10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
[X]
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
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)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, without par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

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 [ ] No [X]

As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $563,127,749 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 Title of each class
 
Outstanding at March 1, 2016
Class A Common Stock, without par value
 
24,812,839
Class B Common Stock, without par value
 
11,413
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Document
 
Parts Into Which Incorporated
Proxy statement for annual shareholders meeting on May 18, 2016
 
Part III




























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FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






















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Table of Contents

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This Form 10-K 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. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe to be reasonable; however, no assurance can be given that the assumptions will prove to be correct. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business include but are not limited to the following.

Changing interest rates, market volatility and general economic conditions affect the risks and the returns on both our products and our investment portfolio.
Difficult conditions in the financial markets and the economy may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Adverse financial market conditions may significantly affect our liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital.
Our valuation of fixed maturity securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Our investment portfolio is subject to credit quality risks that may diminish the value of our invested assets and affect our profitability and reported book value per share.
We face competition from companies having greater financial resources, more advanced technology systems, broader arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance, which may impair our ability to retain existing customers, attract new customers and maintain our profitability and financial strength.
As a holding company, we depend on our subsidiaries for funds to meet our obligations, but our life insurance subsidiaries' ability to make distributions to us is limited by law, and could be affected by minimum risk-based capital requirements.
A significant ratings downgrade may have a material adverse effect on our business.
All segments of our business are highly regulated and these regulations or changes in them could affect our profitability.
Cyber attacks, system security risks, data protection breaches and other technology failures could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Actual experience which differs from our assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality and interest rates used in pricing our products and calculating reserve amounts and deferred acquisition costs could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
We may be required to accelerate the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Our earnings are influenced by our claims experience, which is difficult to estimate for future periods. If our future claims experience does not match our pricing assumptions or past results, our earnings could be materially adversely affected.
Our reinsurance program involves risks because we remain liable with respect to the liabilities ceded to reinsurers if the reinsurers fail to meet the obligations assumed by them.
Our business is highly dependent on our relationships with Farm Bureau organizations and could be adversely affected if those relationships became impaired.
Our relationship with Farm Bureau organizations could result in conflicts of interests.
Changes in federal tax laws may affect sales of our products and profitability.
Our ability to maintain competitive costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business.
If we are unable to attract and retain agents, sales of our products and services may be reduced.
Attracting and retaining employees who are key to our business is critical to our growth and success.
Success of our business depends in part on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements.
We face risks relating to litigation, including the costs of such litigation, management distraction and the potential for damage awards, which may adversely impact our business.

See Part 1A, Risk Factors, for additional information.


1

Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) sells individual life insurance and annuity products principally under the consumer brand name Farm Bureau Financial Services. This brand identity is represented by the distribution channel of our subsidiary Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life). In addition, in the state of Colorado, we offer life and annuity products through Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields Life). As of December 31, 2015, these distribution channels consisted of 1,849 exclusive agents and agency managers, who sell our products in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States.

The Company was incorporated in Iowa in October 1993. Its life insurance subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, began operations in 1945 and Greenfields Life, a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life, was launched in 2013. Several other subsidiaries support various functional areas and affiliates by providing investment advisory and marketing and distribution services. In addition, we manage all aspects of two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty insurance companies (Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company) which operate predominately in eight states in the Midwest and West.

FBL Financial Group, Inc. Business and Distribution Channels

FBL Financial Group, Inc.
COMPANY
Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company
 
Greenfields Life
    Insurance Company
 
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural
Insurance Company
RELATIONSHIP
Wholly-owned subsidiary
 
Subsidiary of
Farm Bureau Life
(Wholly-owned)
 
Managed by FBL Financial Group. Underwriting results do not impact FBL Financial Group's results
BRAND
 
 
DISTRIBUTION
1,837 exclusive
Farm Bureau agents
and agency managers
 
New company in 2013;
12 exclusive agents and
agency managers
 
1,188 exclusive Farm Bureau agents and agency managers (included under the
1,837 Farm Bureau Life
agents)
PRODUCTS
A comprehensive line of life insurance, annuity and investment products
 
A comprehensive line of life insurance, annuity and investment products
 
A full line of personal and commercial property-casualty insurance products
TERRITORY
14 Midwestern and
 Western states
 
Colorado
 
Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah

Investor information, including electronic versions of periodic reports filed on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and proxy material, are available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of our website at www.fblfinancial.com. These documents are posted to our website immediately after they are filed. Also available on our website are many corporate governance documents including codes of ethics, board committee charters, corporate governance guidelines, director profiles and more. Product information may be found on our consumer websites, www.fbfs.com and www.greenfieldslife.com.


2

Table of Contents

Business Strategy

Our core business strategies leverage areas where we have competitive advantages. Our exclusive agent distribution channel enables deep customer engagement and long-term customer relationships. We benefit from close ties to the unique needs of the agricultural market and affinity with the Farm Bureau brand, and our cross-sell culture results in industry leading cross-sell rates.

Our agents are multi-line agents who sell both property-casualty insurance products and life insurance and investment products. Having multi-line agents enhances our ability to develop a more comprehensive relationship with our customers and increases our ability to cross-sell our life insurance and annuity products to the pool of Farm Bureau property-casualty customers.

Our multi-line exclusive agent distribution channel is our foundation and we are defined by our service to the Farm Bureau niche marketplace. We capitalize on the Farm Bureau brand to grow our business and build upon our agricultural and rural market leadership. We focus on needs-based selling and have a broad portfolio of life insurance and annuity products so that we have products available to satisfy the needs of our agents and customers.

Because of their multi-line nature, our agents focus on cross-selling life insurance products to customers who already own a property-casualty policy issued by our property-casualty company partners. For example, in the eight-state region where we manage the affiliated property-casualty insurance companies and related field force (Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah), 24% of our property-casualty policyholders also own a Farm Bureau Life annuity or life product. We are considered among the best-in-industry in cross-sell rates. This percentage is and has historically been higher than the industry average for multi-line exclusive agents, which is 12% according to the most recent research by the Life Insurance and Market Research Association (LIMRA). We believe there is further opportunity for growth from cross-selling as 70% of Farm Bureau members in the eight-state region have a Farm Bureau property-casualty insurance product, while only 21% of Farm Bureau members in the eight-state region have a life insurance product with us.

We provide our agents with sales materials, the necessary training and a high level of sales support. In addition, throughout our marketing territory, certain agents are life and investment specialists who work as a resource to help their fellow agents with cross-selling techniques and client needs analysis.

Our sales model is designed so that our agents act like entrepreneurial business owners with a retail financial services business. Under this model our agents have sales and service associates who assist them and provide a variety of support for insurance sales and clients.

This business strategy and sales model results in deep customer engagement and long-term customer relationships. Our agents are often viewed as the go-to person for all the insurance needs of their customers. As a result, while we underwrite the majority of the life and annuity products available for sale by our agents, we broker products sold by other carriers when we do not have the expertise, ratings or scale to compete efficiently in the marketplace. Examples of brokered products include variable products, long-term care insurance, health insurance and last survivor life policies. We earn fees from the sale of brokered products, a portion of which is passed on to the agents as commissions for the underlying sales.


Marketing and Distribution

Market Area

Sales through our distribution channels are currently conducted in 15 states which we characterize as follows: multi-line states (we own the Farm Bureau affiliated life company and manage the Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies) - Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah; and life partner states (we own the Farm Bureau affiliated life company but non-owned/non-managed Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies manage the exclusive multi-line agents) - Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Our target market is Farm Bureau members and "Middle America." We traditionally have been very strong in rural and small town markets and also have a growing presence in small and mid-metro markets. This target market represents a relatively financially conservative and stable customer base. The financial needs of our target market tend to focus on security, insurance needs and retirement savings.

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Affiliation with Farm Bureau

Many of our customers are members of Farm Bureau organizations affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation (American Farm Bureau). The American Farm Bureau is the nation's largest grassroots farm and ranch organization and has a current membership of 6.0 million member families. In order to market insurance products in a given state using the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations, related trademarks and service marks, a company must have an agreement with the state's Farm Bureau organization. Generally, these marketing rights have only been granted to companies owned by or closely affiliated with Farm Bureau organizations. For each of the states in our Farm Bureau marketing territory, we have the right to use the "Farm Bureau" name and "FB" logo for marketing life insurance and investment products. There are approximately 700,000 member families in the states where we have rights to the Farm Bureau name, brand and logo.

All of the state Farm Bureau organizations in our marketing area are associated with the American Farm Bureau. The primary goal of the American Farm Bureau is to be the unified national voice of agriculture, working through its grassroots organization to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities. There are currently Farm Bureau organizations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, each with their own distinctive mission and goals. Within each state, Farm Bureau is organized at the county level. Farm Bureau programs include policy development, government relations activities, leadership development and training, communications, market education classes, commodity conferences and young farmer activities. Member services provided by Farm Bureau vary by state but often include programs such as risk management, alternative energy development and guidance on enhancing profitability. Other benefits of membership include newspaper and magazine subscriptions, as well as savings in areas such as health care, entertainment and automobile rebates. In addition, members have access to accidental death insurance, banking services, credit card programs, computerized farm accounting services, electronic information networks, feeder cattle procurement services, health care insurance, property-casualty insurance and financial services.

The American Farm Bureau may terminate our right to use the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations in our states (i) in the event of a material breach of the trademark license that we do not cure within 60 days, (ii) immediately in the event of termination by the American Farm Bureau of the state Farm Bureau's membership in the American Farm Bureau or (iii) in the event of a material breach of the state Farm Bureau organization's membership agreement with the American Farm Bureau, including by reason of the failure of the state Farm Bureau to cause us to adhere to the American Farm Bureau's policies.

We have royalty agreements with each state Farm Bureau organization in our Farm Bureau marketing territory giving us the right to use the Farm Bureau and FB designations in that particular state. Each state Farm Bureau organization in our Farm Bureau territory could terminate our right to use the Farm Bureau designations in that particular state without cause at the conclusion of the royalty agreements. The royalties paid to a particular state Farm Bureau organization are based on the sale of our products in the respective state. For 2015, royalty expense totaled approximately $2.3 million.

Our relationship with Farm Bureau provides a number of advantages. Farm Bureau organizations in our marketing territory tend to be well known and long established, have active memberships and provide a number of member benefits other than financial services. The strength of these organizations provides enhanced prestige and brand awareness for our products and increased access to Farm Bureau members, which results in a competitive advantage for us.

Our life insurance and investment products are available for sale to both members and non-members. Property-casualty products sold by the property-casualty insurance companies affiliated with Farm Bureau are available for sale to Farm Bureau members. Annual Farm Bureau memberships in our marketing territory average $64 and are available to individuals, families, partnerships or corporations.

We have service agreements with all of our property-casualty company partners in our marketing area, pursuant to which the property-casualty companies provide certain services, which include recruiting and training the shared agency force that sells both property-casualty products for that company and life products for us. The service agreements have expiration dates through December 31, 2022. In 2015, we paid $9.9 million for the services provided under these agreements.

Our Advisory Committee, which consists of executives of the property-casualty insurance company partners in our marketing territory, assists us in our relationships with the property-casualty organizations and the Farm Bureau organization leaders in their respective states. The Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis to coordinate efforts and issues involving the agency force and other matters. The Advisory Committee is an important contributor to our success in marketing products through our distribution system.


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Royalty and property-casualty agreements vary in term and expiration date as shown below.

Royalty and Property-Casualty Service Agreements by State
 
 
State
Property-Casualty Service Agreement Expiration Date
 
Royalty Agreement
Expiration Date
 
Percent of 2015
First Year
Premiums Collected
Iowa
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
27.4
%
Kansas
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
15.7

Oklahoma
December 31, 2022
 
December 31, 2022
 
10.2

Wyoming
December 31, 2021
 
December 31, 2021
 
6.8

Nebraska
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
6.2

Minnesota
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
5.2

Montana
December 31, 2021
 
December 31, 2021
 
4.9

Arizona
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
4.5

Idaho
December 31, 2021
 
December 31, 2021
 
4.2

Wisconsin
December 31, 2020
 
December 31, 2020
 
4.0

Utah
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
3.8

New Mexico
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
3.1

South Dakota
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2033
 
1.4

Colorado
December 31, 2021
 
Not applicable
 
0.8

North Dakota
December 31, 2021
 
December 31, 2021
 
0.7

Other
Not Applicable
 
Not Applicable
 
1.1

 
 
 
 
 
100.0
%

Agency Force

Our agency force is one of our most important competitive advantages. Our priority is to ensure that we have best-in-class distribution systems and support, including agent recruiting and retention, training and leadership. Our agents are independent contractors and exclusive agents. We have a written contract with each member of our agency force. The contract covers a number of topics including privacy, compensation payments and reserving our ownership of customer lists.

In the multi-line states where we manage the Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies, our agents are supervised by agency managers employed by Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company. There are 1,188 agents and managers in our multi-line states. These agents market a full range of our life insurance and annuity products. They also market products for the property-casualty companies that we manage. These agents are supported by 1,201 sales associates who assist them and provide a variety of support in the sales process. We are responsible for product and sales training for all lines of business in our multi-line states.

In our life partner states, our life insurance and annuity products are marketed by agents that we share with our property-casualty company partners in that state. There are 661 agents and managers in our life partner states. These agents market our life and annuity products and market the property-casualty products of that state's affiliated property-casualty company. We are responsible for training the agency force in life insurance products and sales methods in our life partner states.

Sales activities of our agents focus on personal contact and on cross-selling life and annuity products to the existing property-casualty customers. The Farm Bureau name recognition and access to Farm Bureau membership leads to additional customers, cross-selling of additional insurance products and increased retention.

The focus of agency managers is to recruit, train, supervise and retain agents to achieve high production levels of profitable business. Agency manager compensation has historically been comprised of 1) overwrite commissions, which vary according to the productivity level and persistency of business of the agents managed and 2) a reward related to the attainment of sales goals. We are transitioning to a compensation program comprised of salary and a performance-based component, which compensates

5

Table of Contents

for attainment of distribution and sales goals. This new compensation structure more closely aligns with the requirements of the agency manager role and offers a financial incentive that aligns with the strategic priorities of growing both agency scale and productivity.

We structure our agents' life products compensation system to encourage production and persistency. Agents receive commissions for new life insurance and annuity sales and service fees on premium payments in subsequent years. Production bonuses are paid based on the premium level of new life business written in the prior 12 months and the persistency of the business written by the agent. Persistency is a common measure used in life insurance, which measures the quality and the consistent payment of premiums, and is included in calculating the bonus to either increase or decrease (or even eliminate) the agent's production bonus. We are willing to pay added incentives for higher volumes of business only as long as the business is profitable. Production bonuses allow agents to increase their compensation significantly.

We have a variety of incentives and recognition programs to focus agents on production of quality life insurance business. Some recognition programs and incentives are jointly conducted with the property-casualty companies. These programs provide significant incentives for the most productive agents. Approximately 13% of our agents and agency managers qualify for our primary annual incentive trip. Agent recruiting, training, financing and compensation programs are designed to develop a productive agent for the long term.

In order to increase an agent's opportunity for success and increase retention, in 2014 we changed how we train new agents. We introduced a reserve agent program in which the agent completes a training program that can take up to three months and achieves certain production minimums on a part-time basis before being contracted as a full-time agent. This program gives us and the agent an opportunity to assess whether the candidate is expected to have a successful long-term career as our agent. The reserve agent program, along with distribution initiatives focused on new agent financing, centralized training, a quality recruiting/selection process and a strong field leadership team have strengthened our distribution and improved agent retention. Our one-year agent retention increased to 92% in 2015 from 78% for 2014. Our four-year agency force retention rate for 2015 was approximately 34%.

Business Segments

We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company.

See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Segment Information" included in Item 7 for additional information regarding our financial results by operating segment. Included in the following discussion of our segments are details regarding premiums. We use premiums collected to measure the productivity of our exclusive agents. Premiums collected is not a measure used in financial statements prepared according to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements also includes a discussion of the most comparable GAAP financial measures and, as applicable, a reconciliation to such GAAP measures.

Annuity Segment

We sell a variety of traditional annuity products through our exclusive agency force. The Annuity segment primarily consists of fixed rate and indexed annuities and supplementary contracts (some of which involve life contingencies). Traditional annuities provide for tax-deferred savings and supplementary contracts provide for the systematic repayment of funds that accumulate interest.


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Table of Contents

Premiums Collected - Annuity Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Individual fixed rate
 
 
 
 
 
  First year
$
137,015

 
$
104,713

 
$
115,815

Renewal
100,594

 
105,742

 
111,562

Individual index - first year
90,869

 
78,795

 
23,364

Group
9,414

 
8,781

 
8,725

Total Annuity
$
337,892

 
$
298,031

 
$
259,466


Annuity premiums collected increased in 2015 primarily due to limited offerings of a 4-year guarantee annuity in the latter half of 2015 and continued strong sales of our index annuity product, which was introduced in 2012. Beginning in 2012, we suspended sales of certain products and reduced agent commission rates on certain products where it was difficult to achieve profitability targets during this period of low market interest rates. We have placed renewed emphasis on sales of products with low guaranteed crediting rates. The amount of traditional annuity premiums collected is highly dependent upon the relationship between the current crediting rates on our products and the perceived security of our products compared to those of competing products. Average crediting rates on our individual deferred annuity contracts were 2.81% in 2015, 2.91% in 2014 and 2.97% in 2013. Traditional annuity premiums collected in our Farm Bureau market territory in 2015 were concentrated primarily in the states of Iowa (28%), Kansas (22%) and Oklahoma (9%).

Fixed Rate Annuities

We offer annuities that are marketed to individuals in anticipation of retirement. We offer traditional annuities in the form of flexible premium deferred annuities (FPDA) that allow policyholders to make contributions over a number of periods. For traditional annuity products, policyholder account balances are credited interest at rates that we determine. The annuitant may elect to take the proceeds of the annuity either in a single payment or in a series of payments for life, for a fixed number of years, for a fixed amount, or a combination of these options.

In addition to FPDAs, we also market single premium deferred annuities (SPDA) and single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) products which feature a single premium paid when the contract is issued. Benefit payments and the surrender charge structure on SPDA contracts are similar to other fixed rate annuities. Benefit payments on SPIAs begin immediately after the issuance of the contract. Sales of the SPIA products are currently suspended due to the low interest rate environment.

Approximately 38% of our existing individual traditional annuity business, based on account balances, is held in qualified retirement plans. For the deferred annuity products, to further encourage persistency, a surrender charge is imposed against the policyholder's account balance for early termination of the annuity contract within a specified period after its effective date. The surrender charge structure varies by product, but typically starts at 6% to 10% and decreases 1% to 2% per year until it reaches 0%.
 
We invest the premiums we receive from fixed rate annuities. The assets reside in our general account. Acquisition costs are paid from the general account as they arise. The difference between the yield we earn on our investment portfolio and the interest we credit on our fixed rate annuities is known as the spread. The spread is a major driver of the profitability for all of our traditional annuity products.


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Withdrawal Rates

Withdrawal rates (excluding death benefits) for our individual deferred annuities were 4.0% for 2015, 4.6% for 2014 and 5.1% for 2013. We believe the competitive environment, due to the low level of market interest rates, has favorably impacted the level of withdrawal rates in these periods.

Interest Crediting Policy

We have a rate setting committee that meets monthly, or more frequently if required, to review and establish current period interest rates based upon existing and anticipated investment opportunities. This applies to new sales and to annuity products after an initial guaranteed period. We examine earnings on assets by portfolio. We then establish rates based on each product's target spread and competitive market conditions at the time. Most of our annuity contracts have guaranteed minimum crediting rates. These rates range from 1.00% to 5.50%, with a weighted average guaranteed crediting rate of 2.33% at December 31, 2015 and 2.43% at December 31, 2014. The weighted average interest rate guarantees on annuity contracts issued during 2015 was 1.00%.

Index Annuities

With an index annuity, the policyholder may choose from a traditional fixed rate strategy or an index strategy, with the underlying index being the S&P 500®. The product requires crediting of interest and a reset of the index annually. The computation of the index credit is based upon either a point-to-point calculation (i.e., the gain in the index from the beginning of the contract year to the next reset date) or a monthly averaging of the index during the period, subject to a cap. This product allows contract holders to transfer funds among the index accounts and a traditional fixed rate strategy at the end of each reset period. It automatically includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider. If activated by the policyholder, the rider provides a minimum amount that is available for withdrawal at specified withdrawal rates even if the accumulated value goes to zero. There is an additional annual charge for the activated rider.

The index annuity contract value is equal to the premiums paid plus interest credited to the fixed portion of the contract and index credits on the indexed portion of the contract, less partial withdrawals taken from the contract.

The minimum guaranteed contract values are equal to 87.5% of the premium collected plus interest credited at an annual rate of 1.0% compounded annually.

We purchase one-year call options on the S&P 500 to fund the index credits due to the index annuity contract holders. On the respective anniversary dates of the index annuity contracts, the index used to compute the index credits is reset, and subsequently new call options are purchased to fund the next index credit. The cost of the options is managed through the terms of the index annuities, which permit changes to caps, subject to minimum guarantees.

We invest index premiums and the investments reside in our general account. We then purchase call options and pay acquisition costs from the general account. With respect to that portion of the index account value allocated to an index crediting strategy, our spread is measured as the difference between the aggregate yield on the relevant portion of our invested assets, less the aggregate option costs and the costs associated with minimum guarantees. If the minimum guaranteed value of an index product exceeds the index value (computed on a cumulative basis over the life of the contract), the general account earnings are available to satisfy the minimum guarantees. If there were little or no gains in the entire series of options purchased over the life of an index annuity, we would incur expenses for credited interest over and above our option costs. In addition, if we are not successful in matching the terms of call options purchased with the terms of the index annuities, index credits could exceed call option proceeds. This would cause our spreads to tighten and reduce our profits.


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Interest Crediting Rates Compared to Guarantees - Annuity Segment
 
 
 
Liabilities at
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed rate annuities:
 
Greater than or equal to 100 basis points over guarantee
$
491,892

50 basis points to 99 basis points over guarantee
368,202

1 basis point to 49 basis points over guarantee
67,338

At guaranteed rate
1,840,385

Index annuities
231,397

Non-discretionary rate setting products
551,150

Total interest sensitive product liabilities
$
3,550,364


In Force - Annuity Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of contracts
53,319

 
52,938

 
53,252

Interest sensitive reserves
$
3,550,364

 
$
3,370,109

 
$
3,172,598

Other insurance reserves
370,326

 
372,244

 
376,879


Life Insurance Segment

We sell a variety of traditional and universal life insurance products through our exclusive agency force. The Life Insurance segment consists of whole life, term life and universal life policies. These policies provide benefits upon the death of the insured and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.


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Premiums Collected - Life Insurance Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Universal life:
 
 
 
 
 
First year
$
25,006

 
$
36,446

 
$
70,470

Renewal
67,676

 
63,684

 
57,693

Total
92,682

 
100,130

 
128,163

Participating whole life:
 
 
 
 
 
First year
14,533

 
11,264

 
11,909

Renewal
97,030

 
97,483

 
96,532

Total
111,563

 
108,747

 
108,441

Term life and other:
 
 
 
 
 
First year
11,710

 
11,282

 
11,352

Renewal
91,748

 
86,103

 
79,941

Total
103,458

 
97,385

 
91,293

Total Life Insurance
307,703

 
306,262

 
327,897

Reinsurance ceded
(26,700
)
 
(24,164
)
 
(20,423
)
Total Life Insurance, net of reinsurance
$
281,003

 
$
282,098

 
$
307,474


Life premiums collected were lower in 2015 and 2014, compared to the prior year, primarily due to changes in our universal life product in late 2013. Life insurance premiums collected in our market territory in 2015 were concentrated primarily in the states of Iowa (24%), Kansas (15%) and Oklahoma (9%).

Traditional Life Insurance

We offer traditional participating whole life insurance products. Participating whole life insurance provides benefits for the life of the insured. It provides level premiums and a level death benefit and requires payments in excess of mortality costs in early years to offset increasing mortality costs in later years. Under the terms of these policies, policyholders have a right to participate in our surplus to the extent determined by Farm Bureau Life, generally through annual dividends. Participating business accounted for 35% of life receipts from policyholders during 2015 and represented 12% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2015.

We also market non-participating term insurance policies that provide life insurance protection for a specified period. Term insurance is mortality based and generally has no cash value. However, we also offer a return of premium term product, which returns a percentage of premiums after a set number of years. For a portion of our business, we may change the premium scales at any time but may not increase rates above guaranteed levels.

Universal Life Insurance

Our universal life policies provide permanent life insurance protection with a flexible or fixed premium structure which allows the customer to pre-fund future insurance costs and accumulate savings on a tax-deferred basis. Premiums received, less policy assessments for administration expenses and mortality costs, are credited to the policyholder's account balance. Interest is credited to the cash value at rates that we periodically set.

We introduced an indexed universal life policy in 2015. Our product provides life insurance protection with flexible premium payments and provides a death benefit with cash accumulation. The premium is paid into a holding account and once it is fully funded with a year's worth of policy charges, the excess value is transferred into an indexed segment that earns interest based on the percentage change in the S&P 500. A quarterly review is conducted to determine whether the holding account contains 12 months worth of policy charges. We purchase one-year call options on the S&P 500 to fund the indexed segment credits. Interest on each of the indexed segments is credited annually on a point-to-point basis. After any annual earned interest is

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credited to an indexed segment, the money is transferred back to the holding account where it can become eligible for a new indexed segment. Positive interest credit is subject to a cap. If the ending index value is less than the initial index value, the interest credit will be zero.

Underwriting

We follow formal underwriting standards and procedures designed to properly assess and quantify life insurance risks before issuing policies to individuals. To implement these procedures, we employ an underwriting staff of 13 underwriters who have an average of 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Our underwriters review each application, which is prepared under the supervision of our agents, and supported by any required testing and records: blood, urine or oral fluid testing, paramedical/physicians examinations, motor vehicle or pharmacological inspection reports and medical records. We generally begin employing blood, oral fluid or urine testing (including HIV antibody testing) whenever the applicant is at least 18 and at face amounts of at least $50,000. Additional underwriting requirements and inspection reports are required as either the face amount or the age of the proposed insured increases. Based on the results of these tests, we may adjust the mortality charge or decline coverage completely.

We also have an automated process for handling select term policies only available between ages 18 to 60 and for face amounts of $20,000 to $100,000. When using our automated underwriting guidelines we evaluate the medical history provided by the applicant and information received from three service providers. Based on the evaluation against our automated underwriting guidelines, we may adjust the mortality charge or decline coverage.

Generally, tobacco use by a life insurance applicant within the preceding one-year period results in a substantially higher mortality charge. In accordance with industry practice, material misrepresentation on a policy application can result in the cancellation of the policy upon the return of any premiums paid.

Interest Crediting and Participating Dividend Policy

The interest crediting policy for our life insurance products is the same as for our traditional annuity products in the Annuity segment. See "Interest Crediting Policy" under the Annuity Segment discussion. We pay dividends, credit interest and determine other nonguaranteed elements on the individual insurance policies depending on the type of product. Some elements, such as dividends, are generally declared for a year at a time. Interest rates and other nonguaranteed elements are determined based on experience as it emerges and with regard to competitive factors. Weighted average contractual credited rates on our universal life contracts were 3.90% in 2015, 3.99% in 2014 and 4.11% in 2013. Our universal life contracts have guaranteed minimum crediting rates that range from 1.00% to 4.50%, with a weighted average guaranteed crediting rate of 3.66% at December 31, 2015 and 3.70% at December 31, 2014.
Interest Crediting Rates of Interest Sensitive Life Products Compared to Guarantees - Life Insurance Segment
 
 
 
Liabilities at
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Discretionary rate setting products with minimum guarantees:
 
Greater than or equal to 100 basis points over guarantee
$
3,804

50 basis points to 99 basis points over guarantee
145,559

At guaranteed rate
654,381

Non-discretionary rate setting products
59,928

Total interest sensitive product liabilities
$
863,672

Impact of unrealized gains and losses
(4,090
)
Interest sensitive reserves
$
859,582


Policyholder dividends are currently being paid and will continue to be paid as declared on participating policies. Policyholder dividend scales are generally established annually and are based on the performance of assets supporting these policies, the

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mortality experience of the policies and expense levels. Other factors, such as changes in tax law, may be considered as well. Our participating business does not have minimum guaranteed dividend rates.

In Force - Life Insurance Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands, except face amounts in millions)
Number of policies - traditional life
365,029

 
362,519

 
358,924

Number of policies - universal life
62,661

 
62,020

 
61,250

Face amounts - traditional life
$
47,490

 
$
45,295

 
$
42,866

Face amounts - universal life
6,616

 
6,436

 
6,190

Traditional insurance reserves
1,818,245

 
1,750,822

 
1,679,942

Interest sensitive reserves
859,582

 
824,964

 
774,614

 
Corporate and Other Segment

The Corporate and Other segment includes (i) advisory services for the management of investments and other companies; (ii) marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products not issued by us; (iii) leasing services with affiliates; (iv) closed blocks of variable annuity, variable life and accident and health products; (v) interest expense and (vi) investments and related investment income not specifically allocated to our product segments.

We previously issued our own variable products, but in 2010 discontinued underwriting new sales. The existing in force business remains on our books and we continue to administer this business. Variable premiums collected from prior sales were $63.8 million in 2015, $66.1 million in 2014 and $68.3 million in 2013. During 2010, we began selling variable products underwritten by another insurance company with variable product expertise. We earn fees from the sale of these brokered products, which are reported as other income, and we are not responsible for administering this business. A portion of these revenues is passed on to our agents as commissions for the underlying sales.

Reinsurance

We reinsure a portion of our life insurance exposure with unaffiliated insurance companies under traditional indemnity reinsurance agreements. New sales of life products are reinsured above prescribed limits and do not require the reinsurer's prior approval within certain guidelines. We do not use financial or surplus relief reinsurance. We enter into indemnity reinsurance arrangements to assist in diversifying our risks and to limit our maximum loss on risks that exceed our policy retention limits. Our maximum retention limit on an insured life ranges up to $1.5 million depending on when the policy was issued.

Reinsurance contracts do not fully discharge our obligation to pay claims on the reinsured business. As the ceding insurer, we remain responsible for policy claims to the extent the reinsurer fails to pay claims. No reinsurer of business ceded by us has failed to pay any material policy claims (either individually or in the aggregate) with respect to our ceded business. We continually evaluate the financial strength of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. If for any reason reinsurance coverages would need to be replaced, we believe that replacement coverages from financially responsible reinsurers would be available.


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Primary Reinsurers as of December 31, 2015
Reinsurer
A.M. Best
Rating
 
Amount of
In Force Ceded
 
Reserve Credit
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
A+
 
$
6,342.9

 
$
24.8

RGA Reinsurance Company
A+
 
4,244.8

 
27.9

SCOR Global Life USA Reinsurance Company
A
 
2,427.0

 
11.0

All other (11 reinsurers)*
A- to A++
 
1,248.7

 
7.3

Total
 
 
$
14,263.4

 
$
71.0


*
All other includes Scottish Re, which is not rated by A.M. Best. New business with Scottish Re was terminated in early 2007, following difficulties at that company and related ratings downgrades. As of December 31, 2015, $292.4 million of in force was ceded to Scottish Re. Scottish Re continues to meet its reinsurance obligation with us in a normal fashion.

In addition, we have an annual 100% quota share accidental death reinsurance agreement. Coverage includes all acts of terrorism including those of a nuclear, chemical or biological origin. Coverage is subject to an annual aggregate retention by us of $14.1 million.

Ratings and Competition

Financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Insurer financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies regarding the ability of an insurance company to meet its financial obligations to policyholders and contract holders. Credit ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies regarding an issuer's ability to repay its indebtedness. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency, and therefore, no assurance can be given that a rating will be maintained.

As of the date of this filing, Farm Bureau Life's A.M. Best financial strength rating is "A" (Excellent) with a stable outlook and FBL Financial Group's A.M. Best issuer credit rating is "a" with a stable outlook.

A.M. Best has 16 financial strength ratings assigned to insurance companies, which currently range from A++ (Superior) to S (Suspended). A.M. Best's issuer credit ratings range from aaa (exceptional) to d (in default). A + or - may be appended to ratings from aa to ccc to indicate relative position within a category. A rating of bbb- or above is considered investment grade. As of the date of this filing, A.M. Best has the life/annuity industry on a stable rating outlook.

We operate in a highly competitive industry. Insurers compete based primarily upon price, service level and the financial strength of the company. The operating results of companies in the insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations due to competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, maintenance of insurance ratings from rating agencies and other factors. We believe our ability to compete with other insurance companies is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to attract and retain agents to market our insurance products, our ability to develop competitive and profitable products and our ability to maintain good or better ratings from rating agencies. In connection with the development and sale of our products, we encounter significant competition from other insurance companies and other financial institutions, such as banks and broker/dealers, many of which have financial resources substantially greater than ours.

Regulation

All segments of our business are highly regulated. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors."

Employees

At December 31, 2015, we had 1,637 employees. A majority of our employees, including the executive officers, also provide services to Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and other affiliates pursuant to management agreements. None of our employees are members of a collective bargaining unit.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risk Factors

The performance of our company is subject to a variety of risks which you should review. Occurrence of these risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, cause the trading price of our common stock to decline materially or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

Changing interest rates, market volatility and general economic conditions affect the risks and the returns on both our products and our investment portfolio.

The fair value of our investments and our investment performance, including yields and realization of gains or losses, may vary depending on economic and market conditions. The shape of the yield curve and the level of interest rates can impact the profitability of our products. Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can materially affect the profitability of our products, the fair value of our investments and the reported value of stockholders' equity.
A key component of our financial results is the spread earned (the investment yield we earn less the crediting rates we pay to our policyholders). A narrowing of spreads would adversely affect operating results. Although we have the right to adjust interest crediting rates on a portion of our business in force, changes to crediting rates may not be sufficient to maintain targeted investment spreads in all economic and market environments. Our ability to lower crediting rates is subject to contractual minimum crediting rate guarantees. In addition, competition and other factors, including the potential for increases in surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid the narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.
Conversely, in periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, surrenders and withdrawals may increase as policyholders seek financial instruments with higher investment returns, commonly referred to as disintermediation. This may lead to net cash outflows and the resulting liquidity demands may require us to sell investments when the prices of those assets are adversely affected by the increase in interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses.
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risks of Financial Instruments" for further discussion of our interest rate risk exposure and information regarding our asset-liability management program.
Difficult conditions in the financial markets and the economy may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the economy and financial markets. Below-average global growth and low market interest rates continue to challenge the life insurance and annuity industry. While the U.S. economy continues to expand at a moderate pace, growth is slowing across much of the rest of the global economy. In the financial markets, liquidity, corporate profitability and modest economic growth continue to support fundamental credit quality. However, challenging economic conditions outside of the U.S. and strong demand for U.S. assets have restrained interest rates broadly, challenging growth in investment income and resulting in declining portfolio investment yields across the life insurance and annuity industry.
Our business benefits from moderate to strong economic expansion. Conversely, a lackluster economic recovery 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. In addition, a significant portion of our customer base operates in the agricultural industry; accordingly, fluctuation in commodity prices, federal subsidies and the value of farm land may impact our customers' demand for our insurance and investment products. We also may experience a higher incidence of claims, lapses or surrenders of policies following such fluctuations. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact such actions could have on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Adverse financial market conditions may significantly affect our liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital.
Capital requirements depend on factors including the rate of sales growth of our products, aggregate reserve levels and the levels of risks in our insurance products and invested assets. In order to meet these capital requirements, we may need to

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increase or maintain Farm Bureau Life's statutory capital and surplus through additional financings, which could include debt, equity or other transactions.
Adverse capital market conditions may affect the availability and cost of borrowed funds, thereby ultimately impacting our profitability and ability to support or grow our businesses. Without sufficient capital, we could be forced to curtail certain of our operations, and our business could suffer. Actions we might take to access financing may in turn cause rating agencies to reevaluate our ratings.
We manage our capital level to be consistent with statutory and rating agency requirements. As of December 31, 2015, we estimate that Farm Bureau Life has sufficient capital to meet our rating objectives. However, this capital may not be sufficient if significant future losses are incurred and access to additional capital is limited.

Our valuation of fixed maturity securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

During periods of market disruption, it may be difficult to value certain securities if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the financial environment or market conditions.
Certain market sectors may become dislocated during and after periods of volatile and illiquid market conditions, increasing the difficulty in valuing certain instruments, as trading becomes less frequent and/or market data less observable. As a result, certain valuations may 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.
The decision on whether to record an other-than-temporary impairment is determined in part by our assessment of the financial condition and prospects of a particular issuer, projections of future cash flows and recoverability of the particular security as well as an evaluation of our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell prior to recovery. Our conclusions regarding the recoverability of a particular security's fair value may ultimately prove to be incorrect as facts and circumstances change.
Our investment portfolio is subject to credit quality risks that may diminish the value of our invested assets and affect our profitability and reported book value per share.

Particularly in the event of a major downturn in economic activity, we are subject to the risk that issuers of fixed maturity securities, other debt securities and commercial mortgage borrowers, will default on principal and interest payments. As of December 31, 2015, we held $6.6 billion of fixed income securities, $0.2 billion of which represented below-investment grade holdings. Of these below-investment grade holdings, 91.4% were acquired as investment grade holdings but, as of December 31, 2015, had been downgraded to below investment grade. An increase in defaults on our fixed maturity securities and commercial mortgage loan portfolios could harm our financial strength and reduce our profitability.

Although we seek to diversify the investment portfolio across multiple asset classes, industries and geographies, the concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry, group of related industries or geographic sector could have an adverse effect on our investment portfolios and, consequently, on our results of operations and financial position.

We face competition from companies having greater financial resources, more advanced technology systems, broader arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance, which may impair our ability to retain existing customers, attract new customers and maintain our profitability and financial strength.
See "Item 1. Business - Ratings and Competition" for information regarding risks relating to competition.
As a holding company, we depend on our subsidiaries for funds to meet our obligations, but our life insurance subsidiaries' ability to make distributions to us is limited by law, and could be affected by minimum risk-based capital requirements.
As a holding company, we rely on dividends from subsidiaries to assist in meeting our obligations. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make other cash payments in the future may materially affect our ability to satisfy our parent company payment obligations, including debt service and dividends on our common stock.

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The amount of dividends we have available to pay our common shareholders is limited to a certain extent by the amount of dividends our primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, is able to pay to its parent, FBL Financial Group, Inc. Farm Bureau Life's ability 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. At December 31, 2015, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory unassigned surplus was $469.6 million. There are certain additional limits to the amount of dividend that may be paid within a year without approval of the Insurance Division, Department of Commerce of the State of Iowa (the Iowa Insurance Division) as discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. During 2016, the maximum amount available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. from Farm Bureau Life without regulatory approval is $100.0 million.
 
In addition, Farm Bureau Life is subject to the risk-based capital (RBC) requirement of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) set forth in the Risk-Based Capital for Insurers Model Act (the Model Act). The main purpose of the Model Act is to provide insurance regulators a method of measuring the minimum amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in consideration of its size and risk profile. U.S. insurers and reinsurers are required to report the results of their RBC calculations as part of the statutory annual statements filed with state insurance regulatory authorities. State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer's risk-based capital ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on various risk factors related to an insurance company's capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators impose regulatory actions when a company's total adjusted capital is equal to or lower than 200% of its authorized control level risk-based capital. The severity of regulatory actions increase until the point where regulators assume control of an insurance company when its total adjusted capital is equal to or less than 70% of its authorized control level risk-based capital.

Failure to maintain adequate capital levels could lead to ratings downgrades and liquidity issues which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

A significant ratings downgrade may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. If our ratings were lowered, our ability to access reinsurance and market products to new customers could be harmed and existing policyholders might cancel their policies or withdraw the cash values of their policies. These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and liquidity. Our ratings reflect the agency's opinions as to our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet obligations to Farm Bureau Life's policyholders. There is no assurance that a rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be reduced, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency, if in the rating agency's judgment, circumstances so warrant. See "Item 1. Business - Ratings and Competition" for a summary of our current ratings.
All segments of our business are highly regulated and these regulations or changes in them could affect our profitability.
We are subject to statutes and regulations in various states in which our life insurance subsidiaries operate. Insurance regulation is different in each state, but is similar in that it is intended to provide safeguards for policyholders, agents, insurance companies and their holding companies. State insurance regulators oversee matters relating to the business of life insurance and annuities, such as sales practices, policy forms, claims practices, types and amounts of investments, reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, minimum amounts of capital and surplus, transactions with related parties, changes in control and payment of dividends. They continually examine existing laws and regulations, and may recommend or make changes as they see appropriate.

Our variable insurance products, investment advisors, broker/dealer and certain licensed agents who are also registered representatives and investment advisor representatives are subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), state securities regulators (in most states where they are authorized to do business) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

As noted above, through adoption by law in states where we do business, our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to the NAIC's RBC requirements. These guidelines are used by state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. Our life insurance subsidiaries also may be required under solvency or guarantee laws of most states in which they do business, to pay assessments up to certain prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses for insolvent insurance companies.

Although the federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance, our company is subject to the same federal laws as other corporations, including, but not limited to pension regulation, discrimination, financial services regulation,

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securities regulation and federal taxation. Any one of these regulatory schemes can significantly affect the insurance business. In addition, various forms of direct and indirect federal regulation of insurance have been proposed from time to time. The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 established the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the Department of Treasury to collect information about the insurance industry, recommend prudential standards and represent the U.S. in dealings with foreign insurance regulators. We continue to monitor the activities of the FIO, NAIC and the state insurance regulators.

As part of the Dodd-Frank Act, many key rules have yet to be finalized, some of which might have an impact on insurers. The regulatory framework at the state and federal level applicable to our insurance products is evolving and could affect the design of our products and our ability to sell certain products. Any changes in these laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our investment management subsidiary is an SEC-registered investment advisor. This entity manages the investment portfolios for certain non-affiliated organizations, as well as oversees financial advisory services provided by our agent force. Our registered separate accounts are themselves highly regulated under the Investment Company Act. In addition, our broker-dealer subsidiary is registered with the SEC and is subject to regulation under the Exchange Act and various state securities laws, and is a member of and subject to regulation by FINRA. Registered representatives sell variable products and mutual funds through our broker/dealer subsidiary and are regulated by FINRA and state securities regulators. The failure of our broker-dealer subsidiary and registered representatives to acquire and maintain required securities registrations and comply with SEC and FINRA regulations could materially impact our business reputation and subject the company to financial penalties.

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. From time to time, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards. It is possible that future accounting standards we are required to adopt could change the current accounting treatment that we apply to our consolidated financial statements and that such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. This includes the current work by accounting standards setting bodies on a project evaluating the accounting for insurance contracts. While the scope of this project was scaled back in 2014, it is uncertain what the outcome of the project will be or when it will be completed. The impact of accounting pronouncements that have been issued but not yet implemented is discussed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.

During the second quarter of 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed regulations addressing when a person providing investment advice with respect to certain employee benefit plans or individual retirement accounts (IRA) is considered a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code. The proposed regulations offer a very broad definition of fiduciary investment advice which includes services currently offered to some of our customers with such plans or IRAs. The DOL has also proposed a new set of prohibited transaction exemptions (PTEs) and amendments to existing PTEs to permit certain common fee and compensation practices to continue. Under the proposal the agents who sell fixed annuities and the registered representatives who sell variable annuities or investment products for use in certain employee benefit plans or IRAs, could subject themselves and one or more of our companies to additional disclosures, reporting, record keeping and other regulatory requirements. It is not uncommon for our customers to utilize products we offer in such plans and the proposals could have an adverse impact on our operations. It is uncertain if the proposals will be adopted in their current form and the impact of the proposed regulations on our organization is uncertain at this time.

Cyber attacks, system security risks, data protection breaches and other technology failures could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A technology failure could occur and potentially disrupt our business, damage our reputation and adversely affect our profitability. Our information technology systems are subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access or cyber attacks. The administrative and technical controls and other preventive actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information technology systems may be insufficient to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber attacks or other security breaches to our computer systems. In addition, disruptions or breaches could occur as a result of natural disasters, man-made disasters, epidemic/pandemic, industrial accident, blackout, criminal activity, technological changes or events, terrorism or other unanticipated events beyond our control. Any compromise of the security of our technology systems that results in the inappropriate disclosure of personally identifiable customer information could damage our reputation, expose us to litigation and require us to incur significant technical, legal and other expenses. While the company has insurance intended to provide coverage from certain losses related to such incidents and a variety of preventative security measures such as risk management, information protection, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, we cannot predict the method or outcome of every possible cyber incident. Unanticipated problems with our systems or recovery plans could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business, our results of operations and our financial position.

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Actual experience which differs from our assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality and interest rates used in pricing our products and calculating reserve amounts and deferred acquisition costs could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
The process of pricing products and calculating reserve amounts and deferred acquisition costs for an insurance organization involves the use of a number of assumptions including those related to persistency (how long a contract stays with the company), mortality (the relative incidence of death in a given time) and interest rates (the rates expected to be paid or received on financial instruments, including insurance or investment contracts). Actual results could differ significantly from those assumed. Actual experience which differs from one or more of these assumptions could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
We may be required to accelerate the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) include certain direct costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Bonus interest credited to contracts during the first policy year is also included. We amortize these costs over the expected lives of the contracts. We test the DAC recorded on our consolidated balance sheet to determine if these amounts are recoverable under current assumptions. In addition, we regularly review the estimates and assumptions underlying DAC for those products for which we amortize DAC in proportion to gross profits. Given changes in facts and circumstances, these tests and reviews could lead to reductions in DAC that could have an adverse effect on the results of our operations and our financial condition. Increases in actual or expected future withdrawals or surrenders or decreases in expected future investment returns, which are more likely in a severe economic recession, would result in an acceleration of DAC amortization. In addition, significant or sustained equity and bond market declines could result in an acceleration of DAC amortization related to variable annuity and variable universal life contracts.

Our earnings are influenced by our claims experience, which is difficult to estimate for future periods. If our future claims experience does not match our pricing assumptions or past results, our earnings could be materially adversely affected.

Our earnings are significantly influenced by the claims paid under our insurance contracts and will vary from period to period depending upon the amount of claims incurred. There is only limited predictability of claims experience within any given quarter or year. The liability that we have established for future insurance and annuity policy benefits is based on assumptions concerning a number of factors, including interest rates, expected claims, persistency and expenses. In the event our future experience does not match our pricing assumptions or our past results, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.
Our reinsurance program involves risks because we remain liable with respect to the liabilities ceded to reinsurers if the reinsurers fail to meet the obligations assumed by them.
We reinsure a portion of our life insurance exposure with unaffiliated insurance companies under traditional indemnity reinsurance agreements. New sales of life products are reinsured above prescribed limits and do not require the reinsurer's prior approval within certain guidelines. We enter into indemnity reinsurance arrangements to assist in diversifying our risks and to limit our maximum loss on risks that exceed our policy retention limits. Our maximum retention limit on an insured life ranges up to $1.5 million depending upon when the policy was issued.
Indemnity reinsurance does not fully discharge our obligation to pay claims on the reinsured business. As the ceding insurer, we remain responsible for policy claims to the extent the reinsurer fails to pay claims. Should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed under such reinsurance, we remain liable, and payment of these obligations could result in losses.
Our business is highly dependent on our relationships with Farm Bureau organizations and could be adversely affected if those relationships became impaired.
Farm Bureau Life's business relies significantly upon the maintenance of our right to use the Farm Bureau and FB trade names and related trademarks and service marks which are controlled by the American Farm Bureau and state Farm Bureau organizations. See discussion under "Item 1. Business - Marketing and Distribution - Affiliation with Farm Bureau" for information regarding these relationships and circumstances under which our access to the Farm Bureau membership base and use of the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations could be terminated. The loss of the right to use these designations in a key state or states could have a material adverse effect on operating results.

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Our relationship with Farm Bureau organizations could result in conflicts of interests.
Our business and operations are interrelated to a degree with that of the American Farm Bureau and its affiliates, and state Farm Bureau organizations and their affiliates. The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, share common directors with the state Farm Bureau organizations and their affiliates. Farm Bureau Life has written agreements with the state Farm Bureau organizations which cover the use of the Farm Bureau name and logo in their respective states. Farm Bureau Life also has written service agreements with affiliates of these state Farm Bureau organizations covering the management of our shared distribution in those states. Negotiation and approval of those agreements may give rise to conflicts of interest for those who serve on the boards of directors of both parties to such agreements. Conflicts could also arise with respect to other business dealings among the parties.
The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, have comparable agreements with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company. With respect to those agreements, in addition to individuals who serve as directors on the boards of both companies, the Company, Farm Bureau Life and Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company have common executive management, which may give rise to conflicts of interest for those executives.
Changes in federal tax laws may affect sales of our products and profitability.
The annuity and life insurance products that we market generally offer income tax advantages to policyholders as compared to other savings instruments, such as certificates of deposit and taxable bonds. Current federal income tax law allows for the deferral of income tax on the earnings during the accumulation period of certain annuity or insurance policies, as opposed to the current taxation of other savings instruments. In addition, life insurance death benefits are generally exempt from income tax. Legislation eliminating this tax deferral or tax exemption, or changes to reduce the taxation of competing products, could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Congress has from time to time considered legislation that would increase the amount of income tax expense incurred by insurance companies, including proposals to reduce the deduction for dividends received on assets held in separate accounts to support variable products. Reduction or elimination of federal tax credits for low-income housing and disallowing deductions for certain executive compensation have also been discussed as a potential means to reduce federal budget deficits. To the extent legislation were enacted that includes any of these items, we would incur additional income tax expense, thereby reducing earnings. Additionally, the amount of tax currently due could be accelerated significantly by provisions modifying the tax treatment of life insurance reserves, policy acquisition costs, depreciation and market discount on bonds. The likelihood of enactment of any of these proposals and any adverse consequences they may cause us is uncertain.
Our ability to maintain competitive costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business.
Maintaining competitive costs depends upon numerous factors, including the level of new sales, persistency of existing business and expense management. A decrease in sales or persistency without a corresponding reduction in expenses could affect our business and results of operations.
If we are unable to attract and retain agents, sales of our products and services may be reduced.
We compete to attract and retain exclusive agents for Farm Bureau Life. Intense competition exists for persons with demonstrated ability. We compete primarily on the basis of our reputation, products, compensation, support services, rating agency ratings and financial position. Sales and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in attracting and retaining agents.
Attracting and retaining employees who are key to our business is critical to our growth and success.
The success of our business and the ability to reach goals is dependent, to a large extent, on our ability to attract and retain key employees. Competition is intense in the job market for certain positions, such as actuaries and other insurance professionals with demonstrated ability, particularly with our headquarters being located in central Iowa, a hub of insurance company home offices, where we compete with other insurance and financial institutions.
Our employees are not subject to employment contracts, except for a retention agreement with our Chief Executive Officer. There can be no certainty regarding the length of time any of our named executive officers will remain with us. Our inability to retain our key employees, or attract and retain additional qualified employees, could materially adversely affect our sales, results of operations and financial condition.

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Success of our business depends in part on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements.
Our business is dependent upon effective technology for interacting with employees, agents, policyholders, vendors, third parties and investors. It is crucial to our business to reach a large number of people and secure, store and provide sizable amounts of information. If we do not maintain adequate systems to reflect technological advancements, we could experience adverse consequences including inadequate pricing, underwriting and reserving decisions, regulatory problems, security breaches or litigation exposure. This could adversely affect our relationships and ability to do business with our clients and make it difficult to attract new customers.
Our business strategy involves providing customers with easy-to-use products and systems to meet their needs, and our information systems require an ongoing commitment of resources to maintain current standards. We are continuously enhancing and updating our systems to keep pace with changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards, threats and customer demands. A failure to provide customers with information systems they need to conduct business with us could negatively impact relationships with our customers.
Our business is dependent, in part, upon third-party software and services for some of the above-listed technology needs. If one of our third-party vendors is unable to provide the service we require, there could be adverse impact on our ability to meet our customer, agent, reporting, regulatory and other operational needs.
Our success is dependent on protecting, maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of existing systems, as well as continuing to buy or build information systems that support our business processes in a cost-effective manner. An inability to provide and maintain effective information technology systems could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
We face risks relating to litigation, including the costs of such litigation, management distraction and the potential for damage awards, which may adversely impact our business.
We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state regulators such as the Iowa Insurance Division, and federal regulators such as the SEC, FINRA, DOL and the Internal Revenue Service, are entitled to make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, tax laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. 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. Moreover, we are subject to the risks of errors and misconduct by our exclusive agents, such as fraud, non-compliance with policies and recommending transactions that are not suitable for particular customers. While we are currently not a party to any lawsuit that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, there can be no assurance that any litigation will not have such an effect, whether financially, through distraction of our management or otherwise.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our principal operations are conducted from property leased from a subsidiary of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation under a 10 year operating lease that expires in 2021, with automatic five-year extensions unless terminated by one of the parties at least six months prior to the expiration date. Currently, the property leased primarily consists of approximately 141,000 square feet of a 400,000 square foot office building in West Des Moines, Iowa. We consider the current facilities to be adequate for the foreseeable future.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information required for Item 3 is incorporated by reference from the discussion in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.


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ITEM 4. MINE AND SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Stock Market and Dividend Information

The Class A common stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FFG. The following table sets forth the cash dividends per common share and the high and low prices of FBL Financial Group Class A common stock as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system for each quarter of 2015 and 2014.

Class A Common Stock Data (per share)
1st Qtr.
 
2nd Qtr.
 
3rd Qtr.
 
4th Qtr.
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
62.54

 
$
63.24

 
$
62.64

 
$
69.80

Low
51.97

 
55.50

 
53.80

 
59.25

Dividends declared and paid
2.40

 
0.40

 
0.40

 
0.40

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
44.85

 
$
47.27

 
$
47.65

 
$
58.72

Low
36.22

 
41.87

 
42.28

 
43.76

Dividends declared and paid
0.35

 
0.35

 
0.35

 
0.35


Special Dividends

On March 6, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend to Class A and Class B common shareholders of record as of March 16, 2015. The aggregate dividend totaling $49.5 million was paid on March 26, 2015. On August 21, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend to Class A and Class B common shareholders of record as of September 6, 2013. The aggregate dividend totaling $51.4 million was paid on September 13, 2013.

Tender Offer of Class B Shares

There is no established market for purchasing our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand into Class A common stock on a share for share basis. As part of a comprehensive capital management program, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of Class B common shares through a tender offer for 99 percent of all Class B shares outstanding. The tender offer was conditioned upon all the Class B shareholders either tendering their shares or converting their shares to Class A common stock. The tender price of $45.33 was based upon the average of the closing price of FBL’s Class A common stock for the seven consecutive business days preceding the tender closing date of September 25, 2013. All Class B shareholders participated with 1,023,948 Class B common shares repurchased for $46.4 million and 105,930 Class B common shares converted to Class A common stock.

Other Information

As of January 28, 2016, there were approximately 6,400 holders of Class A common stock and 21 holders of record of Class B common stock.

Class B common stockholders receive dividends at the same rate as that declared on Class A common stock. We intend to declare regular quarterly cash dividends in the future, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, which depends in part upon general business conditions, legal restrictions and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant. It is anticipated that

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the quarterly dividend rate for 2016 will increase to $0.42 per share and a special dividend of $2.00 per common share will be paid in the first quarter of 2016.

For restrictions on dividends, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources" included in Item 7.

Comparison of Five-Year Total Return


 
Period Ending
 
12/31/2010
 
12/31/2011
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013

 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
100.00

 
$
119.78

 
$
121.98

 
$
169.11

 
$
225.74

 
$
263.09

S&P 500 Index
100.00

 
102.11

 
118.45

 
156.82

 
178.28

 
180.75

S&P 500 Life & Health Insurance Index
100.00

 
79.29

 
90.86

 
148.53

 
151.42

 
141.87


Source: SNL Financial LC

The performance graph shows a comparison of the cumulative total return over the past five years of our Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Life and Health Insurance Index. The graph plots the changes in value of an initial $100 investment, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We had no issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. We have $39.0 million available under a stock repurchase plan announced on February 20, 2014, which will expire on March 31, 2016. It is anticipated that a new $50.0 million plan will be authorized upon expiration of the current plan, remaining open through March 31, 2018. The plan authorizes us to make repurchases of Class A common stock 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 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 
As of or for the year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statement of Income Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
114,584

 
$
109,770

 
$
111,575

 
$
101,410

 
$
97,103

Traditional life insurance premiums
190,956

 
183,300

 
180,944

 
175,086

 
168,519

Net investment income
391,149

 
382,082

 
370,651

 
361,324

 
343,310

Realized gains (losses) on investments
10,489

 
2,938

 
13,555

 
452

 
(8,296
)
Total revenues
722,809

 
692,939

 
691,231

 
655,540

 
618,337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
113,473

 
109,869

 
108,393

 
82,796

 
52,209

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 
(2,939
)
 
(11,464
)
Net income
$
113,473

 
$
109,869

 
$
108,393

 
$
79,857

 
$
40,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
4.55

 
$
4.42

 
$
4.25

 
$
3.01

 
$
1.69

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 
(0.11
)
 
(0.37
)
Earnings per common share
$
4.55

 
$
4.42

 
$
4.25

 
$
2.90

 
$
1.32

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
4.53

 
$
4.39

 
$
4.21

 
$
2.97

 
$
1.67

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 
(0.10
)
 
(0.37
)
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
4.53

 
$
4.39

 
$
4.21

 
$
2.87

 
$
1.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends (1)
$
3.6000

 
$
1.4000

 
$
2.5200

 
$
0.4000

 
$
0.2875

Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
25,016,483

 
25,016,244

 
25,774,415

 
27,838,548

 
31,215,023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
7,722,753

 
$
7,680,970

 
$
7,040,002

 
$
7,160,650

 
$
6,397,195

Assets held in separate accounts
625,257

 
683,033

 
693,955

 
618,809

 
603,903

Total assets
9,132,004

 
9,064,408

 
8,461,323

 
8,417,726

 
8,109,368

Long-term debt
97,000

 
97,000

 
97,000

 
147,000

 
146,968

Total liabilities
7,997,530

 
7,811,526

 
7,416,532

 
7,205,479

 
6,906,939

Total stockholders' equity (2)
1,134,474

 
1,252,882

 
1,044,791

 
1,212,247

 
1,202,429

Book value per common share (2)
45.61

 
50.57

 
42.08

 
47.47

 
39.13


Notes to Selected Consolidated Financial Data
(1)
Dividends in 2015 and 2013 include a special $2.00 per share cash dividend to Class A and B common shareholders.
(2)
Amounts are impacted by accumulated other comprehensive income totaling $114.5 million in 2015, $258.4 million in 2014, $119.1 million in 2013, $289.9 million in 2012, and $177.8 million in 2011. These amounts are net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, unearned revenue reserve, value of insurance in force acquired and policyholder liabilities.


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

When reading the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this report. Unless noted otherwise, all references to FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) include all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including its insurance subsidiaries Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life) and Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields Life).

In this discussion and analysis, we explain our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and where appropriate, factors that management believes may affect future performance, including:

our revenues and expenses in the periods presented,
changes in revenues and expenses between periods,
sources of earnings and changes in stockholders' equity,
impact of these items on our overall financial condition and
expected sources and uses of cash.

We have organized our discussion and analysis as follows:

First, we discuss our business and drivers of profitability.
We then describe the business environment in which we operate including factors that affect operating results.
We highlight significant events that are important to understanding our results of operations and financial condition.
We then review the results of operations beginning with an overview of the total Company results, followed by a more detailed review of those results by operating segment.
Finally, we discuss critical accounting policies and recently issued accounting standards. The critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management's most difficult or complex judgment.

Overview and Profitability

We operate predominantly in the life insurance industry through our principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life. Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Several subsidiaries support various functional areas of Farm Bureau Life and other affiliates by providing investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies.

We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated in Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company. We analyze our segment results based on pre-tax operating income, which excludes the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and changes in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives that are included in net income. Operating income is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), but is a common industry measure of performance since realized gains and losses on investments and the change in unrealized gains and losses on derivatives can fluctuate greatly from year to year. A view of our operating performance without the impact of these items enhances the analysis of our results, although it should not be viewed as a substitute for net income as a measure of financial performance. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for further information regarding how we define our segments and operating income.

We also include within our analysis “premiums collected,” another measure which is not used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common industry measure of agent productivity. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for further information regarding this measure and its relationship to GAAP revenues.


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Our profitability is primarily a factor of:

The volume of our life insurance and annuity business in force, which is driven by the level of our sales and the persistency of the business written.
The amount of spread (excess of net investment income earned over interest credited) we earn on contract holders' general account balances.
Our ability to price our life insurance products to earn acceptable margins over the cost of providing benefits and the expenses of acquiring and administering the products. Competitive conditions, mortality experience, persistency, investment results and our ability to maintain expenses in accordance with pricing assumptions drive our margins on the life products. On many products, we have the ability to mitigate adverse experience through adjustments to credited interest rates, policyholder dividends or cost of insurance charges.
Our ability to manage our investment portfolio to maximize investment returns while providing adequate liquidity for obligations to policyholders and minimizing the risk of defaults or impairments of invested assets.
Our ability to manage the level of our operating expenses.
Actual experience and changes in assumptions for expected surrender and withdrawal rates, mortality and spreads used in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs.

Our profitability is also impacted by changes in accounting guidance that impact the timing of profit recognition. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for details on pending accounting pronouncements. In addition to guidance that has been adopted, the accounting standards setting bodies are currently working on other projects that could impact the timing of profit emergence including the accounting for insurance contracts, financial instruments and leases. It is uncertain what the outcome of these or other projects will be or when they will be completed.

Impact of Recent Business Environment

Our business generally benefits from moderate to strong economic expansion. Conversely, a lackluster economy 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 during such times. 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.

Economic and other environmental factors which may impact our business include, but are not limited to, the following:

Gross Domestic Product increased at an annual rate of 2.4% during 2015 based on recent estimates.
U.S. unemployment was estimated to be 5.0% at year-end 2015.
Global excess capacity has led to oversupply in energy and other commodity industries causing price declines and reduced revenues for producers.
U.S. net farm income is estimated to have decreased 38.2% and farm real estate value is estimated to have decreased 1.6% during 2015 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield increased during 2015 from 2.17% at December 31, 2014 to 2.27% at December 31, 2015.
Continued uncertainty as to actions the United States Congress will take to address the national debt, including potential actions to change the tax advantages of life insurance.
The Department of Labor recently proposed to expand an insurance company's fiduciary responsibilities for sales of insurance products to be used in retirement plans. See Part 2, Item 1A for further discussion of this proposal.

The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose during the year, while credit spreads also increased. However, market yields remain low and this continues to negatively impact our investment yields as well as the interest we credit on our interest sensitive products. Our average investment portfolio yield declined during 2015 as yields on new acquisitions were generally lower than the average portfolio yield. As a result we proactively reduced customer crediting rates on certain annuity and universal life products during 2015. While low crediting rates pose challenges to maintaining attractive annuity and universal life products, our rates are comparable to other insurance companies, allowing us to maintain our competitive position within the market. We continue to reassess the future profitability of our interest-sensitive products as future profit expectations impact the valuation of deferred policy acquisition costs. During 2014 and 2015 we unlocked assumptions used to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs to reflect the expectation of lower earned spread rates, primarily driven by the expected continuation of low market interest rates. We experienced a decrease in the fair value of our fixed maturity security portfolio in 2015 due to the increase in market yields. See the segment discussion and “Financial Condition” section that follows for additional information regarding the impact of low market interest rates on our business.

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Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity segment
$
69,950

 
$
65,056

 
$
63,592

 
8
 %
 
2
 %
Life Insurance segment
53,146

 
51,521

 
48,814

 
3
 %
 
6
 %
Corporate and Other segment
11,668

 
22,865

 
22,172

 
(49
)%
 
3
 %
Total pre-tax operating income
134,764

 
139,442

 
134,578

 
(3
)%
 
4
 %
Income taxes on operating income
(29,876
)
 
(32,401
)
 
(33,985
)
 
(8
)%
 
(5
)%
Operating income
104,888

 
107,041

 
100,593

 
(2
)%
 
6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains/losses on investments (1)
8,498

 
1,786

 
8,206

 
376
 %
 
(78
)%
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)
141

 
1,114

 
(241
)
 
(87
)%
 
(562
)%
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
113,527

 
$
109,941

 
$
108,558

 
3
 %
 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income per common share - assuming dilution
$
4.19

 
$
4.27

 
$
3.90

 
(2
)%
 
9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
4.53

 
$
4.39

 
$
4.21

 
3
 %
 
4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate on operating income
22
%
 
23
%
 
25
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average invested assets, at amortized cost
$
7,276,929

 
$
6,932,914

 
$
6,723,601

 
5
 %
 
3
 %
Annualized yield on average invested assets
5.55
%
 
5.61
%
 
5.74
%
 
 
 
 
Impact on operating income of unlocking deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and certain product reserves, net of tax
$
(257
)
 
$
(1,531
)
 
$
280

 
(83
)%
 
(647
)%

(1)
Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.

Our operating income decreased in 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to increases in death benefits and expenses, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the volume of business in force and higher investment fee income. Operating income increased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to the impact of an increase in the volume of business in force, higher investment fee income and lower expenses, partially offset by the impact of unlocking assumptions used in the calculation of amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance in force. Net income in 2015, compared to 2014, was also impacted by an increase in net realized gains, partially offset by a decrease in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives. Net income in 2014, compared to 2013, was also impacted by a decrease in net realized gains from investment sales, partially offset by an increase in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives.

Earnings per share from continuing operations benefited from the repurchase of Class A common shares in 2014 and 2013, as well as a tender offer for Class B common shares completed in the third quarter of 2013. Details regarding the share repurchases are included in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.

We periodically revise key assumptions used in the calculation of the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve for participating life insurance and interest sensitive products, as well as certain reserves on interest sensitive products, as applicable, through an “unlocking” process. These assumptions typically consist of withdrawal and lapse rates, earned spreads and mortality with revisions 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

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balances. While the unlocking process can take place at any time, as needs dictate, the process typically takes place annually. See the discussion that follows for further details of the unlocking impact to our operating segments.

Annuity Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges and other income
$
2,524

 
$
1,927

 
$
1,236

 
31
 %
 
56
 %
Net investment income
209,896

 
201,550

 
196,303

 
4
 %
 
3
 %
Total operating revenues
212,420

 
203,477

 
197,539

 
4
 %
 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product benefits
110,356

 
105,669

 
102,308

 
4
 %
 
3
 %
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions net of deferrals
1,874

 
2,039

 
2,554

 
(8
)%
 
(20
)%
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
9,658

 
10,477

 
9,422

 
(8
)%
 
11
 %
Amortization of value of insurance in force
946

 
2,314

 
907

 
(59
)%
 
155
 %
Other underwriting expenses
19,636

 
17,922

 
18,756

 
10
 %
 
(4
)%
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
32,114

 
32,752

 
31,639

 
(2
)%
 
4
 %
Total benefits and expenses
142,470

 
138,421

 
133,947

 
3
 %
 
3
 %
Pre-tax operating income
$
69,950

 
$
65,056

 
$
63,592

 
8
 %
 
2
 %
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity premiums collected, direct
$
337,892

 
$
298,031

 
$
259,466

 
13
%
 
15
%
Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
3,920,690

 
3,742,353

 
3,549,477

 
5
%
 
5
%
Average invested assets, at amortized cost
3,967,972

 
3,751,062

 
3,576,316

 
6
%
 
5
%
Investment fee income included in net investment income (1)
9,015

 
6,047

 
5,544

 
49
%
 
9
%
Average individual annuity account value
2,696,987

 
2,534,411

 
2,399,395

 
6
%
 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earned spread on individual annuity products:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
5.54
%
 
5.67
%
 
5.83
%
 
 
 
 
Weighted average interest crediting rate
2.78
%
 
2.88
%
 
2.95
%
 
 
 
 
Spread
2.76
%
 
2.79
%
 
2.88
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual annuity withdrawal rate
4.0
%
 
4.6
%
 
5.1
%
 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions.

Pre-tax operating income for the Annuity segment increased in 2015 and 2014 compared to prior periods. The increase in 2015 was primarily due to higher spread income earned from an increase in the volume of business in force, higher investment fee income and a benefit from unlocking, partially offset by an increase in other underwriting expenses. The increase in 2014 was primarily due to higher spread income earned from an increase in the volume of business in force, partially offset by the impact of unlocking.

The average aggregate account value for individual annuity contracts in force increased in 2015 and 2014, compared to the prior periods, due to continued sales and the crediting of interest. Continued growth in our business in force contributes to the increase in revenues and expenses. The increase in other underwriting expenses in 2015 was also due to a $0.5 million increase in defined benefit plan expense primarily due to settlement charges and the impact of changes in pension assumptions. Premiums collected increased in 2015 compared to 2014 due to increased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity and indexed annuity products. Premiums collected increased in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to increased sales of indexed annuity products. Individual fixed rate deferred annuity collected premiums were $237.6 million in 2015, $210.5 million in 2014 and

27

Table of Contents

$227.4 million in 2013. Indexed annuity collected premiums were $90.9 million in 2015, $78.8 million in 2014 and $23.4 million in 2013.

The Annuity segment also includes advances on our funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB). Outstanding funding agreements totaled $366.4 million at December 31, 2015, $362.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $322.3 million at December 31, 2013.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance in force changed in 2015 and 2014, compared to prior year periods, due to changes in actual and expected profits on the underlying business. Amortization, as well as reserves held on certain products, also changed due to the impact of unlocking. Unlocking generally reflects changes in our projected earned spreads, withdrawal and mortality assumptions. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income was as follows:

Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
$
1,419

 
$
197

 
$
1,630

Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired
(52
)
 
(1,645
)
 
(194
)
Changes in certain product reserves reported in interest sensitive product benefits
(722
)
 

 

Increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating income
$
645

 
$
(1,448
)
 
$
1,436

The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for individual annuities decreased in 2015 and 2014, compared to the prior periods, primarily due to lower yields on new investment acquisitions from premium receipts and reinvestment of the proceeds from maturing investments, compared with the average existing portfolio yield, partially offset by continued higher investment fee income. See the "Financial Condition" section which follows for additional information regarding the yields obtained on investment acquisitions. Weighted average interest crediting rates on our individual annuity products decreased due to crediting rate actions taken in 2015 and 2014 in response to the declining portfolio yield and a change in the underlying product mix.


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Table of Contents

Life Insurance Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges and other income
$
65,280

 
$
60,960

 
$
63,871

 
7
 %
 
(5
)%
Traditional life insurance premiums
190,956

 
183,300

 
180,944

 
4
 %
 
1
 %
Net investment income
152,730

 
146,349

 
140,510

 
4
 %
 
4
 %
Total operating revenues
408,966

 
390,609

 
385,325

 
5
 %
 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest credited
33,251

 
32,488

 
31,329

 
2
 %
 
4
 %
Death benefits and other
44,066

 
43,481

 
40,070

 
1
 %
 
9
 %
Total interest sensitive product benefits
77,317

 
75,969

 
71,399

 
2
 %
 
6
 %
Traditional life insurance benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Death benefits
87,686

 
68,987

 
70,705

 
27
 %
 
(2
)%
Surrender and other benefits
28,586

 
30,577

 
35,118

 
(7
)%
 
(13
)%
Increase in traditional life future policy benefits
59,872

 
63,308

 
54,639

 
(5
)%
 
16
 %
Total traditional life insurance benefits
176,144

 
162,872

 
160,462

 
8
 %
 
2
 %
Distributions to participating policyholders
11,828

 
12,012

 
13,319

 
(2
)%
 
(10
)%
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commission expense, net of deferrals
17,154

 
17,454

 
20,995

 
(2
)%
 
(17
)%
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
14,364

 
15,594

 
15,760

 
(8
)%
 
(1
)%
Amortization of value of insurance in force
1,481

 
1,179

 
1,593

 
26
 %
 
(26
)%
Other underwriting expenses
57,532

 
54,008

 
52,983

 
7
 %
 
2
 %
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
90,531

 
88,235

 
91,331

 
3
 %
 
(3
)%
Total benefits and expenses
355,820

 
339,088

 
336,511

 
5
 %
 
1
 %
Pre-tax operating income
$
53,146

 
$
51,521

 
$
48,814

 
3
 %
 
6
 %

29

Table of Contents

Life Insurance Segment - continued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life premiums collected, net of reinsurance
$
281,003

 
$
282,098

 
$
307,474

 
 %
 
(8
)%
Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period
2,677,827

 
2,575,786

 
2,454,556

 
4
 %
 
5
 %
Life insurance in force, end of period
54,106,365

 
51,730,819

 
49,055,900

 
5
 %
 
5
 %
Average invested assets, at amortized cost
2,686,230

 
2,549,750

 
2,396,368

 
5
 %
 
6
 %
Investment fee income included in net investment income (1)
4,664

 
1,696

 
1,854

 
175
 %
 
(9
)%
Average interest sensitive life account value
791,352

 
760,755

 
703,538

 
4
 %
 
8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive life insurance spread:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets
5.86
%
 
5.86
%
 
6.04
%
 
 
 
 
Weighted average interest crediting rate
3.90
%
 
3.99
%
 
4.11
%
 
 
 
 
Spread
1.96
%
 
1.87
%
 
1.93
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance lapse and surrender rates
5.6
%
 
5.4
%
 
5.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released
$
87,979

 
$
73,521

 
$
72,824

 
20
 %
 
1
 %

(1)
Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions.

Pre-tax operating income for the Life Insurance segment increased in 2015 and 2014 compared to prior periods. The increase in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in the volume of business in force, higher investment fee income and the impact of unlocking, partially offset by increases in death benefits and other underwriting expenses. The increase in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in the volume of business in force, partially offset by the impact of the correction of an immaterial error which increased pre-tax earnings by $2.8 million in 2013. This correction was related to a reclassification of certain product loads from deferred revenue to earned income and increased interest sensitive product charges $6.3 million, changes in reserves classified with interest sensitive death benefits $2.5 million and amortization of deferred acquisition costs $1.0 million.

Continued growth in our business in force contributes to the increase in revenues and expenses. The increase in other underwriting expenses in 2015 was also due to a $1.1 million increase in defined benefit plan expense primarily due to settlement charges and the impact of changes in pension assumptions.

Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, increased in 2015, compared with 2014, due to increases in the number of claims and the average size of claims. Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released during 2014, remained level compared with 2013.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, the value of insurance in force and unearned revenue reserves changed in 2015 and 2014, compared to prior periods, due to changes in actual and expected profits on the underlying business. Amortization, as well as reserves held on certain interest sensitive products, also changed due to the impact of unlocking. Unlocking generally reflects changes in our projected earned spreads, policy lapses and mortality assumptions. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income was as follows:


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Table of Contents

Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of unearned revenue reserve reported in interest sensitive product charges and other income
$
252

 
$
309

 
$
364

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
2,567

 
(540
)
 
(959
)
Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired

 
235

 

Changes in certain product reserves reported in interest sensitive product benefits
74

 
(300
)
 
300

Increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating income
$
2,893

 
$
(296
)
 
$
(295
)

The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for interest sensitive life insurance products remained level in 2015 and decreased in 2014, compared to prior year periods. Average yields in 2015 and 2014 were impacted by lower yields on new investment acquisitions from premium receipts and reinvestment of the proceeds from maturing investments, compared with the average existing portfolio yield. The impact of lower yields on new investments in 2015 was offset by an increase in investment fee income from prepayment fees. See the "Financial Condition" section which follows for additional information regarding the yields obtained on investment acquisitions. Weighted average interest crediting rates on our interest sensitive life insurance products were impacted by crediting rate decreases taken on various products in 2015, 2014 and 2013 in response to the declining portfolio yield, partially offset by sales of products with higher crediting rates.

Corporate and Other Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
46,519

 
$
46,547

 
$
46,093

 
 %
 
1
 %
Net investment income
31,214

 
31,913

 
35,843

 
(2
)%
 
(11
)%
Other income
15,899

 
15,186

 
14,839

 
5
 %
 
2
 %
Total operating revenues
93,632

 
93,646

 
96,775

 
 %
 
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product benefits
32,346

 
29,470

 
30,183

 
10
 %
 
(2
)%
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commission expense, net of deferrals
3,232

 
3,363

 
3,861

 
(4
)%
 
(13
)%
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
11,316

 
6,929

 
5,170

 
63
 %
 
34
 %
Other underwriting expenses
6,584

 
6,669

 
6,638

 
(1
)%
 
 %
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
21,132

 
16,961

 
15,669

 
25
 %
 
8
 %
Interest expense
4,850

 
4,707

 
6,863

 
3
 %
 
(31
)%
Other expenses
17,507

 
16,445

 
18,414

 
6
 %
 
(11
)%
Total benefits and expenses
75,835

 
67,583

 
71,129

 
12
 %
 
(5
)%
 
17,797

 
26,063

 
25,646

 
(32
)%
 
2
 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
54

 
72

 
165

 
(25
)%
 
(56
)%
Equity loss, before tax
(6,183
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(3,639
)
 
89
 %
 
(10
)%
Pre-tax operating income
$
11,668

 
$
22,865

 
$
22,172

 
(49
)%
 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

Corporate and Other Segment - continued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Change over prior year
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average invested assets, at amortized cost
$
622,727

 
$
632,102

 
$
750,918

 
(1
)%
 
(16
)%
Investment fee income included in net investment income (1)
471

 
1,613

 
366

 
(71
)%
 
341
 %
Average interest sensitive life account value
341,136

 
333,216

 
322,344

 
2
 %
 
3
 %
Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released
18,970

 
17,587

 
18,526

 
8
 %
 
(5
)%
Estimated impact on pre-tax income from separate account performance on amortization of deferred acquisition costs
(2,148
)
 
(540
)
 
2,630

 
298
 %
 
(121
)%

(1)
Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our prepayment speed assumptions.

Pre-tax operating income for the Corporate and Other segment decreased in 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to increases in pre-tax equity loss and in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs from the impact of unlocking and market performance on our variable business. Pre-tax operating income increased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in investment fee income and decreases in interest expense, other expenses and death benefits, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income and an increase in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs from the impact of market performance and profits on our variable business.

Death benefits net of reinsurance and reserves released increased in 2015 compared to 2014 due to increases in the number of claims and in the average claim size. Death benefits decreased in 2014 compared to 2013 due to decreases in the number of claims and in the average claim size.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and unearned revenue reserves changed in 2015 and 2014, compared to prior periods, primarily due to the impact of market performance in the separate accounts as well as the impact of unlocking in 2015 compared to 2014. Unlocking generally reflects changes in projected earned spreads and withdrawal and mortality assumptions. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income for the three years was as follows:

Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of unearned revenue reserve reported in interest sensitive product charges
$
299

 
$
(160
)
 
$
316

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
(3,155
)
 
(252
)
 
(926
)
Changes in certain product reserves reported in interest sensitive product benefits
(1,078
)
 
(200
)
 
(100
)
Decrease to pre-tax operating income
$
(3,934
)
 
$
(612
)
 
$
(710
)

Other income and other expenses includes fees and expenses from sales of brokered products and operating results of our non-insurance subsidiaries, which include management, advisory, marketing and distribution services and leasing activities.

Equity loss, before tax, 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 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

32

Table of Contents

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 bond and equity securities held by the investment partnerships, timing and success of initial public offerings or exit strategies, and the timing of the sale of investments held by the partnerships and joint ventures. Our low income housing tax credit investments generate pre-tax losses but after-tax gains as the related tax credits are realized. The timing of the realization of tax credits is subject to fluctuation from period to period due to the timing of housing project completions and the approval of tax credits. Equity income, net of related income taxes, was as follows:

Equity Income (Loss), Net of Related Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Equity income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low income housing tax credit investments
 
$
(7,022
)
 
$
(6,411
)
 
$
(6,273
)
Other equity method investments
 
839

 
3,141

 
2,634

 
 
(6,183
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(3,639
)
Income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxes on equity income (loss)
 
2,164

 
1,164

 
1,274

Investment tax credits
 
13,542

 
12,209

 
9,775

Equity income, net of related income taxes
 
$
9,523

 
$
10,103

 
$
7,410


Income Taxes on Operating Income

The effective tax rate on operating income was 22.2% for 2015, 23.2% for 2014 and 25.3% for 2013. The effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of low income housing credits from equity method investees and tax-exempt interest and dividend income. The 2015 and 2014 effective tax rates decreased, compared to prior periods, primarily due to increases in tax credits from low income housing tax credit investments. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for additional information on income taxes.
 
Impact of Operating Income Adjustments on FBL Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains on investments
$
10,489

 
$
2,938

 
$
13,555

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives
(114
)
 
1,838

 
(1,695
)
Change in amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred acquisition costs
116

 
(307
)
 
416

Value of insurance in force acquired
(9
)
 
(7
)
 
(65
)
Unearned revenue reserve
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
42

Income tax offset
(1,836
)
 
(1,561
)
 
(4,288
)
Net impact of operating income adjustments
$
8,639

 
$
2,900

 
$
7,965

Summary of adjustments noted above after offsets and income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains/losses on investments
$
8,498

 
$
1,786

 
$
8,206

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives
141

 
1,114

 
(241
)
Net impact of operating income adjustments
$
8,639

 
$
2,900

 
$
7,965

Net impact per common share - basic
$
0.35

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.31

Net impact per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.34

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.31


Income taxes on operating income adjustments on continuing operations are generally recorded at 35% as there are no permanent differences between book and taxable income relating to these adjustments. However, in 2015 income taxes on

33

Table of Contents

operating income adjustments included a $1.8 million tax benefit resulting from the disposition of an equity method investment, for which the carrying value consisted solely of nondeductible goodwill.

Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains on sales
$
13,014

 
$
4,593

 
$
18,507

Realized losses on sales
(1,952
)
 
(833
)
 
(2,540
)
Total other-than-temporary impairment charges
(719
)
 
(822
)
 
(6,662
)
Net realized investment gains
10,343

 
2,938

 
9,305

Non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income (loss)
146

 

 
4,250

Total reported in statements of operations
$
10,489

 
$
2,938

 
$
13,555

 
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" and Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for details regarding our unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

We monitor the financial condition and operations of the issuers of securities rated below investment grade and of the issuers of certain investment grade securities for which we have concerns regarding credit quality that could potentially be other than temporarily impaired. See additional details regarding write downs and our methodology for evaluating investments for other-than-temporary impairment in Notes 1 and 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.

Investment Credit Impairment Losses Recognized in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
$

 
$
273

 
$

Finance

 

 
421

Transportation

 

 
242

Residential mortgage-backed
363

 

 
618

Other asset-backed

 
156

 
156

Mortgage loans

 

 
804

Real estate and other
210

 
393

 
171

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in net income
$
573

 
$
822

 
$
2,412


Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit losses for 2015 occurred in the residential mortgage-backed sector due to changes in the amount and timing of future cash flows resulting in a decline in the present value. An impairment charge was also recognized on a real estate investment due to an appraisal declining below our current carrying value.

Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit losses for 2014 occurred in the manufacturing and other asset-backed sectors due to market valuation declines on securities we expected to sell in future periods. An impairment charge was also recognized on a real estate investment.

Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit losses for 2013 were incurred in our residential mortgage-backed securities due to changes in the amount and timing of future cash flows resulting in a decline in the present value. Losses within our asset-backed securities and the transportation and finance sectors were due to our intent to reduce our exposure by selling all or a portion of these securities. Losses were also incurred on mortgage loans that were restructured.

34

Table of Contents


Financial Condition

Investments

Our investment portfolio increased 0.5% to $7,722.8 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $7,681.0 million at December 31, 2014. The portfolio increased due to positive cash flows from operating and financing activities, offset by a reduction of $331.4 million of net unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities during 2015. Additional details regarding securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015 are included in the discussion that follows and in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Details regarding investment impairments are discussed above in the "Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments" section under "Results of Operations."

We manage the investment portfolio to optimize risk-adjusted yield within the context of prudent asset-liability management. We evaluate multiple cash flow testing scenarios as part of this process. The Company's investment policy calls for investing primarily in high-quality fixed maturities and commercial mortgage loans.

Fixed Maturity Acquisitions Selected Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cost of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
430,200

 
$
394,433

Mortgage- and asset-backed
 
283,963

 
345,928

United States Government and agencies
 
7,333

 
499

Tax-exempt municipals
 
47,317

 
10,522

Taxable municipals
 
107,894

 
27,705

Total
 
$
876,707

 
$
779,087

Effective annual yield
 
4.46
%
 
4.54
%
Credit quality
 
 
 
 
NAIC 1 designation
 
64.4
%
 
67.1
%
NAIC 2 designation
 
35.1
%
 
32.9
%
Non-investment grade
 
0.5
%
 
%
Weighted-average life in years
 
17.0

 
17.0


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 non-callable 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 is 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 2015 and 2014 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 shorter maturity and relatively low interest rate paid on those advances. In addition, certain municipal securities acquired are exempt from federal income taxes, and accordingly have a higher actual return than reflected in the yields stated above. The average yield of the securities acquired, excluding the securities supporting the funding agreements and using a tax-adjusted yield for the municipal securities, was 4.70% in 2015 and 4.75% in 2014.

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Table of Contents

Investment Portfolio Summary 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities - available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public
$
5,102,378

 
66.1
%
 
$
5,151,922

 
67.1
%
144A private placement
1,278,017

 
16.5

 
1,245,474

 
16.2

Private placement
257,381

 
3.4

 
303,302

 
4.0

Total fixed maturities - available for sale
6,637,776

 
86.0

 
6,700,698

 
87.3

Equity securities
121,667

 
1.6

 
112,623

 
1.5

Mortgage loans
744,303

 
9.6

 
629,296

 
8.2

Real estate
1,955

 

 
3,622

 

Policy loans
185,784

 
2.4

 
182,502

 
2.4

Short-term investments
28,251

 
0.4

 
48,585

 
0.6

Other investments
3,017

 

 
3,644

 

Total investments
$
7,722,753

 
100.0
%
 
$
7,680,970

 
100.0
%

As of December 31, 2015, 96.5% (based on carrying value) of the available-for-sale fixed maturities 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 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 December 31, 2015, no single non-investment grade holding exceeded 0.2% of total investments.

Credit Quality by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
NAIC Designation
 
Equivalent Rating (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
4,351,813

 
65.6
%
 
$
4,252,851

 
63.5
%
2
 
BBB
 
2,053,484

 
30.9

 
2,204,791

 
32.9

 
 
Total investment grade
 
6,405,297

 
96.5

 
6,457,642

 
96.4

3
 
BB
 
162,246

 
2.4

 
166,757

 
2.5

4
 
B
 
37,459

 
0.6

 
37,887

 
0.5

5
 
CCC
 
21,601

 
0.3

 
18,771

 
0.3

6
 
In or near default
 
11,173

 
0.2

 
19,641

 
0.3

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
232,479

 
3.5

 
243,056

 
3.6

 
 
Total fixed maturities - available for sale
 
$
6,637,776

 
100.0
%
 
$
6,700,698

 
100.0
%

(1)
Equivalent ratings are 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 included in Item 8 for a summary of fixed maturities by contractual maturity date.


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Table of Contents

Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Internal Industry Classification
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
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
$
328,324

 
$
158,935

 
$
10,434

 
$
169,389

 
$
(32,490
)
Capital goods
240,666

 
179,367

 
15,554

 
61,299

 
(4,532
)
Communications
137,290

 
89,237

 
6,930

 
48,053

 
(4,264
)
Consumer cyclical
123,702

 
107,309

 
7,013

 
16,393

 
(275
)
Consumer non-cyclical
404,439

 
237,336

 
16,466

 
167,103

 
(8,640
)
Energy
483,988

 
214,232

 
14,748

 
269,756

 
(62,431
)
Finance
722,855

 
533,159

 
37,895

 
189,696

 
(6,894
)
Transportation
102,669

 
70,039

 
5,331

 
32,630

 
(3,690
)
Utilities
822,297

 
622,549

 
73,894

 
199,748

 
(10,537
)
Other
152,477

 
75,490

 
3,884

 
76,987

 
(4,091
)
Total corporate securities
3,518,707

 
2,287,653

 
192,149

 
1,231,054

 
(137,844
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
1,602,620

 
1,147,663

 
87,718

 
454,957

 
(14,954
)
United States Government and agencies
44,098

 
39,291

 
3,129

 
4,807

 
(81
)
State, municipal and other governments
1,472,351

 
1,394,371

 
129,923

 
77,980

 
(2,183
)
Total
$
6,637,776

 
$
4,868,978

 
$
412,919

 
$
1,768,798

 
$
(155,062
)

 
December 31, 2014
 
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
$
356,761

 
$
299,688

 
$
25,221

 
$
57,073

 
$
(3,505
)
Capital goods
229,901

 
221,692

 
22,954

 
8,209

 
(73
)
Communications
124,387

 
117,560

 
12,420

 
6,827

 
(123
)
Consumer cyclical
196,957

 
187,587

 
14,536

 
9,370

 
(22
)
Consumer non-cyclical
402,033

 
365,482

 
32,353

 
36,551

 
(1,653
)
Energy (1)
559,033

 
413,663

 
44,182

 
145,370

 
(9,958
)
Finance
777,484

 
738,003

 
61,405

 
39,481

 
(491
)
Transportation
87,172

 
84,190

 
8,457

 
2,982

 
(295
)
Utilities (1)
858,783

 
829,042

 
121,400

 
29,741

 
(1,420
)
Other
74,395

 
63,635

 
6,009

 
10,760

 
(26
)
Total corporate securities
3,666,906

 
3,320,542

 
348,937

 
346,364

 
(17,566
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
1,543,490

 
1,291,575

 
105,271

 
251,915

 
(9,412
)
United States Government and agencies
42,804

 
41,834

 
4,581

 
970

 
(4
)
State, municipal and other governments
1,447,498

 
1,435,026

 
157,571

 
12,472

 
(113
)
Total
$
6,700,698

 
$
6,088,977

 
$
616,360

 
$
611,721

 
$
(27,095
)

(1)
During 2015, certain oil pipeline fixed maturity securities with a carrying value of $149.4 million at December 31, 2014 were reclassified from the utilities to the energy sector.


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Table of Contents

Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Energy Classification
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
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)
Energy securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream
$
131,364

 
$
48,886

 
$
2,727

 
$
82,478

 
$
(23,557
)
Oil field services
72,565

 
23,476

 
1,691

 
49,089

 
(15,687
)
Independent exploration & production
131,328

 
52,075

 
4,107

 
79,253

 
(12,346
)
Integrated energy
123,621

 
76,556

 
5,807

 
47,065

 
(8,639
)
Refiners
25,110

 
13,239

 
416

 
11,871

 
(2,202
)
Total
$
483,988

 
$
214,232

 
$
14,748

 
$
269,756

 
$
(62,431
)

 
December 31, 2014
 
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)
Energy securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream
$
151,833

 
$
96,673

 
$
9,008

 
$
55,160

 
$
(3,388
)
Oil field services
82,358

 
48,983

 
5,010

 
33,375

 
(3,204
)
Independent exploration & production
156,187

 
120,155

 
13,645

 
36,032

 
(2,209
)
Integrated energy
139,908

 
126,699

 
14,825

 
13,209

 
(907
)
Refiners
28,747

 
21,153

 
1,694

 
7,594

 
(250
)
Total
$
559,033

 
$
413,663

 
$
44,182

 
$
145,370

 
$
(9,958
)

At December 31, 2015, 89.7% of our energy holdings were investment grade. Our non-investment grade holdings included midstream issuers with a carrying value of $18.3 million and an unrealized loss of $4.7 million and oil field services with a carrying value of $16.4 million and an unrealized loss of $6.7 million. Non-investment grade oil field services included contract drillers with a carrying value of $5.9 million and an unrealized loss of $5.0 million.
Non-Sovereign European Debt Exposure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Italy
$
19,713

 
$
20,107

 
$
19,700

 
$
22,547

Spain
27,178

 
29,617

 
15,429

 
20,281

Ireland
14,046

 
15,546

 
13,037

 
15,028

Subtotal
60,937

 
65,270

 
48,166

 
57,856

United Kingdom
183,897

 
180,291

 
182,671

 
196,476

Netherlands
60,061

 
61,617

 
60,952

 
60,225

France
29,325

 
31,012

 
37,223

 
41,086

Other countries
85,520

 
86,620

 
77,471

 
93,955

Subtotal
358,803

 
359,540

 
358,317

 
391,742

Total European exposure
$
419,740

 
$
424,810

 
$
406,483

 
$
449,598


The table above reflects our exposure to non-sovereign European debt. This represents 6.4% of total fixed maturities as of December 31, 2015 and 6.7% as of December 31, 2014. The exposures are primarily in the industrial, financial and utility sectors. We do not own any securities issued by European governments or companies based in Greece.


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Table of Contents

Credit Quality of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
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
 
$
830,141

 
46.9
%
 
$
(31,439
)
 
20.3
%
2
 
BBB
 
796,367

 
45.0

 
(84,057
)
 
54.2

 
 
Total investment grade
 
1,626,508

 
91.9

 
(115,496
)
 
74.5

3
 
BB
 
88,719

 
5.0

 
(24,938
)
 
16.1

4
 
B
 
32,233

 
1.8

 
(7,125
)
 
4.6

5
 
CCC
 
14,146

 
0.8

 
(6,652
)
 
4.3

6
 
In or near default
 
7,192

 
0.5

 
(851
)
 
0.5

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
142,290

 
8.1

 
(39,566
)
 
25.5

 
 
Total
 
$
1,768,798

 
100.0
%
 
$
(155,062
)
 
100.0
%

 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
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
 
$
296,390

 
48.5
%
 
$
(7,410
)
 
27.4
%
2
 
BBB
 
240,308

 
39.3

 
(10,795
)
 
39.8

 
 
Total investment grade
 
536,698

 
87.8

 
(18,205
)
 
67.2

3
 
BB
 
61,995

 
10.1

 
(7,667
)
 
28.3

4
 
B
 
6,134

 
1.0

 
(636
)
 
2.3

5
 
CCC
 
6,894

 
1.1

 
(587
)
 
2.2

 
 
Total below investment grade
 
75,023

 
12.2

 
(8,890
)
 
32.8

 
 
Total
 
$
611,721

 
100.0
%
 
$
(27,095
)
 
100.0
%

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Fair Value is
 75% or Greater
 than Cost
 
Fair Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Fair Value is
75% or Greater
than Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
2,999

 
$
780,222

 
$
(1,229
)
 
$
(17,467
)
Greater than three months to six months
25,007

 
151,010

 
(9,174
)
 
(9,377
)
Greater than six months to nine months
29,344

 
572,298

 
(9,047
)
 
(39,654
)
Greater than nine months to twelve months
36,907

 
60,110

 
(12,116
)
 
(6,257
)
Greater than twelve months
87,870

 
178,093

 
(32,804
)
 
(17,937
)
Total
$
182,127

 
$
1,741,733

 
$
(64,370
)
 
$
(90,692
)


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Table of Contents

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Fair Value is
 75% or Greater
 than Cost
 
Fair Value
is Less than 75% of Cost
 
Fair Value is
75% or Greater
than Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$

 
$
223,846

 
$

 
$
(5,883
)
Greater than three months to six months

 
110,035

 

 
(5,425
)
Greater than six months to nine months

 
16,353

 

 
(625
)
Greater than nine months to twelve months

 
22,855

 

 
(487
)
Greater than twelve months
7,397

 
258,330

 
(2,341
)
 
(12,334
)
Total
$
7,397

 
$
631,419

 
$
(2,341
)
 
$
(24,754
)

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Maturity Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
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
$
4,289

 
$
(75
)
 
$
4,518

 
$
(496
)
Due after one year through five years
77,367

 
(9,356
)
 
17,499

 
(477
)
Due after five years through ten years
235,609

 
(20,499
)
 
61,928

 
(4,332
)
Due after ten years
996,576

 
(110,178
)
 
275,861

 
(12,378
)
 
1,313,841

 
(140,108
)
 
359,806

 
(17,683
)
Mortgage- and asset-backed
454,957

 
(14,954
)
 
251,915

 
(9,412
)
Total
$
1,768,798

 
$
(155,062
)
 
$
611,721

 
$
(27,095
)

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for additional analysis of these unrealized losses.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities

Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 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.

The repayment pattern on mortgage and other asset-backed securities is more variable than that of more traditional fixed maturity securities because the repayment terms are tied to underlying debt obligations that are subject to prepayments, which in the current economic environment includes defaults. The prepayment speeds (e.g., the rate of individuals refinancing their home mortgages) can vary based on a number of economic factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. These factors include the prevailing interest rate environment and general status of the economy.

At each balance sheet date, we review and update our expectation of future prepayment speeds and the book value of the mortgage and other asset-backed securities purchased at a premium or discount is reset, if needed. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for more detail on accounting for the amortization of premium and accrual of discount on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.


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Table of Contents

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities by Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Par Value
 
Carrying
 Value
 
Percent of Fixed Maturities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sequential
$
275,023

 
$
325,505

 
$
293,633

 
4.4
%
Pass-through
16,734

 
16,734

 
18,529

 
0.3

Planned and targeted amortization class
139,159

 
164,010

 
146,164

 
2.2

Other
6,053

 
8,424

 
7,180

 
0.1

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
436,969

 
514,673

 
465,506

 
7.0

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
514,195

 
537,150

 
553,992

 
8.3

Other asset-backed securities
578,692

 
612,846

 
583,122

 
8.8

Total
$
1,529,856

 
$
1,664,669

 
$
1,602,620

 
24.1
%

 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Par Value
 
Carrying
 Value
 
Percent of Fixed Maturities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sequential
$
291,569

 
$
346,546

 
$
316,556

 
4.7
%
Pass-through
20,223

 
20,193

 
22,407

 
0.3

Planned and targeted amortization class
135,534

 
133,976

 
144,670

 
2.2

Other
6,281

 
9,019

 
7,901

 
0.1

Total residential mortgage-backed securities
453,607

 
509,734

 
491,534

 
7.3

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
485,934

 
506,091

 
530,695

 
7.9

Other asset-backed securities
508,090

 
546,440

 
521,261

 
7.8

Total
$
1,447,631

 
$
1,562,265

 
$
1,543,490

 
23.0
%

The residential mortgage-backed portfolio includes government agency pass-through and collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) securities. With a government agency 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. We primarily invest in sequential tranches which provide cash flow stability in that principal payments do not occur until the previous tranches are paid off. In addition, to provide call protection and more stable average lives, we invest in CMOs such as planned amortization class and targeted amortization class securities. CMOs of these types provide more predictable cash flows within a range of prepayment speeds by shifting the prepayment risks to support tranches. We generally do not purchase certain types of CMOs that we believe would subject the investment portfolio to excessive risk.

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 and syndicated 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. We also have a partnership interest in two funds at December 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014, that own securities backed by Alt-A home equity, subprime first-lien and adjustable rate mortgage collateral. The funds are reported as securities and indebtedness of related parties in our consolidated balance sheets

41

Table of Contents

with a fair value of $7.6 million at December 31, 2015 and $14.2 million at December 31, 2014. We do not own any direct investments in subprime lenders.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
of Fixed Maturities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent
of Fixed Maturities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Government agency
$
212,065

 
$
225,886

 
3.4
%
 
$
206,397

 
$
223,478

 
3.3
%
Prime
122,900

 
132,221

 
2.0

 
127,434

 
139,954

 
2.1

Alt-A
136,830

 
147,196

 
2.2

 
160,111

 
174,230

 
2.6

Subprime
77,255

 
73,064

 
1.1

 
72,132

 
69,421

 
1.0

Commercial mortgage
514,195

 
553,992

 
8.3

 
485,934

 
530,695

 
7.9

Non-mortgage
466,611

 
470,261

 
7.1

 
395,623

 
405,712

 
6.1

Total
$
1,529,856

 
$
1,602,620

 
24.1
%
 
$
1,447,631

 
$
1,543,490

 
23.0
%

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

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by Collateral Type and Origination Year
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2015-2008
$
200,453

 
$
210,675

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
200,453

 
$
210,675

2007
25,459

 
29,541

 
22,166

 
23,222

 

 

 
47,625

 
52,763

2006
15,146

 
17,672

 
23,439

 
26,577

 

 

 
38,585

 
44,249

2005
9,450

 
10,784

 
5,934

 
6,323

 
946

 
927

 
16,330

 
18,034

2004 and prior
66,873

 
71,536

 
67,103

 
68,249

 

 

 
133,976

 
139,785

Total
$
317,381

 
$
340,208

 
$
118,642

 
$
124,371

 
$
946

 
$
927

 
$
436,969

 
$
465,506


 
December 31, 2014
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Total
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2014-2008
$
169,261

 
$
181,427

 
$
260

 
$
261

 
$

 
$

 
$
169,521

 
$
181,688

2007
27,881

 
33,557

 
26,052

 
27,232

 

 

 
53,933

 
60,789

2006
18,004

 
21,248

 
25,318

 
30,301

 

 

 
43,322

 
51,549

2005
10,969

 
12,560

 
6,278

 
6,928

 
912

 
921

 
18,159

 
20,409

2004 and prior
88,941

 
95,158

 
79,731

 
81,941

 

 

 
168,672

 
177,099

Total
$
315,056

 
$
343,950

 
$
137,639

 
$
146,663

 
$
912

 
$
921

 
$
453,607

 
$
491,534




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Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
454,809

 
97.7
%
 
$
455,505

 
92.7
%
2
 
BBB
 

 

 
10,944

 
2.2

3
 
BB
 
1,954

 
0.4

 
13,065

 
2.7

4
 
B
 

 

 
12,006

 
2.4

5
 
CCC
 
8,743

 
1.9

 
14

 

 
 
Total
 
$
465,506

 
100.0
%
 
$
491,534

 
100.0
%

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by Origination Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
$
58,970

 
$
60,424

 
$

 
$

2014
132,012

 
142,948

 
131,365

 
140,872

2013
28,761

 
29,603

 
28,732

 
29,409

2011
96,077

 
104,802

 
95,935

 
103,485

2010 and prior
198,375

 
216,215

 
229,902

 
256,929

Total
$
514,195

 
$
553,992

 
$
485,934

 
$
530,695


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Rating
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
GNMA
 
$
369,006

 
66.6
%
 
$
324,315

 
61.1
%
1
 
FNMA
 
13,822

 
2.5

 
14,110

 
2.7

1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generic
 
94,646

 
17.1

 
91,035

 
17.2

 
 
Super Senior
 
11,397

 
2.1

 
19,725

 
3.7

 
 
Mezzanine
 
7,459

 
1.3

 
17,528

 
3.3

 
 
Junior
 
16,888

 
3.0

 
20,097

 
3.8

 
 
Total AAA, AA, A
 
130,390

 
23.5

 
148,385

 
28.0

2
 
BBB
 
30,322

 
5.5

 
32,904

 
6.2

3
 
BB
 
8,197

 
1.5

 
8,493

 
1.6

4
 
B
 
2,255

 
0.4

 
2,488

 
0.4

 
 
Total
 
$
553,992

 
100.0
%
 
$
530,695

 
100.0
%

The 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) is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that was chartered by Congress to reduce borrowing costs for certain homeowners. GSEs carry an implicit backing of the U.S. Government but do not have explicit guarantees like GNMA.

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 $122.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $120.5 million at December 31,

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2014. 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.

Other Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type and Origination Year
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Non-Mortgage
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
141,551

 
$
140,648

 
$
141,551

 
$
140,648

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 
112,434

 
112,092

 
112,434

 
112,092

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 
46,619

 
46,759

 
46,619

 
46,759

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 
83,837

 
84,659

 
83,837

 
84,659

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 
13,178

 
13,207

 
13,178

 
13,207

2010 and prior
17,584

 
17,899

 
18,188

 
22,825

 
76,309

 
72,137

 
68,992

 
72,896

 
181,073

 
185,757

Total
$
17,584

 
$
17,899

 
$
18,188

 
$
22,825

 
$
76,309

 
$
72,137

 
$
466,611

 
$
470,261

 
$
578,692

 
$
583,122


 
December 31, 2014
 
Government & Prime
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
Non-Mortgage
 
Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Carrying Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2014
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
102,612

 
$
102,405

 
$
102,612

 
$
102,405

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 
60,296

 
60,600

 
60,296

 
60,600

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 
115,851

 
117,975

 
115,851

 
117,975

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 
16,736

 
$
16,942

 
16,736

 
16,942

2010 and prior
18,775

 
19,482

 
22,472

 
27,567

 
71,220

 
68,500

 
100,128

 
107,790

 
212,595

 
223,339

Total
$
18,775

 
$
19,482

 
$
22,472

 
$
27,567

 
$
71,220

 
$
68,500

 
$
395,623

 
$
405,712

 
$
508,090

 
$
521,261


Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
NAIC
Designation
 
Equivalent Ratings
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percent of
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
1
 
AAA, AA, A
 
$
495,730

 
85.0
%
 
$
457,154

 
87.7
%
2
 
BBB
 
59,628

 
10.2

 
32,664

 
6.3

3
 
BB
 
8,792

 
1.6

 
11,400

 
2.2

4
 
B
 
1,428

 
0.2

 
1,561

 
0.3

5
 
CCC
 
6,400

 
1.1

 
6,400

 
1.2

6
 
In or near default
 
11,144

 
1.9

 
12,082

 
2.3

 
 
Total
 
$
583,122

 
100.0
%
 
$
521,261

 
100.0
%

State, Municipal and Other Government Securities

State, municipal and other government securities totaled $1,472.4 million, or 22.2% of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2015, and $1,447.5 million, or 21.6% of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2014, 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 water and sewer revenue bonds. We do not hold any Puerto Rico-related bonds. Exposure to the state of Illinois and municipalities within the state accounted for 1.6% of our total fixed maturities at December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, our Illinois-

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related portfolio holdings were rated investment grade, and were trading at 109.0% of amortized cost. Our municipal bond exposure had an average rating of Aa2/AA and our holdings were trading at 109.5% of amortized cost at December 31, 2015.

Equity Securities

Equity securities totaled $121.7 million at December 31, 2015 and $112.6 million at December 31, 2014. Gross unrealized gains totaled $6.5 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014, gross unrealized gains totaled $5.9 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $0.7 million on these securities. The unrealized losses during 2015 were primarily attributable to non-redeemable perpetual preferred securities from issuers in the financial sector. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for further discussion regarding our analysis of unrealized losses related to these securities.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans totaled $744.3 million at December 31, 2015 and $629.3 million at December 31, 2014. Our mortgage loans are diversified as to property type, location and loan size, and are collateralized by the related properties. The total number of commercial mortgage loans outstanding was 167 at December 31, 2015 and 146 at December 31, 2014. In 2015, new loans ranged from $1.2 million to $10.3 million in size, with an average loan size of $5.2 million, an average loan term of 15 years and an average net yield of 4.21%. 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 4.0% that are interest-only loans at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, 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 2015 annual study. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for further discussion regarding our mortgage loans.

Other Assets

Deferred acquisition costs increased 52.1% to $335.8 million at December 31, 2015, primarily due to a $105.8 million decrease in the impact of the change in net unrealized appreciation on fixed maturity securities during the period. Securities and indebtedness of related parties increased 3.6% to $134.6 million primarily due to additional investments made in equity investees specializing in low income housing and other income partnerships. Assets held in separate accounts decreased 8.5% to $625.3 million primarily due to market performance on the underlying investment portfolios. Cash and cash equivalents decreased 61.5% to $29.5 million primarily due to normal fluctuations in timing of payments made and received.

Liabilities

Future policy benefits increased 4.5% to $6,401.5 million at December 31, 2015 primarily due to an increase in the volume of annuity and life insurance business in force. Deferred income taxes decreased 34.3% to $135.1 million at December 31, 2015, primarily due to the tax impact of the change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments. Liabilities related to separate accounts decreased 8.5% to $625.3 million primarily due to the impact of changes in market performance.

Stockholders' Equity

As discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, stockholders' equity was impacted by capital deployment actions during 2015. We paid a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share on Class A common stock and Class B common stock and increased our regular quarterly dividend by 14% to $0.40 per share.

Our stockholders' equity decreased 9.5% to $1,134.4 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $1,252.8 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to the change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities during the period and dividends paid, partially offset by net income.

At December 31, 2015, FBL's common stockholders' equity was $1,131.4 million, or $45.61 per share, compared to $1,249.8 million, or $50.57 per share at December 31, 2014. Included in stockholders' equity per common share is $4.62 at December 31, 2015 and $10.46 at December 31, 2014 attributable to accumulated other comprehensive income.


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Table of Contents

Market Risks of Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of insurance products and fair value of investments. The yield realized on new investments generally increases or decreases in direct relationship with interest rate changes. The fair value of our fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolios generally increases when interest rates decrease and decreases when interest rates increase.

A majority of our insurance liabilities are backed by fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. The weighted average life of the fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolio, based on fair values, was approximately 10.9 years at December 31, 2015 and 10.6 years at December 31, 2014. Accordingly, the earned rate on the portfolio lags behind changes in market yields. The extent that the portfolio yield lags behind changes in market yields generally depends upon the following factors:

The average life of the portfolio.
The amount and speed at which market interest rates rise or fall.
The amount by which bond calls, mortgage loan prepayments and paydowns on mortgage- and asset-backed securities accelerate during periods of declining interest rates or decelerate during periods of increasing interest rates.

Expected Cash Flows from Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
December 31, 2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and Thereafter
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities
$
6,379,919

$
304,191

$
329,352

$
423,594

$
360,404

$
239,148

$
4,723,230

Mortgage loans
744,303

59,482

41,870

71,478

62,169

62,167

447,137

Total
$
7,124,222

$
363,673

$
371,222

$
495,072

$
422,573

$
301,315

$
5,170,367


The table above summarizes cash inflows from the maturity or prepayment of fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans that will be available for benefits or reinvestment. These cash flow estimates are based on our existing investment holdings and do not anticipate the effect of new acquisitions or voluntary sales of these securities. The estimates include assumptions for the timing of paydowns on asset-backed and other securities, and accordingly, may not represent actual amounts that will be received during the periods presented or changes to these assumptions during the year. In a declining or low interest rate environment, prepayments and redemptions affecting our fixed maturity securities and mortgage loan investments may increase as issuers and borrowers seek to refinance at a lower rate. 

For a majority of our products, profitability is significantly affected by the spreads between interest yields on investments and interest crediting rates on our insurance liabilities. For variable annuities and variable universal life policies, profitability on the portion of the policyholder's account balance invested in the fixed general account option, if any, is also affected by the spreads earned. For the variable products, the policyholder assumes essentially all the investment earnings risk for the portion of the account balance invested in the separate accounts.

For a portion of our business in force, we have the ability to adjust interest or dividend crediting rates in response to changes in portfolio yield. However, the ability to adjust these rates is limited by competitive factors and contractual guarantees. Surrender rates could increase and new sales could be negatively impacted if the crediting rates are not competitive with the rates on similar products offered by other insurance companies and financial services institutions. In addition, if market rates were to stay at a low level for an extended period of time, our spread could be lowered due to interest rate guarantees on many of our interest sensitive products. See Part 1, Item 1 - Business, Business Segments for the ranges of guaranteed rates and where our products fall within those ranges.
 
A prolonged period of low interest rates may result in increased downward pressure on average earned yields for the investment portfolios supporting our annuity and universal life business as higher-yielding fixed maturity securities and mortgages are sold, mature or are prepaid and replaced with lower-yielding investments. Lower investment income may cause us to lower crediting rates on our spread-based annuity and life insurance products, which in turn may reduce their attractiveness to potential customers. Failure to lower crediting rates as portfolio investment yields decline, either by choice, to ensure our spread-based insurance products are competitive within the market place or for contractual reasons in the case of products earning guaranteed rates, will result in lower earnings.

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The following is a hypothetical illustration of the potential impact to average investment yields of a static 2.00% 10-year U.S. Treasury rate during 2016 and 2017 without any corresponding change in current investment spreads. The level of investments maturing and requiring reinvestment are based on projections of the current investment portfolios supporting these blocks of business without incorporation of new business. We estimate that this scenario would decrease average investment yields supporting our annuity business by 0.10% to 0.15% and our universal life business by 0.05% to 0.10% annually over the near term. In addition to not incorporating the impact of new business, this hypothetical illustration does not reflect the potential impact of policyholder behavior. An increase in net cash flows from that modeled will accelerate the pace at which the portfolio yield will decrease, and a decrease in the net cash flows from that modeled will slow down the pace at which the portfolio yield will decrease. Accordingly, actual investment yields could differ materially from those presented. Furthermore, the impact of a decline in portfolio yield on net income is dependent on our ability and willingness to adjust crediting rates.

Interest Crediting Rates Compared to Guarantees
 
Liabilities at December 31, 2015
 
Percent Above Minimum Guarantee
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Discretionary rate setting products with minimum guarantees:
 
 
 
Fixed rate annuities
$
2,767,817

 
33.5
%
Index annuities
231,397

 
96.3

Universal life insurance
803,744

 
18.6

Variable annuities and variable universal life insurance
339,139

 

Total discretionary products
4,142,097

 
 
Non-discretionary products
622,062

 
 
Total interest sensitive product liabilities
$
4,764,159

 
 
 
Non-discretionary products primarily represent funding agreements, guaranteed investment contracts and supplementary contracts involving life contingencies where we do not have the ability to adjust crediting rates.
 
We design our products to encourage persistency and manage our investment portfolio in a manner to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. In addition to the ability to change interest crediting rates on our products, certain interest sensitive contracts have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions. Products such as supplementary contracts with life contingencies are not subject to surrender or discretionary withdrawal. Depending on the product, surrender charge rates on annuity contracts range up to 10.0% and surrender charge periods range up to 10 years and typically decrease 1.0% to 2.0% for every year the contract is in force.

Surrender and Discretionary Withdrawal Characteristics of Interest Sensitive Products and Supplementary Contracts Without Life Contingencies
 
Liabilities at
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Surrender charge rate:
 
Greater than or equal to 5%
$
799,144

Less than 5%, but still subject to surrender charge
681,939

Not subject to surrender charge
3,099,002

Not subject to surrender or discretionary withdrawal
524,003

Total
$
5,104,088


A major component of our asset-liability management program is structuring the investment portfolio with cash flow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our insurance liabilities. We use models to perform simulations of the cash flows generated from existing insurance policies under various interest rate scenarios. Information from these models is used in the determination of investment strategies. Effective duration is a common measure for price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. It measures the approximate percentage change in the fair value of a portfolio when interest rates change by 100 basis points. This measure includes the impact of estimated changes in portfolio cash flows from features such as bond calls and

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prepayments. When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is reduced because a change in the value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities.

Our exposure to interest rate risk stems largely from our annuity products as the cash flows of these products can vary significantly with changes in interest rates. We have holdings in fixed maturity and mortgage loan portfolios to offset the interest rate risk of our annuity products. We actively manage the projected cash flows and duration of these assets and liabilities by minimizing the difference between the two. 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 6.1 years at December 31, 2015 and 5.9 years at December 31, 2014. The effective duration of our annuity liabilities was approximately 6.4 years at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

If interest rates had increased 10% from levels at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments would have decreased approximately $118.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $110.5 million at December 31, 2014. These hypothetical changes in value do not take into account any offsetting change in the value of insurance liabilities for investment contracts since we estimate such value to be the cash surrender value for a portion of the underlying contracts. If interest rates had decreased 10% from levels at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of our debt would increase $2.6 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The models used to estimate the impact of a 10% change in market interest rates utilize many assumptions and estimates that materially impact the fair value calculations. Key assumptions in the models include an immediate and parallel shift in the yield curve and an acceleration of bond calls and principal prepayments on mortgage and other asset-backed securities. The above estimates do not attempt to measure the financial statement impact on the resulting change in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves, policyholder liabilities and income taxes. Due to the subjectivity of these assumptions, the actual impact of a 10% change in rates on the fair values would likely be different from that estimated.

Equity Risk

Equity price risk is limited due to the relatively small equity portfolio held at December 31, 2015. However, we are exposed to equity price risk in the following ways:

We earn mortality and expense fee income based on the value of our separate accounts at annual rates ranging from 0.00% to 1.45% for 2015, 2014 and 2013. As a result, revenues from these sources fluctuate with changes in the fair value of the equity, fixed maturity and other securities held by the separate accounts.
We have equity price risk to the extent we may owe amounts under the guaranteed minimum death benefit and guaranteed minimum income benefit provisions of our variable annuity contracts. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for additional discussion of these provisions.
The amortization of deferred acquisition costs on our variable business can fluctuate with changes in the performance of the underlying separate accounts. See the Corporate and Other Segment discussion above for additional discussion of this amortization.

Credit Risk

We have exposure to credit risk as it relates to the uncertainty associated with the continued ability of a given entity to make timely payments of principal and interest. See "Financial Condition - Investments" for additional information about credit risk in our investment portfolio.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

During 2015, our operating activities generated cash flows totaling $224.9 million, consisting of net income of $113.5 million adjusted for non-cash operating revenues and expenses netting to $111.4 million. We used cash of $369.4 million in our investing activities during 2015. The primary uses were $1,120.1 million of investment acquisitions, mostly in fixed maturity securities, partially offset by $740.3 million in sales, maturities and repayments of investments. Our financing activities provided cash of $97.3 million during 2015. The primary financing source was $586.1 million in receipts from interest sensitive products credited to policyholder account balances, which was partially offset by $415.3 million for return of policyholder account balances on interest sensitive products and $89.3 million for dividends paid to stockholders.

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Sources and Uses of Capital Resources

Parent company cash inflows from operations consist primarily of fees that it charges various subsidiaries and affiliates for management of their operations, expense reimbursements and tax settlements from subsidiaries and affiliates, proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, investment income and dividends from subsidiaries, if declared and paid. Revenue sources for the parent company during 2015 included management fees from subsidiaries and affiliates totaling $7.9 million and dividends of $50.0 million. Cash outflows are principally for salaries, taxes and other expenses related to providing management services, dividends on outstanding stock, stock repurchases and interest on our parent company debt.

We paid regular cash dividends on our common and preferred stock totaling $39.8 million in 2015, $34.7 million in 2014 and $13.4 million in 2013. In addition, we paid a special $2.00 per common share cash dividend in March 2015 of $49.5 million and in September 2013 of $51.4 million. It is anticipated that quarterly cash dividend requirements for 2016 will be $0.0075 per Series B redeemable preferred share and $0.42 per common share. In addition, we expect to pay a special dividend of $2.00 per common share in the first quarter of 2016. The level of common stock dividends will be analyzed quarterly and will be dependent upon our capital and liquidity positions. In addition, alternative uses of excess capital may impact future dividend levels. Assuming these quarterly dividend rates and special dividend, the common and preferred dividends would total approximately $91.3 million in 2016. The parent company expects to have sufficient resources and cash flows to meet its interest and dividend payments throughout 2016. The parent company had available cash and investments totaling $76.5 million at December 31, 2015. FBL Financial Group, Inc. expects to rely on available cash resources, dividends from Farm Bureau Life and management fee income to make dividend payments to its stockholders and interest payments on its debt, as well as fund any capital initiatives such as stock repurchases. As of December 31, 2015, we had no other material commitments for capital expenditures.

As discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, we have periodically taken advantage of opportunities to repurchase our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock through tender offers and Class A common stock repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors. There was $39.0 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2015, under the current $50 million Class A common stock repurchase plan. Upon expiration of the current plan on March 31, 2016, it is anticipated that a new $50.0 million Class A common stock repurchase plan will be approved with an expiration date of March 31, 2018. Completion of this 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 that we will repurchase. The share repurchase program may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. We repurchased 0.1 million shares of Class A common stock for $3.7 million in 2015, 0.4 million shares of Class A common stock for $18.5 million in 2014 and 0.4 million shares of stock Class A and 1.0 million shares of Class B common shares for $60.6 million in 2013. These transactions were primarily funded with available cash and resources at the parent company, including dividends received from Farm Bureau Life of $50.0 million in 2015, $45.0 million in 2014 and $140.0 million in 2013.

Interest payments on debt totaled $4.9 million in 2015 and 2014 and $7.1 million in 2013. In September 2013, we redeemed our $50.0 million in notes with affiliates. Interest payments on our debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 are estimated to be $4.9 million in 2016.

Farm Bureau Life's cash inflows primarily consist of premiums, deposits to policyholder account balances, income from investments, sales, maturities and calls of investments; and repayments of investment principal. Farm Bureau Life's cash outflows are primarily related to withdrawals of policyholder account balances, investment purchases, payment of policy acquisition costs, policyholder benefits, income taxes, current operating expenses and dividends. 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. Continuing operations and financing activities from Farm Bureau Life relating to interest sensitive products provided funds totaling $385.3 million in 2015, $410.3 million in 2014 and $361.0 million in 2013.

Farm Bureau Life's ability to pay dividends to the parent company 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. At December 31, 2015, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory unassigned surplus was $469.6 million. There are certain additional limits on the amount of dividends that may be paid within a year without approval of the Insurance Division, Department of Commerce of the State of Iowa (the Iowa Insurance Division) as discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. During 2016, the maximum amount legally available for distribution to the parent company without further regulatory approval is $100.0 million.


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We manage the amount of capital held by our insurance subsidiaries to ensure we meet regulatory requirements. State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer's risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on the various risk factors related to an insurance company's capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators monitor the level of RBC against a statutory "authorized control level" RBC at which point regulators have the option to assume control of the insurance company. The company action level RBC is 200% of the authorized control level and is the first point at which any action would be triggered. As of December 31, 2015, our statutory total adjusted capital was $668.3 million, resulting in a RBC ratio of 570%, based on company action level capital of $117.3 million.

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 and internally-generated funds. However, 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. Farm Bureau Life is also a member of the FHLB, which provides a source for additional liquidity if needed. This membership allows us 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 the market value of eligible collateral, our level of statutory admitted assets and excess reserves, and our willingness or capacity to hold activity-based FHLB common stock.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.

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. The following table summarizes such obligations as of December 31, 2015:

Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1 - 3
years
 
4 - 5
years
 
After
5 years
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Insurance liabilities (1)
$
15,035,860

 
$
1,153,228

 
$
1,610,698

 
$
1,354,245

 
$
10,917,689

Subordinated note payable to Capital Trust, including interest payments (2)
249,775

 
4,850

 
9,700

 
9,700

 
225,525

Home office operating leases
12,834

 
2,139

 
4,278

 
4,278

 
2,139

Purchase obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to purchase or fund investments
41,412

 
28,703

 
11,875

 
641

 
193

Commercial mortgage loan commitments
31,305

 
31,305

 

 

 

Other purchase obligations (3)
72,662

 
28,084

 
32,314

 
12,264

 

Other long-term liabilities (4)
11,832

 
7,131

 
2,718

 
953

 
1,030

Total
$
15,455,680

 
$
1,255,440

 
$
1,671,583

 
$
1,382,081

 
$
11,146,576

 
(1)
Amounts shown in this table are projected payments through the year 2065 which we are contractually obligated to pay to our life insurance and annuity contract holders. The payments are derived from actuarial models which assume a level interest rate scenario and incorporate assumptions regarding mortality and persistency when applicable. These assumptions are based on our historical experience. The total of the contractual obligations relating to insurance contracts noted above differs from the liability balance on our consolidated balance sheet as follows:


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Contractual obligations compared to balance sheet carrying value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual
Obligations
 
Balance Sheet
Carrying Value
 
Difference
 
(Dollars in thousands)
(a) Reserves based on account values, including separate accounts
$
9,292,334

 
$
5,230,228

 
$
4,062,106

(b) Supplementary contracts involving life contingencies
220,166

 
159,189

 
60,977

 
9,512,500

 
5,389,417

 
4,123,083

(c) Traditional life insurance and accident and health products
4,873,622

 
1,637,322

 
3,236,300

(b) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
369,930

 
339,929

 
30,001

(d) Other
279,808

 
279,808

 

Total
$
15,035,860

 
$
7,646,476

 
$
7,389,384


The more significant factors causing this difference include:

(a)
reserves for products such as annuities and universal life products are generally based on the account values of the contracts without taking into account surrender charges, while the contractual obligations table includes projected cash payments. The differences between contractual obligations and the account values are primarily the accumulation of interest and death benefits on universal life business in excess of projected account values;
(b)
reserves for supplementary contracts and similar instruments are computed as the present value of future cash payments while the table above includes cash payments without the impact of discounting;
(c)
traditional life reserves are computed as the present value of future benefits less the present value of future premiums while the contractual obligations table includes gross benefit payments; and
(d)
dividend accumulations and other policy claims are included in the "Other policy claims and benefits" and "Advance premiums and other deposits" lines on our consolidated balance sheet.
(2)
Amount shown is net of $3.0 million equity investment in the Capital Trust due to the contractual right of offset upon repayment of the note.
(3)
Primarily related to service and maintenance agreements, a portion of which are incurred in our capacity as manager of our property-casualty affiliates. We receive reimbursement from our property-casualty affiliates for such amounts.
(4)
Includes our estimated future contributions to defined and postretirement benefit plans. Contributions related to the qualified pension plan are included through 2016. No amounts related to the qualified pension plan are included beyond 2016 as the contribution amounts will be re-evaluated based on actual results.

We are also a party to other operating leases with total payments of approximately $0.1 million per year. Generally, these leases are renewable annually with similar terms. Although our current intention is to renew these leases, we are not obligated to do so.

Effects of Inflation

Inflation has not had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following is a brief summary of our significant accounting policies and a review of our most critical accounting estimates. For a complete description of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.

In accordance with GAAP, premiums and considerations received for interest sensitive products, such as ordinary annuities and universal life insurance, are reflected as increases in liabilities for policyholder account balances and not as revenues. Revenues reported for these products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. Surrender benefits paid relating to these products are reflected as decreases in liabilities for policyholder account balances and not as expenses. Our insurance subsidiaries receive investment income earned from the funds deposited into account balances, a portion of which is passed through to the policyholders in the form of interest credited. Interest credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims in excess of policyholder account balances are reported as expenses in our consolidated financial statements.

Premium revenues reported for traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenues when due. Future policy benefits are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits.

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For variable universal life and variable annuities, premiums received are not reported as revenues. Similar to universal life and ordinary annuities, revenues reported consist of fee income and product charges collected from the policyholders. Expenses related to these products include benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances.

The costs related to acquiring new business, including certain costs of issuing policies and other variable selling expenses (principally commissions), defined as deferred acquisition costs, are capitalized and amortized into expense. We also record an asset, value of insurance in force acquired, for the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits and are generally "locked in" at the date the policies are issued. For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from surrender charges and investment, mortality and expense margins. This amortization is adjusted (also known as "unlocked") when we revise our estimate of current or future gross profits or margins. For example, deferred acquisition costs are amortized earlier than originally estimated when policy terminations are higher than originally estimated or when investments backing the related policyholder liabilities are sold at a gain prior to their anticipated maturity.

Death and other policyholder benefits reflect exposure to mortality risk and fluctuate from year to year based on the level of claims incurred under insurance retention limits.

Pension assets and liabilities are affected by the estimated fair value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and/or discount rates. Actual changes in the fair value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected return on plan assets will affect the amount of pension expense ultimately recognized. The December 31, 2015 pension obligation was computed based on an average 4.65% discount rate, which was based on yields for high-quality corporate bonds with a maturity approximating the duration of our pension liability. The long-term return on plan assets is based on current and projected asset allocations. Declines in comparable bond and equity yields would increase our net pension liability. Our net pension liability could increase or decrease depending on the extent to which returns on pension plan assets are lower or higher than the discount rate.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized which could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. A summary of our significant accounting estimates and the hypothetical effects of changes in the material assumptions used to develop each estimate, are included in the following table. We have discussed the identification, selection and disclosure of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.


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Balance Sheet Caption
Description of Critical Estimate
Assumptions / Approach Used
Effect if Different
Assumptions / Approach Used
Fixed maturities - available for sale
Excluding U.S. Government treasury securities, very few of our fixed maturity securities trade on the balance sheet date. For those securities without a trade on the balance sheet date, fair values are determined using valuation processes that require judgment.
Fair values are obtained primarily from a variety of independent pricing sources, whose results we evaluate internally. Details regarding valuation techniques and processes are summarized in Notes 1 and 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.
At December 31, 2015, our fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale had a fair value of $6,637.8 million, with gross unrealized gains totaling $412.9 million and gross unrealized losses totaling $155.1 million. Due to the large number of fixed maturity securities held, the unique attributes of each security and the complexity of valuation methods, it is not practical to estimate a potential range of fair values for different assumptions and methods that could be used in the valuation process.
Fixed maturities - available for sale and equity securities
We are required to exercise judgment to determine when a decline in the value of a security is other than temporary. Whether a realized loss needs to be recognized in earnings and the amount of the loss primarily depends on whether (1) a decline in fair value is other than temporary, (2) the extent to which a decline is related to credit versus non-credit related factors, (3) our intent to sell the security and (4) whether or not we could be required to sell prior to recovery. The previous amortized cost is adjusted by the loss reported in earnings to provide a new cost basis for fixed maturity securities and the fair value becomes the new cost basis for equity securities.
We evaluate the operating results of the underlying issuer, near-term prospects of the issuer, general market conditions, causes for the decline in value, the length of time there has been a decline in value, other key economic measures and our intent to sell and whether or not we would be required to sell prior to recovery.
At December 31, 2015, we had 548 fixed maturity and equity securities with gross unrealized losses totaling $156.3 million. Included in the gross unrealized losses are losses attributable to both movements in market interest rates as well as temporary credit issues. Details regarding these securities are included in the "Financial Condition - Investments" section above.

Due to the large number of securities within the investment portfolio and the unique credit characteristic of each, it is not practical to estimate a range of other-than-temporary impairment losses. As discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, we believe that all other-than-temporary impairment losses within the portfolio have been recognized.

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Balance Sheet Caption
Description of Critical Estimate
Assumptions / Approach Used
Effect if Different
Assumptions / Approach Used
Deferred acquisition costs
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs for participating life insurance and interest sensitive products is dependent upon estimates of future gross profits or margins on this business. Key assumptions used include the following:
- amount of death and surrender benefits and the length of time the policies will stay in force,
- yield on investments supporting the liabilities,
- amount of interest or dividends credited to the policies,
- amount of policy fees and charges and
- amount of expenses necessary to maintain the policies.
Estimates used in the calculation of amortization of deferred acquisition costs, which are revised at least annually, are based on historical results and our best estimate of future experience.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs for participating life insurance and interest sensitive products is expected to total approximately $26.4 million for 2016, excluding the impact of new production in 2016.

Based upon a historical analysis of fluctuations in estimated gross profits, we believe it is reasonably likely that a 10% change in estimated gross profits could occur. A 10% increase in estimated gross profits for 2016 would result in $1.8 million of additional amortization expense. Correspondingly, a 10% decrease in estimated gross profits would result in a $1.8 million reduction of amortization expense. The information above is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect our expectations regarding future changes in estimated gross profits.
Other assets/liabilities
The determination of net periodic pension expense and related accrued/prepaid pension cost requires the use of estimates as to the expected return on plan assets, discount rate on plan liabilities and other accrual assumptions. Pension expense for 2015 totaled $8.3 million.

We assume an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 6.75% and a discount rate of 4.65%. Details regarding the method used to determine the discount rate are summarized in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8.
The long-term rate of return may fluctuate over time based on asset mix and if investment returns over a long period of time significantly differ from historical returns. The discount rate changes annually as it is based on current yields for high-quality corporate bonds with a maturity approximating the duration of our pension obligations. As fluctuations in the expected long-term rate of return and discount rate have been historically moderate and we have no current plans to change our investment strategy significantly, we believe a change of up to 100 basis points is reasonably likely. A 100 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would result in a $0.8 million increase in pension expense and a 100 basis point increase would result in a $0.8 million decrease to pension expense. A 100 basis point decrease in the assumed discount rate would result in a $2.1 million increase in pension expense while a 100 basis point increase would result in a $1.9 million decrease to pension expense. The information above is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect our expectations regarding future changes in the long-term rate of return or discount rates.

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Balance Sheet Caption
Description of Critical Estimate
Assumptions / Approach Used
Effect if Different
Assumptions / Approach Used
Future policy benefits
Reserving for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance products requires the use of many assumptions, including the duration of the policies, mortality experience, lapse rates, surrender rates and dividend crediting rates.

These assumptions are made based upon historical experience, industry standards and a best estimate of future results and, for traditional life products, include a provision for adverse deviation. For traditional life insurance, once established for a particular series of products, these assumptions are generally held constant.
Due to the number of independent variables inherent in the calculation of traditional life insurance reserves, it is not practical to perform a sensitivity analysis on the impact of reasonable changes in the underlying assumptions. The cost of performing detailed calculations using different assumption scenarios outweighs the benefit that would be derived. We believe our assumptions are realistic and produce reserves that are fairly stated in accordance with GAAP.
Deferred income taxes
The amount of deferred tax assets we hold is dependent on our estimate of the future deductibility of certain items. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. No valuation allowance was recorded on deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015.

We utilize tax planning strategies, which require forward-looking assumptions and management judgment, to determine the deductibility of certain items and to assess the need for a valuation allowance. 

During periods in which we have deferred tax assets related to unrealized investment losses, we utilize tax planning strategies, including a buy-and-hold investment philosophy for securities experiencing unrealized losses and the sale of appreciated securities to ensure the deductibility of such losses in future periods.
 

At December 31, 2015, we held gross deferred tax assets totaling $53.3 million, primarily related to future policy benefits, employee benefits and loss carryforwards. Utilization of these deferred tax assets is dependent on our future earnings. No valuation allowance has been established for these deferred tax assets, as we believe future earnings will be sufficient to ensure their utilization. If future earnings are no longer expected to be sufficient, a valuation allowance will need to be established. Given the number of variables that impact the level of future earnings, it is not practicable to estimate a range of possible outcomes to the valuation of the deferred tax assets.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

No material accounting pronouncements have been adopted during the year. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements that may impact us in the future.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risks of Financial Instruments," for our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.





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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(f). Under the supervision and the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

We engage Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and express their opinion thereon. A copy of Ernst & Young LLP's audit opinions follows.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
FBL Financial Group, Inc.

We have audited FBL Financial Group, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). FBL Financial Group, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, FBL Financial Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.


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We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and our report dated March 3, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 3, 2016



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
FBL Financial Group, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FBL Financial Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FBL Financial Group, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations, comprehensive income (loss) and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), FBL Financial Group, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 3, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 3, 2016




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

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015 - $6,379,919; 2014 - $6,111,433)
$
6,637,776

 
$
6,700,698

Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2015 $116,336; 2014 - $107,410)
121,667

 
112,623

Mortgage loans
744,303

 
629,296

Real estate
1,955

 
3,622

Policy loans
185,784

 
182,502

Short-term investments
28,251

 
48,585

Other investments
3,017

 
3,644

Total investments
7,722,753

 
7,680,970

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
29,490

 
76,632

Securities and indebtedness of related parties
134,570

 
129,872

Accrued investment income
78,274

 
76,445

Amounts receivable from affiliates
2,834

 
2,666

Reinsurance recoverable
103,898

 
101,247

Deferred acquisition costs
335,783

 
220,760

Value of insurance in force acquired
20,913

 
22,497

Current income taxes recoverable
2,421

 

Other assets
75,811

 
70,286

Assets held in separate accounts
625,257

 
683,033

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,132,004

 
$
9,064,408



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

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits:
 
 
 
Interest sensitive products
$
4,764,159

 
$
4,543,980

Traditional life insurance and accident and health products
1,637,322

 
1,581,138

Other policy claims and benefits
44,157

 
34,895

Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
339,929

 
341,955

Advance premiums and other deposits
254,276

 
248,679

Amounts payable to affiliates
575

 
188

Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates
15,000

 

Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates
97,000

 
97,000

Current income taxes

 
2,764

Deferred income taxes
135,063

 
205,698

Other liabilities
84,792

 
72,196

Liabilities related to separate accounts
625,257

 
683,033

Total liabilities
7,997,530

 
7,811,526

 
 
 
 
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 24,796,763 shares in 2015 and 24,703,903 shares in 2014
149,248

 
144,625

Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2015 and 2014
72

 
72

Accumulated other comprehensive income
114,532

 
258,410

Retained earnings
867,574

 
846,737

Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity
1,134,426

 
1,252,844

Noncontrolling interest
48

 
38

Total stockholders' equity
1,134,474

 
1,252,882

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
9,132,004

 
$
9,064,408














See accompanying notes.

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FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
114,584

 
$
109,770

 
$
111,575

Traditional life insurance premiums
190,956

 
183,300

 
180,944

Net investment income
391,149

 
382,082

 
370,651

Net realized capital gains on sales of investments
11,062

 
3,760

 
15,967

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(719
)
 
(822
)
 
(6,662
)
Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss
146

 

 
4,250

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(573
)
 
(822
)
 
(2,412
)
Other income
15,631

 
14,849

 
14,506

Total revenues
722,809

 
692,939

 
691,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product benefits
217,443

 
211,540

 
203,599

Traditional life insurance benefits
176,145

 
162,876

 
160,471

Policyholder dividends
11,828

 
12,012

 
13,319

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
143,668

 
138,258

 
138,260

Interest expense
4,850

 
4,707

 
6,863

Other expenses
17,507

 
16,445

 
18,414

Total benefits and expenses
571,441

 
545,838

 
540,926

 
151,368

 
147,101

 
150,305

Income taxes
(47,418
)
 
(47,335
)
 
(49,322
)
Equity income, net of related income taxes
9,523

 
10,103

 
7,410

Net income
113,473

 
109,869

 
108,393

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
54

 
72

 
165

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
113,527

 
$
109,941

 
$
108,558

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
4.55

 
$
4.42

 
$
4.25

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
4.53

 
$
4.39

 
$
4.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per common share
$
1.60

 
$
1.40

 
$
0.52

Special cash dividend per common share
$
2.00

 
$

 
$
2.00


















See accompanying notes.

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FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
113,473

 
$
109,869

 
$
108,393

Other comprehensive income (loss) (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses
(146,579
)
 
142,121

 
(169,894
)
Non-credit impairment losses
(90
)
 

 
(2,690
)
Change in underfunded status of postretirement benefit plans
2,791

 
(2,778
)
 
1,798

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(143,878
)
 
139,343

 
(170,786
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(30,405
)
 
249,212

 
(62,393
)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
54

 
72

 
165

Total comprehensive income (loss) applicable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
(30,351
)
 
$
249,284

 
$
(62,228
)

(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities.


FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
 
FBL Financial Group, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Series B
Preferred
Stock
 
Class A and
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2013
$
3,000

 
$
123,228

 
$
289,853

 
$
796,110

 
$
56

 
$
1,212,247

Net income

 

 

 
108,558

 
(165
)
 
108,393

Other comprehensive loss

 

 
(170,786
)
 

 

 
(170,786
)
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans

 
20,156

 

 

 

 
20,156

Purchase of common stock

 
(8,319
)
 

 
(52,284
)
 

 
(60,603
)
Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 
(64,625
)
 

 
(64,625
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
159

 
159

Balance at December 31, 2013
3,000

 
135,065

 
119,067

 
787,609

 
50

 
1,044,791

Net income

 

 

 
109,941

 
(72
)
 
109,869

Other comprehensive income

 

 
139,343

 

 

 
139,343

Issuance of common stock under compensation plans

 
12,028

 

 

 

 
12,028

Purchase of common stock

 
(2,396
)
 

 
(16,064
)
 

 
(18,460
)
Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 
(34,599
)
 

 
(34,599
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
60

 
60

Balance at December 31, 2014
3,000

 
144,697

 
258,410

 
846,737

 
38

 
1,252,882

Net income

 

 

 
113,527

 
(54
)
 
113,473

Other comprehensive loss

 

 
(143,878
)
 

 

 
(143,878
)
Issuance of common stock under compensation plans

 
5,022

 

 

 

 
5,022

Purchase of common stock

 
(399
)
 

 
(3,343
)
 

 
(3,742
)
Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 
(89,197
)
 

 
(89,197
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
64

 
64

Balance at December 31, 2015
$
3,000

 
$
149,320

 
$
114,532

 
$
867,574

 
$
48

 
$
1,134,474




See accompanying notes.

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

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
113,473

 
$
109,869

 
$
108,393

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest credited to account balances
152,467

 
149,528

 
144,906

Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration
(108,250
)
 
(105,100
)
 
(100,820
)
Net realized gains on investments
(10,489
)
 
(2,938
)
 
(13,555
)
Change in fair value of derivatives
(1,098
)
 
(1,353
)
 
(955
)
Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits
76,474

 
65,999

 
58,064

Deferral of acquisition costs
(43,215
)
 
(41,409
)
 
(43,452
)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force
38,306

 
37,171

 
33,076

Change in reinsurance recoverable
(2,651
)
 
(1,246
)
 
(1,763
)
Provision for deferred income taxes
6,840

 
7,774

 
6,058

Other
3,053

 
(9,537
)
 
(7,677
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
224,910

 
208,758

 
182,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, maturities or repayments:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - available for sale
615,811

 
511,246

 
720,316

Equity securities - available for sale
14,921

 
1,840

 
12,810

Mortgage loans
42,429

 
43,634

 
64,215

Derivative instruments
3,899

 
1,760

 
506

Policy loans
35,406

 
33,704

 
34,946

Securities and indebtedness of related parties
27,789

 
2,997

 
10,381

Other investments

 

 
30

Real estate

 

 
1,957

Acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - available for sale
(871,406
)
 
(777,547
)
 
(893,555
)
Equity securities - available for sale
(23,833
)
 
(19,178
)
 
(26,740
)
Mortgage loans
(155,815
)
 
(96,623
)
 
(87,568
)
Derivative instruments
(4,122
)
 
(2,399
)
 
(607
)
Policy loans
(38,688
)
 
(39,213
)
 
(37,685
)
Securities and indebtedness of related parties
(26,213
)
 
(20,317
)
 
(30,960
)
Short-term investments, net change
20,334

 
60,092

 
(34,161
)
Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net
(9,869
)
 
(8,639
)
 
(11,846
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(369,357
)
 
(308,643
)
 
(277,961
)

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

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Contract holder account deposits
$
586,072

 
$
608,435

 
$
565,255

Contract holder account withdrawals
(415,262
)
 
(396,795
)
 
(384,914
)
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt
15,000

 

 

Repayments of debt

 

 
(50,000
)
Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net
64

 
60

 
159

Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation
1,362

 
1,199

 
1,964

Repurchase of common stock, net
(584
)
 
(8,003
)
 
(43,707
)
Dividends paid
(89,347
)
 
(34,749
)
 
(64,775
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
97,305

 
170,147

 
23,982

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(47,142
)
 
70,262

 
(71,704
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
76,632

 
6,370

 
78,074

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
29,490

 
$
76,632

 
$
6,370

 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
$
4,850

 
$
4,850

 
$
7,104

Income taxes
27,701

 
22,802

 
21,001




























See accompanying notes.

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FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

FBL Financial Group, Inc. (we or the Company) operates predominantly in the life insurance industry through its principal subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (Farm Bureau Life). Farm Bureau Life markets individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts to Farm Bureau members and other individuals and businesses in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States through an exclusive agency force. Greenfields Life Insurance Company (Greenfields), a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life, was launched in 2013 and offers life and annuity products in the state of Colorado. Several subsidiaries support various functional areas of Farm Bureau Life and other affiliates by providing investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. In addition, we manage two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies.

Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends certain aspects of the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments and the methodology for assessing the need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that amends existing consolidation guidance. The new guidance modifies the consolidation framework for certain investment entities and all limited partnerships. It also eliminates certain criteria used to determine whether fees paid to a decision maker are a variable interest. The amendment allows for either a full retrospective or modified approach at adoption of the new standard, which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not believe adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, which supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Although insurance contracts are specifically excluded from the scope of this guidance, almost all entities will be affected to some extent by the significant increase in required disclosures. The new guidance is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard, which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued guidance, which became effective during the first quarter of 2015, related to accounting for low income housing tax credit investments (LIHTC). Historically we have applied the equity method of accounting for these limited partnership and limited liability company investments. The new guidance allowed us the option to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method, which amortizes the acquisition cost of the partnership in proportion to the recognition of the tax benefits associated with these projects. Under this option, the tax credits, net of the amortization of the partnership interest, would be recognized as a component of income taxes. This guidance did not impact us as we elected to continue using our historical equity method of accounting for these investments.


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Investments

Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

Fixed maturities, comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock, which may be sold, are designated as "available for sale." Available-for-sale securities, with the exception of interest-only bonds, are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The unrealized gains and losses are reduced by a provision for deferred income taxes and adjustments to deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such amounts been realized. Interest-only bonds are considered to have an embedded derivative feature. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses relating to these securities are recorded as a component of net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Premiums and discounts for all fixed maturity securities are amortized/accreted into investment income over the life of the security using the effective interest method. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage- and asset-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities' expected lives. Subsequent revisions in assumptions are recorded using the retrospective or prospective method. Under the retrospective method used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities of high credit quality (ratings equal to or greater than "AA" or an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of acquisition or that are backed by a U.S. agency), amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the date of acquisition. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income. Under the prospective method, which is used for all other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return.

Equity securities, comprised of mutual funds and common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are designated as "available for sale" and are reported at fair value. The change in unrealized gains and losses of equity securities is included directly in stockholders' equity, net of any related deferred income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired (i.e., when it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to its fair value, which may be based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan, or the fair value of the underlying collateral. We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually and establish an estimated loss, if needed, for each impaired loan identified. The carrying value of each specific loan is reduced by the estimated loss. Interest income is accrued on impaired loans to the extent it is deemed collectible (generally delinquent less than 90 days) and the loan continues to perform under its original or restructured contractual terms. Interest income on non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual loans, the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past-due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan has been restructured such that the collection of interest is considered likely.

Real Estate

Real estate is reported at cost less allowances for depreciation, as applicable. The carrying value of these assets is subject to regular review. For properties held for investment, if indicators of impairment are present and a property's expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property's carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and the property's cost basis is reduced to fair value. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell, with valuation allowances recognized as a realized loss on investments and depreciation is no longer recorded. There was one property held for investment with an impairment charge of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and two properties held for investment with an impairment charge of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2014. There were no properties held for sale as of December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Other Investments

Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balance. Short-term investments, which include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months at the time of acquisition, are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Other investments include call options, which are carried at fair value, a promissory note acquired in a sale of a partnership interest, which is carried at the remaining basis of the partnership, and our

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ownership interest in aircraft acquired in a troubled debt restructuring with a bond issuer that filed for bankruptcy. The ownership interest in the aircraft is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation.

We have embedded derivatives associated with modified coinsurance contracts, which are included within reinsurance recoverable. These instruments are carried at fair value with changes reflected in net investment income. See Note 2 for more information regarding our derivative instruments.

Securities and indebtedness of related parties include investments in corporations and partnerships over which we may exercise significant influence and those investments for which we are required or choose to use the equity method of accounting. These corporations and partnerships operate predominately in the investment company, real estate, broker/dealer and insurance industries and include LIHTC. Such investments are accounted for using the equity method. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees. For partnerships operating in the investment company industry, this income or loss includes changes in unrealized gains and losses in the partnerships' investment portfolios.

Accrued Investment Income

We discontinue the accrual of investment income on invested assets when it is determined that it is probable that we will not collect the income.

Realized Gains and Losses on Investments

Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. 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 an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) 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 accumulated 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 all equity securities, the full amount of an OTTI write down is recognized as a realized loss on investments in the consolidated 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 maturities and equity securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is OTTI. In determining whether or not an unrealized loss is OTTI, we review factors such as:

historical operating trends;
business prospects;
status of the industry in which the company operates;
analyst ratings on the issuer and sector;
quality of management;
size of unrealized loss;
level of current market interest rates compared to market interest rates when the security was purchased; and
length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position.

In order to determine the credit and non-credit impairment loss for fixed maturities, every quarter we estimate the future cash flows we expect to receive over the remaining life of the instrument as well as review 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 OTTI 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, guarantees, vintage, 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 maturities include anticipated principal and interest payments and an estimated recovery value, generally based on a percentage return of the current fair value.

After an OTTI write down of all equity securities and any fixed maturities with a credit-only impairment, the cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. For fixed maturities 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

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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.

Fair Values

Fair values of fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available. Fair values of fixed maturities that are not actively traded are estimated using valuation methods that vary by asset class. Fair values of redeemable preferred stocks, equity securities and derivative investments are based on the latest quoted market prices, or for those items not readily marketable, generally at values which are representative of the fair values of comparable issues. Fair values for all securities are reviewed for reasonableness by considering overall market conditions and values for similar securities. See Note 3 for more information on our fair value policies, including assumptions and the amount of securities priced using the valuation models.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of our consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Reinsurance Recoverable

We use reinsurance to manage certain risks associated with our insurance operations. These reinsurance arrangements provide for greater diversification of business, allow management to control exposure to potential risks arising from large claims and provide additional capacity for growth. For business ceded to other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes the reinsurers' share of policyholder liabilities, claims and expenses, net of amounts due the reinsurers for premiums. For business assumed from other companies, reinsurance recoverable includes premium receivable, net of our share of benefits and expenses we owe to the ceding company.

Fair values for the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying investments. See Note 2 for more information regarding derivatives and Note 4 for additional details on our reinsurance agreements.

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Insurance In Force Acquired

Deferred acquisition costs include certain costs of successfully acquiring new insurance business, including commissions and other expenses related to the production of new business, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits. Also included are premium bonuses and bonus interest credited to contracts during the first contract year only. The value of insurance in force acquired represents the cost assigned to insurance contracts when an insurance company is acquired. The initial value is determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Interest accrued on the unamortized balance at a weighted average rate of 4.84% in 2015, 4.84% in 2014 and 4.94% in 2013.

For participating traditional life insurance and interest sensitive products, these costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross margins or gross profits. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. For nonparticipating traditional life products, these costs are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. Such anticipated premium revenues are estimated using the same assumptions used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits.

All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing deferred policy acquisition costs, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract.


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Other Assets

Other assets include property and equipment, primarily comprised of capitalized software costs and furniture and equipment, which are reported at cost less allowances for depreciation and amortization. We expense costs incurred in the preliminary stages of developing internal-use software as well as costs incurred post-implementation for maintenance. Capitalization of internal-use software costs occurs after management has authorized the project and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Amortization of software costs begins after the software has been placed in production. Depreciation and amortization expense is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. Property and equipment had a carrying value of $30.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $28.6 million at December 31, 2014, and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $61.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $53.2 million at December 31, 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $8.2 million in 2015, $6.3 million in 2014 and $4.6 million in 2013.

Other assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, also includes goodwill of $9.9 million related to the excess of the amounts paid to acquire companies over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. We evaluate our goodwill balance by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value of the goodwill. We conduct a qualitative impairment review at least annually as well as when indicators suggest an impairment may have occurred to determine if indicators of deterioration in the business would suggest its value has declined below the carrying value of goodwill. Such circumstances include changes in the competitive or overall economic environment or other business condition changes that may negatively impact the value of the underlying business. On a periodic basis, as well as in the event circumstances indicate the value of the business may have declined significantly, we will estimate the value of the business using discounted cash flow techniques. We believe this approach better approximates the fair value of our goodwill than a market capitalization approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including future premiums, product lapses, investment yields and discount rate. Underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and our best estimates given information available at the time of testing. As a result of our impairment review, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Future Policy Benefits

Future policy benefit reserves for interest sensitive products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. We also have additional benefit reserves that are established for annuity or universal life-type contracts that provide benefit guarantees, or for contracts that are expected to produce profits followed by losses. The liabilities are accrued in relation to estimated contract assessments. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates for our interest sensitive products ranged from 1.00% to 5.50% in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The liability for future policy benefits for direct participating traditional life insurance is based on net level premium reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality and other factors underlying the guaranteed policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 2.00% to 6.00%. The average rate of assumed investment yields used in estimating gross margins was 5.66% in 2015, 5.75% in 2014 and 5.84% in 2013. The liability for future policy benefits for non-participating traditional life insurance is computed using a net level method, including assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest and includes provisions for possible unfavorable deviations.

The liabilities for future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level (or an equivalent) method, including assumptions as to morbidity, mortality and interest and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.

Other Policy Claims and Benefits

We have unearned revenue reserves that reflect the unamortized balance of charges assessed to interest sensitive contract holders to compensate us for services to be performed over future periods (policy initiation fees). These charges have been deferred and are being recognized in income over the period benefited using the same assumptions and factors used to amortize deferred acquisition costs.

We have accrued dividends for participating business that are established for anticipated amounts earned to date that have not been paid. The declaration of future dividends for participating business is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Farm

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Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 31% of receipts from policyholders during 2015 (2014 and 2013 - 30%) and represented 11% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets is established if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

Separate Accounts

The separate account assets and liabilities reported in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets represent funds that are separately administered for the benefit of certain policyholders that bear the underlying investment risk. The separate account assets are carried at fair value and separate account liabilities represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs

Revenues for interest sensitive and variable products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges, administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances. The timing of revenue recognition as it relates to these charges and fees is determined based on the nature of such charges and fees. Policy charges for the cost of insurance, asset charges and policy administration charges are assessed on a daily or monthly basis and are recognized as revenue when assessed and earned. Certain policy initiation fees that represent compensation for services to be provided in the future are reported as unearned revenue and recognized in income over the periods benefited. Surrender charges are determined based upon contractual terms and are recognized upon surrender of a contract. Policy benefits and claims charged to expense include interest amounts credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances during the period. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs is recognized as expense over the life of the policy.

Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. Future policy benefits and policy acquisition costs are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred acquisition costs.

All insurance-related revenues, benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance ceded is recognized over the contract periods of the reinsurance agreements. Policies and contracts assumed are accounted for in a manner similar to that followed for direct business.

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Commission expense, net of deferrals
$
22,260

 
$
22,856

 
$
27,410

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
35,220

 
33,303

 
29,908

Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired
2,436

 
3,500

 
2,565

Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals
83,752

 
78,599

 
78,377

Total
$
143,668

 
$
138,258

 
$
138,260



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Other Income and Other Expenses

Other income and other expenses primarily consist of revenue and expenses generated by our various non-insurance subsidiaries for investment advisory, marketing and distribution, and leasing services. They also include revenues and expenses generated by our parent company for management services. Certain of these activities are performed on behalf of our affiliates. Lease income from leases with affiliates totaled $4.9 million in 2015, $3.1 million in 2014 and $2.2 million in 2013. Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $2.3 million in 2015, $1.9 million in 2014 and $1.7 million in 2013. In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $3.2 million in 2015 and 2014 and $3.0 million in 2013. We expense legal costs associated with a loss contingency as incurred.

Retirement and Compensation Plans

We participate with affiliates and an unaffiliated organization in defined benefit pension plans, including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan records an asset or liability based on the difference between contributions made to the plan to date and expense recognized for the plan to date. The obligations for the single employer plans are based on an actuarial valuation of future benefits. For the multiemployer plan, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. We employ a long-term investment strategy of maintaining diversified plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the plans for assets at the end of the reporting period.

We have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Performance and non-performance units are awarded under this plan. In addition to meeting the performance goals, the performance units are subject to a five-year vesting schedule. The non-performance units awarded under this plan vest over five years. The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The expense related to the performance units is based on the number of units expected to vest and is recognized over the required service period. The expense related to the non-performance units is recognized over the five-year vesting schedule. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those units expected to vest.

We also have share-based payment arrangements under our Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, although no new awards have been made since 2011. We recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled. The stock option non-performance related stock-based expense was being recognized over the shorter of our five-year vesting schedule or the period ending when the employee becomes eligible for retirement using the straight-line method. However, during 2014 we accelerated the vesting of all unvested stock options and recognized the remaining compensation expense. The impact of forfeitures is estimated and compensation expense is recognized only for those stock-based instruments expected to vest. We report tax deductions related to stock-based instruments in excess of recognized compensation expense as a financing cash flow.

See Note 8 for additional details on these plans.
 
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income, as well as other comprehensive income items not recognized through net income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities as well as the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans. These items are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax and other offsets, in stockholders' equity. The changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in our Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), excludes net investment gains and losses included in net income which represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These transfers are further discussed in Note 7. The components of the underfunded obligation for certain retirement and postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 8.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. For example, significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the valuation of investments, determination of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, amortization of deferred

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acquisition costs, calculation of policyholder liabilities and accruals and determination of pension expense. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.


2. Investment Operations

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
 Cost
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses
 
 Fair
 Value
 
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate (2)
$
3,464,402

 
$
192,149

 
$
(137,844
)
 
$
3,518,707

 
$
351

Residential mortgage-backed
436,969

 
33,880

 
(5,343
)
 
465,506

 
(3,584
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
514,195

 
42,284

 
(2,487
)
 
553,992

 

Other asset-backed
578,692

 
11,554

 
(7,124
)
 
583,122

 
3,058

United States Government and agencies
41,050

 
3,129

 
(81
)
 
44,098

 

State, municipal and other governments
1,344,611

 
129,923

 
(2,183
)
 
1,472,351

 

Total fixed maturities
$
6,379,919

 
$
412,919

 
$
(155,062
)
 
$
6,637,776

 
$
(175
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
$
87,029

 
$
6,095

 
$
(1,173
)
 
$
91,951

 
 
Common stocks
29,307

 
450

 
(41
)
 
29,716

 
 
Total equity securities
$
116,336

 
$
6,545

 
$
(1,214
)
 
$
121,667

 


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Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
 Cost
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
 
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses
 

 Fair
 Value
 
Non-credit losses on other-than-temporary impairments (1)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate (2)
$
3,335,535

 
$
348,937

 
$
(17,566
)
 
$
3,666,906

 
$
211

Residential mortgage-backed
453,607

 
42,510

 
(4,583
)
 
491,534

 
(3,694
)
Commercial mortgage-backed
485,934

 
45,573

 
(812
)
 
530,695

 

Other asset-backed
508,090

 
17,188

 
(4,017
)
 
521,261

 
5,223

United States Government and agencies
38,227

 
4,581

 
(4
)
 
42,804

 

State, municipal and other governments
1,290,040

 
157,571

 
(113
)
 
1,447,498

 

Total fixed maturities
$
6,111,433

 
$
616,360

 
$
(27,095
)
 
$
6,700,698

 
$
1,740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
$
80,566

 
$
5,135

 
$
(660
)
 
$
85,041

 
 
Common stocks
26,844

 
738

 

 
27,582

 
 
Total equity securities
$
107,410

 
$
5,873

 
$
(660
)
 
$
112,623

 



(1)
Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTIs are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for corporate and other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
(2)
Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a fair value of $43.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $80.9 million at December 31, 2014. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $24.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $29.9 million at December 31, 2014.


Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
 Cost
 

 Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
82,803

 
$
84,057

Due after one year through five years
726,985

 
774,484

Due after five years through ten years
801,426

 
822,177

Due after ten years
3,238,849

 
3,354,438

 
4,850,063

 
5,035,156

Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
1,529,856

 
1,602,620

Total fixed maturities
$
6,379,919

 
$
6,637,776


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 maturities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity.


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Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized appreciation on:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - available for sale
$
257,857

 
$
589,265

Equity securities - available for sale
5,331

 
5,213

 
263,188

 
594,478

Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of:
 
 
 
Deferred acquisition costs
(73,735
)
 
(179,544
)
Value of insurance in force acquired
(3,087
)
 
(3,939
)
Unearned revenue reserve
3,352

 
11,461

Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities
(4,090
)
 
(11,182
)
Provision for deferred income taxes
(64,955
)
 
(143,932
)
Net unrealized investment gains
$
120,673

 
$
267,342


Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities - available for sale
$
(331,408
)
 
$
336,051

 
$
(374,923
)
Equity securities - available for sale
118

 
3,729

 
(2,629
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments
$
(331,290
)
 
$
339,780

 
$
(377,552
)

The changes in net unrealized investment gains and losses are recorded net of deferred income taxes and other adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities. Subsequent changes in the fair value of securities for which a previous non-credit OTTI loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are reported along with changes in fair value for which no OTTI losses were previously recognized.


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Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than one year
 
One year or more
 
Total
 
 
Description of Securities
 
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
1,115,324

 
$
(96,062
)
 
$
115,730

 
$
(41,782
)
 
$
1,231,054

 
$
(137,844
)
 
88.9
%
Residential mortgage-backed
 
21,646

 
(725
)
 
26,537

 
(4,618
)
 
48,183

 
(5,343
)
 
3.4

Commercial mortgage-backed
 
48,424

 
(1,947
)
 
7,657

 
(540
)
 
56,081

 
(2,487
)
 
1.6

Other asset-backed
 
285,395

 
(3,323
)
 
65,298

 
(3,801
)
 
350,693

 
(7,124
)
 
4.6

United States Government and agencies
 
4,807

 
(81
)
 

 

 
4,807

 
(81
)
 
0.1

State, municipal and other governments
 
77,980

 
(2,183
)
 

 

 
77,980

 
(2,183
)
 
1.4

Total fixed maturities
 
$
1,553,576

 
$
(104,321
)
 
$
215,222

 
$
(50,741
)
 
$
1,768,798

 
$
(155,062
)
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
$
21,280

 
$
(573
)
 
$
4,400

 
$
(600
)
 
$
25,680

 
$
(1,173
)
 
 
  Common stock
 
1,428

 
(41
)
 

 

 
1,428

 
(41
)
 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
22,708

 
$
(614
)
 
$
4,400

 
$
(600
)
 
$
27,108

 
$
(1,214
)
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Less than one year
 
One year or more
 
Total
 
 
Description of Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
203,764

 
$
(9,756
)
 
$
142,600

 
$
(7,810
)
 
$
346,364

 
$
(17,566
)
 
64.8
%
Residential mortgage-backed
 
27,889

 
(315
)
 
19,084

 
(4,268
)
 
46,973

 
(4,583
)
 
16.9

Commercial mortgage-backed
 

 

 
20,900

 
(812
)
 
20,900

 
(812
)
 
3.0

Other asset-backed
 
128,516

 
(2,349
)
 
55,526

 
(1,668
)
 
184,042

 
(4,017
)
 
14.8

United States Government and agencies
 
500

 

 
470

 
(4
)
 
970

 
(4
)
 

State, municipal and other governments
 

 

 
12,472

 
(113
)
 
12,472

 
(113
)
 
0.5

Total fixed maturities
 
$
360,669

 
$
(12,420
)
 
$
251,052

 
$
(14,675
)
 
$
611,721

 
$
(27,095
)
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
$
14,838

 
$
(110
)
 
$
4,450

 
$
(550
)
 
$
19,288

 
$
(660
)
 
 
Total equity securities
 
$
14,838

 
$
(110
)
 
$
4,450

 
$
(550
)
 
$
19,288

 
$
(660
)
 
 

Fixed maturities in the above table include 542 securities from 435 issuers at December 31, 2015 and 185 securities from 160 issuers at December 31, 2014. We do not intend to sell or believe we will be required to sell any of our temporarily-impaired fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. The following summarizes the more significant unrealized losses of fixed maturities and equity securities by investment category as of December 31, 2015.

Corporate securities: The largest unrealized losses were in the energy sector ($269.8 million fair value and $62.4 million unrealized loss) and in the basic industrial sector ($169.4 million fair value and $32.5 million unrealized loss). The largest unrealized losses in the energy sector were in the midstream ($82.5 million fair value and $23.6 million unrealized loss) and the oil field services ($49.1 million fair value and $15.7 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The largest unrealized losses in the basic industrial sector were in the metal/mining ($78.2 million fair value and $24.0 million unrealized loss) and the chemicals ($79.0 million fair value and $7.5 million unrealized loss) sub-sectors. The majority of losses were attributable to credit spread widening across the energy sector and metal/mining sub-sectors associated with sharp declines in commodity prices. The price of crude oil has decreased from $98.42 per barrel at December 31, 2013 to $37.04 per barrel at December 31, 2015. Energy-

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related companies have been negatively impacted by the rapid decline in oil prices, which has pressured revenues and margins. The metal/mining sub-sector companies are experiencing lower demand for coal, copper, iron ore and other basic industrial minerals due to the economic slowdown in China in addition to sluggish demand in Europe and the U.S. Over the last 12 months, iron ore and copper prices have declined 37% and 23%, respectively. Lower metal prices are leading metal and mining companies to shut down production at high-cost mines and defer capital expenditures at mines in the development stage.

Residential mortgage-backed securities: The unrealized losses on residential mortgage-backed securities were primarily due to 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 were primarily due to spread widening and concerns regarding the potential for future defaults. The contractual cash flows of these investments are based on mortgages backing the securities. Unrealized losses on military housing bonds were mainly attributable to spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds. Insured military housing bonds have also been impacted by the removal of their ratings following downgrades of the insurance providers after we purchased the bonds.

Other asset-backed securities: The unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities were primarily due to market 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 were primarily due to general spread widening relative to spreads at which we acquired the bonds.

Equity securities: Our gross unrealized losses on equity securities were on investment grade non-redeemable perpetual preferred securities within the finance sector. These securities provide periodic cash flows, contain call features and are similarly rated and priced like other long-term callable bonds and are evaluated for OTTI similar to fixed maturities. The decline in fair value is primarily due to market concerns regarding the finance sector. We have evaluated the near-term prospects of our equity securities in relation to the severity and duration of their impairment as well as our intent and ability to hold these investments until recovery of fair value, and have concluded they are not other than temporarily impaired.

Excluding mortgage- and asset-backed securities, no securities from the same issuer had an aggregate unrealized loss in excess of $4.7 million at December 31, 2015, with the largest unrealized loss from an energy service provider. With respect to mortgage- and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States Government, our largest aggregate unrealized loss from the same issuer at December 31, 2015 was $3.7 million, consisting of two different securities that are backed by different pools of Alt-A residential mortgage loans. Both securities are rated non-investment grade and the largest unrealized loss totaled $2.2 million.
 
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 originate loans with 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, management maintains and regularly 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 estimated loss, if needed, for each impaired loan identified. An estimated loss is needed for loans for which we do not believe we will collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the respective loan agreements.

Any loan delinquent on contractual payments is considered non-performing. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments.


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Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Collateral Type
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Office
 
$
333,400

 
44.8
%
 
$
269,308

 
42.8
%
Retail
 
227,039

 
30.5

 
214,710

 
34.1

Industrial
 
133,085

 
17.9

 
125,425

 
19.9

Other
 
50,779

 
6.8

 
19,853

 
3.2

Total
 
$
744,303

 
100.0
%
 
$
629,296

 
100.0
%
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Region of the United States
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
South Atlantic
 
$
233,522

 
31.4
%
 
$
191,835

 
30.5
%
West North Central
 
102,555

 
13.8

 
85,664

 
13.6

Pacific
 
100,188

 
13.4

 
94,770

 
15.1

East North Central
 
86,019

 
11.5

 
80,999

 
12.9

Mountain
 
78,750

 
10.6

 
62,473

 
9.9

West South Central
 
66,677

 
9.0

 
50,010

 
7.9

Other
 
76,592

 
10.3

 
63,545

 
10.1

Total
 
$
744,303

 
100.0
%
 
$
629,296

 
100.0
%
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Loan-to-Value Ratio
 

Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
0% - 50%
 
$
264,605

 
35.6
%
 
$
180,884

 
28.7
%
50% - 60%
 
169,045

 
22.7

 
189,210

 
30.1

60% - 70%
 
234,544

 
31.5

 
198,336

 
31.5

70% - 80%
 
67,072

 
9.0

 
53,480

 
8.5

80% - 90%
 
9,037

 
1.2

 
7,386

 
1.2

Total
 
$
744,303

 
100.0
%
 
$
629,296

 
100.0
%

The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically including when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests.

Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
 
$
154,582

 
20.9
%
 
$

 
%
2014
 
83,546

 
11.2

 
86,174

 
13.7

2013
 
79,879

 
10.7

 
81,802

 
13.0

2012
 
65,817

 
8.8

 
70,274

 
11.2

2011
 
45,359

 
6.1

 
46,813

 
7.4

2010 and prior
 
315,120

 
42.3

 
344,233

 
54.7

Total
 
$
744,303

 
100.0
%
 
$
629,296

 
100.0
%


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 Impaired Mortgage Loans
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance
$
21,766

 
$
22,103

Less:
 
 
 
Related allowance
(851
)
 
(857
)
Discount
(87
)
 
(267
)
Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
$
20,828

 
$
20,979


 Allowance on Mortgage Loans
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
857

 
$
888

Charge offs
(6
)
 
(31
)
Balance at end of period
$
851

 
$
857


Mortgage Loan Modifications

Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio includes loans that have been modified. We assess loan modifications on a loan-by-loan basis to evaluate whether a troubled-debt restructuring (TDR) has occurred. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate to a below-market rate, extension of the maturity date and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concession granted is considered in determining if an impairment loss is needed for the restructuring.

There were no loan modifications during 2015 or 2014.

Components of Net Investment Income
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities - available for sale
$
338,952

 
$
333,759

 
$
328,979

Equity securities - available for sale
6,091

 
5,388

 
4,295

Mortgage loans
35,923

 
32,759

 
32,447

Real estate
169

 
140

 
331

Policy loans
8,871

 
8,620

 
8,502

Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents
141

 

 
102

Prepayment fee income and other
9,289

 
9,455

 
5,098

 
399,436

 
390,121

 
379,754

Less investment expenses
(8,287
)
 
(8,039
)
 
(9,103
)
Net investment income
$
391,149

 
$
382,082

 
$
370,651



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Table of Contents

Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
Gross gains
$
4,781

 
$
4,593

 
$
18,495

Gross losses
(1,952
)
 
(833
)
 
(2,374
)
Real estate

 

 
12

Other
8,233

 

 
(166
)
 
11,062

 
3,760

 
15,967

Impairment losses recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1)
(363
)
 

 
(618
)
Other credit-related (2)
(210
)
 
(822
)
 
(1,794
)
Realized gains on investments recorded in income
$
10,489

 
$
2,938

 
$
13,555


(1)
Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities which were impaired through income but not written down to fair value. As discussed above, the non-credit portion of the losses have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
(2)
Amount represents credit-related losses for mortgage loans, other investments, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income.

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $108.5 million in 2015, $67.2 million in 2014 and $138.4 million in 2013.

Included in other realized gains, above, was a $6.5 million gain from the disposal of an interest in a partnership during 2015.

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 in a prior period, but decreased in value during the year.

Credit Loss Component of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Fixed Maturities

The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturities held by the Company as of the dates indicated for which the non-credit portion of the OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and corresponding changes in such amounts.

 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
(16,772
)
 
$
(21,592
)
Increases to previously impaired investments
 
(363
)
 

Reductions due to investments sold
 
5,637

 
4,820

Balance at end of period
 
$
(11,498
)
 
$
(16,772
)


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Table of Contents

Variable Interest Entities

We evaluate our variable interest entity (VIE) investees to determine whether the level of our direct ownership interest, our rights to manage operations or our obligation to provide ongoing financial support are such that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity, and would therefore be required to consolidate it for financial reporting purposes. None of our VIE investees were required to be consolidated during 2015, 2014 or 2013. Our VIE investments are as follows:

 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss
 
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate limited partnerships
$
15,780

 
$
15,780

 
$
17,046

 
$
17,046


The real estate limited partnerships had revenues totaling $4.6 million for 2015, $4.0 million for 2014 and $4.3 million for 2013. We may make commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. We did not have any commitments to investees designated as VIE's during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Derivative Instruments

We are not significantly involved in hedging activities and have limited exposure to derivatives. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions. Derivative assets, which are primarily reported in reinsurance recoverable and other investments, totaled $9.9 million at December 31, 2015 and $7.1 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, we had master netting agreements with counterparties covering cash collateral payable totaling $0.4 million. This amount was invested and included in the consolidated balance sheets with corresponding amounts netted against the derivative instruments. We also received collateral of $2.2 million at December 31, 2015, which is held in a separate custodial account and not recorded on the balance sheet. Our derivative assets consist of an interest-only bond, derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements and call options which provide an economic hedge for our index products. Derivative liabilities totaled $9.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $8.7 million at December 31, 2014 and include derivatives embedded within our index annuity contracts and derivatives embedded within our modified coinsurance agreements. The net gain (loss) recognized on these derivatives was included in net investment income and interest sensitive benefits and totaled ($0.3) million in 2015, $2.1 million in 2014 and ($1.5) million in 2013.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investments

We invest in non-guaranteed federal LIHTC which are included in securities and indebtedness of related parties in the balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments totaled $94.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $84.8 million at December 31, 2014. There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during 2015, 2014 or 2013. We use the equity method of accounting for these investments and recorded the following in our consolidated statement of operations.
LIHTC Equity Income (Loss), Net of Related Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Equity losses from LIHTC
 
$
(7,022
)
 
$
(6,411
)
 
$
(6,273
)
Income benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax benefits from equity losses
 
2,458

 
2,244

 
2,196

Investment tax credits
 
13,542

 
12,209

 
9,775

Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income benefits
 
$
8,978

 
$
8,042

 
$
5,698


Other

At December 31, 2015, affidavits of deposits covering investments with a carrying value totaling $7,148.2 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. Fixed maturities with a carrying value of $421.4 million were on deposit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) as collateral for funding agreements.


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At December 31, 2015, we had committed to provide additional funds for limited partnerships and limited liability companies in which we invest. The amounts of these unfunded commitments totaled $31.9 million, of which, $8.5 million represents LIHTC commitments which are summarized by year in the following table.

LIHTC Commitments by year
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
$
7,090

2017
899

2018-2024
467

Total
$
8,456



The carrying value of investments which have been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2015 includes real estate totaling $2.0 million.

No investment in any entity or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) exceeded 10.0% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2015.


3. Fair Values

The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:

Fair Values and Carrying Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - available for sale
$
6,637,776

 
$
6,637,776

 
$
6,700,698

 
$
6,700,698

Equity securities - available for sale
121,667

 
121,667

 
112,623

 
112,623

Mortgage loans
744,303

 
780,624

 
629,296

 
667,913

Policy loans
185,784

 
230,153

 
182,502

 
230,070

Other investments
2,331

 
2,331

 
3,558

 
3,558

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
57,741

 
57,741

 
125,217

 
125,217

Reinsurance recoverable
2,636

 
2,636

 
3,562

 
3,562

Assets held in separate accounts
625,257

 
625,257

 
683,033

 
683,033

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
3,750,186

 
$
3,618,145

 
$
3,563,558

 
$
3,634,878

Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
339,929

 
339,717

 
341,955

 
361,733

Advance premiums and other deposits
245,269

 
245,269

 
239,700

 
239,700

Short-term debt
15,000

 
15,000

 

 

Long-term debt
97,000

 
68,133

 
97,000

 
69,772

Other liabilities
56

 
56

 
173

 
173

Liabilities related to separate accounts
625,257

 
620,676

 
683,033

 
677,040


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. As not all financial instruments are actively traded, various valuation methods may be used to estimate fair value. These methods rely on observable market data and where observable market data is not available, the best information available. Significant judgment may be required to interpret the data and select the assumptions used in the valuation estimates, particularly when observable market data is not available.


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In the discussion that follows, we have ranked our financial instruments by the level of judgment used in the determination of the fair values presented above. The levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 - Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Fair values are based on inputs, other than quoted prices from active markets, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 - Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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 from which we obtain the information. Transfers in or out of any level are measured as of the beginning of the period.

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:

Fixed maturities:

Level 1 fixed maturities consist of U.S. Treasury issues that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.

Level 2 fixed maturities consist of corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Government agencies, state and municipal and private placement corporate securities with observable market data, and in some circumstances recent trade activity. When quoted prices of identical assets in active markets are not available, our first priority is to obtain prices from third party pricing vendors. We have regular interaction with these vendors to ensure we understand their pricing methodologies and to confirm they are utilizing observable market information. Their methodologies vary by asset class and include inputs such as estimated cash flows, benchmark yields, reported trades, credit quality, industry events and economic events. Fixed maturities with validated prices from pricing services, which includes the majority of our public fixed maturities in all asset classes, are generally reflected in Level 2.

Also included in Level 2 are private placement corporate bonds where quoted market prices are not available, for which an internal model using substantially all observable inputs or a matrix pricing valuation approach is used. In the matrix approach, securities are grouped into pricing categories that vary by sector, rating and average life. Each pricing category is assigned a risk spread based on studies of observable public market data. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted back at the current Treasury curve plus the appropriate risk spread.

Level 3 fixed maturities include corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed, United States Governments sponsored agencies and private placement corporate securities for which there is little or no current market data available. We use external pricing sources, or if prices are not available we will estimate fair value internally. Fair values of private corporate investments in Level 3 are determined by reference to the 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 a matrix calculation. Fair values estimated through the use of matrix pricing methods rely on an estimate of credit spreads to a risk-free U.S. Treasury yield. Selecting the credit spread requires judgment based on an understanding of the security and may include a market liquidity premium. Our selection of comparable companies as well as the level of spread requires significant judgment. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.

We obtain fixed maturity fair values from a variety of external independent pricing services, including brokers, with access to observable data including recent trade information, if available. In certain circumstances in which an external price is not available for a Level 3 security, we will internally estimate its fair value. Our process for evaluation and selection of the fair values includes:

We follow a “pricing waterfall” policy, which establishes the pricing source preference for a particular security or security type. The order of preference is based on our evaluation of the valuation methods used, the source's

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knowledge of the instrument and the reliability of the prices we have received from the source in the past. Our valuation policy dictates that fair values are initially sought from third party pricing services. If our review of the prices received from our preferred source indicates an inaccurate price, we will use an alternative source within the waterfall and document the decision. In the event that fair values are not available from one of our external pricing services or upon review of the fair values provided it is determined that they may not be reflective of market conditions, those securities are submitted to brokers familiar with the security to obtain non-binding price quotes. Broker quotes tend to be used in limited circumstances such as for newly issued, private placement corporate bonds and other instruments that are not widely traded. For those securities for which an externally provided fair value is not available we use cash flow modeling techniques to estimate fair value.

We evaluate third party pricing source estimation methodologies to assess whether they will provide a fair value which approximates a market exit price.

We perform an overall analysis of portfolio fair value movement against general movements in interest rates and spreads.

We compare period to period price trends to detect unexpected price fluctuation based on our knowledge of the market and the particular instrument. As fluctuations are noted, we will perform further research which may include discussions with the original pricing source or other external sources to ensure we are in agreement with the valuation.

We compare prices between different pricing sources for unusual disparity.

We meet at least quarterly with our Investment Committee, the group that oversees our valuation process, to discuss valuation practices and observations during the pricing process.

Equity securities:

Level 1 equity securities consist of listed common stocks and mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.

Level 2 equity securities consist of common stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB), with estimated fair value based on the current redemption value of the shares and non-redeemable preferred stock. Estimated fair value for the non-redeemable preferred stock is obtained from external pricing sources using a matrix pricing approach.

Level 3 equity securities consist of non-redeemable preferred stock for which no active market exists, and fair value estimates for these securities is based on the values of comparable securities which are actively traded. Increases in spreads used in our matrix models, or those used to value comparable companies, will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly in the estimated fair value of the security.

In the case where external pricing services are used for certain Level 1 and Level 2 equity securities, our review process is consistent with the process used to determine the fair value of fixed maturities discussed above.

Mortgage loans:

Mortgage loans are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Mortgage loans are a Level 3 measurement as there is no current market for the loans. The fair value of our mortgage loans is estimated internally using a matrix pricing approach. Along with specific loan terms, two key management assumptions are required including the risk rating of the loan (our current rating system is A-highest quality, B-moderate quality, C-low quality, W-watch or F-foreclosure) and estimated spreads for new loans over the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Spreads are updated quarterly and loans are reviewed and rated annually with quarterly adjustments should significant changes occur. Our determination of each loan's risk rating as well as selection of the credit spread requires significant judgment. A higher risk rating, as well as an increase in spreads, would result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly the fair value of the loan.

Policy loans:

Policy loans are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Policy loans are a Level 3 measurement as there is no current market since they are specifically tied to the underlying insurance policy. The loans are relatively risk free as they cannot exceed the cash surrender value of the insurance policy. Fair values are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using a

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Table of Contents

risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury curve. An increase in the risk-free interest rate would result in a decrease in discounted cash flows used, and accordingly the fair value of the loan.

Other investments:

Level 2 other investments include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:

Level 1 cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are highly liquid instruments for which historical cost approximates fair value.

Reinsurance recoverable:

Level 2 reinsurance recoverable includes embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede or assume business. Fair values of these embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities, which are valued consistent with the discussion of fixed maturities above.

Assets held in separate accounts:

Level 1 assets held in separate accounts consist of mutual funds that are actively traded, allowing us to use current market prices as an estimate of their fair value.

Future policy benefits, supplementary contracts without life contingencies and advance premiums and other deposits:

Level 3 policy-related financial instruments of investment-type contracts are those not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks. No active market exists for these contracts and they are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair values for our insurance contracts, other than investment-type contracts, are not required to be disclosed. Fair values for our investment-type contracts with expected maturities, including deferred annuities, funding agreements and supplementary contracts, are 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 certain deposit liabilities with no defined maturities and no surrender charges, including pension-related deposit administration funds, advance premiums and other deposits, fair value is the account value or amount payable on demand. Significant judgment is required in selecting the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of these financial instruments. For contracts with known maturities, increases in current rates will result in a decrease in discounted cash flows and a decrease in the estimated fair value of the policy obligation.

Certain annuity contracts include embedded derivatives, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These embedded derivatives are a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is based on the discounted excess of projected account values (including a risk margin) over projected guaranteed account values. The key unobservable inputs required in the projection of future values which require management judgment include the risk margin as well as the credit risk of our company. Should the risk margin increase or the credit risk decrease the discounted cash flows and the estimated fair value of the obligation will increase.

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Table of Contents

Short-term debt:

Short-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis and is a Level 3 measurement. Our short-term debt consists of advances with interest set to the debt issuer’s current lending rate during December 2015, repayable in less than one month. Given the recent issuance of this short-term debt, its carrying value approximates fair value.

Long-term debt:

Long-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Long-term debt is a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of our outstanding debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based on the market's assessment or our current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements adjusted, as needed, to reflect our credit risk. Our selection of the credit spread requires significant judgment. A decrease in the spread will increase the estimated fair value of the outstanding debt.

Other liabilities:

Level 2 other liabilities include the embedded derivatives in our modified coinsurance contracts under which we cede business. Fair values for the embedded derivatives are based on the difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the underlying fixed maturities.

Liabilities related to separate accounts:

Separate account liabilities are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 3 separate account liabilities' fair value is based on the cash surrender value of the underlying contract, which is the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability.
 
Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
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
$

 
$
3,469,631

 
$
49,076

 
$
3,518,707

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
461,777

 
3,729

 
465,506

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
465,812

 
88,180

 
553,992

Other asset-backed securities

 
527,565

 
55,557

 
583,122

United States Government and agencies
14,760

 
20,612

 
8,726

 
44,098

State, municipal and other governments

 
1,472,351

 

 
1,472,351

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 
84,480

 
7,471

 
91,951

Common stocks
4,728

 
24,988

 

 
29,716

Other investments

 
2,331

 

 
2,331

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
57,741

 

 

 
57,741

Reinsurance recoverable

 
2,636

 

 
2,636

Assets held in separate accounts
625,257

 

 

 
625,257

Total assets
$
702,486

 
$
6,532,183

 
$
212,739

 
$
7,447,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$

 
$

 
$
9,374

 
$
9,374

Other liabilities

 
56

 

 
56

Total liabilities
$

 
$
56

 
$
9,374

 
$
9,430


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Table of Contents

Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
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
$

 
$
3,602,667

 
$
64,239

 
$
3,666,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
491,534

 

 
491,534

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
452,804

 
77,891

 
530,695

Other asset-backed securities

 
405,120

 
116,141

 
521,261

United States Government and agencies
15,170

 
18,569

 
9,065

 
42,804

State, municipal and other governments

 
1,447,498

 

 
1,447,498

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 
76,987

 
8,054

 
85,041

Common stocks
3,501

 
24,081

 

 
27,582

Other investments

 
3,558

 

 
3,558

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
125,217

 

 

 
125,217

Reinsurance recoverable

 
3,562

 

 
3,562

Assets held in separate accounts
683,033

 

 

 
683,033

Total assets
$
826,921

 
$
6,526,380

 
$
275,390

 
$
7,628,691

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$

 
$

 
$
8,681

 
$
8,681

Other liabilities

 
173

 

 
173

Total liabilities
$

 
$
173

 
$
8,681

 
$
8,854

 
Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Third-party vendors
 
Priced
internally
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
17,208

 
$
31,868

 
$
49,076

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
88,180

 

 
88,180

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
3,729

 
3,729

Other asset-backed securities
35,420

 
20,137

 
55,557

United States Government and agencies

 
8,726

 
8,726

Total
$
140,808

 
$
64,460

 
$
205,268

Percent of total
68.6
%
 
31.4
%
 
100.0
%
 
December 31, 2014
 
Third-party vendors
 
Priced
internally
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate securities
$
40,095

 
$
24,144

 
$
64,239

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
77,891

 

 
77,891

Other asset-backed securities
95,271

 
20,870

 
116,141

United States Government and agencies

 
9,065

 
9,065

Total
$
213,257

 
$
54,079

 
$
267,336

Percent of total
79.8
%
 
20.2
%
 
100.0
%


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Table of Contents

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$
33,508

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
1.16% - 17.50% (11.26%)
Commercial mortgage-backed
71,100

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
1.10% - 4.15% (3.12%)
Other asset-backed securities
13,737

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
1.25% - 7.90% (5.61%)
United States Government and agencies
8,726

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
2.59% (2.59%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
7,471

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
4.55% (4.55%)
Total Assets
$
134,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$
9,374

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit risk
Risk margin
 
0.80% - 2.25% (1.45%)
0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$
41,491

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
0.95% - 6.80% (4.92%)
Commercial mortgage-backed
77,891

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
1.75% - 4.00% (2.89%)
Other asset-backed securities
26,937

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
0.96% - 6.17% (4.31%)
United States Government and agencies
9,065

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
1.80% (1.80%)
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
8,054

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit spread
 
3.34% (3.34%)
Total Assets
$
163,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$
8,681

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Credit risk
Risk margin
 
0.70% - 1.70% (1.10%)
0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%)

The tables above exclude certain securities for which the fair value was based on non-binding broker quotes where we could not reasonably obtain the quantitative unobservable inputs.


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Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
Purchases
 
Disposals
 
Included in net income
 
Included in other compre-hensive income
 
Transfers into
Level 3 (1)
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3 (1)
 
Amort-ization included in net income
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$
64,239

 
$
15,993

 
$
(20,499
)
 
$

 
$
55

 
$
21,363

 
$
(32,649
)
 
$
574

 
$
49,076

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
19,353

 
(2,340
)
 

 
284

 
5,984

 
(19,631
)
 
79

 
3,729

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
77,891

 
17,287

 
(885
)
 

 
(3,905
)
 

 
(2,334
)
 
126

 
88,180

Other asset-backed securities
116,141

 
53,215

 
(10,085
)
 

 
(662
)
 
30,287

 
(133,351
)
 
12

 
55,557

United States Government and agencies
9,065

 

 

 

 
(346
)
 

 

 
7

 
8,726

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
8,054

 

 

 

 
(583
)
 

 

 

 
7,471

Total Assets
$
275,390

 
$
105,848

 
$
(33,809
)
 
$

 
$
(5,157
)
 
$
57,634

 
$
(187,965
)
 
$
798

 
$
212,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$
8,681

 
$
4,567

 
$
(1,064
)
 
$
(2,810
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,374

Total Liabilities
$
8,681

 
$
4,567

 
$
(1,064
)
 
$
(2,810
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,374

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
Purchases
 
Disposals
 
Included in net income
 
Included in other compre-hensive income
 

Transfers into
Level 3 (1)
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3 (1)
 
Amort-ization included in net income
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate securities
$
81,994

 
$
290

 
$
(16,304
)
 
$
(273
)
 
$
(198
)
 
$
13,623

 
$
(14,960
)
 
$
67

 
$
64,239

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
71,712

 
2,920

 
(752
)
 

 
8,734

 

 
(4,820
)
 
97

 
77,891

Other asset-backed securities
85,835

 
83,387

 
(19,165
)
 

 
(196
)
 
1,974

 
(37,074
)
 
1,380

 
116,141

United States Government and agencies
8,044

 

 

 

 
1,014

 

 

 
7

 
9,065

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
7,795

 

 

 

 
259

 

 

 

 
8,054

Total Assets
$
255,380

 
$
86,597

 
$
(36,221
)
 
$
(273
)
 
$
9,613

 
$
15,597

 
$
(56,854
)
 
$
1,551

 
$
275,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits - index annuity embedded derivatives
$
286

 
$
7,237

 
$
(369
)
 
$
1,527

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,681

Total Liabilities
$
286

 
$
7,237

 
$
(369
)
 
$
1,527

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,681


(1)
Transfers into Level 3 represent assets previously priced using an external pricing service with access to observable inputs no longer available and therefore, were priced using non-binding broker quotes. Transfers out of Level 3 include those assets that we are now able to obtain pricing from a third party pricing vendor that uses observable inputs. The fair values of newly issued securities often require additional estimation until a market is created, which is generally within a few months after issuance. Once a market is created, as was the case for the majority of the security transfers out of the Level 3 category above, Level 2 valuation sources become available. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the periods presented above.

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Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$

 
$

 
$
780,624

 
$
780,624

Policy loans

 

 
230,153

 
230,153

Total assets
$

 
$

 
$
1,010,777

 
$
1,010,777

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$

 
$

 
$
3,608,771

 
$
3,608,771

Supplementary contracts without life contingencies

 

 
339,717

 
339,717

Advance premiums and other deposits

 

 
245,269

 
245,269

Short-term debt

 

 
15,000

 
15,000

Long-term debt

 

 
68,133

 
68,133

Liabilities related to separate accounts

 

 
620,676

 
620,676

Total liabilities
$

 
$

 
$
4,897,566

 
$
4,897,566


 
December 31, 2014
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$

 
$

 
$
667,913

 
$
667,913

Policy loans

 

 
230,070

 
230,070

Total assets
$

 
$

 
$
897,983

 
$
897,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$

 
$

 
$
3,626,197

 
$
3,626,197

Supplementary contracts without life contingencies

 

 
361,733

 
361,733

Advance premiums and other deposits

 

 
239,700

 
239,700

Long-term debt

 

 
69,772

 
69,772

Liabilities related to separate accounts

 

 
677,040

 
677,040

Total liabilities
$

 
$

 
$
4,974,442

 
$
4,974,442


Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally mortgage loans or real estate which have been deemed to be impaired during the reporting period. On May 22, 2015, one real estate property was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.0 million, which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.2 million. On December 2, 2014, one real estate property was impaired to a fair value totaling $1.0 million, which resulted in an impairment charge of $0.4 million.



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4. Reinsurance and Policy Provisions

Reinsurance

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 companies. Our reinsurance coverage for life insurance varies according to the age and risk classification of the insured with retention limits ranging up to $1.5 million of coverage per individual life. Certain term life products are reinsured on a first dollar quota share basis. We do not use financial or surplus relief reinsurance.

Farm Bureau Life may cede certain losses under an annual 100% quota share accidental death reinsurance agreement. Coverage includes all acts of terrorism including those of a nuclear, chemical or biological origin. Coverage is subject to an annual aggregate retention of $14.1 million. A maximum occurrence limit of $50.0 million per aircraft applies to policies written on agents of the Company who are participating in company-sponsored incentive trips. Additionally, a $200.0 million occurrence limit applies to employees in the home office building, net of reinsurance on group life policies. All other occurrence catastrophes are unlimited in amount.

Life insurance in force ceded totaled $14,263.4 million (24.1% of life insurance in force) at December 31, 2015 and $13,837.9 million (24.3% of life insurance in force) at December 31, 2014. Insurance premiums and product charges have been reduced by $33.5 million in 2015, $32.5 million in 2014 and $29.4 million in 2013 and insurance benefits have been reduced by $26.2 million in 2015, $17.0 million in 2014 and $21.7 million in 2013 as a result of cession agreements.

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 have assumed closed blocks of certain life and annuity business through coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. Life insurance in force assumed totaled $551.6 million (1.2% of total life insurance in force) at December 31, 2015 and $592.0 million (1.4% of total life insurance in force) at December 31, 2014. Premiums and product charges assumed totaled $2.8 million in 2015, $0.8 million and 2014 and 2013. Insurance benefits assumed totaled $1.2 million in 2015 and 2014 and $1.7 million in 2013.

Policy Provisions

Analysis of the Value of Insurance In Force Acquired

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Excluding impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
26,436

 
$
29,935

 
$
32,500

Accretion of interest during the year
150

 
527

 
902

Amortization of asset
(2,586
)
 
(4,026
)
 
(3,467
)
Balance prior to impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses
24,000

 
26,436

 
29,935

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses
(3,087
)
 
(3,939
)
 
(6,356
)
Balance at end of year
$
20,913

 
$
22,497

 
$
23,579


We periodically revise key assumptions used in the calculation of the value of insurance in force acquired through an “unlocking” process, which increased amortization $0.1 million in 2015, $1.4 million in 2014 and $0.2 million in 2013. Net amortization, based on expected future gross profits/margins, for the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2016 - $2.4 million; 2017 - $2.4 million; 2018 - $2.3 million; 2019 - $2.2 million; and 2020 - $2.1 million.


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Certain variable annuity and variable universal life contracts in our separate accounts and in separate accounts of reinsurance partners have minimum interest guarantees on funds deposited in our general account. In addition, we have certain variable annuity contracts that include a) guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDBs), b) an incremental death benefit (IDB) rider that pays a percentage of the gain on the contract upon the death of the contract holder, and/or c) a guaranteed minimum income benefit (GMIB) that provides monthly income to the contract holder after the eighth policy year.

GMDB, IDB and GMIB Net Amount at Risk by Type of Guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Separate
Account
Balance
 
Net Amount
at Risk
 
Separate
Account
Balance
 
Net Amount
at Risk
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Guaranteed minimum death benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return of net deposits
$
175,286

 
$
623

 
$
192,334

 
$
659

Return the greater of highest anniversary
value or net deposits
279,981

 
14,858

 
308,101

 
3,140

Incremental death benefit
256,929

 
50,159

 
280,214

 
56,369

Guaranteed minimum income benefit
37,334

 

 
41,378

 
405

Total
 
 
$
65,640

 
 
 
$
60,573


The separate account assets are principally comprised of stock and bond mutual funds. The net amount at risk for these contracts is based on the amount by which GMDB, IDB or GMIB exceeds account value. The reserve for GMDBs, IDBs or GMIBs, determined using modeling techniques and industry mortality assumptions, that is included in future policy benefits, totaled $5.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2014. The weighted average age of the contract holders with GMDB, IDB or GMIB rider exposure was 57 years at December 31, 2015 and 62 years at December 31, 2014. Benefits paid for GMDBs, IDBs and GMIBs totaled $0.4 million for 2015, $0.2 million for 2014 and $0.3 million for 2013.


5. Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return with Farm Bureau Life and FBL Financial Services, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries. The companies included in the consolidated federal income tax return each report current income tax expense as allocated under a consolidated tax allocation agreement. This allocation typically results in profitable companies recognizing a tax provision as if the individual company filed a separate return and loss companies recognizing a benefit to the extent their losses contribute to reduce consolidated taxes.

Deferred income taxes have been established based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The reversal of the temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the related asset or liability is recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is required if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance we considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax assets, projected future taxable income, taxable income from prior years available for recovery and tax planning strategies. Our tax planning strategies assume deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on our investments are temporary as we have the ability to hold the investments until maturity, at which time the existing temporary difference is expected to reverse. As such, we have determined that the establishment of a valuation allowance was not necessary at December 31, 2015 and 2014.


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Income Tax Expenses (Credits)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Taxes provided in consolidated statements of operations on:
 
 
 
 
 
Income before equity loss:
 
 
 
 
 
Current
$
40,578

 
$
39,562

 
$
43,264

Deferred
6,840

 
7,773

 
6,058

 
47,418

 
47,335

 
49,322

Equity loss
(15,706
)
 
(13,372
)
 
(11,050
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(77,473
)
 
75,032

 
(91,961
)
Class A and Class B common stock
(1,363
)
 
(1,148
)
 
(1,657
)
 
(78,836
)
 
73,884

 
(93,618
)
 
$
(47,124
)
 
$
107,847

 
$
(55,346
)

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Income before income taxes and equity loss
$
151,368

 
$
147,101

 
$
150,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax at federal statutory rate (35%)
$
52,979

 
$
51,485

 
$
52,607

Tax effect (decrease) of:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt dividend and interest income
(3,233
)
 
(3,400
)
 
(2,802
)
Other items
(2,328
)
 
(750
)
 
(483
)
Income tax expense
$
47,418

 
$
47,335

 
$
49,322


In 2015, the other items affecting the effective tax rate include a $1.8 million tax benefit resulting from the disposition of an equity method investment, for which the carrying value consisted solely of nondeductible goodwill.


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Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
25,918

 
$
24,241

Accrued benefit and compensation costs
15,138

 
16,952

Loss carryforwards
8,212

 
11,613

Other
4,030

 
4,042

 
53,298

 
56,848

Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity and equity securities
94,919

 
208,470

Deferred acquisition costs
65,310

 
26,170

Other
28,132

 
27,906

 
188,361

 
262,546

Net deferred income tax liability
$
135,063

 
$
205,698

 
We recognize the benefits of uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of the FASB interpretation on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, our reserve for uncertain tax positions is less than $0.1 million. Unrecognized tax benefits included in our reserve, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate, although we do not expect these impacts to be material. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and related penalties in other expenses. We do not expect any significant increases or decreases in the amount of our reserve for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to 2012.

At December 31, 2015, we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $22.9 million, which expire beginning in 2033.

We continue to invest in LIHTC which generate pre-tax losses but after-tax gains as the related tax credits are realized. The timing of the realization of tax credits is subject to fluctuation from period to period due to the timing of housing project completions and the approval of tax credits. These tax credits, which are reported in equity income, totaled $13.5 million in 2015, $12.2 million in 2014 and $9.8 million in 2013.


6. Credit Arrangements

Short-term debt consists of two short-term advances, collateralized by fixed maturity securities, payable to FHLB totaling $15.0 million at December 31, 2015. The advances include a $10.0 million advance on December 21, 2015, due January 11, 2016, with an interest rate of 0.55% and a $5.0 million advance on December 30, 2015, due January 6, 2016, with an interest rate of 0.46%.

Long-term debt includes $97.0 million of our subordinated debt obligation to FBL Financial Group Capital Trust (the Trust). We issued 5% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes due June 30, 2047 (the Notes) with a principal amount of $100.0 million to support $97.0 million of 5% Preferred Securities issued by the Trust. We also have a $3.0 million equity investment in the Trust, which is netted against the Notes on the consolidated balance sheets due to a contractual right of offset. The sole assets of the Trust are and will be the Notes and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the Notes correspond to the distribution dates on the 5% Preferred Securities. The 5% Preferred Securities, which have a liquidation value of $1,000.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid distributions, mature simultaneously with the Notes. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 97,000 shares of 5% Preferred Securities were outstanding, all of which we unconditionally guarantee.


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7. Stockholders' Equity

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) owns our Series B preferred stock. Each share of Series B preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $0.60 and voting rights identical to that of Class A common stock with the exception that each Series B share is entitled to two votes while each Class A share is entitled to one vote. The Series B preferred stock pays cumulative annual cash dividends of $0.03 per share, payable quarterly, and is redeemable by us, at our option, at $0.60 per share plus unpaid dividends if the stock ceases to be beneficially owned by a Farm Bureau organization.

Reconciliation of Outstanding Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Total
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
24,282,184

 
$
115,706

 
1,192,890

 
$
7,522

 
25,475,074

 
$
123,228

Issuance of common stock under compensation plans
666,659

 
20,156

 

 

 
666,659

 
20,156

Purchase of common stock
(363,430
)
 
(1,862
)
 
(1,023,948
)
 
(6,457
)
 
(1,387,378
)
 
(8,319
)
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (1)
157,529

 
993

 
(157,529
)
 
(993
)
 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2013
24,742,942

 
134,993

 
11,413

 
72

 
24,754,355

 
135,065

Issuance of common stock under compensation plans
390,707

 
12,028

 

 

 
390,707

 
12,028

Purchase of common stock
(429,746
)
 
(2,396
)
 

 

 
(429,746
)
 
(2,396
)
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
24,703,903

 
144,625

 
11,413

 
72

 
24,715,316

 
144,697

Issuance of common stock under compensation plans
159,764

 
5,022

 

 

 
159,764

 
5,022

Purchase of common stock
(66,904
)
 
(399
)
 

 

 
(66,904
)
 
(399
)
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
24,796,763

 
$
149,248

 
11,413

 
$
72

 
24,808,176

 
$
149,320


(1)
There is no established market for our Class B common stock, although it is convertible upon demand of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis.

Holders of the Class A common stock and Series B preferred stock vote together as a group in the election of Class A Directors (four to ten). The Class B common stock votes as a separate class to elect the Class B Directors (five to seven). Voting for the Directors is noncumulative. Ownership aspects of our Class B common stock are governed by a Class B Shareholder Agreement. The IFBF's ownership in the three classes of stock results in IFBF owning 71% of our voting stock as of December 31, 2015, and having the ability to control the Company. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock receive equal per-share common stock dividends.

Share Repurchases

We periodically repurchase our Class A common stock under plans approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchase plans authorize 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. Under these plans, we repurchased 0.1 million shares of stock for $3.7 million in 2015, 0.4 million shares of stock for $18.5 million in 2014 and 0.4 million shares of stock for $14.2 million in 2013. Completion of this 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. There was $39.0 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2015 under the active repurchase plan. It is anticipated that a new $50.0 million plan will be authorized upon expiration of the current plan, remaining open through March 31, 2018.

During 2013, we conducted a tender offer to repurchase 99 percent of all Class B common shares outstanding. The tender price of $45.33 was based upon the average of the closing price of FBL’s Class A common stock for the seven consecutive business days preceding the tender closing date of September 25, 2013. All Class B shareholders participated, with 1,023,948 Class B common shares repurchased for $46.4 million and 105,930 shares of Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock.

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Dividend Restrictions

We have agreed that we will not pay dividends on the Class A or Class B Common Stock, nor on the Series B Preferred Stock, if we are in default of the Subordinated Deferrable Interest Note Agreement dated May 30, 1997 with FBL Financial Group Capital Trust. We are compliant with all terms of this agreement at December 31, 2015. See Note 6 for additional information regarding this agreement.

The amount of dividends we have available to pay our common shareholders is limited to a certain extent by the amount of dividends our primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life, is able to pay to its parent, FBL Financial Group, Inc. See Note 12 for discussion on our statutory dividend restrictions.

Special Dividends

In March 2015, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.5 million. In August 2013, we declared a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $51.4 million.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax and Other Offsets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
Net Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
 
Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Gains (Losses)
 
Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit
Plans (2)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013
$
306,167

 
$
(8,362
)
 
$
(7,952
)
 
$
289,853

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(169,627
)
 
9,686

 

 
(159,941
)
Reclassification adjustments
(9,953
)
 
(2,690
)
 
1,798

 
(10,845
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
126,587

 
(1,366
)
 
(6,154
)
 
119,067

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
141,947

 
2,497

 

 
144,444

Reclassification adjustments
(2,323
)
 

 
(2,778
)
 
(5,101
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
266,211

 
1,131

 
(8,932
)
 
258,410

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(143,731
)
 
(1,155
)
 

 
(144,886
)
Reclassification adjustments
(1,693
)
 
(90
)
 
2,791

 
1,008

Balance at December 31, 2015
$
120,787

 
$
(114
)
 
$
(6,141
)
 
$
114,532


(1)
Unrealized net investment gains (losses) relate to available-for-sale securities and include the impact of taxes, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserves and policyholder liabilities. See Note 2 for further information.
(2)
For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.



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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
Unrealized
Net Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
 
Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)
 
Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit
Plans (2)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized capital gains on sales of investments
$
(2,829
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(2,829
)
Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities
224

 
7

 

 
231

Other than temporary impairment losses

 
(146
)
 

 
(146
)
Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs

 

 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Net actuarial gain

 

 
4,306

 
4,306

Reclassifications before income taxes
(2,605
)
 
(139
)
 
4,294

 
1,550

Income taxes
912

 
49

 
(1,503
)
 
(542
)
Reclassification adjustments
$
(1,693
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
2,791

 
$
1,008

 
Year ended December 31, 2014
 
Unrealized
Net Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
 
Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)
 
Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit
Plans (2)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized capital gains on sales of investments
$
(3,760
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(3,760
)
Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities
186

 

 

 
186

Other than temporary impairment losses

 

 

 

Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs

 

 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Net actuarial loss

 

 
(4,263
)
 
(4,263
)
Reclassifications before income taxes
(3,574
)
 

 
(4,274
)
 
(7,848
)
Income taxes
1,251

 

 
1,496

 
2,747

Reclassification adjustments
$
(2,323
)
 
$

 
$
(2,778
)
 
$
(5,101
)


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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2013
 
Unrealized
Net Investment Gains
(Losses) (1)
 
Accumulated Non-Credit Impairment Losses (1)
 
Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit
Plans (2)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Realized capital gains on sales of investments
$
(16,121
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(16,121
)
Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities
809

 
112

 

 
921

Other than temporary impairment losses

 
(4,250
)
 

 
(4,250
)
Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items:
 
 
 
 
 
 


Prior service costs

 

 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Net actuarial gain

 

 
2,777

 
2,777

Reclassifications before income taxes
(15,312
)
 
(4,138
)
 
2,766

 
(16,684
)
Income taxes
5,359

 
1,448

 
(968
)
 
5,839

Reclassification adjustments
$
(9,953
)
 
$
(2,690
)
 
$
1,798

 
$
(10,845
)

(1)
See Note 2 for further information.
(2)
For descriptions of the underfunded portion of our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 - Other Retirement Plans, and for certain other defined benefit plans, see Note 8 - Defined Benefit Plans.


8. Retirement and Compensation Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We participate in various defined benefit pension plans (the Plans), including a multiemployer plan. The multiemployer plan is considered qualified under Internal Revenue Service regulations, and covers our employees and the employees of the other participating companies who had attained age 21, had one year of service, and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. We also have a plan which provides supplemental pension benefits to certain highly compensated employees who have salaries and/or pension benefits in excess of the qualified limits imposed by federal law and were employed prior to January 1, 2013. Benefits under these plans are based on years of service and the employee's compensation. The plans are discussed below.

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan

The FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan (the Multiemployer Plan) is considered a multiemployer plan, with the participation of unaffiliated and affiliated organizations along with FBL Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Under the multiemployer plan structure, our contributions are commingled with those of the other employers to fund the plan benefit obligations. Should a participating employer be unable to provide funding, the remaining employers would be required to continue funding all future obligations. If an employer elects to discontinue participation, prior to departure they will be required to contribute their portion of the underfunded pension obligation associated with their employees. This required contribution will be based on an actuarial estimate of future benefit obligations, which as an estimate may not ultimately be sufficient to fund future actual benefits. None of the participating employers have provided notice that they would be discontinuing participation in the Multiemployer Plan or would otherwise be unable to continue providing their share of required funding as of December 31, 2015.
 
Contributions are made each year, resulting in the Multiemployer Plan being partially funded for payment of projected future benefit obligations. Effective in 2013, the Multiemployer Plan was closed to new participants and those participants who had not attained age 40 and 10 years of service as of December 31, 2012 no longer accrued additional years of service in the Multiemployer Plan.


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Multiemployer Plan name
FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan
Employer identification number
42-1411715
Plan number
001
FBL's contributions (in thousands)
 
 
2015
$30,000
 
2014
$16,800
 
2013
$22,500

Net periodic pension cost of the Multiemployer Plan is allocated between participating employers on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each employer. Such allocations are reviewed annually. This Multiemployer Plan is not subject to collective bargaining agreements, a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan. No surcharges were required to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan during 2015, 2014 or 2013. We are the primary employer in the Multiemployer Plan, providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Other Defined Benefit Plans

The other defined benefit plans (the Other Plans) provide benefits in addition to those offered under the Multiemployer Plan to certain of our employees or those of our affiliates. These non-qualified benefit plans are not funded, with contributions provided as current benefit obligations become due. Net periodic pension cost of the Other Plans is allocated between the subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and the Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty companies on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company.

Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs

 
Multiemployer Plan
 
Other Plans
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year
$
339,139

 
$
292,449

 
$
26,729

 
$
23,265

Service cost
5,892

 
5,295

 
435

 
269

Interest cost
13,472

 
13,919

 
1,000

 
1,077

Actuarial loss (gain)
(13,281
)
 
50,315

 
(2,812
)
 
5,464

Benefits paid
(2,501
)
 
(2,327
)
 
(3,077
)
 
(3,346
)
Settlements
(23,301
)
 
(20,512
)
 

 

Projected benefit obligation
319,420

 
339,139

 
22,275

 
26,729

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year
257,010

 
250,820

 

 

Actual return on plan assets
1,068


12,229

 

 

Employer contributions
30,000

 
16,800

 
3,077

 
3,346

Benefits paid
(2,501
)
 
(2,327
)
 
(3,077
)
 
(3,346
)
Settlements
(23,301
)
 
(20,512
)
 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of the year
262,276

 
257,010

 

 

Underfunded status at end of the year
$
(57,144
)
 
$
(82,129
)
 
$
(22,275
)
 
$
(26,729
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
279,858

 
$
305,388

 
$
20,980

 
$
23,973


For all the Plans we participate in, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets are included above.

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Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans

 
Multiemployer Plan
 
Other Plans
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
5,892

 
$
5,295

 
$
6,472

 
$
435

 
$
269

 
$
252

Interest cost
13,472

 
13,919

 
13,384

 
1,000

 
1,077

 
1,035

Expected return on assets
(17,563
)
 
(17,504
)
 
(15,666
)
 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
144

 
144

 
144

 
(11
)
 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
10,464

 
6,087

 
12,468

 
1,528

 
1,131

 
1,267

Effect of settlement
7,998

 
6,306

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension cost
$
20,407

 
$
14,247

 
$
16,802

 
$
2,952

 
$
2,466

 
$
2,543

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost
$
6,614

 
$
4,569

 
$
5,363

 
$
1,671

 
$
1,372

 
$
1,436


Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2015 and 2014. The settlement has been recognized quarterly beginning June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 in anticipation of the threshold ultimately being exceeded in the next quarter.

The Plans' prior service costs are amortized using a straight-line amortization method over the average remaining service period of the employees. For actuarial gains and losses, we use a corridor (10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market related value of plan assets) to determine the amounts to amortize. For the Multiemployer Plan it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2016 will include $9.4 million for amortization of the actuarial loss and $0.1 million of prior service cost amortization. For the Other Plans it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2016, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $0.9 million for amortization of the actuarial loss and less than ($0.1) million of prior service cost (credit) amortization.

We expect contributions to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan by us and affiliates for 2016 to be approximately $15.0 million, of which $4.8 million is expected to be contributed by us. We expect contributions to be paid to the Other Plans by us and affiliates for 2016 to be approximately $2.4 million, of which $1.2 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2016 - $17.5 million, 2017 - $15.5 million, 2018 - $17.6 million, 2019 - $17.5 million, 2020 - $19.1 million and 2021 through 2025 - $109.1 million. Expected benefits to be paid under the Other Plans are as follows: 2016 - $3.0 million, 2017 - $1.8 million, 2018 - $2.1 million, 2019 - $2.4 million, 2020 - $2.3 million and 2021 through 2025 - $8.7 million.


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FBL's Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost

 
Multiemployer Plan
 
Other Plans
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount recognized in FBL's statement of financial position
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid benefit cost
$
20,258

 
$
17,148

 
$
969

 
$
1,417

Accrued benefit cost

 

 
(16,746
)
 
(21,437
)
Net amount recognized
$
20,258

 
$
17,148

 
$
(15,777
)
 
$
(20,020
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount recognized in FBL's accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
 
 
 
 
$
9,695

 
$
14,035

Prior service cost
 
 
 
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
Net amount recognized

 

 
$
9,694

 
$
14,022


(1)
For our Multiemployer Plan, the underfunded portion of the pension benefit obligation is not required to be recognized as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The unrecognized liability for the underfunded status of our Multiemployer Plan totaled $57.1 million at December 31, 2015 and $82.1 million at December 31, 2014.

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation
 
December 31
 
2015
 
2014
Discount rate
4.65
%
 
4.05
%
Annual salary increases
3.31
%
 
3.00
%

We estimate the discount rate by projecting and discounting future benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligation using a commercially available "spot" yield curve constructed using techniques and a bond universe specifically selected to meet the accounting standard requirements.

Our expected long-term return on plan assets represents the rate of earnings expected in the funds invested to provide for anticipated benefit payments. We have analyzed the expected rates of return on assets and beginning in fourth quarter of 2015, determined that a long-term return of 6.75% is reasonable based on the current and expected asset allocations and on the Multiemployer Plan's historical investment performance and best estimates for future investment performance. Prior to this, our expected long-term rate of return was 7.00%.

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Discount rate
4.52% / 4.05%
 
4.42% / 4.99%

 
4.18
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
6.75% / 7.00%
 
7.00
%
 
7.00
%
Annual salary increases
3.31% / 3.00%
 
3.00
%
 
3.00
%

The discount rate was 4.05% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2015 for settlement accounting. The discount rate was 4.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 4.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2014 due to remeasurement at September 30, 2014 for settlement accounting. We also completed an actuarial study of our assumptions during 2015. At the remeasurement, this resulted in reducing the expected long-term return on plan assets from 7.00% to 6.75% and increasing assumed annual salary increases from 3.00% to 3.31%.

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Table of Contents

Multiemployer Plan Assets

The Multiemployer Plan assets are primarily invested in annuity products and insurance company pooled separate accounts that invest predominately in equity securities and real estate. We have certain pension obligations that are fully funded through annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life which are presented as funded annuity contracts below. For 2015, excluding the funded annuity contracts, we employed a long-term investment strategy of diversifying the Multiemployer Plan assets with 55% in fixed income investments, 40% in equities and 5% in alternative investments. At December 31, 2015, the Multiemployer Plan assets were invested approximately 59% in fixed income investments, 38% in diversified equities and 3% in alternative investments. The fixed income investments consist primarily of the group annuity contract and fixed income securities held in pooled separate accounts. The equity securities are in pooled separate accounts and mutual funds. The alternative investments consist of interests in limited partnerships that own various liquid and illiquid assets. Our investment strategy is to (1) achieve a long-term return sufficient to satisfy all Multiemployer Plan obligations, (2) assume a prudent level of risk and (3) maintain adequate liquidity. The expected return on Multiemployer Plan assets is set at the long-term rate expected to be earned based on the long-term investment strategy of the Multiemployer Plan. In estimating the expected rate of return for each asset class, we take into account factors such as historical rates of return, expected future risk-free rates of return and anticipated returns expected given the risk profile of each asset class.

The valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value are:
Group and funded annuity contracts: contract value is equivalent to fair value, as the interest-crediting rates are periodically reset to market at the discretion of the issuer.
Pooled separate accounts: the net asset value of our separate account shares is based on the latest quoted market price of the underlying investments or in the case of a real estate separate account, estimates of the current market value of the underlying property held.
Mutual funds: the net asset value of our mutual funds is based on quoted market prices available in active markets.
Alternative investments: the carrying value of the limited partnership interests reflects the Plan’s proportionate share of the net asset value of those partnerships which is derived from the fair value of the underlying holdings.

The pension financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are accessible to us at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and require management's judgment about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets.

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Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
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)
Mutual funds: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. equity funds
$
30,326

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,326

International funds
29,140

 

 

 
29,140

Pooled separate accounts: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term fixed income funds

 
1,584

 

 
1,584

Fixed income funds

 
11,468

 

 
11,468

U.S. equity funds

 
24,091

 

 
24,091

Real estate fund

 
12,660

 

 
12,660

Annuities: (2)
 
 
 
 


 


Group annuity contract

 

 
134,749

 
134,749

Funded annuity contracts

 

 
11,996

 
11,996

Alternative investments: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnerships

 

 
6,262

 
6,262

Total
$
59,466

 
$
49,803

 
$
153,007

 
$
262,276

 
December 31, 2014
 
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)
Mutual funds: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. equity funds
$
31,499

 
$

 
$

 
$
31,499

International funds
29,589

 

 

 
29,589

Pooled separate accounts: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term fixed income funds

 
543

 

 
543

Fixed income funds

 
12,249

 

 
12,249

U.S. equity funds

 
25,250

 

 
25,250

Real estate fund

 
12,818

 

 
12,818

Annuities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group annuity contract

 

 
128,244

 
128,244

Funded annuity contracts

 

 
12,298

 
12,298

Alternative investments: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnerships

 

 
4,520

 
4,520

Total
$
61,088

 
$
50,860

 
$
145,062

 
$
257,010


(1)
Represents mutual funds and pooled separate account investments with Principal Life Insurance Company.
(2)
Represents group annuity contracts with Farm Bureau Life.
(3)
Represents interests in several limited partnerships.

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Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Return on assets
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
Purchases
(disposals),
net
 
Held at year end
 
Sold during year
 
Transfers into (out) of level 3
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Group annuity contract
$
128,244

 
$
1,156

 
$
5,349

 
$

 
$

 
$
134,749

Funded annuity contracts
12,298

 
(1,012
)
 
710

 

 

 
11,996

Limited partnerships
4,520

 
1,680

 
62

 

 

 
6,262

Total
$
145,062

 
$
1,824

 
$
6,121

 
$

 
$

 
$
153,007

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Return on assets
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2013
 
Purchases
(disposals),
net
 
Held at year end
 
Sold during year
 
Transfers into (out) of level 3
 
December 31, 2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Group annuity contract
$
117,226

 
$
5,829

 
$
5,189

 
$

 
$

 
$
128,244

Funded annuity contracts
12,932

 
(1,376
)
 
742

 

 

 
12,298

Limited partnerships
2,196

 
2,107

 
217

 

 

 
4,520

Total
$
132,354

 
$
6,560

 
$
6,148

 
$

 
$

 
$
145,062


Other Retirement Plans

We participate with several affiliates in a 401(k) defined contribution plan which covers substantially all employees. We match employee contributions up to 2% or 4% of the eligible compensation contributed by the employee and at an amount equal to 50% of an employee's contributions on the next 2% of the eligible compensation contributed by the employee. As shown in the table below, certain employees will also receive an annual discretionary employer contribution based on age plus years of service ranging from 2.75% to 5.75% as a percent of pay. Costs are allocated among the affiliates on a basis of time incurred by the respective employees for each company. Our expense related to the plan totaled $2.2 million in 2015, $2.0 million in 2014 and $1.8 million in 2013.

Attained age 40 and
10 years of service at
December 31, 2012
Accruing years of service in the Multiemployer Plan
100% Employer Match
50% Employer Match
Discretionary Employer Contribution
Yes
Yes
first 2% of employee's contributions
employee contributions between 2% and 4%
No
No
No
first 4% of employee's contributions
employee contributions between 4% and 6%
2.75% to 5.75%

We have established deferred compensation plans for certain key current and former employees and have certain other benefit plans which provide for retirement and other benefits. Liabilities for these plans are accrued as the related benefits are earned.

Certain of the assets related to these plans are on deposit with us and amounts relating to these plans are included in our financial statements. In addition, certain amounts included in the policy liabilities for interest sensitive products relate to deposit administration funds maintained by us on behalf of affiliates.

In addition to benefits offered under the aforementioned benefit plans, we and several other affiliates participate in a plan that provides group term life insurance benefits to retirees who have worked full-time for ten years and attained age 55 while in service. Postretirement benefit expense for this plan is allocated in a manner consistent with pension expense discussed above. We also have two single-employer plans that provide health and medical benefits to a small group of retirees. Postretirement benefit expense totaled $0.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Changes in the underfunded portion of these plans, reported in other comprehensive income, aggregated less than ($0.1) million in 2015, $0.1 million in 2014 and $0.2 million in 2013.

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Table of Contents

Share-based Compensation Plans

The share-based payment arrangements under our Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan are described below. We allocate a portion of the expense for these arrangements to affiliates; expense amounts below represent our share of these expenses. Expenses have been fully recognized under this plan as of December 31, 2014. Compensation expense for these arrangements totaled $0.2 million for 2014 and $0.3 million for 2013. The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for these arrangements totaled less than $0.1 million for 2014 and 2013.

We also have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Compensation expense for arrangements under this plan totaled $1.7 million for 2015, $1.0 million for 2014 and $1.0 million for 2013. The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for this arrangement totaled $0.9 million in 2015, $0.6 million in 2014 and $0.6 million in 2013.

Stock Option Awards

Prior to 2011, we granted stock options for Class A common stock to officers and employees, which have a contractual term of 10 years and vest over a period up to five years, contingent upon continued employment with us. Prior to 2009, we also granted stock options for Class A common stock to directors, which were fully vested upon grant and had a contractual term that varied with the length of time the director remained on the Board, up to 10 years. The exercise price for all options is equal to the fair value of the common stock on the grant date. The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. We used the historical realized volatility of our stock for the expected volatility assumption within the valuation model. The weighted average expected term for the majority of our options was calculated using average historical behavior.

In 2014, we accelerated the vesting of all unvested options. Accordingly, the expense related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under the stock option arrangement has been fully recognized at December 31, 2014.

Stock Option Activity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
per Share
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Shares under option at January 1, 2015
273,060

 
$
27.50

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(138,212
)
 
26.95

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired

 

 
 
 
 
Shares under option at December 31, 2015
134,848

 
28.07

 
2.30

 
$
4,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vested at December 31, 2015 or expected to vest in the future
134,848

 
$
28.07

 
2.30

 
$
4,796

Exercisable options at December 31, 2015
134,848

 
$
28.07

 
2.30

 
$
4,796


(1)
Represents the difference between the share price and exercise price for each option, excluding options where the exercise price is above the share price, at December 31, 2015.

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $4.5 million for 2015, $6.5 million for 2014 and $6.6 million for 2013.

We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.    Cash received from stock options exercised totaled $3.7 million for 2015, $10.5 million for 2014 and $19.4 million for 2013. The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totaled $1.4 million for 2015, $2.2 million for 2014 and $2.3 million for 2013.

Nonvested Stock Awards

In 2011 and prior years, we granted nonvested Class A common shares to certain executives. The restrictions on these shares lapsed and the shares vested if we met or exceeded operating goals, such as earnings per share, book value and expense targets,

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within or during a three year period. Depending on performance, the actual amount of shares issued could range from zero to 100% of the granted amount. The value of the awards was based on the grant date fair value of the nonvested stock adjusted for expected forfeitures and an estimate of the number of shares expected to vest. The estimate for the number of shares to vest was reviewed each period and the impact of any changes in the estimate on expense was recorded in the current period. These awards were charged to expense using the straight-line method over the required service period. Dividends on the restricted stock during the restriction period were contingent upon vesting.
 
The final nonvested shares were vested and released in 2013 and the expense related to these shares has been fully recognized at December 31, 2013. The tax benefit realized from nonvested stock released to employees was $1.7 million in 2013. We have a policy of withholding shares to cover estimated future tax payments.

Shares of Class A common stock available for grant as additional awards under the Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan totaled 3,430,142 at December 31, 2015.

Cash-Based Restricted Stock Units

We annually grant cash-based restricted stock units to certain executives beginning in 2012. The restricted stock units will vest and be paid out in cash over 5 years, contingent on continued employment with us. Cash-based restricted stock units were also granted to certain executives in 2012 that were vested and paid out in cash after a two-year required service period.

The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of the Company's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The effects of changes in the stock price during the service period are recognized as compensation cost over the service period.

We also issued performance cash-based restricted stock units to an executive in 2015, 2014 and 2013. These units will vest and be paid out in cash over 5 years, contingent upon meeting an earnings per share goal as well as continued employment with the Company.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity
 
 
 
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
per Unit
Restricted stock units at January 1, 2015
128,762

 
$
36.80

Granted
52,067

 
52.19

Vested
(31,959
)
 
36.59

Forfeited or canceled
(3,455
)
 
36.81

Restricted stock units at December 31, 2015
145,415

 
42.36


The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $52.19 in 2015, $38.63 in 2014 and $34.94 in 2013. Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2015 totaled $4.5 million. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.03 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $1.8 million in 2015, $1.8 million in 2014 and $0.5 million in 2013.

Other

We have a Director Compensation Plan under which non-employee directors on our Board may elect to receive a portion of their compensation in the form of cash or deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding totaled 22,874 at December 31, 2015 and 19,066 at December 31, 2014. Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 56,868 at December 31, 2015 and 56,759 at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, there were 114,179 shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under the Director Compensation Plan. We also have an Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan under which certain officers of the Company were allowed to use their base salary and annual cash bonus to purchase deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding total 16,679 at December 31, 2015 and 16,923 at December 31, 2014. Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 66,621 at December 31, 2015 and 90,009 at December 31, 2014. At December 31,

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2015, shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under this plan totaled 103,525. This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013. We also have an Executive Excess 401(k) Plan under which officers of the Company who met salary guidelines and 401(k) contribution guidelines were allowed to purchase unregistered deferred cash-based stock units. Cash-based stock units outstanding total 84 at December 31, 2015 and 79 at December 31, 2014. Prior to 2012, deferred stock units were used instead of deferred cash-based stock units. Under this plan, we have deferred stock units outstanding totaling 2,991 at December 31, 2015 and 2,878 at December 31, 2014. This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013.


9. Management and Other Agreements

We share certain office facilities and services with the IFBF and its affiliated companies. These expenses are allocated on the basis of cost and time studies that are updated annually and primarily consist of rent, salaries and related expenses, travel and other operating costs. We also have an expense allocation agreement with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company for the use of property and equipment. Expense relating to this agreement totaled $0.7 million in 2015, $0.9 million in 2014 and $1.1 million in 2013.

We have management agreements, which include Farm Bureau Property & Casualty and other affiliates, under which we provide general business, administrative and management services. Fee income for these services totaled $2.3 million in 2015, $1.9 million in 2014 and $1.8 million in 2013. In addition, Farm Bureau Management Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF, provides certain services to us under a separate arrangement. We incurred related expenses totaling $1.0 million in 2015 and 2014 and $0.9 million in 2013.

We have service agreements with the Farm Bureau-affiliated property-casualty companies operating within our marketing territory, including Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and another affiliate. Under the service agreements, the property-casualty companies are responsible for development and management of our agency force for a fee. We incurred expenses totaling $9.9 million in 2015, $9.3 million in 2014 and $9.7 million in 2013 relating to these arrangements.

We are licensed by the IFBF to use the "Farm Bureau" and "FB" designations in Iowa. In connection with this license, we incurred royalty expense totaling $0.6 million in 2015 and $0.5 million in 2014 and 2013. We have similar arrangements with other state Farm Bureau organizations in our market territory. Total royalty expense to Farm Bureau organizations other than the IFBF totaled $1.7 million in 2015 and 2014 and $1.8 million in 2013. The royalty agreement with the IFBF provides them an option to terminate the agreement when the quarterly common stock dividend is below $0.10 per share.


10. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be involved in litigation in which 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 not aware of any such matters threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

Other

We self-insure our employee health and dental claims. However, claims in excess of our self-insurance limits 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 to be paid during the period and a liability is established at each balance sheet date for any unpaid claims. Adjustments, if any, resulting in changes in the estimate of claims incurred are reflected in operations in the periods in which such adjustments are known.

We lease our home office properties under a 10-year operating lease from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF. Future remaining minimum lease payments under this lease, as of December 31, 2015, are as follows: 2016 - $2.1 million, 2017 - $2.1 million, 2018 - $2.1 million, 2019 - $2.1 million, 2020 - $2.1 million and thereafter, through 2021 - $2.1 million. Rent expense for the lease totaled $4.0 million in 2015 and $4.3 million in 2014 and 2013. These amounts are net of $0.2 million in 2015,

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2014 and 2013 in amortization of a deferred gain on the exchange of our home office properties for common stock in 1998. The remaining unamortized deferred gain totaled $1.0 million at December 31, 2015 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2014.

From time to time, assessments are levied on our insurance subsidiaries by guaranty associations in most states in which the subsidiaries are licensed. These assessments, which are accrued for, are to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated companies. In some states, these assessments can be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes. Expenses for guaranty fund assessments, net of related premium tax offsets, totaled less than $0.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013.


11. Earnings per Share

Computation of Earnings per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
113,527

 
$
109,941

 
$
108,558

Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock
150

 
150

 
150

Income available to common stockholders from continuing operations
$
113,377


$
109,791

 
$
108,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares - basic
24,927,209

 
24,866,284

 
25,508,522

Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation
89,274

 
149,960

 
265,893

Weighted-average shares - diluted
25,016,483

 
25,016,244

 
25,774,415

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
4.55

 
$
4.42

 
$
4.25

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
4.53

 
$
4.39

 
$
4.21


There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any period presented.
 

12. Statutory Insurance Information

The statutory financial statements of Farm Bureau Life are prepared in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division. The Insurance Division has adopted the accounting guidance contained in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (the “Manual”) as the prescribed accounting practice for insurance companies domiciled in Iowa. The Insurance Division may permit accounting practices which differ from those prescribed by the Manual. None of our statutory accounting practices differed materially from those prescribed by the Manual. Several differences exist between GAAP and statutory accounting practices. Principally, under statutory accounting, deferred acquisition costs are not capitalized, fixed maturity securities are generally carried at amortized cost, insurance liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contract holder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted.

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Farm Bureau Life has a subsidiary, Greenfields, which launched in 2013 and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Insurance. Greenfields' operations are immaterial and implicitly included in the financial results of Farm Bureau Life below.

Farm Bureau Life Statutory Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments)
$
100,013

 
$
97,799

 
$
93,306

Net income
106,009

 
97,393

 
94,583


 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Capital and surplus
$
603,062

 
$
552,021

Unassigned surplus
469,579

 
418,538

Risk-Based Capital measurements:
 
 
 
Total adjusted capital
668,278

 
614,201

Company action level capital
117,284

 
112,771

RBC Ratio
570
%
 
545
%

State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer's risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, a measure of solvency, falls below certain levels. The NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC based on the various risk factors related to an insurance company's capital and surplus, including insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. The insurance regulators monitor the level of RBC against a statutory "authorized control level" RBC at which point regulators have the option to assume control of the insurance company. The company action level RBC is 200% of the authorized control level and is the first point at which any action would be triggered.

Farm Bureau Life's ability to pay dividends to the parent company is restricted by the Iowa Insurance Holding Company Act to earned surplus arising from its business as of the date the dividend is paid. In addition, prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is required for a dividend distribution of cash or other property whose fair value, together with that of other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of the preceding year end, or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations of the insurer for the preceding calendar year. As shown in the tables above, at December 31, 2015, Farm Bureau Life’s net gain from operations, exceeded 10% of statutory surplus, therefore, the maximum amount available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. from Farm Bureau Life without regulatory approval during 2016 is $100.0 million.


13. Segment Information

We analyze operations by reviewing financial information regarding our primary products that are aggregated into the Annuity and Life Insurance product segments. In addition, our Corporate and Other segment includes various support operations, corporate capital and other product lines that are not currently underwritten by the Company.

The Annuity segment primarily consists of fixed rate annuities and supplementary contracts (some of which involve life contingencies). Fixed rate annuities provide for tax-deferred savings and supplementary contracts provide for the systematic repayment of funds that accumulate interest. Fixed rate annuities primarily consist of flexible premium deferred annuities, but also include single premium deferred and immediate contracts. With fixed rate annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest to the contracts at rates we determine, subject to interest rate guarantees. The Annuity segment also includes index annuities. With index annuities, we bear the underlying investment risk and credit interest in an amount equal to a percentage of the gain in a specified market index, subject to minimum guarantees.


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The Life Insurance segment consists of whole life, term life and universal life policies. These policies provide benefits upon the death of the insured and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.

The Corporate and Other segment consists of the following corporate items and products/services that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate segment reporting:

investments and related investment income not specifically allocated to our product segments,
interest expense,
closed blocks of variable annuity, variable universal life insurance and accident and health insurance products,
advisory services for the management of investments and other companies,
marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products not issued by us, and
leasing services with affiliates.

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

We use operating income, 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 year to year. A view of our operating performance without the impact of these items enhances the analysis of our results, although it should not be viewed as a substitute for net income as a measure of financial performance. Operating income is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common industry measure of performance. We use operating income for goal setting, determining short-term incentive compensation and evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by many in the investment community.

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Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015

2014

2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
212,420

 
$
203,477

 
$
197,539

Life Insurance
408,966

 
390,609

 
385,325

Corporate and Other
93,632

 
93,646

 
96,775

 
715,018

 
687,732

 
679,639

Net realized gains on investments (1)
10,482

 
2,937

 
13,597

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)
(2,691
)
 
2,270

 
(2,005
)
Consolidated revenues
$
722,809

 
$
692,939

 
$
691,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
209,896

 
201,550

 
196,303

Life Insurance
152,730

 
146,349

 
140,510

Corporate and Other
31,214

 
31,913

 
35,843

 
393,840

 
379,812

 
372,656

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)
(2,691
)
 
2,270

 
(2,005
)
Consolidated net investment income
$
391,149

 
$
382,082

 
$
370,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
4,548

 
$
5,709

 
$
7,186

Life Insurance
18,831

 
20,027

 
19,430

Corporate and Other
8,546

 
2,895

 
2,157

 
31,925

 
28,631

 
28,773

Net realized gains on investments (1)
225

 
189

 
973

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)
(332
)
 
125

 
(1,324
)
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
31,818

 
$
28,945

 
$
28,422

Pre-tax operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
69,950

 
$
65,056

 
$
63,592

Life Insurance
53,146

 
51,521

 
48,814

Corporate and Other
11,668

 
22,865

 
22,172

 
134,764

 
139,442

 
134,578

Income taxes on operating income
(29,876
)
 
(32,401
)
 
(33,985
)
Net realized gains/losses on investments (1)
8,498

 
1,786

 
8,206

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1)
141

 
1,114

 
(241
)
Consolidated net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
$
113,527

 
$
109,941

 
$
108,558

 

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Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments - continued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
Annuity
$
4,209,627

 
$
3,981,825

Life Insurance
3,112,756

 
2,956,347

Corporate and Other
1,623,874

 
1,715,241

 
8,946,257

 
8,653,413

Unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2)
185,747

 
410,995

Consolidated assets
$
9,132,004

 
$
9,064,408


(1)
Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired and income taxes attributable to these items.
(2)
Amounts are net adjustments for assumed changes in deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired and deferred income taxes attributable to these items.
 
Depreciation and amortization related to property and equipment are allocated to the product segments while the related property, equipment and capitalized software are allocated to the Corporate and Other segment. Depreciation and amortization for the Corporate and Other segment include $4.1 million for 2015, $3.1 million for 2014 and $2.2 million for 2013 relating to leases with affiliates. In the consolidated statements of operations, we record these depreciation amounts net of related lease income from affiliates.

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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 was allocated among the segments as follows: Annuity ($3.9 million) and Life Insurance ($6.1 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. Premiums collected is a common industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $683.1 million in 2015, $646.6 million in 2014 and $635.6 million in 2013.

Under GAAP, premiums on whole life and term life policies are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period and reported in the Life Insurance segment. The following chart provides a reconciliation of life insurance premiums collected to those reported in the GAAP financial statements.
 
Reconciliation of Traditional Life Insurance Premiums, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected
$
281,003

 
$
282,098

 
$
307,474

Premiums collected on interest sensitive products
(90,895
)
 
(98,796
)
 
(127,271
)
Traditional life insurance premiums collected
190,108

 
183,302

 
180,203

Change in due premiums and other
848

 
(2
)
 
741

Traditional life insurance premiums
$
190,956

 
$
183,300

 
$
180,944

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


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Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Annuity
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender charges and other
$
2,524

 
$
1,927

 
$
1,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
Administration charges
$
14,342

 
$
13,783

 
$
19,602

Cost of insurance charges
46,911

 
45,273

 
42,697

Surrender charges
919

 
737

 
484

Amortization of policy initiation fees
3,371

 
1,504

 
1,462

Total
$
65,543

 
$
61,297

 
$
64,245

 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Administration charges
$
5,809

 
$
6,212

 
$
6,138

Cost of insurance charges
29,760

 
29,569

 
29,567

Surrender charges
346

 
479

 
525

Separate account charges
8,854

 
9,157

 
8,742

Amortization of policy initiation fees
1,748

 
1,129

 
1,122

Total
$
46,517

 
$
46,546

 
$
46,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated interest sensitive product charges
$
114,584

 
$
109,770

 
$
111,575


Premium Concentration by State
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Life and annuity collected premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
Iowa
26.2
%
 
25.7
%
 
27.6
%
Kansas
18.6

 
20.8

 
20.0

Oklahoma
8.9

 
8.2

 
7.7

 

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14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations

 
2015
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Premiums and product charges
$
75,269

 
$
77,164

 
$
76,575

 
$
76,532

Net investment income
98,773

 
97,489

 
95,882

 
99,005

Realized gains (losses) on investments
(366
)
 
7,808

 
(506
)
 
3,553

Total revenues
177,946

 
186,745

 
175,494

 
182,624

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
23,591

 
32,372

 
26,659

 
30,905

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
0.95

 
$
1.30

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.24

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.94

 
$
1.29

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.23


 
2014
Quarter ended
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Premiums and product charges
$
72,583

 
$
74,805

 
$
72,653

 
$
73,029

Net investment income
92,631

 
95,215

 
95,744

 
98,492

Realized gains (losses) on investments
(540
)
 
2,806

 
1,000

 
(328
)
Total revenues
168,535

 
175,837

 
173,420

 
175,147

Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc.
22,992

 
28,642

 
30,159

 
28,148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
$
0.92

 
$
1.15

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.13

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
$
0.91

 
$
1.14

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.13




ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None


ITEM 9A. 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 (the Act) 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 December 31, 2015, there have been no changes that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

See Item 8 for Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of this examination.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

There is no information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 which has not been previously reported.


PART III

The information required by Part III, Items 10 through 14, is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2015.


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)
1.
Financial Statements. See Table of Contents following the cover page for a list of financial statements included in this Report.
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules. The following financial statement schedules are included as part of this Report immediately following the signature page:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule I - Summary of Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule IV - Reinsurance

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information they contain is included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes.


113

Table of Contents

 
3.
Exhibits.
 
 
Incorporated by reference
Exhibit #
Description
Form
SEC File No.
Report Date
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed with the Iowa Secretary of State on August 29, 2012
10-Q
001-11917
September 30, 2012
3.2
Fourth Restated Bylaws, as amended through May 21, 2015
8-K
001-11917
May 21, 2015
4.1
Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate of the Registrant
S-1
333-04332
July 11, 1996
4.2
Restated Stockholders' Agreement Regarding Management and Transfer of Shares of Class B Common Stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc., effective February 14, 2013
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2013
4.2(a)
Amendment to Restated Stockholders' Agreement Regarding Management and Transfer of Shares of Class B Common Stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc., effective February 14, 2013
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2013
4.3
Certificate of Trust; Declaration of Trust of FBL Financial Group Capital Trust dated May 30, 1997, including in Annex I thereto the form of Trust Preferred Security and the form of Trust Common Security; Subordinated Deferrable Interest Note Agreement dated May 30, 1997 between FBL Financial Group, Inc. and FBL Financial Group Capital Trust, including therein the form of Subordinated Deferrable Interest Note; Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement of FBL Financial Group, Inc., dated May 30 1997
8-K
001-11917
June 6, 1997
10.1
Trademark License from the American Farm Bureau Federation to Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, dated May 20, 1987
S-1
333-04332
July 11, 1996
10.2
Membership Agreement between American Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, dated February 13, 1987
S-1
333-04332
July 11, 1996
10.3
Form of Royalty Agreement with Farm Bureau organizations adopted 2009
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2009
10.4
Form of Services Agreement between FBL Financial Group, Inc. and Farm Bureau Management Corporation, dated January 1, 1996
S-1
333-04332
July 11, 1996
10.5
Management Services Agreement effective as of January 1, 2012 between Farm Bureau Mutual Holding Company, Farm Bureau Multi-State Services, Inc., Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company, and FBL Financial Group, Inc.
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2012
10.6
Lease Agreement dated as of March 31, 1998 between IFBF Property Management, Inc., FBL Financial Group, Inc. and Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 1998
10.6(a)
Amendment effective January 1, 2012 to Lease Agreement
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2011
10.7
Building Management Services Agreement, dated March 31, 1998, between IFBF Property Management, Inc. and FBL Financial Group, Inc.
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 1998
10.8*
2006 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan as amended through February 17, 2011
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2011
10.8(a)*
Form of Stock Option Agreement, pursuant to the FBL Financial Group, Inc. 2006 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2011
10.9*
Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan as amended through August 21, 2013
10-Q
001-11917
September 30, 2013
10.10*
2008 Revised Rules for Payment of Meeting Fees, Retainers and Expenses to the Board of Directors
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2007


114

Table of Contents

 
 
Incorporated by reference
Exhibit #
Description
Form
SEC File No.
Report Date
10.11*
Management Performance Plan (2014)
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2014
10.12*
Management Performance Plan, effective January 1, 2015
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2014
10.13*
Director Compensation Plan as amended through December 15, 2011
10-K
001-11917
December 31, 2011
10.14*
Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan as amended through August 21, 2013
10-Q
001-11917
September 30, 2013
10.15*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and participants (other than the Chief Executive Officer) in the Company's Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan.
10-K
001-11917
March 31, 2014
10.16*
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 1, 2014 between James P. Brannen and the Company
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2014
10.17*
Amended Retention Agreement dated February 1, 2014 between James P. Brannen, CEO, and the Company
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2014
10.18*
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 1, 2015 between James P. Brannen and the Company
10-Q
001-11917
March 31, 2015
10.19*+
Cash-Based Restricted Surplus Unit Plan, effective November 18, 2015
 
 
 
21+
Subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc.
 
 
 
23+
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as follows: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
exhibit relates to a compensatory plan for management or directors
 
 
 
+
filed 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.
 
 
 






115

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

FBL Financial Group, Inc.

By: /s/ JAMES P. BRANNEN
James P. Brannen
Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 3, 2016

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JAMES P. BRANNEN
James P. Brannen
 
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DONALD J. SEIBEL
Donald J. Seibel
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ CRAIG D. HILL
Craig D. Hill
 
Chairman of the Board and Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JERRY L. CHICOINE
Jerry L. Chicoine
 
Vice Chair and Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ ROGER K. BROOKS
Roger K. Brooks
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ RICHARD W. FELTS
Richard W. Felts
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JOE D. HEINRICH
Joe D. Heinrich
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ PAUL E. LARSON
Paul E. Larson
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ KEVIN G. ROGERS
Kevin G. Rogers
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ SCOTT E. VANDERWAL
Scott E. VanderWal
 
Director
 
March 3, 2016



116

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON SCHEDULES

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
FBL Financial Group, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of FBL Financial Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and have issued our report thereon dated March 3, 2016 (included elsewhere in this Form 10-K). Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)2 of this Form 10-K. These schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these schedules based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 3, 2016


117

Table of Contents

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other
Than Investments in Related Parties
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
December 31, 2015

Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
Type of Investment
 
Cost (1)
 
Value
 
Amount at which
shown in the balance
sheet
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
$
3,464,402

 
$
3,518,707

 
$
3,518,707

Mortgage- and asset-backed
 
1,529,856

 
1,602,620

 
1,602,620

United States Government and agencies
 
41,050

 
44,098

 
44,098

State, municipal and other governments
 
1,344,611

 
1,472,351

 
1,472,351

Total
 
6,379,919

 
$
6,637,776

 
6,637,776

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
 
24,988

 
$
24,988

 
24,988

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
 
4,319

 
4,728

 
4,728

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
87,029

 
91,951

 
91,951

Total
 
116,336

 
$
121,667

 
121,667

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
 
745,858

 
 
 
744,303

Investment real estate (2)
 
2,115

 
 
 
1,955

Policy loans
 
185,784

 
 
 
185,784

Short-term investments
 
28,251

 
 
 
28,251

Other investments
 
4,434

 
 
 
3,017

Total investments
 
$
7,462,697

 
 
 
$
7,722,753


(1)
On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturities and short-term investments; original cost for equity securities, real estate and other investments; and unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans and policy loans.
(2)
Amount shown on balance sheet differs from cost due to depreciation and allowance for possible losses deducted from cost.



118

Table of Contents

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Condensed Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)

 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
$
1,145,988

 
$
1,226,389

Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015 - $33,389; 2014 - $51,052)
35,212

 
53,907

Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2015 - $1,470; 2014 - $269)
1,428

 
273

Short-term investments
13,066

 
13,461

Cash and cash equivalents
26,839

 
46,042

Amounts receivable from affiliates
1,264

 
2,666

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
1,758

 

Accrued investment income
12

 
77

Current income taxes recoverable
651

 
425

Deferred income tax assets
13,682

 
17,522

Other assets
10,106

 
9,235

Total assets
$
1,250,006

 
$
1,369,997

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$
18,470

 
$
19,401

Amounts payable to affiliates

 
188

Amounts payable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
110

 
564

Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates
97,000

 
97,000

Total liabilities
115,580

 
117,153

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock
3,000

 
3,000

Class A common stock
149,248

 
144,625

Class B common stock
72

 
72

Accumulated other comprehensive income
114,532

 
258,410

Retained earnings
867,574

 
846,737

Total stockholders' equity
1,134,426

 
1,252,844

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,250,006

 
$
1,369,997









See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

119

Table of Contents

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
2,033

 
$
2,689

 
$
2,120

Realized gains (losses) on investments
(583
)
 
1,047

 
33

Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
50,000

 
45,700

 
140,000

Management fee income from affiliates
2,277

 
1,925

 
1,760

Management fee income from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
5,654

 
8,836

 
2,072

Other income
(8
)
 
7

 
22

Total revenues
59,373

 
60,204

 
146,007

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
4,850

 
4,723

 
6,967

General and administrative expenses
8,795

 
8,471

 
9,582

Total expenses
13,645

 
13,194

 
16,549

 
45,728

 
47,010

 
129,458

Income tax benefit
2,507

 
1,011

 
5,316

Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
48,235

 
48,021

 
134,774

Equity in undistributed income (dividends in excess of equity income) of subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
65,292

 
61,920

 
(26,216
)
Net income
$
113,527

 
$
109,941

 
$
108,558


























See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

120

Table of Contents

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
1,841

 
$
4,200

 
$
(5,750
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of fixed maturities - available for sale
18,618

 
21,347

 
45,808

Acquisitions of fixed maturities - available for sale

 

 
(15,192
)
Acquisitions of equity securities - available for sale
(1,188
)
 
(269
)
 

Short-term investments, net change
395

 
17,617

 
(6,577
)
Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)
50,000

 
45,700

 
92,135

Net cash provided by investing activities
67,825

 
84,395

 
116,174

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Repayments of debt

 

 
(50,000
)
Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation
1,362

 
1,199

 
1,964

Repurchase of common stock, net
(584
)
 
(8,003
)
 
(43,707
)
Capital contribution to subsidiary
(300
)
 
(1,000
)
 
(1,900
)
Dividends paid
(89,347
)
 
(34,749
)
 
(64,775
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(88,869
)
 
(42,553
)
 
(158,418
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(19,203
)
 
46,042

 
(47,994
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
46,042

 

 
47,994

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
26,839

 
$
46,042

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
 
 
 
 
Cash received (paid) during the year for:
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
$
6,344

 
$
6,927

 
$
9,182

Interest
(4,850
)
 
(4,850
)
 
(7,104
)
Non-cash investing activity:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend from subsidiary in the form of securities

 

 
47,865















See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

121

Table of Contents

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
December 31, 2015

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of FBL Financial Group, Inc.

In the parent company only financial statements, our investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. In addition, the carrying value includes net unrealized gains/losses on the subsidiaries' investments classified as "available for sale."

2. Dividends from Subsidiaries

The parent company received dividends totaling $50.0 million in 2015, $45.7 million in 2014 and $140.0 million in 2013 in the form of cash ($50.0 million in 2015, $45.7 million in 2014 and $92.1 million in 2013) and securities ($47.9 million in 2013).

3. Debt

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for a description of the parent company's debt, including items paid off. The company's debt matures in 2047.


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Table of Contents

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Column A
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
Deferred acquisition costs
 
Future policy
benefits, losses,
claims and loss
expenses
 
Unearned
revenues
 
Other
policyholder
funds
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
85,819

 
$
3,550,364

 
$

 
$
370,326

Life Insurance
248,333

 
2,473,357

 
9,719

 
194,751

Corporate and Other
75,366

 
399,203

 
12,257

 
29,128

Impact of unrealized gains/losses
(73,735
)
 
4,090

 
(3,352
)
 

Total
$
335,783

 
$
6,427,014

 
$
18,624

 
$
594,205

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
82,778

 
$
3,370,109

 
$

 
$
372,244

Life Insurance
232,020

 
2,372,108

 
10,111

 
193,567

Corporate and Other
85,506

 
394,536

 
13,428

 
24,823

Impact of unrealized gains/losses
(179,544
)
 
11,182

 
(11,461
)
 

Total
$
220,760

 
$
6,147,935

 
$
12,078

 
$
590,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
82,404

 
$
3,172,598

 
$

 
$
376,879

Life Insurance
216,743

 
2,254,194

 
8,884

 
191,478

Corporate and Other
91,917

 
389,746

 
13,951

 
21,845

Impact of unrealized gains/losses
(55,550
)
 
2,957

 
(2,790
)
 

Total
$
335,514

 
$
5,819,495

 
$
20,045

 
$
590,202



123

Table of Contents

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Continued)
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Column A
Column F
 
Column G
 
Column H
 
Column I
 
Column J
 
Premium
revenue
 
Net
investment
income
 
Benefits,
claims, losses
and
settlement
expenses
 
Amortization
of deferred
acquisition
costs
 
Other
operating
expenses
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
2,524

 
$
209,896

 
$
110,356

 
$
9,658

 
$
22,456

Life Insurance
256,504

 
152,730

 
253,461

 
14,364

 
76,167

Corporate and Other
46,519

 
31,214

 
32,346

 
11,316

 
9,816

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives

 
(2,691
)
 
(2,577
)
 
(332
)
 

Impact of realized gains/losses
(7
)
 

 
2

 
214

 
9

Total
$
305,540

 
$
391,149

 
$
393,588

 
$
35,220

 
$
108,448

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
1,927

 
$
201,550

 
$
105,669

 
$
10,477

 
$
22,275

Life Insurance
244,597

 
146,349

 
238,841

 
15,594

 
72,641

Corporate and Other
46,547

 
31,913

 
29,470

 
6,929

 
10,032

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives

 
2,270

 
432

 
125

 

Impact of realized gains/losses
(1
)
 

 
4

 
178

 
7

Total
$
293,070

 
$
382,082

 
$
374,416

 
$
33,303

 
$
104,955

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
$
1,236

 
$
196,303

 
$
102,308

 
$
9,422

 
$
22,217

Life Insurance
245,148

 
140,510

 
231,861

 
15,760

 
75,571

Corporate and Other
46,093

 
35,843

 
30,183

 
5,170

 
10,499

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives

 
(2,005
)
 
(310
)
 
(1,324
)
 

Impact of realized gains/losses
42

 

 
28

 
880

 
65

Total
$
292,519

 
$
370,651

 
$
364,070

 
$
29,908

 
$
108,352



124

Table of Contents

Schedule IV - Reinsurance
FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
 
Column A
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
Column F
 
Gross
amount
 
Ceded to
other
companies
 
Assumed
from other
companies
 
Net amount
 
Percent of
amount
assumed to net
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance in force, at end of year
$
59,136,803

 
$
14,263,420

 
$
551,563

 
$
45,424,946

 
1.2
%
Insurance premiums and other considerations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
113,221

 
$
1,024

 
$
2,387

 
$
114,584

 
2.1
%
Traditional life insurance premiums
215,936

 
25,344

 
364

 
190,956

 
0.2

Accident and health premiums
7,561

 
7,094

 

 
467

 

 
$
336,718

 
$
33,462

 
$
2,751

 
$
306,007

 
0.9

Year ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance in force, at end of year
$
57,010,809

 
$
13,837,869

 
$
592,022

 
$
43,764,962

 
1.4
%
Insurance premiums and other considerations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
110,431

 
$
1,026

 
$
365

 
$
109,770

 
0.3
%
Traditional life insurance premiums
206,701

 
23,819

 
418

 
183,300

 
0.2

Accident and health premiums
8,050

 
7,668

 

 
382

 

 
$
325,182

 
$
32,513

 
$
783

 
$
293,452

 
0.3

Year ended December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance in force, at end of year
$
54,603,479

 
$
13,220,004

 
$
613,281

 
$
41,996,756

 
1.5
%
Insurance premiums and other considerations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive product charges
$
112,229

 
$
1,026

 
$
372

 
$
111,575

 
0.3
%
Traditional life insurance premiums
200,729

 
20,199

 
414

 
180,944

 
0.2

Accident and health premiums
8,540

 
8,135

 

 
405

 

 
$
321,498

 
$
29,360

 
$
786

 
$
292,924

 
0.3

 

125