Table of Contents

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172018
 
or
 
o  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission File Number 001-11339
 
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE 95-2492236
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
2801 HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (205) 268-1000
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitionthe definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated Filer o
   
Non-accelerated filer x
 
Smaller Reporting Company o
   
  
Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o No ý
 
Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value, outstanding as of October 21, 2017:23, 2018:  1,000
 



PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 20172018
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
 
   Page
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
    
    
Item 1.
Item 1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 6. 
  



PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
      
 
      
Premiums and policy fees$855,088
 $834,544
 $2,583,813
 $2,545,287
$878,182
 $855,088
 $2,709,216
 $2,583,813
Reinsurance ceded(325,120) (322,229) (984,094) (969,161)(269,335) (325,120) (1,005,699) (984,094)
Net of reinsurance ceded529,968
 512,315

1,599,719
 1,576,126
608,847
 529,968

1,703,517
 1,599,719
Net investment income507,914
 482,729
 1,522,098
 1,446,306
672,139
 507,914
 1,809,464
 1,522,098
Realized investment gains (losses): 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Derivative financial instruments(82,341) 116
 (260,407) (156,749)(27,465) (82,341) 62,859
 (260,407)
All other investments18,150
 24,152
 94,708
 194,663
(19,869) 18,150
 (157,070) 94,708
Other-than-temporary impairment losses(366) (1,898) (3,124) (10,194)(14) (366) (715) (3,124)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)93
 (1,410) (7,765) 3,302

 93
 (2,949) (7,765)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(273) (3,308) (10,889) (6,892)(14) (273) (3,664) (10,889)
Other income110,970
 107,642
 331,523
 313,506
113,530
 110,970
 341,802
 331,523
Total revenues1,084,388
 1,123,646
 3,276,752
 3,366,960
1,347,168
 1,084,388
 3,756,908
 3,276,752
Benefits and expenses 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (three months: 2017 - $256,703; 2016 - $279,109; nine months: 2017 - $806,314; 2016 - $855,276)743,934
 733,051
 2,205,937
 2,161,293
Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (three and nine months 2018 - $215,848 and $861,501; three and nine months 2017 - $256,703 and $806,314)952,353
 743,934
 2,600,703
 2,205,937
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired3,991
 43,392
 47,612
 94,899
33,511
 3,991
 144,009
 47,612
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (three months: 2017 - $57,293; 2016 - $49,073; nine months: 2017 - $161,615; 2016 - $148,334)225,613
 214,124
 674,236
 637,186
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (three and nine months 2018 - $54,439 and $149,115; three and nine months 2017 - $57,293 and $161,615)224,585
 225,613
 684,907
 674,236
Total benefits and expenses973,538
 990,567
 2,927,785
 2,893,378
1,210,449
 973,538
 3,429,619
 2,927,785
Income before income tax110,850
 133,079
 348,967
 473,582
136,719
 110,850
 327,289
 348,967
Income tax expense28,308
 39,785
 106,743
 152,820
26,619
 28,308
 61,582
 106,743
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
      
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $54,464; 2016 - $106,841; nine months: 2017 - $295,743; 2016 - $657,352)101,148
 198,419
 549,234
 1,220,796
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $(146); 2016 - $575; nine months: 2017 - $631; 2016 - $(6,041))(271) 1,068
 1,174
 (11,219)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $452; 2016 - $1,278; nine months: 2017 - $3,837; 2016 - $(106))839
 2,374
 7,125
 (198)
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $445; 2016 - $0; nine months: 2017 - $19; 2016 - $0)828
 
 36
 
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $14; 2016 - $0; nine months: 2017 - $139; 2016 - $0)24
 
 257
 
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (three months: 2017 - $0; 2016 - $(874); nine months: 2017 - $0; 2016 - $(874))
 (1,624) 
 (1,624)
Total other comprehensive income102,568
 200,237
 557,826
 1,207,755
Total comprehensive income$185,110
 $293,531
 $800,050
 $1,528,517
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net income$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
      
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (three months: 2018 - $(53,488); 2017 - $54,464; nine months: 2018 - $(320,520); 2017 - $295,743)(201,216) 101,148
 (1,206,478) 549,234
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2018 - $427; 2017 - $(146); nine months: 2018 - $(554); 2017 - $631)1,605
 (271) (2,086) 1,174
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (three months: 2018 - $0; 2017 - $452; nine months: 2018 - $6; 2017 - $3,837)
 839
 22
 7,125
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (three months: 2018 - $61; 2017 - $445; nine months: 2018 - $813; 2017 - $19)229
 828
 3,060
 36
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2018 - $101; 2017 - $14; nine months: 2018 - $168; 2017 - $139)380
 24
 631
 257
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(199,002) 102,568
 (1,204,851) 557,826
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(88,902) $185,110
 $(939,144) $800,050

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets 
  
 
  
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017 - $41,090,638 ; 2016 - $39,832,724)$40,777,816
 $38,183,337
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2017 - $2,796,603; 2016 - $2,733,340)2,730,995
 2,770,177
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2017 - $763,914; 2016 - $768,423)781,537
 754,489
Mortgage loans (related to securitizations: 2017 - $245,202; 2016 - $277,964)6,528,890
 6,132,125
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2017 - $113; 2016 - $252)4,572
 8,060
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 - $54,555,431; 2017 - $41,153,551)$52,381,464
 $41,176,052
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2018 - $2,577,841; 2017 - $2,776,327)2,653,605
 2,718,904
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2018 - $663,338; 2017 - $740,813)662,880
 754,360
Mortgage loans (related to securitizations: 2018 - $505; 2017 - $226,409)7,572,349
 6,817,723
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2018 - $219; 2017 - $132)7,147
 8,355
Policy loans1,625,960
 1,650,240
1,703,462
 1,615,615
Other long-term investments1,113,937
 865,304
1,051,719
 915,595
Short-term investments527,179
 332,431
532,053
 615,210
Total investments54,090,886

50,696,163
66,564,679

54,621,814
Cash257,562
 348,182
194,460
 252,310
Accrued investment income496,876
 482,388
652,462
 491,802
Accounts and premiums receivable127,007
 118,303
167,635
 124,934
Reinsurance receivables5,191,229
 5,323,846
4,816,606
 5,075,698
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired2,158,816
 2,019,829
2,974,293
 2,199,577
Goodwill793,470
 793,470
793,470
 793,470
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (2017 - $126,709; 2016 - $79,226)673,588
 688,083
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2017 - $20,185; 2016 - $17,450)109,671
 106,111
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization (2018 - $183,268; 2017 - $140,368)626,424
 663,572
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2018 - $30,569; 2017 - $22,926)106,638
 111,417
Other assets218,876
 170,004
238,068
 227,357
Income tax receivable99,370
 116,823

 76,543
Assets related to separate accounts   
   
Variable annuity13,763,971
 13,244,252
13,555,469
 13,956,071
Variable universal life996,375
 895,925
1,077,842
 1,035,202
Total assets$78,977,697

$75,003,379
$91,768,046

$79,629,767

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(continued)
 
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Liabilities 
  
 
  
Future policy benefits and claims$30,801,511
 $30,511,085
$42,013,542
 $30,957,592
Unearned premiums871,591
 848,495
875,095
 875,405
Total policy liabilities and accruals31,673,102
 31,359,580
42,888,637
 31,832,997
Stable value product account balances4,793,890
 3,501,636
5,211,668
 4,698,371
Annuity account balances10,813,795
 10,642,115
13,590,482
 10,921,190
Other policyholders’ funds1,265,500
 1,165,749
1,142,522
 1,267,198
Other liabilities2,579,308
 1,924,155
2,575,056
 2,353,565
Income tax payable1,259
 
Deferred income taxes1,987,582
 1,599,764
890,421
 1,232,407
Non-recourse funding obligations2,759,640
 2,796,474
2,651,967
 2,747,477
Secured financing liabilities599,556
 797,721
514,413
 1,017,749
Debt1,122,000
 1,163,285
1,107,388
 945,052
Subordinated debt securities495,255
 441,202
Subordinated debt605,392
 495,289
Liabilities related to separate accounts 
  
 
  
Variable annuity13,763,971
 13,244,252
13,555,469
 13,956,071
Variable universal life996,375
 895,925
1,077,842
 1,035,202
Total liabilities72,849,974

69,531,858
85,812,516

72,502,568
Commitments and contingencies - Note 11

 

Commitments and contingencies - Note 12

 

Shareowner’s equity 
  
 
  
Common Stock: 2017 and 2016 - $0.01 par value; shares authorized: 5,000; shares issued: 1,000
 
Common Stock: 2018 and 2017 - $0.01 par value; shares authorized: 5,000; shares issued: 1,000
 
Additional paid-in-capital5,554,059
 5,554,059
5,554,059
 5,554,059
Retained earnings670,361
 571,985
1,604,178
 1,560,444
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
 
  
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of income tax: (2017 - $(53,167); 2016 - $(349,541))(98,739) (649,147)
Net unrealized losses relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2017 - $(27); 2016 - $(3,864))(50) (7,175)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2017 - $549; 2016 - $391)1,020
 727
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2017 - $578; 2016 - $578)1,072
 1,072
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of income tax: (2018 - $317,185; 2017 - $6,883)(1,193,220) 25,896
Net unrealized losses relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2018 - $0; 2017 - $(6))
 (22)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2018 - $1,180; 2017 - $198)4,438
 747
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2018 - $(3,469); 2017 - $(3,469))(13,925) (13,925)
Total shareowner’s equity6,127,723

5,471,521
5,955,530

7,127,199
Total liabilities and shareowner’s equity$78,977,697

$75,003,379
$91,768,046

$79,629,767

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

 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareowner’s
Equity
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2016$
 $5,554,059
 $571,985
 $(654,523) $5,471,521
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 
  
 242,224
  
 242,224
Other comprehensive income 
  
  
 557,826
 557,826
Comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 
  
  
  
 800,050
Dividends to parent    (143,848)   (143,848)
Balance, September 30, 2017$
 $5,554,059
 $670,361
 $(96,697) $6,127,723
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareowner’s
Equity
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017$
 $5,554,059
 $1,560,444
 $12,696
 $7,127,199
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 
  
 265,707
  
 265,707
Other comprehensive loss 
  
  
 (1,204,851) (1,204,851)
Comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 
  
  
  
 (939,144)
Cumulative effect adjustments    (81,973) (10,552) (92,525)
Dividends to parent    (140,000)   (140,000)
Balance, September 30, 2018$
 $5,554,059
 $1,604,178
 $(1,202,707) $5,955,530

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

For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities   
   
Net income$242,224
 $320,762
$265,707
 $242,224
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Realized investment (gains) losses176,588
 (31,022)97,875
 176,588
Amortization of DAC and VOBA47,612
 94,899
144,009
 47,612
Capitalization of DAC(249,640) (244,252)(331,277) (249,640)
Depreciation and amortization expense49,227
 42,520
50,826
 49,227
Deferred income tax86,463
 201,466
10,340
 86,463
Accrued income tax17,453
 (152,402)77,802
 17,453
Interest credited to universal life and investment products507,229
 532,998
630,770
 507,229
Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products(1,004,829) (935,702)(1,146,980) (1,004,829)
Change in reinsurance receivables132,617
 101,284
259,429
 132,617
Change in accrued investment income and other receivables(17,550) (44,655)(11,823) (17,550)
Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and health products(273,640) (159,533)(512,879) (273,640)
Trading securities: 
  
 
  
Maturities and principal reductions of investments131,563
 93,397
140,851
 131,563
Sale of investments195,733
 390,412
307,632
 195,733
Cost of investments acquired(277,423) (438,886)(403,355) (277,423)
Other net change in trading securities17,741
 47,879
10,641
 17,741
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments and mortgage loans232,939
 308,249
232,401
 232,939
Change in other liabilities36,239
 338,199
21,569
 36,239
Other, net(58,308) (110,243)(44,952) (58,308)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(7,762) $355,370
Net cash used in operating activities$(201,414) $(7,762)


 

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


For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from investing activities 
  
 
  
Maturities and principal reductions of investments, available-for-sale$541,155
 $984,707
$1,249,048
 $541,155
Sale of investments, available-for-sale1,302,576
 1,544,558
1,935,178
 1,302,576
Cost of investments acquired, available-for-sale(3,248,911) (3,962,879)(4,304,036) (3,248,911)
Change in investments, held-to-maturity36,000
 (2,185,000)62,000
 36,000
Mortgage loans: 
  
 
  
New lendings(1,081,226) (944,025)(1,185,316) (1,081,226)
Repayments644,189
 648,109
797,450
 644,189
Change in investment real estate, net3,679
 2,905
647
 3,679
Change in policy loans, net24,280
 43,425
43,642
 24,280
Change in other long-term investments, net(282,506) (104,543)(292,893) (282,506)
Change in short-term investments, net(203,169) 51,960
82,748
 (203,169)
Net unsettled security transactions349,544
 52,292
84,036
 349,544
Purchase of property, equipment, and intangibles(34,229) (15,607)(9,888) (34,229)
Amounts received from reinsurance transaction
 325,800
Cash received from reinsurance transaction20,669
 
Net cash used in investing activities$(1,948,618) $(3,558,298)$(1,516,715) $(1,948,618)
Cash flows from financing activities 
  
 
  
Borrowings under line of credit arrangements and debt$975,000
 $220,000
Principal payments on line of credit arrangement and debt(934,123) (373,074)
Borrowings under line of credit arrangement, debt, and subordinated debt$1,075,000
 $975,000
Principal payments on line of credit arrangement, debt, and subordinated debt(757,884) (934,123)
Issuance (repayment) of non-recourse funding obligations(36,000) 2,098,700
(100,000) (36,000)
Secured financing liabilities(198,165) (218,728)(503,336) (198,165)
Dividends to shareowner(143,848) (89,343)(140,000) (143,848)
Investment product deposits and change in universal life deposits3,901,051
 3,509,315
4,397,886
 3,901,051
Investment product withdrawals(1,698,062) (1,718,670)(2,311,096) (1,698,062)
Other financing activities, net(93) 
(291) (93)
Net cash provided by financing activities$1,865,760
 $3,428,200
$1,660,279
 $1,865,760
Change in cash(90,620) 225,272
(57,850) (90,620)
Cash at beginning of period348,182
 396,072
252,310
 348,182
Cash at end of period$257,562
 $621,344
$194,460
 $257,562

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Basis of Presentation
On February 1, 2015, Protective Life Corporation (the “Company”) became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan (now known as Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., “Dai-ichi Life”), when DL Investment (Delaware), Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life, merged with and into the Company.Company (the “Merger”). Prior to February 1, 2015, the Company’s stock was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the Merger, date, the Company remains as an SEC registrant within the United States. The Company is a holding company with subsidiaries that provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate segment devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. Founded in 1907, Protective Life Insurance Company (“PLICO”) is the Company’s largest operating subsidiary.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for the interim periods presented herein. Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.2018. The year-end consolidated condensed financial data included herein was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP within this report. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.
Entities Included
The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the accounts of Protective Life Corporation and subsidiaries and its affiliate companies in which the Company holds a majority voting or economic interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
2.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies
For a full description of significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. There were no significant changes to the Company'sCompany’s accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018 other than those discussed below.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently AdoptedProperty and Casualty Insurance Products
ASU No. 2017-04-Intangibles-GoodwillProperty and Other (Topic 350): Simplifyingcasualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”). Premiums and fees associated with service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This Update simplifiesterms of the goodwill impairment test by re-defining the concept of goodwill impairmentcontract on a pro-rata basis. Commissions and fee income associated with other products are recognized as the condition that existsearned when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Update eliminates “Step 2”related services are provided to the customer. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the current goodwill impairment test, which requires entitiespremiums that is related to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by remeasuring to fair value the assets and liabilities of a reporting unit as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The Company elected to adopt the amendments in the Update in the first quarter of 2017, and will apply the revised guidance to impairment tests conducted after January 1, 2017. Applicationunexpired period of the revised guidance didpolicy. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not impactreported (“IBNR”) reserves for claims where the Company’s financial position or resultsinsured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of operationsthe balance sheet date. The case basis reserves and will simplify its annual goodwill impairment test, which is generally conducted inIBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the fourth quarter. For more details regarding the Company’s goodwill assessment process, please referlevel of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to Note 9, Goodwill.reflect anticipated trends.

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

  As of September 30, 2018
  As Reported Previous Accounting Method
  (Dollars In Millions)
Financial Statement Line Item:    
Balance Sheet    
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired $2,974.3
 $2,832.4
Other liabilities $2,575.1
 $2,308.7

  
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
  As Reported Previous Accounting Method As Reported Previous Accounting Method
  (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Financial Statement Line Item:        
Statements of Income        
Other income $113.5
 $115.1
 $341.8
 $345.3
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired $33.5
 $21.7
 $144.0
 $107.3
Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded $224.6
 $237.7
 $684.9
 $725.1
Accounting Pronouncements Not YetRecently Adopted
ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This Update provides for significant revisions to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers across various industries. Under the new guidance, entities are required to apply a prescribed 5-step process to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting for revenues associated with insurance products is not within the scope of this Update. The Update was originally effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 - Revenues from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adoptadopted this Update using the modified retrospective approach via a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The amendments in the Update, along with clarifying updates issued subsequent to ASU 2014-09, will impactimpacted some of the Company'sCompany’s smaller lines of business, specifically revenues at the Company'sCompany’s affiliated broker dealers and insurance agency, and certain revenues associated with the Company'sCompany’s Asset Protection products. However, the cumulative effect adjustment relatedThe lines of business to the Company's adoption ofwhich the revised guidance is limitedapplies are not material to the Company's Asset Protection segment. Based on its current projections,Company’s financial statements. In consideration of the amendments in this Update, the Company estimates thatrevised its recognition pattern for administrative fees associated with certain vehicle service and GAP products. Previously, these fees were recognized based on the work effort involved in satisfying the Company’s contract obligations. The Company will recognize these fees on a claims occurrence basis in future periods. To reflect this change in accounting principle, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2018 will resultthat resulted in a decrease in retained earnings between $72 million and $82of $92.5 million. Several application questions remain outstanding, most notably interpretive positions regarding the Update's application to certain of the Company's warranty products. The Company will also implementimplemented minor changes to its accounting and disclosures with respect to the non-insurance lines of business referenced above to ensure compliance with the revised guidance. See above for additional discussion.
    ASU No. 2016-01 - Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most notably, the Update requires that equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Update also introduces a single-step impairment model for equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. Additionally, the Update requires changes in instrument-specific credit risk for fair value option liabilities to be recorded in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will bewere applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company will recordrecorded a cumulative-effectcumulative-

effect adjustment at the date of adoption, (JanuaryJanuary 1, 2018)2018, transferring unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities to retained earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income. The impact of this adjustment, (had it been recorded on September 30, 2017), net of income tax, would have resulted in a $11.5$10.6 million increase to retained earnings.earnings and a corresponding decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, resulting in no net impact to consolidated shareowner’s equity. The Company has updated its disclosures in Note 5, Investment Operations and Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments in accordance with the ASU.

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

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

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

ASU No. 2017-07 - Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amendments in this update require entities to disaggregate the current-service-cost component from other components of net benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs in the income statement. The other components of net benefit cost must be presented outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the Update requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. As provided for in the ASU, the Company expects to complete its reviewapply the provisions of applicable policiesthe statement retrospectively for components of net periodic pension costs and procedures to ensure compliance withprospectively for capitalization of the revised guidance.service costs component of net periodic costs and net periodic postretirement benefits. The Update did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or current disclosures.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
    
ASU No. 2016-02 - Leases. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases. The most significant change will relate to the accounting model used by lessees. The Update will require all leases with terms greater than 12 months to be recorded on the balance sheet in the form of a lease asset and liability. The lease asset and liability will be measured at the present value of the minimum lease payments less any upfront payments or fees. The Update also requires numerous disclosure changes for which the Company is assessing the impact. The amendments in the Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The Company has completed an inventory of all leases in the organizationorganization. Based on our lease portfolio as of September 30, 2018, the Company expects to record a right of use asset and is currently assessinglease liability of approximately $21 million on its consolidated condensed balance sheet in the period of adoption. However, the ultimate impact of adopting the Update and updating internal processes to ensure compliance withASU will depend on the revised guidance.Company’s lease portfolio as of the adoption date.

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

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

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

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

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

ASU No. 2017-08 - Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this updateUpdate require that premiums on callable debt securities be amortized to the first call date. This is a change from current guidance, under which premiums are amortized to the maturity date of the security. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31,15, 2018, and early adoption

is permitted. Transition will be through a modified retrospective approach in which the cumulative effect of application is recorded to retained earnings at the beginning of the annual period in which an entity adopts the revised guidance. TheBased on our population of callable debt securities held as of September 30, 2018, the Company is currently reviewing its systems and processesestimates it would record a reduction to determine whether earlyretained earnings of approximately $56.1 million as a result of adopting the ASU. However, the adoption impact will ultimately depend on the population of callable debt securities held as of the revised guidance is practicable.adoption date.

ASU No. 2017-12 - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this updateUpdate are designed to permit hedge accounting to be applied to a broader range of hedging strategies as well as to more closely align hedge accounting and risk management objectives. Specific provisions include requiring changes in the fair value of a hedging instrument be recorded in the same income statement line as the hedged item when it affects earnings. In addition, after a hedge has initially qualified as an effective hedge the Update permits the use of a qualitative hedge effectiveness test in subsequent periods. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its operations or financial results.

ASU No. 2018-12 - Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts. The amendments in this Update are designed to make improvements to the existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for certain long-duration contracts issued by an insurance company. The new amendments require insurance entities to provide a more current measure of the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts by regularly refining the liability for actual past experience and updated future assumptions. This differs from current requirements where assumptions are locked-in at contract issuance for these contract types. In addition, the updated liability will be discounted using an upper-medium grade (low-credit-risk) fixed income instrument yield that reflects the characteristics of the liability which differs from currently used rates based on the invested assets supporting the liability. In addition, the amendments introduce new requirements to assess market-based insurance contract options and guarantees for Market Risk Benefits and measure them at fair value. This Update also requires insurance entities to amortize deferred acquisition costs on a constant-level basis over the expected life of the contract. Finally this Update requires new disclosures including liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgements, assumptions, and methods used in the measurement. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessingreviewing its policies, processes, and applicable systems to determine the impact this standard will have on its operations and financial results.
    
3.SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS
On May 1, 2018, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (“Lincoln Life”) completed its previously announced acquisition (the “Closing”) of Liberty Mutual Group Inc.’s (“Liberty Mutual”) Group Benefits Business and Individual Life and Annuity Business (the “Life Business”) through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (“Liberty”). In connection with the Closing and  pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, dated January 18, 2018 (the “Master Transaction Agreement”), previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2018, PLICO and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PLAIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of PLICO, entered into reinsurance agreements (the “Reinsurance Agreements”) and related ancillary documents (including administrative services agreements and transition services agreements) providing for the reinsurance and administration of the Life Business. 

Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC the insurance policies related to the Life Business on a 100% coinsurance basis. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Life Business was $422.4 million, which is the purchase price. Other than cash received as part of the acquired Liberty investment portfolio as reflected in “amounts received from reinsurance transaction” in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows and as reflected in the table below, this was a non-cash transaction.

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

The terms of the Reinsurance Agreements resulted in an acquisition of the Life Business by the Company in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The following table details the purchase consideration and preliminary allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Life Business reinsurance transaction as of the transaction date. These estimates remain preliminary and are subject to adjustment. While they are not expected to be materially different than those shown, any material adjustments to the estimates will be reflected, retroactively, as of the date of the acquisition.



  
Fair Value
as of
May 1, 2018
  (Dollars In Thousands)
ASSETS  
Fixed maturities $12,588,512
Mortgage loans 435,405
Policy loans 131,489
Total investments 13,155,406
Cash 20,669
Accrued investment income 151,610
Reinsurance receivables 337
Value of business acquired 336,437
Other assets 2,542
Total assets 13,667,001
LIABILITIES  
Future policy benefits and claims $11,744,496
Unearned premiums 
Total policy liabilities and accruals 11,744,496
Annuity account balances 1,823,444
Other policyholders’ funds 41,954
Other liabilities 57,107
Total liabilities 13,667,001
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED $
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations assumes that the aforementioned transactions of the Life Business were completed as of January 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma condensed results of operations are presented solely for information purposes and are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated condensed results of operations that might have been achieved had the transaction been completed as of the date indicated.
 Unaudited Unaudited
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Revenue$1,344,806
 $1,397,739
 $4,078,285
 $4,231,177
        
Net income$110,100
 $118,547
 $311,851
 $347,113
The amount of revenue and income before income tax of the Life Business since the transaction date, May 1, 2018, included in the consolidated condensed statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 amounted to $218.1 million and $360.9 million and $26.1 million and $33.7 million, respectively. Also, included in the income before income tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is approximately $5.5 million of non-recurring transaction costs.

Based on the balance recorded as of May 1, 2018, the expected amortization of VOBA for the next five years is as follows:
Years 
Expected
Amortization
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Remainder of 2018 $5,265
2019 21,063
2020 19,950
2021 18,329
2022 16,611

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

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

Summarized financial information for the Closed Block as of September 30, 2017,2018, and December 31, 2016,2017, is as follows:
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Closed block liabilities 
  
 
  
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other policyholder liabilities$5,814,527
 $5,896,355
$5,699,118
 $5,791,867
Policyholder dividend obligation136,004
 31,932

 160,712
Other liabilities76,176
 40,007
42,640
 30,764
Total closed block liabilities6,026,707
 5,968,294
5,741,758
 5,983,343
Closed block assets 
  
 
  
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value$4,549,322
 $4,440,105
$4,339,342
 $4,669,856
Mortgage loans on real estate130,521
 201,088
76,608
 108,934
Policy loans707,293
 712,959
679,760
 700,769
Cash148,612
 108,270
72,868
 31,182
Other assets141,740
 135,794
144,077
 122,637
Total closed block assets5,677,488
 5,598,216
5,312,655
 5,633,378
Excess of reported closed block liabilities over closed block assets349,219
 370,078
429,103
 349,965
Portion of above representing accumulated other comprehensive income: 
  
 
  
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) net of policyholder dividend obligation: $(55,231) and $(197,450); and net of income tax: $19,331 and $69,107
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) net of policyholder dividend obligation: $(149,219) and $(13,429); and net of income tax: $57,054 and $2,820(96,749) 
Future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and closed block liabilities$349,219
 $370,078
$332,354
 $349,965
Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation is as follows:
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Policyholder dividend obligation, beginning of period$31,932
 $
$160,712
 $31,932
Applicable to net revenue (losses)(38,147) (36,707)(24,922) (38,147)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated to the policyholder dividend obligation142,219
 300,814
(135,790) 142,219
Policyholder dividend obligation, end of period$136,004
 $264,107
$
 $136,004

Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
      
 
      
Premiums and other income$40,962
 $44,043
 $128,697
 $135,282
$39,691
 $40,962
 $121,768
 $128,697
Net investment income50,780
 53,582
 153,481
 156,458
50,833
 50,780
 152,248
 153,481
Net investment gains341
 326
 448
 963
40
 341
 66
 448
Total revenues92,083
 97,951
 282,626
 292,703
90,564
 92,083
 274,082
 282,626
Benefits and other deductions 
    
  
 
    
  
Benefits and settlement expenses81,721
 88,143
 249,319
 260,227
83,588
 81,721
 251,480
 249,319
Other operating expenses621
 537
 1,216
 2,214
291
 621
 310
 1,216
Total benefits and other deductions82,342
 88,680
 250,535
 262,441
83,879
 82,342
 251,790
 250,535
Net revenues before income taxes9,741
 9,271
 32,091
 30,262
6,685
 9,741
 22,292
 32,091
Income tax expense3,409
 3,245
 11,232
 10,591
1,404
 3,409
 4,681
 11,232
Net revenues$6,332
 $6,026
 $20,859
 $19,671
$5,281
 $6,332
 $17,611
 $20,859
4.5.     INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net realized gains (losses) for all other investments are summarized as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$1,042
 $1,665
 $10,482
 $24,116
$(2,018) $1,042
 $6,304
 $10,482
Equity securities(352) 
 (1,398) 36
Equity gains and losses(1)
(6,638) (352) (16,466) (1,398)
Impairments(273) (3,308) (10,889) (6,892)(14) (273) (3,664) (10,889)
Modco trading portfolio19,399
 23,995
 93,181
 178,353
(10,901) 19,399
 (148,427) 93,181
Other investments(1,939) (1,508) (7,557) (7,842)(312) (1,939) 1,519
 (7,557)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments$17,877
 $20,844
 $83,819
 $187,771
$(19,883) $17,877
 $(160,734) $83,819
       
(1) Beginning January 1, 2018, all changes in the fair market value of equity securities are recorded as a realized gains (loss) as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01.(1) Beginning January 1, 2018, all changes in the fair market value of equity securities are recorded as a realized gains (loss) as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01.

Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities equity securities, and short-term investments) are as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)    (Dollars In Thousands)
Gross realized gains$1,933
 $3,223
 $14,968
 $31,023
$3,410
 $1,933
 $21,596
 $14,968
Gross realized losses:      

      

Impairment losses$(273) $(3,308) $(10,889) $(6,892)$(14) $(273) $(3,664) $(10,889)
Other realized losses$(1,243) $(1,558) $(5,884) $(6,871)$(5,428) $(1,243) $(15,292) $(5,884)
The chart below summarizes the fair value (proceeds) and the gains (losses) realized on available-for-sale securities the Company sold that were in an unrealized gain position and an unrealized loss position.
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Securities in an unrealized gain position:              
Fair value (proceeds)$121,459
 $167,272
 $566,064
 $990,066
$306,600
 $121,459
 $914,885
 $566,064
Gains realized$1,933
 $3,223
 $14,967
 $31,023
$3,410
 $1,933
 $21,596
 $14,968
              
Securities in an unrealized loss position(1):
              
Fair value (proceeds)$37,186
 $7,105
 $121,450
 $67,688
$122,317
 $37,186
 $380,493
 $121,450
Losses realized$(1,243) $(1,558) $(5,884) $(6,871)$(5,428) $(1,243) $(15,292) $(5,884)
              
(1) The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with its overall asset liability management process.
(1) The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with its overall asset/liability management process.(1) The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with its overall asset/liability management process.
The chart below summarizes the realized gains (losses) on equity securities sold during the period and equity securities still held at the reporting date.
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities$(6,638) $(16,466)
Less: net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the period$(1,476) $(3,856)
Gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities still held$(5,162) $(12,610)


The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale are as follows:
As of September 30, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
As of September 30, 2018 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Fixed maturities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities $2,187,460
 $22,141
 $(17,347) $2,192,254
 $16
 $3,515,247
 $5,808
 $(105,950) $3,415,105
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,939,832
 6,167
 (24,570) 1,921,429
 
 2,344,653
 181
 (82,063) 2,262,771
 
Other asset-backed securities 1,186,463
 17,692
 (13,488) 1,190,667
 
 1,456,768
 13,749
 (16,382) 1,454,135
 
U.S. government-related securities 1,317,910
 1,256
 (26,333) 1,292,833
 
 1,653,626
 160
 (72,807) 1,580,979
 
Other government-related securities 253,026
 8,145
 (6,835) 254,336
 
 548,343
 2,926
 (21,688) 529,581
 
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 1,756,865
 6,416
 (59,272) 1,704,009
 (93) 3,691,930
 6,070
 (139,927) 3,558,073
 
Corporate securities 29,673,641
 480,875
 (705,147) 29,449,369
 
 38,778,746
 167,850
 (1,924,671) 37,021,925
 
Preferred stock 94,362
 376
 (2,898) 91,840
 
Redeemable preferred stock 94,362
 
 (7,223) 87,139
 
 38,409,559
 543,068
 (855,890) 38,096,737
 (77) 52,083,675
 196,744
 (2,370,711) 49,909,708
 
Equity securities 758,804
 24,914
 (7,291) 776,427
 
Short-term investments 482,923
 
 
 482,923
 
 476,188
 
 
 476,188
 
 $39,651,286
 $567,982
 $(863,181) $39,356,087
 $(77) $52,559,863
 $196,744
 $(2,370,711) $50,385,896
 $
                    
As of December 31, 2016 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
As of December 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI(1)
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Fixed maturities:                    
Residential mortgage-backed securities $1,913,413
 $10,737
 $(25,667) $1,898,483
 $(9) $2,330,832
 $19,413
 $(23,033) $2,327,212
 $10
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,850,620
 2,528
 (41,678) 1,811,470
 
 1,914,998
 5,010
 (30,186) 1,889,822
 
Other asset-backed securities 1,210,490
 21,741
 (20,698) 1,211,533
 
 1,234,376
 20,936
 (5,763) 1,249,549
 
U.S. government-related securities 1,308,192
 422
 (40,455) 1,268,159
 
 1,255,244
 185
 (32,177) 1,223,252
 
Other government-related securities 253,182
 1,536
 (14,797) 239,921
 
 282,767
 9,463
 (4,948) 287,282
 
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 1,760,837
 1,224
 (105,558) 1,656,503
 
 1,770,299
 16,959
 (45,613) 1,741,645
 (37)
Corporate securities 28,801,768
 153,715
 (1,583,918) 27,371,565
 (11,030) 29,606,484
 623,713
 (528,187) 29,702,010
 (1)
Preferred stock 94,362
 
 (8,519) 85,843
 
Redeemable preferred stock 94,362
 232
 (3,503) 91,091
 
 37,192,864
 191,903
 (1,841,290) 35,543,477
 (11,039) 38,489,362
 695,911
 (673,410) 38,511,863
 (28)
Equity securities 761,340
 7,751
 (21,685) 747,406
 
 735,569
 22,318
 (8,771) 749,116
 
Short-term investments 279,782
 
 
 279,782
 
 558,949
 
 
 558,949
 
 $38,233,986
 $199,654
 $(1,862,975) $36,570,665
 $(11,039) $39,783,880
 $718,229
 $(682,181) $39,819,928
 $(28)
                    
(1) These amounts are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above.

     AsThe fair values of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had an additional $2.7 billion and $2.6 billion of fixed maturities, $5.1 million and $7.1 million of equity securities, and $44.3 million and $52.6 million of short-termCompany’s investments classified as trading securities, respectively.are as follows:    

  
As of
September 30, 2018
 
As of
December 31, 2017
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities $254,037
 $259,694
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 135,403
 146,804
Other asset-backed securities 111,770
 138,097
U.S. government-related securities 58,081
 27,234
Other government-related securities 43,030
 63,925
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 296,618
 326,925
Corporate securities 1,569,652
 1,698,183
Redeemable preferred stock 3,165
 3,327
  2,471,756
 2,664,189
Equity securities 3,801
 5,244
Short-term investments 55,865
 56,261
  $2,531,422
 $2,725,694
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity fixed maturities as of September 30, 2017,2018, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of securities without a single maturity date are allocated based on estimated rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.
Available-for-sale Held-to-maturityAvailable-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Due in one year or less$777,460
 $778,156
 $
 $
$957,984
 $955,779
 $
 $
Due after one year through five years6,292,741
 6,325,294
 
 
9,269,777
 9,096,671
 
 
Due after five years through ten years7,685,870
 7,718,256
 
 
9,259,344
 9,001,644
 
 
Due after ten years23,653,488
 23,275,031
 2,730,995
 2,796,603
32,596,570
 30,855,614
 2,653,605
 2,577,841
$38,409,559
 $38,096,737
 $2,730,995
 $2,796,603
$52,083,675
 $49,909,708
 $2,653,605
 $2,577,841
The chartcharts below summarizessummarize the Company'sCompany’s other-than-temporary impairments of investments. All of the impairments were related to fixed or equity maturities.
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2017
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Total
Securities
 Fixed Maturities Equity Securities Total Securities
Fixed
Maturities
 
Fixed
Maturities
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Other-than-temporary impairments$(366) $
 $(366) $(494) $(2,630) $(3,124)$(14) $(715)
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income93
 
 93
 (7,765) 
 $(7,765)
 (2,949)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings$(273) $
 $(273) $(8,259) $(2,630) $(10,889)$(14) $(3,664)

For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2016 20162017 2017
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Total
Securities
 Fixed Maturities Equity Securities Total Securities
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Total
Securities
 Fixed Maturities Equity Securities Total Securities
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Other-than-temporary impairments$(1,898) $
 $(1,898) $(10,194) $
 $(10,194)$(366) $
 $(366) $(494) $(2,630) $(3,124)
Non-credit impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income(1,410) 
 (1,410) 3,302
 
 3,302
93
 
 93
 (7,765) 
 (7,765)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings$(3,308) $
 $(3,308) $(6,892) $
 $(6,892)$(273) $
 $(273) $(8,259) $(2,630) $(10,889)
There were no other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities or equity securities that the Company intended to sell or expected to be required to sell for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.
     The following chart is a rollforward of available-for-sale credit losses on fixed maturities held by the Company for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Beginning balance$2,783
 $964
 $12,685
 $22,761
$2
 $2,783
 $3,268
 $12,685
Additions for newly impaired securities266
 1,721
 266
 4,777

 266
 
 266
Additions for previously impaired securities6
 1,521
 2,791
 2,046

 6
 2
 2,791
Reductions for previously impaired securities due to a change in expected cash flows(37) (4) (12,724) (22,763)
 (37) 
 (12,724)
Reductions for previously impaired securities that were sold in the current period(600) 
 (600) (2,619)(2) (600) (3,270) (600)
Ending balance$2,418
 $4,202
 $2,418
 $4,202
$
 $2,418
 $
 $2,418
The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017:2018:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities$1,044,494
 $(15,210) $88,573
 $(2,137) $1,133,067
 $(17,347)$2,831,969
 $(80,873) $407,345
 $(25,077) $3,239,314
 $(105,950)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,282,643
 (19,936) 159,684
 (4,634) 1,442,327
 (24,570)1,442,862
 (40,080) 757,095
 (41,983) 2,199,957
 (82,063)
Other asset-backed securities202,097
 (5,064) 170,747
 (8,424) 372,844
 (13,488)645,956
 (9,131) 125,847
 (7,251) 771,803
 (16,382)
U.S. government-related securities1,090,531
 (21,099) 85,948
 (5,234) 1,176,479
 (26,333)551,939
 (14,066) 1,012,450
 (58,741) 1,564,389
 (72,807)
Other government-related securities44,015
 (287) 84,524
 (6,548) 128,539
 (6,835)256,902
 (7,459) 111,089
 (14,229) 367,991
 (21,688)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions819,311
 (22,392) 615,181
 (36,880) 1,434,492
 (59,272)2,268,935
 (51,019) 998,399
 (88,908) 3,267,334
 (139,927)
Corporate securities7,825,478
 (151,509) 8,487,852
 (553,638) 16,313,330
 (705,147)21,828,788
 (787,017) 9,771,234
 (1,137,654) 31,600,022
 (1,924,671)
Preferred stock52,294
 (806) 28,846
 (2,092) 81,140
 (2,898)
Equities108,502
 (2,245) 55,006
 (5,046) 163,508
 (7,291)
Redeemable preferred stock43,712
 (1,902) 43,427
 (5,321) 87,139
 (7,223)
$12,469,365
 $(238,548) $9,776,361
 $(624,633) $22,245,726
 $(863,181)$29,871,063
 $(991,547) $13,226,886
 $(1,379,164) $43,097,949
 $(2,370,711)
RMBS and CMBS had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $2.1$25.1 million and $4.6$42.0 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2017.2018. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.

The other asset-backed securities had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $8.4$7.3 million as of September 30, 2017.2018. This category predominately includes student loan backed auction rate securities whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.
The U.S. government-related securities and the other government-related securities had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $6.5$58.7 million and $14.2 million as of September 30, 2017.2018, respectively. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The states, municipalities, and political subdivisions category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $36.9$88.9 million as of September 30, 2017. These declines were related2018. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to changes in interest rates.positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.
The corporate securities category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $553.6 million$1.1 billion as of September 30, 2017.2018. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.
     As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had a total of 1,7424,367 positions that were in an unrealized loss position, but the Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. This is based on the aggregate factors discussed previously and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the fair values recover, and the Company does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering the Company’s amortized cost of the securities.

The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016:2017:
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities$1,060,569
 $(21,550) $170,826
 $(4,117) $1,231,395
 $(25,667)$766,599
 $(9,671) $416,221
 $(13,362) $1,182,820
 $(23,033)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,452,146
 (37,665) 100,475
 (4,013) 1,552,621
 (41,678)757,471
 (8,592) 796,456
 (21,594) 1,553,927
 (30,186)
Other asset-backed securities323,706
 (9,291) 176,792
 (11,407) 500,498
 (20,698)86,506
 (322) 134,316
 (5,441) 220,822
 (5,763)
U.S. government-related securities1,237,942
 (40,454) 3
 (1) 1,237,945
 (40,455)94,110
 (688) 1,072,232
 (31,489) 1,166,342
 (32,177)
Other government-related securities98,412
 (2,907) 79,393
 (11,890) 177,805
 (14,797)24,830
 (169) 115,294
 (4,778) 140,124
 (4,947)
States, municipalities, and political subdivisions1,062,368
 (63,809) 548,254
 (41,749) 1,610,622
 (105,558)170,268
 (1,738) 1,027,747
 (43,874) 1,198,015
 (45,612)
Corporate securities12,553,514
 (469,189) 9,793,579
 (1,114,729) 22,347,093
 (1,583,918)5,054,316
 (55,795) 10,962,689
 (472,394) 16,017,005
 (528,189)
Preferred stock66,781
 (6,642) 19,062
 (1,877) 85,843
 (8,519)
Redeemable preferred stock22,048
 (1,120) 23,197
 (2,383) 45,245
 (3,503)
Equities411,845
 (15,273) 69,497
 (6,412) 481,342
 (21,685)86,586
 (1,401) 91,195
 (7,370) 177,781
 (8,771)
$18,267,283
 $(666,780) $10,957,881
 $(1,196,195) $29,225,164
 $(1,862,975)$7,062,734
 $(79,496) $14,639,347
 $(602,685) $21,702,081
 $(682,181)
RMBS and CMBS had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $4.1$13.4 million and $4.0$21.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016.2017. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.
The other asset-backed securities had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $11.4$5.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. This category predominately includes student loan backed auction rate securities whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.
The U.S. government-related securities and other government-related securities had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $11.9$31.5 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2016.2017, respectively. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The states, municipalities, and political subdivisions category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $41.7$43.9 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. These declines were related to changes in interest rates.
The corporate securities category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $1.1 billion$472.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.

     As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had securities in its available-for-sale portfolio which were rated below investment grade of $1.9$1.7 billion and had an amortized cost of $1.9$1.7 billion. In addition, included in the Company’s trading portfolio, the Company held $240.7$175.6 million of securities which were rated below investment grade. Approximately $338.4$263.1 million of the available-for-sale and trading securities that were below investment grade were not publicly traded.
The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturity and equity securities,maturities, classified as available-for-sale is summarized as follows:
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$168,062
 $295,651
 $868,767
 $1,777,330
Equity securities(891) (1,691) 20,512
 7,749

 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities$(229,912) $168,062
 $(1,735,210) $868,767
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as held-to-maturity as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, are as follows:
As of September 30, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:  
  
  
  
  
Securities issued by affiliates:          
Red Mountain LLC $690,995
 $
 $(17,305) $673,690
 $
Steel City LLC 2,040,000
 82,913
 
 2,122,913
 
  $2,730,995
 $82,913
 $(17,305) $2,796,603
 $
           
As of December 31, 2016 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:          
Securities issued by affiliates:          
Red Mountain LLC $654,177
 $
 $(67,222) $586,955
 $
Steel City LLC 2,116,000
 30,385
 
 2,146,385
 
  $2,770,177
 $30,385
 $(67,222) $2,733,340
 $
As of September 30, 2018 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:  
  
  
  
  
Securities issued by affiliates:          
Red Mountain, LLC $736,605
 $
 $(77,492) $659,113
 $
Steel City, LLC 1,917,000
 1,728
 
 1,918,728
 
  $2,653,605
 $1,728
 $(77,492) $2,577,841
 $
           
As of December 31, 2017 Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Gains
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Holding
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Total OTTI
Recognized
in OCI
  (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturities:          
Securities issued by affiliates:          
Red Mountain, LLC $704,904
 $
 $(19,163) $685,741
 $
Steel City, LLC 2,014,000
 76,586
 
 2,090,586
 
  $2,718,904
 $76,586
 $(19,163) $2,776,327
 $
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairments on held-to-maturity securities.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $82.9$1.7 million of gross unrecognized holding gains and $17.3$77.5 million of gross unrecognized holding losses by maturity as of September 30, 2017.2018. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings of the guarantor, financial health of the issuer and guarantor, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information. These held-to-maturity securities are issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's"(“VIEs”). The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus the securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are affiliates of the Company.
The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had $30.4$76.6 million of gross unrecognized holding gains and $67.2$19.2 million of gross unrecognized holding losses by maturity as of December 31, 2016.2017. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings of the guarantor, financial health of the issuer and guarantor, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information.

Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a VIE. If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Based on this analysis, the Company had an interest in two subsidiaries as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, Red Mountain, LLC ("(“Red Mountain"Mountain”) and Steel City, LLC ("(“Steel City"City”), that were determined to be VIEs.
The activity most significant to Red Mountain is the issuance of a note in connection with a financing transaction involving Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) in which Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain and Red Mountain issued a note (the "Red“Red Mountain Note"Note”) to Golden Gate V. For details of this transaction, see Note 10,11, Debt and Other Obligations. The Company had the power, via its 100% ownership through an affiliate, to direct the activities of the VIE, but did not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third party in its function as provider of credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The

Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment, through an affiliate, of $10,000. Additionally, the Company has guaranteed Red Mountain’s payment obligation for the credit enhancement fee to the unrelated third party provider. As of September 30, 2017,2018, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.
Steel City, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a financing agreement on January 15, 2016 involving Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company ("Golden Gate"), in which Golden Gate issued non-recourse funding obligations to Steel City and Steel City issued three notes (the “Steel City Notes”) to Golden Gate. Credit enhancement on the Steel City Notes is provided by unrelated third parties. For details of the financing transaction, see Note 10,11, Debt and Other Obligations. The activity most significant to Steel City is the issuance of the Steel City Notes. The Company had the power, via its 100% ownership, to direct the activities of the VIE, but did not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third parties in their function as providers of credit enhancement on the Steel City Notes. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment of $10,000. Additionally, the Company has guaranteed Steel City’s payment obligation for the credit enhancement fee to the unrelated third party providers. As of September 30, 2017,2018, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.
5.6.     FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.
The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

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

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

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own assumptionsestimates about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017:2018:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Measurement
Category
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$
 $2,192,254
 $
 $2,192,254
4 $
 $3,415,105
 $
 $3,415,105
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 1,921,429
 
 1,921,429
4 
 2,243,304
 19,467
 2,262,771
Other asset-backed securities
 637,518
 553,149
 1,190,667
4 
 951,874
 502,261
 1,454,135
U.S. government-related securities1,009,225
 283,608
 
 1,292,833
4 946,679
 634,300
 
 1,580,979
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 1,704,009
 
 1,704,009
4 
 3,558,073
 
 3,558,073
Other government-related securities
 254,336
 
 254,336
4 
 529,581
 
 529,581
Corporate securities
 28,824,816
 624,553
 29,449,369
4 
 36,393,641
 628,284
 37,021,925
Preferred stock72,942
 18,898
 
 91,840
Redeemable preferred stock4 69,550
 17,589
 
 87,139
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,082,167
 35,836,868
 1,177,702
 38,096,737
 1,016,229
 47,743,467
 1,150,012
 49,909,708
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 262,062
 
 262,062
3 
 254,037
 
 254,037
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 145,653
 
 145,653
3 
 135,403
 
 135,403
Other asset-backed securities
 107,123
 35,490
 142,613
3 
 83,758
 28,012
 111,770
U.S. government-related securities21,589
 6,125
 
 27,714
3 26,859
 31,222
 
 58,081
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions
 321,001
 
 321,001
3 
 296,618
 
 296,618
Other government-related securities
 64,067
 
 64,067
3 
 43,030
 
 43,030
Corporate securities
 1,709,216
 5,524
 1,714,740
3 
 1,564,429
 5,223
 1,569,652
Preferred stock3,229
 
 
 3,229
Redeemable preferred stock3 3,165
 
 
 3,165
Total fixed maturity securities - trading24,818
 2,615,247
 41,014
 2,681,079
 30,024
 2,408,497
 33,235
 2,471,756
Total fixed maturity securities1,106,985
 38,452,115
 1,218,716
 40,777,816
 1,046,253
 50,151,964
 1,183,247
 52,381,464
Equity securities715,339
 36
 66,162
 781,537
3 598,576
 36
 64,268
 662,880
Other long-term investments(1)
61,072
 380,512
 130,352
 571,936
3 & 4 52,728
 402,312
 181,546
 636,586
Short-term investments421,408
 105,771
 
 527,179
3 434,734
 97,319
 
 532,053
Total investments2,304,804
 38,938,434
 1,415,230
 42,658,468
 2,132,291
 50,651,631
 1,429,061
 54,212,983
Cash257,562
 
 
 257,562
3 194,460
 
 
 194,460
Other assets29,927
 
 
 29,927
3 31,743
 
 
 31,743
Assets related to separate accounts 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Variable annuity13,763,971
 
 
 13,763,971
3 13,555,469
 
 
 13,555,469
Variable universal life996,375
 
 
 996,375
3 1,077,842
 
 
 1,077,842
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$17,352,639
 $38,938,434
 $1,415,230
 $57,706,303
 $16,991,805
 $50,651,631
 $1,429,061
 $69,072,497
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances (2)
$
 $
 $85,028
 $85,028
3 $
 $
 $78,463
 $78,463
Other liabilities(1)
23,775
 206,307
 736,413
 966,495
3 & 4 8,243
 272,724
 554,480
 835,447
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$23,775
 $206,307
 $821,441
 $1,051,523
 $8,243
 $272,724
 $632,943
 $913,910
               
(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) Fair Value through Net Income        
(4) Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income        

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016:2017:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$
 $1,898,480
 $3
 $1,898,483
$
 $2,327,212
 $
 $2,327,212
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 1,811,470
 
 1,811,470

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Determination of fair values
The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.
The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price approximately 91%93.3% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations, which are considered to have no significant unobservable inputs. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company obtains one quote per security, typically from the broker from which we purchased the security. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.
The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted-averageweighted average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.
For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. The Company uses a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.
Asset-Backed Securities
This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company held $5.3$7.1 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.
After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company held $588.6$549.7 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $553.1$521.7 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $35.5$28.0 million of other asset-backed securities classified as trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, theThe Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation

process the Company reviews the following characteristics

of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be level three measurements due to the nature of the transaction.
Corporate Securities, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government RelatedGovernment-Related Securities
As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company classified approximately $33.2$43.1 billion of corporate securities, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted-weighted average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.
The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid income and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company classified approximately $630.1$633.5 million of securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.
Equities
As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company held approximately $66.2$64.3 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $65.5$63.4 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.
Other Long-term Investments and Other Liabilities
Other long-term investments and other liabilities consist entirely of free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 6,7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of September 30, 2017,2018, 100% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.

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

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.
The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheet. The changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as “Realized investment gains (losses) - Derivative financial instruments”. Refer to Note 6,7, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.
The fair value of the GLWBguaranteed living withdrawal benefits ("GLWB") embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios along withand policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity

volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near-term equity market implied volatilities. The

equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table with attained age factors varying from 91.1% - 106.6%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.
The balance of the FIA embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB2015 Ruark ALB mortality table modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 46%87% - 113%100%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The balance of the indexed universal life (“IUL”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the IUL product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the SOA 2015 VBT Primary Tables modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 34%37% - 152%577%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.
The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. As a result, these agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The investments supporting these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative is based upon the relationship between the statutory policy liabilities (net of policy loans) of $2.4$2.3 billion and the statutory unrealized gain (loss) of the securities of $218.8$60.0 million. As a result, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are largely offset by the changes in fair value of the related investments and each are reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the policy liabilities.
Annuity Account Balances
The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values. The Level 3 fair value as of September 30, 20172018 is $85.0$78.5 million.
Separate Accounts
Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.

Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
Fair Value
As of
September 30, 2017
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Fair Value
As of
September 30, 2018
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
(Dollars In Thousands)      (Dollars In Thousands)      
Assets:              
Other asset-backed securities$553,005
 Liquidation Liquidation value $90 - $97 ($95.02)$502,020
 Liquidation Liquidation value $90 - $97 ($94.92)
  Discounted cash flow Liquidity premium 0.51% - 1.29% (0.96%)  Discounted cash flow Liquidity premium 0.0% - 1.40% (0.62%)
  Paydown rate 10.75% - 12.75% (11.34%)  Paydown rate 11.09% - 13.15% (12.38%)
Corporate securities615,576
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.35% - 4.35% (1.57%)621,392
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.90% - 4.23% (1.51%)
Liabilities:(1)
 
       
      
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$131,276
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6%$37,794
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 87% to 100% of
 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
   Lapse 0.3% - 15%, depending on 
   Lapse Ruark Predictive Model
 
     product/duration/funded 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one-
 
     status of guarantee 
     time over-utilization of 400%
 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one- 
   Nonperformance risk 0.13% - 0.88%
 
     time over-utilization of 400%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.12% - 0.86%
Embedded derivative - FIA197,378
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $146 per policy256,912
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $145 per policy
  Asset Earned Rate 4.08% - 4.66%
 
   Withdrawal rate 1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the 
   Withdrawal rate 1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
     RMD for ages 70+ 
     RMD for ages 70+
 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company
 
     experience 
     experience
 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
     on duration/surrender 
     on duration/surrender
 
     charge period 
     charge period
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.12% - 0.86% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.13% - 0.88%
Embedded derivative - IUL69,081
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 34% - 152% of 201595,739
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 37% - 577% of 2015
 
     VBT Primary Tables 
     VBT Primary Tables
 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10%, depending 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
     on duration/distribution 
     on duration/distribution
 
     channel and smoking class 
     channel and smoking class
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.12% - 0.86% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.13% - 0.88%
    
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.
The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of September 30, 2017,2018, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $50.6$60.5 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of September 30, 2017.2018. Of the $50.6$60.5 million, $35.6$47.7 million are other asset-backed securities, $14.5$12.1 million are corporate securities, and $0.5$0.7 million are equity securities.
In certain cases, the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company held $65.7$63.6 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which was predominantly FHLB stock.

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:
Fair Value
As of
December 31, 2016
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
Fair Value
As of
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)
(Dollars In Thousands)      (Dollars In Thousands)      
Assets:              
Other asset-backed securities$553,308
 Liquidation Liquidation value $88 - $97.25 ($95.04)$504,228
 Liquidation Liquidation value $90 - $97 ($94.91)
  Discounted Cash Flow Liquidity premium 0.06% - 1.17% (0.75%)
  Paydown rate 11.31% - 11.97% (11.54%)
Corporate securities638,279
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.31% - 4.50% (2.04%)617,770
 Discounted cash flow Spread over treasury 0.81% - 3.95% (1.06%)
Liabilities:(1)
 
       
      
Embedded derivatives - GLWB(2)
$115,370
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of$111,760
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 91.1% to 106.6% of
 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table 
     Ruark 2015 ALB table
 
   Lapse 0.3% - 15%, depending on 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending on
 
     product/duration/funded 
     product/duration/funded
 
     status of guarantee 
     status of guarantee
 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one- 
   Utilization 99%. 10% of policies have a one-
  time over-utilization of 400%  time over-utilization of 400%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.11% - 0.79%
Embedded derivative - FIA147,368
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $126 per policy218,676
 Actuarial cash flow model Expenses $146 per policy
  Asset Earned Rate 4.08% - 4.66% 
   Withdrawal rate 1.5% prior to age 70, 100% of the
 
   Withdrawal rate 1% prior to age 70, 100% of the 
     RMD for ages 70+
 
     RMD for ages 70+ 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company
 
   Mortality 1994 MGDB table with company 
     experience
 
     experience 
   Lapse 1.0% - 30.0%, depending
 
   Lapse 2.0% - 40.0%, depending 
     on duration/surrender
 
     on duration/surrender 
     charge period
 
     charge period 
   Nonperformance risk 0.11% - 0.79%
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09%
Embedded derivative - IUL46,051
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 38% - 153% of 201580,212
 Actuarial cash flow model Mortality 34% - 152% of 2015
 
     VBT Primary Tables 
     VBT Primary Tables
 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending 
   Lapse 0.5% - 10.0%, depending
 
     on duration/distribution 
     on duration/distribution
 
     channel and smoking class 
     channel and smoking class
 
   Nonperformance risk 0.18% - 1.09% 
   Nonperformance risk 0.11% - 0.79%
    
(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.
The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.
The Company had considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2016,2017, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $128.2$50.4 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2016.2017. Of the $128.2$50.4 million, $93.9$35.4 million are other asset-backed securities, $31.3$14.6 million are corporate securities, and $3.1$0.4 million are equity securities.
In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016,2017, the Company held $65.9$65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which werewas predominantly FHLB stock.
The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities. The liquidation values for these securities are sensitive to the issuer’s available cash flows and ability to redeem the securities, as well as the current holders’ willingness to liquidate at the specified price.

The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company specificcompany-specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in spread. When

holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease, and decreases when spreads increase.
The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.
The fair value of the FIA account balance liability is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.
The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2018, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$21,780
 $
 $
 $
 $(538) $
 $
 $
 $
 $(21,281) $39
 $
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities47,227
 
 
 
 (1,212) 
 (151) 
 
 (26,372) (25) 19,467
 
Other asset-backed securities515,701
 
 17
 (62) (14,802) 
 (24) 
 
 
 1,431
 502,261
 
Corporate securities644,811
 
 1,422
 
 (4,044) 15,000
 (47,935) 
 
 19,903
 (873) 628,284
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,229,519
 
 1,439
 (62) (20,596) 15,000
 (48,110) 
 
 (27,750) 572
 1,150,012
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities24,852
 84
 
 (76) 
 4,128
 (926) 
 
 
 (50) 28,012
 68
Corporate securities5,254
 
 
 (6) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (25) 5,223
 (6)
Total fixed maturity securities - trading30,106
 84
 
 (82) 
 4,128
 (926) 
 
 
 (75) 33,235
 62
Total fixed maturity securities1,259,625
 84
 1,439
 (144) (20,596) 19,128
 (49,036) 
 
 (27,750) 497
 1,183,247
 62
Equity securities66,083
 287
 
 
 
 
 (2,102) 
 
 
 
 64,268
 287
Other long-term investments(1)
156,674
 24,872
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 181,546
 24,872
Total investments1,482,382
 25,243
 1,439
 (144) (20,596) 19,128
 (51,138) 
 
 (27,750) 497
 1,429,061
 25,221
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,482,382
 $25,243
 $1,439
 $(144) $(20,596) $19,128
 $(51,138) $
 $
 $(27,750) $497
 $1,429,061
 $25,221
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$80,098
 $
 $
 $(896) $
 $
 $
 $40
 $2,571
 $
 $
 $78,463
 $
Other liabilities(1)
572,916
 70,887
 
 (52,451) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 554,480
 18,436
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$653,014
 $70,887
 $
 $(53,347) $
 $
 $
 $40
 $2,571
 $
 $
 $632,943
 $18,436
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were $19.9 million securities transferred into Level 3.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were $47.7 million securities transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2018.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 1 into Level 2.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$
 $
 $
 $
 $(995) $22,225
 $
 $
 $
 $(21,281) $51
 $
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 (2,496) 48,621
 (245) 
 
 (26,372) (41) 19,467
 
Other asset-backed securities504,365
 
 11,884
 (62) (16,449) 
 (47) 
 
 222
 2,348
 502,261
 
Corporate securities626,901
 
 8,483
 
 (22,973) 93,491
 (86,388) 
 
 12,009
 (3,239) 628,284
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,131,266
 
 20,367
 (62) (42,913) 164,337
 (86,680) 
 
 (35,422) (881) 1,150,012
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities35,222
 278
 
 (3,674) 
 8,728
 (12,595) 
 
 164
 (111) 28,012
 (3,337)
Corporate securities5,442
 
 
 (145) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (74) 5,223
 (145)
Total fixed maturity securities - trading40,664
 278
 
 (3,819) 
 8,728
 (12,595) 
 
 164
 (185) 33,235
 (3,482)
Total fixed maturity securities1,171,930
 278
 20,367
 (3,881) (42,913) 173,065
 (99,275) 
 
 (35,258) (1,066) 1,183,247
 (3,482)
Equity securities66,110
 288
 
 (64) 
 36
 (2,102) 
 
 
 
 64,268
 224
Other long-term investments(1)
136,004
 46,557
 
 (1,015) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 181,546
 45,542
Short-term investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments1,374,044
 47,123
 20,367
 (4,960) (42,913) 173,101
 (101,377) 
 
 (35,258) (1,066) 1,429,061
 42,284
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,374,044
 $47,123
 $20,367
 $(4,960) $(42,913) $173,101
 $(101,377) $
 $
 $(35,258) $(1,066) $1,429,061
 $42,284
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$83,472
 $
 $
 $(2,749) $
 $
 $
 $570
 $8,328
 $
 $
 $78,463
 $
Other liabilities(1)
760,890
 328,343
 
 (121,933) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 554,480
 206,410
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$844,362
 $328,343
 $
 $(124,682) $
 $
 $
 $570
 $8,328
 $
 $
 $632,943
 $206,410
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were $30.9 million securities transferred into Level 3.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were $66.2 million securities transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2018.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were no transfers from Level 1 into Level 2.


The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2017, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$11,862
 $
 $83
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(11,944) $(1) $
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities552,963
 
 1,682
 
 (2,285) 100
 (109) 
 
 
 798
 553,149
 
Corporate securities662,654
 
 8,301
 
 (2,222) 5,071
 (42,242) 
 
 (5,486) (1,523) 624,553
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,227,479
 
 10,066
 
 (4,507) 5,171
 (42,351) 
 
 (17,430) (726) 1,177,702
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities54,923
 
 
 (353) 
 
 (19,188) 
 
 
 108
 35,490
 (209)
Corporate securities5,520
 27
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) 5,524
 27
Total fixed maturity securities - trading60,443
 27
 
 (353) 
 
 (19,188) 
 
 
 85
 41,014
 (182)
Total fixed maturity securities1,287,922
 27
 10,066
 (353) (4,507) 5,171
 (61,539) 
 
 (17,430) (641) 1,218,716
 (182)
Equity securities66,300
 
 31
 
 
 
 (169) 
 
 
 
 66,162
 1
Other long-term investments(1)
120,023
 10,331
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 130,352
 10,329
Total investments1,474,245
 10,358
 10,097
 (355) (4,507) 5,171
 (61,708) 
 
 (17,430) (641) 1,415,230
 10,148
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,474,245
 $10,358
 $10,097
 $(355) $(4,507) $5,171
 $(61,708) $
 $
 $(17,430) $(641) $1,415,230
 $10,148
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$86,094
 $
 $
 $(977) $
 $
 $
 $9
 $2,052
 $
 $
 $85,028
 $
Other liabilities(1)
702,218
 12,201
 
 (46,396) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 736,413
 (34,195)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$788,312
 $12,201
 $
 $(47,373) $
 $
 $
 $9
 $2,052
 $
 $
 $821,441
 $(34,195)
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, there were no securities transferred into Level 3.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, $17.4 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2017.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, there were no securities transferred from Level 2 tointo Level 1.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, there were no securities transferred frominto Level 1.2.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$3
 $
 $83
 $
 $
 $11,862
 $(3) $
 $
 $(11,944) $(1) $
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities562,604
 
 5,212
 
 (7,373) 100
 (2,136) 
 
 (6,643) 1,385
 553,149
 
Corporate securities664,046
 
 26,099
 
 (2,764) 85,822
 (135,192) 
 
 (10,353) (3,105) 624,553
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,226,653
 
 31,394
 
 (10,137) 97,784
 (137,331) 
 
 (28,940) (1,721) 1,177,702
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities84,563
 3,679
 
 (1,154) 
 
 (52,516) 
 
 
 918
 35,490
 3,397
Corporate securities5,492
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (69) 5,524
 101
Total fixed maturity securities - trading90,055
 3,780
 
 (1,154) 
 
 (52,516) 
 
 
 849
 41,014
 3,498
Total fixed maturity securities1,316,708
 3,780
 31,394
 (1,154) (10,137) 97,784
 (189,847) 
 
 (28,940) (872) 1,218,716
 3,498
Equity securities69,010
 
 52
 (2,630) 
 
 (273) 
 
 3
 
 66,162
 2
Other long-term investments(1)
124,325
 21,452
 
 (15,425) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 130,352
 6,027
Total investments1,510,043
 25,232
 31,446
 (19,209) (10,137) 97,784
 (190,120) 
 
 (28,937) (872) 1,415,230
 9,527
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,510,043
 $25,232
 $31,446
 $(19,209) $(10,137) $97,784
 $(190,120) $
 $
 $(28,937) $(872) $1,415,230
 $9,527
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$87,616
 $
 $
 $(2,973) $
 $
 $
 $402
 $5,963
 $
 $
 $85,028
 $
Other liabilities(1)
571,843
 56,464
 
 (221,034) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 736,413
 (164,570)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$659,459
 $56,464
 $
 $(224,007) $
 $
 $
 $402
 $5,963
 $
 $
 $821,441
 $(164,570)
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were an immaterial amount of transfers of securities transferred into Level 3.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $28.9 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in the previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2017.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were no securities transferred from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were no securities transferred from Level 1.


The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended September 30, 2016, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$3
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $3
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 7
 
 
 25,607
 
 
 
 
 (7) 25,607
 
Other asset-backed securities533,141
 
 23,350
 
 (19) 
 (12) 
 
 
 (3,231) 553,229
 
Corporate securities783,143
 
 9,324
 
 (3,335) 28,327
 (26,001) 
 
 (36,237) (1,825) 753,396
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,316,287
 
 32,681
 
 (3,354) 53,934
 (26,013) 
 
 (36,237) (5,063) 1,332,235
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities151,964
 3,260
 
 (71) 
 
 (9,366) 
 
 
 46
 145,833
 3,189
Corporate securities16,587
 381
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (11,243) (26) 5,699
 42
Total fixed maturity securities - trading168,551
 3,641
 
 (71) 
 
 (9,366) 
 
 (11,243) 20
 151,532
 3,231
Total fixed maturity securities1,484,838
 3,641
 32,681
 (71) (3,354) 53,934
 (35,379) 
 
 (47,480) (5,043) 1,483,767
 3,231
Equity securities69,750
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 69,750
 
Other long-term investments(1)
48,999
 21,052
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 70,051
 21,052
Total investments1,603,587
 24,693
 32,681
 (71) (3,354) 53,934
 (35,379) 
 
 (47,480) (5,043) 1,623,568
 24,283
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,603,587
 $24,693
 $32,681
 $(71) $(3,354) $53,934
 $(35,379) $
 $
 $(47,480) $(5,043) $1,623,568
 $24,283
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$88,820
 $
 $
 $(735) $
 $
 $
 $279
 $2,226
 $
 $1,249
 $88,857
 $
Other liabilities(1)
972,084
 90,166
 
 (57,353) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 939,271
 32,813
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,060,904
 $90,166
 $
 $(58,088) $
 $
 $
 $279
 $2,226
 $
 $1,249
 $1,028,128
 $32,813
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, there were no securities transferred into Level 3.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, there were $47.5 million of securities transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2016.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, there were no securities transferred from Level 2 to Level 1.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, there were no securities transferred from Level 1.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
   
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Realized and Unrealized
Losses
               Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at
the 
Reporting
Date
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Included
 in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Included 
in
Earnings
 
Included 
in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements 
Transfers
in/out of
Level 3
 Other 
Ending
Balance
 
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgage-backed securities$3
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $3
 $
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 7
 
 
 25,607
 
 
 
 
 (7) 25,607
 
Other asset-backed securities587,031
 6,859
 24,119
 
 (21,426) 9,597
 (58,461) 
 
 7,457
 (1,947) 553,229
 
Corporate securities902,119
 925
 40,435
 (4,135) (10,316) 53,885
 (107,866) 
 
 (114,189) (7,462) 753,396
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale1,489,153
 7,784
 64,561
 (4,135) (31,742) 89,089
 (166,327) 
 
 (106,732) (9,416) 1,332,235
 
Fixed maturity securities - trading 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Other asset-backed securities152,912
 5,310
 
 (1,013) 
 
 (11,578) 
 
 172
 30
 145,833
 4,294
Corporate securities18,225
 713
 
 (259) 
 10,908
 (4,071) 
 
 (19,722) (95) 5,699
 283
Total fixed maturity securities - trading171,137
 6,023
 
 (1,272) 
 10,908
 (15,649) 
 
 (19,550) (65) 151,532
 4,577
Total fixed maturity securities1,660,290
 13,807
 64,561
 (5,407) (31,742) 99,997
 (181,976) 
 
 (126,282) (9,481) 1,483,767
 4,577
Equity securities69,763
 
 
 
 
 22
 
 
 
 (36) 1
 69,750
 
Other long-term investments(1)
96,830
 22,620
 
 (49,399) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 70,051
 (26,779)
Total investments1,826,883
 36,427
 64,561
 (54,806) (31,742) 100,019
 (181,976) 
 
 (126,318) (9,480) 1,623,568
 (22,202)
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,826,883
 $36,427
 $64,561
 $(54,806) $(31,742) $100,019
 $(181,976) $
 $
 $(126,318) $(9,480) $1,623,568
 $(22,202)
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Annuity account balances(2)
$92,512
 $
 $
 $(1,831) $
 $
 $
 $529
 $7,264
 $
 $1,249
 $88,857
 $
Other liabilities(1)
585,556
 105,751
 
 (459,466) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 939,271
 (353,715)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$678,068
 $105,751
 $
 $(461,297) $
 $
 $
 $529
 $7,264
 $
 $1,249
 $1,028,128
 $(353,715)
                          
(1) Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were $71.3 million of securities transferred into Level 3.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $197.7$28.9 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of September 30, 2016.2017.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $12.2 million of2017, there were no securities were transferred from Level 2 tointo Level 1.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $0.1 million of2017, there were no securities were transferred frominto Level 1.2.
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated condensed statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowner’s equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.

The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset transfers

in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.
The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:
 As of As of
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Level
 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values
Fair Value
Level
 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values 
Carrying
Amounts
 Fair Values
  (Dollars In Thousands)  (Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Mortgage loans on real estate3 $6,528,890
 $6,486,449
 $6,132,125
 $5,930,992
3 $7,572,349
 $7,335,547
 $6,817,723
 $6,740,177
Policy loans3 1,625,960
 1,625,960
 1,650,240
 1,650,240
3 1,703,462
 1,703,462
 1,615,615
 1,615,615
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)
3 2,730,995
 2,796,603
 2,770,177
 2,733,340
3 2,653,605
 2,577,841
 2,718,904
 2,776,327
Liabilities:   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Stable value product account balances3 $4,793,890
 $4,816,919
 $3,501,636
 $3,488,877
3 $5,211,668
 $5,147,084
 $4,698,371
 $4,698,868
Future policy benefits and claims(2)
3 222,079
 222,079
 221,634
 221,658
3 223,091
 223,091
 220,498
 220,498
Other policyholders' funds(3)
3 132,565
 133,347
 135,367
 136,127
Other policyholders’ funds(3)
3 131,338
 130,672
 133,508
 134,253
Debt:(4)
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
Bank borrowings3 $170,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
3 $
 $
 $
 $
Senior Notes2 950,505
 936,497
 993,285
 937,074
2 1,105,978
 1,074,695
 943,370
 933,926
Subordinated debt securities2 495,255
 496,065
 441,202
 443,355
Subordinated debentures2 495,392
 497,760
 495,289
 501,215
Subordinated funding obligations3 110,000
 97,451
 
 
Non-recourse funding obligations(5)
3 2,759,640
 2,824,782
 2,796,474
 2,765,558
3 2,651,967
 2,580,278
 2,747,477
 2,804,983
                
Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
(1) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain LLC and Steel City LLC.
(1) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain, LLC and Steel City, LLC.(1) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain, LLC and Steel City, LLC.
(2) Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.(3) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(4) Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.5 million.
(5) As of September 30, 2017, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2016, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
(4) Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.4 million and $1.7 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.(4) Excludes capital lease obligations of $1.4 million and $1.7 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(5) As of September 30, 2018, carrying amount of $2.6 billion and a fair value of $2.6 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2017, carrying amount of $2.7 billion and a fair value of $2.8 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.(5) As of September 30, 2018, carrying amount of $2.6 billion and a fair value of $2.6 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2017, carrying amount of $2.7 billion and a fair value of $2.8 billion related to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.
Fair Value Measurements
Mortgage loans on real estate
The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.
Policy loans
The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policy holderspolicyholders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates carrying value.

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity
The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed maturity, held-to-maturity securities using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.

Stable value product and other investment contract balances
The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholder funds line items on our balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.
Debt
Bank borrowings
The Company believes the carrying value of its bank borrowings approximates fair value as the borrowings pay a floating interest rate plus a spread based on the rating of the Company’s senior debt which the Company believes approximates a market interest rate.
Non-recourse fundingFunding obligations
The Company estimates the fair value of its subordinated and non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.
6.7.    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies
The Company utilizes a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through the Company’s analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into the Company’s risk management program.
Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. The Company attempts to minimize its credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. The Company manages the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. The Company monitors its use of derivatives in connection with its overall asset/liability management programs and risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.
Derivatives Related to Interest Rate Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate swaptions.
Derivatives Related to Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management strategy include foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures, foreign equity futures, and foreign equity options.
Derivatives Related to Risk Mitigation of Certain Annuity Contracts
The Company may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate its exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to VA contracts, and fixed indexed annuities:annuities, and indexed universal life contracts:
Foreign Currency Futures
Variance Swaps
Interest Rate Futures
Equity Options
Equity Futures
Credit Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Swaptions
Volatility Futures
Volatility Options
Total Return Swaps
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” in accordance with GAAP, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of

income or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether it qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists.
For a derivative financial instrument to be accounted for as an accounting hedge, it must be identified and documented as such on the date of designation. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their realized gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain attributable to the hedged risk of the hedged item is recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis.

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

The following table sets forth realized investments gains and losses for the periods shown:
Realized investment gains (losses) - derivative financial instruments
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
      
Interest rate futures - VA$549
 $(7,002) $16,746
 $62,065
Equity futures - VA(25,959) (41,836) (75,389) (66,392)
Currency futures - VA(6,092) 934
 (22,366) 5,888
Equity options - VA(23,307) (36,482) (76,376) (23,410)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(292) (229) (2,423) (3,212)
Interest rate swaps - VA5,342
 14,737
 31,331
 221,884
Total return swaps - VA(8,057) 
 (9,675) 
Embedded derivative - GLWB740
 90,954
 (15,904) (246,299)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(57,076) 21,076
 (154,056) (49,476)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
 

    
Embedded derivative - FIA(18,606) (14,486) (40,351) (15,938)
Equity futures - FIA66
 2,236
 161
 4,269
Volatility futures - FIA
 
 
 
Equity options - FIA11,242
 6,583
 29,511
 1,756
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(7,298) (5,667) (10,679) (9,913)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
 

    
Embedded derivative - IUL(297) 7,136
 (10,958) 6,302
Equity futures - IUL58
 101
 (878) (71)
Equity options - IUL1,975
 1,607
 6,437
 1,821
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts1,736
 8,844
 (5,399) 8,052
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties(19,746) (24,187) (90,314) (105,362)
Other derivatives43
 50
 41
 (50)
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(82,341) $116
 $(260,407) $(156,749)
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
      
Interest rate futures$2,111
 $549
 $(13,229) $16,746
Equity futures(5,733) (25,959) (23,025) (75,389)
Currency futures3,410
 (6,092) 7,890
 (22,366)
Equity options(21,206) (23,307) (47,406) (76,376)
Interest rate swaptions
 (292) (14) (2,423)
Interest rate swaps(41,288) 5,342
 (131,147) 31,331
Total return swaps(32,343) (8,057) (35,908) (9,675)
Embedded derivative - GLWB57,706
 740
 149,552
 (15,904)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(37,343) (57,076) (93,287) (154,056)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
 

    
Embedded derivative(14,360) (18,606) (7,957) (40,351)
Equity futures(388) 66
 (716) 161
Equity options18,474
 11,242
 21,203
 29,511
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts3,726
 (7,298) 12,530
 (10,679)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
 

    
Embedded derivative(9,535) (297) (877) (10,958)
Equity futures(1) 58
 135
 (878)
Equity options4,928
 1,975
 5,764
 6,437
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts(4,608) 1,736
 5,022
 (5,399)
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties10,811
 (19,746) 138,652
 (90,314)
Other derivatives(51) 43
 (58) 41
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(27,465) $(82,341) $62,859
 $(260,407)

The following table presents the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as a cash flow hedging relationship. The Company did not have any derivatives that qualified as a cash flow hedging relationships for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
 
Amount of Gains (Losses)
Deferred in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location of
Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of
(Losses) Recognized in
Income (Loss) on
Derivatives
 (Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion)
   Benefits and settlement Realized investment
   expenses gains (losses)
   (Dollars In Thousands)  
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$1,273
 $(38) $
Total$1,273
 $(38) $

Amount of Gains (Losses)
Deferred in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location of
Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of
(Losses) Recognized in
Income (Loss) on
Derivatives
(Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion)
  Benefits and settlement Realized investment
  expenses gains (losses)
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$190
 $(155) $
Interest rate swaps101
 (326) 
Total$291
 $(481) $
     
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$3,772
 $(473) $
Interest rate swaps101
 (326) 
Total$3,873
 $(799) $
     
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$1,273
 $(38) $
Total$1,273
 $(38) $
     
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20170
 0
 0
 
  
  
Foreign currency swaps$55
 $(396) $
$55
 $(396) $
Total$55
 $(396) $
$55
 $(396) $
     
Based on expected cash flows of the underlying hedged items, the Company expects to reclassify $0.5$0.3 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings during the next twelve months.

The table below presents information about the nature and accounting treatment of the Company’s primary derivative financial instruments and the location in and effect on the consolidated condensed financial statements for the periods presented below:
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Other long-term investments 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Cash flow hedges:              
Interest rate swaps$350,000
 $
 $
 $
Foreign currency swaps$117,178
 $10,125
 $117,178
 $132
117,178
 10,902
 117,178
 6,016
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps1,365,000
 59,641
 1,135,000
 71,644
565,000
 8,402
 1,265,000
 55,411
Total return swaps
 
 
 
482,523
 3,676
 190,938
 135
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties64,444
 1,008
 64,123
 2,573
322,308
 2,650
 64,472
 1,009
Embedded derivative - GLWB4,710,781
 129,344
 4,601,633
 121,752
6,200,196
 178,896
 4,897,069
 134,995
Interest rate futures531,447
 2,267
 102,587
 894
875,566
 8,329
 1,071,870
 3,178
Equity futures46,334
 333
 654,113
 5,805
205,872
 2,387
 62,266
 154
Currency futures186,047
 4,010
 340,058
 7,883
135,112
 1,096
 1,117
 2
Equity options4,846,984
 364,936
 3,944,444
 328,908
6,026,348
 420,107
 4,436,467
 403,961
Interest rate swaptions225,000
 81
 225,000
 2,503

 
 225,000
 14
Other157
 191
 212
 149
157
 141
 157
 200
$12,093,372
 $571,936
 $11,184,348
 $542,243
$15,280,260
 $636,586
 $12,331,534
 $605,075
Other liabilities 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Cash flow hedges:       
Foreign currency swaps$
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps497,500
 267
 575,000
 10,208
$1,547,500
 $26,321
 $597,500
 $2,960
Total return swaps347,330
 3,151
 
 

 
 243,388
 318
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties2,408,832
 209,334
 2,450,692
 141,301
2,082,638
 60,683
 2,390,539
 215,247
Embedded derivative - GLWB4,855,482
 260,620
 5,962,044
 237,122
3,587,620
 141,102
 4,718,311
 246,755
Embedded derivative - FIA1,845,942
 197,378
 1,496,346
 147,368
2,459,246
 256,912
 1,951,650
 218,676
Embedded derivative - IUL150,277
 69,081
 103,838
 46,051
219,226
 95,739
 168,349
 80,212
Interest rate futures606,501
 6,401
 993,842
 6,611
348,749
 7,122
 230,404
 917
Equity futures340,041
 14,854
 102,667
 2,907
77,916
 1,043
 318,795
 2,593
Currency futures115,382
 1,958
 
 
79,861
 15
 255,248
 2,087
Equity options3,055,206
 203,451
 2,590,160
 157,253
4,174,072
 246,466
 3,112,812
 237,807
Other341
 44
 
 
$14,222,493
 $966,495
 $14,274,589
 $748,821
$14,577,169
 $835,447
 $13,986,996
 $1,007,572

7.8.    OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Certain of the Company’sCompany's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements associated with each master netting arrangement provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have

been reached. Additionally, certain of the Company’sCompany's repurchase agreements provide for net settlement on termination of the agreement. Refer to Note 10,11, Debt and Other Obligations for details of the Company’s repurchase agreement programs.
Collateral received includes both cash and non-cash collateral.  Cash collateral received by the Company is recorded on the consolidated condensed balance sheet as “cash”, with a corresponding amount recorded in “other liabilities” to represent the Company’s obligation to return the collateral.  Non-cash collateral received by the Company is not recognized on the consolidated condensed balance sheet unless the Company exercises its right to sell or re-pledge the underlying asset. As of September 30, 2018, the fair value of non-cash collateral received was $8.2 million. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had not received any non-cash collateral.

The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities subject to master netting agreementsfor the Company as of September 30, 2017:2018:
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Received Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Received Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Assets 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$441,393
 $
 $441,393
 $211,435
 $102,913
 $127,045
$454,899
 $
 $454,899
 $270,878
 $68,809
 $115,212
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement441,393
 
 441,393
 211,435
 102,913
 127,045
454,899
 
 454,899
 270,878
 68,809
 115,212
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties1,008
 
 1,008
 
 
 1,008
2,650
 
 2,650
 
 
 2,650
Embedded derivative - GLWB129,344
 
 129,344
 
 
 129,344
178,896
 
 178,896
 
 
 178,896
Other191
 
 191
 
 
 191
141
 
 141
 
 
 141
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement130,543
 
 130,543
 
 
 130,543
181,687
 
 181,687
 
 
 181,687
Total derivatives571,936
 
 571,936
 211,435
 102,913
 257,588
636,586
 
 636,586
 270,878
 68,809
 296,899
Total Assets$571,936
 $
 $571,936
 $211,435
 $102,913
 $257,588
$636,586
 $
 $636,586
 $270,878
 $68,809
 $296,899
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the
Statement of
Financial
Position
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Financial Position
  
 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Posted Net Amount 
Financial
Instruments
 Collateral Posted Net Amount
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Offsetting of Liabilities 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Free-Standing derivatives$230,082
 $
 $230,082
 $211,435
 $18,647
 $
$280,967
 $
 $280,967
 $270,878
 $10,089
 $
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement230,082
 
 230,082
 211,435
 18,647
 
280,967
 
 280,967
 270,878
 10,089
 
Derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties209,334
 
 209,334
 
 
 209,334
60,683
 
 60,683
 
 
 60,683
Embedded derivative - GLWB260,620
 
 260,620
 
 
 260,620
141,102
 
 141,102
 
 
 141,102
Embedded derivative - FIA197,378
 
 197,378
 
 
 197,378
256,912
 
 256,912
 
 
 256,912
Embedded derivative - IUL69,081
 
 69,081
 
 
 69,081
95,739
 
 95,739
 
 
 95,739
Other44
 
 44
 
 
 44
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement736,413
 
 736,413
 
 
 736,413
554,480
 
 554,480
 
 
 554,480
Total derivatives966,495
 
 966,495
 211,435
 18,647
 736,413
835,447
 
 835,447
 270,878
 10,089
 554,480
Repurchase agreements(1)
493,785
 
 493,785
 
 
 493,785
417,094
 
 417,094
 
 
 417,094
Total Liabilities$1,460,280
 $
 $1,460,280
 $211,435
 $18,647
 $1,230,198
$1,252,541
 $
 $1,252,541
 $270,878
 $10,089
 $971,574
                      
(1) Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.

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

8.9.    MORTGAGE LOANS
Mortgage Loans
The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company’s mortgage loan holdings were approximately $6.5$7.6 billion. The Company has specialized in making loans on credit-oriented commercial properties, credit-anchored strip shopping centers, senior living facilities, and apartments. The Company’s underwriting procedures relative to its commercial loan portfolio are based, in the Company’s view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. The Company concentrates on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). The Company believes that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which it has chosen not to participate. The Company believes this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout its history. The majority of the Company'sCompany’s mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten by the Company. From time to time, the Company may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
The Company'sCompany’s commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan'sloan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.
Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 1211 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, the Company may be unable to exercise the call options on its existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. As of September 30, 2017,2018, assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $54.7$80.7 million of principal would become due for the remainder of 2017, $976.22018, $933.4 million in 20182019 through 2022, $124.62023, $91.8 million in 20232024 through 2027,2028, and $9.9$1.9 million thereafter.
The Company offers a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, approximately $715.2$757.0 million and $595.2$669.3 million, respectively, of the Company’s total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company recognized $9.5 million, $22.0 million, $14.2 million, $25.7 million, $3.3 million, and $15.8$25.7 million, respectively, of participating mortgage loan income.
As of September 30, 2017, approximately $3.12018, $3.0 million of the Company’s invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matchingFor all mortgage loans, the impact of assetstroubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and liabilities.in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company recognized twoone troubled debt restructuringsrestructuring as a result of the Company granting a concession to a borrower which included loan terms unavailable from other lenders. These concessions wereThis concession was the result of agreementsan agreement between the creditor and the debtor. Thedebtor, and the Company did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.impaired.
The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: 1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and 2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreement. As of September 30, 2017, $3.12018, the Company held $3.0 million of mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement that were nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. The Company did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, none of the loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. The Company did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018, the Company had an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses of $1.1$1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.as of December 31, 2017, there was no allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. Due to the Company’s loss experience and nature of the loan portfolio, the Company believes that a collectively evaluated allowance would be inappropriate. The Company believes an allowance calculated through an analysis of specific loans that are believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment provides a more accurate presentation of expected losses in the portfolio and is consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310. Since the Company uses the specific identification method for calculating the allowance, it is necessary to review the economic situation of each borrower to determine those that have higher risk of credit impairment. The Company has a team of professionals that monitors borrower conditions such as payment practices, borrower credit, operating performance, and property conditions, as well as ensuring the timely payment of property taxes and insurance. Through this monitoring process, the Company assesses the risk of each loan. When issues are identified, the severity of the issues are assessed and reviewed for possible credit impairment. If a loss is probable, an expected loss calculation is performed and an allowance is established for that loan based on the expected loss. The expected loss is calculated as the excess carrying value of a loan over either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the current estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. A loan may be subsequently charged off at such point that the Company no longer expects to receive cash payments, the present value of future expected payments of the renegotiated loan is less than the current principal balance, or at such time that the Company is party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and does not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan.

A charge off is recorded by eliminating the allowance against the mortgage loan and recording the renegotiated loan or the collateral property related to the loan as investment real estate on the balance sheet, which is carried at the lower of the appraised fair value of the property or the unpaid principal balance of the loan, less estimated selling costs associated with the property:property.
For The Nine Months Ended 
For The Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017 (Dollars In Thousands)
(Dollars In Thousands)
Beginning balance, December 31, 2016$724
Beginning balance, December 31, 2017 $
Charge offs(5,653) 
Recoveries(731) (24)
Provision6,715
 1,505
Ending balance, September 30, 2017$1,055
Ending balance, September 30, 2018 $1,481
It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is the Company’s general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status. An analysis of the delinquent loans is shown in the following chart.
     Greater       Greater  
 30-59 Days 60-89 Days than 90 Days Total 30-59 Days 60-89 Days than 90 Days Total
As of September 30, 2017 Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent
As of September 30, 2018 Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent Delinquent
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Commercial mortgage loans $2,293
 $
 $869
 $3,162
 $1,180
 $
 $1,243
 $2,423
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans 2
 
 1
 3
 1
 
 1
 2
                
As of December 31, 2016        
As of December 31, 2017        
Commercial mortgage loans $3,669
 $
 $
 $3,669
 $1,817
 $
 $
 $1,817
Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans 4
 
 
 4
 2
 
 
 2

     The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that are collateralized by real estate. Due to the collateralized nature of the loans, any assessment of impairment and ultimate loss given a default on the loans is based upon a consideration of the estimated fair value of the real estate. The Company limits accrued interest income on impaired loans to 90 days of interest. Once accrued interest on the impaired loan is received, interest income is recognized on a cash basis. For information regarding impaired loans, please refer to the following chart:
   Unpaid   Average Interest Cash Basis
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Cash Basis
Interest
Income
 Recorded Principal Related Recorded Income Interest(Dollars In Thousands)
As of September 30, 2017 Investment Balance Allowance Investment Recognized Income
 (Dollars In Thousands)
As of September 30, 2018 
Commercial mortgage loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
 
With no related allowance recorded $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
With an allowance recorded 1,924
 1,924
 1,055
 1,924
 18
 27
5,714
5,327
1,481
1,905
197
225
            
As of December 31, 2016            
December 31, 2017 
Commercial mortgage loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
 
With no related allowance recorded $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
With an allowance recorded 1,819
 1,819
 724
 1,819
 96
 96






     Mortgage loans that were modified in a troubled debt restructuring as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 were as follows:

Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
As of September 30, 2017    
As of September 30, 2018    
Troubled debt restructuring:        
Commercial mortgage loans2 $1,134
 $1,134
1 $2,694
 $1,748
        
As of December 31, 2016   
  
As of December 31, 2017   
  
Troubled debt restructuring:        
Commercial mortgage loans1 $468
 $468
1 $418
 $418
9.10.    GOODWILL
The balance of goodwill for the Company as of September 30, 20172018 was $793.5 million. There has been no change to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business to assess the recoverability of the capitalized acquisition goodwill. The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its operating segments (which are each considered to be reporting units). The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions.
The balance recognized as goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events or circumstances may warrant, including those circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying amount. During the fourth quarter of 2016,2017, the Company performed its annual

evaluation of goodwill based on information as of October 1, 2016,2017, and determined that no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company did not identify any events or circumstances which would indicate that the fair value of its operating segments would have declined below their book value, either individually or in the aggregate.

10.11.    DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Debt and Subordinated Debt Securities
Debt and subordinated debt securities are summarized as follows:
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Outstanding Principal Carrying Amounts Outstanding Principal Carrying AmountsOutstanding Principal Carrying Amounts Outstanding Principal Carrying Amounts
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Debt (year of issue):   
    
   
    
Revolving Line of Credit$170,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
 $170,000
Credit Facility$
 $
 $
 $
Capital lease obligation1,495
 1,495
 
 
1,411
 1,411
 1,682
 1,682
6.40% Senior Notes (2007), due 2018150,000
 152,067
 150,000
 156,663

 
 150,000
 150,518
7.375% Senior Notes (2009), due 2019400,000
 440,569
 400,000
 454,688
400,000
 421,346
 400,000
 435,806
8.45% Senior Notes (2009), due 2039232,928
 357,869
 246,926
 381,934
190,044
 289,250
 232,928
 357,046
4.30% Senior Notes (2018), due 2028400,000
 395,381
 
 
$954,423
 $1,122,000
 $966,926
 $1,163,285
$991,455
 $1,107,388
 $784,610
 $945,052
Subordinated debt securities (year of issue):   
    
6.25% Subordinated Debentures (2012), due 2042, callable 2017$
 $
 $287,500
 $290,002
6.00% Subordinated Debentures (2012), due 2042, callable 2017
 
 150,000
 151,200
Subordinated debt (year of issue):   
    
5.35% Subordinated Debentures (2017), due 2052500,000
 495,255
 
 
$500,000
 $495,392
 $500,000
 $495,289
3.55% Subordinated Funding Obligations (2018), due 203855,000
 55,000
 
 
3.55% Subordinated Funding Obligations (2018), due 203855,000
 55,000
 
 
$500,000
 $495,255
 $437,500
 $441,202
$610,000
 $605,392
 $500,000
 $495,289
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company repurchased and subsequently extinguished $21.6$65.6 million (par value - $14.0$42.9 million) of the Company'sCompany’s 8.45% Senior Notes due 2039. These repurchases resulted in a $2.0$1.8 million pre-tax gain for the Company. The gain is recorded in other income in the consolidated condensed statements of income.
During 2018, PLICO issued $110.0 million of Subordinated Funding Obligations at a rate of 3.55% due 2038. These obligations are non-recourse to the Company.
During 2018, the Company issued $400.0 million of its Senior Notes at a rate of 4.30%, due 2028. These notes were issued net of a discount of $1.0 million. These notes are carried on the Company’s balance sheet net of the discount and the associated deferred issuance expenses of $3.7 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility.
During 2017, the Company issued $500.0 million of its Subordinated Debentures due 2052. These Subordinated Debentures are carried on the Company'sCompany’s balance sheet net of the associated deferred issuance expenses of $4.8 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to call and redeem, at par, the entire $150.0 million of 6.00% Subordinated Debentures due 2042 and $287.5 million of 6.25% Subordinated Debentures due 2042.
During the year ended December 31, 2016,Under a revolving line of credit arrangement that was in effect until May 3, 2018 (the “2015 Credit Facility”), the Company repurchased and subsequently extinguished $82.7 million (par value - $53.1 million)had the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. The Company had the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the 2015 Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25 billion. Balances outstanding under the 2015 Credit Facility accrued interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Company's 8.45%Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s Senior Notes due 2039. These repurchases resulted inDebt, or (ii) the sum of (A) a $9.8 million pre-tax gainrate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s Prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt. The 2015 Credit Facility also provided for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the 2015 Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The annual facility fee rate is 0.125% of the aggregate principal amount. The 2015 Credit Facility provides that the Company is liable for the Company.full amount of any obligations for borrowings or letters of credit, including those of PLICO, under the 2015 Credit Facility. The gain is recorded in other income inmaturity date of the consolidated condensed statements of income.2015 Credit Facility was February 2, 2020.
TheOn May 3, 2018, the Company amended the 2015 Credit Facility (as amended, the "Credit Facility"). Under the Credit Facility, the Company has the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis under a Credit Facility up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. The

Company has the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25$1.5 billion. Balances outstanding under the Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt, or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s Prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of the Company'sCompany’s Senior Debt. The Credit Facility also provided for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of the Company’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The annual facility fee rate is 0.125% of the aggregate principal amount. The Credit Facility provides that the Company is liable for the full amount of any obligations for borrowings or letters of credit, including those of PLICO, under the Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is February 2, 2020.May 3, 2023. The Company is not aware of any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.2018. There was anno outstanding balance of $170.0 million bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00% as of September 30, 2017.2018.

Non-Recourse Funding Obligations

Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of September 30, 2018, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 Maturity
Year
 Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
  (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 $1,917,000
 $1,917,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 20,600
 17,689
 2052 4.87%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 655,000
 714,921
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,357
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,593,691
 $2,651,967
    
         
(1)  Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.
(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.
(3)  Fixed rate obligations
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company and its affiliates repurchased $38.0 million of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount. These repurchases did not result in a material gain or loss for the Company.
Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 Maturity
Year
 Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
  (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 $2,040,000
 $2,040,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 58,600
 50,490
 2052 3.84%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 605,000
 666,729
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,421
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,704,691
 $2,759,640
    
         
(1)  Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.
(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.
(3)  Fixed rate obligations
Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:
Issuer Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 
Maturity
Year
 
Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
 Outstanding Principal 
Carrying Value(1)
 
Maturity
Year
 
Year-to-Date
Weighted-Avg
Interest Rate
 (Dollars In Thousands)     (Dollars In Thousands)    
Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 $2,116,000
 $2,116,000
 2039 4.75% $2,014,000
 $2,014,000
 2039 4.75%
Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company 58,600
 49,983
 2052 2.52% 58,600
 49,787
 2052 3.88%
Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(2)(3)
 565,000
 628,025
 2037 5.12% 620,000
 681,285
 2037 5.12%
MONY Life Insurance Company(3)
 1,091
 2,466
 2024 6.19% 1,091
 2,405
 2024 6.19%
Total $2,740,691
 $2,796,474
    
 $2,693,691
 $2,747,477
    
            
(1) Carrying values include premiums and discounts and do not represent unpaid principal balances.(2) Obligations are issued to non-consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These obligations collateralize certain held-to-maturity securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of PLICO.(3) Fixed rate obligations
Secured Financing Transactions
Repurchase Program Borrowings
While the Company anticipates that the cash flows of its operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet its investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, the Company recognizes that investment

commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, the Company has established repurchase agreement programs for certain of its insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. The Company expects that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, the Company may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $549.8$457.5 million, and the repurchase obligation of $493.8$417.1 million was included in the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 118223 basis points). During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $427.5 million. The average daily balance was $225.9 million (at an average borrowing rate of 208 basis points) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $1,006.6 million, and the repurchase obligation of $885.0 million was included in the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 142 basis points). During 2017, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $981.3$988.5 million. The average daily balance was $546.2$624.7 million (at an average borrowing rate of 89 basis points) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $861.7 million, and the repurchase obligation of $797.7 million was included in the Company's consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 65 basis points). During 2016, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $1,065.8 million. The average daily balance was $505.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 44101 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Securities Lending
The Company participates in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. The Company requires initial collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored on a daily basis. As of September 30, 2017,2018, securities with a market value of $100.2$92.0 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, the Company receives short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “secured financing liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of the collateral related to this program was $105.8$97.3 million and the Company has an obligation to return $105.8$97.3 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.
The following table provides the amount by asset class of securities of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements and securities that have been loaned as part of securities lending transactions as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:

Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, and Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions
Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the AgreementsRemaining��Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of September 30, 2017As of September 30, 2018
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Overnight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 TotalOvernight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than
90 days
 Total
Repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities$322,986
 $20,006
 $
 $
 $342,992
$401,011
 $56,513
 $
 $
 $457,524
Other asset-backed securities
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans206,796
 
 
 
 206,796

 
 
 
 
Total repurchase agreements and repurchase-to-maturity transactions529,782
 20,006
 
 
 549,788
401,011
 56,513
 
 
 457,524
Securities lending transactions                  
Corporate securities97,385
 
 
 
 97,385
Fixed maturities91,040
 
 
 
 91,040
Equity securities2,621
 
 
 
 2,621
982
 
 
 
 982
Preferred stock174
 
 
 
 174
Redeemable preferred stock
 
 
 
 
Other government related securities
 
 
 
 
Total securities lending transactions100,180
 
 
 
 100,180
92,022
 
 
 
 92,022
Total securities$629,962
 $20,006
 $
 $
 $649,968
$493,033
 $56,513
 $
 $
 $549,546

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

 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans480,269
 
 
 
 480,269
698,974
 
 
 
 698,974
Total securities$837,974
 $23,758
 $
 $
 $861,732
$1,006,607
 $
 $
 $
 $1,006,607
                  
Securities lending transactions         
Corporate securities$118,817
 $
 $
 $
 $118,817
Equity securities5,699
 
 
 
 5,699
Redeemable preferred stock755
 
 
 
 755
Total securities lending transactions125,271
 
 
 
 125,271
Total securities$1,131,878
 $
 $
 $
 $1,131,878
11.12.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its current directors other than those that are employees of Dai-ichi Life that provide, among other things and subject to certain limitations, a contractual right to indemnification to the fullest extent permissible under the law. The Company has agreements with certain of its officers providing up to $10 million in indemnification. These obligations are in addition to the customary obligation to indemnify officers and directors contained in the Company’s governance documents.
Under the insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to

contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. It is possible that the Company could be assessed with respect to product lines not offered by the Company. In addition, legislation may be introduced in various states with respect to guaranty fund assessment laws related to insurance products, including long term care insurance and other specialty products, that increases the cost of future assessments or alters future premium tax offsets received in connection with guaranty fund assessments. The Company cannot predict the amount, nature or timing of any future assessments or legislation, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company'sCompany’s financial condition or results of operations.

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

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

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

12.Advance Trust & Life Escrow Services, LTA, as Securities Intermediary of Life Partners Position Holder Trust v. Protective Life Insurance Company, Case No. 2:18-CV-01290, is a putative class action that was filed on August 13, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Plaintiff alleges that PLICO required policyholders to pay unlawful and excessive cost of insurance charges. Plaintiff seeks to represent all owners of universal life and variable universal life policies issued or administered by PLICO or its predecessors that provide that cost of insurance rates are to be determined based on expectations of future mortality experience. The plaintiff seeks class certification, compensatory damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, costs, and other unspecified relief. The Company is vigorously defending this matter and cannot predict the outcome of or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that might result from this litigation.

13.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Components of the net periodic benefit cost of the Company's defined benefit pension plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, are as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 
Excess
Benefit
Plan
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 

Excess
Benefit
Plan
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 

Excess
Benefit
Plan
 Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 
Excess
Benefit
Plan
Qualified
Pension
Plan
 Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
 
Qualified
Pension
Plan
 
Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
 
Qualified
Pension
Plan
 
Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
 Qualified
Pension
Plan
 Nonqualified
Excess
Pension Plan
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Service cost — benefits earned during the period$3,348
 $334
 $2,906
 $311
 $10,044
 $1,002
 $8,717
 $1,102
$3,006
 $288
 $3,348
 $334
 $9,888
 $1,062
 $10,044
 $1,002
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation2,191
 297
 2,737
 299
 6,573
 891
 8,210
 1,054
2,577
 359
 2,191
 297
 7,371
 1,077
 6,573
 891
Expected return on plan assets(3,352) 
 (3,605) 
 (10,056) 
 (10,816) 
(4,743) 
 (3,352) 
 (12,795) 
 (10,056) 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial losses
 118
 
 64
 
 354
 
 114
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)
 196
 
 118
 
 726
 
 354
Preliminary net periodic benefit cost2,187
 749
 2,038
 674
 6,561
 2,247
 6,111
 2,270
840
 843
 2,187
 749
 4,464
 2,865
 6,561
 2,247
Settlement/curtailment expense(1)
 
 
 635
 
 
 
 2,135

 986
 
 
 
 986
 
 
Total net periodic benefit costs$2,187
 $749
 $2,038
 $1,309
 $6,561
 $2,247
 $6,111
 $4,405
$840
 $1,829
 $2,187
 $749
 $4,464
 $3,851
 $6,561
 $2,247
               
(1) The unfunded excess benefit plan triggered settlement accounting for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 since total lump sum payments exceeded the settlement threshold of service cost plus interest cost.
(1) The unfunded excess benefit plan triggered settlement accounting for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 since total lump sum payments exceeded the settlement threshold of service cost plus interest cost.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company contributed $43.5$18.8 million to its defined benefit pension plan for the 20162017 plan year. The Company will make contributions in future periods as necessary to at least satisfy minimum funding requirements. The Company may also make additional contributions in future periodsrequirements, to maintain an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of at least 80% and to avoid certain Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting triggers. The Company may also make additional discretionary contributions in excess of the contribution amounts established by the current funding policy.

13.14.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following tables summarize the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax) (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2017 $25,874
 $747
 $(13,925) $12,696
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 549,234
 36
 
 549,270
 (1,206,478) 3,060
 
 (1,203,418)
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings 1,174
 
 
 1,174
 22
 
 
 22
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)(1)
 7,125
 257
 
 7,382
 (2,086) 631
 
 (1,455)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 557,533
 293
 
 557,826
 (1,208,542) 3,691
 
 (1,204,851)
Ending Balance, September 30, 2017 $(98,789) $1,020
 $1,072
 $(96,697)
Cumulative effect adjustments (10,552) 
 
 (10,552)
Ending Balance, September 30, 2018 $(1,193,220) $4,438
 $(13,925) $(1,202,707)
                
(1) See Reclassification table below for details.
(2) As of September 30, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $93.6 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
(2) As of September 30, 2018, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $524.1 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.(2) As of September 30, 2018, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $524.1 million due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Unrealized
Gains and Losses
on Investments
(2)
 Accumulated
Gain and Loss
Derivatives
 
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax) (Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2015 $(1,247,065) $
 $5,931
 $(1,241,134)
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 606,985
 688
 (5,659) 602,014
 700,536
 (563) (15,726) 684,247
Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings (6,782) 
 
 (6,782) 7,153
 
 
 7,153
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
(1)
 (9,460) 39
 800
 (8,621) 642
 451
 501
 1,594
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 590,743
 727
 (4,859) 586,611
 708,331
 (112) (15,225) 692,994
Ending Balance, December 31, 2016 $(656,322) $727
 $1,072
 $(654,523)
Cumulative effect adjustments (26,135) 132
 228
 (25,775)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2017 $25,874
 $747
 $(13,925) $12,696
                
(1) See Reclassification table below for details.
(2) As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $623.0 million and $424.1 million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.
(2) As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $424.1 million and $(6.3) million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.(2) As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, net unrealized losses reported in AOCI were offset by $424.1 million and $(6.3) million, respectively, due to the impact those net unrealized losses would have had on certain of the Company’s insurance assets and liabilities if the net unrealized losses had been recognized in net income.

The following tables summarize the reclassifications amounts out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
 
 Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments      
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(38) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded $(481) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
 (38) Total before tax (481) Total before tax
 14
 Tax (expense) or benefit 101
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 $(24) Net of tax $(380) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
    
  
Net investment gains (losses) $690
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments $(2,018) Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (273) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (14) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 417
 Total before tax (2,032) Total before tax
 (146) Tax (expense) or benefit 427
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 $271
 Net of tax $(1,605) Net of tax
(1) See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information
   
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  
  Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments    
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(799) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
  (799) Total before tax
  168
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(631) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
  
Net investment gains (losses) $6,304
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (3,664) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
  2,640
 Total before tax
  (554) Tax (expense) or benefit
  $2,086
 Net of tax
     
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
 
 Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments     
  
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(396) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded $(38) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
 (396) Total before tax (38) Total before tax
 139
 Tax (expense) or benefit 14
 Tax (expense) or benefit
 $(257) Net of tax $(24) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
    
  
Net investment gains (losses) $9,084
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments $690
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (10,889) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (273) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 (1,805) Total before tax 417
 Total before tax
 631
 Tax (expense) or benefit (146) Tax (expense) or benefit
 $(1,174) Net of tax $271
 Net of tax
(1) See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information
   
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  
  Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
  
Net investment gains (losses) $1,665
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (3,308) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
  (1,643) Total before tax
  575
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(1,068) Net of tax
     
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment    
Amortization of net actuarial gain/(loss) $(29) Other operating expenses
Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 
 Other operating expenses
Amortization of transition asset/(obligation) 
 Other operating expenses
  (29) Total before tax
  10
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(19) Net of tax
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  
  Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
Gains and losses on derivative instruments  
  
Net settlement (expense)/benefit(1)
 $(396) Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded
  (396) Total before tax
  139
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(257) Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
  
Net investment gains (losses) $9,084
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (10,889) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
  (1,805) Total before tax
  631
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(1,174) Net of tax
     
(1) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  Amount
Reclassified
from Accumulated
  
  Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Income (Loss) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
  (Dollars In Thousands)  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  
  
Net investment gains (losses) $24,152
 Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments
Impairments recognized in earnings (6,892) Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
  17,260
 Total before tax
  (6,041) Tax (expense) or benefit
  $11,219
 Net of tax
     
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment    
Amortization of net actuarial gain/(loss) $(29) Other operating expenses
Amortization of prior service credit/(cost) 
 Other operating expenses
Amortization of transition asset/(obligation) 
 Other operating expenses
  (29) Total before tax
  10
 Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(19) Net of tax

14.15.    INCOME TAXES
     In 2012, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2003 through 2007 reported taxable income. The Company protested certain unfavorable adjustmentsused its respective estimates for its annual 2018 and sought resolution at2017 incomes in computing its effective income tax rates for the IRS' Appeals Division. In October 2015, Appeals acceptedthree and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The estimate of the Company's earlier proposed settlement offer. In September 2015,annual 2018 income excluded unrealized gains and losses on equity securities due to an inability to forecast future gains and losses. The Company’s effective tax rate related to continuing operations varied from the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2008 through 2011 reported taxable income. The Company agreed to these adjustments. maximum federal income tax rates as follows:
  For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income 21.0 % 35.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 %
State income taxes 1.2
 0.5
 1.2
 0.6
Investment income not subject to tax (1.8) (5.4) (2.6) (3.8)
Uncertain tax positions 
 (2.0) 
 (0.3)
Change in State Tax Rate 
 
 (0.5) 
Prior period adjustments 
 (2.6) 
 (0.8)
Other (0.9) 
 (0.3) (0.1)
  19.5 % 25.5 % 18.8 % 30.6 %
In April 2017, a routine review by Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation related to IRS examinations for 2003 through 2011 was finalized without change and the Company expects to receivereceived an approximate $6.2 million net refund in a future period.
the fourth quarter of 2017. The resulting net adjustment to the Company'sCompany’s current income taxes and the collection of this refund for the years 2003 through 2011 willdid not materially affect the Company or its effective tax rate.
In July 2016, the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company's 2012 and 2013 reported taxable income. The Company agreed to these adjustments. The resulting settlement paid in September 2016 did not materially impact the Company or its effective tax rate.
There have been no material changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, where the changes impact earnings, during the quarter ending September 30, 2017.2018. The Company believes that in the next twelve months, $4.9 millionnone of the unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2017 will be reduced due to an expected closure of the statute of limitations for assessment of tax. Due to ongoing examination activity, the statute of limitations period could be extended, however, which would change this twelve month outlook.reduced.
In general, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by taxing authorities for tax years that began before 2014. Nevertheless, certain of these pre-2014 years have pending U.S. tax refunds. Due to their size, these refunds were reviewed by Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation. In April 2017, the Company received notification that the Joint Committee review was complete and that no changes were made. The underlying federal statutes of limitations are expected to close in due course on or before September 30, 2018. Furthermore, due to the aforementioned IRS adjustments to the Company's pre-2014 taxable income, the Company is amendinghas amended certain of its 2003 through 2013 state income tax returns. Such amendments will cause such years to remain open, pending the states' acceptances of the returns.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into a reinsurance transaction. This transaction generated an operating loss on the Company’s consolidated 2016 U.S. income tax return. The Company has evaluated its ability to carrypartially carried back this loss back to receive refunds of previously-paid taxes, plus utilize the remaining loss in future years. The Company expects to receiveand received refunds for substantially all of the U.S. income taxes that it paid in 2014 and 2015 as well asand expects to fully utilize the remaining operating loss carryforward during the carryforward period. Based on the Company’s current assessment of future taxable income, including available tax planning opportunities, the Company anticipates that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient

taxable income to realize all of its material deferred tax assets. The Company did not record a valuation allowance against its material deferred tax assets as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
In the tax year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized provisional impacts related to the revaluation of certain deferred tax assets under the Tax Reform Act under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, additional analysis, and resulting changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company used its respective estimateshas made. Any adjustments to these provisional amounts will be reported as a component of its annual 2017 and 2016 incomes in computing its effective income tax ratesexpense (benefit) in the reporting period in which any such adjustments are determined. There are no material adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.2018. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were 25.5%, 30.6%, 29.9%, and 32.3% respectively.accounting is expected to be complete by December 22, 2018.
15.16.    OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company has several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. The Company periodically evaluates its operating segments as prescribed in the ASC Segment Reporting Topic, and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed. A brief description of each segment follows.
The Life Marketing segment markets fixed universal life (“UL”), indexed universal life ("IUL"(“IUL”), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, broker-dealers, financial institutions, independent marketing organizations, and affinity groups.
The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies and contracts acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore

earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.
The Annuities segment markets fixed and VA products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.
The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. This segment also issues funding agreements to the FHLB, and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. The Company also has an unregistered funding agreement-backed notes program which provides for offers of notes to both domestic and international institutional investors.
The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection ("GAP")GAP products, credit life and disability insurance, and other specialized ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles, recreational vehicles, watercraft, and powersports. GAP coversproducts are designed to cover the difference between the scheduled loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. Each type of specialized ancillary product protects against damage or other loss to a particular aspect of the underlying asset.
The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income on assets supporting our equity capital, unallocated corporate overhead and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including interest on corporate debt). This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various financing and investment-relatedinvestment related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries.
The Company's management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using "pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" and "after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)". Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is the Company's measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting "income (loss) before income tax",tax," by excluding the following items:

realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives,
changes in the GLWB embedded derivatives exclusive of the portion attributable to the economic cost of the GLWB,
actual GLWB incurred claims, and
the amortization of DAC, VOBA,deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and certain policy liabilities that is impacted by the exclusion of these items.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management'smanagement’s and the Board of Directors'Directors’ understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017, a rate of 35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% will be used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in the Company’s effective income tax rate.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.

In filings prior to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K, "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" was referred to as "Pre-tax operating income", "Operating income before tax", or "Segment operating income". In addition, we referred to "After-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "After-tax operating income" or "Operating earnings". The definition of these labels remains unchanged, but the Company has modified the labels to provide further clarity that these measures are non-GAAP measures.
There were no significant intersegment transactions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.

The following tables presentspresent a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues 
      
 
      
Life Marketing$424,165
 $409,423
 $1,252,603
 $1,231,397
$438,585
 $424,165
 $1,288,455
 $1,252,603
Acquisitions375,819
 391,017
 1,164,650
 1,269,672
581,054
 375,819
 1,469,787
 1,164,650
Annuities97,488
 174,798
 318,452
 410,455
129,280
 97,488
 413,170
 318,452
Stable Value Products49,933
 27,380
 132,863
 83,519
59,328
 49,933
 158,944
 132,863
Asset Protection83,597
 69,306
 246,142
 201,041
79,158
 83,597
 233,347
 246,142
Corporate and Other53,386
 51,722
 162,042
 170,876
59,763
 53,386
 193,205
 162,042
Total revenues$1,084,388
 $1,123,646
 $3,276,752
 $3,366,960
$1,347,168
 $1,084,388
 $3,756,908
 $3,276,752
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) 
      
 
      
Life Marketing$8,969
 $(1,306) $51,157
 $36,957
$2,521
 $8,969
 $(23,065) $51,157
Acquisitions62,880
 70,157
 184,825
 184,095
93,648
 62,880
 208,206
 184,825
Annuities62,000
 53,666
 161,585
 164,196
45,587
 62,000
 142,052
 161,585
Stable Value Products27,992
 14,700
 74,258
 44,326
27,126
 27,992
 76,198
 74,258
Asset Protection6,963
 5,455
 19,098
 16,216
8,029
 6,963
 21,413
 19,098
Corporate and Other(26,870) (29,774) (67,466) (60,231)(19,937) (26,870) (58,413) (67,466)
Pre-tax adjusted operating income141,934
 112,898
 423,457
 385,559
156,974
 141,934
 366,391
 423,457
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(31,084) 20,181
 (74,490) 88,023
(20,255) (31,084) (39,102) (74,490)
Income before income tax110,850
 133,079
 348,967
 473,582
136,719
 110,850
 327,289
 348,967
Income tax expense(28,308) (39,785) (106,743) (152,820)(26,619) (28,308) (61,582) (106,743)
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224
              
Pre-tax adjusted operating income$141,934
 $112,898
 $423,457
 $385,559
$156,974
 $141,934
 $366,391
 $423,457
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit(39,187) (32,722) (132,815) (121,982)(30,873) (39,187) (69,793) (132,815)
After-tax adjusted operating income102,747
 80,176
 290,642
 263,577
126,101
 102,747
 296,598
 290,642
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(31,084) 20,181
 (74,490) 88,023
(20,255) (31,084) (39,102) (74,490)
Income tax benefit (expense) on adjustments10,879
 (7,063) 26,072
 (30,838)4,254
 10,879
 8,211
 26,072
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224
              
Realized investment (losses) gains:              
Derivative financial instruments$(82,341) $116
 $(260,407) $(156,749)$(27,465) $(82,341) $62,859
 $(260,407)
All other investments18,150
 24,152
 94,708
 194,663
(19,869) 18,150
 (157,070) 94,708
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(273) (3,308) (10,889) (6,892)(14) (273) (3,664) (10,889)
Less: related amortization(1)
(12,123) 21,532
 (38,570) 4,409
(5,859) (12,123) 5,060
 (38,570)
Less: VA GLWB economic cost(21,257) (20,753) (63,528) (61,410)(21,234) (21,257) (63,833) (63,528)
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives$(31,084) $20,181
 $(74,490) $88,023
$(20,255) $(31,084) $(39,102) $(74,490)
              
       
(1) Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).


Operating Segment Assets
As of September 30, 2017
Operating Segment Assets
As of September 30, 2018
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Investments and other assets$14,700,406
 $19,681,306
 $20,617,917
 $4,664,251
$14,687,943
 $32,234,422
 $21,118,911
 $5,083,328
DAC and VOBA1,295,708
 77,157
 752,540
 7,605
1,468,989
 455,343
 876,390
 7,001
Other intangibles287,120
 35,187
 173,450
 8,222
267,684
 32,622
 160,118
 7,556
Goodwill200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
Total assets$16,483,508
 $19,808,174
 $21,880,584
 $4,793,891
$16,624,890
 $32,736,911
 $22,492,096
 $5,211,698
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Investments and other assets$914,658
 $14,773,285
 $75,351,823
$1,026,634
 $13,222,621
 $87,373,859
DAC and VOBA25,806
 
 2,158,816
166,570
 
 2,974,293
Other intangibles135,895
 33,714
 673,588
125,251
 33,193
 626,424
Goodwill128,182
 
 793,470
128,182
 
 793,470
Total assets$1,204,541
 $14,806,999
 $78,977,697
$1,446,637
 $13,255,814
 $91,768,046
Operating Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2016
Operating Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Life
Marketing
 Acquisitions Annuities 
Stable Value
Products
Investments and other assets$14,050,170
 $19,679,690
 $20,243,333
 $3,373,646
$14,914,418
 $19,588,133
 $20,938,409
 $4,569,639
DAC and VOBA1,218,944
 106,532
 655,618
 5,455
1,320,776
 74,862
 772,634
 6,864
Other intangibles301,399
 37,103
 183,449
 8,722
282,361
 34,548
 170,117
 8,056
Goodwill200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
200,274
 14,524
 336,677
 113,813
Total assets$15,770,787
 $19,837,849
 $21,419,077
 $3,501,636
$16,717,829
 $19,712,067
 $22,217,837
 $4,698,372
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Asset
Protection
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
Consolidated
Investments and other assets$1,013,399
 $13,141,759
 $71,501,997
$918,952
 $15,043,597
 $75,973,148
DAC and VOBA33,280
 
 2,019,829
24,441
 
 2,199,577
Other intangibles143,865
 13,545
 688,083
133,234
 35,256
 663,572
Goodwill128,182
 
 793,470
128,182
 
 793,470
Total assets$1,318,726
 $13,155,304
 $75,003,379
$1,204,809
 $15,078,853
 $79,629,767

16.17.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated the effects of events subsequent to September 30, 2017,2018, and through the date we filed our consolidated condensed financial statements with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All accounting and disclosure requirements related to subsequent events are included in our consolidated condensed financial statements.



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

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

Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC the insurance policies related to the Life Business on a 100% coinsurance basis. The aggregate ceding commission for the reinsurance of the Life Business was $422.4 million. All policies issued in states other than New York were ceded to PLICO under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLICO, and all policies issued in New York were ceded to PLAIC under a reinsurance agreement between Liberty and PLAIC.  The aggregate statutory reserves of Liberty ceded to PLICO and PLAIC as of the closing of the Transaction were approximately $13.3 billion, which amount was based on initial estimates and is subject to adjustment following the Closing. Pursuant to the terms of the Reinsurance Agreements, each of PLICO and PLAIC are required to maintain assets in trust for the benefit of Liberty to secure their respective obligations to Liberty under the Reinsurance Agreements. The trust accounts were initially funded by each of PLICO and PLAIC principally with the investment assets that were received from Liberty. Additionally, PLICO and PLAIC have each agreed to provide, on behalf of Liberty, administration and policyholder servicing of the Life Business reinsured by it pursuant to administrative services agreements between Liberty and each of PLICO and PLAIC.

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

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

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

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our accounting policies require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates, as well as expectations around the valuations of securities. Because of the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the consolidated condensed financial statements. For a complete listing of our critical accounting policies, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our management and Board of Directors analyzes and assesses the operating performance of each segment using "pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" and "after-tax adjusted operating income (loss)". Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is our measure of segment performance. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by adjusting "income (loss) before income tax," by excluding the following items:

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

After-tax adjusted operating income (loss) is derived from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) with the inclusion of income tax expense or benefits associated with pre-tax adjusted operating income. Income tax expense or benefits is allocated to the items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) at the statutory federal income tax rate for the associated period. For periods ending on and prior to December 31, 2017 a rate of thirty five percent.35% was used. Beginning in 2018, a statutory federal income tax rate of 21% will be used to allocate income tax expense or benefits to items excluded from pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss). Income tax expense or benefits allocated to after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) can vary period to period based on changes in the Company'sour effective income tax rate.
The items excluded from adjusted operating income (loss) are important to understanding the overall results of operations. Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) are not a substitutes for income before income taxes or net income (loss), respectively. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our belief is that pre-tax and after-tax adjusted operating income (loss) enhances management'smanagement’s and the Board of Directors'Directors’ understanding of the ongoing operations, the underlying profitability of each segment, and helps facilitate the allocation of resources.
In determining the components of the pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) for each segment, premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC and VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.
During 2016, we modified our labeling of our non-GAAP measures presented herein as "Adjusted operating income (loss)" or "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)". In previous filings, we referred to "Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "Pre-tax operating income", "Operating income before tax", or "Segment operating income". In addition, we previously referred to "After-tax adjusted operating income (loss)" as "After-tax operating income" or "Operating earnings". The definition of these labels remains unchanged, but we have modified the labels to provide further clarity that these measures are non-GAAP measures.
We periodically review and update as appropriate our key assumptions used to measure certain balances related to insurance products, including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, benefit utilization, investment yields, interest

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

The following table presents a summary of results and reconciles pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated income before income tax and net income:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)    (Dollars In Thousands)    
Pre-tax Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) 
      
 
      
Life Marketing$8,969
 $(1,306) $51,157
 $36,957
$2,521
 $8,969
 $(23,065) $51,157
Acquisitions62,880
 70,157
 184,825
 184,095
93,648
 62,880
 208,206
 184,825
Annuities62,000
 53,666
 161,585
 164,196
45,587
 62,000
 142,052
 161,585
Stable Value Products27,992
 14,700
 74,258
 44,326
27,126
 27,992
 76,198
 74,258
Asset Protection6,963
 5,455
 19,098
 16,216
8,029
 6,963
 21,413
 19,098
Corporate and Other(26,870) (29,774) (67,466) (60,231)(19,937) (26,870) (58,413) (67,466)
Pre-tax adjusted operating income141,934
 112,898
 423,457
 385,559
156,974
 141,934
 366,391
 423,457
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(31,084) 20,181
 (74,490) 88,023
(20,255) (31,084) (39,102) (74,490)
Income before income tax110,850
 133,079
 348,967
 473,582
136,719
 110,850
 327,289
 348,967
Income tax expense(28,308) (39,785) (106,743) (152,820)(26,619) (28,308) (61,582) (106,743)
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224
              
Pre-tax adjusted operating income$141,934
 $112,898
 $423,457
 $385,559
$156,974
 $141,934
 $366,391
 $423,457
Adjusted operating income tax (expense) benefit(39,187) (32,722) (132,815) (121,982)(30,873) (39,187) (69,793) (132,815)
After-tax adjusted operating income102,747
 80,176
 290,642
 263,577
126,101
 102,747
 296,598
 290,642
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives(31,084) 20,181
 (74,490) 88,023
(20,255) (31,084) (39,102) (74,490)
Income tax benefit (expense) on adjustments10,879
 (7,063) 26,072
 (30,838)4,254
 10,879
 8,211
 26,072
Net income$82,542
 $93,294
 $242,224
 $320,762
$110,100
 $82,542
 $265,707
 $242,224
              
Realized investment (losses) gains:              
Derivative financial instruments$(82,341) $116
 $(260,407) $(156,749)$(27,465) $(82,341) $62,859
 $(260,407)
All other investments18,150
 24,152
 94,708
 194,663
(19,869) 18,150
 (157,070) 94,708
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings(273) (3,308) (10,889) (6,892)(14) (273) (3,664) (10,889)
Less: related amortization(1)
(12,123) 21,532
 (38,570) 4,409
(5,859) (12,123) 5,060
 (38,570)
Less: VA GLWB economic cost(21,257) (20,753) (63,528) (61,410)(21,234) (21,257) (63,833) (63,528)
Realized (losses) gains on investments and derivatives$(31,084) $20,181
 $(74,490) $88,023
$(20,255) $(31,084) $(39,102) $(74,490)
              
(1) Includes amortization of DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses that are impacted by realized gains (losses).
 
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 included a $29.0$15.0 million, or 25.7%10.6%, increase in pre-tax adjusted operating income. The increase consisted of a $10.3$30.8 million increase in the Life MarketingAcquisitions segment, a $8.3$1.1 million increase in the Annuities segment, a $13.3 million increase in the Stable Value Products segment, a increase of $1.5 million in the Asset Protection segment, and a $2.9$6.9 million increase in the Corporate &and Other segment. These increases were partially offset by a $7.3decrease of $6.4 million in the Life Marketing segment, a $16.4 million decrease in the AcquisitionsAnnuities segment, and a $0.9 million decrease in the Stable Value Products segment.
Net realized losses on investments and derivatives for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 was $20.3 million as compared to $31.1 million. These losses were primarily due to net losses on VA GLWB derivatives (after adjustingmillion for economic cost and amortization) of $23.1 million and net losses on FIA derivatives of $5.3 million. The net losses on VA GLWB derivatives included $12.0 million of losses from changes to policyholder assumptions. The net losses on FIA derivatives were primarily driven by losses of $5.9 million from changes to policyholder assumptions.

the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $9.0$2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, representing an increasea decrease of $10.3$6.4 million from the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the impact of prospective unlocking during the current quarter compared to the prior year, offset by an increase in universal life claims during 2017.year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $6.9 million of unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a favorable $0.6$1.8 million of unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Acquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $93.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $30.8 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, due to the favorable impact of $26.1 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018 and a decrease in benefit and settlement expenses on the other in-force blocks of business. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the segment recorded favorable prospective unlocking of $0.7 million as compared to unfavorable $3.7 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to an unfavorable $18.32017.
Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $45.6 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Acquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $62.92018, as compared to $62.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $7.3 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the segment recorded unfavorable prospective unlocking of $3.7 million as compared to favorable $1.2 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $62.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $53.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $8.3$16.4 million, or 15.5%26.5%. This variance was primarily the result of favorableunfavorable unlocking growthand a decline in variable annuities ("VA"annuity (“VA”) fee income, partially offset by increased interest spreads and a favorable change in single premium immediate annuities ("SPIA"(“SPIA”) mortality. Segment results were positivelynegatively impacted by $4.8 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $13.0 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $5.7 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Stable Value segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $28.0$27.1 million and increased $13.3decreased $0.9 million, or 90.4%3.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from an increase in average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.higher interest expenses. Participating mortgage income for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $12.4$9.0 million as compared to $1.3$12.4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 3310 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
Asset Protection segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $7.0$8.0 million, representing an increase of $1.5$1.1 million, or 27.6%15.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $2.6$1.3 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and higher investment income. Earnings from the acquisition of US Warranty in the fourth quarter of 2016. CreditGAP and credit insurance earnings increased $0.2product lines both decreased $0.1 million primarily due to lower loss ratios. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $1.3 million primarily resulting fromvolume and higher loss ratios, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.losses.
The Corporate and Other segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted2017. The decreased operating loss of $29.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in investment income due to higher invested assetsasset balances and investment yields.decreased interest and corporate overhead expenses.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 included a $37.9$57.1 million, or 9.8%13.5%, increasedecrease in pre-tax adjusted operating income. The increasedecrease consisted of a $14.2$74.2 million increasedecrease in the Life Marketing segment, a $0.7$19.5 million decrease in the Annuities segment. These decreases were partially offset by a $23.4 million increase in the Acquisitions segment, a $29.9$1.9 million increase in the Stable Value Products segment, and a $2.9$2.3 million increase in the Asset Protection segment. These increases were partially offset by a $2.6 million decrease in the Annuities segment, and a $7.2an increase of $9.1 million decrease in the Corporate and Other segment.
Net realized losses on investments and derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 was $74.5 million. These losses were primarily due to net losses on VA GLWB derivatives (after adjusting for economic cost and amortization) of $57.7 million, impairment losses on available-for-sale securities of $10.9 million, mortgage loan losses of $6.8 million, and net losses on FIA derivatives of $7.4 million. These losses were partially offset by net gains from sales of securities of $9.1$39.1 million as well as net gains of $2.9 million relatedcompared to Modco trading portfolio activity and the associated embedded derivative. The net losses on VA GLWB derivatives included $12.0 million of losses from changes to policyholder assumptions. The net losses on FIA derivatives were primarily driven by losses of $5.9 million from changes to policyholder assumptions.
Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $51.2$74.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2017.
Life Marketing segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, representing an increasea decrease of $14.2$74.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the impact of unlocking and higher life claims compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $19.8 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded a favorable $3.0 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to an unfavorable $13.22017. Life claims were approximately $57.3 million of unlockinghigher for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2018 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Acquisitions segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $184.8$208.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, an increase of $0.7$23.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to decreases in life insurance claims and lower amortizationthe favorable impact of VOBA, partially$33.1 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018 partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the segment recorded unfavorablefavorable prospective unlocking of $0.7 million as compared to unfavorable $3.7 million.million of prospective unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Annuities segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $142.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $161.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $164.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $2.6$19.5 million, or 1.6%12.1%. This variance was primarily the result of an unfavorable changeunlocking, a decline in SPIA mortalityVA fee income, and higher non-deferred expenses, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality and increased interest spreads, growth in VA fee income, and favorable unlocking.spreads. Segment

results were positivelynegatively impacted by $11.7 million of unfavorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $14.9 million of favorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $6.7 million of favorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.

Stable Value segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $74.3$76.2 million and increased $29.9$1.9 million, or 67.5%2.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from an increase inhigher average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.values. Participating mortgage income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $23.6$20.9 million as compared to $10.5$23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by five21 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
Asset Protection segment pre-tax adjusted operating income was $19.1$21.4 million, representing an increase of $2.9$2.3 million, or 17.8%12.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $7.3$2.5 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty in the fourth quarter of 2016. Credit insurance earnings increased $0.5 million primarily due to lower loss ratios.higher investment income. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $5.0increased $0.3 million primarily resulting fromdue to lower expenses. Credit insurance earnings decreased $0.4 million primarily due to lower volume and higher loss ratios, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.losses.
The Corporate and Other segment pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $58.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $67.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted2017. The decreased operating loss of $60.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was attributableprimarily due to a $7.8 million decreasean increase in gains recognized on the extinguishment of debt.investment income due to higher invested asset balances, partly offset by an increase in overhead expenses.


Life Marketing
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Gross premiums and policy fees$458,468
 $439,290
 $1,372,864
 $1,329,030
$422,430
 $458,468
 $1,416,241
 $1,372,864
Reinsurance ceded(200,616) (198,301) (601,839) (586,182)(144,607) (200,616) (630,736) (601,839)
Net premiums and policy fees257,852
 240,989
 771,025
 742,848
277,823
 257,852
 785,505
 771,025
Net investment income137,001
 132,359
 412,652
 392,266
138,017
 137,001
 413,276
 412,652
Other income27,241
 27,146
 80,997
 84,018
30,630
 27,241
 94,536
 80,997
Total operating revenues422,094
 400,494
 1,264,674
 1,219,132
446,470
 422,094
 1,293,317
 1,264,674
Realized gains (losses) - investments334
 85
 (6,671) 4,212
(3,277) 334
 (9,884) (6,671)
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives1,737
 8,844
 (5,400) 8,053
(4,608) 1,737
 5,022
 (5,400)
Total revenues424,165

409,423
 1,252,603
 1,231,397
438,585

424,165
 1,288,455
 1,252,603
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES              
Benefits and settlement expenses345,501
 325,947
 993,424
 949,926
383,653
 345,501
 1,081,769
 993,424
Amortization of DAC/VOBA26,984
 33,560
 86,934
 97,300
16,776
 26,984
 82,222
 86,934
Other operating expenses40,640
 42,293
 133,159
 134,949
43,520
 40,640
 152,391
 133,159
Operating benefits and settlement expenses413,125
 401,800
 1,213,517
 1,182,175
443,949
 413,125
 1,316,382
 1,213,517
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(396) 6,122
 (10,250) 4,282
(5,721) (396) (2,335) (10,250)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments427
 401
 938
 431
819
 427
 1,205
 938
Total benefits and expenses413,156
 408,323
 1,204,205
 1,186,888
439,047
 413,156
 1,315,252
 1,204,205
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX11,009
 1,100
 48,398
 44,509
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX(462) 11,009
 (26,797) 48,398
Less: realized gains (losses)2,071
 8,929
 (12,071) 12,265
(7,885) 2,071
 (4,862) (12,071)
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses396
 (6,122) 10,250
 (4,282)5,721
 396
 2,335
 10,250
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA(427) (401) (938) (431)(819) (427) (1,205) (938)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)$8,969
 $(1,306) $51,157
 $36,957
$2,521
 $8,969
 $(23,065) $51,157

The following table summarizes key data for the Life Marketing segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales By Product(1)
 
      
 
      
Traditional life$721
 $221
 $1,325
 $892
$13,034
 $721
 $39,184
 $1,325
Universal life41,244
 40,871
 127,743
 122,148
30,712
 41,244
 92,348
 127,743
$41,965
 $41,092
 $129,068
 $123,040
$43,746
 $41,965
 $131,532
 $129,068
Sales By Distribution Channel              
Traditional brokerage$35,320
 $35,314
 $110,066
 $106,056
$38,282
 $35,320
 $113,962
 $110,066
Institutional4,459
 4,026
 12,262
 12,041
3,412
 4,459
 11,027
 12,262
Direct2,186
 1,752
 6,740
 4,943
2,052
 2,186
 6,543
 6,740
$41,965
 $41,092
 $129,068
 $123,040
$43,746
 $41,965
 $131,532
 $129,068
Average Life Insurance In-force(2)
              
Traditional$342,522,847
 $361,945,424
 $347,481,484
 $366,723,972
$352,442,802
 $342,522,847
 $348,875,590
 $347,481,484
Universal life260,101,843
 215,270,993
 248,933,690
 204,771,980
280,352,234
 260,101,843
 276,612,519
 248,933,690
$602,624,690
 $577,216,417
 $596,415,174
 $571,495,952
$632,795,036
 $602,624,690
 $625,488,109
 $596,415,174
Average Account Values       
       
Universal life$7,644,822
 $7,443,908
 $7,607,208
 $7,415,471
$7,765,543
 $7,644,822
 $7,741,229
 $7,607,208
Variable universal life729,171
 620,071
 705,045
 604,555
786,953
 729,171
 777,037
 705,045
$8,373,993
 $8,063,979
 $8,312,253
 $8,020,026
$8,552,496
 $8,373,993
 $8,518,266
 $8,312,253
              
(1) Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums. Universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or "target" premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. "Target" premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid.
(1) Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums. Universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or “target” premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. “Target” premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid.(1) Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums. Universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or “target” premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. “Target” premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid.
(2) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.

Operating expenses detail
Other operating expenses for the segment were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Insurance companies: 
      
 
      
First year commissions$48,643
 $46,558
 $147,618
 $142,913
$48,673
 $48,643
 $148,275
 $147,618
Renewal commissions9,503
 9,645
 28,932
 27,713
9,455
 9,503
 29,971
 28,932
First year ceding allowances(729) (875) (1,766) (2,663)(273) (729) (499) (1,766)
Renewal ceding allowances(48,218) (39,160) (134,492) (117,716)(47,509) (48,218) (126,167) (134,492)
General & administrative55,534
 50,087
 170,928
 156,022
54,178
 55,534
 166,628
 170,928
Taxes, licenses, and fees9,592
 8,316
 26,268
 23,981
9,173
 9,592
 29,023
 26,268
Other operating expenses incurred74,325
 74,571
 237,488
 230,250
73,697
 74,325
 247,231
 237,488
Less: commissions, allowances & expenses capitalized(62,593) (60,266) (189,574) (179,315)(62,180) (62,593) (192,961) (189,574)
Other insurance company operating expenses11,732
 14,305
 47,914
 50,935
11,517
 11,732
 54,270
 47,914
Marketing companies: 
  
  
  
Distribution companies: 
  
  
  
Commissions20,462
 19,851
 59,996
 60,132
22,922
 20,462
 69,198
 59,996
Other operating expenses8,446
 8,137
 25,249
 23,882
9,081
 8,446
 28,923
 25,249
Other marketing company operating expenses28,908
 27,988
 85,245
 84,014
Other distribution company operating expenses32,003
 28,908
 98,121
 85,245
Other operating expenses$40,640
 $42,293
 $133,159
 $134,949
$43,520
 $40,640
 $152,391
 $133,159
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $9.0$2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, representing an increasea decrease of $10.3$6.4 million from the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the impact of prospective unlocking during the current quarter compared to the prior year, offset by an increase in universal life claims during 2017.year. The segment recorded a favorable $0.6an unfavorable $6.9 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to an unfavorable $18.3a favorable $1.8 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, increased $21.6$24.4 million, or 5.4%5.8%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. This increase was driven by higher policy fees and higher investment income.traditional life premiums during the current quarter compared to the prior year.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $16.9$20.0 million, or 7.0%7.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, due to an increase in policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life business.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $4.6 million, or 3.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Of the increase in net investment income, $4.0 million resulted from growth in the universal life block of business. Traditional life investment income increased $0.2 million.
Other income
Other income remained consistent for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $19.6 million, or 6.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to an increase in universal life claims and traditional life reserves, partially offset by prospective unlocking during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $1.8 million, as compared to an increase of $17.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Assumption changes related to reinsurance,

lapse rates, and yields contributed to the unlocking in 2017. Unlocking in 2016 was largely driven by assumption changes to reinsurance and yields.

Amortization of DAC/VOBA

DAC/VOBA amortization decreased $6.6 million, or 19.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to higher VOBA amortization in the traditional block resulting from higher lapses and the impact of unlocking. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, universal life unlocking decreased amortization $3.6 million, as compared to a decrease of $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses decreased $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was driven by lower new business acquisition costs after capitalization and higher reinsurance allowances, offset by higher commissions and general and administrative expenses.
Sales
Sales for the segment increased $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Universal life sales increased $0.4 million primarily due to an expansion in distribution partners and focused efforts with existing partners.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $51.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, representing an increase of $14.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the impact of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the prior year. The segment recorded a favorable $3.0 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to an unfavorable $13.2 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, increased $45.5 million, or 3.7%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was driven by higher policy fees and higher investment income due to increases in net in-force reserves, offset in part by lower traditional life premiums.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $28.2 million, or 3.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to an increase in policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life business. Offsetting this was a decrease in traditional life premiums.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $20.4$1.0 million, or 5.2%0.7%, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Of the increase in net investment income, $15.9 million resulted from growth in thedriven by higher universal life block of business. Traditional life investment income increased $2.0of $1.9 million, offset by lower traditional life investment income of $0.8 million.
Other income
Other income decreased $3.0increased $3.4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to lowerhigher revenue in the segment’s non-insurance operations.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $43.5$38.2 million, or 4.6%11.0%, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compareddue to unlocking and an increase in traditional life reserves. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016, due primarily to an increase in universal life claims, partially offset by unlocking. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $1.3$12.2 million, as compared to an increase of $15.9$1.8 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.2017.

Amortization of DAC/VOBA

DAC/VOBA amortization decreased $10.4$10.2 million, or 10.7%37.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to lower VOBA amortization in the traditional life block. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, universal life unlocking decreased amortization $5.3 million, as compared to a decrease of $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. This increase was driven by higher commissions and lower ceding allowances, partly offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses.
Sales
Sales for the segment increased $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to higher traditional life sales, offset by lower sales in the universal life block. The change between products was due to a shift in sales focus from a product within the universal life block to a new term life product.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, representing a decrease of $74.2 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of unlocking and higher life claims compared to the prior year. The segment recorded an unfavorable $19.8 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a favorable $3.0 million of unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Life claims were approximately $57.3 million higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Operating revenues
Total operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, increased $28.6 million, or 2.3%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to lower VOBA amortization in the traditional blocks resulting from decreased lapses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, universal life unlocking decreased amortization $4.42017. This increase was driven by higher premiums and policy fees and distribution company revenue.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased by $14.5 million, as compared to a decrease of $2.7 millionor 1.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses decreased $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017, due to an increase in premiums and policy fees associated with continued growth in universal life and traditional life business.
Net investment income
Net investment income in the segment increased $0.6 million, or 0.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to higher universal life investment income of $6.1 million, offset by lower traditional life and distribution company investment income of $4.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Other income
Other income increased $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to higher revenue in the segment’s non-insurance operations.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $88.3 million, or 8.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, driven by unlocking and an increase in claims. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, universal life unlocking increased policy benefits and settlement expenses $20.1 million, as compared to an increase of $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Amortization of DAC/VOBA

DAC/VOBA amortization decreased $4.7 million, or 5.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to lower VOBA amortization in the traditional life blocks, offset by higher VOBA amortization in the universal life block. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, universal life unlocking decreased amortization $0.3 million, as compared to a decrease of $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $19.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This decreaseincrease was driven by higher reinsurance allowances, partially offset by higher generalcommissions and administrative expenses.lower ceding allowances.

Sales
Sales for the segment increased $6.0$2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Universal life sales increased $5.6 million2017, primarily due to an expansionhigher traditional life sales, offset by lower sales in distribution partners and focused efforts with existing partners.the universal life block. The change between products was due to a shift in sales focus from a product within the universal life block to a new term life product.
Reinsurance
Currently, the Life Marketing segment reinsures significant amounts of its life insurance in-force. Pursuant to the underlying reinsurance contracts, reinsurers pay allowances to the segment as a percentage of both first year and renewal premiums. Reinsurance allowances represent the amount the reinsurer is willing to pay for reimbursement of acquisition costs incurred by the direct writer of the business. A portion of reinsurance allowances received is deferred as part of DAC and a portion is recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. As the non-deferred portion of allowances reduces operating expenses in the period received, these amounts represent a net increase to adjusted operating income during that period.
Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC or the period over which such DAC is amortized. However, they do affect the amounts recognized as DAC amortization. DAC on universal life-type, limited-payment long duration, and investment contracts business is amortized based on the estimated gross profits of the policies in-force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore, impact DAC amortization on these lines of business. Deferred reinsurance allowances on level term business are recorded as ceded DAC, which is amortized over estimated ceded premiums of the policies in-force. Thus, deferred reinsurance allowances may impact DAC amortization. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Life Marketing segment line items as shown in the following table:
Life Marketing Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Reinsurance ceded$(200,616) $(198,301) $(601,839) $(586,182)$(144,607) $(200,616) $(630,736) $(601,839)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(170,468) (180,232) (504,652) (555,964)(131,528) (170,468) (579,246) (504,652)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA(1,418) (1,230) (4,270) (4,610)(1,409) (1,418) (4,120) (4,270)
Other operating expenses(1)
(46,756) (38,149) (130,426) (114,260)(45,570) (46,756) (121,420) (130,426)
Total benefits and expenses(218,642) (219,611) (639,348) (674,834)(178,507) (218,642) (704,786) (639,348)
              
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE$18,026
 $21,310
 $37,509
 $88,652
$33,900
 $18,026
 $74,050
 $37,509
              
Allowances received$(48,948) $(40,035) $(136,258) $(120,379)$(47,782) $(48,948) $(126,666) $(136,258)
Less: Amount deferred2,192
 1,886
 5,832
 6,119
2,212
 2,192
 5,246
 5,832
Allowances recognized (ceded other operating expenses)(1)
$(46,756) $(38,149) $(130,426) $(114,260)$(45,570) $(46,756) $(121,420) $(130,426)
(1) Other operating expenses ceded per the income statement are equal to reinsurance allowances recognized after capitalization.
The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. By ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed, which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on the business that we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified. The impact of including foregone investment income would be to substantially reduce the favorable net impact of reinsurance reflected above. We estimate that the impact of foregone investment income would be to reduce the net impact of reinsurance presented in the table above by 170%275% to 380%480%. The Life Marketing segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.
As shown above, reinsurance hadgenerally has a favorable impact on the Life Marketing segment’s operating income for the periods presented above.results. The impact of reinsurance is largely due to our quota share coinsurance program in place prior to mid-2005. Under that program,

generally 90% of the segment’s traditional new business was ceded to reinsurers. Since mid-2005, a much

smaller percentage of overall term business has been ceded due to a change in reinsurance strategy on traditional business. In addition, since 2012, a much smaller percentage of the segment’s new universal life business has been ceded. As a result of that change, the relative impact of reinsurance on the Life Marketing segment’s overall results is expected to decrease over time. While the significance of reinsurance is expected to decline over time, the overall impact of reinsurance for a given period may fluctuate due to variations in mortality and the unlocking of balances, and the impact of term policies in the post-level period.balances.
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
The higherlower ceded premium and policy fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, was caused primarily by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $76.9 million, partially offset by higher universal life policy fees of $12.3 million, slightly offset by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $10.4$20.9 million. Ceded traditional life premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2017, decreased from the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to post level term activity.
Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were lower for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, due to lower ceded traditional life cededreserves and claims, and a decrease in ceded reserves, partiallypartly offset by higher ceded universal life reserves and claims. Traditional life ceded reserves decreased $82.3 million and universal life ceded claims. Traditional ceded benefits and settlement expenses decreased $23.4reserves increased $48.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to2017. Ceded traditional life claims were $13.7 million lower and ceded reserves and claims. Universaluniversal life ceded benefits increased $12.9claims were $8.2 million higher for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to an increase in ceded claims.2017.
Ceded amortization of DAC and VOBA increaseddecreased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Ceded other operating expenses reflect the impact of reinsurance allowances net of amounts deferred.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
The higher ceded premium and policy fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, was caused primarily by higher universal life policy fees of $33.1$51.5 million, offset by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $16.9$23.2 million.
Ceded traditional life premiumsbenefits and settlement expenses were higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, decreased from the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to post level term activity.
Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, due to higher ceded claims, partly offset by lower ceded traditional life reserves. Universal life and traditional life ceded claims were $82.3 million and reserves. Traditional ceded benefits decreased $36.3$20.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,higher, respectively, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to lower ceded reserves. Universal2017. Traditional life ceded benefitsreserves decreased $14.1$31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to a decrease in ceded claims, partially offset by an increase in ceded reserves. Ceded universal life claims were $18.0 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by fewer high dollar claims during the current year.2017.
Ceded amortization of DAC and VOBA decreased slightly for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Ceded other operating expenses reflect the impact of reinsurance allowances net of amounts deferred.



Acquisitions
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Gross premiums and policy fees$270,303
 $280,598
 $828,252
 $877,215
$332,863
 $270,303
 $922,260
 $828,252
Reinsurance ceded(78,647) (81,457) (239,785) (259,284)(75,743) (78,647) (231,988) (239,785)
Net premiums and policy fees191,656
 199,141
 588,467
 617,931
257,120
 191,656
 690,272
 588,467
Net investment income181,714
 190,890
 561,632
 567,559
323,117
 181,714
 785,579
 561,632
Other income2,515
 2,771
 8,350
 8,223
3,225
 2,515
 10,143
 8,350
Total operating revenues375,885
 392,802
 1,158,449
 1,193,713
583,462
 375,885
 1,485,994
 1,158,449
Realized gains (losses) - investments19,675
 22,825
 95,135
 182,428
(13,200) 19,675
 (156,191) 95,135
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives(19,741) (24,610) (88,934) (106,469)10,792
 (19,741) 139,984
 (88,934)
Total revenues375,819
 391,017
 1,164,650
 1,269,672
581,054
 375,819
 1,469,787
 1,164,650
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses286,035
 293,616
 894,509
 913,344
452,324
 286,035
 1,174,632
 894,509
Amortization of VOBA(453) (836) (3,362) 8,256
(2,627) (453) (1,309) (3,362)
Other operating expenses27,423
 29,865
 82,477
 88,018
40,117
 27,423
 104,465
 82,477
Operating benefits and expenses313,005
 322,645
 973,624
 1,009,618
489,814
 313,005
 1,277,788
 973,624
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses2,603
 2,807
 7,109
 8,495
2,015
 2,603
 7,545
 7,109
Amortization of VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments(27) (44) (183) (40)(93) (27) 312
 (183)
Total benefits and expenses315,581
 325,408
 980,550
 1,018,073
491,736
 315,581
 1,285,645
 980,550
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX60,238
 65,609
 184,100
 251,599
89,318
 60,238
 184,142
 184,100
Less: realized gains (losses)(66) (1,785) 6,201
 75,959
(2,408) (66) (16,207) 6,201
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(2,603) (2,807) (7,109) (8,495)(2,015) (2,603) (7,545) (7,109)
Less: related amortization of VOBA27
 44
 183
 40
93
 27
 (312) 183
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$62,880
 $70,157
 $184,825
 $184,095
$93,648
 $62,880
 $208,206
 $184,825

The following table summarizes key data for the Acquisitions segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)
 
      
 
      
Traditional$225,506,328
 $241,585,970
 $229,375,136
 $231,957,799
$233,481,851
 $225,506,328
 $225,828,144
 $229,375,136
Universal life27,216,155
 29,401,602
 27,725,925
 29,863,714
32,702,123
 27,216,155
 29,450,423
 27,725,925
$252,722,483
 $270,987,572
 $257,101,061
 $261,821,513
$266,183,974
 $252,722,483
 $255,278,567
 $257,101,061
Average Account Values 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Universal life$4,194,821
 $4,253,363
 $4,203,635
 $4,279,809
$8,173,378
 $4,194,821
 $6,164,475
 $4,203,635
Fixed annuity(2)
3,545,906
 3,550,366
 3,523,691
 3,567,036
11,884,932
 3,545,906
 7,716,996
 3,523,691
Variable annuity1,194,958
 1,174,310
 1,181,037
 1,185,166
1,197,979
 1,194,958
 1,197,039
 1,181,037
$8,935,685
 $8,978,039
 $8,908,363
 $9,032,011
$21,256,289
 $8,935,685
 $15,078,510
 $8,908,363
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Net investment income yield3.97% 3.95% 3.99% 3.97%4.23% 3.97% 4.15% 3.99%
Interest credited to policyholders3.29% 3.25% 3.27% 3.28%3.53% 3.29% 3.47% 3.27%
Interest spread(3)
0.68% 0.70% 0.72% 0.69%0.70% 0.68% 0.68% 0.72%
              
(1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.(2) Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products and is net of coinsurance ceded.(3) Earned rates exclude portfolios supporting modified coinsurance and crediting rates exclude 100% cessions.
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $62.9$93.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease2018, an increase of $7.3$30.8 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily2017, due to the expected runofffavorable impact of $26.1 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018 and a decrease in benefit and settlement expenses on the other in-force blocks of business. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the segment recorded unfavorablefavorable prospective unlocking of $3.7$0.7 million as compared to favorable $1.2unfavorable $3.7 million of prospective unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Operating revenues
Net premiums and policy fees decreased $7.5increased $65.5 million, or 3.8%34.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to the premiums associated with the Liberty reinsurance transaction more than offsetting the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Net investment income decreased $9.2increased $141.4 million, or 77.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, primarily due to the $140.0 million impact of the Liberty reinsurance transaction.

Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $176.2 million, or 55.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses decreased $9.8 million, or 3.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to the Liberty reinsurance transaction, which increased benefits and expenses $192.0 million. This was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business, partly offset by unfavorable mortality experience and higher amortization of VOBA.business.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $184.8$208.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, an increase of $0.7$23.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to lower operating expenses and VOBA amortization, partiallythe favorable impact of $33.1 million from the Liberty reinsurance transaction completed on May 1, 2018, partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the segment recorded unfavorablefavorable prospective unlocking of $0.7 million as compared to unfavorable $3.7 million.million of prospective unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Operating revenues
Net premiums and policy fees decreased $29.5increased $101.8 million, or 4.8%17.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to the premiums associated with the Liberty reinsurance

transaction more than offsetting the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business. Net investment income decreased $5.9increased $223.9 million, or 1.0%39.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily 2017,due to the $232.9 million impact of the Liberty reinsurance transaction, partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.

Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses decreased $37.5increased $305.1 million, or 3.7%31.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to improved mortality experiencethe Liberty reinsurance transaction, which increased benefits and lower amortization of VOBA, as well as the expected runoff of the in-force blocks of business.expenses $327.2 million.
Reinsurance
The Acquisitions segment currently reinsures portions of both its life and annuity in-force. The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
Impact of reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Acquisitions segment line items as shown in the following table:
Acquisitions Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Reinsurance ceded$(78,647) $(81,457) $(239,785) $(259,284)$(75,743) $(78,647) $(231,988) $(239,785)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(53,233) (65,188) (207,339) (199,412)(52,497) (53,233) (192,117) (207,339)
Amortization of value of business acquired(183) (130) (440) (325)
Amortization of VOBA(138) (183) (513) (440)
Other operating expenses(9,710) (10,389) (29,272) (32,379)(8,994) (9,710) (26,488) (29,272)
Total benefits and expenses(63,126) (75,707) (237,051) (232,116)(61,629) (63,126) (219,118) (237,051)
              
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
$(15,521) $(5,750) $(2,734) $(27,168)$(14,114) $(15,521) $(12,870) $(2,734)
              
(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially reduce the favorable impact of reinsurance.
The segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company. For business ceded under modified coinsurance arrangements, the amount of investment income attributable to the assuming company is included as part of the overall change in policy reserves and, as such, is reflected in benefit and settlement expenses. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not fully reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
The net impact of reinsurance was lessmore favorable by $9.8$1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to lower ceded revenue partly offset by lower ceded benefits and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, ceded revenues decreased by $2.8$2.9 million, while ceded benefits and expenses decreased by $12.6 million primarily due to lower ceded claims.

$1.5 million.
The net impact of reinsurance was moreless favorable by $24.4$10.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to lower ceded revenues and higher ceded benefits and expenses.expenses, partly offset by lower ceded revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, ceded revenues decreased by $19.5$7.8 million, while ceded benefits and expenses increaseddecreased by $4.9 million primarily due to higher ceded claims.
$17.9 million.

Annuities
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Gross premiums and policy fees$38,259
 $37,560
 $114,294
 $109,570
$35,462
 $38,259
 $112,210
 $114,294
Reinsurance ceded
 
 
 

 
 
 
Net premiums and policy fees38,259
 37,560
 114,294
 109,570
35,462
 38,259
 112,210
 114,294
Net investment income80,206
 83,041
 239,416
 242,464
85,957
 80,206
 252,039
 239,416
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives(21,257) (20,753) (63,528) (61,410)(21,234) (21,257) (63,833) (63,528)
Other income43,262
 42,443
 129,733
 121,154
43,087
 43,262
 129,298
 129,733
Total operating revenues140,470
 142,291
 419,915
 411,778
143,272
 140,470
 429,714
 419,915
Realized gains (losses) - investments135
 (3,655) (256) (3,344)(1,610) 135
 379
 (256)
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost(43,117) 36,162
 (101,207) 2,021
(12,382) (43,117) (16,923) (101,207)
Total revenues97,488
 174,798
 318,452
 410,455
129,280
 97,488
 413,170
 318,452
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses53,105
 60,206
 159,537
 159,146
55,061
 53,105
 159,192
 159,537
Amortization of DAC/VOBA(11,741) (6,913) (11,647) (15,211)6,004
 (11,741) 14,936
 (11,647)
Other operating expenses37,106
 35,332
 110,440
 103,647
36,620
 37,106
 113,534
 110,440
Operating benefits and expenses78,470
 88,625
 258,330
 247,582
97,685
 78,470
 287,662
 258,330
Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses1,157
 220
 3,569
 3,190
778
 1,157
 1,306
 3,569
Amortization of DAC/VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments(15,887) 12,026
 (39,753) (11,949)(3,657) (15,887) (2,973) (39,753)
Total benefits and expenses63,740
 100,871
 222,146
 238,823
94,806
 63,740
 285,995
 222,146
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX33,748
 73,927
 96,306
 171,632
34,474
 33,748
 127,175
 96,306
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments135
 (3,655) (256) (3,344)(1,610) 135
 379
 (256)
Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost(43,117) 36,162
 (101,207) 2,021
(12,382) (43,117) (16,923) (101,207)
Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(1,157) (220) (3,569) (3,190)(778) (1,157) (1,306) (3,569)
Less: related amortization of DAC/VOBA15,887
 (12,026) 39,753
 11,949
3,657
 15,887
 2,973
 39,753
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$62,000
 $53,666
 $161,585
 $164,196
$45,587
 $62,000
 $142,052
 $161,585

The following tables summarize key data for the Annuities segment:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
      
 
      
Fixed annuity$246,914
 $180,889
 $806,432
 $561,425
$513,990
 $246,914
 $1,597,767
 $806,432
Variable annuity87,045
 154,731
 323,650
 479,828
69,125
 87,045
 230,144
 323,650
$333,959
 $335,620
 $1,130,082
 $1,041,253
$583,115
 $333,959
 $1,827,911
 $1,130,082
Average Account Values 
 .
  
  
 
 .
  
  
Fixed annuity(2)
$8,297,792
 $8,162,296
 $8,188,092
 $8,202,283
$9,198,082
 $8,297,792
 $8,882,096
 $8,188,092
Variable annuity13,082,417
 12,534,520
 12,977,656
 12,261,077
12,891,627
 13,082,417
 12,977,629
 12,977,656
$21,380,209
 $20,696,816
 $21,165,748
 $20,463,360
$22,089,709
 $21,380,209
 $21,859,725
 $21,165,748
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities(3)
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Net investment income yield3.73% 3.76% 3.68% 3.69%3.59% 3.73% 3.63% 3.68%
Interest credited to policyholders2.53
 2.66
 2.52
 2.67
2.44
 2.53
 2.49
 2.52
Interest spread1.20% 1.10% 1.16% 1.02%1.15% 1.20% 1.14% 1.16%
              
(1) Sales are measured based on the amount of purchase payments received less surrenders occurring within twelve months of the purchase payments.(2) Includes general account balances held within VA products.(3) Interest spread on average general account values.

 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
      
Interest rate futures - VA$549
 $(7,002) $16,746
 $62,065
Equity futures - VA(25,959) (41,836) (75,389) (66,392)
Currency futures - VA(6,092) 934
 (22,366) 5,888
Equity options - VA(23,307) (36,482) (76,376) (23,410)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(292) (229) (2,423) (3,212)
Interest rate swaps - VA5,342
 14,737
 31,331
 221,884
  Total return swaps - VA(8,057) 
 (9,675) 
   Embedded derivative - GLWB(1)
740
 90,954
 (15,904) (246,299)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(57,076) 21,076
 (154,056) (49,476)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - FIA(18,606) (14,486) (40,351) (15,938)
Equity futures - FIA66
 2,236
 161
 4,269
Volatility futures - FIA
 
 
 
Equity options - FIA11,242
 6,583
 29,511
 1,756
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(7,298) (5,667) (10,679) (9,913)
VA GLWB economic cost(2)
21,257
 20,753
 63,528
 61,410
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost$(43,117) $36,162
 $(101,207) $2,021
        
(1) Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $0.7 million and $(31.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $(4.4) million and $29.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
(2) Economic cost is the long-term expected average cost of providing the product benefit over the life of the policy based on product pricing assumptions. These include assumptions about the economic/market environment, and elective and non-elective policy owner behavior (e.g. lapses, withdrawal timing, mortality, etc.).
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
      
Interest rate futures$2,111
 $549
 $(13,229) $16,746
Equity futures(5,733) (25,959) (23,025) (75,389)
Currency futures3,410
 (6,092) 7,890
 (22,366)
Equity options(21,206) (23,307) (47,406) (76,376)
Interest rate swaptions
 (292) (14) (2,423)
Interest rate swaps(41,288) 5,342
 (131,147) 31,331
  Total return swaps(32,343) (8,057) (35,908) (9,675)
   Embedded derivative - GLWB(1)
57,706
 740
 149,552
 (15,904)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(37,343) (57,076) (93,287) (154,056)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative(14,360) (18,606) (7,957) (40,351)
Equity futures(388) 66
 (716) 161
Equity options18,474
 11,242
 21,203
 29,511
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts3,726
 (7,298) 12,530
 (10,679)
Other1
 
 1
 
VA GLWB economic cost(2)
21,234
 21,257
 63,833
 63,528
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost$(12,382) $(43,117) $(16,923) $(101,207)
        
(1) Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $(8.6) million and $10.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.7 million and $(31.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2) Economic cost is the long-term expected average cost of providing the product benefit over the life of the policy based on product pricing assumptions. These include assumptions about the economic/market environment, and elective and non-elective policy owner behavior (e.g. lapses, withdrawal timing, mortality, etc.).
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
GMDB - Net amount at risk(1)
$78,182
 $123,091
$76,371
 $72,825
GMDB Reserves31,158
 31,695
33,827
 30,944
GLWB and GMAB Reserves131,276
 115,370
(37,794) 111,760
Account value subject to GLWB rider9,657,797
 9,486,773
9,232,492
 9,718,263
GLWB Benefit Base10,566,159
 10,559,907
10,371,802
 10,560,893
GMAB Benefit Base3,313
 3,770
1,924
 3,298
S&P 500® Index2,519
 2,239
2,914
 2,674
      
(1) Guaranteed benefits in excess of contract holder account balance.
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $45.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $62.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $53.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increasea decrease of $8.3$16.4 million, or 15.5%26.5%. This variance was primarily the result of favorableunfavorable unlocking growthand a decline in VA fee income, partially offset by increased interest spreads and a favorable change in SPIA mortality. Segment results were positivelynegatively impacted by $4.8 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $13.0 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $5.7 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

2017.
Operating revenues
Segment operating revenues decreased $1.8increased $2.8 million, or 1.3%2.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to lowerhigher investment income, and higher GLWB economic cost in the VA line of business. Those impacts were partially offset by lower VA fee income.

The higher policy fees and otherinvestment income from the VA line of business.related to growth in fixed account value. Average fixed account balances increased 1.7%10.8% and average variable account balances increased 4.4%decreased 1.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $7.1increased $2.0 million, or 11.8%3.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. This decreaseincrease was primarily the result of higher credited interest and unfavorable unlocking, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality, lower credited interest, and a favorable change in unlocking.mortality. Included in benefits and settlement expenses was $2.4 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $0.1 million of favorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $0.9 million of unfavorable unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization favorablyunfavorably changed by $4.8$17.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The favorable changes in DAC and VOBA amortization wereunfavorable change was primarily due to favorable unlocking from lower lapse assumptions.unfavorable unlocking. DAC and VOBA unlocking for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $12.9$2.4 million favorableunfavorable as compared to $6.6$12.9 million favorable for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses increased $1.8decreased $0.5 million, or 5.0%1.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to2017. Lower non-deferred maintenance and overhead expense and commission expenses were partially offset by higher non-deferred acquisition expense, maintenance and overhead, and non-deferred commission expense.
Sales
Total sales decreased $1.7increased $249.2 million, or 0.5%74.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Sales of variable annuities decreased $67.7$17.9 million, or 43.7%20.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to disruptions in the broader market driven by regulatory rule changes and the relative competitiveness of our product within the market. Sales of fixed annuities increased by $66.0$267.1 million, or 36.5%108.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to an increase in single premium deferred annuities (“SPDA”) sales.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $142.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $161.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $164.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $2.6$19.5 million, or 1.6%12.1%. This variance was primarily the result of an unfavorable changeunlocking, a decline in SPIA mortalityVA fee income, and higher non-deferred expenses, partially offset by a favorable change in SPIA mortality and increased interest spreads, growth in VA fee income, and favorable unlocking.spreads. Segment results were positivelynegatively impacted by $11.7 million of unfavorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $14.9 million of favorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $6.7 million of favorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Operating revenues
Segment operating revenues increased $8.1$9.8 million, or 2.0%2.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to higher policy fees and otherinvestment income. The higher investment income from the VA line of business. Those increases were partially offset by higher GLWB economic costrelated to growth in the VA line of business and lower investment income.fixed account value. Average fixed account balances decreased 0.2%increased 8.5% and average variable account balances increased 5.8%were relatively unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $0.4decreased $0.3 million, or 0.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. This increasedecrease was primarily the result of an unfavorablea favorable change in SPIA mortality, partially offset by lowerhigher credited interest.interest and unfavorable unlocking. Included in benefits and settlement expenses was $3.5 million of unfavorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $0.2 million of favorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $0.12017.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization unfavorably changed by $26.6 million of unfavorable unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
DAC and VOBA amortization unfavorably changed by $3.6 million, or 23.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The unfavorable changes in DAC and VOBA amortization werechange was primarily due to higher fee income in the VA line of business and the runoff of negative VOBA in the fixed annuity lines of business. These changes were partiallyoffset by a favorable change inunfavorable unlocking. DAC and VOBA unlocking for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $14.7$8.2 million favorableunfavorable as compared to $6.8$14.7 million favorable for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

2017.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses increased $6.8$3.1 million, or 6.6%2.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Increases in non-deferred acquisition expense and commission expensesmaintenance and overhead expense were partially offset by lower non-deferred maintenance and overheadcommission expense.

Sales
Total sales increased $88.8$697.8 million, or 8.5%61.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Sales of variable annuities decreased $156.2$93.5 million, or 32.5%28.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to disruptions in the broader market driven by regulatory rule changes and the relative competitiveness of our product within the market. Sales of fixed annuities increased by $245.0$791.3 million, or 43.6%98.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to an increase in SPDA sales.


Stable Value Products
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES       
       
Net investment income$49,962
 $27,033
 $130,816
 $76,008
$59,420
 $49,962
 $159,391
 $130,816
Other income
 176
 
 176
37
 
 215
 
Total operating revenues49,962
 27,209
 130,816
 76,184
59,457
 49,962
 159,606
 130,816
Realized gains (losses)(29) 171
 2,047
 7,335
(129) (29) (662) 2,047
Total revenues49,933
 27,380
 132,863
 83,519
59,328
 49,933
 158,944
 132,863
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses19,121
 11,413
 51,074
 29,133
30,698
 19,121
 78,917
 51,074
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs607
 359
 1,613
 713
Amortization of DAC869
 607
 2,321
 1,613
Other operating expenses2,242
 737
 3,871
 2,012
764
 2,242
 2,170
 3,871
Total benefits and expenses21,970
 12,509
 56,558
 31,858
32,331
 21,970
 83,408
 56,558
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX27,963
 14,871
 76,305
 51,661
26,997
 27,963
 75,536
 76,305
Less: realized gains (losses)(29) 171
 2,047
 7,335
(129) (29) (662) 2,047
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$27,992
 $14,700
 $74,258
 $44,326
$27,126
 $27,992
 $76,198
 $74,258
The following table summarizes key data for the Stable Value Products segment: 
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
      
 
      
GIC$50,000
 $4,800
 $107,000
 $61,800
$27,000
 $50,000
 $37,000
 $107,000
GFA900,000
 650,000
 1,650,000
 1,550,000
350,000
 900,000
 1,150,000
 1,650,000
$950,000
 $654,800
 $1,757,000
 $1,611,800
$377,000
 $950,000
 $1,187,000
 $1,757,000
              
Average Account Values$4,184,418
 $2,928,148
 $3,947,056
 $2,524,249
$5,219,360
 $4,184,418
 $4,873,790
 $3,947,056
Ending Account Values$4,793,890
 $3,412,041
 $4,793,890
 $3,412,041
$5,211,668
 $4,793,890
 $5,211,668
 $4,793,890
              
Operating Spread 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Net investment income yield4.79% 3.71% 4.43% 4.08%4.57% 4.79% 4.37% 4.43%
Other income yield
 0.02
 
 0.01

 
 0.01
 
Interest credited1.83
 1.56
 1.73
 1.55
2.36
 1.83
 2.16
 1.73
Operating expenses0.28
 0.15
 0.18
 0.14
0.13
 0.28
 0.13
 0.18
Operating spread2.68% 2.02% 2.52% 2.40%2.08% 2.68% 2.09% 2.52%
         

    
Adjusted operating spread(2)
1.49% 1.82% 1.73% 1.78%1.39% 1.49% 1.52% 1.73%
              
(1) Sales are measured at the time the purchase payments are received.(2) Excludes participating mortgage loan income.

For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $28.0$27.1 million and increased $13.3decreased $0.9 million, or 90.4%3.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from an increase in average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.higher interest expenses. Participating mortgage income for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $12.4$9.0 million as compared to $1.3$12.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by 3310 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $74.3$76.2 million and increased $29.9$1.9 million, or 67.5%2.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in adjusted operating earnings primarily resulted from an increase inhigher average account values in addition to an increase in participating mortgage income.values. Participating mortgage income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, was $23.6$20.9 million as compared to $10.5$23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, decreased by five21 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, from the prior year, due primarily to an increase in credited interest.



Asset Protection
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Gross premiums and policy fees$84,955
 $73,696
 $258,760
 $218,866
$84,413
 $84,955
 $249,334
 $258,760
Reinsurance ceded(45,867) (42,411) (142,398) (123,494)(48,982) (45,867) (142,944) (142,398)
Net premiums and policy fees39,088
 31,285
 116,362
 95,372
35,431
 39,088
 106,390
 116,362
Net investment income7,043
 5,568
 20,100
 16,275
7,909
 7,043
 22,231
 20,100
Other income37,472
 32,453
 109,686
 89,394
35,818
 37,472
 104,726
 109,686
Realized gains (losses)
 (6) 
 (6)
Total operating revenues83,603
 69,306
 246,148
 201,041
79,158
 83,597
 233,347
 246,142
Realized gains (losses) - investments(6) 
 (6) 
Total revenues83,597
 69,306
 246,142
 201,041
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
    
Benefits and settlement expenses32,547
 27,316
 95,891
 79,597
29,093
 32,547
 87,042
 95,891
Amortization of DAC/VOBA4,081
 4,839
 13,072
 15,399
15,420
 4,081
 47,295
 13,072
Other operating expenses40,012
 31,696
 118,087
 89,829
26,616
 40,012
 77,597
 118,087
Total benefits and expenses76,640
 63,851
 227,050
 184,825
71,129
 76,640
 211,934
 227,050
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX6,957
 5,455
 19,092
 16,216
8,029
 6,957
 21,413
 19,092
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments(6) 
 (6) 
Less: realized gains (losses)
 (6) 
 (6)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME$6,963
 $5,455
 $19,098
 $16,216
$8,029
 $6,963
 $21,413
 $19,098
The following table summarizes key data for the Asset Protection segment: 
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Sales(1)
 
      
 
      
Credit insurance$3,880
 $5,444
 $11,759
 $16,975
$2,978
 $3,880
 $9,387
 $11,759
Service contracts120,736
 103,838
 350,892
 287,882
106,242
 109,118
 310,754
 317,176
GAP26,965
 27,413
 86,565
 79,508
17,632
 26,965
 50,874
 86,565
$151,581
 $136,695
 $449,216
 $384,365
$126,852
 $139,963
 $371,015
 $415,500
Loss Ratios(2)
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Credit insurance9.8% 33.5% 19.2% 32.9%30.1% 9.8% 26.8% 19.2%
Service contracts65.8
 84.9
 64.7
 79.7
63.0
 65.8
 60.0
 64.7
GAP121.8
 106.6
 120.5
 105.4
132.5
 121.8
 132.0
 120.5
              
(1) Sales are based on the amount of single premiums and fees received(2) Incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $7.0$8.0 million, representing an increase of $1.5$1.1 million, or 27.6%15.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $2.6$1.3 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and higher investment income. Earnings from the acquisition of US Warranty in the fourth quarter of 2016. CreditGAP and credit insurance

earnings increased $0.2 product lines both decreased $0.1 million primarily due to lower loss ratios. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $1.3 million primarily resulting fromvolume and higher loss ratios, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.losses.

Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased $7.8decreased $3.7 million, or 24.9%9.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Service contract premiums increased $4.4 million primarily due to the addition of US Warranty business, somewhat offset by higher ceded premiums in existing distribution channels.2017. GAP premiums increased $3.9decreased $4.0 million primarily due to higher premium rates on existing business and the addition of US Warranty business. Creditcredit insurance premiums decreased $0.5$0.4 million as a result of lower sales. This was partly offset by a small increase in service contract premiums of $0.8 million.
Other income
Other income increased $5.0decreased $1.7 million, or 15.5%4.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017. The change was primarily due to lower volume and the additionimpact of US Warranty businessan accounting change implemented in conjunction with the service contract and GAP lines.adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $5.2decreased $3.5 million, or 19.1%10.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. GAP claims increased $6.4decreased $3.7 million due to higher loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty. Credit insurance claims decreased $0.8 million due primarily to lower loss ratios and lower volume. Service contract claims decreased $0.4$0.1 million due to lower loss ratios, somewhat offset by the addition ofratios. Credit insurance claims from the US Warranty line.increased $0.4 million due to higher loss ratios.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA and Other operating expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA was $0.8increased $11.3 million or 15.7%, lowerand other operating expenses decreased $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017. The changes were primarily due to the impact of an accounting change implemented in conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Sales
Total segment sales decreased amortization of in-force VOBA in the GAP product line and lower volume in the credit product line. Other operating expenses were $8.3$13.1 million, or 26.2%9.4%, higher for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily2017. GAP sales decreased $9.3 million due to discontinuing the acquisition of US Warranty.
Sales
Total segment sales increased $14.9 million, or 10.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.relationship with a significant distribution partner. Service contract sales increased $16.9decreased $2.9 million due to lower volume resulting from the additional volume provided by US Warranty.impact of previous price increases. Credit insurance sales decreased $1.6$0.9 million due to decreasing demand for the product. GAP sales decreased $0.4 million due to lower production in existing distribution channels offset by sales from US Warranty.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income
Pre-tax adjusted operating income was $19.1$21.4 million, representing an increase of $2.9$2.3 million, or 17.8%12.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Service contract earnings increased $7.3$2.5 million primarily due to favorable loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty in the fourth quarter of 2016. Credit insurance earnings increased $0.5 million primarily due to lower loss ratios.higher investment income. Earnings from the GAP product line decreased $5.0increased $0.3 million primarily resulting fromdue to lower expenses. Credit insurance earnings decreased $0.4 million primarily due to lower volume and higher loss ratios, somewhat offset by additional income provided by US Warranty.losses.
Net premiums and policy fees
Net premiums and policy fees increased $21.0decreased $10.0 million, or 22.0%8.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. GAP premiums increased $12.1decreased $8.6 million primarily due to higher premium rates on existing business and the addition of US Warranty business. Service contract premiums increased $10.2 million primarily due to the addition of US Warranty business, somewhat offset by higher ceded premiums in existing distribution channels. Creditcredit insurance premiums decreased $1.3$2.0 million as a result of lower sales. This was partly offset by a small increase in service contract premiums of $0.6 million.
Other income
Other income increased $20.3decreased $5.0 million, or 22.7 %,4.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017. The change was primarily due to lower volume and the additionimpact of US Warranty businessan accounting change implemented in conjunction with the service contract and GAP lines.adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Benefits and settlement expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses increased $16.3decreased $8.8 million, or 20.5%9.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. GAP claims increased $19.4decreased $6.3 million due to higher loss ratios and the acquisition of US Warranty. Credit insurance claims decreased $1.6 million due primarily to lower loss ratios and lower volume. Service contract claims decreased $1.5$2.6 million primarily due to lower loss ratios, somewhat offset by the addition ofratios. Credit insurance claims from the US Warranty line.

increased $0.1 million due to higher loss ratios.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA and Other operating expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA was $2.3increased $34.2 million or 15.1%, lowerand other operating expenses decreased $40.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017. The changes were primarily due to the impact of an accounting change implemented in conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.
Sales
Total segment sales decreased amortization of in-force VOBA in the GAP product line and lower volume in the credit product line. Other operating expenses were $28.3$44.5 million, higheror 10.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily2017. GAP sales decreased $35.7 million due to discontinuing the acquisition of US Warranty.
Sales
Total segment sales increased $64.9 million, or 16.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.relationship with a significant distribution partner. Service contract sales increased $63.0decreased $6.4 million due to lower volume resulting from the additional volume provided by US Warranty. GAP sales increased $7.1 million due to higher sales in existing distribution channels and US Warranty.impact of previous price increases. Credit insurance sales decreased $5.2$2.4 million due to decreasing demand for the product.

Reinsurance
The majority of the Asset Protection segment’s reinsurance activity relates to the cession of single premium credit life and credit accident and health insurance, vehicle service contracts, and guaranteed asset protection insurance to producer affiliated reinsurance companies (“PARCs”). These arrangements are coinsurance contracts ceding the business on a first dollar quota share basis at 100% to limit our exposure and allow the PARCs to share in the underwriting income of the product. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us from our obligations to our policyholders. We also carry a catastrophic reinsurance policy for our GAP program. Losses incurred as a result of the recent hurricanes are covered under this policy. We believe losses from these catastrophes, net of reinsurance, will have an immaterial impact on our results of operations. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
Impact of Reinsurance
Reinsurance impacted the Asset Protection segment line items as shown in the following table:
Asset Protection Segment
Line Item Impact of Reinsurance
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Reinsurance ceded$(45,867) $(42,411) $(142,398) $(123,494)$(48,982) $(45,867) $(142,944) $(142,398)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses(24,290) (18,451) (62,818) (56,222)(21,291) (24,290) (63,085) (62,818)
Amortization of DAC/VOBA(804) (501) (2,298) (1,308)(1,012) (804) (2,977) (2,298)
Other operating expenses(845) (1,218) (3,126) (3,550)133
 (845) (1,154) (3,126)
Total benefits and expenses(25,939) (20,170) (68,242) (61,080)(22,170) (25,939) (67,216) (68,242)
NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE(1)
$(19,928) $(22,241) $(74,156) $(62,414)$(26,812) $(19,928) $(75,728) $(74,156)
              
(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially change the impact of reinsurance.
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Reinsurance premiums ceded increased $3.5$3.1 million, or 8.1%6.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ceded service contract premiums.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded increased $5.8decreased $3.0 million, or 31.6%12.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increasedecrease was primarily due to lower ceded losses in the GAP product line, as a result of Hurricane Harvey claims incurred in 2017 somewhat offset by higher ceded losses in the service contract product line and GAP product line.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $0.3$0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as the result of changes in ceded activity in all product lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $0.4$1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to2017, as a result of changes in ceded activity in all product lines.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment

income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Reinsurance premiums ceded increased $18.9 million, or 15.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ceded service contract and GAP premiums.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded increased $6.6 million, or 11.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher ceded losses in the GAP product line, somewhat offset by a decrease in ceded losses in the service contract and credit product line.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as the result of ceded activity in all product lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to ceded activity in all product lines.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Reinsurance premiums ceded increased $0.5 million, or 0.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ceded service contract premiums offset by declines in ceded GAP and credit premiums.
Benefits and settlement expenses ceded increased $0.3 million, or 0.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due to higher ceded losses in the service contract product line offset by lower ceded losses in the GAP product line as a result of Hurricane Harvey claims incurred in 2017.
Amortization of DAC and VOBA ceded increased $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as the result of changes in ceded activity in the service contract and credit product

lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of changes in ceded activity in all product lines.
Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which generally will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statement




Corporate and Other
Segment Results of Operations
Segment results were as follows:
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
REVENUES 
      
 
      
Gross premiums and policy fees$3,103
 $3,400
 $9,643
 $10,606
$3,014
 $3,103
 $9,171
 $9,643
Reinsurance ceded10
 (60) (72) (201)(3) 10
 (31) (72)
Net premiums and policy fees3,113
 3,340
 9,571
 10,405
3,011
 3,113
 9,140
 9,571
Net investment income51,988
 43,838
 157,482
 151,734
57,719
 51,988
 176,948
 157,482
Other income480
 2,653
 2,757
 10,541
733
 480
 2,884
 2,757
Total operating revenues55,581
 49,831
 169,810
 172,680
61,463
 55,581
 188,972
 169,810
Realized gains (losses) - investments(2,232) 1,418
 (6,430) (2,860)(1,667) (2,232) 5,624
 (6,430)
Realized gains (losses) - derivatives37
 473
 (1,338) 1,056
(33) 37
 (1,391) (1,338)
Total revenues53,386
 51,722
 162,042
 170,876
59,763
 53,386
 193,205
 162,042
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Benefits and settlement expenses4,261
 5,404
 11,074
 14,180
4,452
 4,261
 12,635
 11,074
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
 
 
Amortization of DAC/VOBA
 
 
 
Other operating expenses78,190
 74,201
 226,202
 218,731
76,948
 78,190
 234,750
 226,202
Total benefits and expenses82,451
 79,605
 237,276
 232,911
81,400
 82,451
 247,385
 237,276
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX(29,065) (27,883) (75,234) (62,035)(21,637) (29,065) (54,180) (75,234)
Less: realized gains (losses) - investments(2,232) 1,418
 (6,430) (2,860)(1,667) (2,232) 5,624
 (6,430)
Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives37
 473
 (1,338) 1,056
(33) 37
 (1,391) (1,338)
PRE-TAX ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)$(26,870) $(29,774) $(67,466) $(60,231)$(19,937) $(26,870) $(58,413) $(67,466)
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to The Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted2017. The decreased operating loss of $29.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in investment income due to an increase inhigher invested assetsasset balances and investment yields.
Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment increased $8.2 million, or 18.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to an increase in invested assetsdecreased interest and investment yields.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $2.9 million or 3.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to increases in corporate overhead expenses.

For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $67.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to an adjusted pre-tax operating loss of $60.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was attributable to a $7.8 million decrease in Other Income related to gains on the extinguishment of debt.

Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment increased $5.7 million, or 3.7%11.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in invested asset balances.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses decreased $1.1 million or 1.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to decreases in interest expense and corporate overhead expenses.
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018, as compared to The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Pre-tax adjusted operating income (loss)
Pre-tax adjusted operating loss was $58.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a pre-tax adjusted operating loss of $67.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decreased operating loss was primarily due to an increase in investment income due to higher invested asset balances, partially offset by an increase in overhead expenses.

Operating revenues
Net investment income for the segment increased $19.5 million, or 12.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to an increase in invested assets and investment yields.
Other income
Other income decreased $7.8 million or 73.8% due to decreases in the gains on the extinguishment of debt.asset balances.
Total benefits and expenses
Total benefits and expenses increased $4.4$10.1 million or 1.9%4.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to increases in interest expense and corporate overhead expenses.



CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS
As of September 30, 2017,2018, our investment portfolio was approximately $54.1$66.6 billion. The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state insurance laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity and capital needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure. We do not have material exposure to financial guarantee insurance companies with respect to our investment portfolio.
Within our fixed maturity investments, we maintain portfolios classified as “available-for-sale”, “trading”, and “held-to-maturity”. We purchase our available-for-sale investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, we may sell any of our available-for-sale and trading investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, we classified $38.1$49.9 billion, or 87.5%90.7%, of our fixed maturities as “available-for-sale” as of September 30, 2017.2018. These securities are carried at fair value on our consolidated condensed balance sheets. Changes in fair value for our available-for-sale portfolio, net of tax and the related impact on certain insurance assets and liabilities are recorded directly to shareowner’s equity. Declines in fair value that are other-than-temporary are recorded as realized losses in the consolidated condensed statements of income, net of any applicable non-credit component of the loss, which is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss).
Trading securities are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded on the income statement as they occur. Our trading portfolio accounted for $2.7$2.5 billion, or 6.2%4.5%, of our fixed maturities and $44.3$55.9 million of short-term investments as of September 30, 2017.2018. Changes in fair value on the Modco trading portfolios, including gains and losses from sales, are passed to third party reinsurers through the contractual terms of the related reinsurance arrangements. Partially offsetting these amounts are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement.
Fixed maturities with respect to which we have both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity”. We classified $2.7 billion, or 6.3%4.8%, of our fixed maturities as “held-to-maturity” as of September 30, 2017.2018. These securities are carried at amortized cost on our consolidated condensed balance sheets.
Fair values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) we obtain estimates from independent pricing services and 2) we estimate fair value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. We analyze the independent pricing services valuation methodologies and related inputs, including an assessment of the observability of market inputs. Upon obtaining this information related to fair value, management makes a determination as to the appropriate valuation amount. For more information about the fair values of our investments please refer to Note 5,6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the financial statements.
The following table presents the reported values of our invested assets:
As ofAs of
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2017 - $31,259,653; 2016 - $30,523,193)$30,942,595
 57.3% $29,184,566
 57.6%
Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2017 - $12,464,390; 2016 - $11,981,360)12,471,147
 23.1
 11,679,121
 23.0
Preferred stock (amortized cost: 2017 - $97,590; 2016 - $98,348)95,069
 0.2
 89,827
 0.3
Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2018 - $40,864,922; 2017 - $30,880,196)$39,105,287
 58.7% $30,860,541
 56.5%
Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2018 - $16,246,587; 2017 - $12,984,569)15,839,478
 23.8
 12,939,997
 23.7
Preferred stock (amortized cost: 2018 - $97,527; 2017 - $97,690)90,304
 0.1
 94,418
 0.1
Fixed maturities43,508,811
 80.6% 40,953,514
 80.9%55,035,069
 82.6% 43,894,956
 80.3%
Equity securities (cost: 2017 - $763,914; 2016 - $768,423)781,537
 1.4
 754,489
 1.5
Equity securities (cost: 2018 - $663,338; 2017 - $740,813)662,880
 1.0
 754,360
 1.4
Mortgage loans6,528,890
 12.1
 6,132,125
 12.1
7,572,349
 11.4
 6,817,723
 12.5
Investment real estate4,572
 
 8,060
 
7,147
 
 8,355
 
Policy loans1,625,960
 3.0
 1,650,240
 3.3
1,703,462
 2.6
 1,615,615
 3.0
Other long-term investments1,113,937
 2.1
 865,304
 1.7
1,051,719
 1.6
 915,595
 1.7
Short-term investments527,179
 0.8
 332,431
 0.5
532,053
 0.8
 615,210
 1.1
Total investments$54,090,886
 100.0% $50,696,163
 100.0%$66,564,679
 100.0% $54,621,814
 100.0%
Included in the preceding table are $2.7$2.5 billion and $2.6$2.7 billion of fixed maturities and $44.3$55.9 million and $52.6$56.3 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. All of the fixed maturities in the trading portfolio are invested assets that are held pursuant to Modco arrangements under which the economic risks and benefits of the investments are passed to third party reinsurers. Also included above are $2.7 billion and $2.8$2.7 billion of securities classified as held-to-maturity as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

Fixed Maturity Investments
As of September 30, 2017,2018, our fixed maturity investment holdings were approximately $43.5$55.0 billion. The approximate percentage distribution of our fixed maturity investments by quality rating is as follows: 
 As of As of
Rating September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA $5,640,828
 13.0% $5,241,698
 12.8% $6,666,135
 12.1% $5,740,115
 13.1%
AA 3,598,786
 8.3
 3,500,090
 8.5
 6,220,422
 11.3
 3,577,512
 8.2
A 13,622,604
 31.3
 12,748,585
 31.1
 17,970,336
 32.6
 13,969,721
 31.8
BBB 15,759,883
 36.1
 14,471,125
 35.4
 19,677,646
 35.8
 15,752,970
 35.9
Below investment grade 2,155,715
 5.0
 2,221,839
 5.4
 1,846,925
 3.4
 2,135,734
 4.8
Not rated(1)
 2,730,995
 6.3
 2,770,177
 6.8
 2,653,605
 4.8
 2,718,904
 6.2
 $43,508,811
 100.0% $40,953,514
 100.0% $55,035,069
 100.0% $43,894,956
 100.0%
                
(1) Our "not rated" securities are $2.7 billion or 6.3% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities ("VIE's") and are discussed in Note 4, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(1) Our “not rated” securities are $2.7 billion or 4.8% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and are discussed in Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(1) Our “not rated” securities are $2.7 billion or 4.8% of our fixed maturity investments, of held-to-maturity securities issued by affiliates of the Company which are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and are discussed in Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated condensed financial statements. We are not the primary beneficiary of these entities and thus these securities are not eliminated in consolidation. These securities are collateralized by non-recourse funding obligations issued by captive insurance companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
We use various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations’ (“NRSRO”) ratings when classifying securities by quality ratings. When the various NRSRO ratings are not consistent for a security, we use the second-highest convention in assigning the rating. When there are no such published ratings, we assign a rating based on the statutory accounting rating system if such ratings are available.
The distribution of our fixed maturity investments by type is as follows:
 As of As of
Type September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Corporate securities $31,164,109
 $28,996,154
 $38,591,577
 $31,400,193
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,454,316
 2,153,510
 3,669,142
 2,586,906
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,067,082
 1,961,153
 2,398,174
 2,036,626
Other asset-backed securities 1,333,280
 1,411,617
 1,565,905
 1,387,646
U.S. government-related securities 1,320,547
 1,295,120
 1,639,060
 1,250,486
Other government-related securities 318,403
 302,933
 572,611
 351,207
States, municipals, and political subdivisions 2,025,010
 1,973,022
 3,854,691
 2,068,570
Preferred stock 95,069
 89,828
Redeemable preferred stock 90,304
 94,418
Securities issued by affiliates 2,730,995
 2,770,177
 2,653,605
 2,718,904
Total fixed income portfolio $43,508,811
 $40,953,514
 $55,035,069
 $43,894,956

The industry segment composition of our fixed maturity securities is presented in the following table: 
As of
September 30, 2017
 
% Fair
Value
 As of
December 31, 2016
 
% Fair
Value
As of
September 30, 2018
 
% Fair
Value
 As of
December 31, 2017
 
% Fair
Value
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$4,381,478
 10.1% $3,857,746
 9.4%$5,291,659
 9.6% $4,301,821
 9.8%
Other finance79,836
 0.2
 83,895
 0.2
249,601
 0.5
 60,697
 0.1
Electric utility3,976,703
 9.1
 3,929,300
 9.6
4,595,009
 8.3
 3,977,035
 9.1
Energy3,964,819
 9.1
 3,897,950
 9.5
4,307,435
 7.8
 4,009,926
 9.1
Natural gas720,472
 1.6
 603,149
 1.5
793,423
 1.4
 736,626
 1.7
Insurance3,647,574
 8.4
 3,197,348
 7.8
4,000,538
 7.3
 3,689,572
 8.4
Communications1,709,392
 3.9
 1,654,630
 4.0
2,172,038
 3.9
 1,691,391
 3.9
Basic industrial1,623,790
 3.7
 1,536,879
 3.8
1,876,929
 3.4
 1,629,349
 3.7
Consumer noncyclical3,827,046
 8.8
 3,483,948
 8.5
5,300,850
 9.6
 3,816,011
 8.7
Consumer cyclical1,145,040
 2.6
 1,050,529
 2.6
1,827,971
 3.3
 1,232,991
 2.8
Finance companies146,817
 0.3
 139,050
 0.3
205,512
 0.4
 162,673
 0.4
Capital goods1,853,251
 4.3
 1,779,590
 4.3
2,748,746
 5.0
 1,910,950
 4.4
Transportation1,171,433
 2.7
 1,144,450
 2.8
1,681,872
 3.1
 1,210,272
 2.8
Other industrial224,436
 0.5
 200,605
 0.5
380,915
 0.7
 239,368
 0.5
Brokerage851,862
 2.0
 769,663
 1.9
1,004,397
 1.8
 921,295
 2.1
Technology1,785,981
 4.1
 1,551,826
 3.8
1,973,878
 3.6
 1,756,746
 4.0
Real estate83,513
 0.2
 122,058
 0.3
218,351
 0.4
 82,125
 0.2
Other utility65,735
 0.2
 83,366
 0.2
52,757
 0.3
 65,763
 0.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities2,067,082
 4.8
 1,961,153
 4.8
2,398,174
 4.4
 2,036,626
 4.6
Other asset-backed securities1,333,280
 3.1
 1,411,617
 3.4
1,565,905
 2.8
 1,387,646
 3.2
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities1,699,166
 3.9
 1,423,735
 3.5
2,830,950
 5.1
 1,861,883
 4.2
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities755,150
 1.7
 729,775
 1.8
838,192
 1.5
 725,023
 1.7
U.S. government-related securities1,320,547
 3.0
 1,295,120
 3.2
1,639,060
 3.0
 1,250,486
 2.8
Other government-related securities318,403
 0.7
 302,933
 0.7
572,611
 1.0
 351,207
 0.8
State, municipals, and political divisions2,025,010
 4.7
 1,973,022
 4.8
3,854,691
 7.0
 2,068,570
 4.7
Securities issued by affiliates2,730,995
 6.3
 2,770,177
 6.8
2,653,605
 4.8
 2,718,904
 6.2
Total$43,508,811
 100.0% $40,953,514
 100.0%$55,035,069
 100.0% $43,894,956
 100.0%
The total Modco trading portfolio fixed maturities by rating is as follows: 
 As of As of
Rating September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA $351,042
 $341,364
 $291,123
 11.8% $355,719
 13.4%
AA 293,864
 301,258
 300,647
 12.2
 277,984
 10.4
A 867,936
 849,286
 873,677
 35.3
 911,490
 34.2
BBB 927,524
 884,850
 830,729
 33.6
 890,101
 33.4
Below investment grade 240,713
 263,102
 175,580
 7.1
 228,895
 8.6
Total Modco trading fixed maturities $2,681,079
 $2,639,860
 $2,471,756
 100.0% $2,664,189
 100.0%
        
A portion of our bond portfolio is invested in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). ABS are securities that are backed by a pool of assets. These holdings as of September 30, 2017,2018, were approximately $5.9$7.6 billion. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are constructed from pools of mortgages and may have cash flow volatility as a result of changes in the rate at which prepayments of principal occur with respect to the underlying loans. Excluding limitations on access

to lending and other extraordinary economic conditions, prepayments of principal on the underlying loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in market interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates.

The following tables include the percentage of our collateral grouped by rating category and categorizes the estimated fair value by year of security origination for our Prime, Non-Prime, Commercial, and Other asset-backed securities as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
 As of September 30, 2017 As of September 30, 2018
 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total
 Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
 Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Rating $                                        
AAA $2,114.9
 $2,112.3
 $
 $
 $1,242.3
 $1,250.8
 $643.4
 $648.4
 $4,000.6
 $4,011.5
 $2,699.2
 $2,775.2
 $
 $
 $1,363.5
 $1,407.6
 $611.6
 $610.8
 $4,674.3
 $4,793.6
AA 1.6
 1.6
 
 
 534.7
 543.8
 115.2
 108.2
 651.5
 653.6
 1.9
 1.9
 
 
 537.3
 563.4
 197.3
 196.3
 736.5
 761.6
A 2.4
 2.4
 21.8
 22.0
 286.7
 287.5
 478.1
 476.5
 789.0
 788.4
 840.4
 864.6
 14.9
 14.9
 494.8
 506.5
 649.8
 653.8
 1,999.9
 2,039.8
BBB 1.7
 1.6
 3.0
 3.1
 3.4
 3.4
 19.8
 19.8
 27.9
 27.9
 3.2
 3.2
 1.2
 1.2
 2.6
 2.6
 63.9
 64.4
 70.9
 71.4
Below 96.5
 95.6
 212.4
 211.0
 
 
 76.8
 76.2
 385.7
 382.8
 25.2
 25.2
 83.1
 83.1
 
 
 43.3
 43.2
 151.6
 151.5
 $2,217.1
 $2,213.5
 $237.2
 $236.1
 $2,067.1
 $2,085.5
 $1,333.3
 $1,329.1
 $5,854.7
 $5,864.2
 $3,569.9
 $3,670.1
 $99.2
 $99.2
 $2,398.2
 $2,480.1
 $1,565.9
 $1,568.5
 $7,633.2
 $7,817.9
                                        
Rating %                                        
AAA 95.4% 95.4% % % 60.1% 60.0% 48.2% 48.8% 68.3% 68.4% 75.6% 75.5% % % 56.9% 56.8% 39.0% 38.9% 61.3% 61.4%
AA 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 25.9
 26.1
 8.6
 8.1
 11.1
 11.1
 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 22.4
 22.7
 12.6
 12.5
 9.6
 9.7
A 0.1
 0.1
 9.2
 9.3
 13.8
 13.7
 35.9
 35.9
 13.5
 13.4
 23.5
 23.6
 15.0
 15.0
 20.6
 20.4
 41.5
 41.7
 26.2
 26.1
BBB 0.1
 0.1
 1.3
 1.3
 0.2
 0.2
 1.5
 1.5
 0.5
 0.5
 0.1
 0.1
 1.2
 1.2
 0.1
 0.1
 4.1
 4.1
 0.9
 0.9
Below 4.3
 4.3
 89.5
 89.4
 
 
 5.8
 5.7
 6.6
 6.6
 0.7
 0.7
 83.8
 83.8
 
 
 2.8
 2.8
 2.0
 1.9
 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
                                        
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
2013 and prior $930.0
 $925.1
 $237.2
 $236.1
 $1,046.7
 $1,055.7
 $819.6
 $820.1
 $3,033.5
 $3,037.0
2014 197.5
 195.0
 
 
 239.5
 244.2
 31.8
 32.4
 468.8
 471.6
2014 and prior $1,122.3
 $1,147.1
 $99.2
 $99.2
 $1,509.9
 $1,555.2
 $815.7
 $813.7
 $3,547.1
 $3,615.2
2015 463.0
 462.6
 
 
 214.2
 212.0
 53.6
 52.2
 730.8
 726.8
 576.9
 591.4
 
 
 283.2
 291.1
 61.3
 61.4
 921.4
 943.9
2016 236.2
 240.8
 
 
 469.1
 475.7
 249.0
 246.1
 954.3
 962.6
 289.5
 303.7
 
 
 434.7
 458.5
 229.1
 230.5
 953.3
 992.7
2017 390.4
 390.0
 
 
 97.6
 97.9
 179.3
 178.3
 667.3
 666.2
 659.8
 691.4
 
 
 97.7
 102.3
 387.9
 390.7
 1,145.4
 1,184.4
2018 921.4
 936.5
 
 
 72.7
 73.0
 71.9
 72.2
 1,066.0
 1,081.7
Total $2,217.1
 $2,213.5
 $237.2
 $236.1
 $2,067.1
 $2,085.5
 $1,333.3
 $1,329.1
 $5,854.7
 $5,864.2
 $3,569.9
 $3,670.1
 $99.2
 $99.2
 $2,398.2
 $2,480.1
 $1,565.9
 $1,568.5
 $7,633.2
 $7,817.9
                                        
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities.

 As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017
 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total 
Prime(1)
 
Non-Prime(1)
 Commercial Other asset-backed Total
 Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
 Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value Cost
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Rating $                                        
AAA $1,767.5
 $1,779.9
 $
 $
 $1,167.9
 $1,186.7
 $727.3
 $732.6
 $3,662.7
 $3,699.2
 $2,264.2
 $2,268.0
 $
 $
 $1,258.2
 $1,271.1
 $591.5
 $590.5
 $4,113.9
 $4,129.6
AA 3.1
 3.1
 
 
 517.0
 532.9
 125.2
 117.8
 645.3
 653.8
 1.4
 1.4
 
 
 522.9
 533.6
 158.5
 150.1
 682.8
 685.1
A 2.8
 2.8
 0.5
 0.5
 266.5
 270.9
 426.4
 428.6
 696.2
 702.8
 1.1
 1.1
 15.9
 15.9
 252.2
 253.9
 512.9
 508.6
 782.1
 779.5
BBB 2.2
 2.2
 1.8
 1.9
 9.8
 9.8
 34.6
 34.7
 48.4
 48.6
 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
 1.5
 3.3
 3.3
 50.2
 49.6
 56.5
 55.9
Below 118.1
 117.9
 257.5
 260.1
 
 
 98.1
 96.9
 473.7
 474.9
 92.5
 92.1
 208.8
 209.0
 
 
 74.5
 73.7
 375.8
 374.8
 $1,893.7
 $1,905.9
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $1,961.2
 $2,000.3
 $1,411.6
 $1,410.6
 $5,526.3
 $5,579.3
 $2,360.7
 $2,364.1
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $2,036.6
 $2,061.9
 $1,387.6
 $1,372.5
 $6,011.1
 $6,024.9
                                        
Rating %                                        
AAA 93.3% 93.4% % % 59.6% 59.4% 51.5% 51.9% 66.3% 66.3% 95.9% 95.9% % % 61.7% 61.6% 42.6% 43.0% 68.4% 68.5%
AA 0.2
 0.2
 
 
 26.4
 26.6
 8.9
 8.4
 11.7
 11.7
 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 25.7
 25.9
 11.4
 10.9
 11.4
 11.4
A 0.1
 0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 13.5
 13.5
 30.2
 30.4
 12.6
 12.6
 
 
 7.0
 7.0
 12.4
 12.3
 37.0
 37.1
 13.0
 12.9
BBB 0.1
 0.1
 0.7
 0.7
 0.5
 0.5
 2.5
 2.5
 0.9
 0.9
 0.1
 0.1
 0.6
 0.6
 0.2
 0.2
 3.6
 3.6
 0.9
 0.9
Below 6.3
 6.2
 99.1
 99.1
 
 
 6.9
 6.8
 8.5
 8.5
 3.9
 3.9
 92.4
 92.4
 
 
 5.4
 5.4
 6.3
 6.3
 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
                                        
Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination
2012 and prior $845.2
 $845.2
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $825.5
 $837.1
 $828.7
 $828.9
 $2,759.2
 $2,773.7
2013 166.5
 168.0
 
 
 231.2
 235.7
 98.6
 98.8
 496.3
 502.5
2013 and prior $897.4
 $898.8
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $1,025.2
 $1,039.4
 $761.2
 $752.4
 $2,910.0
 $2,917.0
2014 205.0
 205.0
 
 
 238.2
 246.9
 168.4
 168.4
 611.6
 620.3
 203.8
 202.8
 
 
 239.0
 243.8
 31.2
 31.6
 474.0
 478.2
2015 461.2
 464.6
 
 
 210.9
 211.6
 66.2
 64.6
 738.3
 740.8
 456.4
 458.4
 
 
 213.7
 211.9
 29.4
 28.7
 699.5
 699.0
2016 215.8
 223.1
 
 
 455.4
 469.0
 249.7
 249.9
 920.9
 942.0
 237.0
 240.0
 
 
 456.2
 463.8
 232.9
 230.3
 926.1
 934.1
2017 566.1
 564.1
 
 
 102.5
 103.0
 332.9
 329.5
 1,001.5
 996.6
Total $1,893.7
 $1,905.9
 $259.8
 $262.5
 $1,961.2
 $2,000.3
 $1,411.6
 $1,410.6
 $5,526.3
 $5,579.3
 $2,360.7
 $2,364.1
 $226.2
 $226.4
 $2,036.6
 $2,061.9
 $1,387.6
 $1,372.5
 $6,011.1
 $6,024.9
                                        
(1) Included in Residential Mortgage-Backed securities
The majority of our RMBS holdings as of September 30, 2017,2018, were super senior or senior bonds in the capital structure. Our total non-agency portfolio has a weighted-average life of 10.1513.77 years. The following table categorizes the weighted-average life for our non-agency portfolio, by category of material holdings, as of September 30, 2017:2018: 
  Weighted-Average
Non-agency portfolio Life
Prime 10.8313.82
Alt-A 2.634.31
Sub-prime 2.273.17
Mortgage Loans
We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2017,2018, our mortgage loan holdings were approximately $6.5$7.6 billion. We have specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers and apartments. Our underwriting procedures relative to our commercial loan portfolio are based, in our view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. We concentrate on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, senior living, professional office buildings, and warehouses). We believe that these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which we have chosen not to participate. We believe this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout our history. The majority of our mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten and funded by us. From time to time, we may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.
Our commercial mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.

Certain of the mortgage loans have call options that occur within the next 1211 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, we may be unable to exercise the call options on our existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. As of September 30, 2017,2018, assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $54.7$80.7 million of principal would become due for the remainder of 2017, $976.22018, $933.4 million in 20182019 through 2022, $124.62023, $91.8 million in 20232024 through 2027,2028, and $9.9$1.9 million thereafter.
We offer a type of commercial mortgage loan under which we will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, approximately $715.2$757.0 million and $595.2$669.3 million, respectively, of our total mortgage loans principal balance have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, we recognized $9.5 million, $22.0 million, $14.2 million, $25.7 million, $3.3 million, and $15.8$25.7 million, respectively, of participating mortgage loan income.
We record mortgage loans net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that have indicators of potential impairment based on current information and events. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018, there were $1.1 million and $0.7 million of allowanceswas an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses, respectively.loss of $1.5 million and as of December 31, 2017, there was no allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. While our mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, as of September 30, 2017,2018, we estimated the fair value of our mortgage loans to be $6.5$7.3 billion (using an internal fair value model which calculates the value of most loans by using the loan'sloan’s discounted cash flows to the loan'sloan’s call or maturity date), which was approximately 0.63%3.13% less than the amortized cost, less any related loan loss reserve.
At the time of origination, our mortgage lending criteria targets that the loan-to-value ratio on each mortgage is 75% or less. We target projected rental payments from credit anchors (i.e., excluding rental payments from smaller local tenants) of 70% of the property’s projected operating expenses and debt service.
As of September 30, 2017, approximately $3.12018, $3.0 million of the Company’s invested assets consisted of nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured mortgage loans, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that would have been accounted for as troubled debt restructurings. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is reflected in our investment balance and in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we recognized twoone troubled debt restructuringsrestructuring as a result of the Company granting concessionsa concession to borrowersa borrower which included loan terms unavailable from other lenders. These concessions wereThis concession was the result of agreementsan agreement between the creditor and the debtor. Wedebtor, and we did not identify any loans whose principal was permanently impaired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.impaired.
Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: 1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and 2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreement. As of September 30, 2017, $3.12018, the Company held $3.0 million of mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement that were nonperforming mortgage loans, restructured, or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, none of the loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. We did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities.
It is our policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status.
Unrealized Gains and Losses — Available-for-Sale Securities
The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after September 30, 2017,2018, the balance sheet date. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. Management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including the expected cash to be collected and the intent, likelihood, and/or ability to hold the security until recovery. Consistent with our long-standing practice, we do not utilize a “bright line test” to determine other-than-temporary impairments. On a quarterly basis, we perform an analysis on every security with an unrealized loss to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis includes reviewing several metrics including collateral, expected cash flows, ratings, and liquidity. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain/(loss) position of the portfolio. We had an overall net unrealized loss of $295.2 million,$2.2 billion, prior to tax and the related impact of certain insurance assets and liabilities offsets, as of September 30, 2017,2018, and an overall net unrealized lossgain of $1.7 billion$36.0 million as of December 31, 2016.2017.

For fixed maturity and equity securities held that are in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below: 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days$5,243,594
 23.6% $5,279,722
 22.8% $(36,128) 4.2%$12,288,063
 28.5% $12,492,886
 27.5% $(204,823) 8.6%
>90 days but <= 180 days228,235
 1.0
 233,182
 1.0
 (4,947) 0.6
4,452,728
 10.3
 4,599,552
 10.1
 (146,824) 6.2
>180 days but <= 270 days266,193
 1.2
 274,333
 1.2
 (8,140) 0.9
8,210,371
 19.1
 8,646,353
 19.0
 (435,982) 18.4
>270 days but <= 1 year6,731,343
 30.3
 6,920,677
 29.9
 (189,334) 21.9
4,919,900
 11.4
 5,123,821
 11.3
 (203,921) 8.6
>1 year but <= 2 years792,490
 3.6
 831,757
 3.6
 (39,267) 4.5
5,810,729
 13.5
 6,251,848
 13.7
 (441,119) 18.6
>2 years but <= 3 years8,983,871
 40.3
 9,569,236
 41.5
 (585,365) 67.9
658,072
 1.5
 731,385
 1.6
 (73,313) 3.1
>3 years but <= 4 years
 
 
 
 
 
6,758,086
 15.7
 7,622,815
 16.8
 (864,729) 36.5
>4 years but <= 5 years
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
>5 years
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Total$22,245,726
 100.0% $23,108,907
 100.0% $(863,181) 100.0%$43,097,949
 100.0% $45,468,660
 100.0% $(2,370,711) 100.0%
The book valuerange of our investment portfolio was marked to fair valuematurity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position as of February 1, 2015,September 30, 2018, varies, with 20.6% maturing in conjunction withless than 5 years, 18.4% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 61.0% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the Dai-ichi Merger which resultedcredit rating of securities in the elimination of previouslyan unrealized gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive income. The level of interest ratesloss position as of February 1, 2015, resulted in an increase in the carrying value of our investments. Since February 1, 2015 interest rates have increased resulting in net unrealized losses in our investment portfolio.September 30, 2018:
S&P or Equivalent Fair % Fair Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Designation Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
  (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA/AA/A $26,377,955
 61.2% $27,634,843
 60.8% $(1,256,888) 53.0%
BBB 15,795,450
 36.7
 16,812,397
 37.0
 (1,016,947) 42.9
Investment grade 42,173,405
 97.9% 44,447,240
 97.8% (2,273,835) 95.9%
BB 606,890
 1.4
 658,511
 1.4
 (51,621) 2.1
B 192,470
 0.4
 222,174
 0.5
 (29,704) 1.3
CCC or lower 125,184
 0.3
 140,735
 0.3
 (15,551) 0.7
Below investment grade 924,544
 2.1% 1,021,420
 2.2% (96,876) 4.1%
Total $43,097,949
 100.0% $45,468,660
 100.0% $(2,370,711) 100.0%
As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Barclays Investment Grade Index was priced at 98101.8 bps versus a 10 year average of 178164.9 bps. Similarly, the Barclays High Yield Index was priced at 370333.5 bps versus a 10 year average of 656620.7 bps. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the five, ten, and thirty-year U.S. Treasury obligations were trading at levels of 1.9%3.0%, 2.3%3.1%, and 2.9%3.2%, as compared to 10 year averages of 1.7%1.6%, 2.6%2.5%, and 3.5%3.3%, respectively.
As of September 30, 2017, 93.1%2018, 95.9% of the unrealized loss was associated with securities that were rated investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and cash flows and expect that our investments will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms. Factors such as credit enhancements within the deal structures and the underlying collateral performance/characteristics support the recoverability of the investments. Based on the factors discussed, we do not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset/liability management, and liquidity requirements.
Expectations that investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions that a market participant would use in determining the current fair value. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such an event may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on our holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within our portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Expectations that our investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through our normal credit surveillance process. Although we do not anticipate such events, it is reasonably possible that issuers of our investments in corporate securities will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead us to recognize potential future write-downs within our portfolio of corporate securities. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead us to dispose of those certain holdings and recognize the effects of any such market movements in our financial statements.

As of September 30, 2017,2018, there were estimated gross unrealized losses of $1.6$0.3 million relatedrelated to our mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans.

We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all Gross unrealized losses in our securities in an unrealized loss position heldcollateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans as of September 30, 2017, is presented in2018, were primarily the following table:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$1,443,113
 6.5% $1,467,879
 6.4% $(24,766) 2.9%
Other finance65,241
 0.3
 68,219
 0.3
 (2,978) 0.3
Electric utility3,043,060
 13.7
 3,210,920
 13.9
 (167,860) 19.4
Energy1,597,682
 7.2
 1,682,342
 7.3
 (84,660) 9.8
Natural gas588,544
 2.6
 619,028
 2.7
 (30,484) 3.5
Insurance2,238,831
 10.1
 2,314,403
 10.0
 (75,572) 8.8
Communications1,195,917
 5.4
 1,273,219
 5.5
 (77,302) 9.0
Basic industrial722,518
 3.2
 756,203
 3.3
 (33,685) 3.9
Consumer noncyclical2,090,569
 9.4
 2,166,045
 9.4
 (75,476) 8.7
Consumer cyclical644,643
 2.9
 671,045
 2.9
 (26,402) 3.1
Finance companies27,413
 0.1
 29,411
 0.1
 (1,998) 0.2
Capital goods1,021,495
 4.6
 1,062,302
 4.6
 (40,807) 4.7
Transportation712,052
 3.2
 744,331
 3.2
 (32,279) 3.7
Other industrial151,884
 0.7
 161,350
 0.7
 (9,466) 1.1
Brokerage356,436
 1.6
 364,591
 1.6
 (8,155) 0.9
Technology606,798
 2.7
 629,082
 2.7
 (22,284) 2.6
Real estate35,526
 0.5
 35,851
 0.2
 (325) 
Other utility16,257
 0.1
 17,094
 0.1
 (837) 0.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,442,327
 6.5
 1,466,897
 6.3
 (24,570) 2.8
Other asset-backed securities372,844
 1.7
 386,332
 1.7
 (13,488) 1.6
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities798,758
 3.6
 811,727
 3.5
 (12,969) 1.5
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities334,309
 1.5
 338,687
 1.5
 (4,378) 0.6
U.S. government-related securities1,176,479
 5.3
 1,202,812
 5.2
 (26,333) 3.1
Other government-related securities128,539
 0.6
 135,374
 0.6
 (6,835) 0.8
States, municipals, and political divisions1,434,491
 6.0
 1,493,763
 6.3
 (59,272) 6.9
Total$22,245,726
 100.0% $23,108,907
 100.0% $(863,181) 100.0%
result of continued widening spreads, representing marketplace

We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securitiesuncertainty arising from higher defaults in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2016, is presented in the following table:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$3,106,898
 10.6% $3,214,957
 10.3% $(108,059) 5.8%
Other finance65,883
 0.2
 69,729
 0.2
 (3,846) 0.2
Electric utility3,412,425
 11.7
 3,727,811
 12.0
 (315,386) 16.9
Energy2,714,073
 9.3
 2,892,598
 9.3
 (178,525) 9.6
Natural gas542,654
 1.9
 593,355
 1.9
 (50,701) 2.7
Insurance2,864,965
 9.8
 3,101,797
 10.0
 (236,832) 12.7
Communications1,466,405
 5.0
 1,607,756
 5.2
 (141,351) 7.6
Basic industrial1,149,208
 3.9
 1,236,848
 4.0
 (87,640) 4.7
Consumer noncyclical2,636,679
 9.0
 2,822,430
 9.1
 (185,751) 10.0
Consumer cyclical770,269
 2.6
 814,406
 2.6
 (44,137) 2.4
Finance companies64,490
 0.2
 69,077
 0.2
 (4,587) 0.2
Capital goods1,393,935
 4.8
 1,480,205
 4.8
 (86,270) 4.6
Transportation954,836
 3.3
 1,018,546
 3.3
 (63,710) 3.4
Other industrial163,993
 0.6
 176,558
 0.6
 (12,565) 0.7
Brokerage516,318
 1.8
 550,112
 1.8
 (33,794) 1.8
Technology949,675
 3.2
 1,003,894
 3.2
 (54,219) 2.9
Real estate126,156
 0.5
 131,715
 0.4
 (5,559) 0.3
Other utility17,326
 0.1
 18,516
 0.1
 (1,190) 0.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,552,621
 5.3
 1,594,299
 5.1
 (41,678) 2.2
Other asset-backed securities500,497
 1.7
 521,195
 1.7
 (20,698) 1.1
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities965,399
 3.3
 985,142
 3.2
 (19,743) 1.1
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities265,996
 0.9
 271,920
 0.9
 (5,924) 0.3
U.S. government-related securities1,237,945
 4.2
 1,278,400
 4.1
 (40,455) 2.2
Other government-related securities177,805
 0.6
 192,602
 0.6
 (14,797) 0.8
States, municipals, and political divisions1,610,621
 5.5
 1,716,179
 5.4
 (105,558) 5.7
Total$29,227,072
 100.0% $31,090,047
 100.0% $(1,862,975) 100.0%

The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017, varies, with 14.8% maturing in less than 5 years, 16.0% maturing between 5Alt-A residential mortgage loans and 10 years, and 69.2% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating agency downgrades of securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2017:
S&P or Equivalent Fair % Fair Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Designation Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
  (Dollars In Thousands)
AAA/AA/A $13,657,954
 61.4% $14,097,720
 61.0% $(439,766) 50.9%
BBB 7,928,659
 35.6
 8,293,038
 35.8
 (364,379) 42.2
Investment grade 21,586,613
 97.0% 22,390,758
 96.8% (804,145) 93.1%
BB 355,087
 1.6
 381,427
 1.7
 (26,340) 3.1
B 220,235
 1.0
 249,675
 1.1
 (29,440) 3.4
CCC or lower 83,791
 0.4
 87,047
 0.4
 (3,256) 0.4
Below investment grade 659,113
 3.0% 718,149
 3.2% (59,036) 6.9%
Total $22,245,726
 100.0% $23,108,907
 100.0% $(863,181) 100.0%
collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, we held a total of 1,7424,367 positions that were in an unrealized loss position. Included in that amount were 89160 positions of below investment grade securities with a fair value of $659.1$924.5 million that were in an unrealized loss position. Total unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities were $59.0$96.9 million, $52.5$75.1 million of which had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. Below investment grade securities in an unrealized loss position were 1.2%1.4% of invested assets.
As of September 30, 2018, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 2.1% of the total fair value and 4.1% of the total unrealized loss. We have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. After a review of each security and its expected cash flows, we believe the decline in market value to be temporary.
The following table includes the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities as of September 30, 2017:2018:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days $124,880
 18.9% $127,411
 17.7% $(2,531) 4.3% $78,161
 8.5% $79,783
 7.8% $(1,622) 1.7%
>90 days but <= 180 days 23,503
 3.6
 24,306
 3.4
 (803) 1.4
 159,432
 17.2
 163,588
 16.0
 (4,156) 4.3
>180 days but <= 270 days 1,320
 0.2
 1,609
 0.2
 (289) 0.5
 108,841
 11.8
 113,244
 11.1
 (4,403) 4.5
>270 days but <= 1 year 57,566
 8.7
 60,461
 8.4
 (2,895) 4.9
 144,924
 15.7
 156,557
 15.3
 (11,633) 12.0
>1 year but <= 2 years 15,142
 2.3
 15,742
 2.2
 (600) 1.0
 47,378
 5.1
 55,129
 5.4
 (7,751) 8.0
>2 years but <= 3 years 436,702
 66.3
 488,620
 68.1
 (51,918) 87.9
 22,560
 2.4
 25,626
 2.5
 (3,066) 3.2
>3 years but <= 4 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 363,248
 39.3
 427,493
 41.9
 (64,245) 66.3
>4 years but <= 5 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
>5 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $659,113
 100.0% $718,149
 100.0% $(59,036) 100.0% $924,544
 100.0% $1,021,420
 100.0% $(96,876) 100.0%


We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of September 30, 2018, is presented in the following table:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$4,288,394
 10.0% $4,441,327
 9.8% $(152,933) 6.5%
Other finance188,468
 0.4
 194,528
 0.4
 (6,060) 0.3
Electric utility4,231,718
 9.8
 4,589,511
 10.1
 (357,793) 14.9
Energy2,944,126
 6.8
 3,100,929
 6.8
 (156,803) 6.6
Natural gas752,141
 1.7
 815,649
 1.8
 (63,508) 2.7
Insurance3,406,174
 7.9
 3,642,084
 8.0
 (235,910) 10.0
Communications1,818,946
 4.2
 1,976,716
 4.3
 (157,770) 6.7
Basic industrial1,411,472
 3.3
 1,495,431
 3.3
 (83,959) 3.5
Consumer noncyclical4,468,834
 10.4
 4,762,867
 10.5
 (294,033) 12.4
Consumer cyclical1,473,057
 3.4
 1,555,738
 3.4
 (82,681) 3.5
Finance companies110,197
 0.3
 115,677
 0.3
 (5,480) 0.2
Capital goods2,467,027
 5.7
 2,594,789
 5.7
 (127,762) 5.4
Transportation1,541,111
 3.6
 1,623,942
 3.6
 (82,831) 3.5
Other industrial335,588
 0.8
 353,691
 0.8
 (18,103) 0.8
Brokerage767,963
 1.8
 805,167
 1.8
 (37,204) 1.6
Technology1,297,704
 3.0
 1,362,698
 3.0
 (64,994) 2.7
Real estate131,481
 0.3
 133,696
 0.3
 (2,215) 0.1
Other utility52,760
 0.1
 54,615
 
 (1,855) 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities2,199,956
 5.1
 2,282,019
 5.0
 (82,063) 3.5
Other asset-backed securities771,803
 1.8
 788,185
 1.7
 (16,382) 0.7
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities2,504,841
 5.8
 2,585,397
 5.7
 (80,556) 3.4
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities734,473
 1.7
 759,867
 1.7
 (25,394) 1.1
U.S. government-related securities1,564,389
 3.6
 1,637,196
 3.6
 (72,807) 3.1
Other government-related securities367,991
 0.9
 389,679
 0.9
 (21,688) 0.9
States, municipals, and political divisions3,267,335
 7.6
 3,407,262
 7.5
 (139,927) 5.9
Total$43,097,949
 100.0% $45,468,660
 100.0% $(2,370,711) 100.0%

We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2017, is presented in the following table:
 
Fair
Value
 
% Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
% Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
% Unrealized
Loss
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Banking$1,733,309
 8.0% $1,758,549
 7.9% $(25,240) 3.7%
Other finance54,454
 0.3
 58,198
 0.3
 (3,744) 0.5
Electric utility3,111,719
 14.3
 3,242,952
 14.5
 (131,233) 19.2
Energy1,397,312
 6.4
 1,458,690
 6.5
 (61,378) 9.0
Natural gas604,431
 2.8
 624,203
 2.8
 (19,772) 2.9
Insurance1,697,233
 7.8
 1,743,140
 7.8
 (45,907) 6.7
Communications1,238,082
 5.7
 1,303,264
 5.8
 (65,182) 9.6
Basic industrial581,249
 2.7
 603,248
 2.7
 (21,999) 3.2
Consumer noncyclical2,016,112
 9.3
 2,077,552
 9.3
 (61,440) 9.0
Consumer cyclical630,915
 2.9
 651,415
 2.9
 (20,500) 3.0
Finance companies39,710
 0.2
 40,581
 0.2
 (871) 0.1
Capital goods1,121,919
 5.2
 1,146,545
 5.1
 (24,626) 3.6
Transportation791,776
 3.6
 812,358
 3.6
 (20,582) 3.0
Other industrial174,797
 0.8
 185,701
 0.8
 (10,904) 1.6
Brokerage380,331
 1.8
 384,860
 1.7
 (4,529) 0.7
Technology576,855
 2.7
 598,112
 2.7
 (21,257) 3.1
Real estate43,096
 0.2
 43,610
 0.2
 (514) 0.1
Other utility46,731
 0.1
 47,514
 0.2
 (783) 0.3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,553,928
 7.2
 1,584,114
 7.1
 (30,186) 4.4
Other asset-backed securities220,822
 1.0
 226,586
 1.0
 (5,764) 0.8
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities822,794
 3.8
 838,846
 3.7
 (16,052) 2.4
Residential mortgage-backed agency securities360,025
 1.7
 367,006
 1.6
 (6,981) 1.0
U.S. government-related securities1,166,342
 5.4
 1,198,519
 5.4
 (32,177) 4.7
Other government-related securities140,124
 0.6
 145,071
 0.6
 (4,947) 0.7
States, municipals, and political divisions1,198,015
 5.5
 1,243,628
 5.6
 (45,613) 6.7
Total$21,702,081
 100.0% $22,384,262
 100.0% $(682,181) 100.0%


Risk Management and Impairment Review
We monitor the overall credit quality of our portfolio within established guidelines. The following table includes our available-for-sale fixed maturities by credit rating as of September 30, 2017:2018: 
   Percent of   Percent of
Rating Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value
 (Dollars In Thousands)   (Dollars In Thousands)  
AAA $5,289,786
 13.9% $6,375,012
 12.8%
AA 3,304,923
 8.7
 5,919,775
 11.9
A 12,754,667
 33.5
 17,096,659
 34.3
BBB 14,832,359
 38.9
 18,846,917
 37.7
Investment grade 36,181,735
 95.0
 48,238,363
 96.7
BB 1,369,259
 3.6
 1,202,041
 2.4
B 301,762
 0.8
 283,471
 0.6
CCC or lower 243,981
 0.6
 185,833
 0.3
Below investment grade 1,915,002
 5.0
 1,671,345
 3.3
Total $38,096,737
 100.0% $49,909,708
 100.0%
Not included in the table above are $2.4$2.3 billion of investment grade and $240.7$175.6 million of below investment grade fixed maturities classified as trading securities and $2.7 billion of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity.
Limiting bond exposure to any creditor group is another way we manage credit risk. We held no credit default swaps on the positions listed below as of September 30, 2017.2018. The following table summarizes our ten largest fixed maturity exposures to an individual creditor group as of September 30, 2017:2018: 
  Fair Value of  
  Funded Unfunded Total
Creditor Securities Exposures Fair Value
  (Dollars In Millions)
Federal Home Loan Bank $230.3
 $
 $230.3
The Southern Co 215.7
 
 215.7
Duke Energy Corp 207.3
 
 207.3
AT&T Inc 206.7
 
 206.7
JPMorgan Chase & Co 199.5
 6.6
 206.1
Wells Fargo & Co 200.3
 
 200.3
Morgan Stanley 199.5
 
 199.5
Goldman Sachs Group Inc 197.3
 
 197.3
Exelon Corp 196.7
 
 196.7
HSBC Holdings PLC 195.3
 
 195.3
Total $2,048.6
 $6.6
 $2,055.2
  Fair Value of  
  Funded Unfunded Total
Creditor Securities Exposures Fair Value
  (Dollars In Millions)
AT&T Inc. $325.5
 $
 $325.5
Federal Home Loan Bank 320.2
 
 320.2
Wells Fargo & Co. 258.3
 0.7
 259.0
Berkshire Hathaway 254.4
 
 254.4
Duke Energy Corp. 245.4
 
 245.4
Morgan Stanley 236.3
 
 236.3
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. 226.7
 
 226.7
Bank of America Corp. 224.6
 1.7
 226.3
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 217.2
 7.7
 224.9
Exelon Corp. 223.0
 
 223.0
Total $2,531.6
 $10.1
 $2,541.7
Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. We review our positions on a monthly basis for possible credit concerns and review our current exposure, credit enhancement, and delinquency experience.
Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Since it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including RMBS, CMBS, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), GAAP requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the expected cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon

new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.
Securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We consider a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, along with an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows. Based on our analysis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we recognized approximately $0.3$3.7 million and $10.9 million, respectively, of credit related impairments on investment securities in an unrealized loss position that were other-than-temporarily impaired resulting in a charge to earnings.
There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in fair values are other-than-temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud, and legislative actions. We continuously monitor these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment.
We have deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. We have reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believe that there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Certain European countries have experienced varying degrees of financial stress, which could have a detrimental impact on regional or global economic conditions and on sovereign and non-sovereign obligations. The chart shown below includes our non-sovereign fair value exposures in these countries as of September 30, 2017.2018. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had no material unfunded exposure and had no material direct sovereign exposure. 
     Total Gross     Total Gross
 Non-sovereign Debt Funded Non-sovereign Debt Funded
Financial Instrument and Country Financial Non-financial Exposure Financial Non-financial Exposure
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
United Kingdom $623.4
 $768.5
 $1,391.9
 $771.1
 $935.3
 $1,706.4
France 301.3
 392.9
 694.2
Netherlands 227.6
 249.0
 476.6
 301.0
 271.5
 572.5
France 134.4
 226.5
 360.9
Germany 114.7
 387.3
 502.0
Switzerland 220.3
 112.2
 332.5
 296.7
 199.2
 495.9
Germany 149.9
 150.4
 300.3
Spain 22.7
 228.2
 250.9
 50.6
 262.9
 313.5
Belgium 
 202.9
 202.9
 
 185.5
 185.5
Sweden 129.1
 20.6
 149.7
Norway 
 99.3
 99.3
 4.0
 135.6
 139.6
Luxembourg 
 61.3
 61.3
Ireland 
 58.2
 58.2
 40.2
 85.9
 126.1
Italy 
 41.3
 41.3
 9.9
 113.9
 123.8
Finland 110.6
 
 110.6
Luxembourg 
 69.1
 69.1
Sweden 40.9
 15.3
 56.2
Denmark 31.1
 
 31.1
Portugal 
 22.8
 22.8
Austria 
 11.9
 11.9
Total securities 1,507.4
 2,218.4
 3,725.8
 2,072.1
 3,089.1
 5,161.2
Derivatives:  
  
  
  
  
  
Germany 41.4
 
 41.4
 19.1
 
 19.1
United Kingdom 12.5
 
 12.5
 18.3
 
 18.3
Switzerland 3.9
 
 3.9
 3.0
 
 3.0
France 1.7
 
 1.7
 2.7
 
 2.7
Total derivatives 59.5
 
 59.5
 43.1
 
 43.1
Total securities $1,566.9
 $2,218.4
 $3,785.3
 $2,115.2
 $3,089.1
 $5,204.3

Realized Gains and Losses
The following table sets forth realized investment gains and losses for the periods shown: 
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturity gains - sales$1,933
 $3,223
 $14,968
 $30,703
Fixed maturity losses - sales(891) (1,558) (4,486) (6,587)
Equity gains - sales
 
 
 320
Equity losses - sales(352) 
 (1,398) (284)
Impairments(273) (3,308) (10,889) (6,892)
Modco trading portfolio19,399
 23,995
 93,181
 178,353
Other(1,939) (1,508) (7,557) (7,842)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments$17,877
 $20,844
 $83,819
 $187,771
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
  
  
  
Interest rate futures - VA$549
 $(7,002) $16,746
 $62,065
Equity futures - VA(25,959) (41,836) (75,389) (66,392)
Currency futures - VA(6,092) 934
 (22,366) 5,888
Equity options - VA(23,307) (36,482) (76,376) (23,410)
Interest rate swaptions - VA(292) (229) (2,423) (3,212)
Interest rate swaps - VA5,342
 14,737
 31,331
 221,884
Total return swaps - VA(8,057) 
 (9,675) 
Embedded derivative - GLWB740
 90,954
 (15,904) (246,299)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(57,076) 21,076
 (154,056) (49,476)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - FIA(18,606) (14,486) (40,351) (15,938)
Equity futures - FIA66
 2,236
 161
 4,269
Volatility futures - FIA
 
 
 
Equity options - FIA11,242
 6,583
 29,511
 1,756
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts(7,298) (5,667) (10,679) (9,913)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative - IUL(297) 7,136
 (10,958) 6,302
Equity futures - IUL58
 101
 (878) (71)
Equity options - IUL1,975
 1,607
 6,437
 1,821
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts1,736
 8,844
 (5,399) 8,052
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties(19,746) (24,187) (90,314) (105,362)
Other derivatives43
 50
 41
 (50)
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(82,341) $116
 $(260,407) $(156,749)
 For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands)
Fixed maturity gains - sales$3,410
 $1,933
 $21,596
 $14,968
Fixed maturity losses - sales(5,428) (891) (15,292) (4,486)
Equity gains and losses(6,638) (352) (16,466) (1,398)
Impairments on fixed maturity securities(14) 
 (3,664) (2,630)
Impairments on equity securities
 (273) 
 (8,259)
Modco trading portfolio(10,901) 19,399
 (148,427) 93,181
Other(312) (1,939) 1,519
 (7,557)
Total realized gains (losses) - investments$(19,883) $17,877
 $(160,734) $83,819
Derivatives related to VA contracts: 
  
  
  
Interest rate futures$2,111
 $549
 $(13,229) $16,746
Equity futures(5,733) (25,959) (23,025) (75,389)
Currency futures3,410
 (6,092) 7,890
 (22,366)
Equity options(21,206) (23,307) (47,406) (76,376)
Interest rate swaptions
 (292) (14) (2,423)
Interest rate swaps(41,288) 5,342
 (131,147) 31,331
Total return swaps(32,343) (8,057) (35,908) (9,675)
Embedded derivative - GLWB57,706
 740
 149,552
 (15,904)
Total derivatives related to VA contracts(37,343) (57,076) (93,287) (154,056)
Derivatives related to FIA contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative(14,360) (18,606) (7,957) (40,351)
Equity futures(388) 66
 (716) 161
Equity options18,474
 11,242
 21,203
 29,511
Total derivatives related to FIA contracts3,726
 (7,298) 12,530
 (10,679)
Derivatives related to IUL contracts: 
  
  
  
Embedded derivative(9,535) (297) (877) (10,958)
Equity futures(1) 58
 135
 (878)
Equity options4,928
 1,975
 5,764
 6,437
Total derivatives related to IUL contracts(4,608) 1,736
 5,022
 (5,399)
Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties10,811
 (19,746) 138,652
 (90,314)
Other derivatives(51) 43
 (58) 41
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives$(27,465) $(82,341) $62,859
 $(260,407)
Realized gains and losses on investments reflect portfolio management activities designed to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities and to enhance long-term investment portfolio performance. The change in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairments and Modco trading portfolio activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, primarily reflects the normal operation of our asset/liability program within the context of the changing interest rate and spread environment, as well as tax planning strategies designed to utilize capital loss carryforwards.environment.

Realized losses are comprised of other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. These other-than-temporary impairments resulted from our analysis of circumstances and our belief that credit events, loss severity, changes in credit enhancement, and/or other adverse conditions of the respective issuers have caused, or will lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to these investments. These other-than-temporary impairments are presented in the chart below: 
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
For The
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Alt-A MBS$
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
 $
Other MBS6
 155
 44
 162
14
 6
 50
 44
Corporate securities
 3,153
 7,948
 6,730

 
 3,614
 7,948
Equities
 
 2,630
 

 
 
 2,630
Other267
 
 267
 

 267
 
 267
Total$273
 $3,308
 $10,889
 $6,892
$14
 $273
 $3,664
 $10,889
As previously discussed, management considers several factors when determining other-than-temporary impairments. Although we purchase securities with the intent to hold them until maturity, we may change our position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with our classification of all but a specific portion of our investment portfolio as available-for-sale. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $121.5of $380.5 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss, and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:
Proceeds % Proceeds Realized Loss % Realized LossProceeds % Proceeds Realized Loss % Realized Loss
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
<= 90 days$33,154
 27.3% $(2,872) 48.8%$286,478
 75.3% $(6,509) 42.5%
>90 days but <= 180 days25,614
 21.1
 (225) 3.8
67,310
 17.7
 (6,812) 44.5
>180 days but <= 270 days5,888
 4.8
 (173) 2.9
1,582
 0.4
 (102) 0.7
>270 days but <= 1 year14,560
 12.0
 (524) 8.9
1,843
 0.5
 (73) 0.5
>1 year42,234
 34.8
 (2,090) 35.6
23,280
 6.1
 (1,796) 11.8
Total$121,450
 100.0% $(5,884) 100.0%$380,493
 100.0% $(15,292) 100.0%
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $37.2$122.3 million and $121.5 million, respectively.$380.5 million. The losses realized on the sale of these securities were $1.2$5.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively.$15.3 million. We made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with our overall asset asset/liability management process.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value of $121.5$306.6 million and $566.1 million, respectively.$914.9 million. The gains realized on the sale of these securities were $1.9$3.4 million and $15.0$21.6 million respectively.
The $1.9$0.3 million of other realized losses recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2017, consisted2018, included $0.5 million of an increase inrealized losses associated with our mortgage loan reservesportfolio and partnership gains of $1.9 million.$0.2 million, respectively.
The $7.6$1.5 million of other realized lossesgains recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, consisted2018, included $1.9 million of an increase inrealized gains associated with our mortgage loan reservesportfolio, partnership gains of $7.0$0.3 million, partnershipfixed asset losses of $0.4$0.1 million, and real estate losses of $0.1 million.$0.6 million, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, net gainslosses of $19.4$10.9 million and $93.2$148.4 million, primarily related to changes in fair value on our Modco trading portfolios, were included in realized gains and losses. Of the $93.2$148.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, approximately $1.7$8.3 million of losses were realized through the sale of certain securities, which will be returned to us from our reinsurance partners over time through the reinsurance settlement process for this block of business.
The Modco embedded derivative associated with the trading portfolios had realized pre-tax lossesgains of $19.7$10.8 million and $90.3$138.7 million million, respectively,, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018. The lossesgains during the three andmonths ended September 30, 2018, were due to credit spreads tightening which were more than offset by treasury yields increasing. The gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, were due to the tightening of credit spreads widening and lower treasury yields.yields increasing.
Realized investment gains and losses related to derivatives represent changes in their fair value during the period and termination gains/(losses) on those derivatives that were closed during the period.
We use various derivative instruments to manage risks related to certain life insurance and annuity products. We can use these derivatives as economic hedges against risks inherent in the products. These risks have a direct impact on the cost of these products and are correlated with the equity markets, interest rates, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility. The hedged risks are recorded through the recognition of embedded derivatives associated with the products. These products include the GLWB

rider associated with the variable annuity, fixed indexed annuity products as well as indexed universal life products. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we experienced net realized losses on derivatives related to VA contracts of

approximately $57.1 $37.3 million and $154.1$93.3 million respectively. These net losses on derivatives related to VA contracts were affected by capital market impacts, as well as updates to certain policyholderchanges in our non-performance risk, unlocking of assumptions, and variations in actual sub-account fund performance from the indices included in our hedging program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.
We also use various swaps and other types of derivatives to mitigate risk related to other exposures. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, these contracts generated immaterial gains.losses of $0.1 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Holding Company
Overview
Our primary sources of funding are dividends from our operating subsidiaries; revenues from investment management, data processing, legal, and management services rendered to subsidiaries; investment income; and external financing. These sources of cash support our general corporate needs including our common stock dividends and debt service.We expect to use a portion of our positive cash flow fromfrom operations to pay dividends to our parent, Dai-ichi Life. We paid a $143.8 $140.0 million dividend during thenine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, and do not expect to pay a dividend for the remainder of 2017.2018.
The states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled impose certain restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay us dividends. These restrictions are based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and/or surplus. Generally, these restrictions pose no short-term liquidity concerns. We plan to retain portions of the earnings of our insurance subsidiaries in those companies primarily to support their future growth.
Debt and other capital resources
Our primary sources of capital are through retained income from our operating subsidiaries, capital infusions from our parent, Dai-ichi Life, as well as our ability to access debt financing markets. Additionally, we have access to the Credit Facility discussed below.
On May 3, 2018, we amended the Credit Facility (as amended the “Credit Facility”). We have the ability to borrow under a Credit Facility arrangement on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. We have the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.25$1.5 billion. We are not aware of any non-compliance with the financial debt covenants of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.2018. There was anno outstanding balance of $170.0 million bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00% as of September 30, 2017.2018.
Liquidity
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet its needs. We meet our liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from our operating subsidiaries. Primary sources of cash from the operating subsidiaries are premiums, deposits for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, and investment income. Primary uses of cash include benefit payments, withdrawals from policyholder accounts, investment purchases, policy acquisition costs, interest payments, and other operating expenses. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our cash needs under normal operating scenarios.
In the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond our normal liquidity needs, we have additional sources of liquidity available depending on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These additional sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, the sale of liquid assets, accessing our credit facility, and other sources described herein. Our decision to sell investment assets could be impacted by accounting rules, including rules relating to the likelihood of a requirement to sell securities before recovery of our cost basis. Under stressful market and economic conditions, liquidity may broadly deteriorate, which could negatively impact our ability to sell investment assets. If we require on short notice significant amounts of cash in excess of normal requirements, we may have difficulty selling investment assets in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.
The liquidity requirements of our regulated insurance subsidiaries primarily relate to the liabilities associated with their various insurance and investment products, operating expenses, and income taxes. Liabilities arising from insurance and investment products include the payment of policyholder benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders and withdrawals, policy loans, and obligations to redeem funding agreements.agreements.

Our insurance subsidiaries maintain investment strategies intended to provide adequate funds to pay benefits and expected surrenders, withdrawals, loans, and redemption obligations without forced sales of investments. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries hold highly liquid, high-quality short-term investment securities and other liquid investment grade fixed maturity securities to fund our expected operatingoperating expenses, surrenders, and withdrawals. As of September September��30, 2017,2018, our total cash and invested assets were $54.3$66.8 billion. The life insurance subsidiaries were committed as of September 30, 2017,2018, to fund mortgage loans in the amount of $672.8$825.6 million.
Our positive cash flows from operations are used to fund an investment portfolio that provides for future benefit payments. We employ a formal asset/liability program to manage the cash flows of our investment portfolio relative to our long-term benefit obligations.

The holding company held $96.3$146.5 million of cash and short-term investments, and our insurance subsidiaries held approximately $622.3$527.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2017.

2018.
The following chart includes the cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing, and financing activities for the following periods:
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 For The
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $(7,762) $355,370
Net cash used in investing activities (1,948,618) (3,558,298)
Net cash used in provided by operating activities $(201,414) $(7,762)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,516,715) (1,948,618)
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,865,760
 3,428,200
 1,660,279
 1,865,760
Total $(90,620) $225,272
 $(57,850) $(90,620)
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities - Cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums received, investment income, and benefits and expenses paid. Principal sources of cash inflows from operating activities include sales of our products and services as well as income from investments. We typically generate positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums collected from our insurance products exceed benefit payments and surrenders, and we invest the excess. Due to the nature of our business and the fact that many of the products we sell produce financing and investing cash flows, it is important to consider cash flows generated by investing and financing activities in conjunction with those generated by operating activities.activities.
Net cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activities - Changes in cash from investing activities primarily related to the activity in our investment portfolio.
Net cash provided by financing activities - Changes in cash from financing activities included $198.2$503.3 million of outflows from secured financing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to the $218.7$198.2 million of outflows for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and $2.2$2.1 billion inflows of investment product and universal life net activity as compared to $1.8$2.2 billion in the prior year. Net activity related to credit facilitythe Credit Facility resulted in inflows of $40.9$317.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $153.1$40.9 million of outflowsinflows for nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Net repayment of non-recourse funding obligations equaled $100.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $36.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to net issuances of $2.1 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The Company paid a dividend during the nine month period ended September 30, 20172018 of $143.8$140.0 million, as compared to a dividend of $89.3$143.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.
Through our subsidiaries, we are members of the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FHLB of New York. FHLB advances provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the sale of funding agreements. Membership in the FHLB requires that we purchase FHLB capital stock based on a minimum requirement and a percentage of the dollar amount of advances outstanding. Our borrowing capacity is determined by criteria established by each respective bank. In addition, our obligations under the advances must be collateralized. We maintain control over any such pledged assets, including the right of substitution. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had $595.8$550.9 million of funding agreement-related advances and accrued interest outstanding under the FHLB program.
While we anticipate that the cash flows of our operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet our investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, we recognize that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, we have established repurchase agreement programs for certain of our insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. We expect that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, we may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are typically for a term less than 90 days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities, and the agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $549.8$457.5 million and the repurchase obligation of $493.8$417.1 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 118223 basis points). During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $427.5 million. The average daily balance was $225.9 million (at an average borrowing rate of 208 basis points) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $1,006.6 million and the repurchase obligation of $885.0 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 142 basis points). During 2017, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $981.3$988.5 million. The average daily balance was $546.2$624.7 million (at an average borrowing rate of 89 basis points) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $861.7 million and the repurchase obligation of $797.7 million was included in our consolidated condensed balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 65 basis points). During 2016, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $1,065.8 million. The average daily balance was $505.4 million (at an average borrowing rate of 44101 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
We participate in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned out to third parties for short periods of time. We require initial collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored on a daily basis. As of September 30, 2017,2018, securities with a market value of $100.2$92.0 million were loaned under this program. As collateral for the loaned securities, we receive short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability

recorded in “other liabilities” to account for its obligation to return the collateral. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of the

collateral related to this program was $105.8$97.3 million and we have an obligation to return $105.8$97.3 million of collateral to the securities borrowers.
Additionally, we may, from time to time, sell short-duration stable value products to complement our cash management practices. Depending on market conditions, we may also use securitization transactions involving our commercial mortgage loans to increase liquidity for the operating subsidiaries.
Statutory Capital
A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the NAIC, as modified by state law. Generally speaking, other states in which a company does business defer to the interpretation of the domiciliary state with respect to NAIC rules, unless inconsistent with the other state’s regulations. Statutory accounting rules are different from GAAP and are intended to reflect a more conservative view, for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The achievement of long-term growth will require growth in the statutory capital of our insurance subsidiaries. The subsidiaries may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as retained statutory earnings or our equity contributions. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice towithout prior approval of the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period.domicile. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as an ordinary dividend to us from our insurance subsidiaries in 20172018 is approximately $423.7$853.2 million.

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

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

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

We cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets, we remain liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations that it assumed. We evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the associated concentration of credit risk. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we ceded premiums to third party reinsurers amounting to $325.1$269.3 million and $984.1 million,$1.0 billion, respectively. In addition, we had receivables from reinsurers amounting to $5.1$4.8 billion as of September 30, 2017.2018. We review reinsurance receivable amounts for collectability and establish bad debt reserves if deemed appropriate.
Captive Reinsurance Companies
Our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to a regulation entitled “Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Regulation XXX,” and a supporting guideline entitled “The Application of the Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation,” commonly known as “Guideline AXXX.” The regulation and supporting guideline require insurers to establish statutory reserves for term and universal life insurance policies with long-term premium guarantees that are consistent with the statutory reserves required for other individual life insurance policies with similar guarantees. Many market participants believe that these levels of reserves are non-economic. We use captive reinsurance companies to implement reinsurance and capital management actions to satisfy these reserve requirements by financing the non-economic reserves either through the issuance of non-recourse funding obligations by the captives or obtaining Letters of Credit from third-party financial institutions.
Our captive reinsurance companies assume business from affiliates only. Our captives are capitalized to a level we believe is sufficient to support the contractual risks and other general obligations of the respective captive entity. All of our captive

reinsurance companies are wholly owned subsidiaries and are located domestically. The captive insurance companies are subject to regulations in the state of domicile.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), through various committees, subgroups and dedicated task forces, is reviewing the use of captives and special purpose vehicles used to transfer insurance risk in relation to existing state laws and regulations, and several committees have adopted or exposed for comment white papers and reports that, if or when implemented, could impose additional requirements on the use of captives and other reinsurers. The Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC recently established a Variable Annuity Issues Working Group to examine company use of variable annuity captives. The Committee has proposed changes in the regulation of variable annuities and variable annuity captives, which could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.operations if adopted.
The Principles Based Reserving Implementation (EX) Task Force of the NAIC charged with analysis of the adoption of a principles-based reserving methodology,has adopted the “conceptual framework” contained in a report issued by Rector & Associates, Inc., dated June 4, 2014 (as modified or supplemented, the “Rector Report”), that contains numerous recommendations pertaining to the regulation and use of certain captive reinsurers. Certain high-level recommendations have been adopted and assigned to various NAIC working groups, which working groups are in various stages of discussions regarding recommendations. One recommendation of the Rector Report was adopted as Actuarial Guideline XLVIII (“AG48”). AG48 sets more restrictive standards on and the permitted collateral utilized to back reserves of a captive. In September 2016, the Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC adopted the Termsubstantially similar “Term and Universal Life Insurance Reserve Financing Model RegulationRegulation” (the "Reserve Model"“Reserve Model”) which is substantially similar to AG48.establish national standards for new reserve financing arrangements for term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees. AG48 and the Reserve Model will likely make it difficultgovern collateral requirements for captive reinsurance arrangements. In order to obtain reserve credit, AG48 and the CompanyReserve Model require a minimum level of funds, consisting of primary and other securities, to establish newbe held by or on behalf of ceding insurers as security under each captive financing arrangements on a basis consistent with past practices.life reinsurance treaty. As a result of AG48 and the Reserve Model, the implementation of new captive structures in the future may be less capital efficient, may lead to lower product returns and/or increased product pricing or result in reduced sales of certain products. In some circumstances, AG48 and the Reserve Model could impact the Company’s ability to engage in certain reinsurance transactions with non-affiliates.
We also use a captive reinsurance company to reinsure risks associated with GLWB and GMDB riders which helps us to manage those risks on an economic basis. In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks relative to our RBC ratio, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we established an insurance subsidiary, Shades Creek Captive Insurance Company (“Shades Creek”), to which PLICO has reinsured GLWB and GMDB riders related to its VA contracts. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation.

We maintain an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek that provides through a guarantee that we will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement. As of September 30, 2017,2018, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds. The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.
Ratings
Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including our insurance subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. These ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in an insurer’s products, its ability to market its products and its competitive position. The following table summarizes the current financial strength ratings of our significant member companies from the major independent rating organizations:
      Standard &  
Ratings A.M. Best Fitch Poor’s Moody’s
         
Insurance company financial strength rating:        
Protective Life Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- A1
West Coast Life Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- A1
Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company A+ A+ AA- 
Protective Property & Casualty Insurance Company A-A   
MONY Life Insurance Company A+ A+ A+ A1
Our ratings are subject to review and change by the rating organizations at any time and without notice. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratingsrating organization with respect to the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect sales, relationships with distributors, the level of policy surrenders and withdrawals, competitive position in the marketplace, and the cost or availability of reinsurance. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, including as a result of our status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.
Rating organizations also publish credit ratings for the issuers of debt securities, including the Company. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner. These ratings are important in the debt issuer’s overall ability to access credit markets and other types of liquidity. Ratings are not recommendations to buy our

securities or products. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratingsrating organization with respect to our credit rating could limit our access to capital markets, increase the cost of issuing debt, and a downgrade of sufficient magnitude, combined with other negative factors, could require us to post collateral. The rating agencies may take various actions, positive or negative, with respect to our debt ratings, including as a result of our status as a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life.

LIABILITIES
Many of our products contain surrender charges and other features that are designed to reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had policy liabilities and accruals of approximately $31.6$42.9 billion. Our interest-sensitive life insurance policies have a weighted average minimum credited interest rate of approximately 3.48%3.47%.
Contractual Obligations
We enter into various obligations to third parties in the ordinary course of our operations. However, we do not believe that our cash flow requirements can be assessed solely based upon an analysis of these obligations. The most significant factors affecting our future cash flows are our ability to earn and collect cash from our customers, and the cash flows arising from our investment program. Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, will also vary based upon our future needs. Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. Examples of fixed obligations include our obligations to pay principal and interest on fixed-rate borrowings. Examples of obligations that will vary include obligations to pay interest on variable-rate borrowings and insurance liabilities that depend on future interest rates, market performance, or surrender provisions. Many of our obligations are linked to cash-generating contracts. In addition, our operations involve significant expenditures that are not based upon contractual obligations. These include expenditures for income taxes and payroll.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, we carried an $11a $6.7 million liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest on unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts are not included in the long-term contractual obligations table because of the difficulty in making reasonably reliable estimates of the occurrence or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities.

The table below sets forth future maturities of our contractual obligations: 
   Payments due by period   Payments due by period
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
 (Dollars In Thousands) (Dollars In Thousands)
Debt(1)
 $1,458,676
 $205,790
 $645,171
 $39,365
 $568,350
 $1,530,675
 $62,759
 $467,747
 $66,517
 $933,652
Non-recourse funding obligations(2)
 4,657,215
 260,759
 611,437
 662,771
 3,122,248
 4,389,587
 281,364
 647,474
 628,193
 2,832,556
Subordinated debt securities(3)
 1,432,535
 26,750
 53,500
 53,500
 1,298,785
Subordinated debt(3)
 1,592,258
 30,655
 61,310
 61,310
 1,438,983
Stable value products(4)
 5,069,209
 963,785
 2,262,606
 1,693,271
 149,547
 5,500,754
 1,453,493
 3,210,755
 697,764
 138,742
Operating leases(5)
 30,270
 4,621
 8,450
 7,367
 9,832
 25,445
 5,739
 7,354
 6,180
 6,172
Home office lease(6)
 77,552
 2,048
 75,504
 
 
 75,915
 75,915
 
 
 
Mortgage loan and investment commitments 852,091
 759,062
 93,029
 
 
 959,446
 854,676
 104,770
 
 
Secured financing liabilities(7)
 599,593
 599,593
 
 
 
 514,495
 514,495
 
 
 
Policyholder obligations(8)
 42,356,450
 1,593,588
 3,431,659
 3,439,093
 33,892,110
 56,479,119
 11,950,755
 5,144,914
 5,446,220
 33,937,230
Total(9)
 $56,533,591
 $4,415,996
 $7,181,356
 $5,895,367
 $39,040,872
 $71,067,694
 $15,229,851
 $9,644,324
 $6,906,184
 $39,287,335
                    
(1) Debt includes all principal amounts owed on note agreements and expected interest payments due over the term of the notes.
(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.8 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.8 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction that occurred in Q1 2016. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by nonconsolidated entity and third parties. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.
(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.6 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.(2) Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.7 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. Additionally, $2.6 billion relates to the Golden Gate transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.
(3) Subordinated debt securities includes all principal amounts and interest payments due over the term of the obligations.(4) Anticipated stable value products cash flows including interest.(5) Includes all lease payments required under operating lease agreements.
(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term. Additionally, the payments due by the periods above were computed based on the terms of the renegotiated lease agreement, which was entered in December 2013.
(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term.(6) The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term.
(7) Represents secured borrowings and accrued interest as part of our repurchase program as well as liabilities associated with securities lending transactions.(8) Estimated contractual policyholder obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, and lapse assumptions comparable to our historical experience, modified for recent observed trends. These obligations are based on current balance sheet values and include expected interest crediting, but do not incorporate an expectation of future market growth, or future deposits. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts presented could materially differ from actual results. As variable separate account obligations are legally insulated from general account obligations, the variable separate account obligations will be fully funded by cash flows from variable separate account assets. We expect to fully fund the general account obligations from cash flows from general account investments.(9) Excluded from this table are certain pension obligations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have entered into indemnity agreements with each of our directors as well as operating leases that do not result in an obligation being recorded on the balance sheet. Refer to Note 11,12, Commitments and Contingencies, of the consolidated condensed financial statements for more information on our indemnity agreements.
MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
Our financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, the yield curve, spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, foreign currency rates, used vehicle prices, and equity price risks and issuer defaults. We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. See Note 6,7, Derivative Financial Instruments, to the consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report for additional information on our financial instruments.
The primary focus of our asset/liability program is the management of interest rate risk within the insurance operations. This includes monitoring the duration of both investments and insurance liabilities to maintain an appropriate balance between risk and profitability for each product category, and for us as a whole. It is our policy to maintain asset and liability durations within one year of one another, although, from time to time, a broader interval may be allowed.

We are exposed to credit risk within our investment portfolio and through derivative counterparties. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We manage credit risk through established investment policies which attempt to address quality of obligors and counterparties, credit concentration limits, diversification requirements, and acceptable risk levels under expected and stressed scenarios. Derivative counterparty credit risk is measured as the amount owed to us, net of collateral held, based upon current market conditions. In addition, we periodically assess exposure related to potential payment obligations between us and our counterparties. We minimize the credit risk in derivative financial instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties (A-rated or higher at the time we enter into the contract), and we maintain credit support annexes with certain of those counterparties.
We utilize a risk management strategy that includesincorporates the use of derivative financial instruments. instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through our analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into our risk management program.

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

the effectiveness of our asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.
     In the ordinary course of our commercial mortgage lending operations, we may commit to provide a mortgage loan before the property to be mortgaged has been built or acquired. The mortgage loan commitment is a contractual obligation to fund a mortgage loan when called upon by the borrower. The commitment is not recognized in our financial statements until the commitment is actually funded. The mortgage loan commitment contains terms, including the rate of interest, which may be different than prevailing interest rates. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $672.8$825.6 million at an average rate of 4.2%4.4%.
Impact of Continued Low Interest Rate Environment
Significant changes in interest rates expose us to the risk of not realizing anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to in-force policies and contracts. In addition, certain of our insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum guaranteed interest rate (“MGIR”). In periods of prolonged low interest rates, the interest spread earned may be negatively impacted to the extent our ability to reduce policyholder crediting rates is limited by the guaranteed minimum credited interest rates. Additionally, those policies without account values may exhibit lower profitability in periods of prolonged low interest rates due to reduced investment income.

The tabletables below presentspresent account values by range of current minimum guaranteed interest rates and current crediting rates for our universal life and deferred fixed annuity products as of September 30, 2017,2018, and December 31, 2016: 2017: 

Credited Rate Summary
As of September 30, 20172018 
   1-50 bps More than     1-50 bps More than  
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate At above 50 bps   At above 50 bps  
Account Value MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total MGIR MGIR above MGIR Total
 (Dollars In Millions) (Dollars In Millions)
Universal Life Insurance  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
>2% - 3% $203
 $1,197
 $2,044
 $3,444
 $2,394
 $1,316
 $2,027
 $5,737
>3% - 4% 4,160
 997
 8
 5,165
 4,537
 928
 506
 5,971
>4% - 5% 2,001
 13
 1
 2,015
 2,463
 433
 1
 2,897
>5% - 6% 201
 
 
 201
 190
 
 
 190
Subtotal 6,565
 2,207
 2,053
 10,825
 9,584
 2,677
 2,534
 14,795
Fixed Annuities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1% $614
 $205
 $360
 $1,179
 $425
 $561
 $2,339
 $3,325
>1% - 2% 500
 358
 72
 930
 397
 184
 783
 1,364
>2% - 3% 1,939
 64
 5
 2,008
 1,760
 81
 3
 1,844
>3% - 4% 257
 
 
 257
 266
 4
 
 270
>4% - 5% 274
 
 
 274
 262
 
 
 262
>5% - 6% 3
 
 
 3
 2
 
 
 2
Subtotal 3,587
 627
 437
 4,651
 3,112
 830
 3,125
 7,067
Total $10,152
 $2,834
 $2,490
 $15,476
 $12,696
 $3,507
 $5,659
 $21,862
                
Percentage of Total 66% 18% 16% 100% 58% 16% 26% 100%

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

We are active in mitigating the impact of a continued low interest rate environment through product design, as well as adjusting crediting rates on current in-force policies and contracts. We also manage interest rate and reinvestment risks through

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

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
(a)    Disclosure controls and procedures
In order to ensure that the information the Company must disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis, the Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), except as otherwise noted below. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. It should be noted that any system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain judgments, including the costs and benefits of controls and the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within the Company have been detected.
In conducting our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, we have2018, the Company has excluded USWC Holding Company and its subsidiaries ("US Warranty") and the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and processes being provided by third parties for the acquiredLiberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (Liberty) block of business reinsured from Liberty. As of September 30, 2018, the Company is in the process of, but has not completed its own evaluation of the design and operation of the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and processes, including those currently being provided by third parties, for the Liberty business. US Warranty was acquired on December 1, 2016 and itsFor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Liberty Business represented revenues and income were immaterial tobefore income tax of $360.9 million and $33.7 million, of the Company's results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017.Company’s consolidated income before income tax.

(b)    Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the thirdsecond quarter of 2017,2018, the Company implemented componentsbegan the conversion and integration of SAP’s enterprise resource planning ("ERP") solution, which includes a new general ledger, a new consolidation system, and newadministrative processing into its internal controls over financial reporting tools.for the Liberty block of business. The upgraded ERP system represents a systems improvement initiative designedconversion to provide more effective managementthe Company’s operating environment was in process as of our business operations as we continueSeptember 30, 2018.    

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to grow in size and scale. This initiative was not undertaken in response to any identified deficiency inmaterially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls exist within a dynamic environment and the Company continually strives to improve its internal controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
There were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included in this report.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company’s future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and known trends and uncertainties. In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition, or future results of operations which are discussed more fully below.
General Risk Factors

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

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

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

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

Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revisions over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.

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

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

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

Risks Related to the Financial Environment

The Company's use of derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy may not be effective or sufficient.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy to mitigate risks to which it is exposed, including risks related to credit and/orand equity market and/ormarkets, interest rate levels, foreign exchange, orand volatility on its fixed indexed annuity and variable annuity products and associated guaranteed benefit features. The Company may also use derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy to mitigate risks arising from its exposure to investments in

individual issuers or sectors of issuers and to mitigate the adverse effects of interest rate levels or volatility on its overall financial condition or results of operations.

These derivative financial instruments may not effectively offset the changes in the carrying value of the exposures due to, among other things, the time lag between changes in the value of such exposures and the changes in the value of the derivative financial instruments purchased by the Company, extreme credit and/or equity market and/or interest rate levels or volatility, contract holder behavior that differs from the Company’s expectations, and basis risk.

The use of derivative financial instruments by the Company generally to hedge various risks that impact GAAP earnings may have an adverse impact on the level of statutory capital and risk-based capital ratios because earnings under the Company's hedging program are recognized differently under GAAP and statutory accounting methods.


The Company may also choose not to hedge, in whole or in part, these or other risks that it has identified, due to, for example, the availability and/or cost of a suitable derivative financial instrument. In addition, the Company may fail to identify risks, or the magnitude thereof, to which it is exposed. The Company is also exposed to the risk that its use of derivative financial instruments withinused by the Company in its risk management strategy may not be properly designed, and/or may not be properly implemented as designed.designed and/or may be insufficient to hedge the risks in relation to the Company’s obligations.

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

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

The Company's securities lending programCompany may subjectbe required to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and capital position.

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

Based on the Company’s current assessment of future taxable income, including available tax planning opportunities, the Company anticipates that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its material deferred tax assets net of any existing valuation allowance. The Company has recognized valuation allowances of $4.6 million and other risks.$5.0 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, related to state operating loss carryforwards which are more likely than not to expire unutilized. If future events differ from the Company’s current forecasts, an additional valuation allowance may need to be established, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or capital position.

The Company maintains a securities lending program in which securities are loanedcould be adversely affected by an inability to third parties, including brokerage firms and commercial banks. The borrowersaccess FHLB lending.
Certain subsidiaries of the Company's securities provideCompany are members of the Company with collateral, typically in cash, which it separately maintains. The Company invests the collateral in other securities, including primarily short-term government repo and money market funds. Securities loaned under the program may be returned to the Company by the borrower at any time, requiring the Company to return the related cash collateral. In some cases, the Company may use the cash collateral provided to purchase other securities to be held as invested collateral,Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) of Cincinnati and the maturityFHLB of such securities may exceedNew York. Membership provides these Company subsidiaries with access to FHLB financial services, including advances that provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the termsale of funding agreements. The extent to which these services are available could be impacted by legislative or regulatory action at the securities loaned understate or federal level. It is unclear at this time whether or to what extent additional or new legislation or regulatory action regarding continued access to FHLB financial services will be enacted or adopted. Any developments that limit access to FHLB financial services could have a material adverse effect on the program and/or the market value of such securities may fall below the amount of cash collateral that the Company is obligated to return to the borrower of the Company's loaned securities. If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell the securities held as invested collateral to meet the obligation, the Company may have difficulty selling such securities in a timely manner and/or the Company may be forced to sell the securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than it otherwise would have been able to realize under normal market conditions. In addition, the Company's ability to sell securities held as invested collateral may be restricted under stressful market and economic conditions in which liquidity deteriorates.Company.

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

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

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

At its June 2018 meeting, the NAIC’s Capital Adequacy Task Force adopted a change to the formulas used to calculate risk-based capital to reflect the lower federal corporate income tax rate. The NAIC’s risk-based capital formulas now employ a tax factor of 21%, instead of 35%. This change will have a one-time lowering effect on the risk-based capital ratios of the Company and its subsidiaries when it becomes effective at the end of 2018.
Another proposed change to the NAIC’s risk-based capital formula that is currently under consideration would update the factors used to calculate required capital for bonds. While the extent and timing of this change is unknown, if adopted, the revision would likely increase the Company’s required capital and decrease the statutory risk-based capital ratios of the Company and its subsidiaries.


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

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

Industry and Regulatory Related Risks

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

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

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

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to obtain state regulatory approval for rate increases for certain health insurance products. The Company’s profits may be adversely affected if the requested rate increases are not approved in full by regulators in a timely fashion.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer and may lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. At the federal level, the executive branch may issue executive orders or take other action with respect to life insurance matters, and bills are routinely introduced in both chambers of the United States Congress that could affect life insurers. In the past, Congress has considered legislation that would impact insurance companies in numerous ways, such as providing for an optional federal charter or a federal presence for insurance, preempting state law in certain respects regarding the regulation of reinsurance, increasing federal oversight in areas such as consumer protection and solvency regulation, setting tax rates, and other matters. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form legislation will be enacted and, if so, whether the enacted legislation will positively or negatively affect the Company or whether any effects will be material.

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

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

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

The IAIS is also in the process of developing a common framework for the supervision of internationally active insurance groups (“IAIGs”), which is targeted to be implemented in 2019.. The framework, which is currently under discussion, may include a global capital measurement standard for insurance groups deemed to be IAIGs that could exceed the sum of state or other local capital requirements. In addition, the IAIS is developing a model framework for the supervision of IAIGs that contemplates “group wide supervision” across national boundaries and legal entities, which could require each IAIG to conduct its own risk and solvency assessment to monitor and manage its overall solvency. It is likely that, as a result of the Merger, the combined group will be deemed an IAIG, in which case it may be subject to supervision requirements and capital measurement standards beyond those applicable to any competitors who are not designated as an IAIG.

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


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

NAIC actions, pronouncements and initiatives may affect the Company’s product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

Although some NAIC pronouncements, particularly as they affect accounting, reserving and risk-based capital issues, may take effect automatically without affirmative action taken by the states, the NAIC is not a governmental entity and its processes and procedures do not comport with those to which governmental entities typically adhere. Therefore, it is possible that actions could be taken by the NAIC that become effective without the procedural safeguards that would be present if governmental action was required. In addition, with respect to some financial regulations and guidelines, states sometimes defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of a non-domiciliary state. Neither the action of the domiciliarynon-domiciliary state nor the action of the NAIC is binding on a non-domiciliarydomiciliary state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company is also subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may result in non-compliance with another regulator’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. There is an additional risk that any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may change over time to the Company’s detriment, or that changes to the overall legal or market environment may cause the Company to change its practices in ways that may, in some cases, limit its growth or profitability. Statutes, regulations, interpretations, and instructions may be applied with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting, reserve and risk-based capital requirements. Also, regulatory actions with prospective impact can potentially have a significant impact on currently sold products.

The NAIC has announced more focused inquiries on certain matters that could have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Such inquiries concern, for example, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, variable

annuity reserves and capital treatment, certain aspects of insurance holding company reporting and disclosure, reinsurance, cybersecurity practices, liquidity assessment, and risk-based capital calculations. In addition, the NAIC continues to consider various initiatives to change and modernize its financial and solvency requirements and regulations. It has adopted principles-based reserving methodologies for life insurance and annuity reserves, but additional formulas and/or guidance relevant to the new standard are being developed. The NAIC is also considering changes to accounting and risk-based capital regulations, risk-based capital calculations, governance practices of insurers, and other items. Additionally, the NAIC is studying a group capital calculation that would aggregate required capital across U.S.-based insurance groups. The Company cannot currently estimate what impact these more focused inquiries or proposed changes, if they occur, will have on its product mix, product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s use of captive reinsurance companies to finance statutory reserves related to its term and universal life products and to reduce volatility affecting its variable annuity products may be limited or adversely affected by regulatory action, pronouncements and interpretations.

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

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

The Financial Condition (E) Committee of the NAIC establishedhas adopted a Variable Annuity Issues Working Group ("VAIWG") in 2015 to oversee the NAIC’s efforts to study and address regulatory issues resulting in variable annuity captive reinsurance transactions. The VAIWG developed a Frameworkframework for Change (the “Framework”) which was adopted in 2015. The Framework suggests numerous changes to current NAIC rules and regulations thatapplicable to the determination of variable annuity reserves and risk-based capital. The changes are intended to decrease incentives for insurers to establish variable annuities captives which changes could potentially be appliedand will apply to both in-force and new business. The Framework proposes that various NAIC groups considernew rules and adopt recommended changesregulations will likely have a 2020 effective date and an optional 3- to 7-year transition period from current rules and regulations, (with a likelybeginning on the effective date in 2019) and that, upon adoption, domestic regulators request that insurers ceding business to variable annuity captives recapture such business and dissolve such captives.date. The VAIWG received a draft proposal for changes in late 2016 and is reviewing the proposal’s possible impact. If the proposal is adopted, changes in the regulation of variable annuities and variable annuity captives could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

The NAIC adopted revisions to the Part A Laws and Regulations Preamble (the "Preamble"“Preamble”) of the NAIC Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation Program that includes within the definition of “multi-state insurer” certain insurer-owned captives and special purpose vehicles that are single-state licensed but assume reinsurance from cedants operating in multiple

states. The revised definition subjects certain captives, including XXX/AXXX captives, variable annuity and long-term care captives, to all of the accreditation standards applicable to other traditional multi-state insurers, including standards related to capital and surplus requirements, risk-based capital requirements, investment laws and credit for reinsurance laws. Although we do not expect the revised definition to affect our existing life insurance captives (or our ability to engage in life insurance captive transactions in the future), such application will likely prevent us from engaging in variable annuity captive transactions on the same or a similar basis as in the past and, if applied retroactively, would likely cause us to recapture business from and unwind our existing variable annuity captive (“VA Captive”).

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

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


Laws, rulesregulations and regulations promulgatedinitiatives related to unreported deaths and unclaimed property and death benefits may result in connection with the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may adversely affect the results of operationsoperational burdens, fines, unexpected payments or financial condition of the Company.escheatments.

Since 2012, various states have enacted laws that require life insurers to search for unreported deaths. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street ReformNational Conference of Insurance Legislators (“NCOIL”) has adopted the Model Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (the “Unclaimed Benefits Act”) and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”)legislation or regulations have been enacted in July 2010 made sweeping changesnumerous states that are similar to the regulationUnclaimed Benefits Act, although each state’s version differs in some respects. The Unclaimed Benefits Act, if adopted by any state, imposes new requirements on insurers to periodically compare their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or similar databases (a “Death Database”), investigate any potential matches to confirm the death and determine whether benefits are due, and to attempt to locate the beneficiaries of financial services entities, products and markets. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frankany benefits that are due or, may become applicableif no beneficiary can be located, escheat the benefit to the Company, its competitors or those entities withstate as unclaimed property. Other states in which the Company does business. Such provisions include, but are not limited to: the establishment of consolidated federal regulation and resolution authority over systemically important financial services firms, the establishment of the Federal Insurance Office, changesbusiness may also consider adopting legislation similar to the regulation and standards applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisors, changesUnclaimed Benefits Act. The Company cannot predict whether such legislation will be proposed or enacted in additional states.

The Uniform Laws Commission has adopted revisions to the regulation of reinsurance, changes to regulations affecting the rights of shareowners, and the imposition of additional regulation over credit rating agencies, and the imposition of concentration limits on financial institutions that restrict the amount of credit that may be extended toUniform Unclaimed Property Act in a single person or entity. Since the enactment of Dodd-Frank, many regulations have been enacted and others aremanner likely to be adopted in the future that will have an impact upon the Company. Dodd-Frank also created the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which has issued a final rulestate unclaimed property laws and interpretive guidance setting forth the methodology by which it will determine whether a non-bank financial company is a systemically important financial institution (“SIFI”). A non-bank financial company, such as the Company, that is designated as a SIFI by the FSOC will become subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Company is not currently supervised by the Federal Reserve as a SIFI. Such supervision could impact the Company’s requirements, relating to capital, liquidity, stress testing, limits on counterparty credit exposure, compliance and governance, early remediation in the event of financial weakness and other prudential matters, and in other ways the Company currently cannot anticipate. FSOC-designated non-bank financial companies will also be required to prepare resolution plans, so-called “living wills,” that set out how they could most efficiently be liquidated if they endangered the U.S. financial system or the broader economy. The FSOC has conducted multiple rounds of SIFI designation consideration and continues to make changes to its process for designating a company as a SIFI. The FSOC has made SIFI designations, and the Company was not designated as such. However, the Company could be considered and designated at any time. The Company is at this time unable to predict the impact on an entity that is supervised as a SIFI by the Federal Reserve Board. The Company is not able to predict whether the capital requirements or other requirements imposed on SIFIs may impact the requirements applicable to the Company even ifthough it is not designated as a SIFI. The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions with respect to some product lines.

Additionally, Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, but excluding investment products already regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFPB has supervisory authority over certain non-banks whose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers, and issued a rule in 2016 amending regulations under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act that requires the Company to, among other things, collect and disclose extensive data related to its lending practices. At this time, the rule relates to reporting data relative to Company loans made on multi-family apartments, seniors living housing, manufactured housing communities and any mixed-use properties which contain a residential component. It is unclear at this time how burdensome compliance with this or other rules promulgated under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act will become.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sell products that may be regulated by the CFPB. CFPB continues to bring enforcement actions involving a growing number of issues, including actions brought jointly with state Attorneys General, which could directly or indirectly affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirement savings and is considering the extent of its authority in that area. The Company is unableclear at this time to predictwhat extent or whether requirements will conflict with otherwise imposed search requirements. Other life insurance industry associations and regulatory associations are also considering these matters. Certain states have amended or may amend their unclaimed property laws to require insurers to compare in-force and certain terminated life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, to investigate potential matches to determine whether the impact of these activities on the Company.


Dodd-Frank includes a framework of regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets that requires clearing of certain types of transactions which have been or are currently traded OTC by the Company. The types of transactionsnamed insured is deceased, to attempt to locate and pay beneficiaries any unclaimed benefits required to be cleared are expectedpaid, and, if no beneficiary can be located, to increase in the future. In addition, new variation margin requirements applicable to derivatives transactions that are not required to be cleared became effective in September 2017. The increase of transactions required to be cleared and the application of new margin requirements for uncleared derivatives transactions may result in additional costsescheat policy benefits to the Company. Increased margin requirements onappropriate state as unclaimed property. The enactment of such unclaimed property laws may require the Company’s part, combined with restrictions on securities that will qualify as eligible collateral, could continueCompany to reduce its liquidity and require an increase in its holdings of cash and government securities with lower yields causing a reduction in income. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its businesses,incur significant expenses, including those arising from its fixed and variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could continue to increase the cost of the Company’s risk mitigation and expose it to the risk of a default by a clearinghousebenefits with respect to the Company’s cleared derivative transactions.

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

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

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

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries as well as certain other insurance companies from whom the Company has coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies are subject to unclaimed property audits and/or targeted multi-state examinations by insurance regulators similar to those described above. It is possible that the audits, examinations and/or the enactment of state laws similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act could result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, payment of administrative penalties and/or examination fees to state authorities, and changes to the Company’s procedures for identifying unreported deaths and escheatment of abandoned property. It is possible any such additional payments and any costs related to changes in Company procedures could materially impact the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations. It is also possible that life insurers, including the Company, may be subject to claims, regulatory actions, law enforcement actions, and civil litigation arising from their prior business practices, unclaimed property practices or related audits and examinations. Any resulting liabilities, payments or costs, including initial and ongoing costs of changes to the Company’s procedures or systems, could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations.

During December 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed actions against the Company’s subsidiaries Protective Life Insurance Company and West Coast Life Insurance Company in West Virginia state court (State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Protective Life Insurance Company; State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. West Coast Life Insurance Company; Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss granted on December 27, 2013; Notice of Appeal filed on January 27, 2014; dismissal reversed by the DepartmentWest Virginia Supreme Court of LaborAppeals on April 6, 2016, expandingJune 16, 2015; Petition for Rehearing filed by Defendant insurance companies denied on September 21, 2015). The actions, which also name numerous other life insurance companies, allege that the definitioncompanies violated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seek to compel compliance with the Act, and seek payment of “investment advice fiduciary” under ERISA

unclaimed property, interest, and creatingpenalties. While the legal theory or theories that may give rise to liability in the West Virginia Treasurer litigation are uncertain, it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar actions. The Company does not currently believe that losses, if any, arising from the West Virginia Treasurer litigation will be material. The Company cannot, however, predict whether other jurisdictions will pursue similar actions or if they do, whether such actions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations.

New and revising several prohibited transaction exemptions foramended regulations regarding the standard of care or standard of conduct applicable to investment activities in light ofprofessionals, insurance agencies, and financial institutions that expanded definition,recommend or sell annuities or life insurance products may have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products, to retain in-force business and on our financial condition or results of operations.

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

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

On April 6, 2016,The NAIC is considering revisions to the DepartmentSuitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation which, if adopted by regulators, could impose a stricter standard of Labor issuedcare upon insurers who sell annuities. Likewise, several states are considering or have adopted legislation or regulatory measures that would implement new regulations expandingrequirements and standards applicable to the definitionsale of “investment advice fiduciary” under ERISA.annuities and, in some cases, life insurance products. These new regulations increasedstandards vary widely in scope, applicability and timing of implementation. The adoption and enactment of these or any revised standards as law or regulation could have a material adverse effect upon the number of circumstancesmanner in which the Company and broker-dealers, insurance agencies and other financial institutions that sell the Company’s products could be deemed a fiduciary when providing investment advice with respect to ERISA plans or IRAs. The Department of Labor also issued amendments to long-standing exemptions from the provisions of ERISA and the Code that permit fiduciaries to engage in certain types of transactions (“Prohibited Transaction Exemptions”) and adopted new Prohibited Transaction Exemptions. These amended and new Prohibited Transaction Exemptions appear to increase significantly the conditions that must be satisfied by fiduciaries in order to receive traditional forms of commission, such as sales commissions, for sales of insurance products to ERISA plans, plan participants and IRAs.

The expanded definition of “investment advice fiduciary” and certain regulations related to new and revised Prohibited Transaction Exemptions went into effect on June 9, 2017, allowing fiduciaries to rely on the Prohibited Transaction Exemptions provided that they adhere to certain required Impartial Conduct Standards. The implementation of additional conditions applicable to the Prohibited Transaction Exemptions with which fiduciaries must comply has been delayed until July 1, 2019 and may be impacted, along with the current definition of “investment advice fiduciary”, by public comments solicited pursuant to the Department of Labor’s Request for Information. Responses to the Request for Information may also result in the adoption of new Prohibited Transaction Exemptions or additional conditions applicable to existing exemption requirements.are sold.

There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the final form that these regulations may take. Our current distributors may continue to move forward with their plans to limit the number of products they offer, including the types of products offered by the Company. The Company may find it necessary to change sales representative and/or broker compensation, to limit the assistance or advice it can provide to owners of the Company’s annuities, to replace or engage additional distributors, or otherwise change the manner in which it designs and supports sales of its annuities. In addition, the Company continues to incur expenses in connection with initial and ongoing compliance obligations with respect to such rules, and in the aggregate these expenses may be significant. TheAny of the foregoing regulatory, legislative or judicial measures or the reaction to such activity by consumers or other members of the insurance industry could have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell annuities and other products, to retain in-force business, and on our financial condition or results of operations.


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

Certain life insurance policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) examine or investigate the activities of broker-dealers and investment advisors, including the Company’s affiliated broker-dealers and investment advisors.advisers. These examinations or investigations often focus on the activities of the registered representatives and registered investment advisorsadvisers doing business through such entities and the entities’ supervision of those persons. It is possible that any examination or investigation could lead to enforcement action by the regulator and/or may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures of such entities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June of 2017, the Chairman of the SEC requested public comments on a series of questions focused on (1) the current regulatory framework for broker-dealers and investment advisers, (2) the current state of the market for retail advice, and (3) market trends. The SEC will consider these views as it determines future steps, including potential rulemaking, related to standards of conduct applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisers. In this request the Chairman also welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Department of Labor as the SEC moves forward with its examination of the standards of conduct applicable to broker-dealers, investment advisers and matters related thereto.

FINRA has also issued a report addressing how its member firms might identify and address conflicts of interest including conflicts related to the introduction of new products and services and the compensation of the member firms’ associated persons. These regulatory initiatives could have an impact on Company operations and the manner in which broker-dealers and investment advisers distribute the Company’s products.

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

The Company is subject to conditions and requirements set forth in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), which places restrictions on the use of automated telephone and facsimile machines. Class action lawsuits alleging violations of the act have been filed against a number of companies, including life insurance carriers. These class action lawsuits contain allegations that defendant carriers were vicariously liable for the alleged wrongful conduct of agents who violated the TCPA.

Some of the class actions have resulted in substantial settlements against other insurers. Any such actions against the Company could result in a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

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

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

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

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

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

The Company is subject to corporate income, excise, franchise, and premium taxes. Federal tax law provides certain benefits to the Company, such as the dividends-received deduction, the deferral of current taxation on derivatives’ and securities’ economic income and the current deduction for future policy benefits and claims. The Tax Reform Act will require the Company to report higher amounts of taxable income both currently and in the future. However, the legislation also significantly reduced the corporate income tax rate. Overall, the Company expects to pay less income tax in the future.

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

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company sold no equity securities in transactions which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, 100% of the Company’s common stock was owned by Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., and was not available for repurchase by the Company.

Item 6.    Exhibits 
Exhibit  
Number  
 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company effective as of February 1, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed February 26, 2015 (No. 001-11339).
 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, effective January 4, 2016,as of August 6, 2018, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to3.1 of the Company’s AnnualCurrent Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20158-K filed February 25, 2016August 8, 2018 (No. 001-11339).
 SupplementalSenior Indenture, No. 11, dated as of August 10, 2017, to the Subordinated IndentureJune 1, 1994, between the CompanyProtective Life Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor to AmSouth Bank, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(1) to Protective Life Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on March 2, 2018 (No. 001-11339).
Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of August 23, 2018, between Protective Life Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor Trustee, supplementing the Senior Indenture dated June 1, 1994, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 toof the Company'sCompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 201724, 2018 (No. 001-11339).
 Form of 5.350% Subordinated Debenture4.300% Senior Note due 2052, incorporated by reference to2028 (included in Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2017 (No. 001-11339)4(b), above).
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Protective Life Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, filed on November 14, 2017,9, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Shareowner’s Equity, (v) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
   
*Incorporated by Reference

SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
  
  
Date: November 14, 20179, 2018By:/s/ PAUL R. WELLS
   
  Paul R. Wells
  Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and
  Controller


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