FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.

The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:

•Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.


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


a.	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets


b.	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets


c.	Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable


d.	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.


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

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017:



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	—	$	1,961,439	$	—	$	1,961,439
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		1,785,578		—		1,785,578
Other asset-backed securities	—		625,514		556,936		1,182,450
U.S. government-related securities	1,009,732		265,063		—		1,274,795
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions	—		1,672,724		—		1,672,724
Other government-related securities	—		243,189		—		243,189
Corporate securities	—		26,863,659		666,705		27,530,364
Preferred stock	70,294		18,980		—		89,274
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale	1,080,026		33,436,146		1,223,641		35,739,813
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		255,779		—		255,779
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		154,760		—		154,760
Other asset-backed securities	—		112,548		68,752		181,300
U.S. government-related securities	44,458		4,517		—		48,975
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions	—		312,095		—		312,095
Other government-related securities	—		63,369		—		63,369
Corporate securities	—		1,618,360		5,504		1,623,864
Preferred stock	3,780		—		—		3,780
Total fixed maturity securities - trading	48,238		2,521,428		74,256		2,643,922
Total fixed maturity securities	1,128,264		35,957,574		1,297,897		38,383,735
Equity securities	690,166		—		65,788		755,954
Other long-term investments⁽¹⁾	57,787		354,429		103,895		516,111
Short-term investments	254,071		43,074		—		297,145
Total investments	2,130,288		36,355,077		1,467,580		39,952,945
Cash	255,459		—		—		255,459
Assets related to separate accounts
Variable annuity	13,512,921		—		—		13,512,921
Variable universal life	935,427		—		—		935,427
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	16,834,095	$	36,355,077	$	1,467,580	$	54,656,752
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances⁽²⁾	$	—	$	—	$	86,415	$	86,415
Other liabilities⁽¹⁾	12,152		275,308		438,801		726,261
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	12,152	$	275,308	$	525,216	$	812,676

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

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016:



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	—	$	1,889,604	$	3	$	1,889,607
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		1,782,497		—		1,782,497
Other asset-backed securities	—		648,929		562,604		1,211,533
U.S. government-related securities	1,002,020		266,139		—		1,268,159
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions	—		1,656,503		—		1,656,503
Other government-related securities	—		237,926		—		237,926
Corporate securities	—		26,560,603		664,046		27,224,649
Preferred stock	66,781		19,062		—		85,843
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale	1,068,801		33,061,263		1,226,653		35,356,717
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		255,027		—		255,027
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		149,683		—		149,683
Other asset-backed securities	—		115,521		84,563		200,084
U.S. government-related securities	22,424		4,537		—		26,961
State, municipalities, and political subdivisions	—		316,519		—		316,519
Other government-related securities	—		63,012		—		63,012
Corporate securities	—		1,619,097		5,492		1,624,589
Preferred stock	3,985		—		—		3,985
Total fixed maturity securities - trading	26,409		2,523,396		90,055		2,639,860
Total fixed maturity securities	1,095,210		35,584,659		1,316,708		37,996,577
Equity securities	650,231		—		65,786		716,017
Other long-term investments⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾	82,420		335,497		115,516		533,433
Short-term investments	313,835		1,999		—		315,834
Total investments	2,141,696		35,922,155		1,498,010		39,561,861
Cash	214,439		—		—		214,439
Assets related to separate accounts
Variable annuity	13,244,252		—		—		13,244,252
Variable universal life	895,925		—		—		895,925
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	16,496,312	$	35,922,155	$	1,498,010	$	53,916,477
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances⁽²⁾	$	—	$	—	$	87,616	$	87,616
Other liabilities⁽¹⁾	13,004		255,241		405,803		674,048
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	13,004	$	255,241	$	493,419	$	761,664

(1) Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.
(2) Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.
(3) During 2016, the Company revised its methodology for assessing inputs to its valuation of certain centrally cleared derivatives. This change in estimate resulted in a transfer of $169.4 million in other long-term investments and $120.0 million in other liabilities from Level 1 to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Determination of fair values

The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.

The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price approximately 90% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations, which are considered to have no significant unobservable inputs. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company obtains one quote per security, typically from the broker from which we purchased the security. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.

The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted- average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.

For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. The Company uses a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.

Asset-Backed Securities

This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of March 31, 2017, the Company held $4.9 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.

After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held $625.7 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $556.9 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $68.8 million of other asset-backed securities classified as trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, the Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation process the Company reviews the following characteristics of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate. In periods where market activity increases and there are transactions at a price that is not the result of a distressed or forced sale we consider those prices as part of our valuation. If the market activity during a period is solely the result of the issuer redeeming positions we consider those transactions in our valuation, but still consider them to be level three measurements due to the nature of the transaction.

Corporate Securities, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government Related Securities

As of March 31, 2017, the Company classified approximately $31.0 billion of corporate securities, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted- average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.

The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid income and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company classified approximately $672.2 million of securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.

Equities

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held approximately $65.8 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $65.7 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value.

Other long-term investments and Other liabilities

Other long-term investments and other liabilities consist entirely of free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of March 31, 2017, 81.4% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. The remaining derivatives were priced by pricing valuation models, which predominantly utilize observable market data inputs. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.

Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include swaps, options, and swaptions, which are traded over-the-counter. Level 2 also includes certain centrally cleared derivatives. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.

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

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.

The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated condensed balance sheet. The changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as “Realized investment gains (losses)-Derivative financial instruments”. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.

The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near- term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the Ruark 2015 ALB table with attained age factors varying from 91.1% - 106.6%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GLWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. These assumptions are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

The balance of the FIA embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the FIA product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB mortality table modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 46% - 113%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.

The balance of the indexed universal life (“IUL”) embedded derivative is impacted by policyholder cash flows associated with the IUL product that are allocated to the embedded derivative in addition to changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative during the reporting period. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the SOA 2015 VBT Primary Tables modified with company experience, with attained age factors varying from 38% - 153%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the IUL embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.

The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. As a result, these agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The investments supporting these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of the embedded derivative is based upon the relationship between the statutory policy liabilities (net of policy loans) of $2.4 billion and the statutory unrealized gain (loss) of the securities of $158.2 million. As a result, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are largely offset by the changes in fair value of the related investments and each are reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the policy liabilities.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into interest support, yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative and are accounted for at fair value and are considered Level 3 valuations. The fair value of these derivatives as of March 31, 2017 was $34.0 million and is included in Other long-term investments. For information regarding realized gains on these derivatives please refer to Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments.

The Interest Support Agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II if actual investment income on certain of Golden Gate II’s asset portfolios falls below a calculated investment income amount as defined in the Interest Support Agreement. The calculated investment income amount is a level of investment income deemed to be sufficient to support certain of Golden Gate II’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with the Company, dated July 1, 2007. The derivative is valued using an internal valuation model that assumes a conservative projection of investment income under an adverse interest rate scenario and the probability that the expectation falls below the calculated investment income amount. This derivative had a fair value of $28.4 million as of March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been triggered under this agreement, however, certain interest support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $2.8 million have been collateralized by PLC. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustments of any support agreement collateralization amounts occur annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreement. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

The YRT premium support agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate and Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increase. The derivatives are valued using an internal valuation model. The valuation model is a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The value is primarily a function of the likelihood and severity of future YRT premium increases. The fair value of these derivatives as of March 31, 2017 was $2.0 million. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.

The portfolio maintenance agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate, Golden Gate V, and WCL in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments that exceed defined thresholds. The derivatives are valued using an internal discounted cash flow model. The significant unobservable inputs are the projected probability and severity of credit losses used to project future cash flows on the investment portfolios. The fair value of the portfolio maintenance agreements as of March 31, 2017, was $3.7 million. As of March 31, 2017, no payments have been made under these agreements.

The Funds Withheld derivative results from a reinsurance agreement with Shades Creek where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company is ceded to Shades Creek. The value of the Funds Withheld derivative is directly tied to the value of the hedging instruments held in the funds withheld account. The hedging instruments predominantly consist of derivative instruments the fair values of which are classified as a Level 2 measurement; as such, the fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative has been classified as a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative as of March 31, 2017, was a liability of $72.0 million.

Annuity account balances

The Company records a certain legacy block of FIA reserves at fair value. Based on the characteristics of these reserves, the Company believes that the fund value approximates fair value. The fair value measurement of these reserves is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the fund values. The Level 3 fair value as of March 31, 2017 is $86.4 million.

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.

Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:



	Fair Value As of March 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Other asset-backed securities	$	556,782	Liquidation	Liquidation value	$88 - $97.26 ($94.97)
			Discounted cash flow	Liquidity premium	0.46% - 1.15% (0.75%)
				Paydown rate	11.06% - 12.19% (11.41%)
Corporate securities	639,904		Discounted cash flow	Spread over treasury	0.88% - 4.55% (1.85%)
Liabilities:⁽¹⁾
Embedded derivatives - GLWB⁽²⁾	$	2,983	Actuarial cash flow model	Mortality	91.1% to 106.6% of Ruark 2015 ALB Table
				Lapse	0.3% - 15%, depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee
				Utilization	99%. 10% of policies have a one-time over-utilization of 400%
				Nonperformance risk	0.14% - 0.98%
Embedded derivative - FIA	170,215		Actuarial cash flow model	Expenses	$126 per policy
				Asset Earned Rate	4.08% - 4.66%
				Withdrawal rate	1% prior to age 70, 100% of the RMD for ages 70+
				Mortality	1994 MGDB table with company experience
				Lapse	2.0% - 40.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period
				Nonperformance risk	0.14% - 0.98%
Embedded derivative - IUL	51,385		Actuarial cash flow model	Mortality	38% - 153% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables
				Lapse	0.5% - 10.0%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class
				Nonperformance risk	0.14% - 0.98%

(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of March 31, 2017, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $101.3 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of March 31, 2017. Of the $101.3 million, $68.9 million are other asset-backed securities and $32.3 million are corporate securities.

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of March 31, 2017, the Company held $65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which were predominantly FHLB stock.

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:



	Fair Value As of December 31, 2016		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Other asset-backed securities	$	553,308	Liquidation	Liquidation value	$88 - $97.25 ($95.04)
Corporate securities	638,279		Discounted cash flow	Spread over treasury	0.31% - 4.50% (2.04%)
Liabilities:⁽¹⁾
Embedded derivatives - GLWB⁽²⁾	$	7,031	Actuarial cash flow model	Mortality	91.1% to 106.6% of Ruark 2015 ALB Table
				Lapse	0.3% - 15%, depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee
				Utilization	99%. 10% of policies have a one-time over-utilization of 400%
				Nonperformance risk	0.18% - 1.09%
Embedded derivative - FIA	147,368		Actuarial cash flow model	Expenses	$126 per policy
				Asset Earned Rate	4.08% - 4.66%
				Withdrawal rate	1% prior to age 70, 100% of the RMD for ages 70+
				Mortality	1994 MGDB table with company experience
				Lapse	2.0% - 40.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period
				Nonperformance risk	0.18% - 1.09%
Embedded derivative - IUL	46,051		Actuarial cash flow model	Mortality	38% - 153% of 2015 VBT Primary Tables
				Lapse	0.5% - 10.0%, depending on duration/distribution channel and smoking class
				Nonperformance risk	0.18% - 1.09%

(1) Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.
(2) The fair value for the GLWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability.

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and for which book value approximates fair value.

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2016, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $125.2 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2016. Of the $125.2 million, $93.9 million are other asset backed securities and $31.3 million are corporate securities.

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016, the Company held $65.7 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value which are predominantly FHLB stock.

The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities.

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

The fair value of the GLWB embedded derivative is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the fair value would increase. The fair value is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GLWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the fair value of the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the fair value would decrease.

The fair value of the FIA account balance liability is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

The fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the IUL embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk, which is unobservable. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2017, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



			Total Realized and Unrealized Gains				Total Realized and Unrealized Losses																							Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at the Reporting Date
	Beginning Balance		Included in Earnings		Included in Other Comprehensive Income		Included in Earnings			Included in Other Comprehensive Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Settlements		Transfers in/out of Level 3			Other			Ending Balance
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	(3	)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—			—			—		—
Other asset-backed securities	562,604		—		3,530		—			(831		)	—		(2,015		)	—		—		(6,643		)	291			556,936		—
Corporate securities	664,046		—		7,771		—			(282		)	37,259		(38,884		)	—		—		(2,647		)	(558		)	666,705		—
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale	1,226,653		—		11,301		—			(1,113		)	37,259		(40,902		)	—		—		(9,290		)	(267		)	1,223,641		—
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Other asset-backed securities	84,563		3,474		—		(586		)	—			—		(19,308		)	—		—		—			609			68,752		2,888
Corporate securities	5,492		34		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—			(22		)	5,504		34
Total fixed maturity securities - trading	90,055		3,508		—		(586		)	—			—		(19,308		)	—		—		—			587			74,256		2,922
Total fixed maturity securities	1,316,708		3,508		11,301		(586		)	(1,113		)	37,259		(60,210		)	—		—		(9,290		)	320			1,297,897		2,922
Equity securities	65,786		—		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		3			(1		)	65,788		1
Other long-term investments⁽¹⁾	115,516		5,245		—		(16,866		)	—			—		—			—		—		—			—			103,895		(11,621		)
Total investments	1,498,010		8,753		11,301		(17,452		)	(1,113		)	37,259		(60,210		)	—		—		(9,287		)	319			1,467,580		(8,698		)
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	1,498,010	$	8,753	$	11,301	$	(17,452	)	$	(1,113	)	$	37,259	$	(60,210	)	$	—	$	—	$	(9,287	)	$	319		$	1,467,580	$	(8,698	)
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances⁽²⁾	$	87,616	$	—	$	—	$	(887	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	180	$	2,268	—			$	—		$	86,415	$	—
Other liabilities⁽¹⁾	405,803		15,280		—		(48,278		)	—			—		—			—		—		—			—			438,801		(32,998		)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	493,419	$	15,280	$	—	$	(49,165	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	180	$	2,268	$	—		$	—		$	525,216	$	(32,998	)

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were an immaterial amount of securities transferred into Level 3.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $9.3 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of March 31, 2017.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no transfers of securities from Level 1.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31, 2016, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):



			Total Realized and Unrealized Gains				Total Realized and Unrealized Losses																							Total Gains (losses) included in Earnings related to Instruments still held at the Reporting Date
	Beginning Balance		Included in Earnings		Included in Other Comprehensive Income		Included in Earnings			Included in Other Comprehensive Income			Purchases		Sales			Issuances		Settlements		Transfers in/out of Level 3			Other			Ending Balance
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	3	$	—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—			—			—		—
Other asset-backed securities	587,031		6,859		—		—			(13,057		)	—		(50,820		)	—		—		7,457			361			537,831		—
Corporate securities	902,119		—		14,922		(4,135		)	(6,287		)	16,000		(24,742		)	—		—		(61,179		)	(2,961		)	833,737		—
Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale	1,489,153		6,859		14,922		(4,135		)	(19,344		)	16,000		(75,562		)	—		—		(53,722		)	(2,600		)	1,371,571		—
Fixed maturity securities - trading
Other asset-backed securities	152,912		228		—		(934		)	—			—		(1,603		)	—		—		172			(92		)	150,683		(709		)
Corporate securities	18,225		308		—		(259		)	—			—		(4,072		)	—		—		(8,479		)	(46		)	5,677		216
Total fixed maturity securities - trading	171,137		536		—		(1,193		)	—			—		(5,675		)	—		—		(8,307		)	(138		)	156,360		(493		)
Total fixed maturity securities	1,660,290		7,395		14,922		(5,328		)	(19,344		)	16,000		(81,237		)	—		—		(62,029		)	(2,738		)	1,527,931		(493		)
Equity securities	66,504		—		—		—			—			—		—			—		—		—			—			66,504		—
Other long-term investments⁽¹⁾	68,384		4,217		—		(16,982		)	—			1,429		—			—		—		—			—			57,048		(12,765		)
Total investments	1,795,178		11,612		14,922		(22,310		)	(19,344		)	17,429		(81,237		)	—		—		(62,029		)	(2,738		)	1,651,483		(13,258		)
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	1,795,178	$	11,612	$	14,922	$	(22,310	)	$	(19,344	)	$	17,429	$	(81,237	)	$	—	$	—	$	(62,029	)	$	(2,738	)	$	1,651,483	$	(13,258	)
Liabilities:
Annuity account balances⁽²⁾	$	92,512	$	—	$	—	$	(566	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	187	$	3,142	$	—		$	—		$	90,123	$	—
Other liabilities⁽¹⁾	375,848		368		—		(120,758		)	—			—		—			—		—		—			—			496,238		(120,390		)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	468,360	$	368	$	—	$	(121,324	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	187	$	3,142	$	—		$	—		$	586,361	$	(120,390	)

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $44.1 million transfers of securities into Level 3.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, $106.1 million of securities were transferred into Level 2. This amount was transferred from Level 3. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were not available in previous periods but were priced by independent pricing services or brokers as of March 31, 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $12.2 million securities transferred from Level 2 to Level 1.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were $0.1 million securities transferred from Level 1.

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated condensed statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowner’s equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.

The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset transfers in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.

The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:



		As of
		March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Level	Carrying Amounts		Fair Values		Carrying Amounts		Fair Values
		(Dollars In Thousands)
Assets:
Mortgage loans on real estate	3	$	6,311,822	$	6,180,585	$	6,132,125	$	5,930,992
Policy loans	3	1,635,511		1,635,511		1,650,240		1,650,240
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity⁽¹⁾	3	2,758,137		2,746,375		2,770,177		2,733,340
Liabilities:
Stable value product account balances	3	$	3,614,225	$	3,607,767	$	3,501,636	$	3,488,877
Future policy benefits and claims⁽²⁾	3	216,520		216,520		221,634		221,658
Other policyholders' funds⁽³⁾	3	134,329		135,090		135,367		136,127

Debt:
Non-recourse funding obligations⁽⁴⁾	3	$	2,962,601	$	2,951,336	$	2,973,829	$	2,939,387

Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
(1) Securities purchased from unconsolidated affiliates, Red Mountain LLC and Steel City LLC.
(2) Single premium immediate annuity without life contingencies.
(3) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies.
(4) As March 31, 2017, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value relate to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V. As of December 31, 2016, $2.7 billion in carrying amount and fair value relate to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate and Golden Gate V.

Fair Value Measurements

Mortgage loans on real estate

The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.

Policy loans

The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policy holders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates carrying value.

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity

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

Stable value product and other investment contract balances

The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and other investment contract balances (included in Future policy benefits and claims as well as Other policyholder funds line items on our balance sheet) using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models are based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.

Non-recourse Funding Obligations

The Company estimates the fair value of its non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model are based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.