UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from   _________________________ to   _________________________

Commission File No. 811-00002
AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 41-6009975
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1099 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota55474
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (612) 671-3131
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:  Not Applicable
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 x    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 chapterchapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).      Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Non-Accelerated Filer x
Emerging growth company o
Accelerated Filer 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 Exchange Act).    Yes o    No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at NovemberMay 1, 20172019
Common Shares (par value $10 per share)150,000 shares
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(1)H(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
 



AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

FORM 10-Q 
INDEX
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three months ended March 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 20162018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Three months ended March 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 20162018
Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20162018
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity — NineThree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — NineThree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
3. Investments
4. Commercial Mortgage, Syndicated and Certificate Loans
5. Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
6. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
7. Derivatives and Hedging Activities
8. Contingencies
9. Shareholder’s Equity
10. Income Taxes
Item 2.  Management’s Narrative Analysis
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
  
Part II.  Other Information
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
Item 6.  Exhibits
Signatures


AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018
(in thousands)
Investment income$37,890
 $29,130
 $106,014
 $85,065
$61,710

$40,637
Investment expenses9,489
 8,308
 27,913
 24,143
12,207
 9,891
Net investment income before provision for certificate reserves and income taxes28,401
 20,822
 78,101
 60,922
49,503
 30,746
Net provision for certificate reserves11,701
 11,505
 32,403
 27,706
34,058
 14,962
Net investment income before income taxes16,700
 9,317
 45,698
 33,216
15,445

15,784
Income tax expense5,479
 3,344
 16,225
 11,550
3,808
 3,833
Net investment income, after-tax11,221
 5,973
 29,473
 21,666
11,637
 11,951
    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments before income taxes(43) 1,031
 8,854
 62
(79)
821
Income tax expense (benefit)(15) 360
 3,099
 21
(17) 172
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, after-tax(28) 671
 5,755
 41
(62) 649
Net income$11,193
 $6,644
 $35,228
 $21,707
$11,575

$12,600
    
Supplemental Disclosures:    
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities$
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes)
 (1) (193) (71)
 
Net impairment losses recognized in net realized gain (loss) on investments$
 $(1) $(193) $(71)$
 $
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018
(in thousands)
Net income$11,193
 $6,644
 $35,228
 $21,707
$11,575
 $12,600
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:    
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:    
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period587
 4,631
 16,110
 22,812
Reclassification of net securities (gains) losses included in net income37
 (671) (5,742) (41)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period22,471
 (20,684)
Reclassification of net (gains) losses on securities included in net income26
 (537)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax624
 3,960
 10,368
 22,771
22,497

(21,221)
Total comprehensive income$11,817
 $10,604
 $45,596
 $44,478
Total comprehensive income (loss)$34,072

$(8,621)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(in thousands, except share amounts)(in thousands, except share data)
Assets    
Qualified Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents$190,333
 $134,189
$401,253
 $405,279
Investments in unaffiliated issuers6,605,184
 6,134,674
8,202,178
 7,995,637
Receivables37,846
 29,775
31,496
 26,082
Derivative assets45,538
 45,098
34,096
 13,179
Total qualified assets6,878,901
 6,343,736
8,669,023
 8,440,177
Deferred taxes, net45
 492
1,239
 2,302
Taxes receivable from parent
 1,731
Total assets$6,878,946
 $6,344,228
$8,670,262

$8,444,210
    
Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity 
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity   
Liabilities    
Certificate reserves$6,373,076
 $5,935,051
$8,139,414
 $7,891,964
Taxes payable to parent6,183
 3,505
9,950
 1,944
Derivative liabilities38,819
 38,319
22,965
 8,209
Payable for investment securities purchased58,275
 6,969
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations2,241
 98,930
Due to related party and other liabilities31,205
 34,592
48,365
 34,301
Total liabilities6,507,558
 6,018,436
8,222,935

8,035,348
    
Shareholder's Equity 
Shareholder’s Equity   
Common shares ($10 par value, 150,000 shares authorized and issued)1,500
 1,500
1,500
 1,500
Additional paid-in capital252,517
 247,517
289,517
 285,017
Total retained earnings112,168
 81,940
167,644
 156,176
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax5,203
 (5,165)(11,334) (33,831)
Total shareholder's equity371,388
 325,792
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$6,878,946
 $6,344,228
Total shareholder’s equity447,327

408,862
Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity$8,670,262
 $8,444,210
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.   

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 Number of Outstanding SharesCommon SharesAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of TaxTotal
Appropriated for
Pre-Declared Additional Credits and Interest
Appropriated for Additional Interest on Advance PaymentsUn-appropriated
(in thousands, except share data)
Balance at January 1, 2016150,000 $1,500 $214,517 $8 $15 $53,590 $(18,808)$250,822
Comprehensive income: 
Net income     21,707  21,707
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax      22,771 22,771
Total comprehensive income  44,478
Transfer from appropriated to unappropriated   (8) 8  
Receipt of capital from parent  25,000     25,000
Balance at September 30, 2016150,000 $1,500 $239,517 $ $15 $75,305 $3,963 $320,300
  
Balance at January 1, 2017150,000 $1,500 $247,517 $ $15 $81,925 $(5,165)$325,792
Comprehensive income: 
Net income     35,228  35,228
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax      10,368 10,368
Total comprehensive income  45,596
Dividend to parent     (5,000) (5,000)
Receipt of capital from parent  5,000     5,000
Balance at September 30, 2017150,000 $1,500 $252,517 $ $15 $112,153 $5,203 $371,388
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 Number of Outstanding SharesCommon SharesAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of TaxTotal
Appropriated for Pre-Declared Additional Credits and InterestAppropriated for Additional Interest on Advance PaymentsUnappropriated
(in thousands, except share data)
Balance at January 1, 2018150,000
 $1,500
 $252,517
 $23
 $15
 $110,908
 $(5,627) $359,336
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy
 
 
 
 
 (2) 2
 
Comprehensive income (loss):               
Net income
 
 
 
 
 12,600
 
 12,600
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 (21,221) (21,221)
Total comprehensive income (loss)              (8,621)
Transfer to appropriated from unappropriated
 
 
 457
 
 (457) 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018150,000
 $1,500
 $252,517
 $480
 $15
 $123,049
 $(26,846) $350,715
                
Balance at January 1, 2019150,000
 $1,500
 $285,017
 $910
 $15
 $155,251
 $(33,831) $408,862
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy
 
 
 
 
 (107) 
 (107)
Comprehensive income (loss):               
Net income
 
 
 
 
 11,575
 
 11,575
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 22,497
 22,497
Total comprehensive income (loss) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 34,072
Transfer to unappropriated from appropriated
 
 
 (110) 
 110
 
 
Receipt of capital from parent
 
 4,500
 
 
 
 
 4,500
Balance at March 31, 2019150,000
 $1,500
 $289,517
 $800
 $15
 $166,829
 $(11,334) $447,327
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 20162019 2018
(in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities      
Net income$35,228
 $21,707
$11,575
 $12,600
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:      
Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, net16,714
 17,622
(8,495) 456
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)(50) (27)(292) 68
Net realized (gain) loss on Available-for-Sale securities(9,026) (133)33
 (680)
Other net realized (gain) loss(21) 
46
 (141)
Other-than-temporary impairments and provision for loan loss193
 71
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Dividends and interest receivable(4,418) (4,707)8,909
 (769)
Certificate reserves, net1,258
 3,986
6,948
 (467)
Deferred taxes, net(5,583) (12,261)(5,981) 5,642
Taxes payable to/receivable from parent, net2,678
 4,000
9,765
 (3,846)
Derivatives, net of collateral(809) (87)119
 676
Other liabilities(2,782) 3,398
7,683
 1,469
Other receivables(25) (12)(1) (98)
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations(21,451) 
Other, net277
 (36)(988) 38
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities33,634
 33,521
7,870
 14,948
      
Cash Flows from Investing Activities      
Available-for-Sale securities:      
Sales90,498
 7,036
9,689
 344,898
Maturities, redemptions and calls1,495,221
 1,173,295
1,263,616
 448,549
Purchases(1,987,024) (2,017,710)(1,526,302) (878,419)
Syndicated loans, commercial mortgage loans and real estate owned:   
Syndicated loans and commercial mortgage loans:   
Sales, maturities and repayments32,423
 46,331
11,908
 6,654
Purchases and fundings(45,447) (17,085)(15,804) (7,614)
Certificate loans, net72
 146
(5) 78
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(414,257) (807,987)(256,898) (85,854)
      
Cash Flows from Financing Activities      
Payments from certificate holders and other additions3,594,855
 3,183,717
1,617,949
 1,335,545
Certificate maturities and cash surrenders(3,158,088) (2,376,283)(1,377,447) (1,192,097)
Capital contribution from parent5,000
 25,000
4,500
 
Dividend to parent(5,000) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities436,767
 832,434
245,002
 143,448
      
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents56,144
 57,968
(4,026) 72,542
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period134,189
 137,557
405,279
 68,471
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$190,333
 $195,525
$401,253
 $141,013
      
Supplemental disclosures including non-cash transactions:      
Cash paid for income taxes$13,359
 $17,827
Cash paid (received) for income taxes$180
 $2,231
Cash paid for interest34,815
 25,413
32,744
 15,238
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.  Basis of Presentation
Ameriprise Certificate Company (“ACC”), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise Financial” or the “Parent”). ACC is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). ACC uses the consolidation method of accounting for its wholly owned subsidiary, Investors Syndicate Development Corp. The interim financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations and financial position for the interim periods have been made. All adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. These Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ACC for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 201727, 2019 (“20162018 10-K”).
ACC evaluated events or transactions that occurred after the consolidated balance sheet date for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. No subsequent events or transactions were identified.
2.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Income Statement of Cash Flows - Classification– Reporting Comprehensive Income – Reclassification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash PaymentsTax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In August 2016,February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated the accounting standards related to classificationthe presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows because current standards lacked sufficient guidance to consistently classify cash payments and receipts.tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The update includes amendments addressingallows a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for tax effects stranded in AOCI resulting from the classificationlegislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The election of eight specific cash flow issues.the update was optional. The standard isupdate was effective for interim and annual periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early2018. Entities could record the impacts either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act is permitted and all amendments must be adopted during the same period.recognized. ACC early adopted the standard foron January 1, 2019 and elected not to reclassify the interim period ended March 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the ACC’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standardsstranded tax effects in AOCI.
Derivatives and Hedging – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB updated the accounting standards to amend the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements. The objectives of the update are to better align the financial reporting of hedging relationships to the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities and simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The update also adds new disclosures and amends existing disclosure requirements. The standard iswas effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and shouldwas required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. ACC is currently evaluating the impact ofadopted the standard on itsJanuary 1, 2019. The adoption did not have a material impact on ACC’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of AssetsReceivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Than InventoryCosts – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
In October 2016,March 2017, the FASB updated the accounting standards to shorten the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Under previous guidance, premiums were generally amortized over the contractual life of the security. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The update applies to securities with explicit, non-contingent call features that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates. The standard was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and was required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. ACC adopted the standard on January 1, 2019. The adoption did not have a material impact on ACC’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Fair Value Measurement – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB updated the accounting standards related to the recognition of income tax impacts on intra-entity transfers.disclosures for fair value measurements. The update requires entities to recognizeeliminates the income tax consequencesfollowing disclosures: 1) the amount of intra-entityand reasons for transfers other than inventory, upon the transferbetween Level 1 and Level 2 of the asset.fair value hierarchy, 2) the policy of timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy, and 3) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The update requiresnew disclosures include changes in unrealized gains and losses for the selling entity to recognize a current tax expense or benefitperiod included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of instruments held at the end of the reporting period and the purchasing entityrange and weighted average used to recognizedevelop significant unobservable inputs and how the weighted average was calculated. The new disclosures are required on a deferred tax asset or liability when the transfer occurs.prospective basis; all other provisions should be applied retrospectively. The standardupdate is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.2019. Early adoption is permitted.permitted for the entire standard or only the provisions to eliminate or modify disclosure requirements. ACC is currently evaluatingearly adopted the impactprovisions of the standard to eliminate or modify disclosure requirements in the fourth quarter of 2018. The update does not have an impact on itsACC’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB updated the accounting standards on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The update requires entities to carry marketable equity securities, excluding investments in securities that qualify for the equity method of accounting, at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in net income each reporting period. The update affects other aspects of accounting for equity instruments, as well as the accounting for financial liabilities utilizing the fair value option. The update eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial assets or liabilities held at cost on the balance sheet and requires entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of these financial instruments. The standard was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ACC adopted the standard on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on ACC’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Financial Instruments -– Credit Losses – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB updated the accounting standards related to accounting for credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The update replaces the current incurred loss model for estimating credit losses with a new model that requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of the asset. Generally, the initial estimate of the expected credit losses and subsequent changes in the estimate will be reported in current period earnings and recorded through an allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet. The current credit loss model for Available-for-Sale debt securities does not change; however, the credit loss calculation and subsequent recoveries are required to be recorded through an allowance. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption will be permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. A modified retrospective cumulative adjustment to retained earnings should be recorded as of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective for loans, receivables, and other financial instruments subject to the new expected credit loss model. Prospective adoption is required for establishing an allowance related to Available-for-Sale debt securities, certain beneficial interests, and financial assets purchased with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination. ACC is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB updated the accounting standards on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The update requires entities to carry marketable equity securities, excluding investments in securities that qualify for the equity method of accounting, at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in net income each reporting period. The update affects other aspects of accounting for equity instruments, as well as the accounting for financial liabilities utilizing the fair value option. The update eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial assets or liabilities held at cost on the balance sheet and requires entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. Generally, the update should be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity at the beginning of the period of adoption. The update is not expected to have a material impact on ACC’s consolidated statement of financial condition. During periods in which the market value of equity securities materially changes, ACC may experience volatility in investment income recognized in its consolidated results of operations.
3.  Investments
Investments in unaffiliated issuers were as follows:
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(in thousands)
Available-for-Sale securities:  
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017, $6,404,740; 2016, $5,966,057)$6,409,626
 $5,953,701
Common stocks, at fair value (cost: 2017, $2,238; 2016, $2,448)5,606
 6,609
Commercial mortgage loans and syndicated loans, at cost (less allowance for loan losses: 2017, $3,283; 2016, $3,283; fair value: 2017, $190,941; 2016, $176,211)189,475
 173,815
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2019, $7,956,627; 2018, $7,781,708)$7,939,508
 $7,734,750
Commercial mortgage loans and syndicated loans, at cost (less allowance for loan losses: 2019, $3,022; 2018, $3,120; fair value: 2019, $260,887; 2018, $253,219)261,951
 260,178
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2019, $299; 2018, $299)471
 466
Certificate loans — secured by certificate reserves, at cost, which approximates fair value477
 549
248
 243
Total$6,605,184
 $6,134,674
$8,202,178
 $7,995,637
Available-for-Sale securities distributed by type were as follows:
Description of SecuritiesDescription of SecuritiesSeptember 30, 2017Description of SecuritiesMarch 31, 2019
Amortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
Noncredit OTTI (1)
Amortized
Cost
Gross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
Noncredit OTTI (1)
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Residential mortgage backed securitiesResidential mortgage backed securities$3,308,646 $11,956 $(9,870)$3,310,732 $
Residential mortgage backed securities$3,206,077
 $11,168
 $(19,845) $3,197,400
 $
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities1,485,293 3,035 (2,003)1,486,325 3
Corporate debt securities1,002,759
 3,038
 (3,285) 1,002,512
 3
Commercial mortgage backed securitiesCommercial mortgage backed securities758,495 1,497 (2,057)757,935 
Commercial mortgage backed securities1,326,039
 1,081
 (9,288) 1,317,832
 
Asset backed securitiesAsset backed securities789,850 3,901 (1,766)791,985 
Asset backed securities654,570
 3,038
 (3,372) 654,236
 
State and municipal obligationsState and municipal obligations62,245 250 (103)62,392 
State and municipal obligations58,668
 144
 (309) 58,503
 
U.S. government and agencies obligations211 46  257 
Common stocks2,238 3,546 (178)5,606 2,917
U.S. government and agency obligationsU.S. government and agency obligations1,708,514
 511
 
 1,709,025
 
TotalTotal$6,406,978 $24,231 $(15,977)$6,415,232 $2,920
Total$7,956,627
 $18,980
 $(36,099) $7,939,508
 $3

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Description of SecuritiesDescription of SecuritiesDecember 31, 2016Description of SecuritiesDecember 31, 2018
Amortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
Noncredit OTTI (1)
Amortized
Cost
Gross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
Noncredit OTTI (1)
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Residential mortgage backed securitiesResidential mortgage backed securities$3,192,055 $13,075 $(21,731)$3,183,399 $209
Residential mortgage backed securities$3,073,657
 $7,639
 $(27,593) $3,053,703
 $
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities1,595,907 3,358 (4,188)1,595,077 3
Corporate debt securities1,027,462
 488
 (9,133) 1,018,817
 3
Commercial mortgage backed securitiesCommercial mortgage backed securities500,170 1,348 (1,646)499,872 
Commercial mortgage backed securities1,211,468
 276
 (13,764) 1,197,980
 
Asset backed securitiesAsset backed securities629,277 1,357 (4,211)626,423 
Asset backed securities667,332
 2,867
 (7,468) 662,731
 
State and municipal obligationsState and municipal obligations48,272 345 (107)48,510 
State and municipal obligations62,032
 60
 (502) 61,590
 
U.S. government and agencies obligations376 44  420 
Common stocks2,448 4,384 (223)6,609 2,668
U.S. government and agency obligationsU.S. government and agency obligations1,739,757
 250
 (78) 1,739,929
 
TotalTotal$5,968,505 $23,911 $(32,106)$5,960,310 $2,880
Total$7,781,708
 $11,580
 $(58,538) $7,734,750
 $3
(1) Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date. These amounts are included in gross unrealized gains and losses as of the end of the period.
As of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, investment securities with a fair value of $79$42 thousand and $75 thousand, respectively, were pledged to meet contractual obligations under derivative contracts.
As of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, fixed maturity securities comprised approximately 94% and 95%, respectively,92% of ACC’s total investments. Rating agency designations are based on the availability of ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”), including Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), and Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”). ACC uses the median of available ratings from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, or, if fewer than three ratings are available, the lower rating is used. When ratings from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch are unavailable, as is the case for many private placement securities, ACC may utilize ratings from other NRSROs or rate the securities internally. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, approximately $138.5$26.2 million and $148.4$36.1 million, respectively, of securities were internally rated by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (“CMIA”), an affiliate of ACC, using criteria similar to those used by NRSROs.
A summary of fixed maturity securities by rating was as follows:
RatingsRatingsSeptember 30, 2017 December 31, 2016RatingsMarch 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Amortized CostFair Value
Percent of 
Total Fair Value
Amortized CostFair Value
Percent of 
Total Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair ValuePercent of Total Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair ValuePercent of Total Fair Value
(in thousands, except percentages) (in thousands, except percentages)
AAAAAA$3,993,445 $3,995,886 62% $3,084,275 $3,080,096 52%AAA$6,506,558
 $6,487,577
 82% $6,247,699
 $6,209,709
 80%
AAAA404,685 405,144 6
 278,147 277,010 5
AA210,384
 210,778
 3
 221,126
 220,466
 3
AA727,774 726,882 11
 705,520 702,031 12
A456,533
 455,518
 6
 497,428
 493,964
 6
BBBBBB1,246,724 1,249,367 20
 1,755,986 1,754,223 29
BBB753,197
 755,874
 9
 782,284
 777,928
 10
Below investment gradeBelow investment grade32,112 32,347 1
 142,129 140,341 2
Below investment grade29,955
 29,761
 
 33,171
 32,683
 1
Total fixed maturitiesTotal fixed maturities$6,404,740 $6,409,626 100% $5,966,057 $5,953,701 100%Total fixed maturities$7,956,627
 $7,939,508
 100% $7,781,708
 $7,734,750
 100%
As of both September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20162018, approximately 44% and 57%, respectively,34% of the securities rated AAA were GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage backed securities.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

The following tables provide information about Available-for-Sale securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
Description of SecuritiesDescription of SecuritiesSeptember 30, 2017Description of SecuritiesMarch 31, 2019
Less than 12 months12 months or moreTotalLess than 12 months12 months or moreTotal
Number of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized Losses
(in thousands, except number of securities) (in thousands, except number of securities)
Residential mortgage backed securitiesResidential mortgage backed securities69 $901,209 $(3,769)87 $646,258 $(6,101)156 $1,547,467 $(9,870)Residential mortgage backed securities60 $836,101 $(4,161)136 $1,234,330 $(15,684)196 $2,070,431 $(19,845)
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities38 461,237 (1,308)12 139,242 (695)50 600,479 (2,003)Corporate debt securities3 47,338 (138)47 571 (3,147)50 47,909 (3,285)
Commercial mortgage backed securitiesCommercial mortgage backed securities24 218,953 (1,655)7 29,636 (402)31 248,589 (2,057)Commercial mortgage backed securities31 881,737 (2,995)25 243,057 (6,293)56 1,124,794 (9,288)
Asset backed securitiesAsset backed securities23 270,138 (1,113)10 42,321 (653)33 312,459 (1,766)Asset backed securities15 250,580 (1,698)24 302,852 (1,674)39 553,432 (3,372)
State and municipal obligationsState and municipal obligations11 27,143 (57)3 4,524 (46)14 31,667 (103)State and municipal obligations   12 32,075 (309)12 32,075 (309)
Common stocks   3 650 (178)3 650 (178)
TotalTotal165 $1,878,680 $(7,902)122 $862,631 $(8,075)287 $2,741,311 $(15,977)Total109 $2,015,756 $(8,992)244 $1,812,885 $(27,107)353 $3,828,641 $(36,099)
Description of SecuritiesDescription of SecuritiesDecember 31, 2016Description of SecuritiesDecember 31, 2018
Less than 12 months12 months or moreTotalLess than 12 months12 months or moreTotal
Number of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized LossesNumber of SecuritiesFair ValueUnrealized Losses
(in thousands, except number of securities) (in thousands, except number of securities)
Residential mortgage backed securitiesResidential mortgage backed securities74 $1,116,318 $(6,009)131 $847,998 $(15,722)205 $1,964,316 $(21,731)Residential mortgage backed securities97 $1,125,780 $(8,273)113 $1,012,582 $(19,320)210 $2,138,362 $(27,593)
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities59 676,198 (3,945)7 57,535 (243)66 733,733 (4,188)Corporate debt securities35 376,774 (3,027)43 492,955 (6,106)78 869,729 (9,133)
Commercial mortgage backed securitiesCommercial mortgage backed securities24 205,284 (1,365)4 32,547 (281)28 237,831 (1,646)Commercial mortgage backed securities39 892,856 (5,245)24 240,762 (8,519)63 1,133,618 (13,764)
Asset backed securitiesAsset backed securities28 273,193 (2,312)16 174,793 (1,899)44 447,986 (4,211)Asset backed securities23 296,298 (3,815)23 272,466 (3,653)46 568,764 (7,468)
State and municipal obligationsState and municipal obligations8 17,308 (107)   8 17,308 (107)State and municipal obligations7 28,640 (103)9 18,482 (399)16 47,122 (502)
Common stocks   3 605 (223)3 605 (223)
U.S. government and agency obligationsU.S. government and agency obligations10 721,934 (78)   10 721,934 (78)
TotalTotal193 $2,288,301 $(13,738)161 $1,113,478 $(18,368)354 $3,401,779 $(32,106)Total211 $3,442,282 $(20,541)212 $2,037,247 $(37,997)423 $5,479,529 $(58,538)
As part of ACC’s ongoing monitoring process, management determined that the change in gross unrealized losses on its Available-for-Sale securities is primarily attributable to lower interest rates as well as tighter credit spreads.
The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulativeThere were no amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for other-than-temporary impairmentsOTTI related to credit losses on available-for-saleAvailable-for-Sale securities for which a portion of the securities’ total other-than-temporary impairmentsOTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
(in thousands)
Beginning balance$
 $46,486
 $46,522
 $51,966
Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)
 
 (46,715) (5,550)
Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
 1
 193
 71
Ending balance$
 $46,487
 $
 $46,487
OCI d
uring both the three months endedMarch 31, 2019 and 2018.
The change in net unrealized securities gains (losses) in other comprehensive income (loss) includes two components, net of tax: (i) unrealized gains (losses) that arose from changes in the market value of securities that were held during the period and (ii) (gains) losses that were previously unrealized, but have been recognized in current period net income due to sales of Available-for-Sale securities and due to the reclassification of noncredit other-than-temporary impairmentOTTI losses to credit losses.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

The following table presents a rollforward of the net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):AOCI:
 Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Deferred Income Tax 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2016$(29,858) $11,050
 $(18,808) 
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period (1)
36,209
 (13,397) 22,812
 
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income(62) 21
 (41) 
Balance at September 30, 2016$6,289
 $(2,326) $3,963
(2) 
  
Balance at January 1, 2017$(8,195) $3,030
 $(5,165) 
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period (1)
25,282
 (9,172) 16,110
 
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income(8,833) 3,091
 (5,742) 
Balance at September 30, 2017$8,254
 $(3,051) $5,203
(2) 
 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Deferred Income Tax 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Gains 
(Losses) on Securities
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2018$(9,579) $3,952
 $(5,627) 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy3
 (1) 2
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period (1)
(27,178) 6,494
 (20,684) 
Reclassification of net (gains) losses on securities included in net income(680) 143
 (537) 
Balance at March 31, 2018$(37,434) $10,588
 $(26,846)
(2) 
       
Balance at January 1, 2019$(46,958) $13,127
 $(33,831) 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period (1)
29,806
 (7,335) 22,471
 
Reclassification of net (gains) losses on securities included in net income33
 (7) 26
 
Balance at March 31, 2019$(17,119) $5,785
 $(11,334)
(2) 
(1) Net unrealized securities gains (losses) on securities arising during the period include other-than-temporary impairmentOTTI losses on Available-for-Sale securities related to factors other than credit that were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the period.
(2) Includes $1.9 million and $1.2 million$2 thousand of noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities gains (losses) on previously impaired securities as of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and 2016, respectively.2018.
Net realized gains and losses on Available-for-Sale securities, determined using the specific identification method, recognized in earnings were as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
(in thousands)
Gross realized gains$
 $1,032
 $11,107
 $1,290
Gross realized losses(58) 
 (2,081) (1,157)
Other-than-temporary impairments
 (1) (193) (71)
Total$(58) $1,031
 $8,833
 $62
Other-than-temporary impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the three months and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 are related to credit losses on non-agency residential mortgage backed securities.
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
2019 2018
(in thousands)
Gross realized gains$
 $900
Gross realized losses(33) (220)
Total$(33) $680
Available-for-Sale securities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Amortized Cost Fair ValueAmortized Cost Fair Value
(in thousands)
Due within one year$701,031
 $701,294
$2,255,624
 $2,254,610
Due after one year through five years841,519
 842,377
514,108
 515,182
Due after five years through 10 years4,988
 5,046
209
 248
Due after 10 years211
 257

 
1,547,749
 1,548,974
2,769,941
 2,770,040
Residential mortgage backed securities3,308,646
 3,310,732
3,206,077
 3,197,400
Commercial mortgage backed securities758,495
 757,935
1,326,039
 1,317,832
Asset backed securities789,850
 791,985
654,570
 654,236
Common stocks2,238
 5,606
Total$6,406,978
 $6,415,232
$7,956,627
 $7,939,508
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities and asset backed securities are not due at a single maturity date. As such, these securities as well as common stocks, were not included in the maturities distribution.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

4.  Commercial Mortgage, Syndicated and Certificate Loans
ACC’s financing receivables include commercial mortgage loans, syndicated loans and certificate loans. Certificate loans do not exceed the cash surrender value of the certificate at origination. As there is minimal risk of loss related to certificate loans, ACC does not record an allowance for loan losses for certificate loans.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table presents a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses for commercial mortgage loans and syndicated loans for the ninethree months ended and the ending balance of the allowance for loan losses by impairment method:
September 30,March 31,
2017 20162019 2018
(in thousands)
Beginning balance$3,283
 $3,964
$3,120
 $3,283
Charge-offs
 (209)(98) 
Provisions
 
Ending balance$3,283
 $3,755
$3,022
 $3,283
    
Individually evaluated for impairment$
 $
$
 $
Collectively evaluated for impairment3,283
 3,755
3,022
 3,283
The recorded investment in commercial mortgage loans and syndicated loans by impairment method was as follows:
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(in thousands)
Individually evaluated for impairment$309
 $1,550
$2,813
 $3,783
Collectively evaluated for impairment192,449
 175,548
262,160
 259,515
Total$192,758
 $177,098
$264,973
 $263,298
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, ACC’srecorded investment in financing receivables individually evaluated for impairmentfor whichthere wasnorelated allowance for loan losses was nil$2.8 million and $1.6$3.8 million,respectively. Unearned income, unamortized premiums and discounts, and net unamortized deferred fees and costs are not material to ACC’s total loan balance.
During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019 and 2018, ACC purchased $4.3$8.4 million and $33.0$8.2 million, respectively, of syndicated loans. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 20162018, ACC sold , ACC purchased $4.4$3.9 million and $11.0 million,$367 thousand, respectively, of syndicated loans. During the three months and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, ACC sold $2.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of syndicated loans. There were no sales of financing receivables during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
ACC has not acquired any loans with deteriorated credit quality as of the acquisition date.
Credit Quality Information
Nonperforming loans, which are generally loans 90 days or more past due, were $309 thousand and nil as of both September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20162018, respectively.. All other loans were considered to be performing.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
ACC reviews the credit worthiness of the borrower and the performance of the underlying properties in order to determine the risk of loss on commercial mortgage loans. Based on this review, the commercial mortgage loans are assigned an internal risk rating, which management updates as necessary. Commercial mortgage loans which management has assigned its highest risk rating were nil and 1.8% of total commercial mortgage loans as of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2018. Loans with the highest risk rating represent distressed loans which ACC has identified as impaired or expects to become delinquent or enter into foreclosure within the next six months. In addition, ACC reviews the concentrations of credit risk by region and property type.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by U.S. region were as follows:
Loans PercentageLoans Percentage
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(in thousands)    (in thousands)    
East North Central$6,123
 $3,043
 6% 4%$6,794
 $5,642
 6% 5%
East South Central5,048
 5,509
 5
 6
4,740
 6,253
 4
 5
Middle Atlantic10,138
 10,881
 10
 12
14,288
 14,443
 12
 13
Mountain8,313
 5,850
 9
 7
9,637
 9,794
 8
 9
New England7,264
 7,424
 8
 9
7,343
 7,392
 6
 6
Pacific22,949
 16,511
 24
 19
41,465
 37,147
 35
 32
South Atlantic23,455
 23,846
 24
 27
21,115
 21,479
 18
 19
West North Central6,845
 7,253
 7
 8
5,983
 6,132
 5
 5
West South Central6,562
 7,174
 7
 8
6,348
 6,493
 6
 6
96,697
 87,491
 100% 100%117,713
 114,775
 100% 100%
Less: allowance for loan losses2,341
 2,341
  2,341
 2,341
  
Total$94,356
 $85,150
$115,372
 $112,434
Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by property type were as follows:
Loans PercentageLoans Percentage
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(in thousands)    (in thousands)    
Apartments$16,438
 $16,527
 17% 19%$26,402
 $26,795
 22% 23%
Industrial23,430
 16,637
 24
 19
26,643
 27,162
 23
 24
Mixed use4,678
 4,968
 5
 6
12,523
 7,646
 11
 7
Office6,283
 6,551
 6
 7
17,201
 16,087
 15
 14
Retail35,735
 31,500
 37
 36
32,869
 34,814
 28
 30
Hotel819
 941
 1
 1
564
 607
 
 1
Other9,314
 10,367
 10
 12
1,511
 1,664
 1
 1
96,697
 87,491
 100% 100%117,713
 114,775
 100% 100%
Less: allowance for loan losses2,341
 2,341
  2,341
 2,341
  
Total$94,356
 $85,150
$115,372
 $112,434
Syndicated Loans
The recorded investment in syndicated loans as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20162018 was $96.1$147.3 million and $89.6$148.5 million, respectively. ACC’s syndicated loan portfolio is diversified across industries and issuers. The primary credit indicator for syndicated loans is whether the loans are performing in accordance with the contractual terms of the syndication. Total nonperforming syndicated loans as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $309 thousand and nil, respectively. The nonperforming syndicated loans at September 30, 2017 represents less than 1% of total syndicated loans.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
There were no loans restructured by ACC during both the three months and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2017. During the three monthsMarch 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, ACC restructured two syndicated loans and received one loan and common stock in exchange with a recorded investment of $156 thousand. The troubled debt restructuring did not have a material impact to ACC’s allowance for loan losses or income recognized for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.2018. There are no material commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been restructured.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

5.  Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; that is, an exit price. The exit price assumes the asset or liability is not exchanged subject to a forced liquidation or distressed sale.
Valuation Hierarchy
ACC categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used by ACC’s valuation techniques. A level is assigned to each fair value measurement based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2Prices or valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Level 3Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in thousands)
Assets   
      
Cash equivalents$
 $144,884
 $
 $144,884
$
 $382,971
 $
 $382,971
Available-for-Sale securities: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Residential mortgage backed securities
 3,234,526
 76,206
 3,310,732

 3,178,009
 19,391
 3,197,400
Corporate debt securities
 1,364,785
 121,540
 1,486,325

 970,457
 32,055
 1,002,512
Commercial mortgage backed securities
 727,935
 30,000
 757,935

 1,317,832
 
 1,317,832
Asset backed securities
 778,798
 13,187
 791,985

 654,236
 
 654,236
State and municipal obligations
 62,392
 
 62,392

 58,503
 
 58,503
U.S. government and agencies obligations257
 
 
 257
Common stocks1,420
 4,044
 142
 5,606
U.S. government and agency obligations1,709,025
 
 
 1,709,025
Total Available-for-Sale securities1,677
 6,172,480
 241,075
 6,415,232
1,709,025
 6,179,037
 51,446
 7,939,508
Equity securities
 471
 
 471
Equity derivative contracts6
 45,532
 
 45,538
5
 34,091
 
 34,096
Total assets at fair value$1,683
 $6,362,896
 $241,075
 $6,605,654
$1,709,030
 $6,596,570
 $51,446
 $8,357,046
        
Liabilities   
      
Stock market certificate embedded derivatives$
 $8,721
 $
 $8,721
$
 $12,968
 $
 $12,968
Equity derivative contracts
 38,819
 
 38,819

 22,965
 
 22,965
Total liabilities at fair value$
 $47,540
 $
 $47,540
$
 $35,933
 $
 $35,933
 December 31, 2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in thousands)
Assets 
      
Cash equivalents$
 $360,580
 $
 $360,580
Available-for-Sale securities:       
Residential mortgage backed securities
 2,991,115
 62,588
 3,053,703
Corporate debt securities
 976,975
 41,842
 1,018,817
Commercial mortgage backed securities
 1,178,193
 19,787
 1,197,980
Asset backed securities
 662,731
 
 662,731
State and municipal obligations
 61,590
 
 61,590
U.S. government and agency obligations1,739,929
 
 
 1,739,929
Total Available-for-Sale securities1,739,929
 5,870,604
 124,217
 7,734,750
Equity securities
 466
 
 466
Equity derivative contracts6
 13,173
 
 13,179
Total assets at fair value$1,739,935
 $6,244,823
 $124,217
 $8,108,975
        
Liabilities 
      
Stock market certificate embedded derivatives$
 $6,145
 $
 $6,145
Equity derivative contracts
 8,209
 
 8,209
Total liabilities at fair value$
 $14,354
 $
 $14,354


AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

 December 31, 2016
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in thousands)
Assets  
Cash equivalents$
 $111,385
 $
 $111,385
Available-for-Sale securities:       
Residential mortgage backed securities
 3,030,216
 153,183
 3,183,399
Corporate debt securities
 1,440,921
 154,156
 1,595,077
Commercial mortgage backed securities
 499,872
 
 499,872
Asset backed securities
 595,635
 30,788
 626,423
State and municipal obligations
 48,510
 
 48,510
U.S. government and agencies obligations420
 
 
 420
Common stocks2,416
 3,476
 717
 6,609
Total Available-for-Sale securities2,836
 5,618,630
 338,844
 5,960,310
Equity derivative contracts
 45,098
 
 45,098
Total assets at fair value$2,836
 $5,775,113
 $338,844
 $6,116,793
  
Liabilities  
Stock market certificate embedded derivatives$
 $8,183
 $
 $8,183
Equity derivative contracts6
 38,313
 
 38,319
Total liabilities at fair value$6
 $46,496
 $
 $46,502
The following tables provide a summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 Available-for-Sale Securities Total 
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Corporate Debt Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks
(in thousands)
Balance, July 1, 2017$82,214
 $143,322
 $
 $3,049
 $268
 $228,853
 
Total gains (losses) included in: 
Net income5
 (124) 
 1
 
 (118)
(1) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(57) 29
 
 (9) 35
 (2) 
Purchases
 1,313
 30,000
 
 
 31,313
 
Settlements(7,682) (23,000) 
 
 
 (30,682) 
Transfers into Level 320,182
 
 
 13,195
 
 33,377
 
Transfers out of Level 3(18,456) 
 
 (3,049) (161) (21,666) 
Balance, September 30, 2017$76,206
 $121,540
 $30,000
 $13,187
 $142
 $241,075
 
  
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at September 30, 2017$5
 $(124) $
 $1
 $
 $(118)
(1) 

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

 Available-for-Sale Securities 
Residential Mortgage Backed SecuritiesCorporate Debt SecuritiesCommercial Mortgage Backed SecuritiesTotal
(in thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2019$62,588
 $41,842
 $19,787
 $124,217
 
Total gains (losses) included in:        
Net income22
 (15) 
 7
(1) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)7
 228
 
 235
 
Settlements(3,227) (10,000) 
 (13,227) 
Transfers out of Level 3(39,999) 
 (19,787) (59,786) 
Balance, March 31, 2019$19,391
 $32,055
  
$
 $51,446
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at March 31, 2019$22
 $(15) $
 $7
(1) 
 Available-for-Sale Securities Total 
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Corporate Debt Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks
(in thousands)
Balance, July 1, 2016$137,109
 $153,167
 $35,299
 $74
 $325,649
 
Total gains (losses) included in: 
Net income114
 (105) 45
 
 54
(1) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)1,666
 (27) (67) 53
 1,625
 
Purchases37,386
 
 12,500
 
 49,886
 
Settlements(12,042) (4,000) 
 
 (16,042) 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 360
 360
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 (15,063) 
 (15,063) 
Balance, September 30, 2016$164,233
 $149,035
 $32,714
 $487
 $346,469
 
  
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at September 30, 2016$114
 $(99) $45
 $
 $60
(1) 
 Available-for-Sale Securities 
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Corporate Debt Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total
(in thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2017$153,183
 $154,156
 $
 $30,788
 $717
 $338,844
 
Total gains (losses) included in: 
Net income94
 (348) 
 2
 64
 (188)
(2) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)105
 (249) 
 1
 263
 120
 
Purchases65,138
 13,481
 30,000
 
 
 108,619
 
Sales
 
 
 
 (151) (151) 
Settlements(29,077) (45,500) 
 
 
 (74,577) 
Transfers into Level 320,182
 
 
 16,232
 3,568
 39,982
 
Transfers out of Level 3(133,419) 
 
 (33,836) (4,319) (171,574) 
Balance, September 30, 2017$76,206
 $121,540
 $30,000
 $13,187
 $142
 $241,075
 
  
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at September 30, 2017$(7) $(345) $
 $1
 $
 $(351)
(1) 

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Available-for-Sale Securities Available-for-Sale Securities Equity Securities
Residential Mortgage
Backed Securities
 Corporate Debt Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks TotalResidential Mortgage Backed SecuritiesCorporate Debt SecuritiesTotal
(in thousands)(in thousands) 
Balance, January 1, 2016$196,334
 $190,304
 $29,515
 $229
 $416,382
 
Balance, January 1, 2018$68,710
 $67,341
 $136,051
 $28
Total gains (losses) included in:        
Net income460
 (1,624) 101
 
 (1,063)
(3) 
(5) (100) (105)
(1) 

Other comprehensive income (loss)296
 2,355
 (129) 53
 2,575
 (561) (216) (777) 
Purchases37,386
 
 28,289
 
 65,675
 
Settlements(45,644) (42,000) 
 
 (87,644) (6,092) 
 (6,092) 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 360
 360
 
Transfers out of Level 3(24,599) 
 (25,062) (155) (49,816) 
 
 
 (28)
Balance, September 30, 2016$164,233
 $149,035
 $32,714
 $487
 $346,469
 
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at September 30, 2016$460
 $(295) $101
 $
 $266
(1) 
Balance, March 31, 2018$62,052
 $67,025
 $129,077
 $
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at March 31, 2018$(5) $(100) $(105)
(1) 
$
(1) Included in investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Represents a $253 thousand loss included in investment income and a $65 thousand gain included in net realized gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3) Represents a $1.1 million loss included in net realized gain (loss) on investments and a $73 thousand gain included in investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Securities transferred from Level 3 primarily represent securities with fair values that are now obtained from a third-party pricing service with observable inputs. Securities transferred to Level 3 represent securities with fair value that are now based on a single non-binding broker quote. ACC recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the beginning of the quarter in which each transfer occurred. For assets and liabilities held at the end of the reporting periods that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.
The following tables provide a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements developed by ACC or reasonably available to ACC of Level 3 assets:
September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted AverageFair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average
(in thousands) (in thousands) 
Corporate debt securities
(private placements)
$121,537
 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 0.8% - 1.2% 0.9%$32,052
 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.0% - 1.3% 1.1%
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted AverageFair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average
(in thousands) (in thousands) 
Corporate debt securities
(private placements)
$154,153
 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 0.9% - 1.7% 1.1%$41,839
 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.2% - 1.6% 1.3%
Level 3 measurements not included in the table above are obtained from non-binding broker quotes where unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value calculation are not reasonably available to ACC.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

SensitivityUncertainty of Fair Value Measurements to Changes in Unobservable Inputs
Significant increases (decreases) in the yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries used in the fair value measurement of Level 3 corporate debt securities in isolation would resulthave resulted in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
Determination of Fair Value
ACC uses valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its assets and liabilities. ACC’s market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. ACC’s income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future projected cash flows to a single discounted present value amount. When applying either approach, ACC maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.
The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less. ACC’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 2 and measured at amortized cost, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected realization.
Available-for-Sale and Equity Securities
When available, the fair value of securities is based on quoted prices in active markets. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are obtained from third-party pricing services, non-binding broker quotes, or other model-based valuation techniques.
Level 1 securities primarily include U.S. Treasuries and common stocks. Treasuries.
Level 2 securities primarily include residential mortgage backed securities, corporate bonds, commercial mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities, state and municipal obligations and common stock.equity securities. The fair value of these Level 2 securities is based on a market approach with prices obtained from third-party pricing services. Observable inputs used to value these securities can include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads and non-binding broker quotes.
Level 3 securities primarily include certain non-agency residential mortgage backed securities, corporate bonds, commercial mortgage backed securities asset backed securities, and common stocks.equity securities. The fair value of corporate bonds, non-agency residential mortgage backed securities and certain asset backed securities classified asthese Level 3 securities is typically based on a single non-binding broker quote. The underlying inputs used for some of the non-binding broker quotes are not readily available to ACC. ACC’s privately placed corporate bonds are typically based on a single non-binding broker quote. In addition to the general pricing controls, ACC reviews the broker prices to ensure that the broker quotes are reasonable and, when available, compares prices of privately issued securities to public issues from the same issuer to ensure that the implicit illiquidity premium applied to the privately placed investment is reasonable considering investment characteristics, maturity, and average life of the investment.
In consideration of the above, management is responsible for the fair values recorded on the financial statements. Prices received from third-party pricing services are subjected to exception reporting that identifies investments with significant daily price movements as well as no movements. ACC reviews the exception reporting and resolves the exceptions through reaffirmation of the price or recording an appropriate fair value estimate. ACC also performs subsequent transaction testing. ACC performs annual due diligence of third-party pricing services. ACC’s due diligence procedures include assessing the vendor’s valuation qualifications, control environment, analysis of asset-class specific valuation methodologies, and understanding of sources of market observable assumptions and unobservable assumptions, if any, employed in the valuation methodology. ACC also considers the results of its exception reporting controls and any resulting price challenges that arise.
Derivatives
The variation margin on futures contracts is classified as Level 1. The fair value of derivatives that are traded in less active over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets is generally measured using pricing models with market observable inputs such as interest rates and equity index levels. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and include options. The counterparties’ nonperformance risk associated with uncollateralized derivative assets was immaterial as of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016.2018. See Note 6 and Note 7 for further information on the credit risk of derivative instruments and related collateral.
Stock Market Certificate Embedded Derivatives
ACC uses various Black-Scholes calculations to determine the fair value of the embedded derivative liability associated with the provisions of its stock market certificates. The inputs to these calculations are primarily market observable and include interest rates, volatilities, and equity index levels. As a result, these measurements are classified as Level 2.
During the reporting periods, there were no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Assets and Liabilities Not Reported at Fair Value
The following tables provide the carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. All other financial instruments that are reported at fair value have been included above in the tables with balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in thousands)
Financial Assets          
Syndicated loans$95,119
 $
 $87,115
 $8,198
 $95,313
$146,579
 $
 $133,724
 $10,706
 $144,430
Commercial mortgage loans94,356
 
 
 95,628
 95,628
115,372
 
 
 116,457
 116,457
Certificate loans477
 
 477
 
 477
248
 
 248
 
 248
 
Financial Liabilities          
Certificate reserves$6,364,355
 $
 $
 $6,351,068
 $6,351,068
$8,126,446
 $
 $
 $8,099,262
 $8,099,262
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in thousands)
Financial Assets          
Syndicated loans$88,665
 $
 $85,368
 $4,516
 $89,884
$147,744
 $
 $130,007
 $11,444
 $141,451
Commercial mortgage loans85,150
 
 
 86,327
 86,327
112,434
 
 
 111,768
 111,768
Certificate loans549
 
 549
 
 549
243
 
 243
 
 243
 
Financial Liabilities          
Certificate reserves$5,926,868
 $
 $
 $5,913,672
 $5,913,672
$7,885,819
 $
 $
 $7,844,724
 $7,844,724
Syndicated Loans
The fair value ofSee Note 4 for additional information on syndicated, loans is obtained from a third-party pricing service or non-binding broker quotes. Syndicated loans that are priced using a market approach with observable inputs are classified as Level 2 and loans priced using a single non-binding broker quote are classified as Level 3.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
The fair value of commercial mortgage loans, except those with significant credit deterioration, is determined by discounting contractual cash flows using discount rates that reflect current pricingand certificate loans. Certificate reserves represent customer deposits for loans with similar remaining maturities, liquidityfixed rate certificates and characteristics including loan-to-value ratio, occupancy rate, refinance risk, debt-service coverage, location, and property condition. For commercial mortgage loans with significant credit deterioration, fair value is determined using the same adjustments as above with an additional adjustment for ACC’s estimate of the amount recoverable on the loan. Given the significant unobservable inputs to the valuation of commercial mortgage loans, these measurements are classified as Level 3.stock market certificates.
Certificate Loans
Certificate loans represent loans made against and collateralized by the underlying certificate balance. These loans do not transfer to third parties separate from the underlying certificate. The outstanding balance of these loans is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value and is classified as Level 2.
Certificate Reserves
The fair value of investment certificate reserves is determined by discounting cash flows using discount rates that reflect current pricing for contracts with similar terms and characteristics, with adjustments for expense margin and ACC’s nonperformance risk specific to these liabilities. Given the use of significant unobservable inputs to this valuation, the measurement is classified as Level 3.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

6. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Certain derivative instruments are eligible for offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. ACC’s derivative instruments are subject to master netting and collateral arrangements and qualify for offset. A master netting arrangement with a counterparty creates a right of offset for amounts due to and from that same counterparty that is enforceable in the event of a default or bankruptcy. ACC’s policy is to recognize amounts subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables present the gross and net information about ACC’s assets subject to master netting arrangements:
September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net AmountGross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net Amount
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
(in thousands)
Derivatives:            
OTC$45,532
 $
 $45,532
 $(38,819) $(6,283) $430
$34,091
 $
 $34,091
 $(22,965) $(10,833) $293
Exchange-traded6
 
 6
 
 
 6
5
 
 5
 
 
 5
Total$45,538
 $
 $45,538
 $(38,819) $(6,283) $436
$34,096
 $
 $34,096
 $(22,965) $(10,833) $298

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net AmountGross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net Amount
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
(in thousands)
Derivatives:            
OTC$45,098
 $
 $45,098
 $(38,313) $(6,785) $
$13,173
 $
 $13,173
 $(8,209) $(4,553) $411
Exchange-traded6
 
 6
 
 
 6
Total$45,098
 $
 $45,098
 $(38,313) $(6,785) $
$13,179
 $
 $13,179
 $(8,209) $(4,553) $417
 (1) Represents the amount of assets that could be offset by liabilities with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables present the gross and net information about ACC’s liabilities subject to master netting agreements:
September 30, 2017March 31, 2019
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net AmountGross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net Amount
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
(in thousands)
Derivatives:            
OTC$38,819
 $
 $38,819
 $(38,819) $
 $
$22,965
 $
 $22,965
 $(22,965) $
 $
Total$38,819
 $
 $38,819
 $(38,819) $
 $
$22,965
 $
 $22,965
 $(22,965) $
 $
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net AmountGross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Net Amount
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
Financial Instruments (1)
 Cash Collateral
(in thousands)
Derivatives:            
OTC$38,313
 $
 $38,313
 $(38,313) $
 $
$8,209
 $
 $8,209
 $(8,209) $
 $
Exchange-traded6
 
 6
 
 
 6
Total$38,319
 $
 $38,319
 $(38,313) $
 $6
$8,209
 $
 $8,209
 $(8,209) $
 $
 (1) Represents the amount of liabilities that could be offset by assets with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

In the tables above, the amountsamount of assets or liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are offset first by financial instruments that have the right of offset under master netting or similar arrangements, then any remaining amount is reduced by the amount of cash and securities collateral. The actual amounts of collateral may be greater than amounts presented in the tables.
When the fair value of collateral accepted by ACC is less than the amount due to ACC, there is a risk of loss if the counterparty fails to perform or provide additional collateral. To mitigate this risk, ACC monitors collateral values regularly and requires additional collateral when necessary. When the value of collateral pledged by ACC declines, it may be required to post additional collateral.
Cash collateral accepted by ACC is reflected in other liabilities. See Note 7 for additional disclosures related to ACC’s derivative instruments.
7.  Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Derivative instruments enable ACC to manage its exposure to various market risks. The value of such instruments is derived from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including equity and interest rate indices or prices. ACC primarily enters into derivative agreements for risk management purposes related to ACC’s products.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

ACC uses derivatives as economic hedges of equity risk related to stock market certificatesStock Market Certificates (“SMC”). ACC does not designate any derivatives for hedge accounting. The following table presents the notional value and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives:
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Notional Gross Fair ValueNotional Gross Fair ValueNotional Gross Fair ValueNotional Gross Fair Value
Assets LiabilitiesAssets  LiabilitiesAssets LiabilitiesAssets  Liabilities
(in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments          
Equity contracts(1)
$877,309
 $45,538
 $38,819
 $911,871
 $45,098
 $38,319
$817,359
 $34,096
 $22,965
 $828,182
 $13,179
 $8,209
Embedded derivatives            
Stock market certificates(2)
N/A
 
 8,721
 N/A
 
 8,183
N/A
 
 12,968
 N/A
 
 6,145
Total derivatives$877,309
 $45,538
 $47,540
 $911,871
 $45,098
 $46,502
$817,359
 $34,096
 $35,933
 $828,182
 $13,179
 $14,354
N/A Not applicable
(1) The gross fair value of equity contracts is included in Derivative assets and Derivative liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) The gross fair value of SMC embedded derivatives is included in Certificate reserves on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(1)
The gross fair value of equity contracts is included in Derivative assets and Derivative liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)
The gross fair value of SMC embedded derivatives is included in Certificate reserves on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See Note 5 for additional information regarding ACC’s fair value measurement of derivative instruments.
The following tables present a summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, including embedded derivatives, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in IncomeAmount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in IncomeAmount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162017 20162019 2018
 (in thousands)
Equity contractsEquity contracts Equity contracts    
Stock market certificatesStock market certificatesNet provision for certificate reserves$956
 $1,475
 $2,975
 $1,044
Stock market certificatesNet provision for certificate reserves$5,447
 $(420)
Stock market certificates embedded derivativesStock market certificates embedded derivativesNet provision for certificate reserves(1,024) (1,338) (2,889) (1,334)Stock market certificates embedded derivativesNet provision for certificate reserves(5,542) 645
TotalTotal$(68) $137
 $86
 $(290)Total$(95) $225
Ameriprise SMC offers a return based upon the relative change in a major stock market index between the beginning and end of the certificate’s term. The SMC product contains an embedded derivative. The equity based return of the certificate must be separated from the host contract and accounted for as a derivative instrument. As a result of fluctuations in equity markets, and the corresponding changes in value of the embedded derivative, the amount of expenses incurred by ACC related to the SMC product will positively or negatively impact reported earnings. As a means of hedging its obligations under the provisions for these certificates, ACC purchases and writes call options on the S&P 500 Index®.Index. ACC views this strategy as a prudent management of equity market sensitivity, such that earnings are not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in equity market levels. ACC also purchases futures on the S&P 500® Index to economically hedge its obligations. The futures are marked-to-market daily and exchange traded, exposing ACC to minimal counterparty risk.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

Ameriprise Step-Up Rate Certificates (“SRC”) offer the ability to step up to a higher crediting rate based upon the then-current rate for a new SRC with the same term. ACC does not currently hedge the interest rate risk related to the SRC product. The SRC product contains an embedded derivative, which was not material as of September 30, 2017both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016.2018.
Credit Risk
Credit risk associated with ACC’s derivatives is the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the applicable derivative contract. To mitigate such risk, ACC has established guidelines and oversight of credit risk through a comprehensive enterprise risk management program that includes members of senior management. Key components of this program are to require preapproval of counterparties and the use of master netting and collateral arrangements whenever practical. See Note 6 for additional information on ACC’s credit exposure related to derivative assets.
8.  Contingencies
The level of regulatory activity and inquiry in the financial services industry remains elevated. From time to time, ACC receives requests for information from, and/or has been subject to examination by, both the SEC and the Minnesota Department of Commerce concerning its business activities and practices.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

ACC may in the normal course of business be a party to legal, regulatory or arbitration proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business activities. The outcome of any such proceeding cannot be predicted with any certainty. ACC believes that it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal, regulatory or arbitration proceedings that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on ACC’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is possible that the outcome of any such legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings could have a material impact on ACC’s results of operations in any particular reporting period as the proceedings are resolved.
9.  Shareholder’s Equity
The following table provides information related to amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):AOCI:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ReclassificationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ReclassificationLocation of (Gain) Loss Recognized in IncomeThree Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Reclassification
Location of (Gain) Loss
Recognized in Income
 Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 20162017 20162019 2018
 (in thousands)
Unrealized net (gains) losses on Available-for-Sale securitiesUnrealized net (gains) losses on Available-for-Sale securitiesNet realized gains (losses) on investments$58
 $(1,031) $(8,833) $(62)Unrealized net (gains) losses on Available-for-Sale securitiesNet realized gain (loss) on investments$33
 $(680)
Tax expense (benefit)Tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)(21) 360
 3,091
 21
Tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)(7) 143
Net of taxNet of tax$37
 $(671) $(5,742) $(41)Net of tax$26
 $(537)
During the three months and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, ACC received cash contributions of $4.5 million and nil from Ameriprise Financial of nil and $5 million, respectively. Duringduring the three months ended March 31, 2019 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, ACC received cash contributions from Ameriprise Financial of $6 million and $25 million,2018, respectively. ACC received these contributions to maintain compliance with capital requirements due to growth of the business, and these contributions were outside of the Capital Support Agreement between Ameriprise Financial and ACC. See additional discussion on the Capital Support Agreement in ACC’s 20162018 10-K.
During both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, ACC paid dividends to Ameriprise Financial of $5 million. ACC did not pay any dividends to Ameriprise Financial during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (continued)

10.  Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 32.8% and 35.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 2016, respectively. 2018.
The10.  Income Taxes
ACC’s effective tax rate was 35.4%24.7% and 34.8% 24.1% for the ninethree months endedSeptember 30, 2017 March 31, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 is mainly due tohigher than the statutory rate primarily as a benefit related toresult of state income taxes, applicable to prior years.net of federal benefit.
ACC is required to establish a valuation allowance for any portion of the deferred tax assets that management believes will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining if a valuation allowance should be established and the amount of such allowance if required. Factors used in making this determination include estimates relating to the performance of the business. Consideration is given to, among other things in making this determination, i) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, ii) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, iii) taxable income in prior carryback years, and iv) tax planning strategies. Based on analysis of ACC’s tax positions, management believes it is more likely than not that ACC’s results of future operations and implementation of tax planning strategies will generate sufficient taxable income to enable ACC to utilize all of the deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets has been established as of both September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016.2018.
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, ACC had $2.4$4.0 million and $2.5$3.8 million, respectively, of gross unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, approximately $1.6$3.1 million and $3.0 million, net of federal tax benefits, of the unrecognized tax benefits for both September 30, 2017as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20162018, respectively, would affect the effective tax rate.
It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months. ACC estimates that the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $600 thousand to $700$77 thousand in the next 12 months primarily due to resolution of audits and statute expirations.state exams.
ACC recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the income tax provision. ACC recognized a net increaseincreases of $18$42 thousand and a net decrease of $100$20 thousand in interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, respectively. ACC recognized a net increase of $10 thousand and a net decrease of $1.4 million in interest and penalties for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, ACC had a payable of $150$266 thousand and $250$224 thousand, respectively, related to accrued interest and penalties.
ACC filesincometax returns as part of its inclusion in the consolidated federal income tax returnsofAmeripriseFinancialin the U.S. federal jurisdictionand various states jurisdictions. In the first quarter of 2019, Ameriprise Financial received final cash settlements for resolution ofreached an agreement with the 2006Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to finalize the 2014 and 20112015 IRS audits. Accordingly, Ameriprise Financial’s IRS audits are effectively settled through 2015. The IRS has completed its examination of the 2008through2010tax returnsand these years areeffectively settled; however, the statutes of limitation, remain open for certain carryover adjustments. The IRS iscurrently auditingAmeripriseFinancial’s U.S.income tax returnsfor 2012 through 2015.2016 and 2017. Ameriprise Financial’s or its subsidiaries’,including ACC’s,state income tax returns are currently under examination by various jurisdictions for years ranging from2005 2009 through2015. 2017.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS
The following information should be read in conjunction with Ameriprise Certificate Company’s (“ACC”ACC’s”) Consolidated Financial Statements and related notesNotes presented in Part I, Item 1. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that reflect ACC’s plans, estimates and beliefs. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.” ACC believes it is useful to read its management’s narrative analysis in conjunction with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 201727, 2019 (“20162018 10-K”), as well as its current reports on Form 8-K and other publicly available information.
ACC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise Financial”). ACC is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is in the business of issuing face-amount investment certificates. Face-amount investment certificates issued by ACC entitle the certificate owner to receive at maturity a stated amount of money and interest or credits declared from time to time by ACC, at its discretion. The certificates issued by ACC are not insured by any government agency. ACC’s certificates are sold primarily by Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (“AFSI”), an affiliate of ACC. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.AFSI is registered as a broker-dealer in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. ACC’s investment portfolio is managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (“CMIA”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial.
In 2018, Ameriprise Financial made the strategic decision to seek to expand the banking products and services it can provide directly to its clients, and commenced the ongoing process to convert Ameriprise National Trust Bank into a federal savings bank with the capabilities to offer FDIC insured deposits and a range of lending products. While there are a number of operational and customary regulatory processes to complete, Ameriprise Financial now has regulatory approval and expects to launch and roll out its first suite of products in the second quarter of 2019. Ameriprise Financial expects the conversion into a federal savings bank to occur in May, at which time ACC (as a subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial) will (absent exclusion or exemption) be required to comply with investment limitations on its portfolio and other limitations under applicable banking laws, including what is commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule.
Management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations is presented in lieu of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, pursuant to General Instructions H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q.
CriticalSignificant Accounting Policies
ACC’s criticalsignificant accounting policies are discussed in detail in “Management's“Management’s Narrative Analysis — CriticalRecent Accounting Pronouncements and Significant Accounting Policies” in its 2016ACC’s 2018 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on ACC’s future results of operations or financial condition, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations for the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018
ACC’s net income is derived primarily from the after-tax yield on investments and realized investment gains (losses), less investment expenses and interest credited on certificate reserve liabilities. Net income trends occur largely due to changes in returns on ACC’s investment portfolio, from realization of investment gains (losses) and from changes in interest credited to certificate products. ACC follows U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Net income increased $13.5decreased $1.0 million, or 62%8%, to $35.2$11.6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 compared to $21.7$12.6 million for the prior year period primarily due to higher net provision for certificate reserves and investment incomeexpenses and net realized losses on investments in the current year period compared to net realized gains on investments in the currentprior year period, partially offset by higher income tax expense, net provision for certificate reserves, and investment expenses.income.
Investment income increased $20.9$21.1 million, or 25%52%, to $106.0$61.7 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 compared to $85.1$40.6 million for the prior year period reflecting higher average investment balances from certificate net inflows and an increase in the average invested assets rate.asset yield.
Investment expenses increased $3.8$2.3 million, or 16%23%, to $27.9$12.2 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 compared to $24.1$9.9 million for the prior year period primarily due to volume-driven increases in distribution, investment advisory and transfer agent fees.
Net provision for certificate reserves increased $19.1 million to $34.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $15.0 million for the prior year period primarily due to higher investment advisory, transfer agent, and distribution fees.
Net provision for certificate reserves increased $4.7 million, or 17%, to $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $27.7 million for the prior year period due toaverage client crediting rates as well as higher average certificate balances from certificate net inflows.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

Net realized loss on investments before income taxes was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to net realized gain on investments before income taxes was $8.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net realized gain on investments of $0.1$0.8 million for the prior year period. Net realized gain on investments for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 included net realized gains from sales, tenders and calls of Available-for-Sale securities of $9.0 million primarily due to the sale of non-agency residential mortgage backed securities as well as common stock, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments of $0.2$0.7 million. The other-than-temporary impairments for both periods related to credit losses on non-agency residential mortgage backed securities.
TheACC’s effective tax rate was 35.4%24.7% for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 compared to 34.8%24.1% for the prior year period.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

Fair Value Measurements
ACC reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value; specifically, derivatives, embedded derivatives, and most investments and cash equivalents. Fair value assumes the exchange of assets or liabilities occurs in orderly transactions. Companies are not permitted to use market prices that are the result of a forced liquidation or distressed sale. ACC includes actual market prices or observable inputs in its fair value measurements to the extent available. Non-binding broker quotes are obtained when quotes from third-party pricing services are not available. ACC validates prices obtained from third parties through a variety of means such as: price variance analysis, subsequent sales testing, stale price review, price comparison across pricing vendors and due diligence reviews of vendors. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding ACC’s fair value measurements.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s plans, estimates and beliefs. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “optimistic,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” “forecast,” “on pace,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ACC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
ACC maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be reported in the Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in and pursuant to SEC regulations, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to ACC’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. It should be noted that, because of inherent limitations, ACC’s disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
ACC’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of ACC’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, ACC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that ACC’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2019.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in ACC’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, ACC’s internal control over financial reporting.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information set forth in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part��Part I, Item 1 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in the risk factors provided in Part I, Item 1A of ACC’s 20162018 10-K.

AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:
ExhibitDescription
  
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Express Certificate Company, dated August 1, 2005, filed electronically on or about March 10, 2006 as Exhibit 3(a) to Registrant’s Form 10-K is incorporated by reference.
By-Laws of Ameriprise Certificate Company, filed electronically on or about November 5, 2010 as Exhibit 3 (b)3(b) to Registrant’s Form 10-Q, are incorporated herein by reference.
Certification of Abu M. Arif pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Certification of Janet C. LangnerJason S. Bartylla pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Certification of Abu M. Arif and Janet C. LangnerJason S. Bartylla pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* Filed electronically herewithin.


AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 AMERIPRISE CERTIFICATE COMPANY
(Registrant)
(Registrant)
Date:NovemberMay 1, 20172019By/s/ Abu M. Arif
 Abu M. Arif

Chief Executive Officer
Date:NovemberMay 1, 20172019By/s/ Janet C. LangnerJason S. Bartylla
 Janet C. Langner
Jason S. Bartylla
Chief Financial Officer



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