FBL Financial Group Inc.
Annual Report 2016

Plain-text annual report

STRONG BALANCED DISCIPLINED FBL FINANCIAL GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Annual Report “FBL Financial Group is strong, balanced and disciplined. We’re focused on the Farm Bureau niche market to fulfill our purpose to protect livelihoods and futures.” Jim Brannen, Chief Executive Officer Letter To Shareholders FBL Financial Group is strong, balanced and disciplined. In 2016 we delivered solid earnings results and returned $92 million to shareholders. We’re focused on the Farm Bureau niche market to fulfill our purpose to protect livelihoods and futures. Through great efforts of our employees and agents, FBL Financial Group continues to build on its successes. Again in 2016 we grew our agency force. It totaled 1,862 agents and agency managers as of year-end 2016. Our reserve agent program has proven effective in onboarding new agents and increasing retention. Our multiline exclusive agency force is our most significant competitive advantage, and its continued growth is crucial to our success. At the heart of what our agents do is working with our customers to assess and fulfill their insurance needs. The focus on knowing our customers, connecting with them regularly and meeting their needs has led to our industry-leading cross-sell rate. Our book of business is balanced between life insurance and annuity business. In 2016 premiums collected for our annuity segment grew to $349 million. This growth reflects increased sales of indexed annuity products, which are attractive to customers because of the potential for market gains along with protection from loss with guaranteed minimum interest rates. Premiums collected for our life insurance segment grew to $282 million in 2016. Sales of our relatively new indexed universal life insurance product are growing and sales of our whole life insurance products were strong. FBL’s net income totaled $107 million, or $4.28 per share for 2016, while operating income was $4.25 per share. We maintained our financial discipline, and because of this, we were able to deliver solid earnings results and an excellent total return for our shareholders. FBL’s regular quarterly dividend was raised in 2016 to $0.42 per share. In March of 2016 we announced the third special dividend since 2013. FBL’s stock price increased 23% for the year. Combined with dividends, the total return for shareholders in 2016 was an impressive 30.3%. We continue to maintain a strong financial foundation and have excess capital. As we move forward in 2017, we remain focused on the fundamentals. We serve the needs of the Farm Bureau niche market and provide products and services to protect what our clients value most. We’re dedicated to having best- in-class distribution with our growing exclusive Farm Bureau agency force. Our strength, balance and discipline are shown in excellent results in this annual report. Thank you for your interest in FBL Financial Group. Sincerely, James P. Brannen Chief Executive Officer 1 2016 Annual Report “2015 was a successful year for FBL Financial Group. We grew our business, actively managed spreads and expenses and delivered strong financial results.” Don Seibel, Chief Financial Officer Financial Review 2016 was a good year for FBL Financial Group. We were able to grow our business and deliver solid financial results. At the same time we returned $92 million to shareholders, primarily through our regular and special dividends. We have a firm financial foundation with excess capital. In the first quarter of 2017 we further increased our regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.44 per share and paid another special dividend – this time $1.50 per share. We move forward in 2017 with discipline to profitably grow our business and further build on FBL’s strong financial foundation. Some of our more significant financial metrics are highlighted in the charts here. In addition, our Form 10-K contains more detailed information. 2 2016 Annual Report Net Income per common share Net income of $4.28 per share ($107 million) was achieved in 2016. Operating Income per common share Operating income of $106 million, or $4.25 per share, was achieved in 2016 reflecting a disciplined approach to growing our business, active management of spreads and expenses, and increased death benefits. Capitalization FBL’s total capitalization is $1.3 billion. Farm Bureau Life consistently generates excess capital, and FBL’s total excess capital is estimated to be $200 million at year end 2016. 3 Statutory Capital Farm Bureau Life’s capital position is very strong. The company action level risk based capital, or RBC, ended 2016 at 544%. The decrease in 2016 reflects strong earnings growth offset by funds paid from Farm Bureau Life to the holding company to fund the dividends. Book Value per common share FBL’s book value at December 31, 2016 was $47.61. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, book value per share grew to $41.60. Investments By Type At December 31, 2016, FBL’s investments totaled $8.2 billion and are well diversified by individual issue and industry. Investments By Quality FBL’s investment portfolio quality is high with 95.6% of the fixed maturity securities being investment grade. 2016 Annual Report 4 Management & Directors Senior Management 2016 Annual Report James P. Brannen Chief Executive Officer James P. (Jim) Brannen was named Chief Executive Officer of FBL Financial Group, Inc. in August, 2012. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Brannen served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer since 2007. He joined FBL in 1991, and held various positions in finance and executive management. Prior to joining FBL, Brannen worked in public accounting. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Brannen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants. In 2015, Brannen was named Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry by ISCPA. Brannen has long been active in industry and community organizations, and currently serves on the board and the executive committee of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, on the board of directors and various committees of United Way of Central Iowa and as member of the Greater Des Moines Committee. Brannen was named to the board of directors and audit committee of Great Western Bank in 2015. He also serves the insurance industry as past president of the Federation of Iowa Insurers, as member of the CIC Advisory Committee and on the Board of Governors and committees of PCI, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Donald J. Seibel Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Donald J. (Don) Seibel was named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in August, 2012. Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Seibel served on the executive management team as Vice President – Finance since 2007. Seibel joined FBL in 1996 and became GAAP accounting vice president in 1998 and vice president-accounting in 2002. Prior to joining FBL, Seibel worked in public accounting. Seibel holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Iowa State University, is a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, and holds the Fellow Life Office Management Institute (FLMI) certification. Seibel is also active in civic and industry organizations, serving on the boards of directors of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa and Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. 5 2016 Annual Report Casey Decker Chief Information Officer Casey Decker was named Chief Information Officer for FBL Financial Group, Inc. in June 2016. Decker joined FBL in 2004 and progressed through various information technology roles, leading to Business Technology Vice President. Since 2014, Decker served as Agency Support Vice President, leading the team that provides strategies and solutions to support agents in growing successful and sustainable businesses. Prior to joining FBL Financial Group, Decker was the Director of Technology for a not-for-profit organization in Chicago with responsibilities for creating and leading programs that improved information systems capabilities for various social service agencies and public schools. Decker holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake University and a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems from DePaul University. He serves as a member of the Education Cabinet for United Way of Central Iowa. Nicholas C. Gerhart Chief Administrative Officer Nicholas C. (Nick) Gerhart, J.D., M.H.A., joined FBL Financial Group as Chief Administrative Officer in January 2017. In this role, Gerhart has responsibility for enterprise strategic planning, government relations, human resources and health services, among other administrative functions. Gerhart served as the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Iowa from February 2013 until December 2016. Prior to that, he worked at Sammons Financial Group and American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. He earned his law degree and health law certificate from St. Louis University School of Law and a Masters of Health Administration from St. Louis University School of Public Health. He also earned a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa. Gerhart is an active community leader and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. 6 2016 Annual Report Charles T. Happel Chief Investment Officer Charles T. (Charlie) Happel is Chief Investment Officer of FBL Financial Group. He joined the company in 1984 as a Farm Bureau Financial Services agent, moving to the corporate office in 1986. Over the next 15 years, he held various positions in investments, including securities analyst and portfolio manager. Happel became securities vice president in 2001, vice president - investments in August 2008, and was named chief investment officer in September 2009. Happel is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and earned an MBA from Drake University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and holds a number of industry designations, including CFP, FLMI, ChFC, CLU, and CPCU. He is also a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Iowa. David A. McNeill General Counsel David A. McNeill, General Counsel of FBL Financial Group, joined the company in 1989. He held various positions in the legal department before being named to his current position in 2009. Prior to joining FBL, McNeill was in private practice as an attorney in the Springfield, Mo. law firm of Miller & Sanford (now part of Lathrop & Gage) and later, the Des Moines law firm of Davis, Hockenberg, Wine, Brown, Koehn & Shors (now the Davis Brown Law Firm). McNeill received his Juris Doctorate degree, with honors, from Drake University Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Simpson College. McNeill is a director and serves as Secretary and Vice Chair of the Kansas Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association. Daniel D. Pitcher Chief Operating Officer – Property Casualty Companies Daniel D. (Dan) Pitcher is Chief Operating Officer – Property Casualty Companies of FBL Financial Group. Prior to his current position, he served as vice president, property/ casualty companies from 2007 to 2011. Pitcher joined FBL in 1998 and held various information system roles including as information systems vice president in 2002. Prior to joining FBL, Pitcher spent 15 years with Nationwide/Allied Insurance in various life and property casualty information systems roles. Pitcher holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drake University, and holds the Fellow Life Office Management Institute (FLMI) certification. 7 2016 Annual Report D. Scott Stice Chief Marketing Officer Scott Stice was named Chief Marketing Officer of FBL Financial Group, Inc. in June 2013. Stice has overall responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution for the company’s brand, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and its multiline exclusive agency force. Prior to joining FBL, Stice was senior vice president and head of field strategy and execution at Farmers Insurance. Stice began his insurance career with Farmers as an exclusive agent in 1990, and held various agency, marketing and field operations positions. Stice holds a BS in Business Management and Administration from the University of Redlands, and he earned an MBA from Pepperdine University. Stice serves on the board of directors and on the executive committee of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa (JACI). Raymond W. Wasilewski Chief Operating Officer – Life Companies Raymond W. (Ray) Wasilewski was named Chief Operating Officer – Life Companies of FBL Financial Group in July 2015. Wasilewski most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for Information Technology, Human Resources and Agency Services. Since joining the companies in 1997, Wasilewski held various roles in information technology throughout the enterprise. Wasilewski holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University. Before joining FBL Financial Group, he was a consultant, a commercial software designer, a computer science and electronics instructor at Alaska Junior College, and he served in the U.S. Navy for 17 years in the cryptography field. Wasilewski serves on the board of the Global Insurance Accelerator. 8 Management & Directors Board of Directors 2016 Annual Report Craig D. Hill Chairman Craig D. Hill, Chairman of the Board and chair of the Executive Committee, has been a Class B Director since 2007 and previously from 2002 to 2004. He was elected President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and its subsidiary, Farm Bureau Management Corporation, in December 2011 and has served on its board of directors since 1989. He was its Vice President from 2001 to 2011. He served on the board of Farm Bureau Life from 1989 to 2007, and again from December 2011 when he also became its President. He has been on the board of Farm Bureau Property & Casualty since 1989, and also serves on the board of Western Ag. Hill is also a director of the American Farm Bureau Federation and FB BanCorp. Hill farms 1,000 acres of row crops and has a swine operation near Milo, Iowa. Jerry L. Chicoine Vice Chairman Jerry L. Chicoine, Class A Director since 1996, is Lead Independent Director and Vice Chairman of the Board. He retired effective January 1, 2001 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. He had served in those capacities since 1999, and was Pioneer’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 1997. From 1988 to 1997 he had served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He was named a director of Pioneer in March 1998. He was named Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry by the Iowa Society of CPAs in 1998. He was a partner in the accounting firm of McGladrey & Pullen from 1969 to 1986, and also holds a law degree. 9 2016 Annual Report James P. Brannen James P. (Jim) Brannen was named Chief Executive Officer of FBL Financial Group, Inc. in August, 2012. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Brannen served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer since 2007. He joined FBL in 1991, and held various positions in finance and executive management. Prior to joining FBL, Brannen worked in public accounting. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Brannen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants. In 2015, Brannen was named Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry by ISCPA. Brannen has long been active in industry and community organizations, and currently serves on the board and the executive committee of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, on the board of directors and various committees of United Way of Central Iowa and as member of the Greater Des Moines Committee. Brannen was named to the board of directors and audit committee of Great Western Bank in 2015. He also serves the insurance industry as past president of the Federation of Iowa Insurers, as member of the CIC Advisory Committee and on the Board of Governors and committees of PCI, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Roger K. Brooks Roger K. Brooks, Class A Director since 2009, is the retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of AmerUs Group. He retired from AmerUs in 2005, after nearly 50 years of service. Brooks has served on numerous community boards and is a member of the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame and Iowa Business Hall of Fame. He was previously a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Brooks graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa. He also participated in Stanford University’s Executive Program. Richard W. Felts Richard W. Felts is President of the Kansas Farm Bureau and is a director of Farm Bureau Life and Farm Bureau Property & Casualty. He is also a member of FBL’s Class A Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. He farms near Liberty, Kansas and is a partner in Felts Farms, a diversified grain and livestock operation. Felts earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal science from Kansas State University. 10 2016 Annual Report Joe D. Heinrich Joe Heinrich, Class B Director since 2013, was elected Vice President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation in 2011 and to its board of directors in 2004. He is a director of Farm Bureau Property & Casualty and Western Ag, and a member of the Class A Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Heinrich and his family farm with his nephew. Together, they have a diversified operation including corn, soybeans, oats and hay, plus a beef cow- calf herd and a dairy operation. James A. Holte James Holte, Class B Director since 2016, was elected president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in 2012 and to its board of directors in 1995. He is a director of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and has served on the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors since 2015. Holte raises beef cattle and grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Paul E. Larson Paul E. Larson, Class A Director since 2004, retired in 1999 as President of Equitable Life of Iowa and its subsidiary, USG Annuity and Life, after 22 years with the companies. Larson holds both a law degree and a certified public accountant designation. He was named Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry by the Iowa Society of CPAs in 1999, and inducted into the American Institute of CPA’s Business and Industry Hall of Fame in 2000. He is a member of the board of directors of non-public companies Wellmark, Inc., Wellmark of South Dakota, Inc., GuideOne Mutual Insurance Company and GuideOne Specialty Mutual Insurance Company. He was also a board member of EquiTrust Mutual Funds (which was then managed by one of our subsidiaries), where he was chair of the Audit Committee and the committee’s financial expert. He resigned from the EquiTrust Mutual Funds board upon election to our Board in 2004. 11 2016 Annual Report Kevin G. Rogers Kevin Rogers, Class B Director since 2008, has served as President of the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation since 2003. He also served on the board of the American Farm Bureau Federation and its executive committee for six years through 2010. He is a director of FB BanCorp. He is an officer of the Arizona Cotton Grower’s Association and serves on the board of the National Cotton Council, the USDA’s Cotton Board (chairman) and is on the USDA’s Air Quality Task Force. Rogers is chair of the Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance and Western Agricultural boards of directors, a director of Farm Bureau Life Insurance and serves on the Executive Committee, Class B Nominating and Management Development and Compensation Committees of FBL Financial Group. His family farms 7,000 acres in the Phoenix metropolitan area and produces cotton, alfalfa, wheat, barley and corn. Scott E. VanderWal Scott E. VanderWal was elected a Class B director in May 2011. VanderWal has been president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation since 2004, and a member of its board of directors since 1997. He is also a member of the boards of directors of Farm Bureau Property & Casualty (since 2004), Farm Bureau Life (since 2004), Western Ag (since 2006), FB BanCorp (since 2004) and American Farm Bureau Federation (since 2006). In January of 2016, VanderWal was elected as the Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. He previously served on the American Farm Bureau Federation audit committee for five years, including three years as chairman. He also serves as chair of the Farm Bureau Property & Casualty audit and budget committee. VanderWal received a bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture, with a Plant Science minor, from South Dakota State University in 1985. His family farm operation near Volga, South Dakota includes corn, soybeans, custom cattle feeding and custom harvesting. VanderWal does the overall financial management, accounting, crop management and planning for the farm operation. He has also participated in agricultural and marketing trips to Brazil, China, Switzerland, Cuba, Panama and Colombia. 12 2016 Annual Report Company Profile FBL Financial Group is a holding company whose purpose is to protect livelihoods and futures. Its primary operating subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, underwrites and markets a broad range of life insurance and annuities to individuals and businesses, which are distributed by multiline exclusive Farm Bureau agents. In addition, FBL Financial Group manages all aspects of two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty insurance companies for a management fee. FBL Financial Group, headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FFG. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Greenfields Life Insurance Company Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company Western Agricultural Insurance Company FBL Financial Group’s Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company subsidiary has 1,862 exclusive agents and managers in 14 Midwestern and Western states. Farm Bureau Life, which originated in 1945, serves the niche marketplace of Farm Bureau members with a comprehensive line of life insurance and annuity products. Greenfields Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and was created in 2013 to offer life insurance and annuity products in the state of Colorado. FBL Financial Group manages all aspects of two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty insurance companies: Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company, which operate predominantly in eight states. FBL Financial Group receives a management fee from these companies and underwriting results do not impact FBL Financial Group’s results. 13 Toggle SGML Header (+) Section 1: 10-K (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, 2016 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 or (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Iowa (State of incorporation) 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa (Address of principal executive offices) 42-1411715 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 50266-5997 (Zip Code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: (515) 225-5400 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Title of each class Class A common stock, without par value Name of each exchange on which registered 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, 2016, 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 $595,276,142 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 Class A Common Stock, without par value Class B Common Stock, without par value Portions of the definitive proxy statement for annual shareholders meeting to be held on May 17, 2017 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Document Outstanding at February 27, 2016 24,904,888 11,413 Parts Into Which Incorporated Part III (This page has been left blank intentionally.) PART I. Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. PART II. Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. PART III. PART IV. Item 15. FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Consolidated Financial Data Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Operations Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Controls and Procedures Other Information The information required by Items 10 through 14 is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2016. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules SIGNATURES Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information Schedule IV - Reinsurance 1 2 13 20 20 20 20 21 23 24 54 55 56 56 57 58 60 61 61 62 64 113 114 114 115 117 118 119 123 125 (This page has been left blank intentionally.) 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 ITEM 1. BUSINESS General PART I 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, 2016, these distribution channels consisted of 1,862 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 RELATIONSHIP Wholly-owned subsidiary Greenfields Life Insurance Company Subsidiary of Farm Bureau Life (Wholly-owned) Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company Managed by FBL Financial Group. Underwriting results do not impact FBL Financial Group's results BRAND DISTRIBUTION PRODUCTS TERRITORY 1,848 exclusive Farm Bureau agents and agency managers 14 exclusive agents and agency managers 1,214 exclusive Farm Bureau agents and agency managers (included under the 1,848 Farm Bureau Life agents) 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 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 branded review program, called SuperCheck. This review program is a free yearly service that can help our customers identify gaps in their insurance coverage. We 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 marketing and sales materials, training and a high level of field management and sales support. Additionally, the field sales support team includes Life Sales Advisors and Regional Financial Consultants who work as a resource to help agents with life and annuity sales. 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. 3 Table of Contents 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 720,000 member families in the states where we have rights to use 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 may include policy development, government relations activities, leadership development and training, communications outreach and training, 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, farm transition workshops, rural entrepreneurial seminars, scholarships and grants and guidance on enhancing profitability. Other benefits of membership include newspaper and magazine subscriptions, as well as savings in areas such as health care, travel, entertainment, farm equipment and automobile rebates. In addition, members have access to accidental death insurance, banking services, computerized farm accounting services, electronic information networks, 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 2016, royalty expense totaled approximately $2.4 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 $61 and are available to individuals, families, partnerships and 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, 2024. In 2016, we paid $8.6 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. 4 Table of Contents Royalty and property-casualty agreements vary in term and expiration date as shown below. Royalty and Property-Casualty Service Agreements by State State Iowa Kansas Oklahoma Wyoming Nebraska Arizona Utah Montana New Mexico Wisconsin Minnesota Idaho South Dakota North Dakota Colorado Other Agency Force Property-Casualty Service Agreement Expiration Date December 31, 2024 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2021 Not Applicable Royalty Agreement Expiration Date December 31, 2033 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2033 December 31, 2021 Not Applicable Not Applicable Percent of 2016 First Year Premiums Collected 24.0% 18.1 7.6 7.1 5.6 5.2 5.1 4.9 4.6 4.6 3.9 3.2 1.9 1.4 1.3 1.5 100.0% 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 1,214 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 1,168 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 648 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 have a compensation program comprised of salary and a performance-based component, which compensates for attainment 5 Table of Contents of distribution and sales goals. This compensation structure 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 12% 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, we offer a reserve agent program in which the agent completes a training program that can take up to four 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 was 87% for 2016 and our four-year agency force retention rate for 2016 was approximately 31%. 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. 6 Table of Contents Premiums Collected - Annuity Segment Individual fixed rate First year Renewal Individual indexed - first year Group Total Annuity Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 123,687 89,584 125,546 10,575 349,392 $ $ 137,015 100,594 90,869 9,414 337,892 $ $ 104,713 105,742 78,795 8,781 298,031 Annuity premiums collected increased in 2016 due to increased sales of indexed annuity products, partially offset by decreased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity products. Premiums collected increased in 2015 compared to 2014 due to increased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity and indexed annuity products. 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 2.77% in 2016, 2.81% in 2015 and 2.91% in 2014. Traditional annuity premiums collected in our Farm Bureau market territory in 2016 were concentrated primarily in the states of Iowa (27%), Kansas (23%) and Oklahoma (7%). 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 39% of our existing individual traditional annuity business, based on account balances, is held in qualified retirement plans. For deferred annuity products, in order to 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. Withdrawal Rates Withdrawal rates (excluding death benefits) for our individual deferred annuities were 4.0% for 2016, 4.0% for 2015 and 4.6% for 2014. 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 7 Table of Contents 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 2.24% at December 31, 2016 and 2.33% at December 31, 2015. The weighted average interest rate guarantees on annuity contracts issued during 2016 was 1.00%. Indexed Annuities With an indexed annuity, the policyholder may choose from a traditional fixed rate strategy or an indexed 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 indexed 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 indexed 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 indexed annuity contract holders. On the respective anniversary dates of the indexed 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 indexed annuities, which permit changes to caps, subject to minimum guarantees. We invest indexed 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 indexed account value allocated to an indexed 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 indexed product exceeds the indexed 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 indexed 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 indexed annuities, index credits could exceed call option proceeds. This would cause our spreads to tighten and reduce our profits. Interest Crediting Rates Compared to Guarantees - Annuity Segment Fixed rate annuities: Greater than or equal to 100 basis points over guarantee 50 basis points to 99 basis points over guarantee 1 basis point to 49 basis points over guarantee At guaranteed rate Indexed annuities Non-discretionary rate setting products Total interest sensitive product liabilities 8 Liabilities at December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 438,469 455,998 60,742 1,882,483 361,297 628,306 3,827,295 Table of Contents In Force - Annuity Segment Number of contracts Interest sensitive reserves Other insurance reserves Life Insurance Segment 2016 53,676 3,827,295 364,966 $ December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 53,319 3,550,364 370,326 $ $ 2014 52,938 3,370,109 372,244 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. Premiums Collected - Life Insurance Segment Universal life: First year Renewal Total Participating whole life: First year Renewal Total Term life and other: First year Renewal Total Total Life Insurance Reinsurance ceded Total Life Insurance, net of reinsurance For the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ 17,480 70,157 87,637 $ 25,006 67,676 92,682 16,177 97,665 113,842 9,944 97,467 107,411 308,890 (27,339) 281,551 $ 14,533 97,030 111,563 11,710 91,748 103,458 307,703 (26,700) 281,003 $ 36,446 63,684 100,130 11,264 97,483 108,747 11,282 86,103 97,385 306,262 (24,164) 282,098 $ $ Life premiums collected were higher in 2016 compared to 2015 due to increased sales of whole life and renewal premiums of term life policies. These increases were partially offset by a decline in first year universal life premiums. Life insurance premiums collected in our market territory in 2016 were concentrated primarily in the states of Iowa (23%), 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 2016 and represented 11% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2016. 9 Table of Contents 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. Our indexed universal life insurance 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 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 3.79% in 2016, 3.90% in 2015 and 3.99% in 2014. 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 3.63% at December 31, 2016 and 3.66% at December 31, 2015. 10 Table of Contents Interest Crediting Rates of Interest Sensitive Life Products Compared to Guarantees - Life Insurance Segment Discretionary rate setting products with minimum guarantees: Greater than or equal to 100 basis points over guarantee 50 basis points to 99 basis points over guarantee At guaranteed rate Non-discretionary rate setting products Total interest sensitive product liabilities Impact of unrealized gains and losses Interest sensitive reserves Liabilities at December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ 16,414 153,982 650,120 82,486 903,002 (3,795) 899,207 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 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 Number of policies - traditional life Number of policies - universal life Face amounts - traditional life Face amounts - universal life Traditional insurance reserves Interest sensitive reserves Corporate and Other Segment $ 2016 December 31, 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except face amounts in millions) 364,698 64,044 49,108 6,872 1,887,539 899,207 365,029 62,661 47,490 6,616 1,818,245 859,582 $ $ 362,519 62,020 45,295 6,436 1,750,822 824,964 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 $58.3 million in 2016, $63.8 million in 2015 and $66.1 million in 2014. 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 current maximum retention limit on an insured life is $1.0 million. 11 Table of Contents 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. Primary Reinsurers as of December 31, 2016 Reinsurer Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. RGA Reinsurance Company SCOR Global Life USA Reinsurance Company All other (11 reinsurers)* Total A.M. Best Rating A+ A+ A A- to A++ $ $ Amount of In Force Ceded Reserve Credit (Dollars in millions) 6,354.0 4,259.4 2,337.6 1,307.5 14,258.5 $ $ 27.4 29.4 11.4 7.7 75.9 * 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, 2016, $268.6 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 $14.6 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 positive 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 negative rating outlook. This rating outlook is viewed by A.M. Best to be reflective of an industry that is susceptible to a variety of pressures that raise operational risk and place increasing time constraints on senior management, diverting them from more valuable endeavors. 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. 12 Table of Contents Regulation All segments of our business are highly regulated. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors." Employees At December 31, 2016, we had 1,644 full-time 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. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Risk Factors The performance of our company is subject to a variety of risks that 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 remains low 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 constrained interest rates broadly, challenging growth in investment income and resulting in declining portfolio investment yields across the life insurance and annuity industry. 13 Table of Contents 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, fluctuations 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 with certainty 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 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 additional financing, thereby ultimately impacting our profitability, liquidity and ability to support or grow our businesses. Without sufficient capital and liquidity, 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, 2016, 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, 2016, we held $7.0 billion of fixed income securities, $0.3 billion of which represented below- investment grade holdings. Of these below-investment grade holdings, 94.5% were acquired as investment grade holdings but, as of December 31, 2016, 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. 14 Table of Contents 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. 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, 2016, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory unassigned surplus was $483.8 million. There are certain additional limits to 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 2017, the maximum amount available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. from Farm Bureau Life without regulatory approval is $106.1 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 that 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. 15 Table of Contents 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, 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. 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. In addition, there is currently a project underway, by the accounting setting body, to evaluate the accounting for long-term insurance contracts. While it is uncertain what the final outcome of the project will be or when it will be completed, it is possible that changes to the accounting guidance could be significant. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory accounting principles. Any changes in these accounting principles may materially impact our minimum required capital levels. On April 8, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued regulations (the Final Rule) addressing when companies and individuals providing investment advice with respect to certain employee benefit plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are considered a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code. The Final Rule offers 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 issued 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 Final Rule the agents who sell fixed indexed annuities and the registered representatives who sell variable annuities or investment products for use in certain employee benefit plans or IRAs would be considered fiduciaries, and 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. We believe the Final Rule will require adjustments and refinements to our current practices and procedures in order to comply with the Final Rule. We expect to sell all qualified products under PTE 2016-1, formerly known as the Best Interest Contract Exemption, or BICE. We believe that the rule will not have a material impact on sales, assuming the rule does not negatively affect customer behavior. There will be initial one-time expenses 16 Table of Contents incurred to develop the processes to comply with the Final Rule, however, our initial assessment suggests that ongoing administration costs will not be significant. The effective date of the Final Rule is June 7, 2016, but the provisions of the Final Rule will not apply until April 10, 2017. Limited additional transition relief is available until January 1, 2018, under exemptions released with the Final Rule. The DOL filed a notice on February 9, 2017 with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to delay implementation of its fiduciary rule via a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. If OMB approves the proposal, the DOL would send the notice to the Federal Register for publication. Details will not be available until OMB approves the notice. We continue to analyze the potential effect of the Final Rule on our businesses. 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 and 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, 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. 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. We are exposed to the risk of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other event that causes a large number of deaths. 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 17 Table of Contents 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 current maximum retention limit on an insured life is $1.0 million. 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 Federation 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. 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 Federation 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 American Farm Bureau Federation and certain state Farm Bureau organizations and their affiliates. Farm Bureau Life has written agreements with certain 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. In recent years, reforming the corporate income tax code has been the subject of a great deal of discussion and debate among our elected officials. With single party control of both the Legislative and Executive branches of the federal government, the prospects for tax reform are now significantly enhanced. While it is currently unclear the path tax reform will ultimately take, these efforts could impact the life insurance industry and our companies, products, capital levels and financial results. 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 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 18 Table of Contents 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. Other possible components of tax reform that could impact our business include the reduction of corporate income tax rates, implementation of some aspects of a consumption-based tax, and the elimination of other credits and deductions. The likelihood of enactment of any of these proposals and the extent of the adverse consequences they may cause us, if any, 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 our 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. 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 the 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 an 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. 19 Table of Contents 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. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES None. 20 Table of Contents 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 2016 and 2015. Class A Common Stock Data (per share) 2016 High Low Dividends declared and paid 2015 High Low Dividends declared and paid Special Dividends 1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr. $ $ $ $ 62.03 53.32 2.42 62.54 51.97 2.40 $ $ 63.85 56.41 0.42 63.24 55.50 0.40 $ $ 67.31 58.01 0.42 62.64 53.80 0.40 82.60 60.80 0.42 69.80 59.25 0.40 In March 2016, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.7 million. 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. Other Information 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 of January 28, 2017, there were approximately 6,200 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 the quarterly dividend rate for 2017 will increase to $0.44 per share and a special dividend of $1.50 per common share will be paid in the first quarter of 2017. 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. 21 Table of Contents Comparison of Five-Year Total Return FBL Financial Group, Inc. S&P 500 Index S&P 500 Life & Health Insurance Index Source: SNL Financial LC Period Ended 12/31/2011 12/31/2012 12/31/2013 $ $ 100.00 100.00 100.00 $ 101.84 116.00 114.59 $ 141.18 153.57 187.33 12/31/2014 188.46 174.60 190.98 $ 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 $ 219.64 177.01 178.93 286.25 198.18 223.41 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, 2016. We have $49.5 million available under a stock repurchase program announced on March 3, 2016, which will expire on March 31, 2018. The program 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. 22 Table of Contents ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 As of or for the year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Consolidated Statement of Income Data Interest sensitive product charges Traditional life insurance premiums Net investment income Realized gains (losses) on investments Total revenues Income from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations Net income Earnings per common share: Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Earnings per common share Earnings per common share - assuming dilution: Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Earnings per common share - assuming dilution Cash dividends (1) Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution Consolidated Balance Sheet Data Total investments Assets held in separate accounts Total assets Long-term debt Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity (2) Book value per common share (2) $ 111,928 $ 114,584 $ 109,770 $ 111,575 $ 196,914 404,170 (1,763) 726,414 107,219 — 107,219 4.29 — 4.29 4.28 — 4.28 3.68 $ $ $ $ $ $ 190,956 391,149 10,489 722,809 113,473 — 113,473 4.55 — 4.55 4.53 — 4.53 3.60 $ $ $ $ $ $ 183,300 382,082 2,938 692,939 109,869 — 109,869 4.42 — 4.42 4.39 — 4.39 1.40 $ $ $ $ $ $ 180,944 370,651 13,555 691,231 108,393 — 108,393 4.25 — 4.25 4.21 — 4.21 2.52 $ $ $ $ $ $ 101,410 175,086 361,324 452 655,540 82,796 (2,939) 79,857 3.01 (0.11) 2.90 2.97 (0.10) 2.87 0.40 25,029,083 25,016,483 25,016,244 25,774,415 27,838,548 8,174,660 $ 7,722,753 $ 7,680,970 $ 7,040,002 $ 597,072 9,566,134 97,000 8,377,876 1,188,258 47.61 625,257 9,132,004 97,000 7,997,530 1,134,474 45.61 683,033 9,064,408 97,000 7,811,526 1,252,882 50.57 693,955 8,461,323 97,000 7,416,532 1,044,791 42.08 7,160,650 618,809 8,417,726 147,000 7,205,479 1,212,247 47.47 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Notes to Selected Consolidated Financial Data (1) Dividends in 2016, 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 $149.6 million in 2016, $114.5 million in 2015, $258.4 million in 2014, $119.1 million in 2013 and $289.9 million in 2012. 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. 23 Table of Contents 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 use operating income, in addition to net income, to measure our performance. Operating income, for the periods presented, consists of net income adjusted to exclude the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, which can fluctuate greatly from period to period. These fluctuations make it difficult to analyze core operating trends. In addition, for derivatives not designated as hedges, there is a mismatch between the valuation of the asset and liability when deriving net income (loss). Specifically, call options relating to our indexed business are one-year assets while the embedded derivative in the indexed contacts represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the indexed annuities are expected to be in force. 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 life insurance industry measure of performance. 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 that is not used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common life insurance 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. 24 Table of Contents 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. 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 that may impact our business include, but are not limited to, the following: • • • • • • • The impact of the recent United States presidential election on economic, trade, regulatory and tax policies is uncertain. Gross Domestic Product increased at an annual rate of 1.6% during 2016 based on recent estimates. U.S. unemployment was estimated to be 4.7% at year-end 2016. U.S. net farm income is estimated to have decreased 17.2% and farm real estate value is estimated to have decreased 0.5% during 2016 according to recent U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield increased during 2016 from 2.27% at December 31, 2015 to 2.45% at December 31, 2016. 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 pending Department of Labor fiduciary rule, which expands the regulation of sales of insurance products used in retirement plans. See Part 1, Item 1A for further discussion of this proposal. The benchmark U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield spent most of 2016 below 2%, averaging 1.83% for the year. The yield rose after the U.S. presidential election to 2.45% at December 31, 2016, which partially offset tightening credit spreads during 2016. While the recent increase in yields is a positive sign, market yields remain low and continue 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 2016 as yields on new acquisitions were generally lower than the average portfolio yield. Low crediting rates pose challenges to maintaining attractive annuity and universal life products, although our rates are comparable to other insurance companies, allowing us to maintain our competitive position within the market. During the second quarter of 2016, 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. See the segment discussion and “Financial Condition” section that follows for additional information regarding the impact of low market interest rates on our business. 25 Table of Contents Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2016 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (2) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (2) Operating income (1) Pre-tax operating income: Annuity segment Life Insurance segment Corporate and Other segment Total pre-tax operating income Income taxes on operating income Operating income (1) Earnings per common share - assuming dilution Operating income per common share - assuming dilution (1) Effective tax rate on operating income Average invested assets, at amortized cost (3) Annualized yield on average invested assets (3) Impact on operating income of unlocking deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, deferred sales inducements, unearned revenue reserve and interest sensitive product reserves, net of tax (1) Year ended December 31, Change over prior year 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 107,223 $ 113,527 $ 109,941 (6)% 3 % 713 (1,485) 106,451 66,025 55,977 14,548 136,550 (30,099) 106,451 4.28 4.25 22% 7,615,679 5.38% $ $ $ $ $ $ (8,498) (141) 104,888 69,950 53,146 11,668 134,764 (29,876) 104,888 4.53 4.19 22% 7,276,929 5.55% $ $ $ $ $ $ (1,786) (1,114) 107,041 65,056 51,521 22,865 139,442 (32,401) 107,041 4.39 4.27 23% 6,932,914 5.61% (108)% 953 % 1 % (6)% 5 % 25 % 1 % 1 % 1 % (6)% 1 % 5 % 376 % (87)% (2)% 8 % 3 % (49)% (3)% (8)% (2)% 3 % (2)% 5 % (3,260) $ (257) $ (1,531) 1,168 % (83)% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) Operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. (2) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred sales inducements, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. (3) Average invested assets and annualized yield exclude investments in securities and indebtedness of related parties. Our net income decreased during 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to lower realized investment gains related to higher impairment charges as well as fewer sales of investments in a gain position. Net income and operating income were positively impacted by increased earnings from an increase in the volume of business in force, partially offset by lower other investment related-income and the impact of unlocking. Our net income increased during 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to higher realized investment gains. Net income and operating income were negatively impacted by decreased earnings from increases in death benefits and expenses, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the volume of business in force and higher other investment-related income. We periodically revise key assumptions used in the calculation of the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, deferred sales inducements, unearned revenue reserve for participating life insurance and interest sensitive products, as well as 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 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. 26 Table of Contents Annuity Segment Operating revenues: Interest sensitive product charges and other income Net investment income Total operating revenues Benefits and expenses: Interest sensitive product benefits Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commissions net of deferrals Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Amortization of value of insurance in force Other underwriting expenses Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses Total benefits and expenses Pre-tax operating income (1) Other data Annuity premiums collected, direct (2) Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period Average invested assets, at amortized cost Investment fee income included in net investment income (3) Average individual annuity account value Earned spread on individual annuity products: Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets Weighted average interest crediting rate Spread Individual annuity withdrawal rate Year ended December 31, Change over prior year 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 51 % — % 1 % 3 % 18 % 16 % (6)% 5 % 9 % 4 % (6)% 3 % 7 % 5 % (7)% 7 % 31 % 4 % 4 % 4 % (8)% (8)% (59)% 10 % (2)% 3 % 8 % 13% 5% 6% 49% 6% $ $ $ $ 3,807 210,679 214,486 $ 2,524 209,896 212,420 1,927 201,550 203,477 113,543 110,356 105,669 2,214 11,185 886 20,633 34,918 148,461 66,025 349,392 4,192,261 4,159,686 8,426 2,879,458 $ $ 1,874 9,658 946 19,636 32,114 142,470 69,950 337,892 3,920,690 3,967,972 9,015 2,696,987 $ $ 2,039 10,477 2,314 17,922 32,752 138,421 65,056 298,031 3,742,353 3,751,062 6,047 2,534,411 5.28% 2.69% 2.59% 4.0% 5.54% 2.78% 2.76% 4.0% 5.67% 2.88% 2.79% 4.6% (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. (2) Premiums collected is a non-GAAP measure of sales production. (3) 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 decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to the impact of unlocking and increases in interest sensitive benefits. Pre-tax operating income increased in 2015, compared to 2014, 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 average aggregate account value for individual annuity contracts in force increased in 2016 and 2015, 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, benefits and expenses. Interest sensitive benefits in 2016 were also impacted by changes in the discount rate used in the calculation of interest sensitive product reserves resulting in a $0.9 million increase. The increase in other underwriting expenses in 2015 was partially 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 2016 compared to 2015 due to increased sales of our indexed annuity product, partially offset by decreased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity products. Premiums collected increased in 2015 compared to 2014 due to increased sales of fixed rate deferred annuity and indexed annuity products. Individual fixed rate deferred annuity collected premiums were $213.3 million in 2016, $237.6 million in 27 Table of Contents 2015 and $210.5 million in 2014. Indexed annuity collected premiums were $125.5 million in 2016, $90.9 million in 2015 and $78.8 million in 2014. The Annuity segment also includes advances on our funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB). Outstanding funding agreements totaled $437.4 million at December 31, 2016, $366.4 million at December 31, 2015 and $362.9 million at December 31, 2014. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the value of insurance in force changed in 2016 and 2015, 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. During 2016 and 2014, we also unlocked our assumptions as a result of our analysis of the impact of the low interest rate environment on projected investment and spread income. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income was as follows: Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income Amortization of deferred sales inducements reported in interest sensitive product benefits Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired Changes in interest sensitive product reserves Increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating income (1) (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 1 (1,219) (194) — (1,412) (Dollars in thousands) 1 1,418 (52) (722) 645 $ $ $ $ — 197 (1,645) — (1,448) The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for individual annuities decreased in 2016 and 2015, 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. The decrease in 2016 was also impacted by lower other investment-related income. See the "Financial Condition" section that 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 2016, 2015 and 2014 in response to the declining portfolio yield and a change in the underlying product mix. 28 Table of Contents Life Insurance Segment Operating revenues: Interest sensitive product charges and other income Traditional life insurance premiums Net investment income Total operating revenues Benefits and expenses: Interest sensitive product benefits: Interest credited Death benefits and other Total interest sensitive product benefits Traditional life insurance benefits: Death benefits Surrender and other benefits Increase in traditional life future policy benefits Total traditional life insurance benefits Distributions to participating policyholders Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Amortization of value of insurance in force Other underwriting expenses Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses Total benefits and expenses Pre-tax operating income (1) Other data Life premiums collected, net of reinsurance (2) Policy liabilities and accruals, end of period Life insurance in force, end of period Average invested assets, at amortized cost Investment fee income included in net investment income (3) Average interest sensitive life account value Interest sensitive life insurance spread: Weighted average yield on cash and invested assets Weighted average interest crediting rate Spread Life insurance lapse and surrender rates Year ended December 31, Change over prior year 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) (3)% 3 % 1 % 1 % (2)% 17 % 9 % (2)% 14 % (1)% 1 % (11)% 3 % (23)% 2 % (3)% (5)% 1 % 5 % — % 4 % 3 % 4 % (67)% 3 % 7 % 4 % 4 % 5 % 2 % 1 % 2 % 27 % (7)% (5)% 8 % (2)% (2)% (8)% 26 % 7 % 3 % 5 % 3 % — % 4 % 5 % 5 % 175 % 4 % $ $ $ $ 63,105 196,914 154,427 414,446 $ 65,280 190,956 152,730 408,966 32,507 51,550 84,057 85,630 32,664 59,406 177,700 10,574 17,614 11,038 1,508 55,978 86,138 358,469 55,977 281,551 2,786,746 55,980,731 2,802,743 1,552 811,390 $ $ 33,251 44,066 77,317 87,686 28,586 59,872 176,144 11,828 17,154 14,364 1,481 57,532 90,531 355,820 53,146 281,003 2,677,827 54,106,365 2,686,230 4,664 791,352 $ $ 60,960 183,300 146,349 390,609 32,488 43,481 75,969 68,987 30,577 63,308 162,872 12,012 17,454 15,594 1,179 54,008 88,235 339,088 51,521 282,098 2,575,786 51,730,819 2,549,750 1,696 760,755 5.56% 3.82% 1.74% 5.4% 5.86% 3.90% 1.96% 5.6% 5.86% 3.99% 1.87% 5.4% Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released $ 83,444 $ 87,979 $ 73,521 (5)% 20 % (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. (2) Premiums collected is a non-GAAP measure of sales production. (3) Includes prepayment fee income and adjustments to the amortization of premium or discounts from changes in our payment speed assumptions. 29 Table of Contents Pre-tax operating income for the Life Insurance segment increased in 2016 and 2015, compared to prior periods. The increase in 2016 was primarily due to an increase in the volume of business in force and decreases in death benefits, partially offset by the impact of unlocking and lower other investment-related income. The increase in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in the volume of business in force, higher other investment-related income and the impact of unlocking, partially offset by increases in death benefits and other underwriting expenses. Continued growth in our business in force contributes to the increase in revenues, benefits 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. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, the value of insurance in force and unearned revenue reserves changed in 2016 and 2015, 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, premium persistency and mortality assumptions. During 2016 and 2014, we also unlocked our assumptions as a result of our analysis of the impact of the low interest rate environment on projected investment and spread income. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income was as follows: Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income Amortization of unearned revenue reserve reported in interest sensitive product charges and other income Amortization of deferred sales inducements reported in interest sensitive product benefits Amortization of deferred sales inducements reported in traditional life insurance benefits Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired Changes in interest sensitive product reserves Increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating income (1) $ $ (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (2,130) 471 69 7,179 — (9,284) (3,695) (Dollars in thousands) 252 (64) 192 2,439 — 74 2,893 $ $ $ $ 309 (57) 11 (494) 235 (300) (296) Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, due to decreases in the number of claims. The increase in 2015, compared with 2014, was due to increases in the number of claims and the average size of claims. The weighted average yield on cash and invested assets for interest sensitive life insurance products decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, due to lower other investment-related income and 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 weighted average yield on cash and invested assets remained level in 2015, compared to 2014, as the impact of lower yields on new investment acquisitions was offset by higher other investment-related income from prepayment fees. See the "Financial Condition" section that follows for additional information regarding the yields obtained on investment acquisitions. Weighted average interest crediting rates on our interest sensitive life insurance products decreased due to crediting rate actions taken on various products in 2016, 2015 and 2014 in response to the declining portfolio yield. 30 Table of Contents Corporate and Other Segment Operating revenues: Interest sensitive product charges Net investment income Other income Total operating revenues Benefits and expenses: Interest sensitive product benefits Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Other underwriting expenses Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses Interest expense Other expenses Total benefits and expenses Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Equity loss, before tax Pre-tax operating income (1) Other data Average invested assets, at amortized cost Investment fee income included in net investment income (2) Average interest sensitive life account value Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released Estimated impact on pre-tax operating income from separate account performance on amortization of deferred acquisition costs (1) $ $ $ Year ended December 31, Change over prior year 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) $ 44,716 32,514 15,473 92,703 $ 46,519 31,214 15,899 93,632 46,547 31,913 15,186 93,646 (4)% 4 % (3)% (1)% — % (2)% 5 % — % 37,296 32,346 29,470 15 % 10 % 2,907 6,078 6,005 14,990 4,850 16,966 74,102 18,601 4 (4,057) 14,548 653,250 517 354,621 24,262 $ $ 3,232 11,316 6,584 21,132 4,850 17,507 75,835 17,797 54 (6,183) 11,668 622,727 471 341,136 18,970 $ $ 3,363 6,929 6,669 16,961 4,707 16,445 67,583 26,063 72 (3,270) 22,865 632,102 1,613 333,216 17,587 (10)% (46)% (9)% (29)% — % (3)% (2)% 5 % (93)% (34)% 25 % 5 % 10 % 4 % 28 % (4)% 63 % (1)% 25 % 3 % 6 % 12 % (32)% (25)% 89 % (49)% (1)% (71)% 2 % 8 % (386) (2,148) (540) (82)% 298 % (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. (2) 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 increased in 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to decreases in pre-tax equity loss and amortization of deferred acquisition costs from the impact of unlocking and market performance on our variable business, partially offset by increases in death benefits. Pre-tax operating income 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. Death benefits, net of reinsurance and reserves released, increased in 2016 and 2015, compared to prior periods, due to increases in the number of claims and in the average claim size. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, and unearned revenue reserves changed in 2016 and 2015, compared to prior periods, primarily due to the impact of unlocking and market performance on our variable business. Unlocking generally reflects changes in projected earned spreads, separate account performance and withdrawal and mortality assumptions. During 2016 and 2014, we also unlocked our assumptions as a result of our analysis of the impact of the low 31 Table of Contents interest rate environment on projected investment and spread income. The impact of unlocking on pre-tax operating income for the three years was as follows: Impact of Unlocking on Pre-tax Operating Income Amortization of unearned revenue reserve reported in interest sensitive product charges Amortization of deferred sales inducements reported in interest sensitive product benefits Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Changes in interest sensitive product reserves Increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating income (1) (1) Pre-tax operating income is a non-GAAP measure of earnings. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 299 96 (3,251) (1,078) (3,934) $ $ $ $ (236) 54 558 (284) 92 (160) 18 (270) (200) (612) 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 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, Net of Related Income Taxes Equity income (loss): Low income housing tax credit investments Other equity method investments Income taxes: Taxes on equity income (loss) Investment tax credits Equity income, net of related income taxes Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ (7,547) 3,490 (4,057) 1,420 14,077 11,440 $ $ (7,022) 839 (6,183) 2,164 13,542 9,523 $ $ (6,411) 3,141 (3,270) 1,164 12,209 10,103 32 Table of Contents Income Taxes on Operating Income The effective tax rate on operating income was 22.0% for 2016, 22.2% for 2015 and 23.2% for 2014. 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 effective tax rate decreased in 2016 and 2015, compared to the prior year, 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 Realized gains (losses) on investments Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives Change in amortization of: Deferred acquisition costs Value of insurance in force acquired Unearned revenue reserve Reserve change offset on interest sensitive products (1) Income tax offset Net impact of operating income adjustments Summary of adjustments noted above after offsets and income taxes: Net realized gains/losses on investments Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives Net impact of operating income adjustments Net impact per common share - basic Net impact per common share - assuming dilution Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ $ $ $ $ (1,763) 4,160 108 3 (8) (1,314) (414) 772 (713) 1,485 772 0.03 0.03 $ (Dollars in thousands) 10,489 (114) 116 (9) (7) — (1,836) 8,639 8,498 141 8,639 0.35 0.34 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2,938 1,838 (307) (7) (1) — (1,561) 2,900 1,786 1,114 2,900 0.12 0.12 (1) In 2016, due to changes in product offerings since the last amendment to our policy for calculating operating income, we refined our calculation of operating income to include offsets relating to changes in interest sensitive product reserves. These offsets, net of tax, not taken into account in the computation of operating income for 2015 would have increased operating income $0.1 million and for 2014 would have decreased operating income $0.1 million. 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 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 Realized gains (losses) on investments: Realized gains on sales Realized losses on sales Total other-than-temporary impairment charges Net realized investment gains (losses) Non-credit losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) Total reported in statements of operations Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 11,630 (8,524) (7,320) (4,214) 2,451 (1,763) $ $ 13,014 (1,952) (719) 10,343 146 10,489 $ $ 4,593 (833) (822) 2,938 — 2,938 33 Table of Contents The level of realized gains (losses) is subject to fluctuation from period to period due to movements in credit spreads and prevailing interest rates, changes in the economic environment, the timing of the sales of the investments generating the realized gains and losses, as well as the timing of other than temporary impairment charges. During 2016, we sold securities to decrease our exposure to the energy sector, resulting in realized gains of $3.9 million and realized losses of $8.4 million. 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, 2016 and 2015. 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 Corporate securities: Manufacturing Energy Residential mortgage-backed Other asset-backed Real estate and other Total other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in net income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 27 2,595 2,172 — 75 4,869 $ $ — $ — 363 — 210 573 $ 273 — — 156 393 822 Fixed maturity other-than-temporary credit losses for 2016 occurred within the energy sector due to a decline in credit of an issuer that led to a decrease in the expected future cash flows. Other than temporary credit losses also occurred within residential mortgage-backed securities due to reduced reliance on insurance credit support, resulting in a decline in the present value of expected cash flows. 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. 34 Table of Contents Financial Condition Investments Our investment portfolio increased 5.9% to $8,174.7 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $7,722.8 million at December 31, 2015. The portfolio increased due to positive cash flows from operating and financing activities as well as an increase of $89.2 million of net unrealized appreciation of fixed maturities during 2016. Additional details regarding securities in an unrealized gain or loss position at December 31, 2016 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 Cost of acquisitions: Corporate Mortgage- and asset-backed United States Government and agencies Tax-exempt municipals Taxable municipals Total Effective annual yield Credit quality NAIC 1 designation NAIC 2 designation Non-investment grade Weighted-average life in years $ $ Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 339,083 405,259 2,739 41,127 30,675 818,883 $ $ 4.04% 60.7% 36.7% 2.6% 12.0 430,200 283,963 7,333 47,317 107,894 876,707 4.46% 64.4% 35.1% 0.5% 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 2016 and 2015 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 4.39% in 2016 and 4.70% in 2015. 35 Table of Contents Investment Portfolio Summary Fixed maturities - available for sale: Public 144A private placement Private placement Total fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities Mortgage loans Real estate Policy loans Short-term investments Other investments Total investments December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent Carrying Value Percent (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 5,320,670 1,442,589 245,531 7,008,790 132,968 816,471 1,955 188,254 16,348 9,874 8,174,660 65.2% $ 17.6 3.0 85.8 1.6 10.0 — 2.3 0.2 0.1 100.0% $ 5,102,378 1,278,017 257,381 6,637,776 121,667 744,303 1,955 185,784 28,251 3,017 7,722,753 66.1% 16.5 3.4 86.0 1.6 9.6 — 2.4 0.4 — 100.0% As of December 31, 2016, 95.6% (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, 2016, no single non-investment grade holding exceeded 0.2% of total investments. Credit Quality by NAIC Designation and Equivalent Rating NAIC Designation Equivalent Rating (1) Carrying Value Percent Carrying Value Percent December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 1 2 3 4 5 6 AAA, AA, A BBB Total investment grade BB B CCC In or near default Total below investment grade Total fixed maturities - available for sale (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 4,465,027 2,232,384 6,697,411 209,092 81,210 13,705 7,372 311,379 7,008,790 63.7% $ 31.9 95.6 2.9 1.2 0.2 0.1 4.4 100.0% $ 4,351,813 2,053,484 6,405,297 162,246 37,459 21,601 11,173 232,479 6,637,776 65.6% 30.9 96.5 2.4 0.6 0.3 0.2 3.5 100.0% (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. 36 Table of Contents Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Internal Industry Classification Corporate securities: Basic industrial Capital goods Communications Consumer cyclical Consumer non-cyclical Energy Finance Transportation Utilities Other Total corporate securities Mortgage- and asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total Corporate securities: Basic industrial Capital goods Communications Consumer cyclical Consumer non-cyclical Energy Finance Transportation Utilities Other Total corporate securities Mortgage- and asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total Total Carrying Value Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains December 31, 2016 Gross Unrealized Gains (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses $ $ 342,832 273,602 148,355 132,492 477,132 490,128 753,213 109,228 802,346 179,327 3,708,655 1,768,904 32,072 1,499,159 7,008,790 $ $ 220,528 222,671 114,397 110,335 309,320 336,139 529,277 95,944 667,397 139,082 2,745,090 1,124,418 25,634 1,349,107 5,244,249 $ $ 15,557 17,451 9,923 8,387 22,128 25,404 34,925 6,215 80,459 8,152 228,601 71,612 1,629 119,298 421,140 $ $ 122,304 50,931 33,958 22,157 167,812 153,989 223,936 13,284 134,949 40,245 963,565 644,486 6,438 150,052 1,764,541 Total Carrying Value Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains December 31, 2015 Gross Unrealized Gains (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses $ $ 328,324 240,666 137,290 123,702 404,439 483,988 722,855 102,669 822,297 152,477 3,518,707 1,602,620 44,098 1,472,351 6,637,776 $ $ 37 158,935 179,367 89,237 107,309 237,336 214,232 533,159 70,039 622,549 75,490 2,287,653 1,147,663 39,291 1,394,371 4,868,978 $ $ 10,434 15,554 6,930 7,013 16,466 14,748 37,895 5,331 73,894 3,884 192,149 87,718 3,129 129,923 412,919 $ $ 169,389 61,299 48,053 16,393 167,103 269,756 189,696 32,630 199,748 76,987 1,231,054 454,957 4,807 77,980 1,768,798 $ $ $ $ (6,904) (2,580) (2,819) (602) (8,181) (13,643) (6,672) (1,929) (5,489) (1,124) (49,943) (16,834) (132) (7,152) (74,061) Gross Unrealized Losses (32,490) (4,532) (4,264) (275) (8,640) (62,431) (6,894) (3,690) (10,537) (4,091) (137,844) (14,954) (81) (2,183) (155,062) Table of Contents Gross Unrealized Gains and Gross Unrealized Losses by Energy Industry Classification Energy securities: Midstream Oil field services Independent exploration & production Integrated energy Refiners Total Energy securities: Midstream Oil field services Independent exploration & production Integrated energy Refiners Total Total Carrying Value Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains December 31, 2016 Gross Unrealized Gains (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses $ $ 179,533 54,898 128,329 84,319 43,049 490,128 $ $ 112,683 27,135 98,242 64,107 33,972 336,139 $ $ 6,333 2,181 8,092 5,759 3,039 25,404 $ $ 66,850 27,763 30,087 20,212 9,077 153,989 Total Carrying Value Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Gains December 31, 2015 Gross Unrealized Gains (Dollars in thousands) Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses $ $ 131,364 72,565 131,328 123,621 25,110 483,988 $ $ 48,886 23,476 52,075 76,556 13,239 214,232 $ $ 2,727 1,691 4,107 5,807 416 14,748 $ $ 82,478 49,089 79,253 47,065 11,871 269,756 $ $ $ $ (3,997) (5,648) (2,477) (494) (1,027) (13,643) Gross Unrealized Losses (23,557) (15,687) (12,346) (8,639) (2,202) (62,431) At December 31, 2016, 79.7% of our energy holdings were investment grade. Our non-investment grade holdings included oil field services with a carrying value of $33.2 million and an unrealized loss of $4.5 million and midstream issuers with a carrying value of $21.8 million and an unrealized loss of $0.9 million. Non-Sovereign European Debt Exposure December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Italy Spain Ireland Subtotal United Kingdom Netherlands France Other countries Subtotal Total European exposure $ $ 19,720 27,130 13,988 60,838 151,724 57,839 32,052 95,047 336,662 397,500 $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 20,769 29,932 15,143 65,844 154,865 61,184 34,698 99,494 350,241 416,085 $ 19,713 27,178 14,046 60,937 183,897 60,061 29,325 85,520 358,803 419,740 $ $ 20,107 29,617 15,546 65,270 180,291 61,617 31,012 86,620 359,540 424,810 The table above reflects our exposure to non-sovereign European debt. This represents 5.9% of total fixed maturities as of December 31, 2016 and 6.4% as of December 31, 2015. 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. 38 Table of Contents Credit Quality of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses NAIC Designation Equivalent Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 AAA, AA, A BBB Total investment grade BB B CCC In or near default Total below investment grade Total NAIC Designation Equivalent Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 AAA, AA, A BBB Total investment grade BB B CCC In or near default Total below investment grade Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time Three months or less Greater than three months to six months Greater than six months to nine months Greater than nine months to twelve months Greater than twelve months Total Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses 941,794 679,428 1,621,222 77,750 54,958 3,270 7,341 143,319 1,764,541 Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses 830,141 796,367 1,626,508 88,719 32,233 14,146 7,192 142,290 1,768,798 $ $ $ $ December 31, 2016 Percent of Total Gross Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) (27,615) (28,472) (56,087) (7,658) (8,163) (1,461) (692) (17,974) (74,061) 37.3% 38.4 75.7 10.4 11.0 2.0 0.9 24.3 100.0% 53.4% $ 38.5 91.9 4.4 3.1 0.2 0.4 8.1 100.0% $ December 31, 2015 Percent of Total Gross Unrealized Losses Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) 46.9% $ 45.0 91.9 5.0 1.8 0.8 0.5 8.1 100.0% $ (31,439) (84,057) (115,496) (24,938) (7,125) (6,652) (851) (39,566) (155,062) 20.3% 54.2 74.5 16.1 4.6 4.3 0.5 25.5 100.0% December 31, 2016 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) — $ — — — 18,947 18,947 $ 1,218,024 218,857 9,702 12,765 360,307 1,819,655 $ $ — $ — — — (5,926) (5,926) $ (30,040) (10,522) (79) (199) (27,295) (68,135) $ $ 39 Table of Contents Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time Three months or less Greater than three months to six months Greater than six months to nine months Greater than nine months to twelve months Greater than twelve months Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities with Unrealized Losses by Maturity Date Due in one year or less Due after one year through five years Due after five years through ten years Due after ten years Mortgage- and asset-backed Total 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) $ $ 2,999 25,007 29,344 36,907 87,870 182,127 $ $ 780,222 151,010 572,298 60,110 178,093 1,741,733 $ $ (1,229) (9,174) (9,047) (12,116) (32,804) (64,370) $ $ (17,467) (9,377) (39,654) (6,257) (17,937) (90,692) December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses Carrying Value of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses $ $ 414 14,883 234,944 869,814 1,120,055 644,486 1,764,541 $ $ (Dollars in thousands) (104) (283) (7,686) (49,154) (57,227) (16,834) (74,061) $ $ 4,289 77,367 235,609 996,576 1,313,841 454,957 1,768,798 $ $ (75) (9,356) (20,499) (110,178) (140,108) (14,954) (155,062) 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. 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. 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, 2016 and at December 31, 2015, 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 with a fair value of $8.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $7.6 million at December 31, 2015. We do not own any direct investments in subprime lenders. 40 Table of Contents Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities by Collateral Type Government agency Prime Alt-A Subprime Commercial mortgage Non-mortgage Total December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Carrying Value $ $ 190,016 121,101 114,625 129,504 546,446 612,434 1,714,126 $ $ 201,135 129,988 125,363 127,529 575,954 608,935 1,768,904 Percent of Fixed Maturities Amortized Cost Carrying Value Percent of Fixed Maturities (Dollars in thousands) 2.9% $ 1.9 1.8 1.8 8.2 8.7 25.3% $ 212,065 122,900 136,830 77,255 514,195 466,611 1,529,856 $ $ 225,886 132,221 147,196 73,064 553,992 470,261 1,602,620 3.4% 2.0 2.2 1.1 8.3 7.1 24.1% The mortgage- and asset-backed securities can be summarized into three broad categories: residential, commercial and other asset-backed securities. 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 or mortgages divided into sections or “tranches” with varying stated maturities that provide sequential retirement of the bonds. While each tranche receives monthly interest payments, a subsequent tranche is not entitled to receive payment of principal until the entire principal of the preceding tranche is paid off. We primarily invest in sequential tranches, which allow us to manage cash flow stability and prepayment risk by the level of tranche in which we invest. In addition, to provide call protection and more stable average lives, we invest in CMOs such as planned amortization class (PAC) and targeted amortization class (TAC) securities. PAC bonds provide more predictable cash flows within a range of prepayment speeds and provide some protection against prepayment risk. TAC bonds provide protection from a rise in the prepayment rate due to falling interest rates. We generally do not purchase certain types of CMOs that we believe would subject the investment portfolio to excessive prepayment risk. Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year NAIC Designation Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value 2004 & Prior 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Total December 31, 2016 1 2 3 4 5 Total NAIC Designation 1 3 5 Total $ $ $ $ 106,819 1,026 — — 12 107,857 $ $ 110,696 1,032 — — 11 111,739 2004 & Prior Amortized Cost Carrying Value 133,963 — 13 133,976 $ $ 139,773 — 13 139,786 $ $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 86,461 3,515 5,397 4,098 — 99,471 $ $ 102,877 3,444 4,686 3,607 — 114,614 $ $ 188,782 — — — — 188,782 $ $ 195,947 — — — — 195,947 December 31, 2015 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) 88,142 1,927 12,471 102,540 $ $ 104,361 1,954 8,730 115,045 $ $ 200,453 — — 200,453 $ $ 210,675 — — 210,675 $ $ $ $ 382,062 4,541 5,397 4,098 12 396,110 $ $ 409,520 4,476 4,686 3,607 11 422,300 Total Amortized Cost Carrying Value 422,558 1,927 12,484 436,969 $ $ 454,809 1,954 8,743 465,506 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. 41 Table of Contents Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year December 31, 2016 NAIC Designation Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value 2004 & Prior 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Total 1 2 3 Total (1) NAIC Designation 1 2 3 4 Total (1) $ $ $ $ 9,330 — — 9,330 $ $ 9,549 — — 9,549 2004 & Prior Amortized Cost Carrying Value 10,413 — — — 10,413 $ $ 10,723 — — — 10,723 $ $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 133,036 31,144 8,000 172,180 $ $ 142,404 31,775 8,200 182,379 $ $ 364,936 — — 364,936 $ $ 384,026 — — 384,026 December 31, 2015 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) 139,188 22,770 8,000 2,556 172,514 $ $ 154,864 23,573 8,197 2,255 188,889 $ $ 325,046 6,222 — — 331,268 $ $ 347,631 6,749 — — 354,380 $ $ $ $ 507,302 31,144 8,000 546,446 $ $ 535,979 31,775 8,200 575,954 Total Amortized Cost Carrying Value 474,647 28,992 8,000 2,556 514,195 $ $ 513,218 30,322 8,197 2,255 553,992 (1) The CMBS portfolio included government agency-backed securities with a carrying value of $387.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $382.8 million at December 31, 2015. Also included in the commercial mortgage-backed securities are military housing bonds totaling $148.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $122.5 million at December 31, 2015. 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. 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. The majority of these securities are high-quality, short-duration assets with limited cash flow variability. Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year NAIC Designation Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value 2004 & Prior 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Total December 31, 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total $ $ 10,723 1,951 — 192 — — 12,866 $ $ 10,258 2,100 — 189 — — 12,547 $ $ 163,214 5,441 — — — 8,033 176,688 $ $ 42 (Dollars in thousands) 166,553 5,519 — — — 7,341 179,413 $ $ 479,281 70,001 25,084 1,250 6,400 — 582,016 $ $ 476,630 69,670 24,743 1,247 6,400 — 578,690 $ $ 653,218 77,393 25,084 1,442 6,400 8,033 771,570 $ $ 653,441 77,289 24,743 1,436 6,400 7,341 770,650 Table of Contents Other Asset-Backed Securities by NAIC Designation and Origination Year December 31, 2015 NAIC Designation Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value Amortized Cost Carrying Value 2004 & Prior 2005 to 2008 2009 & After Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 12,303 2,261 — 221 — 1,367 16,152 $ $ 11,962 2,366 — 218 — 3,958 18,504 $ $ 138,431 12,888 — — — 7,986 159,305 $ $ 141,869 12,421 — — — 7,186 161,476 $ $ 341,855 44,914 8,816 1,250 6,400 — 403,235 $ $ 341,899 44,841 8,792 1,210 6,400 — 403,142 $ $ 492,589 60,063 8,816 1,471 6,400 9,353 578,692 $ $ 495,730 59,628 8,792 1,428 6,400 11,144 583,122 State, Municipal and Other Government Securities State, municipal and other government securities totaled $1,499.2 million, or 21.4% of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2016, and $1,472.4 million, or 22.2% of total fixed maturities at December 31, 2015, 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, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, our Illinois-related portfolio holdings were rated investment grade, and were trading at 107.7% of amortized cost. Our municipal bond exposure had an average rating of Aa2/AA and our holdings were trading at 108.1% of amortized cost at December 31, 2016. Equity Securities Equity securities totaled $133.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $121.7 million at December 31, 2015. Gross unrealized gains totaled $4.2 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $1.7 million at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2015, gross unrealized gains totaled $6.5 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $1.2 million on these securities. The unrealized losses during 2016 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 $816.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $744.3 million at December 31, 2015. 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 178 at December 31, 2016 and 167 at December 31, 2015. In 2016, new loans ranged from $2.1 million to $14.0 million in size, with an average loan size of $5.3 million, an average loan term of 17 years and an average net yield of 4.04%. 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 7.0% that are interest-only loans at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, the average loan-to-value of the current outstanding principal balance using the most recent appraised value was 56.1% and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.6 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. 43 Table of Contents Other Assets Assets held in separate accounts decreased 4.5% to $597.1 million primarily due to policy surrenders and product charges. Value of insurance in force acquired decreased 55.9% to $9.2 million primarily due to a $9.3 million increase in the impact of the change in net unrealized appreciation on fixed maturity securities during the period. Deferred acquisition costs decreased 1.6% to $330.3 million at December 31, 2016, primarily due to a $21.9 million increase in the impact of the change in net unrealized appreciation on fixed maturity securities during the period. Other assets increased 21.4% to $92.0 million primarily due to increases in prepaid pension assets, property and equipment and prepaid agreements. Liabilities Future policy benefits increased 6.2% to $6,799.4 million at December 31, 2016 primarily due to an increase in the volume of annuity and life insurance business in force. Deferred income taxes increased 21.1% to $163.5 million at December 31, 2016, primarily due to the tax impact of the change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments. Liabilities related to separate accounts decreased 4.5% to $597.1 million primarily due to policy surrenders and product charges. 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 2016. 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 5% to $0.42 per share. Our stockholders' equity increased 4.7% to $1,188.2 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $1,134.4 million at December 31, 2015, primarily due to net income and the change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities during the period, partially offset by dividends paid. At December 31, 2016, FBL's common stockholders' equity was $1,185.2 million, or $47.61 per share, compared to $1,131.4 million, or $45.61 per share at December 31, 2015. Included in stockholders' equity per common share is $6.01 at December 31, 2016 and $4.62 at December 31, 2015 attributable to accumulated other comprehensive income. 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 11.0 years at December 31, 2016 and 10.9 years at December 31, 2015. 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, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Thereafter Fixed maturity securities Mortgage loans Total $ $ 6,661,711 $ 816,471 7,478,182 $ 345,731 $ 39,263 384,994 $ (Dollars in thousands) 434,829 $ 88,626 523,455 $ 450,711 $ 58,215 508,926 $ 259,899 $ 67,427 327,326 $ 365,991 $ 49,448 415,439 $ 4,804,550 513,492 5,318,042 44 Table of Contents 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. 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 2017 and 2018 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 Discretionary rate setting products with minimum guarantees: Fixed rate annuities Indexed annuities Universal life insurance Variable annuities and variable universal life insurance Total discretionary products Non-discretionary products Total interest sensitive product liabilities 45 Liabilities at December 31, 2016 Percent Above Minimum Guarantee (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 2,837,692 361,297 820,516 358,872 4,378,377 722,248 5,100,625 33.7% 97.7 20.8 — Table of Contents 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 Surrender charge rate: Greater than or equal to 5% Less than 5%, but still subject to surrender charge Not subject to surrender charge Not subject to surrender or discretionary withdrawal Total Liabilities at December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 930,056 710,035 3,281,269 509,497 5,430,857 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 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 6.0 years at December 31, 2016 and 6.1 years at December 31, 2015. The effective duration of our annuity liabilities was approximately 6.3 years at December 31, 2016 and 6.4 years at December 31, 2015. If interest rates had increased 10% from levels at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments would have decreased approximately $135.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $118.4 million at December 31, 2015. 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, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of our debt would increase $2.7 million at December 31, 2016 and $2.6 million at December 31, 2015. 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. 46 Table of Contents Equity Risk Equity price risk is limited due to the relatively small equity portfolio held at December 31, 2016. 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 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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. Our profitability would be impacted if there were little or no gains in the entire series of options purchased over the expected life of an indexed product, as we would incur expenses for credited interest over and above our option costs. 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 2016, our operating activities generated cash flows totaling $239.8 million, consisting of net income of $107.2 million adjusted for non-cash operating revenues and expenses netting to $132.6 million. We used cash of $387.5 million in our investing activities during 2016. The primary uses were $1,062.9 million of investment acquisitions, mostly in fixed maturity securities, partially offset by $675.3 million in sales, maturities and repayments of investments. Our financing activities provided cash of $151.8 million during 2016. The primary financing source was $600.4 million in receipts from interest sensitive products credited to policyholder account balances, which was partially offset by $344.7 million for return of policyholder account balances on interest sensitive products and $91.6 million for dividends paid to stockholders. 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 2016 included management fees from subsidiaries and affiliates totaling $7.8 million and dividends of $85.9 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 $41.9 million in 2016, $39.8 million in 2015 and $34.7 million in 2014. In addition, we paid a special $2.00 per common share cash dividend in March 2016 totaling $49.7 million and in March 2015 totaling $49.5 million. It is anticipated that quarterly cash dividend requirements for 2017 will be $0.0075 per Series B redeemable preferred share and $0.44 per common share. In addition, we expect to pay a special dividend of $1.50 per common share in the first quarter of 2017. 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 $81.3 million in 2017. The parent company expects to have sufficient resources and cash flows to meet its interest and dividend payments throughout 2017. The parent company had available cash and investments totaling $71.0 million at December 31, 2016. 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, 2016, we had no other material commitments for capital expenditures. 47 Table of Contents 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 common stock through Class A common stock repurchase programs approved by our Board of Directors. There was $49.5 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2016, under the current $50 million Class A common stock repurchase program. 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 10,322 shares of Class A common stock for $0.6 million in 2016, 66,904 shares of Class A common stock for $3.7 million in 2015 and 429,746 shares of stock Class A common stock for $18.5 million in 2014. These transactions were primarily funded with available cash and resources at the parent company, including dividends received from subsidiaries of $85.9 million in 2016, $50.0 million in 2015 and $45.0 million in 2014. Interest payments on debt totaled $4.9 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Interest payments on our debt outstanding at December 31, 2016 are estimated to be $4.9 million in 2017. 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 that 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 $490.9 million in 2016, $385.3 million in 2015 and $410.3 million in 2014. 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, 2016, Farm Bureau Life’s statutory unassigned surplus was $483.8 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 2017, the maximum amount legally available for distribution to the parent company without further regulatory approval is $106.1 million. Timing of such dividends during the year is limited based on the timing of dividends paid within the preceding 12 months. 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, 2016, our statutory total adjusted capital was $685.7 million, resulting in a RBC ratio of 544%, based on company action level capital of $126.0 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, 2016 or 2015. 48 Table of Contents Contractual Obligations In the normal course of business, we enter into insurance contracts, financing transactions, lease agreements or other commitments that 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, 2016: Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2016 Total Less than 1 year 1 - 3 years 4 - 5 years After 5 years Payments Due by Period (Dollars in thousands) Insurance liabilities (1) $ 15,711,808 $ 1,261,550 $ 1,696,436 $ 1,368,734 $ 11,385,088 Subordinated note payable to Capital Trust, including interest payments (2) Home office operating leases Purchase obligations: Commitments to purchase or fund investments Commercial mortgage loan commitments Other purchase obligations (3) Other long-term liabilities (4) Total 244,925 10,682 31,366 50,000 61,377 12,715 4,850 2,136 17,527 50,000 30,380 8,141 9,700 4,273 11,792 — 25,057 2,521 9,700 4,273 1,895 — 5,940 1,087 220,675 — 152 — — 966 $ 16,122,873 $ 1,374,584 $ 1,749,779 $ 1,391,629 $ 11,606,881 (1) Amounts shown in this table are projected payments through the year 2066 that we are contractually obligated to pay to our life insurance and annuity contract holders. The payments are derived from actuarial models that 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: Contractual obligations compared to balance sheet carrying value (a) Reserves based on account values, including separate accounts (b) Supplementary contracts involving life contingencies (c) Traditional life insurance and accident and health products (b) Supplementary contracts without life contingencies (d) Other Total The more significant factors causing this difference include: Contractual Obligations Balance Sheet Carrying Value (Dollars in thousands) 9,747,914 $ 5,540,804 $ 218,088 9,966,002 5,103,569 354,543 287,694 156,894 5,697,698 1,698,792 330,232 287,694 15,711,808 $ 8,014,416 $ $ $ Difference 4,207,110 61,194 4,268,304 3,404,777 24,311 — 7,697,392 (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 (c) payments without the impact of discounting; 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. 49 Table of Contents (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 2017. No amounts related to the qualified pension plan are included beyond 2017 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 $0.2 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. 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, 2016 pension obligation was computed based on an average 4.29% 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 50 Table of Contents 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. Balance Sheet Caption Fixed maturities - available for sale Description of Critical Estimate 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. Assumptions / Approach Used 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. 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. 51 Effect if Different Assumptions / Approach Used At December 31, 2016, our fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale had a fair value of $7,008.8 million, with gross unrealized gains totaling $421.1 million and gross unrealized losses totaling $74.1 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. At December 31, 2016, we had 521 fixed maturity and equity securities with gross unrealized losses totaling $75.7 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. Table of Contents Balance Sheet Caption Description of Critical Estimate 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. Assumptions / Approach Used 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. 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. 52 Effect if Different Assumptions / Approach Used Amortization of deferred acquisition costs for participating life insurance and interest sensitive products is expected to total approximately $26.1 million for 2017, excluding the impact of new production in 2017. 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 2017 would result in $1.9 million of additional amortization expense. Correspondingly, a 10% decrease in estimated gross profits would result in a $1.9 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. 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. Table of Contents Balance Sheet Caption Description of Critical Estimate Assumptions / Approach Used Other assets/liabilities The determination of net periodic pension cost and related accrued/prepaid pension expense 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 2016 totaled $5.1 million. To determine our net periodic pension costs for 2016, we assumed 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. 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, 2016. 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. 53 Effect if Different Assumptions / Approach Used 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 $0.9 million increase in pension expense and a 100 basis point increase would result in a $0.9 million decrease to pension expense. A 100 basis point decrease in the assumed discount rate would result in a $2.4 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. At December 31, 2016, we held gross deferred tax assets totaling $48.4 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. Table of Contents 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. 54 Table of Contents (This page has been left blank intentionally.) 55 Table of Contents 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, 2016. 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, 2016, 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, 2016, based on the COSO criteria. 56 Table of Contents 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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016 of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and our report dated March 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Des Moines, Iowa March 1, 2017 The Board of Directors and Stockholders FBL Financial Group, Inc. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FBL Financial Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FBL Financial Group, Inc. at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. 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, 2016, 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 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Des Moines, Iowa March 1, 2017 57 Table of Contents Assets Investments: `FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 - $6,661,711; 2015 - $6,379,919) Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2016 - $130,479; 2015 - $116,336) Mortgage loans Real estate Policy loans Short-term investments Other investments Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Securities and indebtedness of related parties Accrued investment income Amounts receivable from affiliates Reinsurance recoverable Deferred acquisition costs Value of insurance in force acquired Current income taxes recoverable Other assets Assets held in separate accounts $ December 31, 2016 2015 $ 7,008,790 132,968 816,471 1,955 188,254 16,348 9,874 8,174,660 33,583 137,422 78,437 3,790 105,290 330,324 9,226 4,309 92,021 597,072 6,637,776 121,667 744,303 1,955 185,784 28,251 3,017 7,722,753 29,490 134,570 78,274 2,834 103,898 335,783 20,913 2,421 75,811 625,257 Total assets $ 9,566,134 $ 9,132,004 58 Table of Contents FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (Dollars in thousands) Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities: Future policy benefits: Interest sensitive products Traditional life insurance and accident and health products Other policy claims and benefits Supplementary contracts without life contingencies Advance premiums and other deposits Amounts payable to affiliates Short-term debt payable to non-affiliates Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates Deferred income taxes Other liabilities Liabilities related to separate accounts Total liabilities 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 Class A common stock, without par value - authorized 88,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,882,542 shares in 2016 and 24,796,763 shares in 2015 Class B common stock, without par value - authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,413 shares in 2016 and 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained earnings Total FBL Financial Group, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interest Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity See accompanying notes. 59 December 31, 2016 2015 $ 5,100,625 1,698,792 43,395 330,232 265,221 862 — 97,000 163,495 81,182 597,072 8,377,876 4,764,159 1,637,322 44,157 339,929 254,276 575 15,000 97,000 135,063 84,792 625,257 7,997,530 3,000 3,000 152,903 72 149,555 882,672 1,188,202 56 1,188,258 9,566,134 $ 149,248 72 114,532 867,574 1,134,426 48 1,134,474 9,132,004 $ $ Table of Contents FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Revenues: Interest sensitive product charges Traditional life insurance premiums Net investment income Net realized capital gains on sales of investments Total other-than-temporary impairment losses Non-credit portion in other comprehensive income/loss Net impairment losses recognized in earnings Other income Total revenues Benefits and expenses: Interest sensitive product benefits Traditional life insurance benefits Policyholder dividends Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses Interest expense Other expenses Total benefits and expenses Income taxes Equity income, net of related income taxes Net income Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Earnings per common share Earnings per common share - assuming dilution Cash dividends per common share Special cash dividend per common share Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ $ $ $ $ 111,928 196,914 404,170 3,106 (7,320) 2,451 (4,869) 15,165 726,414 238,586 177,682 10,574 135,967 4,850 16,966 584,625 141,789 (46,010) 11,440 107,219 4 107,223 4.29 4.28 1.68 2.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ 114,584 190,956 391,149 11,062 (719) 146 (573) 15,631 722,809 217,443 176,145 11,828 143,668 4,850 17,507 571,441 151,368 (47,418) 9,523 113,473 54 113,527 4.55 4.53 1.60 2.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ 109,770 183,300 382,082 3,760 (822) — (822) 14,849 692,939 211,540 162,876 12,012 138,258 4,707 16,445 545,838 147,101 (47,335) 10,103 109,869 72 109,941 4.42 4.39 1.40 — See accompanying notes. 60 Table of Contents FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Dollars in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss) (1) Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses Non-credit impairment losses Change in underfunded status of postretirement benefit plans Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 107,219 $ 113,473 $ 109,869 38,077 (1,476) (1,578) 35,023 142,242 4 (146,579) (90) 2,791 (143,878) (30,405) 54 142,121 — (2,778) 139,343 249,212 72 249,284 Total comprehensive income (loss) applicable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. $ 142,246 $ (30,351) $ (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, 2014 Net income Other comprehensive income Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Dividends on preferred stock Dividends on common stock Receipts related to noncontrolling interest Balance at December 31, 2014 Net income Other comprehensive loss Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Dividends on preferred stock Dividends on common stock Receipts related to noncontrolling interest Balance at December 31, 2015 Net income Other comprehensive income Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Dividends on preferred stock Dividends on common stock Receipts related to noncontrolling interest Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 3,000 $ 135,065 $ 119,067 $ 787,609 $ — — — — — — — — — 12,028 (2,396) — — — 3,000 144,697 — — — — — — — — — 5,022 (399) — — — 3,000 149,320 — — — — — — — — — 3,718 (63) — — — — 139,343 — — — — — 258,410 — (143,878) — — — — — 114,532 — 35,023 — — — — — 109,941 — — (16,064) (150) (34,599) — 846,737 113,527 — — (3,343) (150) (89,197) — 867,574 107,223 — — (523) (150) (91,452) — $ 3,000 $ 152,975 $ 149,555 $ 882,672 $ See accompanying notes. 61 50 (72) — — — — — 60 38 (54) — — — — — 64 48 (4) — — — — — 12 56 $ 1,044,791 109,869 139,343 12,028 (18,460) (150) (34,599) 60 1,252,882 113,473 (143,878) 5,022 (3,742) (150) (89,197) 64 1,134,474 107,219 35,023 3,718 (586) (150) (91,452) 12 $ 1,188,258 Table of Contents FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) Operating activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Interest credited to account balances Charges for mortality, surrenders and administration Net realized (gains) loss on investments Change in fair value of derivatives Increase in liabilities for life insurance and other future policy benefits Deferral of acquisition costs Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force Change in reinsurance recoverable Provision for deferred income taxes Other Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities Sales, maturities or repayments: Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Mortgage loans Derivative instruments Policy loans Securities and indebtedness of related parties Other investments Acquisitions: Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Mortgage loans Derivative instruments Policy loans Securities and indebtedness of related parties Short-term investments, net change Purchases and disposals of property and equipment, net Net cash used in investing activities 62 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ 107,219 $ 113,473 $ 109,869 153,856 (111,792) 1,763 (828) 91,080 (42,553) 30,898 (1,392) 9,550 1,993 239,794 539,657 5,532 81,425 2,987 35,458 10,086 171 (829,184) (11,057) (160,005) (6,847) (37,928) (17,927) 11,903 (11,787) (387,516) 152,467 (108,250) (10,489) (1,098) 76,474 (43,215) 38,306 (2,651) 6,840 3,053 224,910 615,811 14,921 42,429 3,899 35,406 27,789 — (871,406) (23,833) (155,815) (4,122) (38,688) (26,213) 20,334 (9,869) (369,357) 149,528 (105,100) (2,938) (1,353) 65,999 (41,409) 37,171 (1,246) 7,774 (9,537) 208,758 511,246 1,840 43,634 1,760 33,704 2,997 — (777,547) (19,178) (96,623) (2,399) (39,213) (20,317) 60,092 (8,639) (308,643) Table of Contents FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (Dollars in thousands) Financing activities Contract holder account deposits Contract holder account withdrawals Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt Repayments of debt Receipts related to noncontrolling interests, net Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation Issuance (repurchase) of common stock, net Dividends paid Net cash provided by financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash (paid) during the year for: Interest Income taxes Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 600,383 (344,664) — (15,000) 12 846 1,840 (91,602) 151,815 4,093 29,490 33,583 (4,854) (20,894) $ $ $ 586,072 (415,262) 15,000 — 64 1,362 (584) (89,347) 97,305 (47,142) 76,632 29,490 (4,850) (27,701) $ $ $ 608,435 (396,795) — — 60 1,199 (8,003) (34,749) 170,147 70,262 6,370 76,632 (4,850) (22,802) $ $ $ See accompanying notes. 63 Table of Contents 1. Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that amends existing consolidation guidance. The decision to consolidate an entity that a company has an ownership stake in is based on one of two consolidation models: the voting interest entity model and the variable interest entity model. The new guidance revises certain criteria used to determine which consolidation model to use, as well as the criteria considered in each model to determine whether consolidation is required. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2016. Adoption of the guidance had no impact on our financial statements as it did not alter any of our prior consolidation decisions. Adoption did result in certain entities that were previously evaluated under the voting interest entity model to be evaluated under the variable interest entity model. See Note 2 for details regarding our variable interest entities. Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that will impact the accounting for share-based compensation. The guidance will impact several areas including the accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, classification of excess tax benefits within the consolidated statement of cash flows and the accounting for forfeitures. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Certain requirements must be adopted prospectively, while others are required to be adopted on a modified prospective basis, or retroactively. We expect the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements to be immaterial given our limited use of share-based compensation impacted by the new guidance. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that 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. We currently anticipate that the primary impact will be in the recognition of gains or losses from changes in our equity security investments through the statement of operations rather than as unrealized gains or losses reflected in other comprehensive income. Note 2 provides further information as to our current level of unrealized gains or losses on these securities. 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 64 Table of Contents 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 currently expect the impact of this new guidance to be related to non-insurance contract revenues, primarily net commissions on products we broker, which are insignificant to the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which, for most lessees, will result in a gross-up of the balance sheet. Under the new standard, lessees will recognize the leased assets on the balance sheet and will recognize a corresponding liability for the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The new standard requires the application of judgment and estimates. Also, there are accounting policy elections that may be taken both at transition and for the accounting post-transition, including whether to adopt a short-term lease recognition exemption. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new standard will be applied as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements (date of initial application). We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance amending the accounting for the credit impairment of financial instruments. Under the new guidance, impairment losses are required to be estimated using an expected loss model under which a valuation allowance is established and adjusted over time. The valuation allowance will be based on the probability of loss over the life of the instrument, considering historical, current and forecasted information. The new guidance differs significantly from the incurred loss model used today, and will result in the earlier recognition of impairment losses. The new guidance may also increase the volatility of earnings to the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used in the establishment of the valuation allowance. The financial instruments for which we will be required to use the new model include but are not limited to, mortgage loans, lease receivables and reinsurance recoverables. Our available-for-sale fixed maturities will continue to apply the incurred loss model. However, rather than impairment losses resulting in a permanent reduction of carrying value as they do today, such losses will be in the form of a valuation allowance, which can be increased in the case of future credit losses or decreased should conditions improve. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but expect that it will be material. Investments Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities are comprised of bonds and redeemable preferred stock and 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. 65 Table of Contents 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. Mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concerns regarding the collectability of future payments. 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 Our real estate is held for investment and 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. No properties were held for investment with impairment charges as of December 31, 2016, and one property was held for investment with an impairment charge of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2015. 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 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 non-guaranteed low income housing tax credit entities (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 66 Table of Contents 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 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 that 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. 67 Table of Contents 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 was determined by an actuarial study using expected future gross profits as a measurement of the net present value of the insurance acquired. Value of insurance in force acquired is being amortized on a fixed amortization schedule. 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. 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 $33.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $30.2 million at December 31, 2015, and accumulated depreciation and amortization of $70.1 million at December 31, 2016 and $61.4 million at December 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $8.7 million in 2016, $8.2 million in 2015 and $6.3 million in 2014. Other assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 this analysis, we have determined our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. 68 Table of Contents 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 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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 5.51% in 2016, 5.66% in 2015 and 5.75% in 2014. 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 Bureau Life. Participating business accounted for 32% of receipts from policyholders during 2016 (2015 - 31% and 2014 - 30%) and represented 11% of life insurance in force at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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 and product guarantees, 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 69 Table of Contents 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 Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses: Commission expense, net of deferrals Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Amortization of value of insurance in force acquired Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals Total Other Income and Other Expenses Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 22,735 28,225 2,392 82,615 135,967 $ $ 22,260 35,220 2,436 83,752 143,668 $ $ 22,856 33,303 3,500 78,599 138,258 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 $4.8 million in 2016, $4.9 million in 2015 and $3.1 million in 2014. Investment advisory fee income from affiliates totaled $2.5 million in 2016, $2.3 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2014. In addition, Farm Bureau Life has certain items, including fees earned from brokered products, reported as other income and other expense, which netted to $3.4 million in 2016 and $3.2 million in 2015 and 2014. 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. 70 Table of Contents 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 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 that 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 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. 71 Table of Contents 2. Investment Operations Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities by Investment Category Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) Residential mortgage-backed Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total fixed maturities Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks Common stocks Total equity securities Fixed maturities: Corporate (2) Residential mortgage-backed Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total fixed maturities Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks Common stocks Total equity securities Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains December 31, 2016 Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) Fair Value Non-credit losses on other- than-temporary impairments (1) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,529,997 396,110 546,446 771,570 30,575 1,387,013 6,661,711 100,042 30,437 130,479 Amortized Cost 3,464,402 436,969 514,195 578,692 41,050 1,344,611 6,379,919 87,029 29,307 116,336 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 228,601 29,121 33,645 8,846 1,629 119,298 421,140 4,050 114 4,164 Gross Unrealized Gains 192,149 33,880 42,284 11,554 3,129 129,923 412,919 6,095 450 6,545 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (49,943) (2,931) (4,137) (9,766) (132) (7,152) (74,061) (1,675) — (1,675) December 31, 2015 Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) (137,844) (5,343) (2,487) (7,124) (81) (2,183) (155,062) (1,173) (41) (1,214) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1,082) (983) — 2,544 — — 479 3,708,655 422,300 575,954 770,650 32,072 1,499,159 7,008,790 $ $ 102,417 30,551 132,968 Fair Value Non-credit losses on other- than-temporary impairments (1) 351 (3,584) — 3,058 — — (175) 3,518,707 465,506 553,992 583,122 44,098 1,472,351 6,637,776 $ $ 91,951 29,716 121,667 (1) Non-credit losses subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date on OTTI losses are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above. The non-credit loss component of OTTI losses for other asset-backed securities were in an unrealized gain position at December 31, 2016 and corporate and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2015 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. 72 Table of Contents (2) Corporate securities include hybrid preferred securities with a fair value of $23.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $43.5 million at December 31, 2015. Corporate securities also include redeemable preferred stock with a fair value of $24.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $24.8 million at December 31, 2015. Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities by Maturity Date Due in one year or less Due after one year through five years Due after five years through ten years Due after ten years Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed Total fixed maturities $ $ December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Fair Value $ (Dollars in thousands) 87,893 788,543 716,499 3,354,650 4,947,585 1,714,126 6,661,711 $ 89,546 847,046 742,640 3,560,654 5,239,886 1,768,904 7,008,790 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. Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net unrealized appreciation on: Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization pattern of: Deferred acquisition costs Value of insurance in force acquired Unearned revenue reserve Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities Provision for deferred income taxes Net unrealized investment gains December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 347,079 2,489 349,568 (95,647) (12,382) 4,215 (3,795) (84,684) 157,275 $ $ 257,857 5,331 263,188 (73,735) (3,087) 3,352 (4,090) (64,955) 120,673 $ $ Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments - Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments 2016 2015 2014 Year ended December 31, $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 89,222 (2,842) 86,380 $ $ (331,408) 118 (331,290) $ $ 336,051 3,729 339,780 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. 73 Table of Contents Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses by Length of Time Less than one year One year or more Total December 31, 2016 Description of Securities Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturities: Corporate Residential mortgage-backed Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total fixed maturities Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total equity securities Description of Securities Fixed maturities: Corporate Residential mortgage-backed Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total fixed maturities Equity securities: Non-redeemable preferred stocks Common stocks Total equity securities $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 742,626 51,873 95,690 371,829 6,438 150,052 1,418,508 12,774 12,774 $ $ $ $ (23,142) (1,014) (3,590) (5,810) (132) (7,152) (40,840) (150) (150) $ $ $ $ 220,939 22,744 6,610 95,740 — — 346,033 13,438 13,438 $ $ $ $ (26,801) (1,917) (547) (3,956) — — (33,221) (1,525) (1,525) $ $ $ $ 963,565 74,617 102,300 467,569 6,438 150,052 1,764,541 26,212 26,212 $ $ $ $ (49,943) (2,931) (4,137) (9,766) (132) (7,152) (74,061) (1,675) (1,675) Less than one year One year or more Total December 31, 2015 Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) 1,115,324 21,646 48,424 285,395 4,807 77,980 1,553,576 21,280 1,428 22,708 $ $ $ $ (96,062) (725) (1,947) (3,323) (81) (2,183) (104,321) (573) (41) (614) $ $ $ $ 115,730 26,537 7,657 65,298 — — 215,222 — 4,400 4,400 $ $ $ $ (41,782) (4,618) (540) (3,801) — — (50,741) — (600) (600) $ $ $ $ $ 1,231,054 48,183 56,081 350,693 4,807 77,980 1,768,798 25,680 1,428 27,108 $ $ $ $ $ (137,844) (5,343) (2,487) (7,124) (81) (2,183) (155,062) (1,173) (41) (1,214) Percent of Total 67.3% 4.0 5.6 13.2 0.2 9.7 100.0% Percent of Total 88.9% 3.4 1.6 4.6 0.1 1.4 100.0% Fixed maturities in the above tables include 516 securities from 404 issuers at December 31, 2016 and 542 securities from 435 issuers at December 31, 2015. Unrealized losses decreased during 2016 primarily due to a decrease in overall spreads, offset slightly by an increase in treasury yields over the same period. We do not consider securities to be OTTI when the market decline is attributable to factors such as interest rate movements, market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality when recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated. Based on our intent not to sell or our belief that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, we do not consider these investments to be OTTI at December 31, 2016. We will continue to monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified. Excluding mortgage- and asset-backed securities, our largest unrealized loss was from an oil field service provider and totaled $2.1 million at December 31, 2016. With respect to mortgage- and asset-backed securities not backed by the United States 74 Table of Contents Government, our largest aggregate unrealized loss from the same issuer at December 31, 2016 was $1.2 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 $0.7 million. Mortgage Loans Our mortgage loan portfolio consists 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 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no non-performing loans over 90 days past due on contractual payments. At December 31, 2016, we had committed to provide additional funding for mortgage loans totaling $50.0 million. These commitments arose in the normal course of business at terms that are comparable to similar investments. Mortgage Loans by Collateral Type Collateral Type Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Office Retail Industrial Other Total Mortgage Loans by Geographic Location within the United States Region of the United States South Atlantic West North Central Pacific East North Central Mountain West South Central Other Total 361,088 240,602 154,005 60,776 816,471 (Dollars in thousands) 44.2% $ 29.5 18.9 7.4 100.0% $ 333,400 227,039 133,085 50,779 744,303 44.8% 30.5 17.9 6.8 100.0% December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total 266,019 105,753 104,337 91,550 79,707 74,258 94,847 816,471 (Dollars in thousands) 32.6% $ 12.9 12.8 11.2 9.8 9.1 11.6 100.0% $ 233,522 102,555 100,188 86,019 78,750 66,677 76,592 744,303 31.4% 13.8 13.4 11.5 10.6 9.0 10.3 100.0% $ $ $ $ 75 Table of Contents Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio Loan-to-Value Ratio Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 $ $ 274,953 210,555 233,216 67,607 30,140 816,471 (Dollars in thousands) 33.7% $ 25.8 28.5 8.3 3.7 100.0% $ 264,605 169,045 234,544 67,072 9,037 744,303 35.6% 22.7 31.5 9.0 1.2 100.0% 0% - 50% 50% - 60% 60% - 70% 70% - 80% 80% - 90% Total The loan-to-value ratio is determined using the most recent appraised value. Appraisals are updated periodically when there is indication of a possible significant collateral decline or there are loan modifications or refinance requests. Mortgage Loans by Year of Origination 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 and prior Total Impaired Mortgage Loans Unpaid principal balance Less: Related allowance Discount Carrying value of impaired mortgage loans Allowance on Mortgage Loans Balance at beginning of period Charge offs Balance at end of period Mortgage Loan Modifications December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Percent of Total Carrying Value Percent of Total $ $ 158,817 149,302 80,771 69,887 59,983 297,711 816,471 (Dollars in thousands) 19.4% $ 18.3 9.9 8.6 7.3 36.5 100.0% $ — 154,582 83,546 79,879 65,817 360,479 744,303 December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 21,459 $ (713) — 20,746 $ Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 851 (138) 713 $ $ $ $ $ $ —% 20.9 11.2 10.7 8.8 48.4 100.0% 21,766 (851) (87) 20,828 857 (6) 851 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 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 76 Table of Contents 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 2016 or 2015. Components of Net Investment Income Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Mortgage loans Real estate Policy loans Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents Derivative income (loss) Prepayment fee income and other Less investment expenses Net investment income Realized Gains (Losses) - Recorded in Income Realized gains (losses) on sales of investments Fixed maturities: Gross gains Gross losses Equity securities Mortgage loans Short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents Other Impairment losses recognized in earnings: Credit-related portion of fixed maturity losses (1) Other credit-related (2) Realized gains (losses) on investments recorded in income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) 342,657 6,558 38,098 — 8,956 365 3,935 10,992 411,561 (7,391) 404,170 $ $ 338,952 6,091 35,923 169 8,871 141 (2,266) 11,555 399,436 (8,287) 391,149 $ $ 2016 2015 2014 Year ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 9,793 (8,523) 529 817 (1) 491 3,106 (4,767) (102) (1,763) $ $ 4,781 (1,952) — — — 8,233 11,062 (363) (210) 10,489 $ $ 333,759 5,388 32,759 140 8,620 — 2,496 6,959 390,121 (8,039) 382,082 4,593 (833) — — — — 3,760 — (822) 2,938 $ $ $ $ (1) Amount represents the credit-related losses recognized for fixed maturities that 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 other investments, real estate and fixed maturities written down to fair value through income. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $109.5 million in 2016, $108.5 million in 2015 and $67.2 million in 2014. 77 Table of Contents 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 and were sold during the current reporting period. 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, 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period Increases for newly impaired investments Increases to previously impaired investments Reductions due to investments sold Balance at end of period Variable Interest Entities $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) (11,498) (2,595) (2,172) 1,765 (14,500) $ (16,772) — (363) 5,637 (11,498) 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. After determining that VIE status exists, we review our involvement in the VIE to determine whether we have both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. This analysis includes a review of the purpose and design of the VIE, as well as the role that we played in the formation of the entity and how that role could impact our ability to control the VIE. We also review the activities and decisions considered significant to the economic performance of the VIE and assess what power we have in directing those activities and decisions. Finally, we review the agreements in place to determine if there are any guarantees that would affect our maximum exposure to loss. We have reviewed the circumstances surrounding our investments in VIEs, which are classified as securities and indebtedness of related parties, and consist of LIHTC, limited partnerships or limited liability companies accounted for under the equity method. In addition, we have reviewed the ownership interests in our VIEs and determined that we do not hold direct majority ownership or have other contractual rights (such as kick out rights) that give us effective control over these entities resulting in us having both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The maximum loss exposure relative to our VIEs is limited to the carrying value and any unfunded commitments that exist for each particular VIE. Based on this analysis, none of our VIEs were required to be consolidated at December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. There were no circumstances that occurred during 2016 or 2015 that resulted in any changes in our decision not to consolidate any of our VIEs. We also have not provided additional support or other guarantees that was not previously contractually required (financial or otherwise) to any of the VIEs as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. 78 Table of Contents VIE Investments by Category LIHTC Investment companies Real estate limited partnerships Other Total December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value (1) Maximum Exposure to Loss (1) $ $ 91,255 23,379 10,790 429 125,853 $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 95,058 45,569 14,558 2,034 157,219 $ 94,170 20,004 9,554 637 124,365 $ $ 102,626 35,604 15,610 2,448 156,288 (1) Prior year values have been updated for comparability with the amounts as presented under the new accounting guidance discussed in Note 1. In addition, we make passive investments in the normal course of business in structured securities issued by VIEs for which we are not the investment manager. These structured securities include all of the residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities included in our fixed maturities. Our maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to our carrying value in the investment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these structured securities because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. Derivative Instruments Our primary derivative exposure relates to purchased call options, which provide an economic hedge to the embedded derivatives in our indexed annuity and universal life insurance products. We also have embedded derivatives within our modified coinsurance agreements as well as an interest-only fixed maturity investment. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative positions, and they are held at fair value. Derivatives Instruments by Type Assets Freestanding derivatives: Call options (reported in other investments) Embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance (reported in reinsurance recoverable) Interest-only security (reported in fixed maturities) Total assets Liabilities Embedded derivatives: Indexed annuity and universal life products (reported in liability for future policy benefits) Modified coinsurance agreements (reported in other liabilities) Total liabilities 79 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ 9,360 $ 3,411 3,374 16,145 15,778 114 15,892 $ $ $ 2,331 2,636 4,551 9,518 9,374 56 9,430 Table of Contents Derivative Income (Loss) Change in fair value of free standing derivatives: Call options Change in fair value of embedded derivatives: Modified coinsurance agreements Interest-only security Indexed annuity and universal life products Call option amortization Call option proceeds Total income from derivatives Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 5,603 $ (1,904) $ 1,559 716 229 (2,390) (5,601) 2,988 1,545 $ (809) 23 2,577 (3,122) 3,546 311 $ 711 — (432) (1,535) 1,761 2,064 Derivative income (loss) is reported in net investment income except for the change in fair value of the embedded derivatives on our indexed annuity and universal life products, which is reported in interest sensitive product benefits. The call options are supported by securities collateral received of $6.3 million at December 31, 2016, which is held in a separate custodial account. Subject to certain constraints, we are permitted to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but do not have legal rights to the collateral; accordingly, it has not been recorded on our balance sheet. At December 31, 2016, none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. All of our counterparties are rated A- or better by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. 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 $91.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $94.2 million at December 31, 2015. There were no impairment losses recorded on these investments during 2016, 2015 or 2014. 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 Equity losses from LIHTC Income tax benefits: Tax benefits from equity losses Investment tax credits Equity income from LIHTC, net of related income benefits Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ (7,547) $ (Dollars in thousands) (7,022) 2,641 14,077 9,171 $ 2,458 13,542 8,978 $ $ (6,411) 2,244 12,209 8,042 At December 31, 2016, 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 $31.4 million, including $3.8 million for commitments to LIHTC, which are summarized by year in the following table. Commitments to LIHTC by Year 2017 2018 2019 - 2024 Total 80 December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) 2,898 590 315 3,803 $ $ Table of Contents Other At December 31, 2016, affidavits of deposits covering investments with a carrying value totaling $7,561.9 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. Fixed maturities with a carrying value of $496.8 million were on deposit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) as collateral for funding agreements. The carrying value of investments which have been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2016 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, 2016. 3. Fair Values The carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows: Fair Values and Carrying Values Assets Fixed maturities - available for sale Equity securities - available for sale Mortgage loans Policy loans Other investments Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Reinsurance recoverable Assets held in separate accounts Liabilities Future policy benefits Supplementary contracts without life contingencies Advance premiums and other deposits Short-term debt Long-term debt Other liabilities Liabilities related to separate accounts December 31, 2016 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ 7,008,790 132,968 816,471 188,254 9,809 49,931 3,411 597,072 4,044,148 330,232 257,171 — 97,000 114 597,072 $ $ 7,008,790 132,968 840,337 230,656 11,272 49,931 3,411 597,072 3,903,177 330,633 257,171 — 67,599 114 593,760 $ $ 6,637,776 121,667 744,303 185,784 2,331 57,741 2,636 625,257 3,750,186 339,929 245,269 15,000 97,000 56 625,257 6,637,776 121,667 780,624 230,153 2,331 57,741 2,636 625,257 3,618,145 339,717 245,269 15,000 68,133 56 620,676 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. 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. 81 Table of Contents • 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 for which 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 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 82 Table of Contents 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 that 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 that 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 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 measured at fair value on a recurring basis include call options with fair values based on counterparty market prices adjusted for a credit component of the counterparty, net of collateral received. Level 3 other investments, which 83 Table of Contents are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, include a promissory note that is priced internally using a discounted cash flow based on our assessment of the credit risk of the borrower. 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 that 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 that 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. Short-term debt: Short-term debt is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis and is a Level 3 measurement. Short-term debt at December 31, 2015 consisted of advances with interest set at the debt issuer’s then-current lending rate. Since this short-term debt was repayable less than one month from the valuation date, its carrying value approximated 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. 84 Table of Contents 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 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Non-redeemable preferred stocks Common stocks Other investments Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Reinsurance recoverable Assets held in separate accounts Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives Other liabilities Total liabilities $ $ $ $ — $ — — — 11,943 — — 3,056 — 49,931 — 597,072 662,002 $ — $ — — $ 85 3,649,536 422,300 494,520 716,282 20,129 1,499,159 95,006 27,495 9,360 — 3,411 — 6,937,198 $ $ — $ 114 114 $ 59,119 — 81,434 54,368 — — 7,411 — — — — — 202,332 15,778 — 15,778 $ $ $ $ 3,708,655 422,300 575,954 770,650 32,072 1,499,159 102,417 30,551 9,360 49,931 3,411 597,072 7,801,532 15,778 114 15,892 Table of Contents Valuation of our Financial Instruments Measured on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Levels Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Fixed maturities: Corporate securities Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Non-redeemable preferred stocks Common stocks Other investments Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Reinsurance recoverable Assets held in separate accounts Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives Other liabilities Total liabilities Level 3 Fixed Maturities by Valuation Source - Recurring Basis $ $ $ $ — $ — — — 14,760 — — 4,728 — 57,741 — 625,257 702,486 $ — $ — — $ 3,469,631 461,777 465,812 527,565 20,612 1,472,351 84,480 24,988 2,331 — 2,636 — 6,532,183 $ $ — $ 56 56 $ 49,076 3,729 88,180 55,557 8,726 — 7,471 — — — — — 212,739 9,374 — 9,374 $ $ $ $ Corporate securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities Total Percent of total Corporate securities Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies Total Percent of total $ $ $ $ 86 Third-party vendors December 31, 2016 Priced internally (Dollars in thousands) 17,684 81,434 39,308 138,426 71.0% Third-party vendors 17,208 — 88,180 35,420 — 140,808 $ $ $ $ 41,435 — 15,060 56,495 29.0% December 31, 2015 Priced internally (Dollars in thousands) 31,868 3,729 — 20,137 8,726 64,460 $ $ $ $ 68.6% 31.4% 100.0% 3,518,707 465,506 553,992 583,122 44,098 1,472,351 91,951 29,716 2,331 57,741 2,636 625,257 7,447,408 9,374 56 9,430 Total Total 59,119 81,434 54,368 194,921 100.0% 49,076 3,729 88,180 55,557 8,726 205,268 Table of Contents Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements - Recurring Basis Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) December 31, 2016 Assets Corporate securities Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed securities Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ 47,398 81,434 6,461 7,411 142,704 15,778 Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Credit spread Credit spread Credit spread Credit spread 0.58% - 4.25% (2.81%) 1.10% - 4.15% (2.95%) 1.08% - 4.87% (3.45%) 4.05% (4.05%) Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.80% - 2.00% (1.25%) 0.15% - 0.40% (0.25%) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities Commercial mortgage-backed Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ $ $ 33,508 71,100 13,737 8,726 7,471 134,542 Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Credit spread Credit spread Credit spread Credit spread Credit spread 1.16% - 17.50% (11.26%) 1.10% - 4.15% (3.12%) 1.25% - 7.90% (5.61%) 2.59% (2.59%) 4.55% (4.55%) 9,374 Discounted cash flow Credit risk Risk margin 0.80% - 2.25% (1.45%) 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. 87 Table of Contents Level 3 Financial Instruments Changes in Fair Value - Recurring Basis Balance, December 31, 2015 Purchases Disposals December 31, 2016 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net 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, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Assets Corporate securities $ 49,076 $ 2,000 $ (13,751) $ (27) $ 3,729 88,180 55,557 8,726 — 7,471 — (3,722) 18,826 64,146 (1,656) (11,621) — — — — — — — — — — — — 212,739 $ 84,972 $ (30,750) $ (27) $ (490) (137) (141) 212 486 108 (60) (22) $ 35,956 $ (13,572) $ (73) $ 59,119 — — 30,098 — 2,393 — — 130 (23,852) (84,045) (9,218) (2,501) — 77 21 6 — — — 81,434 54,368 — — 7,411 $ 68,447 $ (133,188) $ 161 $ 202,332 Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ $ 9,374 $ 5,913 $ (115) $ 606 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 15,778 Balance, December 31, 2014 Purchases Disposals December 31, 2015 Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net 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 $ Residential mortgage-backed securities — Commercial mortgage-backed securities Other asset-backed securities United States Government and agencies Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Assets Liabilities Future policy benefits - indexed annuity embedded derivatives $ $ 15,993 19,353 17,287 53,215 — — $ (20,499) $ — $ (2,340) (885) (10,085) — — — — — — — 55 284 (3,905) (662) (346) (583) $ 21,363 $ (32,649) $ 5,984 (19,631) — 30,287 — — (2,334) (133,351) — — $ 574 79 126 12 7 — 49,076 3,729 88,180 55,557 8,726 7,471 77,891 116,141 9,065 8,054 275,390 $ 105,848 $ (33,809) $ — $ (5,157) $ 57,634 $ (187,965) $ 798 $ 212,739 8,681 $ 4,567 $ (1,064) $ (2,810) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 9,374 (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 88 Table of Contents 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. Valuation of our Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value by Hierarchy Levels Assets Mortgage loans Policy loans Other investments Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits Supplementary contracts without life contingencies Advance premiums and other deposits Long-term debt Liabilities related to separate accounts Total liabilities Assets Mortgage loans Policy loans Total assets Liabilities Future policy benefits Supplementary contracts without life contingencies Advance premiums and other deposits Short-term debt Long-term debt Liabilities related to separate accounts Total liabilities Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — — — $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — — — $ 840,337 230,656 1,912 1,072,905 3,887,399 330,633 257,171 67,599 593,760 5,136,562 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — — — — $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — — — — $ 780,624 230,153 1,010,777 3,608,771 339,717 245,269 15,000 68,133 620,676 4,897,566 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 840,337 230,656 1,912 1,072,905 3,887,399 330,633 257,171 67,599 593,760 5,136,562 Total 780,624 230,153 1,010,777 3,608,771 339,717 245,269 15,000 68,133 620,676 4,897,566 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 that have been deemed to be impaired during the reporting period. There were no mortgage loans or real estate impaired to fair value during 2016. 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. 89 Table of Contents 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 current retention limits ranging up to $1.0 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. We have assumed closed blocks of certain life and annuity business through coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. 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 $14.6 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. 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. Ceded reinsurance reduces our revenues by the amount that we pay for premium or forego in product charges and reduces our benefits and expenses by reimbursements of claims by our reinsurers. Assumed reinsurance adds to our premiums or product charges and to benefits and expenses related to the business we assume. These impacts are shown in the table below. Impact of Reinsurance on our Financial Statements Ceded (reductions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges Insurance benefits Assumed (additions to financial statement items): Premiums and product charges Insurance benefits Reinsurance In Force and Percentage of Direct Life Insurance In Force Ceded reinsurance Assumed reinsurance 90 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) $ 33,058 22,515 $ 33,462 26,183 $ 2,670 2,302 2,751 1,231 32,513 16,972 783 1,667 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 $ 14,258 524 (Dollars in millions) 23.5% $ 0.9% 14,263 552 24.1% 0.9% Table of Contents Policy Provisions Analysis of the Value of Insurance In Force Acquired Balance at beginning of year Amortization per fixed schedule Impact of unlocking actuarial assumptions Balance at end of year Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses Value of insurance in force acquired Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 24,000 (2,198) (194) 21,608 (12,382) 9,226 (Dollars in thousands) 26,436 (2,384) (52) 24,000 (3,087) 20,913 $ $ $ $ 29,935 (2,090) (1,409) 26,436 (3,939) 22,497 We amortize the value of insurance in force based on a fixed amortization schedule. Net amortization, based on our fixed amortization schedules, for the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2017 - $2.2 million; 2018 - $2.2 million; 2019 - $2.1 million; 2020 - $2.2 million; and 2021 - $2.0 million. Certain variable annuity and variable universal life contracts in our separate accounts and in variable business we have assumed through 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 (GMDB), 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 Guaranteed minimum death benefit: Return of net deposits Return the greater of highest anniversary value or net deposits Incremental death benefit Guaranteed minimum income benefit Total December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk Separate Account Balance Net Amount at Risk (Dollars in thousands) $ 159,617 $ 543 $ 175,286 $ 270,539 241,142 32,733 $ 2,920 53,933 — 57,396 279,981 256,929 37,334 $ 623 14,858 50,159 — 65,640 The separate account assets are primarily 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 $5.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $5.4 million at December 31, 2015. The weighted average age of the contract holders with GMDB, IDB or GMIB rider exposure was 62 years at December 31, 2016 and 57 years at December 31, 2015. Benefits paid for GMDBs, IDBs and GMIBs totaled $0.5 million for 2016, $0.4 million for 2015 and $0.2 million for 2014. 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 91 Table of Contents 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 liabilities, projected future taxable income, taxable income from prior years available for recovery and tax planning strategies. Based on the available positive and negative evidence regarding future sources of taxable income, we have determined that the establishment of a valuation allowance was not necessary at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Income Tax Expenses (Credits) Taxes provided in consolidated statements of operations on: Income before equity loss: Current Deferred Equity loss, including low income housing tax credits Taxes provided in consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity: Accumulated other comprehensive income Class A and Class B common stock Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation to Federal Income Tax Rate Income before income taxes and equity loss Income tax at federal statutory rate (35%) Tax effect (decrease) of: Tax-exempt dividend and interest income Other items Income tax expense Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) 36,461 9,549 46,010 (15,498) 18,882 (846) 18,036 48,548 $ $ 40,578 6,840 47,418 (15,706) (77,473) (1,363) (78,836) (47,124) $ $ 39,562 7,773 47,335 (13,372) 75,032 (1,148) 73,884 107,847 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 141,789 49,626 (2,950) (666) 46,010 $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 151,368 52,979 (3,233) (2,328) 47,418 $ $ $ 147,101 51,485 (3,400) (750) 47,335 $ $ $ $ $ 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. 92 Table of Contents Tax Effect of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities Deferred income tax assets: Future policy benefits Accrued benefit and compensation costs Loss carryforwards Other Deferred income tax liabilities: Fixed maturity and equity securities Deferred acquisition costs Value of insurance in force acquired Property and equipment Other Net deferred income tax liability December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 30,340 10,001 5,709 2,393 48,443 131,655 62,599 3,229 7,777 6,678 211,938 163,495 $ $ 25,918 15,138 8,212 4,030 53,298 94,919 65,310 7,320 7,078 13,734 188,361 135,063 $ $ We recognize the benefits of uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of the FASB interpretation on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We had no reserve for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2016, and less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2015. 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 paid no such interest and penalties related to federal income taxes during 2016 or 2015. 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 2013. At December 31, 2016, we had non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes totaling $15.7 million, which expire beginning in 2033. We also had non-life net operating loss carryforwards in several state jurisdictions, with varying expiration dates. State deferred taxes are not generally provided on any temporary differences or carryforwards, as state taxes have historically been insignificant. We 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 $14.1 million in 2016, $13.5 million in 2015 and $12.2 million in 2014. 6. Credit Arrangements 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, 2016 and 2015, 97,000 shares of 5% Preferred Securities were outstanding, all of which we unconditionally guarantee. Short-term debt as of December 31, 2015 consisted of two short-term advances, collateralized by fixed maturity securities, payable to FHLB totaling $15.0 million. The advances included a $10.0 million advance on December 21, 2015, due January 93 Table of Contents 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%. 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 Outstanding at January 1, 2014 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Outstanding at December 31, 2014 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Issuance of common stock under compensation plans Purchase of common stock Outstanding at December 31, 2016 24,742,942 390,707 (429,746) 24,703,903 159,764 (66,904) 24,796,763 96,101 (10,322) 24,882,542 $ $ 134,993 12,028 (2,396) 144,625 5,022 (399) 149,248 3,718 (63) 152,903 $ (Dollars in thousands) 11,413 — — 11,413 — — 11,413 — — 11,413 $ 72 — — 72 — — 72 — — 72 24,754,355 390,707 (429,746) 24,715,316 159,764 (66,904) 24,808,176 96,101 (10,322) 24,893,955 $ $ 135,065 12,028 (2,396) 144,697 5,022 (399) 149,320 3,718 (63) 152,975 (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, 2016, 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 programs approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchase programs 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 programs, we repurchased 10,322 shares of stock for $0.6 million in 2016, 66,904 shares of stock for $3.7 million in 2015 and 429,746 shares of stock for $18.5 million in 2014. 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 $49.5 million remaining available for repurchases at December 31, 2016 under the active repurchase program. 94 Table of Contents 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, 2016. 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 2016, we declared a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.7 million. In March 2015, we declared a special $2.00 per share cash dividend payable to Class A and Class B common shareholders totaling $49.5 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 Balance at January 1, 2014 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Reclassification adjustments Balance at December 31, 2014 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Reclassification adjustments Balance at December 31, 2015 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Reclassification adjustments Balance at December 31, 2016 $ $ 126,587 141,947 (2,323) 266,211 (143,731) (1,693) 120,787 37,895 (1,719) 156,963 $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) (1,366) 2,497 — 1,131 (1,155) (90) (114) 1,901 (1,476) 311 $ (6,154) — (2,778) (8,932) — 2,791 (6,141) — (1,578) (7,719) $ $ 119,067 144,444 (5,101) 258,410 (144,886) 1,008 114,532 39,796 (4,773) 149,555 (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 Pension Plans. 95 Table of Contents Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustments Realized capital gains on sales of investments Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities Other than temporary impairment losses Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs Net actuarial gain Reclassifications before income taxes Income taxes Reclassification adjustments Realized capital gains on sales of investments Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities Other than temporary impairment losses Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs Net actuarial loss Reclassifications before income taxes Income taxes Reclassification adjustments Realized capital gains on sales of investments Adjustments for assumed changes in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of insurance in force acquired, unearned revenue reserve and policyholder liabilities Other expenses - change in unrecognized postretirement items: Prior service costs Net actuarial gain Reclassifications before income taxes Income taxes Reclassification adjustments Year ended December 31, 2016 Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non- Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Plans (2) Total $ (1,799) $ — $ — $ (Dollars in thousands) (1,799) (665) (2,451) (1) (2,425) (7,341) 2,568 (4,773) (845) — — — (2,644) 925 (1,719) $ 180 (2,451) — — (2,271) 795 (1,476) $ — — (1) (2,425) (2,426) 848 (1,578) $ $ $ $ $ $ Unrealized Net Investment Gains (Losses) (1) Accumulated Non- Credit Impairment Losses (1) Underfunded Portion of Certain Benefit Plans (2) Total Year ended December 31, 2015 (2,829) $ — $ — $ (2,829) (Dollars in thousands) 224 — — — (2,605) 912 (1,693) $ 7 (146) — — (139) 49 (90) $ — — (12) 4,306 4,294 (1,503) 2,791 $ 231 (146) (12) 4,306 1,550 (542) 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 (3,760) $ — $ — $ (3,760) (Dollars in thousands) 186 — — (3,574) 1,251 (2,323) $ — — — — — — $ — (11) (4,263) (4,274) 1,496 (2,778) $ 186 (11) (4,263) (7,848) 2,747 (5,101) (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. 96 Table of Contents 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 that 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, 2016. 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. Multiemployer Plan name Employer identification number Plan number FBL's contributions (in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 FBL Financial Group Retirement Plan 42-1411715 001 $30,000 $30,000 $16,800 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 2016, 2015 or 2014. We are the primary employer in the Multiemployer Plan, providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions during 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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, contributions are 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. 97 Table of Contents Funding Status and Net Periodic Pension Costs Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year Service cost Interest cost Actuarial loss (gain) Benefits paid Settlements Projected benefit obligation Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Benefits paid Settlements Fair value of plan assets at end of the year Underfunded status at end of the year Accumulated benefit obligation Multiemployer Plan As of and for the year ended December 31, Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ 319,420 5,795 14,447 15,767 (18,975) — 336,454 262,276 17,770 30,000 (18,975) — 291,071 (45,383) 297,753 $ $ $ 339,139 5,892 13,472 (13,281) (2,501) (23,301) 319,420 257,010 1,068 30,000 (2,501) (23,301) 262,276 (57,144) 279,858 $ $ $ 22,275 335 966 3,317 (2,308) — 24,585 — — 2,308 (2,308) — — (24,585) 21,407 $ $ $ 26,729 435 1,000 (2,812) (3,077) — 22,275 — — 3,077 (3,077) — — (22,275) 20,980 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. Net Periodic Pension Costs Incurred by the Plans Multiemployer Plan As of and for the year ended December 31, Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost Interest cost Expected return on assets Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of actuarial loss Effect of settlement Net periodic pension cost FBL Financial Group, Inc. share of net periodic pension cost $ $ $ 5,795 14,447 (17,865) 144 9,432 — 11,953 3,807 $ $ $ 5,892 13,472 (17,563) 144 10,464 7,998 20,407 6,614 $ $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 5,295 13,919 (17,504) 144 6,087 6,306 14,247 $ 335 966 — (1) 918 — 2,218 4,569 $ 1,260 $ $ $ 435 1,000 — (11) 1,528 — 2,952 1,671 $ $ $ 269 1,077 — (11) 1,131 — 2,466 1,372 Pension settlement charges were recognized after determining the total cash payments exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost for 2015 and 2014. 98 Table of Contents 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 value of plan assets) to determine the amounts to amortize. For the Multiemployer Plan it is expected that net periodic pension cost in 2017 will include $10.1 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 2017, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, will include $1.2 million for amortization of the actuarial loss. We expect contributions to be paid to the Multiemployer Plan by us and affiliates for 2017 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 2017 to be approximately $1.9 million, of which $0.9 million is expected to be contributed by us. Expected benefits to be paid under the Multiemployer Plan are as follows: 2017 - $14.4 million, 2018 - $16.8 million, 2019 - $17.3 million, 2020 - $19.6 million, 2021 - $19.4 million and 2022 through 2026 - $115.4 million. Expected benefits to be paid under the Other Plans are as follows: 2017 - $2.4 million, 2018 - $2.5 million, 2019 - $3.2 million, 2020 - $2.6 million, 2021 - $2.3 million and 2022 through 2026 - $9.4 million. FBL's Proportionate Share of Prepaid or Accrued Pension Cost Multiemployer Plan As of and for the year ended December 31, Other Plans As of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Amount recognized in FBL's statement of financial position Prepaid benefit cost Accrued benefit cost Net amount recognized $ $ 26,006 — 26,006 $ $ 20,258 — 20,258 Amount recognized in FBL's accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes (1) Net actuarial loss Prior service cost Net amount recognized $ $ $ $ 876 (19,159) (18,283) 12,094 — 12,094 $ $ $ $ 969 (16,746) (15,777) 9,695 (1) 9,694 (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 $45.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $57.1 million at December 31, 2015. Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation Discount rate Annual salary increases December 31 2016 2015 4.29% 3.31% 4.65% 3.31% 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. 99 Table of Contents Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost Discount rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Annual salary increases Year Ended December 31, 2016 4.65% 6.75% 3.31% 2015 4.52% / 4.05% 6.75% / 7.00% 3.31% / 3.00% 2014 4.42% / 4.99% 7.00% 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. 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 determined that the long-term return assumption is reasonable based on the current and expected asset allocations and on the Multiemployer Plan's historical investment performance. 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%. 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 2016, 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, 2016, the Multiemployer Plan assets were invested approximately 56% in fixed income investments, 41% 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. 100 Table of Contents Fair Values of the Multiemployer Plan Assets by Asset Category and Hierarchy Levels Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds International funds Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds Fixed income funds U.S. equity funds Real estate fund Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract Funded annuity contracts Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships Total Mutual funds: (1) U.S. equity funds International funds Pooled separate accounts: (1) Short-term fixed income funds Fixed income funds U.S. equity funds Real estate fund Annuities: (2) Group annuity contract Funded annuity contracts Alternative investments: (3) Limited partnerships Total Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) 35,888 35,709 $ — $ — — — — — — — 606 14,271 28,640 14,346 — — — $ — — — — — 141,782 11,382 — 71,597 $ — 57,863 $ 8,447 161,611 $ Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 30,326 29,140 $ — $ — — — — — — — 1,584 11,468 24,091 12,660 — — — $ — — — — — 134,749 11,996 — 59,466 $ — 49,803 $ 6,262 153,007 $ $ $ $ $ Total Total 35,888 35,709 606 14,271 28,640 14,346 141,782 11,382 8,447 291,071 30,326 29,140 1,584 11,468 24,091 12,660 134,749 11,996 6,262 262,276 (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. 101 Table of Contents Level 3 Multiemployer Plan Asset Changes in Fair Value December 31, 2015 Purchases (disposals), net Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2016 Return on assets Group annuity contract Funded annuity contracts Limited partnerships Total Group annuity contract Funded annuity contracts Limited partnerships Total Other Retirement Plans $ $ $ $ 134,749 11,996 6,262 153,007 December 31, 2014 128,244 12,298 4,520 145,062 $ $ $ $ 1,334 (1,287) 1,536 1,583 Purchases (disposals), net 1,156 (1,012) 1,680 1,824 $ $ $ $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 5,699 673 649 7,021 $ — $ — — — $ — $ — — — $ 141,782 11,382 8,447 161,611 December 31, 2015 Return on assets Held at year end Sold during year Transfers into (out) of level 3 December 31, 2015 $ (Dollars in thousands) 5,349 710 62 6,121 $ — $ — — — $ — $ — — — $ 134,749 11,996 6,262 153,007 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 this plan totaled $2.4 million in 2016, $2.2 million in 2015 and $2.0 million in 2014. Attained age 40 and 10 years of service at December 31, 2012 Accruing years of service in the Multiemployer Plan Yes No Yes No 100% Employer Match first 2% of employee's contributions first 4% of employee's contributions 50% Employer Match employee contributions between 2% and 4% employee contributions between 4% and 6% Discretionary Employer Contribution No 2.75% to 5.75% We have established deferred compensation plans for certain key current and former employees and have certain other benefit plans that 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 (income)/expense totaled ($0.1) million in 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015 and 2014. Changes in the underfunded portion of these plans, reported in other comprehensive income, aggregated less than ($0.1) million in 2016 and 2015 and $0.1 million in 2014. In addition to the health and medical postretirement plans being frozen to new participants, the group term life plan 102 Table of Contents will no longer be offered to employees retiring after December 31, 2016. Due to this change, we recognized $0.2 million in curtailment gain in the fourth quarter of 2016. 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. The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for these arrangements totaled less than $0.1 million for 2014. We also have a Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan. Compensation expense for arrangements under this plan totaled $2.3 million for 2016, $1.7 million for 2015 and $1.0 million for 2014. The income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for this arrangement totaled $1.2 million in 2016, $0.9 million in 2015 and $0.6 million in 2014. Stock Option Awards Prior to 2012, 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 Shares under option at January 1, 2016 Exercised Forfeited or expired Shares under option at December 31, 2016 Vested at December 31, 2016 Exercisable options at December 31, 2016 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) $ 134,848 (89,453) — 45,395 28.07 28.44 — 27.35 45,395 45,395 $ $ 27.35 27.35 2.01 2.01 2.01 $ $ $ 2,306 2,306 2,306 (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, 2016. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year totaled $3.2 million for 2016, $4.5 million for 2015 and $6.5 million for 2014. We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Cash received from stock options exercised totaled $2.5 million for 2016, $3.7 million for 2015 and $10.5 million for 2014. The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised totaled $1.0 million for 2016, $1.4 million for 2015 and $2.2 million for 2014. 103 Table of Contents Cash-Based Restricted Stock Units We annually grant performance and non-performance cash-based restricted stock units to certain executives. The restricted stock units will vest and be paid out in cash over 5 years, contingent on continued employment with us. The performance units have the same vesting requirements, but are also contingent upon meeting a financial goal. Non-performance based 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. Restricted Stock Unit Activity Restricted stock units at January 1, 2016 Granted Vested Forfeited or canceled Restricted stock units at December 31, 2016 Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant- Date Fair Value per Unit $ 145,415 25,075 (40,155) (8,818) 121,517 42.36 60.34 40.58 50.00 46.10 The weighted average grant-date fair value per common share of restricted stock units granted was $60.34 in 2016, $52.19 in 2015 and $38.63 in 2014. Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units based on the stock price at December 31, 2016 totaled $4.1 million. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted- average period of 1.83 years. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units upon vesting. Cash payments including dividends for restricted stock units totaled $2.7 million in 2016 and $1.8 million in 2015 and 2014. 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 under this plan totaled 24,923 at December 31, 2016 and 22,874 at December 31, 2015. 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 57,876 at December 31, 2016 and 56,868 at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2016, there were 110,864 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 under this plan totaled 16,323 at December 31, 2016 and 16,679 at December 31, 2015. 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 63,909 at December 31, 2016 and 66,621 at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2016, shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance under this plan totaled 99,933. 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 under this plan totaled 89 at December 31, 2016 and 84 at December 31, 2015. 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 3,168 at December 31, 2016 and 2,991 at December 31, 2015. This plan was frozen to future deferrals on December 31, 2013. 104 Table of Contents 9. Management and Other Agreements We have management agreements under which we provide general business, administrative and management services to Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and other affiliates. Fee income for these services totaled $2.2 million in 2016, $2.3 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2014. In addition, as discussed in Note 1, we provide investment advisory services and lease property and equipment under agreements with Farm Bureau Property & Casualty, other affiliates and non-affiliates. 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. 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 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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 $0.3 million in 2016, $0.7 million in 2015 and $0.9 million in 2014. 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 $8.6 million in 2016, $9.9 million in 2015 and $9.3 million in 2014 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 2016 and 2015 and $0.5 million in 2014. 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 $1.8 million in 2016 and $1.7 million in 2015 and 2014. The royalty agreement with the IFBF provides them an option to terminate the agreement if our 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 claims threatened or pending against FBL Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries for which a material loss is reasonably possible. 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, which expires in 2021, from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IFBF. Future remaining minimum lease payments under this lease, as of December 31, 2016, are as follows: 2017 - $2.1 million, 2018 - $2.1 million, 2019 - $2.1 million, 2020 - $2.1 million and 2021 - $2.1 million. Rent expense for the lease totaled $4.1 million in 2016, $4.0 million in 2015 and $4.3 million in 2014. These amounts are net of $0.2 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014 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 $0.9 million at December 31, 2016 and $1.0 million at December 31, 2015. 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 105 Table of Contents taxes. Expenses for guaranty fund assessments, net of related premium tax offsets, totaled less than $0.1 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014. 11. Earnings per Share Computation of Earnings per Common Share Numerator: Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Less: Dividends on Series B preferred stock Income available to common stockholders Denominator: Weighted-average shares - basic Effect of dilutive securities - stock-based compensation Weighted-average shares - diluted Earnings per common share Earnings per common share - assuming dilution There were no antidilutive stock options outstanding in any period presented. 12. Statutory Insurance Information Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 107,223 150 107,073 $ $ 113,527 150 113,377 $ $ 109,941 150 109,791 24,985,400 43,683 25,029,083 24,927,209 89,274 25,016,483 24,866,284 149,960 25,016,244 4.29 4.28 $ $ 4.55 4.53 $ $ 4.42 4.39 $ $ $ $ The statutory financial statements of Farm Bureau Life and Greenfields are prepared in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division of the state of Iowa and the Colorado Division of Insurance, respectively. Those insurance divisions have 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 their state. The insurance divisions may permit accounting practices that 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. 106 Table of Contents Statutory Information of our Insurance Subsidiaries Farm Bureau Life: Net gain from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) Net income Greenfields: Net gain (loss) from operations (excludes impact of realized gains and losses on investments) Net income (loss) $ 106,143 100,657 $ 100,013 106,009 $ (540) (540) (362) (362) Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) Total capital and surplus Unassigned surplus (deficit) Risk-Based Capital measurements: Total adjusted capital Company action level capital RBC Ratio FB Life December 31, Greenfields December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ 617,321 483,838 $ 603,062 469,579 $ 9,175 (1,625) $ (Dollars in thousands) 685,721 125,994 544% 668,278 117,284 570% 9,191 173 5,322% 97,799 97,393 (433) (433) 4,763 (1,037) 4,772 110 4,338% 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, 2016, Farm Bureau Life’s net gain from operations of $106.1 million, exceeded 10% of statutory surplus; accordingly, that amount is the maximum available for distribution to FBL Financial Group, Inc. without regulatory approval during 2017. Timing of such dividends during the year is limited based on the timing of dividends paid within the preceding 12 months. 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 107 Table of Contents includes indexed annuities. With indexed 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. 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 use operating income (a non-GAAP measure), in addition to net income, to measure our performance. Operating income, for the periods presented, consists of net income adjusted to exclude the impact of realized gains and losses on investments and the change in net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, which can fluctuate greatly from period to period. These fluctuations make it difficult to analyze core operating trends. In addition, for derivatives not designated as hedges, there is a mismatch between the valuation of the asset and liability when deriving net income (loss). Specifically, call options relating to our indexed business are one-year assets while the embedded derivative in the indexed contacts represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the indexed annuities are expected to be in force. Operating income is not a measure used in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, but is a common life insurance 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. 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 adjustments are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. While not applicable for the periods reported herein, our operating income policy also calls for adjustments to net income relating to the following: • • • settlements or judgments arising from lawsuits, net of any recoveries from third parties, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles and discontinued operations. Operating income adjustments are net of amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves and income taxes attributable to these items. In 2016, due to changes in product offerings since the last amendment to our policy for calculating operating income, we refined our calculation of operating income to include offsets relating to changes in interest sensitive product reserves. These offsets, net of tax, increased operating income $0.9 million in 2016. These offsets, net of tax, not taken into account in the computation of operating income for 2015 would have increased operating income $0.1 million and for 2014 would have decreased operating income $0.1 million. 108 Table of Contents Reconciliation Between Net Income and Operating Income Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Operating income adjustments: Realized gains/losses on investments (1) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) Operating income Financial Information Concerning our Operating Segments Pre-tax operating income: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Total pre-tax operating income Income taxes on operating income Operating income Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 107,223 (Dollars in thousands) 113,527 $ 713 (1,485) 106,451 $ (8,498) (141) 104,888 Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) 66,025 55,977 14,548 136,550 (30,099) 106,451 $ $ 69,950 53,146 11,668 134,764 (29,876) 104,888 $ $ $ $ 109,941 (1,786) (1,114) 107,041 2014 65,056 51,521 22,865 139,442 (32,401) 107,041 $ $ $ $ 109 Table of Contents Operating revenues: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) Consolidated revenues Net investment income: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) Consolidated net investment income Depreciation and amortization: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Net realized gains (losses) on investments (1) Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives (1) Consolidated depreciation and amortization Operating Segment Assets Assets: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Unrealized gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (2) Consolidated assets $ $ $ $ $ $ 214,486 414,446 92,703 721,635 (1,771) 6,550 726,414 210,679 154,427 32,514 397,620 6,550 404,170 8,253 15,117 5,178 28,548 (673) 562 28,437 $ $ $ $ $ $ 212,420 408,966 93,632 715,018 10,482 (2,691) 722,809 209,896 152,730 31,214 393,840 (2,691) 391,149 4,548 18,831 8,546 31,925 225 (332) 31,818 $ $ $ $ $ $ 203,477 390,609 93,646 687,732 2,937 2,270 692,939 201,550 146,349 31,913 379,812 2,270 382,082 5,709 20,027 2,895 28,631 189 125 28,945 December 31, 2016 2015 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 4,452,878 3,256,306 1,615,411 9,324,595 241,539 9,566,134 $ $ 4,209,627 3,112,756 1,623,874 8,946,257 185,747 9,132,004 (1) Amounts are net of adjustments, as applicable, to amortization of unearned revenue reserves, deferred sales inducements, deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force acquired, as well as changes in interest sensitive product reserves 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 $4.4 million for 2016, $4.1 million for 2015 and $3.1 million for 2014 relating to leases with affiliates. In the consolidated statements of operations, we record these depreciation amounts net of related lease income from affiliates. 110 Table of Contents 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, 2016 and 2015 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 life insurance industry measure of agent productivity. Net premiums collected totaled $689.7 million in 2016, $683.1 million in 2015 and $646.6 million in 2014. 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 Traditional and universal life insurance premiums collected Premiums collected on interest sensitive products Traditional life insurance premiums collected Change in due premiums and other Traditional life insurance premiums as included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 281,551 (85,622) 195,929 985 196,914 (Dollars in thousands) 281,003 (90,895) 190,108 848 190,956 $ $ $ $ 282,098 (98,796) 183,302 (2) 183,300 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. 111 Table of Contents Interest Sensitive Product Charges by Segment Annuity Surrender charges and other Life Insurance Administration charges Cost of insurance charges Surrender charges Amortization of policy initiation fees Total Corporate and Other Administration charges Cost of insurance charges Surrender charges Separate account charges Amortization of policy initiation fees Total Consolidated interest sensitive product charges as included in the Statements of Operations Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Dollars in thousands) 3,803 $ 2,524 $ 1,927 14,170 48,111 1,181 (24) 63,438 5,547 29,805 213 7,957 1,165 44,687 111,928 $ $ $ $ $ 14,342 46,911 919 3,371 65,543 5,809 29,760 346 8,854 1,748 46,517 114,584 $ $ $ $ $ 13,783 45,273 737 1,504 61,297 6,212 29,569 479 9,157 1,129 46,546 109,770 $ $ $ $ $ $ Amortization of policy initiation fees decreased in 2016, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of unlocking assumptions used in the calculation of unearned revenue reserves. Premium Concentration by State Life and annuity collected premiums: Iowa Kansas Oklahoma Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 25.1% 19.1 8.0 26.2% 18.6 8.9 25.7% 20.8 8.2 112 Table of Contents 14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations Quarter ended Premiums and product charges Net investment income Realized gains (losses) on investments Total revenues Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Earnings per common share Earnings per common share - assuming dilution Quarter ended Premiums and product charges Net investment income Realized gains (losses) on investments Total revenues Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group, Inc. Earnings per common share Earnings per common share - assuming dilution March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2016 $ $ $ $ 78,249 98,385 (607) 179,666 25,946 1.04 1.04 March 31, 75,269 98,773 (366) 177,946 23,591 73,533 103,514 621 181,284 30,017 1.20 1.20 $ 78,632 100,722 (2,294) 181,285 24,380 0.97 0.97 $ $ 2015 June 30, September 30, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) $ 77,164 97,489 7,808 186,745 32,372 76,575 95,882 (506) 175,494 26,659 $ $ $ $ 0.95 0.94 $ $ 1.30 1.29 $ $ 1.07 1.06 $ $ 78,428 101,549 517 184,179 26,880 1.07 1.07 December 31, 76,532 99,005 3,553 182,624 30,905 1.24 1.23 $ $ $ $ $ $ ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None 113 Table of Contents 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. 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, 2016, 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, 2016 that has not been previously reported. The information required by Part III, Items 10 through 14, is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual shareholders meeting to be held May 17, 2017, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2016. PART III ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV (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. 114 Table of Contents 3. Exhibits. Exhibit # 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.2(a) 4.3 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.6(a) 10.7 10.8* 10.8(a)* 10.9* 10.10* Description Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed with the Iowa Secretary of State on August 29, 2012 Fourth Restated Bylaws, as amended through May 21, 2015 Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate of the Registrant Restated Stockholders' Agreement Regarding Management and Transfer of Shares of Class B Common Stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc., effective February 14, 2013 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 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 Trademark License from the American Farm Bureau Federation to Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, dated May 20, 1987 Membership Agreement between American Farm Bureau Federation and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, dated February 13, 1987 Form of Royalty Agreement with Farm Bureau organizations adopted 2009 Form of Services Agreement between FBL Financial Group, Inc. and Farm Bureau Management Corporation, dated January 1, 1996 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. Lease Agreement dated as of March 31, 1998 between IFBF Property Management, Inc., FBL Financial Group, Inc. and Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company Amendment effective January 1, 2012 to Lease Agreement Building Management Services Agreement, dated March 31, 1998, between IFBF Property Management, Inc. and FBL Financial Group, Inc. 2006 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan as amended through February 17, 2011 Form of Stock Option Agreement, pursuant to the FBL Financial Group, Inc. 2006 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan as amended through August 21, 2013 2008 Revised Rules for Payment of Meeting Fees, Retainers and Expenses to the Board of Directors Incorporated by reference Form 10-Q 8-K S-1 10-K SEC File No. 001-11917 001-11917 333-04332 001-11917 Report Date September 30, 2012 May 21, 2015 July 11, 1996 December 31, 2013 10-K 001-11917 December 31, 2013 8-K 001-11917 June 6, 1997 S-1 S-1 10-K S-1 10-K 10-Q 10-K 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-K 333-04332 July 11, 1996 333-04332 July 11, 1996 001-11917 333-04332 December 31, 2009 July 11, 1996 001-11917 December 31, 2012 001-11917 March 31, 1998 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 December 31, 2011 March 31, 1998 March 31, 2011 March 31, 2011 September 30, 2013 December 31, 2007 115 Form 10-K 10-Q 10-K 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-Q 10-K 10-Q 10-Q Incorporated by reference SEC File No. 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 Report Date December 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2013 March 31, 2014 March 31, 2016 March 31, 2016 001-11917 March 31, 2014 001-11917 March 31, 2015 001-11917 March 31, 2014 001-11917 001-11917 001-11917 December 31, 2015 March 31, 2016 March 31, 2016 Table of Contents Exhibit # 10.11* 10.12* 10.13* 10.14* 10.15* 10.16* 10.17* 10.18* 10.19* 10.20* 10.21* 10.22* 10.23* 21+ 23+ 31.1+ 31.2+ 32+ 101+# Description Management Performance Plan, effective January 1, 2015 Management Performance Plan, effective January 1, 2016 Director Compensation Plan as amended through December 15, 2011 Cash-Based Restricted Stock Unit Plan as amended through August 21, 2013 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. Form of 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and its executive officers Form of 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and participants (other than executive officers) Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 1, 2014 between James P. Brannen and the Company Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 1, 2015 between James P. Brannen and the Company Amended Retention Agreement dated February 1, 2014 between James P. Brannen, CEO, and the Company Cash-Based Restricted Surplus Unit Plan, effective November 18, 2015 Form of 2016 Restricted Surplus Unit Agreement between the Company and its executive officers Form of 2016 Restricted Surplus Unit Agreement between the Company and participants (other than executive officers) Subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 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 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 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 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, 2016 as follows: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (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. 116 Table of Contents 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 1, 2017 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 /s/ DONALD J. SEIBEL Donald J. Seibel /s/ CRAIG D. HILL Craig D. Hill /s/ JERRY L. CHICOINE Jerry L. Chicoine /s/ ROGER K. BROOKS Roger K. Brooks /s/ RICHARD W. FELTS Richard W. Felts /s/ JOE D. HEINRICH Joe D. Heinrich /s/ JAMES A. HOLTE James A. Holte /s/ PAUL E. LARSON Paul E. Larson /s/ KEVIN G. ROGERS Kevin G. Rogers /s/ SCOTT E. VANDERWAL Scott E. VanderWal Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director March 1, 2017 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Chairman of the Board and Director Vice Chair and Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director 117 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 March 1, 2017 Table of Contents Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. December 31, 2016 Column A Column B Column C Type of Investment Cost (1) Value (Dollars in thousands) Column D Amount at which shown in the balance sheet Fixed maturities, available for sale: Bonds: Corporate Mortgage- and asset-backed United States Government and agencies State, municipal and other governments Total Equity securities, available for sale: Common stocks: Banks, trusts and insurance companies Industrial, miscellaneous and all other Non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Mortgage loans Investment real estate (2) Policy loans Short-term investments Other investments Total investments $ $ $ 3,529,997 1,714,126 30,575 1,387,013 6,661,711 $ 27,495 2,942 100,042 130,479 $ $ 817,184 2,115 188,254 16,348 7,030 7,823,121 3,708,655 1,768,904 32,072 1,499,159 7,008,790 27,495 3,056 102,417 132,968 $ $ 3,708,655 1,768,904 32,072 1,499,159 7,008,790 27,495 3,056 102,417 132,968 816,471 1,955 188,254 16,348 9,874 8,174,660 (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) Assets Investments in subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 - $29,210; 2015 - $33,389) Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2016 - $2,942; 2015 - $1,470) Short-term investments Cash and cash equivalents Amounts receivable from affiliates Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Accrued investment income Current income taxes recoverable Deferred income tax assets Other assets Total assets Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities Amounts payable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Long-term debt payable to non-affiliates Total liabilities Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock Class A common stock Class B common stock Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained earnings Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. 119 December 31, 2016 2015 1,205,356 31,182 3,056 5,988 30,803 1,758 10,487 13 153 12,622 12,585 1,314,003 28,758 43 97,000 125,801 3,000 152,903 72 149,555 882,672 1,188,202 1,314,003 $ $ $ $ 1,145,988 35,212 1,428 13,066 26,839 1,264 1,758 12 651 13,682 10,106 1,250,006 18,470 110 97,000 115,580 3,000 149,248 72 114,532 867,574 1,134,426 1,250,006 $ $ $ $ Table of Contents Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands) Revenues: Net investment income Realized gains (losses) on investments Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Management fee income from affiliates Management fee income from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Other income Total revenues Expenses: Interest expense General and administrative expenses Total expenses Income tax benefit Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Net income Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ $ 2,013 — 85,900 2,179 5,652 2 95,746 4,850 9,002 13,852 81,894 2,349 84,243 22,980 107,223 $ $ 2,033 (583) 50,000 2,277 5,654 (8) 59,373 4,850 8,795 13,645 45,728 2,507 48,235 65,292 113,527 $ $ 2,689 1,047 45,700 1,925 8,836 7 60,204 4,723 8,471 13,194 47,010 1,011 48,021 61,920 109,941 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) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Investing activities Sales of fixed maturities - available for sale Acquisitions of equity securities - available for sale Short-term investments, net change Dividends from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation) Net cash provided by investing activities Financing activities Excess tax deductions on stock-based compensation Repurchase of common stock, net Capital contribution to subsidiary Dividends paid Net cash used in financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash received (paid) during the year for: Income taxes Interest Year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ (4,342) $ 1,841 $ 4,200 5,641 (1,397) 7,078 85,900 97,222 846 1,840 — (91,602) (88,916) 3,964 26,839 30,803 5,486 (4,850) $ $ 18,618 (1,188) 395 50,000 67,825 1,362 (584) (300) (89,347) (88,869) (19,203) 46,042 26,839 6,344 (4,850) $ $ 21,347 (269) 17,617 45,700 84,395 1,199 (8,003) (1,000) (34,749) (42,553) 46,042 — 46,042 6,927 (4,850) $ $ See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. 121 Table of Contents 1. Basis of Presentation Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements December 31, 2016 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 in the form of cash totaling $85.9 million in 2016, $50.0 million in 2015 and $45.7 million in 2014. 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. 122 Table of Contents Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Deferred acquisition costs Column C Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses Column D Column E Unearned revenues Other policyholder funds (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Impact of unrealized gains/losses Total December 31, 2015: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Impact of unrealized gains/losses Total December 31, 2014: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Impact of unrealized gains/losses Total $ $ $ $ $ $ 88,762 267,545 69,664 (95,647) 330,324 85,819 248,333 75,366 (73,735) 335,783 82,778 232,020 85,506 (179,544) 220,760 $ $ $ $ $ $ 123 3,827,295 2,573,276 417,524 3,795 6,821,890 3,550,364 2,473,357 399,203 4,090 6,427,014 3,370,109 2,372,108 394,536 11,182 6,147,935 $ $ $ $ $ $ — $ 13,526 11,611 (4,215) 20,922 $ — $ 9,719 12,257 (3,352) 18,624 $ — $ 10,111 13,428 (11,461) 12,078 $ 364,966 199,944 30,543 — 595,453 370,326 194,751 29,128 — 594,205 372,244 193,567 24,823 — 590,634 Table of Contents Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Continued) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column F Column G Premium revenue Net investment income Column H Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses (Dollars in thousands) Column I Column J Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Other operating expenses December 31, 2016: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives Impact of realized gains/losses Total December 31, 2015: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives Impact of realized gains/losses Total December 31, 2014: Annuity Life Insurance Corporate and Other Change in net unrealized gains/losses on derivatives Impact of realized gains/losses Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,803 260,331 44,716 — (8) 308,842 2,524 256,504 46,519 — (7) 305,540 1,927 244,597 46,547 — (1) 293,070 124 210,679 154,427 32,514 6,550 — 404,170 209,896 152,730 31,214 (2,691) — 391,149 201,550 146,349 31,913 2,270 — 382,082 $ $ $ $ $ $ 113,543 261,757 37,296 3,704 (32) 416,268 110,356 253,461 32,346 (2,577) 2 393,588 105,669 238,841 29,470 432 4 374,416 $ $ $ $ $ $ 11,185 11,038 6,078 562 (638) 28,225 9,658 14,364 11,316 (332) 214 35,220 10,477 15,594 6,929 125 178 33,303 $ $ $ $ $ $ 23,733 75,100 8,912 — (3) 107,742 22,456 76,167 9,816 — 9 108,448 22,275 72,641 10,032 — 7 104,955 Table of Contents Schedule IV - Reinsurance FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Column A Column B Gross amount Column C Ceded to other companies Column D Assumed from other companies Column E Net amount Column F Percent of amount assumed to net (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016: Life insurance in force, at end of year Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges Traditional life insurance premiums Accident and health premiums Year ended December 31, 2015: Life insurance in force, at end of year Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges Traditional life insurance premiums Accident and health premiums Year ended December 31, 2014: Life insurance in force, at end of year Insurance premiums and other considerations: Interest sensitive product charges Traditional life insurance premiums Accident and health premiums $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 60,753,614 110,608 222,037 6,956 339,601 59,136,803 113,221 215,936 7,561 336,718 57,010,809 110,431 206,701 8,050 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 14,258,457 1,003 25,470 6,585 33,058 14,263,420 1,024 25,344 7,094 33,462 13,837,869 1,026 23,819 7,668 325,182 $ 32,513 $ 125 523,538 2,323 347 — 2,670 551,563 2,387 364 — 2,751 592,022 365 418 — 783 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 47,018,695 111,928 196,914 371 309,213 45,424,946 114,584 190,956 467 306,007 43,764,962 109,770 183,300 382 293,452 1.1% 2.1% 0.2 — 0.9 1.2% 2.1% 0.2 — 0.9 1.4% 0.3% 0.2 — 0.3 (Back To Top) Section 2: EX-21 (EXHIBIT 21) FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Subsidiaries of FBL Financial Group, Inc. Insurance Subsidiaries: Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Greenfields Life Insurance Company Noninsurance Subsidiaries: FBL Assigned Benefit Company FBL Investment Management Services, Inc. FBL Marketing Services, L.L.C. FBL Financial Group Capital Trust FBL Financial Services, Inc. FBL Leasing Services, Inc. (Back To Top) Section 3: EX-23 (EXHIBIT 23) State of Incorporation Iowa Colorado Iowa Iowa Iowa Delaware Iowa Iowa CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-136985) pertaining to the FBL Financial Group, Inc. 2006 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-108161) pertaining to the Amended and Restated FBL Financial Group, Inc. 1996 Class A Common Stock Compensation Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-159430) pertaining to the Farm Bureau 401(k) Savings Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-169033) pertaining to the FBL Financial Group, Inc. Director Compensation Plan, Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-125227) pertaining to the FBL Financial Group, Inc. Executive Salary and Bonus Deferred Compensation Plan, of our reports dated March 1, 2017, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of FBL Financial Group, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of FBL Financial Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Des Moines, Iowa March 1, 2017 (Back To Top) Section 4: EX-31.1 (EXHIBIT 31.1) Exhibit 31.1 I, James P. Brannen, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. 2. 3. 4. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of FBL Financial Group, Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) b) c) d) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) b) Date: March 1, 2017 All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. By /s/ James P. Brannen James P. Brannen Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) (Back To Top) Section 5: EX-31.2 (EXHIBIT 31.2) Exhibit 31.2 I, Donald J. Seibel, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. 2. 3. 4. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of FBL Financial Group, Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) b) c) d) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) b) Date: March 1, 2017 All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. By /s/ Donald J. Seibel Donald J. Seibel Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) (Back To Top) Section 6: EX-32 (EXHIBIT 32) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 32 In connection with the Annual Report of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the "Report"), I, James P. Brannen, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and I, Donald J. Seibel, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: March 1, 2017 By /s/ James P. Brannen James P. Brannen Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By /s/ Donald J. Seibel A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to FBL Financial Group, Inc., and will be retained by FBL Financial Group, Inc., and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Donald J. Seibel Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) (Back To Top) Shareholder Information Corporate Headquarters FBL Financial Group, Inc. 5400 University Avenue West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 (515) 225-5400 www.fblfinancial.com Stock Transfer Agent American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 866-892-5627 www.astfinancial.com Financial and Investor Inquiries Independent Auditors Ernst & Young LLP Suite 3000 801 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Form 10-K and Proxy Statement View FBL Financial Group’s Form 10-K and Proxy Statement by visiting www.fblfinancial.com and selecting Financial Information, SEC Filings. Anyone interested in learning more about FBL Financial Group can ask questions and/or request news releases, annual reports, financial supplements, and Forms 10-K and 10-Q at no charge by completing our Document Request Form for printed materials or our Contact Us Form for questions or comments. Direct mail inquires should be forwarded to: Kathleen Till Stange Vice President Corporate & Investor Relations FBL Financial Group, Inc. 5400 University Avenue West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 (515) 226-6780 email: Kathleen.TillStange@FBLFinancial.com Direct Stock Purchase Plan You can purchase FBL Financial Group Class A common stock through our stock transfer agent, American Stock Transfer. To find out more, purchase stock or manage your existing account, call 866-892-5627 or visit www.astfinancial.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements concerning FBL Financial Group’s prospects for the future are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. This includes statements on this website, statements contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and statements made by officers of the Company in oral discussions. These statements generally can be identified by their context, including terms such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” or similar words. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in FBL Financial Group’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, but are not limited to, difficult conditions in financial markets and the economy, lack of liquidity and access to capital, investment valuations, interest rate changes, changes in laws and regulations, competitive factors, relationships with Farm Bureau organizations, differences between actual claims experience and underwriting assumptions, the ability to attract and retain sales agents, adverse results from litigation and a decrease in ratings. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which FBL Financial Group believes to be reasonable; however, no assurance can be given that the assumptions will prove to be correct. These important risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any statement contained herein. Investors should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements. FBL disclaims any obligation to update forward- looking statements. Further, FBL Financial Group assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or misstatements that occur as a result of the review of dated material. For FBL Financial Group’s most current information, please reference FBL Financial Group’s current SEC filings, which may be found on FBL Financial Group’s website under Investor Relations, SEC Filings. 5400 University Avenue • West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 • 515-225-5400 www.fblfinancial.com 

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