10-Q 1 axaeq-03312017x10q.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, 2017 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission File No. 000-20501
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
New York
 
13-5570651
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
 
10104
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(212) 554-1234
(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    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    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 definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.




Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
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  ¨    No  x
As of May 15, 2017, 2,000,000 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.




AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Page
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 

3


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including but not limited to those in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “includes,” “plans,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “will,” “shall” or variations of such words are generally part of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (“AXA Equitable”). There can be no assurance that future developments affecting AXA Equitable will be those anticipated by management. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates reflected in such forward-looking statements, including, among others: (i) difficult conditions in the global capital markets and economy; (ii) equity market declines and volatility causing, among other things, a reduction in the demand for our products, a reduction in the revenue derived from asset-based fees, a reduction in the value of securities held for investment, including the investment in AllianceBernstein (“AB”), an acceleration in DAC amortization and an increase in the liabilities related to annuity contracts offering enhanced guarantee features, which may lead to changes in the fair value of our GMIB reinsurance contracts, causing our earnings to be volatile; (iii) interest rate fluctuations or prolonged periods of low interest rates causing, among other things, a reduction in our portfolio earnings, a reduction in the margins on interest sensitive annuity and life insurance contracts and an increase in the reserve requirements for such products, and a reduction in the demand for the types of products we offer; (iv) ineffectiveness of our reinsurance and hedging programs to protect against the full extent of the exposure or loss we seek to mitigate; (v) changes in policyholder assumptions, the performance of AXA Arizona’s hedge program, its liquidity needs and changes in regulatory requirements could adversely impact our reinsurance arrangements with AXA Arizona; (vi) regulatory or legislative changes, including government actions in response to the stress experienced by the global financial markets; (vii) changes to statutory capital requirements; (viii) our requirements to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in estimated fair value of certain assets may impact our liquidity or expose us to counterparty credit risk; (ix) counterparty non-performance; (x) changes in statutory reserve requirements; (xi) differences between actual experience regarding mortality, morbidity, persistency, surrender experience, interest rates or market returns and the assumptions used in pricing products, establishing liabilities and reserves or for other purposes; (xii) changes in assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs; (xiii) our use of numerous financial models, which rely on estimates, assumptions and projections that are inherently uncertain and involve the exercise of significant judgment; (xiv) market conditions could adversely affect our goodwill; (xv) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (xvi) liquidity of certain investments; (xvii) changes in claims-paying or credit ratings; (xviii) adverse determinations in litigation or regulatory matters; (xix) changes in tax law or interpretation thereof; (xx) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors and personnel; (xxi) our inability to recruit, motivate and retain experienced and productive financial professionals and key employees and the ability of our financial professionals to sell competitors’ products; (xxii) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (xxiii) our computer systems failing or their security being compromised; (xxiv) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism, other hostilities, pandemics, or natural or man-made catastrophes; (xxv) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures in identifying, monitoring and managing risks; (xxvi) the perception of our brand and reputation in the marketplace; (xxvii) the impact on our business resulting from changes in the demographics of our client base, as baby-boomers move from the asset-accumulation to the asset-distribution stage of life; (xxviii) the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including our ability to integrate acquisitions and to obtain the anticipated results and synergies from acquisitions; (xxix) significant changes in securities market valuations affecting fee income, poor investment performance resulting in a loss of clients or other factors affecting the performance of AB; and (xxx) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in AXA Equitable’s filings with the SEC.
AXA Equitable does not intend, and is under no obligation, to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this document. See “Risk Factors” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and elsewhere in this report for discussion of certain risks relating to its businesses.


4


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Consolidated Financial Statements
AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In Millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments:
 
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $32,471 and $32,123)
$
33,096

 
$
32,570

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $8 and $8)
10,181

 
9,757

Policy loans
3,325

 
3,361

Other equity investments
1,463

 
1,408

Trading securities, at fair value
10,291

 
9,134

Other invested assets
2,050

 
2,186

Total investments
60,406

 
58,416

Cash and cash equivalents
2,835

 
2,950

Cash and securities segregated, at fair value
1,256

 
946

Broker-dealer related receivables
2,300

 
2,100

Deferred policy acquisition costs
4,068

 
4,215

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
3,734

 
3,741

Amounts due from reinsurers
4,639

 
4,635

Loans to affiliates
703

 
703

Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contract asset, at fair value
9,795

 
10,309

Other assets
4,423

 
4,260

Separate Accounts’ assets
114,939

 
111,403

Total Assets
$
209,098

 
$
203,678

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Policyholders’ account balances
$
40,308

 
$
38,842

Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities
25,496

 
25,427

Broker-dealer related payables
719

 
484

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
1,784

 
1,996

Amounts due to reinsurers
85

 
125

Customers related payables
2,754

 
2,360

Short-term debt
608

 
513

Current and deferred income taxes
3,523

 
3,742

Other liabilities
2,496

 
2,108

Separate Accounts’ liabilities
114,939

 
111,403

Total liabilities
192,712

 
187,000


5


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - CONTINUED
(UNAUDITED)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In Millions)
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 9 and 12)
 
 
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
$
417

 
$
403

EQUITY
 
 
 
Common stock, $1.25 par value; 2 million shares authorized, issued and outstanding
2

 
2

Capital in excess of par value
5,342

 
5,339

Retained earnings
7,411

 
7,842

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
179

 
7

Total AXA Equitable’s equity
12,934

 
13,190

Noncontrolling interest
3,035

 
3,085

Total equity
15,969

 
16,275

Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity
$
209,098

 
$
203,678


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
REVENUES
 
 
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
$
896

 
$
815

Premiums
225

 
215

Net investment income (loss):
 
 
 
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments
(57
)
 
748

Other investment income (loss)
630

 
696

Total net investment income (loss)
573

 
1,444

Investment gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 
(17
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

Net impairment losses recognized

 
(17
)
Other investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
30

Total investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
13

Commissions, fees and other income
973

 
913

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
(514
)
 
1,629

Total revenues
2,142

 
5,029

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
 
 
 
Policyholders’ benefits
833

 
1,118

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
548

 
245

Compensation and benefits
438

 
426

Commissions
286

 
268

Distribution related payments
96

 
87

Interest expense
5

 
4

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition cost, net
125

 

Other operating costs and expenses
384

 
378

Total benefits and other deductions
2,715

 
2,526

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes
(573
)
 
2,503

Income tax (expense) benefit
260

 
(751
)
Net earnings (loss)
(313
)
 
1,752

Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(118
)
 
(117
)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
(431
)
 
$
1,635




See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

7


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
(313
)
 
$
1,752

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
35

 
9

Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment
144

 
780

Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
179

 
789

Comprehensive income (loss)
(134
)
 
2,541

Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(125
)
 
(120
)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
(259
)
 
$
2,421


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


8


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
EQUITY
 
 
 
AXA Equitable’s Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, at par value, beginning of year and end of period
$
2

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year
5,339

 
5,321

Changes in capital in excess of par value
3

 
(4
)
Capital in excess of par value, end of period
5,342

 
5,317

 
 
 
 
Retained earnings, beginning of year
7,842

 
8,896

Net earnings (loss)
(431
)
 
1,635

Retained earnings, end of period
7,411

 
10,531

 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of year
7

 
228

Other comprehensive income (loss)
172

 
786

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period
179

 
1,014

Total AXA Equitable’s equity, end of period
12,934

 
16,864

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year
3,085

 
3,059

Repurchase of AB Holding units
(22
)
 
(4
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
118

 
117

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
(142
)
 
(111
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
7

 
3

Other changes in noncontrolling interest
(11
)
 
(22
)
Noncontrolling interest, end of period
3,035

 
3,042

Total Equity, End of Period
$
15,969

 
$
19,906

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


9


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)

 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Net earnings (loss)
$
(313
)
 
$
1,752

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
548

 
245

Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
(896
)
 
(815
)
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
514

 
(1,629
)
(Income) loss related to derivative instruments
57

 
(748
)
Investment (gains) losses, net
11

 
(13
)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities
(53
)
 
(58
)
Non-cash long term incentive compensation expense
8

 
1

Amortization of deferred sales commission
9

 
11

Other depreciation and amortization
36

 
4

Amortization of deferred cost of reinsurance asset
50

 
9

Amortization of other intangibles
8

 
7

Changes in:
 
 
 
Variable interest entities

 

Net broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables
288

 
398

Reinsurance recoverable
(44
)
 
(234
)
Segregated cash and securities, net
(310
)
 
(159
)
Deferred policy acquisition costs
125

 

Future policy benefits
127

 
540

Current and deferred income taxes
(327
)
 
750

Other, net
180

 
129

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
18

 
190


10


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CONTINUED
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)

 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale
$
864

 
$
1,255

Mortgage loans on real estate
209

 
167

Trading account securities
2,488

 
1,788

Payment for the purchase/origination of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale
(1,153
)
 
(2,359
)
Mortgage loans on real estate
(632
)
 
(692
)
Trading account securities
(3,622
)
 
(2,100
)
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments
(908
)
 
458

Decrease in loans to affiliates

 
382

Change in short-term investments
254

 
(94
)
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment
(18
)
 
(20
)
Other, net
71

 
62

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(2,447
)
 
(1,153
)
 
 
 
 




























11


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CONTINUED
QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED)

 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Policyholders’ account balances:
 
 
 
Deposits
$
2,240

 
$
1,660

Withdrawals
(785
)
 
(623
)
       Transfer (to) from Separate Accounts
176

 
349

Change in short-term financings
95

 
(98
)
Change in collateralized pledged assets
714

 
36

Change in collateralized pledged liabilities
208

 
319

(Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable
50

 
(91
)
Repurchase of AB Holding units
(31
)
 
(40
)
Redemptions of non-controlling interests of consolidated VIEs, net
(4
)
 
(48
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
(145
)
 
(111
)
Increase (decrease) in Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
(212
)
 
147

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreement to resell

 
(126
)
Other, net

 
3

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
2,306

 
1,377

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
8

 
8

Change in cash and cash equivalents
(115
)
 
422

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
2,950

 
3,063

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
2,835

 
$
3,485

 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

12


AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
 
1)
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The preparation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary in the opinion of management for a fair statement of the consolidated financial position of AXA Equitable and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of AXA Equitable for the year ended December 31, 2016. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries engaged in insurance related businesses (collectively, the “Insurance segment”); other subsidiaries, principally AB, engaged in investment management related businesses (the “Investment Management segment”), partnerships and joint ventures in which AXA Equitable or its subsidiaries have control and a majority economic interest as well as those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that meet the requirements for consolidation (collectively the “Company”).
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, AXA Equitable’s economic interest in AB was 29.0% and 29.0%. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, AXA and its subsidiaries’ economic interest in AB was 63.8% and 63.7%.
The terms “first quarter 2017” and “first quarter 2016” refer to the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The terms “first three months of 2017” and “first three months of 2016” refer to the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Certain reclassifications have been made in the amounts presented for prior periods to conform those periods to the current presentation.
 

13


2)
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER CHANGES
Accounting for Variable Annuities with GMDB and GMIB Features
Future claims exposure on products with guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) features are sensitive to movements in the equity markets and interest rates. The Company has in place various hedging programs utilizing derivatives that are designed to mitigate the impact of movements in equity markets and interest rates. The accounting for these various hedging programs does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. As a result, changes in the value of the derivatives will be recognized in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in reserves and deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) will be recognized over time in accordance with policies described in the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, under “Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits” and “DAC”. These differences in recognition contribute to earnings volatility.
GMIB reinsurance contracts are used to cede to affiliated and non-affiliated reinsurers a portion of the exposure on variable annuity products that offer the GMIB feature. The GMIB reinsurance contracts are accounted for as derivatives and are reported at fair value. Gross reserves for GMIB are calculated on the basis of assumptions related to projected benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts and therefore will not immediately reflect the offsetting impact on future claims exposure resulting from the same capital market and/or interest rate fluctuations that cause gains or losses on the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts. The changes in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts are recorded in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in gross reserves and DAC for GMIB are recognized over time in accordance with policies described in the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 under “Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits” and “DAC”. These differences in recognition contribute to earnings volatility.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance on consolidation of interests held through related parties that are under common control, which alters how a decision maker needs to consider indirect interests in a VIE held through an entity under common control. The new guidance amends the recently adopted consolidation guidance analysis. Under the new guidance, if a decision maker is required to evaluate whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, it will need to consider only its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party. The Company adopted the revised guidance effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance simplifying the transition to the equity method of accounting. The amendment eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investments had been held. The Company adopted the revised guidance effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on improvements to employee share-based payment accounting. The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements including: income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. The Company adopted the revised guidance effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In March, 2017, the FASB issued guidance that requires certain premiums on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date. The new guidance will better align interest income recognition with the manner in which market participants price these instruments.  The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs that required bifurcation of net benefit cost. The service cost component will be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating income (or capitalized in assets). The other components will be reported separately outside

14


of operations and will not be eligible for capitalization. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted and is to be applied retrospectively for changes in the income statement presentation of net benefit cost and prospectively for changes in capitalization eligibility. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued revised guidance to lease accounting. The revised guidance will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases. Lessor accounting will continue to be similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The revised guidance is effective for interim and annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted.  Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new revenue recognition guidance that is intended to improve and converge the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The new guidance applies to contracts that deliver goods or services to a customer, except when those contracts are for: insurance, leases, rights and obligations that are in the scope of certain financial instruments (i.e., derivative contracts) and guarantees other than product or service warranties. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation of VIEs
A VIE must be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which generally is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. The Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if it has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive income from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE. For purposes of evaluating (ii) above, fees paid to the Company as a decision maker or service provider are excluded if the fees are compensation for services provided commensurate with the level of effort required to be performed and the arrangement includes only customary terms, conditions or amounts present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length.
If the Company has a variable interest in an entity that is determined not to be a VIE, the entity then is evaluated for consolidation under the voting interest entity (“VOE”) model. For limited partnerships and similar entities, the Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE, and would be required to consolidate the entity, if the Company owns a majority of the entity’s kick-out rights through voting limited partnership interests and other limited partners do not hold substantive participating rights (or other rights that would indicate that the Company does not control the entity). For entities other than limited partnerships, the Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE if it owns a majority voting interest in the entity.
The analysis performed to identify variable interests held, determine whether entities are VIEs or VOEs, and evaluate whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in such entities requires the exercise of judgment and is updated on a continuous basis as circumstances change or new entities are developed. The primary beneficiary evaluation generally is performed qualitatively based on all facts and circumstances, including consideration of economic interests in the VIE held directly and indirectly through related parties and entities under common control, as well as quantitatively, as appropriate.
At March 31, 2017, the Insurance segment’s General Account held approximately $1,196 million of investment assets in the form of equity interests issued by non-corporate legal entities determined under the new guidance to be VIEs, such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies, including hedge funds, private equity funds, and real estate-related funds. As an equity investor, the Insurance segment is considered to have a “variable interest” in each of these VIEs as a result of its participation in the risks and/or rewards these funds were designed to create by their defined portfolio objectives and strategies. Primarily through qualitative assessment, including consideration of related party interests and/or other financial arrangements, if any, the Insurance segment was not identified as primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs, largely due to its inability to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance. Consequently, the Company continues to reflect these equity interests in the consolidated balance sheet as “Other equity investments”

15


and to apply the equity method of accounting for these positions. The net assets of these non-consolidated VIEs are approximately $161,127 million, and the Company’s maximum exposure to loss from its direct involvement with these VIEs is the carrying value of its investment of $1,196 million at March 31, 2017. Except for approximately $692 million of unfunded commitments at March 31, 2017, the Company has no further economic interest in these VIEs in the form of guarantees, derivatives, credit enhancements or similar instruments and obligations.
AB regularly provides seed capital to new company-sponsored investment funds. As such, it may consolidate or de-consolidate a variety of company-sponsored investment funds each quarter. Due to the similarity of risks related to its involvement with each company-sponsored investment fund, disclosures required under the VIE model are aggregated, such as those disclosures regarding the carrying amount and classification of assets.
AB is not required to provide financial support to company-sponsored investment funds and only the assets of such funds are available to settle its own liabilities. AB’s exposure to loss with respect to consolidated company-sponsored investment funds is limited to its investment in, and its management fee earned from, such funds. Equity and debt holders of such funds have no recourse to AB’s assets or to the general credit of AB. The balances of consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2017 were assets of $1,095 million, liabilities of $398 million, Redeemable noncontrolling interest of $395 million, Equity attributable to the Company of $78 million and $33 million attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest. The balances of consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2016 were assets of $956 million, liabilities of $293 million, Redeemable noncontrolling interest of $384 million, Equity attributable to the Company of $71 million and $35 million attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interest.
As of March 31, 2017, the net assets of company-sponsored investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs are approximately $49,300 million, and AB’s maximum risk of loss is its investment of $24 million in these VIEs and advisory fee receivables from these VIEs, which are not material.

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

During the first quarter of 2017 management identified errors in its previous financial statements. These errors primarily related to errors in the calculation of policyholders’ benefit reserves for one of the Company’s variable annuity products with indexed-linked features and the calculation of DAC amortization for certain VISL products. Management evaluated the impact of these errors both individually and in the aggregate and concluded they were not material to any previously reported annual financial statements. However, as the errors would likely be material to the 2017 annual results, management has revised the consolidated balance sheet as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, included herein, to include the revisions discussed above and all previously recorded out of period adjustments in each of the applicable periods for comparability purposes. The impacts of these revisions to each of the previously reported consolidated statements are disclosed below.

16


The following table presents the effects of the revision to the Company’s previously reported consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), statements of equity and statements of cash flows for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016:
 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Earnings (Loss):
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
$
901

 
$
(86
)
 
$
815

Premiums
126

 
89

 
215

Increase (decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset
1,637

 
(8
)
 
1,629

Total Revenues
5,034

 
(5
)
 
5,029

Benefits and other deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholders' benefits
1,150

 
(32
)
 
1,118

Interest credited to Policyholder's Account Balances
277

 
(32
)
 
245

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
(10
)
 
10

 

Total benefits and other deductions
2,580

 
(54
)
 
2,526

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes
2,454

 
49

 
2,503

Income tax (expense) benefit
(734
)
 
(17
)
 
(751
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
1,720

 
32

 
1,752

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
1,603

 
$
32

 
$
1,635

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
1,720

 
$
32

 
$
1,752

Comprehensive income (loss)
2,509

 
32

 
2,541

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
2,389

 
$
32

 
$
2,421

 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings, beginning of year
$
8,958

 
$
(62
)
 
$
8,896

Net earnings (loss)
1,603

 
32

 
1,635

Retained earnings, end of period
10,561

 
(30
)
 
10,531

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total AXA Equitable’s equity, end of period
16,894

 
(30
)
 
16,864

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year
3,086

 
(27
)
 
3,059

Noncontrolling interest, end of period
3,069

 
(27
)
 
3,042

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Equity, End of Period
$
19,963

 
$
(57
)
 
$
19,906




17


 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Cash flows:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
1,720

 
$
32

 
$
1,752

Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
(901
)
 
86

 
(815
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
277

 
(32
)
 
245

(Increase) decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
(1,637
)
 
8

 
(1,629
)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities
(66
)
 
8

 
(58
)
Changes in:
 
 
 
 
 
Variable interest entities
(2
)
 
2

 

Future policy benefits
572

 
(32
)
 
540

Reinsurance recoverable
(145
)
 
(89
)
 
(234
)
Deferred Policy Acquisition costs
(10
)
 
10

 

Current and deferred income taxes
733

 
17

 
750

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(2
)
 
2

 

Other
50

 
79

 
129

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
99

 
$
91

 
$
190

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
    (Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable

 
(91
)
 
(91
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
1,468

 
$
(91
)
 
$
1,377




18


The following table presents the effects of the revision to the Company's previously reported consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAC
$
4,301

 
$
4,469

 
$
(86
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
4,215

 
$
4,464

Amounts due from reinsurers
4,635

 
4,466

 

 
21

 
4,635

 
4,487

Guaranteed minimum income benefit
reinsurance asset, at fair value
10,309

 
10,570

 

 
8

 
10,309

 
10,578

Other assets
4,260

 
4,634

 

 
13

 
4,260

 
4,647

Total Assets
$
203,764

 
$
194,626

 
$
(86
)
 
$
37

 
$
203,678


$
194,663

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Policyholders' account balance
$
38,782

 
$
33,033

 
$
60

 
$
(120
)
 
$
38,842

 
$
32,913

Future policyholders' benefits and other policyholders' liabilities
25,358

 
24,531

 
69

 
288

 
25,427

 
24,819

Current and deferred taxes
3,816

 
4,647

 
(74
)
 
10

 
3,742

 
4,657

Other liabilities
2,108

 
2,586

 

 
(52
)
 
2,108

 
2,534

Total Liabilities
186,945

 
177,018

 
55

 
126

 
187,000

 
177,144

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Retained Earnings
7,983

 
8,958

 
(141
)
 
(62
)
 
7,842


8,896

AXA Equitable Equity
13,331

 
14,509

 
(141
)
 
(62
)
 
13,190

 
14,447

Noncontrolling interest
3,085

 
3,086

 

 
(27
)
 
3,085

 
3,059

Equity
16,416

 
17,595

 
(141
)
 
(89
)
 
16,275

 
17,506

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Total Liabilities and Equity
$
203,764

 
$
194,626

 
$
(86
)
 
$
37

 
$
203,678


$
194,663


The following table presents the effects of the revision to the Company’s previously reported consolidated statements of earnings (loss), statements comprehensive income (loss), statements of equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:


19


 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Earnings (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
$
3,423

 
$
3,208

 
$
3,115

 
$
12

 
$
133

 
$
67

 
$
3,435

 
$
3,341

 
$
3,182

Premiums
880

 
854

 
874

 

 

 

 
880

 
854

 
874

Increase (decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset
(261
)
 
(141
)
 
3,964

 
(8
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(269
)
 
(141
)
 
3,962

Total Revenues
9,705

 
9,819

 
15,640

 
4

 
133

 
65

 
9,709

 
9,952

 
15,705

Benefits and other deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


Policyholders' benefits
2,893

 
2,799

 
3,708

 
(39
)
 
67

 
366

 
2,854

 
2,866

 
4,074

Interest credited to Policyholder's Account Balances
1,555

 
978

 
1,186

 
100

 
(72
)
 
(109
)
 
1,655

 
906

 
1,077

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
162

 
(331
)
 
(413
)
 
81

 
19

 
38

 
243

 
(312
)
 
(375
)
Other operating costs and expenses
1,458

 
1,415

 
1,692

 

 
82

 
(24
)
 
1,458

 
1,497

 
1,668

Total benefits and other deductions
9,274

 
8,169

 
9,525

 
142

 
96

 
271

 
9,416

 
8,265

 
9,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes
431

 
1,650

 
6,115

 
(138
)
 
37

 
(206
)
 
293

 
1,687

 
5,909

Income tax (expense) benefit
113

 
(186
)
 
(1,695
)
 
86

 
(11
)
 
73

 
199

 
(197
)
 
(1,622
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
544

 
1,464

 
4,420

 
(52
)
 
26

 
(133
)
 
492

 
1,490

 
4,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(469
)
 
(403
)
 
(387
)
 
(27
)
 

 

 
(496
)
 
(403
)
 
(387
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
75

 
$
1,061

 
$
4,033

 
$
(79
)
 
$
26

 
$
(133
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
1,087

 
$
3,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
544

 
$
1,464

 
$
4,420

 
$
(52
)
 
$
26

 
$
(133
)
 
$
492

 
$
1,490

 
$
4,287

Comprehensive income (loss)
306

 
554

 
5,345

 
(52
)
 
26

 
(133
)
 
254

 
580

 
5,212

Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(452
)
 
(388
)
 
(358
)
 
(27
)
 

 

 
(479
)
 
(388
)
 
(358
)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
(146
)
 
$
166

 
$
4,987

 
$
(79
)
 
$
26

 
$
(133
)
 
$
(225
)
 
$
192

 
$
4,854

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 




20



 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Statements of Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year
$
5,321

 
$
5,957

 
$
5,934

 
$

 
$

 
$
(26
)
 
$
5,321

 
$
5,957

 
$
5,908

Deferred tax on dividend of AB Units

 
(35
)
 
(26
)
 

 

 
26

 

 
(35
)
 

Capital in excess of par value, end of year
5,339

 
5,321

 
5,957

 

 

 

 
5,339

 
5,321

 
5,957

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings, beginning of year
$
8,958

 
$
8,809

 
$
5,205

 
$
(62
)
 
$
(88
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
8,896

 
$
8,721

 
$
5,202

Stockholder dividends
(1,050
)
 
912

 
(429
)
 

 

 
48

 
$
(1,050
)
 
$
912

 
$
(381
)
Net earnings (loss)
75

 
1,061

 
4,033

 
(79
)
 
26

 
(133
)
 
(4
)
 
1,087

 
3,900

Retained earnings, end of period
7,983

 
8,958

 
8,809

 
(141
)
 
(62
)
 
(88
)
 
7,842

 
8,896

 
8,721

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total AXA Equitable’s equity, end of period
13,331

 
14,509

 
15,119

 
(141
)
 
(62
)
 
(88
)
 
13,190

 
14,447

 
15,031

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year
3,086

 
2,989

 
2,903

 
(27
)
 
(27
)
 
21

 
3,059

 
2,962

 
2,924

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
464

 
403

 
387

 
27

 

 

 
491

 
403

 
387

Dividend of AB Units by AXA Equitable to AXA Financial

 
145

 
48

 

 

 
(48
)
 

 
145

 

Noncontrolling interest, end of year
3,085

 
3,086

 
2,989

 

 
(27
)
 
(27
)
 
3,085

 
3,059

 
2,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Equity, End of Period
$
16,416

 
$
17,595

 
$
18,108

 
$
(141
)
 
$
(89
)
 
$
(88
)
 
$
16,275

 
$
17,506

 
$
18,020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Cash flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
544

 
$
1,464

 
$
4,420

 
$
(52
)
 
$
26

 
$
(133
)
 
$
492

 
$
1,490

 
$
4,287

Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
(3,423
)
 
(3,208
)
 
(3,115
)
 
(12
)
 
(133
)
 
(67
)
 
(3,435
)
 
(3,341
)
 
(3,182
)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
1,555

 
978

 
1,186

 
100

 
(72
)
 
(109
)
 
1,655

 
906

 
1,077

(Increase) decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
261

 
141

 
(3,964
)
 
8

 

 
2

 
269

 
141

 
(3,962
)
Amortization of deferred cost of reinsurance asset
159

 
39

 
302

 

 
82

 
(24
)
 
159

 
121

 
278

Changes in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


Future policy benefits
783

 
934

 
1,647

 
(39
)
 
67

 
366

 
744

 
1,001

 
2,013


21


 
As previously reported
 
Adjustments
 
As Revised
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition costs
162

 
(331
)
 
(413
)
 
81

 
19

 
38

 
243

 
(312
)
 
(375
)
Current and deferred income taxes
(771
)
 
258

 
1,448

 
(86
)
 
11

 
(73
)
 
(857
)
 
269

 
1,375

Other
31

 
111

 
(98
)
 

 
82

 
39

 
31

 
193

 
(59
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(461
)
 
$
(244
)
 
$
(639
)
 
$

 
$
82

 
$
39

 
$
(461
)
 
$
(162
)
 
$
(600
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholders' accounts balance deposits
$
9,342

 
$
5,757

 
$
6,011

 
$
404

 
$
484

 
$
494

 
$
9,746

 
$
6,241

 
$
6,505

Policyholders' accounts balance transfer (to) from Separate Accounts
1,606

 
1,045

 
815

 
(404
)
 
(484
)
 
(494
)
 
1,202

 
561

 
321

(Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable
(85
)
 

 

 

 
(82
)
 
(39
)
 
(85
)
 
(82
)
 
(39
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
5,751

 
$
3,034

 
$
3,843

 
$

 
$
(82
)
 
$
(39
)
 
$
5,751

 
$
2,952

 
$
3,804



22


3)
INVESTMENTS
Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities
The following table provides information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS:
Available-for-Sale Securities by Classification 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
OTTI
in AOCI 
(3)
 
(In Millions)
March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public corporate
$
12,699

 
$
690

 
$
72

 
$
13,317

 
$

Private corporate
7,147

 
278

 
54

 
7,371

 

U.S. Treasury, government and agency
10,675

 
237

 
582

 
10,330

 

States and political subdivisions
419

 
63

 
2

 
480

 

Foreign governments
334

 
29

 
8

 
355

 

Commercial mortgage-backed
373

 
21

 
53

 
341

 
4

Residential mortgage-backed(1)
279

 
18

 

 
297

 

Asset-backed(2)
43

 
15

 
1

 
57

 
3

Redeemable preferred stock
502

 
47

 
1

 
548

 

Total Fixed Maturities
32,471

 
1,398

 
773

 
33,096

 
7

Equity securities
174

 
1

 

 
175

 

Total at March 31, 2017
$
32,645

 
$
1,399

 
$
773

 
$
33,271

 
$
7

December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public corporate
$
12,418

 
$
675

 
$
81

 
$
13,012

 
$

Private corporate
6,880

 
215

 
55

 
7,040

 

U.S. Treasury, government and agency
10,739

 
221

 
624

 
10,336

 

States and political subdivisions
432

 
63

 
2

 
493

 

Foreign governments
375

 
29

 
14

 
390

 

Commercial mortgage-backed
415

 
28

 
72

 
371

 
7

Residential mortgage-backed(1)
294

 
20

 

 
314

 

Asset-backed(2)
51

 
10

 
1

 
60

 
3

Redeemable preferred stock
519

 
45

 
10

 
554

 

Total Fixed Maturities
32,123

 
1,306

 
859

 
32,570

 
10

Equity securities
113

 

 

 
113

 

Total at December 31, 2016
$
32,236

 
$
1,306

 
$
859

 
$
32,683

 
$
10

 
(1)
Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.
(2)
Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans.
(3)
Amounts represent OTTI losses in AOCI, which were not included in earnings (loss) in accordance with current accounting guidance.


23


The contractual maturities of AFS fixed maturities at March 31, 2017 are shown in the table below. Bonds not due at a single maturity date have been included in the table in the final year of maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
Contractual Maturities at March 31, 2017 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In Millions)
Due in one year or less
$
1,564

 
$
1,584

Due in years two through five
7,954

 
8,381

Due in years six through ten
9,142

 
9,280

Due after ten years
12,614

 
12,608

Subtotal
31,274

 
31,853

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
373

 
341

Residential mortgage-backed securities
279

 
297

Asset-backed securities
43

 
57

Redeemable preferred stock
502

 
548

Total
$
32,471

 
$
33,096

The following table shows proceeds from sales, gross gains (losses) from sales and OTTI for AFS fixed maturities during the first quarters of 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Proceeds from sales
$
414

 
$
389

Gross gains on sales
$
19

 
$
19

Gross losses on sales
$
(20
)
 
$
(21
)
Total OTTI
$

 
$
(17
)
Non-credit losses recognized in OCI

 

Credit losses recognized in earnings (loss)
$

 
$
(17
)


24


The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company at the dates indicated and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

Fixed Maturities - Credit Loss Impairments 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Balances, beginning of period
$
(190
)
 
$
(198
)
Previously recognized impairments on securities that matured, paid, prepaid or sold
43

 
34

Recognized impairments on securities impaired to fair value this period(1)

 
(17
)
Impairments recognized this period on securities not previously impaired

 

Additional impairments this period on securities previously impaired

 

Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses

 

Accretion of previously recognized impairments due to increases in expected cash flows

 

Balances at March 31,
$
(147
)
 
$
(181
)
(1)
Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost.
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of AOCI. The table below presents these amounts as of the dates indicated:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(In Millions)
AFS Securities:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
With OTTI loss
$
20

 
$
19

All other
605

 
428

Equity securities
1

 

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
$
626

 
$
447



25


Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized in AOCI include reclassification adjustments to reflect amounts realized in Net earnings (loss) for the current period that had been part of OCI in earlier periods. The tables that follow below present a roll-forward of net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized in AOCI, split between amounts related to fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized and all other amounts:

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities with OTTI Losses
 
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
 
DAC
 
Policyholders’
Liabilities
 
Deferred
Income
Tax Asset
(Liability)
 
AOCI Gain
(Loss) Related
to Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
 
(In Millions)
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
19

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
5

Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period
49

 

 

 

 
49

Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Net earnings (loss)
(48
)
 

 

 

 
(48
)
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAC

 
1

 

 

 
1

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Policyholders’ liabilities

 

 
5

 

 
5

Balance, March 31, 2017
$
20

 
$

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
10

Balance, January 1, 2016
$
16

 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
7

Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period
10

 

 

 

 
10

Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Net earnings (loss)
(17
)
 

 

 

 
(17
)
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAC

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
1

 
1

Policyholders’ liabilities

 

 
4

 

 
4

Balance, March 31, 2016
$
9

 
$

 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$
5

  



26


All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
 
DAC
 
Policyholders’
Liabilities
 
Deferred
Income
Tax Asset
(Liability)
 
AOCI Gain
(Loss) Related
to Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gains (Losses)
 
(In Millions)
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
428

 
$
(87
)
 
$
(189
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
99

Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period
166

 

 

 

 
166

Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Net earnings (loss)
12

 

 

 

 
12

Excluded from Net earnings (loss)(1)

 

 

 

 

Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAC

 
(21
)
 

 

 
(21
)
Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
(74
)
 
(74
)
Policyholders’ liabilities

 

 
54

 

 
54

Balance, March 31, 2017
$
606

 
$
(108
)
 
$
(135
)
 
$
(127
)
 
$
236

Balance, January 1, 2016
$
674

 
$
(82
)
 
$
(213
)
 
$
(133
)
 
$
246

Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period
1,262

 

 

 

 
1,262

Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Net earnings (loss)
16

 

 

 

 
16

Excluded from Net earnings (loss)(1)
23

 

 

 

 
23

Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAC

 
25

 

 

 
25

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
(432
)
 
(432
)
Policyholders’ liabilities

 

 
(93
)
 

 
(93
)
Balance, March 31, 2016
$
1,975

 
$
(57
)
 
$
(306
)
 
$
(565
)
 
$
1,047

 
(1)
Represents “transfers out” related to the portion of OTTI losses during the period that were not recognized in earnings (loss) for securities with no prior OTTI loss.


27


The following tables disclose the fair values and gross unrealized losses of the 769 issues at March 31, 2017 and the 794 issues at December 31, 2016 of fixed maturities that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the specified periods at the dates indicated:

 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public corporate
$
2,511

 
$
66

 
$
129

 
$
6

 
$
2,640

 
$
72

Private corporate
1,256

 
37

 
252

 
17

 
1,508

 
54

U.S. Treasury, government and agency
4,626

 
582

 

 

 
4,626

 
582

States and political subdivisions

 

 
18

 
2

 
18

 
2

Foreign governments
39

 
2

 
34

 
6

 
73

 
8

Commercial mortgage-backed
50

 
1

 
177

 
52

 
227

 
53

Residential mortgage-backed
29

 

 
4

 

 
33

 

Asset-backed
3

 

 
8

 
1

 
11

 
1

Redeemable preferred stock
47

 
1

 
12

 

 
59

 
1

Total
$
8,561

 
$
689


$
634


$
84


$
9,195


$
773

December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public corporate
$
2,455

 
$
75

 
$
113

 
$
6

 
$
2,568

 
$
81

Private corporate
1,483

 
38

 
277

 
17

 
1,760

 
55

U.S. Treasury, government and agency
5,356

 
624

 

 

 
5,356

 
624

States and political subdivisions

 

 
18

 
2

 
18

 
2

Foreign governments
73

 
3

 
49

 
11

 
122

 
14

Commercial mortgage-backed
66

 
5

 
171

 
67

 
237

 
72

Residential mortgage-backed
47

 

 
4

 

 
51

 

Asset-backed
4

 

 
8

 
1

 
12

 
1

Redeemable preferred stock
218

 
9

 
12

 
1

 
230

 
10

Total
$
9,702

 
$
754

 
$
652

 
$
105

 
$
10,354

 
$
859

The Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities do not include concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the consolidated equity of AXA Equitable, other than securities of the U.S. government, U.S. government agencies, and certain securities guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate securities across industries and issuers and does not have exposure to any single issuer in excess of 0.3% of total investments. The largest exposures to a single issuer of corporate securities held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $172 million and $169 million, respectively. Corporate high yield securities, consisting primarily of public high yield bonds, are classified as other than investment grade by the various rating agencies, i.e., a rating below Baa3/BBB- or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5 (below investment grade) or 6 (in or near default). At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, approximately $1,584 million and $1,574 million, or 4.9% and 4.9%, of the $32,471 million and $32,123 million aggregate amortized cost of fixed maturities held by the Company were considered to be other than investment grade. These securities had net unrealized losses of $10 million and $28 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the $84 million and $105 million of gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more were concentrated in U.S. Treasury securities. In accordance with the policy described in Note 2, the Company concluded that an adjustment to earnings for OTTI for these securities was not warranted at either March 31, 2017 or 2016.

28


At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not intend to sell the securities nor will it likely be required to dispose of the securities before the anticipated recovery of their remaining amortized cost basis.
At March 31, 2017, the carrying value of fixed maturities that were non-income producing for the twelve months preceding that date was $4 million.
For the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, investment income is shown net of investment expenses of $19 million and $16 million, respectively.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the amortized cost of the Company’s trading account securities was $10,303 million and $9,177 million with respective fair values of $10,291 million and $9,134 million. Also at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, trading securities included the General Account’s investment in Separate Accounts, which had carrying values of $63 million and $63 million and costs of $47 million and $46 million.
Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading account equity securities are included in Net investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). The table below shows a breakdown of Net investment income from trading account securities during the first quarters of 2017 and 2016:

Net investment income (loss) from trading securities 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Net investment gains (losses) recognized during the period on securities held at the end of the period
$
51

 
$
64

Net investment gains (losses) recognized on securities sold during the period
2

 
(6
)
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading securities arising during the period
53

 
58

Interest and dividend income from trading securities
40

 
19

Net investment income (loss) from trading securities
$
93

 
$
77

Mortgage Loans
Mortgage loans on real estate are placed on nonaccrual status once management determines the collection of accrued interest is doubtful. Once mortgage loans on real estate are classified as nonaccrual loans, interest income is recognized under the cash basis of accounting and the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan on real estate has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying values of commercial mortgage loans on real estate that had been classified as nonaccrual loans were $34 million and $34 million, respectively.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
The TDR mortgage loan shown in the table below has been modified six times since 2011. The modifications were to extend the maturity from its original maturity of March 5, 2017 to May 4, 2017 to provide additional time to finalize the sale of the remaining loan collateral. In November 2015, the recorded investment was reduced by $45 million in conjunction with the sale of the majority of the underlying collateral and $32 million from a charge-off. The remaining $15 million mortgage loan balance reflects the value of the remaining underlying collateral and cash held in escrow, supporting the mortgage loan. Since the fair market value of the underlying real estate and cash held in escrow collateral is the primary factor in determining the allowance for credit losses, modifications of loan terms typically have no direct impact on the allowance for credit losses, and therefore, no impact on the financial statements.

29



Troubled Debt Restructuring - Modifications
March 31, 2017
 
Number
of  Loans
 
Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post - Modification
 
 
 
(In Millions)
Commercial mortgage loans
1

 
15

 
15

There were no default payments on the above loan during the first quarter of 2017.
Valuation Allowances for Mortgage Loans:
Allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage loans for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 was as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
Allowance for credit losses:
(In Millions)
Beginning balance, January 1,
$
8

 
$
6

Charge-offs

 

Recoveries

 

Provision

 
1

Ending balance, March 31,
$
8

 
$
7

 
 
 
 
March 31, Individually Evaluated for Impairment
$
8

 
$
7

There were no allowances for credit losses for agricultural mortgage loans for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016.

30


The following tables provide information relating to the loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, before adjustments for valuation allowance. The values used in these ratio calculations were developed as part of the periodic review of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolio, which includes an evaluation of the underlying collateral value.
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios
March 31, 2017
 
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
 
 
Loan-to-Value Ratio:(2)
Greater than 2.0x
 
1.8x to 2.0x
 
1.5x to 1.8x
 
1.2x to 1.5x
 
1.0x to 1.2x
 
Less than 1.0x
 
Total Mortgage
Loans
 
(In Millions)
Commercial Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
726

 
$
95

 
$
303

 
$
55

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,179

50% - 70%
3,701

 
492

 
768

 
674

 
76

 

 
5,711

70% - 90%
282

 
19

 
252

 
127

 
28

 
46

 
754

90% plus

 

 
27

 
15

 

 

 
42

Total Commercial Mortgage Loans
$
4,709

 
$
606

 
$
1,350

 
$
871

 
$
104

 
$
46

 
$
7,686

Agricultural Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
255

 
$
140

 
$
296

 
$
468

 
$
290

 
$
52

 
$
1,501

50% - 70%
128

 
56

 
208

 
345

 
220

 
39

 
996

70% - 90%

 

 
2

 
4

 

 

 
6

90% plus

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans
$
383

 
$
196

 
$
506

 
$
817

 
$
510

 
$
91

 
$
2,503

Total Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
981

 
$
235

 
$
599

 
$
523

 
$
290

 
$
52

 
$
2,680

50% - 70%
3,829

 
548

 
976

 
1,019

 
296

 
39

 
6,707

70% - 90%
282

 
19

 
254

 
131

 
28

 
46

 
760

90% plus

 

 
27

 
15

 

 

 
42

Total Mortgage Loans
$
5,092

 
$
802

 
$
1,856

 
$
1,688

 
$
614

 
$
137

 
$
10,189


(1)
The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service.
(2)
The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually.

31


Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios
December 31, 2016
 
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
 
 
Loan-to-Value Ratio:(2)
Greater than 2.0x
 
1.8x to 2.0x
 
1.5x to 1.8x
 
1.2x to1.5x
 
1.0x to 1.2x
 
Less than 1.0x
 
Total Mortgage Loans
 
(In Millions)
Commercial Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
738

 
$
95

 
$
59

 
$
56

 
$

 
$

 
$
948

50% - 70%
3,217

 
430

 
673

 
1,100

 
76

 

 
5,496

70% - 90%
282

 
65

 
229

 
127

 
28

 
46

 
777

90% plus

 

 
28

 
15

 

 

 
43

Total Commercial Mortgage Loans
$
4,237

 
$
590

 
$
989

 
$
1,298

 
$
104

 
$
46

 
$
7,264

Agricultural Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
254

 
$
138

 
$
296

 
$
468

 
$
286

 
$
49

 
$
1,491

50% - 70%
141

 
57

 
209

 
333

 
219

 
45

 
1,004

70% - 90%

 

 
2

 
4

 

 

 
6

90% plus

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans
$
395

 
$
195

 
$
507

 
$
805

 
$
505

 
$
94

 
$
2,501

Total Mortgage Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0% - 50%
$
992

 
$
233

 
$
355

 
$
524

 
$
286

 
$
49

 
$
2,439

50% - 70%
3,358

 
487

 
882

 
1,433

 
295

 
45

 
6,500

70% - 90%
282

 
65

 
231

 
131

 
28

 
46

 
783

90% plus

 

 
28

 
15

 

 

 
43

Total Mortgage Loans
$
4,632

 
$
785

 
$
1,496

 
$
2,103

 
$
609

 
$
140

 
$
9,765


(1)
The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service.
(2)
The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually.

The following table provides information relating to the aging analysis of past due mortgage loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, before adjustments for valuation allowance.

Age Analysis of Past Due Mortgage Loans
 
30-59
    Days    
 
60-89
    Days    
 
90
    Days    
or >
 
Total    
 
Current    
 
Total
Financing
Receivables
 
Recorded
Investment 90 Days or >
and
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,686

 
$
7,686

 
$

Agricultural
2

 
8

 
19

 
29

 
2,474

 
2,503

 
19

Total Mortgage Loans
$
2

 
$
8

 
$
19

 
$
29

 
$
10,160

 
$
10,189

 
$
19

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,264

 
$
7,264

 
$

Agricultural
9

 
2

 
6

 
17

 
2,484

 
2,501

 
6

Total Mortgage Loans
$
9

 
$
2

 
$
6

 
$
17

 
$
9,748

 
$
9,765

 
$
6


32



The following table provides information regarding impaired mortgage loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Impaired Mortgage Loans

 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment(1)
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
(In Millions)
March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage loans - other
$
15

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
15

 
$

Agricultural mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

Total
$
15

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
15

 
$

With related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage loans - other
$
27

 
$
27

 
$
(8
)
 
$
27

 
$

Agricultural mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

Total
$
27

 
$
27

 
$
(8
)
 
$
27

 
$

December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage loans - other
$
15

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
22

 
$

Agricultural mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

Total
$
15

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
22

 
$

With related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage loans - other
$
27

 
$
27

 
$
(8
)
 
$
48

 
$
2

Agricultural mortgage loans

 

 

 

 

Total
$
27

 
$
27

 
$
(8
)
 
$
48

 
$
2

 
(1)
Represents a four-quarter average of recorded amortized cost.
Derivatives and Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The Company uses derivatives as part of its overall asset/liability risk management primarily to reduce exposures to equity market and interest rate risks. Derivative hedging strategies are designed to reduce these risks from an economic perspective and are all executed within the framework of a Derivative Use Plan approved by the NYDFS. Operation of these hedging programs is based on models involving numerous estimates and assumptions, including, among others, mortality, lapse, surrender and withdrawal rates, election rates, fund performance, market volatility and interest rates. A wide range of derivative contracts are used in these hedging programs, including exchange traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or other equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, bond and bond-index total return swaps, swaptions, variance swaps and equity options as well as bond and repo transactions to support the hedging. The derivative contracts are collectively managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in guaranteed benefits’ exposures attributable to movements in capital markets.
Derivatives utilized to hedge exposure to Variable Annuities with Guarantee Features
The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB, GMIB and GIB features. The Company had previously issued certain variable annuity products with GWBL, GMWB and GMAB features (collectively, “GWBL and Other Features”). The risk associated with the GMDB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in GMDB benefits, in the event of death, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support. The risk associated with the GMIB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the present value of GMIB benefits, in the event of annuitization, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase

33


rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. The risk associated with the GIB and GWBL and Other Features is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the GIB and GWBL and Other Features’ benefits being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support.
For GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features, the Company retains certain risks including basis, credit spread and some volatility risk and risk associated with actual versus expected assumptions for mortality, lapse and surrender, withdrawal and contractholder election rates, among other things. The derivative contracts are managed to correlate with changes in the value of the GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features that result from financial markets movements. A portion of exposure to realized equity volatility is hedged using equity options and variance swaps and a portion of exposure to credit risk is hedged using total return swaps on fixed income indices. Additionally, the Company is party to total return swaps for which the reference U.S. Treasury securities are contemporaneously purchased from the market and sold to the swap counterparty. As these transactions result in a transfer of control of the U.S. Treasury securities to the swap counterparty, the Company derecognizes these securities with consequent gain or loss from the sale. The Company has also purchased reinsurance contracts to mitigate the risks associated with GMDB features and the impact of potential market fluctuations on future policyholder elections of GMIB features contained in certain annuity contracts issued by the Company.
The Company has in place a hedge program utilizing interest rate swaps to partially protect the overall profitability of future variable annuity sales against declining interest rates.
Derivatives utilized to hedge crediting rate exposure on SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL products/investment options
The Company hedges crediting rates in the SCS variable annuity, SIO in the EQUI-VEST® variable annuity series, MSO in the variable life insurance products and IUL insurance products. These products permit the contract owner to participate in the performance of an index, ETF or commodity price movement up to a cap for a set period of time. They also contain a protection feature, in which the Company will absorb, up to a certain percentage, the loss of value in an index, ETF or commodity price, which varies by product segment.
In order to support the returns associated with these features, the Company enters into derivative contracts whose payouts, in combination with fixed income investments, emulate those of the index, ETF or commodity price, subject to caps and buffers.
Derivatives utilized to hedge risks associated with interest-rate risk arising from issuance of funding agreements
The Company issues fixed and floating rate funding agreements to fund originated non-recourse commercial real estate mortgage loans, the terms of which may result in short term economic interest rate risk between mortgage loan commitment and mortgage loan funding. The company uses forward interest-rate swaps to protect against interest rate fluctuations during this period.  Realized gains and losses from the forward interest rate swaps are amortized over the life of the loan in interest credited to policyholder’s account balances.
Derivatives utilized to hedge equity market risks associated with the General Account’s seed money investments in Separate Accounts, retail mutual funds and Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations
The Company’s General Account seed money investments in Separate Account equity funds and retail mutual funds exposes the Company to market risk, including equity market risk, which is partially hedged through equity-index futures contracts to minimize such risk.

Periodically, the Company enters into derivatives on equity indices to mitigate the impact on net earnings from Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations due to movements in the equity markets. These positions partially cover fees expected to be earned from the Company’s Separate Account products.


34


Derivatives utilized for General Account Investment Portfolio

The Company maintains a strategy in its General Account investment portfolio to replicate the credit exposure of fixed maturity securities otherwise permissible for investment under its investment guidelines through the sale of CDSs. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company receives quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, replicate the credit spread otherwise currently obtainable by purchasing the referenced entity’s bonds of similar maturity. These credit derivatives generally have remaining terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss). The Company manages its credit exposure taking into consideration both cash and derivatives based positions and selects the reference entities in its replicated credit exposures in a manner consistent with its selection of fixed maturities. In addition, the Company generally transacts the sale of CDSs in single name reference entities of investment grade credit quality and with counterparties subject to collateral posting requirements. If there is an event of default by the reference entity or other such credit event as defined under the terms of the swap contract, the Company is obligated to perform under the credit derivative and, at the counterparty’s option, either pay the referenced amount of the contract less an auction-determined recovery amount or pay the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the defaulted or similar security of the reference entity for recovery by sale at the contract settlement auction. To date, there have been no events of default or circumstances indicative of a deterioration in the credit quality of the named referenced entities to require or suggest that the Company will have to perform under these CDSs. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these credit derivatives is limited to the par value of the referenced securities which is the dollar-equivalent of the derivative notional amount. The Standard North American CDS Contract (“SNAC”) under which the Company executes these CDS sales transactions does not contain recourse provisions for recovery of amounts paid under the credit derivative.
Periodically, the Company purchases TIPS and other sovereign bonds, both inflation linked and non-inflation linked, as General Account investments and enters into asset or cross-currency basis swaps, to result in payment of the given bond’s coupons and principal at maturity in the bond’s specified currency to the swap counterparty, in return for fixed dollar amounts. These swaps, when considered in combination with the bonds, together result in a net position that is intended to replicate a dollar-denominated fixed-coupon cash bond with a yield higher than a term-equivalent U.S. Treasury bond. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the Company’s unrealized gains (losses) related to this program were $94 million and $97 million and reported in AOCI.
The Company hedges a portion of the credit exposure in its General Account investment portfolio by buying protection through a swap. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company pays quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, serve as premiums paid to hedge the risk arising from multiple defaults of bonds referenced in the CDX index. These credit derivatives have terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss) from derivative instruments.
During third quarter 2016, the Company implemented a program to mitigate its duration gap using total return swaps for which the reference U.S. Treasury securities are sold to the swap counterparty under arrangements economically similar to repurchase agreements.  As these transactions result in a transfer of control of the U.S. Treasury securities to the swap counterparty, the Company derecognizes these securities with consequent gain or loss from the sale.  In 2016, the Company derecognized approximately $995 million U.S. Treasury securities for which the Company received proceeds of approximately $1,007 million at inception of the total return swap contract.  Under the terms of these swaps, the Company retains ongoing exposure to the total returns of the underlying U.S. Treasury securities in exchange for a financing cost. At March 31, 2017, the aggregate fair value of  U.S. Treasury securities derecognized under this program was approximately $852 million. Reported in Other invested assets in the Company's balance sheet at March 31, 2017 is approximately $102 million, representing the fair value of the total return swap contracts.   




35


The tables below present quantitative disclosures about the Company’s derivative instruments, including those embedded in other contracts required to be accounted for as derivative instruments.

Derivative Instruments by Category
 
At March 31, 2017
 
Gains (Losses)
Reported In Net
Earnings (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Amount
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
 
(In Millions)
Freestanding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
4,655

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
(212
)
Swaps
4,017

 
3

 
123

 
(241
)
Options
12,757

 
2,336

 
1,157

 
302

Interest rate contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floors

 

 

 

Swaps
18,227

 
243

 
385

 
108

Futures
8,223

 

 

 
(19
)
Credit contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps
2,752

 
23

 
11

 
6

Other freestanding contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross currency swaps
870

 
36

 
14

 
(1
)
Margin

 
84

 
8

 

Collateral

 
68

 
1,024

 

Net investment income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(57
)
Embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GMIB reinsurance contracts

 
9,795

 

 
(514
)
GIB and GWBL and Other Features(2)

 

 
106

 
(58
)
SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features(3)

 

 
1,099

 
(301
)
Total
$
51,501

 
$
12,589

 
$
3,929

 
$
(930
)

(1)
Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)
SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

36


 
At December 31, 2016
 
Gains (Losses)
Reported In Net
Earnings (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Amount
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
 
(In Millions)
Freestanding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
5,086

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
(86
)
Swaps
3,529

 
13

 
67

 
(9
)
Options
11,465

 
2,114

 
1,154

 
34

Interest rate contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floors
1,500

 
11

 

 
4

Swaps
18,933

 
246

 
1,163

 
851

Futures
6,926

 

 

 
(46
)
Swaptions

 

 

 

Credit contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps
2,757

 
20

 
15

 
1

Other freestanding contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
730

 
52

 
6

 
(1
)
Margin
 
 
107

 
6

 

Collateral
 
 
712

 
748

 

Net investment income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
748

Embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GMIB reinsurance contracts

 
10,309

 

 
1,637

GIB and GWBL and Other Features(2)

 

 
164

 
(81
)
SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features(3)

 

 
887

 
(33
)
Total
$
50,926

 
$
13,585

 
$
4,211

 
$
2,271


(1)
Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)
SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets
Equity-Based and Treasury Futures Contracts
All outstanding equity-based and treasury futures contracts at March 31, 2017 are exchange-traded and net settled daily in cash. At March 31, 2017, the Company had open exchange-traded futures positions on: (i) the S&P 500, Russell 2000, and Emerging Market indices, having initial margin requirements of $191 million, (ii) the 2-year, 5-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury Notes on U.S. Treasury bonds and ultra-long bonds, having initial margin requirements of $21 million and (iii) the Euro Stoxx, FTSE 100, Topix, ASX 200, and European, Australasia, and Far East (“EAFE”) indices as well as corresponding currency futures on the Euro/U.S. dollar, Pound/U.S. dollar, Australian dollar/U.S. dollar, and Yen/U.S. dollar, having initial margin requirements of $14 million.
Credit Risk
Although notional amount is the most commonly used measure of volume in the derivatives market, it is not used as a measure of credit risk. A derivative with positive fair value (a derivative asset) indicates existence of credit risk because the counterparty would owe money to the Company if the contract were closed at the reporting date. Alternatively, a derivative contract with negative fair value (a derivative liability) indicates the Company would owe money to the counterparty if the contract were closed at the reporting date. To reduce credit exposures in OTC derivative transactions the Company generally enters into master agreements that provide for a netting of financial exposures with the counterparty

37


and allow for collateral arrangements as further described below under “ISDA Master Agreements.” The Company further controls and minimizes its counterparty exposure through a credit appraisal and approval process.
ISDA Master Agreements
Netting Provisions. The standardized “ISDA Master Agreement” under which the Company conducts its OTC derivative transactions includes provisions for payment netting. In the normal course of business activities, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, the Company will set-off the cash flows of those derivatives into a single amount to be exchanged in settlement of the resulting net payable or receivable with that counterparty. In the event of default, insolvency, or other similar event pre-defined under the ISDA Master Agreement that would result in termination of OTC derivatives transactions before their maturity, netting procedures would be applied to calculate a single net payable or receivable with the counterparty.
Collateral Arrangements. The Company generally has executed a CSA under the ISDA Master Agreement it maintains with each of its OTC derivative counterparties that requires both posting and accepting collateral either in the form of cash or high-quality securities, such as U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government and government agency securities and investment grade corporate bonds. These CSAs are bilateral agreements that require collateral postings by the party “out-of-the-money” or in a net derivative liability position. Various thresholds for the amount and timing of collateralization of net liability positions are applicable. Consequently, the credit exposure of the Company’s OTC derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of those contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received pursuant to CSAs. Derivatives are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets and are reported either as assets in Other invested assets or as liabilities in Other liabilities, except for embedded insurance-related derivatives as described above and derivatives transacted with a related counterparty. The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related CSA have been executed.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the Company held $1,024 million and $755 million in cash and securities collateral delivered by trade counterparties, representing the fair value of the related derivative agreements. This unrestricted cash collateral is reported in Cash and cash equivalents. The aggregate fair value of all collateralized derivative transactions that were in a liability position with trade counterparties at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were $47 million and $700 million, for which the Company posted collateral of $68 million and $820 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, in the normal operation of its collateral arrangements. Certain of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements contain contingent provisions that permit the counterparty to terminate the ISDA Master Agreement if the Company’s credit rating falls below a specified threshold, however, the occurrence of such credit event would not impose additional collateral requirements.
Margin
Effective January 3, 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives for which the CME serves as the central clearing party. As of the effective date, the application of the amended rulebook reduced gross derivative assets by $82 million and gross derivative liabilities by $8 million.
Securities Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Transactions
Securities repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions are conducted by the Company under a standardized securities industry master agreement, amended to suit the specificities of each respective counterparty. These agreements generally provide detail as to the nature of the transaction, including provisions for payment netting, establish parameters concerning the ownership and custody of the collateral securities, including the right to substitute collateral during the term of the agreement, and provide for remedies in the event of default by either party. Amounts due to/from the same counterparty under these arrangements generally would be netted in the event of default and subject to rights of set-off in bankruptcy. The Company’s securities repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured borrowing or lending arrangements, respectively and are reported in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. The Company obtains or posts collateral generally in the form of cash and U.S. Treasury, corporate and government agency securities. The fair value of the securities to be repurchased or resold are monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral posted or obtained as necessary. Securities to be repurchased or resold are the same, or substantially the same, as those initially transacted under the arrangement. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no balances outstanding under reverse repurchase transactions. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the balance outstanding under securities

38


repurchase transactions was $1,784 million and $1,996 million, respectively. The Company utilized these repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements for asset liability and cash management purposes. For other instruments used for asset liability management purposes, see “Obligation under funding agreements” included in Note 12.

39


The following table presents information about the Insurance Segment’s offsetting of financial assets and liabilities and derivative instruments at March 31, 2017.
Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Instruments
At March 31, 2017
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheets
 
(In Millions)
ASSETS(1)
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts
$
2,339

 
$
1,279

 
$
1,060

Interest rate contracts
242

 
384

 
(142
)
Credit contracts
22

 
11

 
11

Currency
30

 
9

 
21

Margin
84

 
8

 
76

Collateral
68

 
1,024

 
(956
)
Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement
2,785

 
2,715

 
70

Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement

 

 

Total Derivatives
2,785

 
2,715

 
70

Other financial instruments
1,976

 
(6
)
 
1,982

Other invested assets
$
4,761

 
$
2,709

 
$
2,052

Securities purchased under agreement to resell
$

 
$

 
$

LIABILITIES(2)
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts
$
1,279

 
$
1,279

 
$

Interest rate contracts
384

 
384

 

Credit contracts
11

 
11

 

Currency
9

 
9

 

Margin

 

 

Collateral
1,024

 
1,024

 

Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement
2,707

 
2,707

 

Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement

 

 

Total Derivatives
2,707

 
2,707

 

Other financial liabilities
2,271

 

 
2,271

Other liabilities
$
4,978

 
$
2,707

 
$
2,271

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase(3)
$
1,782

 
$

 
$
1,782

 
(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $33 million net derivative assets (including derivative assets of consolidated VIEs), $2 million long exchange traded options and $147 million of securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $15 million net derivative liabilities (including derivative liabilities of consolidated VIEs) and $1 million short exchange traded options.
(3)
Excludes expense of $2 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.


40


The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s gross collateral amounts that are not offset in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2017.
Gross Collateral Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
At March 31, 2017
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets
 
Collateral (Received)/Held
 
 
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
 
Net
Amounts
 
(In Millions)
ASSETS:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
51

 
$

 
$
(49
)
 
$
2

Counterparty B
(22
)
 

 
25

 
3

Counterparty C
(7
)
 

 
24

 
17

Counterparty D
159

 

 
(160
)
 
(1
)
Counterparty E
17

 

 
(16
)
 
1

Counterparty F
84

 

 
(80
)
 
4

Counterparty G
262

 

 
(261
)
 
1

Counterparty H
188

 

 
(188
)
 

Counterparty I
(16
)
 

 
17

 
1

Counterparty J
(72
)
 

 
77

 
5

Counterparty K
94

 

 
(93
)
 
1

Counterparty L
(2
)
 

 
2

 

Counterparty M
53

 

 
(39
)
 
14

Counterparty N

 

 

 

Counterparty Q
12

 

 
(11
)
 
1

Counterparty T
17

 

 
(17
)
 

Counterparty U
15

 

 
(1
)
 
14

Counterparty V
118

 

 
(111
)
 
$
7

Total derivatives
$
951

 
$

 
$
(881
)
 
$
70

Other financial instruments
1,982

 

 

 
1,982

Other invested assets
$
2,933

 
$

 
$
(881
)
 
$
2,052

Securities purchased under agreement to resell
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

LIABILITIES:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Counterparty D
$
891

 
$
(877
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
3

Counterparty M
274

 
(274
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Counterparty C
268

 
(262
)
 
(4
)
 
2

Counterparty H
110

 
(108
)
 
(2
)
 

Counterparty W
239

 
(235
)
 
(3
)
 
1

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase (3)
$
1,782

 
$
(1,756
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
4

 
(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral received of $1 million related to derivative assets (including those related to derivative assets of consolidated VIEs) and $147 million related to securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral pledged of $13 million related to derivative liabilities (including those related to derivative liabilities of consolidated VIEs).
(3)
Excludes expense of $2 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.


41


The following table presents information about repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2017.
Repurchase Agreement Accounted for as Secured Borrowings(1)
 
At March 31, 2017
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
 
Overnight and
Continuous
 
Up to 30
days
 
30–90
days
 
Greater Than
90 days
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$

 
$
1,782

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,782

Total
$

 
$
1,782

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,782

Securities purchased under agreement to resell
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $147 million of securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes expense accrual of $2 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

42


The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s offsetting financial assets and liabilities and derivative instruments at December 31, 2016.
Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Instruments
At December 31, 2016
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheets
 
(In Millions)
ASSETS(1)
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts
$
2,128

 
$
1,219

 
$
909

Interest rate contracts
253

 
1,162

 
(909
)
Credit contracts
20

 
14

 
6

Currency
48

 
1

 
47

Margin
107

 
6

 
101

Collateral
712

 
747

 
(35
)
Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement
3,268

 
3,149

 
119

Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement
4

 

 
4

Total Derivatives
3,272

 
3,149

 
123

Other financial instruments
2,063

 

 
2,063

Other invested assets
$
5,335

 
$
3,149

 
$
2,186

Securities purchased under agreement to resell
$

 
$

 
$

LIABILITIES(2)
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts
$
1,219

 
$
1,219

 
$

Interest rate contracts
1,162

 
1,162

 

Credit contracts
14

 
14

 

Currency
1

 
1

 

Margin
6

 
6

 

Collateral
747

 
747

 

Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement
3,149

 
3,149

 

Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement

 

 

Total Derivatives
3,149

 
3,149

 

Other financial liabilities
2,108

 

 
2,108

Other liabilities
$
5,257

 
$
3,149

 
$
2,108

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase(3)
$
1,992

 
$

 
$
1,992

 
(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $13 million net derivative assets(including derivative assets of consolidated VIEs), $3 million long exchange traded options and $83 million of securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $11 million net derivative liabilities(including derivative liabilities of consolidated VIEs), $1 million short exchange traded options and $10 million of securities loaned.
(3)
Excludes expense of $4 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.


43


The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s gross collateral amounts that are not offset in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016.
Gross Collateral Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
At December 31, 2016
 
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets
 
Collateral (Received)/Held
 
 
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
 
Net
Amounts
 
(In Millions)
ASSETS:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
46

 
$

 
$
(48
)
 
$
(2
)
Counterparty B
(128
)
 

 
132

 
4

Counterparty C
(116
)
 

 
138

 
22

Counterparty D
182

 

 
(176
)
 
6

Counterparty E
(65
)
 

 
83

 
18

Counterparty F
(3
)
 

 
16

 
13

Counterparty G
219

 

 
(214
)
 
5

Counterparty H
104

 

 
(110
)
 
(6
)
Counterparty I
(188
)
 

 
203

 
15

Counterparty J
(93
)
 

 
115

 
22

Counterparty K
92

 

 
(96
)
 
(4
)
Counterparty L
(3
)
 

 
3

 

Counterparty M
(105
)
 

 
120

 
15

Counterparty N
4

 

 

 
4

Counterparty Q
10

 

 
(11
)
 
(1
)
Counterparty T

 

 
2

 
2

Counterparty U
1

 

 
10

 
11

Counterparty V
96

 

 
(101
)
 
(5
)
Total Derivatives
$
53

 
$

 
$
66

 
$
119

Other financial instruments
2,067

 

 

 
2,067

Other invested assets
$
2,120

 
$

 
$
66

 
$
2,186

Counterparty M
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Counterparty V

 

 

 

Securities purchased under agreement to resell
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

LIABILITIES(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty D
$
767

 
$
(767
)
 
$

 
$

Counterparty M
410

 
(410
)
 

 

Counterparty C
302

 
(296
)
 
(2
)
 
4

Counterparty W
513

 
(513
)
 

 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase(3)
$
1,992

 
$
(1,986
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
4

 
(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral received of $1 million related to derivative assets (including those related to derivative assets of consolidated VIEs) and $83 million related to securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral pledged of $8 million related to derivative liabilities (including those related to derivative liabilities of consolidated VIEs).
(3)
Excludes expense of $4 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.


44


The following table presents information about repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016.
Repurchase Agreement Accounted for as Secured Borrowings(1) 

 
At December 31, 2016
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
 
Overnight and
Continuous
 
Up to 30
days
 
30–90
days
 
Greater 
Than
90 days
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
$

 
$
1,992

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,992

Total
$

 
$
1,992

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,992


(1)
Excludes Investment Management segment’s $83 million of securities borrowed.
(2)
Excludes expense of $4 million in securities sold under agreement to repurchase.


45


4)
CLOSED BLOCK
The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in AOCI) represents the expected maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. As of January 1, 2001, AXA Equitable has developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of AXA Equitable’s Closed Block’s earnings.
If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block.
Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of DAC, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block.
Summarized financial information for the Closed Block follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In Millions)
CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other
$
7,107

 
$
7,179

Policyholder dividend obligation
38

 
52

Other liabilities
151

 
43

Total Closed Block liabilities
7,296

 
7,274

ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $4,162 and $3,884)
4,322

 
4,025

Mortgage loans on real estate
1,789

 
1,623

Policy loans
814

 
839

Cash and other invested assets
22

 
444

Other assets
206

 
181

Total assets designated to the Closed Block
7,153

 
7,112

Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block
143

 
162

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of policyholder dividend obligation of $(38) and $(52)
132

 
100

Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities
$
275

 
$
262


46


Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other income
 
$
58

 
$
63

Net investment income (loss)
 
83

 
89

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(15
)
 
1

Total revenues
 
126

 
153

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS:
 
 
 
 
Policyholders’ benefits and dividends
 
155

 
136

Other operating costs and expenses
 

 

Total benefits and other deductions
 
155

 
136

Net revenues (loss) before income taxes
 
(29
)
 
17

Income tax (expense) benefit
 
10

 
(6
)
Net Revenues (Losses)
 
$
(19
)
 
$
11

Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Balances, beginning of year
$
52

 
$
81

Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of DAC
(14
)
 
79

Balances, End of Period
$
38

 
$
160



47


5)
GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES
A) Variable Annuity Contracts – GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features
The Company has certain variable annuity contracts with GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and other features in-force that guarantee one of the following:
 
Return of Premium: the benefit is the greater of current account value or premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals);
Ratchet: the benefit is the greatest of current account value, premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals), or the highest account value on any anniversary up to contractually specified ages (adjusted for withdrawals);
Roll-Up: the benefit is the greater of current account value or premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at contractually specified interest rates up to specified ages;
Combo: the benefit is the greater of the ratchet benefit or the roll-up benefit, which may include either a five year or an annual reset; or
Withdrawal: the withdrawal is guaranteed up to a maximum amount per year for life.
The following table summarizes the GMDB and GMIB liabilities, before reinsurance ceded, reflected in the Balance Sheet in future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities:
 
GMDB    
 
GMIB    
 
Total    
 
(In Millions)
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
3,212

 
$
5,577

 
$
8,789

Paid guarantee benefits
(89
)
 
(34
)
 
(123
)
Other changes in reserve
140

 
210

 
350

Balance at March 31, 2017
$
3,263

 
$
5,753

 
$
9,016

Balance at January 1, 2016
$
2,986

 
$
5,297

 
$
8,283

Paid guarantee benefits
(97
)
 
(188
)
 
(285
)
Other changes in reserve
195

 
509

 
704

Balance at March 31, 2016
$
3,084

 
$
5,618

 
$
8,702

Related GMDB reinsurance ceded amounts were:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Balance, beginning of year
$
1,558

 
$
1,430

Paid guarantee benefits
(43
)
 
(47
)
Other changes in reserve
69

 
116

Balance, End of Period
$
1,584

 
$
1,499

The GMIB reinsurance contracts are considered derivatives and are reported at fair value.

48


The March 31, 2017 values for variable annuity contracts in-force on such date with GMDB and GMIB features are presented in the following table. For contracts with the GMDB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of death is the amount by which the GMDB benefits exceed related account values. For contracts with the GMIB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of annuitization is the amount by which the present value of the GMIB benefits exceeds related account values, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB guarantees may also offer GMIB guarantees in the same contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive:

 
Return of
Premium
 
Ratchet
 
Roll-Up
 
Combo
 
Total
 
(Dollars In Millions)
GMDB:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Account values invested in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Account
$
13,723

 
$
118

 
$
71

 
$
216

 
$
14,128

Separate Accounts
$
42,157

 
$
9,135

 
$
3,452

 
$
34,569

 
$
89,313

Net amount at risk, gross
$
201

 
$
91

 
$
2,183

 
$
16,136

 
$
18,611

Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured
$
201

 
$
63

 
$
1,498

 
$
6,833

 
$
8,595

Average attained age of contractholders
51.3

 
66.0

 
72.5

 
67.7

 
55.1

Percentage of contractholders over age 70
9.4
%
 
37.7
%
 
61.0
%
 
43.9
%
 
17.5
%
Range of contractually specified interest rates
N/A

 
N/A

 
3%-6%

 
3%-6.5%

 
3%-6.5%

GMIB:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Account values invested in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Account
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
30

 
$
315

 
$
345

Separate Accounts
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
18,996

 
$
40,297

 
$
59,293

Net amount at risk, gross
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
1,034

 
$
6,526

 
$
7,560

Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
319

 
$
1,627

 
$
1,946

Weighted average years remaining until annuitization
N/A

 
N/A

 
1.6

 
1.1

 
1.2

Range of contractually specified interest rates
N/A

 
N/A

 
3%-6%

 
3%-6.5%

 
3%-6.5%

At March 31, 2017, the Company had reinsured with non-affiliates and affiliates in the aggregate approximately 3.7% and 50.1%, respectively, of its current exposure to the GMDB obligation on annuity contracts in-force and, subject to certain maximum amounts or caps in any one period, approximately 17.7% and 56.6%, respectively, of its current liability exposure resulting from the GMIB feature.
The liability for SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features and the GIB and GWBL and other features, not included above, was $1,204 million and $1,051 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. The liability for GIB, GWBL and Other Features reflects the present value of expected future payments (benefits) less the fees attributable to these features over a range of market consistent economic scenarios.




49


B) Separate Account Investments by Investment Category Underlying GMDB and GMIB Features

The total account values of variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB features include amounts allocated to the guaranteed interest option, which is part of the General Account and variable investment options that invest through Separate Accounts in variable insurance trusts. The following table presents the aggregate fair value of assets, by major investment category, held by Separate Accounts that support variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. The investment performance of the assets impacts the related account values and, consequently, the net amount of risk associated with the GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB benefits and guarantees may also offer GMIB benefits and guarantees in each contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive:

Investment in Variable Insurance Trust Mutual Funds

 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In Millions)
GMDB:
 
 
 
Equity
$
71,981

 
$
69,625

Fixed income
2,450

 
2,483

Balanced
14,547

 
14,434

Other
335

 
348

Total
$
89,313

 
$
86,890

GMIB:
 
 
 
Equity
$
47,357

 
$
45,931

Fixed income
1,647

 
1,671

Balanced
10,140

 
10,097

Other
149

 
149

Total
$
59,293

 
$
57,848

C) Hedging Programs for GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features
Beginning in 2003, AXA Equitable established a program intended to hedge certain risks associated first with the GMDB feature and, beginning in 2004, with the GMIB feature of the Accumulator® series of variable annuity products. The program has also been extended to cover other guaranteed benefits as they have been made available. This program utilizes derivative contracts, such as exchange-traded equity, currency, and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, swaptions, variance swaps as well as equity options, that collectively are managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in guaranteed benefits’ exposures attributable to movements in the capital markets. At the present time, this program hedges certain economic risks on products sold from 2001 forward, to the extent such risks are not reinsured. At March 31, 2017, the total account value and net amount at risk of the hedged variable annuity contracts were $53,173 million and $7,534 million, respectively, with the GMDB feature and $39,632 million and $2,994 million, respectively, with the GMIB and GIB feature.
These programs do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, gains (losses) on the derivatives contracts used in these programs, including current period changes in fair value, are recognized in net investment income (loss) in the period in which they occur, and may contribute to earnings (loss) volatility.
D) Variable and Interest-Sensitive Life Insurance Policies - No Lapse Guarantee
The no lapse guarantee feature contained in variable and interest-sensitive life insurance policies keeps them in force in situations where the policy value is not sufficient to cover monthly charges then due. The no lapse guarantee remains in effect so long as the policy meets a contractually specified premium funding test and certain other requirements.

50


The following table summarizes the no lapse guarantee liabilities reflected in the General Account in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities, the related reinsurance reserve ceded, reflected in Amounts due from reinsurers and deferred cost of reinsurance, reflected in Other assets in the Consolidated balance sheets.

 
Direct
Liability
 
Reinsurance
Ceded
 
Net    
 
(In Millions)
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
1,202

 
$
(623
)
 
$
579

Other changes in reserves
33

 
3

 
36

Balance at March 31, 2017
$
1,235

 
$
(620
)
 
$
615

Balance at January 1, 2016
$
1,084

 
$
(539
)
 
$
545

Other changes in reserves
50

 
(22
)
 
28

Balance at March 31, 2016
$
1,134

 
$
(561
)
 
$
573



51


6)
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance established a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and identifies three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 fair values generally are supported by market transactions that occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and inputs to model-derived valuations that are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and often requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as an entity’s own assumptions about the cash flows or other significant components of value that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure the fair value of instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value determinations are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such adjustments do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value cannot be substantiated by direct comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.
Management is responsible for the determination of the value of investments carried at fair value and the supporting methodologies and assumptions. Under the terms of various service agreements, the Company often utilizes independent valuation service providers to gather, analyze, and interpret market information and derive fair values based upon relevant methodologies and assumptions for individual securities. These independent valuation service providers typically obtain data about market transactions and other key valuation model inputs from multiple sources and, through the use of widely accepted valuation models, provide a single fair value measurement for individual securities for which a fair value has been requested. As further described below with respect to specific asset classes, these inputs include, but are not limited to, market prices for recent trades and transactions in comparable securities, benchmark yields, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, quoted prices for similar securities, and other market-observable information, as applicable. Specific attributes of the security being valued also are considered, including its term, interest rate, credit rating, industry sector, and when applicable, collateral quality and other security- or issuer-specific information. When insufficient market observable information is available upon which to measure fair value, the Company either will request brokers knowledgeable about these securities to provide a non-binding quote or will employ internal valuation models. Fair values received from independent valuation service providers and brokers and those internally modeled or otherwise estimated are assessed for reasonableness.

52


Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below. Fair value measurements also are required on a non-recurring basis for certain assets, including goodwill equity real estate held for production of income, and mortgage loans on real estate, only when an OTTI or other event occurs. When such fair value measurements are recorded, they must be classified and disclosed within the fair value hierarchy. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no assets were required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public Corporate
$

 
$
13,289

 
$
28

 
$
13,317

Private Corporate

 
6,385

 
986

 
7,371

U.S. Treasury, government and agency

 
10,330

 

 
10,330

States and political subdivisions

 
438

 
42

 
480

Foreign governments

 
355

 

 
355

Commercial mortgage-backed

 
17

 
324

 
341

Residential mortgage-backed(1)

 
297

 

 
297

Asset-backed(2)

 
26

 
31

 
57

Redeemable preferred stock
228

 
319

 
1

 
548

Subtotal
228

 
31,456

 
1,412

 
33,096

Other equity investments
53

 

 
5

 
58

Trading securities
439

 
9,852

 

 
10,291

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments

 
250

 

 
250

Assets of consolidated VIEs/VOEs
506

 
242

 
10

 
758

Swaps

 
(240
)
 

 
(240
)
Credit Default Swaps

 
12

 

 
12

Futures
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Options

 
1,179

 

 
1,179

Floors

 

 

 

Currency Contracts

 

 

 

Subtotal
505

 
1,443

 
10

 
1,958

Cash equivalents
1,264

 

 

 
1,264

Segregated securities

 
1,256

 

 
1,256

GMIB reinsurance contract asset

 

 
9,795

 
9,795

Separate Accounts’ assets
111,549

 
2,831

 
325

 
114,705

Total Assets
$
114,038

 
$
46,838

 
$
11,547

 
$
172,423

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWBL and Other Features’ liability
$

 
$

 
$
106

 
$
106

SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability

 
1,099

 

 
1,099

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs/VOEs
382

 
5

 

 
387

Contingent payment arrangements

 

 
17

 
17

Total Liabilities
$
382

 
$
1,104

 
$
123

 
$
1,609


(1)
Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations.
(2)
Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans.

53


Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016

 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public Corporate
$

 
$
12,984

 
$
28

 
$
13,012

Private Corporate

 
6,223

 
817

 
7,040

U.S. Treasury, government and agency

 
10,336

 

 
10,336

States and political subdivisions

 
451

 
42

 
493

Foreign governments

 
390

 

 
390

Commercial mortgage-backed

 
22

 
349

 
371

Residential mortgage-backed(1)

 
314

 

 
314

Asset-backed(2)

 
36

 
24

 
60

Redeemable preferred stock
218

 
335

 
1

 
554

Subtotal
218

 
31,091

 
1,261

 
32,570

Other equity investments
3

 

 
5

 
8

Trading securities
478

 
8,656

 

 
9,134

Other invested assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments

 
574

 

 
574

Assets of consolidated VIEs
342

 
205

 
6

 
553

Swaps

 
(925
)
 

 
(925
)
Credit Default Swaps

 
5

 

 
5

Options

 
960

 

 
960

Floors

 
11

 

 
11

Subtotal
342

 
830

 
6

 
1,178

Cash equivalents
1,529

 

 

 
1,529

Segregated securities

 
946

 

 
946

GMIB reinsurance contract asset

 

 
10,309

 
10,309

Separate Accounts’ assets
108,085

 
2,818

 
313

 
111,216

Total Assets
$
110,655

 
$
44,341

 
$
11,894

 
$
166,890

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWBL and Other Features’ liability
$

 
$

 
$
164

 
$
164

SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability

 
887

 

 
887

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs
248

 
2

 

 
250

Contingent payment arrangements

 

 
18

 
18

Total Liabilities
$
248

 
$
889

 
$
182

 
$
1,319


(1)
Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations.
(2)
Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the fair value of public fixed maturities is approximately $25,139 million and $24,918 million or approximately 15.6% and 16.0% of the Company’s total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (excluding GMIB reinsurance contracts and segregated securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis). The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and for which the Company maintains a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. Although each security generally is priced by multiple independent valuation service providers, the Company ultimately uses the price received from the independent valuation service provider highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type, with limited exception. To validate reasonableness, prices also are internally reviewed by those with relevant expertise through comparison with directly observed recent market trades. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy, public fixed maturity securities validated in this manner generally

54


are reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from independent valuation service providers is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process in accordance with the terms of the respective independent valuation service provider agreement. If as a result it is determined that the independent valuation service provider is able to reprice the security in a manner agreed as more consistent with current market observations, the security remains within Level 2. Alternatively, a Level 3 classification may result if the pricing information then is sourced from another vendor, non-binding broker quotes, or internally-developed valuations for which the Company’s own assumptions about market-participant inputs would be used in pricing the security.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the fair value of private fixed maturities is approximately $7,957 million and $7,652 million or approximately 4.9% and 4.9% of the Company’s total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of the Company’s private fixed maturities are determined from prices obtained from independent valuation service providers. Prices not obtained from an independent valuation service provider are determined by using a discounted cash flow model or a market comparable company valuation technique. In certain cases, these models use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model or a market comparable company valuation technique may also incorporate unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are significant to the fair value measurement of a security, a Level 3 classification generally is made.
As disclosed in Note 3, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, the net fair value of freestanding derivative positions is approximately $950 million and $51 million or approximately 48.5% and 8.2% of Other invested assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of the Company’s derivative positions are generally based on prices obtained either from independent valuation service providers or derived by applying market inputs from recognized vendors into industry standard pricing models. The majority of these derivative contracts are traded in the OTC derivative market and are classified in Level 2. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the OTC market are determined using quantitative models that require use of the contractual terms of the derivative instruments and multiple market inputs, including interest rates, prices, and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, including OIS curves and volatility factors, which then are applied to value the positions. The predominance of market inputs is actively quoted and can be validated through external sources or reliably interpolated if less observable. If the pricing information received from independent valuation service providers is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process in accordance with the terms of the respective independent valuation service provider agreement. If, as a result, it is determined that the independent valuation service provider is able to reprice the derivative instrument in a manner agreed as more consistent with current market observations, the position remains within Level 2. Alternatively, a Level 3 classification may result if the pricing information then is sourced from another vendor, non-binding broker quotes, or internally-developed valuations for which the Company’s own assumptions about market-participant inputs would be used in pricing the security.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, investments classified as Level 1 comprise approximately 70.7% and 71.1% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include redeemable preferred stock, trading securities, cash equivalents and Separate Accounts assets. Fair value measurements classified as Level 1 include exchange-traded prices of fixed maturities, equity securities and derivative contracts, and net asset values for transacting subscriptions and redemptions of mutual fund shares held by Separate Accounts. Cash equivalents classified as Level 1 include money market accounts, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less, and are carried at cost as a proxy for fair value measurement due to their short-term nature.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, investments classified as Level 2 comprise approximately 28.2% and 27.9% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include U.S. government and agency securities and certain corporate debt securities, such as public and private fixed maturities. As market quotes generally are not readily available or accessible for these securities, their fair value measures are determined utilizing relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable securities and often are based on model pricing techniques that effectively discount prospective cash flows to present value using appropriate sector-adjusted credit spreads commensurate with the security’s duration, also taking into consideration issuer-specific credit quality and liquidity. Segregated securities classified as Level 2 are U.S. Treasury Bills segregated by AB in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit

55


of brokerage customers, as required by Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act and for which fair values are based on quoted yields in secondary markets.
Observable inputs generally used to measure the fair value of securities classified as Level 2 include benchmark yields, reported secondary trades, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and other reference data. Additional observable inputs are used when available, and as may be appropriate, for certain security types, such as prepayment, default, and collateral information for the purpose of measuring the fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, approximately $318 million and $340 million of AAA-rated mortgage- and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 for which the observability of market inputs to their pricing models is supported by sufficient, albeit more recently contracted, market activity in these sectors.
Certain AXA Equitable products such as the SCS and EQUI-VEST variable annuity products and the IUL product, as well as the MSO feature available in some AXA Equitable life contracts, offer investment options that permit the contract owner to participate in the performance of an index, ETF or commodity price.  These investment options (depending on the product and index selected) can have 1, 3 or 5 year terms and permit participation in the index, ETF or commodity price up to a segment-specific declared maximum rate. Under certain conditions that vary by product, e.g. holding these segments for the full term, these segments also shield policyholders from some or all negative investment performance associated with these indices, ETFs or commodity prices. These investment options have defined formulaic liability amounts, and the current values of the option component of these segment reserves are accounted for as Level 2 embedded derivatives. The fair values of these embedded derivatives are based on prices obtained from independent valuation service providers.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, investments classified as Level 3 comprise approximately 1.1% and 1.0% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include CMBS and corporate debt securities, such as private fixed maturities. Determinations to classify fair value measures within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy generally are based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement. Included in the Level 3 classification at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were approximately $115 million and $111 million of fixed maturities with indicative pricing obtained from brokers that otherwise could not be corroborated to market observable data. The Company applies various due-diligence procedures, as considered appropriate, to validate these non-binding broker quotes for reasonableness, based on its understanding of the markets, including use of internally-developed assumptions about inputs a market participant would use to price the security. In addition, approximately $356 million and $373 million of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, including CMBS, are classified as Level 3 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company utilizes prices obtained from an independent valuation service vendor to measure fair value of CMBS securities.
The Company also issues certain benefits on its variable annuity products that are accounted for as derivatives and are also considered Level 3. The GMWB feature allows the policyholder to withdraw at minimum, over the life of the contract, an amount based on the contract’s benefit base. The GWBL feature allows the policyholder to withdraw, each year for the life of the contract, a specified annual percentage of an amount based on the contract’s benefit base. The GMAB feature increases the contract account value at the end of a specified period to a GMAB base. The GIB feature provides a lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates if and when the contract account value is depleted. This lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a GIB base.
Level 3 also includes the GMIB reinsurance contract asset which is accounted for as derivative contracts. The GMIB reinsurance contract asset’s fair value reflects the present value of reinsurance premiums and recoveries and risk margins over a range of market consistent economic scenarios while the GIB and GWBL and Other Features related liability reflects the present value of expected future payments (benefits) less fees, adjusted for risk margins, attributable to the GIB and GWBL and Other Features over a range of market-consistent economic scenarios. The valuations of both the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GIB and GWBL and Other Features’ liability incorporate significant non-observable assumptions related to policyholder behavior, risk margins and projections of equity Separate Account funds. The credit risks of the counterparty and of the Company are considered in determining the fair values of its GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GIB and GWBL and Other Features’ liability positions, respectively, after taking into account the effects of collateral arrangements. Incremental adjustment to the swap curve, adjusted for non-performance risk, is made to the resulting fair values of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset to reflect change in the claims-paying ratings of counterparties to the reinsurance treaties. After giving consideration to collateral arrangements, the Company reduced the fair value of its GMIB reinsurance contract asset by $132 million and $139 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, to recognize incremental counterparty non-performance risk. The unadjusted swap curve was determined to reflect a level of general swap market counterparty risk; therefore, no adjustment was made for purpose of determining the fair value of the GIB and GWBL and Other Features’ liability embedded derivative at March 31, 2017. Equity and fixed income volatilities were modeled to reflect the current market volatility.

56


The Company’s Level 3 liabilities include contingent payment arrangements associated with acquisitions in 2010, 2013 and 2014 by AB. At each reporting date, AB estimates the fair values of the contingent consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-weighted AUM and revenue projections, using unobservable market data inputs, which are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
In the first quarter of 2017, no AFS fixed maturities were transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2 principally due to the availability of trading activity and/or market observable inputs to measure and validate their fair values. In addition, AFS fixed maturities with Fair Value of $15 million were transferred from Level 2 into the Level 3 classification. These transfers in the aggregate represent approximately 0.1% of total equity at March 31, 2017.
In the first quarter of 2016, AFS fixed maturities with fair values of $4 million were transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2 principally due to the availability of trading activity and/or market observable inputs to measure and validate their fair values. In addition, AFS fixed maturities with Fair Value of $42 million were transferred from Level 2 into the Level 3 classification. These transfers in the aggregate represent approximately 0.3% of total equity at March 31, 2016.


57


The table below presents a reconciliation for all Level 3 assets and liabilities for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively:

Level 3 Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Corporate
 
State and
Political
Sub-
divisions
 
Foreign
Govts
 
Commercial
Mortgage-
backed
 
Residential
Mortgage-
backed
 
Asset-
backed
 
(In Millions)
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
845

 
$
42

 
$

 
$
349

 
$

 
$
24

Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) as:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
1

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses), net

 

 

 
31

 

 

Subtotal
1

 

 

 
31

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
45

 

 

 
12

 

 
4

Purchases
169

 

 

 

 

 

Issues

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
(57
)
 

 

 
(68
)
 

 
(1
)
Settlements

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3(1)
11

 

 

 

 

 
4

Transfers out of Level 3(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2017
$
1,014

 
$
42

 
$

 
$
324

 
$

 
$
31

Balance, January 1, 2016
$
420

 
$
45

 
$
1

 
$
503

 
$

 
$
40

Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) as:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses), net

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 

Subtotal

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
10

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 

Purchases
62

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
(36
)
 

 

 
(34
)
 

 
(3
)
Transfers into Level 3(1)
42

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3(1)

 

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 

Balance, March 31, 2016
$
498

 
$
45

 
$

 
$
448

 
$

 
$
37

 

58


 
Redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
Other
Equity
Investments
(2)
 
GMIB
Reinsurance
Asset
 
Separate
Accounts
Assets
 
GWBL
and
Other
Features’
Liability
 
Contingent
Payment
Arrangement
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
1

 
$
11

 
$
10,309

 
$
313

 
$
164

 
$
18

Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) as:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses), net

 

 

 
10

 

 

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts

 

 
(540
)
 

 

 

Policyholders’ benefits

 

 

 

 
(118
)
 

Subtotal

 

 
(540
)
 
10

 
(118
)
 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases(3)

 
4

 
40

 
3

 
60

 

Sales(4) 

 
(1
)
 
(14
)
 
(1
)
 

 

Settlements(5)

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Activity related to consolidated VIEs

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3(1)

 
1

 

 
1

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2017
$
1

 
$
15

 
$
9,795

 
$
325

 
$
106

 
$
17

Balance, January 1, 2016
$

 
$
17

 
$
10,570

 
$
313

 
$
184

 
$
31

Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) as:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
1

Investment gains (losses), net

 

 

 
7

 

 

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts

 

 
1,598

 

 

 

Policyholders’ benefits

 

 

 

 
30

 

Subtotal

 

 
1,598

 
7

 
30

 
1

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases(3)

 
2

 
55

 
6

 
51

 

Sales(4) 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 

Settlements(5)

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(1
)
Transfers into Level 3(1)

 
6

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2016
$

 
$
25

 
$
12,207

 
$
323

 
$
265

 
$
31

 

(1)
Transfers into/out of Level 3 classification are reflected at beginning-of-period fair values.
(2)
Includes Level 3 amounts for Trading securities and consolidated VIE investments.
(3)
For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GWBL and other features reserves, represents premiums.
(4)
For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, represents recoveries from reinsurers and for GWBL and other features reserves represents benefits paid.
(5)
For contingent payment arrangements, it represents change in estimates.

59



The table below details changes in unrealized gains (losses) for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 by category for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:
 
Earnings (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
 
Investment
Gains
(Losses),
Net
 
Increase
(Decrease) in
Fair Value of
Reinsurance
Contracts
 
OCI        
 
Policy-
holders’ Benefits    
 
(In Millions)
Level 3 Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Three Months of 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held at March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
41

 
$

State and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed

 

 

 
12

 

Asset-backed

 

 

 
4

 

Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
57

 
$

GMIB reinsurance contracts

 

 
(514
)
 

 

Separate Accounts’ assets(1)

 
10

 

 

 

GWBL and other features’ liability

 

 

 

 
(58
)
Total
$

 
$
10

 
$
(514
)
 
$
57

 
$
(58
)
Level 3 Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Three Months of 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held at March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
11

 
$

State and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed

 

 

 
(12
)
 

Asset-backed

 

 

 

 

Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

Other equity investments

 

 

 

 

GMIB reinsurance contracts

 

 
1,637

 

 

Separate Accounts’ assets(1)

 
7

 

 

 

GWBL and other features’ liability

 

 

 

 
81

Total
$

 
$
7

 
$
1,637

 
$
(1
)
 
$
81


(1)
There is an investment expense that offsets this investment gain (loss).


60


The following tables disclose quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements by category for assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
March 31, 2017

 
Fair
Value
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(In Millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
41

 
Matrix pricing model
 
Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve
 
125 bps - 565 bps
 
753

 
Market comparable 
companies
 
EBITDA multiples
Discount rate
Cash flow multiples
 
4.3x- 40.0x
7.2%-17.8%
14.0x- 16.5x
Separate Accounts’ assets
306

 
Third party appraisal
 
Capitalization rate
 
4.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Exit capitalization rate
 
5.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
6.6%
 
2

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread over U.S. Treasury curve
 
253 bps - 492 bps
 
 
 
 
 
Discount factor
 
4.2%- 6.7%
GMIB reinsurance contract asset
9,795

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Lapse Rates
 
1.5%- 5.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal Rates
 
0.0% - 8.0%
 
 
 
 
 
GMIB Utilization Rates
 
0.0% - 16.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance risk
 
5 bps - 16 bps
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility rates - Equity
 
10.0% - 37.0%
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GIB, GWBL and other features liability
106

 
Discounted Cash flow
 
Lapse Rates
 
1.0% - 11.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal Rates
 
0.0% - 8.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility rates - Equity
 
10.0% - 37.0%


61


Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2016

 
Fair
Value
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(In Millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
55

 
Matrix pricing model
 
Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve
 
0 bps - 565 bps
 
636

 
Market comparable companies
 
EBITDA multiples
Discount Rate
Cash flow Multiples
 
4.3x-25.6x
7.0% - 17.8%
14.0x - 16.5x
Asset-backed
2

 
Matrix pricing model
 
Spread over U.S. Treasury curve
 
25 bps - 687 bps
Separate Accounts’ assets
295

 
Third party appraisal
 
Capitalization rate
 
4.8%
 
 
 
 
 
Exit capitalization rate
 
5.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
6.6%
 
3

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Spread over U.S. Treasury curve
 
273 bps - 512 bps
 
 
 
 
 
Discount factor
 
1.1% - 7.0%
GMIB reinsurance contract asset
10,309

 
Discounted Cash flow
 
Lapse Rates
 
1.5% - 5.7%
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal Rates
 
0.0% - 8.0%
 
 
 
 
 
GMIB Utilization Rates
 
0.0% - 16.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance risk
 
5 bps - 17 bps
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility rates - Equity
 
11.0%- 38.0%
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GIB, GWBL and other features liability
164

 
Discounted Cash flow
 
Lapse Rates
 
1.0% - 11.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal Rates
 
0.0% - 8.0%
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility rates - Equity
 
11.0% -38.0%
Excluded from the tables above at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are approximately $650 million and $594 million, respectively, of Level 3 fair value measurements of investments for which the underlying quantitative inputs are not developed by the Company and are not reasonably available. The fair value measurements of these Level 3 investments comprise approximately 37.1% and 37.5% of total assets classified as Level 3 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and represent only 0.4% and 0.4% of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments primarily consist of certain privately placed debt securities with limited trading activity, including commercial mortgage-, residential mortgage- and asset-backed instruments, and their fair values generally reflect unadjusted prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and indicative, non-binding quotes obtained from third-party broker-dealers recognized as market participants. Significant increases or decreases in the fair value amounts received from these pricing sources may result in the Company’s reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments.
Included in the tables above at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are approximately $794 million and $691 million fair value of privately placed, available-for-sale corporate debt securities classified as Level 3. The fair value of private placement securities is determined by application of a matrix pricing model or a market comparable company value technique, representing approximately 78.3% and 81.8% of the total fair value of Level 3 securities in the corporate fixed maturities asset class. The significant unobservable input to the matrix pricing model valuation technique is the spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve. Generally, an increase or decrease in spreads would lead to directionally inverse movement in the fair value measurements of these securities. The significant unobservable input to the market comparable company valuation technique is the discount rate. Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurements of these securities.

62


Residential mortgage-backed securities classified as Level 3 primarily consist of non-agency paper with low trading activity. Included in the tables above at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no Level 3 securities that were determined by application of a matrix pricing model and for which the spread over the U.S. Treasury curve is the most significant unobservable input to the pricing result. Generally, a change in spreads would lead to directionally inverse movement in the fair value measurements of these securities.
Asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 primarily consist of non-agency mortgage loan trust certificates, including subprime and Alt-A paper, credit tenant loans, and equipment financings. Included in the tables above at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are approximately 0.0% and 8.3%, respectively, of the total fair value of these Level 3 securities that is determined by application of a matrix pricing model and for which the spread over the U.S. Treasury curve is the most significant unobservable input to the pricing result. Significant increases (decreases) in spreads would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurements.
Assets of VIEs and VOEs classified as Level 3 securities primarily consist of corporate bonds that are vendor priced with no ratings available, bank loans, non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities.
Separate Accounts’ assets classified as Level 3 in the table at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, primarily consist of a private real estate fund with a fair value of approximately $306 million and $295 million, a private equity investment with a fair value of approximately $2 million and $1 million and mortgage loans with fair value of approximately $2 million and $2 million, respectively. A third party appraisal valuation technique is used to measure the fair value of the private real estate investment fund, including consideration of observable replacement cost and sales comparisons for the underlying commercial properties, as well as the results from applying a discounted cash flow approach. Significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the capitalization rate and exit capitalization rate assumptions used in the discounted cash flow approach to the appraisal value would result in a higher (lower) measure of fair value. A discounted cash flow approach is applied to determine the private equity investment for which the significant unobservable assumptions are a gross domestic product rate formula and a discount factor that takes into account various risks, including the illiquid nature of the investment. A significant increase (decrease) in the gross domestic product rate would have a directionally inverse effect on the fair value of the security. With respect to the fair value measurement of mortgage loans a discounted cash flow approach is applied, a significant increase (decrease) in the assumed spread over U.S. Treasuries would produce a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Changes in the discount rate or factor used in the valuation techniques to determine the fair values of these private equity investments and mortgage loans generally are not correlated to changes in the other significant unobservable inputs. Significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the discount rate or factor would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurements. The remaining Separate Accounts’ investments classified as Level 3 excluded from the table consist of mortgage- and asset-backed securities with fair values of approximately $13 million and $4 million at March 31, 2017 and $12 million and $3 million at December 31, 2016, respectively. These fair value measurements are determined using substantially the same valuation techniques as earlier described above for the Company’s General Account investments in these securities.
Significant unobservable inputs with respect to the fair value measurement of the Level 3 GMIB reinsurance contract asset and the Level 3 liabilities identified in the table above are developed using Company data. Validations of unobservable inputs are performed to the extent the Company has experience. When an input is changed the model is updated and the results of each step of the model are analyzed for reasonableness.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s GMIB reinsurance contract asset are lapse rates, withdrawal rates and GMIB utilization rates. Significant increases in GMIB utilization rates or decreases in lapse or withdrawal rates in isolation would tend to increase the GMIB reinsurance contract asset.
Fair value measurement of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset includes dynamic lapse and GMIB utilization assumptions whereby projected contractual lapses and GMIB utilization reflect the projected net amount of risks of the contract. As the net amount of risk of a contract increases, the assumed lapse rate decreases and the GMIB utilization increases. Increases in volatility would increase the asset.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s GMWB and GWBL liability are lapse rates and withdrawal rates. Significant increases in withdrawal rates or decreases in lapse rates in isolation would tend to increase these liabilities. Increases in volatility would increase these liabilities.
The three AB acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities (with a combined fair value of $17 million and $18 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively) were valued using projected AUM growth rates with a

63


weighted average of 18.0% for one acquisition and revenue growth rates and discount rates ranging from 4.0% to 31.0% and 1.4% to 6.4%, respectively, for the three acquisitions.
The carrying values and fair values at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Note 3 are presented in the table below. Certain financial instruments are exempt from the requirements for fair value disclosure, such as insurance liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts, limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method and pension and other postretirement obligations.

 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Millions)
March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
$
10,181

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,138

 
$
10,138

Loans to affiliates
703

 

 
775

 

 
775

Policyholders’ liabilities: Investment contracts
2,173

 

 

 
2,274

 
2,274

Funding Agreements
2,528

 

 
2,491

 

 
2,491

Policy loans
3,325

 

 

 
4,214

 
4,214

Short-term debt
608

 

 
608

 

 
608

Separate Account Liabilities
6,555

 

 

 
6,555

 
6,555

December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans on real estate
$
9,757

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,608

 
$
9,608

Loans to affiliates
703

 

 
775

 

 
775

Policyholders’ liabilities: Investment contracts
2,226

 

 

 
2,337

 
2,337

Funding Agreements
2,255

 

 
2,202

 

 
2,202

Policy loans
3,361

 

 

 
4,257

 
4,257

Short-term debt
513

 

 
513

 

 
513

Separate Account Liabilities
6,194

 

 

 
6,194

 
6,194

Fair values for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans on real estate are measured by discounting future contractual cash flows to be received on the mortgage loan using interest rates at which loans with similar characteristics and credit quality would be made. The discount rate is derived from taking the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate with a like term to the remaining term of the loan and adding a spread reflective of the risk premium associated with the specific loan. Fair values for mortgage loans anticipated to be foreclosed and problem mortgage loans are limited to the fair value of the underlying collateral, if lower.
The Company’s short-term debt primarily includes commercial paper issued by AB with short term maturities and book value approximates fair value. The fair values of the Company’s borrowing and lending arrangements with AXA affiliated entities are determined in the same manner as for such transactions with third parties, including matrix pricing models for debt securities and discounted cash flow analysis for mortgage loans.
Fair values for FHLBNY funding agreements are determined from a matrix pricing model and are internally assessed for reasonableness. The matrix pricing model for FHLBNY funding agreements utilizes an independently-sourced U.S. Treasury curve which is separately sourced from Barclays’ suite of curves.
The fair values for the Company’s association plans contracts, supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies (“SCNILC”), deferred annuities and certain annuities, which are included in Policyholder’s account balances are estimated using projected cash flows discounted at rates reflecting current market rates. Significant unobservable inputs reflected in the cash flows include lapse rates and withdrawal rates. Incremental adjustments may be made to the fair value to reflect non-performance risk. Certain other products such as Access Accounts and FHLBNY funding agreements and escrow shield plus product policyholders’ account balances are held at book value.


64


7)
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PROGRAMS
AXA and AXA Financial sponsor various share-based compensation plans for eligible employees and financial professionals of AXA Financial and its subsidiaries. AB also sponsors its own unit option plans for certain of its employees.
Compensation costs for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 for share-based payment arrangements as further described herein are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Thousands)
Performance Shares
$
3,402

 
$
2,218

Stock Options
9

 
109

AB Stock Options

 

AB Restricted Units
7,700

 
1,200

Other compensation plans(1)
65

 
(920
)
Total Compensation Expenses
$
11,176

 
$
2,607

 
(1)
Other compensation plans include Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights and AXA Miles.
Performance Shares
Settlement of 2014 Grant in 2017. On March 24, 2017, share distributions totaling approximately $21 million were made to active and former AXA Equitable employees in settlement of 1.0 million performance shares earned under the terms of the first tranche of the AXA Performance Share Plan 2014.
AB Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans. During the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, AB purchased 1.3 million and 1.9 million Holding units for $31 million and $40 million respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 1.2 million and 1.8 million Holding Units for $28 million and $38 million, respectively with the remainder relating to purchases of Holding units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards.
During the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, AB granted to employees and eligible Directors 1.1 million and 0.3 million restricted Holding awards. In the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, AB used Holding units repurchased during the period and newly issued Holding units to fund the restricted Holding unit awards.
During the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, AB Holding issued 0.3 million and 0.1 million AB Holding Units, respectively, upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding Units. AB Holding used the proceeds of $4.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, received from employees as payment in cash for the exercise price to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units.



65


8)
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes for first quarter 2017 were computed using a discrete effective tax rate method. Management believes the use of the discrete method was more appropriate than the annual effective tax rate method at this time. The estimated annual effective tax rate would not be reliable due to its sensitivity to small changes to forecasted annual pre-tax earnings. Under the discrete method, the Company determines the tax expense based upon actual results as if the interim period were an annual period.



66


9)
LITIGATION
There have been no new material legal proceedings and no material developments in the specific litigations or regulatory matters previously reported in the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, except as set forth below:
Insurance Litigation
In November 2014, a lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County entitled Arlene Shuster, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. This lawsuit is a putative class action on behalf of all AXA Equitable variable life insurance policyholders who allocated funds from their policy accounts to investments in AXA Equitable’s separate accounts, which were subsequently subjected to volatility-management strategy, and who suffered injury as a result thereof. The action asserts that AXA Equitable breached its variable life insurance contracts by implementing the volatility management strategy. In February 2016, the Court dismissed the complaint. In March 2016, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. In August 2015, another lawsuit was filed in Connecticut Superior Court, Judicial Division of New Haven entitled Richard T. O’Donnell, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. This lawsuit is a putative class action on behalf of all persons who purchased variable annuities from AXA Equitable which were subsequently subject to the volatility management strategy and who suffered injury as a result thereof. Plaintiff asserts a claim for breach of contract alleging that AXA Equitable implemented the volatility management strategy in violation of applicable law. In November 2015, the Connecticut Federal District Court transferred this action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In March 2017, the Southern District of New York granted AXA Equitable’s motion to dismiss the complaint. In April 2017, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal.
In February 2016, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Brach Family Foundation, Inc. v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. This lawsuit is a putative class action brought on behalf of all owners of UL policies subject to AXA Equitable’s cost of insurance (“COI”) increase. In early 2016, AXA Equitable raised COI rates for certain UL policies issued between 2004 and 2007, which had both issue ages 70 and above and a current face value amount of $1 million and above. The current complaint alleges a claim for breach of contract and a claim that the AXA Equitable made misrepresentations in violation of Section 4226 of the New York Insurance Law (“Section 4226”). Plaintiff seeks (a) with respect to its breach of contract claim, compensatory damages, costs, and, pre- and post-judgment interest, and (b) with respect to its claim concerning Section 4226, a penalty in the amount of premiums paid by the Plaintiff and the putative class. AXA Equitable’s response to the complaint was filed in February 2017. Additionally, a separate putative class action and six individual actions challenging the COI increase have been filed against AXA Equitable.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Although the outcome of litigation and regulatory matters generally cannot be predicted with certainty, management intends to vigorously defend against the allegations made by the plaintiffs in the actions described above and believes that the ultimate resolution of the matters described therein involving AXA Equitable and/or its subsidiaries should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of AXA Equitable. Management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not any of the matters described above will have a material adverse effect on AXA Equitable’s consolidated results of operations in any particular period.
In addition to the matters described above, a number of lawsuits, claims, assessments and regulatory inquiries have been filed or commenced against life and health insurers and asset managers in the jurisdictions in which AXA Equitable and its respective subsidiaries do business. These actions and proceedings involve, among other things, insurers’ sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, alleged failure to properly supervise agents, contract administration, product design, features and accompanying disclosure, cost of insurance increases, the use of captive reinsurers, payments of death benefits and the reporting and escheatment of unclaimed property, alleged breach of fiduciary duties, alleged mismanagement of client funds and other matters. In addition, a number of lawsuits, claims, assessments and regulatory inquiries have been filed or commenced against businesses in the jurisdictions in which AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries do business, including actions and proceedings related to alleged discrimination, alleged breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with qualified pension plans and other general business-related matters.  Some of the matters have resulted in the award of substantial fines and judgments, including material amounts of punitive damages, or in substantial settlements. Courts, juries and regulators often have substantial discretion in awarding damage awards and fines, including punitive damages. AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries from time to time are involved in such actions and proceedings. While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter is likely to have a material

67


adverse effect on AXA Equitable’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, it should be noted that the frequency of large damage awards, including large punitive damage awards and regulatory fines that bear little or no relation to actual economic damages incurred, continues to create the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given matter.


68


10)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has cost sharing and service agreements with AXA Financial, its subsidiaries and affiliates including agreements related to personnel services, employee benefits, facilities, supplies, equipment, technology, professional development arrangements and investment management services. In addition, the Company has selling agreements to sell insurance products on behalf of affiliates or to have affiliates sell the Company’s insurance products. AB and FMG also act as investment managers for some of the Company’s affiliates and receive investment management fee revenue for the services provided. There have been no material changes in these service agreements from those disclosed in the 2016 Form 10-K.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, AXA Equitable’s GMIB reinsurance contract asset with AXA Arizona had carrying values of $8,133 million and $8,574 million, respectively, and is reported in Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contract asset, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Ceded premiums, deposits and fee income to AXA Arizona in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 related to the Annuity, UL and no lapse guarantee riders totaled approximately $108 million and $107 million, respectively. Ceded claims paid and surrenders in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 were $56 million and $25 million, respectively.
In 2016, AXA Equitable sold artwork to AXA Financial and recognized a $20 million gain on the sale. AXA Equitable used the proceeds received from this sale to make a $21 million donation to AXA Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”). The Foundation was organized for the purpose of distributing grants to various tax-exempt charitable organizations and administering various matching gift programs for AXA Equitable, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
In June 2009, AXA Equitable sold real estate property valued at $1,100 million to a non-insurance subsidiary of AXA Financial in exchange for $700 million in cash and $400 million in 8.0% ten year term mortgage notes on the property reported in Loans to affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. In November 2014, this loan was refinanced and a new $382 million, seven year term loan with an interest rate of 4.0% was issued. In January 2016, the property was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to repay the $382 million term loan outstanding and a $65 million prepayment penalty.
In 2016, AXA Equitable and Saum Sing LLC (“Saum Sing”), an affiliate, formed Broad Vista Partners LLC (“Broad Vista”), AXA Equitable owns 70% and Saum Sing owns 30% of Broad Vista. On June 30, 2016, Broad Vista entered into a real estate joint venture with a third party and AXA Equitable invested approximately $25 million, reported in Other equity investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

69


11)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

AOCI represents cumulative gains (losses) on items that are not reflected in earnings (loss). The balances as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 follow:

 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
$
188

 
$
1,041

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(42
)
 
(50
)
Defined benefit pension plans
(46
)
 
(43
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
100

 
948

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
79

 
66

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
179

 
$
1,014

The components of OCI, net-of-taxes for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 follow:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period
$
35

 
$
9

(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment
35

 
9

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
140

 
814

(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period(1)
(23
)
 
14

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
117

 
828

Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other
27

 
(48
)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $78 and $427)
144

 
780

Change in defined benefit plans:
 
 
 
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for:
 
 
 
Net gain (loss) arising during the period

 

Amortization of net prior service cost included in net periodic cost

 

Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $0 and $0.

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
179

 
789

Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(7
)
 
(3
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
172

 
$
786


(1)
See “Reclassification adjustments” in Note 3. Reclassification amounts presented net of income tax expense (benefit) of $13 million and $(8) million, for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Investment gains and losses reclassified from AOCI to net earnings (loss) primarily consist of realized gains (losses) on sales and OTTI of AFS securities and are included in Total investment gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net earnings (loss) as related to defined benefit plans primarily consist of amortizations of net (gains) losses and net prior service cost (credit) recognized as a component of net periodic cost and reported in Compensation and benefit expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). Amounts presented in the table above are net of tax.

70


12)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Restructuring
In an effort to further reduce its global real estate footprint, AB completed a comprehensive review of its worldwide office locations and began implementing a global space consolidation plan in 2012. This resulted in the sublease of office space primarily in New York as well as offices in England, Australia and various U.S. locations. In the first quarter of 2016, AB recorded new real estate charges of $25 million relating to the further consolidation of office space at its New York offices. Real estate charges are recorded in Other operating costs and expenses in the Company’s consolidated Statements of earnings (loss).
Obligation under funding agreements
As a member of the FHLBNY, AXA Equitable has access to collateralized borrowings. It also may issue funding agreements to the FHLBNY. Both the collateralized borrowings and funding agreements would require AXA Equitable to pledge qualified mortgage-backed assets and/or government securities as collateral. AXA Equitable issues short-term funding agreements to the FHLBNY and uses the funds for asset liability and cash management purposes. AXA Equitable issues long-term funding agreements to the FHLBNY and uses the funds for spread lending purposes. Funding agreements are reported in Policyholders account balances in the consolidated balance sheets. For other instruments used for asset liability management purposes see “Derivative and offsetting assets and liabilities” included in Note 3. Funding agreements are reported in Policyholders’ account balances in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Outstanding balance at end of period
 
Maturity of Outstanding balance
 
Issued during the period
 
Repaid during the period
March 31, 2017:
(In Millions)
Short-term FHLBNY funding agreements
$
500

 
less than one month
 
$
1,500

 
$
1,500

Long-term FHLBNY funding agreements
232

 
less than 4 years
 
174

 

 
1,035

 
Less than 5 years
 
99

 

 
744

 
greater than five years
 

 

Total long-term funding agreements
2,011

 
 
 
273

 

Total FHLBNY funding agreements at March 31, 2017
$
2,511

 
 
 
$
1,773

 
$
1,500

December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term FHLBNY funding agreements
$
500

 
less than one month
 
$
6,000

 
$
6,000

Long-term FHLBNY funding agreements
58

 
less than 4 years
 
58

 

 
862

 
Less than 5 years
 
862

 

 
818

 
greater than five years
 
818

 

Total long-term funding agreements
1,738

 
 
 
1,738

 

Total FHLBNY funding agreements at December 31, 2016
$
2,238

 
 
 
$
7,738

 
$
6,000


Other Commitments

AXA Equitable had approximately $18 million of undrawn letters of credit issued in favor of third party beneficiaries primarily related to reinsurance as well as $682 million (including $236 million with affiliates) and $726 million of commitments under equity financing arrangements to certain limited partnership and existing mortgage loan agreements, respectively, at March 31, 2017.

AXA Financial has legally assumed primary liability from AXA Equitable for all current and future liabilities of AXA Equitable under certain employee benefit plans that provide participants with medical, life insurance, and deferred compensation benefits. AXA Equitable remains secondarily liable for its obligations under these plans and would recognize such liability in the event AXA Financial does not perform under the terms of the agreements.

71


13)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following tables reconcile segment revenues and earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes to total revenues and earnings (loss) as reported on the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) and segment assets to total assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
Insurance(1)
$
1,393

 
$
4,265

Investment Management(2)
756

 
769

Consolidation/elimination
(7
)
 
(5
)
Total Revenues
$
2,142

 
$
5,029

 
(1)
Includes investment expenses charged by AB of approximately $11 million and $12 million for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively, for services provided to the Insurance Segment.
(2)
Intersegment investment advisory and other fees of approximately $18 million and $17 million for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively, are included in total revenues of the Investment Management segment.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Segment earnings (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes:
 
 
 
Insurance
$
(724
)
 
$
2,333

Investment Management
152

 
169

Consolidation/elimination
(1
)
 
1

Total Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations, before income taxes
$
(573
)
 
$
2,503

 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In Millions)
Segment assets:
 
 
 
Insurance
$
194,898

 
$
190,542

Investment Management(1)
14,200

 
13,139

Consolidation/elimination

 
(3
)
Total Assets
$
209,098

 
$
203,678

 
(1)
In accordance with SEC regulations, the assets of the Investment Management segment include securities with a fair value of $1,183 million and $893 million which have been segregated in a special reserve bank custody account at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, for the exclusive benefit of securities broker-dealer or brokerage customers under the Exchange Act. They also include cash held in several special bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $73 million and $53 million, respectively, of cash were segregated in these bank accounts.

72


14)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 10, 2017, AXA announced its intention to pursue the sale of a minority stake in our indirect parent, AXA America Holdings, Inc., through a proposed initial public offering (“IPO”) in the first half of 2018.  The completion of the proposed IPO will depend on, among other things, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing and review process and customary regulatory approvals, as well as market conditions.  There can be no assurance that the IPO will occur on the anticipated timeline or at all.


73


Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the Company that follows should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein, with the information provided under “Forward-looking Statements” included elsewhere herein and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) in Part II, Item 7 and “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”).
BACKGROUND

Established in 1859, AXA Equitable is among the oldest and largest life insurance companies in the United States. AXA Equitable is part of a diversified financial services organization that offers a broad spectrum of insurance, financial advisory and investment management products and services. Together with its subsidiaries, including AB, AXA Equitable is a leading asset manager, with total assets under management of approximately $594.7 billion at March 31, 2017, of which approximately $497.9 billion were managed by AB. AXA Equitable is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, which is itself an indirect wholly- owned subsidiary of AXA.

The Company conducts operations in two business segments, the Insurance segment and the Investment Management segment. The Insurance segment offers a variety of term, variable and universal life insurance products, variable and fixed-interest annuity products, employee benefit products and investment products including mutual funds principally to individuals, small and medium-size businesses and professional and trade associations. The Investment Management segment is principally comprised of the investment management business of AB. AB provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. This segment also includes institutional Separate Accounts principally managed by AB that provide various investment options for large group pension clients, primarily defined benefit and contribution plans, through pooled or single group accounts.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Earnings(loss). The Company’s business and consolidated results of operations are significantly affected by conditions in the capital markets and the economy. The accounting of reserves for GMDB and GMIB features do not fully and immediately reflect the impact of equity and interest market fluctuations. If the reserves were calculated on a basis that would fully and immediately reflect the impact of equity and interest market fluctuations, earnings would be higher than the $431 million consolidated net loss of the Company and $440 million consolidated net loss of the Insurance segment in the first quarter of 2017. These net losses were largely due to the market driven decreases in the fair values of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, market driven increases in GMDB, GMIB and GWBL features (collectively, the “VA Guarantee Features”) and reserves and investment losses from derivative instruments used to hedge products with VA Guarantee Features. For additional information, see “Accounting For VA Guarantee Features” below.
Sales. The market for annuity and life insurance products of the types the Company issues continues to be dynamic. The Company offers a balanced and diversified product portfolio that takes into account customer preferences and the macroeconomic environment and drives profitable growth while appropriately managing risk.
In first quarter 2017, life insurance and annuities first year premiums and deposits increased by $127 million from the comparable 2016 period. The increase in first year premiums and deposits during the first quarter 2017 was driven by $129 million higher annuity sales partially offset by a $2 million lower life insurance sales. For additional information on sales, see “Premiums and Deposits” below.

Legislative and Regulatory Developments. In April 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a final rule (the “Rule”) that significantly expands the range of activities that would be considered to be fiduciary investment advice under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) when our affiliated advisors and our employees provide investment-related information and support to retirement plan sponsors, participants, and individual retirement account (“IRA”) holders. Implementation of the Rule was scheduled to be phased in beginning on April 10, 2017. However, on April 7, 2017, the DOL formally delayed the Rule's applicability for 60 days. This delay was issued to give the DOL time to conduct a review of the Rule as directed by an executive memorandum issued by the President of the United States on February 3, 2017. While the applicability date of the Rule has been extended to June 9, 2017, the executive memorandum, or other executive or legislative actions could

74


result in the Rule being further delayed, revised, and/or repealed. Although implementation of the Rule continues to be uncertain, if the Rule is implemented as planned, it is likely to result in adverse changes to the level and type of services we provide, as well as the nature and amount of compensation and fees that we and our affiliated advisors and firms receive for investment-related services to retirement plans and IRAs, which may have an adverse effect on our business and consolidated results of operations.
 
For additional information on the potential impacts of regulation on the Company, see “Risk Factors” included elsewhere herein and “Item 1 - Business - Regulation” and “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in the 2016 Form 10-K.

AB AUM. At AB, total AUM as of March 31, 2017 were $497.9 billion, an increase of $17.7 billion, or 3.7%, compared to December 31, 2016, and up $18.9 billion, or 3.9%, compared to March 31, 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, AUM increased as a result of market appreciation of $17.9 billion partially offset by net outflows of $200 million. During the twelve month period ended March 31, 2017, AUM increased as a result of market appreciation of $31.6 billion partially offset by net out outflows of $12.2 billion. For additional information, see “Fees and Assets Under Management” below.

Accounting for VA Guarantee Features. The Company has offered and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with VA Guarantee Features. These products continue to account for over half of the Company’s Separate Accounts assets and have been a significant driver of its results. Because the future claims exposure on these products is sensitive to movements in the equity markets and interest rates, the Company has in place various hedging and reinsurance programs that are designed to mitigate the economic risks of movements in the equity markets and interest rates. Due to the accounting treatment, certain of these hedging and reinsurance programs contribute to earnings volatility. These programs generally include, among others, the following:
 
Dynamic VA Hedging programs. Hedging programs are used to mitigate certain risks associated with the VA Guarantee Features. These programs utilize various derivative instruments that are managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in VA Guarantee Features’ exposures attributable to movements in the equity markets and interest rates. Although these programs are designed to provide a measure of economic protection against the impact adverse market conditions may have with respect to VA Guarantee Features, they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, meaning that changes in the value of the derivatives will be recognized in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in reserves will be recognized over time.

GMIB reinsurance contracts. GMIB reinsurance contracts are used to cede to affiliated and non-affiliated reinsurers a portion of the exposure on variable annuity products that offer the GMIB feature. The GMIB reinsurance contracts are accounted for as derivatives and are reported at fair value. Gross reserves for GMIB as noted above, on the other hand, are calculated on the basis of assumptions related to projected benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts and therefore will not immediately reflect the offsetting impact on future claims exposure resulting from the same capital market and/or interest rate fluctuations that cause gains or losses on the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts. Because the changes in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts are recorded in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in gross reserves for GMIB will be recognized over time, earnings will tend to be more volatile.


75


Changes in interest rates and equity markets have contributed to earnings volatility. The table below shows, for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact on Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations before income taxes of the items discussed above (prior to the impact of Amortization of deferred acquisition costs):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Income (loss) on free-standing derivatives(1)
$
(304
)
 
$
701

 
$
(1,004
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of GMIB reinsurance contracts(2)
(514
)
 
1,637

 
(261
)
(Increase) decrease in GMDB, GMIB and GWBL reserves, net of related GMDB reinsurance(3)
(191
)
 
(427
)
 
(362
)
Total
$
(1,009
)
 
$
1,911

 
$
(1,627
)
 
(1)
Reported in Net investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss)
(2)
Reported in Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss)
(3)
Reported in Policyholders’ benefits in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss)
Reinsurance ceded – AXA Arizona. The Company currently reinsures to AXA Arizona a 100% quota share of all liabilities for GMDB/GMIB riders on the Accumulator® products sold on or after January 1, 2006 and in-force at September 30, 2008. AXA Arizona also reinsures a 90% quota share of level premium term insurance issued by AXA Equitable on or after March 1, 2003 through December 31, 2008 and lapse protection riders under universal life insurance policies issued by AXA Equitable on or after June 1, 2003 through June 30, 2007. For AXA Equitable, these reinsurance transactions currently provide statutory capital relief and mitigate the volatility of capital requirements.
The Company receives statutory reserve credits for reinsurance treaties with AXA Arizona to the extent AXA Arizona holds assets in an irrevocable trust ($8.9 billion at March 31, 2017) and/or letters of credit ($3.7 billion at March 31, 2017). These letters of credit are guaranteed by AXA. AXA Arizona is required to hold a combination of assets in the trust and/or letters of credit so that the Company can take credit for the reinsurance.
For further information regarding this transaction, see “Item 1A-Risk Factors” included in the 2016 Form 10-K.
Parent Announcement.  On May 10, 2017, AXA announced its intention to pursue the sale of a minority stake in our indirect parent, AXA America Holdings, Inc., through a proposed IPO in the first half of 2018.  The completion of the proposed IPO will depend on, among other things, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing and review process and customary regulatory approvals, as well as market conditions.  There can be no assurance that the IPO will occur on the anticipated timeline or at all.

76


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s MD&A is based upon its consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment, requiring management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews and evaluates the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, including those related to investments, recognition of insurance income and related expenses, DAC, future policy benefits, recognition of Investment Management revenues and related expenses and benefit plan costs. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of such factors form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, the consolidated results of operations and financial position as reported in the consolidated financial statements could change significantly.
Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates, assumptions and judgments:
 
Insurance Revenue Recognition
Insurance Reserves and Policyholder Benefits
DAC
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Investment Management Revenue Recognition and Related Expenses
Share-based and Other Compensation Programs
Pension Plans
Investments – Impairments and Fair Value Measurements
Income Taxes

A discussion of each of the critical accounting estimates may be found in the Company’s 2016 Form 10-K, under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Application of Critical Accounting Estimates.”

77


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AXA Equitable
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
$
896

 
$
815

Premiums
225

 
215

Net investment income (loss):
 
 
 
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments
(57
)
 
748

Other investment income (loss)
630

 
696

Total net investment income (loss)
573

 
1,444

Investment gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 
(17
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Net impairment losses recognized

 
(17
)
Other investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
30

Total investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
13

Commissions, fees and other income
973

 
913

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
(514
)
 
1,629

Total revenues
2,142

 
5,029

Policyholders’ benefits
833

 
1,118

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
548

 
245

Compensation and benefits
438

 
426

Commissions
286

 
268

Distribution related payments
96

 
87

Interest expense
5

 
4

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
125

 

Other operating costs and expenses
384

 
378

Total benefits and other deductions
2,715

 
2,526

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(573
)
 
2,503

Income tax (expense) benefit
260

 
(751
)
Net earnings (loss)
(313
)
 
1,752

Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(118
)
 
(117
)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable
$
(431
)
 
$
1,635

 


 



The consolidated earnings (loss) narrative that follows discusses the results for the first quarter of 2017 compared to the comparable 2016 period’s results. For additional information, see “Accounting for VA Guarantee Features” above.

78


First Quarter 2017 Compared to First Quarter 2016
Net loss attributable to the Company in first quarter 2017 was $431 million, a decrease of $2.1 billion from the $1.6 billion of net earnings attributable to the Company in first quarter 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $514 million decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, $57 million of investment loss from derivatives and a $191 million increase in GMDB/GMIB/GWBL/GMAB reserves in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to a $1.6 billion increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, $748 million of investment income from derivative instruments which were not fully offset by the $427 million increase in GMDB/GMIB/GWBL/GMAB reserves in the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter 2017 net loss also included $303 million higher interest credited to policyholders’ account balances and $125 million higher amortization of DAC, $66 million lower other investment income partially offset by $81 million higher Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income, $10 million higher premiums and $6 million lower other operating expenses when compared to the comparable 2016 quarter. The Company recorded a $260 million income tax benefit and a $751 million income tax expense in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest were $118 million in first quarter 2017 as compared to $117 million for first quarter 2016 primarily reflecting earnings from AB in both periods.
Net loss inclusive of earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest were $313 million in first quarter 2017, a decrease of $2.1 billion from net earnings of $1.8 billion reported for first quarter 2016.
Income tax benefit in first quarter 2017 was $260 million, primarily due to the $724 million pre-tax loss in the Insurance segment, compared to an income tax expense of $751 million in first quarter 2016, primarily due to the $2.3 billion pre-tax earnings in the Insurance segment. Income taxes for first quarter 2017 were computed using a discrete effective tax rate method. Income taxes for first quarter 2016 were computed using an estimated annual effective tax rate. In first quarter 2017 and 2016, Federal income taxes attributable to consolidated operations were different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interest by the expected Federal income tax rate of 35%. The primary differences were dividend received deductions, nontaxable investment income and noncontrolling interest permanent differences. Additionally, the Company does not provide Federal and state income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are not permanently invested outside the United States.
Loss from operations before income taxes was $573 million in first quarter 2017, a decrease of $3.1 billion from the $2.5 billion in pre-tax earnings reported in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s pre-tax loss from operations totaled $724 million in first quarter 2017, a decrease of $3.1 billion from the pre-tax earnings of $2.3 billion in first quarter 2016. The Investment Management segment’s pre-tax earnings from operations were $152 million in first quarter 2017, $17 million lower than the $169 million reported in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s pre-tax loss in first quarter 2017 as compared to the pre-tax earnings in first quarter 2016 was primarily due to a $514 million decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, $47 million of investment loss from derivatives and a $191 million increase in GMDB/GMIB/GWBL/GMAB reserves in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to a $1.6 billion increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and $752 million of investment income from derivative instruments which were not fully offset by the $427 million increase in GMDB/GMIB/GWBL/GMAB reserves in the first quarter of 2016. Also included in the first quarter 2017 net loss were $303 million higher interest credited to policyholders’ account balances and $125 million higher amortization of DAC. The $17 million lower pre-tax earnings from operations in the Investment Management segment in the first quarter 2017 were primarily due to $38 million higher commission fees and other income and $21 million lower other operating costs and expenses partially offset by $53 million lower net investment income, $16 million higher compensation and benefit expenses and $9 million higher distribution related payments.
Total revenues were $2.1 billion in first quarter 2017, a decrease of $2.9 billion from $5.0 billion reported in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment reported total revenues of $1.4 billion in first quarter 2017, a $2.9 billion decrease from the $4.3 billion of revenues reported in first quarter 2016. The Investment Management segment reported total revenues of $756 million, a $13 million decrease from the $769 million of revenues reported in first quarter 2016. The decrease in Insurance segment revenues was principally due to a $514 million decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and $47 million of investment loss from derivatives in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to a $1.6 billion increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and $752 million of investment income from derivative instruments in the first quarter of 2016. The $13 million decrease in Investment Management segment’s revenues in the first quarter 2017 was due to $53 million lower net investment income partially offset by $38 million higher commission fees and other income.
Total benefits and expenses were $2.7 billion in first quarter 2017, an increase of $189 million from the $2.5 billion reported for first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s total benefits and expenses increased $185 million to $2.1 billion in first quarter 2017.

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The Investment Management segment’s total expenses for first quarter 2017 were $604 million; $4 million lower than the $600 million in expenses in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s increase was principally due to $303 million higher interest credited to policyholders’ account balances and $125 million higher DAC amortization partially offset by $285 million lower policyholders’ benefit expenses in first quarter 2017 as compared to first quarter 2016. The increase in expenses for the Investment Management segment was principally due to $21 million lower other operating costs and expenses partially offset by $16 million higher compensation and benefit expenses and $9 million higher distribution related expenses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
Insurance.
Insurance Segment Results of Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income
$
896

 
$
815

Premiums
225

 
215

Net investment income (loss):
 
 
 
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments
(47
)
 
752

Other investment income (loss)
589

 
607

Total net investment income (loss)
542

 
1,359

Investment gains (losses), net:
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 
(17
)
Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Net impairment losses recognized

 
(17
)
Other investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
32

Total investment gains (losses), net
(11
)
 
15

Commissions, fees and other income
255

 
232

Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset
(514
)
 
1,629

Total revenues
1,393

 
4,265

 
 
 
 
Policyholders’ benefits
833

 
1,118

Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances
548

 
245

Compensation and benefits
114

 
118

Commissions
286

 
268

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net
125

 

Interest expense
4

 
3

Other operating costs and expenses
207

 
180

Total benefits and other deductions
2,117

 
1,932

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations, before Income Taxes
$
(724
)
 
$
2,333


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First Quarter 2017 Compared to First Quarter 2016
Revenues

In first quarter 2017, the Insurance segment’s revenues decreased $2.9 billion to $1.4 billion from $4.3 billion in first quarter 2016. The decrease was principally due to a $514 million decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and $47 million of investment loss from derivatives in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to a $1.6 billion increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and $752 million of investment income from derivative instruments in the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter of 2017 lower revenues were partially offset by $81 million higher universal life and investment-type product policy fee income and $10 million higher premiums.

Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income increased $81 million to $896 million in first quarter 2017 from $815 million in first quarter 2016. The increase was principally due to a $70 million higher policy fee income earned on annuity and VISL products partially offset by $14 million higher decrease in the initial fee liability (a $23 million decrease in the first quarter of 2017 compared to a $9 million decrease in the first quarter of 2016, both periods reflected favorable changes in expected future margins on certain VISL products).
 
Premiums were $225 million in first quarter 2017, $10 million higher than the $215 million in first quarter 2016 primarily due to higher renewal of traditional life premiums.

Net investment income decreased $817 million to $542 million in first quarter 2017 from a net investment income of $1.4 billion in first quarter 2016. The decrease resulted from $799 million of lower investment income from derivative instruments and $18 million lower other investment income. The Insurance segment reported $47 million of investment loss from derivative instruments including those related to hedging programs implemented to mitigate certain risks associated with the GMDB/GMIB/GWBL features of certain variable annuity contracts and those used to hedge risks associated with interest margins on interest sensitive life and annuity contracts in first quarter 2017 as compared to $752 million of investment income from derivative instruments in first quarter 2016. The first quarter 2017 loss from derivative instruments was primarily driven by increasing interest rates partially offset by improvements in equity markets during the first quarter of 2017. The first quarter 2016 investment income from derivative instruments was primarily driven by a decrease in interest rates and relatively flat equity markets during first quarter 2016. The decrease in other investment income is primarily attributable to $42 million lower realized and unrealized gains from trading account securities, $45 million lower investment income from mortgage loans on real estate and $9 million lower investment income from fixed maturities partially offset by $50 million higher income from equity income from limited partnerships.

Investment gains (losses), net were a loss of $11 million in first quarter 2017, as compared to a $15 million gain in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s investment loss in first quarter 2017 was primarily due to losses on sales of fixed maturities. The Insurance segment’s net gain in first quarter 2016 was primarily due to $16 million gains on sales of fixed maturities and a $20 million gain on sale of artwork partially offset by $17 million of writedowns of fixed maturities.

Commissions, fees and other income increased $23 million to $255 million in first quarter 2017 as compared to $232 million in first quarter 2016. This increase was primarily due to $41 million higher gross investment management and distribution fees from EQAT/VIP. Included in commission fees and other income were fees earned by AXA Equitable FMG of $174 million and $161 million in first quarter 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In first quarter 2017, there was a $514 million decrease in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset as compared to a $1.6 billion increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset in first quarter 2016; both periods’ changes reflected existing capital market conditions. Included in first quarter 2017 were the impacts from improvements in equity markets and interest rates which decreased the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset by $381 million and $68 million, respectively. Other changes in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset resulting from capital market volatility, credit spreads, and other items decreased the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset by $65 million in first quarter 2017. Included in first quarter 2016 were the impacts from decreasing interest rates which increased the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset by $1.6 billion, partially offsetting the increase were the impacts of relatively flat equity markets in first quarter 2016 and the December 2015 buyback program which completed in March 2016 which decreased the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset by $26 million and $53 million, respectively. Other changes in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset resulting from capital market volatility, credit spreads, and other items increased the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset by $69 million in first quarter 2016.

81


Benefits and Other Deductions

In first quarter 2017, total benefits and other deductions increased $185 million to $2.1 billion from $1.9 billion in first quarter 2016. The Insurance segment’s increase was principally due to $303 million higher interest credited to policyholders’ account balances, $125 million higher DAC amortization and $27 million higher other operating expenses partially offset by $285 million lower policyholders’ benefits.

Policyholders’ benefits decreased $285 million to $833 million in first quarter 2017 from $1.1 billion in first quarter 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the $153 million lower increase in GMDB/GMIB reserves (an increase of $249 million in first quarter 2017 as compared to an increase of $402 million in the first quarter 2016) and a $79 million decrease in GWBL and GMAB reserves (a decrease of $54 million in the first quarter 2017 as compared to an increase of $25 million in first quarter 2016); both periods reflecting changes in interest rates and equity markets. Policyholders' benefits in first quarter 2017 included $50 million other decrease in reserves not associated with GMDB/GMIB/GWBL/GMAB reserves partially offset by $41 million higher benefits paid.
 
In first quarter 2017, interest credited to policyholders’ account balances totaled $548 million, an increase of $303 million from the $245 million reported in first quarter 2016 primarily due to higher interest credited on certain variable annuity contracts which are based upon performance of market indices subject to guarantees.

Total compensation and benefits totaled $114 million in first quarter 2017, a $4 million decrease from $118 million in first quarter 2016. The decrease is primarily a result of lower employee salaries and employee benefit costs and stock plan expenses.

In first quarter 2017, commission expense totaled $286 million, an increase of $18 million compared to first quarter 2016, principally due to an increase in annuity product sales.

Amortization of DAC, net was $125 million in first quarter 2017, an increase of $125 million from $0 million of amortization of DAC, net in first quarter 2016. DAC amortization in the first quarter of 2017 included $157 million accelerated amortization as a result of loss recognition testing, $31 million of unfavorable changes primarily resulting from changes in expected future margins for VISL products and $44 million of baseline amortization partially offset by $148 million of capitalization of DAC. DAC amortization in the first quarter of 2016 included $141 million of capitalization of DAC partially offset by $106 million of baseline amortization and by $15 million unfavorable changes in expected future margins on VISL products (partially offset in the initial fee liability).

After the initial establishment of reserves, premium deficiency and loss recognition tests are performed each period end using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date without provisions for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for the aggregate product group are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that line of business (i.e., reserves net of any DAC asset), DAC would first be written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve would be established by a charge to earnings.
In accordance with the guidance for the accounting and reporting by insurance enterprises for certain long-duration contracts and participating contracts and for realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, current and expected future profit margins for products covered by this guidance are examined regularly in determining the amortization of DAC.
DAC associated with certain variable annuity products is amortized based on estimated assessments, with DAC on the remainder of variable annuities, UL and investment-type products amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from investment results, Separate Account fees, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges based on historical and anticipated future experience, updated at the end of each accounting period. When estimated gross profits are expected to be negative for multiple years of a contract life, DAC is amortized using the present value of estimated assessments. The effect on the amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross profits or assessments is reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such estimated gross profits or assessments are revised. A decrease in expected gross profits or assessments would accelerate DAC amortization. Conversely, an increase in expected gross profits or assessments would slow DAC amortization. The effect on the DAC assets that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to AOCI in consolidated equity as of the balance sheet date.
A significant assumption in the amortization of DAC on variable annuities and, to a lesser extent, on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance relates to projected future Separate Account performance. Management sets estimated future gross profit or assessment assumptions related to Separate Account performance using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach, a commonly used industry practice. This future return approach influences the projection of fees earned, as well as other sources of estimated gross profits. Returns that are higher than expectations for a given period

82


produce higher than expected account balances, increase the fees earned resulting in higher expected future gross profits and lower DAC amortization for the period. The opposite occurs when returns are lower than expected.
In applying this approach to develop estimates of future returns, it is assumed that the market will return to an average gross long-term return estimate, developed with reference to historical long-term equity market performance. Management has set limitations as to maximum and minimum future rate of return assumptions, as well as a limitation on the duration of use of these maximum or minimum rates of return. At March 31, 2017, the average gross short-term and long-term annual return estimate on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and variable annuities was 7.0% (4.7% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), and the gross maximum and minimum short-term annual rate of return limitations were 15.0% (12.7% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees) and 0.0% (-2.3% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), respectively. The maximum duration over which these rate limitations may be applied is 5 years. This approach will continue to be applied in future periods. These assumptions of long-term growth are subject to assessment of the reasonableness of resulting estimates of future return assumptions.
If actual market returns continue at levels that would result in assuming future market returns of 15.0% for more than 5 years in order to reach the average gross long-term return estimate, the application of the 5 - year maximum duration limitation would result in an acceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, actual market returns resulting in assumed future market returns of 0.0% for more than 5 years would result in a required deceleration of DAC amortization. Current projections of future returns assume a reversion to the mean of 7.0% in four quarters. To demonstrate the sensitivity of variable annuity reserves and DAC amortization from a change in the assumption for future Separate Account rate of return see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Sensitivity of Future Rate of Return Assumptions on GMDB/GMIB Reserves and Sensitivity of DAC to Changes in Future Rate of Return Assumptions” in the Company’s 2016 Form 10-K.
Other significant assumptions underlying gross profit estimates for UL products and investment type products relate to contract persistency and General Account investment spread.
Other operating costs and expenses totaled $207 million in first quarter 2017, an increase of $27 million from the $180 million reported in first quarter 2016. The increase of $27 million is primarily related to $39 million higher amortization of reinsurance costs related to the deferred asset recorded from the Company’s reinsurance transaction with AXA Arizona partially offset by $12 million lower general and administrative expenses.
Premiums and Deposits.
The Company offers a balanced and diversified product portfolio that takes into account the macroeconomic environment and customer preferences and drives profitable growth while appropriately managing risk. Variable annuity products continue to account for the majority of the Company’s sales.



83


The following table lists sales for major insurance product lines for the first quarter of 2017 and 2016. Premiums and deposits are presented gross of internal conversions and are presented gross of reinsurance ceded.
Premiums and Deposits
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Retail:
 
 
 
Annuities
 
 
 
First year
$
884

 
$
911

Renewal
566

 
580

 
1,450

 
1,491

Life(1)
 
 
 
First year
30

 
31

Renewal
428

 
413

 
458

 
444

Other(2) 
 
 
 
Renewal
64

 
57

 
64

 
57

Total retail
1,972

 
1,992

Wholesale:
 
 
 
Annuities
 
 
 
First year
1,193

 
1,037

Renewal
85

 
80

 
1,278

 
1,117

Life(1)
 
 
 
First year
7

 
8

Renewal
173

 
168

 
180

 
176

Total wholesale
1,458

 
1,293

Total Premiums and Deposits
$
3,430

 
$
3,285

 
(1)
Includes variable, interest-sensitive and traditional life products.
(2)
Includes reinsurance assumed and health insurance.

Total premiums and deposits for insurance and annuity products for first quarter 2017 were $3.4 billion, a $145 million increase from $3.3 billion in first quarter 2016, while total first year premiums and deposits increased $127 million to $2.1 billion in first quarter 2017 from $2.0 billion in first quarter 2016. The annuity line’s first year premiums and deposits increased $129 million to $2.1 billion principally due to the $156 million increase in sales in the wholesale channel partially offset by a $27 million decrease in sales from the retail channel. The increase in first year annuity sales is primarily due to higher sales of the Company’s SCS and other variable annuity products that do not offer enhanced guaranteed living benefits partially offset by lower sales of Retirement Cornerstone®. First year premiums and deposits for the life insurance products decreased $2 million.




84


Surrenders and Withdrawals.
The following table presents surrender and withdrawal amounts and rates for major insurance product lines. Annuity surrenders and withdrawals are presented net of internal replacements.
Surrenders and Withdrawals(1) 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Annuities
$
2,155

 
$
2,186

 
6.7
%
 
7.6
%
Variable and interest-sensitive life
192

 
154

 
3.7
%
 
3.1
%
Traditional life
44

 
59

 
2.5
%
 
3.2
%
Total
$
2,391

 
$
2,399

 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Surrender rates are based on the average surrenderable future policy benefits and/or policyholders’ account balances for the related policies and contracts in force during each year.

Surrenders and withdrawals decreased $8 million to $2.4 billion in both the first quarter of 2017 and 2016. There was a decrease of $31 million and $15 million in annuities and traditional life, respectively, and an increase of $38 million in VISL products surrenders and withdrawals. The decrease in individual annuities surrenders for the first quarter of 2017 is due to absence of the $558 million of surrenders related to the Company’s 2015 buyback program to purchase from certain policyholders the GMDB and GMIB riders contained in their Accumulator® contracts, which expired in the first quarter of 2016. Partially offsetting the decrease were higher surrenders for some of the Company's indexed annuity products as certain of these products have a specific maturity.


85


Investment Management.

The table that follows presents the operating results of the Investment Management segment, consisting principally of AB’s operations, for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016.

Investment Management - Results of Operations

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Revenues:
 
 
 
Investment advisory and services fees
$
498

 
$
451

Bernstein research services
113

 
126

Distribution revenues
97

 
93

Other revenues
28

 
28

Commissions, fees and other income
736

 
698

Net investment income (loss)
20

 
73

Investment gains (losses), net

 
(2
)
Total revenues
756

 
769

Expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
324

 
308

Distribution related payments
96

 
87

Interest expense
1

 
1

Other operating costs and expenses
183

 
204

Total expenses
604

 
600

Earnings (Loss) from Operations before Income Taxes
$
152

 
$
169

First Quarter 2017 Compared to First Quarter 2016
Revenues

Revenues totaled $756 million in first quarter 2017, a decrease of $13 million from $769 million in first quarter 2016. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease of $53 million in Net investment income and $13 million lower Bernstein research revenues partially offset by $47 million higher Investment advisory and service fee income and $4 million higher Distribution revenues.

Investment advisory and services fees include base fees and performance-based fees. The increase or decrease in base fees is primarily attributable to an increase or decrease in average AUM. In first quarter 2017, Investment advisory and services fees totaled $498 million; $47 million higher from the $451 million in first quarter 2016. The increase is principally due to higher base fees of $41 million and an increase of $6 million in performance-based fees. Retail investment advisory and services fees, Private Wealth Management investment advisory and services fee and Institutional investment advisory and services fee increased $21 million, $17 million and $9 million, respectively. The overall increase is primarily due to higher average AUM during the first quarter 2017, as compared to the first quarter 2016.
 
Bernstein research services had revenues of $113 million in first quarter 2017; a $13 million decrease when compared to first quarter 2016. The decrease was the result of lower client portfolio turnover in first quarter 2017 compared to higher client portfolio turnover in first quarter 2016.

Distribution revenues were $97 million in the first quarter 2017, an increase of $4 million as compared to the $93 million revenue in first quarter 2016, as the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds increased.

Net investment income (loss) consisted principally of realized and unrealized gains (losses) on trading investments, income (losses) from derivative instruments and dividend and interest income, offset by interest expense related to interest accrued on cash balances in customers’ brokerage accounts. The $53 million decrease in net investment income to $20 million in first quarter 2017 as

86


compared to the $73 million of investment income in first quarter 2016 was principally due to $75 million lower income from seed capital investments (in first quarter 2016, AllianceBernstein recorded a $75 million gain related to the sale of its interest in a company) partially offset by $32 million higher income from AB private equity investment fund and other consolidated VIE investments and $5 million of investment income from trading account securities supporting AB’s deferred compensations plans.

Expenses

The Investment Management segment’s total expenses were $604 million in first quarter 2017, an increase of $4 million from the $600 million in first quarter 2016 principally due to $21 million lower other operating costs and expenses partially offset by $16 million higher compensation and benefit expenses and $9 million higher distribution related expenses.

For first quarter 2017, employee compensation and benefits expenses for the Investment Management segment were $324 million, an increase of $16 million as compared to $308 million in first quarter 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to higher incentive compensation of $28 million partially offset by lower base compensation of $10 million.

The distribution related payments increased $9 million to $96 million in first quarter 2017 from $87 million in the first quarter 2016 primarily as a result of higher distribution revenues.

The $21 million decrease in other operating costs and expenses to $183 million for first quarter 2017 as compared to $204 million in first quarter 2016 was primarily due to lower real estate charges of $28 million.

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FEES AND ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
A breakdown of fees and AUM follows:
Fees and Assets Under Management
 
 
At or For the
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
FEES
 
 
 
Third party
$
479

 
$
434

General Account and other
12

 
11

AXA Financial Insurance Segment Separate Accounts
7

 
6

Total Fees
$
498

 
$
451

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
Assets by Manager
 
 
 
AB
 
 
 
Third party(1)
$
411,643

 
$
395,483

General Account and other(2)
54,540

 
52,842

AXA Financial Insurance Segment Separate Accounts(3)
31,692

 
30,675

Total AB
497,875

 
479,000

Insurance Segment
 
 
 
General Account and other(4)
17,608

 
19,477

AXA Financial Insurance Segment Separate Accounts
79,214

 
77,890

Total Insurance Segment
96,822

 
97,367

Total by Account:
 
 
 
Third party
411,643

 
395,483

General Account and other
72,148

 
72,319

AXA Financial Insurance Segment Separate Accounts
110,906

 
108,565

Total Assets Under Management
$
594,697

 
$
576,367

 
(1)
Includes $43.6 billion and $43.1 billion of assets managed on behalf of AXA affiliates at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Third party AUM includes 100% of the estimated fair value of real estate owned by joint ventures in which third party clients own an interest.
(2)
Includes all General Account and other invested assets of the Company managed by AB as well as General Account investments of other members of the AXA Financial Insurance Segment.
(3)
Includes $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion of MONY America Separate Account assets and $31.6 billion and $29.0 billion of AXA Equitable Separate Accounts managed by AB at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4)
Includes invested assets of the Company not managed by AB, principally cash and short-term investments and policy loans, totaling approximately $7.4 billion and $11.7 billion at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as well as mortgages and equity real estate totaling $10.2 billion and $7.8 billion at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Fees for assets under management increased 10.4% for the first quarter of 2017 from the comparable period of 2016, in line with the change in average assets under management for third parties and the Separate Accounts.

88


Total assets under management at March 31, 2017 increased $18.3 billion to $594.7 billion. The $18.3 billion increase at March 31, 2017 as compared to March 31, 2016 primarily resulted from market appreciation and an acquisition of $20.4 billion of AUM partially offset by net outflows and a $2.5 billion AUM adjustment due to AB’s shift from providing asset management services to consulting services for a client.
Changes in assets under management at AB for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows:
 
 
Investment Service
 
Equity
Actively
Managed
 
Equity
Passively
Managed(1)
 
Fixed
Income
Actively
Managed-
Taxable
 
Fixed
Income
Actively
Managed
-Tax-
Exempt
 
Fixed
Income
Passively
Managed(1)
 
Other(2)
 
Total
 
(In billions)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
111.9

 
$
48.1

 
$
220.9

 
$
36.9

 
$
11.1

 
$
51.3

 
$
480.2

Long-term flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales/new accounts
4.9

 
0.4

 
11.2

 
2.0

 

 
0.5

 
19.0

Redemptions/terminations
(4.8
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(18.4
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(0.8
)
 
(1.4
)
 
1.4

 

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 
(0.8
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(0.7
)
 
(2.0
)
 
2.7

 
0.3

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
Acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market appreciation (depreciation)
7.6

 
2.8

 
4.5

 
0.6

 
0.2

 
2.2

 
17.9

Net change
6.9

 
0.8

 
7.2

 
0.9

 

 
1.9

 
17.7

Balance as of March 31, 2017
$
118.8

 
$
48.9

 
$
228.1

 
$
37.8

 
$
11.1

 
$
53.2

 
$
497.9

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
110.1

 
$
45.5

 
$
219.1

 
$
35.0

 
$
10.3

 
$
59.0

 
$
479.0

Long-term flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales/new accounts
15.4

 
0.9

 
48.4

 
8.5

 
0.2

 
3.2

 
76.6

Redemptions/terminations
(20.3
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(36.4
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(9.2
)
 
(73.7
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(3.4
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
1.2

 
(3.4
)
 
(15.1
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(8.3
)
 
(3.7
)
 
5.7

 
2.7

 
0.8

 
(9.4
)
 
(12.2
)
Acquisition

 

 

 

 

 
2.5

 
2.5

AUM adjustment (3)

 

 

 

 

 
(3.0
)
 
(3.0
)
Market appreciation (depreciation)
17.0

 
7.1

 
3.3

 
0.1

 

 
4.1

 
31.6

Net change
8.7

 
3.4

 
9.0

 
2.8

 
0.8

 
(5.8
)
 
18.9

Balance as of March 31, 2017
$
118.8

 
$
48.9

 
$
228.1

 
$
37.8

 
$
11.1

 
$
53.2

 
$
497.9

 
(1)
Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)
Includes multi-asset solutions and services, and certain alternative investments.
(3)
Excludes Institutional assets for which we provide administrative services but not investment management services and Retail funds seed capital for which we do not charge an investment management fee from AUM.



89


Average assets under management at AB by distribution channel and investment services were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
$
 
Change    %
 
(In billions)
 
 
 
 
Distribution Channel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutions
$
243.8

 
$
237.5

 
$
6.3

 
2.6
 %
Retail
164.9

 
151.5

 
13.4

 
8.9
 %
Private Wealth Management
82.5

 
76.4

 
6.1

 
8.0
 %
Total
$
491.2

 
$
465.4

 
$
25.8

 
5.5
 %
Investment Service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Actively Managed
$
115.7

 
$
106.9

 
$
8.8

 
8.4
 %
Equity Passively Managed(1)
48.7

 
44.3

 
4.4

 
9.7
 %
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Taxable
226.0

 
211.5

 
14.5

 
6.9
 %
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Tax-exempt
37.3

 
34.2

 
3.1

 
8.9
 %
Fixed Income Passively Managed(1)
11.1

 
10.2

 
0.9

 
8.6
 %
Other(2) 
52.4

 
58.3

 
(5.9
)
 
(10.1
)%
Total
$
491.2

 
$
465.4

 
$
25.8

 
5.5
 %
 
(1)
Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)
Includes multi-asset solutions and services, and certain alternative investments.

90


GENERAL ACCOUNT INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The General Account Investment Assets (“GAIA”) portfolio consists of a well-diversified portfolio of public and private fixed maturities, commercial and agricultural mortgages and other loans, equity securities and other invested assets.

The Company has asset/liability management (“ALM”) with separate investment objectives for specific classes of product liabilities. The Company establishes investment strategies to manage each product class’ investment return, duration and liquidity requirements, consistent with management’s overall investment objectives for the General Account investment portfolio.
The General Account’s portfolio and investment results support the insurance and annuity liabilities of the Insurance segment’s business operations. The following table reconciles the consolidated balance sheet asset amounts to GAIA.
Net General Account Investment Assets
March 31, 2017
 
 
Balance
Sheet Total
 
Other(1)
 
GAIA
 
(In Millions)
Balance Sheet Captions:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value(2)
$
33,096

 
$
1,385

 
$
31,711

Mortgage loans on real estate
10,181

 
37

 
10,144

Policy Loans
3,325

 
(99
)
 
3,424

Other equity investments
1,463

 
37

 
1,426

Trading securities
10,291

 
534

 
9,757

Other invested assets
2,052

 
2,052

 

Total investments
60,408

 
3,946

 
56,462

Cash and cash equivalents
2,830

 
713

 
2,117

Short-term debt
(608
)
 
(608
)
 

Total
$
62,630

 
$
4,051

 
$
58,579

 
(1)
Assets listed in the “Other” category principally consist of the Company’s loans to affiliates, other miscellaneous assets or liabilities related to GAIA that are reclassified from various balance sheet lines held in portfolios other than the General Account which are not managed as part of GAIA, including related accrued income or expense, certain reclassifications and intercompany adjustments, other invested assets related to Derivatives and Alliance investments and, for fixed maturities, the reversal of net unrealized gains (losses). The “Other” category is deducted in arriving at GAIA.
(2)
The liability for repurchase agreements is included with Fixed Maturities at March 31, 2017, 2016 and December 31, 2016.


91


Investment Results of General Account Investment Assets
The following table summarizes investment results by asset category for the periods indicated.
 

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Yield    
 
Amount    
 
Yield    
 
Amount    
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Fixed Maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss)
4.18
 %
 
$
311

 
4.32
 %
 
$
318

 
$
1,367

Ending assets
 
 
30,143

 
 
 
29,861

 
29,487

Below investment grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
7.20
 %
 
28

 
7.57
 %
 
28

 
109

Ending assets
 
 
1,568

 
 
 
1,651

 
1,590

Mortgages:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss)
4.65
 %
 
116

 
8.57
 %
 
162

 
462

Ending assets
 
 
10,144

 
 
 
7,635

 
9,712

Other Equity Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss)
1.93
 %
 
7

 
(1.68
)%
 
(6
)
 
62

Ending assets
 
 
1,426

 
 
 
1,296

 
1,326

Policy Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
5.96
 %
 
51

 
5.97
 %
 
52

 
210

Ending assets
 
 
3,424

 
 
 
3,482

 
3,465

Cash and Short-term Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income

 
2

 


 
3

 
11

Ending assets
 
 
2,117

 
 
 
2,571

 
2,088

Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
3.23
 %
 
74

 
4.92
 %
 
79

 
49

Ending assets
 
 
9,757

 
 
 
6,484

 
8,629

Total Invested Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
4.10
 %
 
589

 
4.87
 %
 
636

 
2,270

Ending Assets
 
 
58,579

 
 
 
52,980

 
56,297

Short-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense and other
 
 

 

 

 

Ending assets (liabilities)
 
 

 
 
 

 

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Income
4.10
 %
 
589

 
4.87
 %
 
636

 
2,270

Less: investment fees
(0.11
)%
 
(16
)
 
(0.11
)%
 
(14
)
 
(60
)
Investment Income, Net
3.99
 %
 
$
573

 
4.76
 %
 
$
622

 
$
2,210

Ending Net Assets
 
 
$
58,579

 
 
 
$
52,980

 
$
56,297

Fixed Maturities

The fixed maturity portfolio consists largely of investment grade corporate debt securities and includes significant amounts of U.S. government and agency obligations. At March 31, 2017, 74.6% of the fixed maturity portfolio was publicly traded. At March 31, 2017, GAIA held commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”) with an amortized cost of $373 million. The General Account had a $0.3 million exposure to the sovereign debt of Italy and no exposure to the sovereign debt of Greece, Portugal, Spain, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.  The General Account had $2.2 billion or 6.7% of exposure to the oil and gas industry ($1.4 billion in the Energy sector, $690 million in the Utility sector and $84 million in other sectors) at March 31, 2017. Of the total oil and gas industry related securities the General Account held at March 31, 2017 an amortized cost of $188 million or 8.5% was below investment grade. See “Fixed Maturities by Industry” below.

92



The decrease in the book yield for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the comparable 2016 period was primarily due to the absence of loan prepayment income from an affiliate included in first quarter 2016.

Fixed Maturities by Industry
The General Accounts’ fixed maturities portfolios include publicly-traded and privately-placed corporate debt securities across an array of industry categories.
The following table sets forth these fixed maturities by industry category as of the dates indicated along with their associated gross unrealized gains and losses.

93


Fixed Maturities by Industry(1) 
 
Amortized  
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized  
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized  
Losses
 
Fair Value  
 
(In Millions)
At March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance
$
4,978

 
$
203

 
$
20

 
$
5,161

Manufacturing
5,727

 
263

 
33

 
5,957

Utilities
3,450

 
206

 
20

 
3,636

Services
3,096

 
138

 
19

 
3,215

Energy
1,423

 
71

 
19

 
1,475

Retail and wholesale
1,038

 
33

 
9

 
1,062

Transportation
763

 
50

 
6

 
807

Other
74

 
4

 

 
78

Total corporate securities
20,549

 
968

 
126

 
21,391

U.S. government and agency
10,660

 
237

 
582

 
10,315

Commercial mortgage-backed
373

 
21

 
53

 
341

Residential mortgage-backed(2)
279

 
18

 

 
297

Preferred stock
502

 
47

 
1

 
548

State & municipal
419

 
63

 
2

 
480

Foreign governments
334

 
29

 
8

 
355

Asset-backed securities
43

 
15

 
1

 
57

Total
$
33,159

 
$
1,398

 
$
773

 
$
33,784

At December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance
$
4,764

 
$
150

 
$
20

 
$
4,894

Manufacturing
5,525

 
249

 
40

 
5,734

Utilities
3,395

 
201

 
24

 
3,572

Services
3,095

 
133

 
22

 
3,206

Energy
1,383

 
70

 
15

 
1,438

Retail and wholesale
1,017

 
34

 
9

 
1,042

Transportation
748

 
50

 
6

 
792

Other
74

 
3

 

 
77

Total corporate securities
20,001

 
890

 
136

 
20,755

U.S. government and agency
10,724

 
221

 
624

 
10,321

Commercial mortgage-backed
415

 
28

 
72

 
371

Residential mortgage-backed(2)
294

 
20

 

 
314

Preferred stock
519

 
45

 
10

 
554

State & municipal
432

 
63

 
2

 
493

Foreign governments
375

 
29

 
14

 
390

Asset-backed securities
51

 
10

 
1

 
60

Total
$
32,811

 
$
1,306

 
$
859

 
$
33,258

 
(1)
Investment data has been classified based on standard industry categorizations for domestic public holdings and similar classifications by industry for all other holdings.
(2)
Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.


94


Fixed Maturities Credit Quality
The Securities Valuation Office (“SVO”) of the NAIC evaluates the investments of insurers for regulatory reporting purposes and assigns fixed maturity securities to one of six categories (“NAIC Designations”). NAIC Designations of “1” or “2” include fixed maturities considered investment grade, which include securities rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s. NAIC Designations of “3” through “6” are referred to as below investment grade, which include securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s and BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s. As a result of time lags between the funding of investments and the completion of the SVO filing process, the fixed maturity portfolio generally includes securities that have not yet been rated by the SVO as of each balance sheet date. Pending receipt of SVO ratings, the categorization of these securities by NAIC Designation is based on the expected ratings indicated by internal analysis.
The amortized cost of the General Accounts’ public and private below investment grade fixed maturities totaled $1.2 billion, or 3.5%, of the total fixed maturities at March 31, 2017 and $1.2 billion, or 3.5%, of the total fixed maturities at December 31, 2016. Gross unrealized losses on public and private fixed maturities decreased from $859 million at December 31, 2016 to $773 million at March 31, 2017. Below investment grade fixed maturities represented 6.5% and 5.2% of the gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. For public, private and corporate fixed maturity categories, gross unrealized gains were lower and gross unrealized losses were higher in first quarter 2017 than in the prior period.

Public Fixed Maturities Credit Quality. The following table sets forth the General Accounts’ public fixed maturities portfolios by NAIC rating at the dates indicated.

Public Fixed Maturities

 
NAIC Designation(1)
Rating Agency  Equivalent
 
Amortized   Costs
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
(In Millions)
 
At March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
18,140

 
$
669

 
$
642

 
$
18,167

 
2
Baa
 
6,116

 
379

 
26

 
6,469

 
 
Investment grade
 
24,256

 
1,048

 
668

 
24,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
3
Ba
 
333

 
5

 
2

 
336

 
4
B
 
136

 
1

 
1

 
136

 
5
C and lower
 
1

 

 

 
1

 
6
In or near default
 
14

 
1

 

 
15

 
 
Below investment grade
 
484

 
7

 
3

 
488

 
Total Public Fixed Maturities
 
$
24,740

 
$
1,055

 
$
671

 
$
25,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
17,819

 
$
653

 
$
696

 
$
17,776

 
2
Baa
 
6,303

 
367

 
41

 
6,629

 
 
Investment grade
 
24,122

 
1,020

 
737

 
24,405

 
3
Ba
 
345

 
6

 

 
351

 
4
B
 
132

 
1

 
1

 
132

 
5
C and lower
 

 

 

 

 
6
In or near default
 
15

 
1

 
1

 
15

 
 
Below investment grade
 
492

 
8

 
2

 
498

 
Total Public Fixed Maturities
 
$
24,614

 
$
1,028

 
$
739

 
$
24,903

 
(1)
At March 31, 2017 and 2016, no securities had been categorized based on expected NAIC Designation pending receipt of SVO ratings.


95


Private Fixed Maturities Credit Quality. The following table sets forth the General Accounts’ private fixed maturities portfolios by NAIC rating at the dates indicated.
Private Fixed Maturities
 
NAIC Designation(1)
 Rating Agency Equivalent
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
 
 
 
(In Millions)
At March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
3,985

 
$
196

 
$
36

 
$
4,145

2
Baa
 
3,718

 
130

 
19

 
3,829

 
Investment grade
 
7,703

 
326

 
55

 
7,974

3
Ba
 
531

 
12

 
19

 
524

4
B
 
150

 
1

 
15

 
136

5
C and lower
 
22

 
2

 
5

 
19

6
In or near default
 
13

 
2

 
8

 
7

 
Below investment grade
 
716

 
17

 
47

 
686

Total Private Fixed Maturities
 
$
8,419

 
$
343

 
$
102

 
$
8,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
3,913

 
$
149

 
$
54

 
$
4,008

2
Baa
 
3,623

 
123

 
23

 
3,723

 
Investment grade
 
7,536

 
272

 
77

 
7,731

3
Ba
 
491

 
3

 
14

 
480

4
B
 
128

 
1

 
9

 
120

5
C and lower
 
28

 
1

 
12

 
17

6
In or near default
 
14

 
1

 
8

 
7

 
Below investment grade
 
661

 
6

 
43

 
624

Total Private Fixed Maturities
 
 
$
8,197

 
$
278

 
$
120

 
$
8,355

 
(1)
Includes, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, 24 securities with amortized cost of $379 million (fair value, $368 million) and 12 securities with amortized cost of $190 million (fair value, $180 million) that have been categorized based on expected NAIC designation pending receipt of SVO ratings.


96


Corporate Fixed Maturities Credit Quality. The following table sets forth the General Accounts’ public and private holdings of corporate fixed maturities by NAIC rating at the dates indicated.
Corporate Fixed Maturities
 
NAIC Designation(1)
Rating Agency  Equivalent
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In Millions)
At March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
10,188

 
$
484

 
$
63

 
$
10,609

2
Baa
 
9,253

 
460

 
41

 
9,672

 
Investment grade
 
19,441

 
944

 
104

 
20,281

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


3
Ba
 
856

 
17

 
21

 
852

4
B
 
235

 
2

 
1

 
236

5
C and lower
 
16

 
2

 

 
18

6
In or near default
 
1

 
3

 

 
4

 
Below investment grade
 
1,108

 
24

 
22

 
1,110

Total Corporate Fixed Maturities
 
$
20,549

 
$
968

 
$
126

 
$
21,391

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Aaa, Aa, A
 
$
9,593

 
$
432

 
$
70

 
$
9,955

2
Baa
 
9,353

 
444

 
50

 
9,747

 
Investment grade
 
18,946

 
876

 
120

 
19,702

3
Ba
 
828

 
9

 
14

 
823

4
B
 
214

 
2

 
1

 
215

5
C and lower
 
13

 
1

 
1

 
13

6
In or near default
 

 
2

 

 
2

 
Below investment grade
 
1,055

 
14

 
16

 
1,053

Total Corporate Fixed Maturities
 
$
20,001

 
$
890

 
$
136

 
$
20,755

(1)
Includes, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, 23 securities with amortized cost of $378 million (fair value, $367 million) and 12 securities with amortized cost of $190 million (fair value, $180 million) that have been categorized based on expected NAIC designation pending receipt of SVO ratings.
Asset-backed Securities
At March 31, 2017, the amortized cost and fair value of asset backed securities held were $43 million and $57 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, those amounts were $51 million and $60 million, respectively.


97


Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of the Insurance Group’s commercial mortgage-backed securities at the dates indicated by credit quality and by year of issuance (vintage).
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
March 31, 2017
 
 
Moody’s Agency Rating
 
Total
 
Total at December 31, 2016
Vintage
Aaa
 
Aa
 
A
 
Baa
 
Ba  and
Below
 
 
(In Millions)
At amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2004 and Prior Years
$
10

 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
7

 
$
23

 
$
44

 
$
49

2005
2

 

 
6

 
13

 
101

 
122

 
136

2006

 

 
15

 

 
120

 
135

 
158

2007

 

 

 

 
72

 
72

 
72

Total CMBS
$
12

 
$
2

 
$
23

 
$
20

 
$
316

 
$
373

 
$
415

At fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2004 and Prior Years
$
10

 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
7

 
$
22

 
$
43

 
$
48

2005
2

 

 
6

 
13

 
95

 
116

 
135

2006

 

 
15

 

 
103

 
118

 
122

2007

 

 

 

 
64

 
64

 
65

Total CMBS
$
12

 
$
2

 
$
23

 
$
20

 
$
284

 
$
341

 
$
370

Mortgages
Investment Mix
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, approximately 17.4% and 16.8%, respectively, of GAIA were in commercial and agricultural mortgage loans. The table below shows the composition of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolio, before the loss allowance, as of the dates indicated. A portion of the funds used to originate new mortgage loans were received from the issuance of long-term funding agreements to the FHLBNY.
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(In Millions)    
Commercial mortgage loans
$
7,686

 
$
7,264

Agricultural mortgage loans
2,503

 
2,501

Total Mortgage Loans
$
10,189

 
$
9,765



98


The investment strategy for the mortgage loan portfolio emphasizes diversification by property type and geographic location with a primary focus on asset quality. The tables below show the breakdown of the amortized cost of the General Accounts investments in mortgage loans by geographic region and property type as of the dates indicated.
Mortgage Loans by Region and Property Type
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Amortized  Cost
 
% of Total
 
Amortized  Cost
 
% of Total
 
(Dollars in Millions)
By Region:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Regions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Middle Atlantic
$
2,894

 
28.4
%
 
$
2,671

 
27.4
%
Pacific
2,882

 
28.3

 
2,760

 
28.3

South Atlantic
1,077

 
10.6

 
1,069

 
10.9

East North Central
885

 
8.7

 
818

 
8.4

Mountain
745

 
7.3

 
725

 
7.4

West North Central
717

 
7.0

 
713

 
7.3

West South Central
430

 
4.2

 
448

 
4.6

New England
371

 
3.6

 
371

 
3.8

East South Central
188

 
1.9

 
190

 
1.9

Total Mortgage Loans
$
10,189

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,765

 
100.0
%
By Property Type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office buildings
$
3,359

 
33.0
%
 
$
3,249

 
33.3
%
Agricultural properties
2,503

 
24.6

 
2,501

 
25.6

Apartment complexes
2,493

 
24.4

 
2,439

 
25.0

Retail stores
684

 
6.7

 
585

 
6.0

Industrial buildings
453

 
4.4

 
453

 
4.6

Hospitality
415

 
4.1

 
416

 
4.3

Other
282

 
2.8

 
122

 
1.2

Total Mortgage Loans
$
10,189

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,765

 
100.0
%
At March 31, 2017, the General Account investments in commercial mortgage loans had a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 60.0% while the agricultural mortgage loans weighted average loan-to-value ratio was 45.0%.


99


The following table provides information relating to the loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans as of March 31, 2017. The values used in these ratio calculations were developed as part of the periodic review of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolio, which includes an evaluation of the underlying collateral value.
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios
March 31, 2017
 
 
Debt Service Coverage Ratio(1)
 
 
Loan-to-Value Ratio
Greater
than  2.0x
 
1.8x  to
2.0x
 
1.5x  to
1.8x
 
1.2x  to
1.5x
 
1.0x  to
1.2x
 
Less
than
1.0x
 
Total
Mortgage
Loans
 
(In Millions)
0% - 50%
$
981

 
$
235

 
$
599

 
$
523

 
$
290

 
$
52

 
$
2,680

50% - 70%
3,829

 
548

 
976

 
1,019

 
296

 
39

 
6,707

70% - 90%
282

 
19

 
254

 
131

 
28

 
46

 
760

90% plus

 

 
27

 
15

 

 

 
42

Total Commercial and Agricultural Mortgage Loans
$
5,092

 
$
802

 
$
1,856

 
$
1,688

 
$
614

 
$
137

 
$
10,189

 
(1)
The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using actual results from property operations.
The tables below show the breakdown of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by year of origination at March 31, 2017.
Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
 
 
March 31, 2017
Year of Origination
Amortized Cost
 
% of Total
 
(Dollars In Millions)
2017
$
719

 
7.0
%
2016
3,328

 
32.7
%
2015
1,466

 
14.4
%
2014
1,323

 
13.0
%
2013
1,508

 
14.8
%
2012 and prior
1,845

 
18.1
%
Total Mortgage Loans
$
10,189

 
100.0
%

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, $19 million and $6 million of mortgage loans were classified as problem loans while $60 million and $60 million were classified as potential problem loans and $15 million and $15 million were classified as restructured loans.

The TDR mortgage loan shown in the table below has been modified five times since 2011. The modifications were to extend the maturity from its original maturity of November 5, 2014 to March 5, 2017 and extend interest only payments through maturity. In November 2015, the recorded investment was reduced by $45 million in conjunction with the sale of the majority of the underlying collateral and $32 million from a charge-off. The remaining $15 million mortgage loan balance reflects the value of the remaining underlying collateral and cash held in escrow, supporting the mortgage loan. Since the fair market value of the underlying real estate and cash held in escrow collateral is the primary factor in determining the allowance for credit losses, modifications of loan terms typically have no direct impact on the allowance for credit losses, and therefore, no impact on the financial statements.

100


Troubled Debt Restructuring - Modifications
March 31, 2017
 
 
Number of Loans
 
Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
 
Pre-Modification
 
Post - Modification
 
 
 
(In Millions)
Commercial mortgage loans
1

 
15

 
15

There were no default payments on the above loan during the first quarter of 2017.
Valuation allowances for the commercial mortgage loan portfolio were related to loan specific reserves. The following table sets forth the change in valuation allowances for the commercial mortgage loan portfolio as of the dates indicated. There were no valuation allowances for agricultural mortgages at March 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
 
2017
 
2016
Allowance for credit losses:
(In Millions)
Beginning Balance, January 1,
$
8

 
$
6

Charge-offs

 

Recoveries

 

Provision

 
1

Ending Balance, March 31,
$
8

 
$
7

Ending Balance, March 31,:
 
 
 
Individually Evaluated for Impairment
$
8

 
$
7

Other Equity Investments
At March 31, 2017, private equity partnerships, hedge funds and real-estate related partnerships were 83.3% of total other equity investments. These interests, which represent 2.0% of GAIA, consist of a diversified portfolio of LBO, mezzanine, venture capital and other alternative limited partnerships, diversified by sponsor, fund and vintage year. The portfolio is actively managed to control risk and generate investment returns over the long term. Portfolio returns are sensitive to overall market developments.
Other Equity Investments - Classifications
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(In Millions)
Common stock
$
238

 
$
171

Joint ventures and limited partnerships:
 
 
 
Private equity
806

 
823

Hedge funds
220

 
221

Real estate related
162

 
158

Total Other Equity Investments
$
1,426

 
$
1,373



101


Derivatives
The Company uses derivatives as part of its overall asset/liability risk management primarily to reduce exposures to equity market and interest rate risks. Derivative hedging strategies are designed to reduce these risks from an economic perspective and are all executed within the framework of a “Derivative Use Plan” approved by the NYDFS. Operation of these hedging programs is based on models involving numerous estimates and assumptions, including, among others, mortality, lapse, surrender and withdrawal rates, election rates, fund performance, market volatility and interest rates. A wide range of derivative contracts are used in these hedging programs, including exchange traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or other equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, bond and bond-index total return swaps, swaptions, variance swaps, equity options as well as bond and repo transactions to support the hedging. The derivative contracts are collectively managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in guaranteed benefits’ exposures attributable to movements in capital markets.
Derivatives utilized to hedge exposure to Variable Annuities with Guarantee Features
The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB, GMIB and GIB features. The Company had previously issued certain variable annuity products with GWBL and other features. The risk associated with the GMDB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in GMDB benefits, in the event of death, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support. The risk associated with the GMIB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the present value of GMIB benefits, in the event of annuitization, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. The risk associated with the GIB and GWBL and other features is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the GIB and GWBL and other features’ benefits being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support.
For GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and other features, the Company retains certain risks including basis, credit spread and some volatility risk and risk associated with actual versus expected assumptions for mortality, lapse and surrender, withdrawal and contractholder election rates, among other things. The derivative contracts are managed to correlate with changes in the value of the GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and other features that result from financial markets movements. A portion of exposure to realized equity volatility is hedged using equity options and variance swaps and a portion of exposure to credit risk is hedged using total return swaps on fixed income indices. Additionally, the Company is party to total return swaps for which the reference U.S. Treasury securities are contemporaneously purchased from the market and sold to the swap counterparty. As these transactions result in a transfer of control of the U.S. Treasury securities to the swap counterparty, the Company derecognizes these securities with consequent gain or loss from the sale. The Company has also purchased reinsurance contracts to mitigate the risks associated with GMDB features and the impact of potential market fluctuations on future policyholder elections of GMIB features contained in certain annuity contracts issued by the Company.
The Company has in place a hedge program utilizing interest rate swaps to partially protect the overall profitability of future variable annuity sales against declining interest rates.
Derivatives utilized to hedge crediting rate exposure on SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL products/investment options
The Company hedges crediting rates in the SCS variable annuity, SIO in the EQUI-VEST® variable annuity series, MSO in the variable life insurance products and IUL insurance products. These products permit the contract owner to participate in the performance of an index, ETF or commodity price movement up to a cap for a set period of time. They also contain a protection feature, in which the Company will absorb, up to a certain percentage, the loss of value in an index, ETF or commodity price, which varies by product segment.
In order to support the returns associated with these features, the Company enters into derivative contracts whose payouts, in combination with fixed income investments, emulate those of the index, ETF or commodity price, subject to caps and buffers.
Derivatives utilized to hedge risks associated with interest-rate risk arising from issuance of funding agreements
The Company issues fixed and floating rate funding agreements, to fund originated non-recourse commercial real estate mortgage loans, the terms of which may result in short term economic interest rate risk between mortgage loan commitment and mortgage loan funding. The Company uses forward interest-rate swaps to protect against interest rate fluctuations during this period.  Realized gains and losses from the forward interest rate swaps are amortized over the life of the loan in interest credited to policyholder’s account balances.

102


Derivatives utilized to hedge equity market risks associated with the General Account’s seed money investments in Separate Accounts, retail mutual funds and Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations
The Company’s General Account seed money investments in Separate Account equity funds and retail mutual funds exposes the Company to market risk, including equity market risk which is partially hedged through equity-index futures contracts to minimize such risk.
Periodically the Company enters into futures on equity indices to mitigate the impact on net earnings from Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations due to movements in the equity markets. These positions partially cover fees expected to be earned from the Company’s Separate Account products.
Derivatives utilized for General Account Investment Portfolio
Beginning in the second quarter of 2013, the Company implemented a strategy in its General Account investment portfolio to replicate the credit exposure of fixed maturity securities otherwise permissible under its investment guidelines through the sale of CDSs. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company receives quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, replicate the credit spread otherwise currently obtainable by purchasing the referenced entity’s bonds of similar maturity. These credit derivatives have remaining terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss). The Company manages its credit exposure taking into consideration both cash and derivatives based positions and selects the reference entities in its replicated credit exposures in a manner consistent with its selection of fixed maturities. In addition, the Company has transacted the sale of CDSs exclusively in single name reference entities of investment grade credit quality and with counterparties subject to collateral posting requirements. If there is an event of default by the reference entity or other such credit event as defined under the terms of the swap contract, the Company is obligated to perform under the credit derivative and, at the counterparty’s option, either pay the referenced amount of the contract less an auction-determined recovery amount or pay the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the defaulted or similar security of the reference entity for recovery by sale at the contract settlement auction. To date, there have been no events of default or circumstances indicative of a deterioration in the credit quality of the named referenced entities to require or suggest that the Company will have to perform under these CDSs. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these credit derivatives is limited to the par value of the referenced securities which is the dollar-equivalent of the derivative notional amount. The SNAC under which the Company executes these CDS sales transactions does not contain recourse provisions for recovery of amounts paid under the credit derivative.
Periodically, the Company purchases TIPS and other sovereign bonds, both inflation linked and non-inflation linked, as General Account investments and enters into asset or cross-currency basis swaps, to result in payment of the given bond’s coupons and principal at maturity in the bond’s specified currency to the swap counterparty, in return for fixed dollar amounts. These swaps, when considered in combination with the bonds, together result in a net position that is intended to replicate a dollar-denominated fixed-coupon cash bond with a yield higher than a term-equivalent U.S. Treasury bond.
The Company implemented a strategy to hedge a portion of the credit exposure in its General Account investment portfolio by buying protection through a swap. These are swaps on the “super senior tranche” of the investment grade CDX index. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company pays quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, serve as premiums paid to hedge the risk arising from multiple defaults of bonds referenced in the CDX index. These credit derivatives have terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss) from derivative instruments.


103


The tables below present quantitative disclosures about the Company’s derivative instruments, including those embedded in other contracts required to be accounted for as derivative instruments.
Derivative Instruments by Category
 
At March 31, 2017
 
Gains (Losses) Reported in Net Earnings (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Amount  
 
Asset
Derivatives  
 
Liability
Derivatives  
 
 
(In Millions)
Freestanding derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
4,562

 
$

 
$

 
$
(207
)
Swaps
3,922

 
2

 
122

 
(237
)
Options
12,757

 
2,336

 
1,157

 
302

Interest rate contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floors

 

 

 

Swaps
18,172

 
242

 
384

 
108

Futures
8,223

 

 

 
(19
)
Swaptions

 

 

 

Credit contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps
2,712

 
22

 
11

 
6

Other freestanding contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
673

 
30

 
9

 

Margin

 
84

 
8

 

Collateral

 
68

 
1,024

 

Net investment income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(47
)
Embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GMIB reinsurance contracts

 
9,795

 

 
(514
)
GIB and GWBL and Other Features(2)

 

 
106

 
(58
)
SCS, SIO MSO and IUL indexed features(3)

 

 
1,099

 
(301
)
Total
$
51,021

 
$
12,579

 
$
3,920

 
$
(920
)
 
(1)
Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)
SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.


104


Derivative Instruments by Category
 
 
At December 31, 2016
 
Gains (Losses) Reported in Net Earnings (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Notional
Amount  
 
Asset
Derivatives  
 
Liability
Derivatives  
 
 
(In Millions)
Freestanding derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
4,983

 
$

 
$

 
$
(823
)
Swaps
3,439

 
13

 
66

 
(281
)
Options
11,465

 
2,114

 
1,154

 
727

Interest rate contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floors
1,500

 
11

 

 
4

Swaps
18,892

 
245

 
1,162

 
(224
)
Futures
6,926

 

 

 
87

Swaptions

 

 

 

Credit contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps
2,712

 
19

 
14

 
16

Other freestanding contracts:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
549

 
48

 
1

 
47

Margin

 
101

 

 

Collateral

 
712

 
748

 

Net investment income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(447
)
Embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GMIB reinsurance contracts

 
10,309

 

 
(261
)
GWBL and Other Features(2)

 

 
164

 
(20
)
SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features(3)

 

 
887

 
(754
)
Total
$
50,466

 
$
13,572

 
$
4,196

 
$
(1,482
)
 
(1)
Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)
SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Since June 2013, various new derivative regulations under Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act have become effective, requiring financial entities, including U.S. life insurers, to clear certain types of newly executed OTC derivatives with central clearing houses, and to post larger sums of higher quality collateral, among other provisions. Counterparties subject to these regulations are required to post initial margin to the clearing house as well as variation margin to cover any daily negative mark-to-market movements in the value of OTC derivatives covered by these regulations. Centrally cleared OTC derivatives, protected by initial margin requirements and higher quality collateral are expected to reduce the risk of loss in the event of counterparty default. The Company has counterparty exposure to the clearing house and its clearing broker for futures and cleared OTC derivative contracts. Further regulations will increase the amount and quality of collateral required to be posted for non-cleared OTC derivatives by requiring initial margin for uncleared swaps, as well as mandate thresholds, transfer timing, and haircuts for variation margin. Additional regulations are expected to reduce various risks, including the risk of a “run on the bank” scenario in the event of the insolvency of a dealer.


105


Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Realized investment gains (losses) are generated from numerous sources, including the sale of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, investments in limited partnerships and other types of investments, as well as adjustments to the cost basis of investments for OTTI. Realized investment gains (losses) are also generated from prepayment premiums received on private fixed maturity securities, recoveries of principal on previously impaired securities, provisions for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans, fair value changes on commercial mortgage loans carried at fair value, and fair value changes on embedded derivatives and free-standing derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
The following table sets forth “Realized investment gains (losses), net,” for the periods indicated:
Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Fixed maturities
$
(6
)
 
$
(1
)
Other equity investments
4

 
(2
)
Other

 
(1
)
Total
$
(2
)
 
$
(4
)
The following table further describes realized gains (losses), net for Fixed maturities:
Fixed Maturities
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016

 
(In Millions)
Gross realized investment gains:
 
 
 
Gross gains on sales and maturities
$
20

 
$
43

Other

 

Total gross realized investment gains
20

 
43

Gross realized investment losses:
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (loss)

 
(17
)
Gross losses on sales and maturities
(26
)
 
(27
)
Total gross realized investment losses
(26
)
 
(44
)
Total
$
(6
)
 
$
(1
)


106


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the composition of other-than-temporary impairments recorded in Earnings (loss) by asset type.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Recorded in Earnings (Loss)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
Fixed Maturities:
 
 
 
Public fixed maturities
$

 
$
(17
)
Private fixed maturities

 

Total fixed maturities securities

 
(17
)
Equity securities

 

Total
$

 
$
(17
)
For the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, OTTI on fixed maturities recorded in net earnings (loss) were due to credit events or adverse conditions of the respective issuer. In these situations, management believes such circumstances have caused, or will lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to the investment. The amount of the impairment recorded in earnings (loss) is the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following discussion supplements that found in the 2016 Form 10-K’s MD&A section under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Overview
The Company conducts operations in two business segments: the Insurance and Investment Management segments. The liquidity and capital resource needs of each of these segments are managed independently.
Analysis of Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents of $2.8 billion at March 31, 2017 decreased $115 million from $3.0 billion at December 31, 2016.
Net cash used in operating activities was $18 million in the first quarter of 2017, $172 million lower than the $190 million net cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of 2016. Cash flows from operating activities include such sources as premiums, investment management and advisory fees and investment income offset by such uses as life insurance benefit payments, policyholder dividends, compensation payments, other cash expenditures and tax payments.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2017; $1.3 billion higher than the $1.2 billion net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was principally due to $1.4 billion higher cash outflows from cash settlement related to derivatives and the absence of inflows from loans to affiliates of $382 million included in first quarter 2016 partially offset by $348 million higher inflows from short-term investments and $95 million lower net purchase of investments in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016 .
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2017; $929 million higher than the $1.4 billion net cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2016. The impact of the net deposits to policyholders’ account balances was $1.5 billion and $1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Change in collateralized pledged assets and liabilities increased $922 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to an increase of $355 million in the first quarter of 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company had net cash outflows of $212 million related to repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements compared to cash inflows of $21 million in the first quarter of 2016. Change in short term borrowings increased $95 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to a decrease of $98 million in the first quarter of 2016, which primarily reflect AB’s commercial paper program activity.

107



Insurance Segment

The Insurance segment’s liquidity management uses a centralized funds management process. This centralized process includes the monitoring and control of cash flow associated with policyholder receipts and disbursements and General Account portfolio principal, interest and investment activity, including derivative transactions. Funds are managed through a banking system designed to reduce float and maximize funds availability. Information regarding liquidity needs and availability is used to produce forecasts of available funds and cash flow. Significant market volatility can affect daily cash requirements due to the settlement and collateral calls of derivative transactions.

In addition to gathering and analyzing information on funding needs, the Insurance segment has a centralized process for both investing short-term cash and borrowing funds to meet cash needs. In general, the short-term investment positions have a maturity profile of 1-7 days with considerable flexibility as to availability.

In managing the liquidity of the Insurance segment’s business, management also considers the risk of policyholder and contractholder withdrawals of funds earlier than assumed when selecting assets to support these contractual obligations. Surrender charges and other contract provisions are used to mitigate the extent, timing and profitability impact of withdrawals of funds by customers from annuity contracts and deposit liabilities. The following table sets forth withdrawal characteristics of the Insurance segment’s General Account annuity reserves and deposit liabilities (based on statutory liability values) as of the dates indicated.
General Accounts Annuity Reserves and Deposit Liabilities
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal provisions
$
2,690

 
12.0
%
 
$
2,773

 
12.4
%
Subject to discretionary withdrawal, with adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With market value adjustment
29

 
0.1
%
 
29

 
0.1
%
At contract value, less surrender charge of 5% or more
1,057

 
4.7
%
 
1,174

 
5.2
%
Subtotal
1,086

 
4.8
%
 
1,203

 
5.3
%
Subject to discretionary withdrawal at contract value with no surrender charge or surrender charge of less than 5%
18,728

 
83.2
%
 
18,427

 
82.3
%
Total Annuity Reserves And Deposit Liabilities
$
22,504

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,403

 
100.0
%
Liquidity Requirements. The Insurance segment’s liquidity requirements principally relate to the liabilities associated with its various life insurance, annuity and funding agreements; the active management of various economic hedging programs; shareholder dividends; and operating expenses, including debt service. The Insurance segment’s liabilities include, among other things, the payment of benefits under life insurance, annuity and funding agreements as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans.
The Insurance segment’s liquidity needs are affected by: fluctuations in mortality; other benefit payments; policyholder directed transfers from General Account to Separate Account investment options; and the level of surrenders and withdrawals previously discussed in “Results of Continuing Operations by Segment - Insurance,” as well as by cash settlements of its derivative hedging programs, debt service requirements and dividends to its shareholder.
Sources of Liquidity. The principal sources of the Insurance segment’s cash flows are premiums, deposits (including the issuance of funding agreements) and charges on policies and contracts, investment income, investment advisory fees, repayments of principal and sales proceeds from its fixed maturity portfolios, sales of other General Account Investment Assets, borrowings from third parties and affiliates, repurchase agreements and dividends and distributions from subsidiaries.
The Insurance segment’s primary source of short-term liquidity to support its insurance operations is a pool of liquid, high quality short-term instruments structured to provide liquidity in excess of the expected cash requirements. In addition, a substantial portfolio of public bonds including U.S. Treasury and agency securities and other investment grade fixed maturities is available to meet AXA Equitable’s liquidity needs.

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Off-Balance Sheet Transactions. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Insurance segment was not a party to any off-balance sheet transactions other than those guarantees and commitments described in Notes 10 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2016 Form 10-K.
Funding and repurchase agreements. As a member of the FHLBNY, AXA Equitable has access to collateralized borrowings.  AXA Equitable may also issue funding agreements to the FHLBNY.  Both the collateralized borrowings and funding agreements would require AXA Equitable to pledge qualified mortgage-backed assets and/or government securities as collateral. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, AXA Equitable had $2.5 billion and $2.2 billion respectively, of outstanding funding agreements with the FHLBNY. During the first quarter of 2017, AXA Equitable issued an additional $272 million of funding agreements to the FHLBNY in order to increase investments in commercial mortgage loans. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total outstanding balance of repurchase agreements was $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively.  The Company utilized these funding and repurchase agreements for cash management, asset liability management and spread lending purposes.
Affiliated loans. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 AXA Equitable had $700 million of outstanding loans to affiliates.
Guarantees and Other Commitments. AXA Equitable had approximately $18 million of undrawn letters of credit issued in favor of third party beneficiaries primarily related to reinsurance as well as $682 million and $0.7 billion of commitments under equity financing arrangements to certain limited partnership and existing mortgage loan agreements, respectively, at March 31, 2017. For further information on guarantees and commitments, see the “Supplementary Information” section in Item 7 – Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2016 Form 10-K.
Statutory Regulation, Capital and Dividends. AXA Equitable is subject to the regulatory capital requirements of New York domicile, which are designed to monitor capital adequacy. The level of an insurer’s required capital is impacted by many factors including, but not limited to, business mix, product design, sales volume, invested assets, liabilities, reserves and movements in the capital markets, including interest rates and equity markets. At March 31, 2017, the total adjusted capital was in excess of its regulatory capital requirements and management believes that AXA Equitable has (or has the ability to meet) the necessary capital resources to support its business.
AXA Equitable currently reinsures to AXA Arizona a 100% quota share of all liabilities for GMDB/GMIB riders on the Accumulator® products issued on or after January 1, 2006 and in-force on September 30, 2008. AXA Arizona also reinsures a 90% quota share of level premium term insurance issued by AXA Equitable on or after March 1, 2003 through December 31, 2008 and lapse protection riders under UL insurance policies issued by AXA Equitable on or after June 1, 2003 through June 30, 2007. The reinsurance arrangements with AXA Arizona provide important capital management benefits to AXA Equitable. AXA Equitable receives statutory reserve credits for reinsurance treaties with AXA Arizona to the extent AXA Arizona holds assets in an irrevocable trust ($8.9 billion at March 31, 2017) and/or letters of credit ($3.7 billion at March 31, 2017). These letters of credit are guaranteed by AXA. Under the reinsurance contracts, AXA Arizona is required to transfer assets into and is permitted to transfer assets from the Trust under certain circumstances. The level of statutory reserves held by AXA Arizona fluctuate based on market movements, mortality experience and policyholder behavior. Increasing reserve requirements may necessitate that additional assets be placed in trust and/or securing additional letters of credit, which could adversely impact AXA Arizona’s liquidity.
AXA Equitable monitors its regulatory capital requirements on an ongoing basis taking into account the prevailing conditions in the capital markets. Interest rates and/or equity market performance, impact the reserve requirements and capital needed to support the variable annuity guarantee business. While management believes that AXA Equitable currently has the necessary capital to support its business, future capital requirements will depend on future market conditions and regulations and there can be no assurance that sufficient additional required capital could be secured.
Several states, including New York, regulate transactions between an insurer and its affiliates under insurance holding company acts. These acts contain certain reporting requirements and restrictions on provision of services and on transactions, such as intercompany service agreements, asset transfers, reinsurance, loans and shareholder dividend payments by insurers. Depending on their size, such transactions and payments may be subject to prior notice to, or approval by, the insurance department of the applicable state.
AXA Equitable is restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends to AXA Financial. Under New York Insurance law, a domestic life insurer may not, without prior approval of the NYDFS, pay a dividend to its shareholders exceeding an amount calculated based on a statutory formula. This formula would permit AXA Equitable to pay shareholder dividends not greater than approximately $1.2 billion during 2017. Payment of dividends exceeding this amount requires the insurer to file a notice of its intent to declare such dividends with the NYDFS, which then has 30 days to disapprove the distribution. In the first three months

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of 2017 and 2016, AXA Equitable did not pay any shareholder cash dividends to its parent AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC.
For the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively, AXA Equitable’s statutory net income (loss) totaled $482 million and $114 million. Statutory surplus, capital stock and Asset Valuation Reserve totaled $5.5 billion and $5.3 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
For additional information, see “Item 1 – Business – Regulation” and “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in the 2016 Form 10-K.
Investment Management Segment
The Investment Management segment’s primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows from AB’s operations, the issuance of commercial paper and proceeds from sales of investments. AB requires financial resources to fund distributions to its General Partner and Unitholders, capital expenditures, repayments of commercial paper and purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, AB had $608 million and $513 million, outstanding under its commercial paper program.

AB has a $1.0 billion committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (the “AB Credit Facility”) with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. The AB Credit Facility provides for possible increases in the principal amount by up to an aggregate incremental amount of $250 million, any such increase being subject to the consent of the affected lenders. The AB Credit Facility is available for AB’s and SCB LLC’s business purposes, including the support of AB’s $1.0 billion commercial paper program. Both AB and SCB LLC can draw directly under the AB Credit Facility and AB’s management expects to draw on the AB Credit Facility from time to time. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, AB had no amounts outstanding under the AB Credit Facility.

The AB Credit Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, which are customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on dispositions of assets, restrictions on liens, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2017, AB was in compliance with these covenants. The AB Credit Facility also includes customary events of default (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including provisions under which, upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or lender’s commitments may be terminated. Also, under such provisions, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency- or bankruptcy-related events of default, all amounts payable under the AB Credit Facility would automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lender’s commitments would automatically terminate.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, AB had no amounts outstanding under the AB Credit Facility. During the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, AB did not draw upon the AB Credit Facility.
AB has a $200 million, unsecured 364-day senior revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) with a leading international bank and the other lending institutions that may be party thereto. The Revolver is available for AB’s and SCB LLC’s business purposes, including the provision of additional liquidity to meet funding requirements primarily related to SCB LLC’s operations. Both AB and SCB LLC can draw directly under the Revolver and management expects to draw on the Revolver from time to time. AB has agreed to guarantee the obligations of SCB LLC under the Revolver. The Revolver contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants that are identical to those of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2016, AB had no amounts outstanding under the Revolver.
In addition, SCB LLC has four uncommitted lines of credit with four financial institutions. Three of these lines of credit permit AB to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $225 million while one line has no stated limit. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, SCB LLC had $1 million and $4 million in bank loans outstanding at weighted average interest rates of approximately 1.0% and 1.1% respectively.

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The Company is involved in a number of ventures and transactions with AXA and certain of its affiliates. See Note 11, included herein and AXA Equitable’s 2016 Form 10-K as well as AB’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for information on related party transactions.

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Contractual Obligations
The Company’s consolidated contractual agreements include policyholder obligations, long-term debt, commercial paper, loans from affiliates, employee benefits, operating leases and various funding commitments. See the “Supplementary Information – Contractual Obligations” section in Item 7 – Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in AXA Equitable’s 2016 Form 10-K for additional information.
ADOPTION AND FUTURE ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

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Item 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk described in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” included in the 2016 Form 10-K.

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Item 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II    OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein. Except as disclosed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, there have been no new material legal proceedings and no new material developments in legal proceedings previously reported in the 2016 Form 10-K.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These risks could materially affect our business, consolidated results of operations or financial condition. These risks are not exclusive, and additional risks to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, the factors mentioned under “Forward-Looking Statements” above and the risks of our businesses described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
NONE.
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
NONE.
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
NONE.
Item 5.    Other Information`

Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act

AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and their global subsidiaries had no transactions or activities requiring disclosure under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (“Iran Act”), nor were they involved in the AXA Group matters described immediately below.

The non-U.S. based subsidiaries of AXA operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which they operate, including applicable international (United Nations and European Union) laws and regulations. While AXA Group companies based and operating outside the United States generally are not subject to U.S. law, as an international group, AXA has in place policies and standards (including the AXA Group International Sanctions Policy) that apply to all AXA Group companies worldwide and often impose requirements that go well beyond local law.

AXA has informed us that AXA Konzern AG, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Germany, provides car and health insurance to diplomats based at the Iranian embassy in Berlin, Germany.  The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $115,000 before tax and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $17,250. These policies were underwritten by a broker who specializes in providing insurance coverage for diplomats. Provision of motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in Germany and cannot be cancelled until the policies expire.

In addition, AXA has informed us that AXA Insurance Ireland, an AXA insurance subsidiary, provides statutorily required car insurance under four separate policies to the Iranian embassy in Dublin, Ireland. AXA has informed us that compliance with the Declined Cases Agreement of the Irish Government prohibits the cancellation of these policies unless another insurer is willing to assume the coverage. The total annual premium for these policies is approximately $6,094 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $914.


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Also, AXA has informed us that AXA Sigorta, a subsidiary of AXA organized under the laws of Turkey, provides car insurance coverage for vehicle pools of the Iranian General Consulate and the Iranian embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. Motor liability insurance coverage is mandatory in Turkey and cannot be cancelled unilaterally. The total annual premium in respect of these policies is approximately $3,150 and the annual net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $473.

Additionally, AXA has informed us that AXA Ukraine, an AXA insurance subsidiary, provides car insurance for the Attaché of the Embassy of Iran in Ukraine. Motor liability insurance coverage cannot be cancelled under Ukrainian law. The total annual premium in respect of this policy is approximately $1,000 and the annual net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $150.

AXA also has informed us that AXA Ubezpieczenia, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Poland, provides car insurance to two diplomats based at the Iranian embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Provision of motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in Poland. The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $676 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $101.

Lastly, AXA has informed us that AXA Winterthur, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Switzerland, provides Naftiran Intertrade, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Iranian state-owned National Iranian Oil Company, with life, disability and accident coverage for its employees. The provision of these forms of coverage is mandatory for employees in Switzerland. The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $373,668 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $56,000.

The aggregate annual premium for the above-referenced insurance policies is approximately $499,588, representing approximately 0.0004% of AXA’s 2016 consolidated revenues, which exceed $100 billion. The related net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $74,888, representing approximately 0.0008% of AXA’s 2016 aggregate net profit.

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Item 6.    Exhibits 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 
Description and Method of Filing
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: May 15, 2017
AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Anders Malmstrom
 
 
 
Name:
Anders Malmstrom
 
 
 
Title:
Senior Executive Director
 
 
 
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
Date: May 15, 2017
 
 
/s/ Andrea Nitzan
 
 
 
Name:
Andrea Nitzan
 
 
 
Title:
Executive Director
 
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller


118