 0.6
 (12,260) 0.8
189,392
 0.6
 203,821
 0.7
 (14,429) 1.0
Brokerage496,935
 1.8
 518,046
 1.8
 (21,111) 1.3
628,657
 2.1
 646,279
 2.1
 (17,622) 1.2
Technology918,287
 3.4
 961,675
 3.3
 (43,388) 2.8
1,011,003
 3.4
 1,049,908
 3.4
 (38,905) 2.7
Real estate99,759
 0.5
 101,887
 0.4
 (2,128) 0.1
29,836
 0.1
 30,458
 0.1
 (622) 
Other utility17,281
 0.1
 18,471
 0.1
 (1,190) 0.1
45,973
 0.2
 47,257
 0.2
 (1,284) 0.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,541,474
 5.7
 1,580,852
 5.5
 (39,378) 2.5
1,741,151
 5.9
 1,799,846
 5.8
 (58,695) 4.1
Other asset-backed securities434,614
 1.6
 451,762
 1.6
 (17,148) 1.1
273,757
 0.9
 283,410
 0.9
 (9,653) 0.7
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities1,021,380
 3.8
 1,044,175
 3.6
 (22,795) 1.5
1,280,462
 4.3
 1,313,164
 4.2
 (32,702) 2.3
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities275,676
 1.0
 282,001
 1.0
 (6,325) 0.4
541,196
 1.8
 556,125
 1.8
 (14,929) 1.0
U.S. government-related securities1,214,009
 4.5
 1,249,753
 4.3
 (35,744) 2.3
1,200,197
 4.1
 1,250,198
 4.0
 (50,001) 3.5
Other government-related securities151,964
 0.6
 164,022
 0.6
 (12,058) 0.8
202,472
 0.7
 214,098
 0.7
 (11,626) 0.8
States, municipals, and political divisions1,576,455
 5.5
 1,682,258
 5.9
 (105,803) 6.7
1,513,110
 5.1
 1,586,597
 5.1
 (73,487) 5.1
Total$27,205,542
 100.0% $28,774,958
 100.0% $(1,569,416) 100.0%$29,550,653
 100.0% $30,994,672
 100.0% $(1,444,019) 100.0%

We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2016,2017, is presented in the following table:
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$3,106,898
 10.6% $3,214,957
 10.3% $(108,059) 5.8%$1,733,309
 8.0% $1,758,549
 7.9% $(25,240) 3.7%
Other finance65,883
 0.2
 69,729
 0.2
 (3,846) 0.2
54,454
 0.3
 58,198
 0.3
 (3,744) 0.5
Electric utility3,412,425
 11.7
 3,727,811
 12.0
 (315,386) 16.9
3,111,719
 14.3
 3,242,952
 14.5
 (131,233) 19.2
Energy2,714,073
 9.3
 2,892,598
 9.3
 (178,525) 9.6
1,397,312
 6.4
 1,458,690
 6.5
 (61,378) 9.0
Natural gas542,654
 1.9
 593,355
 1.9
 (50,701) 2.7
604,431
 2.8
 624,203
 2.8
 (19,772) 2.9
Insurance2,864,965
 9.8
 3,101,797
 10.0
 (236,832) 12.7
1,697,233
 7.8
 1,743,140
 7.8
 (45,907) 6.7
Communications1,466,405
 5.0
 1,607,756
 5.2
 (141,351) 7.6
1,238,082
 5.7
 1,303,264
 5.8
 (65,182) 9.6
Basic industrial1,149,208
 3.9
 1,236,848
 4.0
 (87,640) 4.7
581,249
 2.7
 603,248
 2.7
 (21,999) 3.2
Consumer noncyclical2,636,679
 9.0
 2,822,430
 9.1
 (185,751) 10.0
2,016,112
 9.3
 2,077,552
 9.3
 (61,440) 9.0
Consumer cyclical770,269
 2.6
 814,406
 2.6
 (44,137) 2.4
630,915
 2.9
 651,415
 2.9
 (20,500) 3.0
Finance companies64,490
 0.2
 69,077
 0.2
 (4,587) 0.2
39,710
 0.2
 40,581
 0.2
 (871) 0.1
Capital goods1,393,935
 4.8
 1,480,205
 4.8
 (86,270) 4.6
1,121,919
 5.2
 1,146,545
 5.1
 (24,626) 3.6
Transportation954,836
 3.3
 1,018,546
 3.3
 (63,710) 3.4
791,776
 3.6
 812,358
 3.6
 (20,582) 3.0
Other industrial163,993
 0.6
 176,558
 0.6
 (12,565) 0.7
174,797
 0.8
 185,701
 0.8
 (10,904) 1.6
Brokerage516,318
 1.8
 550,112
 1.8
 (33,794) 1.8
380,331
 1.8
 384,860
 1.7
 (4,529) 0.7
Technology949,675
 3.2
 1,003,894
 3.2
 (54,219) 2.9
576,855
 2.7
 598,112
 2.7
 (21,257) 3.1
Real estate126,156
 0.5
 131,715
 0.4
 (5,559) 0.3
43,096
 0.2
 43,610
 0.2
 (514) 0.1
Other utility17,326
 0.1
 18,516
 0.1
 (1,190) 0.1
46,731
 0.1
 47,514
 0.2
 (783) 0.3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,552,621
 5.3
 1,594,299
 5.1
 (41,678) 2.2
1,553,928
 7.2
 1,584,114
 7.1
 (30,186) 4.4
Other asset-backed securities500,497
 1.7
 521,195
 1.7
 (20,698) 1.1
220,822
 1.0
 226,586
 1.0
 (5,764) 0.8
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities965,399
 3.3
 985,142
 3.2
 (19,743) 1.1
822,794
 3.8
 838,846
 3.7
 (16,052) 2.4
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities265,996
 0.9
 271,920
 0.9
 (5,924) 0.3
360,025
 1.7
 367,006
 1.6
 (6,981) 1.0
U.S. government-related securities1,237,945
 4.2
 1,278,400
 4.1
 (40,455) 2.2
1,166,342
 5.4
 1,198,519
 5.4
 (32,177) 4.7
Other government-related securities177,805
 0.6
 192,602
 0.6
 (14,797) 0.8
140,124
 0.6
 145,071
 0.6
 (4,947) 0.7
States, municipals, and political divisions1,610,621
 5.5
 1,716,179
 5.4
 (105,558) 5.7
1,198,015
 5.5
 1,243,628
 5.6
 (45,613) 6.7
Total$29,227,072
 100.0% $31,090,047
 100.0% $(1,862,975) 100.0%$21,702,081
 100.0% $22,384,262
 100.0% $(682,181) 100.0%

The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017,2018, varies, with 16.7%22.9% maturing in less than 5 years, 19.0%18.2% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 64.3%58.9% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating of securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017:2018:
S&P or Equivalent Fair % Fair Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized Fair % Fair Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Designation Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA/AA/A $15,918,521
 58.5% $16,735,468
 58.2% $(816,947) 52.1% $17,442,833
 59.0% $18,217,557
 58.8% $(774,724) 53.7%
BBB 10,261,327
 37.7
 10,932,249
 38.0
 (670,922) 42.7
 11,312,582
 38.4
 11,885,322
 38.3
 (572,740) 39.7
Investment grade 26,179,848
 96.2% 27,667,717
 96.2% (1,487,869) 94.8% 28,755,415
 97.4% 30,102,879
 97.1% (1,347,464) 93.4%
BB 676,792
 2.5
 717,944
 2.5
 (41,152) 2.6
 480,529
 1.6
 525,907
 1.7
 (45,378) 3.1
B 222,214
 0.8
 252,065
 0.9
 (29,851) 1.9
 185,318
 0.6
 218,636
 0.7
 (33,318) 2.3
CCC or lower 126,688
 0.5
 137,232
 0.4
 (10,544) 0.7
 129,391
 0.4
 147,250
 0.5
 (17,859) 1.2
Below investment grade 1,025,694
 3.8% 1,107,241
 3.8% (81,547) 5.2% 795,238
 2.6% 891,793
 2.9% (96,555) 6.6%
Total $27,205,542
 100.0% $28,774,958
 100.0% $(1,569,416) 100.0% $29,550,653
 100.0% $30,994,672
 100.0% $(1,444,019) 100.0%
As of March 31, 2017,2018, we held a total of 2,1712,428 positions that were in an unrealized loss position. Included in that amount were 12994 positions of below investment grade securities with a fair value of $1.0 billion$795.2 million that were in an unrealized loss position. Total unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities were $81.5$96.6 million, $75.9$70.8 million of which had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. Below investment grade securities in an unrealized loss position were 2.0%1.5% of invested assets.
As of March 31, 2017,2018, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 3.8%2.6% of the total fair value and 5.2%6.6% of the total unrealized loss. We have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. After a review of each security and its expected cash flows, we believe the decline in market value to be temporary.
The following table includes the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities as of March 31, 2017:2018:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days $128,942
 12.6% $130,943
 11.8% $(2,001) 2.5% $227,428
 28.6% $234,456
 26.3% $(7,028) 29.5%
>90 days but <= 180 days 82,995
 8.1
 86,287
 7.8
 (3,292) 4.0
 128,478
 16.2
 139,348
 15.6
 (10,870) 14.9
>180 days but <= 270 days 3,392
 0.3
 3,504
 0.3
 (112) 0.1
 50,109
 6.3
 57,246
 6.4
 (7,137) 6.1
>270 days but <= 1 year 15,516
 1.5
 15,780
 1.4
 (264) 0.4
 9,720
 1.2
 10,473
 1.2
 (753) 1.1
>1 year but <= 2 years 413,410
 40.3
 438,087
 39.6
 (24,677) 30.2
 31,900
 4.0
 35,655
 4.0
 (3,755) 3.8
>2 years but <= 3 years 381,439
 37.2
 432,640
 39.1
 (51,201) 62.8
 103,166
 13.0
 124,674
 14.0
 (21,508) 13.4
>3 years but <= 4 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 244,437
 30.7
 289,941
 32.5
 (45,504) 31.2
>4 years but <= 5 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
>5 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $1,025,694
 100.0% $1,107,241
 100.0% $(81,547) 100.0% $795,238
 100.0% $891,793
 100.0% $(96,555) 100.0%

Risk Management and Impairment Review
We monitor the overall credit quality of our portfolio within established guidelines. The following table includes our available-for-sale fixed maturities by credit rating as of March 31, 2017:2018: 
   Percent of   Percent of
Rating Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
AAA $5,011,143
 13.9% $5,498,752
 14.7%
AA 3,246,197
 9.1
 3,208,662
 8.6
A 11,999,497
 33.4
 12,474,244
 33.3
BBB 13,703,453
 38.2
 14,433,009
 38.5
Investment grade 33,960,290
 94.6
 35,614,667
 95.1
BB 1,345,401
 3.7
 1,277,498
 3.4
B 328,077
 0.9
 289,596
 0.8
CCC or lower 297,743
 0.8
 254,647
 0.7
Below investment grade 1,971,221
 5.4
 1,821,741
 4.9
Total $35,931,511
 100.0% $37,436,408
 100.0%
Not included in the table above are $2.4 billion of investment grade and $259.8$217.2 million of below investment grade fixed maturities classified as trading securities and $2.8$2.7 billion of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity.
Limiting bond exposure to any creditor group is another way we manage credit risk. We held no credit default swaps on the positions listed below as of March 31, 2017.2018. The following table summarizes our ten largest fixed maturity exposures to an individual creditor group as of March 31, 2017:2018: 
  Fair Value of  
  Funded Unfunded Total
Creditor Securities Exposures Fair Value
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Federal Home Loan Bank $228.6
 $
 $228.6
Duke Energy Corp 199.7
 
 199.7
Wells Fargo & Co 197.0
 1.0
 198.0
AT&T, Inc 197.8
 
 197.8
The Southern Co 197.6
 
 197.6
Berkshire Hathaway 194.7
 
 194.7
Exelon Corp 193.1
 
 193.1
Anheuser Busch Inbev 189.3
 
 189.3
JP Morgan Chase & Co 173.7
 8.7
 182.4
Goldman Sachs Group 182.2
 
 182.2
Total $1,953.7
 $9.7
 $1,963.4
  Fair Value��of  
  Funded Unfunded Total
Creditor Securities Exposures Fair Value
  (Dollars In Millions)
Federal Home Loan Bank $236.6
 $
 $236.6
Southern Co. 205.8
 
 205.8
AT&T, Inc. 205.0
 
 205.0
Duke Energy Corp. 202.9
 
 202.9
Morgan Stanley 192.5
 
 192.5
Exelon Corp. 188.1
 
 188.1
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. 187.9
 
 187.9
Wells Fargo & Co. 185.4
 1.6
 187.0
Anheuser-Busch Inbev. 185.7
 
 185.7
Bank of America Corp. 181.1
 0.5
 181.6
Total $1,971.0
 $2.1
 $1,973.1
Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. We review our positions on a monthly basis for possible credit concerns and review our current exposure, credit enhancement, and delinquency experience.
Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Since it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including RMBS, CMBS, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), GAAP requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the expected cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon

new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.
Securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We consider a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, along with an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows. Based on our analysis, for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we recognized approximately $7.8$3.6 million of credit related impairments on investment securities in an unrealized loss position that were other-than-temporarily impaired resulting in a charge to earnings.
There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in fair values are other-than-temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud, and legislative actions. We continuously monitor these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment.
We have deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. We have reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believe that there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Certain European countries have experienced varying degrees of financial stress. Risks from the debt crisis in Europe could continue to disrupt the financial markets, which could have a detrimental impact on global economic conditions and on sovereign and non-sovereign obligations. There remains considerable uncertainty as to future developments in the European debt crisis and the impact on financial markets.
The chart shown below includes our non-sovereign fair value exposures in these countries as of March 31, 2017.2018. As of March 31, 2017,2018, we had no unfunded exposure and had no direct sovereign exposure. 
     Total Gross     Total Gross
 Non-sovereign Debt Funded Non-sovereign Debt Funded
Financial Instrument and Country Financial Non-financial Exposure Financial Non-financial Exposure
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Millions)
Securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
United Kingdom $602.4
 $718.0
 $1,320.4
 $601.3
 $793.1
 $1,394.4
Netherlands 203.0
 240.1
 443.1
 217.1
 234.5
 451.6
Switzerland 233.7
 98.9
 332.6
France 119.9
 212.3
 332.2
 135.3
 194.5
 329.8
Switzerland 187.2
 118.8
 306.0
Germany 161.9
 103.8
 265.7
 118.3
 147.6
 265.9
Spain 22.8
 222.9
 245.7
 7.3
 213.5
 220.8
Belgium 
 199.3
 199.3
 
 181.1
 181.1
Sweden 128.4
 32.3
 160.7
 125.2
 19.7
 144.9
Norway 
 96.9
 96.9
 
 97.1
 97.1
Ireland 15.1
 43.3
 58.4
Luxembourg 
 55.2
 55.2
Italy 
 92.4
 92.4
 
 43.5
 43.5
Luxembourg 
 59.9
 59.9
Ireland 
 56.8
 56.8
Total securities 1,425.6
 2,153.5
 3,579.1
 1,453.3
 2,122.0
 3,575.3
Derivatives:  
  
  
  
  
  
Germany 25.5
 
 25.5
 32.5
 
 32.5
United Kingdom 16.4
 
 16.4
 22.7
 
 22.7
France 11.6
 
 11.6
Switzerland 3.4
 
 3.4
 2.5
 
 2.5
France 2.9
 
 2.9
Total derivatives 48.2
 
 48.2
 69.3
 
 69.3
Total securities $1,473.8
 $2,153.5
 $3,627.3
 $1,522.6
 $2,122.0
 $3,644.6

Realized Gains and Losses
The following table sets forth realized investment gains and losses for the periods shown: 
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturity gains - sales$10,738
 $8,930
$8,049
 $10,738
Fixed maturity losses - sales(1,248) (3,209)(5,266) (1,248)
Equity gains - sales
 118
Equity losses - sales(9) (284)
Impairments(7,831) (2,617)
Equity gains and losses(8,786) (9)
Impairments on fixed maturity securities(3,645) (5,201)
Impairments on equity securities
 (2,630)
Modco trading portfolio18,552
 78,154
(84,709) 18,552
Other(5,192) (1,981)3,113
 (5,192)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments$15,010
 $79,111
$(91,244) $15,010
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
  
 
  
Interest rate futures - VA$3,448
 $37,801
$(16,892) $3,448
Equity futures - VA(30,817) (3,228)(6,428) (30,817)
Currency futures - VA(6,256) (6,158)(7,583) (6,256)
Equity options - VA(40,185) 16,304
12,016
 (40,185)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(1,469) (2,234)(14) (1,469)
Interest rate swaps - VA(8,957) 125,593
(63,710) (8,957)
Total return swaps - VA6,490
 
Embedded derivative - GLWB33,632
 (175,851)56,292
 33,632
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(50,604) (7,773)(19,829) (50,604)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
 
  
Embedded derivative - FIA(12,411) (2,162)11,330
 (12,411)
Equity futures - FIA297
 1,382
(161) 297
Volatility futures - FIA
 
Equity options - FIA10,700
 (5,562)(4,669) 10,700
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(1,414) (6,342)6,500
 (1,414)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
  
 
  
Embedded derivative - IUL(2,090) (738)9,884
 (2,090)
Equity futures - IUL(799) (219)136
 (799)
Equity options - IUL2,891
 (27)(1,250) 2,891
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts2
 (984)8,770
 2
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties(17,865) (58,355)82,658
 (17,865)
Other derivatives3
 (45)(40) 3
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(69,878) $(73,499)$78,059
 $(69,878)
Realized gains and losses on investments reflect portfolio management activities designed to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities and to enhance long-term investment portfolio performance. The change in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairments and Modco trading portfolio activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, primarily reflects the normal operation of our asset/liability program within the context of the changing interest rate and spread environment, as well as tax planning strategies designed to utilize capital loss carryforwards.

Realized losses are comprised of other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. These other-than-temporary impairments resulted from our analysis of circumstances and our belief that credit events, loss severity, changes in credit enhancement, and/or other adverse conditions of the respective issuers have caused, or will lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to these investments. These other-than-temporary impairments are presented in the chart below: 
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Millions)(Dollars In Thousands)
Alt-A MBS$
 $
$
 $
Other MBS
 
(31) (5)
Corporate securities5.2
 2.6
(3,614) (5,196)
Equities2.6
 

 (2,630)
Other
 
Total$7.8
 $2.6
$(3,645) $(7,831)
As previously discussed, management considers several factors when determining other-than-temporary impairments. Although we purchase securities with the intent to hold them until maturity, we may change our position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with our classification of all but a specific portion of our investment portfolio as available-for-sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $12.5$57.0 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss, and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:
Proceeds % Proceeds Realized Loss % Realized LossProceeds % Proceeds Realized Loss % Realized Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days$9,657
 77.6% $(688) 54.7%$8,098
 14.2% $(934) 17.7%
>90 days but <= 180 days532
 4.3
 (56) 4.4
47,721
 83.7
 (4,181) 79.4
>180 days but <= 270 days181
 1.5
 (50) 4.0

 
 
 
>270 days but <= 1 year126
 1.0
 (23) 1.9

 
 
 
>1 year1,956
 15.6
 (440) 35.0
1,165
 2.1
 (152) 2.9
Total$12,452
 100.0% $(1,257) 100.0%$56,984
 100.0% $(5,267) 100.0%
     For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $12.5$57.0 million. The losses realized on the sale of these securities were $1.3$5.3 million. We made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with our overall asset liability management process.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value of $169.1$142.1 million. The gains realized on the sale of these securities were $10.7 million.$8.0 million.
The $5.2$3.1 million of other realized lossesgains recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017, consisted2018, included $3.4 million of an increase inrealized gains associated with our mortgage loan reservesportfolio, partnership gains of $4.4$0.1 million, partnershipfixed asset losses of $0.7$0.1 million, and real estate losses of $0.1 million.$0.2 million, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, net gainslosses of $18.6$84.7 million, primarily related to changes in fair value on our Modco trading portfolios, were included in realized gains and losses. Of the $18.6$84.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, approximately $1.7$2.5 million of losses were realized through the sale of certain securities, which will be returned to us from our reinsurance partners over time through the reinsurance settlement process for this block of business. The Modco embedded derivative associated with the trading portfolios had realized pre-tax lossesgains of $17.9 $82.7 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. The lossesgains during the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, were due to the tightening of credit spreads.spreads widening and treasury yields increasing.
Realized investment gains and losses related to derivatives represent changes in their fair value during the period and termination gains/(losses) on those derivatives that were closed during the period.
We use various derivative instruments to manage risks related to certain life insurance and annuity products. We can use these derivatives as economic hedges against risks inherent in the products. These risks have a direct impact on the cost of these products and are correlated with the equity markets, interest rates, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility. The hedged risks are recorded through the recognition of embedded derivatives associated with the products. These products include the GLWB rider associated with the variable annuity, fixed indexed annuity products as well as indexed universal life products. During the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we experienced net realized losses on derivatives related to VA contracts of approximately $50.6$19.8 million. These net losses on derivatives related to VA contracts were affected by capital market impacts, changes in our non-performance risk, and variations in actual sub-account fund performance from the indices included in our hedging program during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

We also use various swaps and other types of derivatives to mitigate risk related to other exposures. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, these contracts generated immaterial gains.losses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Holding Company
Overview
Our primary sources of funding are dividends from our operating subsidiaries; revenues from investment management, data processing, legal, and management services rendered to subsidiaries; investment income; and external financing. These sources of cash support our general corporate needs including our common stock dividends and debt service.We expect to use a portion of our positive cash flow fromfrom operations to pay dividends to our parent, Dai-ichi Life. We paid a $143.8 $140.0 million dividend during thethree months ended March 31, 2017,2018, and do not expect to pay a dividendsdividend for the remainder of 2017.2018.
The states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled impose certain restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay us dividends. These restrictions are based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and/or surplus. Generally, these restrictions pose no short-term liquidity concerns. We plan to retain portions of the earnings of our insurance subsidiaries in those companies primarily to support their future growth.
Debt and other capital resources
Our primary sources of capital are through retained income from our operating subsidiaries, capital infusions from our parent, Dai-ichi Life, as well as our ability to access debt financing markets. Additionally, we have access to the Credit Facility discussed below.
We have the ability to borrow under a Credit Facility arrangement on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. We have the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25 billion. We are not aware of any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2017.2018. There was an outstanding balance of $340.0$325.0 million bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00% as of March 31, 2017.2018.
Liquidity
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet its needs. We meet our liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from our operating subsidiaries. Primary sources of cash from the operating subsidiaries are premiums, deposits for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, and investment income. Primary uses of cash include benefit payments, withdrawals from policyholder accounts, investment purchases, policy acquisition costs, interest payments, and other operating expenses. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our cash needs under normal operating scenarios.
In the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond our normal liquidity needs, we have additional sources of liquidity available depending on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These additional sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, the sale of liquid assets, accessing our credit facility, and other sources described herein. Our decision to sell investment assets could be impacted by accounting rules, including rules relating to the likelihood of a requirement to sell securities before recovery of our cost basis. Under stressful market and economic conditions, liquidity may broadly deteriorate, which could negatively impact our ability to sell investment assets. If we require on short notice significant amounts of cash in excess of normal requirements, we may have difficulty selling investment assets in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.
The liquidity requirements of our regulated insurance subsidiaries primarily relate to the liabilities associated with their various insurance and investment products, operating expenses, and income taxes. Liabilities arising from insurance and investment products include the payment of policyholder benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders and withdrawals, policy loans, and obligations to redeem funding agreements.agreements.

Our insurance subsidiaries maintain investment strategies intended to provide adequate funds to pay benefits and expected surrenders, withdrawals, loans, and redemption obligations without forced sales of investments. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries hold highly liquid, high-quality short-term investment securities and other liquid investment grade fixed maturity securities to fund our expected operatingoperating expenses, surrenders, and withdrawals. As of March 31, 2017,2018, our total cash and invested assets were $51.7$53.5 billion. The life insurance subsidiaries were committed as of March 31, 2017,2018, to fund mortgage loans in the amount of $772.4$699.6 million.
Our positive cash flows from operations are used to fund an investment portfolio that provides for future benefit payments. We employ a formal asset/liability program to manage the cash flows of our investment portfolio relative to our long-term benefit obligations. Our insuranceThe holding company held $96.0 million of cash and short-term investments, and our subsidiaries held approximately $552.6$610.5 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2017, and we held approximately $92.3 million in cash available for general corporate purposes.2018.

The following chart includes the cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing, and financing activities for the following periods:
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 For The
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities $40,018
 $109,768
Net cash used in investing activities (359,771) (2,570,119)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $(92,111) $40,018
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 8,552
 (359,771)
Net cash provided by financing activities 380,948
 2,418,423
 138,973
 380,948
Total $61,195
 $(41,928) $55,414
 $61,195
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018 as compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities - Cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums received, fees received, investment income, and benefits and expenses paid. Principal sources of cash inflows from operating activities include sales of our products and services.services as well as income from investments. We typically generate positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums and policy fees collected from our insurance and investment products exceed benefit payments and redemptions, and we invest the excess. Accordingly, in analyzingDue to the nature of our business and the fact that many of the products we sell produce financing and investing cash flows we focus on the amount ofit is important to consider cash providedflows generated by or used in investing and financing activities.activities in conjunction with those generated by operating activities.
Net cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activities - Changes in cash from investing activities primarily related to the activity in our investment portfolio.
Net cash provided by financing activities - Changes in cash from financing activities included $29.5$238.8 million of inflowsoutflows from secured financing liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to the $221.8$29.5 million of inflows for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and $349.8$372.3 million inflows of investment product and universal life net activity as compared to $144.1$349.8 million in the prior year. Net activity related to the credit facility resulted in inflows of $156.5$163.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, as compared to $37.9$156.5 million of outflowsinflows for three months ended March 31, 2016.2017. Net repayment of non-recourse funding obligations equaled $18.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $11.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to net issuances of $2.2 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2016, which occurred in conjunction with the GLAIC reinsurance transaction. See Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations for additional information on the transaction.2017. The Company paid a dividend during the three month period ended March 31, 20172018 of $143.8$140.0 million, as compared to a dividend of $89.3$143.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Through our subsidiaries, we are members of the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FHLB of New York. FHLB advances provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the sale of funding agreements. Membership in the FHLB requires that we purchase FHLB capital stock based on a minimum requirement and a percentage of the dollar amount of advances outstanding. Our borrowing capacity is determined by criteria established by each respective bank. In addition, our obligations under the advances must be collateralized. We maintain control over any such pledged assets, including the right of substitution. As of March 31, 2017,2018, we had $822.4$595.8 million of funding agreement-related advances and accrued interest outstanding under the FHLB program.
While we anticipate that the cash flows of our operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet our investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, we recognize that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, we have established repurchase agreement programs for certain of our insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. We expect that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, we may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $856.6$753.6 million and the repurchase obligation of $787.7$665.0 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 90173 basis points). During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $885.0 million. The average daily balance was $808.0 million (at an average borrowing rate of 149 basis points) during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $1,006.6 million and the repurchase obligation of $885.0 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 142 basis points). During 2017, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $981.3$988.5 million. The average daily balance was $842.7$624.7 million (at an average borrowing rate of 71 basis points) during the three months ended March 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $861.7 million and the repurchase obligation of $797.7 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 65 basis points). During 2016, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $1,065.8 million. The average daily balance was $505.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 44101 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
We participate in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. We require initial collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored on a daily basis. As of March 31, 2017,2018, securities with a market value of $37.9$107.0 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, we receive short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “other liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of March 31, 2017,2018, the fair value of the collateral related to this program was $39.6$113.9 million and we have an obligation to return $39.6$113.9 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.

Additionally, we may, from time to time, sell short-duration stable value products to complement our cash management practices. Depending on market conditions, we may also use securitization transactions involving our commercial mortgage loans to increase liquidity for the operating subsidiaries.
Statutory Capital
A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the NAIC, as modified by state law. Generally speaking, other states in which a company does business defer to the interpretation of the domiciliary state with respect to NAIC rules, unless inconsistent with the other state’s regulations. Statutory accounting rules are different from GAAP and are intended to reflect a more conservative view, for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The achievement of long-term growth will require growth in the statutory capital of our insurance subsidiaries. The subsidiaries may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as retained statutory earnings or our equity contributions. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice towithout prior approval of the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period.domicile. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as an ordinary dividend to us from our insurance subsidiaries in 20172018 is approximately $423.7$853.2 million.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC have adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks. The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile. A company’s risk-based statutory surplus is calculated by applying factors and performing calculations relating to various asset, premium, claim, expense, and reserve items. Regulators can then measure the adequacy of a company’s statutory surplus by comparing it to RBC. We manage our capital consumption by using the ratio of our total adjusted capital, as defined by the insurance regulators, to our company action level RBC (known as the RBC ratio), also as defined by insurance regulators.

Statutory reserves established for VA contracts are sensitive to changes in the equity and bond markets and are affected by the level of account values relative to the level of any guarantees and product design. As a result, the relationship between reserve changes and equity market performance may be non-linear during any given reporting period. Market conditions greatly influence the capital required due to their impact on the valuation of reserves and derivative investments mitigating the risk in these reserves. Risk mitigation activities may result in material and sometimes counterintuitive impacts on statutory surplus and RBC ratio. Notably, as changes in these market and non-market factors occur, both our potential obligation and the related statutory reserves and/or required capital can vary at a non-linear rate.

Our statutory surplus is impacted by credit spreads as a result of accounting for the assets and liabilities on our fixed MVA annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities, we are required to use current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in the statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase or decrease sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value gains or losses. As actual credit spreads are not fully reflected in current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries, the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in a change in statutory surplus.

We cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets, we remain liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations that it assumed. We evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the associated concentration of credit risk. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, we ceded premiums to third party reinsurers amounting to $316.1$345.4 million. In addition, we had receivables from reinsurers amounting to $5.3$5.1 billion as of March 31, 2017.2018. We review reinsurance receivable amounts for collectability and establish bad debt reserves if deemed appropriate.
Captive Reinsurance Companies
Our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to a regulation entitled “Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Regulation XXX,” and a supporting guideline entitled “The Application of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Guideline AXXX.” The regulation and supporting guideline require insurers to establish statutory reserves for term and universal life insurance policies with long-term premium guarantees that are consistent with the statutory reserves required for other individual life insurance policies with similar guarantees. Many market participants believe that these levels of reserves are non-economic. We use captive reinsurance companies to implement reinsurance and capital management actions to satisfy these reserve requirements by financing the non-economic reserves either through the issuance of non-recourse funding obligations by the captives or obtaining Letters of Credit from third-party financial institutions. For more information regarding our use of captives and their impact on our financial statements, please refer to Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations.
Our captive reinsurance companies assume business from affiliates only. Our captives are capitalized to a level we believe is sufficient to support the contractual risks and other general obligations of the respective captive entity. All of our captive reinsurance companies are wholly owned subsidiaries and are located domestically. The captive insurance companies are subject to regulations in the state of domicile.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), through various committees, subgroups and dedicated task forces, is reviewing the use of captives and special purpose vehicles used to transfer insurance risk in relation to existing state laws and regulations, and several committees have adopted or exposed for comment white papers and reports that, if or when implemented, could impose additional requirements on the use of captives and other reinsurers. The Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC recently established a Variable Annuity Issues Working Group to examine company use of variable annuity

captives. The Committee has proposed changes in the regulation of variable annuities and variable annuity captives could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.
The Principles Based Reserving Implementation (EX) Task Force of the NAIC charged with analysis of the adoption of a principles-based reserving methodology,has adopted the “conceptual framework” contained in a report issued by Rector & Associates, Inc., dated June 4, 2014 (as modified or supplemented, the “Rector Report”), that contains numerous recommendations pertaining to the regulation and use of certain captive reinsurers. Certain high-level recommendations have been adopted and assigned to various NAIC working groups, which working groups are in various stages of discussions regarding recommendations. One recommendation of the Rector Report was adopted as Actuarial Guideline XLVIII (“AG48”("AG48"). AG48 sets more restrictive standards on and the permitted collateral utilized to back reserves of a captive. In September 2016, the Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC adopted the Termsubstantially similar "Term and Universal Life Insurance Reserve Financing Model RegulationRegulation" (the "Reserve Model") which is substantially similar to AG48.establish national standards for new reserve financing arrangements for term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees. AG48 and the Reserve Model will likely make it difficultgovern collateral requirements for captive reinsurance arrangements. In order to obtain reserve credit, AG48 and the CompanyReserve Model require a minimum level of funds, consisting of primary and other securities, to establish newbe held by or on behalf of ceding insurers as security under each captive financing arrangements on a basis consistent with past practices.life reinsurance treaty. As a result of AG48 and the Reserve Model, the implementation of new captive structures in the future may be less capital efficient, may lead to lower product returns and/or increased product pricing or result in reduced sales of certain products. In some circumstances, AG48 and the Reserve Model could impact the Company’s ability to engage in certain reinsurance transactions with non-affiliates.
We also use a captive reinsurance company to reinsure risks associated with GLWB and GMDB riders which helps us to manage those risks on an economic basis. In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks relative to our RBC ratio, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we established an insurance subsidiary, Shades Creek Captive Insurance Company (“Shades Creek”), to which PLICO has reinsured GLWB and GMDB riders related to its VA contracts. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation.
During 2012, we entered into
We maintain an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek. The agreementCreek that provides through a guarantee that we will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement. As of March 31, 2017,2018, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds. The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.
Ratings
Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including our insurance subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. These ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in an insurer’s products, its ability to market its products and its competitive position. The following table summarizes the current financial strength ratings of our significant member companies from the major independent rating organizations:
      Standard &  
Ratings A.M. Best Fitch Poor’s Moody’s
         
Insurance company financial strength rating:        
Protective Life Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- A2A1
West Coast Life Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- A2A1
Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- 
Protective Property & Casualty Insurance Company A-A   
MONY Life Insurance Company A+ A+ A+ A2A1
Our ratings are subject to review and change by the rating organizations at any time and without notice. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization with respect to the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect sales, relationships with distributors, the level of policy surrenders and withdrawals, competitive position in the marketplace, and the cost or availability of reinsurance. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, including as a result of our status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.
Rating organizations also publish credit ratings for the issuers of debt securities, including the Company. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner. These ratings are important in the debt issuer’s overall ability to access credit markets and other types of liquidity. Ratings are not recommendations to buy our securities or products. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization with respect to our credit rating could limit our access to capital markets, increase the cost of issuing debt, and a downgrade of sufficient magnitude, combined with other negative factors, could require us to post collateral. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to our debt ratings, including as a result of our status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.

LIABILITIES
Many of our products contain surrender charges and other features that are designed to reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.

As of March 31, 2017,2018, we had policy liabilities and accruals of approximately $31.5$31.6 billion. Our interest-sensitive life insurance policies have a weighted average minimum credited interest rate of approximately 3.49%3.47%.
Contractual Obligations
We enter into various obligations to third parties in the ordinary course of our operations. However, we do not believe that our cash flow requirements can be assessed solely based upon an analysis of these obligations. The most significant factors affecting our future cash flows are our ability to earn and collect cash from our customers, and the cash flows arising from our investment program. Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, will also vary based upon our future needs. Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. Examples of fixed obligations include our obligations to pay principal and interest on fixed-rate borrowings. Examples of obligations that will vary include obligations to pay interest on variable-rate borrowings and insurance liabilities that depend on future interest rates, market performance, or surrender provisions. Many of our obligations are linked to cash-generating contracts. In addition, our operations involve significant expenditures that are not based upon contractual obligations. These include expenditures for income taxes and payroll.
As of March 31, 2017,2018, we carried a $10.3$6.7 million liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest on unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts are not included in the long-term contractual obligations table because of the difficulty in making reasonably reliable estimates of the occurrence or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities.
The table below sets forth future maturities of our contractual obligations: 
   Payments due by period   Payments due by period
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Debt(1)
 $1,669,685
 $213,451
 $837,353
 $39,449
 $579,432
 $1,411,736
 $57,230
 $785,925
 $37,436
 $531,145
Non-recourse funding obligations(2)
 4,768,019
 247,648
 579,637
 668,910
 3,271,824
 4,537,137
 274,628
 639,274
 646,513
 2,976,722
Subordinated debt securities(3)
 1,117,715
 26,968
 53,938
 53,938
 982,871
 1,419,160
 26,750
 53,500
 53,500
 1,285,410
Stable value products(4)
 3,807,851
 605,488
 1,774,250
 1,280,721
 147,392
 4,932,320
 1,324,421
 2,386,621
 1,081,314
 139,964
Operating leases(5)
 32,423
 4,425
 8,731
 7,667
 11,600
 26,236
 4,482
 7,693
 6,305
 7,756
Home office lease(6)
 78,163
 1,815
 76,348
 
 
 76,849
 76,849
 
 
 
Mortgage loan and investment commitments 929,424
 804,125
 125,299
 
 
 812,206
 698,358
 113,848
 
 
Secured financing liabilities(7)
 827,251
 827,251
 
 
 
 779,043
 779,043
 
 
 
Policyholder obligations(8)
 42,113,846
 1,645,404
 3,596,226
 3,447,509
 33,424,707
 42,614,456
 10,879,827
 3,761,140
 3,689,030
 24,284,459
Total(9)
 $55,344,377
 $4,376,575
 $7,051,782
 $5,498,194
 $38,417,826
 $56,609,143
 $14,121,588
 $7,748,001
 $5,514,098
 $29,225,456
                    
(1) Debt includes all principal amounts owed on note agreements and expected interest payments due over the term of the notes.
(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.8 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.9 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction that occurred in Q1 2016. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by nonconsolidated entity and third parties. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.
(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.
(3) Subordinated debt securities includes all principal amounts and interest payments due over the term of the obligations.(4) Anticipated stable value products cash flows including interest.(5) Includes all lease payments required under operating lease agreements.
(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term. Additionally, the payments due by the periods above were computed based on the terms of the renegotiated lease agreement, which was entered in December 2013.
(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term.(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term.
(7) Represents secured borrowings and accrued interest as part of our repurchase program as well as liabilities associated with securities lending transactions.(8) Estimated contractual policyholder obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, and lapse assumptions comparable to our historical experience, modified for recent observed trends. These obligations are based on current balance sheet values and include expected interest crediting, but do not incorporate an expectation of future market growth, or future deposits. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts presented could materially differ from actual results. As variable separate account obligations are legally insulated from general account obligations, the variable separate account obligations will be fully funded by cash flows from variable separate account assets. We expect to fully fund the general account obligations from cash flows from general account investments.(9) Excluded from this table are certain pension obligations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have entered into indemnity agreements with each of our directors as well as operating leases that do not result in an obligation being recorded on the balance sheet. Refer to Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, of the consolidated condensed financial statements for more information on our indemnity agreements.

MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
Our financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, the yield curve, spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, foreign currency rates, used vehicle prices, and equity price risks and issuer defaults. We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments, to the consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report for additional information on our financial instruments.
The primary focus of our asset/liability program is the management of interest rate risk within the insurance operations. This includes monitoring the duration of both investments and insurance liabilities to maintain an appropriate balance between risk and profitability for each product category, and for us as a whole. It is our policy to maintain asset and liability durations within one year of one another, although, from time to time, a broader interval may be allowed.
We are exposed to credit risk within our investment portfolio and through derivative counterparties. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We manage credit risk through established investment policies which attempt to address quality of obligors and counterparties, credit concentration limits, diversification requirements, and acceptable risk levels under expected and stressed scenarios. Derivative counterparty credit risk is measured as the amount owed to us, net of collateral held, based upon current market conditions. In addition, we periodically assess exposure related to potential payment obligations between us and our counterparties. We minimize the credit risk in derivative financial instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties (A-rated or higher at the time we enter into the contract), and we maintain credit support annexes with certain of those counterparties.
We utilize a risk management strategy that includesincorporates the use of derivative financial instruments. instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through our analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into our risk management program.

Derivative instruments expose us to credit and market risk and basis risk. Such instruments can change materiallycould result in valuematerial changes from period- to-period.period to period. We attempt to minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. We manage the market and basis risksrisk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. We monitor our use of derivatives in connection with our overall asset/liability management programs and procedures.risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.
Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate options.swaptions.
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company's foreign currency exchange risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures, foreign equity futures, and foreign equity options.
We may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate our exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to variable annuity,VA and fixed indexed annuity, and indexed universal life contracts:annuities:
Foreign Currency Futures
Variance Swaps
Interest Rate Futures
Equity Options
Equity Futures
Credit Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Swaptions
Volatility Futures
Volatility Options
Total Return Swaps
We believe that our asset/liability management programs and procedures and certain product features provide protection against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios. Additionally, we believe our asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable us to fulfill our obligation to pay benefits under our various insurance and deposit contracts. However, our asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, spread movements, implied volatility, policyholder behavior, and other factors, and the effectiveness of our asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.
     In the ordinary course of our commercial mortgage lending operations, we may commit to provide a mortgage loan before the property to be mortgaged has been built or acquired. The mortgage loan commitment is a contractual obligation to fund a

mortgage loan when called upon by the borrower. The commitment is not recognized in our financial statements until the commitment is actually funded. The mortgage loan commitment contains terms, including the rate of interest, which may be

different than prevailing interest rates. As of March 31, 2017,2018, we had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $772.4$699.6 million at an average rate of 4.2%.
Impact of Continued Low Interest Rate Environment
Significant changes in interest rates expose us to the risk of not realizing anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to in-force policies and contracts. In addition, certain of our insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum guaranteed interest rate (“MGIR”). In periods of prolonged low interest rates, the interest spread earned may be negatively impacted to the extent our ability to reduce policyholder crediting rates is limited by the guaranteed minimum credited interest rates. Additionally, those policies without account values may exhibit lower profitability in periods of prolonged low interest rates due to reduced investment income.
The tabletables below presentspresent account values by range of current minimum guaranteed interest rates and current crediting rates for our universal life and deferred fixed annuity products as of March 31, 2017,2018, and December 31, 2016: 2017: 

Credited Rate Summary
As of March 31, 20172018 
   1-50 bps More than     1-50 bps More than  
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate At above 50 bps   At above 50 bps  
Account Value MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Universal Life Insurance  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
>2% - 3% $203
 $1,153
 $2,030
 $3,386
 $207
 $1,281
 $1,998
 $3,486
>3% - 4% 4,194
 1,029
 8
 5,231
 4,177
 937
 8
 5,122
>4% - 5% 1,973
 14
 
 1,987
 1,966
 13
 1
 1,980
>5% - 6% 219
 
 
 219
 197
 
 
 197
Subtotal 6,589
 2,196
 2,038
 10,823
 6,547
 2,231
 2,007
 10,785
Fixed Annuities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1% $674
 $150
 $121
 $945
 $525
 $268
 $755
 $1,548
>1% - 2% 543
 426
 92
 1,061
 469
 285
 22
 776
>2% - 3% 2,015
 66
 6
 2,087
 1,849
 63
 4
 1,916
>3% - 4% 264
 
 
 264
 250
 
 
 250
>4% - 5% 279
 
 
 279
 268
 
 
 268
>5% - 6% 3
 
 
 3
 2
 
 
 2
Subtotal 3,778
 642
 219
 4,639
 3,363
 616
 781
 4,760
Total $10,367
 $2,838
 $2,257
 $15,462
 $9,910
 $2,847
 $2,788
 $15,545
                
Percentage of Total 67% 18% 15% 100% 64% 18% 18% 100%

Credited Rate Summary
As of December 31, 20162017
   1-50 bps More than     1-50 bps More than  
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate At above 50 bps   At above 50 bps  
Account Value MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Universal Life Insurance  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
>2% - 3% $202
 $1,133
 $2,023
 $3,358
 $206
 $1,252
 $2,006
 $3,464
>3% - 4% 4,001
 1,191
 11
 5,203
 4,146
 993
 8
 5,147
>4% - 5% 1,928
 14
 
 1,942
 1,987
 13
 1
 2,001
>5% - 6% 208
 
 
 208
 199
 
 
 199
Subtotal 6,339
 2,338
 2,034
 10,711
 6,538
 2,258
 2,015
 10,811
Fixed Annuities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1% $670
 $153
 $114
 $937
 $571
 $239
 $540
 $1,350
>1% - 2% 535
 463
 103
 1,101
 473
 331
 70
 874
>2% - 3% 2,056
 68
 7
 2,131
 1,897
 63
 4
 1,964
>3% - 4% 267
 
 
 267
 254
 
 
 254
>4% - 5% 281
 
 
 281
 271
 
 
 271
>5% - 6% 3
 
 
 3
 2
 
 
 2
Subtotal 3,812
 684
 224
 4,720
 3,468
 633
 614
 4,715
Total $10,151
 $3,022
 $2,258
 $15,431
 $10,006
 $2,891
 $2,629
 $15,526
                
Percentage of Total 66% 19% 15% 100% 64% 19% 17% 100%

We are active in mitigating the impact of a continued low interest rate environment through product design, as well as adjusting crediting rates on current in-force policies and contracts. We also manage interest rate and reinvestment risks through our asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the regular rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Inflation increases the need for life insurance. Many policyholders who once had adequate insurance programs may increase their life insurance coverage to provide the same relative financial benefit and protection. Higher interest rates may result in higher sales of certain of our investment products.
The higher interest rates that have traditionally accompanied inflation could also affect our operations. Policy loans increase as policy loan interest rates become relatively more attractive. As interest rates increase, disintermediation of stable value and annuity account balances and individual life policy cash values may increase. The market value of our fixed-rate, long-term investments may decrease, we may be unable to implement fully the interest rate reset and call provisions of our mortgage loans, and our ability to make attractive mortgage loans, including participating mortgage loans, may decrease. In addition, participating mortgage loan income may decrease. The difference between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to life insurance and investment products may also be adversely affected by rising interest rates. During the periods covered by this report, we believe inflation has not had a material impact on our business.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated condensed financial statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
See Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,  “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this report for market risk disclosures.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
(a)    Disclosure controls and procedures
In order to ensure that the information the Company must disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis, the Company’sCompany's management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”"Exchange Act")), except as otherwise noted below. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company’sCompany's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’sCompany's disclosure controls and procedures were effective. It should be noted that any system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’ssystem's objectives will be met. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain judgments, including the costs and benefits of controls and the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within the Company have been detected.
In conducting our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, we have excluded USWC Holding Company and its subsidiaries ("US Warranty") and the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and processes being provided by third parties for the acquired business. US Warranty was acquired on December 1, 2016 and its revenues and income were immaterial to the Company's results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2017.
(b)    Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have beenwere no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls exist within a dynamic environment and the Company continually strives to improve its internal controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
PART II
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company’s future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and known trends and uncertainties. In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition, or future results of operations.operations which are discussed more fully below.
General Risk Factors

The Company's results and financial condition may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management's assumptions and estimates.

In the conduct of business, the Company makes certain assumptions regarding mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, interest rates, equity markets, tax, business mix, casualty, contingent liabilities, investment performance, and other factors appropriate to the type of business it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are used to estimate the amounts of deferred policy acquisition costs, policy liabilities and accruals, future earnings, and various components of the Company's balance sheet. These assumptions are also used in the operation of the Company's business in making decisions crucial to the success of the Company, including the pricing of acquisitions and products. The Company's actual experience, as well as changes in estimates, is used to prepare the Company's financial statements. To the extent the Company's actual experience and changes in estimates differ from original estimates, the Company's financial condition may be adversely affected.

Mortality, morbidity, and casualty assumptions incorporate underlying assumptions about many factors. Such factors may include, for example, how a product is distributed, for what purpose the product is purchased, the mix of customers purchasing the products, persistency and lapses, future progress in the fields of health and medicine, and the projected level of used vehicle values. Actual mortality, morbidity, and/or casualty experience may differ from expectations. In addition, continued activity in the viatical, stranger-owned, and/or life settlement industry could cause the Company's level of lapses to differ from its assumptions about persistency and lapses, which could negatively impact the Company's performance.

The calculations the Company uses to estimate various components of its balance sheet and statements of income are necessarily complex and involve analyzing and interpreting large quantities of data. The Company currently employs various techniques for such calculations and relies, in certain instances, on third parties to make or assist in making such calculations. From time to time it develops and implements more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures capable of facilitating the calculation of more precise estimates. The systems and procedures that the Company develops and the Company's reliance upon third parties could result in errors in the calculations that impact our financial statements or affect our financial condition.

Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revisions over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results

differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.

The Company may not realize its anticipated financial results from its acquisitions strategy.

The Company’s Acquisitions segment focuses on the acquisitions of companies and business operations, and the coinsurance of blocks of insurance business, all of which have increased the Company’s earnings. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will have future suitable opportunities for, or sufficient capital and/or reserve financing available to fund, such transactions. If our competitors have access to capital on more favorable terms or at a lower cost, our ability to compete for acquisitions may be diminished. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to realize any projected operating efficiencies or achieve the anticipated financial results from such transactions.

The Company may be unable to complete an acquisition transaction. Completion of an acquisition transaction may be more costly or take longer than expected, or may have a different or more costly financing structure than initially contemplated. In addition, the Company may not be able to complete or manage multiple acquisition transactions at the same time, or the completion of such transactions may be delayed or be more costly than initially contemplated. The Company, its affiliates, or other parties to the transaction may be unable to obtain regulatory approvals required to complete an acquisition transaction. If the Company identifies and completes suitable acquisitions, it may not be able to successfully integrate the business in a timely or cost-effective manner, or retain key personnel and business relationships necessary to achieve anticipated financial results. In addition, there may be unforeseen liabilities that arise in connection with businesses or blocks of insurance business that the Company acquires or reinsures. Additionally, in connection with its acquisition transactions that involve reinsurance, the Company assumes, or otherwise becomes responsible for, the obligations of policies and other liabilities of other insurers. Any regulatory, legal, financial, or other adverse development affecting the other insurer could also have an adverse effect on the Company.

Risks Related to the Financial Environment

The Company may be required to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's useresults of derivativeoperations, financial instruments withincondition, and capital position.

Deferred tax assets are attributable to certain differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets represent future savings of taxes that would otherwise be paid in cash. In general, the realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future ordinary and capital taxable income. If it is determined that a certain deferred tax asset cannot be realized, then a deferred tax valuation allowance must be established, with a corresponding charge to either adjusted operating income or other comprehensive income (depending on the nature of the deferred tax asset).

Based on the Company's current assessment of future taxable income, including available tax planning opportunities, the Company anticipates that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its risk management strategymaterial deferred tax assets net of any existing valuation allowance. The Company has recognized valuation allowances of $5.9 million and $5.0 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, related to state operating loss and interest expense carryforwards which are more likely than not to expire unutilized. If future events differ from the Company's current forecasts, an additional valuation allowance may notneed to be effectiveestablished, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or sufficient.capital position.

The Company uses derivativecould be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending.
Certain Company subsidiaries are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) of Cincinnati and the FHLB of New York. Membership provides these Company subsidiaries with access to FHLB financial instruments within its risk management strategy to mitigate risksservices, including advances that provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the sale of funding agreements. The extent to which these services are available could be impacted by legislative or regulatory action at the state or federal level. It is unclear at this time whether or to what extent additional or new legislation or regulatory action regarding continued access to FHLB financial services will be enacted or adopted. Any developments that limit access to FHLB financial services could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that the Company has and the amount of statutory capital or risk-based capital that it must hold to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and such amounts are sensitive to a number of factors outside of the Company’s control.

The Company primarily conducts business through licensed insurance company subsidiaries. Insurance regulators have established regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on risk-based capital formulas for life and property and casualty companies. The risk-based capital formula for life insurance companies establishes capital requirements relating to

insurance, business, asset, interest rate, and certain other risks. The risk-based capital formula for property and casualty companies establishes capital requirements relating to asset, credit, underwriting, and certain other risks.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and risk-based capital ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of statutory income or losses generated by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries (which itself is exposed,sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital its insurance subsidiaries must hold to support business growth, changes in the Company’s statutory reserve requirements, the Company’s ability to secure capital market solutions to provide statutory reserve relief, changes in equity market levels, the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in its investment portfolio, the credit ratings of investments held in its portfolio, including risks relatedthose issued by, or explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by, a government, the value of certain derivative instruments, changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or tax rates, credit market volatility, changes in consumer behavior, and changes to creditthe National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC") risk-based capital formula. Most of these factors are outside of the Company’s control.

The NAIC is currently considering several changes to the formula used to calculate risk-based capital. One of the changes under consideration relates to the corporate tax rate. Previously, the NAIC risk-based capital formula used a tax factor that generally assumed a 35% corporate tax rate. In 2018, the maximum corporate tax rate was set at 21%. The NAIC's Capital Adequacy Task Force and its working groups have stated their intention to update the risk-based capital formula to reflect the lower corporate tax rate. Another contemplated change would update the factors used to calculate required capital for bonds. While the extent and timing of either such change is unknown, both changes would likely increase required capital upon becoming effective, which in turn would decrease the statutory risk-based capital ratios of U.S. life insurance companies, including the Company and its subsidiaries. Ultimately, the changes contemplated by the NAIC could have an individually or cumulatively material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations.

The Company’s financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and risk-based capital ratios of its insurance company subsidiaries. Rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital the Company must hold in order to maintain its current ratings. In addition, rating agencies may downgrade the investments held in the Company’s portfolio, which could result in a reduction of the Company’s capital and surplus and/or its risk-based capital ratio.

In scenarios of equity market declines, the amount of additional statutory reserves or risk-based capital the Company is required to hold for its variable product guarantees may increase at a rate greater than the rate of change of the markets. Increases in reserves or risk-based capital could result in a reduction to the Company’s capital, surplus, and/or risk-based capital ratio. Also, in environments where there is not a correlative relationship between interest rate levels, foreign exchange, or volatilityrates and spreads, the Company’s market value adjusted annuity product can have a material adverse effect on its fixed indexed annuitythe Company’s statutory surplus position.

Industry and variable annuity products and associated guaranteed benefit features. Regulatory Related Risks

The Company may be subject to regulations of, or regulations influenced by, international regulatory authorities or initiatives.

The NAIC and the Company’s state regulators may be influenced by the initiatives of international regulatory bodies, and those initiatives may not translate readily into the legal system under which U.S. insurers must operate. There is increasing pressure to conform to international standards due to the globalization of the business of insurance and the most recent financial crisis. In addition to developments at the NAIC and in the United States, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”), consisting of representatives of national financial authorities of the G20 nations, and the G20 have issued a series of proposals intended to produce significant changes in how financial companies, particularly companies that are members of large and complex financial groups, should be regulated.

The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”), at the direction of the FSB, has published an evolving methodology for identifying “global systemically important insurers” (“G-SIIs”) and high-level policy measures that will apply to G-SIIs. The FSB, working with national authorities and the IAIS, has designated nine insurance groups as G-SIIs. The IAIS is working on the policy measures which include higher capital requirements and enhanced supervision. Although neither the Company nor Dai-ichi Life has been designated as a G-SII, the list of designated insurers will be updated periodically by the FSB. It is possible that the greater size and reach of the combined group as a result of the Company becoming a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, or a change in the methodologies or their application, could lead to the combined group’s designation as a G-SII.

The IAIS is also use derivative financial instruments withinin the process of developing a common framework for the supervision of internationally active insurance groups (“IAIGs”). The framework, which is currently under discussion, may include a global capital measurement standard for insurance groups deemed to be IAIGs that could exceed the sum of state or other local capital requirements. In addition, the IAIS is developing a model framework for the supervision of IAIGs that contemplates “group wide supervision” across national boundaries and legal entities, which could require each IAIG to conduct its own risk management strategyand solvency assessment to mitigate risks arising from its exposure to investments in individual issuers or sectors of issuersmonitor and to mitigate the adverse effects of interest rate levels or volatility onmanage its overall solvency. It is likely that, as a result of the Merger, the combined group will be deemed an IAIG, in which case it may be subject to supervision requirements and capital measurement standards beyond those applicable to any competitors who are not designated as an IAIG.

The Company’s sole stockholder, Dai-ichi Life, is also subject to regulation by the Japanese Financial Services Authority (“JFSA”). Under applicable laws and regulations, Dai-ichi Life is required to provide notice to or obtain the consent of the JFSA prior to taking certain actions or engaging in certain transactions, either directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries, including the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, which could limit the ability of the Company to engage in certain transactions or business initiatives.

While it is not yet known how or the extent to which the Company will be impacted by these regulations, the Company may experience increased costs of compliance, increased disclosure, less flexibility in capital management, and more burdensome regulation and capital requirements for specific lines of business. In addition, such regulations could impact the business of the Company and its reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

These derivative financial instrumentsThe Company’s use of captive reinsurance companies to finance statutory reserves related to its term and universal life products and to reduce volatility affecting its variable annuity products may not effectively offsetbe limited or adversely affected by regulatory action, pronouncements and interpretations.

The Company currently uses affiliated captive reinsurance companies in various structures to finance certain statutory reserves based on a regulation entitled “Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Regulation XXX,” and a supporting guideline entitled “The Application of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Guideline AXXX,” which are associated with term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees, respectively, as well as to reduce the volatility in statutory risk-based capital associated with certain guaranteed minimum withdrawal and death benefit riders associated with certain of the Company’s variable annuity products.

The NAIC has adopted Actuarial Guideline XLVIII ("AG48") and the substantially similar "Term and Universal Life Insurance Reserve Financing Model Regulation" (the "Reserve Model") which establish national standards for new reserve financing arrangements for term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees. AG48 and the Reserve Model govern collateral requirements for captive reinsurance arrangements. In order to obtain reserve credit, AG48 and the Reserve Model require a minimum level of funds, consisting of primary and other securities, to be held by or on behalf of ceding insurers as security under each captive life reinsurance treaty. As a result of AG48 and the Reserve Model, the implementation of new captive structures in the future may be less capital efficient, lead to lower product returns and/or increased product pricing, or result in reduced sales of certain products. In some circumstances, AG48 and the Reserve Model could impact the Company’s ability to engage in certain reinsurance transactions with non-affiliates.

The Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC established a Variable Annuity Issues Working Group ("VAIWG") in 2015 to oversee the NAIC’s efforts to study and address regulatory issues resulting in variable annuity captive reinsurance transactions. The VAIWG developed a Framework for Change (the “Framework”) which was adopted in 2015. The Framework suggests numerous changes to current NAIC rules and regulations that are intended to decrease incentives for insurers to establish variable annuities captives, which changes could potentially be applied to both in-force and new business. The Framework proposes that various NAIC groups consider and adopt recommended changes to current rules and regulations (with a likely effective date in 2020) and that, upon adoption, domestic regulators request that insurers ceding business to variable annuity captives recapture such business and dissolve such captives. If adopted, changes in the carrying valueregulation of the exposures due to, among other things, the time lag between changes in the valuevariable annuities and variable annuity captives could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of such exposures and the changes in the value of the derivative financial instruments purchased by the Company, extreme credit and/or equity market and/or interest rate levels or volatility, contract holder behavior that differs from the Company’s expectations, and basis risk.operations.

The useNAIC adopted revisions to the Part A Laws and Regulations Preamble (the "Preamble") of derivative financial instrumentsthe NAIC Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation Program that includes within the definition of “multi-state insurer” certain insurer-owned captives and special purpose vehicles that are single-state licensed but assume reinsurance from cedants operating in multiple states. The revised definition subjects certain captives, including XXX/AXXX captives, variable annuity and long-term care captives, to all of the accreditation standards applicable to other traditional multi-state insurers, including standards related to capital and surplus requirements, risk-based capital requirements, investment laws and credit for reinsurance laws. Although we do not expect the revised definition to affect our existing life insurance captives (or our ability to engage in life insurance captive transactions in the future), such application will likely prevent us from engaging in variable annuity captive transactions on the same or a similar basis as in the past and, if applied retroactively, would likely cause us to recapture business from and unwind our existing variable annuity captive (“VA Captive”).

While the recapture of business from our existing VA Captive, caused either by actions of the VAIWG or the effect of the Preamble, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company generallygiven current market conditions, in the future the Company could experience fluctuations in its risk-based capital ratio due to hedge various risksmarket volatility if it were prohibited from engaging in similar transactions or required to unwind its existing VA Captive, which could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

Any regulatory action or change in interpretation that impact GAAP earnings maymaterially adversely affects the Company’s use or materially increases the Company’s cost of using captives or reinsurers for the affected business, either retroactively or prospectively, could have ana material adverse impact on the levelCompany’s financial condition or results of statutoryoperations. If the Company were required to discontinue its use of captives for intercompany reinsurance transactions on a retroactive basis, adverse impacts would include early termination fees payable to third party finance providers with respect to certain structures, diminished capital position and risk-based capital ratios, givenhigher cost of capital. Additionally, finding alternative means to support policy liabilities efficiently is an unknown factor that would be dependent, in part, on future market conditions and the Company’s ability to obtain required regulatory approvals. On a prospective basis, discontinuation of the use of captives could impact the types, amounts and pricing of products offered by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.

Laws, regulations and initiatives related to unreported deaths and unclaimed property and death benefits may result in operational burdens, fines, unexpected payments or escheatments.

Since 2012, various states have enacted laws that require life insurers to search for unreported deaths. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators ("NCOIL") has adopted the Model Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (the "Unclaimed Benefits Act") and legislation or regulations have been enacted in numerous states that are similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act, although each respective accounting basisstate's version differs in some respects. The Unclaimed Benefits Act, if adopted by any state, imposes new requirements on insurers to periodically compare their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against the U.S. Social Security Administration's Death Master File or similar databases (a "Death Database"), investigate any potential matches to confirm the death and determine whether benefits are due, and to attempt to locate the beneficiaries of any benefits that are due or, if no beneficiary can be located, escheat the benefit to the state as unclaimed property. Other states in which the Company does not move perfectly together.business may also consider adopting legislation similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act. The Company cannot predict whether such legislation will be proposed or enacted in additional states.

The CompanyUniform Laws Commission has adopted revisions to the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in a manner likely to impact state unclaimed property laws and requirements, though it is not clear at this time to what extent or whether requirements will conflict with otherwise imposed search requirements. Other life insurance industry associations and regulatory associations are also considering these matters. Certain states have amended or may also choose notamend their unclaimed property laws to hedge, in whole or in part, these or other risks that it has identified, duerequire insurers to for example,compare in-force and certain terminated life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, to investigate potential matches to determine whether the availability and/or costnamed insured is deceased, to attempt to locate and pay beneficiaries any unclaimed benefits required to be paid, and, if no beneficiary can be located, to escheat policy benefits to the appropriate state as unclaimed property. The enactment of a suitable derivative financial instrument. In addition,such unclaimed property laws may require the Company may fail to identify risks, orincur significant expenses, including benefits with respect to terminated policies for which no reserves are currently held and unanticipated operational expenses. Any of the magnitude thereof, to which it is exposed. The Company is also exposed to the risk that its use of derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy may not be properly designed and/or may not be properly implemented as designed.

The Company is subject to the risk that its derivative counterparties or clearinghouse may fail or refuse to meet their obligations to the Company which may result in associated derivative financial instruments to be ineffective or inefficient.

The above factors, either alone or in combination, mayforegoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

A number of state treasury departments and administrators of unclaimed property have audited life insurance companies for compliance with unclaimed property laws. The Company's securities lending program mayfocus of the audits has been to determine whether there have been maturities of policies or contracts, or policies that have exceeded limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under the policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. In addition, the audits have sought to identify unreported deaths of insureds. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for treating an unreported death as giving rise to a policy benefit that would be subject it to liquidityunclaimed property procedures. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into resolution agreements with state treasury departments and other risks.administrators of unclaimed property under which the life insurers agreed to procedures for comparing their previously issued life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, escheating the benefits and interest, in some cases at a negotiated rate, to the state if the beneficiary could not be found, and paying penalties to the state, if required. The amounts publicly reported to have been paid to beneficiaries and/or escheated to the states have been substantial.

The Company maintainsState insurance regulators have initiated targeted multi-state examinations of life insurance companies with respect to the companies' claims paying practices and use of a securities lending programDeath Database to identify unreported deaths in their life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts, despite having no clear basis in previously existing law for requiring a life insurer to search for unreported deaths in order to determine whether a benefit is owed. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into settlement or consent agreements with state insurance regulators under which securities are loanedthe life insurers agreed to third parties, including brokerage firmsimplement systems and commercial banks. The borrowersprocedures for periodically comparing their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found, and paying penalties to the state, if required. It has been publicly reported that the life insurers have paid substantial administrative and/or examination fees to the insurance regulators in connection with the settlement or consent agreements.

Certain of the Company's securities providesubsidiaries as well as certain other insurance companies from whom the Company with collateral, typically in cash, which it separately maintains. The Company investshas coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies are subject to unclaimed property audits and/or targeted multi-state examinations by insurance regulators similar to those described above. It is possible that the collateral in other securities, including primarily short-term government repo and money market funds. Securities loaned underaudits, examinations and/or the program may be returnedenactment of state laws similar to the Company by the borrower at any time, requiring the CompanyUnclaimed Benefits Act could result in additional payments to return the related cash collateral. In some cases, the Company may use the cash collateral provided to purchase other securities to be held as invested collateral, and the maturitybeneficiaries, additional escheatment of such securities may exceed the termfunds deemed abandoned under state laws, payment of the securities loaned under the programadministrative penalties and/or the market value of such securities may fall below the amount of cash collateral that the Company is obligatedexamination fees to returnstate authorities, and changes to the borrowerCompany's procedures for identifying unreported deaths and escheatment of abandoned property. It is possible any such additional payments and any costs related to changes in Company procedures could materially impact the Company's loaned securities. If the Companyfinancial condition and/or results of operations. It is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and are forced to sell the securities held as invested collateral to meet the obligation, the Company may have difficulty selling such securities in a timely manner and/oralso possible that life insurers, including the Company, may be forcedsubject to sell the securities in a volatileclaims, regulatory actions, law enforcement actions, and civil litigation arising from their prior business practices, unclaimed property practices or illiquid market for less than it otherwise would have been ablerelated audits and examinations. Any resulting liabilities, payments or costs, including initial and ongoing costs of changes to realize under normal market conditions. In addition, the Company's ability to sell securities held as invested collateral mayprocedures or systems, could be restricted under stressful marketsignificant and economic conditions in which liquidity deteriorates.

Industry and Regulatory Related Risks

The business of the Company is highly regulated and is subject to routine audits, examinations and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies and self-regulatory organizations.

The Company is subject to government regulation in each of the states in which it conducts business. In many instances, the regulatory models emanate from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative and in some instances discretionary power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include, among other things, premium rates and increases thereto, underwriting practices, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, cybersecurity, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, acquisitions, mergers, capital adequacy, claims practices and the remittance of unclaimed property. In addition, some state insurance departments may enact rules or regulations with extra-territorial application, effectively extending their jurisdiction to areas such as permitted insurance company investments that are normally the province of an insurance company’s domiciliary state regulator.

At any given time, a number of financial, market conduct, or other examinations or audits of the Company’s subsidiaries may be ongoing. It is possible that any examination or audit may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’sCompany's financial condition and/or results of operations.

During December 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed actions against the Company's subsidiaries Protective Life Insurance Company and West Coast Life Insurance Company in West Virginia state court (State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Protective Life Insurance Company; State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. West Coast Life Insurance Company; Defendants' Motions to Dismiss granted on December 27, 2013; Notice of Appeal filed on January 27, 2014; dismissal reversed by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals on June 16, 2015; Petition for Rehearing filed by Defendant insurance companies denied on September 21, 2015). The Company’sactions, which also name numerous other life insurance subsidiaries are required to obtain state regulatory approval for rate increases for certain health insurance products. The Company’s profits may be adversely affected ifcompanies, allege that the requested rate increases are not approved in full by regulators in a timely fashion.companies

State insurance regulatorsviolated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seek to compel compliance with the Act, and seek payment of unclaimed property, interest, and penalties. While the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicablelegal theory or theories that may give rise to insurance companies and their products. Changesliability in these laws and regulations,the West Virginia Treasurer litigation are uncertain, it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar actions. The Company does not currently believe that losses, if any, arising from the West Virginia Treasurer litigation will be material. The Company cannot, however, predict whether other jurisdictions will pursue similar actions or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer and may lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, couldif they do, whether such actions will have a material adverse effectimpact on the Company’sCompany's financial condition and results of operations. At the federal level, bills are routinely introduced in both chambers of the United States Congress that could affect life insurers. In the past, Congress has considered legislation that would impact insurance companies in numerous ways, such as providing for an optional federal charter or a federal presence for insurance, preempting state law in certain respects regarding the regulation of reinsurance, increasing federal oversight in areas such as consumer protection and solvency regulation, setting tax rates, and other matters. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form legislation will be enacted and, if so, whether the enacted legislation will positively or negatively affect the Company or whether any effects will be material.

Laws, rules and regulations promulgated in connection with the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may adversely affect the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) enacted in July 2010 made sweeping changes to the regulation of financial services entities, products and markets. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank are or may become applicable to the Company, its competitors or those entities with which the Company does business. Such provisions include, but are not limited to: the establishment of consolidated federal regulation and resolution authority over systemically important financial services firms, the establishment of the Federal Insurance Office, changes to the regulation and standards applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisors, changes to the regulation of reinsurance, changes to regulations affecting the rights of shareowners, and the imposition of additional regulation over credit rating agencies, and the imposition of concentration limits on financial institutions that restrict the amount of credit that may be extended to a single person or entity. Since the enactment of Dodd-Frank, many regulations have been enacted and others are likely to be adopted in the future that will have an impact upon the Company. Dodd-Frank also created the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which has issued a final rule and interpretive guidance setting forth the methodology by which it will determine whether a non-bank financial company is a systemically important financial institution (“SIFI”). A non-bank financial company, such as the Company, that is designated as a SIFI by the FSOC will become subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Company is not currently supervised by the Federal Reserve as a SIFI. Such supervision could impact the Company’s requirements relating to capital, liquidity, stress testing, limits on counterparty credit exposure, compliance and governance, early remediation in the event of financial weakness and other prudential matters, and in other ways the Company currently cannot anticipate. FSOC-designated non-bank financial companies will also be required to prepare resolution plans, so-called “living wills,” that set out how they could most efficiently be liquidated if they endangered the U.S. financial system or the broader economy. The FSOC has conducted multiple rounds of SIFI designation consideration and continues to make changes to its process for designating a company as a SIFI. The FSOC has made SIFI designations, and the Company was not designated as such. However, the Company could be considered and designated at any time. The Company is at this time unable to predict the impact on an entity that is supervised as a SIFI by the Federal Reserve Board. The Company is not able to predict whether the capital requirements or other requirements imposed on SIFIs may impact the requirements applicable to the Company even if it is not designated as a SIFI. The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions with respect to some product lines.

Additionally, Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, but excluding investment products already regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFPB has supervisory authority over certain non-banks whose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers, and issued a rule in 2016 amending regulations under the Home Mortgage Disclosure

Act that requires the Company to, among other things, collect and disclose extensive data related to its lending practices. At this time, the rule relates to reporting data relative to Company loans made on multi-family apartments, seniors living housing, manufactured housing communities and any mixed-use properties which contain a residential component. It is unclear at this time how burdensome compliance with this or other rules promulgated under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act will become.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sell products that may be regulated by the CFPB. CFPB continues to bring enforcement actions involving a growing number of issues, including actions brought jointly with state Attorneys General, which could directly or indirectly affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirement savings and is considering the extent of its authority in that area. The Company is unable at this time to predict the impact of these activities on the Company.

Dodd-Frank includes a framework of regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets which requires clearing of certain types of transactions which have been or are currently traded OTC by the Company. The types of transactions to be cleared are expected to increase in the future. The new framework could potentially impose additional costs, including increased margin requirements and additional regulation on the Company. Increased margin requirements on the Company’s part, combined with restrictions on securities that will qualify as eligible collateral, could continue to reduce its liquidity and require an increase in its holdings of cash and government securities with lower yields causing a reduction in income. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its businesses, including those arising from its fixed and variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could continue to increase the cost of the Company’s risk mitigation and expose it to the risk of a default by a clearinghouse with respect to the Company’s cleared derivative transactions.

Numerous provisions of Dodd-Frank require the adoption of implementing rules and/or regulations. The process of adopting such implementing rules and/or regulations have in some instances been delayed beyond the timeframes imposed by Dodd-Frank. Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the full impact of the regulations on the Company will remain unclear. In addition, Dodd-Frank mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislation or regulation applicable to the insurance industry, the Company, its competitors or the entities with which the Company does business. Legislative or regulatory requirements imposed by or promulgated in connection with Dodd-Frank may impact the Company in many ways, including but not limited: placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its competition or other financial services entities, changing the competitive landscape of the financial services sector and/or the insurance industry, making it more expensive for the Company to conduct its business, requiring the reallocation of significant company resources to government affairs, legal and compliance-related activities, or causing historical market behavior or statistics utilized by the Company in connection with its efforts to manage risk and exposure to no longer be predictive of future risk and exposure or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the overall business climate as well as the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Regulations issued byNew and amended regulations regarding the Departmentstandard of Labor on April 6, 2016, expanding the definitioncare or standard of “investment advice fiduciary” under ERISAconduct applicable to investment professionals, insurance agencies, and creating and revising several prohibited transaction exemptions for investment activities in light offinancial institutions that expanded definition,recommend or sell annuities may have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products, to retain in-force business and on our financial condition or results of operation.operations.

Broker-dealers,Sales of life insurance policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company are subject to regulations relating to sales practices adopted by a variety of federal and state regulatory authorities. Certain annuities and life insurance policies such as variable annuities and variable universal life insurance are regulated under the federal securities laws administered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). On April 18, 2018, the SEC voted to propose rulemakings and interpretations relating to the standard of conduct applicable to broker-dealers, investment advisers, and their representatives when making certain recommendations to retail customers. Specifically, under the proposed regulations, a broker-dealer would be required to act in the best interest of a retail customer when recommending any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities to a retail customer. The SEC also proposed an interpretation reaffirming and, in some cases, clarifying its views of the fiduciary duty that investment advisers owe to their clients. Another SEC proposal would require broker-dealers and investment advisers to provide each customer with a summary of the nature of the customer’s relationship with the investment professional, as well as a restriction on the use of the terms “adviser” and “advisor” by broker-dealers.

In addition, broker-dealers, insurance agencies and other financial institutions sell the Company’s annuities to employee benefit plans governed by provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) that are governed by similar provisions under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Consequently, our activities and those of the firms that sell the Company’s products are subject to restrictions that require ERISA fiduciaries to perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries, and that prohibit ERISA fiduciaries from causing a covered plan or retirement account to engage in certain prohibited transactions absent an exemption. In general, the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code restrict the receipt of compensation from third parties in connection with the provision of investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and IRAs.

OnIn April 6,of 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) issued new regulations expanding the definition of “investment advice fiduciary” under ERISA. These new regulations increaseincreased the number of circumstances in which the Company and broker-dealers, insurance agencies and other financial institutions that sell the Company’s products could be deemed a fiduciary when providing investment advice with respect to ERISA plans or IRAs. The Department of LaborDOL also issued amendments to long-standing exemptions from the provisions of ERISA and the Code that permitprohibit fiduciaries to engagefrom engaging in certain types of transactions (“Prohibited Transaction Exemptions”) and adopted new Prohibited Transaction Exemptions. These amended and new Prohibited Transaction Exemptions appear to increase significantly the conditions that must be satisfied by fiduciaries in order to receive traditional forms of commission, such as sales commissions, for sales of insurance products to ERISA plans, plan participants and IRAs.

The DepartmentOrganizations that opposed the DOL’s fiduciary regulations have filed lawsuits aimed at overturning them. On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Court of Labor announced that it was delayingAppeals for the original April 10, 2017 applicability dateFifth Circuit issued a ruling vacating all aspects of the regulations, as well asDOL’s fiduciary “rule,” including the relatedchanges to the definition of “investment advice fiduciary,” the creation of the Best Interest Contract Exemption, and the amendments to existing Prohibited Transaction Exemptions. BeginningThis ruling is subject to challenge on June 9, 2017, fiduciariesappeal by the DOL or an intervening third party, however, and other courts considering the same or similar issues may rely on the Prohibited Transaction Exemptions, provided that they adherereach a different legal conclusion.
In addition to the Impartial Conduct Standards, but theyforegoing, the NAIC is considering revisions to the Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation which, if adopted by regulators, would impose a stricter standard of care upon insurers who sell annuities. Likewise, several states are not requiredconsidering legislation or regulatory measures that would implement new requirements and standards applicable to comply with the other conditionssale of annuities and, in some cases, life insurance products. These standards vary widely in scope, applicability and timing of implementation. The adoption and enactment of these or any revised standards as law or regulation could have a material adverse effect upon the Prohibited Transaction Exemptions until January 1, 2018. In announcingmanner in which the delay, the Department of Labor also stated that, if after receiving comments on the review ordered by President Trump by April 17, 2017, it concludes that more time is needed to complete its review or ifCompany's products are sold.

There remains significant changes are deemed necessary, it will have the ability to further extend the January 1, 2018 applicability date or grant additional interim relief. It appears unlikely that the Department of Labor will further delay the initial June 9, 2017 applicability date, however. Despite the Department of Labor’s provision of 60 additional days to allow for compliance to regulations, and its decision to streamline requirements for Prohibited Transaction Exemptions, there is still uncertainty surrounding the fate offinal form that these regulations.regulations may take. Our current distributors may continue to move forward with their plans to limit the number of products they offer, including the types of products offered by the Company. The Company may

find it necessary to change sales representative and/or broker compensation, to limit the assistance or advice it can provide to owners of the Company’s annuities, to replace or engage additional distributors, or otherwise change the manner in which it designs and supports sales of its annuities. In addition, the Company continues to incur expenses in connection with initial and ongoing compliance obligations with respect to such rules, and in the aggregate these expenses may be significant. TheAny of the foregoing regulatory, legislative or judicial measures or the reaction to such activity by consumers or other members of the insurance industry could have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products, to retain in-force business, and on our financial condition or results of operations.

The Company may be subject to regulation, investigations, enforcement actions, fines and penalties imposed by the SEC, FINRA and other federal and international regulators in connection with its business operations.

Certain life insurance policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) examine or investigate the activities of broker-dealers and investment advisors, including the Company’s affiliated broker-dealers and investment advisers. These examinations or investigations often focus on the activities of the registered representatives and

registered investment advisers doing business through such entities and the entities’ supervision of those persons. It is possible that any examination or investigation could lead to enforcement action by the regulator and/or may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures of such entities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company may also be subject to regulation by governments of the countries in which it currently does, or may in the future, do, business, as well as regulation by the U.S. Government with respect to its operations in foreign countries, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Penalties for violating the various laws governing the Company’s business in other countries may include restrictions upon business operations, fines and imprisonment, both within the U.S. and abroad. U.S. enforcement of anti-corruption laws continues to increase in magnitude, and penalties may be substantial.

The Company is subject to conditions and requirements set forth in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), which places restrictions on the use of automated telephone and facsimile machines. Class action lawsuits alleging violations of the act have been filed against a number of companies, including life insurance carriers. These class action lawsuits contain allegations that defendant carriers were vicariously liable for the alleged wrongful conduct of agents who violated the TCPA. Some of the class actions have resulted in substantial settlements against other insurers. Any such actions against the Company could result in a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

Other types of regulation that could affect the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting and reserving practices, antitrust laws, minimum solvency requirements, enterprise risk requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, cybersecurity regulation, technology and data regulations, insurable interest laws, federal anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, employment and immigration laws (including laws in Alabama where over half of the Company’s employees are located), and because the Company owns and operates real property, state, federal, and local environmental laws. Under some circumstances, severe penalties may be imposed for breach of these laws.

The Company cannot predict what form any future changes to laws and/or regulations affecting participants in the financial services sector and/or insurance industry, including the Company and its competitors or those entities with which it does business, may take, or what effect, if any, such changes may have.

The Company's ability to enter into certain transactions is influenced by how such a transaction might affect Dai-ichi Life's taxation in Japan.

Changes to tax law, such as the effect of the Tax Reform Act enacted on December 22, 2017, or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company and its ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products.

In general, existing law exempts policyholders from current taxation on the increase in value of most insurance and annuity products during these products’ accumulation phase. This favorable tax treatment provides some of the Company’s products with a competitive advantage over products offered by non-insurance companies. To the extent that the law is revised to either reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to establish the tax-deferred status of competing products, then all life insurance companies, including the Company’s subsidiaries, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell their products. Furthermore, such changes would generally cause increased surrenders of existing life insurance and annuity products. For example, a change in law that further restricts the deductibility of interest expense when a business owns a life insurance product would result in increased surrenders of these products.

The Company is subject to corporate income, excise, franchise, and premium taxes. Federal tax law provides certain benefits to the Company, such as the deferral of current taxation on derivatives' and securities' economic income and the current deduction for future policy benefits and claims. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Reform Act"), which was enacted in December 2017, will require the Company to report higher amounts of taxable income both now and in the future. However, the legislation also significantly reduced the corporate income tax rate. Overall, the Company expects to pay less income tax in the future.

The Company's mid-2005 transition from relying on reinsurance for newly-written traditional life products to reinsuring some of these products' reserves into its captive insurance companies resulted in a net reduction in its current taxes, offset by an increase in its deferred taxes. The resulting benefit of reduced current taxes is attributed to the applicable life products and is an important component of the profitability of these products. The Tax Reform Act, with its overall lower tax rate, has decreased the economic tax benefit associated with these products. Ultimately, the profitability and competitive position of these products is dependent on the Company’s ability to continue deducting its provision for future policy benefits and claims and the Company's ability to generate taxable income.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company sold no equity securities in transactions which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
During the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, 100% of the Company’s common stock was owned by Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., and was not available for repurchase by the Company.

Item 6.    Exhibits 
Exhibit  
Number  
Master Transaction Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2018, by and among Protective Life Insurance Company, Protective Life Corporation, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Lincoln National Corporation, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Liberty Mutual Group Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 22, 2018 (No. 001-11339).
 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company effective as of February 1, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed February 26, 2015 (No. 001-11339).
 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company effective January 4, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed February 25, 2016 (No. 001-11339).
Amendment One to the Protective Life Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan filed herewith. †
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2018, among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers, the several lenders from time to time thereto, and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent for Lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2018 (No. 001-11339).
Computation of Ratios of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Protective Life Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2017,2018, filed on May 8, 2017,11, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Shareowner’s Equity, (v) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
   
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
*Incorporated by Reference

SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
  
  
Date: May 8, 201711, 2018By:/s/ PAUL R. WELLS
   
  Paul R. Wells
  Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and
  Controller


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