FBL 10Q 2011 Q3
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 September 30, 2011
 
 
 
or
 
 
 
[ ]
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
For the transition period from____________________ to____________________
 
 
 
Commission File Number: 1-11917
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Iowa
 
42-1411715
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa
 
50266-5997
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(515) 225-5400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
(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. [X] Yes [ ] 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 (Section 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). [X] Yes [ ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [ ]
Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [ ]
Smaller reporting company [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [ ] Yes [X] No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date:
 Title of each class
 
Outstanding at November 1, 2011
Class A Common Stock, without par value
 
30,087,397
Class B Common Stock, without par value
 
1,192,990

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
    


1

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011 - $11,501,763; 2010 - $10,974,330)
$
12,218,511

 
$
11,128,524

Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2011 - $79,808; 2010 - $77,689)
80,304

 
78,656

Mortgage loans
1,234,917

 
1,254,437

Derivative instruments
29,791

 
40,729

Real estate
11,030

 
13,554

Policy loans
171,481

 
170,341

Other long-term investments
112

 
132

Short-term investments
56,984

 
383,369

Total investments
13,803,130

 
13,069,742

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
120,341

 
4,794

Securities and indebtedness of related parties
74,776

 
57,832

Accrued investment income
151,862

 
135,384

Amounts receivable from affiliates
4,565

 
2,025

Reinsurance recoverable
100,488

 
122,326

Deferred policy acquisition costs
613,264

 
812,025

Deferred sales inducements
184,824

 
259,148

Value of insurance in force acquired
25,127

 
27,706

Current income taxes recoverable

 
17,914

Other assets
77,415

 
72,154

Assets held in separate accounts
638,904

 
753,050

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
15,794,696

 
$
15,334,100


 

2



FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits:
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index products
$
10,934,249

 
$
10,645,927

Traditional life insurance and accident and health products
1,388,501

 
1,362,410

Other policy claims and benefits
44,761

 
51,393

Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
499,940

 
506,167

Advance premiums and other deposits
210,224

 
188,577

Amounts payable to affiliates
884

 
573

Short-term debt payable to affiliates

 
100,000

Long-term debt payable to affiliates
99,932

 

Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates
271,235

 
271,168

Current income taxes
2,807

 

Deferred income taxes
206,812

 
131,174

Other liabilities
93,886

 
177,247

Liabilities related to separate accounts
638,904

 
753,050

Total liabilities
14,392,135

 
14,187,686

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, without par value, at liquidation value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,000,000 Series B shares
3,000

 
3,000

Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 30,044,744 shares in 2011 and 29,749,068 shares in 2010
127,904

 
118,165

Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 1,192,990 shares
7,522

 
7,522

Accumulated other comprehensive income
200,539

 
39,895

Retained earnings
1,063,508

 
977,740

Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity
1,402,473

 
1,146,322

Noncontrolling interest
88

 
92

Total stockholders' equity
1,402,561

 
1,146,414

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
15,794,696

 
$
15,334,100














See accompanying notes.

3

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index product charges
$
28,865

 
$
28,371

 
$
89,235

 
$
88,809

Traditional life insurance premiums
40,342

 
38,721

 
125,868

 
120,757

Net investment income
187,253

 
181,974

 
562,064

 
539,971

Derivative income (loss)
(73,658
)
 
39,826

 
(37,811
)
 
7,877

Net realized capital gains on sales of investments
13,107

 
6,532

 
24,368

 
13,448

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(1,226
)
 
(370
)
 
(32,317
)
 
(58,880
)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income
(296
)
 
(1,063
)
 
13,523

 
42,331

Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
(1,522
)
 
(1,433
)
 
(18,794
)
 
(16,549
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income
4,856

 
3,562

 
13,835

 
10,512

Total revenues
199,243

 
297,553

 
758,765

 
764,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index product benefits
144,238

 
117,282

 
418,170

 
367,920

Change in value of index product embedded derivatives
(88,390
)
 
56,598

 
(86,725
)
 
24,052

Traditional life insurance benefits
35,598

 
35,242

 
109,913

 
103,762

Policyholder dividends
4,109

 
4,193

 
12,765

 
13,253

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
50,050

 
33,603

 
136,038

 
127,204

Interest expense
5,311

 
6,099

 
17,051

 
18,334

Other expenses
6,840

 
4,310

 
19,244

 
13,619

Total benefits and expenses
157,756

 
257,327

 
626,456

 
668,144

 
41,487

 
40,226

 
132,309

 
96,681

Income taxes
(14,159
)
 
(13,530
)
 
(42,766
)
 
(31,996
)
Equity income, net of related income taxes
237

 
1,955

 
2,041

 
4,257

Net income
27,565

 
28,651

 
91,584

 
68,942

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
1

 
26

 
21

 
79

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
27,566

 
$
28,677

 
$
91,605

 
$
69,021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
0.89

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.27

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.88

 
$
0.93

 
$
2.93

 
$
2.25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per common share
$
0.0625

 
$
0.0625

 
$
0.1875

 
$
0.1875











 
See accompanying notes.

4

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
FBL Financial Group, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Series B Preferred Stock
 
Class A and Class B Common Stock (a)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Retained Earnings
 
Non-
controlling Interest
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2010    
$
3,000

 
$
117,399

 
$
(118,730
)
 
$
869,487

 
$
121

 
$
871,277

Reclassification of embedded credit derivative loss

 

 
4,691

 
(4,691
)
 

 

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income - nine months ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 
69,021

 
(79
)
 
68,942

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses

 

 
251,722

 

 

 
251,722

Non-credit impairment losses

 

 
(21,342
)
 

 

 
(21,342
)
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans

 

 
112

 

 

 
112

Total comprehensive income (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
299,434

Stock-based compensation, including the net issuance of 389,627 common shares under compensation plans

 
5,533

 

 

 

 
5,533

Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 
(112
)
 

 
(112
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 
(5,663
)
 

 
(5,663
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
23

 
23

Balance at September 30, 2010
$
3,000

 
$
122,932

 
$
116,453

 
$
928,042

 
$
65

 
$
1,170,492

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2011    
$
3,000

 
$
125,687

 
$
39,895

 
$
977,740

 
$
92

 
$
1,146,414

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income - nine months ended September 30, 2011

 

 

 
91,605

 
(21
)
 
91,584

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses

 

 
166,647

 

 

 
166,647

Non-credit impairment losses

 

 
(5,998
)
 

 

 
(5,998
)
Change in underfunded status of other postretirement benefit plans

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total comprehensive income (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
252,228

Stock-based compensation, including the net issuance of 295,676 common shares under compensation plans

 
9,739

 

 

 

 
9,739

Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 
(112
)
 

 
(112
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 
(5,725
)
 

 
(5,725
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
17

 
17

Balance at September 30, 2011
$
3,000

 
$
135,426

 
$
200,539

 
$
1,063,508

 
$
88

 
$
1,402,561


(a)    All activity for the periods shown relates to Class A Common Stock.
(b)    Detail of comprehensive income for the three and nine-month periods is shown below:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Total comprehensive income
$
122,701

 
$
96,269

 
$
252,228

 
$
299,434

Comprehensive income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
122,702

 
96,295

 
252,249

 
299,513








See accompanying notes.

5

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
91,584

 
$
68,942

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Interest credited/index credits to account balances, excluding deferred sales inducements
353,309

 
328,507

Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration
(83,748
)
 
(83,833
)
Net realized losses on investments
(5,574
)
 
3,101

Change in fair value of derivatives
(50,877
)
 
18,590

Increase in traditional life and accident and health benefit accruals
26,091

 
31,030

Deferral of policy acquisition costs
(101,107
)
 
(65,862
)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and value of insurance in force
93,354

 
69,080

Change in reinsurance recoverable
21,838

 
13,800

Provision for deferred income taxes
(11,225
)
 
207

Other
1,487

 
(10,367
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
335,132

 
373,195

 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
Sales, maturities or repayments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
924,027

 
525,210

Equity securities - available for sale
2,505

 
697

Mortgage loans
62,515

 
58,992

Derivative instruments
24,293

 
53,826

Policy loans
29,834

 
29,091

Securities and indebtedness of related parties
60

 
1,622

Other long-term investments

 
1,725

Real estate
1,330

 

Acquisitions:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
(1,519,463
)
 
(976,968
)
Equity securities - available for sale
(4,628
)
 
(14,186
)
Mortgage loans
(43,081
)
 
(36,140
)
Derivative instruments
(46,779
)
 
(46,611
)
Policy loans
(30,974
)
 
(30,400
)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties
(14,734
)
 
(493
)
Short-term investments, net change
326,385

 
(35,550
)
Disposals of property and equipment, net
(4,637
)
 
(4,161
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(293,347
)
 
(473,346
)



6

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Financing activities
 
 
 
Contract holder account deposits
$
1,056,849

 
$
991,122

Contract holder account withdrawals
(983,474
)
 
(844,816
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net
17

 
23

Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation
379

 
772

Issuance of common stock
5,828

 
2,331

Dividends paid
(5,837
)
 
(5,775
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
73,762

 
143,657

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
115,547

 
43,506

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
4,794

 
11,690

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
120,341

 
$
55,196

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
17,366

 
$
18,644

Income taxes
33,722

 
28,631

Non-cash operating activity:
 
 
 
Deferral of sales inducements
38,959

 
16,003

Non-cash financing activity:
 
 
 
Refinancing of debt payable to affiliates
100,000

 




























See accompanying notes.

7

FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2011

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Our financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.

Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. We encourage you to refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete description of our material accounting policies. Also included in the Form 10-K is a description of areas of judgments and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations.

Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) which required expanded disclosures within Note 4, "Fair Value," of the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements of Level 3 financial instruments. Other than the expansion of disclosures, the adoption of this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB which clarified that investments held within the separate accounts of an insurance entity should not be combined with the insurer's general account interest in the same investments when determining whether consolidation is required, unless the separate account interests are held for the benefit of a related party. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB which modified the goodwill impairment test. This guidance modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity would be required to perform Step 2 of the test if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists. In September 2011, FASB issued further guidance related to the goodwill impairment test. This additional guidance provides for an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists and the two-step impairment test is required. This additional guidance eliminates the option to carry forward our fair value calculation from a previous period and provides examples of events and circumstances that an entity with a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount should evaluate in determining whether to perform Step 2 of the impairment test. We adopted this additional guidance upon issuance, which had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Effective July 1, 2011, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB related to the determination of whether a mortgage loan modification is a troubled debt restructuring. Under this guidance, if a restructuring constitutes a concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties, a troubled debt restructuring has occurred. This guidance required retrospective application to any restructuring activities occurring since January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Future Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, FASB issued disclosure guidance related to multiemployer pension plans. This guidance will be effective for the year ending December 31, 2011 and requires us to disclose certain information about our multiemployer plans. Other than additional disclosures, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance requires us to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate

8

Table of contents
September 30, 2011

but consecutive statements. This guidance removes the presentation option allowing comprehensive income disclosures in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity, but does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2012. Other than a presentation change, the adoption of this guidance will not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance related to fair value measurement and disclosure, which substantially converged GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in GAAP; however, disclosure requirements have been expanded. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2012. Other than additional disclosures, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2010, the FASB issued guidance related to accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance defines allowable deferred acquisition costs as the incremental direct cost of contract acquisition and certain costs related directly to underwriting, policy issuance and processing. This guidance also allows for the deferral of advertising costs if 1) the primary purpose of the advertising is to solicit to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising, and 2) the direct-response advertising results in probable future benefits. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The guidance provides companies the option of adopting either prospectively or retrospectively. We plan to retrospectively adopt this guidance on January 1, 2012. We have conducted a preliminary analysis through September 30, 2011 to estimate the potential impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption during 2012. Through that analysis we have developed ranges of the expected decrease in the level of deferred policy acquisition costs held by our insurance company subsidiaries. Based on our analysis we would expect the following impact on the deferred acquisition costs reported in our consolidated balance sheet:
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs as of September 30, 2011
 
Expected % Decrease Upon Adoption
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
$
336,492

 
29% to 33%
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
276,772

 
4% to 8%
FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
613,264

 
17% to 21%

The Company's net income since the beginning of 2010 is expected to be reduced by $1.1 million to $1.4 million per quarter upon retrospective adoption of the new guidance. The reduction to net income attributable to Farm Bureau Life is expected to be $0.8 million to $1.0 million per quarter. These amounts are estimates and the actual impact to future net income could vary materially based on future sales volumes and the emergence of profits from the underlying business.
Refinements to Estimates

During the second quarter of 2011, refinements were made to the methods and assumptions used to calculate the amortization of value of insurance in force and deferred acquisition costs. Refinements were also made to the calculation of reserves for certain traditional life insurance contracts during the second quarter of 2010. The net impact of these refinements increased net income $8.1 million ($0.26 per basic and diluted common share) in 2011 and $3.0 million ($0.10 per basic and diluted common share) in 2010.



9

Table of contents
September 30, 2011

2. Investment Operations

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
 
Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Amortized
 Cost
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses (1)
 
Estimated
 Fair
 Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate (2)
$
5,594,690

 
$
543,567

 
$
(106,023
)
 
$
6,032,234

Residential mortgage-backed
1,976,106

 
107,700

 
(29,502
)
 
2,054,304

Commercial mortgage-backed
1,115,379

 
99,484

 
(48,062
)
 
1,166,801

Other asset-backed
603,020

 
5,974

 
(49,901
)
 
559,093

Collateralized debt obligation
1,372

 

 

 
1,372

United States Government and agencies
123,184

 
39,090

 

 
162,274

State, municipal and other governments
2,088,012

 
172,255

 
(17,834
)
 
2,242,433

Total fixed maturity securities
$
11,501,763

 
$
968,070

 
$
(251,322
)
 
$
12,218,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
$
40,649

 
$
1,304

 
$
(1,085
)
 
$
40,868

Common stocks
39,159

 
277

 

 
39,436

Total equity securities
$
79,808

 
$
1,581

 
$
(1,085
)
 
$
80,304

 
December 31, 2010
 
Amortized
 Cost
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses (1)
 
Estimated
 Fair
 Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate (2)
$
5,216,022

 
$
347,490

 
$
(94,313
)
 
$
5,469,199

Residential mortgage-backed
1,961,458

 
57,313

 
(49,533
)
 
1,969,238

Commercial mortgage-backed (3)
1,034,478

 
54,158

 
(57,574
)
 
1,031,062

Other asset-backed
535,844

 
5,178

 
(60,553
)
 
480,469

Collateralized debt obligations
2,745

 

 

 
2,745

United States Government and agencies
127,251

 
7,059

 
(225
)
 
134,085

State, municipal and other governments (3)
2,096,532

 
21,121

 
(75,927
)
 
2,041,726

Total fixed maturity securities
$
10,974,330

 
$
492,319

 
$
(338,125
)
 
$
11,128,524

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
$
40,649

 
$
2,403

 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
41,021

Common stocks
37,040

 
595

 

 
37,635

Total equity securities
$
77,689

 
$
2,998

 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
78,656


(1)
Gross unrealized losses include non-credit losses on other-than-temporarily impaired corporate securities totaling $15.4 million at September 30, 2011 and $20.5 million at December 31, 2010, other asset-backed securities totaling $27.2 million at September 30, 2011 and $33.4 million at December 31, 2010, and residential mortgage-backed securities totaling $8.3 million at September 30, 2011 and $12.4 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
(2)
Corporate securities include certain hybrid preferred securities with a carrying value of $211.5 million at September 30, 2011 and $239.8 million at December 31, 2010. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a carrying value of $5.6 million at September 30, 2011 and $5.2 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
(3)
Military housing fixed maturity securities with a carrying value of $215.2 million at December 31, 2010 have been reclassified from the state, municipal and other category to the commercial mortgage-backed category to conform to the current period presentation. The securities were reclassified as it was determined they have characteristics more similar to commercial mortgage-backed securities.

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Short-term investments have been excluded from the above schedules as amortized cost approximates fair value for these securities.

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Maturity Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Amortized
 Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
223,117

 
$
226,895

Due after one year through five years
1,359,296

 
1,438,352

Due after five years through ten years
2,349,116

 
2,577,221

Due after ten years
3,875,729

 
4,195,845

 
7,807,258

 
8,438,313

Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
3,694,505

 
3,780,198

Total fixed maturity securities
$
11,501,763

 
$
12,218,511


Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
716,748

 
$
154,194

Equity securities
496

 
967

Interest rate swaps

 
(121
)
 
717,244

 
155,040

Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
(318,808
)
 
(90,704
)
Deferred sales inducements
(86,031
)
 
1,297

Value of insurance in force acquired
(12,644
)
 
(5,697
)
Unearned revenue reserve
8,617

 
1,283

Provision for deferred income taxes
(107,927
)
 
(21,414
)
 
200,451

 
39,805

Proportionate share of net unrealized investment losses of equity investees
(11
)
 
(14
)
Net unrealized investment gains
$
200,440

 
$
39,791


The changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in the amortization pattern of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of insurance in force acquired and unearned revenue reserve totaling $401.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $715.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Subsequent changes in fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in other comprehensive income are reported along with changes in fair value for which no other-than-temporary impairment losses were previously recognized.


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Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
Less than one year
 
One year or more
 
Total
Description of Securities
 
Estimated
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
504,426

 
$
(30,250
)
 
$
269,172

 
$
(75,773
)
 
$
773,598

 
$
(106,023
)
Residential mortgage-backed
 
36,782

 
(1,198
)
 
143,515

 
(28,304
)
 
180,297

 
(29,502
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
 
143,336

 
(18,280
)
 
184,571

 
(29,782
)
 
327,907

 
(48,062
)
Other asset-backed
 
135,135

 
(5,160
)
 
102,450

 
(44,741
)
 
237,585

 
(49,901
)
State, municipal and other governments
 
20,134

 
(278
)
 
183,076

 
(17,556
)
 
203,210

 
(17,834
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
839,813

 
$
(55,166
)
 
$
882,784

 
$
(196,156
)
 
$
1,722,597

 
$
(251,322
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
$
2,788

 
$
(212
)
 
$
11,127

 
$
(873
)
 
$
13,915

 
$
(1,085
)
Total equities securities
 
$
2,788

 
$
(212
)
 
$
11,127

 
$
(873
)
 
$
13,915

 
$
(1,085
)

 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
Less than one year
 
One year or more
 
Total
Description of Securities
 
Estimated
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
404,154

 
$
(15,847
)
 
$
607,032

 
$
(78,466
)
 
$
1,011,186

 
$
(94,313
)
Residential mortgage-backed
 
70,706

 
(793
)
 
395,140

 
(48,740
)
 
465,846

 
(49,533
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
 
31,012

 
(379
)
 
324,170

 
(57,195
)
 
355,182

 
(57,574
)
Other asset-backed
 
90,806

 
(529
)
 
100,358

 
(60,024
)
 
191,164

 
(60,553
)
Unites States Government and agencies
 
40,787

 
(225
)
 

 

 
40,787

 
(225
)
State, municipal and other governments
 
808,147

 
(25,364
)
 
328,678

 
(50,563
)
 
1,136,825

 
(75,927
)
Total fixed maturity securities
 
$
1,445,612

 
$
(43,137
)
 
$
1,755,378

 
$
(294,988
)
 
$
3,200,990

 
$
(338,125
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
$

 
$

 
$
17,969

 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
17,969

 
$
(2,031
)
Total equity securities
 
$

 
$

 
$
17,969

 
$
(2,031
)
 
$
17,969

 
$
(2,031
)

Included in the above tables are 379 securities from 291 issuers at September 30, 2011 and 625 securities from 478 issuers at December 31, 2010. The unrealized losses in fixed maturity securities are primarily due to wider spreads between the risk-free and corporate and other bond yields relative to the spreads when the securities were purchased. Because we do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell these fixed maturity investments before their anticipated recovery of amortized cost, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses of fixed maturity investments by investment category as of September 30, 2011.

Corporate securities: The unrealized losses on corporate securities represent 42.2% of our total unrealized losses. The largest losses remain in the finance sector ($434.9 million carrying value and $69.9 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the finance sector were in the banking ($230.6 million carrying value and $57.6 million unrealized loss) and the real estate investment trust ($77.7 million carrying value and $3.6 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The unrealized losses across the finance sector are primarily attributable to a general widening in spread levels relative to the spreads at which we acquired the securities. Unrealized losses in European financial institutions account for 41.3% of the finance sector total unrealized losses. Spreads have widened for such bonds given concerns about exposure to Greece and other weak sovereigns. Domestically, finance sector spreads remain historically wide in comparison to the other sectors, also contributing to the proportionately larger amount of unrealized losses for this sector.

The other corporate sectors containing our largest unrealized losses are basic industrial ($55.2 million carrying value and $12.0

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million unrealized loss), capital goods ($42.2 million carrying value and $7.8 million unrealized loss) and utilities ($56.8 million carrying value and $6.8 million unrealized loss). The unrealized losses in these sectors are due to spread widening among several issuers that continue to experience a challenging operating environment, as well as a general increase in overall market yields for other issuers in these sectors.

Residential mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities represent 11.7% of our total unrealized losses, and were caused primarily by continued uncertainty regarding mortgage defaults on Alt-A loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on commercial mortgage-backed securities represent 19.1% of our total unrealized losses and are comprised of commercial mortgage bonds (14.5% of our total unrealized losses) and military housing issues (4.6% of our total unrealized losses). The unrealized losses on the commercial mortgage bonds were caused primarily by spread widening and industry concerns regarding the potential for future commercial mortgage defaults. There were also concerns regarding current and future downgrades by the three major rating agencies for tranches below the super senior AAA level. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities. The unrealized losses on military housing bonds were mainly attributed to a limited number of investors and negative publicity regarding this sector. The military housing bonds are also impacted by lack of printed underlying ratings on insured bonds.

Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities represent 19.9% of our total unrealized losses, and were caused primarily by concerns regarding defaults on subprime mortgages and home equity loans. We purchased most of these investments at a discount to their face amount and the contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages and other assets backing the securities.

State, municipal and other governments: The unrealized losses on state, municipal and other governments represent 7.1% of our total unrealized losses, and were primarily caused by general spread widening, the lack of printed underlying ratings on insured bonds and the market's uncertainty around the recent recession's impact on municipalities' income. The decline in fair value is primarily attributable to increased spreads and market concerns regarding the sector, in general, rather than the financial strength of specific issuers.

Equity securities: We had $1.1 million of gross unrealized losses on investment grade non-redeemable perpetual preferred securities within the financial sector at September 30, 2011. These securities provide periodic cash flows, contain call features and are similarly rated and priced like long-term callable bonds and are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment similar to fixed maturity securities. The decline in fair value is primarily attributable to market concerns regarding the sector. With respect to common stock holdings, we consider in our other-than-temporary impairment analysis our intent and ability to hold a particular equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its value to an amount equal to or greater than cost. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value.

Excluding mortgage and asset-backed securities, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $12.3 million at September 30, 2011. The $12.3 million unrealized loss is from hybrid Tier 1 capital bonds in the financial sector. With respect to mortgage and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $18.5 million at September 30, 2011. The $18.5 million unrealized loss from one issuer relates to three different securities that are backed by different pools of Alt-A residential mortgage loans. All three of the securities are rated non-investment grade and the largest unrealized loss totaled $8.0 million.

The carrying values of all our investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit deterioration. When our review indicates a decline in fair value for a fixed maturity security is other than temporary and we do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, a specific write down is charged to earnings for the credit loss and a specific charge is recognized in other comprehensive income for the non-credit loss component. If we intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before its recovery, the full amount of the impairment write down to fair value is charged to earnings. For equity securities, the full amount of an other-than-temporary impairment write down is recognized as a realized loss on investments in the statements of operations and the new cost basis for the security is equal to its fair value.

We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of fixed maturity and equity securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other than temporary. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is other than temporary, we review factors such as:


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historical operating trends;
business prospects;
status of the industry in which the company operates;
analyst ratings on the issuer and sector;
quality of management;
level of current market interest rates compared to market interest rates when the security was purchased;
length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position;
for fixed maturity securities, our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell prior to recovery; and
for equity securities, our ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time that allows for the recovery in value.

In order to determine the credit and non-credit impairment loss for a fixed maturity security, every quarter we estimate the future cash flows we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument as well as our plans to hold or sell the instrument. Significant assumptions regarding the present value of expected cash flows for each security are used when an other-than-temporary impairment occurs and there is a non-credit portion of the unrealized loss that won't be recognized in earnings. Our assumptions for residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities include collateral pledged, anticipated principal and interest payments, prepayments, default levels, severity assumptions, delinquency rates and the level of nonperforming assets for the remainder of the investments' expected term. We use a single best estimate of cash flows approach and use the effective yield prior to the date of impairment to calculate the present value of cash flows. Our assumptions for corporate and other fixed maturity securities include anticipated principal and interest payments and an estimated recovery value, generally based on a percentage return of the current market value.

After an other-than-temporary write down of all equity securities and any fixed maturity securities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is generally not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturity securities for which we can reasonably estimate future cash flows after a write down, the discount or reduced premium recorded, based on the new cost basis, is amortized over the remaining life of the security. Amortization in this instance is computed using the prospective method and the current estimate of the amount and timing of future cash flows.

Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturity Securities

The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities we held as of the dates indicated for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income and corresponding changes in such amounts.

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
(55,827
)
 
$
(75,500
)
 
$
(54,710
)
 
$
(72,388
)
Increases for which an impairment was not previously recognized
(541
)
 

 
(541
)
 
(12,329
)
Increases to previously impaired investments
(929
)
 
(1,165
)
 
(5,316
)
 
(2,539
)
Reductions for credit losses previously recognized due to inability to hold investments

 

 
2,864

 

Reductions due to investments sold
141

 
452

 
547

 
11,043

Balance at end of period
$
(57,156
)
 
$
(76,213
)
 
$
(57,156
)
 
$
(76,213
)
 
In addition to the other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized above, we also incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities not previously impaired, which based on declines in credit quality or other circumstances changed our intent to retain the securities. There were no such other-than-temporary impairment losses for the three-month period and $11.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 and none for the three-month period and $0.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 were recognized on these securities.

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Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross gains
$
13,181

 
$
6,526

 
$
26,431

 
$
13,749

Gross losses
(48
)
 

 
(2,048
)
 
(70
)
Equity securities
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 

Real estate
(22
)
 

 
(22
)
 
(260
)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties
1

 
6

 
12

 
29

Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
(1,522
)
 
(1,433
)
 
(18,794
)
 
(16,549
)
Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income
$
11,585

 
$
5,099

 
$
5,574

 
$
(3,101
)

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities available for sale for the three-month periods ended September 30 totaled $173.9 million in 2011 and $104.6 million in 2010, and for the nine-month periods totaled $363.2 million in 2011 and $220.2 million in 2010.

Realized losses on sales were on securities that we did not intend to sell at the prior balance sheet date or on securities that were impaired at the prior quarter end, but decreased in value during the quarter. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.

Mortgage Loans

Our mortgage loan portfolio consists principally of commercial mortgage loans that we have originated. Our lending policies require that the loans be collateralized by the value of the related property, establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and collateral type. We ensure an initial loan-to-value ratio that provides sufficient excess collateral to absorb losses should we be required to foreclose and take possession of the collateral. In order to identify impairment losses timely, management maintains and reviews a watch list of mortgage loans that have heightened risk. These loans may include those with: borrowers delinquent on contractual payments, borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, increases in rental real estate vacancies and significant declines in collateral value. We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually and establish an allowance as needed for possible losses against our mortgage loan portfolio. An allowance is needed for loans in which we do not believe we will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreements or a loan modification which has been classified as a troubled debt restructuring.

Any loans delinquent on contractual payments are considered non-performing. Non-performing loans totaled $27.6 million at September 30, 2011 and $16.8 million at December 31, 2010. At September 30, 2011, there was one non-performing loan less than 90 days past due on contractual payments with a carrying value of $8.7 million and three non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments with a carrying value of $18.9 million. At December 31, 2010, there was one non-performing loan less than 90 days past due on contractual payments with a carrying value of $14.9 million and one non-performing loan over 90 days past due on contractual payments with a carrying value of $1.9 million. We discontinued the accrual of interest on two loans totaling $4.0 million at September 30, 2011 and one loan totaling $1.9 million at December 31, 2010. We continued to accrue for the other non-performing loans as we believe that we will collect all of the amounts due.


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Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Collateral Type
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Retail
 
$
428,392

 
34.7
%
 
$
441,181

 
35.2
%
Office
 
399,243

 
32.3

 
395,648

 
31.5

Industrial
 
370,299

 
30.0

 
384,481

 
30.6

Other
 
36,983

 
3.0

 
33,127

 
2.7

Total
 
$
1,234,917

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,254,437

 
100.0
%

Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Region of the United States
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
South Atlantic
 
$
345,158

 
27.9
%
 
$
344,580

 
27.5
%
Pacific
 
225,001

 
18.2

 
238,516

 
19.0

East North Central
 
222,494

 
18.0

 
235,179

 
18.7

West North Central
 
150,779

 
12.2

 
156,797

 
12.5

Mountain
 
109,692

 
8.9

 
103,290

 
8.2

West South Central
 
63,677

 
5.2

 
61,064

 
4.9

Other
 
118,116

 
9.6

 
115,011

 
9.2

Total
 
$
1,234,917

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,254,437

 
100.0
%

Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 

Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
0% - 50%
$
402,979

 
32.6
%
 
$
383,513

 
30.6
%
51% - 60%
325,853

 
26.4

 
316,625

 
25.2

61% - 70%
388,987

 
31.5

 
422,042

 
33.6

71% - 80%
98,973

 
8.0

 
117,573

 
9.4

81% - 90%
18,125

 
1.5

 
14,684

 
1.2

Total
$
1,234,917

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,254,437

 
100.0
%
(1)
Loan-to-value ratio using most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically including when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or loan modification and refinance requests.

Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
$
42,744

 
3.5
%
 
$

 
%
2010
33,162

 
2.7

 
39,843

 
3.2

2008
193,442

 
15.7

 
197,106

 
15.7

2007
264,478

 
21.4

 
271,506

 
21.6

2006 and prior
701,091

 
56.7

 
745,982

 
59.5

Total
$
1,234,917

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,254,437

 
100.0
%


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 Impaired Mortgage Loans
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance
$
8,753

 
$
8,060

Related allowance
(1,811
)
 
(1,759
)
Recorded investment
$
6,942

 
$
6,301

 Allowance on Mortgage Loans
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,759

 
$
725

Allowances established
52

 
1,295

Charge offs

 
(325
)
Balance at end of period
$
1,811

 
$
1,695


Variable Interest Entities

When evaluating our variable interest entities (VIE) investments, we consider our contractual rights or obligations to the entity, and our ability to direct its operations to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and accordingly required to consolidate the entity. We determined we were not the primary beneficiary of any of the VIEs in which we had an ownership interest during 2011 or 2010. Our investment in VIEs and exposure to loss is summarized below.

 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss
 
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate project
$
809

 
$
809

 
$
2,000

 
$
2,000

Real estate limited partnerships
18,073

 
18,073

 
16,900

 
16,900

Total
$
18,882

 
$
18,882

 
$
18,900

 
$
18,900


We may make commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, we did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during 2011 or 2010.

Other

At September 30, 2011, we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans on real estate totaling $1.8 million. These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments.

At September 30, 2011, we had committed to provide additional funds for investments in limited partnerships totaling $53.4 million.

3. Derivative Instruments

We write index annuities directly and assume index annuity business under a coinsurance agreement. Index annuities guarantee the return of principal to the contract holder and credit amounts based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. Most of the premium received from the contract holder is invested in investment grade fixed income securities, while a portion of the premium received is used to purchase derivatives consisting of one-year or two-year call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to the index annuity contract holders. On the respective anniversary dates of the index annuity contracts, the market index used to compute the index credits is reset and new call options are purchased to fund the next index credit. Although the call options are designed to be effective hedges from an economic standpoint, they do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment under GAAP. Therefore, the change in fair value of the options is recognized in earnings in the period of change. The cost of the options can be managed through the terms of the index annuities, which permit changes to participation rates, asset fees and/or caps, subject to guaranteed minimums. Call options relating to our direct business are recorded net of collateral received for counterparty credit risk. Our share of call options

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September 30, 2011

assumed is recorded as an embedded derivative in reinsurance recoverable.

At September 30, 2011, we had master netting agreements with counterparties covering cash collateral payable totaling $21.9 million. We had no cash collateral receivable at September 30, 2011. At December 31, 2010, we had master netting agreements with counterparties covering cash collateral payable totaling $97.0 million and cash collateral receivable totaling $1.3 million. Any excess collateral that remains after netting these amounts with derivative assets and liabilities is included in other assets or other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We did not have any excess collateral or off-balance sheet collateral at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

The reserve for index annuity contracts includes a series of embedded derivatives that represent the contract holder's right to participate in index returns over the expected lives of the applicable contracts. The reserve includes the value of the embedded forward options despite the fact that call options are not purchased for a period longer than the period of time to the next index reset date. The change in the value of this embedded derivative is reported on a separate line in the consolidated statements of operations.

We have modified coinsurance agreements where interest on funds withheld is determined by reference to a pool of fixed maturity securities. These arrangements contain embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation. Embedded derivatives in these contracts are recorded at fair value at each balance sheet date and changes in the fair values of the derivatives are recorded in derivative income (loss).

We own a collateralized debt obligation that contains an embedded credit derivative. The change in market value of the security is being recognized in derivative income (loss) since adoption of new accounting guidance effective July 1, 2010. Prior to adoption, the change in market value was recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and the unrealized loss of $4.7 million was reclassified to retained earnings on July 1, 2010.

We entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $50.0 million to manage interest rate risk associated with a portion of our flexible premium deferred annuity contracts, which matured on June 1, 2011. This interest rate swap effectively fixed the interest crediting rate on a portion of our flexible premium deferred annuity contract liabilities, thereby hedging our exposure to increases in market interest rates, but was not accounted for as an effective hedge as the only permitted benchmarks for cash flow hedges are the risk-free rate and rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap curve. We also entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $46.0 million to hedge the variable component of the interest rate on a line of credit borrowing that expired on October 7, 2010. The terms of these instruments provided that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest based on a monthly LIBOR.

No derivative instruments were designated as hedges at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

Fair Values of Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Call options, net of collateral received - direct
$
29,791

 
$
40,729

Call options - assumed
9,969

 
25,069

Index product embedded derivative
(505,256
)
 
(567,223
)
Modified coinsurance embedded derivatives - net
3,383

 
2,635

Collateralized debt obligation
1,372

 
2,745

Interest rate swap

 
(1,088
)


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September 30, 2011

Detail of Derivative Income (Loss) and Change in Value of Index Product Embedded Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Call options - proceeds and change in fair value
$
(71,829
)
 
$
38,961

 
$
(37,055
)
 
$
7,428

Modified coinsurance contracts - change in fair value
804

 
1,051

 
748

 
1,160

Collateralized debt obligation - change in fair value
(2,633
)
 
(23
)
 
(1,373
)
 
(23
)
Interest rate swaps - settlements and change in fair value

 
(163
)
 
(131
)
 
(688
)
Total derivative income (loss)
$
(73,658
)
 
$
39,826

 
$
(37,811
)
 
$
7,877

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in value of index product embedded derivatives
$
(88,390
)
 
$
56,598

 
$
(86,725
)
 
$
24,052


4. Fair Values

Fair value is based on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP also establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of instrument and the characteristics specific to the instrument. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or those for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. For some investments, little market activity may exist and management's determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management's own assumptions of what a market participant would consider for the fair value, which involves a significant degree of judgment.

Certain market sectors remain somewhat dislocated following periods of volatile and illiquid market conditions over the past two years, increasing the difficulty in valuing certain instruments, as trading has been less frequent and/or market data less observable. As a result, certain valuations require greater estimation and judgment as well as more complex valuation methods. These values may not ultimately be realizable in a market transaction, and such values may change rapidly as market conditions change and valuation assumptions are modified.

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments.

Fixed maturity securities: Fair values of fixed maturity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. For those securities where no active market prices are available, we use the Level 2 or 3 valuation methodologies described below.

Equity securities: Fair values for equity securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. For equity securities that are not actively traded, estimated fair values are based on values of comparable issues.

Mortgage loans: Fair values are estimated by discounting expected cash flows of each loan at an interest rate equal to a spread above the U.S. Treasury bond yield that corresponds to the loan's expected life. These spreads are based on overall market pricing of commercial mortgage loans at the time of valuation. The fair value of mortgage loans may also be based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, which uses appraised values.

Derivative instruments: Fair values for call options are based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received. Prices are verified internally using analytical tools.

Policy loans: Fair values are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using a risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury curve.

Cash and short-term investments: Amounts are reported at historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts, as applicable, which approximates the fair values due to the nature of these assets.


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Reinsurance recoverable: The fair value of our portion of the call options used to fund index credits on the index annuities assumed from a reinsurer is determined using quoted market prices, less an adjustment for credit risk. Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede or assume business are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturity securities. We are not required to estimate fair value for the remainder of the reinsurance recoverable balance.

Assets held in separate accounts: Fair values are based on quoted net asset values of the underlying mutual funds.

Future policy benefits, supplemental contracts without life contingencies and advance premiums and other deposits: Fair values of our liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities, deposit administration funds, funding agreements and supplementary contracts) are estimated using one of two methods. For contracts with known maturities and index annuity embedded derivatives, fair value is determined using discounted cash flow valuation techniques based on current interest rates adjusted to reflect our credit risk and an additional provision for adverse deviation. For deposit liabilities with no defined maturities, fair value is the amount payable on demand. We are not required to estimate the fair value of our liabilities under other insurance contracts.

Short-term and long-term debt: Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on our current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements adjusted, as needed, to reflect our credit risk.

Other liabilities: Fair values for interest rate swaps are based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral paid. Prices are verified internally using analytical tools. Other liabilities also include the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede business. Fair values of these derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturity securities. We are not required to estimate fair values for the remainder of the other liabilities balances.

Liabilities related to separate accounts: Fair values are based on cash surrender value, the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability.

Fair Values and Carrying Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale
$
12,218,511

 
$
12,218,511

 
$
11,128,524

 
$
11,128,524

Equity securities - available for sale
80,304

 
80,304

 
78,656

 
78,656

Mortgage loans
1,234,917

 
1,309,471

 
1,254,437

 
1,301,340

Derivative instruments
29,791

 
29,791

 
40,729

 
40,729

Policy loans
171,481

 
228,310

 
170,341

 
209,912

Cash and short-term investments
177,325

 
177,325

 
388,163

 
388,163

Reinsurance recoverable
13,419

 
13,419

 
27,788

 
27,788

Assets held in separate accounts
638,904

 
638,904

 
753,050

 
753,050

 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
10,136,208

 
$
9,716,677

 
$
9,882,400

 
$
9,070,167

Supplemental contracts without life contingencies
499,940

 
461,244

 
506,167

 
457,350

Advance premiums and other deposits
199,139

 
199,139

 
178,575

 
178,575

Short-term debt

 

 
100,000

 
104,070

Long-term debt
371,167

 
326,596

 
271,168

 
222,375

Other liabilities
67

 
67

 
1,172

 
1,172

Liabilities related to separate accounts
638,904

 
625,574

 
753,050

 
735,678


Assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories.

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 are listed equities, mutual funds, money market funds, non-interest bearing cash and

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U.S. Treasury securities.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methods. Financial instruments in this category include fixed maturity securities (including public and private bonds), less liquid and restricted equity securities and over-the-counter derivatives that are priced by third-party pricing services or internal systems using observable inputs.

Fair values of all Level 2 fixed maturity public securities are obtained primarily from a variety of independent pricing sources, whose results we evaluate internally. We generally obtain one or two prices per security, which are compared to relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are consulted for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. If the issuer has had trades in similar debt outstanding but not necessarily the same rank in the capital structure, spread information is used to support fair value. If discrepancies are identified, additional quotes are obtained and the quote that best reflects a fair value exit price at the reporting date is selected. Fair value of most of our private investments are determined using matrix pricing with substantially all observable inputs, such as industry classification, duration and rating.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instrument and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments in this category include non-binding broker and internally priced mortgage or other asset-backed securities and other publicly traded issues, private corporate securities and index annuity embedded derivatives.

Fair values of private investments in Level 3 are determined by reference to public market, private transactions or valuations for comparable companies or assets in the relevant asset class when such amounts are available. For other securities where an exit price based on relevant observable inputs is not obtained, the fair value is determined using an enhanced matrix calculation.

The matrix pricing we and pricing services perform include a discounted cash flow analysis using a spread, including the specific creditors' credit default swap spread (if available), over U.S. Treasury bond yields, adjusted for the maturity/average life differences. Spread adjustments are intended to reflect an illiquidity premium and take into account a variety of factors including but not limited to: senior unsecured versus secured status, par amount outstanding, number of holders, maturity, average life, composition of lending group and debt rating. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. From time to time there may be movements between levels as inputs become more or less observable, which may depend on several factors including the activity of the market for the specific security, the activity of the market for similar securities, the level of risk spreads and the source of the information from which we obtain the information. Transfers in or out of any level are measured as of the beginning of the period.


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Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Quoted prices in active markets
 for identical assets (Level 1)
 
Significant other observable
 inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable
 inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$

 
$
5,869,588

 
$
162,646

 
$
6,032,234

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
2,030,668

 
23,636

 
2,054,304

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
1,090,462

 
76,339

 
1,166,801

Other asset-backed securities

 
446,862

 
112,231

 
559,093

Collateralized debt obligation

 

 
1,372

 
1,372

United States Government and agencies
103,378

 
42,863

 
16,033

 
162,274

State, municipal and other governments

 
2,226,259

 
16,174

 
2,242,433

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 
23,313

 
17,555

 
40,868

Common stocks
2,858

 
36,578

 

 
39,436

Derivative instruments

 
29,791

 

 
29,791

Cash and short-term investments
177,325

 

 

 
177,325

Reinsurance recoverable

 
13,419

 

 
13,419

Assets held in separate accounts
638,904

 

 

 
638,904

Total assets
$
922,465

 
$
11,809,803

 
$
425,986

 
$
13,158,254

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$

 
$

 
$
505,256

 
$
505,256

Other liabilities

 
67

 

 
67

Total liabilities
$

 
$
67

 
$
505,256

 
$
505,323





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September 30, 2011

 
December 31, 2010
 
Quoted prices in active markets
 for identical assets (Level 1)
 
Significant other observable
 inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable
 inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$

 
$
5,283,133

 
$
186,066

 
$
5,469,199

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
1,938,537

 
30,701

 
1,969,238

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
935,145

 
95,917

 
1,031,062

Other asset-backed securities

 
395,081

 
85,388

 
480,469

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
2,745

 
2,745

United States Government and agencies
70,588

 
48,145

 
15,352

 
134,085

State, municipal and other governments

 
2,020,898

 
20,828

 
2,041,726

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 
28,710

 
12,311

 
41,021

Common stocks
3,201

 
34,434

 

 
37,635

Derivative instruments

 
40,729

 

 
40,729

Cash and short-term investments
388,163

 

 

 
388,163

Reinsurance recoverable

 
27,788

 

 
27,788

Assets held in separate accounts
753,050

 

 

 
753,050

Total assets
$
1,215,002

 
$
10,752,600

 
$
449,308

 
$
12,416,910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$

 
$

 
$
567,223

 
$
567,223

Other liabilities

 
1,172

 

 
1,172

Total liabilities
$

 
$
1,172

 
$
567,223

 
$
568,395


Approximately 3.3% of the total fixed maturity securities are included in the Level 3 group at September 30, 2011 and 3.9% at December 31, 2010. The fair value of the assets and liabilities above include the financial instruments' nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk is the risk that the instrument will not be fulfilled and affects the value at which the instrument could be transferred in an orderly transaction. The nonperformance risk for our assets reported at fair value totaled $0.6 million at September 30, 2011 and $0.3 million at December 31, 2010. Our nonperformance risk decreased the fair value of our reported liabilities $110.5 million at September 30, 2011 and $99.3 million at December 31, 2010.

Level 3 Fixed Maturity Securities on a Recurring Basis by Valuation Source
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Third-party vendors
 
Priced
internally
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
114,037

 
$
48,609

 
$
162,646

Residential mortgage-backed securities
23,636

 

 
23,636

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
76,339

 

 
76,339

Other asset-backed securities
112,231

 

 
112,231

Collateralized debt obligation
1,372

 

 
1,372

United States Government and agencies
16,033

 

 
16,033

State, municipal and other governments
16,174

 

 
16,174

Total
$
359,822

 
$
48,609

 
$
408,431

Percent of total
88.1
%
 
11.9
%
 
100.0
%


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September 30, 2011

 
December 31, 2010
 
Third-party vendors
 
Priced
internally
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
135,318

 
$
50,748

 
$
186,066

Residential mortgage-backed securities
30,701

 

 
30,701

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
92,661

 
3,256

 
95,917

Other asset-backed securities
85,030

 
358

 
85,388

Collateralized debt obligations
2,745

 

 
2,745

United States Government and agencies
15,352

 

 
15,352

State, municipal and other governments
15,516

 
5,312

 
20,828

Total
$
377,323

 
$
59,674

 
$
436,997

Percent of total
86.3
%
 
13.7
%
 
100.0
%

Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis - Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
 
Purchases
 
Disposals
 
Included in net income (1)
 
Included in other compre-hensive income
 
Net transfers in (out) of Level 3 (2)
 
Amort-ization included in net income
 
Balance,
September 30,
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
186,066

 
$
14,958

 
$
(8,343
)
 
$
(4,000
)
 
$
66

 
$
(26,084
)
 
$
(17
)
 
$
162,646

Residential mortgage-backed securities
30,701

 

 
(6,847
)
 

 
(92
)
 

 
(126
)
 
23,636

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
95,917

 
6,847

 
(404
)
 

 
7,336

 
(33,143
)
 
(214
)
 
76,339

Other asset-backed securities
85,388

 
81,443

 
(17,249
)
 
(529
)
 
(2,779
)
 
(34,547
)
 
504

 
112,231

Collateralized debt obligation
2,745

 

 

 
(1,373
)
 

 

 

 
1,372

United States Government and agencies
15,352

 

 

 

 
673

 

 
8

 
16,033

State, municipal and other governments
20,828

 

 
(69
)
 

 
722

 
(5,312
)
 
5

 
16,174

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
12,311

 

 

 

 
104

 
5,140

 

 
17,555

Total
$
449,308

 
$
103,248

 
$
(32,912
)
 
$
(5,902
)
 
$
6,030

 
$
(93,946
)
 
$
160

 
$
425,986



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September 30, 2011

Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis - Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
 
Purchases
 
Disposals
 
Included in net income (1)
 
Included in other compre-hensive income
 
Net transfers in (out) of Level 3 (3)
 
Amort-ization included in net income
 
Balance,
September 30,
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
188,480

 
$
14,436

 
$
(11,858
)
 
$
760

 
$
15,081

 
$
(4,182
)
 
$
125

 
$
202,842

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
31,974

 

 

 
198

 

 
(42
)
 
32,130

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
126,115

 

 
(1,339
)
 
(120
)
 
18,801

 
(9,500
)
 
(484
)
 
133,473

Other asset-backed securities
22,948

 
47,781

 
(790
)
 
(5,019
)
 
8,125

 
(4,322
)
 
(174
)
 
68,549

Collateralized debt obligation
12,892

 

 
(9,440
)
 
(415
)
 

 

 

 
3,037

United States Government and agencies
14,683

 

 

 

 
1,604

 

 
8

 
16,295

State, municipal and other governments
16,079

 
21,661

 
(68
)
 

 
377

 

 
5

 
38,054

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
7,399

 

 

 

 
666

 
5,322

 

 
13,387

Other long-term investments
1,882

 

 
(1,725
)
 

 

 

 
(18
)
 
139

Total
$
390,478

 
$
115,852

 
$
(25,220
)
 
$
(4,794
)
 
$
44,852

 
$
(12,682
)
 
$
(580
)
 
$
507,906


(1)
The change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to positions still held on collateral debt obligations was ($1.4) million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011. There were no unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to positions held on collateral debt obligations for the 2010 period.
(2)
Included in the net transfers in (out) line is $132.4 million of securities that were priced using a broker only quote at December 31, 2010 that were transferred to a pricing service that uses observable market data in the prices and $38.5 million that were transferred into Level 3 that did not have enough observable data to include in Level 2 at September 30, 2011.
(3)
Included in the net transfers in (out) line is $38.0 million of securities that were priced using a broker only quote at December 31, 2009 that were transferred to a pricing service that uses observable market data in the prices at September 30, 2010 and $25.3 million that were transferred into Level 3 that did not have enough observable data to include in Level 2 at September 30, 2010.

Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value Recurring Basis - Future Policy Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Index Product Embedded Derivatives:
 
 
 
   Balance, beginning of period
$
567,223

 
$
538,342

Premiums inflows
64,132

 
80,236

Benefit outflows
(63,508
)
 
(106,950
)
Impact of unrealized gains (losses), net
(62,591
)
 
84,635

   Balance, end of period
$
505,256

 
$
559,988

 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized gains/losses on embedded derivatives held at end of period (1)
$
(62,591
)
 
$
84,635

(1)
Excludes host accretion and the timing of posting index credits, which are included with the change in value of index product embedded derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Level 3 Financial Instruments Fair Valued on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, certain mortgage loans had been impaired or written down to a fair value totaling $1.9 million which resulted in an impairment of $1.3

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million recorded in net realized capital gains (losses). These collateral dependent mortgage loans are a Level 3 fair value measurement, as fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, which is estimated using appraised values that involve significant unobservable inputs. There were no mortgage loans impaired to fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Real estate was impaired or written down during the periods to a fair value totaling $8.6 million at September 30, 2011 and $1.1 million at September 30, 2010. This resulted in an impairment of $1.0 million at September 30, 2011 and less than $0.1 million at September 30 2010 recorded in net realized capital gains (losses). These are a Level 3 fair value measurement, as the fair value of real estate is estimated using appraised values that involve significant unobservable inputs.

5. Defined Benefit Plan

We participate with several affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in various multiemployer defined benefit plans. Our share of net periodic pension cost for the plans recorded as expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the third quarter totaled $1.7 million for 2011 and $1.5 million for 2010, and for the nine months ended September 30 totaled $5.1 million for 2011 and $4.5 million for 2010.

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost for FBL and Affiliates Combined
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
2,049

 
$
1,828

 
$
6,147

 
$
5,484

Interest cost
3,459

 
3,558

 
10,377

 
10,674

Expected return on assets
(3,461
)
 
(3,166
)
 
(10,383
)
 
(9,498
)
Amortization of prior service cost
375

 
182

 
1,125

 
546

Amortization of actuarial loss
1,973

 
1,741

 
5,919

 
5,223

Settlement expense

 

 

 
(148
)
Net periodic pension cost
$
4,395

 
$
4,143

 
$
13,185

 
$
12,281


6. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation where damages are alleged that are substantially in excess of contractual policy benefits or certain other agreements. In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are currently a defendant in two purported class action lawsuits against EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (EquiTrust Life) alleging claims as described below. We believe that many of the asserted claims will be defeated by dispositive motions. As discussed below, several of the claims were eliminated from class certification in a ruling certifying a class in one of the two pending cases. We remain optimistic that class certification will be defeated in the other lawsuit. However, courts have a great deal of discretion in deciding whether to certify a class, and it is impossible to accurately predict how the court will rule on such a motion. Other theories of potential liability may develop as these cases progress. This is especially true as plaintiffs continue to alter their theories of liability during discovery. Given these uncertainties, we are unable to make a reliable evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the amount or range of potential loss to the extent the matters proceed through litigation. We do not believe that these lawsuits, including those discussed below, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the outcome of such matters is always uncertain, and unforeseen results can occur. It is possible that such outcomes could materially affect net income in a particular quarter or annual period.

The first case is Tabares v. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 5, 2008. Tabares is a class action filed on behalf of all California residents who purchased certain deferred index annuities from EquiTrust Life. The complaint asserts a sub-class of California purchasers who were age 60 or older at the time of purchasing those annuities from EquiTrust Life. Plaintiffs sought restitution and injunctive relief on behalf of all class members, compensatory damages for breach of contract, punitive and treble damages for common law fraud, and declaratory relief. Plaintiffs' motion for class certification was heard on June 22, 2010. On August 2, 2010, the trial court issued an Order “Denying in Part and Granting in Part Class Certification.” The Court denied certification on Plaintiffs' core claims for fraud and violation of the consumer

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protection statute. The Court did grant certification on the claims for breach of contract (breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing) and declaratory relief. This certification does not represent a finding on the merits with respect to Plaintiffs' claim, only that it meets the criteria for the establishment of a class. In addition, the Court dismissed the only class representative of “senior” status and ordered the attorneys to confer and draft a suitable notice to be sent to all class members. Following a subsequent hearing on July 6, 2011, the Court confirmed its earlier denial of Plaintiff's motion for reconsideration. Plaintiffs' counsel have proposed several individuals as new representatives for the “senior” sub-class, but it remains to be seen whether the Court will find them suitable.

The second case is Eller v. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court, District of Arizona, on January 12, 2009. The original first named plaintiff, Mary Eller, was voluntarily dismissed from the case in 2010. A single named plaintiff now remains – Paul Harrington. This purported national class action originally included all persons who purchased EquiTrust Life deferred index annuities, with one sub-class for all persons age 65 and older who purchased an EquiTrust Life index annuity contract with a maturity date beyond the annuitant's actuarial life expectancy; and a 30-state sub-class under various consumer protection and unfair insurance practices statutes. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages; treble damages; consequential and incidental damages; punitive damages; equitable and injunctive relief including restitution, disgorgement, a constructive trust and an equitable lien; and attorneys' fees. Plaintiff filed his motion for class certification on June 24, 2011, and also filed a motion to amend the complaint. Among other changes, Plaintiff’s proposed amended complaint drops several theories of liability, revises the defined classes and subclasses, reduces the index annuities at issue to four specific products, reduces the number of states included in each class, and drops the claim for conspiracy. Although the Court allowed Plaintiff to narrow his claims in this way, the Court denied Plaintiff’s request to add a new claim for breach of contract/breach of implied covenant of fair dealing. EquiTrust Life filed a motion for summary judgment on September 23, 2011, and filed its opposition to Plaintiff’s class certification motion on October 3, 2011. Further responsive briefing by the parties will be on a staggered basis, to be completed by December 16, 2011.

As discussed in Note 10, "Subsequent Events," all contingent liabilities related to EquiTrust Life will remain with that company upon closing of the pending sale expected to occur on or about December 30, 2011.

In 2006, we incurred a pre-tax charge of $4.9 million relating to the settlement of a lawsuit with a husband and wife who had applied for life insurance policies. The settlement ended litigation regarding the process we followed in denying insurance coverage for medical reasons. Insurance claims have been filed under our professional liability and general liability insurance policies for reimbursement of the settlement amount, but coverage has been denied, and we have made a claim against an insurance broker for breach of contractual duties. We filed a lawsuit against the insurer and the insurance broker to recover those damages. Claims against the insurer were dismissed, however we retain our cause of action against the broker for failure to provide timely notice of our claim to said insurers and believe the claim is valid. Any recoveries will be recorded in net income in the period the recovery is received.

Other

In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our exposure to loss on any single insured or event and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding a portion of our exposure to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us of our obligations to policyholders. To the extent that reinsuring companies are later unable to meet obligations under reinsurance agreements, our insurance subsidiaries would be liable for these obligations, and payment of these obligations could result in losses. To limit the possibility of such losses, we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. No allowance for uncollectible amounts has been established against our asset for reinsurance recoverable since none of our receivables are deemed to be uncollectible.

We self-insure our employee health and dental claims. However, claims in excess of our self-insurance levels are fully insured. We fund insurance claims through a self-insurance trust. Deposits to the trust are made at an amount equal to our best estimate of claims incurred during the period and a liability is established at each balance sheet date for unpaid claims. Adjustments, if any, resulting in changes in the estimate of claims incurred will be reflected in operations in the periods in which such adjustments are known.

7. Debt

In the second quarter of 2011, we refinanced our $100.0 million of 9.25% Senior Notes payable to affiliates with $100.0 million of 6.10% Senior Notes payable to the same affiliates. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Property & Casualty) acquired a note for $75.0 million and an investment affiliate of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, our majority shareholder, acquired a note for $25.0 million. Both notes are due May 3, 2015 and prepayable anytime at par. Interest on the new notes is payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

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See Note 10, "Subsequent Events," for discussion on the expected redemption of $175.0 million of senior notes payable to non-affiliates and $50.0 million of senior notes payable to affiliates in connection with the sale of EquiTrust Life.

8. Earnings per Share

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
27,566

 
$
28,677

 
$
91,605

 
$
69,021

Dividends on Series B preferred stock
(37
)
 
(37
)
 
(112
)
 
(112
)
Numerator for earnings per common share - income available to common stockholders
$
27,529

 
$
28,640

 
$
91,493

 
$
68,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares
30,593,168

 
30,238,697

 
30,511,491

 
30,181,728

Deferred common stock units relating to deferred compensation plans
209,941

 
189,394

 
205,897

 
183,730

Denominator for earnings per common share - weighted average shares
30,803,109

 
30,428,091

 
30,717,388

 
30,365,458

Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation
463,315

 
269,207

 
482,585

 
274,036

Denominator for dilutive earnings per common share - adjusted weighted-average shares
31,266,424

 
30,697,298

 
31,199,973

 
30,639,494

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
0.89

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.27

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.88

 
$
0.93

 
$
2.93

 
$
2.25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share
993,066

 
1,758,307

 
1,076,932

 
2,031,095

 
9. Segment Information

We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding products that are aggregated into four product segments. The product segments are: (1) Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution ("Exclusive Annuity"), (2) Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution ("Independent Annuity"), (3) Traditional and Universal Life Insurance and (4) Variable. We also have various support operations and corporate capital that are aggregated into a Corporate and Other segment.

We analyze our segment results based on pre-tax operating income (loss). Accordingly, income taxes are not allocated to the segments. In addition, operating results are reported net of transactions between the segments. Operating income (loss) for the 2011 and 2010 periods represents net income excluding, as applicable, the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and changes in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives.

We use operating income (loss), in addition to net income, to measure our performance since realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives can fluctuate greatly from quarter to quarter. These fluctuations make it difficult to analyze core operating trends. In addition, for derivatives not designated as hedges, there is a mismatch between the valuation of the asset and liability when deriving net income. Specifically, call options relating to our index business are one or two-year assets while the embedded derivative in the index contracts represents the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the index annuities are expected to be in force. For our other embedded derivatives and interest rate swaps, the derivatives are marked to market, but the associated insurance liabilities are not marked to market. A view of our operating performance without the impact of these mismatches and nonrecurring items enhances the analysis of our results. We use operating income for goal setting, determining short-term incentive compensation

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and evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by many in the investment community.
Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution
$
46,240

 
$
42,832

 
$
137,304

 
$
126,013

Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution
125,300

 
114,099

 
376,274

 
343,523

Traditional and Universal Life Insurance
87,853

 
83,405

 
266,985

 
254,727

Variable
18,005

 
16,597

 
53,173

 
50,735

Corporate and Other
6,883

 
4,084

 
19,625

 
14,048

 
284,281

 
261,017

 
853,361

 
789,046

Realized gains (losses) on investments (A)
11,582

 
5,082

 
5,581

 
(3,108
)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (A)
(96,620
)
 
31,454

 
(100,177
)
 
(21,113
)
Consolidated revenues
$
199,243

 
$
297,553

 
$
758,765

 
$
764,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution
$
15,688

 
$
15,612

 
$
46,495

 
$
39,320

Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution
15,406

 
11,646

 
49,112

 
31,203

Traditional and Universal Life Insurance
11,648

 
12,366

 
45,167

 
43,015

Variable
(319
)
 
8,835

 
6,314

 
10,222

Corporate and Other
(5,624
)
 
(2,876
)
 
(13,755
)
 
(11,350
)
 
36,799

 
45,583

 
133,333

 
112,410

Income taxes on operating income
(12,021
)
 
(15,396
)
 
(42,619
)
 
(37,474
)
Realized gains/losses on investments (A)
2,673

 
1,567

 
1,394

 
(1,804
)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (A)
115

 
(3,077
)
 
(503
)
 
(4,111
)
Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
27,566

 
$
28,677

 
$
91,605

 
$
69,021


(A)
Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.

Our investment in equity method investees, the related equity income and interest expense are attributable to the Corporate and Other segment. Expenditures for long-lived assets were not significant during the periods presented above. Goodwill at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was allocated among the segments as follows: Exclusive Annuity ($3.9 million), Traditional and Universal Life Insurance ($6.1 million) and Corporate ($1.2 million).

Premiums collected, which is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to GAAP, include premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuities and universal life-type products. Net premiums collected totaled $293.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $257.7 million for the 2010 period. Net premiums collected totaled $1,054.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $722.8 million for the 2010 period.

Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Traditional and Universal Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements.


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Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected
$
61,815

 
$
52,689

 
$
187,588

 
$
160,243

Premiums collected on interest sensitive products
(21,236
)
 
(13,481
)
 
(61,464
)
 
(39,478
)
Traditional life insurance premiums collected
40,579

 
39,208

 
126,124

 
120,765

Change in due premiums and other
(237
)
 
(487
)
 
(256
)
 
(8
)
Traditional life insurance premiums
$
40,342

 
$
38,721

 
$
125,868

 
$
120,757


There is no comparable GAAP financial measure for premiums collected on annuities and universal life-type products. GAAP revenues for those interest sensitive, indexed and variable products consist of various policy charges and fees assessed on those contracts, as summarized in the chart below.

Interest Sensitive and Index Product Charges by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administration charges
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
15

 
$
15

Surrender charges
178

 
154

 
482

 
418

Total
$
182

 
$
158

 
$
497

 
$
433

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender charges
$
3,590

 
$
5,510

 
$
14,678

 
$
18,103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional and Universal Life Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administration charges
$
2,856

 
$
2,029

 
$
8,664

 
$
6,763

Cost of insurance charges
9,613

 
8,751

 
28,022

 
25,876

Surrender charges
209

 
71

 
445

 
430

Amortization of policy initiation fees
278

 
299

 
986

 
923

Total
$
12,956

 
$
11,150

 
$
38,117

 
$
33,992

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Administration charges
$
1,510

 
$
1,730

 
$
4,824

 
$
5,291

Cost of insurance charges
7,467

 
7,437

 
22,387

 
22,237

Surrender charges
261

 
415

 
884

 
1,286

Separate account charges
2,377

 
2,090

 
6,743

 
6,340

Amortization of policy initiation fees
522

 
(119
)
 
1,105

 
1,127

Total
$
12,137

 
$
11,553

 
$
35,943

 
$
36,281

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated interest sensitive and index product charges
$
28,865

 
$
28,371

 
$
89,235

 
$
88,809



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10. Subsequent Events

On October 7, 2011, we announced our intention to exit the independent distribution business which represents a majority of EquiTrust Life's operations. As a result, we are in the process of selling EquiTrust Life and intend to undertake certain capital management initiatives.

Sale of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company

With approval from the Board of Directors on October 6, 2011, we entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with controlled affiliates of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, (Guggenheim) whereby Guggenheim will acquire all of the common stock of our subsidiary, EquiTrust Life, on or about December 30, 2011. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale price is $440.0 million in cash, plus or minus a purchase price adjustment based on the change in statutory net worth of the business sold during the period from March 31, 2011 to the closing of the transaction (interim period). The preliminary after-tax loss on the sale based on the GAAP book value on the initial valuation date of March 31, 2011, was approximately $69.0 million, or $2.25 per basic and $2.21 per diluted common share. The after-tax loss could change materially based on the difference between the change in GAAP book value during the interim period and the purchase price adjustment noted above. We estimate the one-time transaction costs and termination benefits related to the sale will total approximately $6.0 million after tax.

While EquiTrust Life is being sold in its entirety, Farm Bureau Life will reinsure a limited portion of the EquiTrust Life business related to variable universal life and variable annuity products distributed through various unaffiliated third parties, as well as a small amount of fixed life and annuity products. The business component being sold (herein described as “the EquiTrust Life Business”) encompasses the entire Traditional Annuity - Independent segment and a smaller portion of our Traditional and Universal Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments.

The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the parties, as well as post-closing indemnification obligations on our ability to solicit EquiTrust Life employees and contract with certain EquiTrust Life producers. The post-closing indemnification obligations may be triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. Certain of these obligations are subject to various time limitations and monetary thresholds and caps. EquiTrust Life will retain all of its contingent liabilities after the sale.

The following tables provide condensed financial information of the EquiTrust Life Business, which is expected to be reported as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011:
Condensed Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
Total investments
$
7,428,528

 
$
7,216,400

Deferred policy acquisition costs
258,684

 
357,665

Deferred sales inducements
175,064

 
248,589

Other assets
172,486

 
122,804

Assets held in separate accounts
64,530

 
77,464

Assets of EquiTrust Life Business
$
8,099,292

 
$
8,022,922

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Policy liabilities and accruals
$
7,377,514

 
$
7,333,327

Other liabilities
53,009

 
86,443

Liabilities related to separate accounts
64,530

 
77,464

Liabilities of EquiTrust Life Business
$
7,495,053

 
$
7,497,234

 
 
 
 


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Condensed Statement of Pre-Tax Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues
$
43,905

 
$
152,080

 
$
287,612

 
$
322,584

Benefits and expenses (1)
23,439

 
140,414

 
233,963

 
294,205

Interest expense allocation (2)
3,328

 
3,722

 
10,527

 
11,166

Equity income, pre-tax
9

 
668

 
1,571

 
2,281

Pre-tax income of EquiTrust Life Business
$
17,147

 
$
8,612

 
$
44,693

 
$
19,494


(1) Includes transaction costs incurred by the parent company and reported in the Corporate and Other segment totaling $2.2 million for the three-months ended September 30, 2011 and $4.2 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2011. Expenses are reduced by approximately $0.9 million in the three-month periods and $2.7 million in the nine-month periods for corporate overhead we estimate will be absorbed by the Company after the sale.

(2) As described below, the sale of EquiTrust Life requires us to redeem a majority of our senior notes, therefore the related interest expense is allocated to the EquiTrust Life Business.

Capital Management Actions

Upon the closing of the EquiTrust Life sale, we plan to redeem, in accordance with mandatory redemption provisions of the underlying notes, a portion of our long-term debt. In addition, we have announced a stock repurchase plan.

Senior Notes Redemption

We plan to redeem $50.0 million of our $100.0 million 6.10% Senior Notes with affiliates due 2015 on the closing date from affiliate Farm Bureau Property & Casualty. Following this redemption, $50.0 million of these Senior Notes will remain, with $25.0 million held by Farm Bureau Property & Casualty and $25.0 million held by an investment affiliate of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The note holders have waived the mandatory redemption provision with respect to $50.0 million of these notes that would be triggered by the EquiTrust Life sale.

We also plan to redeem $175.0 million of public debt, comprised of $75.0 million of 5.85% Senior Notes due 2014 and $100.0 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2017, in accordance with the terms of the notes. These notes are expected to be redeemed on or about January 30, 2012, at the make-whole redemption price. The estimated make-whole premium to redeem both series of notes based on recent U.S. Treasury yields is approximately $31.7 million, however the actual premium may be materially different as the calculations depend on the applicable U.S. Treasury yields on the third business day before the redemption date.

Stock Repurchase

On October 6, 2011, the Board of Directors also approved a plan to repurchase up to $200.0 million of Class A common stock beginning in November 2011. The repurchase plan authorizes us to make repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and terms of the purchases to be determined by management based on market conditions. Completion of the program is dependent on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact timing of any repurchases or the number of shares, if any, that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This section includes a summary of FBL Financial Group, Inc.'s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and where appropriate, factors that management believes may affect future performance. Unless noted otherwise, all references to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) include all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including its primary life insurance subsidiaries, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life) and EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (EquiTrust Life) (collectively, the Life Companies). Please read this discussion in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. In addition, we encourage you to refer to our 2010 Form 10-K for a complete description of our significant accounting policies and estimates. Familiarity with this information is important in understanding our financial position and results of operations.

This Form 10-Q includes statements relating to anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new products, and similar matters. These statements and others, which include words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend" and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A variety of factors could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. See Part 1A, Risk Factors, of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business.

Impact of Recent Business Environment
 
The U.S. economy grew modestly during the third quarter 2011, as consumer and business spending has held up through the recent environment of global economic uncertainty and financial market volatility. Expectations for growth in the near-term will likely remain constrained by these factors. Beyond 2011, economic performance will depend on how U.S. policymakers address domestic debt issues and spending policies and how Eurozone authorities execute their proposed resolution to the region’s debt crisis. While overall economic growth has been moderate, the U.S. agricultural sub-sector of the economy has been strong with high farm commodity prices and real estate values.
Our business generally benefits from moderate to strong economic expansion. Conversely, slow economic growth or recession characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower consumer spending, muted corporate earnings growth and lower business investment could adversely impact the demand for our products in the future. We also may experience a higher incidence of claims, lapses or surrenders of policies. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Weak global economic news and investor aversion to risky assets led to sharp declines in U.S. Treasury yields during the third quarter of 2011. Yields declined with the movement in Treasury securities, but the yield curve remained fairly steep, with low short-term interest rates, making our annuity products competitive relative to bank-issued certificates of deposit. Strong liquidity and favorable corporate profitability continue to support fundamental credit quality, but corporate credit spreads widened to their highest levels for the year as investors adjusted to the rapid decline in U.S. Treasury yields. In the securitized markets, yields for asset-backed securities generally declined given continued strong investor demand amidst improving consumer fundamentals. Yields for residential mortgage-backed securities are no longer as attractive, and yields on commercial mortgage-backed securities continue to decline.
The fair value of our investment portfolio fluctuated during the third quarter of 2011 with the fluctuation in market yields. Additionally, certain sectors remain somewhat dislocated, making it difficult to value some securities. As a result, certain valuations require greater estimation and judgment, as well as valuation methods that are more complex. These values may not ultimately be realizable in a market transaction, and such values may change rapidly as market conditions change and valuation assumptions are modified. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for details on the nature of our net unrealized gain position and Note 4 for discussion of our valuation methods.
Declines in U.S. Treasury rates may contribute to surrender activity within the EquiTrust Life independent channel, which offers fixed annuity products with a market value adjustment (MVA) feature based on U.S. Treasury rates. This feature provides us interest rate protection when U.S. Treasury interest rates are greater than the rates in effect when a contract is issued and provides a benefit to contract holders when U.S. Treasury interest rates are less than the rates in effect when a contract is issued. The sharp decline in U.S. Treasury rates during the third quarter of 2011, increased the market value adjustment for surrenders occurring during the period, and resulted in a modest increase in surrender volume. We encourage you to refer to our 2010 Form 10-K for further discussion of the potential impact of a low interest environment and how we manage risk in such an environment.

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Sale of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company and Capital Management Actions

We recently announced our intention to exit the independent distribution business which represents a majority of EquiTrust Life's operations. As a result, we are in the process of selling EquiTrust Life Insurance Company and intend to undertake certain capital management initiatives.

On October 6, 2011, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with controlled affiliates of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, (Guggenheim) whereby Guggenheim will acquire all of the common stock of EquiTrust Life on or about December 30, 2011. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale price is $440.0 million in cash, plus or minus a purchase price adjustment based on the change in statutory net worth of the business sold during the period from March 31, 2011 to the closing of the transaction. The preliminary after-tax loss based on the GAAP book value on the initial valuation date of March 31, 2011, was approximately $69.0 million, or $2.25 per basic and $2.21 per diluted common share. This loss could change materially based on the difference between the change in GAAP book value during the interim period and the purchase price adjustment noted above. We estimate the one-time transaction costs and termination benefits related to the sale will total approximately $6.0 million after tax.

While EquiTrust Life is being sold in its entirety, Farm Bureau Life will reinsure a limited portion of the EquiTrust Life business related to variable universal life and variable annuity products distributed through various unaffiliated third parties, as well as a small amount of fixed life and annuity products. The business component being sold (herein described as “the EquiTrust Life Business”) encompasses the entire Traditional Annuity - Independent segment and a smaller portion of our Traditional and Universal Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments. The EquiTrust Life Business is expected to be reported as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011. See Note 10, "Subsequent Events," to our consolidated financial statements, for the impact of the EquiTrust Life Business on our consolidated financial statements, and the "Segment Information" section that follows for the impact by segment.

Upon the closing of the EquiTrust Life sale, we plan to redeem, in accordance with mandatory redemption provisions of the underlying notes, $225.0 million of our long-term debt. In addition, we have announced a $200.0 million stock repurchase plan which we expect to begin in November 2011.

Recently Adopted Accounting Changes

See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements that have been implemented during 2011 and those that have been issued and will be implemented in the future, including a material change to the accounting for deferred acquisition costs effective January 1, 2012.

Results of Operations for the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
$
199,243

 
$
297,553

 
$
758,765

 
$
764,825

Benefits and expenses
157,756

 
257,327

 
626,456

 
668,144

 
41,487

 
40,226

 
132,309

 
96,681

Income taxes
(14,159
)
 
(13,530
)
 
(42,766
)
 
(31,996
)
Equity income
237

 
1,955

 
2,041

 
4,257

Net income
27,565

 
28,651

 
91,584

 
68,942

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
1

 
26

 
21

 
79

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
27,566

 
$
28,677

 
$
91,605

 
$
69,021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
0.89

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.27

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.88

 
$
0.93

 
$
2.93

 
$
2.25



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September 30, 2011

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct premiums collected, net of reinsurance
$
292,959

 
$
257,718

 
$
1,054,263

 
$
722,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct life insurance in force, end of quarter (in millions)
 
 
 
 
49,673

 
47,627

Life insurance lapse rates
 
 
 
 
6.9
%
 
6.5
%
Withdrawal rates - individual traditional annuity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exclusive Distribution
 
 
 
 
4.7
%
 
5.1
%
Independent Distribution
 
 
 
 
9.8
%
 
7.6
%

Premiums collected represents cash premiums received on life insurance policies and deposits on annuity and universal life-type products. Premiums collected is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). See Note 9, "Segmentation Information," to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our premiums collected, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and, as applicable, a reconciliation to such GAAP measures. We use premiums collected to measure the productivity of our exclusive and independent agents, as further discussed in the "Segment Information" section that follows.

The lapse rate and exclusive distribution withdrawal rate changed in 2011 due to normal fluctuations in the business and remain within our expected levels. The withdrawal rate for the independent distribution channel increased in 2011 due to a number of five-year guaranteed rate fixed annuity products that began reaching the end of their term, as discussed in the "Segment Information - Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution Segment" section that follows, and the impact of a decline in U.S. Treasury Rates as discussed in the "Impact of Recent Business Environment" section above.

Net Income Attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (FBL Net Income) decreased 3.9% to $27.6 million for the third quarter of 2011 and increased 32.8% to $91.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As discussed in detail below, the decrease for the quarter was primarily attributable to the impact of market performance on our variable product profitability, increased mortality experience and reductions in equity income and investment fee income. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of operating income adjustments described below and increases in spreads earned and the volume of business in force. The improvement for the nine month period was primarily due to increases in spreads earned and the volume of business in force, and the impacts of refinements to actuarial estimates and operating income adjustments, partially offset by higher death benefits.

The increases in volume of business in force is quantified by summarizing the face amount of insurance in force for traditional life products or account values of contracts in force for interest sensitive products. The face amount of life insurance in force represents the gross death benefit payable to policyholders and account value represents the value of the contract to the contract holder before application of surrender charges or reduction for any policy loans outstanding. The following discussion provides additional details on the items impacting FBL Net Income.

Spreads Earned on our Universal Life and Individual Annuity Products
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
6.15
%
 
6.14
%
Weighted average interest crediting rate/index cost
3.45
%
 
3.69
%
Spread
2.70
%
 
2.45
%

The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets represents the yield on cash and investments backing the universal life and individual traditional annuity products net of investment expenses. The yield also includes losses relating to our interest rate swap program for certain individual traditional annuities. With respect to our index annuities, index costs represent the expenses we incur to fund the annual index credits through the purchase of options and minimum guaranteed interest credited

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September 30, 2011

on the index business. The weighted average crediting rate/index cost and spread are computed excluding the impact of the amortization of deferred sales inducements. See the "Segment Information" section that follows for a discussion of our spreads.

Impact of Unlocking
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
$
2,830

 
$
3,237

 
$
3,344

 
$
4,518

Amortization of deferred sales inducements
(373
)
 
1,353

 
185

 
1,568

Amortization of unearned revenue reserve
(172
)
 
(231
)
 
(193
)
 
(220
)
Increase to pre-tax income
$
2,285

 
$
4,359

 
$
3,336

 
$
5,866

Impact per basic common share, net of tax
$
0.05

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.13

Impact per diluted common share, net of tax
$
0.05

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.12


We periodically revise key assumptions used in the calculation of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of insurance in force acquired and unearned revenue reserve for participating life insurance, variable and interest sensitive and index products, as applicable, through an “unlocking” process. Revisions are made based on historical results and our best estimate of future experience. The impact of unlocking is recorded in the current period as an increase or decrease to amortization of the respective balances. While the unlocking process can take place at any time, as needs dictate, the process typically takes place annually with different blocks of business unlocked each quarter. The impact in 2011 and 2010 was primarily due to updating the amortization models for assumptions relating to withdrawal rates, earned spreads, mortality and the current volume of business in force. See the "Segment Information" section that follows for additional discussion of our unlocking adjustments.

Nonrecurring Gains from Refinements to Estimates

During the second quarter of 2011, refinements were made to the methods and assumptions used to calculate the amortization of value of insurance in force and deferred acquisition costs. Refinements were also made to the calculation of reserves for certain traditional life insurance contracts during the second quarter of 2010. These refinements, along with associated adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and taxes, resulted in an increase to 2011 net income of $8.1 million ($0.26 per basic and diluted common share) and an increase to 2010 net income of $3.0 million ($0.10 per basic and diluted common share).

Impact of Operating Adjustments on FBL Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains/losses on investments
$
11,585

 
$
5,099

 
$
5,574

 
$
(3,101
)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives
(8,230
)
 
(25,144
)
 
(13,452
)
 
(45,165
)
Change in amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
595

 
9,685

 
6,039

 
21,910

Deferred sales inducements
358

 
8,035

 
3,244

 
17,262

Value of insurance in force acquired
(16
)
 
19

 
(40
)
 

Unearned revenue reserve
(3
)
 
(17
)
 
7

 
(7
)
Income tax offset
(1,501
)
 
813

 
(481
)
 
3,186

Net impact of operating income adjustments
$
2,788

 
$
(1,510
)
 
$
891

 
$
(5,915
)

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September 30, 2011

Summary of adjustments noted above after offsets and income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains/losses on investments
$
2,673

 
$
1,567

 
$
1,394

 
$
(1,804
)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives
115

 
(3,077
)
 
(503
)
 
(4,111
)
Net impact of operating income adjustments
$
2,788

 
$
(1,510
)
 
$
891

 
$
(5,915
)
Net impact per share - basic and assuming dilution
$
0.09

 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
0.03

 
$
(0.19
)

As noted in the "Segment Information" section that follows, we use both net income and operating income to measure our operating results. Operating income for the periods covered by this report equals net income, excluding the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. Our rationale for excluding these items from operating income is explained in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements.

Changes in FBL Net Income
 
 
 
 
Period ended
 
September 30, 2011
 
Three months
 
Nine months
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Premiums and product charges
$
2,115

 
$
5,537

Net investment income
5,279

 
22,093

Derivative income
(113,484
)
 
(45,688
)
Realized gains/losses on investments
6,486

 
8,675

Other income and other expenses
(1,236
)
 
(2,302
)
Interest sensitive and index products benefits and change in value of index product embedded derivatives
118,032

 
60,527

Traditional life insurance policy benefits
(272
)
 
(5,663
)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
(16,447
)
 
(8,834
)
Interest expense
788

 
1,283

Income taxes
(629
)
 
(10,770
)
Noncontrolling interest and equity income
(1,743
)
 
(2,274
)
Total change in FBL Net Income
$
(1,111
)
 
$
22,584


A detailed discussion of changes in FBL Net Income follows.

Premiums and Product Charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Premiums and product charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index product charges
$
28,865

 
$
28,371

 
$
89,235

 
$
88,809

Traditional life insurance premiums
40,342

 
38,721

 
125,868

 
120,757

Total
$
69,207

 
$
67,092

 
$
215,103

 
$
209,566


Premiums and product charges increased 3.2% to $69.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 2.6% to $215.1 million for the nine-month period primarily due to the impact of an increase in the volume of traditional life business in force. The increase in the business in force was primarily attributable to sales of traditional life products by our Farm Bureau Life agency force exceeding the loss of in force amounts through deaths, lapses and surrenders. Our average aggregate traditional life insurance in force, net of reinsurance, totaled $27,206.9 million for the nine-month period in 2011 and $25,636.4 million for the 2010 period. The change in life insurance in force is not proportional to the change in premium income due to a shift in the composition of our traditional life block of business from whole life policies to term policies. The premium for a term policy per $1,000 face amount is less than that for a whole life policy.

Interest sensitive and index product charges increased for the 2011 periods primarily due to increased cost of insurance charges due to the growth and aging of universal life insurance business in force. This impact was largely offset by a reduction in surrender charges on our direct EquiTrust Life independent distribution business and the closed block of assumed business. The

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impact of surrender charges was somewhat offset by an increase in the amount paid to contract holders upon surrender due to the impact of U.S. Treasury rates on the MVA feature, which is also recorded as a component of interest sensitive and index product charges as discussed in the "Impact of Recent Business Environment" section above.

Impact of EquiTrust Life Direct Annuity Surrenders on Interest Sensitive and Index Product Charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross surrender charges
$
10,866

 
$
12,422

 
$
25,694

 
$
25,941

Market value adjustments
(8,449
)
 
(8,371
)
 
(14,391
)
 
(12,267
)
Net impact of surrenders
$
2,417

 
$
4,051

 
$
11,303

 
$
13,674

 
Net Investment Income

Net investment income, which excludes investment income on separate account assets relating to variable products, increased 2.9% to $187.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 4.1% to $562.1 million for the nine-month period. The increases are primarily due to an increase in average invested assets compared with the prior period, partially offset by lower investment yields. Average invested assets in the nine-month period of 2011 increased 5.3% to $12,979.1 million (based on securities at amortized cost) from $12,326.4 million in the 2010 period, principally due to positive cash flows from operating and financing activities which included the issuance of funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) totaling $418.0 million during 2010 and 2011. The annualized yield earned on average invested assets decreased to 5.97% in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 6.02% in the 2010 period. The decrease in yields earned is primarily due to lower investment yields on new acquisitions compared to our yields on investments maturing or being paid down as discussed in the "Financial Condition" section below. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in fee income from bond calls, tender offers and mortgage loan prepayments and the change of net discount accretion on mortgage and asset-backed securities resulting from changing prepayment speed assumptions. Investment fee income totaled $6.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $1.6 million in the 2010 period. Net investment income also includes $1.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.8 million in the 2010 period representing the change of net discount accretion on mortgage and asset-backed securities.

Derivative Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of derivative income (loss) from call options:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains received at expiration
$
44,109

 
$
31,003

 
$
124,197

 
$
95,596

Change in the difference between fair value and remaining option cost at beginning and end of period
(95,448
)
 
29,149

 
(99,688
)
 
(23,686
)
Cost of money for call options
(20,490
)
 
(21,191
)
 
(61,564
)
 
(64,482
)
 
(71,829
)
 
38,961

 
(37,055
)
 
7,428

Other
(1,829
)
 
865

 
(756
)
 
449

Total
$
(73,658
)
 
$
39,826

 
$
(37,811
)
 
$
7,877


Gains received at expiration increased in 2011 as a result of increases in the S&P 500 Index® (upon which the majority of our options are based). These gains are used to fund index credits on index annuities, which also increased in 2011, as discussed below under "Interest Sensitive and Index Product Benefits." The impact on derivative income (loss) from the change in the difference between fair value and remaining option cost at beginning and end of period is primarily due to the impact of gains received at expiration and the change in the S&P 500 Index compared to the strike price of the outstanding options.

The cost of money for call options decreased primarily due to a decrease in the cost of hedging programs on our direct and assumed business, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the volume of business in force. The average aggregate

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account value of index annuities in force totaled $4,200.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $4,081.5 million for the 2010 period.

Other derivative income primarily includes the embedded derivatives in a collateralized debt obligation and modified coinsurance agreements. Derivative income (loss) will fluctuate based on market conditions. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details on our derivatives.

Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains on sales
$
13,183

 
$
6,532

 
$
26,444

 
$
13,792

Realized losses on sales
(76
)
 

 
(2,076
)
 
(344
)
Total other-than-temporary impairment charges
(1,226
)
 
(370
)
 
(32,317
)
 
(58,880
)
Net realized investment losses
11,881

 
6,162

 
(7,949
)
 
(45,432
)
Non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income
(296
)
 
(1,063
)
 
13,523

 
42,331

Total reported in statements of operations
$
11,585

 
$
5,099

 
$
5,574

 
$
(3,101
)

The level of realized gains (losses) is subject to fluctuation from period to period depending on the prevailing interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments. See "Financial Condition - Investments" for details regarding our unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Investment Credit Impairment Losses Recognized in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities:
 
 
 
Manufacturing
$
4,000

 
$

Finance
4,665

 
3,472

Residential mortgage-backed
4,110

 
2,309

Commercial mortgage-backed
2,611

 
120

Other asset-backed
2,201

 
8,967

State, municipal and other government
136

 

Collateralized debt obligations

 
101

Mortgage loans
52

 
1,295

Real estate and other assets
1,019

 
285

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in net income
$
18,794

 
$
16,549


Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit impairment losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, were incurred within several industry sectors. The manufacturing sector loss relates to a company undergoing a restructuring which is not being executed as timely as expected, causing uncertainty as to the recoverability of the loss. The finance sector loss relates to an Irish financial institution undergoing financial difficulty. Losses were also incurred within our residential, commercial and other asset-backed securities, generally due to concerns over potential defaults and weakness in underlying collateral values. Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit impairment losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were incurred within our other asset-backed, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, generally due to concerns over potential defaults and weakness in underlying collateral values. Financial sector other-than-temporary impairment losses were caused by deferred interest coupons on hybrid financial instruments which likely will not be recovered. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding our process for identifying other-than-temporary impairment losses.

Other Income and Other Expenses

Other income and other expenses primarily include revenues and expenses relating to our non-insurance operations. Our non-

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insurance operations include management, advisory, marketing and distribution services and leasing activities. Fluctuations in these financial statement line items are generally attributable to fluctuations in the level of these services provided during the periods. In 2011, other expenses included costs associated with the sale of EquiTrust Life discussed in Note 10, "Subsequent Events," of $2.2 million for the quarter and $4.2 million for the nine-month period. In the third quarter of 2011, other income includes $1.5 million in proceeds received from the merger of the EquiTrust Mutual Funds with funds sponsored by a third party. Merger-related expenses included in other expenses, totaled $0.4 million for the third quarter and $1.1 million for the nine-month period of 2011. Other income for the nine-month period of 2011 also includes a $1.0 million cash settlement for our share of damages awarded upon settlement of litigation involving an agency matter.

Interest Sensitive and Index Product Benefits and Change in Value of Index Product Embedded Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest sensitive and index product benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest credited
$
79,308

 
$
78,820

 
$
235,780

 
$
230,562

Index credits
40,427

 
29,933

 
116,350

 
98,398

Amortization of deferred sales inducements
9,732

 
398

 
25,642

 
9,132

Interest sensitive death benefits
14,771

 
8,131

 
40,398

 
29,828

 
144,238

 
117,282

 
418,170

 
367,920

Change in value of index product embedded derivatives
(88,390
)
 
56,598

 
(86,725
)
 
24,052

Total
$
55,848

 
$
173,880

 
$
331,445

 
$
391,972


Interest sensitive and index product benefits and change in value of index product embedded derivatives decreased 67.9% to $55.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 15.4% to $331.4 million for the nine-month period. These decreases were primarily due to the impact of the change in value of index product embedded derivatives and reductions in interest crediting rates/index costs, partially offset by increases in index credits, amortization of deferred sales inducements, death benefits and the volume of business in force. Interest sensitive and index product benefits tend to fluctuate from period to period primarily as a result of changes in mortality experience and the impact of changes in the equity markets on index credits, amortization of deferred sales inducements and the value of the embedded derivatives in our index annuities.

The average account value of interest sensitive and index products in force increased to $10,025.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $9,798.3 million for the 2010 period. The increase in business in force is primarily due to direct sales of traditional deferred and index annuity sales and advances on our funding agreements with the FHLB, partially offset by decreases in our coinsured business assumed. The weighted average interest crediting rate/index cost, excluding the impact of the amortization of deferred sales inducements, was 3.45% for the nine-month period in 2011 and 3.69% for the 2010 period. See the "Segment Information" section that follows for additional discussion on these rates.

As discussed above under "Derivative Income," the change in the amount of index credits was impacted by the amount of appreciation/depreciation in the underlying market indices on which our options are based and the volume of index annuities in force. The change in the value of the embedded derivatives was impacted by the change in expected index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, which was related to the change in the fair value of the options acquired to fund these index credits. The value of the embedded derivatives was also impacted by the timing of the posting of index credits and changes in reserve discount rates and assumptions used in estimating future call option costs.

The changes in the amortization of deferred sales inducements in 2011 were primarily due to the impact of changes in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives as described above in the "Impact of Operating Adjustments on FBL Net Income." Interest Sensitive death benefits increased primarily due to a higher number of universal life and variable universal life claims in the 2011 periods.


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Traditional Life Insurance Policy Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Traditional life insurance policy benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Death and surrender benefits
$
25,074

 
$
24,451

 
$
78,149

 
$
74,205

Increase in traditional life future policy benefits
10,524

 
10,791

 
31,764

 
29,557

Policyholder dividends
4,109

 
4,193

 
12,765

 
13,253

Total
$
39,707

 
$
39,435

 
$
122,678

 
$
117,015


Traditional life insurance policy benefits increased 0.7% to $39.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 4.8% to $122.7 million for the nine-month period. The increase for the nine-month period was primarily due to refinements to reserve estimates in 2010, partially offset by an increase in traditional death benefits. During the second quarter of 2010, we refined the calculation of traditional life reserve estimates resulting in a $5.7 million decrease to traditional life future policy benefits.
Traditional death benefits, net of reserves released, totaled $10.2 million for the third quarter and $30.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $9.8 million for the third quarter and $29.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The amount of reserves released relative to face value varies by product type, age of insured and length of time the policy had been in force. Traditional life insurance benefits can fluctuate from period to period primarily as a result of changes in mortality experience. The change in traditional life future policy benefits may not be proportional to the change in traditional premiums and benefits as reserves on term policies are generally less than reserves on whole life policies.

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commission expense, net of deferrals
$
3,248

 
$
3,397

 
$
11,575

 
$
10,447

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
26,548

 
10,350

 
71,766

 
58,299

Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired
1,421

 
387

 
(4,367
)
 
1,551

Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals
18,833

 
19,469

 
57,064

 
56,907

Total
$
50,050

 
$
33,603

 
$
136,038

 
$
127,204


Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses increased 48.9% to $50.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 6.9% to $136.0 million in the nine-month period. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased primarily due to the impact of operating adjustments as detailed under "Impact of Operating Adjustments to FBL Net Income." In addition, the impact of market performance on our variable products increased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $5.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to a decrease of $2.0 million in the 2010 period. For the nine-month period of 2011, the impact of refinements to methods and assumptions in our valuation models decreased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $5.4 million and amortization of value of insurance in force acquired $6.9 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased 12.9% to $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 7.0% to $17.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decreases are due to refinancing our $100.0 million 9.25% Senior Notes payable to affiliates with $100.0 million 6.10% Senior Notes payable to the same affiliates in May 2011. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on the debt refinancing.

Income Taxes

Income taxes totaled $14.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $42.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $13.5 million in the third quarter of 2010 and $32.0 million for the nine-month period. The effective tax rate was 34.1% for the third quarter of 2011 and 33.6% for the 2010 period. The effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory

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rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of tax-exempt interest and tax-exempt dividend income.

Equity Income, Net of Related Income Taxes

Equity income, net of related income taxes, totaled $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2011 and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $2.0 million for third quarter of 2010 and $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Equity income includes our proportionate share of gains and losses attributable to our ownership interest in partnerships, joint ventures and certain companies where we exhibit some control but have a minority ownership interest. Given the timing of availability of financial information from our equity investees, we will consistently use information that is as much as three months in arrears for certain of these entities. Several of these entities are investment companies whose operating results are derived primarily from unrealized and realized gains and losses generated by their investment portfolios. As is normal with these types of entities, the level of these gains and losses is subject to fluctuation from period to period depending on the prevailing economic environment, changes in prices of fixed maturity and equity securities held by the investment partnerships, timing and success of initial public offerings and other exit strategies, and the timing of the sale of investments held by the partnerships and joint ventures. Several other entities invest primarily in low income housing and are expected to have operating losses that will be more than offset with an economic benefit provided through tax credits.

Segment Information

We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding products that are aggregated into four product segments. The product segments are: (1) Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution ("Exclusive Annuity"), (2) Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution ("Independent Annuity"), (3) Traditional and Universal Life Insurance and (4) Variable. We also have various support operations and corporate capital that are aggregated into a Corporate and Other segment.

We analyze our segment results based on pre-tax operating income (loss). Accordingly, income taxes are not allocated to the segments. In addition, operating results are generally reported net of any transactions between the segments. Operating income (loss) for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 represents net income excluding the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and changes in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives.

The impact of realized gains and losses on investments and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives also includes adjustments for taxes and that portion of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, unearned revenue reserve and value of insurance in force acquired attributable to such gains or losses. Our rationale for using operating income (loss), in addition to net income, to measure our performance is summarized in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Pre-tax Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
27,566

 
$
28,677

 
$
91,605

 
$
69,021

Net impact of operating income adjustments (1)
(2,788
)
 
1,510

 
(891
)
 
5,915

Income taxes on operating income
12,021

 
15,396

 
42,619

 
37,474

Pre-tax operating income
$
36,799

 
$
45,583

 
$
133,333

 
$
112,410

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax operating income (loss) by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution
$
15,688

 
$
15,612

 
$
46,495

 
$
39,320

Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution
15,406

 
11,646

 
49,112

 
31,203

Traditional and Universal Life Insurance
11,648

 
12,366

 
45,167

 
43,015

Variable
(319
)
 
8,835

 
6,314

 
10,222

Corporate and Other
(5,624
)
 
(2,876
)
 
(13,755
)
 
(11,350
)
 
$
36,799

 
$
45,583

 
$
133,333

 
$
112,410

(1)
See "Net Income Attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc." above for additional details on our operating income adjustments.

The amounts disclosed within this Segment Information section do not reflect the impact of the EquiTrust Life sale. The impact of the EquiTrust Life Business on our segments, which will be reported as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth

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quarter of 2011, is summarized below.

Pre-tax Operating Income of EquiTrust Life Business
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating income (loss) by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution
$
15,406

 
$
11,646

 
$
49,112

 
$
31,203

Traditional and Universal Life Insurance
211

 
183

 
1,254

 
139

Corporate and Other (1)
(3,256
)
 
(1,416
)
 
(7,034
)
 
(3,432
)
Total
$
12,361

 
$
10,413

 
$
43,332

 
$
27,910


(1) Includes investment income on excess capital related to EquiTrust Life Business, interest expense on our debt required to be redeemed and transaction costs incurred by the parent company. In addition, expenses were reduced for corporate overhead expected to be absorbed by the Company after the sale, a portion of which was previously allocated to the Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution segment.

A discussion of our consolidated operating results, by segment, follows:

Traditional Annuity - Exclusive Distribution Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index product charges and other income
$
182

 
$
159

 
$
498

 
$
441

Net investment income
46,098

 
43,341

 
137,809

 
127,300

Derivative loss
(40
)
 
(668
)
 
(1,003
)
 
(1,728
)
 
46,240

 
42,832

 
137,304

 
126,013

Benefits and expenses
30,552

 
27,220

 
90,809

 
86,693

Pre-tax operating income
$
15,688

 
$
15,612

 
$
46,495

 
$
39,320

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity premiums collected, direct
$
75,235

 
$
76,161

 
$
299,494

 
$
236,836

Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
 
 
 
 
3,159,076

 
2,887,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual annuity spread:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
 
 
 
 
6.26
%
 
6.30
%
Weighted average interest crediting rate/index costs
 
 
 
 
3.38
%
 
3.67
%
Spread
 
 
 
 
2.88
%
 
2.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual annuity withdrawal rate
 
 
 
 
4.7
%
 
5.1
%

Pre-tax operating income for the Exclusive Annuity segment increased 0.5% in the third quarter of 2011 to $15.7 million and increased 18.2% to $46.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to increases in spreads earned and the volume of business in force, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the value of insurance in force. The average aggregate account value for annuity contracts in force increased to $2,113.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $1,918.8 million for the 2010 period due to sales by our exclusive agents and advances on our funding agreement with the FHLB totaling $222.0 million.

Benefits and expenses increased in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to an increase in the volume of business in force and increases in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the value of insurance

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business in force. Amortization of these items increased $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $3.4 million in the nine month period primarily due to changes in earned spreads and expected profits on the underlying business.
Premiums collected decreased 1.2% in the third quarter of 2011 and increased 26.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The amount of traditional annuity premiums collected is highly dependent upon the relationship between the current crediting rate and perceived security of our products compared to competing products. During the third quarter of 2011, sales of certain new money products were suspended due to the extremely low interest rate environment.

The individual annuity weighted average yield on cash and invested assets decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to reinvestment rates being lower than yields on investments maturing or being paid down partially offset by an increase in income from calls, prepayment fees and net discount accretion on mortgage and asset-backed securities totaling $2.4 million. The weighted average interest crediting rate decreased due to reductions in interest crediting rates on a significant portion of our annuity portfolio during 2010.

Traditional Annuity - Independent Distribution Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive and index product charges
$
3,590

 
$
5,510

 
$
14,678

 
$
18,103

Net investment income
98,708

 
99,051

 
298,227

 
293,166

Derivative income
23,002

 
9,538

 
63,369

 
32,254

 
125,300

 
114,099

 
376,274

 
343,523

Benefits and expenses
109,894

 
102,453

 
327,162

 
312,320

Pre-tax operating income
$
15,406

 
$
11,646

 
$
49,112

 
$
31,203

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity premiums collected, independent channel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate annuities
$
10,394

 
$
16,150

 
$
64,148

 
$
58,804

Index annuities
125,627

 
90,733

 
437,789

 
182,859

Total annuity premiums collected, independent channel
136,021

 
106,883

 
501,937

 
241,663

Annuity premiums collected, assumed
398

 
373

 
1,383

 
1,054

Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
 
 
 
 
7,358,641

 
7,325,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual deferred annuity spread:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
 
 
 
 
6.06
%
 
6.04
%
Weighted average interest crediting rate/index cost
 
 
 
 
3.49
%
 
3.64
%
Spread
 
 
 
 
2.57
%
 
2.40
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual traditional annuity withdrawal rate
 
 
 
 
9.8
%
 
7.6
%

Pre-tax operating income for the Independent Annuity segment increased 32.3% in the third quarter of 2011 to $15.4 million, and increased 57.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $49.1 million. These changes are primarily due to increases in spreads earned, which includes the positive impact of hedging activities, the impact of unlocking and refinements to amortization of deferred acquisition costs, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of business in force. The average aggregate account value for annuity contracts in force totaled $7,002.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $7,011.0 million for the 2010 period.
 
The EquiTrust Life independent distribution channel experienced a hedging benefit of $7.6 million during the nine months ended September 30 2011 compared to $2.2 million for the 2010 period, as a result of proceeds from call option settlements exceeding index credits. The excess options were originally purchased to hedge index annuities which were surrendered during prior periods.
Benefits and expenses increased in the 2011 periods primarily due to increases in interest and index credits. These increases in

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index credits were primarily the result of increases in the S&P 500 Index. The impact of unlocking and refining methods and assumptions related to deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements decreased amortization $3.5 million in the current year quarter, and $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to a decrease in amortization of $3.1 million for the prior year quarter, and $4.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Beginning in May 2006 and continuing through October 2006, we sold a number of five-year guaranteed rate fixed annuity products, the majority of which came to the end of their initial term at September 30, 2011. While many of these contracts renewed at the end of their original term, withdrawal activity has increased. During the third quarter of 2011, withdrawals for this product were $95.8 million, compared with $42.3 million for the second quarter 2011, and $4.8 million for the first quarter 2011.
Premiums collected in the independent channel increased 107.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the 2010 period, reflecting our strategy of measured increases in business volume while maintaining a self-sustaining capital position. The 2011 reduction in crediting rates reflect the positive impact of hedging activities and lower call option costs. The weighted average yield increased due to prepayment fees and change in net discount accretion on mortgage and asset-backed securities totaling $3.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $1.5 million for the 2010 period.

Traditional and Universal Life Insurance Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges and other income
$
13,084

 
$
11,206

 
$
38,396

 
$
34,275

Traditional life insurance premiums
40,342

 
38,721

 
125,868

 
120,757

Net investment income
34,427

 
33,478

 
102,721

 
99,695

 
87,853

 
83,405

 
266,985

 
254,727

Benefits and expenses
76,205

 
71,039

 
221,818

 
211,712

Pre-tax operating income
$
11,648

 
$
12,366

 
$
45,167

 
$
43,015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life premiums collected, net of reinsurance
$
61,815

 
$
52,689

 
$
187,588

 
$
160,243

Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
 
 
 
 
2,196,644

 
2,100,431

Direct life insurance in force, end of period (in millions)
 
 
 
 
43,011

 
40,549

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive life insurance spread:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
 
 
 
 
6.54
%
 
6.63
%
Weighted average interest crediting rate
 
 
 
 
4.17
%
 
4.27
%
Spread
 
 
 
 
2.37
%
 
2.36
%

Pre-tax operating income for the Traditional and Universal Life Insurance segment decreased 5.8% to $11.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 and increased 5.0% to $45.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease for the quarter was primarily attributable to the impact of unlocking and increased mortality experience, partially offset by an increase in the volume of business in force. The increase for the nine-month period was primarily due to an increase in business in force and refinements to valuation estimates, partially offset by increased mortality experience and the impact of unlocking.
 
Revenues, expenses and the change in policy liabilities and accruals increased in 2011 due to an increase in business in force. Our direct traditional and universal life insurance in force increased 6.1% to $43,010.6 million at September 30, 2011, primarily due to sales by our Farm Bureau Life agency force exceeding the loss of in force amounts through deaths, lapses and surrenders.

The impact of refining methods and assumptions relating to the value of insurance in force, deferred policy acquisition costs and certain life insurance reserves decreased benefits and expenses $3.1 million for the nine-month period in 2011. The impact of unlocking increased benefits and expenses $1.9 million for both the quarter and nine-month periods. Death benefits incurred on our direct business, after the impact of reserves released, increased $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2011 and $3.7 million for the nine-month period. In addition, general expenses increased primarily due to a change in allocations between the

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segments.
The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for interest sensitive life insurance products decreased primarily due to lower yields on new acquisitions compared to those on investments maturing or being paid down, as discussed in the "Financial Condition" section below.

Variable Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
12,136

 
$
11,549

 
$
35,938

 
$
36,275

Net investment income
4,474

 
4,167

 
13,429

 
12,293

Other income
1,395

 
881

 
3,806

 
2,167

 
18,005

 
16,597

 
53,173

 
50,735

Benefits and expenses
18,324

 
7,762

 
46,859

 
40,513

Pre-tax operating income (loss)
$
(319
)
 
$
8,835

 
$
6,314

 
$
10,222

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable premiums collected, net of reinsurance
$
19,451

 
$
21,576

 
$
63,719

 
$
82,913

Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
 
 
 
 
314,005

 
281,895

Separate account assets, end of period
 
 
 
 
638,904

 
705,156

Direct life insurance in force, end of period (in millions)
 
 
 
 
6,662

 
7,078


Pre-tax operating income for the Variable segment decreased 103.6% to ($0.3) million in the third quarter of 2011 and 38.2% to $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease for the quarter was primarily due to the impact of market performance on amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and increased mortality experience. The decrease for the nine month period was primarily due to increased mortality experience, partially offset by a decrease in expenses allocated to the segment.
 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased $7.5 million in the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to the impact of market performance on the separate accounts. Death benefits in excess of related account values on variable policies increased $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. General expenses decreased $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 due to the impact of changes in allocations between segments in the second quarter of 2010.

Variable premiums tend to vary with the volatility, performance of and confidence level in the equity markets as well as crediting and interest rates on competing products, including fixed rate annuities and bank-offered certificates of deposit. We discontinued underwriting new sales of variable products during 2010 and terminated new sales with our variable alliance partners in 2010 and 2011. We continue to receive premiums from sales that occurred prior to this change. During 2010, our Farm Bureau Life distribution channel began selling variable products underwritten by a large well-known insurance company with variable product expertise. We earn fees from the sale of brokered products, which are reported as other income. A portion of these revenues are passed on to the agents as commissions for the underlying sales. The decision to discontinue underwriting variable products was made because we lacked the scale necessary to generate acceptable returns and be competitive in this product line over time. The existing in force business remains on our books and we will continue to administer this business.


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Corporate and Other Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Pre-tax operating loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
3,546

 
$
1,937

 
$
9,878

 
$
7,517

Derivative loss

 
(498
)
 

 
(1,536
)
Other income
3,337

 
2,645

 
9,747

 
8,067

 
6,883

 
4,084

 
19,625

 
14,048

Interest expense
5,311

 
6,099

 
17,051

 
18,334

Benefits and other expenses
6,797

 
3,895

 
18,725

 
13,692

 
(5,225
)
 
(5,910
)
 
(16,151
)
 
(17,978
)
Noncontrolling interest
1

 
26

 
21

 
79

Equity income, before tax
(400
)
 
3,008

 
2,375

 
6,549

Pre-tax operating loss
$
(5,624
)
 
$
(2,876
)
 
$
(13,755
)
 
$
(11,350
)

Pre-tax operating loss increased 95.5% to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 and 21.2% to $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increases in operating loss are primarily due to decreases in equity income and increases in legal and consulting expenses. These items were partially offset by increases in net investment income and reductions in derivative losses and interest expense.

Other income and other expenses primarily relate to operating results of our non-insurance subsidiaries. As discussed under "Other Income and Other Expenses" in the 2011 periods, we incurred costs associated with the planned sale of EquiTrust Life totaling $2.2 million for the quarter and $4.2 million for the nine-month period. The decreases in equity income are discussed in the "Equity Income" section above. The increases in net investment income were primarily due to the impact of being more fully invested during the 2011 periods. Derivative losses in the 2010 periods represent the net interest expense on an interest rates swap that expired in October 2010. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on this interest rate swap. The reductions in interest expense were due to refinancing our Senior Notes with affiliates as discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements.


Financial Condition

Investments

Our investment portfolio increased 5.6% to $13,803.1 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $13,069.7 million at December 31, 2010. While the portfolio increased due to positive cash flows from operating and financing activities, the primary driver of the increase was a $562.6 million increase in the fair market value of fixed maturity securities during 2011 to a net unrealized gain of $716.7 million at September 30, 2011. A decline in U.S. Treasury yields more than offset any widening in credit spreads that occurred across our fixed maturity portfolio during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011. Moderately wide credit spreads in certain sectors continue to impact our investment portfolio. Additional details regarding securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2011 are included in the discussion that follows and in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. Details regarding investment impairments are discussed above in the "Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments" section under "Results of Operations."

We manage our investment portfolio with a strategy designed to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns consistent with the investment philosophy of maintaining a largely investment grade portfolio and providing adequate liquidity for obligations to policyholders and other requirements. The Company's investment policy calls for investing almost exclusively in fixed maturity securities that are investment grade and meet our quality and yield objectives. We prefer to invest in securities with intermediate maturities because they more closely match the intermediate nature of our policy liabilities. We believe this strategy is appropriate for managing our cash flows.


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Fixed Maturity Securities Acquisitions Selected Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cost of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Corporate investment grade
 
$
790,090

 
$
446,898

Mortgage and asset-backed
 
602,861

 
422,187

United States Government and agencies
 
3,110

 

Tax-exempt municipals
 
15,333

 

Taxable municipals
 
39,112

 
198,873

Total
 
$
1,450,506

 
$
1,067,958

Effective annual yield
 
4.84
%
 
4.65
%
Credit quality
 
 
 
 
NAIC 1 designation
 
69.9
%
 
78.6
%
NAIC 2 designation
 
29.5
%
 
21.4
%
Non investment grade
 
0.6
%
 

Weighted-average life in years
 
10.8

 
11.7
The table above summarizes selected information for fixed maturity purchases. The effective annual yield shown is the yield calculated to the "worst-call date." For noncallable bonds, the worst-call date is always the maturity date. For callable bonds, the worst-call date is the call or maturity date that produces the lowest yield. The weighted-average maturity was calculated using scheduled pay-downs and expected prepayments for amortizing securities. For non-amortizing securities, the weighted-average maturity is equal to the stated maturity date.

A portion of the securities acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, were acquired with the proceeds from advances on our funding agreements with the FHLB. The securities acquired to support these funding agreements often carry a lower average yield than securities acquired to support our other insurance products, due to the relatively low interest rate paid on those advances. The average yield of the securities acquired, excluding the securities supporting these funding agreements, was 4.89% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 and 5.38% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010.

Investment Portfolio Summary 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public
$
9,605,807

 
69.6
%
 
$
8,812,951

 
67.5
%
144A private placement
1,993,366

 
14.4

 
1,771,383

 
13.6

Private placement
619,338

 
4.5

 
544,190

 
4.2

Total fixed maturity securities - available for sale
12,218,511

 
88.5

 
11,128,524

 
85.3

Equity securities
80,304

 
0.6

 
78,656

 
0.6

Mortgage loans
1,234,917

 
8.9

 
1,254,437

 
9.5

Derivative instruments
29,791

 
0.2

 
40,729

 
0.3

Real estate
11,030

 
0.1

 
13,554

 
0.1

Policy loans
171,481

 
1.2

 
170,341

 
1.3

Other long-term investments
112

 

 
132

 

Short-term investments
56,984

 
0.5

 
383,369

 
2.9

Total investments
$
13,803,130

 
100.0
%
 
$
13,069,742

 
100.0
%

As of September 30, 2011, 94.2% (based on carrying value) of the available-for-sale fixed maturity securities were investment grade debt securities, defined as being in the highest two National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) designations. Non-investment grade debt securities generally provide higher yields and involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities because their issuers typically are more highly leveraged and more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions than investment grade issuers. In addition, the trading market for these securities is usually more limited than for

48

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investment grade debt securities. We regularly review the percentage of our portfolio that is invested in non-investment grade debt securities (NAIC designations 3 through 6). As of September 30, 2011, the investment in non-investment grade debt was 5.8% of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. At that time, no single non-investment grade holding exceeded 0.2% of total investments.

Credit Quality by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
NAIC Designation
 
Equivalent Rating (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
7,897,742

 
64.6
%
 
$
6,988,040

 
62.8
%
2
 
BBB
 
3,616,780

 
29.6

 
3,444,502

 
31.0

 
 
Total investment grade
 
11,514,522

 
94.2

 
10,432,542

 
93.8

3
 
BB
 
449,985

 
3.7

 
438,497

 
3.9

4
 
B
 
159,654

 
1.3

 
164,474

 
1.5

5
 
CCC
 
68,191

 
0.6

 
65,869

 
0.6

6
 
In or near default
 
26,159

 
0.2

 
27,142

 
0.2

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
703,989

 
5.8

 
695,982

 
6.2

 
 
Total fixed maturity securities - available for sale
 
$
12,218,511

 
100.0
%
 
$
11,128,524

 
100.0
%

(1)
Equivalent ratings are generally based on those provided by nationally recognized rating agencies with some exceptions for certain residential mortgage, commercial mortgage and asset-backed securities where they are based on the expected loss of the security rather than the probability of default.
 
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date.

Military housing fixed maturity securities with characteristics similar to commercial mortgage-backed securities and an estimated fair value of $215.2 million at December 31, 2010 were reclassified within the following schedules. These securities were previously included within the state, municipal and other governments category.


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Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Internal Industry Classification
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Total Carrying Value
 
Carrying
Value of
Securities
with Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Carrying
 Value of
 Securities
with Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic industrial
$
492,976

 
$
437,772

 
$
39,991

 
$
55,204

 
$
(11,989
)
Capital goods
439,561

 
397,397

 
41,331

 
42,164

 
(7,815
)
Communications
251,562

 
223,965

 
19,844

 
27,597

 
(1,513
)
Consumer cyclical
399,430

 
338,568

 
31,542

 
60,862

 
(4,125
)
Consumer noncyclical
484,303

 
463,442

 
52,246

 
20,861

 
(583
)
Energy
721,858

 
668,781

 
71,933

 
53,077

 
(2,578
)
Finance
1,605,331

 
1,170,388

 
75,538

 
434,943

 
(69,864
)
Transportation
173,909

 
151,821

 
20,135

 
22,088

 
(797
)
Utilities
1,343,391

 
1,286,589

 
175,800

 
56,802

 
(6,759
)
Other
119,913

 
119,913

 
15,207

 

 

Total corporate securities
6,032,234

 
5,258,636

 
543,567

 
773,598

 
(106,023
)
Collateralized debt obligation
1,372

 
1,372

 

 

 

Mortgage and asset-backed securities
3,780,198

 
3,034,409

 
213,158

 
745,789

 
(127,465
)
United States Government and agencies
162,274

 
162,274

 
39,090

 

 

State, municipal and other governments
2,242,433

 
2,039,223

 
172,255

 
203,210

 
(17,834
)
Total
$
12,218,511

 
$
10,495,914

 
$
968,070

 
$
1,722,597

 
$
(251,322
)

 
December 31, 2010
 
Total Carrying Value
 
Carrying
 Value of
 Securities
 with Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Carrying
 Value of Securities
with Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic industrial
$
460,491

 
$
374,658

 
$
31,318

 
$
85,833

 
$
(8,871
)
Capital goods
329,229

 
284,160

 
23,760

 
45,069

 
(10,278
)
Communications
214,962

 
206,979

 
14,965

 
7,983

 
(182
)
Consumer cyclical
295,336

 
250,864

 
19,694

 
44,472

 
(3,192
)
Consumer noncyclical
436,122

 
404,867

 
35,918

 
31,255

 
(960
)
Energy
652,011

 
537,306

 
42,672

 
114,705

 
(6,068
)
Finance
1,550,930

 
1,054,067

 
60,322

 
496,863

 
(54,792
)
Transportation
174,969

 
167,667

 
15,223

 
7,302

 
(161
)
Utilities
1,207,759

 
1,054,920

 
92,636

 
152,839

 
(7,322
)
Other
147,390

 
122,525

 
10,982

 
24,865

 
(2,487
)
Total corporate securities
5,469,199

 
4,458,013

 
347,490

 
1,011,186

 
(94,313
)
Collateralized debt obligations
2,745

 
2,745

 

 

 

Mortgage and asset-backed securities
3,480,769

 
2,468,577

 
116,649

 
1,012,192

 
(167,660
)
United States Government and agencies
134,085

 
93,298

 
7,059

 
40,787

 
(225
)
State, municipal and other governments
2,041,726

 
904,901

 
21,121

 
1,136,825

 
(75,927
)
Total
$
11,128,524

 
$
7,927,534

 
$
492,319

 
$
3,200,990

 
$
(338,125
)


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September 30, 2011

Credit Quality of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
NAIC Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value of Securities with
 Gross Unrealized
 Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
763,026

 
44.3
%
 
$
(72,469
)
 
28.8
%
2
 
BBB
 
515,812

 
29.9

 
(43,881
)
 
17.5

 
 
Total investment grade
 
1,278,838

 
74.2

 
(116,350
)
 
46.3

3
 
BB
 
212,364

 
12.4

 
(27,946
)
 
11.1

4
 
B
 
144,295

 
8.4

 
(42,940
)
 
17.1

5
 
CCC
 
65,751

 
3.8

 
(37,320
)
 
14.8

6
 
In or near default
 
21,349

 
1.2

 
(26,766
)
 
10.7

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
443,759

 
25.8

 
(134,972
)
 
53.7

 
 
Total
 
$
1,722,597

 
100.0
%
 
$
(251,322
)
 
100.0
%

 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
NAIC Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value of Securities with
 Gross Unrealized
 Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
2,156,789

 
67.4
%
 
$
(145,143
)
 
42.9
%
2
 
BBB
 
604,127

 
18.9

 
(54,296
)
 
16.1

 
 
Total investment grade
 
2,760,916

 
86.3

 
(199,439
)
 
59.0

3
 
BB
 
210,968

 
6.6

 
(30,740
)
 
9.1

4
 
B
 
142,756

 
4.5

 
(37,971
)
 
11.2

5
 
CCC
 
59,928

 
1.9

 
(47,992
)
 
14.2

6
 
In or near default
 
26,422

 
0.7

 
(21,983
)
 
6.5

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
440,074

 
13.7

 
(138,686
)
 
41.0

 
 
Total
 
$
3,200,990

 
100.0
%
 
$
(338,125
)
 
100.0
%

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Market Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Market Value is
 75% or Greater
 than Cost
 
Market Value is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Market Value is
75% or Greater
than Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$

 
$
542,444

 
$

 
$
(18,699
)
Greater than three months to six months

 
243,174

 

 
(25,613
)
Greater than six months to nine months

 
44,140

 

 
(2,873
)
Greater than nine months to twelve months

 
65,221

 

 
(7,981
)
Greater than twelve months
291,221

 
787,719

 
(123,406
)
 
(72,750
)
Total
$
291,221

 
$
1,682,698

 
$
(123,406
)
 
$
(127,916
)


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September 30, 2011

 
December 31, 2010
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Market Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Market Value is 75% or Greater than Cost
 
Market Value is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Market Value is
75% or Greater
than Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$

 
$
1,448,149

 
$

 
$
(37,190
)
Greater than three months to six months
24,069

 
8,000

 
(979
)
 
(4,720
)
Greater than six months to nine months

 
5,544

 

 
(43
)
Greater than nine months to twelve months

 
2,987

 

 
(205
)
Greater than twelve months
295,272

 
1,755,094

 
(123,979
)
 
(171,009
)
Total
$
319,341

 
$
3,219,774

 
$
(124,958
)
 
$
(213,167
)

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Maturity Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
33,916

 
$
(663
)
 
$
94

 
$
(26
)
Due after one year through five years
105,014

 
(14,978
)
 
110,891

 
(15,476
)
Due after five years through ten years
267,332

 
(13,579
)
 
286,568

 
(21,562
)
Due after ten years
570,546

 
(94,637
)
 
1,791,245

 
(133,401
)
 
976,808

 
(123,857
)
 
2,188,798

 
(170,465
)
Mortgage and asset-backed
745,789

 
(127,465
)
 
1,012,192

 
(167,660
)
Total
$
1,722,597

 
$
(251,322
)
 
$
3,200,990

 
$
(338,125
)

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional analysis of these unrealized losses.

Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities comprised 30.9% at September 30, 2011 and 31.3% at December 31, 2010 of our total available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. These securities are purchased when we believe these types of investments provide superior risk-adjusted returns compared to returns of more conventional investments such as corporate bonds and mortgage loans. These securities are diversified as to collateral types, cash flow characteristics and maturity.

Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities by Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Amortized Cost
 
Par Value
 
Carrying
 Value
 
Percent of Fixed Maturity Securities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sequential
$
1,241,565

 
$
1,255,187

 
$
1,281,164

 
10.5
%
Pass-through
208,180

 
202,274

 
220,093

 
1.8

Planned and targeted amortization class
493,754

 
503,756

 
520,097

 
4.2

Other
32,607

 
32,691

 
32,950

 
0.3

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
1,976,106

 
1,993,908

 
2,054,304

 
16.8

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1,115,379

 
1,132,253

 
1,166,801

 
9.5

Other asset-backed securities
603,020

 
704,420

 
559,093

 
4.6

Total
$
3,694,505

 
$
3,830,581

 
$
3,780,198

 
30.9
%


52

Table of contents
September 30, 2011

 
December 31, 2010
 
Amortized Cost
 
Par Value
 
Carrying
 Value
 
Percent of Fixed Maturity Securities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sequential
$
1,219,828

 
$
1,232,133

 
$
1,219,618

 
11.0
%
Pass-through
238,425

 
230,475

 
243,371

 
2.2

Planned and targeted amortization class
465,353

 
469,559

 
468,052

 
4.2

Other
37,852

 
37,942

 
38,197

 
0.3

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
1,961,458

 
1,970,109

 
1,969,238

 
17.7

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1,034,478

 
1,046,609

 
1,031,062

 
9.3

Other asset-backed securities
535,844

 
622,267

 
480,469

 
4.3

Total
$
3,531,780

 
$
3,638,985

 
$
3,480,769

 
31.3
%

The residential mortgage-backed portfolio includes pass-through and collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) securities. With a pass-through security, we receive a pro rata share of principal payments as payments are made on the underlying mortgage loans. CMOs consist of pools of mortgages divided into sections or "tranches" which provide sequential retirement of the bonds.

The commercial mortgage-backed securities are primarily sequential securities. Commercial mortgage-backed securities typically have cash flows that are less subject to refinance risk than residential mortgage-backed securities principally due to prepayment restrictions on many of the underlying commercial mortgage loans.

The other asset-backed securities are backed by both residential and non-residential collateral. The collateral for residential asset-backed securities primarily consists of second lien fixed-rate home equity loans. The cash flows of these securities are less subject to prepayment risk than residential mortgage-backed securities as the borrowers are less likely to refinance than those with only a first lien mortgage. The collateral for non-residential asset-backed securities primarily includes securities backed by credit card receivables, auto dealer receivables, auto installment loans, aircraft leases, middle market business loans, timeshare receivables and trade and account receivables. These securities are high quality, short-duration assets with limited cash flow variability.

Our direct exposure to the Alt-A home equity and subprime first-lien sectors is limited to investments in structured securities collateralized by senior tranches of residential mortgage loans with this exposure. We also have a partnership interest in a fund that owns securities backed by Alt-A home equity, subprime first-lien and adjustable rate mortgage collateral. The fund is reported as securities and indebtedness of related parties in our consolidated balances sheets with a fair value of $33.2 million at September 30, 2011 and $30.1 million at December 31, 2010. We do not own any direct investments in subprime lenders or adjustable rate mortgages.

Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
of Fixed Maturity Securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
of Fixed Maturity Securities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Government agency
$
952,787

 
$
1,031,176

 
8.4
%
 
$
748,345

 
$
787,188

 
7.1
%
Prime
678,596

 
687,718

 
5.6

 
843,921

 
837,231

 
7.5

Alt-A
461,988

 
425,881

 
3.5

 
492,355

 
430,786

 
3.9

Subprime
30,146

 
21,662

 
0.2

 
30,117

 
23,540

 
0.2

Commercial mortgage
1,115,379

 
1,166,801

 
9.5

 
1,034,478

 
1,031,062

 
9.3

Non-mortgage
455,609

 
446,960

 
3.7

 
382,564

 
370,962

 
3.3

Total
$
3,694,505

 
$
3,780,198

 
30.9
%
 
$
3,531,780

 
$
3,480,769

 
31.3
%

The mortgage and asset-backed securities can be summarized into three broad categories: residential, commercial and other asset-backed securities.
 

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Table of contents
September 30, 2011

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by Collateral Type and Origination Year
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
$
225,383

 
$
242,102

 
$

 
$

 
$
225,383

 
$
242,102

2010
307,137

 
325,670

 
11,052

 
11,064

 
318,189

 
336,734

2009
73,212

 
78,096

 

 

 
73,212

 
78,096

2008
99,602

 
110,534

 

 

 
99,602

 
110,534

2007
65,006

 
67,057

 
52,311

 
36,305

 
117,317

 
103,362

2006 and prior
840,617

 
883,320

 
301,786

 
300,156

 
1,142,403

 
1,183,476

Total
$
1,610,957

 
$
1,706,779

 
$
365,149

 
$
347,525

 
$
1,976,106

 
$
2,054,304


 
December 31, 2010
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost (1)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2010
$
241,634

 
$
244,746

 
$
13,602

 
$
13,602

 
$
255,236

 
$
258,348

2009
75,581

 
78,289

 

 

 
75,581

 
78,289

2008
128,842

 
136,355

 

 

 
128,842

 
136,355

2007
66,159

 
69,029

 
57,723

 
39,470

 
123,882

 
108,499

2006
77,234

 
72,666

 
22,071

 
15,369

 
99,305

 
88,035

2005 and prior
981,997

 
1,013,159

 
296,615

 
286,553

 
1,278,612

 
1,299,712

Total
$
1,571,447

 
$
1,614,244

 
$
390,011

 
$
354,994

 
$
1,961,458

 
$
1,969,238


(1)
Insurance on 2006 Alt-A issues is provided by MBIA Insurance Corporation (80% in 2011 and 79% in 2010). Insurance on 2007 Alt-A issues is provided by Assured Guaranty Ltd. (33% in 2011 and 32% in 2010) and MBIA Insurance Corporation (29% in 2011 and 26% in 2010). There is no insurance coverage on Government & Prime investments or Alt-A investments with collateral originating prior to 2006 or after 2007.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
1,992,733

 
97.0
%
 
$
1,905,909

 
96.8
%
3
 
BB
 
41,993

 
2.0

 
26,850

 
1.3

4
 
B
 
19,561

 
1.0

 
36,462

 
1.9

5
 
CCC
 
17

 

 
17

 

 
 
Total
 
$
2,054,304

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,969,238

 
100.0
%
 

54

Table of contents
September 30, 2011

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by Origination Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
$
131,043

 
$
146,991

 
$

 
$

2010
22,519

 
23,091

 
23,039

 
23,212

2009
41,746

 
50,596

 
41,341

 
47,799

2008
209,297

 
250,969

 
209,474

 
232,797

2007
252,635

 
245,402

 
260,349

 
244,603

2006 and prior
458,139

 
449,752

 
500,275

 
482,651

Total
$
1,115,379

 
$
1,166,801

 
$
1,034,478

 
$
1,031,062


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
GNMA
 
$
426,507

 
36.6
%
 
$
306,724

 
29.8
%
1
 
FNMA
 
17,280

 
1.5

 
16,334

 
1.6

1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generic
 
282,842

 
24.2

 
227,623

 
22.1

 
 
Super Senior
 
206,556

 
17.7

 
213,922

 
20.7

 
 
Mezzanine
 
7,693

 
0.7

 
8,320

 
0.8

 
 
Junior
 
50,919

 
4.4

 
70,810

 
6.9

 
 
Total AAA, AA, A
 
548,010

 
47.0

 
520,675

 
50.5

2
 
BBB
 
84,896

 
7.3

 
90,548

 
8.8

3
 
BB
 
42,735

 
3.6

 
44,833

 
4.3

4
 
B
 
41,017

 
3.5

 
44,670

 
4.3

5
 
CCC
 
6,356

 
0.5

 
7,278

 
0.7

 
 
Total
 
$
1,166,801

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,031,062

 
100.0
%

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) guarantees principal and interest on mortgage backed securities. The guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (FHLMC) are government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that were chartered by Congress to reduce borrowing costs for certain homeowners. GSEs have carried an implicit backing of the United States Government but do not have explicit guarantees like GNMA. The Housing and Economic Recovery act of 2008 allows the government to expand its line of credit to $200 billion each for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Late in 2009, the U.S. Treasury revised these caps to expand as needed to cover losses over the next three years. The revision was intended to show support for these firms throughout the housing crisis by the U.S. Treasury.

The AAA, AA and A rated commercial mortgage-backed securities are broken down into categories based on subordination levels. Rating agencies disclose subordination levels, which measure the amount of credit support that the bonds (or tranches) have from subordinated bonds (or tranches). Generic is a term used for securities issued prior to 2005. The super senior securities have subordination levels greater than 27%, the mezzanine securities have subordination levels in the 17% to 27% range and the junior securities have subordination levels in the 9% to 16% range. Also included in the commercial mortgage backed securities are military housing bonds totaling $251.1 million at September 30, 2011 and $215.2 million at December 31, 2010. These bonds are used to fund the construction of multi-family homes on United States military bases. The bonds are backed by a first mortgage lien on residential military housing projects.


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Other Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type and Origination Year
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Non-Mortgage
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
58,042

 
$
57,826

 
$
58,042

 
$
57,826

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 
155,535

 
155,711

 
155,535

 
155,711

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 
40,560

 
40,839

 
40,560

 
40,839

2007
9,981

 
4,951

 
15,557

 
8,386

 

 

 
72,404

 
71,545

 
97,942

 
84,882

2006 and prior
10,445

 
7,164

 
81,282

 
69,970

 
30,146

 
21,662

 
129,068

 
121,039

 
250,941

 
219,835

Total
$
20,426

 
$
12,115

 
$
96,839

 
$
78,356

 
$
30,146

 
$
21,662

 
$
455,609

 
$
446,960

 
$
603,020

 
$
559,093


 
December 31, 2010
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Non-Mortgage
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2010
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
169,631

 
$
170,212

 
$
169,631

 
$
170,212

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 
61,791

 
62,415

 
61,791

 
62,415

2007
9,976

 
3,840

 
15,864

 
6,940

 

 

 
61,843

 
62,211

 
87,683

 
72,991

2006
8,630

 
4,011

 
58,456

 
43,587

 

 

 
32,242

 
33,077

 
99,328

 
80,675

2005 and prior
2,213

 
2,324

 
28,024

 
25,265

 
30,117

 
23,540

 
57,057

 
43,047

 
117,411

 
94,176

Total
$
20,819

 
$
10,175

 
$
102,344

 
$
75,792

 
$
30,117

 
$
23,540

 
$
382,564

 
$
370,962

 
$
535,844

 
$
480,469


(1)
Insurance on 2006 Alt-A issues is provided by Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. (FGIC) (38% in 2011 and 40% in 2010) and AMBAC Assurance Corporation (Ambac) (35% in 2011 and 34% in 2010). Insurance on 2007 Alt-A issues is provided by Ambac (46% in 2011 and 2010), MBIA Insurance Corporation (32% in 2011 and 31% in 2010) and FGIC (22% in 2011 and 23% in 2010). The 2006 and 2007 Government & Prime issues are 100% insured by Ambac (2006 issues) and MBIA Insurance Corporation (2007 issues). There is no insurance coverage on other asset-backed securities with subprime or non-mortgage collateral or collateral originating prior to 2006 or after 2007.

Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Ratings
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
499,007

 
89.3
%
 
$
449,230

 
93.5
%
2
 
BBB
 
27,358

 
4.9

 
8,251

 
1.7

3
 
BB
 
206

 

 
339

 
0.1

4
 
B
 
4,982

 
0.9

 
4,729

 
1.0

5
 
CCC
 
22,650

 
4.0

 
16,635

 
3.4

6
 
In or near default
 
4,890

 
0.9

 
1,285

 
0.3

 
 
Total
 
$
559,093

 
100.0
%
 
$
480,469

 
100.0
%
 
The mortgage and asset-backed portfolios include securities wrapped by monoline bond insurers to provide additional credit enhancement for the investment. We believe these securities were underwritten at investment grade levels excluding any credit enhancing protection. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of our insured mortgage and asset-backed holdings totaled $101.2 million, or 2.7% of our mortgage and asset-backed portfolios and 0.8% of our total fixed income portfolio.

During 2009, FGIC was downgraded by rating agencies and in November of 2009 was ordered to stop making payments. In March 2010, the Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner placed a temporary moratorium on payments for Ambac wrapped residential mortgage-backed securities. Securities with existing or expected cash flow concerns that are wrapped by FGIC or Ambac have been other-than-temporarily impaired. We do not consider the investments wrapped by other monoline bond insurers to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011 because we do not have reason to believe that those

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guarantees, if needed, will not be honored. We do not directly own any fixed income or equity investments in monoline bond insurers.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities and Other Asset-Backed Securities by Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Insurers'
S&P
Rating (1)
 
Residential
Mortgage-
Backed
 
Other Asset-
Backed
 
Total
Carrying
Value
 
Residential
Mortgage-
Backed
 
Other Asset-
Backed
 
Total
Carrying
Value
Insured:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Ambac
NR (2)
 
$

 
$
20,793

 
$
20,793

 
$

 
$
16,124

 
$
16,124

Assured Guaranty Ltd.
AA+
 
12,339

 

 
12,339

 
14,182

 

 
14,182

FGIC
NR (2)
 

 
35,179

 
35,179

 

 
33,547

 
33,547

MBIA Insurance Corporation
B
 
18,063

 
14,829

 
32,892

 
17,414

 
13,492

 
30,906

Total with insurance
 
30,402

 
70,801

 
101,203

 
31,596

 
63,163

 
94,759

Uninsured:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GNMA
 
 
183,514

 

 
183,514

 
194,057

 

 
194,057

 FHLMC
 
 
435,314

 
1,967

 
437,281

 
316,336

 
2,295

 
318,631

 FNMA
 
 
410,349

 
23

 
410,372

 
274,459

 
28

 
274,487

 Other
 
 
994,725

 
486,302

 
1,481,027

 
1,152,790

 
414,983

 
1,567,773

Total
 
 
$
2,054,304

 
$
559,093

 
$
2,613,397

 
$
1,969,238

 
$
480,469

 
$
2,449,707


(1)
Rating in effect as of September 30, 2011.
(2)
No formal published rating.

Collateralized Debt Obligations

We held one collateralized debt obligation investment at September 30, 2011, which is backed by credit default swaps with no home equity exposure. As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, we began reporting this security at fair value with changes in market value reflected as derivative income or loss within the consolidated statements of operations in accordance with an accounting change effective July 1, 2010.

State, Municipal and Other Government Securities

State, municipal and other government securities totaled $2.2 billion, or 18.4% of our fixed income portfolio at September 30, 2011, and include investments in general obligation, revenue and municipal housing bonds. Our investment strategy is to utilize municipal bonds in addition to corporate bonds, as we believe they provide additional diversification and have historically low default rates compared with similarly rated corporate bonds. We evaluate the credit strength of the underlying issues on both a quantitative and qualitative basis, excluding insurance, prior to acquisition. The majority of the municipal bonds we hold are investment grade credits without consideration of insurance. Our municipal bonds are well diversified by type and geography with the top exposure being school general obligation bonds. Our municipal bond exposure has an average rating of AA and is trading at 93.0% of book value. The insolvency of one or more of the credit enhancing entities would be a meaningful short-term market liquidity event, but would not dramatically increase our investment portfolio's risk profile. During 2011, military housing fixed maturity securities with characteristics similar to commercial mortgage-backed securities were reclassified from state, municipal and other government securities to commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Equity Securities

Equity securities totaled $80.3 million at September 30, 2011 and $78.7 million at December 31, 2010. Gross unrealized gains totaled $1.6 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $1.1 million at September 30, 2011. At December 31, 2010, gross unrealized gains totaled $3.0 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $2.0 million on these securities. The unrealized losses are primarily attributable to nonredeemable perpetual preferred securities from issuers in the financial sector. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding our analysis of unrealized losses related to these securities.
 

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Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans totaled $1,234.9 million at September 30, 2011 and $1,254.4 million at December 31, 2010. Our mortgage loans are diversified as to property type, location and loan size, and are collateralized by the related properties. There was one mortgage loan less than 90 days delinquent with a carrying value of $8.7 million at September 30, 2011 and one mortgage loan less than 90 days delinquent with a carrying value of $14.9 million at December 31, 2010. There were three mortgage loans more than 90 days delinquent with a carrying value of $18.9 million at September 30, 2011 and one mortgage loan more than 90 days delinquent with a carrying value of $1.9 million at December 31, 2010. The total number of commercial mortgage loans outstanding was 326 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. In 2011, new loans ranged from $0.2 million to $8.0 million in size, with an average loan size of $3.3 million and an average loan term of 14 years. Our mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and collateral type. The majority of our mortgage loans amortize principal, with 6.5% that are interest only loans at September 30, 2011. At September 30, 2011, the average loan-to-value of the current outstanding principal balance using the most recent appraised value was 55.7% and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.5 based on the results of our 2010 annual study. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding our mortgage loans.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments totaling $29.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $40.7 million at December 31, 2010 consist primarily of call options supporting our index annuity business net of collateral received from counterparties.

Asset-Liability Management

Our asset-liability management program includes (i) designing and developing products that encourage persistency and help ensure targeted spreads are earned and, as a result, create a stable liability structure, and (ii) structuring the investment portfolio with duration and cash flow characteristics consistent with the duration and cash flow characteristics of our insurance liabilities. The weighted average life of the fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolio based on fair values was approximately 8.9 years at September 30, 2011 and 8.6 years at December 31, 2010. While it can be difficult to maintain asset and liability durations that are perfectly matched in a dynamic environment, we have identified various strategies that can be implemented if duration mismatches exceed acceptable tolerances. The effective duration of the fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolios backing our annuity products was 5.8 at September 30, 2011 and 5.9 at December 31, 2010. The effective duration of our annuity liabilities was approximately 6.5 at September 30, 2011 and 6.7 at December 31, 2010.

Other Assets

Deferred policy acquisition costs decreased 24.5% to $613.3 million and deferred sales inducements decreased 28.7% to $184.8 million at September 30, 2011, primarily due to the impact of the change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on fixed maturity securities. The impact of unrealized appreciation/depreciation on fixed maturity securities decreased deferred policy acquisition costs $318.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $90.7 million at December 31, 2010; and decreased deferred sales inducements $86.0 million at September 30, 2011 compared to an increase of $1.3 million at December 31, 2010. Cash and cash equivalents may fluctuate due to timing of payments made and received and the availability of investment options in the marketplace. The increase of $115.5 million in 2011 was primarily due to a shift from short-term investments to cash and cash equivalents of similar yields. Securities and indebtedness of related parties increased 29.3% to $74.8 million primarily due to additional investments made in equity method investees specializing in low income housing.

Liabilities

Future policy benefits increased 2.6% to $12,322.8 million at September 30, 2011 primarily due to an increase in the volume of annuity business in force. Liabilities related to separate accounts decreased 15.2% to $638.9 million primarily due to the impact of changes in market performance. Other liabilities decreased 47.0% to $93.9 million primarily due to decreases in payables for securities purchased and certain reinsurance contracts.

Stockholders' Equity

FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity increased 22.3% to $1,402.5 million at September 30, 2011, compared to $1,146.3 million at December 31, 2010, primarily due to net income and the change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on fixed maturity securities during the period.

At September 30, 2011, FBL's common stockholders' equity was $1,399.5 million, or $44.80 per share, compared to $1,143.3

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million or $36.95 per share at December 31, 2010. Included in stockholders' equity per common share is $6.42 at September 30, 2011 and $1.29 at December 31, 2010 attributable to accumulated other comprehensive income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

During 2011, our operating activities generated cash flows totaling $335.1 million consisting of net income of $91.6 million adjusted for non-cash operating revenues and expenses netting to $243.5 million. We used cash of $293.3 million in our investing activities during the 2011 period. The primary uses were $1,659.7 million of investment acquisitions, mostly in fixed maturity securities, partially offset by $1,044.6 million in sales, maturities and repayments of investments. Our financing activities provided cash of $73.8 million during the 2011 period. The primary financing sources were $1,056.8 million in receipts from interest sensitive and index products credited to policyholder account balances, partially offset by $983.5 million for return of policyholder account balances on interest sensitive and index products.

Sources and Uses of Capital Resources

Parent company cash inflows from operations consist primarily of (i) dividends from subsidiaries, if declared and paid, (ii) fees that it charges the various subsidiaries and affiliates for management of their operations, (iii) expense reimbursements from subsidiaries and affiliates, (iv) proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, (v) proceeds from borrowings, (vi) tax settlements between the parent company and its subsidiaries and (vii) investment income. Revenue sources for the parent company during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included management fees from subsidiaries and affiliates of $6.1 million. Cash outflows are principally for salaries, taxes and other expenses related to providing these management services, dividends on outstanding stock, interest and principal repayments on our parent company debt and legal and consulting expenses related to the pending sale of EquiTrust Life.

As described in Note 10, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statements, the parent company expects to receive proceeds from the announced sale of the EquiTrust Life Business at the end of 2011. A portion of the proceeds will be used to redeem part of our long-term debt. We also plan to use a portion to fund the repurchase of common stock, if any, pursuant to our stock repurchase plan. In addition, a portion of the remaining proceeds may be used for other general corporate purposes.

The Life Companies' cash inflows primarily consist of premium income, deposits to policyholder account balances, income from investments, sales, maturities and calls of investments, repayments of investment principal and proceeds from call option settlements. The Life Companies' cash outflows are primarily related to withdrawals of policyholder account balances, investment purchases, payment of policy acquisition costs, policyholder benefits, income taxes, dividends and current operating expenses. Life insurance companies generally produce a positive cash flow which may be measured by the degree to which cash inflows are adequate to meet benefit obligations to policyholders and normal operating expenses as they are incurred. The remaining cash flow is generally used to increase the asset base to provide funds to meet the need for future policy benefit payments and for writing new business. Farm Bureau Life's continuing operations and financing activities relating to interest sensitive and index products provided funds totaling $341.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $452.6 million for the 2010 period. EquiTrust Life provided funds from these activities totaling $79.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $72.6 million for the 2010 period. The operations and cash flows of the EquiTrust Life Business will be eliminated from our ongoing operations when that business component is sold.

The ability of the Life Companies to pay dividends to FBL Financial Group, Inc. is limited by law to earned profits (statutory unassigned surplus) as of the date the dividend is paid, as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities of the State of Iowa. During the remainder of 2011, the maximum amount legally available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc., without further regulatory approval, is $50.1 million from Farm Bureau Life and $43.8 million from EquiTrust Life. However, except for a dividend of approximately $4.6 million, the Agreement for the EquiTrust Life sale prohibits the declaration or payment of any dividend between the date of the Agreement and sale closing.

Interest payments on our debt totaled $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $18.6 million for the 2010 period. Interest payments on our debt outstanding at September 30, 2011 are estimated to be $4.9 million for the remainder of 2011. As discussed in Note 7, "Debt," in the second quarter of 2011, we refinanced our $100.0 million of 9.25% Senior Notes payable to affiliates with $100.0 million of 6.10% Senior Notes payable to the same affiliates.

We paid cash dividends on our common and preferred stock during the nine-month period totaling $5.8 million in 2011 and 2010. Assuming a dividend rate of $0.0625 per common share, the common and preferred dividends would total approximately $2.0 million during the remainder of 2011. The level of common stock dividends will be analyzed quarterly and will be

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dependent upon our capital and liquidity positions. The Company is licensed by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), our majority shareholder, to use the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations and pays royalty fees to the IFBF as a result of this royalty agreement. The royalty agreement provides an option for the IFBF to terminate the agreement when FBL's quarterly common stock dividend is less than $0.10 per share. Assuming no further reduction in the quarterly dividend, the IFBF has agreed to temporarily forgo its right of termination through December 31, 2011 and we anticipate they will continue to forgo such right thereafter.

FBL Financial Group, Inc. expects to rely on available cash resources and dividends from Farm Bureau Life to make dividend payments to its stockholders and interest payments on its debt. The parent company had available cash and investments totaling $28.0 million at September 30, 2011. We anticipate that FBL Financial Group, Inc. will receive dividends totaling approximately $4.6 million from EquiTrust Life, $5.0 million from Farm Bureau Life and $2.5 million from other non-life insurance subsidiaries during the remainder of 2011.

We manage the amount of our capital to be consistent with statutory and rating agency requirements. As of September 30, 2011, we estimate that we have sufficient capital in the life insurance subsidiaries, combined with capital at the holding company, to meet our rating objectives. However, this capital may not be sufficient if significant future losses are incurred.

As of September 30, 2011, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

On a consolidated basis, we anticipate that funds to meet our short-term and long-term capital expenditures, cash dividends to stockholders and operating cash needs will come from existing capital, internally generated funds and proceeds from EquiTrust Life sale. We continuously monitor market conditions, as there can be no assurance that future experience regarding benefits and surrenders will be similar to historic experience since benefits and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, our financial strength ratings, the economy and other factors that impact policyholder behavior. Our investment portfolio at September 30, 2011, included $57.0 million of short-term investments, $120.3 million of cash and $1,637.2 million in carrying value of U.S. Government and U.S. Government agency backed securities that could be readily converted to cash at or near carrying value. In addition, Farm Bureau Life and EquiTrust Life are members of the FHLB, which provides a source for additional liquidity if needed. This membership allows the companies to utilize fixed or floating rate advances offered by the FHLB and secured by qualifying collateral. Our total capacity to utilize such advances is impacted by multiple factors including total market value of eligible collateral, level of statutory admitted assets and excess reserves and our willingness or capacity to hold activity-based FHLB common stock. In addition, we have agreed that EquiTrust Life will not obtain new advances from FHLB prior to the closing of that sale transaction without prior written consent of the purchasers.

Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of business, we enter into insurance contracts, financing transactions, lease agreements or other commitments which are necessary or beneficial to our operations. These commitments may obligate us to certain cash flows during future periods. There have been no material changes to our total contractual obligations since December 31, 2010.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risks of Financial Instruments
 
There have been no material changes in the market risks of our financial instruments since December 31, 2010.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


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Our internal control over financial reporting changes from time-to-time as we modify and enhance our systems and processes to meet our dynamic needs. Changes are also made as we strive to be more efficient in how we conduct our business. Any significant changes in controls are evaluated prior to implementation to help ensure the continued effectiveness of our internal controls and internal control environment. While changes have taken place in our internal controls during the quarter ended September 30, 2011, there have been no changes that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits:
31.1+
Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2+
Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32+
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101+#
Interactive Data Files formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) from FBL Financial Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011 as follows: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 
 
+
filed or furnished herewith
#
In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in this report shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.



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SIGNATURES

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


Date: November 3, 2011                


 
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
By    
/s/ James E. Hohmann
 
 
James E. Hohmann
 
 
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ James P. Brannen
 
 
James P. Brannen
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
                                                                      


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