Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

May 4, 2018

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
001-37963
 
 
 
(Commission file number)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bermuda
 
 
 
98-0630022
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
 
 
incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
Identification Number)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda
(441) 279-8400
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company ¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The number of shares of each class of our common stock outstanding is set forth in the table below, as of April 16, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common shares
164,709,405

 
Class M-2 common shares
851,103

 
 
 
 
Class B common shares
25,483,250

 
Class M-3 common shares
1,006,110

 
 
 
 
Class M-1 common shares
3,388,890

 
Class M-4 common shares
4,376,946

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION



PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 
 





Table of Contents



As used in this Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise indicates, any reference to “Athene,” “our Company,” “the Company,” “us,” “we” and “our” refer to Athene Holding Ltd. together with its consolidated subsidiaries and any reference to “AHL” refers to Athene Holding Ltd. only.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (report), other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act).

You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “assume,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning, including the negative of these or similar words and terms, in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places throughout and give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, strategies, objectives, future performance, business and other matters.

We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by us. In addition, even if our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. A number of important factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from those contained or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the risks discussed in Part II–Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report and Part I–Item 1A. Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (2017 Annual Report). Factors that could cause actual results or conditions to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this report include:

the accuracy of management’s assumptions and estimates;
variability in the amount of statutory capital that our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have or are required to hold;
interest rate fluctuations;
our potential need for additional capital in the future and the potential unavailability of such capital to us on favorable terms or at all;
changes in relationships with important parties in our product distribution network;
the activities of our competitors and our ability to grow our retail business in a highly competitive environment;
the impact of general economic conditions on our ability to sell our products and the fair value of our investments;
our ability to successfully acquire new companies or businesses and/or integrate such acquisitions into our existing framework;
downgrades, potential downgrades or other negative actions by rating agencies;
our dependence on key executives and inability to attract qualified personnel, or the potential loss of Bermudian personnel as a result of Bermuda employment restrictions;
market and credit risks that could diminish the value of our investments;
foreign currency fluctuations;
the impact of changes to the creditworthiness of our reinsurance and derivative counterparties;
changes in consumer perception regarding the desirability of annuities as retirement savings products;
potential litigation (including class action litigation), enforcement investigations or regulatory scrutiny against us and our subsidiaries, which we may be required to defend against or respond to;
the impact of new accounting rules or changes to existing accounting rules on our business;
interruption or other operational failures in telecommunication and information technology and other operating systems, as well as our ability to maintain the security of those systems;
the termination by Athene Asset Management LLC (AAM) of its investment management agreements with us and limitations on our ability to terminate such arrangements;
AAM’s dependence on key executives and inability to attract qualified personnel;
increased regulation or scrutiny of alternative investment advisers and certain trading methods;
potential changes to regulations affecting, among other things, transactions with our affiliates, the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments or distributions to us, acquisitions by or of us, minimum capitalization and statutory reserve requirements for insurance companies and fiduciary obligations on parties who distribute our products;
suspension or revocation of our subsidiaries’ insurance and reinsurance licenses;
increases in our tax liability resulting from the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) or unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective or counterproductive efforts undertaken to mitigate the cost of the BEAT;
improper interpretation or application of Public Law no. 115-97, the Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (Tax Act) or subsequent changes to, clarifications of or guidance under the Tax Act that is counter to our interpretation and has retroactive effect;
Athene Holding Ltd. (AHL) or its non-U.S. subsidiaries becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation;
adverse changes in U.S. tax law;

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our being subject to U.S. withholding tax under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA);
our potential inability to pay dividends or distributions; and
other risks and factors listed under Part II—Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report, Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors included
in our 2017 Annual Report and elsewhere in this report and in our 2017 Annual Report.

We caution you that the important factors referenced above may not be exhaustive. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results or developments we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our operations in the way we expect or anticipate. In light of these risks, you should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements contained in this report. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation, except as may be required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.


GLOSSARY OF SELECTED TERMS

Unless otherwise indicated in this report, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Entities
Term or Acronym
 
Definition
A-A Mortgage
 
A-A Mortgage Opportunities, LP
AAA
 
AP Alternative Assets, L.P.
AAA Investor
 
AAA Guarantor – Athene, L.P.
AADE
 
Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company
AAIA
 
Athene Annuity and Life Company
AAM
 
Athene Asset Management LLC
AGER
 
AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd., now known as Athora Holding Ltd. and formerly a consolidated subsidiary
AHL
 
Athene Holding Ltd.
ALIC
 
Athene Life Insurance Company
ALR
 
ALR Aircraft Investment Ireland Limited
ALRe
 
Athene Life Re Ltd.
AmeriHome
 
AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC
Apollo
 
Apollo Global Management, LLC
Apollo Group
 
(1) Apollo, (2) the AAA Investor, (3) any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle whose general partner or managing member is owned, directly or indirectly, by Apollo or one or more of Apollo’s subsidiaries, (4) BRH Holdings GP, Ltd. and its shareholders and (5) any affiliate of any of the foregoing (except that AHL and its subsidiaries and employees of AHL, its subsidiaries or AAM are not members of the Apollo Group)
Athene USA
 
Athene USA Corporation
Athora
 
Athora Holding Ltd., formerly known as AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. and formerly a consolidated subsidiary
CoInvest Other
 
AAA Investments (Other), L.P.
CoInvest VI
 
AAA Investments (Co-Invest VI), L.P.
CoInvest VII
 
AAA Investments (Co-Invest VII), L.P.
DOL
 
United States Department of Labor
MidCap
 
MidCap FinCo Limited
NAIC
 
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
NCL LLC
 
NCL Athene, LLC
NYSDFS
 
New York State Department of Financial Services
Sprint
 
Apollo Asia Sprint Co-Investment Fund, L.P.
Voya
 
Voya Financial, Inc.
VIAC
 
Voya Insurance and Annuity Company
Venerable
 
Venerable Holdings, Inc.


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Certain Terms & Acronyms
Term or Acronym
 
Definition
ABS
 
Asset-backed securities
ACL
 
Authorized control level RBC as defined by the model created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
ALM
 
Asset liability management
ALRe RBC
 
The risk-based capital ratio of ALRe, when applying the NAIC risk-based capital factors
AUM
 
Assets under management
Alternative investments
 
Alternative investments, including investment funds, CLO equity positions and certain other debt instruments considered to be equity-like
Base of earnings
 
Earnings generated from our results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business
BEAT
 
Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax
Bermuda capital
 
The capital of ALRe calculated under U.S. statutory accounting principles, including that for policyholder reserve liabilities which are subjected to U.S. cash flow testing requirements, but excluding certain items that do not exist under our applicable Bermuda requirements, such as interest maintenance reserves
Block reinsurance
 
A transaction in which the ceding company cedes all or a portion of a block of previously issued annuity contracts through a reinsurance agreement
BMA
 
Bermuda Monetary Authority
BSCR
 
Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement
CAL
 
Company action level RBC as defined by the model created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Capital ratio
 
Ratios calculated (1) with respect to our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, by reference to RBC, (2) with respect to ALRe, by reference to BSCR, and (3) with respect to our former German Group Companies, by reference to SCR
CLO
 
Collateralized loan obligation
CMBS
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Cost of crediting
 
The interest credited to the policyholders on our fixed annuities, including, with respect to our fixed indexed annuities, option costs, presented on an annualized basis for interim periods
DAC
 
Deferred acquisition costs
Deferred annuities
 
Fixed indexed annuities, annual reset annuities and multi-year guaranteed annuities
DSI
 
Deferred sales inducement
Excess capital
 
Capital in excess of the level management believes is needed to support our current operating strategy
FIA
 
Fixed indexed annuity, which is an insurance contract that earns interest at a crediting rate based on a specified index on a tax-deferred basis
Fixed annuities
 
FIAs together with fixed rate annuities
Fixed rate annuity
 
An insurance contract that offers tax-deferred growth and the opportunity to produce a guaranteed stream of retirement income for the lifetime of its policyholder
Flow reinsurance
 
A transaction in which the ceding company cedes a portion of newly issued policies to the reinsurer
GAAP
 
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GLWB
 
Guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit
GMDB
 
Guaranteed minimum death benefit
IMA
 
Investment management agreement
IMO
 
Independent marketing organization
Invested assets
 
The sum of (a) total investments on the consolidated balance sheet with AFS securities at amortized cost, excluding derivatives, (b) cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, (c) investments in related parties, (d) accrued investment income, (e) consolidated variable interest entities’ assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest and (f) policy loans ceded (which offset the direct policy loans in total investments). Invested assets includes investments supporting assumed funds withheld and modco agreements and excludes assets associated with funds withheld liabilities related to business exited through reinsurance agreements and derivative collateral (offsetting the related cash positions)
Investment margin
 
Investment margin applies to deferred annuities and is the excess of our net investment earned rate over the cost of crediting to our policyholders, presented on an annualized basis for interim periods
Liability outflows
 
The aggregate of withdrawals on our deferred annuities, maturities of our funding agreements, payments on payout annuities and pension risk benefit payments
LIMRA
 
Life Insurance and Market Research Association

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Term or Acronym
 
Definition
MCR
 
Minimum capital requirements
MMS
 
Minimum margin of solvency
Modco
 
Modified coinsurance
MVA
 
Market value adjustment
MYGA
 
Multi-year guaranteed annuity
Net investment earned rate
 
Income from our invested assets divided by the average invested assets for the relevant period, presented on an annualized basis for interim periods
Other liability costs
 
Other liability costs include DAC, DSI and VOBA amortization and change in GLWB and GMDB reserves for all products, the cost of liabilities on products other than deferred annuities including offsets for premiums, product charges and other revenues
OTTI
 
Other-than-temporary impairment
Overall tax rate
 
Tax rate including corporate income taxes, the BEAT and excise taxes
Payout annuities
 
Annuities with a current cash payment component, which consist primarily of SPIAs, supplemental contracts and structured settlements
Policy loan
 
A loan to a policyholder under the terms of, and which is secured by, a policyholder’s policy
PRT
 
Pension risk transfer
RBC
 
Risk-based capital
Reserve liabilities
 
The sum of (a) interest sensitive contract liabilities, (b) future policy benefits, (c) dividends payable to policyholders, and (d) other policy claims and benefits, offset by reinsurance recoverable, excluding policy loans ceded. Reserve liabilities also includes the reserves related to assumed modco agreements in order to appropriately match the costs incurred in the consolidated statements of income with the liabilities. Reserve liabilities is net of the ceded liabilities to third-party reinsurers as the costs of the liabilities are passed to such reinsurers and therefore we have no net economic exposure to such liabilities, assuming our reinsurance counterparties perform under our agreements
Rider reserves
 
Guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits and guaranteed minimum death benefits reserves
RMBS
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
RML
 
Residential mortgage loan
Sales
 
All money paid into an individual annuity, including money paid into new contracts with initial purchase occurring in the specified period and existing contracts with initial purchase occurring prior to the specified period (excluding internal transfers)
SPIA
 
Single premium immediate annuity
Surplus assets
 
Assets in excess of policyholder obligations, determined in accordance with the applicable domiciliary jurisdiction’s statutory accounting principles
TAC
 
Total adjusted capital as defined by the model created by the NAIC
U.S. RBC Ratio
 
The CAL RBC ratio for AADE, our parent U.S. insurance company
VIE
 
Variable interest entity
VOBA
 
Value of business acquired



6

Table of Contents


Item 1.    Financial Statements

Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)


(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities (amortized cost: 2018 – $57,371 and 2017 – $58,506)
$
58,575

 
$
61,012

Trading securities
2,088

 
2,196

Equity securities, at fair value
160

 
790

Mortgage loans, net of allowances (portion at fair value: 2018 – $41 and 2017 – $41)
6,139

 
6,233

Investment funds (portion at fair value: 2018 – $131 and 2017 – $145)
647

 
699

Policy loans
510

 
530

Funds withheld at interest (portion at fair value: 2018 – $207 and 2017 – $312)
7,093

 
7,085

Derivative assets
2,031

 
2,551

Real estate (portion held for sale: 2018 – $0 and 2017 – $32)

 
624

Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2018 – $235 and 2017 – $201)
235

 
201

Other investments (portion at fair value: 2018 – $39 and 2017 – $0)
113

 
133

Total investments
77,591

 
82,054

Cash and cash equivalents
2,735

 
4,888

Restricted cash
87

 
105

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities (amortized cost: 2018 – $501 and 2017 – $399)
505

 
406

Trading securities
305

 
307

Investment funds (portion at fair value: 2018 – $153 and 2017 – $30)
1,499

 
1,310

Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2018 – $123 and 2017 – $52)
123

 
52

Other investments
238

 
238

Accrued investment income (related party: 2018 – $12 and 2017 – $10)
620

 
652

Reinsurance recoverable (portion at fair value: 2018 – $1,713 and 2017 – $1,824)
4,834

 
4,972

Deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and value of business acquired
3,142

 
2,930

Other assets
1,067

 
969

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, trading, at fair value – related party
47

 
48

Equity securities, at fair value – related party
177

 
240

Investment funds – related party (portion at fair value: 2018 – $554 and 2017 – $549)
582

 
571

Cash and cash equivalents
3

 
4

Other assets
2

 
1

Total assets
$
93,557

 
$
99,747

(Continued)
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

8

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)


(In millions, except share and per share data)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities (portion at fair value: 2018 – $8,188 and 2017 – $8,929)
$
67,551

 
$
67,708

Future policy benefits (portion at fair value: 2018 – $2,305 and 2017 – $2,428)
13,059

 
17,507

Other policy claims and benefits
137

 
211

Dividends payable to policyholders
119

 
1,025

Long-term debt
992

 

Derivative liabilities
186

 
134

Payables for collateral on derivatives
1,145

 
2,323

Funds withheld liability (portion at fair value: 2018 – $11 and 2017 – $22)
395

 
407

Other liabilities (related party: 2018 – $89 and 2017 – $64)
1,277

 
1,222

Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities
1

 
2

Total liabilities
84,862

 
90,539

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
Common stock
 
 
 
Class A – par value $0.001 per share; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 425,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 164,722,131 and 2017 – 142,386,704 shares

 

Class B – par value $0.001 per share; convertible to Class A; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 325,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 25,483,250 and 2017 – 47,422,399 shares

 

Class M-1 – par value $0.001 per share; contingently convertible to Class A; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 7,109,560 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 3,388,890 and 2017 – 3,388,890 shares

 

Class M-2 – par value $0.001 per share; contingently convertible to Class A; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 851,103 and 2017 – 851,103 shares

 

Class M-3 – par value $0.001 per share; contingently convertible to Class A; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 7,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 1,006,110 and 2017 – 1,092,000 shares

 

Class M-4 – par value $0.001 per share; contingently convertible to Class A; authorized: 2018 and 2017 – 7,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2018 – 4,398,646 and 2017 – 4,711,743 shares

 

Additional paid-in capital
3,485

 
3,472

Retained earnings
4,625

 
4,321

Accumulated other comprehensive income (related party: 2018 – $4 and 2017 – $48)
585

 
1,415

Total shareholders' equity
8,695

 
9,208

Total liabilities and equity
$
93,557

 
$
99,747

(Concluded)
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
Premiums
$
278

 
$
52

Product charges
96

 
81

Net investment income (related party investment income: 2018 – $76 and 2017 – $56; and related party investment expense: 2018 – $83 and 2017 – $78)
855

 
786

Investment related gains (losses) (related party: 2018 – $17 and 2017 – $(11))
(236
)
 
682

Other-than-temporary impairment investment losses
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
(3
)
 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to (from) other comprehensive income

 
(1
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
(3
)

(1
)
Other revenues
6

 
8

Revenues of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
Net investment income (related party: 2018 – $10 and 2017 – $10)
10

 
10

Investment related gains (losses) (related party: 2018 – $5 and 2017 – $1)
5

 
1

Total revenues
1,011

 
1,619

Benefits and expenses
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract benefits
19

 
692

Amortization of deferred sales inducements
20

 
18

Future policy and other policy benefits
401

 
214

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
89

 
104

Dividends to policyholders
13

 
32

Policy and other operating expenses (related party: 2018 – $2 and 2017 – $4)
142

 
153

Total benefits and expenses
684

 
1,213

Income before income taxes
327

 
406

Income tax expense
59

 
22

Net income
$
268

 
$
384

 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
Basic – Classes A, B, M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-41
$
1.36

 
$
2.00

Diluted – Class A
1.36

 
1.92

Diluted – Class B
1.36

 
2.00

Diluted – Class M-1
1.36

 
2.00

Diluted – Class M-2
1.34

 
0.08

Diluted – Class M-31
1.33

 
N/A

Diluted – Class M-41
0.94

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
N/A – Not applicable
1 Basic and diluted earnings per share for class M-3 and M-4 were not applicable for the period ended March 31, 2017. See Note 8  Earnings Per Share for further discussion.

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
268

 
$
384

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
(910
)
 
419

Noncredit component of other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale securities

 
1

Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments
(56
)
 
(5
)
Pension adjustments
3

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(8
)
 
2

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(971
)
 
417

Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income
(183
)
 
111

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(788
)
 
306

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(520
)
 
$
690


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited)


(In millions)
Common stock
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
Total Athene Holding Ltd. shareholders' equity
 
Noncontrolling interest
 
Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2016
$

 
$
3,421

 
$
3,070

 
$
367

 
$
6,858

 
$
1

 
$
6,859

Net income

 

 
384

 

 
384

 

 
384

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
306

 
306

 

 
306

Stock-based compensation

 
15

 

 

 
15

 

 
15

Retirement or repurchase of shares

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Other changes in equity of noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$

 
$
3,436

 
$
3,452

 
$
673

 
$
7,561

 
$

 
$
7,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
$

 
$
3,472

 
$
4,321

 
$
1,415

 
$
9,208

 
$

 
$
9,208

Adoption of accounting standards1

 

 
39

 
(42
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Net income

 

 
268

 

 
268

 

 
268

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 
(788
)
 
(788
)
 

 
(788
)
Issuance of shares, net of expenses

 
1

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Stock-based compensation

 
12

 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Retirement or repurchase of shares

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$

 
$
3,485

 
$
4,625

 
$
585

 
$
8,695

 
$

 
$
8,695

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 See discussion of adoptions in Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


12

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
268

 
$
384

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
89

 
104

Amortization of deferred sales inducements
20

 
18

Accretion of net investment premiums, discounts, and other
(45
)
 
(54
)
Stock-based compensation
7

 
13

Net investment income (related party: 2018 – $(43) and 2017 – $(27))
(29
)
 
(30
)
Net recognized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives (related party: 2018 – $(24) and 2017 – $10)
209

 
(547
)
Policy acquisition costs deferred
(122
)
 
(105
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accrued investment income
(27
)
 
(21
)
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
(201
)
 
655

Future policy benefits, other policy claims and benefits, dividends payable to policyholders and reinsurance recoverable
333

 
(18
)
Funds withheld assets and liabilities
(7
)
 
(91
)
Other assets and liabilities
84

 
121

Consolidated variable interest entities related:
 
 
 
Net recognized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives (related party: 2018 – $(6) and 2017 – $(1))
(6
)
 
(1
)
Other operating activities, net

 
1

Net cash provided by operating activities
573

 
429

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities (related party: 2018 – $57 and 2017 – $7)
3,017

 
2,688

Trading securities (related party: 2018 – $1 and 2017 – $14)
31

 
42

Equity securities (related party: 2018 – $0 and 2017 – $22)
2

 
170

Mortgage loans
396

 
281

Investment funds (related party: 2018 – $52 and 2017 – $23)
83

 
52

Derivative instruments and other invested assets
551

 
360

Short-term investments
103

 
95

Purchases of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities (related party: 2018 – $(158) and 2017 – $(25))
(5,914
)
 
(4,274
)
Trading securities
(25
)
 
(17
)
Equity securities
(9
)
 
(211
)
Mortgage loans
(463
)
 
(265
)
Investment funds (related party: 2018 – $(182) and 2017 – $(71))
(213
)
 
(94
)
Derivative instruments and other invested assets
(224
)
 
(189
)
Real estate

 
(7
)
Short-term investments (related party: 2018 – $(72) and 2017 – $(20))
(209
)
 
(93
)
Consolidated variable interest entities related:
 
 
 
Sales, maturities, and repayments of investments (related party: 2018 – $59 and 2017 – $0)
59

 

Purchases of investments (related party: 2018 – $0 and 2017 – $(21))

 
(21
)
Deconsolidation of AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. and its subsidiaries
(296
)
 

Cash settlement of derivatives
(2
)
 
(8
)
Other investing activities, net
229

 
363

Net cash used in investing activities
(2,884
)
 
(1,128
)
 
 
 
(Continued)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
 

13

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Capital contributions
$
1

 
$

Proceeds from long-term debt
998

 

Deposits on investment-type policies and contracts
1,774

 
1,925

Withdrawals on investment-type policies and contracts
(1,474
)
 
(1,399
)
Payments for coinsurance agreements on investment-type contracts, net
(10
)
 
(10
)
Net change in cash collateral posted for derivative transactions
(1,178
)
 
298

Repurchase of common stock
(3
)
 
(2
)
Other financing activities, net
31

 
5

Net cash provided by financing activities
139

 
817

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
4

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(2,172
)
 
122

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year1
4,997

 
2,516

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period1
$
2,825

 
$
2,638

 
 
 
 
Supplementary information
 
 
 
Non-cash transactions
 
 
 
Deposits on investment-type policies and contracts through reinsurance agreements
$
108

 
$
169

Withdrawals on investment-type policies and contracts through reinsurance agreements
91

 
182

Investments received from settlements on reinsurance agreements

 
24

Investment in Athora Holding Ltd. received upon deconsolidation
108

 

 
 
 
 
1 Includes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents of consolidated variable interest entities.
(Concluded)
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements



14

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Athene Holding Ltd. (AHL), a Bermuda exempted company, together with its subsidiaries (collectively, Athene, we, our, us, or the Company), is a leading retirement services company that issues, reinsures and acquires retirement savings products in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

We conduct business primarily through the following consolidated subsidiaries:

Our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries, to which AHL’s other insurance subsidiaries and third party ceding companies directly and indirectly reinsure a portion of their liabilities, including Athene Life Re Ltd. (ALRe), a Bermuda exempted company; and
Athene USA Corporation, an Iowa corporation and its subsidiaries (Athene USA).

In addition, we consolidate certain variable interest entities (VIEs), for which we determined we are the primary beneficiary, as discussed in Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities.

Basis of Presentation—We have prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, considered necessary for fair statement of the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the entire year.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates. Actual results may differ from estimates used in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Deconsolidation – AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. and its subsidiaries, now known as Athora Holding Ltd. (Athora), was our consolidated subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2017. In April 2017, in connection with a private offering, Athora entered into subscription agreements with AHL, certain affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (AGM and, together with its subsidiaries, Apollo) and a number of other third-party investors pursuant to which Athora secured commitments from such parties to purchase new common shares in Athora (Athora Offering). In November 2017, the Athora board of directors approved resolutions authorizing the closing of the Athora Offering (Closing) to occur on January 1, 2018 and approving a capital call from all of the Athora investors, excluding us. In connection with the Closing and the issuance of shares in respect of the capital call, each of which occurred on January 1, 2018, our equity interest in Athora was exchanged for common shares of Athora. As a result, on January 1, 2018, we held 10% of the aggregate voting power of and less than 50% of the economic interest in Athora and, as such, it is thereafter held as a related party investment rather than a consolidated subsidiary. We did not recognize a material amount in the condensed consolidated statements of income upon deconsolidation in 2018.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition (ASU 2017-13, ASU 2016-20, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2015-14 and ASU 2014-09)
These updates are based on the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised 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. These updates replace all general and most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance, excluding insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments and guarantees, which have been scoped out of these updates. Since the guidance does not apply to revenue on contracts accounted for under the financial instruments or insurance contracts standards, only a portion of our revenues are impacted by this guidance. We adopted these updates on a modified retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. The adoptions did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging – Targeted Improvements (ASU 2017-12)
The amendments in this update contain improvements to the financial reporting of hedging relationships that more closely reflect the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. Additionally, the amendments in this update make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting. We early adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU 2017-05)
The amendments in this update clarify the scope of asset derecognition guidance and accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. We adopted this update on a modified retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. The adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


15

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18)
This update requires amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, and have changed the presentation on the consolidated statements of cash flows as required by this update.

Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers (ASU 2016-16)
This update requires the immediate recognition of current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets, other than inventory. Prior to adoption, recognition of the income tax consequence was not recognized until the asset was sold to an outside party. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative-effect decrease to beginning retained earnings of $3 million.

Statement of Cash Flows (ASU 2016-15)
This update provides specific guidance to clarify how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The update also clarifies the application of the predominance principle when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement (ASU 2016-01)
This update changes the accounting for certain equity investments, the presentation of changes in the fair value of liabilities measured under the fair value option due to instrument-specific credit risk, and certain disclosures. For liabilities measured under the fair value option, changes in fair value attributable to instrument-specific credit risk will no longer affect net income, but will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income (OCI). Additionally, this update requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with subsequent changes recognized in net income, except for those accounted for under the equity method or requiring consolidation. Prior to the effective date of this update, changes in fair value related to available-for-sale (AFS) equity securities were recognized in OCI. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative-effect increase to beginning retained earnings of $42 million and a corresponding decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Additionally, we combined the presentation of AFS and trading equity securities on the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Leases (ASU 2018-1, ASU 2017-13 and ASU 2016-02)
These updates are intended to increase transparency and comparability for lease transactions. A lessee is required to recognize an asset and a liability for all lease arrangements longer than 12 months. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. We will be required to adopt these updates on a modified retrospective basis effective January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We have reviewed our existing lease contracts and our implementation efforts are primarily focused on assessing the financial impact of these updates on our consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04)
The amendments in this update simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the comparison of the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill to determine the goodwill impairment loss. With the adoption of this guidance, a goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. We will be required to adopt this update prospectively effective January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13)
This update is designed to reduce complexity by limiting the number of credit impairment models used for different assets. The model will result in accelerated credit loss recognition on assets held at amortized cost, which includes our commercial and residential mortgage investments. The identification of credit-deteriorated securities will include all assets that have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit since origination. Additionally, any changes in the expected cash flows of credit-deteriorated securities will be recognized immediately in the income statement. AFS fixed maturity securities are not in scope of the new credit loss model, but will undergo targeted improvements to the current reporting model including the establishment of a valuation allowance for credit losses versus the current direct write down approach. We will be required to adopt this update effective January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted effective January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.



16

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


2. Investments

Available-for-sale SecuritiesThe following table represents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) in AOCI of our AFS investments by asset type. Our AFS investment portfolio includes direct investments in affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (AGM and, together with its subsidiaries, Apollo) where Apollo can exercise significant influence over the affiliates. These investments are presented as investments in related parties on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are separately disclosed below.
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
OTTI
in AOCI
Available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

 
$

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
995

 
140

 
(3
)
 
1,132

 

Foreign governments
137

 
2

 
(3
)
 
136

 

Corporate
35,489

 
875

 
(497
)
 
35,867

 
1

CLO
5,617

 
36

 
(11
)
 
5,642

 

ABS
4,595

 
44

 
(32
)
 
4,607

 
1

CMBS
1,981

 
32

 
(34
)
 
1,979

 
1

RMBS
8,532

 
666

 
(11
)
 
9,187

 
10

Total AFS securities
57,371

 
1,795

 
(591
)
 
58,575

 
13

Available-for-sale securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
456

 
4

 

 
460

 

ABS
45

 

 

 
45

 

Total AFS securities – related party
501

 
4

 

 
505

 

Total AFS securities, including related party
$
57,872

 
$
1,799

 
$
(591
)
 
$
59,080

 
$
13


 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
OTTI
in AOCI
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
63

 
$
1

 
$
(2
)
 
$
62

 
$

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
996

 
171

 
(2
)
 
1,165

 

Foreign governments
2,575

 
116

 
(8
)
 
2,683

 

Corporate
35,173

 
1,658

 
(171
)
 
36,660

 

CLO
5,039

 
53

 
(8
)
 
5,084

 

ABS
3,945

 
53

 
(27
)
 
3,971

 
1

CMBS
1,994

 
48

 
(21
)
 
2,021

 
1

RMBS
8,721

 
652

 
(7
)
 
9,366

 
11

Total fixed maturity securities
58,506

 
2,752

 
(246
)
 
61,012

 
13

Equity securities1
271

 
7

 
(1
)
 
277

 

Total AFS securities
58,777

 
2,759

 
(247
)
 
61,289

 
13

Available-for-sale securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
353

 
7

 

 
360

 

ABS
46

 

 

 
46

 

Total AFS securities – related party
399

 
7

 

 
406

 

Total AFS securities, including related party
$
59,176

 
$
2,766

 
$
(247
)
 
$
61,695

 
$
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Included in equity securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


17

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities, including related party, are shown by contractual maturity below:    
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
1,041

 
$
1,042

Due after one year through five years
8,291

 
8,337

Due after five years through ten years
10,732

 
10,721

Due after ten years
16,582

 
17,060

CLO, ABS, CMBS and RMBS
20,725

 
21,415

Total AFS fixed maturity securities
57,371

 
58,575

Fixed maturity securities – related party, CLO and ABS
501

 
505

Total AFS fixed maturity securities, including related party
$
57,872

 
$
59,080


Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Unrealized Losses on AFS SecuritiesThe following summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses for AFS securities, including related party, aggregated by class of security and length of time the fair value has remained below amortized cost:
 
March 31, 2018
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
(In millions)
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
23

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
23

 
$

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
70

 
(1
)
 
46

 
(2
)
 
116

 
(3
)
Foreign governments
55

 
(2
)
 
20

 
(1
)
 
75

 
(3
)
Corporate
13,298

 
(296
)
 
2,630

 
(201
)
 
15,928

 
(497
)
CLO
1,508

 
(6
)
 
291

 
(5
)
 
1,799

 
(11
)
ABS
1,166

 
(13
)
 
541

 
(19
)
 
1,707

 
(32
)
CMBS
825

 
(19
)
 
168

 
(15
)
 
993

 
(34
)
RMBS
561

 
(8
)
 
138

 
(3
)
 
699

 
(11
)
Total AFS securities
17,506

 
(345
)
 
3,834

 
(246
)
 
21,340

 
(591
)
Available-for-sale securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
10

 

 

 

 
10

 

ABS
41

 

 

 

 
41

 

Total AFS securities – related party
51

 

 

 

 
51

 

Total AFS securities, including related party
$
17,557

 
$
(345
)
 
$
3,834

 
$
(246
)
 
$
21,391

 
$
(591
)


18

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
December 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
(In millions)
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
34

 
$
(1
)
 
$
9

 
$
(1
)
 
$
43

 
$
(2
)
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
50

 
(1
)
 
39

 
(1
)
 
89

 
(2
)
Foreign governments
435

 
(6
)
 
76

 
(2
)
 
511

 
(8
)
Corporate
3,992

 
(49
)
 
2,457

 
(122
)
 
6,449

 
(171
)
CLO
414

 
(2
)
 
340

 
(6
)
 
754

 
(8
)
ABS
515

 
(5
)
 
549

 
(22
)
 
1,064

 
(27
)
CMBS
460

 
(8
)
 
179

 
(13
)
 
639

 
(21
)
RMBS
506

 
(3
)
 
210

 
(4
)
 
716

 
(7
)
Total fixed maturity securities
6,406

 
(75
)
 
3,859

 
(171
)
 
10,265

 
(246
)
Equity securities1
134

 
(1
)
 

 

 
134

 
(1
)
Total AFS securities
6,540

 
(76
)
 
3,859

 
(171
)
 
10,399

 
(247
)
Available-for-sale securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
29

 

 

 

 
29

 

ABS
42

 

 

 

 
42

 

Total AFS securities – related party
71

 

 

 

 
71

 

Total AFS securities, including related party
$
6,611

 
$
(76
)
 
$
3,859

 
$
(171
)
 
$
10,470

 
$
(247
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Included in equity securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As of March 31, 2018, we held 2,662 AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Of this total, 467 were in an unrealized loss position 12 months or more. As of March 31, 2018, we held three related party AFS securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Of this total, none were in an unrealized loss position 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on AFS securities can primarily be attributed to changes in market interest rates since acquisition. We did not recognize the unrealized losses in income as we intend to hold these securities and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost.

Other-Than-Temporary ImpairmentsFor the three months ended March 31, 2018, we incurred $3 million of net OTTI, of which $2 million related to intent-to-sell impairments. These securities were impaired to fair value as of the impairment date. The remaining net OTTI of $1 million related to credit impairments where a portion was bifurcated in AOCI. Any credit loss impairments not bifurcated in AOCI are excluded from the rollforward below.

The following table represents a rollforward of the cumulative amounts recognized on the condensed consolidated statements of income for OTTI related to pre-tax credit loss impairments on AFS fixed maturity securities, for which a portion of the securities’ total OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
7

 
$
16

Initial impairments – credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired
1

 

Additional impairments – credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired

 

Reduction in impairments from securities sold, matured or repaid
(1
)
 

Reduction for credit loss that no longer has a portion of the OTTI loss recognized in AOCI

 

Ending balance
$
7

 
$
16



19

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Net Investment Income—Net investment income by asset class consists of the following:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
AFS securities
$
668

 
$
620

Trading securities
44

 
50

Equity securities
2

 
3

Mortgage loans
91

 
85

Investment funds
65

 
55

Funds withheld at interest
46

 
36

Other
23

 
17

Investment revenue
939

 
866

Investment expenses
(84
)
 
(80
)
Net investment income
$
855

 
$
786


Investment Related Gains (Losses)—Investment related gains (losses) by asset class consists of the following:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
AFS securities
 
 
 
Gross realized gains on investment activity
$
21

 
$
28

Gross realized losses on investment activity
(6
)
 
(8
)
Net realized investment gains on AFS securities
15

 
20

Net realized investment losses on trading securities
(89
)
 
(14
)
Net realized investment gains on equity securities
1

 
18

Derivative gains (losses)
(184
)
 
654

Other gains
21

 
4

Investment related gains (losses)
$
(236
)
 
$
682


Proceeds from sales of AFS securities were $1,637 million and $1,531 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table summarizes the change in unrealized gains and losses on trading and equity securities, including related party, we still held as of the respective period end:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Trading securities
$
(69
)
 
$
11

Trading securities – related party
(2
)
 
(12
)
Equity securities

 
15


Purchased Credit Impaired (PCI) Investments—The following table summarizes our PCI investments:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
 
Mortgage loans
Contractually required payments receivable
$
9,009

 
$
9,690

 
$
1,131

 
$
1,140

Less: Cash flows expected to be collected1
(7,996
)
 
(8,188
)
 
(1,098
)
 
(1,090
)
Non-accretable difference
$
1,013

 
$
1,502

 
$
33

 
$
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows expected to be collected1
$
7,996

 
$
8,188

 
$
1,098

 
$
1,090

Less: Amortized cost
(6,084
)
 
(6,168
)
 
(807
)
 
(817
)
Accretable difference
$
1,912

 
$
2,020

 
$
291

 
$
273

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value
$
6,622

 
$
6,703

 
$
877

 
$
844

Outstanding balance
7,468

 
8,026

 
935

 
946

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Represents the undiscounted principal and interest cash flows expected.

20

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



During the period, we acquired PCI investments with the following amounts at the time of purchase:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
 
Mortgage loans
Contractually required payments receivable
$
215

 
$

Cash flows expected to be collected
197

 

Fair value
166

 


The following table summarizes the activity for the accretable yield on PCI investments:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
 
Mortgage loans
Beginning balance at January 1
$
2,020

 
$
273

Purchases of PCI investments, net of sales
16

 
(2
)
Accretion
(100
)
 
(10
)
Net reclassification from (to) non-accretable difference
(24
)
 
30

Ending balance at March 31
$
1,912

 
$
291


Mortgage Loans—Mortgage loans, net of allowances, consists of the following:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commercial mortgage loans
$
5,109

 
$
5,223

Commercial mortgage loans under development
24

 
24

Total commercial mortgage loans
5,133

 
5,247

Residential mortgage loans
1,006

 
986

Mortgage loans, net of allowances
$
6,139

 
$
6,233


We primarily invest in commercial mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, industrial properties and retail and office buildings. We diversify the commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographic region and property type to reduce concentration risk. We evaluate mortgage loans based on relevant current information to confirm if properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the related debt.


21

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The distribution of commercial mortgage loans, including those under development, net of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region, is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except for percentages)
Net Carrying Value
 
Percentage of Total
 
Net Carrying Value
 
Percentage of Total
Property type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office building
$
1,389

 
27.1
%
 
$
1,187

 
22.6
%
Retail
1,167

 
22.7
%
 
1,223

 
23.3
%
Hotels
935

 
18.2
%
 
928

 
17.7
%
Industrial
789

 
15.4
%
 
944

 
18.0
%
Apartment
441

 
8.6
%
 
525

 
10.0
%
Other commercial
412

 
8.0
%
 
440

 
8.4
%
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
5,133

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,247

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Region
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
East North Central
$
654

 
12.8
%
 
$
643

 
12.3
%
East South Central
128

 
2.5
%
 
144

 
2.7
%
Middle Atlantic
825

 
16.1
%
 
909

 
17.3
%
Mountain
488

 
9.5
%
 
492

 
9.4
%
New England
186

 
3.6
%
 
162

 
3.1
%
Pacific
1,119

 
21.8
%
 
991

 
18.9
%
South Atlantic
900

 
17.5
%
 
873

 
16.6
%
West North Central
223

 
4.3
%
 
233

 
4.4
%
West South Central
610

 
11.9
%
 
655

 
12.5
%
Total U.S. Region
5,133

 
100.0
%
 
5,102

 
97.2
%
International Region

 
%
 
145

 
2.8
%
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
5,133

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,247

 
100.0
%

Our residential mortgage loan portfolio includes first lien residential mortgage loans collateralized by properties located in the U.S. As of March 31, 2018, California, Florida and New York represented 35.9%, 14.9% and 5.8%, respectively, of the portfolio, and the remaining 43.4% represented all other states, with each individual state comprising less than 5% of the portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, California, Florida and New York represented 34.3%, 15.6% and 6.0%, respectively, of the portfolio, and the remaining 44.1% represented all other states, with each individual state comprising less than 5% of the portfolio.

Mortgage Loan Valuation AllowanceThe assessment of mortgage loan impairments and valuation allowances is substantially the same for residential and commercial mortgage loans. The valuation allowance was $1 million as of March 31, 2018 and $2 million as of December 31, 2017. We did not record any material activity in the valuation allowance during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017.

Residential mortgage loans – The primary credit quality indicator of residential mortgage loans is loan performance. Nonperforming residential mortgage loans are 90 days or more past due and/or are in non-accrual status. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $37 million and $28 million, respectively, of our residential mortgage loans were non-performing.

Commercial mortgage loans – As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all of our commercial mortgage loans were less than 30 days past due.

Loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are measures we use to assess the risk and quality of commercial mortgage loans other than those under development. Loans under development are not evaluated using these ratios as the properties underlying these loans are generally not yet income-producing and the value of the underlying property significantly fluctuates based on the progress of construction. Therefore, the risk and quality of loans under development are evaluated based on the aging and geographical distribution of such loans as shown above.


22

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The loan-to-value ratio is expressed as a percentage of the amount of the loan relative to the value of the underlying property. A loan-to-value ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the underlying collateral. The following represents the loan-to-value ratio of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, excluding those under development, net of valuation allowances:    
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Less than 50%
$
1,769

 
$
1,841

50% to 60%
1,312

 
1,390

61% to 70%
1,721

 
1,691

71% to 100%
307

 
301

Commercial mortgage loans
$
5,109

 
$
5,223


The debt service coverage ratio, based upon the most recent financial statements, is expressed as a percentage of a property’s net operating income to its debt service payments. A debt service ratio of less than 1.0 indicates a property’s operations do not generate enough income to cover debt payments. The following represents the debt service coverage ratio of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, excluding those under development, net of valuation allowances:    
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Greater than 1.20x
$
4,667

 
$
4,742

1.00x – 1.20x
298

 
297

Less than 1.00x
144

 
184

Commercial mortgage loans
$
5,109

 
$
5,223


Investment Funds—Our investment fund portfolio consists of funds that employ various strategies and include investments in real estate and other real assets, credit, private equity, natural resources and hedge funds. Investment funds typically meet the definition of VIEs and are discussed further in Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities.


3. Derivative Instruments

We use a variety of derivative instruments to manage risks, primarily equity, interest rate, credit, foreign currency and market volatility. See Note 5 – Fair Value for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of derivative instruments:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency swaps
1,324

 
$
2

 
$
155

 
928

 
$
1

 
$
99

Interest rate swaps
302

 

 

 
302

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
2

 
155

 
 
 
1

 
99

Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity options
31,868

 
2,019

 
13

 
31,460

 
2,500

 
19

Futures
5

 
5

 

 
1,134

 
7

 

Total return swaps
56

 

 
4

 
114

 
5

 

Foreign currency swaps
39

 
2

 
4

 
41

 
21

 
3

Interest rate swaps
550

 

 
1

 
385

 

 
2

Credit default swaps
10

 

 
5

 
10

 

 
5

Foreign currency forwards
637

 
3

 
4

 
1,139

 
17

 
6

Embedded derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld

 
207

 
11

 

 
312

 
22

Interest sensitive contract liabilities

 

 
7,254

 

 

 
7,436

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
2,236

 
7,296

 
 
 
2,862

 
7,493

Total derivatives
 
 
$
2,238

 
$
7,451

 
 
 
$
2,863

 
$
7,592



23

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Derivatives Designated as Hedges

Foreign currency swaps We use foreign currency swaps to convert foreign currency denominated cash flows of an investment to U.S. dollars to reduce cash flow fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. Certain of these swaps are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, which will expire by December 2045. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had foreign currency swap losses of $56 million and $5 million, respectively, recorded in AOCI. There were no amounts reclassified to income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and as of March 31, 2018, no amounts are expected to be reclassified to income within the next 12 months.

Interest rate swaps – We use interest rate swaps to reduce market risks from interest rate changes and to alter interest rate exposure arising from duration mismatches between assets and liabilities. Certain of these swaps entered into during the fourth quarter of 2016 are designated as fair value hedges. With an interest rate swap, we agree with another party to exchange the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts tied to an agreed-upon notional principal amount at specified intervals. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of the hedged interest sensitive contract liabilities was $279 million and $293 million, respectively, and the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the hedged interest sensitive contract liabilities included gains of $17 million and $12 million, respectively. The gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedge relationships are recorded in interest sensitive contract benefits on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The derivatives had losses of $7 million and $1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the related hedged items had gains of $5 million and $1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

Equity options – We use equity indexed options to economically hedge fixed indexed annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index, primarily the S&P 500. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, we enter into contracts to buy equity indexed options. The contracts are net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price.

Futures – Futures contracts are purchased to hedge the growth in interest credited to the customer as a direct result of increases in the related indices. We enter into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission clearing brokers who are members of a trading exchange. Under exchange-traded futures contracts, we agree to purchase a specified number of contracts with other parties and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily fair values of those contracts.

Total return swaps – We purchase total rate of return swaps to gain exposure and benefit from a reference asset or index without ownership. Total rate of return swaps are contracts in which one party makes payments based on a set rate, either fixed or variable, while the other party makes payments based on the return of the underlying asset or index, which includes both the income it generates and any capital gains.

Credit default swaps – Credit default swaps provide a measure of protection against the default of an issuer or allow us to gain credit exposure to an issuer or traded index. We use credit default swaps coupled with a bond to synthetically create the characteristics of a reference bond. These transactions have a lower cost and are generally more liquid relative to the cash market. We receive a periodic premium for these transactions as compensation for accepting credit risk.

Hedging credit risk involves buying protection for existing credit risk. The exposure resulting from the agreements, which is usually the notional amount, is equal to the maximum proceeds that must be paid by a counterparty for a defaulted security. If a credit event occurs on a reference entity, then a counterparty who sold protection is required to pay the buyer the trade notional amount less any recovery value of the security.

Foreign currency forwards – We use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain exposures to foreign currency risk. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment is made at a specified future date.

Embedded derivatives – We have embedded derivatives which are required to be separated from their host contracts and reported as derivatives. Host contracts include reinsurance agreements structured on a modco or funds withheld basis and indexed annuity products.


24

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following is a summary of the gains (losses) related to derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Equity options
$
(142
)
 
$
528

Futures
(5
)
 
(10
)
Swaps
2

 
5

Foreign currency forwards
(7
)
 
1

Embedded derivatives on funds withheld
(32
)
 
130

Amounts recognized in investment related gains (losses)
(184
)
 
654

Embedded derivatives in indexed annuity products1
238

 
(431
)
Total gains on derivatives not designated as hedges
$
54

 
$
223

 
 
 
 
1 Included in interest sensitive contract benefits.

Credit Risk—We may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of counterparty nonperformance on derivative financial instruments. Generally, the current credit exposure of our derivative contracts is the fair value at the reporting date less any collateral received from the counterparty.

We manage credit risk related to over-the-counter derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties. Where possible, we maintain collateral arrangements and use master netting agreements that provide for a single net payment from one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. We have also established counterparty exposure limits, where possible, in order to evaluate if there is sufficient collateral to support the net exposure.

Collateral arrangements typically require the posting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. Collateral agreements often contain posting thresholds, some of which may vary depending on the posting party’s financial strength ratings. Additionally, a decrease in our financial strength rating to a specified level can result in settlement of the derivative position.

The estimated fair value of our net derivative and other financial assets and liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows:
 
 
 
Gross amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Gross amount recognized1
 
Financial instruments2
 
Collateral received/pledged
 
Net amount
 
Off-balance sheet securities collateral3
 
Net amount after securities collateral
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
$
2,031

 
$
(87
)
 
$
(1,145
)
 
$
799

 
$
(769
)
 
$
30

Derivative liabilities
(186
)
 
87

 
98

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
$
2,551

 
$
(59
)
 
$
(2,323
)
 
$
169

 
$
(221
)
 
$
(52
)
Derivative liabilities
(134
)
 
59

 
63

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 The gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, amounts not subject to master netting or similar agreements were immaterial.
2 Represents amounts offsetting derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement that are not netted against the gross derivative assets or gross derivative liabilities for presentation on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
3 For non-cash collateral received, we do not recognize the collateral on our balance sheet unless the obligor (transferor) has defaulted under the terms of the secured contract and is no longer entitled to redeem the pledged asset. Amounts do not include any excess of collateral pledged or received.



25

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


4. Variable Interest Entities

Our investment funds typically meet the definition of a VIE, and in certain cases these investment funds are consolidated in our financial statements because we meet the criteria of the primary beneficiary.

Consolidated VIEs—We consolidate AAA Investments (Co-Invest VI), L.P. (CoInvest VI), AAA Investments (Co-Invest VII), L.P. (CoInvest VII), AAA Investments (Other), L.P. (CoInvest Other), NCL Athene, LLC (NCL LLC), Apollo Asia Sprint Co-Investment Fund, L.P. (Sprint) and ALR Aircraft Investment Ireland Limited (ALR), which are investment funds. We are the only limited partner or Class A member in these investment funds and receive all of the economic benefits and losses, other than management fees and carried interest, as applicable, paid to the general partner in each entity, or a related entity, which are related parties. We do not have any voting rights as limited partner and, as the limited partner or Class A member, do not solely satisfy the power criteria to direct the activities that significantly impact the economics of the VIE. However, the criteria for the primary beneficiary are satisfied by our related party group and, because substantially all of the activities are conducted on our behalf, we consolidate the investment funds.

No arrangement exists requiring us to provide additional funding in excess of our committed capital investment, liquidity, or the funding of losses or an increase to our loss exposure in excess of our investment in the VIEs. We elected the fair value option for certain fixed maturity and equity securities, and investment funds, which are reported in the consolidated variable interest entity sections on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

CoInvest VI, CoInvest VII and CoInvest Other were formed to make investments, including co-investments alongside private equity funds sponsored by Apollo. We received our interests in CoInvest VI, CoInvest VII and CoInvest Other as part of a contribution agreement in 2012 with AAA Guarantor – Athene, L.P. (AAA Investor) and its subsidiary, Apollo Life Re Ltd., in order to provide a capital base to support future acquisitions.

CoInvest VII holds a significant investment in MidCap FinCo Limited (MidCap), which is included in investment funds of consolidated VIEs on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We have purchased pools of loans sourced by MidCap and contemporaneously sold subordinated participation interests in the loans to a subsidiary of MidCap. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $14 million due to MidCap under the subordinated participation agreement which is reflected as a secured borrowing in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we have advanced amounts under a subordinated debt facility to MidCap and, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the principal balance due was $245 million, and this is included in other related party investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NCL LLC was formed to hold the investment in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) shares, which were previously held by CoInvest VI. NCL LLC is subject to the same management fees, selling restrictions with respect to shares of NCLH, and carried interest calculation as CoInvest VI. NCL LLC classifies its NCLH shares as equity securities. We are the primary beneficiary and consolidate NCL LLC, as substantially all of its activities are conducted on our behalf.

We have a 100% limited partnership interest in Sprint, an entity formed to make a co-investment alongside private equity funds sponsored by Apollo. The underlying investment is a structured credit facility on a nearly complete skyscraper in Southeast Asia. We are the primary beneficiary and consolidate Sprint, as substantially all of its activities are conducted on our behalf.

During the first quarter of 2018, we invested in profit participating notes of ALR. ALR was formed to invest in a joint venture that provides airplane lease financing to a major commercial airline. We are the only investor in the profit participating notes and, as substantially all of the activities of ALR are conducted on our behalf, we are the primary beneficiary and consolidate ALR.

Trading securities related party – Trading securities represents investments in fixed maturity securities with changes in fair value recognized in investment related gains (losses) within revenues of consolidated variable interest entities on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The change in unrealized gains and losses on trading securities we still held as of the respective period end resulted in no unrealized gains or losses during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Trading securities held by CoInvest VI and CoInvest VII are related party investments because Apollo affiliates exercise significant influence over the operations of these investees.

Equity securities related party – Changes in fair value of equity securities are recognized in investment related gains (losses) within revenues of consolidated variable interest entities on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Prior period unrealized changes in fair value of equity securities designated as AFS were recognized in OCI. The change in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities we still held as of the respective period end resulted in unrealized losses of $25 million and $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Equity securities held by CoInvest VI, CoInvest VII, CoInvest Other and NCL LLC are related party investments because Apollo affiliates exercise significant influence over the operations of these investees.

Investment funds related party – Investment funds include non-fixed income, alternative investments in the form of limited partnerships or similar legal structures that meet the definition of VIEs; however, our consolidated VIEs are not considered the primary beneficiary of these investment funds. Changes in fair value for certain of these investment funds are included in investment related gains (losses) within revenues of consolidated variable interest entities on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Investment funds held by CoInvest VII, CoInvest Other and Sprint are related party investments as they are sponsored or managed by Apollo affiliates.


26

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Fair Value—See Note 5 – Fair Value for a description of the levels of our fair value hierarchy and our process for determining the level we assign our assets and liabilities carried at fair value.

The following represents the hierarchy for assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, trading
$
47

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
47

Equity securities
177

 

 
149

 

 
28

Investment funds
554

 
534

 

 

 
20

Cash and cash equivalents
3

 

 
3

 

 

Total assets of consolidated VIEs measured at fair value
$
781

 
$
534

 
$
152

 
$

 
$
95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, trading
$
48

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
48

Equity securities
240

 

 
212

 

 
28

Investment funds
549

 
528

 

 

 
21

Cash and cash equivalents
4

 

 
4

 

 

Total assets of consolidated VIEs measured at fair value
$
841

 
$
528

 
$
216

 
$

 
$
97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Valuation Methods – See Note 5 – Fair Value for the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of trading securities, equity securities, investment funds and cash and cash equivalents.


27

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Level 3 Financial Instruments – The following is a reconciliation for all VIE Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Beginning Balance
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
included in income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Transfers in (out)
 
Ending Balance
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings1
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$
48

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
47

 
$

Equity securities
28

 

 

 

 

 
28

 

Investment funds
21

 
1

 

 
(2
)
 

 
20

 
1

Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs
$
97

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$
95

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Related to instruments held at end of period.
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions)
Beginning Balance
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
included in income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Transfers in (out)
 
Ending Balance
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings1
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$
50

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
50

 
$

Equity securities
43

 
(11
)
 

 

 

 
32

 
(11
)
Investment funds
38

 

 

 

 

 
38

 

Total Level 3 assets of consolidated VIEs
$
131

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
120

 
$
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Related to instruments held at end of period.

There were no transfers between Level 1 or Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Significant Unobservable Inputs For certain Level 3 trading securities and investment funds, the valuations have significant unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, comparable multiples and weighted average cost of capital rates applied in the valuation models. These inputs in isolation can cause significant increases or decreases in fair value. For example, the comparable multiples may be multiplied by the underlying investment’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization or by some other applicable financial metric to establish the total enterprise value of the underlying investments. A comparable multiple consistent with the implied trading multiple of public industry peers or relevant recent private transactions are used when available.

For other Level 3 trading securities, valuations are performed using a discounted cash flow model. For a discounted cash flow model, the significant input is the discount rate applied to present value the projected cash flows. An increase in the discount rate can significantly lower the fair value; a decrease in the discount rate can significantly increase the fair value. The discount rate may be determined by considering the weighted average cost of capital calculation of companies in similar industries with comparable debt to equity ratios.

Fair Value Option – The following represents the gains (losses) recorded for instruments within the consolidated VIEs for which we have elected the fair value option:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Equity securities
$
(9
)
 
$
(4
)
Investment funds
6

 
5

Total gains (losses)
$
(3
)
 
$
1


Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Held at Fair Value – Assets of consolidated variable interest entities includes $28 million and $22 million of investment funds accounted for under the equity method and not carried at fair value as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; however, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Non-Consolidated Securities and Investment Funds

Fixed Maturity Securities – We invest in securitization entities as a debt holder or an investor in the residual interest of the securitization vehicle, which are included in fixed maturity securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These entities are deemed VIEs due to insufficient equity within the structure and lack of control by the equity investors over the activities that significantly impact the economics of the entity. In general, we are a debt investor within these entities and, as such, hold a variable interest; however, due to the debt holders’ lack of ability to control the decisions within the trust that significantly impact the entity, and the fact the debt holders are protected from losses due to the subordination by the equity tranche, the debt holders are not deemed the primary beneficiary. Securitization vehicles in which we hold the residual tranche are not consolidated because we do not unilaterally have substantive rights to remove the general partner, or when assessing related party interests, we are not under common control, as defined by GAAP, with the related party, nor are substantially all of the activities conducted on our behalf; therefore, we are not deemed the primary beneficiary. Debt investments and investments in the residual tranche of securitization entities are considered debt instruments and are held at fair value on the balance sheet and classified as AFS or trading.

Investment funds – Investment funds include non-fixed income, alternative investments in the form of limited partnerships or similar legal structures.

Our risk of loss associated with our non-consolidated investments is limited and depends on the investment, including any unfunded commitments, as follows: (1) investment funds accounted for under the equity method are limited to our capital contributions, net of return of capital; (2) investment funds under the fair value option are limited to the fair value; (3) AFS securities and other investments are limited to amortized cost; and (4) trading securities are limited to carrying value.

The following summarizes the carrying value and maximum loss exposure of these non-consolidated investments:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Loss Exposure
 
Carrying Value
 
Maximum Loss Exposure
Investment funds
$
647

 
$
1,104

 
$
699

 
$
1,036

Investment in related parties – investment funds
1,499

 
2,665

 
1,310

 
2,598

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities – investment funds
582

 
606

 
571

 
594

Investment in fixed maturity securities
21,971

 
21,281

 
21,022

 
20,278

Investment in related parties – fixed maturity securities
810

 
806

 
713

 
792

Total non-consolidated investments
$
25,509

 
$
26,462

 
$
24,315

 
$
25,298



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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following summarizes our investment funds, including related party investment funds and investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except for percentages and years)
Carrying value
 
Percent of total
 
Remaining life in years
 
Carrying value
 
Percent of total
 
Remaining life in years
Investment funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity
$
240

 
37.1
%
 
0
6
 
$
271

 
38.8
%
 
0
7
Real estate and other real assets
174

 
26.9
%
 
1
7
 
161

 
23.0
%
 
1
7
Natural resources
4

 
0.6
%
 
1
1
 
4

 
0.6
%
 
1
1
Hedge funds
56

 
8.7
%
 
0
2
 
61

 
8.7
%
 
0
3
Credit funds
173

 
26.7
%
 
0
4
 
202

 
28.9
%
 
0
5
Total investment funds
647

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
699

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Investment funds – related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity – A-A Mortgage1
418

 
27.9
%
 
5
5
 
403

 
30.8
%
 
5
5
Private equity – other
283

 
18.9
%
 
0
6
 
180

 
13.7
%
 
0
10
Real estate and other real assets
322

 
21.5
%
 
0
6
 
297

 
22.7
%
 
0
7
Natural resources
98

 
6.5
%
 
4
5
 
74

 
5.6
%
 
4
6
Hedge funds
99

 
6.6
%
 
11
11
 
93

 
7.1
%
 
9
9
Credit funds
279

 
18.6
%
 
1
4
 
263

 
20.1
%
 
2
4
Total investment funds – related parties
1,499

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
1,310

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity – MidCap2
534

 
91.8
%
 
N/A
 
528

 
92.5
%
 
N/A
Credit funds
20

 
3.4
%
 
0
3
 
21

 
3.7
%
 
0
3
Real estate and other real assets
28

 
4.8
%
 
1
2
 
22

 
3.8
%
 
2
3
Total investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs
582

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
571

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Total investment funds including related parties and funds owned by consolidated VIEs
$
2,728

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,580

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 A-A Mortgage Opportunities, LP (A-A Mortgage) is a platform to originate residential mortgage loans and mortgage servicing rights. Our total investment in A-A Mortgage, including amounts loaned to Aris Mortgage Holding Company LLC (Aris Holdco), a 100% equity investment of A-A Mortgage, was $541 million and $455 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
2 Our total investment in MidCap, including amounts advanced under credit facilities, totaled $772 million and $766 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Summarized Ownership of Investment Funds—The following table presents the carrying value by ownership percentage of equity method investment funds, including related party investment funds and investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Ownership Percentage
 
 
 
100%
$
15

 
$
35

50% – 99%
579

 
520

3% – 49%
1,296

 
1,301

Equity method investment funds
$
1,890

 
$
1,856


The following table presents the carrying value by ownership percentage of investment funds where we elected the fair value option, including related party investment funds and investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Ownership Percentage
 
 
 
3% – 49%
$
690

 
$
590

Less than 3%
148

 
134

Fair value option investment funds
$
838

 
$
724




30

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


5. Fair Value

Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. We determine fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy:

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

Level 2 – Quoted prices for inactive markets or valuation techniques that require observable direct or indirect inputs for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
Observable inputs other than quoted market prices, and
Observable inputs derived principally from market data through correlation or other means.

Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques with unobservable inputs significant to the overall fair value estimate. These valuations use critical assumptions not readily available to market participants. Level 3 valuations are based on market standard valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flows, matrix pricing or other similar techniques.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the instrument’s fair value measurement.

We use a number of valuation sources to determine fair values. Valuation sources can include quoted market prices; third-party commercial pricing services; third-party brokers; industry-standard, vendor modeling software that uses market observable inputs; and other internal modeling techniques based on projected cash flows. We periodically review the assumptions and inputs of third-party commercial pricing services through internal valuation price variance reviews, comparisons to internal pricing models, back testing to recent trades, or monitoring trading volumes.

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following represents the hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
25

 
$

 
$
23

 
$
2

 
$

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
1,132

 

 

 
1,132

 

Foreign governments
136

 

 

 
136

 

Corporate
35,867

 

 

 
35,186

 
681

CLO
5,642

 

 

 
5,475

 
167

ABS
4,607

 

 

 
3,313

 
1,294

CMBS
1,979

 

 

 
1,916

 
63

RMBS
9,187

 

 

 
9,149

 
38

Total AFS securities
58,575

 

 
23

 
56,309

 
2,243

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
3

 

 
3

 

 

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
130

 

 

 
113

 
17

Corporate
1,399

 

 

 
1,399

 

CLO
27

 

 

 
26

 
1

ABS
94

 

 

 
94

 

CMBS
50

 

 

 
50

 

RMBS
385

 

 

 
64

 
321

Total trading securities
2,088

 

 
3

 
1,746

 
339

Equity securities
160

 

 
11

 
149

 

Mortgage loans
41

 

 

 

 
41

Investment funds
131

 
106

 

 

 
25

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivative
207

 

 

 

 
207

Derivative assets
2,031

 

 
5

 
2,026

 

Short-term investments
235

 

 
48

 
187

 

Other investments
39

 

 

 
39

 

Cash and cash equivalents
2,735

 

 
2,735

 

 

Restricted cash
87

 

 
87

 

 

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
460

 

 

 
398

 
62

ABS
45

 

 

 
45

 

Total AFS securities – related party
505

 

 

 
443

 
62

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
134

 

 

 
43

 
91

ABS
171

 

 

 

 
171

Total trading securities – related party
305

 

 

 
43

 
262

Investment funds
153

 
42

 

 

 
111

Short-term investments
123

 

 

 
123

 

Reinsurance recoverable
1,713

 

 

 

 
1,713

Total assets measured at fair value
$
69,128

 
$
148

 
$
2,912

 
$
61,065

 
$
5,003

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Continued)


32

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$
7,254

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,254

Universal life benefits
934

 

 

 

 
934

Future policy benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AmerUs Closed Block
1,541

 

 

 

 
1,541

ILICO Closed Block and life benefits
764

 

 

 

 
764

Derivative liabilities
186

 

 

 
181

 
5

Funds withheld liability – embedded derivative
11

 

 

 
11

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
10,690

 
$

 
$

 
$
192

 
$
10,498

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Concluded)


 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
62

 
$

 
$
26

 
$
36

 
$

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
1,165

 

 

 
1,165

 

Foreign governments
2,683

 

 

 
2,683

 

Corporate
36,660

 

 

 
36,082

 
578

CLO
5,084

 

 

 
5,020

 
64

ABS
3,971

 

 

 
2,510

 
1,461

CMBS
2,021

 

 

 
1,884

 
137

RMBS
9,366

 

 

 
9,065

 
301

Total AFS securities
61,012

 

 
26

 
58,445

 
2,541

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
3

 

 
3

 

 

U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
138

 

 

 
121

 
17

Corporate
1,475

 

 

 
1,475

 

CLO
27

 

 

 
10

 
17

ABS
94

 

 

 
17

 
77

CMBS
51

 

 

 
51

 

RMBS
408

 

 

 
66

 
342

Total trading securities
2,196

 

 
3

 
1,740

 
453

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Continued)


33

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Total
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Equity securities
790

 

 
18

 
764

 
8

Mortgage loans
41

 

 

 

 
41

Investment funds
145

 
104

 

 

 
41

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivative
312

 

 

 

 
312

Derivative assets
2,551

 

 
7

 
2,544

 

Short-term investments
201

 

 
40

 
161

 

Cash and cash equivalents
4,888

 

 
4,888

 

 

Restricted cash
105

 

 
105

 

 

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
360

 

 

 
360

 

ABS
46

 

 

 
46

 

Total AFS securities – related party
406

 

 

 
406

 

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
132

 

 

 
27

 
105

ABS
175

 

 

 
175

 

Total trading securities – related party
307

 

 

 
202

 
105

Investment funds
30

 
30

 

 

 

Short-term investments
52

 

 

 
52

 

Reinsurance recoverable
1,824

 

 

 

 
1,824

Total assets measured at fair value
$
74,860

 
$
134

 
$
5,087

 
$
64,314

 
$
5,325

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$
7,436

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,436

Universal life benefits
1,005

 

 

 

 
1,005

Unit-linked contracts
488

 

 

 
488

 

Future policy benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AmerUs Closed Block
1,625

 

 

 

 
1,625

ILICO Closed Block and life benefits
803

 

 

 

 
803

Derivative liabilities
134

 

 

 
129

 
5

Funds withheld liability – embedded derivative
22

 

 

 
22

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
11,513

 
$

 
$

 
$
639

 
$
10,874

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Concluded)


See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities for fair value disclosures associated with consolidated VIEs.

Fair Value Valuation Methods—We used the following valuation methods and assumptions to estimate fair value:

Fixed maturity AFS and trading securities We obtain the fair value for most marketable securities without an active market from several commercial pricing services. These are classified as Level 2 assets. The pricing services incorporate a variety of market observable information in their valuation techniques, including benchmark yields, trading activity, credit quality, issuer spreads, bids, offers and other reference data. This category typically includes U.S. and non-U.S. corporate bonds, U.S. agency and government guaranteed securities, CLO, ABS, CMBS and RMBS.

We value privately placed fixed maturity securities based on the credit quality and duration of comparable marketable securities, which may be securities of another issuer with similar characteristics. In some instances, we use a matrix-based pricing model. These models consider the current level of risk-free interest rates, corporate spreads, credit quality of the issuer and cash flow characteristics of the security. We also consider additional factors such as net worth of the borrower, value of collateral, capital structure of the borrower, presence of guarantees and our evaluation of the borrower’s ability to compete in its relevant market. Privately placed fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2 or 3.


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Equity securities Fair values of publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices and classified as Level 1. Other equity securities, typically private equities or equity securities not traded on an exchange, we value based on other sources, such as commercial pricing services or brokers and are classified as Level 2 or 3.

Mortgage loans – Mortgage loans for which we have elected the fair value option or those held for sale are carried at fair value. We estimate fair value on a monthly basis using discounted cash flow analysis and rates being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The discounted cash flow model uses unobservable inputs, including estimates of discount rates and loan prepayments. Mortgage loans are classified as Level 3.

Funds withheld (embedded derivative) – We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative based on the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld payable under the combined coinsurance, modco and coinsurance funds withheld reinsurance agreements. As a result, the fair value of the embedded derivative is classified as Level 2 or 3 based on the valuation methods used for the assets held in trust supporting the reinsurance agreements.

Derivatives – Derivative contracts can be exchange traded or over-the-counter. Exchange-traded derivatives typically fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy depending on trading activity. Over-the-counter derivatives are valued using valuation models or an income approach using third-party broker valuations. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlation of the inputs. We consider and incorporate counterparty credit risk in the valuation process through counterparty credit rating requirements and monitoring of overall exposure. We also evaluate and include our own nonperformance risk in valuing derivatives. The majority of our derivatives trade in liquid markets; therefore, we can verify model inputs and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. These are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents – including restricted cash – The carrying amount for cash equals fair value. We estimate the fair value for cash equivalents based on quoted market prices. These assets are classified as Level 1.

Interest sensitive contract liabilities (embedded derivative) Embedded derivatives related to interest sensitive contract liabilities with fixed indexed annuity products are classified as Level 3. The valuations include significant unobservable inputs associated with economic assumptions and actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior.

Unit-linked contracts Unit-linked contracts are valued based on the fair value of the investments supporting the contract. The underlying investments are trading securities comprised primarily of mutual funds. The valuations of these are based on quoted market prices for similar assets and are classified as Level 2, resulting in a corresponding classification for the unit-linked contracts.

AmerUs Closed Block We elected the fair value option for the future policy benefits liability in the AmerUs Closed Block. Our valuation technique is to set the fair value of policyholder liabilities equal to the fair value of assets. There is an additional component which captures the fair value of the open block’s obligations to the closed block business. This component is the present value of the projected release of required capital and future earnings before income taxes on required capital supporting the AmerUs Closed Block, discounted at a rate which represents a market participant’s required rate of return, less the initial required capital. Unobservable inputs include estimates for these items. The AmerUs Closed Block policyholder liabilities and any corresponding reinsurance recoverable are classified as Level 3.

ILICO Closed Block – We elected the fair value option for the ILICO Closed Block. Our valuation technique is to set the fair value of policyholder liabilities equal to the fair value of assets. There is an additional component which captures the fair value of the open block’s obligations to the closed block business. This component uses the present value of future cash flows which include commissions, administrative expenses, reinsurance premiums and benefits, and an explicit cost of capital. The discount rate includes a margin to reflect the business and non-performance risk. Unobservable inputs include estimates for these items. The ILICO Closed Block policyholder liabilities and corresponding reinsurance recoverable are classified as Level 3.

Universal life liabilities and other life benefits We elected the fair value option for certain blocks of universal and other life business ceded to Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited (together with its subsidiaries, Global Atlantic). We use a present value of liability cash flows. Unobservable inputs include estimates of mortality, persistency, expenses, premium payments and a risk margin used in the discount rates that reflects the riskiness of the business. These universal life policyholder liabilities and corresponding reinsurance recoverable are classified as Level 3.


35

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Fair Value OptionThe following represents the gains (losses) recorded for instruments for which we have elected the fair value option:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Trading securities
$
(89
)
 
$
(14
)
Equity securities

 
16

Investment funds, including related party investment funds
(4
)
 
7

Future policy benefits
84

 
4

Total gains (losses)
$
(9
)
 
$
13


Gains and losses on trading and equity securities are recorded in investment related gains (losses) on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Prior period unrealized gains and losses on equity securities designated as AFS were recorded in OCI. For fair value option mortgage loans, we record interest income in net investment income and subsequent changes in fair value in investment related gains (losses) on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses related to investment funds, including related party investment funds, are recorded in net investment income on the condensed consolidated statements of income. We record the change in fair value of future policy benefits to future policy and other policy benefits on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following summarizes information for fair value option mortgage loans:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Unpaid principal balance
$
40

 
$
40

Mark to fair value
1

 
1

Fair value
$
41

 
$
41


There were no fair value option mortgage loans 90 days or more past due as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Transfers Between Levels—Transfers into Level 3 generally represent securities that were valued using pricing sources which, due to changing market conditions, were less observable than in prior periods as indicated by the increased volatility, which was reflected in vendor prices obtained for individual securities. Additionally, changes in pricing sources also led to securities transferring into Level 3.

Transfers out of Level 3 generally represent securities that were valued using pricing sources which, due to changing market conditions, were more observable than in prior periods as indicated by decreased volatility, which was reflected in vendor prices obtained for individual securities. Additionally, changes in pricing sources also led to securities transferring into Level 2.

Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the end of the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.


36

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Level 3 Financial InstrumentsThe following is a reconciliation for all Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Transfers
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Beginning Balance
 
Included in income
 
Included in OCI
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements, net
 
In
 
(Out)
 
Ending Balance
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings1
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
578

 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$
58

 
$
53

 
$
(8
)
 
$
681

 
$

CLO
64

 

 
2

 
131

 

 
(30
)
 
167

 

ABS
1,461

 
2

 
(7
)
 
(104
)
 

 
(58
)
 
1,294

 

CMBS
137

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(73
)
 
63

 

RMBS
301

 
1

 
(5
)
 
23

 
7

 
(289
)
 
38

 

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
17

 

 

 

 

 

 
17

 

CLO
17

 

 

 
1

 

 
(17
)
 
1

 

ABS
77

 

 

 

 

 
(77
)
 

 
(3
)
RMBS
342

 
(21
)
 

 

 

 

 
321

 

Equity securities
8

 

 

 
(8)

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans
41

 

 

 

 

 

 
41

 

Investment funds
41

 
(9
)


 
(7
)
 

 

 
25

 

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivative
312

 
(105
)
 

 

 

 

 
207

 

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO

 

 

 
62

 

 

 
62

 

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
105

 
1

 

 
(1
)
 
18

 
(32
)
 
91

 
(1
)
ABS

 

 

 

 
171

 

 
171

 

Investment funds

 
3

 

 
108

 

 

 
111

 
3

Reinsurance recoverable
1,824

 
(111
)
 

 

 

 

 
1,713

 

Total Level 3 assets
$
5,325

 
$
(235
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
263

 
$
249

 
$
(584
)
 
$
5,003

 
$
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$
(7,436
)
 
$
238

 
$

 
$
(56
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(7,254
)
 
$

Universal life benefits
(1,005
)
 
71

 

 

 

 

 
(934
)
 

Future policy benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AmerUs Closed Block
(1,625
)
 
84

 

 

 

 

 
(1,541
)
 

ILICO Closed Block and life benefits
(803
)
 
39

 

 

 

 

 
(764
)
 

Derivative liabilities
(5
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 

Total Level 3 liabilities
$
(10,874
)
 
$
432

 
$

 
$
(56
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(10,498
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Related to instruments held at end of period.

37

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
 
Transfers
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Beginning balance
 
Included in income
 
Included in OCI
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements, net
 
In
 
Out
 
Ending balance
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings1
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
$
5

 
$
16

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign governments
14

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
13

 

Corporate
370

 
1

 
6

 
92

 
21

 

 
490

 

CLO
158

 

 
4

 
3

 
29

 
(94
)
 
100

 

ABS
1,160

 
4

 
14

 
75

 

 
(31
)
 
1,222

 

CMBS
152

 
39

 

 

 

 
(44
)
 
147

 

RMBS
17

 

 
1

 

 
50

 
(8
)
 
60

 

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
17

 

 

 

 

 

 
17

 

CLO
43

 
(1
)
 

 
(15
)
 

 

 
27

 
1

RMBS
96

 
(5
)
 

 
2

 

 
(11
)
 
82

 
(1
)
Equity securities
5

 

 

 

 

 

 
5

 

Mortgage loans
44

 

 

 

 

 

 
44

 

Funds withheld at interest – embedded derivative
140

 
72

 

 

 

 

 
212

 

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS
56

 

 
1

 
(2
)
 

 
(55
)
 

 

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
195

 
(12
)
 

 
(14
)
 

 
(38
)
 
131

 
(12
)
Short-term investments

 

 

 
20

 

 

 
20

 

Reinsurance recoverable
1,692

 
46

 

 

 

 

 
1,738

 

Total Level 3 assets
$
4,164

 
$
160

 
$
25

 
$
140

 
$
100

 
$
(281
)
 
$
4,308

 
$
(12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$
(5,283
)
 
$
(431
)
 
$

 
$
(79
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(5,793
)
 
$

Universal life benefits
(883
)
 
(27
)
 

 

 

 

 
(910
)
 

Future policy benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AmerUs Closed Block
(1,606
)
 
4

 

 

 

 

 
(1,602
)
 

ILICO Closed Block and life benefits
(794
)
 
(19
)
 

 

 

 

 
(813
)
 

Derivative liabilities
(7
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(7
)
 

Total Level 3 liabilities
$
(8,573
)
 
$
(473
)
 
$

 
$
(79
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(9,125
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Related to instruments held at end of period.

38

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



The following represents the gross components of purchases, issuances, sales and settlements, net, shown above:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Purchases
 
Issuances
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements, net
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
68

 
$

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
58

CLO
131

 

 

 

 
131

ABS
40

 

 
(20
)
 
(124
)
 
(104
)
RMBS
31

 

 

 
(8
)
 
23

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
13

 

 

 
(12
)
 
1

Equity securities

 

 
(8)

 

 
(8
)
Investment funds

 

 

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
62

 

 

 

 
62

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Investment funds
108

 

 

 

 
108

Total Level 3 assets
$
453

 
$

 
$
(34
)
 
$
(156
)
 
$
263

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$

 
$
(126
)
 
$

 
$
70

 
$
(56
)
Total Level 3 liabilities
$

 
$
(126
)
 
$

 
$
70

 
$
(56
)


39

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions)
Purchases
 
Issuances
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements, net
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(20
)
Foreign governments

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Corporate
94

 

 

 
(2
)
 
92

CLO
13

 

 
(2
)
 
(8
)
 
3

ABS
103

 

 

 
(28
)
 
75

Trading securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
RMBS
2

 

 

 

 
2

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities, ABS
5

 

 

 
(7
)
 
(2
)
Trading securities, CLO

 

 
(14
)
 

 
(14
)
Short-term investments
20

 

 

 

 
20

Total Level 3 assets
$
237

 
$

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(66
)
 
$
140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivative
$

 
$
(110
)
 
$

 
$
31

 
$
(79
)
Total Level 3 liabilities
$

 
$
(110
)
 
$

 
$
31

 
$
(79
)

Significant Unobservable InputsSignificant unobservable inputs occur when we could not obtain or corroborate the quantitative detail of the inputs. This applies to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, mortgage loans and certain derivatives, as well as embedded derivatives in liabilities. Additional significant unobservable inputs are described below.

Fixed maturity securities – For certain fixed maturity securities, internal models are used to calculate the fair value. We use a discounted cash flow approach. The discount rate is the significant unobservable input due to the determined credit spread being internally developed, illiquid, or as a result of other adjustments made to the base rate. The base rate represents a market comparable rate for securities with similar characteristics. As of March 31, 2018, discounts ranged from 3% to 9%, and as of December 31, 2017, discounts ranged from 2% to 6%. This excludes assets for which significant unobservable inputs are not developed internally, primarily consisting of broker quotes.

Interest sensitive contract liabilities – embedded derivative – Significant unobservable inputs we use in the fixed indexed annuities embedded derivative of the interest sensitive contract liabilities valuation include:

1.
Non-performance risk – For contracts we issue, we use the credit spread from the U.S. treasury curve based on our public credit rating as of the valuation date. This represents our credit risk for use in the estimate of the fair value of embedded derivatives. For contracts reinsured through funds withheld reinsurance, the cedant company holds collateral against its exposure; therefore, immaterial non-performance risk is ascribed to these contracts.
2.
Option budget – We assume future hedge costs in the derivative’s fair value estimate. The level of option budgets determines the future costs of the options and impacts future policyholder account value growth.
3.
Policyholder behavior – We regularly review the lapse and withdrawal assumptions (surrender rate). These are based on our initial pricing assumptions updated for actual experience. Actual experience may be limited for recently issued products.

The following summarizes the unobservable inputs for the embedded derivatives of fixed indexed annuities:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions, except for percentages)
Fair value
Valuation technique
Unobservable inputs
Input/range of
inputs
Impact of an increase in the input on fair value
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – fixed indexed annuities embedded derivatives
$
7,254

Option budget method
Non-performance risk
0.5
%
1.3%
Decrease
 
 
 
Option budget
0.8
%
3.7%
Increase
 
 
 
Surrender rate
1.6
%
20.7%
Decrease

40

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except for percentages)
Fair value
Valuation technique
Unobservable inputs
Input/range of
inputs
Impact of an increase in the input on fair value
Interest sensitive contract liabilities – fixed indexed annuities embedded derivatives
$
7,436

Option budget method
Non-performance risk
0.2
%
1.2%
Decrease
 
 
 
Option budget
0.7
%
3.7%
Increase
 
 
 
Surrender rate
1.5
%
19.4%
Decrease

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair ValueThe following represents our financial instruments not carried at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
6,098

 
$
6,275

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,275

Investment funds
516

 
516

 
516

 

 

 

Policy loans
510

 
510

 

 

 
510

 

Funds withheld at interest
6,886

 
6,886

 

 

 

 
6,886

Other investments
74

 
74

 

 

 

 
74

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds
1,346

 
1,346

 
1,346

 

 

 

Other investments
238

 
258

 

 

 

 
258

Total assets not carried at fair value
$
15,668

 
$
15,865

 
$
1,862

 
$

 
$
510

 
$
13,493

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
$
31,878

 
$
30,892

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,892

Long-term debt
992

 
962

 

 

 
962

 

Funds withheld liability
384

 
384

 

 

 
384

 

Total liabilities not carried at fair value
$
33,254

 
$
32,238

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,346

 
$
30,892

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
NAV1
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
6,192

 
$
6,342

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,342

Investment funds
554

 
554

 
554

 

 

 

Policy loans
530

 
530

 

 

 
530

 

Funds withheld at interest
6,773

 
6,773

 

 

 

 
6,773

Other investments
133

 
133

 

 

 
58

 
75

Investments in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds
1,280

 
1,280

 
1,280

 

 

 

Other investments
238

 
259

 

 

 

 
259

Total assets not carried at fair value
$
15,700

 
$
15,871

 
$
1,834

 
$

 
$
588

 
$
13,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest sensitive contract liabilities
$
31,586

 
$
31,656

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
31,656

Funds withheld liability
385

 
385

 

 

 
385

 

Total liabilities not carried at fair value
$
31,971

 
$
32,041

 
$

 
$

 
$
385

 
$
31,656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Investments measured at NAV as a practical expedient in determining fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

We estimate the fair value for financial instruments not carried at fair value using the same methods and assumptions as those we carry at fair value. The financial instruments presented above are reported at carrying value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets; however, in the case of policy loans, funds withheld at interest and liability, and other investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

41

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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



Investment in related parties – Other investments – The fair value of related party other investments is determined using a discounted cash flow model using discount rates for similar investments.

Interest sensitive contract liabilities The carrying and fair value of interest sensitive contract liabilities above includes fixed indexed and traditional fixed annuities without mortality or morbidity risks, funding agreements and payout annuities without life contingencies. The embedded derivatives within fixed indexed annuities without mortality or morbidity risks are excluded, as they are carried at fair value. The valuation of these investment contracts is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using current market risk-free interest rates, adding a spread to reflect our nonperformance risk and subtracting a risk margin to reflect uncertainty inherent in the projected cash flows.

Long-term debt – We obtain the fair value of long-term debt from commercial pricing services. These are classified as Level 2. The pricing services incorporate a variety of market observable information in their valuation techniques, including benchmark yields, trading activity, credit quality, issuer spreads, bids, offers and other reference data.


6. Deferred Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements and Value of Business Acquired

The following represents a rollforward of deferred acquisition costs (DAC), deferred sales inducements (DSI) and value of business acquired (VOBA):
(In millions)
DAC
 
DSI
 
VOBA
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
1,354

 
$
520

 
$
1,056

 
$
2,930

Additions
122

 
46

 

 
168

Amortization
(37
)
 
(20
)
 
(52
)
 
(109
)
Impact of unrealized investment (gains) losses
52

 
22

 
79

 
153

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
1,491

 
$
568

 
$
1,083

 
$
3,142

(In millions)
DAC
 
DSI
 
VOBA
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
1,142

 
$
462

 
$
1,336

 
$
2,940

Additions
105

 
37

 

 
142

Amortization
(58
)
 
(18
)
 
(46
)
 
(122
)
Impact of unrealized investment (gains) losses
(27
)
 
(13
)
 
(45
)
 
(85
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
1,162

 
$
468

 
$
1,245

 
$
2,875



7. Debt

Senior Notes—In the first quarter of 2018, AHL issued $1 billion of unsecured senior notes due in January 2028. The senior notes have a 4.125% coupon rate, payable semi-annually. The senior notes are callable at any time prior to October 12, 2027 by AHL, at a price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal and any accrued and unpaid interest and (2) an amount equal to the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments, discounted from the scheduled payment date to the redemption date at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the prospectus supplement relating to the senior notes, dated January 9, 2018) plus 25 basis points, and any accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, if our transaction with Voya Financial Inc. (Voya), as described further in Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies, does not close, AHL will be required to redeem the senior notes at 101% of the principal and any accrued and unpaid interest. Interest expense on long-term debt was $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Short-term Debt—In the second quarter of 2018, we borrowed $183 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines through their variable rate short-term federal funds program. The borrowing matures on August 24, 2018 and carries an interest rate of 2.16%, with interest due at maturity. In connection with such borrowing, the FHLB requires the borrower to purchase member stock and post sufficient collateral to secure the borrowing. To satisfy these requirements, we purchased an additional $7 million of FHLB stock; however, we were not required to post additional collateral. See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion regarding existing collateral posting with the FHLB.



42

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


8. Earnings Per Share

The following represents our basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculations:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class M-1
 
Class M-2
 
Class M-3
 
Class M-4
Net income
$
202

 
$
56

 
$
5

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
148,693,902

 
41,096,937

 
3,388,890

 
841,011

 
1,049,157

 
2,065,204

Dilutive effect of stock compensation plans
258,203

 

 

 
8,976

 
20,572

 
929,228

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
148,952,105

 
41,096,937

 
3,388,890

 
849,987

 
1,069,729

 
2,994,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

Diluted
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.34

 
$
1.33

 
$
0.94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Calculated using whole figures.

 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class M-1
 
Class M-22
 
Class M-3
 
Class M-4
Net income
$
156

 
$
221

 
$
7

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
78,246,213

 
110,772,123

 
3,452,402

 
42,267

 

 

Dilutive effect of stock compensation plans
3,051,380

 

 

 
971,427

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
81,297,593

 
110,772,123

 
3,452,402

 
1,013,694

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.00

 
$
2.00

 
$
2.00

 
$
2.00

 
N/A
 
N/A
Diluted
$
1.92

 
$
2.00

 
$
2.00

 
$
0.08

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N/A – Not applicable
 
 
 
 
1 Calculated using whole figures.
2 Net income allocated to Class M-2 common shares rounded to $0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. However, earnings per share is calculated using whole figures.

We use the two-class method for allocating net income to each class of our common stock. Our Class M shares do not become eligible to participate in dividends until a return of investment (ROI) condition has been met for each class. Once eligible, each class of our common stock has equal dividend rights. The ROI condition was met for Class M-2 on March 28, 2017, and for Class M-3 and Class M-4 on April 20, 2017. For purposes of calculating basic weighted average shares outstanding and the allocation of basic income, shares are deemed to be participating in earnings for only the portion of the period after the condition is met. For purposes of calculating diluted weighted average shares outstanding, shares are deemed dilutive as of the beginning of the period.

Dilutive shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. For Class A shares, this method takes into account shares that can be settled into Class A shares, net of a conversion price. The diluted EPS calculations for Class A shares excluded the following shares, restricted stock units (RSUs) and options:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Antidilutive shares, RSUs and options excluded from diluted EPS calculation
35,212,154

 
91,666,275

Shares, RSUs and options excluded from diluted EPS calculation as a performance condition had not been met
279,992

 
2,763,613

Total shares, RSUs and options excluded from diluted EPS calculation
35,492,146

 
94,429,888

 
 
 
 
Note: Shares, RSUs and options are as of period end.



43

Table of Contents

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following is a detail of AOCI and changes in AOCI. Prior period balances include equity securities that were classified as AFS securities prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01.
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
AFS securities
$
1,228

 
$
2,577

DAC, DSI, VOBA, future policy benefits and dividends payable to policyholders adjustments on AFS securities
(349
)
 
(744
)
Noncredit component of OTTI losses on AFS securities
(13
)
 
(13
)
Hedging instruments
(151
)
 
(95
)
Pension adjustments
(2
)
 
(5
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments

 
8

Accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes
713

 
1,728

Deferred income taxes
(128
)
 
(313
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
585

 
$
1,415


Changes in AOCI are presented below:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on AFS securities
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on AFS securities
$
(1,282
)
 
$
516

Change in DAC, DSI, VOBA, future policy benefits and dividends payable to policyholders adjustment
391

 
(82
)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net income1
19

 
15

Less: Income tax expense (benefit)
(163
)
 
113

Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on AFS securities
(747
)
 
306

Noncredit component of OTTI losses on AFS securities
 
 
 
Noncredit component of OTTI losses on AFS securities
(1
)
 
1

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income1
(1
)
 

Net noncredit component of OTTI losses on AFS securities

 
1

Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments
(56
)
 
(5
)
Less: Income tax benefit
(20
)
 
(2
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments
(36
)
 
(3
)
Pension adjustments
3

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(8
)
 
2

Change in AOCI from other comprehensive income (loss)
(788
)
 
306

Adoption of ASU 2016-01
(42
)
 

Change in AOCI
$
(830
)
 
$
306

 
 
 
 
1 Recognized in investment related gains (losses) on the condensed consolidated statements of income.


10. Income Taxes

Our effective tax rates were 18% and 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rates may vary period to period depending upon the relationship of income and loss subject to tax compared to consolidated income and loss before income taxes. With the enactment of Public Law no. 115-97, an Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (Tax Act), the U.S. statutory tax rate declined to 21% from 35%; however, the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) was established, which may subject payments to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries to a tax of 5%, which would increase to 10% in 2019. The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 assumes that we have taken steps so that the BEAT is not applicable to such payments and thereby assumes that more income is subject to U.S. income tax.

The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the 2013 consolidated tax return filed by Athene USA, and is also conducting a limited scope audit of the 2015 consolidated tax return filed by Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (AADE). No material proposed adjustments have been issued with respect to either exam. See discussion of ongoing tax examinations relating to Aviva USA Corporation (Aviva USA) in Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Under current Bermuda law, we are not required to pay any taxes in Bermuda on either income or capital gains. We have received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any such taxes being imposed, we will be exempted from taxation until the year 2035.


11. Related Parties

Athene Asset Management

Investment related expenses – Substantially all of our investments are managed by Athene Asset Management LLC (AAM), a subsidiary of AGM. AAM provides direct investment management, asset allocation, mergers and acquisition asset diligence and certain operational support services for our investment portfolio, including investment compliance, tax, legal and risk management support. As of March 31, 2018, AAM directly managed $62,051 million of our investment portfolio assets, of which 90% are designated one or two (the two highest designations) by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

For the services it renders, AAM earns a fee on all assets managed in accounts owned by or related to us, including sub-advised assets and certain other limited exceptions. Additionally, AAM recharges the sub-advisory fees it incurs with respect to our sub-advised assets to us. Historically, AAM generally earned an annual fee of 0.40% of assets under management. In the second quarter of 2017, following shareholder approval of an amendment to our bye-laws, we entered into the Fifth Amended and Restated Fee Agreement (Revised Fee Agreement), retroactive to January 1, 2017. The Revised Fee Agreement amended certain fee arrangements we previously had in place with AAM to provide for, among other things, an annual fee of 0.30% (reduced from 0.40%) on all assets that Apollo manages in accounts owned by us in the U.S. and Bermuda or in accounts supporting reinsurance ceded to our U.S. and Bermuda subsidiaries by third-party insurers (North American Accounts) in excess of $65,846 million (the level of assets in the North American Accounts as of December 31, 2016). The fee to be paid by us to AAM on the first $65,846 million of assets in the North American Accounts remains 0.40% per year, subject to certain discounts and exceptions.

For certain assets which require specialized sourcing and underwriting capabilities, AAM has chosen to mandate sub-advisors rather than building out in-house capabilities. AAM has entered into Master Sub-Advisory Agreements (MSAAs) with certain Apollo affiliates to sub-advise AAM with respect to a portion of our assets, with the fees recharged to us, in addition to the gross fee paid to AAM as described above. The MSAAs cover services rendered by Apollo-affiliated sub-advisors relating to the following investments:
(In millions, except for percentages)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
AFS securities
 
 
 
Foreign governments
$
121

 
$
152

Corporate
3,178

 
2,934

CLO
5,859

 
5,166

ABS
643

 
681

CMBS
845

 
872

Trading securities
121

 
121

Mortgage loans
2,419

 
2,232

Investment funds
26

 
26

Funds withheld at interest
1,726

 
1,737

Other investments
74

 
75

Total assets sub-advised by Apollo affiliates
$
15,012

 
$
13,996

Percent of assets sub-advised by Apollo affiliates to total AAM-managed assets
19
%
 
18
%

During the second quarter of 2017, AAM and certain other Apollo affiliates entered into addendums to the MSAAs currently in effect, pursuant to which, with limited exceptions, Apollo will earn 0.40% per year on all assets in the North American Accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo up to $10,000 million, 0.35% per year on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $10,000 million up to $12,441 million (the level of fee-paying sub-advised assets in the North American Accounts at December 31, 2016), 0.40% per year on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $12,441 million up to $16,000 million, and 0.35% per year on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $16,000 million. The addendums were retroactive to January 1, 2017.

The following summarizes the asset management fees and sub-advisory fees we have incurred related to AAM and other Apollo affiliates:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Asset management fees
$
70

 
$
62

Sub-advisory fees
13

 
16


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



The management and sub-advisory fees are included within net investment income on the condensed consolidated statements of income. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the management fees payable was $50 million and $28 million, respectively, and the sub-advisory fees payable was $17 million and $13 million, respectively. Both the management and sub-advisory fees payables are included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The investment management agreements with AAM have no stated term and any party can terminate upon notice. However, our bye-laws provide that we will not exercise our termination rights under the agreements until October 31, 2018 or any annual anniversary thereafter (each such date, an IMA Termination Election Date) and any termination thereon requires the approval of two-thirds of our Independent Directors (as defined in the bye-laws) and prior written notice thereof to Apollo of at least 30 days. If the Independent Directors make such election and such notice is timely delivered, the termination will be effective on the second anniversary of the applicable IMA Termination Election Date (an IMA Termination Effective Date). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the Independent Directors may only elect to terminate an investment management agreement or advisory agreement on an IMA Termination Election Date if two-thirds of the Independent Directors determine in their sole discretion acting in good faith that either (i) there has been unsatisfactory long-term performance materially detrimental to us by Apollo or (ii) the fees being charged by Apollo are unfair and excessive compared to a comparable asset manager (provided, that in either case such Independent Directors must deliver notice of any such determination to Apollo and Apollo shall have until the applicable IMA Termination Effective Date to address such concerns, and provided, further, that in the case of such a determination that the fees being charged by Apollo are unfair and excessive, Apollo has the right to lower its fees to match the fees of such comparable asset manager) and (2) upon the determination by two-thirds of the Independent Directors, we may also terminate an investment management agreement or advisory agreement with Apollo as a result of either (i) a material violation of law relating to Apollo’s advisory business, or (ii) Apollo’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its obligations under the relevant agreement, and in either case (i) or (ii), the delivery at least 30 days’ prior written notice to Apollo of such termination and such termination will be effective at the end of such 30-day period.

We have a management investment committee, which includes members of our senior management and reports to the risk committee of our board of directors. The committee focuses on strategic decisions involving our investment portfolio, such as approving investment limits, new asset classes and our allocation strategy, reviewing large asset transactions, as well as monitoring our credit risk, and the management of our assets and liabilities.

A significant voting interest in the Company is held by shareholders who are members of the Apollo Group, as defined in our bye-laws. Also, James Belardi, our Chief Executive Officer, is also an employee of AAM, receives substantial remuneration from acting as Chief Executive Officer of AAM, and owns a 5% profits interest in AAM. Additionally, five of the thirteen members of our board of directors are employees of or consultants to Apollo (including Mr. Belardi). In order to protect against potential conflicts of interest resulting from transactions into which we have entered and will continue to enter into with the Apollo Group, our bye-laws require us to maintain a conflicts committee comprised solely of three of our directors who are not officers or employees of any member of the Apollo Group. The conflicts committee reviews and approves material transactions between us and the Apollo Group, subject to certain exceptions.

Other related party transactions—We have a loan purchase agreement with AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC (AmeriHome), an investee of A-A Mortgage, an equity method investee. The agreement allows us to purchase residential mortgage loans which they have purchased from correspondent sellers and pooled for sale in the secondary market. AmeriHome retains the servicing rights to the sold loans. We purchased $44 million and $1 million of residential mortgage loans under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, we have made loans to Aris Holdco, which owns 100% of the equity interests in AmeriHome, in the principal amount of $123 million and $52 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and these are included in related party short-term investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

On January 1, 2018, in order to align our interests with those of Athora, in connection with the Closing, we entered into a cooperation agreement with Athora, pursuant to which, among other things, (1) we will have the right to reinsure approximately 20% of the spread business written or reinsured by any insurance or reinsurance company owned or acquired by Athora, (2) Athora’s insurance subsidiaries will be required to purchase certain funding agreements and/or other spread instruments issued by our insurance subsidiaries, (3) we will provide Athora with a right of first refusal to pursue acquisition and reinsurance transactions in Europe (other than the United Kingdom) and (4) Athora will provide us and our subsidiaries with a right of first refusal to pursue acquisition and reinsurance transactions in North America and the United Kingdom. Additionally, as of March 31, 2018, we had $178 million of funding agreements outstanding to Athora, which were issued to Athora prior to Closing.



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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


12. Commitments and Contingencies

Contingent Commitments—We had commitments to make investments, primarily capital contributions to investment funds, inclusive of the equity and financing transactions described below, of $2,366 million and $2,358 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. We expect most of our current commitments will be invested over the next five years; however, these commitments could become due any time upon counterparty request.

In December 2017, we entered into a transaction with Voya, pursuant to which we agreed to reinsure approximately $19 billion of fixed annuities. Additionally, a consortium of investors, led by affiliates of Apollo, and certain other investors, agreed to purchase Voya Insurance and Annuity Company (VIAC), including its closed block variable annuity segment, and create a newly formed standalone entity, Venerable Holdings, Inc. (Venerable) that will be the holding company of VIAC. We committed to make a $75 million minority equity investment in VA Capital Company LLC, the holding company of Venerable, and provide financing to Venerable of $150 million, in each case, subject to certain closing adjustments. These transactions are expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Funding Agreements—We are a member of the FHLB and, through membership, we have issued funding agreements to the FHLB in exchange for cash advances. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $616 million and $573 million, respectively, of funding agreements outstanding with the FHLB. We are required to provide collateral in excess of the funding agreement amounts outstanding, considering any discounts to the securities posted and prepayment penalties.

We have a funding agreement backed notes (FABN) program, which allows Athene Global Funding, a special-purpose, unaffiliated statutory trust to offer up to $5 billion of its senior secured medium-term notes. Athene Global Funding uses the net proceeds from each sale to purchase one or more funding agreements from us. Funding agreements outstanding under this program had a carrying value of $2,996 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Pledged Assets and Funds in Trust (Restricted Assets)—The total restricted assets included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturity securities, AFS securities
$
1,537

 
$
1,572

Equity securities

 
36

Mortgage loans
858

 
914

Investment funds
15

 
20

Short-term investments
7

 
10

Other investments
35

 

Restricted cash
87

 
105

Total restricted assets
$
2,539

 
$
2,657


The restricted assets are primarily related to reinsurance trusts established in accordance with coinsurance agreements, and the FHLB funding agreements described above.

Litigation, Claims and Assessments

Griffiths Matter – On July 27, 2015, John Griffiths, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, filed a putative class action complaint against us in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. An amended complaint was filed on December 18, 2015. The complaint asserts claims against AHL, AAIA and Athene London Assignment Corporation (Athene London), in addition to an Aviva defendant. AHL is a named defendant due to its purchase of Aviva USA, and AAIA and Athene London are named as successors to Aviva Life Insurance Company and Aviva London Assignment Corporation, respectively. The complaint alleges a putative class of all persons who are the beneficial owners of assets which were used to purchase structured settlement annuities that Aviva Life Insurance Company, Aviva London Assignment Corporation, and Aviva International Insurance Limited (collectively, the Aviva Entities) or their predecessors, as applicable, delivered to purchasers on or after April 1, 2003 that were backed by a capital maintenance agreement issued by Aviva International Insurance Limited or its predecessor (the CMA). The complaint alleges that the Aviva Entities sold structured settlement annuities to the public on the basis that such products were backed by the CMA, which was alleged to be a source of great financial strength. The complaint further alleges that the Aviva Entities used the CMA to enhance the sales volume and raise the price of the annuities. The complaint claims that, as a result of Aviva USA’s sale to AHL, the CMA terminated. According to the complaint, no notice of this termination was provided to the owners of the structured settlement annuities. The complaint alleges that the termination of the CMA gave rise to claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, promissory estoppel, and unjust enrichment. AHL and plaintiff recently agreed to a term sheet settlement on a class wide basis. Terms of the settlement, which is subject to court approval, include: (1) AHL entering into a capital maintenance agreement with Athene London requiring AHL to provide capital to Athene London upon a missed structured settlement payment that is not timely cured and (2) AHL paying a monetary amount that is immaterial to us.


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Matters – The IRS completed its examinations of the 2006 through 2010 Aviva USA tax years with Aviva USA agreeing to all proposed adjustments with two exceptions: (1) AAIA’s treatment of call options used to hedge fixed indexed annuity (FIA) liabilities for the tax years 2008–2010 and (2) the disallowance of offsetting tax deductions taken by AAIA and taxable income reported by the non-life subgroup with respect to unpaid independent marketing organization commissions. The first adjustment to which Aviva USA did not agree would disallow deductions of $191 million, $154 million and $76 million for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The second adjustment to which Aviva USA did not agree would increase non-life net operating losses and decrease AAIA net operating losses by $16 million in each of 2009 and 2010. Taxes, penalties and interest with respect to these two issues for the years under audit are subject to indemnification by Aviva plc under the Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) between Aviva plc and AHL, dated December 21, 2012 assuming the SPA requirements are satisfied. Athene USA was unable to negotiate a favorable settlement of this issue with the IRS, and is contesting the adjustment in federal court. If the IRS position is upheld in federal court, Athene USA expects that it would owe tax of $120 million, plus interest, for tax years ending on or before October 2, 2013, which are subject to indemnification by Aviva plc as described above.

The IRS also recently completed its examination of the 2011 through 2012 Aviva USA tax years, proposing adjustments that would increase taxable income by approximately $16 million in the aggregate for these two tax years. Athene USA agreed to all adjustments that were proposed with respect to those tax years except for adjustments relating to the same two issues that were not agreed to during the prior examination as discussed above. The first adjustment to which Athene USA did not agree would disallow deductions of $16 million in 2011 and increase deductions by $12 million in 2012. The second adjustment to which Athene USA did not agree would increase non-life net operating losses and decrease AAIA net operating losses by $15 million in 2011 and $12 million in 2012. Taxes, penalties and interest with respect to these two tax years are subject to indemnification by Aviva plc under the SPA, assuming the SPA requirements are satisfied. The treatment of FIA hedges is a recurring issue as to the timing of the related deductions and could affect the current income tax incurred in periods after October 2, 2013, which are not subject to indemnification by Aviva plc. Given that the disallowance of a deduction in one period results in an increased deduction in a future period, we do not expect that there will be any material impact to our financial condition resulting from this issue.

Corporate-owned Life Insurance (COLI) Matter – In 2000 and 2001, two insurance companies which were subsequently merged into AAIA purchased from American General Life Insurance Company (American General) broad based variable COLI policies that, as of March 31, 2018, had an asset value of $354 million, and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. In January 2012, the COLI policy administrator delivered to AAIA a supplement to the existing COLI policies and advised that American General and ZC Resource Investment Trust (ZC Trust) had unilaterally implemented changes set forth in the supplement that if effective, would: (1) potentially negatively impact the crediting rate for the policies and (2) change the exit and surrender protocols set forth in the policies. In March 2013, AAIA filed suit against American General, ZC Trust, and ZC Resource LLC in Chancery Court in Delaware, seeking, among other relief, a declaration that the changes set forth in the supplement were ineffectual and in breach of the parties’ agreement. The parties filed cross motions for judgment as a matter of law, and the court granted defendants’ motion and dismissed without prejudice on ripeness grounds. The issue that negatively impacts the crediting rate for one of the COLI policies has subsequently been triggered and on April 3, 2018, we filed suit against the same defendants in Chancery Court in Delaware seeking substantially similar relief. If the supplement is ultimately deemed to be effective, the purported changes to the policies could impair AAIA’s ability to access the value of guarantees associated with the policies. The value of the guarantees included within the asset value reflected above is $171 million as of March 31, 2018.

Holzer Matter – On September 12, 2016, Jack Holzer and Mary Bruesh-Holzer filed suit in Jackson County, Missouri against several defendants, including AADE, as successor-in-interest to Business Men’s Assurance Company of America. Mr. Holzer allegedly sustained injuries due to asbestos exposure from 1966–1973 while working in an office building in Kansas City, Missouri, then owned by Business Men’s Assurance Company of America. Plaintiffs asserted strict liability and negligence claims against AADE. On February 26, 2018, an agreement was reached that resulted in the settlement of this matter. The settlement had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Regulatory Matter – Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries have experienced increased service and administration complaints related to the conversion and administration of the block of life insurance business acquired in connection with our acquisition of Aviva USA and reinsured to affiliates of Global Atlantic by the third-party administrator (TPA) retained by such Global Atlantic affiliates to provide services on such policies, as well as on certain annuity policies that were on Aviva USA’s legacy policy administration systems that were also converted to and are being administered by the same TPA. On April 5, 2017, we received notification from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) that it planned to undertake a market conduct examination of Athene Life Insurance Company of New York (ALICNY) for the period of January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2017 (NYSDFS Market Conduct Examination), and on May 31, 2017, we received notification from the Texas Department of Insurance that it intended to undertake an enforcement proceeding, in each case, relating to the treatment of policyholders subject to our reinsurance agreements with affiliates of Global Atlantic and the conversion of such annuity policies, including the administration of such blocks by such TPA. On November 15, 2017, we received notification from the NYSDFS that its examination of ALICNY had resulted in the identification of a significant number of asserted violations of New York insurance law associated with the life block reinsured to affiliates of Global Atlantic, who have also been overseeing policyholder administration and the TPA servicing the policies in the block, with a significant number of such violations not subject to dispute by the relevant affiliates of Global Atlantic or by us. On January 30, 2018, we received a draft report regarding the NYSDFS Market Conduct Examination from the NYSDFS, which identified in more detail the violations asserted in the November 15, 2017 letter as well as certain other violations. We believe we are nearing a resolution of the NYDFS Market Conduct Examination, but there are no assurances that a definitive agreement will be finalized and executed by the parties. We currently expect that the resolution will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. To the extent we are unable to reach a final agreement with the NYSDFS, it is possible that we may incur fines or penalties which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition to the foregoing, we have received inquiries, and expect to continue to receive inquiries, from other regulatory authorities regarding the conversion matter. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar formal examinations, inquiries or enforcement proceedings and that any examinations, inquiries and/or enforcement proceedings may result in fines, administrative penalties and payments to policyholders. Other than as described above, we are not currently able to estimate the amount of any such fines, penalties or payments arising from these matters with reasonable certainty, but it is possible that such amounts may be material.


13. Segment Information

We operate our core business strategies out of one reportable segment, Retirement Services. In addition to Retirement Services, we report certain other operations in Corporate and Other.

Retirement ServicesRetirement Services is comprised of our United States and Bermuda operations, which issue and reinsure retirement savings products and institutional products. Retirement Services has retail operations, which provide annuity retirement solutions to our policyholders. Retirement Services also has reinsurance operations, which reinsure multi-year guaranteed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, traditional one-year guarantee fixed deferred annuities, immediate annuities and institutional products from our reinsurance partners. In addition, our institutional operations, including funding agreements and pension risk transfer (PRT) obligations, are included in our Retirement Services segment.

Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other includes certain other operations related to our corporate activities, including corporate allocated expenses, merger and acquisition costs, debt costs, certain integration and restructuring costs, certain stock-based compensation and intersegment eliminations. In Corporate and Other, we also hold capital in excess of the level of capital we hold in Retirement Services to support our operating strategy. Prior to the deconsolidation of Athora on January 1, 2018, Corporate and Other included our German operations, which were primarily comprised of participating long-duration savings products. See Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies for discussion on the deconsolidation of our German operations in 2018.

Financial Measures—Segment adjusted operating income is an internal measure used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate and assess the results of our segments.

Operating revenue is a component of adjusted operating income and excludes market volatility and adjustments for other non-operating activity. Our operating revenue equals our total revenue, adjusted to eliminate the impact of the following non-operating adjustments:

Change in fair values of derivatives and embedded derivatives – index annuities, net of offsets;
Investment gains (losses), net of offsets;
VIE expenses and noncontrolling interest; and
Other adjustments to revenues.


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The table below reconciles segment adjusted operating revenues to total revenues presented on the condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Adjusted operating revenue by segment
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
1,257

 
$
888

Corporate and Other
27

 
68

Total segment adjusted operating revenues
1,284

 
956

Non-operating adjustments
 
 
 
Change in fair values of derivatives and embedded derivatives – index annuities, net of offsets
(158
)
 
536

Investment gains (losses), net of offsets
(106
)
 
125

Other adjustments to revenues
(9
)
 
2

Total non-operating adjustments
(273
)
 
663

Total revenues
$
1,011

 
$
1,619


Adjusted operating income is an internal measure used to evaluate our financial performance excluding market volatility and expenses related to integration, restructuring, stock compensation and certain other expenses. Our adjusted operating income equals net income adjusted to eliminate the impact of the following non-operating adjustments:

Investment gains (losses), net of offsets;
Change in fair values of derivatives and embedded derivatives – index annuities, net of offsets;
Integration, restructuring and other non-operating expenses;
Stock-based compensation, excluding the long-term incentive plan (LTIP); and
Income tax (expense) benefit – non-operating.

The table below reconciles segment adjusted operating income to net income on the condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Adjusted operating income (loss) by segment
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
235

 
$
275

Corporate and other
2

 
(9
)
Total segment adjusted operating income
237

 
266

Non-operating adjustments
 
 
 
Investment gains (losses), net of offsets
(33
)
 
57

Change in fair values of derivatives and embedded derivatives – index annuities, net of offsets
95

 
94

Integration, restructuring and other non-operating expenses
(8
)
 
(9
)
Stock-based compensation, excluding LTIP
(3
)
 
(10
)
Income tax (expense) benefit – non-operating
(20
)
 
(14
)
Total non-operating adjustments
31

 
118

Net income
$
268

 
$
384


The following represents total assets by segment:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total assets by segment
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
90,115

 
$
91,335

Corporate and Other
3,442

 
8,412

Total assets
$
93,557

 
$
99,747




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Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Overview

We are a leading retirement services company that issues, reinsures and acquires retirement savings products designed for the increasing number of individuals and institutions seeking to fund retirement needs. We generate attractive financial results for our policyholders and shareholders by combining our two core competencies of (1) sourcing long-term, generally illiquid liabilities and (2) investing in a high quality investment portfolio, which takes advantage of the illiquid nature of our liabilities. Our steady and significant base of earnings generates capital that we opportunistically invest across our business to source attractively-priced liabilities and capitalize on opportunities. Our differentiated investment strategy benefits from our strategic relationship with Apollo and its indirect subsidiary, AAM. AAM provides a full suite of services for our investment portfolio, including direct investment management, asset allocation, mergers and acquisition asset diligence and certain operational support services, including investment compliance, tax, legal and risk management support. Our relationship with Apollo and AAM also provides us with access to Apollo’s investment professionals around the world, as well as Apollo’s global asset management infrastructure that supports a broad array of asset classes. We are led by a highly skilled management team with extensive industry experience. We are based in Bermuda with our U.S. subsidiaries’ headquarters located in Iowa.

We began operating in 2009 when the burdens of the financial crisis and resulting capital demands caused many companies to exit the retirement market, creating the need for a well-capitalized company with an experienced management team to fill the void. Taking advantage of this market dislocation, we have been able to acquire substantial blocks of long-duration liabilities and reinvest the related investments to produce profitable returns. We have established a significant base of earnings and, as of March 31, 2018, have an expected annual investment margin of 2-3% over the 8.3 year weighted-average life of our deferred annuities, which make up a substantial portion of our reserve liabilities. As of March 31, 2018, the weighted-average life of all products, which includes deferred annuities, payout annuities, PRT obligations, funding agreements and other products, was 9.2 years.

We are diligent in setting our return targets based on market conditions and risks inherent to our products offered and acquisitions or block reinsurance transactions. Specific return targets are established with due consideration to the facts and circumstances surrounding each growth opportunity and may be higher or lower than those that we target more generally. Factors that we consider in establishing return targets for a given growth opportunity include, but are not limited to, the certainty of the return profile, the strategic nature of the opportunity, the size and scale of the opportunity, the alignment and fit of the opportunity with our existing business, the opportunity for risk diversification and the existence of increased opportunities for higher returns or growth. If market conditions or risks inherent to a product or transaction create return profiles that are not acceptable to us, we generally will not sacrifice our profitability merely to facilitate growth.

We operate our core business strategies out of one reportable segment, Retirement Services. In addition to Retirement Services, we report certain other operations in Corporate and Other. Retirement Services is comprised of our U.S. and Bermuda operations which issue and reinsure retirement savings products and institutional products. Corporate and Other includes certain other operations related to our corporate activities and previously included our former German operations, which were primarily comprised of participating long-duration savings products.

Our consolidated annualized ROE for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017 was 12.0% and 18.0%, respectively, and our consolidated annualized adjusted operating ROE was 12.1% and 15.8%, respectively. As a result of our focus on issuing, reinsuring and acquiring attractively-priced liabilities, our differentiated investment strategy and our significant scale, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, in our Retirement Services segment, we generated an annualized investment margin on deferred annuities of 2.76% and 2.82%, respectively, and annualized adjusted operating ROE of 17.3% and 22.5%, respectively. We currently maintain what we believe to be high capital ratios for our rating and, as of March 31, 2018, hold approximately $2.0 billion of excess capital, and view this excess as strategic capital available to reinvest into organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

Our organic channels, including retail, flow reinsurance and institutional products, provided deposits of $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Withdrawals on our deferred annuities, maturities of our funding agreements, payments on payout annuities and pension risk benefit payments (collectively, liability outflows), in the aggregate, were $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We believe that our improving credit profile, our current product offerings and product design capabilities and our growing reputation as both a seasoned funding agreement issuer and a reliable PRT counterparty will continue to enable us to grow our existing organic channels and allow us to source additional volumes of profitably underwritten liabilities in various market environments. Our inorganic channels, including acquisitions and block reinsurance, have contributed significantly to our growth. We believe our internal acquisitions team, with support from Apollo, has an industry-leading ability to source, underwrite and expeditiously close transactions, which makes us a competitive counterparty for acquisition or block reinsurance transactions.


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We plan to grow organically by expanding our retail, flow reinsurance and institutional distribution channels. We believe that we have the right people, infrastructure and scale to position us for continued growth. Within our retail channel, we had fixed annuity sales of $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We aim to grow our retail channel in the United States by deepening our relationships with our approximately 70 IMOs and more than 36,000 independent agents. Our strong financial position and capital efficient products allow us to be a dependable partner with IMOs and consistently write new business. We work with our IMOs to develop customized, and at times exclusive, products that help drive sales. We expect our retail channel to continue to benefit from our improving credit profile and recent product launches. We believe this should support growth in sales at our desired cost of crediting through increased volumes via current IMOs and access to new distribution channels, including small to mid-sized banks and regional broker-dealers. We are implementing the necessary technology platform, hiring and training a specialized sales force, and have created products to capture new potential distribution opportunities. In our flow reinsurance channel, we target reinsurance business consistent with our preferred liability characteristics and, as such, flow reinsurance provides another opportunistic channel for us to source long-term liabilities with attractive crediting rates. We generated deposits through our flow reinsurance channel of $204 million and $166 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As we continue to source additional reinsurance partners, we expect to further diversify our flow reinsurance channel and expect that our improving credit profile will help us attract additional reinsurance partners. Within our institutional channel, we generated deposits of $566 million and $650 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our ability to issue funding agreements, namely those issued through our FABN program, has benefited from our public company status and improving credit profile, allowing us to generate deposits in the aggregate principal amount of $300 million and $650 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, growth in our institutional channel was attributed to continued success in the PRT channel during the quarter. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we closed one transaction and issued group annuity contracts in the aggregate principal amount of $266 million. We expect to grow our institutional channel by continuing to engage in opportunistic issuances of funding agreements and by continuing to engage in PRT transactions.

In December 2017, we entered into a transaction with Voya, pursuant to which we agreed to reinsure approximately $19 billion of fixed and fixed indexed annuity liabilities. Additionally, a consortium of investors, led by affiliates of Apollo, and certain other investors, agreed to purchase VIAC, including its closed block variable annuity segment, and create a newly formed standalone entity, Venerable, that will be the holding company of VIAC. We committed to make a $75 million minority equity investment in VA Capital Company LLC, the holding company of Venerable, and provide financing to Venerable of $150 million, in each case, subject to certain closing adjustments. These transactions are expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2018, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Our results of operations will not reflect the impacts of these transactions until the close of the transaction.

Acquisition Summary Included in Results of Operations

On January 1, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Athora Offering, our equity interest in the Athora was exchanged for common shares of Athora. See Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further details of the deconsolidation of our German operations. The deconsolidation of Athora decreased our total assets by $6.3 billion and our invested assets by $6.0 billion. The impact of this deconsolidation has an effect on the comparability of our historical results and therefore historical discussions of changes between periods are not necessarily indicative of future results. To enhance the comparability of our March 31, 2018 and 2017 results, we highlight the financial results applicable to the deconsolidation of Athora where meaningful. As of January 1, 2018, our investment in Athora is reflected as an alternative investment.


Industry Trends and Competition

Market Conditions

While the U.S. Federal Reserve has continued its process of policy rate normalization, longer dated interest Treasury yields have risen, but not in step with shorter term rates, and as a consequence, the yield curve has flattened notably over the past twelve months. Whether signaling low long-term inflation expectations, or a coming curve inversion, or simply due to supply dynamics in the global search for asset yield, the level of longer dated Treasury yields affects the yield we earn on invested assets. The appreciable rise in such longer dated yields to date in 2018 has benefited such yields on new purchases. While current economic fundamentals appear strong, uncertainty about future fiscal policy, changes in tax policy, the scope of potential deregulation, and levels of global trade, along with uncertainty about the Federal Reserve’s ability to manage its normalization process and the impact on inflation and wage growth, may trigger continued volatility across financial markets. Volatility as seen recently in the equity markets, may adversely affect the hedging costs of our liability policy hedging program. Credit market volatility, during which time credit spreads may widen, benefits our investment purchases but may negatively affect the valuations of our in-force investment portfolio.

A volatile market environment may affect our ability to produce liability products that are profitable, have the desired risk profile to the company, and be desired by consumers. As a company with strong retirement, investment management and insurance capabilities, we expect that over the long term, market conditions resulting in higher Treasury yields and credit spreads will enhance the attractiveness of our portfolio of annuity products. We continue to monitor the behavior of our customers and other factors which react to market conditions, including mortality rates, morbidity rates, annuitization rates and lapse rates, in order to best serve our customers and generate strong profitability to our shareholders.

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Interest Rate Environment

As a retirement services company focused on issuing and reinsuring fixed annuities, we are affected by the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve in the United States as well as other central banks around the world. In spite of the Federal Reserve increasing federal funds rates again in March of 2018, interest rates in the United States remain lower than historical levels. The lower interest rates in part are due to a number of actions taken in recent years by the Federal Reserve in an effort to stimulate economic activity. Any future increases in federal funds rates are uncertain and will depend on the economic outlook.

Our investment portfolio consists predominantly of fixed maturity investments. See –Consolidated Investment Portfolio. If prevailing interest rates were to rise, we believe the yield on our new investment purchases may also rise and our investment income from floating rate investments would increase, while the value of our existing investments may decline. If prevailing interest rates were to decline, it is likely that the yield on our new investment purchases may decline and our investment income from floating rate investments would decrease, while the value of our existing investments may increase. We address interest rate risk through managing the duration of the liabilities we source with assets we acquire and through asset liability management (ALM) modeling. We endeavor to limit reinvestment risk related to cash flows by managing our asset portfolio to ensure it provides adequate cash flows to meet our expected policyholder benefit cash flows to within tolerable risk management limits. Our strategy is to achieve sustainable yields that allow us to maintain an attractive investment margin. As part of our investment strategy, we purchase floating rate investments, which we expect will perform well in a rising interest rate environment. Our investment portfolio includes $17.1 billion of floating rate investments, or approximately 22% of our total invested assets as of March 31, 2018. The percentage of floating rate investments decreased from December 31, 2017, due to a refinement in our definition to only include short duration securities that are directly tied or linked to an index. As part of our reinvestment strategy for the investment portfolios of companies we acquire or blocks we reinsure, we generally seek to reinvest assets at yields higher than the related assets being liquidated for reinvestment. We continuously seek to optimize our investment portfolio to achieve favorable returns over the long term.

If prevailing interest rates were to rise, we believe our products would be more attractive to consumers and our sales would likely increase. In periods of prolonged low interest rates, the investment margin earned on deferred annuities may be negatively impacted by reduced investment income to the extent that we are unable to adequately reduce policyholder crediting rates due to policyholder guarantees in the form of minimum crediting rates or otherwise due to market conditions. As of March 31, 2018, most of our products were fixed annuities with approximately 34% of our FIAs at the minimum guarantees and approximately 47% of our fixed rate annuities at the minimum crediting rates. As of March 31, 2018, minimum guarantees on all of our deferred annuities, including those with crediting rates already at their minimum guarantees, were, on average, 90 to 100 basis points below the crediting rates on such deferred annuities, allowing us room to reduce rates before reaching the minimum guarantees. Our remaining liabilities are associated with immediate annuities, pension risk transfer obligations, funding agreements or life contracts for which we have little to no discretionary ability to change the rates of interest payable to the respective policyholder. A significant majority of our products have crediting rates that we may reset annually upon renewal following the expiration of the current guaranteed period. While we have the contractual ability to lower these crediting rates to the guaranteed minimum levels, our willingness to do so may be limited by competitive pressures.

See Part IIItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks in our 2017 Annual Report, which includes a discussion regarding interest rate and other significant risks and our strategies for managing these risks.

Demographics

Over the next four decades, the retirement-age population is expected to experience unprecedented growth. Technological advances and improvements in healthcare are projected to continue to contribute to increasing average life expectancy, and aging individuals must be prepared to fund retirement periods that will last longer than ever before. Further, many working households in the United States do not have adequate retirement savings. As a tool for addressing the unmet need for retirement planning, we believe that many Americans have begun to look to tax-efficient savings products with low-risk or guaranteed return features and potential equity market upside. Our tax-efficient savings products are well positioned to meet this increasing customer demand.

We believe that our strong presence in the FIA market and strength of our relationships with IMOs position us to effectively serve consumers’ demand in the rapidly growing retirement savings market. We expect that our retail channel will continue to benefit from our improving credit profile and recent product launches. We believe this should help us to grow sales at our desired cost of crediting through increased volumes via current IMOs and access to new distribution channels, including small to mid-sized banks and regional broker-dealers. We also believe that our improving credit profile has enabled and will continue to enable us to increase penetration in our existing organic channels, such as flow reinsurance and funding agreements, while also helping us to increase our presence in the PRT market.


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Competition

We operate in highly competitive markets. We face a variety of large and small industry participants, including diversified financial institutions and insurance and reinsurance companies. These companies compete in one form or another for the growing pool of retirement assets driven by a number of external factors such as the continued aging of the population and the reduction in safety nets provided by governments and private employers. In the markets in which we operate, scale and the ability to provide value-added services and build long-term relationships are important factors to compete effectively. We believe that our leading presence in the retirement market, diverse range of capabilities and broad distribution network uniquely position us to effectively serve consumers’ increasing demand for retirement solutions, particularly in the FIA market.

It is unclear at this time what impact, if any, the Tax Act will have on the competitive environment of the markets in which we compete. If U.S.-based competitors use some or all of their tax savings to offset reductions in product pricing, we could see increased price competition, which would place downward pressure on our return targets and on volumes within each of our distribution channels. See –Regulatory Developments–Tax Reform below.

According to LIMRA, total fixed annuity market sales in the United States were $107.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an 8.1% decrease from the same time period in 2016. This decrease was driven by a decrease in traditional fixed rate deferred annuities of $4.5 billion, or 11.6% over prior year, and a decrease in FIA products of $3.3 billion, or 5.4% over prior year. In the total fixed annuity market, for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the most recent period for which specific market share data is available), we were the 5th largest company based on sales with a 5.0% market share and $5.4 billion in sales. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our market share was 4.5% with sales of $5.3 billion.

Despite the decline experienced recently, over the longer-term FIAs have been one of the fastest growing annuity products, having grown from $27.3 billion in 2005 to $57.6 billion in sales for the year ended December 31, 2017. According to LIMRA, for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the most recent period for which specific market share data is available), we were the 2nd largest provider of FIAs in terms of sales, and our market share for the same period was 8.4% with sales of $4.9 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our market share was 7.4% with sales of $4.5 billion.

Regulatory Developments

We continue to face material uncertainty regarding the ultimate impacts of tax reform to our business and regarding the substance, timing, and applicability of the DOL fiduciary rule.

Tax Reform

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Act into law, which introduced significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. While our expectations may be subject to change as we continue to evaluate the impact of the Tax Act on our business, we expect the following notable impacts:
Overall tax rate—Although the Tax Act reduces corporate income tax rates to 21% beginning in 2018, it also imposes a new minimum tax, referred to as the BEAT, which taxes modified taxable income at a rate of 5% beginning in 2018, increasing to 10% in 2019 and 12.5% in 2026. In general, modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to a taxpayer’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to payments to foreign affiliates, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies only to the extent it exceeds a taxpayer’s regular corporate income tax liability (determined without regard to certain tax credits). The BEAT is expected to apply to our U.S. subsidiaries with respect to payments to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries. The BEAT does not apply to premium paid to ALRe directly by unaffiliated ceding companies or investment income earned on our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries’ surplus assets, which together currently represent approximately 20–25% of our pre-tax adjusted operating income. In addition to the BEAT, the 1% excise tax that we have historically paid will continue to apply to premiums paid to our Bermuda subsidiaries that are not subject to U.S. taxation, to the extent that any such premiums are paid.


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Within the context of affiliated modco arrangements, which is how much of our internal reinsurance is structured, it is our belief that the BEAT was generally intended to require the add back of the net amount paid or accrued by our U.S. subsidiaries to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries for premiums, investment income, reserve changes, other consideration and expenses (net basis). However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the computation of the BEAT in the context of affiliated modco arrangements, including whether the BEAT applies on a net basis or instead requires the add back of the gross amount paid or accrued, without reduction for claims or other expenses. In light of this uncertainty, we have begun to take actions that would allow us to mitigate the potential effect of the BEAT on our results of operations should the BEAT require the add back of the gross amounts in this manner. Our overall tax rate will depend on the ultimate interpretation of the Tax Act and the actions that we take. We currently expect that, beginning in 2019, our overall tax rate will be between 12–16%, on average, of each of pre-tax income and pre-tax adjusted operating income; however, we may experience significant fluctuations in the overall tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax income from period-to-period, with certain periods falling outside of our expected range. Until there is more clarity regarding the computation of the BEAT in the context of modco arrangements, and until we execute additional actions to mitigate its impact, we currently expect that our 2018 annual financial results will reflect an overall tax rate of between 14–15%, on average, of each of pre-tax income and pre-tax adjusted operating income, with our overall tax rate as a percentage of pre-tax income experiencing great volatility from period-to-period, as discussed above.
The estimated future overall tax rates presented above incorporate various assumptions and actual results may vary. See Item 1A. Risk FactorsOur business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows depend on the accuracy of our management’s assumptions and estimates, and we could face significant losses if these assumptions and estimates differ significantly from actual resultsBEAT Mitigating Actions and Item IA. Risk FactorsRisks Relating to TaxationThe BEAT may significantly increase our tax liability and our efforts to mitigate the cost of the BEAT may be unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective, or counterproductive, each included in Part II of this report.
Risk-based capital—Depending on the reaction of the NAIC to the passage of the Tax Act, the change in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% could result in a reduction of our RBC ratios. At present, the NAIC RBC calculations employ the statutory corporate tax rate of 35% in calculating several aspects of RBC. If the NAIC RBC calculations simply employ the new statutory corporate tax rate of 21% with no other adjustments, our RBC ratios, along with those of other fixed annuity writers and life insurers in general, are expected to decrease. If such were the case as of March 31, 2018, we estimate the decrease to our overall NAIC RBC ratios would have been approximately 10–15%. Our capital ratios under the various rating agency models are not expected to be materially impacted by the change in tax rate, and those models are an important consideration in determining the appropriate levels of capital to run our business. Our initial assessment of the level of capital that we deem appropriate to run our business has not been impacted materially by the change in tax rate.

Target returns—Historically, we have generally targeted mid-teen returns for sources of organic growth and mid-teen or higher returns for sources of inorganic growth. The Tax Act may alter the way that we price our products or otherwise impact targeted returns on organic production, and may further affect the returns that we target for sources of inorganic growth, in each case, potentially resulting in a decrease of our targeted returns on a temporary or permanent basis. In addition, we expect that the Tax Act will cause a reduction of the returns that we realize on our in-force business.

Controlled Foreign Corporation—As discussed more fully at Part IIItem 1A. Risk FactorsRisks Relating to TaxationU.S. persons who own our Class A common shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at ordinary income rates on our undistributed earnings and profits, adoption of the Tax Act resulted in certain changes affecting the determination as to whether an entity constitutes a Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC). Being treated as a CFC could have adverse tax consequences to certain of our shareholders. To reduce the likelihood of such a result, we have restructured certain of our subsidiaries so that Athene USA, our U.S. holding company subsidiary, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of ALRe.

Other provisions of the Tax Act could significantly increase the tax liability of our U.S. subsidiaries in future tax periods by accelerating items of income or deferring deductions. Although the acceleration of an item of income or deferral of a deduction in one tax period allows a taxpayer to recognize less taxable income in a future period, there can be no assurance that we will be able to utilize any resulting deferred tax assets in future tax periods.
The foregoing represents our current expectations of certain of the effects of the Tax Act and may be subject to change as additional guidance is made available and as we continue to evaluate the effect of this legislation on our business. See Part IIItem 1A. Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Taxation for further information on how the Tax Act could impact us.


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U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Fiduciary Rule

On April 6, 2016, the DOL issued the fiduciary rule which imposes upon third parties who sell annuities within Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended, ERISA) plans or to individual retirement account (IRA) holders a fiduciary duty to retirement investors. The DOL delayed the applicability date of the fiduciary rule to June 9, 2017 and the full compliance date to July 1, 2019. On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion vacating, in their entirety, the DOL fiduciary rule and its associated package of new and amended prohibited transaction exemptions. In late April, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and top legal officials in California, New York and Oregon filed a petition in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals asking for the court’s permission to intervene in the lawsuit to appeal the opinion. The Fifth Circuit ruling is scheduled to take effect on May 7, 2018 absent any petition for rehearing or motion to stay by the DOL or an approval of the request to intervene. We will continue to abide by the fiduciary rule unless and until the Fifth Circuit’s ruling becomes effective.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated that it will work with the DOL to propose rules creating a uniform standard of conduct applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisers, which, if adopted, may affect the distribution of our products. On April 18, 2018, the SEC released three new proposed rules addressing a uniform best interest standard of conduct with the public comment period ending 90 days after publication of the documents in the Federal Register. In addition, the NAIC is working to propose changes to the Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation (SAT) to include best interest. Should the SEC or NAIC rules, if adopted, not align, the distribution of our products could be further complicated.


Key Operating and Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to our results presented in accordance with GAAP, our results of operations include certain non-GAAP measures commonly used in our industry. Management believes the use of these non-GAAP measures, together with the relevant GAAP measures, provides information that may enhance an investor’s understanding of our results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business. The majority of these non-GAAP measures are intended to remove from the results of operations the impact of market volatility (other than with respect to alternative investments) as well as integration, restructuring and certain other expenses which are not part of our underlying profitability drivers or likely to re-occur in the foreseeable future, as such items fluctuate from period to period in a manner inconsistent with these drivers. These measures should be considered supplementary to our results in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as a substitute for the GAAP measures. See Non-GAAP Measure Reconciliations for the appropriate reconciliations to the GAAP measures.

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure used to evaluate our financial performance excluding market volatility and expenses related to integration, restructuring, stock compensation, and other expenses. Our adjusted operating income equals net income adjusted to eliminate the impact of the following (collectively, the “non-operating adjustments”):

Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Offsets—Investment gains (losses), net of offsets, consist of the realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities, the change in assumed modco and funds withheld reinsurance embedded derivatives, unrealized gains and losses, impairments, and other investment gains and losses. Unrealized, impairments and other investment gains and losses are comprised of the fair value adjustments of trading securities (other than CLOs) and investments held under the fair value option, derivative gains and losses not hedging FIA index credits, and the net OTTI impacts recognized in operations net of the change in AmerUs Closed Block fair value reserve related to the corresponding change in fair value of investments and the change in unit-linked reserves related to the corresponding trading securities. Investment gains and losses are net of offsets related to DAC, DSI, and VOBA amortization and changes to guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) and guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB) reserves (together, GLWB and GMDB reserves represent rider reserves) as well as the MVAs associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts.

Change in Fair Values of Derivatives and Embedded Derivatives – FIAs, Net of Offsets—Impacts related to the fair value accounting for derivatives hedging the FIA index credits and the related embedded derivative liability fluctuate from period to period. The index reserve is measured at fair value for the current period and all periods beyond the current policyholder index term. However, the FIA hedging derivatives are purchased to hedge only the current index period. Upon policyholder renewal at the end of the period, new FIA hedging derivatives are purchased to align with the new term. The difference in duration between the FIA hedging derivatives and the index credit reserves creates a timing difference in earnings. This timing difference of the FIA hedging derivatives and index credit reserves is included as a non-operating adjustment, net of offsets related to DAC, DSI, and VOBA amortization and changes to rider reserves.

We primarily hedge with options that align with the index terms of our FIA products (typically 1-2 years). From an economic basis, we believe this is suitable because policyholder accounts are credited with index performance at the end of each index term. However, because the “value of an embedded derivative” in an FIA contract is longer-dated, there is a duration mismatch which may lead to mismatches for accounting purposes.


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Integration, Restructuring, and Other Non-operating Expenses—Integration, restructuring, and other non-operating expenses consist of restructuring and integration expenses related to acquisitions and block reinsurance costs as well as certain other expenses which are not part of our core operations or likely to re-occur in the foreseeable future.

Stock Compensation Expense—Stock compensation expenses associated with our share incentive plans, excluding our long term incentive plan, are not part of our core operating expenses and fluctuate from time to time due to the structure of our plans.

Bargain Purchase Gain—Bargain purchase gains associated with acquisitions are adjustments to net income as they are not consistent with our core operations.

Income Taxes (Expense) Benefit – Non-operating—The non-operating income tax expense is comprised of the appropriate jurisdiction’s tax rate applied to the non-operating adjustments that are subject to income tax.

We consider these non-operating adjustments to be meaningful adjustments to net income for the reasons discussed in greater detail above. Accordingly, we believe using a measure which excludes the impact of these items is effective in analyzing the trends in our results of operations. Together with net income, we believe adjusted operating income, provides a meaningful financial metric that helps investors understand our underlying results and profitability. Adjusted operating income should not be used as a substitute for net income.

Adjusted ROE, Adjusted Operating ROE and Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted ROE, adjusted operating ROE and adjusted net income are non-GAAP measures used to evaluate our financial performance excluding the impacts of AOCI and funds withheld and modco reinsurance unrealized gains and losses, net of DAC, DSI, rider reserve and tax offsets. Adjusted ROE is calculated as adjusted net income, divided by adjusted shareholders’ equity. Adjusted shareholders’ equity is calculated as the ending shareholders’ equity excluding AOCI and funds withheld and modco reinsurance unrealized gains and losses. Adjusted operating ROE is calculated as the adjusted operating income, divided by adjusted shareholders’ equity. Adjusted net income is calculated as net income excluding funds withheld and modco reinsurance unrealized gains and losses, net of DAC, DSI, rider reserve and tax offsets. These adjustments fluctuate period to period in a manner inconsistent with our underlying profitability drivers as the majority of such fluctuation is related to the market volatility of the unrealized gains and losses associated with our AFS securities. Once we have reinvested acquired blocks of businesses, we typically buy and hold AFS investments to maturity throughout the duration of market fluctuations, therefore, the period-over-period impacts in unrealized gains and losses are not necessarily indicative of current adjusted operating fundamentals or future performance. Accordingly, we believe using measures which exclude AOCI and funds withheld and modco reinsurance unrealized gains and losses are useful in analyzing trends in our operating results. To enhance the ability to analyze these measures across periods, interim periods are annualized. Adjusted ROE, adjusted operating ROE and adjusted net income should not be used as a substitute for ROE and net income. However, we believe the adjustments to equity are significant to gaining an understanding of our overall results of operations.


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Adjusted Operating Earnings Per Share, Weighted Average Shares Outstanding Adjusted Operating and Adjusted Book Value Per Share

Adjusted operating earnings per share, weighted average shares outstanding – adjusted operating and adjusted book value per share are non-GAAP measures used to evaluate our financial performance and financial condition. The non-GAAP measures adjust the number of shares included in the corresponding GAAP measures to reflect the conversion or settlement of all shares and other stock-based awards outstanding. We believe using these measures represents an economic view of our share counts and provides a simplified and consistent view of our outstanding shares. Adjusted operating earnings per share is calculated as the adjusted operating income, over the weighted average shares outstanding – adjusted operating. Adjusted book value per share is calculated as the adjusted shareholders’ equity divided by the adjusted operating common shares outstanding. Our Class B common shares are economically equivalent to Class A common shares and can be converted to Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis at any time. Our Class M common shares are in the legal form of shares but economically function as options as they are convertible into Class A shares after vesting and payment of the conversion price. In calculating Class A diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis, we are required to apply sequencing rules to determine the dilutive impacts, if any, of our Class B common shares, Class M common shares and any other stock-based awards. To the extent our Class B common shares, Class M common shares and/or any other stock-based awards are not dilutive they are excluded. Weighted average shares outstanding – adjusted operating and adjusted operating common shares outstanding assume conversion or settlement of all outstanding items that are able to be converted to or settled in Class A common shares, including the impacts of Class B common shares on a one-for-one basis, the impacts of all Class M common shares net of the conversion price and any other stock-based awards, but excluding any awards for which the exercise or conversion price exceeds the market value of our Class A common shares on the applicable measurement date. For certain historical periods, Class M shares were not included due to issuance restrictions which were contingent upon our IPO. Adjusted operating earnings per share, weighted average shares outstanding – adjusted operating and adjusted book value per share should not be used as a substitute for basic earnings per share – Class A common shares, basic weighted average shares outstanding – Class A or book value per share. However, we believe the adjustments to the shares and equity are significant to gaining an understanding of our overall results of operations and financial condition.

Adjusted Debt to Capital Ratio

Adjusted debt to capital ratio is a non-GAAP measure used to evaluate our financial condition excluding the impacts of AOCI and funds withheld and modco reinsurance unrealized gains and losses, net of DAC, DSI, rider reserve and tax offsets. Adjusted debt to capital ratio is calculated as total debt excluding consolidated VIEs divided by adjusted shareholders’ equity. Adjusted debt to capital ratio should not be used as a substitute for the debt to capital ratio. However, we believe the adjustments to shareholders’ equity are significant to gaining an understanding of our overall results of operations and financial condition.

Retirement Services Net Investment Earned Rate, Cost of Crediting and Investment Margin on Deferred Annuities
    
Investment margin is a key measurement of the financial health of our Retirement Services core deferred annuities. Investment margin on our deferred annuities is generated from the excess of our net investment earned rate over the cost of crediting to our policyholders. Net investment earned rate is a key measure of investment returns and cost of crediting is a key measure of the policyholder benefits on our deferred annuities.

Net investment earned rate is a non-GAAP measure we use to evaluate the performance of our invested assets that does not correspond to GAAP net investment income. Net investment earned rate is computed as the income from our invested assets divided by the average invested assets for the relevant period. To enhance the ability to analyze these measures across periods, interim periods are annualized. The adjustments to arrive at our net investment earned rate add alternative investment gains and losses, gains and losses related to trading securities for CLOs, net VIE impacts (revenues, expenses and noncontrolling interest) and the change in reinsurance embedded derivatives. We include the income and assets supporting our assumed reinsurance by evaluating the underlying investments of the funds withheld at interest receivables and we include the net investment income from those underlying investments which does not correspond to the GAAP presentation of reinsurance embedded derivatives. We exclude the income and assets supporting business that we have exited through ceded reinsurance including funds withheld agreements. We believe the adjustments for reinsurance provide a net investment earned rate on the assets for which we have economic exposure.

Cost of crediting is the interest credited to the policyholders on our fixed strategies as well as the option costs on the indexed annuity strategies. With respect to FIAs, the cost of providing index credits includes the expenses incurred to fund the annual index credits, and where applicable, minimum guaranteed interest credited. The interest credited on fixed strategies and option costs on indexed annuity strategies are divided by the average account value of our deferred annuities. Our average account values are averaged over the number of quarters in the relevant period to obtain our cost of crediting for such period. To enhance the ability to analyze these measures across periods, interim periods are annualized.

Net investment earned rate, cost of crediting and investment margin on deferred annuities are non-GAAP measures we use to evaluate the profitability of our core deferred annuities business. Deferred annuities include our fixed rate annuities and FIAs, which account for approximately 82% of our Retirement Services reserve liabilities as of March 31, 2018. We believe measures like net investment earned rate, cost of crediting and investment margin on deferred annuities are effective in analyzing the trends of our core business operations, profitability and pricing discipline. While we believe net investment earned rate, cost of crediting and investment margin on deferred annuities are meaningful financial metrics and enhance our understanding of the underlying profitability drivers of our business, they should not be used as a substitute for net investment income and interest sensitive contract benefits presented under GAAP.


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Invested Assets

In managing our business we analyze invested assets, which do not correspond to total investments, including investments in related parties, as disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Invested assets represent the investments that directly back our policyholder liabilities as well as surplus assets. Invested assets is used in the computation of net investment earned rate, which allows us to analyze the profitability of our investment portfolio. Invested assets includes (a) total investments on the consolidated balance sheets with AFS securities at cost or amortized cost, excluding derivatives, (b) cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, (c) investments in related parties, (d) accrued investment income, (e) the consolidated VIE assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest, (f) net investment payables and receivables and (g) policy loans ceded (which offset the direct policy loans in total investments). Invested assets also excludes assets associated with funds withheld liabilities related to business exited through reinsurance agreements and derivative collateral (offsetting the related cash positions). We include the underlying investments supporting our assumed funds withheld and modco agreements in our invested assets calculation in order to match the assets with the income received. We believe the adjustments for reinsurance provide a view of the assets for which we have economic exposure. Our invested assets are averaged over the number of quarters in the relevant period to compute our net investment earned rate for such period.

Reserve Liabilities

In managing our business we also analyze reserve liabilities, which does not correspond to total liabilities as disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Reserve liabilities represents our policyholder liability obligations net of reinsurance and is used to analyze the costs of our liabilities. Reserve liabilities includes (a) the interest sensitive contract liabilities, (b) future policy benefits, (c) dividends payable to policyholders, and (d) other policy claims and benefits, offset by reinsurance recoverable, excluding policy loans ceded. Reserve liabilities is net of the ceded liabilities to third-party reinsurers as the costs of the liabilities are passed to such reinsurers and therefore we have no net economic exposure to such liabilities, assuming our reinsurance counterparties perform under our agreements. The majority of our ceded reinsurance is a result of reinsuring large blocks of life business following acquisitions. For such transactions, GAAP requires the ceded liabilities and related reinsurance recoverables to continue to be recorded in our consolidated financial statements despite the transfer of economic risk to the counterparty in connection with the reinsurance transaction.

Sales

Sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures to understand our business performance as it relates to deposits generated during a specific period of time. Our sales statistics include deposits for fixed rate annuities and FIAs and align with the LIMRA definition of all money paid into an individual annuity, including money paid into new contracts with initial purchase occurring in the specified period and existing contracts with initial purchase occurring prior to the specified period (excluding internal transfers).



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Consolidated Results of Operations

The following summarizes the consolidated results of operations:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
Revenues
$
1,011

 
$
1,619

Benefits and expenses
684

 
1,213

Income before income taxes
327

 
406

Income tax expense (benefit)
59

 
22

Net income
$
268

 
$
384

 
 
 
 
Adjusted operating income by segment
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
235

 
$
275

Corporate and Other
2

 
(9
)
Adjusted operating income
237

 
266

Non-operating adjustments
 
 
 
Realized gains (losses) on sale of AFS securities
17

 
11

Unrealized, impairments, and other investment gains (losses)
6

 
3

Assumed modco and funds withheld reinsurance embedded derivatives
(78
)
 
68

Offsets to investment gains (losses)
22

 
(25
)
Investment gains (losses), net of offsets
(33
)
 
57

Change in fair values of derivatives and embedded derivatives – FIAs, net of offsets
95

 
94

Integration, restructuring and other non-operating expenses
(8
)
 
(9
)
Stock compensation expense
(3
)
 
(10
)
Income tax (expense) benefit – non-operating
(20
)
 
(14
)
Total non-operating adjustments
31

 
118

Net income
$
268

 
$
384

 
 
 
 
ROE
12.0
%
 
21.3
%
Adjusted ROE
16.5
%
 
20.7
%
Adjusted operating ROE
12.1
%
 
16.1
%

We operate our core business strategies out of one reportable segment, Retirement Services. In addition to Retirement Services, we report certain other operations in Corporate and Other. See Results of Operations by Segment for further detail on the results of the segments.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

In this section, references to 2018 refer to the three months ended March 31, 2018 and references to 2017 refer to the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Net Income

Net income decreased by $116 million, or 30%, to $268 million in 2018 from $384 million in 2017. ROE and adjusted ROE decreased to 12.0% and 16.5%, respectively, from 21.3% and 20.7% in 2017, respectively. The decrease in net income was driven by a $29 million decrease in adjusted operating income and an unfavorable change in investment gain and losses related to the assumed reinsurance embedded derivative. The change in the assumed reinsurance embedded derivative impacts were unfavorable primarily driven by the increase in U.S. treasury rates compared to credit spread tightening in 2017.


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Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted operating income decreased by $29 million, or 11%, to $237 million in 2018 from $266 million in the prior period. Adjusted operating ROE was 12.1%, down from 16.1% in 2017. The decrease in adjusted operating income was primarily driven by higher other liability costs, an increase in cost of crediting, and higher income tax expense partially offset by an increase in investment income. Other liability costs increased primarily due to higher rider reserves and DAC amortization related to unfavorable equity market performance compared to 2017, as well as growth in the deferred annuity block of business. Cost of crediting was higher due to growth in our deferred annuity block of business which was partially offset by rate actions on business that renewed in 2017, which reduced the crediting rate from the prior period. The increase in investment income was primarily due to growth in our Retirement Services invested assets of $8.9 billion over 2017, increased floating rate investment income due to higher short-term interest rates and strong performance in alternative investments. The increase in alternative investment income was primarily driven by higher income in one of our hedge funds.

Our consolidated net investment earned rate was 4.60% in 2018, an increase from 4.48% in 2017, primarily attributed to strong performance from our alternative investment portfolio, an increase in floating rate investment income and the deconsolidation of our former German subsidiaries. Our alternative investment net investment earned rate was 10.38%, an increase from 8.06% in 2017, primarily attributable to higher hedge fund income.

Revenues

Total revenue decreased by $608 million to $1.0 billion in 2018 from $1.6 billion in 2017. The decrease was driven by unfavorable changes in investment related gains and losses, partially offset by an increase in premiums and higher net investment income.

Investment related gains and losses decreased by $918 million to $(236) million in 2018 from $682 million in the prior period, primarily due to the change in fair value of FIA hedging derivatives, the change in assumed reinsurance embedded derivatives and the unfavorable change in unrealized gains and losses on trading securities. The change in fair value of FIA hedging derivatives decreased by $665 million driven by the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. The majority of our call options are based on the S&P 500 index which experienced a 1.2% decrease in 2018, compared to a 5.5% increase in 2017. The assumed reinsurance embedded derivatives decreased by $177 million driven by a change in the underlying assets related to the increase in U.S. treasury rates as well as the prior year benefiting from credit spreads tightening. The change in unrealized gains and losses on trading securities was comprised of an unfavorable decrease in AmerUs Closed Block assets of $64 million related to higher unrealized losses in the first quarter of 2018 due to the increase in U.S. treasury rates.

Premiums increased by $226 million to $278 million in 2018 from $52 million in the prior period, driven by PRT premiums from the first quarter 2018.

Net investment income increased by $69 million to $855 million in 2018 from $786 million in 2017, primarily driven by an increase in fixed and other investment income and an increase in alternative investment income. The increase in fixed and other investment income was driven by earnings from growth in our investment portfolio attributed to a strong increase in deposits over the prior twelve months and higher short-term interest rates resulting in higher floating rate investment income, partially offset by the deconsolidation of our former German subsidiaries and the prior year benefiting from proceeds on the recovery of a bond previously written down. The increase in alternative investment income was primarily due to higher income in one of our hedge funds, partially offset by lower credit fund income.

Benefits and Expenses

Total benefits and expenses decreased by $529 million to $684 million in 2018 from $1.2 billion in 2017. The decrease was driven by a favorable change in interest sensitive contract benefits, a decrease in dividends payable to policyholders, a decrease in DAC, DSI and VOBA amortization and lower policy and other operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in future policy and other policy benefits.

Interest sensitive contract benefits decreased by $673 million to $19 million in 2018 from $692 million in 2017, primarily due to the change in FIA fair value embedded derivatives. The change in FIA fair value embedded derivatives decreased by $667 million primarily driven by the performance of the equity indices to which our FIA policies are linked, primarily the S&P 500 index, which experienced a 1.2% decrease in 2018, compared to a 5.5% increase in 2017. Additionally, the FIA fair value embedded derivatives were impacted by a favorable change in discount rates used in our embedded derivative calculations as the current quarter experienced an increase in discount rates compared to 2017, which experienced a decrease in discount rates.

Dividends to policyholders decreased by $19 million to $13 million in 2018 from $32 million in the prior year, primarily attributed to the deconsolidation of our former German subsidiaries.

DAC, DSI and VOBA amortization decreased by $13 million to $109 million in 2018 from $122 million in the prior period, primarily due to unfavorable investment related gains and losses, partially offset by growth in the DAC asset balance related to block growth and unfavorable impacts related to unfavorable equity market performance compared to 2017.


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Future policy and other policy benefits increased by $187 million to $401 million in 2018 from $214 million in 2017, primarily attributable to the increase in policyholder obligations from the PRT transaction in the first quarter 2018 as well as an unfavorable change in the rider reserves, partially offset by a decrease in the change in AmerUs Closed Block fair value liability and $52 million related to the deconsolidation of our former German subsidiaries. The unfavorable change in rider reserves of $32 million was primarily driven by growth in the block of business and unfavorable impacts related to the equity market performance compared to 2017 resulting in decreased index credits to policyholder accounts, which increased the amount needed to fund the rider reserve. The favorable change in the AmerUs Closed Block fair value liability of $78 million was primarily driven by the increase in unrealized losses on the underlying investments driven by higher unrealized losses in 2018 due to the increase in U.S. treasury rates.

Taxes    

Income tax expense increased by $37 million to $59 million in 2018 from $22 million in 2017. With the enactment of the Tax Act, the U.S. statutory tax rate declined to 21% from 35%; however, the BEAT was established, which may subject payments to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries to a tax of 5%, which would increase to 10% in 2019. The income tax expense for 2018 assumes that we have taken steps so that the BEAT is not applicable to such payments and thereby assumes that more income is subject to U.S. income tax.

Our effective tax rates were 18% in 2018 and 5% in 2017. Our effective tax rates may vary period to period depending upon the relationship of income and loss subject to tax compared to consolidated income and loss before income taxes.


Results of Operations by Segment

The following summarizes our adjusted operating income by segment:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except percentages)
2018
 
2017
Adjusted operating income by segment
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
235

 
$
275

Corporate and Other
2

 
(9
)
Adjusted operating income
$
237

 
$
266

 
 
 
 
Retirement Services adjusted operating ROE
17.3
%
 
24.1
%

Retirement Services

Retirement Services is comprised of our United States and Bermuda operations which issue and reinsure retirement savings products and institutional products. Retirement Services has retail operations, which provide annuity retirement solutions to our policyholders. Retirement Services also has reinsurance operations, which reinsure MYGAs, FIAs, traditional one year guarantee fixed deferred annuities, immediate annuities and institutional products from our reinsurance partners. In addition, our institutional operations, including funding agreements and PRT obligations, are included in our Retirement Services segment.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted operating income decreased by $40 million, or 15%, to $235 million in 2018, from $275 million in 2017. Adjusted operating ROE was 17.3%, down from 24.1% in the prior period. The decrease in adjusted operating income was primarily driven by an increase in other liability costs, cost of crediting and income tax expense, partially offset by higher net investment earnings.

Net investment earnings increased $86 million driven primarily by earnings from growth in invested assets of $8.9 billion attributed to a strong increase in deposits over the prior twelve months and increased floating rate investment income of $21 million due to higher short-term interest rates, partially offset by the prior year benefiting $14 million from proceeds on the recovery of a bond previously written down and $10 million related to an elevated level of cash from sizable deposits in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Other liability costs increased $79 million driven by unfavorable impacts related to equity market performance resulting in an unfavorable $14 million impact compared to approximately $40 million favorable impact in the prior year, as well as growth in our deferred annuity block of business, partially offset by lower excise taxes in 2018.

Cost of crediting increased $12 million driven by growth in our deferred annuity block of business which was partially offset by rate actions on business that renewed in 2017, which reduced the crediting rate from the prior period.


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Investment Margin on Deferred Annuities
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net investment earned rate
4.63
%
 
4.76
%
Cost of crediting
1.87
%
 
1.91
%
Investment margin on deferred annuities
2.76
%
 
2.85
%

Investment margin on deferred annuities decreased by 9 basis points to 2.76% in 2018, from 2.85% in 2017. The decrease in the investment margin on deferred annuities was driven by the decrease in net investment earned rate of 13 basis points, partially offset by a favorable decrease in cost of crediting of 4 basis points.

Net investment earned rate decreased due to the decrease in fixed and other net investment earned rate. The fixed and other net investment earned rate decreased in 2018, to 4.32% from 4.52% in 2017 primarily attributed to 2017 benefiting from proceeds from a bond previously written down and an elevated level of cash from sizable deposits in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by higher floating rate investment income in the quarter. The alternative investments net investments earned rate increased in 2018 to 12.34% from 10.59% in 2017, reflecting higher income in one of our hedge funds, partially offset by lower credit fund income.

Cost of crediting on deferred annuities decreased by 4 basis points to 1.87% in 2018, from 1.91% in 2017. The decrease in cost of crediting was driven by rate actions on business that renewed in 2017. We continue to focus on pricing discipline, managing interest rates credited to policyholders and managing the cost of options to fund the annual index credits on our FIA products.


Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other includes certain other operations related to our corporate activities, including corporate allocated expenses, merger and acquisition costs, debt costs, certain integration and restructuring costs, certain stock-based compensation and intersegment eliminations. In Corporate and Other, we also hold capital in excess of the level of capital we hold in Retirement Services to support our operating strategy. Prior to the deconsolidation of Athora on January 1, 2018, Corporate and Other included our German operations, which were primarily comprised of participating long-duration savings products.

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)

Adjusted operating income (loss) increased by $11 million to $2 million in 2018, from $(9) million in 2017. The increase in adjusted operating income, excluding Germany, was mainly driven by higher fixed and other investment income primarily related to the increase in excess capital and higher alternative investment income, partially offset by debt costs from our inaugural debt issuance in January. Our former German operations, which deconsolidated on January 1, 2018, had an operating loss of $3 million in 2017.


Consolidated Investment Portfolio
 
We had consolidated investments, including related parties, of $80.3 billion and $84.4 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Our investment strategy seeks to achieve sustainable risk-adjusted returns through disciplined managing of investment characteristics with our long-duration liabilities and the diversification of risk. The investment strategies utilized by our investment managers focus primarily on a buy and hold asset allocation strategy that may be adjusted periodically in response to changing market conditions and the nature of our liability profile. The majority of our investment portfolio is managed by AAM, an indirect subsidiary of Apollo founded for the express purpose of managing our portfolio. AAM provides a full suite of services for our investment portfolio, including direct investment management, asset allocation, mergers and acquisition asset diligence, and certain operational support services, including investment compliance, tax, legal and risk management support. Our relationship with AAM and Apollo allows us to take advantage of our generally illiquid liability profile by identifying investment opportunities with an emphasis on earning incremental yield by taking liquidity and complexity risk rather than assuming solely credit risk. The deep experience of the AAM investment team and Apollo’s credit portfolio managers assists us in sourcing and underwriting complex asset classes. AAM has selected a diverse array of corporate bonds and more structured, but highly rated asset classes. We also maintain holdings in floating rate and less rate-sensitive instruments, including CLOs, non-agency RMBS and various types of structured products. In addition to our fixed income portfolio, we opportunistically allocate 5-10% of our portfolio to alternative investments where we primarily focus on fixed income-like, cash flow-based investments.

Our invested assets, which are those which directly back our policyholder liabilities as well as surplus assets (as previously discussed in Key Operating and Non-GAAP Measures), were $78.7 billion and $82.3 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. AAM manages, directly and indirectly, $77.1 billion of investments, which in the aggregate constitute the vast majority of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018, comprising a diversified portfolio of fixed maturity and other securities. Through our relationship with Apollo, AAM has identified unique investment opportunities for us. AAM’s knowledge of our funding structure and regulatory requirements allows it to design customized strategies and investments for our portfolio.


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Our asset portfolio is managed within the limits and constraints set forth in our Investment and Credit Risk Policy. Under this policy, we set limits on investments in our portfolio by asset class, such as corporate bonds, emerging markets securities, municipal bonds, non-agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, commercial mortgage whole loans and mezzanine loans and investment funds. We also set credit risk limits for exposure to a single issuer that vary based on the issuer’s ratings. In addition, our investment portfolio is constrained by its scenario-based capital ratio limit and its stressed liquidity limit.

The following table presents the carrying values of our total investments and investments in related parties:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
$
58,575

 
73.1
%
 
$
61,012

 
72.3
%
Trading securities
2,088

 
2.6
%
 
2,196

 
2.6
%
Equity securities
160

 
0.2
%
 
790

 
0.9
%
Mortgage loans, net of allowances
6,139

 
7.7
%
 
6,233

 
7.4
%
Investment funds
647

 
0.8
%
 
699

 
0.8
%
Policy loans
510

 
0.6
%
 
530

 
0.6
%
Funds withheld at interest
7,093

 
8.8
%
 
7,085

 
8.4
%
Derivative assets
2,031

 
2.5
%
 
2,551

 
3.0
%
Real estate

 
%
 
624

 
0.7
%
Short-term investments
235

 
0.3
%
 
201

 
0.2
%
Other investments
113

 
0.1
%
 
133

 
0.2
%
Total investments
77,591

 
96.7
%
 
82,054

 
97.1
%
Investment in related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS securities
505

 
0.6
%
 
406

 
0.5
%
Trading securities
305

 
0.4
%
 
307

 
0.4
%
Investment funds
1,499

 
1.9
%
 
1,310

 
1.6
%
Short-term investments
123

 
0.1
%
 
52

 
0.1
%
Other investments
238

 
0.3
%
 
238

 
0.3
%
Total related party investments
2,670

 
3.3
%
 
2,313

 
2.9
%
Total investments, including related party
$
80,261

 
100.0
%
 
$
84,367

 
100.0
%

The decrease in our total investments, including related party, as of March 31, 2018 of $4.1 billion compared to December 31, 2017 was mainly driven by the deconsolidation of $5.9 billion related to our former German operations, the change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities and a decrease in derivative assets. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities decreased $1.3 billion attributed to the increase in U.S. treasury rates and credit spreads widening. Derivative assets decreased by $520 million primarily attributed to the decrease in equity markets as the S&P 500 index decreased by 1.2% in the quarter. These were partially offset by the deployment of cash, strong growth in deposits of $2.1 billion less liability outflows of $1.8 billion and the reinvestment of earnings.

Our investment portfolio consists largely of high quality fixed maturity securities, loans and short-term investments, as well as additional opportunistic holdings in investment funds and other instruments, including a small amount of equity holdings. Fixed maturity securities and loans include publicly issued corporate bonds, government and other sovereign bonds, privately placed corporate bonds and loans, mortgage loans, CMBS, RMBS, CLOs, and other asset-backed securities (ABS).

While the substantial majority of our investment portfolio has been allocated to corporate bonds and structured credit products, a key component of our investment strategy is the opportunistic acquisition of investment funds with attractive risk and return profiles. Our investment fund portfolio consists of funds that employ various strategies including real estate and other real asset funds, credit funds, private equity funds and hedge funds. We have a strong preference for assets that have some or all of the following characteristics, among others: (1) investments that constitute a direct investment or an investment in a fund with a high degree of co-investment; (2) investments with credit- or debt-like characteristics (for example, a stipulated maturity and par value), or alternatively, investments with reduced volatility when compared to pure equity; or (3) investments that have less downside risk. We acquired certain investment funds from AAA Investor (which are classified as private equity investments and consolidated VIEs) as a one-time capital contribution by our largest shareholder in advance of the Aviva USA acquisition. With respect to investment fund portfolios that we received in these transactions, we actively reinvest these investments in our preferred credit-oriented strategies over time as we liquidate these holdings.


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We hold derivatives for economic hedging purposes to reduce our exposure to the cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, equity market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and to a lesser extent, foreign exchange risk. Our primary use of derivative instruments relates to providing the income needed to fund the annual indexed credits on our FIA products. We primarily use fixed indexed options to economically hedge FIA products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specific market index.

With respect to derivative positions, we transact with highly rated counterparties, and do not expect the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations under the contracts. We generally use industry standard agreements and annexes with bilateral collateral provisions to further reduce counterparty credit exposure.

AFS Securities

We invest with the intent to hold investments to maturity. In selecting investments we attempt to source investments that match our future cash flow needs. However, we may sell any of our investments in advance of maturity in order to timely satisfy our liabilities as they become due or in order to respond to a change in the credit profile or other characteristics of the particular investment.

AFS fixed maturity securities are carried at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value for our AFS portfolio, net of related DAC, DSI and VOBA amortization and the change in rider reserves, are charged or credited to other comprehensive income, net of tax. Declines in fair value that are other than temporary are recorded as realized losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income, net of any applicable non-credit component of the loss, which is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income.

The distribution of our AFS securities, including related parties, by type is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions, except percentages)
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gain
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
25

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

 
0.0
%
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
995

 
140

 
(3
)
 
1,132

 
1.9
%
Foreign governments
137

 
2

 
(3
)
 
136

 
0.2
%
Corporate
35,489

 
875

 
(497
)
 
35,867

 
60.7
%
CLO
5,617

 
36

 
(11
)
 
5,642

 
9.5
%
ABS
4,595

 
44

 
(32
)
 
4,607

 
7.8
%
CMBS
1,981

 
32

 
(34
)
 
1,979

 
3.3
%
RMBS
8,532

 
666

 
(11
)
 
9,187

 
15.7
%
Total AFS securities
57,371

 
1,795

 
(591
)
 
58,575

 
99.1
%
AFS securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
456

 
4

 

 
460

 
0.8
%
ABS
45

 

 

 
45

 
0.1
%
Total AFS securities – related party
501

 
4

 

 
505

 
0.9
%
Total AFS securities, including related party
$
57,872

 
$
1,799

 
$
(591
)
 
$
59,080

 
100.0
%


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December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gain
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
63

 
$
1

 
$
(2
)
 
$
62

 
0.1
%
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
996

 
171

 
(2
)
 
1,165

 
1.9
%
Foreign governments
2,575

 
116

 
(8
)
 
2,683

 
4.3
%
Corporate
35,173

 
1,658

 
(171
)
 
36,660

 
59.5
%
CLO
5,039

 
53

 
(8
)
 
5,084

 
8.2
%
ABS
3,945

 
53

 
(27
)
 
3,971

 
6.4
%
CMBS
1,994

 
48

 
(21
)
 
2,021

 
3.3
%
RMBS
8,721

 
652

 
(7
)
 
9,366

 
15.2
%
Total fixed maturity securities
58,506

 
2,752

 
(246
)
 
61,012

 
98.9
%
Equity securities
271

 
7

 
(1
)
 
277

 
0.4
%
Total AFS securities
58,777

 
2,759

 
(247
)
 
61,289

 
99.3
%
Fixed maturity securities – related party
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
353

 
7

 

 
360

 
0.6
%
ABS
46

 

 

 
46

 
0.1
%
Total AFS securities – related party
399

 
7

 

 
406

 
0.7
%
Total AFS securities, including related party
$
59,176

 
$
2,766

 
$
(247
)
 
$
61,695

 
100.0
%


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Fixed Maturity Securities

We maintain a diversified AFS portfolio of corporate fixed maturity securities across industries and issuers, and a diversified portfolio of structured securities. The composition of our AFS fixed maturity securities, including related parties, is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
Corporate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial other1
$
11,533

 
19.5
%
 
$
12,026

 
19.6
%
Financial
11,475

 
19.4
%
 
11,824

 
19.3
%
Utilities
8,400

 
14.2
%
 
8,296

 
13.5
%
Communication
2,447

 
4.2
%
 
2,607

 
4.2
%
Transportation
2,012

 
3.4
%
 
1,907

 
3.1
%
Total corporate
35,867

 
60.7
%
 
36,660

 
59.7
%
Other government-related securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
1,132

 
1.9
%
 
1,165

 
1.9
%
Foreign governments
136

 
0.3
%
 
2,683

 
4.4
%
U.S. government and agencies
25

 
0.0
%
 
62

 
0.1
%
Total non-structured securities
37,160

 
62.9
%
 
40,570

 
66.1
%
Structured securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLO
6,102

 
10.3
%
 
5,444

 
8.9
%
ABS
4,652

 
7.9
%
 
4,017

 
6.5
%
CMBS
1,979

 
3.3
%
 
2,021

 
3.3
%
RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
81

 
0.1
%
 
87

 
0.1
%
Non-agency
9,106

 
15.5
%
 
9,279

 
15.1
%
Total structured securities
21,920

 
37.1
%
 
20,848

 
33.9
%
Total fixed maturity securities, including related party
$
59,080

 
100.0
%
 
$
61,418

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Includes securities within various industry segments including capital goods, basic industry, consumer cyclical, consumer non-cyclical, industrial and technology.

The fair value of our total fixed maturity securities, including related parties, was $59.1 billion and $61.4 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The decrease was mainly driven by the deconsolidation of $5.9 billion related to our former German operations and the change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities decreased $1.3 billion attributed to the increase in U.S. treasury rates and credit spreads widening. These were partially offset by the deployment of cash, strong growth in deposits of $2.1 billion less liability outflows of $1.8 billion and the reinvestment of earnings.

The Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the NAIC is responsible for the credit quality assessment and valuation of securities owned by state regulated insurance companies. Insurance companies report ownership of securities to the SVO when such securities are eligible for filing on the relevant schedule of the NAIC Financial Statement Blank. The SVO conducts credit analysis on these securities for the purpose of assigning an NAIC designation and/or unit price. With important exceptions discussed below, if a security has been rated by an Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO), the SVO utilizes that rating and assigns an NAIC designation based upon the following system:
NAIC designation
 
NRSRO equivalent rating
1
 
AAA/AA/A
2
 
BBB
3
 
BB
4
 
B
5
 
CCC
6
 
CC and lower


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The NRSRO ratings methodology is focused on the likelihood of recovery of all contractual payments, including principal at par, regardless of an investor’s carrying value. In effect, the NRSRO rating assumes that the holder is the original purchaser at par. In contrast, the SVO’s loan-backed and structured securities (LBaSS) methodology is focused on determining the risk associated with the recovery of the amortized cost of each security. Because the NAIC’s methodology explicitly considers amortized cost and the likelihood of recovery of our investment, we view the NAIC’s methodology as the most appropriate way to view our fixed maturity portfolio for purposes of evaluating credit quality since a large portion of our holdings were purchased and are carried at significant discounts to par.

Specific to LBaSS, the SVO has developed a ratings process and provides instruction on both modeled and non-modeled LBaSS. The modeled LBaSS process is specific to the non-agency RMBS and CMBS asset classes. In order to establish ratings at the individual security level, the SVO obtains loan-level analysis of each RMBS and CMBS using a selected vendor’s proprietary financial model. The SVO ensures that the vendor has extensive internal quality-control processes in place and the SVO conducts its own quality-control checks of the selected vendor’s valuation process. The SVO has retained the services of Blackrock to model non-agency RMBS and CMBS owned by U.S. insurers for all years presented herein. Blackrock provides five prices (breakpoints), based on each U.S. insurer’s statutory book value price, to utilize in determining the NAIC designation for each modeled LBaSS. For non-modeled LBaSS (including ABS and CLOs) with the initial designation of NAIC 1 or NAIC 6, the designation remains the same through the life of the security. For non-modeled LBaSS with the initial designation of NAIC 2 through NAIC 5, the selected vendors are not utilized and the NAIC designations are set using a standardized table of breakpoints provided by the SVO for application to the insurer’s statutory book value price. The NAIC designation determines the associated level of RBC that an insurer is required to hold for modeled LBaSS owned by the insurer. In general, under both the modeled and non-modeled LBaSS processes, the larger the discount to par value, the stronger the NAIC designation the LBaSS will have.

A summary of our AFS fixed maturity securities, including related parties, by NAIC designation (with our German operations applying NRSRO ratings to map to NAIC designations) is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
NAIC designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
$
28,792

 
$
29,740

 
50.4
%
 
$
30,906

 
$
32,447

 
52.8
%
2
25,451

 
25,744

 
43.6
%
 
24,147

 
25,082

 
40.9
%
Total investment grade
54,243

 
55,484

 
94.0
%
 
55,053

 
57,529

 
93.7
%
3
2,913

 
2,910

 
4.9
%
 
2,978

 
3,040

 
5.0
%
4
633

 
608

 
1.0
%
 
789

 
765

 
1.2
%
5
76

 
69

 
0.1
%
 
70

 
66

 
0.1
%
6
7

 
9

 
0.0
%
 
15

 
18

 
0.0
%
Total below investment grade
3,629

 
3,596

 
6.0
%
 
3,852

 
3,889

 
6.3
%
Total fixed maturity securities, including related party
$
57,872

 
$
59,080

 
100.0
%
 
$
58,905

 
$
61,418

 
100.0
%

Substantially all of our AFS fixed maturity portfolio, 94.0% and 93.7% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, was invested in assets considered investment grade with a NAIC designation of 1 or 2.


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A summary of our AFS fixed maturity securities, including related parties, by NRSRO ratings is set forth below:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
NRSRO rating agency designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA/AA/A
$
19,353

 
32.7
%
 
$
21,448

 
34.9
%
BBB
23,989

 
40.6
%
 
23,572

 
38.4
%
Non-rated1
6,488

 
11.0
%
 
6,592

 
10.7
%
Total investment grade
49,830

 
84.3
%
 
51,612

 
84.0
%
BB
2,981

 
5.1
%
 
3,091

 
5.0
%
B
1,016

 
1.7
%
 
1,198

 
2.0
%
CCC
3,202

 
5.4
%
 
2,696

 
4.4
%
CC and lower
1,591

 
2.7
%
 
2,302

 
3.8
%
Non-rated1
460

 
0.8
%
 
519

 
0.8
%
Total below investment grade
9,250

 
15.7
%
 
9,806

 
16.0
%
Total fixed maturity securities, including related party
$
59,080

 
100.0
%
 
$
61,418

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Securities denoted as non-rated by the NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the security’s respective NAIC designation.

Consistent with the NAIC Process and Procedures Manual, an NRSRO rating was assigned based on the following criteria: (a) the equivalent S&P rating where the security is rated by one NRSRO; (b) the equivalent S&P rating of the lowest NRSRO when the security is rated by two NRSROs; and (c) the equivalent S&P rating of the second lowest NRSRO if the security is rated by three or more NRSROs. If the lowest two NRSRO ratings are equal, then such rating will be the assigned rating. NRSRO ratings available for the periods presented were S&P, Fitch, Moody’s Investor Service (Moody’s), DBRS, and Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. (KBRA).

The portion of our AFS fixed maturity portfolio that was considered below investment grade based on NRSRO ratings was 15.7% and 16.0% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The primary driver of the difference in the percentage of securities considered below investment grade by NRSROs as compared to the securities considered below investment grade by the NAIC relates to the difference in methodologies between the NRSRO and NAIC for RMBS due to investments acquired at a discount to par value, as discussed above.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the non-rated securities shown above were comprised of 45% and 44%, respectively, of corporate private placement securities for which we have not sought individual ratings from the NRSROs and 43% and 42%, respectively, of RMBS, many of which were acquired at a significant discount to par. We rely on internal analysis of credit risk and designations assigned by the NAIC. As of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 93% of the non-rated securities were designated NAIC 1 or 2.

Asset-backed Securities – We invest in ABS which are securitized by pools of assets such as consumer loans, automobile loans, student loans, insurance-linked securities, operating cash flows of corporations and cash flows from various types of business equipment. These holdings were $4.7 billion and $4.0 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our ABS portfolio included $4.4 billion (94% of the total) and $3.8 billion (94% of the total), respectively, of securities that are considered investment grade based on NAIC designations, while $4.2 billion (90% of the total) and $3.6 billion (89% of the total), respectively, of securities were considered investment grade based on NRSRO ratings.

Collateralized Loan Obligations – We also invest in CLOs which pay principal and interest from cash flows received from underlying corporate loans. These holdings were $6.1 billion and $5.4 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our CLO portfolio included $5.4 billion (89% of the total) and $4.6 billion (85% of the total), respectively, of securities that are considered investment grade based on NAIC designations, while $5.7 billion (93% of the total) and $4.8 billion (88% of the total), respectively, of securities were considered investment grade based on NRSRO ratings.


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Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities – A portion of our fixed maturity AFS portfolio is invested in CMBS. CMBS are constructed from pools of commercial mortgages. These holdings were $2.0 billion as of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our CMBS portfolio included $1.9 billion (96% of the total) and $1.9 billion (95% of the total), respectively, of securities that are considered investment grade based on NAIC designations, while $1.4 billion (68% of the total) and $1.4 billion (70% of the total), respectively, of securities were considered investment grade based on NRSRO ratings.

Residential Mortgage-backed Securities – As part of our core investment strategy, a portion of our fixed maturity AFS portfolio is invested in RMBS. RMBS are securities constructed from pools of residential mortgages and backed by payments from those pools. These holdings were $9.2 billion and $9.4 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Excluding limitations on access to lending and other extraordinary economic conditions, prepayments of principal on the underlying loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in market interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates. Our investments in RMBS are primarily non-agency RMBS having a significant focus on assets with attractive entry prices, which are generally considered investment grade based on NAIC designations, given the likelihood that we ultimately receive principal and interest distributions in an amount at least equal to our amortized cost.

A summary of our AFS RMBS portfolio by NAIC designations and NRSRO quality ratings is as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
NAIC designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
$
8,460

 
92.1
%
 
$
8,714

 
93.0
%
2
422

 
4.6
%
 
360

 
3.8
%
Total investment grade
8,882

 
96.7
%
 
9,074

 
96.8
%
3
198

 
2.2
%
 
213

 
2.3
%
4
102

 
1.1
%
 
73

 
0.8
%
5
5

 
0.0
%
 
6

 
0.1
%
Total below investment grade
305

 
3.3
%
 
292

 
3.2
%
Total RMBS
$
9,187

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,366

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NRSRO rating agency designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA/AA/A
$
353

 
3.8
%
 
$
335

 
3.6
%
BBB
385

 
4.2
%
 
347

 
3.7
%
Non-rated1
2,886

 
31.4
%
 
2,866

 
30.6
%
Total investment grade
3,624

 
39.4
%
 
3,548

 
37.9
%
BB
371

 
4.0
%
 
415

 
4.4
%
B
364

 
4.0
%
 
417

 
4.5
%
CCC
3,110

 
33.9
%
 
2,580

 
27.5
%
CC and lower
1,587

 
17.3
%
 
2,298

 
24.5
%
Non-rated1
131

 
1.4
%
 
108

 
1.2
%
Total below investment grade
5,563

 
60.6
%
 
5,818

 
62.1
%
Total RMBS
$
9,187

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,366

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Securities denoted as non-rated by the NRSRO were classified as investment or non-investment grade according to the security’s respective NAIC designations.

A significant majority of our RMBS portfolio, 96.7% and 96.8% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, was invested in assets considered to be investment grade based upon an application of the NAIC’s methodology to our holdings of RMBS. The NAIC’s methodology with respect to RMBS gives explicit effect to the amortized cost at which an insurance company carries each such investment. Because we invested in RMBS after the stresses related to U.S. housing had caused significant downward pressure on prices of RMBS, we carry most of our investments in RMBS at significant discounts to par value, which resulted in an investment grade NAIC designation. In contrast, our understanding is that in setting ratings, NRSROs focus on the likelihood of recovery of all contractual payments including principal at par value. As a result of a fundamental difference in approach, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, NRSROs characterized 39.4% and 37.9%, respectively, of our RMBS as investment grade.


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Unrealized Losses

Our investments in fixed maturity securities, including related parties, are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. Certain of our fixed maturity securities, including related parties, have experienced declines in fair value that we consider temporary in nature. As of March 31, 2018, our fixed maturity securities, including related party, had a fair value of $59.1 billion, which was 2.1% above amortized cost of $57.9 billion. As of December 31, 2017, our fixed maturity securities, including related party, had a fair value of $61.4 billion, which was 4.3% above amortized cost of $58.9 billion. These investments are held to support our product liabilities and we currently have the intent and ability to hold these securities until sale or maturity, and believe the securities will recover the amortized cost basis prior to sale or maturity.

The following tables reflect the unrealized losses on the AFS fixed maturity portfolio, including related parties, by NAIC designations:
 
March 31, 2018
(In millions, except percentages)
Amortized Cost of Securities with Unrealized Loss
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value of Securities with Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value to Amortized Cost Ratio
 
Fair Value of Total AFS Fixed Maturity Securities
 
Percent of Loss to Total AFS Fair Value NAIC Designation
NAIC designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
$
8,903

 
$
(204
)
 
$
8,699

 
97.7
%
 
$
29,740

 
(0.7
)%
2
11,121

 
(289
)
 
10,832

 
97.4
%
 
25,744

 
(1.1
)%
Total investment grade
20,024

 
(493
)
 
19,531

 
97.5
%
 
55,484

 
(0.9
)%
3
1,483

 
(47
)
 
1,436

 
96.8
%
 
2,910

 
(1.6
)%
4
409

 
(43
)
 
366

 
89.5
%
 
608

 
(7.1
)%
5
66

 
(8
)
 
58

 
87.9
%
 
69

 
(11.6
)%
6

 

 

 
%
 
9

 
 %
Total below investment grade
1,958

 
(98
)
 
1,860

 
95.0
%
 
3,596

 
(2.7
)%
Total
$
21,982

 
$
(591
)
 
$
21,391

 
97.3
%
 
$
59,080

 
(1.0
)%

 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Amortized Cost of Securities with Unrealized Loss
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value of Securities with Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value to Amortized Cost Ratio
 
Fair Value of Total AFS Fixed Maturity Securities
 
Percent of Loss to Total AFS Fair Value NAIC Designation
NAIC designation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
$
4,901

 
$
(100
)
 
$
4,801

 
98.0
%
 
$
32,447

 
(0.3
)%
2
4,284

 
(82
)
 
4,202

 
98.1
%
 
25,082

 
(0.3
)%
Total investment grade
9,185

 
(182
)
 
9,003

 
98.0
%
 
57,529

 
(0.3
)%
3
881

 
(19
)
 
862

 
97.8
%
 
3,040

 
(0.6
)%
4
451

 
(40
)
 
411

 
91.1
%
 
765

 
(5.2
)%
5
60

 
(5
)
 
55

 
91.7
%
 
66

 
(7.6
)%
6
5

 

 
5

 
100.0
%
 
18

 
 %
Total below investment grade
1,397

 
(64
)
 
1,333

 
95.4
%
 
3,889

 
(1.6
)%
Total
$
10,582

 
$
(246
)
 
$
10,336

 
97.7
%
 
$
61,418

 
(0.4
)%

The gross unrealized losses on AFS fixed maturity securities, including related party, were $591 million and $246 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The increase in unrealized losses was driven by the increase in U.S. treasury rates and credit spreads widening during three months ended March 31, 2018.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we held $4.5 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, in energy sector fixed maturity securities, or 8% and 7% of the total fixed maturity securities, including related parties, respectively. The gross unrealized capital losses on these securities were $75 million and $33 million, or 13% and 13% of the total unrealized losses, respectively.


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Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

For our OTTI policy and the identification of securities that could potentially have impairments, see Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2 – Investments to the condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded $3 million of OTTI losses comprised of $2 million related to corporate fixed maturities and $1 million related to RMBS. Of the OTTI losses recognized during three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no OTTI losses related to the energy sector. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recorded $1 million of OTTI losses, all of which related to ABS. Of the OTTI losses recognized during 2017, there were no OTTI losses related to the energy sector. The annualized OTTI losses we have experienced for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, translate into 2 basis points and 1 basis point, respectively, of average invested assets.

International Exposure

A portion of our fixed maturity securities is invested in securities with international exposure. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 30% and 33% of the carrying value of our fixed maturity securities, including related parties, was comprised of securities of issuers based outside of the United States and debt securities of foreign governments. These securities are either denominated in U.S. dollars or do not expose us to significant foreign currency risk as a result of foreign currency swap arrangements.

The following table presents our international exposure in our fixed maturity securities portfolio, including related parties, by country or region:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Percent of Total
Country of risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ireland
$
537

 
$
530

 
3.0
%
 
$
498

 
$
511

 
2.6
%
Italy
37

 
39

 
0.2
%
 
59

 
64

 
0.3
%
Spain
32

 
35

 
0.2
%
 
209

 
225

 
1.1
%
Portugal

 

 
%
 
1

 
1

 
0.0
%
Total Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal1
606

 
604

 
3.4
%
 
767

 
801

 
4.0
%
Other Europe
5,713

 
5,805

 
32.6
%
 
8,087

 
8,395

 
42.0
%
Total Europe
6,319

 
6,409

 
36.0
%
 
8,854

 
9,196

 
46.0
%
Non-U.S. North America
8,814

 
8,888

 
49.9
%
 
8,048

 
8,220

 
41.2
%
Australia & New Zealand
1,586

 
1,586

 
8.9
%
 
1,443

 
1,481

 
7.4
%
Central & South America
398

 
408

 
2.3
%
 
481

 
508

 
2.6
%
Africa & Middle East
190

 
189

 
1.1
%
 
193

 
196

 
1.0
%
Asia/Pacific
333

 
329

 
1.8
%
 
321

 
327

 
1.6
%
Supranational

 

 
%
 
39

 
41

 
0.2
%
Total
$
17,640

 
$
17,809

 
100.0
%
 
$
19,379

 
$
19,969

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 As of each of the respective periods, we had no holdings in Greece.

Approximately 91.5% and 90.9% of these securities are investment grade by NAIC designation as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, 10% of our fixed maturity securities, including related parties, were invested in CLOs of Cayman Islands issuers (for which underlying investments are largely loans to U.S. issuers) and 20% were invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers.

Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain continue to represent credit risk as economic conditions in these countries continue to be volatile, especially within the financial and banking sectors. We had $604 million and $801 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, of exposure in these countries.

As of March 31, 2018, we held United Kingdom and Channel Islands fixed maturity securities of $2.0 billion, or 3.4% of the total fixed maturities including related parties. As of March 31, 2018, these securities were in an unrealized gain position of $11 million. Our investment managers analyze each holding for credit risk by economic and other factors of each country and industry.

Trading Securities

Trading securities, including related parties, were $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Trading securities are primarily comprised of AmerUs Closed Block securities for which we have elected the fair value option valuation, CLO equity tranche securities, structured securities with embedded derivatives, and investments which support various reinsurance arrangements.

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Mortgage Loans

The following is a summary of our mortgage loan portfolio by collateral type:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Net Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Net Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Property type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office building
$
1,389

 
22.6
%
 
$
1,187

 
19.0
%
Retail
1,167

 
19.0
%
 
1,223

 
19.6
%
Hotels
935

 
15.2
%
 
928

 
14.9
%
Industrial
789

 
12.9
%
 
944

 
15.2
%
Apartment
441

 
7.2
%
 
525

 
8.4
%
Other commercial1
412

 
6.7
%
 
440

 
7.1
%
Total net commercial mortgage loans
5,133

 
83.6
%
 
5,247

 
84.2
%
Residential loans
1,006

 
16.4
%
 
986

 
15.8
%
Total mortgage loans, net of allowances
$
6,139

 
100.0
%
 
$
6,233

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Other commercial loans include investments in nursing homes, other healthcare institutions, parking garages, storage facilities and other commercial properties.

We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in mortgage loans, which are generally comprised of high quality commercial first lien and mezzanine real estate loans. Our mortgage loan holdings were $6.1 billion and $6.2 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. This included $1.8 billion of mezzanine mortgage loans for both of the respective periods. We have acquired mortgage loans through acquisitions and reinsurance arrangements, as well as through an active program to invest in new mortgage loans. We invest in mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, apartments, retail and office buildings, and other commercial and industrial properties. Loan-to-value ratios at the time of loan approval are generally 75% or less.

Our mortgage loans are primarily stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective interest method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, and prepayment fees are reported in net investment income.

It is our policy to cease to accrue interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. As of March 31, 2018, we had $37 million of mortgage loans that were 90 days past due and $8 million in the process of foreclosure. As of December 31, 2017, we had $28 million of mortgage loans that were 90 days past due and $1 million in the process of foreclosure.

See Note 2 – Investments to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information regarding valuation allowance for collection loss, impairments, loan-to-value, and debt service coverage.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had not recorded any new specific loan valuation allowances and we recorded $0 million and $3 million, respectively, of OTTI through net income. We have established a general and specific loan valuation allowance in the aggregate amount of $1 million and $2 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, attributable to loans acquired in connection with the acquisition of Aviva USA.

Investment Funds and Variable Interest Entities

Our investment funds investment strategy primarily focuses on funds with core holdings of credit assets, real assets, real estate, preferred equity and income producing assets. Our investment strategy focuses on sourcing assets with some or all of the following characteristics, among others: (1) investments that constitute a direct investment or an investment in a fund with a high degree of co-investment; (2) investments with credit- or debt-like characteristics (for example, a stipulated maturity and par value), or alternatively, investments with reduced volatility when compared to pure equity; or (3) investments that have less downside risk. A portion of our current investment funds and VIE holdings are comprised of certain investment funds contributed by the AAA Investor (AAA Contribution) as further described in Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities to the condensed consolidated financial statements. At the time of the AAA Contribution, the contributed assets largely consisted of co-investments with Apollo private equity funds. However, the attributes of the contributed assets have changed significantly since the initial transaction primarily due to the initial public offering of two underlying fund investment holdings. As of March 31, 2018, the assets consisted of $149 million of publicly-traded equity securities, a substantial portion of which is in the process of being liquidated. These public equity securities have resulted in volatility in our statement of income in recent periods.


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Our investment funds generally meet the definition of a VIE, and in certain cases these investment funds are consolidated in our financial statements because we meet the criteria of the primary beneficiary. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our investment funds that meet the criteria for consolidation and the accounting treatment for them.

The following table illustrates our consolidated VIE positions:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Assets of consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities
$
47

 
5.8
%
 
$
48

 
5.5
%
Equity securities
177

 
21.8
%
 
240

 
27.8
%
Investment funds
582

 
71.8
%
 
571

 
66.1
%
Cash and cash equivalents
3

 
0.4
%
 
4

 
0.5
%
Other assets
2

 
0.2
%
 
1

 
0.1
%
Total assets of consolidated VIEs
$
811

 
100.0
%
 
$
864

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
1

 
100.0
%
 
$
2

 
100.0
%
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs
$
1

 
100.0
%
 
$
2

 
100.0
%

The assets of consolidated VIEs were $811 million and $864 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The liabilities of consolidated VIEs were $1 million and $2 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The following table illustrates our investment funds, including related party positions of our non-consolidated VIEs and investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Investment funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity
$
240

 
8.8
%
 
$
271

 
10.5
%
Real estate and other real assets
174

 
6.4
%
 
161

 
6.2
%
Natural resources
4

 
0.1
%
 
4

 
0.2
%
Hedge funds
56

 
2.1
%
 
61

 
2.4
%
Credit funds
173

 
6.3
%
 
202

 
7.8
%
Total investment funds
647

 
23.7
%
 
699

 
27.1
%
Investment funds – related parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity – A-A Mortgage
418

 
15.3
%
 
403

 
15.6
%
Private equity
283

 
10.4
%
 
180

 
7.0
%
Real estate and other real assets
322

 
11.8
%
 
297

 
11.5
%
Natural resources
98

 
3.6
%
 
74

 
2.9
%
Hedge funds
99

 
3.6
%
 
93

 
3.6
%
Credit funds
279

 
10.3
%
 
263

 
10.2
%
Total investment funds – related parties
1,499

 
55.0
%
 
1,310

 
50.8
%
Investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity – MidCap
534

 
19.6
%
 
528

 
20.4
%
Credit funds
20

 
0.7
%
 
21

 
0.8
%
Real estate and other real assets
28

 
1.0
%
 
22

 
0.9
%
Total investment funds owned by consolidated VIEs
582

 
21.3
%
 
571

 
22.1
%
Total investment funds, including related parties and VIEs
$
2,728

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,580

 
100.0
%


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Overall, the total investment funds, including related party and consolidated VIEs, were $2.7 billion and $2.6 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding how we account for our investment funds. Our investment fund portfolio is subject to a number of market related risks including interest rate and equity market risk. Interest rate risk represents the potential for changes in the investment fund’s net asset values resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Equity market risk represents potential for changes in the investment fund’s net asset values resulting from changes in equity markets or from other external factors which influence equity markets. We actively monitor our exposure to the risks inherent in these investments which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. The interest rate and equity market risks expose us to potential volatility in our earnings period-over-period related to these investment funds.

Funds Withheld at Interest

Funds withheld at interest represents a receivable for amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with modco and funds withheld reinsurance agreements in which we act as the reinsurer. Generally, assets equal to statutory reserves are withheld and legally owned by the ceding company. As of March 31, 2018, the ceding companies holding the assets pursuant to such reinsurance agreements had a financial strength rating of A- or better.

The funds withheld at interest is comprised of the host contract and an embedded derivative. We are subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets with the total return directly impacting the host contract and the embedded derivative. Interest accrues at a risk free rate on the host receivable and is recorded as net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The change in the embedded derivative in our reinsurance agreements, which is similar to a total return swap on the income generated by the underlying assets held by the ceding companies, is recorded in investment related gains (losses). Although we do not directly control the underlying investments in the funds withheld at interest, in each instance the ceding company has hired AAM to manage the withheld assets in accordance with our investment guidelines.

The following summarizes the underlying investment composition of the funds withheld at interest:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Carrying Value
 
Percent of Total
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. state, municipal and political subdivisions
$
111

 
1.6
%
 
$
117

 
1.6
%
Corporate
2,164

 
30.5
%
 
2,095

 
29.6
%
CLO
618

 
8.7
%
 
669

 
9.4
%
ABS
938

 
13.2
%
 
886

 
12.5
%
CMBS
287

 
4.0
%
 
290

 
4.1
%
RMBS
1,515

 
21.4
%
 
1,551

 
21.9
%
Equity securities
28

 
0.4
%
 
28

 
0.4
%
Mortgage loans
788

 
11.1
%
 
792

 
11.2
%
Investment funds
454

 
6.4
%
 
376

 
5.3
%
Derivative assets
56

 
0.8
%
 
78

 
1.1
%
Short-term investments
35

 
0.5
%
 
16

 
0.2
%
Cash and cash equivalents
65

 
0.9
%
 
132

 
1.9
%
Other assets and liabilities
34

 
0.5
%
 
55

 
0.8
%
Total funds withheld at interest
$
7,093

 
100.0
%
 
$
7,085

 
100.0
%

As of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we held $7.1 billion of funds withheld at interest receivables. Approximately 94.9% and 94.2% of the fixed maturity securities within the funds withheld at interest are investment grade by NAIC designation as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

We hold derivative instruments for economic hedging purposes to reduce our exposure to cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, equity market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign exchange risk. The types of derivatives we may use include interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps and forward contracts, total return swaps, credit default swaps, variance swaps, futures and fixed indexed options.


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A presentation of our derivative instruments along with a discussion of the business strategy involved with our derivatives is included in Note 3 – Derivative Instruments to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This includes:

a comprehensive description of the derivatives instruments as well as the strategies to manage risk;
the notional amounts and estimated fair value by derivative instruments; and
impacts on the condensed consolidated statement of net income.

As part of our risk management strategies, management continually evaluates our derivative instrument holdings and the effectiveness of such holdings in addressing risks identified in our operations.

Invested Assets

The following summarizes our invested assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Invested Asset Value1
 
Percent of Total
 
U.S. and Bermuda Invested Asset Value
 
Germany Invested Asset Value
 
Invested Asset Value1
 
Percent of Total
Corporate
$
38,896

 
49.4
%
 
$
37,059

 
$
1,536

 
$
38,595

 
46.9
%
CLO
6,241

 
7.9
%
 
5,914

 

 
5,914

 
7.2
%
Credit
45,137

 
57.3
%
 
42,973

 
1,536

 
44,509

 
54.1
%
RMBS
10,288

 
13.1
%
 
10,532

 

 
10,532

 
12.8
%
Mortgage loans
6,925

 
8.8
%
 
6,858

 
165

 
7,023

 
8.5
%
CMBS
2,311

 
2.9
%
 
2,322

 

 
2,322

 
2.8
%
Real estate held for investment

 
%
 

 
625

 
625

 
0.8
%
Real estate
19,524

 
24.8
%
 
19,712

 
790

 
20,502

 
24.9
%
ABS
5,852

 
7.5
%
 
4,824

 

 
4,824

 
5.9
%
Alternative investments
3,615

 
4.6
%
 
3,692

 
137

 
3,829

 
4.6
%
State, municipal, political subdivisions and foreign government
1,309

 
1.7
%
 
1,347

 
2,411

 
3,758

 
4.5
%
Unit-linked assets

 
%
 

 
407

 
407

 
0.5
%
Equity securities
194

 
0.2
%
 
192

 
128

 
320

 
0.4
%
Short-term investments
339

 
0.4
%
 
228

 

 
228

 
0.3
%
U.S. government and agencies
32

 
0.0
%
 
29

 
35

 
64

 
0.1
%
Other investments
11,341

 
14.4
%
 
10,312

 
3,118

 
13,430

 
16.3
%
Cash and equivalents
1,732

 
2.2
%
 
2,504

 
296

 
2,800

 
3.4
%
Policy loans and other
989

 
1.3
%
 
761

 
296

 
1,057

 
1.3
%
Total invested assets
$
78,723

 
100.0
%
 
$
76,262

 
$
6,036

 
$
82,298

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 See Key Operating and Non-GAAP Measures for the definition of invested assets.

Our total invested assets were $78.7 billion and $82.3 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, our total invested assets were mainly comprised of 49.4% of corporate securities, 31.4% of structured securities, 8.8% of mortgage loans and 4.6% of alternative investments. Corporate securities within our U.S. and Bermuda portfolio included $9.9 billion of private placements, which represented 13% of our total invested assets. The decrease in total invested assets as of March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 was primarily driven by the deconsolidation of our former Germany operations, partially offset by the strong growth in deposits over liability outflows and reinvestment of earnings.

In managing our business we utilize invested assets as presented in the above table. Invested assets do not correspond to the total investments, including related parties, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, as discussed previously in Key Operating and Non-GAAP Measures. Invested assets represent the investments that directly back our policyholder liabilities and surplus assets. We believe this view of our portfolio provides a view of the assets for which we have economic exposure. We adjust the presentation for funds withheld and modco transactions to include or exclude the underlying investments based upon the contractual transfer of economic exposure to such underlying investments. We also deconsolidate any VIEs in order to show the net investment in the funds, which therefore are included in the alternative investments line above.


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Invested assets is utilized by management to evaluate our investment portfolio. Invested asset figures are used in the computation of net investment earned rate, which allows us to analyze the profitability of our investment portfolio. Invested assets is also used in our risk management processes for asset purchases, product design and underwriting, stress scenarios, liquidity, and ALM.

Alternative Investments

The following summarizes our alternative investments:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Invested Asset Value
 
Percent of Total
 
Invested Asset Value
 
Percent of Total
Credit funds
$
720

 
19.9
%
 
$
784

 
20.4
%
Private equity – MidCap
534

 
14.8
%
 
528

 
13.8
%
Private equity – A-A Mortgage (AmeriHome)
514

 
14.2
%
 
496

 
12.9
%
Private equity – other
619

 
17.1
%
 
554

 
14.5
%
Mortgage and real assets
678

 
18.8
%
 
643

 
16.8
%
Hedge funds
184

 
5.1
%
 
467

 
12.2
%
Public equities
124

 
3.4
%
 
171

 
4.5
%
Natural resources and other real assets
242

 
6.7
%
 
186

 
4.9
%
Total alternative investments
$
3,615

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,829

 
100.0
%

Alternative investments were $3.6 billion and $3.8 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, representing 4.6% of our total invested assets portfolio as of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Alternative investments do not correspond to total investment funds, including related parties and VIEs, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As discussed above in the invested assets section, we adjust the GAAP presentation for funds withheld and modco and de-consolidate VIEs. We also include CLO equity tranche securities in alternative investments due to their underlying characteristics and equity-like features.

Through our relationship with Apollo and AAM, we have indirectly invested in companies that meet the key characteristics we look for in alternative investments. Two of our largest alternative investments are in asset originators, MidCap and AmeriHome, both of which, from time to time, provide us with access to assets for our investment portfolio.

MidCap

Our equity investment in MidCap is held indirectly through an investment fund, AAA Investment (Co Invest VII), L.P. (CoInvest VII), of which MidCap constitutes substantially all the fund’s investments. MidCap is a commercial finance company that provides various financial products to middle-market businesses in multiple industries, primarily located in the U.S. MidCap primarily originates and invests in commercial and industrial loans, including senior secured corporate loans, working capital loans collateralized mainly by accounts receivable and inventory, senior secured loans collateralized by portfolios of commercial and consumer loans and related products and secured loans to highly capitalized pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and commercial real estate loans, including multifamily independent-living properties, assisted living, skilled nursing and medical office properties, warehouse, office building, hotel and other commercial use properties and multifamily properties. MidCap originates and acquires loans using borrowings under financing arrangements that it has in place with numerous financial institutions. MidCap’s earnings are primarily driven by the difference between the interest earned on its loan portfolio and the interest accrued under its outstanding borrowings. As a result, MidCap is primarily exposed to the credit risk of its loan counterparties and prepayment risk. Additionally, financial results are influenced by related levels of middle-market business investment and interest rates.

Our alternative investment in CoInvest VII is substantially comprised of its investment in MidCap, which was $534 million and $528 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Our investment in CoInvest VII largely reflects any contributions to and distributions from CoInvest VII and the fair value of MidCap. CoInvest VII returned a net investment earned rate of 11.79% and 11.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Alternative investment income from CoInvest VII was $16 million and $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


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AmeriHome

Our equity investment in AmeriHome is held indirectly through an investment fund, A-A Mortgage Opportunities, LP (A-A Mortgage), of which AmeriHome is currently the fund’s only investment. AmeriHome is a mortgage origination platform and an aggregator of mortgage servicing rights. AmeriHome acquires mortgage loans from retail originators and re-sells the loans to the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Government National Mortgage Association and other investors. AmeriHome retains the mortgage servicing rights on the loans that it sells and employs a subservicer to perform servicing operations, including payment collection. AmeriHome’s earnings are primarily driven by two sources: gains or losses on sale of mortgage loans and the difference between the fee that it charges for mortgage servicing and the fee charged by the subservicer. As a result, AmeriHome’s financial results are influenced by interest rates and related housing demand. AmeriHome is primarily exposed to credit risk related to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in the loans that AmeriHome acquires and prepayment risk, which prematurely terminates fees related to mortgage servicing.

Our alternative investment in A-A Mortgage was $514 million and $496 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Our investment in A-A Mortgage represents our proportionate share of its net asset value, which largely reflects any contributions to and distributions from A-A Mortgage and the fair value of AmeriHome. A-A Mortgage returned a net investment earned rate of 13.75% and 10.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Alternative investment income from A-A Mortgage was $18 million and $11 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in alternative investment income of $7 million over 2017 was driven by increases in its overall balance sheet size, origination volumes and retained mortgage servicing rights.


Non-GAAP Measure Reconciliations

The reconciliations to the nearest GAAP measure for adjusted operating income is included in the Consolidated Results of Operations section.

The reconciliation of shareholders’ equity to adjusted shareholders’ equity included in the adjusted book value per share, adjusted debt to capital ratio, adjusted ROE and adjusted operating ROE is as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total shareholders’ equity
$
8,695

 
$
9,208

Less: AOCI
585

 
1,415

Less: Reinsurance unrealized gains and losses
107

 
161

Total adjusted shareholders’ equity
$
8,003

 
$
7,632

 
 
 
 
Segment adjusted shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
5,552

 
$
5,304

Corporate and Other
2,451

 
2,328

Total adjusted shareholders’ equity
$
8,003

 
$
7,632


The reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income included in adjusted ROE is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
268

 
$
384

Reinsurance unrealized gains and losses
54

 
(43
)
Adjusted net income
$
322

 
$
341


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The reconciliation of net investment income to net investment earnings and earned rate is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Dollar
 
Rate
 
Dollar
 
Rate
GAAP net investment income
$
855

 
4.41
 %
 
$
786

 
4.32
 %
Reinsurance embedded derivative impacts
45

 
0.22
 %
 
45

 
0.25
 %
Net VIE earnings
15

 
0.08
 %
 
11

 
0.06
 %
Alternative income gain (loss)
1

 
0.01
 %
 
(13
)
 
(0.07
)%
Held for trading amortization
(23
)
 
(0.12
)%
 
(15
)
 
(0.08
)%
Total adjustments to arrive at net investment earnings/earned rate
38

 
0.19
 %
 
28

 
0.16
 %
Total net investment earnings/earned rate
$
893

 
4.60
 %
 
$
814

 
4.48
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement Services
$
866

 
4.63
 %
 
$
780

 
4.76
 %
Corporate and Other
27

 
3.76
 %
 
34

 
1.88
 %
Total net investment earnings/earned rate
$
893

 
4.60
 %
 
$
814

 
4.48
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement Services average invested assets
$
74,735

 
 
 
$
65,576

 
 
Corporate and Other average invested assets
2,844

 
 
 
7,123

 
 
Consolidated average invested assets
$
77,579

 
 
 
$
72,699

 
 

The reconciliation of interest sensitive contract benefits to Retirement Services’ cost of crediting on deferred annuities, and the respective rates, is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
(In millions, except percentages)
Dollar
 
Rate
 
Dollar
 
Rate
GAAP interest sensitive contract benefits
$
19

 
0.13
 %
 
$
692

 
5.02
 %
Interest credited other than deferred annuities
(40
)
 
(0.27
)%
 
(26
)
 
(0.19
)%
FIA option costs
174

 
1.18
 %
 
145

 
1.04
 %
Product charges (strategy fees)
(22
)
 
(0.15
)%
 
(17
)
 
(0.12
)%
Reinsurance embedded derivative impacts
3

 
0.02
 %
 
9

 
0.07
 %
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives – FIAs
133

 
0.90
 %
 
(534
)
 
(3.87
)%
Negative VOBA amortization
10

 
0.07
 %
 
12

 
0.09
 %
Unit-linked change in reserves

 
 %
 
(18
)
 
(0.13
)%
Other changes in interest sensitive contract liabilities
(2
)
 
(0.01
)%
 

 
 %
Total adjustments to arrive at cost of crediting on deferred annuities
256

 
1.74
 %
 
(429
)
 
(3.11
)%
Retirement Services cost of crediting on deferred annuities
$
275

 
1.87
 %
 
$
263

 
1.91
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average account value
$
58,993

 
 
 
$
55,154

 
 


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The reconciliation of total investments, including related parties, to invested assets is as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total investments, including related parties
$
80,261

 
$
84,367

Derivative assets
(2,031
)
 
(2,551
)
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)
2,822

 
4,993

Accrued investment income
620

 
652

Payables for collateral on derivatives
(1,145
)
 
(2,323
)
Reinsurance funds withheld and modified coinsurance
(467
)
 
(579
)
VIE assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest
810

 
862

AFS unrealized (gain) loss
(1,332
)
 
(2,794
)
Ceded policy loans
(286
)
 
(296
)
Net investment receivables (payables)
(529
)
 
(33
)
Total adjustments to arrive at invested assets
(1,538
)
 
(2,069
)
Total invested assets
$
78,723

 
$
82,298


The reconciliation of total investment funds, including related parties and VIEs, to alternative investments within invested assets is as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Investment funds, including related parties and VIEs
$
2,728

 
$
2,580

CLO equities included in trading securities
163

 
182

Financial Credit Investment special-purpose vehicle included in trading securities related party

 
287

Investment funds within funds withheld at interest
454

 
416

Royalties, other assets included in other investments and other assets
74

 
76

Net assets of the VIE, excluding investment funds
196

 
288

Total adjustments to arrive at alternative investments
887

 
1,249

Alternative investments
$
3,615

 
$
3,829


The reconciliation of total liabilities to reserve liabilities is as follows:
(In millions)
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total liabilities
$
84,862

 
$
90,539

Long-term debt
(992
)
 

Derivative liabilities
(186
)
 
(134
)
Payables for collateral on derivatives
(1,145
)
 
(2,323
)
Funds withheld liability
(395
)
 
(407
)
Other liabilities
(1,277
)
 
(1,222
)
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs
(1
)
 
(2
)
Reinsurance ceded receivables
(4,834
)
 
(4,972
)
Policy loans ceded
(286
)
 
(296
)
Total adjustments to arrive at reserve liabilities
(9,116
)
 
(9,356
)
Total reserve liabilities
$
75,746

 
$
81,183



Liquidity and Capital Resources

There are two forms of liquidity relevant to our business, funding liquidity and balance sheet liquidity. Funding liquidity relates to the ability to fund operations. Balance sheet liquidity relates to our ability to liquidate or rebalance our balance sheet without incurring significant costs from fees, bid-offer spreads, or market impact. We manage our liquidity position by matching projected cash demands with adequate sources of cash and other liquid assets. Our principal sources of liquidity, in the ordinary course of business, are operating cash flows and holdings of cash, cash equivalents and other readily marketable assets.


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Our investment portfolio is structured to ensure a strong liquidity position over time in order to permit timely payment of policy and contract benefits without requiring asset sales at inopportune times or at depressed prices. In general, liquid assets include cash and cash equivalents, highly rated corporate bonds, unaffiliated preferred stock and unaffiliated public common stock, all of which generally have liquid markets with a large number of buyers. The carrying value of these assets as of March 31, 2018 was $48.8 billion. Although our investment portfolio does contain assets that are generally considered illiquid for liquidity monitoring purposes (primarily mortgage loans, policy loans, real estate, investment funds, and affiliated common stock), there is some ability to raise cash from these assets if needed. In periods of economic downturn we may maintain higher cash balances than required to manage our liquidity risk and to take advantage of market dislocations as they arise. We have access to additional liquidity through our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, which is undrawn as of the date hereof and has a remaining term of approximately three years. On January 3, 2018, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 ASR (Shelf Registration Statement), which, subject to market conditions and other factors, provides us with access to the capital markets and on January 12, 2018, we issued $1.0 billion of senior unsecured notes under our Shelf Registration Statement. In addition, through our membership in the FHLB, we are eligible to borrow under variable rate short-term federal funds arrangements to provide additional liquidity.

We proactively manage our liquidity position to meet cash needs while minimizing adverse impacts on investment returns. We analyze our cash-flow liquidity over the upcoming 12 months by modeling potential demands on liquidity under a variety of scenarios, taking into account the provisions of our policies and contracts in force, our cash flow position, and the volume of cash and readily marketable securities in our portfolio. By policy, we maintain sufficient liquidity not only to meet our cash-flow requirements over the succeeding 12-month period in a moderately severe scenario (for example, a recessionary environment), but also to have excess liquidity available to invest into potential investment opportunities created from market dislocations. We also monitor our liquidity profile under more severe scenarios.

We perform a number of stress tests and analyses to assess our ability to meet our cash flow requirements, as well as the ability of our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries to meet their collateral obligations. Among these analyses, we manage to the following ALM limits:

our projected net cumulative cash flows, including both new business and target levels of new investments under a “plan scenario” and a “moderately severe scenario” event, are non-negative over a rolling 12-month horizon;
we hold enough cash, cash equivalents and other discounted liquid limit assets to cover 12 months of AHL’s and Athene USA’s projected obligations, including debt servicing costs
minimum of 50% of expenses and 100% of debt servicing to be held in cash and cash equivalents at AHL operating accounts
minimum of 50% of any required AHL – Athene USA inter-company loan commitments to be held in cash and cash equivalents by AHL
dividends required from ALRe must be available under moderate and substantial stress
for purposes of administering this test, liquid limit assets are discounted by 25% and include public corporate bonds rated A- or above, liquid ABS (defined as prime auto, auto floorplan, Tier 1 subprime auto, auto lease, prime credit cards, equipment lease or utility stranded assets) and RMBS with weighted average lives less than three years rated A- or above; or CMBS with weighted average lives less than three years rated AAA- or above
we seek to maintain sufficient capital and surplus at ALRe to meet collateral calls from modco and third-party reinsurance contracts under a substantial stress event, such as the failure of a major financial institution (Lehman event).

Insurance Subsidiaries’ Liquidity

The primary cash flow sources for our insurance subsidiaries include retirement services product inflows (premiums), investment income, principal repayments on our investments, and net transfers from separate accounts and financial product deposits. Uses of cash include investment purchases, payments to policyholders for surrenders and withdrawals, policy acquisition costs, and general operating costs.

Our policyholder obligations are generally long-term in nature. However, one liquidity risk is an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. We include provisions within our annuity policies, such as surrender charges and MVAs, which are intended to protect us from early withdrawals. As of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, approximately 86% of our deferred annuity liabilities were subject to penalty upon surrender. In addition, as of each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, approximately 72% of policies contained MVAs that also have the effect of limiting early withdrawals if interest rates increase. Our funding agreements, PRT obligations and payout annuities are generally non-surrenderable.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Cash Flows

Our cash flows were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
268

 
$
384

Non-cash revenues and expenses
305

 
45

Net cash provided by operating activities
573

 
429

 
 
 
 
Sales, maturities, and repayment of investments
4,242

 
3,688

Purchases and acquisitions of investments
(7,057
)
 
(5,171
)
Other investing activities
(69
)
 
355

Net cash used in investing activities
(2,884
)
 
(1,128
)
 
 
 
 
Deposits on investment-type policies and contracts
1,774

 
1,925

Withdrawals on investment-type policies and contracts
(1,474
)
 
(1,399
)
Net change in cash collateral posted for derivative transactions
(1,178
)
 
298

Net proceeds and repayment of debt
998

 

Other financing activities
19

 
(7
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
139

 
817

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
4

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents1
$
(2,172
)
 
$
122

 
 
 
 
1 Includes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents of consolidated variable interest entities.

Cash flows from operating activities

The primary cash inflows from operating activities include net investment income, annuity considerations and insurance premiums. The primary cash outflows from operating activities are comprised of benefit payments, interest credited to policyholders, and operating expenses. Our operating activities generated cash flows totaling $573 million and $429 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily driven by an increase in premiums due to $266 million of PRT premiums and an increase in net investment income reflecting an increase in our investment portfolio attributed to the strong growth in deposits.

Cash flows from investing activities

The primary cash inflows from investing activities are the sales, maturities and repayments of investments. The primary cash outflows from investing activities are the purchases and acquisitions of new investments. Our investing activities used cash flows totaling $2.9 billion and $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily attributed to the purchase of investments related to the increase in deposits over liability outflows, the investment of proceeds from our debt issuance and the reinvestment of earnings.

Cash flows from financing activities

The primary cash inflows from financing activities are deposits on our investment-type policies, changes of cash collateral posted for derivative transactions, capital contributions and proceeds from borrowing activities. The primary cash outflows from financing activities are withdrawals on our investment-type policies, changes of cash collateral posted for derivative transactions and repayments from borrowing activities. Our financing activities provided cash flows totaling $139 million and $817 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in cash provided from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily attributed to the change in cash collateral posted for derivative transactions, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of debt.

Holding Company Liquidity

AHL is a holding company whose primary liquidity needs include the cash-flow requirements relating to its corporate activities, including its day-to-day operations and strategic transactions, such as acquisitions. The primary source of AHL’s cash flow is dividends from its subsidiaries, which are expected to be adequate to fund cash flow requirements based on current estimates of future obligations.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The ability of AHL’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is limited by applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions where the subsidiaries are domiciled, as well as agreements entered into with regulators. These laws and regulations require, among other things, the insurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay.

Subject to these limitations and prior notification to the appropriate regulatory agency, the U.S. insurance subsidiaries are permitted to pay ordinary dividends based on calculations specified under insurance laws of the relevant state of domicile. Any distributions above the amount permitted by statute in any twelve month period are considered to be extraordinary dividends, and the approval of the appropriate regulator is required prior to payment. In addition, dividends from U.S. insurance subsidiaries to AHL would result in a 30% withholding tax. AHL does not currently plan on having the U.S. subsidiaries pay any dividends to AHL. As a result, dividends from ALRe are projected to be the primary source of AHL’s liquidity.

Under the Bermuda Insurance Act, ALRe is prohibited from paying a dividend in an amount exceeding 25% of the prior year’s statutory capital and surplus, unless at least two members of ALRe’s board of directors and its principal representative in Bermuda sign and submit to the BMA an affidavit attesting that a dividend in excess of this amount would not cause ALRe to fail to meet its relevant margins. In certain instances, ALRe would also be required to provide prior notice to the BMA in advance of the payment of dividends. In the event that such an affidavit is submitted to the BMA in accordance with the Bermuda Insurance Act, and further subject to ALRe meeting its relevant margins, ALRe is permitted to distribute up to the sum of 100% of statutory surplus and an amount less than 15% of its total statutory capital. Distributions in excess of this amount require the approval of the BMA.

The maximum distribution permitted by law or contract is not necessarily indicative of our actual ability to pay such distributions, which may be further restricted by business and other considerations, such as the potential imposition of withholding tax and the impact of such distributions on surplus, which could affect our ratings or competitive position and the amount of premiums that can be written. Specifically, the level of capital needed to maintain desired financial strength ratings from rating agencies, including S&P, A.M. Best and Fitch, is of particular concern when determining the amount of capital available for distributions. AHL believes its insurance subsidiaries have sufficient statutory capital and surplus, combined with additional capital available to be provided by AHL, to meet their financial strength ratings objectives. Finally
state insurance laws and regulations require that the statutory surplus of our insurance subsidiaries following any dividend or distribution must be reasonable in relation to their outstanding liabilities and adequate for the insurance subsidiaries’ financial needs.

Other Sources of Funding

If needed, we may seek to secure additional funding at the holding company level by means other than dividends from subsidiaries, such as by drawing on our undrawn $1.0 billion credit facility or by pursuing future issuances of debt or equity securities to third-party investors. However, such additional funding may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all, depending on our financial condition or results of operations or prevailing market conditions. In addition, certain covenants in our credit facility prohibit us from incurring any debt not expressly permitted thereby, which may limit our ability to pursue future issuances of debt.

Shelf Registration

On January 3, 2018, we filed our Shelf Registration Statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which became effective upon filing. Under our Shelf Registration Statement, we have the ability to issue, in indeterminate amounts, debt securities, preferred shares, depositary shares, Class A common shares, warrants and units. On January 12, 2018 we issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.125% Senior Notes due January 2028 under our Shelf Registration Statement.

Membership in Federal Home Loan Bank

We are a member of the FHLBDM and the FHLBI. Membership in a FHLB requires the member to purchase FHLB common stock based on a percentage of the dollar amount of advances outstanding, subject to the investment being greater than or equal to a minimum level. We owned a total of $39 million and $36 million of FHLB common stock as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. In the second quarter of 2018, we purchased an additional $7 million in FHLB common stock in conjunction with a short-term borrowing.

Through our membership in the FHLBDM and FHLBI, we are eligible to borrow under variable rate short-term federal funds arrangements to provide additional liquidity. The borrowings must be secured by eligible collateral such as mortgage loans, eligible CMBS or RMBS, government or agency securities and guaranteed loans. There were no outstanding borrowings under these arrangements as of March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. In the second quarter of 2018, we borrowed $183 million from the FHLBDM through their variable rate short-term federal funds program.

On August 11, 2016, we provided notice to the FHLBI that Athene Life Insurance Company (ALIC) is withdrawing its membership thereto. The FHLBI confirmed receipt of our request on the following day. Pursuant to the FHLBI’s capital plan, ALIC’s membership will be withdrawn as of the fifth anniversary of the FHLBI’s receipt of our notice. Until such time that ALIC’s membership is withdrawn, ALIC continues to have all of the rights and obligations of being a member of the FHLBI, except that with respect to some or all of the FHLBI stock that ALIC owns, we will be entitled to a lower dividend amount, to the extent that the FHLBI declares a dividend. ALIC may continue to borrow from the FHLBI, provided that without the consent of the FHLBI, the transaction must mature or otherwise terminate prior to ALIC’s withdrawal of membership.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


We have issued funding agreements to the FHLB in exchange for cash advances. These funding agreements were issued in an investment spread strategy, consistent with other investment spread operations. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had an aggregate of $616 million and $573 million, respectively, of outstanding FHLB funding agreements. See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the condensed consolidated financial statements for details of issued funding agreements and related collateral.

The maximum FHLB indebtedness by a member is determined by the amount of collateral pledged, and cannot exceed a specified percentage of the member’s total statutory assets dependent on the internal credit rating assigned to the member by the FHLB. As of March 31, 2018, the total maximum borrowings under the FHLBDM facility were limited to $16.5 billion. However, our ability to borrow under the facility is constrained by the availability of assets that qualify as eligible collateral under the facility and by the Iowa Code requirement that we maintain funds equivalent to our legal reserve in certain permitted investments, from which we exclude pledged assets. Considering these limitations, we estimate that, as of March 31, 2018, we had the ability to draw up to a total of approximately $1.5 billion, inclusive of borrowings then outstanding, but excluding the borrowing occurring during the second quarter of 2018 discussed above. This estimate is based on our internal analysis and assumptions, and may not accurately measure collateral which is ultimately acceptable to the FHLB. Drawing such amounts would have an adverse impact on AAIA’s RBC ratio, which may further restrict our ability or willingness to draw up to our estimated capacity.

Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our U.S. insurance companies’ TAC, as defined by the NAIC, was $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, and our ALRe statutory capital as defined by the BMA, was $7.0 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our U.S. RBC ratio was 490% and 478%, respectively, and our BSCR ratio was 354% and 228%, respectively, all above our internal targets. Each U.S. domestic insurance subsidiary’s state of domicile imposes minimum RBC requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining the amount of RBC specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of TAC to ACL. Our TAC was significantly in excess of all regulatory standards and above our internal targets as of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. ALRe adheres to BMA regulatory capital requirements to maintain statutory capital and surplus to meet the MMS and maintain minimum economic balance sheet (EBS) capital and surplus to meet the Enhanced Capital Requirement (ECR). Under the EBS framework, ALRe’s assets are recorded at market value and its insurance reserves are determined by reference to nine prescribed scenarios, with the scenario resulting in the highest reserve balance being ultimately required to be selected. The ALRe EBS capital and surplus was $7.7 billion and $4.4 billion resulting in a BSCR ratio of 354% and 228% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The MRC ratio to be considered solvent by the BMA is 100%. As of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and 2016, ALRe held the appropriate capital to adhere to these regulatory standards. In evaluating our capital position and the amount of capital needed to support our Retirement Services segment, we review our ALRe capital by applying the NAIC RBC factors. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our ALRe RBC ratio was 562% and 529%, respectively, both above our internal targets. We believe that we enjoy a strong capital position in light of our risks and that we are well positioned to meet policyholder and other obligations. We also believe that our strong capital position, as well as our excess capital position, provides us the opportunity to take advantage of market dislocations as they arise. Changes in U.S. tax rates under the Tax Act may impact our RBC ratios. See Part I—Item 1. Business–Regulation–United States–Tax Reform in our 2017 Annual Report for further discussion.


Balance Sheet and Other Arrangements

Contractual Obligations

As of March 31, 2018, there have been no significant changes to contractual obligations since December 31, 2017, except for the addition of long-term debt as presented below. See Part II—Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2017 Annual Report.
 
Payments Due by Period
(In millions)
Total
 
2018
 
2019-2020
 
2021-2022
 
2023 and thereafter
Long-term debt
$
1,413

 
$
21

 
$
83

 
$
83

 
$
1,226


Other

In the normal course of business, we invest in various investment funds which are considered VIEs, and we consolidate a VIE when we are considered the primary beneficiary of the entity. For further discussion of our involvement with VIEs, see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities to the condensed consolidated financial statements.



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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Amounts based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business, and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. Critical estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis based on historical developments, market conditions, industry trends and other information that is reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to estimates and assumptions and that reported results of operations will not be materially affected by the need to make future accounting adjustments to reflect periodic changes in these estimates and assumptions. Critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by our methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our significant accounting policies described in Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of our 2017 Annual Report. The most critical accounting estimates and judgments include those used in determining:

fair value of investments;
impairment of investments and valuation allowances;
future policy benefit reserves;
derivatives valuation, including embedded derivatives;
deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and value of business acquired;
stock-based compensation;
consolidation of VIEs; and
valuation allowances on deferred tax assets.

The above critical accounting estimates and judgments are discussed in detail in Part II—Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2017 Annual Report.

See Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the condensed consolidated financial statements for adoption of new and future accounting pronouncements.



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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

We regularly analyze our exposure to market risks, which reflect potential losses in value due to credit and counterparty risk, interest rate risk, currency risk, commodity price risk and equity price risk. As a result of that analysis, we have determined that we are primarily exposed to credit risk, interest rate risk and to a lesser extent, equity price risk. A description of our market risk exposures, including strategies used to manage our exposure to market risk, may be found under Part II—Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of the 2017 Annual Report.

There have been no material changes to our market risk exposures from those previously disclosed in the 2017 Annual Report.


Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and our management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We have carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including 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, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at attaining the level of reasonable assurance noted above.

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

We are subject to litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including litigation principally relating to our FIA business. We cannot assure you that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all liabilities arising out of such claims. The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us are subject to significant uncertainty. There is significant judgment required in assessing both the probability of an adverse outcome and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. In management’s opinion, the ultimate disposition of any current legal proceedings or claims brought against us will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain and an adverse outcome from such litigation could have a material effect on the operating results of a particular reporting period.

From time to time, in the ordinary course of business and like others in the insurance and financial services industries, we receive requests for information from government agencies in connection with such agencies’ regulatory or investigatory authority. Such requests can include financial or market conduct examinations, subpoenas or demand letters for documents to assist the government in audits or investigations. We and each of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries review such requests and notices and take appropriate action. We have been subject to certain requests for information and investigations in the past and could be subject to them in the future.

For a description of certain legal proceedings affecting us, see Note 12 – Commitments and ContingenciesLitigation, Claims and Assessments to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The following should be read in conjunction with, and supplements and amends, the factors that may affect our business or operations described in Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2017 Annual Report. Other than as described in this Item 1A, there have been no material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report.

The following updates and replaces the last paragraph of the similarly named risk factor included in our 2017 Annual Report:

Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows depend on the accuracy of our management’s assumptions and estimates, and we could face significant losses if these assumptions and estimates differ significantly from actual results

BEAT Mitigating Actions

In light of the possibility of material additional tax cost to our U.S. subsidiaries and the lack of clear guidance regarding the appropriate method by which to compute the BEAT, we are undertaking certain actions and exploring various alternatives intended to mitigate the potential effect of the BEAT on our results of operations in the event it is determined that none of the amounts paid or accrued by our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries to our U.S. subsidiaries are taken into account in the calculation of “base erosion payments” or “base erosion tax benefit.” We have made estimates regarding the overall tax rate we expect to experience as a result of undertaking such actions. The determination of each such figure, or range of figures, involves numerous estimates and assumptions regarding the efficacy of such actions in bringing about the desired outcomes and the magnitude of such outcomes to be experienced. To the extent that actual experience differs from the estimates and assumptions inherent in our projections, our future overall tax rate may deviate materially from the estimates provided and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially less favorable than are implied by the projections provided.


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The following updates and replaces the third paragraph of the similarly named risk factor included in our 2017 Annual Report:

We rely significantly on third parties for investment services and certain other services related to our policies, and we may be held responsible for obligations that arise from the acts or omissions of third parties under their respective agreements with us if they are deemed to have acted on our behalf.

Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries have experienced increased service and administration complaints related to the conversion and administration of the block of life insurance business acquired in connection with our acquisition of Aviva USA and reinsured to affiliates of Global Atlantic by the TPA retained by such Global Atlantic affiliates to provide services on such policies, as well as on certain annuity policies that were on Aviva USA’s legacy policy administration systems that were also converted to and are being administered by the same TPA. On April 5, 2017, we received notification from the NYSDFS that it planned to undertake a market conduct examination of ALICNY for the period of January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2017 (NYSDFS Market Conduct Examination), and on May 31, 2017, we received notification from the Texas Department of Insurance that it intended to undertake an enforcement proceeding, in each case, relating to the treatment of policyholders subject to our reinsurance agreements with affiliates of Global Atlantic and the conversion of such annuity policies, including the administration of such blocks by such TPA. On November 15, 2017, we received notification from the NYSDFS that its examination of ALICNY had resulted in the identification of a significant number of asserted violations of New York insurance law associated with the life block reinsured to affiliates of Global Atlantic, who have also been overseeing policyholder administration and the TPA servicing the policies in the block, with a significant number of such violations not subject to dispute by the relevant affiliates of Global Atlantic or by us. On January 30, 2018, we received a draft report regarding the NYSDFS Market Conduct Examination from the NYSDFS, which identified in more detail the violations asserted in the November 15, 2017 letter as well as certain other violations. We believe we are nearing a resolution of the NYDFS Market Conduct Examination, but there are no assurances that a definitive agreement will be finalized and executed by the parties. We currently expect that the resolution will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. To the extent we are unable to reach a final agreement with the NYSDFS, it is possible that we may incur fines or penalties which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition to the foregoing, we have received inquiries, and expect to continue to receive inquiries, from other regulatory authorities regarding the conversion matter. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar formal examinations, inquiries or enforcement proceedings and that any examinations, inquiries and/or enforcement proceedings may result in fines, administrative penalties and payments to policyholders. Other than as described above, we are not currently able to estimate the amount of any such fines, penalties or payments arising from these matters with reasonable certainty, but it is possible that such amounts may be material.

The following updates and replaces the similarly named section of risk factors included in our 2017 Annual Report:

Risks Relating to Taxation

The BEAT may significantly increase our tax liability and our efforts to mitigate the cost of the BEAT may be unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective, or counterproductive.

The Tax Act introduced a new tax called the BEAT. The BEAT operates as a minimum tax and is generally calculated as a percentage (5% in 2018, 10% in 2019-2025, and 12.5% in 2026 and thereafter) of the “modified taxable income” of an “applicable taxpayer.” Modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to a taxpayer’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to certain payments made to foreign affiliates of the taxpayer, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies for a taxable year only to the extent it exceeds a taxpayer’s regular corporate income tax liability for such year (determined without regard to certain tax credits).

Certain of our reinsurance agreements require our U.S. subsidiaries to pay or accrue substantial amounts to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries that would be characterized as “base erosion payments” with respect to which there are “base erosion tax benefits.” Accordingly, the BEAT could significantly increase the tax liability of our U.S. subsidiaries and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Moreover, our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries pay or accrue substantial amounts to our U.S. subsidiaries under our reinsurance agreements for increases in policy reserves and to reimburse our U.S. subsidiaries for payments of benefits to our policyholders. It is not clear whether such amounts should be netted against the amounts our U.S. subsidiaries pay or accrue to our non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries under our reinsurance agreements for purposes of calculating their “base erosion payments” and “base erosion tax benefits.” No assurance can be given that any such amounts will be netted. If the amounts cannot be netted and we do not take action to mitigate or eliminate the BEAT, the tax liability of our U.S. subsidiaries will increase and our results of operations will be materially adversely affected.

In light of the possibility of material additional tax cost to our U.S. subsidiaries due to the lack of clear guidance regarding the application of the BEAT, we have taken steps intended to mitigate the potential effect of the BEAT on our results of operations in the event it is determined that none of the amounts paid or accrued by a non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiary to our U.S. subsidiaries are taken into account in the calculation of “base erosion payments” or “base erosion tax benefit.” It is possible that we will be required to take further action before the uncertainty regarding the BEAT is resolved, and accordingly our actions may, in hindsight, prove to have been unnecessary and inefficient.


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The application of the BEAT to our reinsurance arrangements could be affected by further legislative action, administrative guidance or court decisions. Any such legislative action, administrative guidance or court decisions may not be available at the time that we are required to determine the amount of federal income tax incurred by our U.S. subsidiaries for subsequent quarters, and they could have retroactive effect. Tax authorities may later disagree with our BEAT calculations, or the interpretations on which those calculations are based, and assess additional taxes, interest and penalties, and the uncertainty regarding the correct interpretation of the BEAT may make such disagreements more likely. We will determine the appropriateness of our tax provision in accordance with GAAP. However, there can be no assurance that this provision will accurately reflect the amount of federal income tax that our U.S. subsidiaries ultimately pay, as that amount could differ materially from our estimate.

In light of the uncertainties described above and the possibility of material additional tax cost to our U.S. subsidiaries, we continue to explore various alternatives intended to mitigate the potential effect of the BEAT on our results of operations. Such actions may have adverse tax consequences to our business, such as subjecting profit from our affiliate reinsurance to a layer of withholding tax up to 30%, which would not be payable under our current structure. There can be no assurances that we will be able to complete these actions as they are conditioned upon factors beyond our control, such as regulatory approval. In addition, it is possible that we will be required to take action before the uncertainty regarding the BEAT is resolved, and accordingly any action we take may, in hindsight, prove to have been unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective or counterproductive.

AHL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation.

AHL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions, including Bermuda, and currently intend to operate in a manner that will not cause either to be treated as being engaged in a trade or business within the U.S. or subject to current U.S. federal income taxation on their net income. However, because there is considerable uncertainty as to when a foreign corporation is engaged in a trade or business within the United States, as the law is unclear and the determination is highly factual and must be made annually, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully contend that AHL or one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries is engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. In addition, although AHL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries currently intend to operate in a manner that would not cause them to be treated as engaged in a trade or business within the U.S., the recent enactment of the BEAT, the reduction of the federal income tax rate applicable to corporations included in the Tax Act, and other factors may cause the companies to conduct their business differently. If AHL or one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries were considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the U.S., it could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net basis on its income that is effectively connected with such U.S. trade or business (including branch profits tax on the portion of its earnings and profits that is attributable to such income). Any such U.S. federal income taxation could result in substantial tax liabilities and consequently could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of future operations.

U.S. persons who own our Class A common shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at ordinary income rates on our undistributed earnings and profits.

AHL’s bye-laws generally limit the voting power of our Class A common shares (and certain other of our voting securities) such that no person owns (or is treated as owning) more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our common shares (with certain exceptions). AHL’s bye-laws also currently reduce the voting power of Class B common shares held by certain holders if (A) one or more U.S. persons that own (or are treated as owning) more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our common shares own (or are treated as owning) individually or in the aggregate more than 24.9% of the voting power or the value of our common shares or (B) a U.S. person that is classified as an individual, an estate or a trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns (or is treated as owning) more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our common shares. Additionally, AHL’s bye-laws require the board of AHL to refer certain decisions with respect to our non-U.S. subsidiaries to our shareholders, and to vote our shares in those subsidiaries accordingly. These provisions were intended to reduce the likelihood that AHL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries will be treated as a CFC, other than for purposes of taking into account related person insurance income (RPII). However, the relevant attribution rules are complex and there is no definitive legal authority on whether the voting provisions included in AHL’s organizational documents are effective for purposes of the CFC provisions.

Moreover, the Tax Act eliminated the prohibition on “downward attribution” from non-U.S. persons to U.S. persons under Section 958(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of determining constructive stock ownership under the CFC rules. As a result, our U.S. subsidiaries are deemed to own all of the stock of AHL’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held by AHL for CFC purposes. Accordingly, AHL’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are currently treated as CFCs, without regard to whether the provisions of our bye-laws described above are effective for purposes of the CFC provisions. The legislative history under the Tax Act indicates that this change was not intended to cause any of AHL’s non-U.S. subsidiaries to be treated as a CFC with respect to a 10% U.S. Shareholder (as defined below) that is not related to our U.S. subsidiaries. However, it is not clear whether the IRS or a court would interpret the change made by the Tax Act in a manner consistent with such indicated intent.

For any taxable year in which AHL or one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as a CFC, each U.S. person treated as a “10% U.S. Shareholder” with respect to AHL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries that held our common shares directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities as of the last day in such taxable year that the relevant company was a CFC would generally be required to include in gross income as ordinary income its pro rata share of the relevant company’s insurance and reinsurance income and certain other investment income, regardless of whether that income was actually distributed to such U.S. person (with certain adjustments). For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, a “10% U.S. Shareholder” of a non-U.S. corporation includes any U.S. person that owns (or is treated as owning) stock of the non-U.S. corporation possessing 10% or more of the total voting power or total value of such non-U.S. corporation’s stock. Any U.S. person that owns (or is treated as owning) 10% or more of the value of AHL should consult with their tax advisor regarding their investment in AHL.


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In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a CFC if 10% U.S. Shareholders, in the aggregate, own (or are treated as owning) stock of the non-U.S. corporation possessing more than 50% of the voting power or value of such corporation’s stock. However, this threshold is lowered to more than 25% for purposes of taking into account the insurance income of a non-U.S. corporation. Special rules apply for purposes of taking into account any RPII of a non-U.S. corporation, as described below.

In addition, if a U.S. person disposes of shares in a non-U.S. corporation and the U.S. person was a 10% U.S. Shareholder at any time when the corporation was a CFC during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition, any gain from the disposition will generally be treated as a dividend to the extent of the U.S. person’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated during the period or periods that the U.S. person owned the shares while the corporation was a CFC (with certain adjustments). Also, a U.S. person may be required to comply with specified reporting requirements, regardless of the number of shares owned.

Because of the limitations in AHL’s bye-laws referred to above, among other factors, we believe it is unlikely that any U.S. person that is treated as owning less than 10% of the total value of AHL would be a 10% U.S. Shareholder of AHL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, because the relevant attribution rules are complex and there is no definitive legal authority on whether the voting provisions included in AHL’s organizational documents are effective for purposes of the CFC provisions, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Further, our ability to obtain information that would permit us to enforce the limitation described above may be limited. We will take reasonable steps to obtain such information, but there can be no assurance that such steps will be adequate or that we will be successful in this regard. Accordingly, we may not be able to fully enforce the limitation described above.

U.S. persons who own our Class A common shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at ordinary income rates on a disproportionate share of our undistributed earnings and profits attributable to RPII.

If any of AHL’s non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as recognizing RPII in a taxable year and is also treated as a CFC for such taxable year, each U.S. person that owns our Class A common shares directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities as of the last day in such taxable year must generally include in gross income its pro rata share of the RPII, determined as if the RPII were distributed proportionately only to all such U.S. persons, regardless of whether that income is distributed (with certain adjustments). For this purpose, a non-U.S. subsidiary generally will be treated as a CFC if U.S. persons in the aggregate are treated as owning 25% or more of the total voting power or value of the relevant company’s stock at any time during the taxable year. We believe that our non-U.S. subsidiaries will be treated as a CFC for this purpose based on the current and expected ownership of our shares.

RPII generally is any income of a non-U.S. corporation attributable to insuring or reinsuring risks of a U.S. person that owns (or is treated as owning) stock of such non-U.S. corporation, or risks of a person that is “related” to such a U.S. person. For this purpose, (1) a person is “related” to another person if such person “controls,” or is “controlled” by, such other person, or if both are “controlled” by the same persons, and (2) “control” of a corporation means ownership (or deemed ownership) of stock possessing more than 50% of the total voting power or value of such corporation’s stock and “control” of a partnership, trust or estate for U.S. federal income tax purposes means ownership (or deemed ownership) of more than 50% by value of the beneficial interests in such partnership, trust or estate.

Athene and Apollo have considerable overlap in ownership. If it is determined that the same persons “control” both us and Apollo through owning (or being treated as owning) more than 50% of the vote or value of Athene and Apollo, substantially all of the income of AHL’s non-U.S. reinsurance subsidiaries might constitute RPII. This would trigger the adverse RPII consequences described above to all U.S. persons that hold our Class A common shares directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities and would have a material adverse effect on the value of their investment in our Class A common shares.

Existing voting restrictions set forth in AHL’s bye-laws are generally intended to prevent a person who owns (or is treated as owning) shares in Apollo from owning (or being treated as owning) any of the voting power of our Class A common shares, thus preventing persons who own (or are treated as owning) both AHL and Apollo from owning (or being treated as owning) more than 50% of the voting power of our stock. However, these restrictions do not prevent members of the Apollo Group from retaining the right to vote on newly acquired Class A common shares, should they choose to do so, nor do they prevent persons who own (or are treated as owning) both AHL and Apollo from owning (or being treated as owning) more than 50% of the value of our stock. AHL’s bye-laws also generally provide that no person (nor certain direct or indirect beneficial owners or related persons to such person) who owns our common shares, other than a member of the Apollo Group, may acquire any shares of Apollo or otherwise make any investment that would cause such person, or any other person that is a U.S. person, to own (or be treated as owning) more than 50% of the vote or value of AHL’s stock. Any holder of our common shares that violates this provision may be required, at the board’s discretion, to sell its common shares or take any other reasonable action that the board deems necessary.

Because of the restrictions described above, among other factors, we believe it is likely that one or more exceptions under the RPII rules will apply such that U.S. persons will not be required to include any RPII in their gross income with respect to AHL’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Further, our ability to obtain information that would permit us to enforce the restrictions described above may be limited. We will take reasonable steps to obtain such information, but there can be no assurance that such steps will be adequate or that we will be successful in this regard. Accordingly, we may not be able to fully enforce these restrictions.


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U.S. persons who dispose of our Class A common shares may be required to treat any gain as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes and comply with other specified reporting requirements.

If a U.S. person disposes of shares in a non-U.S. corporation that is an insurance company that had RPII and the 25% threshold described above is met at any time when the U.S. person owned any shares in the corporation during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition, any gain from the disposition will generally be treated as a dividend to the extent of the U.S. person’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated during the period that the U.S. person owned the shares (possibly whether or not those earnings and profits are attributable to RPII). In addition, the shareholder will be required to comply with specified reporting requirements, regardless of the amount of shares owned. We believe that these rules should not apply to a disposition of our Class A common shares because AHL is not itself directly engaged in the insurance business. We cannot assure you, however, that the IRS will not successfully assert that these rules apply to a disposition of our Class A common shares.

U.S. tax-exempt organizations that own our Class A common shares may recognize unrelated business taxable income.

A U.S. tax-exempt organization that directly or indirectly owns our Class A common shares generally will recognize unrelated business taxable income and be subject to additional U.S. tax filing obligations to the extent such tax-exempt organization is required to take into account any of our insurance income or RPII pursuant to the CFC and RPII rules described above. U.S. tax-exempt organizations should consult their own tax advisors regarding the risk of recognizing unrelated business taxable income as a result of the ownership of our Class A common shares.

U.S. persons who own our Class A common shares may be subject to adverse tax consequences if AHL is considered a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If AHL is considered a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. person who directly or, in certain cases, indirectly owns our Class A common shares could be subject to adverse tax consequences, including a greater tax liability than might otherwise apply, an interest charge on certain taxes that are deemed deferred as a result of AHL’s non-U.S. status and additional U.S. tax filing obligations, regardless of the number of shares owned.

We currently do not expect that AHL will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the current taxable year or the foreseeable future because AHL, through its insurance subsidiaries, intends to qualify for the “active insurance” exception to PFIC treatment. The “active insurance” exception was recently amended by the Tax Act, and we believe that AHL will qualify for the exception as amended. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding how the Tax Act will be interpreted and guidance may not be forthcoming. Therefore, we cannot assure you that AHL will not be treated as a PFIC. If AHL is treated as a PFIC, the adverse tax consequences described above generally would also apply with respect to a U.S. person’s indirect ownership interest in any PFICs in which AHL directly or, in certain cases, indirectly, owns an interest.

Changes in U.S. tax law might adversely affect us or our shareholders.

The tax treatment of non-U.S. companies and their U.S. and non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries has been significantly altered by the enactment of the Tax Act. See Part I—Item 1. Business–Regulation–United States–Tax Reform in our 2017 Annual Report. In particular, the Tax Act:

Imposes the BEAT (as described above);
Amends the calculation of tax reserves for U.S. life insurance companies and requires affected companies to include the resulting change in income over an 8-year period beginning in 2018;
Amends the treatment of “specified policy acquisition expenses” incurred by U.S. life insurance companies under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue Code;
Restricts the “active insurance” exception to PFIC treatment to “qualifying insurance corporations;”
Eliminates the prohibition on “downward attribution” from non-U.S. persons to U.S. persons under Section 958(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of determining constructive stock ownership under the CFC rules (as described above); and
Amends the definition of “U.S. Shareholder” to include U.S. persons that own (or are treated as owning) 10% or more of the value of a foreign corporation.

There is significant uncertainty regarding how these and other provisions of the Tax Act will be interpreted, and guidance may not be forthcoming. In addition, it is possible that a “technical corrections” bill may be passed during 2018 that could alter or clarify the Tax Act, likely with retroactive effect. Any changes to, clarifications of, or guidance under the Tax Act could add significant expense and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Finally, the tax treatment of non-U.S. companies and their U.S. and non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries may be the subject of further tax legislation. No prediction can be made as to whether any particular proposed legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, what the specific provisions or the effective date of any such legislation would be, or whether it would have any effect on us. As such, we cannot assure you that future legislative, administrative or judicial developments will not result in an increase in the amount of U.S. tax payable by us or by an investor in our Class A common shares or reduce the attractiveness of our products. If any such developments occur, our business, financial condition and results of operation could be materially and adversely affected and such developments could have a material and adverse effect on your investment in our common shares.


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Changes in U.S. tax law might adversely affect demand for our products.

Many of the products that we sell and reinsure benefit from one or more forms of tax-favored status under current U.S. federal and state income tax regimes. For example, we sell and reinsure annuity contracts that allow the policyholders to defer the recognition of taxable income earned within the contract. The changes in U.S. federal tax law made by the Tax Act, or future changes in U.S. federal or state tax law, could reduce or eliminate the attractiveness of such products, which could affect the sale of our products or increase the expected lapse rate with respect to products that have already been sold.

There is U.S. income tax risk associated with reinsurance between U.S. insurance companies and their Bermuda affiliates.

If a reinsurance agreement is entered into among related parties, the IRS is permitted to reallocate or recharacterize income, deductions or certain other items, and to make any other adjustment, to reflect the proper amount, source or character of the taxable income of each of the parties. If the IRS were to successfully challenge our reinsurance arrangements, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected and the price of our Class A common shares could be adversely affected.

We may not be able to use our deferred tax asset attributes or admit them into statutory capital as a result of the Tax Act.

Under the Tax Act, net operating losses generated in 2018 and thereafter may be carried forward indefinitely but may not be carried back to offset taxable income in prior tax periods. Historically, a portion of our admitted deferred tax asset has reflected our ability to carry net operating losses back to prior tax periods. In the future, the amount of deferred tax asset we are able to admit may be reduced due to the elimination of the carry back period. Because the ability to admit deferred tax assets into statutory capital is dependent in part on our ability to carry losses back to prior tax periods, we may not be able to admit into statutory capital a portion of deferred tax assets that are generated in future tax periods.

We may have fewer investable assets and earn less investment income as a result of the Tax Act.

Certain of the changes made by the Tax Act are expected to increase the amount of our current tax expense. Although the increase in current tax expense from these changes may be largely offset by an increase in the amount of our deferred tax assets, we may have fewer investable assets and thus may earn less investment income.

We may become subject to U.S. withholding tax under certain U.S. tax provisions commonly known as FATCA.

Certain U.S. tax provisions commonly known as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) impose a 30% withholding tax on certain payments of U.S. source income and the proceeds from the disposition after December 31, 2018, of property of a type that can produce U.S. source interest or dividends, in each case, to certain “foreign financial institutions” and “non-financial foreign entities.” The withholding tax also applies to certain “foreign passthru payments” made by foreign financial institutions after December 31, 2018. The U.S. government has signed an intergovernmental agreement to facilitate the implementation of FATCA with the government of Bermuda (Bermuda IGA). AHL and its foreign subsidiaries intend to comply with the obligations imposed on them under FATCA and the Bermuda IGA, as applicable, to avoid being subject to withholding under FATCA on payments made to them or penalties. However, no assurance can be provided in this regard. We may become subject to withholding tax or penalties if we are unable to comply with FATCA.

If AHL is treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business in any taxable year, all or a portion of the dividends on our Class A common shares may be treated as U.S. source income and may be subject to withholding and information reporting under FATCA unless a shareholder (and any intermediaries through which the shareholder holds its shares) establishes an exemption from such withholding and information reporting. In addition, any gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Class A common shares after December 31, 2018, might also be subject to withholding and information reporting under FATCA in such circumstances, absent an exemption. As discussed above, we currently intend to limit our U.S. activities so that AHL is not considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business, although no assurances can be provided in this regard.

We are subject to the risk that Bermuda tax laws may change and that we may become subject to new Bermuda taxes following the expiration of a current exemption after 2035.

The Bermuda Minister of Finance, under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 of Bermuda, as amended, has given us an assurance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to us or any of our operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 31, 2035, except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to any taxes payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda. Given the limited duration of the Bermuda Minister of Finance’s assurance, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to any Bermuda tax after March 31, 2035.


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The impact of the OECD’s recommendations on base erosion and profit shifting is uncertain and could impose adverse tax consequences on us.

In 2015, the OECD published final recommendations on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). These BEPS recommendations propose the development of rules directed at counteracting the effects of tax havens and preferential tax regimes in countries around the world. Beginning with 2017, some countries in which we do business, including Bermuda and the U.S., require certain multinational enterprises, including ours, to report detailed information regarding allocation of revenue, profit, and other information, on a country-by-country basis, which could increase scrutiny by foreign tax authorities.

The BEPS recommendations also include revisions to the definition of a “permanent establishment” and the rules for attributing profit to a permanent establishment. Other recommended actions relate to the goal of ensuring that transfer pricing outcomes are in line with value creation, noting that the current rules may facilitate the transfer of risks or capital away from countries where the economic activity takes place. We expect many countries to change their tax laws in response to this project, and several countries (including the U.S.) have already changed or proposed changes to their tax laws. Changes to tax laws could increase their complexity and the burden and costs of compliance. Additionally, such changes could also result in significant modifications to the existing transfer pricing rules and could potentially have an impact on our taxable profits in various jurisdictions.


Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Securities

Purchases of common stock made by or on behalf of us or our affiliates during the three months ended March 31, 2018 are set forth below:
Period
(a) Total number of shares purchased1
(b) Average price paid per share1
(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs2
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs2
January 1 – January 31, 2018
28,327

$
51.71


$

February 1 – February 28, 2018
223

$
49.02


$

March 1 – March 31, 2018
3,010

$
47.86


$

 
 
 
 
 
1 Purchases relate to shares withheld (under the terms of employee stock compensation plans) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon the delivery of outstanding shares underlying restricted stock awards or units or upon the exercise of stock options.
2 As of March 31, 2018, our Board of Directors had not authorized any purchases of common stock in connection with a publicly announced plan or program.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information

None.


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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
12.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
ATHENE HOLDING LTD.
 
 
Date: May 4, 2018
/s/ Martin P. Klein
 
Martin P. Klein
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(principal financial officer and duly authorized signatory)



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