10-Q 1 fglholdings-3312019x10xq.htm 10-Q Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
¨
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: 001-37779
 
 
 
FGL HOLDINGS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 

Cayman Islands
 
98-1354810
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
4th Floor
Boundary Hall, Cricket Square
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1102
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
 
 
 

(800) 445-6758
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    or    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes x   or   No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large Accelerated Filer
x
Accelerated Filer
¨
Non-accelerated Filer
¨
Smaller reporting Company
¨
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨
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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨   or    No  x
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary shares, par value $.0001 per share
FG
New York Stock Exchange
Warrants to purchase ordinary shares
FG WS
New York Stock Exchange
As of April 30, 2019, there were 221,660,974 ordinary shares, $.0001 par value, issued and outstanding.
 



FGL HOLDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       (4) Investments
       (9) Equity
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 

-1


PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
FGL HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
 
March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS



Investments:



Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: March 31, 2019 - $21,908; December 31, 2018 - $22,219)
$
21,605


$
21,109

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: March 31, 2019 - $1,226; December 31, 2018 - $1,526)
1,171


1,382

Derivative investments
305


97

Mortgage loans
674


667

Other invested assets
755


662

Total investments
24,510


23,917

Cash and cash equivalents
1,357

 
571

Accrued investment income
238

 
216

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value
837

 
757

Reinsurance recoverable
3,113

 
3,190

Intangibles, net
1,421

 
1,359

Deferred tax assets, net
283

 
343

Goodwill
467

 
467

Other assets
220

 
125

Total assets
$
32,446

 
$
30,945

 



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



 



Contractholder funds
$
23,881


$
23,387

Future policy benefits, including $797 and $725 at fair value at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
4,677


4,641

Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities
653

 
722

Liability for policy and contract claims
70


64

Debt
541


541

Other liabilities
873


700

Total liabilities
30,695


30,055

 



Commitments and contingencies ("Note 12")



 



 Shareholders' equity:

 

Preferred stock ($.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 406,510 and 399,033 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)

 

Common stock ($.0001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 221,660,974 and 221,660,974 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)

 

Additional paid-in capital
2,007

 
1,998

Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)
(6
)
 
(167
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(216
)
 
(937
)
Treasury stock, at cost (4,328,077 shares at March 31, 2019; 600,000 shares at December 31, 2018)
(34
)
 
(4
)
Total shareholders' equity
1,751

 
890

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
32,446

 
$
30,945

 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


-2


FGL HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except share data)

 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues:
 
 
 
Premiums
$
16

 
$
18

Net investment income
289

 
263

Net investment gains (losses)
240

 
(191
)
Insurance and investment product fees and other
55

 
48

Total revenues
600

 
138

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
339

 
(39
)
Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals
44

 
40

Amortization of intangibles
29

 
27

        Total benefits and expenses
412

 
28

Operating income
188

 
110

Interest expense
(8
)
 
(6
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
180

 
104

Income tax expense
(9
)
 
(39
)
        Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

Less Preferred stock dividend
8

 
7

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
163

 
$
58

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.74

 
$
0.27

Diluted
$
0.74

 
$
0.27

Weighted average common shares used in computing net income per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
219,645,679

 
214,370,000

Diluted
219,681,528

 
214,370,000

 
 
 
 
Cash dividend per common share
$
0.01

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairments
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in other comprehensive income

 

Net other-than-temporary impairments
(2
)
 
(2
)
Gains (losses) on derivatives and embedded derivatives
164

 
(145
)
Other investment gains (losses)
78

 
(44
)
        Total net investment gains (losses)
$
240

 
$
(191
)


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-3


FGL HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31,
2018
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Net change in unrealized gains/losses on investments
724

 
(359
)
 
 
 
 
Change in reinsurance liabilities held at fair value resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk
(3
)
 
2

 
 
 
 
Net changes to derive comprehensive income (loss) for the period
721

 
(357
)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
892

 
$
(292
)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


-4


FGL HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited) (In millions)

 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2018
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,998

 
$
(167
)
 
$
(937
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
890

Treasury shares purchased
 

 

 

 

 

 
(30
)
 
(30
)
Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock (paid in kind)
 

 

 
8

 
(8
)
 

 

 

Common stock ($0.01/share)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Net income (loss)
 

 

 

 
171

 

 

 
171

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 
724

 

 
724

Change in reinsurance liabilities held at fair value resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk
 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Stock-based compensation
 

 

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

Balance, March 31, 2019
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,007

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(216
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
1,751


 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2017
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,037

 
$
(149
)
 
$
75

 
$

 
$
1,963

Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock (paid in kind)
 

 

 
2

 
(7
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Net income (loss)
 

 

 

 
65

 

 

 
65

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net
 

 

 

 

 
(359
)
 

 
(359
)
Change in reinsurance liabilities held at fair value resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk
 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
 

 

 

 
(4
)
 
4

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2018
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,039

 
$
(95
)
 
$
(278
)
 
$

 
$
1,666


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


-5


FGL HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Stock based compensation
1

 

Amortization
4

 
15

Deferred income taxes
5

 
12

Interest credited/index credits to contractholder account balances
308

 
(30
)
Net recognized losses (gains) on investments and derivatives
(240
)
 
191

Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and administration
(32
)
 
(38
)
Intangibles, net
(90
)
 
(55
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
     Reinsurance recoverable
(16
)
 
(8
)
     Future policy benefits
36

 
(40
)
  Funds withheld for reinsurers
(129
)
 
(12
)
  Collateral (returned) posted
141

 
(145
)
     Other assets and other liabilities
(63
)
 
10

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
96

 
(35
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from available-for-sale investments sold, matured or repaid
962

 
3,286

Proceeds from derivatives instruments and other invested assets
44

 
143

Proceeds from mortgage loans
4

 
20

Cost of available-for-sale investments
(421
)
 
(3,699
)
Costs of derivatives instruments and other invested assets
(172
)
 
(94
)
Costs of mortgage loans
(12
)
 

Capital expenditures
(1
)
 
(3
)
Contingent purchase price payment

 
(30
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
404

 
(377
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Treasury stock
(30
)
 

Draw on revolving credit facility

 
30

Dividends paid
(2
)
 

Contractholder account deposits
1,225

 
959

Contractholder account withdrawals
(907
)
 
(635
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
286

 
354

Change in cash & cash equivalents
786

 
(58
)
Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period
571

 
1,215

Cash & cash equivalents, end of period
$
1,357

 
$
1,157

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$

 
$
2

Income taxes (refunded) paid
$
(1
)
 
$
(30
)
Deferred sales inducements
$
35

 
$
26


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-6


FGL HOLDINGS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited) (In millions)
(1) Basis of Presentation
FGL Holdings (the “Company”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, markets products through its wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“FGL Insurance”) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (“FGL NY Insurance”), which together are licensed in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
F&G Reinsurance Ltd (“F&G Re”), an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, provides a platform for non-affiliated international business. Front Street Re Cayman Ltd (“FSRC”), an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, has a license to carry on business as an Unrestricted Class “B” Insurer that permits FSRC to conduct offshore direct and reinsurance business. F&G Re and FSRC (together herein referred to as the “F&G Reinsurance Companies”), are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of FGL Holdings and parties to reinsurance transactions.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X, for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's 2018 Form 10-K, should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2019.  Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income are reflected in net investment gains in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Dollar amounts in the accompanying sections are presented in millions, unless otherwise noted.
(2) Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
We are involved in certain entities that are considered VIEs as defined under GAAP. Our involvement with VIEs is primarily to invest in assets that allow us to gain exposure to a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes. A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. We assess our relationships to determine if we have the ability to direct the activities, or otherwise exert control, to evaluate if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company has determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE as of March 31, 2019. See "Note 4. Investments" to the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the Company’s investments in unconsolidated VIEs.

-7


Reclassifications and Retrospective Adjustments
The Company identified immaterial errors, as described below, during the period ended September 30, 2018. Management has reviewed the impact of these errors on prior periods in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, “Materiality,” (SAB 99) and determined none of these were material to the prior periods impacted.
Effective December 1, 2017, the Company measured the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the Business Combination at acquisition-date fair value in accordance with ASC 805. This required significant model changes for the re-bifurcation of the host contract and embedded derivative components of the fixed income annuity ("FIA") liability. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company identified an immaterial error resulting from the model code used in the calculation of the FIA embedded derivative liability. In issuing the September 30, 2018 Form 10-Q, the Company recorded immaterial corrections to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 by decreasing the benefits and other changes in policy reserves by $21, as well as increasing the amortization of intangibles by $4, and income tax expense by $4.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported results of operations.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the amortization of callable securities (ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU requires premiums paid on purchased debt securities with an explicit call option to be amortized to the earliest call date, as opposed to the maturity date (as under current GAAP). The updated guidance is applicable to instruments that are callable based on explicit, non-contingent call features that are callable at fixed prices on preset dates. The amendments in this update should be applied using the modified retrospective method through a cumulative effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2019, as required, and it had an immaterial impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Amendments to Lease Accounting
In February 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance (ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Notable amendments in this update will:
require entities to recognize the rights and obligations resulting from all leases or lease components of contracts, including operating leases, as lease assets and lease liabilities, with an exception allowed for leases with a term of 12 months or less
create a distinction between finance leases and operating leases, with classification criteria substantially similar to that for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases under previous guidance
not retain the accounting model for leveraged leases under previous guidance for leases that commence after the effective date of ASU 2016-02
provide additional guidance on separating the lease components from the nonlease components of a contract
require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures to provide information regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases
include modifications to align lessor accounting with the changes to lessee accounting, as well as changes to the requirements of recognizing a transaction as a sale and leaseback transaction, however, these changes will have no impact on the Company's current lease arrangements
The amendments are required to be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach (including several optional practical expedients related to leases commenced before the effective date). The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019, as required, and it had an immaterial impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-8


Future Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting pronouncements that will impact the Company in future periods have been disclosed in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K. There have not been any additional accounting pronouncements issued during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that are expected to impact the Company. The following two pronouncements were discussed in our 2018 Form 10-K but have been included below so as to provide an update on the Company’s status of adoption.
New Credit Loss Standard
In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Notable amendments in this update will change the accounting for impairment of most financial assets and certain other instruments in the following ways:
financial assets (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost will be required to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, with an allowance for credit losses deducted from the amortized cost basis, resulting in a net carrying value that reflects the amount the entity expects to collect on the financial asset at purchase
credit losses relating to AFS fixed maturity securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. The allowance methodology recognizes that value may be realized either through collection of contractual cash flows or through the sale of the security. Therefore, the amount of the allowance for credit losses will be limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost because the classification as available for sale is premised on an investment strategy that recognizes that the investment could be sold at fair value, if cash collection would result in the realization of an amount less than fair value
the income statement will reflect the measurement of expected credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as the expected increases or decreases (including the reversal of previously recognized losses) of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount
disclosures will be required to include information around how the credit loss allowance was developed, further details on information currently disclosed about credit quality of financing receivables and net investments in leases, and a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses for AFS fixed maturity securities as well as an aging analysis for securities that are past due
The amendments in this ASU may be early adopted during any interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2018, however the Company has elected not to. The Company has identified the material asset classes impacted by the new guidance and is in the process of assessing the accounting, reporting and/or process changes that will be required to comply with the new guidance. The Company has developed a project plan to complete our adoption of this new standard, and is evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
Long-Duration Contracts
In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944), Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 including interim periods within those fiscal years. Under this update:
assumptions used to measure cash flows for traditional and limited-payment contracts must be reviewed at least annually with the effect of changes in those assumptions being recognized in the statement of operations
the discount rate applied to measure the liability for future policy benefits and limited-payment contracts must be updated at each reporting date with the effect of changes in the rate being recognized in other comprehensive income
market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts must be measured at fair value, with the effect of the change in the fair value attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk being recognized in other comprehensive income

-9


deferred acquisition costs are required to be amortized in proportion to premiums, gross profits, or gross margins and those balances must be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts
deferred acquisition costs must be written off for unexpected contract terminations
disaggregated rollforwards of beginning to ending balances of the liability for future policy benefits, policyholder account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities and deferred acquisition costs, as well as information about significant inputs, judgments, assumptions, and methods used in measurement are required to be disclosed
The amendments in this ASU may be early adopted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements have not yet been issued, including interim financial statements. The Company does not currently expect to early adopt this standard. The Company has identified specific areas that will be impacted by the new guidance and is in the process of assessing the accounting, reporting and/or process changes that will be required to comply as well as the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

-10


(3) Significant Risks and Uncertainties
Federal Regulation    
In April 2016, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued the “fiduciary” rule which could have had a material impact on the Company, its products, distribution, and business model. The rule provided that persons who render investment advice for a fee or other compensation with respect to an employer plan or individual retirement account ("IRA") are fiduciaries of that plan or IRA and would have expanded the definition of fiduciary under ERISA to apply to commissioned insurance agents who sell the Company’s IRA products. On June 21, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit formally vacated the DOL fiduciary rule in total when it issued its mandate following the court’s decision on March 15, 2018, in U.S. Chamber of Commerce v. U.S. Department of Labor, 885 F.3d 360 (5th Cir. 2018). Management will continue to monitor for potential action by state officials or the SEC to implement rules similar to the vacated DOL rule.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used.
Concentrations of Financial Instruments
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry, excluding United States ("U.S.") Government securities, was its investment securities in the Banking industry with a fair value of $2,348 or 10% and $2,491 or 10%, respectively, of the invested assets portfolio and an amortized cost of $2,416 and $2,691, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, the Company’s holdings in this industry include investments in 107 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 35% of the total holdings in this industry. As of March 31, 2019 the Company had no investments in issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 16 investments in issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity, with a total fair value of $1,634 or 7% of the invested assets portfolio: JP Morgan Chase & Co, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY), AT&T Inc, HSBC Holdings, Wells Fargo & Company, General Motors Co, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, United Mexican States, Energy Transfer Partners, Prudential Financial Inc, Citigroup Inc, HP Enterprise Co, Viacom Inc, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, and Fuel Trust. The Company's largest concentration in any single issuer as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was AT&T and JP Morgan Chase & Co, respectively, with a total fair value of $124 or 1% and $115 or 1% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively.
Concentrations of Financial and Capital Markets Risk
The Company is exposed to financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads which can have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company expects to continue to face challenges and uncertainties that could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition. The Company attempts to mitigate the risk, including changes in interest rates by investing in less rate-sensitive investments, including senior tranches of collateralized loan obligations, non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, and various types of asset backed securities.
The Company’s exposure to such financial and capital markets risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will increase the net unrealized loss position of the Company’s investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of the Company’s products may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring the Company to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. Management believes this risk is mitigated to some extent by surrender charge protection provided by the Company’s products.
Concentration of Reinsurance Risk
The Company has a significant concentration of reinsurance risk with third party reinsurers, Wilton Reassurance Company (“Wilton Re”) and Kubera Insurance (SAC) Ltd. acting in respect of Annuity Reinsurance Cell A1 ("Kubera") that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position in the event that Wilton

-11


Re or Kubera fail to perform their obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. Wilton Re is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB"). CPPIB has an AAA issuer credit rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") as of March 31, 2019. Kubera is not rated, however, management has attempted to mitigate the risk of non-performance through the funds withheld arrangement. As of March 31, 2019, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,541 and the net amount recoverable from Kubera was $681. The Company monitors both the financial condition of individual reinsurers and risk concentration arising from similar activities and economic characteristics of reinsurers to attempt to reduce the risk of default by such reinsurers. Wilton Re and Kubera are current on all amounts due as of March 31, 2019.
On March 6, 2019, Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. (“SRUS”), a Delaware domestic life and health reinsurer of FGL Insurance, was ordered into receivership for purposes rehabilitation. As of March 31, 2019, the net amount recoverable from SRUS was $47. The financial exposure related to these ceded reserves are substantially mitigated via a reinsurance agreement whereby Wilton Re assumes treaty non-performance including credit risk for this business.




-12


(4) Investments
The Company’s fixed maturity securities investments have been designated as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI, net of associated adjustments for deferred acquisition costs ("DAC"), value of business acquired ("VOBA"), deferred sales inducements ("DSI"), unearned revenue ("UREV"), and deferred income taxes. The Company's equity securities investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in net income. The Company’s consolidated investments at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
 Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Available-for sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
5,033

 
$
23

 
$
(82
)
 
$
4,974

 
$
4,974

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
2,596

 
60

 
(9
)
 
2,647

 
2,647

Corporates
10,886

 
60

 
(356
)
 
10,590

 
10,590

Hybrids
988

 
6

 
(33
)
 
961

 
961

Municipals
1,211

 
16

 
(10
)
 
1,217

 
1,217

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,000

 
27

 
(5
)
 
1,022

 
1,022

U.S. Government
56

 

 

 
56

 
56

Foreign Governments
138

 
2

 
(2
)
 
138

 
138

Total available-for-sale securities
21,908

 
194

 
(497
)
 
21,605

 
21,605

Equity securities
1,226

 
3

 
(58
)
 
1,171

 
1,171

Derivative investments
318

 
74

 
(87
)
 
305

 
305

Commercial mortgage loans
479

 

 

 
485

 
479

Residential mortgage loans
195

 

 

 
199

 
195

Other invested assets
759

 

 
(4
)
 
744

 
755

Total investments
$
24,885

 
$
271

 
$
(646
)
 
$
24,509

 
$
24,510

 
December 31, 2018
 
 Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Available-for sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
4,954

 
$
15

 
$
(137
)
 
$
4,832

 
$
4,832

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
2,568

 
9

 
(40
)
 
2,537

 
2,537

Corporates
11,213

 
16

 
(848
)
 
10,381

 
10,381

Hybrids
992

 

 
(91
)
 
901

 
901

Municipals
1,216

 
3

 
(32
)
 
1,187

 
1,187

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,027

 
12

 
(8
)
 
1,031

 
1,031

U.S. Government
120

 

 
(1
)
 
119

 
119

Foreign Governments
129

 

 
(8
)
 
121

 
121

Total available-for-sale securities
22,219

 
55

 
(1,165
)
 
21,109

 
21,109

Equity securities
1,526

 
1

 
(145
)
 
1,382

 
1,382

Derivative investments
330

 
2

 
(235
)
 
97

 
97

Commercial mortgage loans
482

 

 

 
483

 
482

Residential mortgage loans
185

 

 

 
187

 
185

Other invested assets
662

 

 

 
651

 
662

Total investments
$
25,404

 
$
58

 
$
(1,545
)
 
$
23,909

 
$
23,917


-13


Included in AOCI were cumulative gross unrealized gains of $0 and gross unrealized losses of $0 related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary-impairments ("OTTI") on non-agency residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS") for both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Securities held on deposit with various state regulatory authorities had a fair value of $16,135 and $19,930 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Under Iowa regulations, insurance companies are required to hold securities on deposit in an amount no less than the legal reserve.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company held no material investments that were non-income producing for a period greater than twelve months.
In accordance with the Company's FHLB agreements, the investments supporting the funding agreement liabilities are pledged as collateral to secure the FHLB funding agreement liabilities and are not available to the Company for general purposes. The collateral investments had a fair value of $1,186 and $1,401 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.
 
March 31, 2019
 
Amortized Cost
 
 Fair Value
Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and Government securities:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
160

 
$
160

Due after one year through five years
758

 
749

Due after five years through ten years
2,080

 
2,059

Due after ten years
10,281

 
9,994

Subtotal
13,279

 
12,962

Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
5,033

 
4,974

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
2,596

 
2,647

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,000

 
1,022

Subtotal
8,629

 
8,643

Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
$
21,908

 
$
21,605

The Company's available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses are reviewed for potential OTTI. For factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, please refer to “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices" to the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K.
The Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of the security. Additionally, the Company considers other factors, including, but not limited to: whether the issuer is currently meeting its financial obligations and its ability to continue to meet these obligations, its existing cash available, and its access to additional available capital. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions, based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other fixed maturity securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recognized.
Based on the results of our process for evaluating available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions for OTTI, as discussed above, the Company determined the unrealized losses as of March 31, 2019 decreased due to lower interest rates during the first quarter in conjunction with tighter credit spreads over Treasuries.

-14


The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and duration of fair value below amortized cost, were as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
2,696

 
$
(63
)
 
$
886

 
$
(19
)
 
$
3,582

 
$
(82
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
243

 
(4
)
 
250

 
(5
)
 
493

 
(9
)
Corporates
684

 
(15
)
 
7,227

 
(341
)
 
7,911

 
(356
)
Hybrids
333

 
(14
)
 
343

 
(19
)
 
676

 
(33
)
Municipals
45

 

 
482

 
(10
)
 
527

 
(10
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
41

 
(1
)
 
238

 
(4
)
 
279

 
(5
)
U.S. Government

 

 
50

 

 
50

 

Foreign Government

 

 
81

 
(2
)
 
81

 
(2
)
Total available-for-sale securities
$
4,042

 
$
(97
)
 
$
9,557

 
$
(400
)
 
$
13,599

 
$
(497
)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
468

Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1164

Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,632


-15



 
December 31, 2018
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
2,924

 
$
(116
)
 
$
643

 
$
(21
)
 
$
3,567

 
$
(137
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1,466

 
(34
)
 
262

 
(6
)
 
1,728

 
(40
)
Corporates
8,016

 
(772
)
 
1,465

 
(76
)
 
9,481

 
(848
)
Hybrids
858

 
(90
)
 
7

 
(1
)
 
865

 
(91
)
Municipals
850

 
(27
)
 
172

 
(5
)
 
1,022

 
(32
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
139

 
(3
)
 
190

 
(5
)
 
329

 
(8
)
U.S. Government
69

 

 
50

 
(1
)
 
119

 
(1
)
Foreign Government
47

 
(3
)
 
68

 
(5
)
 
115

 
(8
)
Total available-for-sale securities
$
14,369

 
$
(1,045
)
 
$
2,857

 
$
(120
)
 
$
17,226

 
$
(1,165
)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,551

Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
556

Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,107

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, securities in an unrealized loss position were primarily concentrated in corporate debt.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, securities with a fair value of $40 and $132, respectively, had an unrealized loss greater than 20% of amortized cost (excluding U.S. Government and U.S. Government sponsored agency securities), which were insignificant to the carrying value of all investments, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the credit loss portion of OTTI on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities held by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Beginning balance
$

 
$

Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
 
 
 
OTTI was previously recognized

 

OTTI was not previously recognized

 

Ending balance
$

 
$


-16


The following table breaks out the credit impairment loss type, the associated amortized cost and fair value of the investments at the balance sheet date and non-credit losses in relation to fixed maturity securities and other invested assets held by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Credit impairment losses in operations
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
Change-of-intent losses in operations

 

Amortized cost
1

 

Fair value
1

 

Non-credit losses in other comprehensive income for investments which experienced OTTI

 

Details of OTTI that were recognized in "Net income (loss)" and included in net realized gains on securities were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Corporates
(2
)
 
(2
)
Total
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)



-17


Mortgage Loans
The Company's mortgage loans are collateralized by commercial and residential properties.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") represented approximately 2% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Company primarily invests in mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, industrial properties, retail buildings, multifamily properties and office buildings. The Company diversifies its CML portfolio by geographic region and property type to attempt to reduce concentration risk. The Company continuously evaluates CMLs based on relevant current information to ensure properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the related debt. The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
% of Total
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
% of Total
Property Type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hotel
21

 
4
%
 
21

 
4
%
Industrial - General
37

 
8
%
 
37

 
8
%
Industrial - Warehouse
20

 
4
%
 
20

 
4
%
Multifamily
55

 
11
%
 
56

 
12
%
Office
146

 
31
%
 
147

 
30
%
Retail
200

 
42
%
 
201

 
42
%
Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance
$
479

 
100
%
 
$
482

 
100
%
Allowance for loan loss

 
 
 

 
 
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
479

 
 
 
$
482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Region:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
East North Central
$
97

 
20
%
 
$
98

 
20
%
East South Central
19

 
4
%
 
19

 
4
%
Middle Atlantic
78

 
16
%
 
79

 
17
%
Mountain
65

 
14
%
 
65

 
13
%
New England
10

 
2
%
 
10

 
2
%
Pacific
115

 
24
%
 
116

 
24
%
South Atlantic
57

 
12
%
 
57

 
12
%
West North Central
13

 
3
%
 
13

 
3
%
West South Central
25

 
5
%
 
25

 
5
%
Total commercial mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance
$
479

 
100
%
 
$
482

 
100
%
Allowance for loan loss

 
 
 

 
 
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
479

 
 
 
$
482

 
 
All of the Company's investments in CMLs had a loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio of less than 75% at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as measured at inception of the loans unless otherwise updated. As of March 31, 2019, all CMLs are current and have not experienced credit or other events which would require the recording of an impairment loss.
LTV and DSC ratios are measures commonly used to assess the risk and quality of mortgage loans. The LTV ratio is expressed as a percentage of the amount of the loan relative to the value of the underlying property. A LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the underlying collateral. The DSC ratio, based upon the most recently received financial statements, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of a property’s net income to its debt service payments. A DSC ratio of less than 1.00 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. We normalize our DSC ratios to a 25-year amortization period for purposes of our general loan allowance evaluation.

-18


The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
Debt-Service Coverage Ratios
 
Total Amount
 
% of Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
>1.25
 
1.00 - 1.25
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 50%
$
299

 
$
6

 
$
305

 
64
%
 
$
309

 
64
%
50% to 60%
163

 

 
163

 
34
%
 
165

 
34
%
60% to 75%
11

 

 
11

 
2
%
 
11

 
2
%
Commercial mortgage loans
$
473

 
$
6

 
$
479

 
100
%
 
$
485

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LTV Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 50%
$
296

 
$
6

 
$
302

 
63
%
 
$
302

 
63
%
50% to 60%
169

 

 
169

 
35
%
 
170

 
35
%
60% to 75%
11

 

 
11

 
2
%
 
11

 
2
%
Commercial mortgage loans
$
476

 
$
6

 
$
482

 
100
%
 
$
483

 
100
%
(a) N/A - Current DSC ratio not available.
The Company establishes a general mortgage loan allowance based upon the underlying risk and quality of the mortgage loan portfolio using DSC ratio and LTV ratio. The Company believes that the LTV ratio is an indicator of the principal recovery risk for loans that default. A higher LTV ratio will result in a higher allowance. The Company believes that the DSC ratio is an indicator of default risk on loans. A higher DSC ratio will result in a lower allowance.
The Company recognizes a mortgage loan as delinquent when payments on the loan are greater than 30 days past due. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no CMLs that were delinquent in principal or interest payments.
Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our CML portfolio had no impairments, modifications or TDRs.
Residential Mortgage Loans
Residential mortgage loans ("RMLs") represented approximately 1% of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Company's residential mortgage loans are closed end, amortizing loans. 100% of the properties are located in the United States. The Company diversifies its RML portfolio by state to attempt to reduce concentration risk. The distribution of RMLs by state with highest-to-lowest concentration are reflected in the following tables:
 
March 31, 2019
US State:
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
% of Total
Illinois
$
29

 
15
%
Florida
25

 
13
%
South Carolina
24

 
13
%
All Other States (a)
112

 
59
%
Total mortgage loans
$
190

 
100
%
(a) The individual concentration of each state is less than 9% as of March 31, 2019.

-19


 
December 31, 2018
US State:
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
% of Total
Florida
$
25

 
14
%
Illinois
24

 
13
%
New Jersey
17

 
9
%
All Other States (a)
114

 
64
%
Total mortgage loans
$
180

 
100
%
(a) The individual concentration of each state is less than 9% as of December 31, 2018.

Residential mortgage loans have a primary credit quality indicator of either a performing or nonperforming loan. The Company defines non-performing residential mortgage loans as those that are 90 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status which is assessed monthly. The credit quality of RMLs as at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, was as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Performance indicators:
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Total
Performing
$
195

 
100
%
 
$
185

 
100
%
Non-performing

 
%
 

 
%
Total residential mortgage loans, gross of valuation allowance
$
195

 
100
%
 
$
185

 
100
%
Allowance for loan loss

 
%
 

 
%
Total residential mortgage loans
$
195

 
100
%
 
$
185

 
100
%
Net Investment Income
The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
$
265

 
$
242

Equity securities
21

 
10

Mortgage loans
7

 
7

Invested cash and short-term investments
3

 
3

Funds withheld
8

 
7

Limited partnerships
8

 
3

Other investments
5

 
1

Gross investment income
317

 
273

Investment expense
(28
)
 
(10
)
Net investment income
$
289

 
$
263



-20


Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Details underlying “Net investment gains (losses)” reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Net realized gains (losses) on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
$
(3
)
 
$
(37
)
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities
78

 
(6
)
Realized gains (losses) on other invested assets
1

 
(3
)
Derivatives and embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments
(26
)
 
11

Unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments
190

 
(135
)
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives (a)
(3
)
 
(21
)
Change in fair value of other derivatives and embedded derivatives
3

 

Realized gains (losses) on derivatives and embedded derivatives
164

 
(145
)
Net investment gains (losses)
$
240

 
$
(191
)
(a) Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives is due to F&G Re and FSRC unaffiliated third party business.

The proceeds from the sale of fixed-maturity available for-sale-securities and the gross gains and losses associated with those transactions were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Proceeds
$
474

 
$
2,778

Gross gains
5

 
8

Gross losses
(10
)
 
(43
)
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
FGL Insurance owns investments in VIEs that are not consolidated within the Company’s financial statements.  VIEs do not have sufficient equity to finance their own activities without additional financial support and certain of its investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  These VIEs are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements for the following reasons: 1)  FGL Insurance either does not control or does not have any voting rights or notice rights; 2)  the Company does not have any substantive rights to remove the investment manager; and 3)  the Company was not involved in the design of the investment.  These characteristics indicate that FGL Insurance lacks the ability to direct the activities, or otherwise exert control, of the VIEs and is not considered the primary beneficiary of them. 
The Company previously executed a commitment of $75 to purchase common shares in an unaffiliated private business development company ("BDC"). The BDC invests in secured and unsecured fixed maturity and equity securities of middle market companies in the United States. Due to the voting structure of the transaction, the Company does not have voting power.  The initial capital call occurred June 30, 2015, with the remaining commitment expected to fund June 2019. The Company has funded $54 as of March 31, 2019.
The Company invests in various limited partnerships as a passive investor. These investments are in corporate credit and real estate debt strategies that have a current income bias. Limited partnership interests are accounted for under the equity method and are included in “Other invested assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company's maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheet in addition to any required unfunded commitments. As of March 31, 2019, the Company's maximum exposure to loss was $595 in recorded carrying value and $1,093 in unfunded commitments.


-21


(5) Derivative Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA contracts, is as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
Derivative investments:
 
 
 
Call options
$
304

 
$
97

Futures contracts
1

 

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
Other derivatives and embedded derivatives
17

 
14

 
$
322

 
$
111

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Contractholder funds:
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivative
$
2,720

 
$
2,476

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative
27

 
29

 
$
2,747

 
$
2,505

 
The change in fair value of derivative instruments included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Revenues:
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
Call options
$
154

 
$
(122
)
Futures contracts
8

 
(2
)
Foreign currency forward
2

 

Other derivatives and embedded derivatives
3

 

Reinsurance related embedded derivatives
(3
)
 
(21
)
Total net investment gains (losses)
$
164

 
$
(145
)
 
 
 
 
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves:
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives
$
244

 
$
(98
)
 
 
 
 
Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals:
 
 
 
Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative
$
2

 
$
(1
)
Additional Disclosures
Other Derivatives and Embedded Derivatives
The Company holds a $35 fund-linked note issued by Nomura International Funding Pte. Ltd. The note provides for an additional payment at maturity based on the value of an embedded derivative in AnchorPath Dedicated Return Fund (the "AnchorPath Fund") of $11 which was based on the actual return of the fund. At March 31, 2019, the fair value of the fund-linked note and embedded derivative were $27 and $17, respectively. At December 31, 2018, the fair value of the fund-linked note and embedded derivative were $26 and $14, respectively. At maturity of the fund-linked note, FGL Insurance will receive the $35 face value of the note plus the value of the embedded derivative in the AnchorPath Fund. The additional payment at maturity is an embedded derivative reported in "Other invested assets", while the host is an available-for-sale security reported in "Fixed maturities, available-for-sale".

-22


Fixed Index Annuity ("FIA") Embedded Derivative and Call Options and Futures
The Company has FIA Contracts that permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity index linked component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of various equity indices, primarily the S&P 500 Index. This feature represents an embedded derivative under GAAP. The FIA embedded derivative is valued at fair value and included in the liability for contractholder funds in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value included as a component of “Benefits and other changes in policy reserves” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See a description of the fair value methodology used in "Note 6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments".
The Company purchases derivatives consisting of a combination of call options and futures contracts on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to FIA contractholders. The call options are one, two, three, and five year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the interest credit is reset and the Company purchases new one, two, three, or five year call options to fund the next index credit. The Company manages the cost of these purchases through the terms of its FIA contracts, which permit the Company to change caps, spreads or participation rates, subject to guaranteed minimums, on each contract’s anniversary date. The change in the fair value of the call options and futures contracts is generally designed to offset the portion of the change in the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative related to index performance. The call options and futures contracts are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of “Net investment gains (losses).” The change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts includes the gains and losses recognized at the expiration of the instrument term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value of open positions.
Other market exposures are hedged periodically depending on market conditions and the Company’s risk tolerance. The Company’s FIA hedging strategy economically hedges the equity returns and exposes the Company to the risk that unhedged market exposures result in divergence between changes in the fair value of the liabilities and the hedging assets. The Company uses a variety of techniques, including direct estimation of market sensitivities, to monitor this risk daily. The Company intends to continue to adjust the hedging strategy as market conditions and the Company’s risk tolerance change.
Preferred Equity Remarketing Reimbursement Embedded Derivative Liability
On November 30, 2017 the Company issued 275,000 Series A cumulative preferred shares and 100,000 Series B cumulative preferred shares (together the “Preferred Shares”). The Preferred Shares do not have a maturity date and are non-callable for the first five years. From and after November 30, 2022, the original holders of the Preferred Shares may request and thus require, the Company (subject to customary blackout provisions) to remarket the Preferred Shares on their existing terms. If the remarketing is successful and the original holders elect to sell their preferred shares at the remarketed price and proceeds from such sale are less than the outstanding balance of the applicable shares (including dividends paid in kind and accumulated but unpaid dividends), the Company will be required to reimburse the sellers, up to a maximum of 10% of the par value of the originally issued preferred shares (including dividends paid in kind and accumulated but unpaid dividends) with such amount payable either in cash, ordinary shares, or any combination thereof, at the Company's option (the “Reimbursement Feature”). The Reimbursement Feature represents an embedded derivative that is not clearly and closely related to the preferred stock host and must be bifurcated. The Reimbursement Feature liability is held at fair value within “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets using a Black Derman Toy model incorporating among other things the paid in kind dividend coupon rate and the Company’s call option. Changes in fair value of this derivative are recognized within “Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals” in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

-23



Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by its counterparties on the call options and reflects assumptions regarding this non-performance risk in the fair value of the call options. The non-performance risk is the net counterparty exposure based on the fair value of the open contracts less collateral held. The Company maintains a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.
Information regarding the Company’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
Counterparty
Credit Rating
(Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (a)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
 
Net Credit Risk
Merrill Lynch
 A+/*/A+
 
$
3,496

 
$
70

 
$
25

 
$
45

Deutsche Bank
 A-/A3/BBB+
 
1,151

 
14

 
14

 

Morgan Stanley
 */A1/A+
 
1,657

 
25

 
24

 
1

Barclay's Bank
 A+/A2/A
 
2,752

 
79

 
61

 
18

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
 */Aa2/A+
 
1,430

 
41

 
29

 
12

Wells Fargo
 A+/A2/A-
 
2,034

 
58

 
56

 
2

Goldman Sachs
A/A3/BBB+
 
1,030

 
17

 
16

 
1

Total
 
 
$
13,550

 
$
304

 
$
225

 
$
79

 
 
 
December 31, 2018
Counterparty
Credit Rating
(Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (a)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
 
Net Credit Risk
Merrill Lynch
 A+/*/A+
 
$
3,952

 
$
25

 
$

 
$
25

Deutsche Bank
 A-/A3/BBB+
 
1,327

 
5

 
6

 
(1
)
Morgan Stanley
 */A1/A+
 
1,648

 
9

 
6

 
3

Barclay's Bank
 A+/A2/A
 
2,205

 
27

 
20

 
7

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
 */Aa2/A+
 
1,716

 
11

 
8

 
3

Wells Fargo
 A+/A2/A-
 
1,635

 
17

 
16

 
1

Goldman Sachs
A/A3/BBB+
 
647

 
3

 
3

 

Total
 
 
$
13,130

 
$
97

 
$
59

 
$
38

(a) An * represents credit ratings that were not available.

-24


Collateral Agreements
The Company is required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice as part of its over-the-counter derivative agreements on ISDA forms. Under some ISDA agreements, the Company has agreed to maintain certain financial strength ratings. A downgrade below these levels provides the counterparty under the agreement the right to terminate the open option contracts between the parties, at which time any amounts payable by the Company or the counterparty would be dependent on the market value of the underlying option contracts. The Company's current rating doesn't allow any counterparty the right to terminate ISDA agreements. In certain transactions, the Company and the counterparty have entered into a collateral support agreement requiring either party to post collateral when the net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds. For all counterparties, except one, this threshold is set to zero. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, counterparties posted $225 and $59 of collateral, respectively, of which $200 and $59 is included in "Cash and cash equivalents" with an associated payable for this collateral included in "Other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining $25 and $0 of non-cash collateral was held by a third-party custodian and may not be sold or re-pledged, except in the event of default, and, therefore, is not included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. This collateral generally consists of U.S. treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities. Accordingly, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that the Company would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $79 and $38 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The Company is required to pay counterparties the effective federal funds rate each day for cash collateral posted to FGL for daily mark to market margin changes.  The Company reinvests derivative cash collateral to reduce the interest cost. Cash collateral is invested in short term Treasury securities and A1/P1 commercial paper which are included in "Cash and cash equivalents" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company held 774 and 664 futures contracts at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The fair value of the futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). The Company provides cash collateral to the counterparties for the initial and variation margin on the futures contracts which is included in "Cash and cash equivalents" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of cash collateral held by the counterparties for such contracts was $4 and $3 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
    

-25


(6) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset, or non-performance risk, which may include the Company’s own credit risk. The Company’s estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market for that asset or liability in the absence of a principal market as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or assume a liability (“entry price”). The Company categorizes financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:
Level 1 - Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads, and yield curves.
Level 3 - Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.
When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. In addition to the unobservable inputs, Level 3 fair value investments may include observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
 

-26


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which the disclosure of fair values is required, including financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis, with the exception of investment contracts, related party loans, portions of other invested assets and debt which are disclosed later within this footnote, was summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,357

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,357

 
$
1,357

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities

 
4,466

 
508

 
4,974

 
4,974

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
2,579

 
68

 
2,647

 
2,647

Corporates

 
9,381

 
1,209

 
10,590

 
10,590

Hybrids
277

 
674

 
10

 
961

 
961

Municipals

 
1,179

 
38

 
1,217

 
1,217

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
403

 
619

 
1,022

 
1,022

U.S. Government
51

 
5

 

 
56

 
56

Foreign Governments

 
122

 
16

 
138

 
138

Equity securities
441

 
657

 
20

 
1,118

 
1,118

Derivative investments
1

 
304

 

 
305

 
305

Other invested assets

 

 
41

 
41

 
41

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value
161

 
664

 
7

 
832

 
832

Total financial assets at fair value
$
2,288

 
$
20,434

 
$
2,536

 
$
25,258

 
$
25,258

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds

 

 
2,720

 
2,720

 
2,720

Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative

 

 
27

 
27

 
27

Fair value of future policy benefits

 

 
797

 
797

 
797

Total financial liabilities at fair value
$

 
$

 
$
3,544

 
$
3,544

 
$
3,544


-27


 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
571

 
$

 
$

 
$
571

 
$
571

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities

 
4,388

 
444

 
4,832

 
4,832

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
2,470

 
67

 
2,537

 
2,537

Corporates

 
9,150

 
1,231

 
10,381

 
10,381

Hybrids
265

 
626

 
10

 
901

 
901

Municipals

 
1,150

 
37

 
1,187

 
1,187

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
417

 
614

 
1,031

 
1,031

U.S. Government
114

 
5

 

 
119

 
119

Foreign Governments

 
105

 
16

 
121

 
121

Equity securities
454

 
874

 
4

 
1,332

 
1,332

Derivative investments

 
97

 

 
97

 
97

Other invested assets

 

 
39

 
39

 
39

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value
169

 
576

 
4

 
749

 
749

Total financial assets at fair value
$
1,573

 
$
19,858

 
$
2,466

 
$
23,897

 
$
23,897

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds
$

 
$

 
$
2,476

 
$
2,476

 
$
2,476

Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative

 

 
29

 
29

 
29

Fair value of future policy benefits

 

 
725

 
725

 
725

Total financial liabilities at fair value
$

 
$

 
$
3,230

 
$
3,230

 
$
3,230

Valuation Methodologies
Fixed Maturity Securities & Equity Securities
The Company measures the fair value of its securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and the Company will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. The Company's fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include third-party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. The Company uses observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met.
For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of equity securities for which the market approach valuation technique is employed is yield for comparable securities. Increases or decreases in the yields would result in lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurements. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Management believes the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trades executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices. The Company has an equity investment in a private business development company which is not traded on an exchange or valued by other sources such as analytics or brokers. The Company based the fair value of this investment on an estimated net asset value provided by the investee. Management did not make any adjustments to this valuation.
The fair value of the Company's investment in mutual funds is based on the net asset value published by the respective mutual fund and represents the value the Company would have received if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date.

-28


The Company did not adjust prices received from third parties as of March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. However, the Company does analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of call option assets is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what the Company would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if it canceled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. Fair values for these instruments are determined internally, based on valuation pricing models which use market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors.
The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements) which represents what the Company would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if it canceled the futures contract or entered into offsetting positions. These contracts are classified as Level 1.
The fair value measurement of the FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds is determined through a combination of market observable information and significant unobservable inputs. The market observable inputs are the market value of option and interest swap rates. The significant unobservable inputs are the mortality multiplier, surrender rates, non-performance spread and option costs. The mortality multiplier at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. Significant increases or decreases in the market value of an option in isolation would result in a higher or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Significant increases or decreases in interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not directly result in a change in any other unobservable input.
The fair value of the Reimbursement Feature is determined using a Black Derman Toy model, incorporating the paid in kind dividend coupon, the Company's redemption option and the preferred shareholder's remarketing feature. The remarketing feature allows the shareholder to put the preferred shares to the Company for a value of par after five years and, if after a successful remarketing event the amount is less than 90% par, up to a maximum of 10% of liquidation price defined. Fair value of this derivative decreased $2 during the three months ended March 31, 2019, due to changes in the credit spread.
Other Invested Assets
Fair value of the AnchorPath embedded derivative is based on an unobservable input, the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund at the balance sheet date.  The embedded derivative is similar to a call option on the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund with a strike price of zero since FGL Insurance will not be required to make any additional payments at maturity of the fund-linked note in order to receive the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund on the maturity date.  A Black-Scholes model determines the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund as the fair value of the call option regardless of the values used for the other inputs to the option pricing model.  The net asset value of the AnchorPath fund is provided by the fund manager at the end of each calendar month and represents the value an investor would receive if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. Therefore, the key unobservable input used in the Black-Scholes model is the value of the AnchorPath fund. As the value of the AnchorPath fund increases or decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative will increase or decrease.
FSRC and F&G Re Funds Withheld for Reinsurance Receivables and Future Policy Benefits
FSRC and F&G Re elected to apply the Fair Value Option to account for its funds withheld receivables and future policy benefits liability related to its assumed reinsurance. FSRC and F&G Re measures the fair value of the Funds Withheld for Reinsurance Receivables based on the fair values of the securities in the underlying funds withheld portfolio held by the cedant. FSRC and F&G Re use a discounted cash flows approach to measure the fair value of the Future Policy Benefits Reserve. The cash flows associated with future policy premiums and benefits are generated using best estimate assumptions (plus a risk margin, where applicable) and are consistent with market prices, where available. Risk margins are typically applied to non-observable, non-hedgeable market inputs such as long term volatility, mortality, morbidity, lapse, etc.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the FSRC and F&G Re future policy benefit liability are undiscounted cash flows, non-performance risk spread and risk margin to reflect uncertainty.  Undiscounted cash flows used in our March 31, 2019 discounted cash flow model equaled $1,152

-29


Increases or decreases in non-performance risk spread and risk margin to reflect uncertainty would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. 

Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are as follows: 
 
Fair Value at
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted average)
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
489

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
97.50% - 105.17% (100.84%)
Asset-backed securities
19

 
Third-Party Valuation
 
Offered quotes
 
0.00% - 98.30% (28.44%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
43

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
81.01% - 100.14% (87.90%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
25

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
121.01% - 121.01% (121.01%)
Corporates
731

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
54.00% - 107.83% (99.49%)
Corporates
478

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
95.94% - 117.55% (101.67%)
Hybrids
10

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
98.84% - 98.84% (98.84%)
Municipals
38

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
114.61% - 114.61% (114.61%)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
619

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
92.52% - 103.81% (103.34%)
Foreign governments
16

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
101.38% - 103.55% (102.06%)
Equity securities
16

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
100.00%
Equity securities (Salus preferred equity)
4

 
Income-Approach
 
Yield
 
7.18%
Other Invested Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale embedded derivative (AnchorPath)
16

 
Black Scholes model
 
Market value of AnchorPath fund
 
100.00%
Credit Linked Note
25

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
100.00%
Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables at fair value
6

 
Matrix pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
100.00%
Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables at fair value
1

 
Loan recovery value
 
Recovery rate
 
14.00%
Total
$
2,536

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
797

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Market value of option
 
0.88% - 6.95% (1.90%)
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality multiplier
 
90.00% - 100.00% (100.00%)
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender rates
 
0.65% - 40.00% (4.63%)
 
 
 
 
 
Partial withdrawals
 
0.00% - 2.50% (0.93%)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance spread
 
0.00% - 0.10% (0.03%)
 
 
 
 
 
Option cost
 
1.14% - 4.58% (1.72%)
 
 
 
 
 
Risk margin to reflect uncertainty
 
0.35% - 0.62% (0.44%)
 
 
 
 
 
Morbidity risk margin
 
0.00% - 2.00% (0.17%)
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds
2,720

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Market value of option
 
0.00% - 32.37% (2.23%)
 
 
 
 
 
SWAP rates
 
2.29% - 2.41% (2.34%)

-30


 
 
 
 
 
Mortality multiplier
 
80.00% - 80.00% (80.00%)
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender rates
 
0.50% - 75.00% (5.86%)
 
 
 
 
 
Partial withdrawals
 
1.00% - 2.50% (2.00%)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance spread
 
0.25% - 0.25% (0.25%)
 
 
 
 
 
Option cost
 
0.18% - 16.61% (2.16%)
Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative
27

 
Black Derman Toy model
 
Credit Spread
 
4.50%
 
 
 
 
 
Yield Volatility
 
20.00%
Total liabilities at fair value
$
3,544

 
 
 
 
 
 

-31


 
Fair Value at
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted average)
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
405

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
97.00% - 102.00% (99.77%)
Asset-backed securities
24

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
96.07% - 96.07% (96.07%)
Asset-backed securities
15

 
Third-Party Valuation
 
Offered quotes
 
0.00% - 99.29% (23.05%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
43

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
77.12% - 100.08% (85.46%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
24

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
117.72% - 117.72% (117.72%)
Corporates
577

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
74.63% - 104.62% (97.80%)
Corporates
654

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
91.74% - 113.25% (98.86%)
Hybrids
10

 
Matrix Pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
96.60% - 96.60% (96.60%)
Municipals
37

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
111.23% - 111.23% (111.23%)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
614

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
89.80% - 100.99% (100.73%)
Foreign governments
16

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
98.38% - 99.01% (98.58%)
Equity securities (Salus preferred equity)
4

 
Income-Approach
 
Yield
 
7.15%
Other Invested Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale embedded derivative (AnchorPath)
14

 
Black Scholes model
 
Market value of AnchorPath fund
 
100.00%
Credit Linked Note
25

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
100.00%
Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value
4

 
Matrix pricing
 
Calculated prices
 
100.00%
Total
$
2,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
725

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Non-Performance risk spread
 
0.00% - 0.22% (0.18%)
 
 
 
 
 
Risk margin to reflect uncertainty
 
0.35% - 0.71% (0.68%)
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds
2,476

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Market value of option
 
0.00% - 31.06% (0.94%)
 
 
 
 
 
SWAP rates
 
2.57% - 2.71% (2.63%)
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality multiplier
 
80.00% - 80.00% (80.00%)
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender rates
 
0.50% - 75.00% (5.90%)
 
 
 
 
 
Partial withdrawals
 
1.00% - 2.50% (2.00%)
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance spread
 
0.25% - 0.25% (0.25%)
 
 
 
 
 
Option cost
 
0.11% - 16.61% (2.18%)
Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative
29

 
Black Derman Toy model
 
Credit Spread
 
5.14%
 
 
 
 
 
Yield Volatility
 
20.00%
Total liabilities at fair value
$
3,230

 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized losses (gains), net in the Company’s FIA embedded derivatives are included in "Benefits and other changes in policy reserves" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


-32


The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of VOBA and DAC. The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.
 
Three months ended March 31, 2019
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3 (a)
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
444

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
114

 
$

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
508

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
67

 

 
2

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
68

Corporates
1,231

 
(1
)
 
24

 

 
(21
)
 
(35
)
 
11

 
1,209

Hybrids
10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
10

Municipals
37

 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
38

Residential mortgage-backed securities
614

 

 
16

 
7

 

 
(18
)
 

 
619

Foreign Governments
16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
16

Equity securities
4

 

 
1

 

 

 

 
15

 
20

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale embedded derivative
14

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
16

Credit linked note
25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
25

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables at fair value
4

 

 

 
5

 

 

 
(2
)
 
7

Total assets at Level 3 fair value
$
2,466

 
$
1

 
$
49

 
$
126

 
$
(21
)
 
$
(85
)
 
$

 
$
2,536

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds
$
2,476

 
$
244

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,720

Future policy benefits
725

 
29

 

 

 

 
43

 

 
797

Preferred shares reimbursement feature embedded derivative
29

 
(2
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
27

Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value
$
3,230

 
$
271

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
43

 
$

 
$
3,544

(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 were exclusively to Level 2.

-33



 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3 (a)
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
412

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
28

 
$

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(131
)
 
$
301

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
49

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
42

Corporates
1,169

 

 
(20
)
 
100

 

 
(34
)
 

 
1,215

Hybrids
10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
10

Municipals
38

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 
37

Residential mortgage-backed securities
66

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
65

Foreign Governments
17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
17

Equity securities
3

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
4

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale embedded derivative
17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
17

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value
4

 

 

 
2

 

 

 

 
6

Total assets at Level 3 fair value
$
1,785

 
$
1

 
$
(24
)
 
$
130

 
$

 
$
(47
)
 
$
(131
)
 
$
1,714

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds
$
2,277

 
$
(98
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,179

Future policy benefits
728

 
(20
)
 

 

 

 
4

 

 
712

Preferred shares reimbursements feature embedded derivative
23

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
24

Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value
$
3,028

 
$
(117
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
2,915

(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 were exclusively to Level 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-34


Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments.

Mortgage Loans
The fair value of mortgage loans is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income. This yield-based approach is sourced from our third-party vendor. The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower, and payment record. In the event of an impairment, the carrying value is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policy Loans (included within Other Invested Assets)
Fair values for policy loans are estimated from a discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar credit risk.  Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
Investment Contracts
Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, indexed universal life policies ("IULs") and immediate annuities. The fair value of deferred annuity, FIA, and IUL contracts is based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost the Company would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The fair value of immediate annuities contracts is derived by calculating a new fair value interest rate using the updated yield curve and treasury spreads as of the respective reporting date. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, this resulted in lower fair value reserves relative to the carrying value. The Company is not required to, and has not, estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value.
Debt
The fair value of debt is based on quoted market prices. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our outstanding debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Our revolving credit facility debt is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, and the estimated fair value reflects the carrying value as the revolver has no maturity date.

-35


The following tables provide the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are carried on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at amounts other than fair value, summarized according to the fair value hierarchy previously described.
 
March 31, 2019
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB common stock
$

 
$
56

 
$

 
$
56

 
$
56

Commercial mortgage loans

 

 
485

 
485

 
479

Residential mortgage loans

 

 
199

 
199

 
195

Policy loans, included in other invested assets

 

 
12

 
12

 
23

Affiliated other invested assets

 

 
40

 
40

 
40

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value

 

 
5

 
5

 
5

Total
$

 
$
56

 
$
741

 
$
797

 
$
798

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds

 

 
18,355

 
18,355

 
21,161

Debt

 
543

 

 
543

 
541

Total
$

 
$
543

 
$
18,355

 
$
18,898

 
$
21,702

 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB common stock
$

 
$
52

 
$

 
$
52

 
$
52

Commercial mortgage loans

 

 
483

 
483

 
482

Residential mortgage loans

 

 
187

 
187

 
185

Policy loans, included in other invested assets

 

 
11

 
11

 
22

Affiliated other invested assets

 

 
39

 
39

 
39

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables, at fair value

 

 
8

 
8

 
8

Total
$

 
$
52

 
$
728

 
$
780

 
$
788

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds
$

 
$

 
$
18,358

 
$
18,358

 
$
20,911

Debt

 
520

 

 
520

 
541

Total
$

 
$
520

 
$
18,358

 
$
18,878

 
$
21,452

The following table includes assets that have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy as the fair value of these investments are measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. For further discussion about this adoption see “Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices” to the Company's 2018 Form 10-K.
 
Carrying Value After Measurement
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Equity securities
$
53

 
$
50

Limited partnership investment, included in other invested assets
595

 
510

For investments for which NAV is used as a practical expedient for fair value, the Company does not have any significant restrictions in their ability to liquidate their positions in these investments, other than obtaining

-36


general partner approval, nor does the Company believe it is probable a price less than NAV would be received in the event of a liquidation.
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, or between other levels, at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The transfers into and out of Level 3 were related to changes in the primary pricing source and changes in the observability of external information used in determining the fair value.
The Company’s assessment resulted in gross transfers into and gross transfers out of certain fair value levels by asset class for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows:
 
Transfers Between Fair Value Levels
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
In
 
Out
 
In
 
Out
 
In
 
Out
Three months ended March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
24

 
$

 
$

 
$
24

Corporates

 

 

 
11

 
11

 

Equity securities
5

 
17

 
2

 
5

 
15

 

Funds withheld for reinsurance receivables

 

 
2

 

 

 
2

Total transfers
$
5

 
$
17

 
$
28

 
$
16

 
$
26

 
$
26


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
131

 
$

 
$

 
$
131

Hybrids
15

 

 

 
15

 

 

Total transfers
$
15

 
$

 
$
131

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-37


(7) Intangibles
A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of the Company's VOBA, DAC and DSI intangible assets are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VOBA
 
DAC
 
DSI
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
866

 
$
344

 
$
149

 
$
1,359

Deferrals

 
91

 
35

 
126

Amortization
(31
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(36
)
Interest
4

 
2

 
1

 
7

Unlocking

 

 

 

Adjustment for net unrealized investment (gains) losses
(35
)
 

 

 
(35
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
804

 
$
434

 
$
183

 
$
1,421

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VOBA
 
DAC
 
DSI
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
821

 
$
22

 
$
10

 
$
853

Deferrals

 
59

 
26

 
85

Amortization
(30
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(32
)
Interest
5

 

 

 
5

Unlocking

 

 

 

Adjustment for net unrealized investment (gains) losses
38

 
4

 
1

 
43

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
834

 
$
84

 
$
36

 
$
954

Amortization of VOBA, DAC, and DSI is based on the historical, current and future expected gross margins or profits recognized, including investment gains and losses. The interest accrual rate utilized to calculate the accretion of interest on VOBA ranged from 0.05% to 4.01%. The adjustment for unrealized net investment losses (gains) represents the amount of VOBA, DAC, and DSI that would have been amortized if such unrealized gains and losses had been recognized. This is referred to as the “shadow adjustments” as the additional amortization is reflected in AOCI rather than the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the VOBA balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment (gains) losses of $40 and $22, respectively, the DAC balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment (gains) losses of $5 and $0, respectively, and the DSI balance included net unrealized investment (gains) losses of $2 and $2, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
 
Estimated Amortization Expense
Fiscal Year
 
2019
48

2020
83

2021
89

2022
84

2023
75

Thereafter
385

The Company had an unearned revenue liability balance of $(39) as of March 31, 2019, including deferrals of $(9), amortization of $2, unlocking of $0, and adjustment for net unrealized investment gains (losses) of $9.


-38


Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
Amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2019 consist of the following:
 
Cost
 
Accumulated amortization
 
Net carrying amount
 
Weighted average useful life (years)
Trade marks / trade names
$
16

 
$
2

 
$
14

 
10
State insurance licenses
6

 
N/A

 
6

 
Indefinite
Total
 
 
 
 
$
20

 
 
(8) Debt
The carrying amount of the Company's outstanding debt as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Debt
$
541

 
$
541

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the company had not drawn on the revolver, which would have carried interest rates equal to 5.25% and 5.27%, respectively, had we drawn on the revolver. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the amount available to be drawn on the revolver was $250.
The interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Interest Expense
 
Amortization
 
Interest Expense
 
Amortization
Debt
8

 

 
5

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 
1

 



-39


(9) Equity
Share Repurchases
On December 19, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $150 of the Company's outstanding common stock. This program will expire on December 15, 2020, and may be modified at any time. Under the share repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. Repurchases may also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares, and the timing of such purchases, will depend upon a variety of factors, including market conditions, regulatory requirements and other considerations, as determined by the Company.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 3,728 thousand shares for a total cost of $30. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had repurchased a total of 4,328 thousand shares for a total cost of $34.

Dividends
The Company declared the following cash dividend to its common shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Date Declared
 
Date Paid
 
Date Shareholders of record
 
Shareholders of record (in thousands)
 
Cash Dividend declared (per share)
 
Total cash paid
February 27, 2019
 
April 1, 2019
 
March 18, 2019
 
221,661
 
$0.01
 
$2
On May 7, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 10, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 28, 2019.
The Company did not declare a cash dividend to its common shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The Company declared the following dividends to its preferred shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2019:
Type of Preferred Share
 
Date Declared
 
Date Paid
 
Date Shareholders of record
 
Shares outstanding at date of record (in thousands)
 
Method of Payment
 
Total cash paid
Total shares paid in kind (in thousands)
Series A Preferred Shares
 
March 29, 2019
 
April 1, 2019
 
March 15, 2019
 
298
 
Paid in kind
 
$—
6
Series B Preferred Shares
 
March 29, 2019
 
April 1, 2019
 
March 15, 2019
 
108
 
Paid in kind
 
$—
2
    
The Company declared the following dividends to its preferred shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Type of Preferred Share
 
Date Declared
 
Date Paid
 
Date Shareholders of record
 
Shares outstanding at date of record (in thousands)
 
Method of Payment
 
Total cash paid
Total shares paid in kind (in thousands)
Series A Preferred Shares
 
March 29, 2018
 
April 1, 2018
 
March 15, 2018
 
277
 
Paid in kind
 
$—
5
Series B Preferred Shares
 
March 29, 2018
 
April 1, 2018
 
March 15, 2018
 
101
 
Paid in kind
 
$—
1


-40


(10) Stock Compensation

On August 8, 2017, the Company adopted a stock-based incentive plan (the “FGL Incentive Plan”) that permits the granting of awards in the form of qualified stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, performance-based awards, dividend equivalents, cash awards and any combination of the foregoing. The Company’s Compensation Committee is authorized to grant up to 15,006 thousand equity awards under the Incentive Plan. At March 31, 2019, 5,588 thousand equity awards are available for future issuance.
FGL Incentive Plan
On February 26, 2019 FGL granted 1,699 thousand stock options to a certain officer of the Company. The following table summarizes the vesting conditions for these options:
Vesting mechanism
 
Vest Dates
 
Number of options subject to these vesting conditions
Service
 
Each March 15 from 2020 through 2023; subject to continued service
 
485

Service and return on equity performance
 
March 15 2020, 2021 and 2022 subject to continued service and targeted return on equity
 
607

Service and stock price performance
 
Each March 15 from 2019 through 2023; subject to continued service and target stock price goals being achieved
 
607


The total fair value of the options granted on February 26, 2019 was $3. The fair value of the awards is expensed over the service period, which generally corresponds to the vesting period.
At March 31, 2019, the intrinsic value of stock options outstanding or expected to vest was $76. At March 31, 2019, the weighted average remaining contractual term of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest was 7 years, 6 years and 7 years, respectively. At March 31, 2019 there were 485 options that were exercisable.
A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2019, and related activity during the three months ended March 31, 2019, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Stock Option Awards
Options
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2018
13,007

 
$
9.68

Granted
1,699

 
10.00

Exercised

 

Forfeited or expired
(1,869
)
 
(10.00
)
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2019
12,837

 
9.67

Exercisable at March 31, 2019
485

 
10.00

Vested or projected to vest at March 31, 2019
12,837

 
9.67


-41


To value the options granted with service and return on equity performance vesting conditions, we used a Black Scholes valuation model. To value the options granted with stock price market performance vesting conditions, we used a Monte Carlo simulation. The following inputs and assumptions were used in the determination of the grant date fair values of the February 26, 2019 grants for each.
 
Black-Scholes Model
 
Monte Carlo Model
 
 
 
Serviced based
 
ROE Performance based
 
Stock Price Performance based
 
Source of input/ assumption
Weighted average fair value per options granted
$1.68
 
$1.74
 
$1.26
 
N/A
Risk-free interest rate
2.48%
 
2.50%
 
2.54%
 
US Treasury Curve
Assumed dividend yield
0.49%
 
0.49%
 
0.49%
 
Internal projection
Expected option term
5.75 years
 
6.0 years
 
N/A
 
Internal model
Contractual term
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.0 years
 
N/A
Volatility
26.00%
 
26.00%
 
26.00%
 
Predecessor and peer group experience
Early exercise multiple
N/A
 
N/A
 
2.8
 
Hull White model
Cost of equity
N/A
 
N/A
 
10.50%
 
Capital asset pricing model - 20 year risk free rate
    
The Company granted 147 thousand restricted shares to directors in the three months ended March 31, 2019. These shares will vest on December 31, 2019. The total fair value of the restricted shares granted in the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $1.
A summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019, and related activity during the three months ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2018
 

 
$

Granted
 
147

 
6.82

Vested
 

 

Forfeited or expired
 

 

Vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2019
 
147

 
6.82

Management Incentive Plan

In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company granted 424 thousand phantom units to members of management under a management incentive plan (the "Management Incentive Plan"). The total fair value of the restricted shares granted in the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $4.
One half of the phantom units vest in three equal installments on each March 15th from 2020 to 2022, subject to awardees continued service with the Company. The other half will begin vesting on March 15, 2021 and cliff vest on March 15, 2022 based on continued service and attainment of a performance metric: adjusted operating income return on equity.
At March 31, 2019, the liability for phantom units of $1 was based on the number of units granted, the elapsed portion of the service period and the fair value of the Company’s common stock on that date which was $7.87.

-42


A summary of the Management Incentive Plan nonvested phantom units outstanding as of March 31, 2019, and related activity during the three months ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Phantom units
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Phantom units outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
356

 
$
8.95

Granted
 
424

 
8.64

Vested
 
(59
)
 
10.00

Forfeited or expired
 
(10
)
 
8.96

Phantom units outstanding at March 31, 2019
 
711

 
9.19

The Company recognized total stock compensation expense related to the FGL Incentive Plan and Management Incentive Plan is as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
FGL Incentive Plan
 
Stock options
$
1

Restricted shares

 
1

Management Incentive Plan
 
Phantom units

 

Total stock compensation expense
1

Related tax benefit

Net stock compensation expense
$
1

The stock compensation expense is included in "Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Total compensation expense related to the FGL Incentive Plan and Management Incentive Plan not yet recognized as of March 31, 2019 and the weighted-average period over which this expense will be recognized are as follows:
 
 
Unrecognized Compensation
Expense
 
Weighted Average Recognition
Period in Years
FGL Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
$
18

 
3
Restricted shares
 
1

 
1
 
 
19

 
 
Management Incentive Plan
 
 
 
 
Phantom units
 
3

 
3
 
 
3

 
 
Total unrecognized stock compensation expense
 
$
22

 
3

(11) Income Taxes
    
The Company is a Cayman-domiciled corporation that has operations in Bermuda and the U.S. Neither the Cayman Islands nor Bermuda impose a corporate income tax. The Company’s U.S. non-life subsidiaries file a consolidated non-life U.S. Federal income tax return. The Company’s US life insurance subsidiaries file a separate life consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return. The life insurance companies will be eligible to join in a consolidated filing with the U.S. non-life companies in 2022.

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The provision for income taxes represents federal income taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 5%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was 38%. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income for the current three months ended March 31, 2019 differs from the U.S Federal statutory rate for 2019 of 21% primarily due to two factors. First, in 2018, a partial valuation allowance was established against the US Life companies' unrealized loss deferred tax assets because there were not sufficient sources of income to recover those assets. During the first quarter of 2019, the unrealized loss position recovered enough that the valuation allowance was no longer needed and it was released. Secondly, the Company had substantial income in jurisdictions that do not impose an income tax. The effective tax rate on pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate for 2018 of 21% primarily due to the impact of an intended tax election. During the first quarter of 2018, there was uncertainty surrounding the impact of the Base-Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax ("BEAT") that was enacted as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and how it would impact the reinsurance agreement between F&G Life Re and FGL Insurance. As a result of the uncertainty, F&G Life Re intended to make an election under IRC Code Section 953(d) for the 2018 tax year to be treated as if it were a US taxpayer for the year.  As such, an opening balance sheet deferred tax liability was set up resulting in a discrete expense being recorded in the first quarter of 2018 that increased the first quarter effective rate. Based on clarifying guidance, the Company ultimately decided not to make that election in the fourth quarter of 2018.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had a partial valuation allowance of $33 against its gross deferred tax assets of $316. The valuation allowance is an offset to the non-life companies deferred tax assets and FSRC deferred tax assets. The non-life insurance company subsidiaries have a history of losses and insufficient sources of future income that would allow for recognition of any of their deferred tax assets. FSRC is in a cumulative loss position and does not have a sufficient track record of earnings to recognize any portion of its deferred tax assets
The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly and will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to support a release. At each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact the future realization of deferred tax assets. Management will consider a release of the valuation allowance once there is sufficient positive evidence that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Any release of the valuation allowance will be recorded as a tax benefit increasing net income or other comprehensive income.
All other deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized based on expectations as to our future taxable income and considering all other available evidence, both positive and negative.

(12) Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has unfunded investment commitments as of March 31, 2019 based upon the timing of when investments are executed compared to when the actual investments are funded, as some investments require that funding occur over a period of months or years. A summary of unfunded commitments by invested asset class are included below:
 
March 31, 2019
Asset Type
 
Other invested assets
$
1,093

Equity securities
21

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
39

Other assets
5

Total
$
1,158

As of March 31, 2019, the Company had unfunded commitments in affiliated investments which are included in the table above. See "Note 14. Related Party Transactions" for further information.

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Lease Commitments
The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire in May 2021. Rent expense and minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases are immaterial.
Contingencies
Regulatory and Litigation Matters
The Company is involved in various pending or threatened legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising in the ordinary course of business. In some instances, these proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief. In the opinion of the Company's management and in light of existing insurance and other potential indemnification, reinsurance and established accruals, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, although it is possible that the results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome in any one period.
The Company is assessed amounts by state guaranty funds to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. At March 31, 2019, the Company has accrued $2 for guaranty fund assessments that is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $2.
The Company has received inquiries from a number of state regulatory authorities regarding our use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (“Death Master File”) and compliance with state claims practices regulations and unclaimed property or escheatment laws. We have established procedures to periodically compare our in-force life insurance and annuity policies against the Death Master File or similar databases; investigate any identified potential matches to confirm the death of the insured; and determine whether benefits are due and attempt to locate the beneficiaries of any benefits due or, if no beneficiary can be located, escheat the benefit to the state as unclaimed property. We believe we have established sufficient reserves with respect to these matters; however, it is possible that third parties could dispute these amounts and additional payments or additional unreported claims or liabilities could be identified which could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
On June 30, 2017, a putative class action complaint was filed against FGL Insurance, FGL, and FS Holdco II Ltd in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, captioned Brokerage Insurance Partners v. Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, FS Holdco II Ltd, and John Doe, No. 17-cv-1815. The complaint alleges that FGL Insurance breached the terms of its agency agreement with Brokerage Insurance Partners (“BIP”) and other agents by changing certain compensation terms. The complaint asserts, among other causes of action, breach of contract, defamation, tortious interference with contract, negligent misrepresentation, and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).  The complaint seeks to certify a class composed of all persons who entered into an agreement with FGL Insurance to sell life insurance and who sold at least one life insurance policy between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2017.  The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages in an amount not presently determinable, among other forms of relief.
On September 1, 2017, FGL Insurance filed a counterclaim against BIP and John and Jane Does 1-10, asserting, among other causes of action, breach of contract, fraud, civil conspiracy and violations of RICO. On September 22, 2017, Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint, and on October 16, 2017, FGL Insurance filed an Amended Counterclaim against BIP, Agent Does 1-10, and Other Person Does 1-10. The parties also filed cross-Motions to Dismiss in Part.
On August 17, 2018, the Court in the BIP Litigation denied all pending Motions to Dismiss filed by all parties without prejudice, pending a decision as to whether the BIP Litigation will be consolidated into related litigation, captioned Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company v. Network Partners, et al., Case No. 17-cv-1508. On August 31, 2018, FGL Insurance filed its Answer to BIP’s Amended Complaint. Also on that date, FGL Insurance filed its Answer to Amended Complaint, Affirmative Defenses, and Counterclaim, Filed Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(4)(A). As of March 31, 2019, BIP has not filed any paper or pleading in response to the Court’s August 17, 2018 Order or to FGL Insurance’s filing. BIP's response date has been adjourned to May 15, 2019.
As of the date of this report, the Company does not have sufficient information to determine whether it has exposure to any losses that would be either probable or reasonably estimable. 

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(13) Reinsurance
The Company reinsures portions of its policy risks with other insurance companies. The use of indemnity reinsurance does not discharge an insurer from liability on the insurance ceded. The insurer is required to pay in full the amount of its insurance liability regardless of whether it is entitled to or able to receive payment from the reinsurer. The portion of risks exceeding the Company's retention limit is reinsured. The Company primarily seeks reinsurance coverage in order to limit its exposure to mortality losses and enhance capital management. The Company follows reinsurance accounting when there is adequate risk transfer. Otherwise, the deposit method of accounting is followed. The Company also assumes policy risks from other insurance companies.
The effect of reinsurance on net premiums earned and net benefits incurred (benefits incurred and reserve changes) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Benefits Incurred
 
Net Premiums Earned
 
Net Benefits Incurred
Direct
57

 
372

 
60

 
41

Assumed

 
20

 

 
(21
)
Ceded
(41
)
 
(53
)
 
(42
)
 
(59
)
   Net
16

 
339

 
18

 
(39
)
Amounts payable or recoverable for reinsurance on paid and unpaid claims are not subject to periodic or maximum limits. The Company did not write off any significant reinsurance balances during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company did not commute any ceded reinsurance treaties during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.
No policies issued by the Company have been reinsured with any foreign company, which is controlled, either directly or indirectly, by a party not primarily engaged in the business of insurance.
The Company has not entered into any reinsurance agreements in which the reinsurer may unilaterally cancel any reinsurance for reasons other than non-payment of premiums or other similar credit issues.
Effective January 1, 2017, FGL Insurance entered into an indemnity reinsurance agreement with Hannover Re, a third party reinsurer, to reinsure an inforce block of its FIA and fixed deferred annuity contracts with  GMWB and Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (“GMDB”) guarantees. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, FGL Insurance cedes a quota share percentage of the net retention of guarantee payments in excess of account value for GMWB and GMDB guarantees. The effects of this agreement are not accounted for as reinsurance as it does not satisfy the risk transfer requirements for GAAP, since it is not “reasonably possible” that the reinsurer may realize significant loss from assuming the insurance risk. Effective July 1, 2017, FGL Insurance extended this agreement to include new business issued during 2017. Effective January 1, 2018 FGL Insurance extended this agreement to include new business issued during 2018, and extended the recapture period from 8 to 12 years. Effective January 1, 2019, FGL Insurance extended this agreement to include new business issued during 2019. FGL Insurance incurred risk charge fees of $4 during the three months ended March 31, 2019, in relation to this reinsurance agreement.
Effective December 31, 2018, FGL Insurance entered into a reinsurance agreement with Kubera to cede approximately $758 of certain MYGA and deferred annuity GAAP reserve on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, net of applicable existing reinsurance. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, FGL Insurance cedes a 40%, 45%, and 63% quota share percentage of these annuity plans for issue years 2013, 2001 through 2012, and 2000 and prior, respectively.
Effective December 31, 2018, FGL Insurance entered into a reinsurance agreement with Kubera to cede approximately $4 billion of certain FIA statutory reserve on a coinsurance funds withheld basis, net of applicable existing reinsurance. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, FGL Insurance cedes an 80% and 90% quota share percentage of these annuity plans for issue years 2013 through 2014, and 2007 and prior, respectively. The effects of this agreement are not accounted for as reinsurance as it does not satisfy the risk transfer requirements for GAAP, since it is not “reasonably possible” that the reinsurer may realize significant loss from assuming the insurance risk.

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F&G Reinsurance Companies
FSRC, an affiliate of FGL Insurance, has entered into various reinsurance agreements on a funds withheld basis, meaning that funds are withheld by the ceding company from the coinsurance premium owed to FSRC as collateral for FSRC's payment obligations. Accordingly, the collateral assets remain under the ultimate ownership of the ceding company. FSRC manages the assets supporting the reserves assumed in accordance with the internal investment policy of the ceding companies and applicable law. At March 31, 2019, FSRC had $286 of funds withheld receivables and $270 of insurance reserves related to these reinsurance treaties.
F&G Re, an affiliate of FGL Insurance, has entered into two reinsurance agreements on a funds withheld basis with unaffiliated parties. At March 31, 2019, F&G Re had $551 of funds withheld receivables and $527 of insurance reserves related to these reinsurance treaties.
See a description of FSRC’s and F&G Re's accounting policy for its assumed reinsurance contracts in "Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices" within the Company's 2018 Form 10-K.

(14) Related Party Transactions
Affiliated Investments
The Company, and certain subsidiaries of the Company, entered into investment management agreements with Blackstone ISG-I Advisors LLC ("BISGA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Blackstone Group LP ("Blackstone") on December 1, 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the investment management agreements, BISGA may delegate certain of its investment management services to sub-managers and any fees or other remuneration payable to such sub-managers is payable by the Company out of the assets managed by such sub-managers. BISGA has delegated certain investment management services to its affiliates, Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Advisors L.L.C. (“BRESSA”) and GSO Capital Advisors II LLC (“GSO Capital Advisors II”), pursuant to sub-management agreements executed between BISGA and each of BRESSA and GSO Capital Advisors. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company has a net liability of $25 and $20, respectively, for the services consumed under the investment management agreements and related sub-management agreements, partially offset by fees received and expense reimbursements from BISGA.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company received expense reimbursements from BISGA for the services consumed under these agreements. Fees received for these types of services are $2 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The Company holds certain fixed income security interests, limited partnerships and bank loans issued by portfolio companies that are affiliates of Blackstone Tactical Opportunities, an affiliate of Blackstone Tactical Opportunities LR Associates-B (Cayman) Ltd (the “Blackstone Fixed Income Securities”) both on a direct and indirect basis.  Indirect investments include an investment made in an affiliates’ asset backed fund while direct investments are an investment in affiliates' equity or debt securities.  As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company held $1,549 and $1,461 in affiliated investments, respectively, which includes foreign exchange unrealized loss of $(4) and $(2), respectively. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had unfunded commitments relating to affiliated investments of $971 and $990, respectively.
The Company purchased $12 and $185 of residential loans from Finance of America Holdings LLC, a Blackstone affiliate, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and on December 17, 2018, respectively. 
On December 1, 2017, the Company executed an agreement with Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors LLC ("BTO Advisors") and Fidelity National Financial, Inc. ("FNF"), to provide the Company transactional and operational services and advice through December 31, 2018. The agreement was amended on November 2, 2018 to provide services through June 30, 2019. The Company will pay fees to BTO Advisors (or its designee(s)), and to FNF in consideration for such services in cash, ordinary shares or warrants exercisable for ordinary shares of the Company. As of March 31, 2019, no such services have been provided.
The Company paid-in-kind dividends on preferred shares held by GSO Capital Partners, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Blackstone Group LP, of 6 thousand shares for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The Company had no gross realized gains or realized impairment losses on related party investments during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.


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(15) Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (share amounts in thousands):
 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

Less Preferred stock dividend
8

 
7

Net income (loss) available to common shares
163

 
58

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
219,646

 
214,370

Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock
36

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted
219,682

 
214,370

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.74

 
$
0.27

Diluted
$
0.74

 
$
0.27

The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the weighted average thereof reflects the actual number of FGL Holdings shares of common stock outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock and shares held in treasury.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 excludes the incremental effect of 6 million weighted average common stock warrants outstanding due to their anti-dilutive effect. This calculation also excludes the potential dilutive effect of the 406 thousand preferred stock shares outstanding as of March 31, 2019 as the contingency that would allow for the preferred shares to be converted to common shares has not yet been met. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 excludes the incremental effect related to certain outstanding stock options due to their anti-dilutive effect. The number of weighted average equivalent shares excluded is 1,737 thousand shares for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2018 excludes the potential dilutive effective of the 377 thousand preferred stock shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 as the contingency that would allow for the preferred shares to be converted to common shares has not yet been met.
(16) Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
The Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries file financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) that are prepared in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by such authorities, which may vary materially from GAAP. Prescribed SAP includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the NAIC as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules. Permitted SAP encompasses all accounting practices not so prescribed. The principal differences between SAP financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP are that SAP financial statements do not reflect DAC, DSI and VOBA, some bond portfolios may be carried at amortized cost, assets and liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contractholder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted. Accordingly, SAP operating results and SAP capital and surplus may differ substantially from amounts reported in the GAAP basis financial statements for comparable items.
FSRC (Cayman), F&G Re (Bermuda), and F&G Life Re (Bermuda) file financial statements with their respective regulators that are based on U.S. GAAP.
FGL Insurance applies Iowa-prescribed accounting practices that permit Iowa-domiciled insurers to report equity call options used to economically hedge FIA index credits at amortized cost for statutory accounting purposes and to calculate FIA statutory reserves such that index credit returns will be included in the reserve only after crediting to the annuity contract. This resulted in a $48 decrease and $30 increase to statutory capital and surplus at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

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FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received to treat the available amount of a letter of credit as an admitted asset which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $100 and $110 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed statutory accounting practice for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $1 and $0 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Without such permitted statutory accounting practices Raven Re’s statutory capital and (deficit) surplus would be $(4) and $(16) as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. The letter of credit facility is collateralized by NAIC 1 rated debt securities. If the permitted practice was revoked, the letter of credit could be replaced by the collateral assets with Nomura’s consent. FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $97 and $94, respectively.
As of March 31, 2019, FGL NY Insurance did not follow any prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices that differ from the NAIC's statutory accounting practices.
The prescribed and permitted statutory accounting practices have no impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with GAAP.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “seeks”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates” or other comparable terms. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not related to present facts or current conditions or that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and growth strategies and the industries in which we operate and including, without limitation, statements relating to our future performance.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and industry development may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. In addition, even if our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and industry development are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”), which can be found at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission's ("SEC's") website, www.sec.gov. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements relating to our operations and business include:
general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest and unemployment rate levels and stock and credit market performance;
concentration in certain states for distribution of our products;
the impact of interest rate fluctuations;
equity market volatility;
credit market volatility or disruption;
the impact of credit risk of our counterparties;
volatility or decline in the market price of our ordinary shares could impair our ability to raise necessary capital;
changes in our assumptions and estimates regarding the amortization of our deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and value of business acquired balances;
changes in our methodologies, estimates and assumptions regarding our valuation of investments and the determinations of the amounts of allowances and impairments;
changes in our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, and restrictions on our ability to fully utilize such assets;
the accuracy of management’s reserving assumptions;
regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products and minimum capitalization and statutory reserve requirements for insurance companies, or the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to make cash distributions to us (including dividends or payments on surplus notes those subsidiaries issue to us);
the ability to maintain or obtain approval of Iowa Insurance Division ("IID") and other regulatory authorities as required for our operations and those of our insurance subsidiaries
the impact of the "fiduciary" rule proposals on the Company, its products, distribution and business model;
changes in the federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products;
changes in tax laws which affect us and/or our shareholders;
potential adverse tax consequences if we are treated as a passive foreign investment company;
the impact on our business of new accounting rules or changes to existing accounting rules;
our potential need and our insurance subsidiaries’ potential need for additional capital to maintain our and their financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements and obligations;
our ability to successfully acquire new companies or businesses and integrate such acquisitions into our existing framework;

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the impact of potential litigation, including class action litigation;
our ability to protect our intellectual property;
our ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting;
the impact of restrictions in the Company's debt instruments on its ability to operate its business, finance its capital needs or pursue or expand its business strategies;
our ability and our insurance subsidiaries’ ability to maintain or improve financial strength ratings;
the continued availability of capital required for our insurance subsidiaries to grow;
the performance of third parties including third party administrators, independent distributors, underwriters, actuarial consultants and other outsourcing relationships;
the loss of key personnel;
interruption or other operational failures in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, integrity, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems;
our exposure to unidentified or unanticipated risk not adequately addressed by our risk management policies and procedures;
the impact on our business of natural and man-made catastrophes, pandemics, and malicious and terrorist acts;
our ability to compete in a highly competitive industry;
our ability to attract and retain national marketing organizations and independent agents;
our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us; and
the other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” of our 2018 Form 10-K.
You should read this report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from expectations. All forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report and we do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis reviews our unaudited condensed consolidated financial position at March 31, 2019 (unaudited) and December 31, 2018, and the unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. This analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of FGL Holdings (“FGL Holdings,” “we,” “us,” “our” and, collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), which was included with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 included within the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K. Certain statements we make under this Item 2 constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this report. You should consider our forward-looking statements in light of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report, and our filings with the SEC, including our 2018 Form 10-K, which can be found at the SEC website, www.sec.gov.
Basis of Presentation
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in the Quarterly Report are presented: (i) as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; and (ii) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we discuss the three months ended March 31, 2019 results compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 results. We believe this discussion provides helpful information with respect to performance of our business during those respective periods.

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Overview
We provide our principal life and annuity products through our insurance subsidiaries - Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("FGL Insurance") and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York ("FGL NY Insurance"). Our customers range across a variety of age groups and are concentrated in the middle-income market. Our fixed indexed annuities (“FIAs”) provide for pre-retirement wealth accumulation and post-retirement income management. Our universal life products ("IUL") provide wealth protection and transfer opportunities. Life and annuity products are primarily distributed through Independent Marketing Organizations ("IMOs") and independent insurance agents.
In setting the features and pricing of new FIA products relative to our targeted net margin, we take into account our expectations regarding (1) net investment spread, which is the difference between the net investment income we earn and the sum of the interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging our risk on the policies; (2) fees, including surrender charges and rider fees, partly offset by vesting bonuses that we pay our policyholders; and (3) a number of related expenses, including benefits and changes in reserves, acquisition costs, and general and administrative expenses.
F&G Reinsurance Ltd (“F&G Re”), an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability, provides a platform for non-affiliated international business. Front Street Re Cayman Ltd (“FSRC”), an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, has a license to carry on business as an Unrestricted Class “B” Insurer that permits FSRC to conduct offshore direct and reinsurance business. F&G Re and FSRC (together herein referred to as the “F&G Reinsurance Companies”), are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of FGL Holdings and parties to reinsurance transactions.
Trends and Uncertainties
The following factors represent some of the key trends and uncertainties that have influenced the development of our business and our historical financial performance and that we believe will continue to influence our business and financial performance in the future.
Market Conditions
Market volatility has affected and may continue to affect our business and financial performance in varying ways. Volatility can pressure sales and reduce demand as consumers hesitate to make financial decisions. To enhance the attractiveness and profitability of our products and services, we continually monitor the behavior of our customers, as evidenced by annuitization rates and lapse rates, which vary in response to changes in market conditions.
Interest Rate Environment
Some of our products include guaranteed minimum crediting rates, most notably our fixed rate annuities. As of March 31, 2019, the Company's reserves, net of reinsurance, and average crediting rate on our fixed rate annuities were $4 billion and 3%, respectively. We are required to pay the guaranteed minimum crediting rates even if earnings on our investment portfolio decline, which would negatively impact earnings. In addition, we expect more policyholders to hold policies with comparatively high guaranteed rates for a longer period in a low interest rate environment. Conversely, a rise in average yield on our investment portfolio would increase earnings if the average interest rate we pay on our products does not rise correspondingly. Similarly, we expect that policyholders would be less likely to hold policies with existing guarantees as interest rates rise and the relative value of other new business offerings are increased, which would negatively impact our earnings and cash flows.
See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for a more detailed discussion of interest rate risk.
Aging of the U.S. Population
We believe that the aging of the U.S. population will increase the demand for our products. As the “baby boomer” generation prepares for retirement, we believe that demand for retirement savings, growth, and income products will grow. The impact of this growth may be offset to some extent by asset outflows as an increasing percentage of the population begins withdrawing assets to convert their savings into income.

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Industry Factors and Trends Affecting Our Results of Operations
Demographics and macroeconomic factors are increasing the demand for our FIA and IUL products, for which demand is large and growing. Over 10,000 people will turn 65 each day in the United States over the next 15 years, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to grow from 15% in 2015 to 20% in 2030.
We operate in the sector of the insurance industry that focuses on the needs of middle-income Americans. The underserved middle-income market represents a major growth opportunity for the Company. As a tool for addressing the unmet need for retirement planning, we believe that many middle-income Americans have grown to appreciate the “sleep at night protection” that annuities such as our FIA products afford. Accordingly, the FIA market grew from nearly $12 billion of sales in 2002 to $68 billion of sales in 2018. Additionally, this market demand has positively impacted the IUL market as it has expanded from $100 million of annual premiums in 2002 to $2 billion of annual premiums in 2018.
 
Competition
Please refer to section titled "Competition" in Part I Item 1. Business in our 2018 Form 10-K for discussion on our competition.
Annuity and Life Sales
We regularly monitor and report the production volume metric titled “Sales”. Sales are not derived from any specific GAAP income statement accounts or line items and should not be viewed as a substitute for any financial measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Annuity and IUL sales are recorded as deposit liabilities (i.e. contractholder funds) within the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that presentation of sales, as measured for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our business and helps depict longer term trends that may not be apparent in the results of operations due to the timing of sales and revenue recognition. Sales of annuities and IULs for the quarter ended March 31 were as follows:
 
Annuity Sales
 
IUL Sales
(dollars in millions) 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
First Quarter
$
1,053

 
$
778

 
$
8

 
$
6

Key Components of Our Historical Results of Operations
Under U.S. GAAP, premium collections for fixed indexed annuities, fixed rate annuities, and immediate annuities without life contingency are reported in the financial statements as deposit liabilities (i.e., contractholder funds) instead of as sales or revenues. Similarly, cash payments to customers are reported as decreases in the liability for contractholder funds and not as expenses. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income, surrender and other charges deducted from contractholder funds, and net realized gains (losses) on investments. Components of expenses for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest-sensitive and index product benefits (primarily interest credited to account balances or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholder), amortization of deferred acquisition cost (“DAC”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), other operating costs and expenses, and income taxes.
Through our insurance subsidiaries, we issue a broad portfolio of deferred annuities (fixed indexed and fixed rate annuities) and immediate annuities. A deferred annuity is a type of contract that accumulates value on a tax deferred basis and typically begins making specified periodic or lump sum payments a certain number of years after the contract has been issued. An immediate annuity is a type of contract that begins making specified payments within one annuity period (e.g., one month or one year) and typically makes payments of principal and interest earnings over a period of time.
The Company hedges certain portions of its exposure to product related equity market risk by entering into derivative transactions. We purchase derivatives consisting predominantly of call options and, to a lesser degree, futures contracts on the equity indices underlying the applicable policy. These derivatives are used to offset the statutory reserve impact of the index credits due to policyholders under the FIA contracts. The majority of all such call options are one-year options purchased to match the funding requirements underlying the FIA contracts. We attempt to manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our FIA contracts, which permit us to change

-53


caps, spread, or participation rates, subject to certain guaranteed minimums that must be maintained. The call options and futures contracts are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of net investment gains (losses). The change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts includes the gains and losses recognized at the expiration of the instruments’ terms or upon early termination and the changes in fair value of open positions.
Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the sum of interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging our risk on FIA policies, known as the net investment spread. With respect to FIAs, the cost of hedging our risk includes the expenses incurred to fund the index credits. Proceeds received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are recorded as part of the change in fair value of derivatives, and are largely offset by an expense for index credits earned on annuity contractholder fund balances.
Our profitability depends in large part upon the amount of assets under management (“AUM”), the net investment spreads earned on our AUM, our ability to manage our operating expenses and the costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions to agents and bonuses credited to policyholders). As we grow AUM, earnings generally increase. AUM increases when cash inflows, which include sales, exceed cash outflows. Managing net investment spreads involves the ability to maximize returns on our AUM and minimize risks such as interest rate changes and defaults or impairment of investments. It also includes our ability to manage interest rates credited to policyholders and costs of the options and futures purchased to fund the annual index credits on the FIAs or IULs. We analyze returns on average assets under management ("AAUM") pre- and post-DAC, DSI and VOBA as well as pre- and post-tax to measure our profitability in terms of growth and improved earnings.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in certain instances to provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Our non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other organizations because other organizations may not calculate such non-GAAP measures in the same manner as we do. Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included herein.
Adjusted Operating Income ("AOI") is a non-GAAP economic measure we use to evaluate financial performance each period. AOI is calculated by adjusting net income (loss) to eliminate:
(i) the impact of net investment gains/losses, including other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses recognized in operations, but excluding gains and losses on derivatives hedging our indexed annuity policies,
(ii) the impacts related to changes in the fair values of FIA related derivatives and embedded derivatives, net of hedging cost, and the fair value accounting impacts of assumed reinsurance by our international subsidiaries,
(iii) the tax effect of affiliated reinsurance embedded derivative,
(iv) the effect of change in fair value of the reinsurance related embedded derivative,
(v) the effect of integration, merger related & other non-operating items,
(vi) impact of extinguishment of debt, and
(vii) net impact from Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Adjustments to AOI are net of the corresponding impact on amortization of intangibles, as appropriate. The income tax impact related to these adjustments is measured using an effective tax rate, as appropriate by tax jurisdiction. While these adjustments are an integral part of the overall performance of the Company, market conditions and/or the non-operating nature of these items can overshadow the underlying performance of the core business. Accordingly, Management considers this to be a useful measure internally and to investors and analysts in analyzing the trends of our operations.
Beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company updated its AOI definition to remove the incremental change due to the impact of the fair value accounting election for international subsidiaries. Management believes this revision will enhance the understanding of our business as the Company executes its growth strategy through international third party assumed business and is more relevant to investors as the impact of fair value accounting election can create an increases/decreases in the assumed liabilities that does not match

-54


the increase/decrease of the corresponding assets. This change will be applied on a prospective basis as the Company executes its growth strategy through international third party assumed reinsurance.
AOI should not be used as a substitute for net income. However, we believe the adjustments made to net income in order to derive AOI provide an understanding of our overall results of operations. For example, we could have strong operating results in a given period, yet report net income that is materially less, if during such period the fair value of our derivative assets hedging the FIA index credit obligations decreased due to general equity market conditions but the embedded derivative liability related to the index credit obligation did not decrease in the same proportion as the derivative assets because of non-equity market factors such as interest rate movements. Similarly, we could also have poor operating results in a given period yet show net income that is materially greater, if during such period the fair value of the derivative assets increases but the embedded derivative liability did not increase in the same proportion as the derivative assets. We hedge our FIA index credits with a combination of static and dynamic strategies, which can result in earnings volatility, the effects of which are generally likely to reverse over time. Our management and board of directors review AOI and net income as part of their examination of our overall financial results. However, these examples illustrate the significant impact derivative and embedded derivative movements can have on our net income. Accordingly, our management and board of directors perform a review and analysis of these items, as part of their review of our hedging results each period.
The adjustments to net income are net of intangibles amortization, as appropriate. Amounts attributable to the fair value accounting for derivatives hedging the FIA index credits and the related embedded derivative liability fluctuate from period to period based upon changes in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits for FIAs, changes in the interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liability, and the fair value assumptions reflected in the embedded derivative liability. The accounting standards for fair value measurement require the discount rates used in the calculation of the embedded derivative liability to be based on risk-free interest rates as of the reporting date. The impact of the change in fair values of FIA-related derivatives, embedded derivatives and hedging costs has been removed from net income in calculating AOI.
AAUM is a non-GAAP measure we use to assess the rate of return on assets available for reinvestment. AAUM is calculated as the sum of (i) total invested assets at amortized cost, excluding derivatives; (ii) related party loans and investments; (iii) accrued investment income; (iv) funds withheld at fair value; (v) the net payable/receivable for the purchase/sale of investments and (iv) cash and cash equivalents, excluding derivative collateral, at the beginning of the period and the end of each month in the period, divided by the total number of months in the period plus one. Management considers this to be a useful measure internally and to investors and analysts when assessing the rate of return on assets available for reinvestment.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures regarding contingencies and commitments. Actual results could differ from these estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company did not make any material changes in its critical accounting policies as previously disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K as filed with the SEC.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please refer to "Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies and Practices" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for disclosure of recent accounting pronouncements.

-55


Results of Operations
(All amounts presented in millions unless otherwise noted)
The following table sets forth the consolidated results of operations for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
$
16

 
$
18

 
$
(2
)
Net investment income
289

 
263

 
26

Net investment gains (losses)
240

 
(191
)
 
431

Insurance and investment product fees and other
55

 
48

 
7

Total revenues
600

 
138

 
462

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
339

 
(39
)
 
378

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals
44

 
40

 
4

Amortization of intangibles
29

 
27

 
2

        Total benefits and expenses
412

 
28

 
384

Operating income
188

 
110

 
78

Interest expense
(8
)
 
(6
)
 
(2
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
180

 
104

 
76

Income tax expense
(9
)
 
(39
)
 
30

        Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

 
$
106

Less Preferred stock dividend
8

 
7

 
1

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
163

 
$
58

 
$
105

The following table summarizes sales by product type for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Fixed index annuities ("FIA")
$
668

 
$
436

 
$
232

Fixed rate annuities ("MYGA")
280

 
142

 
138

Institutional spread based
105

 
200

 
(95
)
Total annuity
$
1,053

 
$
778

 
$
275

 
 
 
 
 
 
Index universal life ("IUL")
$
8

 
$
6

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Flow reinsurance
$
60

 
$
33

 
$
27

FIA sales during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 reflect continued strong and productive collaboration with our distribution partners, primarily Independent Marketing Organizations, as well as the overall growth of the FIA market.
MYGA volume and funding agreements are viewed as opportunistic and therefore these volumes will fluctuate from period to period.
Institutional spread based products in three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 reflect funding agreements with Federal Home Loan Bank, under an investment strategy that is subject to fluctuation period to period.
The increased flow reinsurance sales in the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to 2018 reflect the on-boarding of a new flow reinsurance partner effective January 1, 2019.


-56


Revenues

Premiums

Premiums primarily reflect insurance premiums for traditional life insurance products which are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. FGL Insurance has ceded the majority of its traditional life business to unaffiliated third party reinsurers. While the base contract has been reinsured, we continue to retain the return of premium rider. The traditional life insurance premiums are primarily related to the return of premium riders on traditional life contracts. The following table summarizes the change in premiums for the periods presented:

 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Traditional life insurance
$
8

 
$
9

 
$
(1
)
Life-contingent immediate annuity
8

 
9

 
(1
)
Premiums
$
16

 
$
18

 
$
(2
)
Premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2019 reflects a decrease compared to the three months ended March 31, 3018 primarily due to lower renewals and return of premium block maturing.
Immediate annuity premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2019 reflects a decrease as a result of policyholder behavior for annuitizations.

Net investment income
Below is a summary of net investment income ("NII") for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale
$
265

 
$
242

 
$
23

Equity securities
21

 
10

 
11

Mortgage loans
7

 
7

 

Invested cash and short-term investments
3

 
3

 

Funds withheld
8

 
7

 
1

Limited partnerships
8

 
3

 
5

Other investments
5

 
1

 
4

Gross investment income
317

 
273

 
44

Investment expense
(28
)
 
(10
)
 
(18
)
Net investment income
$
289

 
$
263

 
$
26

Our net investment spread and AAUM for the period is summarized as follows (annualized):
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Yield on AAUM (at amortized cost)
4.47
 %
 
4.21
 %
 
0.26
%
Less: Interest credited and option cost
(2.30
)%
 
(2.33
)%
 
0.03
%
Net investment spread
2.17
 %
 
1.88
 %
 
0.29
%
AAUM
$
25,862

 
$
24,967

 
$
895

The increases in AAUM from March 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 were primarily influenced by $1.9 billion net new business asset flows, partially offset by a decrease as the result of FGL Insurance's reinsurance agreement with Kubera Insurance (SAC) Ltd. acting in respect of Annuity Reinsurance Cell A1 ("Kubera"), effective December 31, 2018.

-57


The 10% increase in NII from the three months ended March 31, 2018 to the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily due to $19 from the portfolio reposition lift, $18 from invested asset growth, and $15 lower premium amortization, partially offset by $18 of higher planned investment expense and $8 decrease related to the Kubera reinsurance cession.
Net investment gains (losses)
Below is a summary of the major components included in net investment gains (losses) for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets
$
76

 
$
(46
)
 
$
122

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivatives instruments
164

 
(124
)
 
288

Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivatives
(3
)
 
(21
)
 
18

Change in fair value of other derivatives and embedded derivatives
3

 

 
3

Net investment gains (losses)
$
240

 
$
(191
)
 
$
431


For the three months ended March 31, 2019, net realized gains on available-for-sale securities, equity securities and other invested assets includes $77 in the unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, reflecting market movements during the period, and $2 of credit related impairments.
The fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld ("FWH") portfolio.
See the table below for primary drivers of gains (losses) on certain derivatives.
We utilize a combination of static (call options) and dynamic (long futures contracts) instruments in our hedging strategy. A substantial portion of the call options and futures contracts are based upon the S&P 500 Index with the remainder based upon other equity, bond and gold market indices.
The components of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments hedging our indexed annuity and universal life products are summarized in the table below for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Call Options:
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on option expiration
$
(33
)
 
$
5

 
$
(38
)
Change in unrealized gains (losses)
188

 
(127
)
 
315

Futures contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on futures contracts expiration
7

 
6

 
1

Change in unrealized gains (losses)
2

 
(8
)
 
10

Total net change in fair value
$
164

 
$
(124
)
 
$
288

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Point-to-Point Change in S&P 500 Index during the period
9
%
 
12
%
 
(3
)%
Realized gains and losses on certain derivative instruments are directly correlated to the performances of the indices upon which the call options and futures contracts are based and the value of the derivatives at the time of expiration compared to the value at the time of purchase. Additionally, the fair value of call options are primarily driven by the underlying performance of the S&P 500 Index during each respective year relative to the S&P Index on the policyholder buy dates.
The net change in fair value of the call options and futures contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were primarily driven by movements in the S&P 500 Index relative to the policyholder buy dates.

-58


The average index credits to policyholders are as follows for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Average Crediting Rate
1
%
 
5
%
 
(4
)%
S&P 500 Index:
 
 
 
 
 
Point-to-point strategy
2
%
 
4
%
 
(2
)%
Monthly average strategy
1
%
 
4
%
 
(3
)%
Monthly point-to-point strategy
%
 
7
%
 
(7
)%
3 year high water mark
17
%
 
7
%
 
10
 %
Actual amounts credited to contractholder fund balances may differ from the index appreciation due to contractual features in the FIA contracts (caps, spreads and participation rates) which allow the Company to manage the cost of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits.
The credits for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were based on comparing the S&P 500 Index on each issue date in these respective periods to the same issue date in the respective prior year periods. Due to volatility in the S&P 500 Index, policyholders with anniversaries during the three months ended March 31, 2019, on average, received less credits.
Insurance and investment product fees and other
Insurance and investment product fees and other consists primarily of the cost of insurance on IUL policies, policy rider fees primarily on FIA policies and surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals in excess of the policyholder's allowable penalty-free amounts (up to 10% of the prior year's value, subject to certain limitations). Below is a summary of the major components included in Insurance and investment product fees and other for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Surrender charges
$
8

 
$
14

 
$
(6
)
Cost of insurance fees and other income
47

 
34

 
13

Total insurance and investment product fees and other
$
55

 
$
48

 
$
7

Cost of insurance fees and other income increased year over year primarily as the result of the amortization of the deferred reinsurance gain established at the inception of FGL Insurance's reinsurance agreement with Kubera, effective December 31, 2018.
Surrender charges were higher in the prior year quarter, primarily due to more universal life policy surrenders.

-59


Benefits and expenses
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
Below is a summary of the major components included in Benefits and other changes in policy reserves for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
FIA embedded derivative impact
152

 
(263
)
 
415

Index credits, interest credited & bonuses
91

 
207

 
(116
)
Annuity payments
34

 
38

 
(4
)
Other policy benefits and reserve movements
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
1

Change in fair value of reserve liabilities held at fair value
68

 
(14
)
 
82

     Total benefits and other changes in policy reserves
$
339

 
$
(39
)
 
$
378

The FIA market value option liability increased quarter over quarter, driven by the changes in the equity markets and risk free rates during the current quarter, in conjunction with premium growth arising from the quarterly sales result. The movements in risk free rates increased the FAS 133 reserves by approximately $58 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to an decrease of $97 for the corresponding period in 2018, with the remaining impacts from changes in the equity markets. The change in equity market also impacts the market value of the derivative assets hedging our FIA policies. See table in the net investment gains/losses discussion above for summary and discussion of net unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.
The quarter over quarter decreases in index credits, interest credited & bonuses were primarily due to lower index credits on FIA policies, reflecting market movement during the respective periods.
The change in the fair value of reserve liabilities held at fair value represents FSRC's and F&G Re's third-party business.
Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals
Below is a summary of acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
General expenses
$
31

 
$
35

 
$
(4
)
Acquisition expenses
103

 
54

 
49

Deferred acquisition costs
(90
)
 
(49
)
 
(41
)
Total acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals
$
44

 
$
40

 
$
4

The increase in acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 compared to the prior year quarter ended March 31, 2018 reflects higher commissions net of deferrals driven by higher sales, partially offset by a decrease in general expenses related to the mark-to-market movement in the preferred equity remarketing reimbursement embedded derivative liability.
Amortization of intangibles
Below is a summary of the major components included in amortization of intangibles for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Amortization
$
36

 
$
32

 
$
4

Interest
(7
)
 
(5
)
 
(2
)
Unlocking

 

 

Total amortization of intangibles
$
29

 
$
27

 
$
2


-60


Amortization of intangibles is based on historical, current and future expected gross margins (pre-tax operating income before amortization). The quarter over quarter increase in total net amortization was primarily due to higher actual gross profits ("AGPs"). AGPs were driven primarily by higher net investment gains, partially offset by higher change in reserves in the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Other items affecting net income
Interest expense
Below is a summary of the interest expense on our debt and revolving credit facility and amortization of debt issuance costs for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Debt
$
8

 
$
5

 
$
3

Revolving credit facility

 
1

 
(1
)
Total interest expense
$
8

 
$
6

 
$
2

The three months ended March 31, 2019 reflects increased debt interest expense incurred on the $550 5.50% Senior Notes as compared to the historical $300 6.375% Senior Notes.

Income tax expense
Below is a summary of the major components included in income tax expense for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Income before taxes
$
180

 
$
104

 
$
76

 
 
 
 
 

Income tax before valuation allowance
30

 
34

 
(4
)
Change in valuation allowance
(21
)
 
5

 
(26
)
Income tax
$
9

 
$
39

 
$
(30
)
Effective rate
5
%
 
38
%
 
(33
)%

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $9, net of a valuation allowance release of $21, compared to income tax expense of $39 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, inclusive of a valuation allowance expense of $5. The decrease in income tax expense of $30 quarter over quarter was primarily due to the valuation allowance release on the partial recovery of the unrealized loss position for the US life companies, as well as higher international income in zero tax jurisdictions for the three months ended March 31, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 there was a $15 expense related to F&G Life Re. For further details, refer to "Note 11. Income Taxes".



-61


AOI
The table below shows the adjustments made to reconcile net income to our AOI for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
March 31, 2018
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net income (loss)
$
171

 
$
65

 
$
106

Adjustments to arrive at AOI:
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of investment losses (gains), net of offsets (a)
(70
)
 
39

 
(109
)
Impacts related to changes in the fair values of FIA related derivatives and embedded derivatives, net of hedging cost, and the fair value accounting impacts of assumed reinsurance by our international subsidiaries (a) (b)
(17
)
 
(63
)
 
46

Effect of change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative, net of offsets (a)
19

 

 
19

Effects of integration, merger related & other non-operating items
(3
)
 
8

 
(11
)
Tax effect of affiliated reinsurance embedded derivative

 
15

 
(15
)
Tax impact of adjusting items
(10
)
 
4

 
(14
)
AOI
$
90

 
$
68

 
$
22

(a) Amounts are net of offsets related to value of business acquired ("VOBA"), deferred acquisition cost ("DAC"), deferred sale inducement ("DSI"), unearned revenue ("UREV") amortization and cost of reinsurance intangible, as applicable.
(b) The updated definition removes the fair value impacts of assumed reinsurance by our international subsidiaries for periods after September 30, 2018.

AOI increased $22 from $68 in the three months ended March 31, 2018 to $90 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The current quarter results included $14 net favorable actual to expected mortality within the single premium immediate annuity ("SPIA") product line, and $5 bond prepay income and other, partially offset by $2 project costs. Comparatively, the three months ended March 31, 2018 AOI included $8 net favorable actual to expected mortality within the SPIA product line and other annuity reserve movements.

-62


Investment Portfolio
(All dollar amounts presented in millions unless otherwise noted)
The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state laws, which prescribe qualified investment assets applicable to insurance companies. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to four primary investment objectives: (i) maintain robust absolute returns; (ii) provide reliable yield and investment income; (iii) preserve capital and (iv) provide liquidity to meet policyholder and other corporate obligations.
Our investment portfolio is designed to contribute stable earnings and balance risk across diverse asset classes and is primarily invested in high quality fixed income securities.
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $25 billion and $24 billion, respectively, and was divided among the following asset class and sectors:

March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    United States Government full faith and credit
$
56

 
%
 
$
119

 
%
    United States Government sponsored entities
104

 
%
 
106

 
%
    United States municipalities, states and territories
1,217

 
5
%
 
1,187

 
5
%
    Foreign Governments
138

 
1
%
 
121

 
1
%
Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 


    Finance, insurance and real estate
4,003

 
16
%
 
4,113

 
17
%
    Manufacturing, construction and mining
619

 
3
%
 
574

 
2
%
    Utilities, energy and related sectors
2,322

 
9
%
 
2,281

 
10
%
    Wholesale/retail trade
1,431

 
6
%
 
1,376

 
6
%
    Services, media and other
2,215

 
9
%
 
2,037

 
9
%
Hybrid securities
961

 
4
%
 
901

 
4
%
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
918

 
4
%
 
925

 
4
%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
2,647

 
11
%
 
2,537

 
10
%
Asset-backed securities
4,974

 
20
%
 
4,832

 
20
%
Total fixed maturity available for sale securities
21,605

 
88
%
 
21,109

 
88
%
Equity securities (a)
1,171

 
5
%
 
1,382

 
6
%
Commercial mortgage loans
485

 
2
%
 
483

 
2
%
Residential mortgage loans
199

 
1
%
 
187

 
1
%
Other (primarily derivatives and limited partnerships)
1,049

 
4
%
 
748

 
3
%
Short term investments

 
%
 

 
%
Total investments
$
24,509

 
100
%
 
$
23,909

 
100
%
(a) Includes investment grade non-redeemable preferred stocks ($1,001 and $1,208, respectively).
Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our life insurance subsidiaries are permitted to make and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations, and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in (i) corporate securities rated investment grade by established nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (each, an “NRSRO”), (ii) U.S. Government and government-sponsored agency securities, or (iii) securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated.

-63


As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our fixed maturity available-for-sale ("AFS") securities portfolio was approximately $22 billion and $21 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the credit quality, by Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization ("NRSRO") rating, of our fixed income portfolio:

March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Rating
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
AAA
$
741

 
3
%
 
$
627

 
3
%
AA
1,476

 
7
%
 
1,415

 
7
%
A
5,599

 
26
%
 
5,354

 
25
%
BBB
8,242

 
38
%
 
8,328

 
39
%
Not rated (c)
3,733

 
17
%
 
3,612

 
17
%
Total investment grade
19,791

 
91
%
 
19,336

 
91
%
BB (a)
1,311

 
6
%
 
1,307

 
6
%
B and below (b)
384

 
2
%
 
351

 
2
%
Not rated (c)
119

 
1
%
 
115

 
1
%
Total below investment grade
1,814

 
9
%
 
1,773

 
9
%
Total
$
21,605

 
100
%
 
$
21,109

 
100
%
(a) Includes $16 and $17 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") that carry a National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") 1 designation.
(b) Includes $166 and $175 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of non-agency RMBS that carry a NAIC 1 designation.
(c) Securities denoted as not-rated by an NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the securities' respective NAIC designation.
The NAIC’s Securities Valuation Office ("SVO") is responsible for the day-to-day credit quality assessment and valuation of securities owned by state regulated insurance companies. Insurance companies report ownership of securities to the SVO when such securities are eligible for regulatory filings. The SVO conducts credit analysis on these securities for the purpose of assigning an NAIC designation or unit price. Typically, if a security has been rated by an NRSRO, the SVO utilizes that rating and assigns an NAIC designation based upon the following system:
NAIC Designation
 
NRSRO Equivalent Rating
1
 
AAA/AA/A
2
 
BBB
3
 
BB
4
 
B
5
 
CCC and lower
6
 
In or near default
The NAIC has adopted revised designation methodologies for non-agency RMBS, including RMBS backed by subprime mortgage loans and for commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). The NAIC’s objective with the revised designation methodologies for these structured securities was to increase accuracy in assessing expected losses and to use the improved assessment to determine a more appropriate capital requirement for such structured securities. The NAIC designations for structured securities, including subprime and Alternative A-paper ("Alt-A") RMBS, are based upon a comparison of the bond’s amortized cost to the NAIC’s loss expectation for each security. Securities where modeling does not generate an expected loss in all scenarios are given the highest designation of NAIC 1. A large percentage of our RMBS securities carry a NAIC 1 designation while the NRSRO rating indicates below investment grade. The revised methodologies reduce regulatory reliance on rating agencies and allow for greater regulatory input into the assumptions used to estimate expected losses from such structured securities. In the tables below, we present the rating of structured securities based on ratings from the revised NAIC rating methodologies described above (which in some cases do not correspond to rating agency designations). All NAIC designations (e.g., NAIC 1-6) are based on the revised NAIC methodologies.

-64


The tables below present our fixed maturity securities by NAIC designation as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
March 31, 2019
NAIC Designation
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
1
 
$
11,302

 
$
11,297

 
52
%
2
 
9,240

 
8,998

 
42
%
3
 
1,066

 
1,017

 
5
%
4
 
191

 
183

 
1
%
5
 
73

 
72

 
%
6
 
36

 
38

 
%
Total
 
$
21,908

 
$
21,605

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
NAIC Designation
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
1
 
$
11,245

 
$
10,928

 
52
%
2
 
9,677

 
9,003

 
43
%
3
 
1,064

 
967

 
4
%
4
 
155

 
139

 
1
%
5
 
71

 
65

 
%
6
 
7

 
7

 
%
Total
 
$
22,219

 
$
21,109

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-65


Investment Industry Concentration
The tables below present the top ten industry categories of our fixed maturity and equity securities and FHLB common stock, including the fair value and percent of total fixed maturity and equity securities and FHLB common stock fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
March 31, 2019
Top 10 Industry Concentration
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
ABS collateralized loan obligation ("CLO")
 
$
3,418

 
15
%
Banking
 
2,348

 
10
%
Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO")
 
2,332

 
10
%
ABS Other
 
1,553

 
7
%
Life insurance
 
1,407

 
6
%
Municipal
 
1,216

 
5
%
Electric
 
952

 
4
%
CMBS
 
870

 
4
%
Pipelines
 
820

 
4
%
Technology
 
571

 
3
%
Total
 
$
15,487

 
68
%
 
 
December 31, 2018
Top 10 Industry Concentration
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total Fair Value
ABS collateralized loan obligation ("CLO")
 
$
3,283

 
15
%
Banking
 
2,491

 
11
%
Whole loan collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO")
 
2,234

 
10
%
ABS Other
 
1,545

 
7
%
Life insurance
 
1,376

 
6
%
Municipal
 
1,187

 
5
%
Electric
 
939

 
4
%
CMBS
 
874

 
4
%
Pipelines
 
812

 
4
%
Property and casualty insurance
 
542

 
2
%
Total
 
$
15,283

 
68
%





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The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Corporate, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and Government securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
160

 
$
160

 
$
191

 
$
191

Due after one year through five years
758

 
749

 
817

 
794

Due after five years through ten years
2,080

 
2,059

 
2,219

 
2,137

Due after ten years
10,281

 
9,994

 
10,443

 
9,587

Subtotal
$
13,279

 
$
12,962

 
$
13,670

 
$
12,709

Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
5,033

 
$
4,974

 
$
4,954

 
$
4,832

Commercial-mortgage-backed securities
2,596

 
2,647

 
2,568

 
2,537

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,000

 
1,022

 
1,027

 
1,031

Subtotal
$
8,629

 
$
8,643

 
$
8,549

 
$
8,400

Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
$
21,908

 
$
21,605

 
$
22,219

 
$
21,109

Non-Agency RMBS Exposure    
Our investment in non-agency RMBS securities is predicated on the conservative and adequate cushion between purchase price and NAIC 1 rating, general lack of sensitivity to interest rates, positive convexity to prepayment rates and correlation between the price of the securities and the unfolding recovery of the housing market.
The fair value of our investments in subprime and Alt-A RMBS securities was $100 and $161 as of March 31, 2019, respectively, and $104 and $163 as of December 31, 2018, respectively.

-67


The following tables summarize our exposure to subprime and Alt-A RMBS by credit quality using NAIC designations, NRSRO ratings and vintage year as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
NAIC Designation:
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
1
$
237

 
91
%
 
$
245

 
92
%
2
12

 
5
%
 
18

 
7
%
3
9

 
3
%
 

 
%
4
2

 
1
%
 
4

 
1
%
5
1

 
%
 

 
%
6

 
%
 

 
%
Total
$
261

 
100
%
 
$
267

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NRSRO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA
$
1

 
%
 
$
1

 
%
AA
10

 
4
%
 
11

 
4
%
A
24

 
9
%
 
25

 
9
%
BBB
8

 
3
%
 
8

 
3
%
Not rated - Above investment grade (a)
47

 
18
%
 
46

 
17
%
BB and below
171

 
66
%
 
176

 
66
%
Total
$
261

 
100
%
 
$
267

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
$
12

 
5
%
 
$
12

 
4
%
2016
15

 
6
%
 
15

 
6
%
2007
50

 
19
%
 
51

 
19
%
2006
62

 
24
%
 
63

 
24
%
2005 and prior
122

 
46
%
 
126

 
47
%
Total
$
261

 
100
%
 
$
267

 
100
%
(a) Securities denoted as not-rated by an NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the securities' respective NAIC designation.
ABS Exposure
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our ABS exposure was largely composed of CLOs, which comprised 69% and 68%, respectively, of all ABS holdings. These exposures are generally senior tranches of CLOs which have leveraged loans as their underlying collateral. The remainder of our ABS exposure was largely diversified by underlying collateral and issuer type, including automobile and home equity receivables.
As of March 31, 2019, the non-CLO exposure represents 31% of total ABS assets, or 6% of total invested assets and the CLO and non-CLO positions were trading at a net unrealized gain (loss) position of $(73) and $14, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the non-CLO exposure represented 32% of total ABS assets, or 6% of total invested assets and the CLO and non-CLO positions were trading at a net unrealized gain (loss) position of $(128) and $6, respectively. The following table summarize our ABS exposure.
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Asset Class
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
ABS CLO
$
3,418

 
69
%
 
$
3,283

 
68
%
ABS auto

 
%
 
1

 
%
ABS credit card
3

 
%
 
3

 
%
ABS other
1,553

 
31
%
 
1,545

 
32
%
Total ABS
$
4,974

 
100
%
 
$
4,832

 
100
%

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Commercial Mortgage Loans
We rate all CMLs to quantify the level of risk. We place those loans with higher risk on a watch list and closely monitor them for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal and/or interest. If we determine the value of any CML to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable that we will be unable to collect on amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the CML is reduced to either the present value of expected cash flows from the loan, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or fair value of the collateral. For those mortgage loans that are determined to require foreclosure, the carrying value is reduced to the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell at the point of foreclosure. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a specific write-down recorded in "Net realized capital gains (losses)" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Loan-to-value (“LTV”) and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios are utilized as part of the review process described above. As of March 31, 2019, our mortgage loans on real estate portfolio had a weighted average DSC ratio of 2.3 times, and a weighted average LTV ratio of 46%. See "Note 4. Investments" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our LTV and DSC ratios.
           


-69


Unrealized Losses
The amortized cost and fair value of the fixed maturity securities and the equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
Number of securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 United States Government full faith and credit
$
7

 
$
50

 
$

 
$
50

 United States Government sponsored agencies
64

 
84

 

 
84

 United States municipalities, states and territories
49

 
537

 
(10
)
 
527

    Foreign Governments
8

 
83

 
(2
)
 
81

Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Finance, insurance and real estate
252

 
3,125

 
(107
)
 
3,018

 Manufacturing, construction and mining
76

 
543

 
(28
)
 
515

 Utilities, energy and related sectors
172

 
1,716

 
(71
)
 
1,645

 Wholesale/retail trade
181

 
1,281

 
(91
)
 
1,190

 Services, media and other
192

 
1,602

 
(59
)
 
1,543

Hybrid securities
47

 
709

 
(33
)
 
676

Non-agency residential mortgage backed securities
93

 
200

 
(5
)
 
195

Commercial mortgage backed securities
67

 
502

 
(9
)
 
493

Asset backed securities
424

 
3,664

 
(82
)
 
3,582

Total fixed maturity available for sale securities
1,632

 
14,096

 
(497
)
 
13,599

Equity securities
80

 
1,141

 
(58
)
 
1,083

Total investments
$
1,712

 
$
15,237

 
$
(555
)
 
$
14,682

 
December 31, 2018
 
Number of securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government full faith and credit
$
15

 
$
120

 
$
(1
)
 
$
119

United States Government sponsored agencies
72

 
88

 
(2
)
 
86

United States municipalities, states and territories
103

 
1,054

 
(32
)
 
1,022

    Foreign Governments
16

 
123

 
(8
)
 
115

Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance, insurance and real estate
300

 
3,721

 
(230
)
 
3,491

Manufacturing, construction and mining
86

 
613

 
(57
)
 
556

Utilities, energy and related sectors
237

 
2,347

 
(222
)
 
2,125

Wholesale/retail trade
211

 
1,469

 
(144
)
 
1,325

Services, media and other
266

 
2,179

 
(195
)
 
1,984

Hybrid securities
67

 
956

 
(91
)
 
865

Non-agency residential mortgage backed securities
110

 
249

 
(6
)
 
243

Commercial mortgage backed securities
205

 
1,768

 
(40
)
 
1,728

Asset backed securities
419

 
3,704

 
(137
)
 
3,567

Total fixed maturity available for sale securities
2,107

 
18,391

 
(1,165
)
 
17,226

Equity securities
95

 
1,523

 
(145
)
 
1,378

Total investments
$
2,202

 
$
19,914

 
$
(1,310
)
 
$
18,604

The gross unrealized loss position on the available-for-sale fixed and equity portfolio was $555 and $1,310 as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Most components of the portfolio exhibited price appreciation as interest rates and credit spreads tightened during the period. The total book value of all securities in an unrealized loss position was $15,237 and $19,914 as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The total book value of all securities in an unrealized loss position decreased 23% from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019. The average market value/book value of corporate bonds in an unrealized loss position was 96%

-70


and 92% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. In aggregate, corporate bonds represented 64% and 65% of the total unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Our municipal bond exposure is a combination of general obligation bonds (fair value of $227 and an amortized cost of $226 as of March 31, 2019) and special revenue bonds (fair value of $990 and amortized cost of $985 as of March 31, 2019).
Across all municipal bonds, the largest issuer represented 10% of the category, less than 1% of the entire portfolio and is rated NAIC 1. Our focus within municipal bonds is on NAIC 1 rated instruments, and 92% of our municipal bond exposure is rated NAIC 1.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities (excluding U.S. Government and U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities) in an unrealized loss position greater than 20% and the number of months in an unrealized loss position with fixed maturity investment grade securities (NRSRO rating of BBB/Baa or higher) as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were as follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
Number of securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than six months
1

 
$
5

 
$
4

 
$
(1
)
Six months or more and less than twelve months
1

 
3

 
2

 
(1
)
Twelve months or greater
3

 
35

 
27

 
(8
)
Total investment grade
5

 
43

 
33

 
(10
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than six months
2

 
1

 
1

 

Six months or more and less than twelve months
1

 

 

 

Twelve months or greater
3

 
8

 
6

 
(2
)
Total below investment grade
6

 
9

 
7

 
(2
)
Total
11

 
$
52

 
$
40

 
$
(12
)
 
December 31, 2018
 
Number of securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than six months
3

 
$
23

 
$
18

 
$
(5
)
Six months or more and less than twelve months
10

 
72

 
55

 
(17
)
Twelve months or greater
4

 
25

 
19

 
(6
)
Total investment grade
17

 
120

 
92

 
(28
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than six months
3

 
11

 
9

 
(2
)
Six months or more and less than twelve months
9

 
31

 
22

 
(9
)
Twelve months or greater
5

 
12

 
9

 
(3
)
Total below investment grade
17

 
54

 
40

 
(14
)
Total
34

 
$
174

 
$
132

 
$
(42
)

-71


OTTI and Watch List
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our watch list included 11 and 34 securities, respectively, in an unrealized loss position with an amortized cost of $52 and $174, unrealized losses of $12 and $42, and a fair value of $40 and $132, respectively. As part of the cash flow testing analysis, we evaluated each of these securities to assess the following:
whether the issuer is currently meeting its financial obligations
its ability to continue to meet these obligations
its existing cash available
its access to additional available capital
any expense management actions the issuer has taken; and
whether the issuer has the ability and willingness to sell non-core assets to generate liquidity
Based on our analysis, these securities demonstrated that the March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 carrying values were fully recoverable.
There were 3 and 4 structured securities with a fair value of $6 and $6 on the watch list to which we had potential credit exposure as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Our analysis of these structured securities, which included cash flow testing results, demonstrated the March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 values were fully recoverable.
Exposure to Sovereign Debt
Our investment portfolio had no direct exposure to European sovereign debt as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Company also had no material exposure risk related to financial investments in Puerto Rico.
Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses)
For discussion regarding our net investment income and net investment gains (losses) refer to "Note 4. Investments" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Available-For-Sale Securities
For additional information regarding our AFS securities, including the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains (losses), and fair value as well as the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2019, refer to "Note 4. Investments", to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Concentrations of Financial Instruments
For detail regarding our concentration of financial instruments refer to "Note 3. Significant Risks and Uncertainties" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties on call options. We attempt to reduce this credit risk by purchasing such options from large, well-established financial institutions.
We also hold cash and cash equivalents received from counterparties for call option collateral, as well as U.S. Government securities pledged as call option collateral, if our counterparty’s net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds.
The Company is required to pay counterparties the effective federal funds rate each day for cash collateral posted to FGL for daily mark to market margin changes. The Company reduces the negative interest cost associated with cash collateral posted from counterparties under various ISDA agreements by reinvesting derivative cash collateral. This program permits collateral cash received to be invested in short term Treasury securities and commercial paper rated A1/P1 which are included in "Cash and cash equivalents" in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See "Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our derivatives and our exposure to credit loss on call options.

-72


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity and Cash Flow

Liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate adequate amounts of cash from its normal operations to meet cash requirements with a prudent margin of safety. Our principal sources of cash flow from operating activities are insurance premiums, and fees and investment income, however, sources of cash flows from investing activities also result from maturities and sales of invested assets. Our operating activities provided (used) cash of $96 in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and $(35) in the three months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. When considering our liquidity and cash flow, it is important to distinguish between the needs of our insurance subsidiaries and the needs of the holding company, FGL Holdings. As a holding company with no operations of its own, FGL Holdings derives its cash primarily from its insurance subsidiaries and CF Bermuda Holdings Limited, a Bermuda exempted limited liability company and a wholly owned direct subsidiary of the Company ("CF Bermuda"), a downstream holding company that provides additional sources of liquidity.  Dividends from our insurance subsidiaries flow through CF Bermuda to FGL Holdings.

The sources of liquidity of the holding company are principally comprised of dividends from subsidiaries, bank lines of credit (at FGLH level) and the ability to raise long-term public financing under an SEC-filed registration statement or private placement offering. These sources of liquidity and cash flow support the general corporate needs of the holding company, interest and debt service, funding acquisitions and investment in core businesses.

Our cash flows associated with collateral received from and posted with counterparties change as the market value of the underlying derivative contract changes. As the value of a derivative asset declines (or increases), the collateral required to be posted by our counterparties would also decline (or increase). Likewise, when the value of a derivative liability declines (or increases), the collateral we are required to post to our counterparties would also decline (or increase).
Discussion of Consolidated Cash Flows
Presented below is a table that summarizes the cash provided or used in our activities and the amount of the respective increases or decreases in cash provided or used from those activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
(dollars in millions)
Three months ended
 
March 31,
2019
 
March 31,
2018
Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
96

 
$
(35
)
Investing activities
404

 
(377
)
Financing activities
286

 
354

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
786

 
$
(58
)
Operating Activities
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities totaled $96 and $(35) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which were principally due to a $286 increase in cash and short-term collateral from derivative counterparties, partially offset by a $41 increase in deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, and a $29 decrease in income tax refunds received.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $404 and $(377) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, due to the purchases of fixed maturity securities and other investments, and the cash proceeds from sales, maturities and repayments.


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Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $286 and $354 for the Company in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which were primarily related to the issuance of investment contracts and pending new production, including annuity and universal life insurance contracts, net of redemptions and benefit payments.
On April 20, 2018, the FGLH completed a debt offering of $550 aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due 2025 (the “5.50% Senior Notes”). Please refer to the Company's 2018 Form 10-K for further discussion.
The Indenture contains covenants that restrict the CF Bermuda’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, pay dividends on or make other distributions in respect of equity interests or make other restricted payments, make certain investments, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create liens on certain assets to secure debt, sell certain assets, consummate certain mergers or consolidations or sell all or substantially all assets, or enter into transactions with affiliates.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Throughout our history, we have entered into indemnifications in the ordinary course of business with our customers, suppliers, service providers, business partners and in certain instances, when we sold businesses. Additionally, we have indemnified our directors and officers who are, or were, serving at our request in such capacities. Although the specific terms or number of such arrangements is not precisely known due to the extensive history of our past operations, costs incurred to settle claims related to these indemnifications have not been material to our financial statements. We have no reason to believe that future costs to settle claims related to our former operations will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On November 30, 2017, FGLH and CF Bermuda, together as borrowers and each as a borrower, entered into the Credit Agreement with certain financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, which provides for a $250 senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a maturity of three years. As of March 31, 2019, the total drawn on the revolver was $0. Please refer to the Company's 2018 Form 10-K for further discussion.
The Company has unfunded investment commitments as of March 31, 2019 based upon the timing of when investments are executed compared to when the actual investments are funded, as some investments require that funding occur over a period of months or years. Please refer to "Note 4. Investments" and "Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details on unfunded investment commitments.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk Factors
Market risk is the risk of the loss of fair value resulting from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying financial instruments are traded. We have significant holdings in financial instruments and are naturally exposed to a variety of market risks. We are primarily exposed to interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk and have some exposure to counterparty risk, which affect the fair value of financial instruments subject to market risk.
Enterprise Risk Management
For information about our enterprise risk management see "Part II - Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" included in our 2018 Form 10-K.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. We define interest rate risk as the risk of an economic loss due to adverse changes in interest rates. This risk arises from our holdings in interest sensitive assets and liabilities, primarily as a result of investing life insurance premiums and fixed annuity deposits received in interest-sensitive assets and carrying these funds as interest-sensitive liabilities. Substantial and sustained increases or decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of the insurance products and the fair value of our investments, as the majority of our insurance liabilities are backed by fixed maturity securities.

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The profitability of most of our products depends on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities. We have the ability to adjust the rates credited, primarily caps and credit rates, on the majority of the annuity liabilities at least annually, subject to minimum guaranteed values. In addition, the majority of the annuity products have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. However, competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at the levels necessary to avoid a narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.
In order to meet our policy and contractual obligations, we must earn a sufficient return on our invested assets. Significant changes in interest rates exposes us to the risk of not earning the anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on our investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding policies and contracts. Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect interest earnings, spread income and the attractiveness of certain of our products.
During periods of increasing interest rates, we may offer higher crediting rates on interest-sensitive products, such as IUL insurance and fixed annuities, and we may increase crediting rates on in-force products to keep these products competitive. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will result in a decline in the market value of our investment portfolio.
As part of our asset liability management (“ALM”) program, we have made a significant effort to identify the assets appropriate to different product lines and ensure investing strategies match the profile of these liabilities. Our ALM strategy is designed to align the expected cash flows from the investment portfolio with the expected liability cash flows. As such, a major component of our effort to manage interest rate risk has been to structure the investment portfolio with cash flow characteristics that are consistent with the cash flow characteristics of the insurance liabilities. We use actuarial models to simulate the cash flows expected from the existing business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us to measure the potential gain or loss in the fair value of interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expected cash flows from assets to meet the expected cash requirements of the liabilities and to determine if it is necessary to lengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. Duration measures the price sensitivity of a security to a small change in interest rates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the value of assets could be expected to be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities.
The duration of the investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, derivatives, policy loans, and common stocks as of March 31, 2019, is summarized as follows:
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Duration 
Amortized Cost

 
% of Total
0-4
$
8,975

 
37
%
5-9
7,074

 
29
%
10-14
6,693

 
27
%
15-19
1,801

 
7
%
20-25
32

 
%
Total
$
24,575

 
100
%
Credit Risk and Counterparty Risk
We are exposed to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligation resulting in financial loss. The major source of credit risk arises predominantly in our insurance operations’ portfolios of debt and similar securities. The fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio totaled $22 billion and $21 billion at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Our credit risk materializes primarily as impairment losses. We are exposed to occasional cyclical economic downturns, during which impairment losses may be significantly higher than the long-term historical average. This is offset by years where we expect the actual impairment losses to be substantially lower than the long-term average. Credit risk in the portfolio can also materialize as increased capital requirements as assets migrate into lower credit qualities over time. The effect of rating migration on our capital requirements is also dependent on the economic cycle and increased asset impairment levels may go hand in hand with increased asset related capital requirements.

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We attempt to manage the risk of default and rating migration by applying disciplined credit evaluation and underwriting standards and limiting allocations to lower quality, higher risk investments. In addition, we diversify our exposure by issuer and country, using rating based issuer and country limits. We also set investment constraints that limit our exposure by industry segment. To limit the impact that credit risk can have on earnings and capital adequacy levels, we have portfolio-level credit risk constraints in place. Limit compliance is monitored on a monthly or, in some cases, daily basis.
In connection with the use of call options, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk-the risk that a counterparty fails to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. We have adopted a policy of only dealing with credit worthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of attempting to mitigate the financial loss from defaults. The exposure and credit rating of the counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread amongst different approved counterparties to limit the concentration in one counterparty. Our policy allows for the purchase of derivative instruments from counterparties and/or clearinghouses that meet the required qualifications under the Iowa Code. The Company reviews the ratings of all the counterparties periodically. Collateral support documents are negotiated to further reduce the exposure when deemed necessary. See "Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our exposure to credit loss.


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We also have credit risk related to the ability of reinsurance counterparties to honor their obligations to pay the contract amounts under various agreements. To minimize the risk of credit loss on such contracts, we diversify our exposures among many reinsurers and limit the amount of exposure to each based on credit rating. We also generally limit our selection of counterparties with which we do new transactions to those with an “A-” credit rating or above and/or that are appropriately collateralized and provide credit for reinsurance. When exceptions are made to that principle, we ensure that we obtain collateral to mitigate our risk of loss. The following table presents our reinsurance recoverable balances and financial strength ratings for our five largest reinsurance recoverable balances as of March 31, 2019:
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Financial Strength Rating
Parent Company/Principal Reinsurers
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
 
AM Best
 
S&P
 
Moody's
Wilton Re
 
$1,541
 
 A+
 
 Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Kubera Insurance (SAC) Ltd
 
681
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
Security Life of Denver
 
162
 
A
 
A
 
A2
Hannover Re
 
130
 
A+
 
AA-
 
Not Rated
London Life
 
108
 
A+
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
In the normal course of business, certain reinsurance recoverables are subject to reviews by the reinsurers. We are not aware of any material disputes arising from these reviews or other communications with the counterparties as of March 31, 2019 that would require an allowance for uncollectible amounts.
Through FSRC and F&G Re, the Company is exposed to insurance counterparty risk, which is the potential for FSRC and F&G Re to incur losses due to a client or partner becoming distressed or insolvent. This includes run-on-the-bank risk and collection risk. The run-on-the-bank risk is that a client’s in force block incurs substantial surrenders and/or lapses due to credit impairment, reputation damage or other market changes affecting the counterparty. Substantially higher than expected surrenders and/or lapses could result in inadequate in force business to recover cash paid out for acquisition costs. The collection risk for clients includes their inability to satisfy a reinsurance agreement because the right of offset is disallowed by the receivership court; the reinsurance contract is rejected by the receiver, resulting in a premature termination of the contract; and/or the security supporting the transaction becomes unavailable to FSRC and F&G Re.
FSRC and F&G Re are exposed to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligation resulting in financial loss. The major source of credit risk arises predominantly in FSRC and F&G Re’s funds withheld receivables portfolio that consists primarily of debt and equity securities. FSRC and F&G Re’s credit risk materializes primarily as impairment losses. FSRC and F&G Re are exposed to occasional cyclical economic downturns, during which impairment losses may be significantly higher than the long-term historical average. This is offset by years where FSRC and F&G Re expect the actual impairment losses to be substantially lower than the long-term average. Credit risk in the portfolio can also materialize as increased capital requirements as assets migrate into lower credit qualities over time. The effect of rating migration on FSRC and F&G Re’s capital requirements is also dependent on the economic cycle and increased asset impairment levels may go hand in hand with increased asset related capital requirements.
FSRC and F&G Re assume reinsurance business from counterparties that seek to manage the risk of default and rating migration by applying credit evaluation and underwriting standards and limiting allocations to lower quality, higher risk investments. In addition, FSRC and F&G Re’s reinsurance counterparties diversify their exposure by issuer and country, using rating based issuer and country limits and set investment constraints that limit its exposure by industry segment. To limit the impact that credit risk can have on earnings and capital adequacy levels, FSRC and F&G Re have portfolio-level credit risk constraints in place. Limit compliance is monitored on a daily or, in some cases, monthly basis.

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Equity Price Risk
We are primarily exposed to equity price risk through certain insurance products, specifically those products with GMWB. We offer a variety of FIA contracts with crediting strategies linked to the performance of indices such as the S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrials or the NASDAQ 100 Index. The estimated cost of providing GMWB incorporates various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets over certain time periods. Periods of significant and sustained downturns in equity markets, increased equity volatility or reduced interest rates could result in an increase in the valuation of the future policy benefit or policyholder account balance liabilities associated with such products, resulting in a reduction in our net income (loss). The rate of amortization of intangibles related to FIA products and the cost of providing GMWB could also increase if equity market performance is worse than assumed.
To economically hedge the equity returns on these products, we purchase derivatives to hedge the FIA equity exposure. The primary way we hedge FIA equity exposure is to purchase over the counter equity index call options from broker-dealer derivative counterparties approved by the Company. The second way to hedge FIA equity exposure is by purchasing exchange traded equity index futures contracts. Our hedging strategy enables us to reduce our overall hedging costs and achieve a high correlation of returns on the call options purchased relative to the index credits earned by the FIA contractholders. The majority of the call options are one-year options purchased to match the funding requirements underlying the FIA contracts. These hedge programs are limited to the current policy term of the FIA contracts, based on current participation rates. Future returns, which may be reflected in FIA contracts’ credited rates beyond the current policy term, are not hedged. We attempt to manage the costs of these purchases through the terms of our FIA contracts, which permit us to change caps or participation rates, subject to certain guaranteed minimums that must be maintained.
The derivatives are used to fund the FIA contract index credits and the cost of the call options purchased is treated as a component of spread earnings. While the FIA hedging program does not explicitly hedge GAAP income volatility, the FIA hedging program tends to mitigate a significant portion of the GAAP reserve changes associated with movements in the equity market and risk-free rates. This is due to the fact that a key component in the calculation of GAAP reserves is the market valuation of the current term embedded derivative. Due to the alignment of the embedded derivative reserve component with hedging of this same embedded derivative, there should be a reasonable match between changes in this component of the reserve and changes in the assets backing this component of the reserve. However, there may be an interim mismatch due to the fact that the hedges which are put in place are only intended to cover exposures expected to remain until the end of an indexing term. To the extent index credits earned by the contractholder exceed the proceeds from option expirations and futures income, we incur a raw hedging loss.
See "Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details on the derivatives portfolio.
Fair value changes associated with these investments are intended to, but do not always, substantially offset the increase or decrease in the amounts added to policyholder account balances for index products. When index credits to policyholders exceed option proceeds received at expiration related to such credits, any shortfall is funded by our net investment spread earnings and futures income. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the annual index credits to policyholders on their anniversaries were $24 and $131, respectively. Proceeds received at expiration on options related to such credits were $23 and $131, respectively.
Other market exposures are hedged periodically depending on market conditions and our risk tolerance. The FIA hedging strategy economically hedges the equity returns and exposes us to the risk that unhedged market exposures result in divergence between changes in the fair value of the liabilities and the hedging assets. We use a variety of techniques including direct estimation of market sensitivities and value-at-risk to monitor this risk daily. We intend to continue to adjust the hedging strategy as market conditions and risk tolerance change.

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Sensitivity Analysis
The analysis below is hypothetical and should not be considered a projection of future risks. Earnings projections are before tax and non-controlling interest.
Interest Rate Risk
We assess interest rate exposures for financial assets, liabilities and derivatives using hypothetical test scenarios that assume either increasing or decreasing 100 basis point parallel shifts in the yield curve, reflecting changes in either credit spreads or risk-free rates.
If interest rates were to increase 100 basis points from levels at March 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of our fixed maturity securities would decrease by approximately $1,530. The impact on shareholders’ equity of such decrease, net of income taxes (assumes a 21% tax rate) and intangibles adjustments, and the change in reinsurance related derivative would be a decrease of $1,161 in AOCI and a decrease of $1,121 in total shareholders’ equity. If interest rates were to decrease by 100 basis points from levels at March 31, 2019, the estimated impact on the FIA embedded derivative liability of such a decrease would be an increase of $250.
The actuarial models used to estimate the impact of a one percentage point change in market interest rates incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant estimates and assume an immediate and parallel change in interest rates without any management of the investment portfolio in reaction to such change. Consequently, potential changes in value of financial instruments indicated by these simulations will likely be different from the actual changes experienced under given interest rate scenarios, and the differences may be material. Because we actively manage our investments and liabilities, the net exposure to interest rates can vary over time. However, any such decreases in the fair value of fixed maturity securities, unless related to credit concerns of the issuer requiring recognition of an OTTI, would generally be realized only if we were required to sell such securities at losses prior to their maturity to meet liquidity needs. Our liquidity needs are managed using the surrender and withdrawal provisions of the annuity contracts and through other means.
Equity Price Risk
Assuming all other factors are constant, we estimate that a decline in equity market prices of 10% would cause the market value of our equity investments to decrease by approximately $117, our call option investments to decrease by approximately $14 based on equity positions and our FIA embedded derivative liability to decrease by approximately $24 as of March 31, 2019. Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 in 2018, the 10% decline in market value of our equity securities would affect current earnings. These scenarios consider only the direct effect on fair value of declines in equity market levels and not changes in asset-based fees recognized as revenue, or changes in our estimates of total gross profits used as a basis for amortizing intangibles.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that, as of March 31, 2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving their control objectives.

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
An evaluation was performed under the supervision of the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, of whether any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019.
Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.


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PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See "Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
A detailed discussion of our risk factors can be found in our 2018 Form 10-K, which can be found at the SEC's website www.sec.gov. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
On December 19, 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $150 of the Company's outstanding common stock. This program will expire on December 15, 2020, and may be modified at any time. Under the share repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. Repurchases may also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares, and the timing of such purchases, will depend upon a variety of factors, including market conditions, regulatory requirements and other considerations, as determined by the Company.
The following table provides information about our repurchases of our ordinary shares during the quarter ended March 31, 2019.
 
Total number of shares purchased
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (1)
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1 to January 31, 2019
1,051,347

 
$
7.12

 
1,051,347

 
$
138

February 1 to February 28, 2019
20,652

 
7.49

 
20,652

 
138

March 1 to March 31, 2019
2,656,078

 
8.35

 
2,656,078

 
116

Total
3,728,077

 
$
8.00

 
3,728,077

 
$
116

(1) On December 19, 2018, the Company’s board of directors authorized and the Company announced a share repurchase program of up to $150 million of the Company’s outstanding ordinary shares. This repurchase program will expire on December 15, 2020, and may be modified at any time.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information
None.



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Item 6. Exhibits  
The following is a list of exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Exhibit
No. 
 
Description of Exhibits
 
 
 
10.1
 
31.1 *
 
31.2 *
 
32.1 *
 
32.2 *
 
101.INS *
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
*
Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FGL HOLDINGS (Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 7, 2019
By:
/s/ Dennis R. Vigneau
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(on behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Financial Officer)

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