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Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to
Commission file number: 1-4219
 
 
 
hrggrouprgba06.jpg
HRG Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
74-1339132
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
450 Park Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, NY
10022
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(212) 906-8555
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    or    No  ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    or    No  ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting 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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    or    No  x
There were 200,543,374 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 2, 2017.
 


HRG GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 

2
Table of Contents

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
HRG GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
 
(Unaudited)
 

ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
320.3

 
$
497.3

Funds withheld receivables
1,634.2

 
1,650.4

Receivables, net
584.3

 
556.3

Inventories, net
836.3

 
740.6

Deferred tax assets
31.6

 
42.6

Property, plant and equipment, net
661.7

 
543.4

Goodwill
2,473.8

 
2,478.4

Intangibles, net
2,312.5

 
2,372.5

Other assets
163.6

 
172.6

Assets of business held for sale
27,678.5

 
26,738.7

Total assets
$
36,696.8

 
$
35,792.8

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Insurance reserves
$
1,728.2

 
$
1,751.3

Debt
5,623.9

 
5,430.9

Accounts payable and other current liabilities
849.0

 
989.8

Employee benefit obligations
112.2

 
125.4

Deferred tax liabilities
588.8

 
546.0

Other liabilities
30.7

 
32.0

Liabilities of business held for sale
25,995.7

 
25,100.2

Total liabilities
34,928.5

 
33,975.6

 
 
 
 
 Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HRG Group, Inc. shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock
2.0

 
2.0

Additional paid-in capital
1,410.6

 
1,447.1

Accumulated deficit
(901.8
)
 
(1,031.9
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
94.2

 
220.9

Total HRG Group, Inc. shareholders' equity
605.0

 
638.1

 Noncontrolling interest
1,163.3

 
1,179.1

Total shareholders' equity
1,768.3

 
1,817.2

Total liabilities and equity
$
36,696.8

 
$
35,792.8

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

HRG GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net consumer and other product sales
$
1,169.9

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
2,381.7

 
$
2,428.4

Net investment income
12.9

 
16.2

 
23.6

 
36.5

Net investment gains (losses)
32.0

 
39.7

 
(1.8
)
 
7.7

Insurance and investment product fees and other
1.3

 
1.8

 
2.2

 
4.1

Total revenues
1,216.1

 
1,267.3

 
2,405.7

 
2,476.7

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
714.7

 
746.8

 
1,476.5

 
1,524.9

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
33.0

 
42.5

 
21.4

 
43.3

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
324.9

 
335.5

 
646.6

 
666.2

Total operating costs and expenses
1,072.6

 
1,124.8

 
2,144.5

 
2,234.4

Operating income
143.5

 
142.5

 
261.2

 
242.3

Interest expense
(88.3
)
 
(94.4
)
 
(180.0
)
 
(189.6
)
Other expense, net
(2.0
)
 
—

 
(0.6
)
 
(0.7
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
53.2

 
48.1

 
80.6

 
52.0

Income tax expense (benefit)
50.2

 
(15.4
)
 
75.6

 
(21.0
)
Net income from continuing operations
3.0

 
63.5

 
5.0

 
73.0

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
(54.4
)
 
(47.6
)
 
204.4

 
(50.1
)
Net (loss) income
(51.4
)
 
15.9

 
209.4

 
22.9

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
30.7

 
40.6

 
79.3

 
81.5

Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
$
(82.1
)
 
$
(24.7
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
(58.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts attributable to controlling interest:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
$
(21.3
)
 
$
24.5

 
$
(46.8
)
 
$
2.7

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations
(60.8
)
 
(49.2
)
 
176.9

 
(61.3
)
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
$
(82.1
)
 
$
(24.7
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
(58.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to controlling interest:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) income from continuing operations
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.23
)
 
$
0.01

Basic (loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.30
)
 
(0.24
)
 
0.88

 
(0.31
)
Basic
$
(0.41
)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.65

 
$
(0.30
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted (loss) income from continuing operations
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.23
)
 
$
0.01

Diluted (loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.30
)
 
(0.24
)
 
0.88

 
(0.30
)
Diluted
$
(0.41
)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.65

 
$
(0.29
)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



4
Table of Contents

HRG GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
Net (loss) income
$
(51.4
)
 
$
15.9

 
$
209.4

 
$
22.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
21.7

 
28.2

 
(24.4
)
 
7.7

Net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in derivative instruments before reclassification adjustment
(10.4
)
 
(5.4
)
 
32.8

 
(0.8
)
Net reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
(3.8
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(0.9
)
Changes in derivative instruments after reclassification adjustment
(14.2
)
 
(6.1
)
 
24.2

 
(1.7
)
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability
4.5

 
2.4

 
(9.7
)
 
1.5

Deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments
—

 
0.8

 
—

 
1.0

Net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
(9.7
)
 
(2.9
)
 
14.5

 
0.8

Actuarial adjustments to pension plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in actuarial adjustments before reclassification adjustment
(0.8
)
 
(1.3
)
 
2.4

 
(0.5
)
Net reclassification adjustment for losses included in cost of goods sold
0.8

 
0.4

 
1.6

 
0.7

Net reclassification adjustment for losses included in selling and general and administrative expenses
0.5

 
0.2

 
1.0

 
0.5

Changes in actuarial adjustments to pension plans
0.5

 
(0.7
)
 
5.0

 
0.7

Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability
0.2

 
0.1

 
(1.1
)
 
(0.2
)
Deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Net actuarial adjustments to pension plans
0.6

 
(0.6
)
 
3.9

 
0.5

Unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized investment gains (losses) before reclassification adjustment
314.5

 
252.1

 
(352.5
)
 
(123.8
)
Net reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
(1.8
)
 
(6.8
)
 
(3.9
)
 
0.3

Changes in unrealized investment gains (losses) after reclassification adjustment
312.7

 
245.3

 
(356.4
)
 
(123.5
)
Adjustments to intangible assets
(100.1
)
 
(79.2
)
 
125.2

 
56.1

Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability
(74.6
)
 
(58.1
)
 
80.1

 
22.1

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
138.0

 
108.0

 
(151.1
)
 
(45.3
)
Net change to derive comprehensive income (loss) for the period
150.6

 
132.7

 
(157.1
)
 
(36.3
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
99.2

 
148.6

 
52.3

 
(13.4
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
30.7

 
40.6

 
79.3

 
81.5

Other comprehensive income (loss)
32.0

 
31.1

 
(31.8
)
 
(5.0
)
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
62.7

 
71.7

 
47.5

 
76.5

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the controlling interest
$
36.5

 
$
76.9

 
$
4.8

 
$
(89.9
)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

HRG GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
209.4

 
$
22.9

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
204.4

 
(50.1
)
Net income from continuing operations
5.0

 
73.0

Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows from continuing operations:
 
 
 
Depreciation of properties
47.0

 
44.6

Amortization of intangibles
47.1

 
47.0

Loan provision and bad debt expense
1.9

 
15.1

Stock-based compensation
27.0

 
40.0

Amortization of debt issuance costs
8.2

 
6.9

Amortization of debt discount
0.9

 
0.7

Write-off of debt issuance costs
1.9

 
—

Deferred income taxes
44.5

 
(43.5
)
Interest credited/index credits to contractholder account balances
12.2

 
18.2

Net recognized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives
(10.0
)
 
9.8

Charges assessed to contractholders for policy fees and administration
(0.6
)
 
(0.7
)
Dividends from subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations
6.1

 
6.2

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(213.9
)
 
(395.2
)
Net change in cash due to continuing operating activities
(22.7
)
 
(177.9
)
Net change in cash due to discontinued operating activities
131.9

 
161.4

Net change in cash due to operating activities
109.2

 
(16.5
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid
2.4

 
52.5

Cost of investments acquired
(3.8
)
 
(0.3
)
Net asset-based loan repayments
25.3

 
74.7

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(51.3
)
 
(38.8
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
0.8

 
0.9

Other investing activities, net
(1.2
)
 
(0.7
)
Net change in cash due to continuing investing activities
(27.8
)
 
88.3

Net change in cash due to discontinued investing activities
(776.3
)
 
(417.1
)
Net change in cash due to investing activities
(804.1
)
 
(328.8
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of new debt
266.1

 
175.0

Repayment of debt, including tender and call premiums
(171.0
)
 
(126.4
)
Debt issuance costs
(3.8
)
 
(1.6
)
Purchases of subsidiary stock, net
(103.1
)
 
(49.6
)
Contractholder account deposits
2.7

 
2.4

Contractholder account withdrawals
(61.7
)
 
(71.9
)
Dividend paid by subsidiary to noncontrolling interest
(19.8
)
 
(18.2
)
Share based award tax withholding payments
(37.4
)
 
(27.3
)
Other financing activities, net
5.5

 
3.8

Net change in cash due to continuing financing activities
(122.5
)
 
(113.8
)
Net change in cash due to discontinued financing activities
668.0

 
224.3

Net change in cash due to financing activities
545.5

 
110.5

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(4.0
)
 
(0.3
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(153.4
)
 
(235.1
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents in discontinued operations
23.6

 
(31.4
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents in continuing operations
(177.0
)
 
(203.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
497.3

 
661.2

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
320.3

 
$
457.5

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

HRG GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share and unit measures or as otherwise specified)
(1) Description of Business
HRG Group, Inc. (“HRG” and collectively with its respective subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a holding company that conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries. HRG’s shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “HRG.”
The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HRG’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in two reportable segments: (i) Consumer Products and (ii) Insurance.
The Company also owns Salus Capital Partners, LLC, (“Salus”), an asset-based lender, and 99.5% of NZCH Corporation (“NZCH”), a public shell company. From time to time, the Company may manage a portion of its available cash and engage in other activities through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, HGI Funding, LLC (“HGI Funding”) and HGI Energy Holdings, LLC (“HGI Energy”). The Company’s corporate operations, as well as the operations of Salus, HGI Funding, NZCH and HGI Energy are presented in the Corporate and Other segment.
For the results of operations by segment, and other segment data, see Note 15, Segment Data and Note 16, Consolidating Financial Information.
Consumer Products Segment
The Consumer Products segment represents the Company’s 58.4% controlling interest in Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (“Spectrum Brands”). Through its operating subsidiaries, Spectrum Brands is a diversified global branded consumer products company with positions in multiple product lines and categories: consumer batteries, small appliances, global pet supplies, home and garden control products, personal care products, hardware and home improvement products and global auto care.
Insurance Segment
As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s insurance operations were conducted through Front Street Re (Delaware) Ltd., (“Front Street”) and its Bermuda and Cayman-based subsidiaries, Front Street Re Ltd. (“Front Street Bermuda”) and Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd. (“Front Street Cayman”), respectively. Through Front Street and its Bermuda and Cayman-based subsidiaries, the Company engages in the business of life, annuity and long-term care reinsurance.
The Company also owns 80.4% of Fidelity & Guaranty Life (“FGL”). Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“FGL Insurance”) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York, FGL is a provider of various types of fixed annuities and life insurance products in the U.S.
On April 17, 2017, FGL terminated its Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “FGL Merger Agreement” and the merger contemplated thereby, the “Merger”), by and among FGL, Anbang Insurance Group Co., Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively, “Anbang”). Prior to its termination, the FGL Merger Agreement was amended on November 3, 2016 and on February 9, 2017, each time to extend the outside termination date. As part of the February 9, 2017 amendment, the FGL Merger Agreement was also amended to permit FGL to explore and negotiate strategic alternatives with other parties, but not to enter into a definitive agreement with a third party while the FGL Merger Agreement was in effect. As a result of the termination of the FGL Merger Agreement, FGL has no remaining obligations under the FGL Merger Agreement and may enter into an alternative transaction. In connection with the termination of the FGL Merger Agreement, on April 17, 2017, FGL’s Board of Directors announced that it was continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and had received interest from a number of parties (the “FGL Strategic Evaluation Process”). There can be no assurance that the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process will result in a transaction, or that any transaction, if pursued, will be consummated. The FGL Strategic Evaluation Process may be terminated at any time with or without notice. Neither HRG nor any of its affiliates intends to disclose developments with respect to this process until such time that it determines otherwise in its sole discretion or as required by applicable law.
As a result of the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process and the consideration of other applicable facts and circumstances, as of March 31, 2017, the Company’s ownership interest in FGL continues to be classified as held for sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and FGL’s operations were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and reported separately for all periods presented. See Note 4, Divestitures.

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Table of Contents

Corporate and Other
On April 14, 2017, the Company and Omar Asali, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, entered into a Separation and Release Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Asali ceased his employment with the Company and resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. On April 14, 2017, Mr. Joseph S. Steinberg, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, was appointed to the additional position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
On March 22, 2017, the Company also appointed Mr. Ehsan Zargar, effective as of January 1, 2017, as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company.
In addition, as previously announced in November 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors initiated a process to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives, which may include, but are not limited to, a merger, sale or other business combination involving the Company and/or its assets. There can be no assurance that HRG’s review of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction, or that any transaction, if pursued, will be consummated. HRG’s review of strategic alternatives may be terminated at any time with or without notice. Neither HRG nor any of its affiliates intends to disclose developments with respect to this process until such time that it determines otherwise in its sole discretion or as required by applicable law.
Also, on November 28, 2016, the Company and David Maura, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Investments of the Company, entered into a Separation and Release Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Maura resigned his employment with the Company, but will continue to serve as the Executive Chairman of Spectrum Brands and its subsidiaries and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

(2) Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of such information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and note disclosures, including a description of significant accounting policies normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported net loss attributable to controlling interest or accumulated deficit. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the six months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent periods or the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on September 30 and the quarters end on the last calendar day of the months of December, March and June. Spectrum Brands’ fiscal year ends September 30 and its interim fiscal quarters end every thirteenth Sunday, except for its first fiscal quarter which may end on the fourteenth Sunday following September 30. The Company does not adjust for the difference in fiscal periods between Spectrum Brands and itself, as such difference would be less than 93 days, pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3A-02.
At March 31, 2017, the noncontrolling interest component of total equity primarily represents the 41.6% share of Spectrum Brands and the 19.6% of FGL not owned by HRG.
Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Reinsurance Company (“Raven Re”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received to treat the available amount of a letter of credit as an admitted asset which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $188.8 and $201.3 at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed statutory accounting practice for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $4.4 and $4.2 at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. Without such permitted statutory accounting practices, Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus would be $6.8 and $4.6 as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. The letter of credit facility is collateralized by debt securities rated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) as “NAIC-1.” If the permitted practice was revoked, the letter of credit could be replaced by the collateral assets with Nomura Bank International plc’s consent. FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $199.9 and $210.0, respectively.
On November 1, 2013, FGL Insurance re-domesticated from Maryland to Iowa. After re-domestication, FGL Insurance elected to

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apply Iowa-prescribed accounting practices that permit Iowa-domiciled insurers to report equity call options used to economically hedge fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) index credits at amortized cost for statutory accounting purposes and to calculate FIA statutory reserves such that index credit returns will be included in the reserve only after crediting to the annuity contract. This resulted in no impact to statutory capital and surplus at March 31, 2017.
Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. If goodwill impairment is realized, the amount recognized will be the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however the loss recognized cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 must be applied on a prospective basis and will become effective for public entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 effective March 31, 2017, resulting in no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”), which requires an employer to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic pension costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. ASU 2017-07 provides guidance requiring the service cost component to be recognized consistent with other compensation costs arising from service rendered by employees during the period, and all other components to be recognized separately outside of the subtotal of income from operations. ASU 2017-07 is applied on a retrospective basis, and will become effective for public entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available. This update will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. The net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 was $4.8; of which the service cost component was $3.3 and other components were $1.5. The net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 will be $7.9, of which the service cost component is $4.3 and other cost components are $3.6.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements, other than the ones disclosed above and in the Company’s Form 10-K, that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

(3) Significant Risks and Uncertainties
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used.
Concentration of Securities Included in Funds Withheld Receivables
As of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Front Street’s most significant exposure related to the securities underlying the funds withheld receivables was to the financial sector and the energy, mining and metals industries.
As of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the carrying value of the fixed maturity securities in the financial sector was $243.2, or 14.9%, and $232.8, or 14.1%, respectively, of Front Street’s funds withheld receivables. At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the holdings in this sector included investments in 92 and 81 different issuers, respectively, with the top ten investments accounting for 47.7% and 48.0%, respectively, of the total holdings in this sector.
As of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the carrying value of the fixed maturity securities in the energy, mining and metals industries was $168.5, or 10.3%, and $188.6, or 11.4%, respectively, of Front Street’s funds withheld receivables. At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the holdings in these industries included investments in 66 and 74 different issuers, respectively, with the top ten investments accounting for 42.0% and 43.4%, respectively, of the total holdings in these industries.
There were no holdings in a single issuer included in the funds withheld receivables that exceeded 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016.

9
Table of Contents

Concentrations of Financial and Capital Markets Risk
Through Front Street, the Company is exposed to financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads which can have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company expects to continue to face challenges and uncertainties that could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s exposure to such financial and capital markets risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will increase the net unrealized loss position of Front Street’s fund withheld receivables and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of Front Street’s reinsured products may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring Front Street to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. This risk is mitigated to some extent by surrender charge protection provided by the products reinsured by Front Street.
Insurance Counterparty Risk
Through Front Street, the Company is exposed to insurance counterparty risk, which is the potential for Front Street to incur losses due to a reinsurance counterparty becoming distressed or insolvent. This includes run-on-the-bank risk and collection risk. The run-on-the-bank risk is that a client’s in force block incurs substantial surrenders and/or lapses due to credit impairment, reputation damage or other market changes affecting the counterparty. Substantially higher than expected surrenders and/or lapses could result in inadequate in force business to recover cash paid out for acquisition costs. The collection risk for reinsurance counterparties includes their inability to satisfy a reinsurance agreement because the right of offset is disallowed by the receivership court; the reinsurance contract is rejected by the receiver, resulting in a premature termination of the contract; and/or the security supporting the transaction becomes unavailable to Front Street. To date, Front Street has not experienced a material default in connection with reinsurance arrangements, nor has it experienced any material difficulty in collecting claims recoverable from reinsurance counterparties; however, no assurance can be given as to the future performance of such reinsurance counterparty or as to the recoverability of any such claims.
Receivables
The allowance for uncollectible receivables as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $45.3 and $46.8, respectively. Through Spectrum Brands, the Company has a broad range of customers including many large retail outlet chains, one of which accounts for a significant percentage of its sales volume. This customer represents approximately 15.1% and 13.1% of the Company’s “Receivables, net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.

(4) Divestitures
The following table summarizes the components of “(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax attributable to FGL
$
(54.4
)
 
$
(13.1
)
 
$
204.4

 
$
(48.7
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax attributable to Compass Production Partners, LP (“Compass”)
—

 
(34.5
)
 
—

 
(1.4
)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(54.4
)
 
$
(47.6
)
 
$
204.4

 
$
(50.1
)
FGL
As previously discussed in Note 1, Description of Business, the Company’s ownership interest in FGL has been classified as held for sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and FGL’s operations were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the major categories of assets and liabilities of FGL classified as held for sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
Investments, including loans and receivables from affiliates
$
21,937.5

 
$
21,140.9

Cash and cash equivalents
887.4

 
863.9

Accrued investment income
224.5

 
213.7

Reinsurance recoverable
3,426.3

 
3,463.9

Deferred tax assets
68.0

 
—

Properties, plant and equipment, net
22.2

 
18.5

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net
1,222.7

 
1,065.5

Other assets
181.0

 
335.1

Write-down of assets of business held for sale to fair value less cost to sell
(291.1
)
 
(362.8
)
Total assets of business held for sale
$
27,678.5

 
$
26,738.7

Liabilities
 
 
 
Insurance reserves
$
24,680.8

 
$
23,944.6

Debt
405.0

 
398.8

Accounts payable and other current liabilities
136.7

 
57.0

Deferred tax liabilities
—

 
9.9

Other liabilities
773.2

 
689.9

Total liabilities of business held for sale
$
25,995.7

 
$
25,100.2

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, a long-lived asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less cost to sell at the balance sheet date. FGL’s common stock is actively traded and at March 31, 2017, the Company measured the fair value less cost to sell of its investment in FGL as the product of the closing price of FGL’s common stock (NYSE: FGL) at the balance sheet date of $27.80 and the quantity of such shares owned by the Company. At March 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Company’s interest in FGL was $291.1 higher than the fair value less cost to sell and as a result, during the six months ended March 31, 2017, the Company partially reversed the previously recorded $362.8 write-down of assets of business held for sale by $71.7.
The balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the table above reflect transactions between the businesses held for sale and businesses held for use that are expected to continue to exist after the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process. Such transactions are not eliminated to reflect the continuing operations and balances held for sale. As a result, adjustments to the carrying value of certain intercompany assets recorded by FGL were reversed upon consolidation in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Below is a summary of the impact of such intercompany balances in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
Funds withheld receivable
$
938.6

 
$
978.8

Other assets
14.8

 
15.1

Assets of business held for sale
1,310.6

 
1,375.5

Total assets
$
2,264.0

 
$
2,369.4

Liabilities
 
 
 
Insurance reserves
$
1,067.0

 
$
1,119.5

Debt
51.8

 
63.0

Liabilities of business held for sale
1,145.2

 
1,186.9

Total liabilities
$
2,264.0

 
$
2,369.4


11
Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the components of “Net (loss) income from discontinued operations” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums
$
2.7

 
$
16.2

 
$
13.8

 
$
31.6

Net investment income
246.4

 
226.7

 
486.2

 
448.9

Net investment gains (losses)
80.0

 
(39.2
)
 
136.3

 
27.0

Insurance and investment product fees and other
43.9

 
31.7

 
82.2

 
60.5

Total revenues
373.0

 
235.4

 
718.5

 
568.0

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
268.0

 
188.1

 
287.9

 
369.0

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
32.6

 
28.4

 
60.9

 
56.6

Amortization of intangibles
36.5

 
0.4

 
156.5

 
33.9

Total operating costs and expenses
337.1

 
216.9

 
505.3

 
459.5

Operating income
35.9

 
18.5

 
213.2

 
108.5

Interest expense
(6.0
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(12.1
)
 
(11.8
)
(Write-down) write-up of assets of business held for sale to fair value less cost to sell
(72.8
)
 
(23.5
)
 
71.7

 
(23.5
)
Net (loss) income before income taxes
(42.9
)
 
(10.9
)
 
272.8

 
73.2

Income tax expense (a)
11.5

 
2.2

 
68.4

 
121.9

Net (loss) income
(54.4
)
 
(13.1
)
 
204.4

 
(48.7
)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
6.4

 
1.8

 
27.5

 
11.2

Net (loss) income - attributable to controlling interest
$
(60.8
)
 
$
(14.9
)
 
$
176.9

 
$
(59.9
)
(a) Included in the income tax expense for the six months ended March 31, 2016 was a $90.9 of net income tax expense related to the establishment of a deferred tax liability of $328.6 at March 31, 2016, which was a result of classifying the Company’s ownership interest in FGL as held for sale. The deferred tax liability was partially offset by a $237.7 reduction of valuation allowance on HRG’s net operating and capital loss carryforwards expected to offset the FGL taxable gain at March 31, 2016. The remaining liability is expected to be offset by current year losses recognized in continuing operations except for the $13.2 of estimated alternative minimum taxes.
Compass
On July 1, 2016, HGI Energy entered into an agreement to sell its equity interests in Compass to a third party (such agreement, the “Compass Sale Agreement”). During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2016, the transactions contemplated by the Compass Sale Agreement were consummated. This sale represented the disposal of all of the Company’s oil and gas properties, which were accounted for using the full-cost method prior to their disposal. The Company has determined that the completion of HGI Energy’s sale of its equity interests in Compass to a third party represented a strategic shift for the Company and, accordingly, has presented the results of operations for Compass as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the components of “Net (loss) income from discontinued operations” attributable to Compass in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016.
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
March 31, 2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas revenues
$
9.5

 
$
26.3

 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs
9.2

 
26.3

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
5.8

 
15.6

Impairments
21.2

 
75.6

Total operating costs and expenses
36.2

 
117.5

Operating loss
(26.7
)
 
(91.2
)
Interest expense
(1.4
)
 
(3.7
)
Gain on sale of oil and gas properties
—

 
105.6

Other income, net
0.5

 
2.3

Net (loss) income before income taxes
(27.6
)
 
13.0

Income tax expense
6.9

 
14.4

Net loss
$
(34.5
)
 
$
(1.4
)

(5) Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of outstanding derivatives recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
Asset Derivatives
 
Classification
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Receivables, net
 
$
4.1

 
$
5.5

Commodity swaps
 
Receivables, net
 
4.1

 
2.9

Commodity swaps
 
Other assets
 
0.2

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Other assets
 
0.1

 
0.1

Total asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
8.5

 
8.5

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call option receivable from FGL
 
Funds withheld receivables
 
13.3

 
11.3

Call options
 
Other assets
 
10.5

 
5.9

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Receivables, net
 
0.4

 
0.2

Total asset derivatives
 
 
 
$
32.7

 
$
25.9

Liability Derivatives
 
Classification
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
$
—

 
$
0.7

Interest rate swaps
 
Other liabilities
 
—

 
0.4

Commodity swaps
 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
0.1

 
0.1

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
1.3

 
1.7

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Other liabilities
 
0.2

 
0.1

Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
1.6

 
3.0

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
 
Insurance reserves
 
121.0

 
131.2

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
0.6

 
0.2

Total liability derivatives
 
 
 
$
123.2

 
$
134.4


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Table of Contents

For derivative instruments that are used to economically hedge the fair value of Spectrum Brands’ third party and intercompany foreign currency payments, commodity purchases and interest rate payments, the gain (loss) associated with the derivative contract is recognized in earnings in the period of change. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
The following tables summarize the impact of the effective portion of designated hedges and the gain (loss) recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Classification
 
Gain (Loss) in AOCI
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified to Earnings
 
Gain (Loss) in AOCI
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified to Earnings
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(0.5
)
Commodity swaps
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
3.7

 
1.7

 
1.8

 
(1.6
)
Net investment hedge
 
Other expense, net
 
(9.2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Net consumer and other product sales
 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
(4.4
)
 
2.8

 
(6.6
)
 
2.8

 
 
 
 
$
(10.4
)
 
$
3.8

 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
0.7

 
 
 
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Classification
 
Gain (Loss) in AOCI
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified to Earnings
 
Gain (Loss) in AOCI
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified to Earnings
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(1.0
)
Commodity swaps
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
3.8

 
2.5

 
0.8

 
(3.0
)
Net investment hedge
 
Other expense, net
 
23.3

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Net consumer and other product sales
 
0.1

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
5.9

 
7.1

 
(1.2
)
 
4.9

 
 
 
 
$
32.8

 
$
8.6

 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
0.9

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on its derivatives:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
Classification
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
Call options
 
$
5.8

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
8.9

 
$
0.5

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
Commodity swaps
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.1

 
$
—

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
 
Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
 
(0.2
)
 
(3.4
)
 
(10.2
)
 
(5.8
)
Other expense, net
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(2.1
)
 
2.9

 
(1.4
)
 
0.8

Additional Disclosures
Call options. Derivative financial instruments included within the funds withheld receivables at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are in the form of call options receivable by Front Street. Front Street hedges exposure to product related equity market risk by entering into derivative transactions. These options hedge Front Street’s share of the FIA index credit. The change in fair value is recognized within “Net investment gains (losses)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Table of Contents

Call option receivable from FGL. Under the terms of the modified coinsurance arrangement between Front Street and FGL, FGL is required to pay Front Street a portion of the net cost of equity option purchases and the proceeds from expirations related to the equity options which hedge the index credit feature of the reinsured FIA contracts. Accordingly, the receivable from FGL is reflected in “Funds withheld receivables” as of the balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized within “Net investment gains (losses)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Embedded derivatives in Front Street’s assumed FIA business from FGL. Front Street has assumed FIA contracts that permit the holder to elect an interest rate return or an equity index linked component, where interest credited to the contracts is linked to the performance of various equity indices, primarily the Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) 500 Index. This feature represents an embedded derivative under U.S. GAAP. The FIA embedded derivative is valued at fair value and included in “Insurance reserves” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value included as a component of “Benefits and other changes in policy reserves” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign exchange contracts - cash flow hedges. Spectrum Brands periodically enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge a portion of the risk from forecasted foreign currency denominated third party and intercompany sales or payments. These obligations generally require Spectrum Brands to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars (“CAD”) or Japanese Yen. These foreign exchange contracts are cash flow hedges of fluctuating foreign exchange related to sales of product or raw material purchases. Until the sale or purchase is recognized, the fair value of the related hedge is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and as a derivative hedge asset or liability, as applicable. At the time the sale or purchase is recognized, the fair value of the related hedge is reclassified as an adjustment to “Net consumer and other product sales” or “Cost of consumer products and other goods sold”, respectively, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. At March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands had a series of foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding through September 2018. The derivative net gains estimated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months is $1.3, net of tax. At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Spectrum Brands had foreign exchange derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges with a notional value of $252.9 and $224.8, respectively.
Commodity swaps - cash flow hedges. Spectrum Brands is exposed to risk from fluctuating prices for raw materials, specifically zinc and brass used in its manufacturing processes. Spectrum Brands hedges a portion of the risk associated with the purchase of these materials through the use of commodity swaps. The hedge contracts are designated as cash flow hedges with the fair value changes recorded in AOCI and as a hedge asset or liability, as applicable. The unrecognized changes in fair value of the hedge contracts are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when the hedged purchase of raw materials also affects earnings. The swaps effectively fix the floating price on a specified quantity of raw materials through a specified date. At March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands had a series of zinc and brass swap contracts outstanding through August 2018. The derivative net gains estimated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months is $1.5, net of tax. Spectrum Brands had the following commodity swap contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
Notional
 
Contract Value
 
Notional
 
Contract Value
Zinc swap contracts (tons)
 
6.8
 
$
15.7

 
6.7
 
$
12.8

Brass swap contracts (tons)
 
1.4

 
6.1

 
1.0

 
4.0

Net Investment Hedge. On September 20, 2016, Spectrum Brands, Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands, issued €425.0 aggregate principal amount of 4.00% Notes at par value, due October 1, 2026 (“4.00% Notes”). Spectrum Brands’ 4.00% Notes are denominated in Euros and were designated as a net investment hedge of the translation of Spectrum Brands’ net investments in Euro denominated subsidiaries at the time of issuance. As a result, the translation of the Euro denominated debt is recognized in AOCI with any ineffective portion recognized as foreign currency translation gains or losses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations when the aggregate principal exceeds the net investment in its Euro denominated subsidiaries. Net gains or losses from the net investment hedge are reclassified from AOCI into earnings upon a liquidation event or deconsolidation of Euro denominated subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2017, the hedge was fully effective and no ineffective portion was recognized in earnings.

15
Table of Contents

Commodity Swaps - not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Spectrum Brands periodically enters into commodity swap contracts to economically hedge the risk from fluctuating prices for raw materials, specifically the pass-through of market prices for silver used in manufacturing purchased watch batteries. Spectrum Brands hedges a portion of the risk associated with these materials through the use of commodity swaps. The commodity swap contracts are designated as economic hedges with the unrealized gain or loss recorded in earnings and as an asset or liability at each period end. The unrecognized changes in the fair value of the commodity swap contracts are adjusted through earnings when the realized gains or losses affect earnings upon settlement of the commodity swap contracts. The commodity swap contracts effectively fix the floating price on a specified quantity of silver through a specified date. At March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands had a series of commodity swaps outstanding through September 2017. Spectrum Brands had the following commodity swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
Notional
 
Contract Value
 
Notional
 
Contract Value
Silver (troy oz.)
 
10.4
 
$
0.2

 
31.0
 
$
0.6

Foreign exchange contracts - not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Spectrum Brands periodically enters into forward and swap foreign exchange contracts to economically hedge a portion of the risk from third party and intercompany payments resulting from existing obligations. These obligations generally require Spectrum Brands to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, CAD, Euros, Pounds Sterling, Taiwanese Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars or Australian Dollars. These foreign exchange contracts are economic hedges of a related liability or asset recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gain or loss on the derivative hedge contracts is recorded in earnings as an offset to the change in value of the related liability or asset at each period end. At March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands had a series of forward exchange contracts outstanding through December 2017. At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Spectrum Brands had $202.4 and $131.4, respectively, of notional value for such foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding.
Credit Risk
Spectrum Brands is exposed to the risk of default by the counterparties with which Spectrum Brands transacts and generally does not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk. Spectrum Brands monitors counterparty credit risk on an individual basis by periodically assessing each counterparty’s credit rating exposure. The maximum loss due to credit risk equals the fair value of the gross asset derivatives that are concentrated with certain domestic and foreign financial institution counterparties. Spectrum Brands considers these exposures when measuring its credit reserve on its derivative assets, which was insignificant as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016.
Spectrum Brands’ standard contracts do not contain credit risk related contingent features whereby Spectrum Brands would be required to post additional cash collateral as a result of a credit event. However, Spectrum Brands is typically required to post collateral in the normal course of business to offset its liability positions. As of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, there was no cash collateral outstanding. In addition, as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Spectrum Brands had no posted standby letters of credit related to such liability positions.
Front Street is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its counterparties on call options. Front Street seeks to reduce the risk associated with such agreements by purchasing such options from large, well-established financial institutions, but there can be no assurance that Front Street will not suffer losses in the event of counterparty non-performance. No collateral was posted by its counterparties; accordingly, at March 31, 2017, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that Front Street would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $10.5.
Earnings from FIA reinsurance are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the sum of interest credited to policyholders and the cost of hedging the risk on FIA policies, known as the net investment spread. With respect to FIAs, the cost of hedging the risk includes the expenses incurred to fund the annual index credits. Proceeds received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are recorded as part of the fair value changes associated with reinsurance contracts in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and are largely offset by an expense for index credits earned on annuity contractholder fund balances.

(6) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which may include the Company’s own credit risk. The Company’s estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”). The Company categorizes financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy,

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Table of Contents

based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:
Level 1 — Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves.
Level 3 — Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lower level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.
When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. However, Level 3 fair value investments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 inputs, observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
The Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
Assets
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
Fixed maturity and equity securities included in funds withheld receivables
$
80.5

 
$
1,413.8

 
$
49.1

 
$
1,543.4

 
$
69.9

 
$
1,387.1

 
$
78.1

 
$
1,535.1

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call option receivable from FGL included in funds withheld receivables
—

 
13.3

 
—

 
13.3

 
—

 
11.3

 
—

 
11.3

Call options
—

 
10.5

 
—

 
10.5

 
—

 
5.9

 
—

 
5.9

Foreign exchange contracts
—

 
4.6

 
—

 
4.6

 
—

 
5.8

 
—

 
5.8

Commodity contracts
—

 
4.3

 
—

 
4.3

 
—

 
2.9

 
—

 
2.9

Total financial assets
$
80.5

 
$
1,446.5

 
$
49.1

 
$
1,576.1

 
$
69.9

 
$
1,413.0

 
$
78.1

 
$
1,561.0

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
661.2

 
$
661.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
631.8

 
$
631.8

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
—

 
—

 
121.0

 
121.0

 
—

 
—

 
131.2

 
131.2

Commodity contracts
—

 
0.1

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

 
0.1

Interest rate contracts
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1.1

 
—

 
1.1

Foreign exchange contracts
—

 
2.1

 
—

 
2.1

 
—

 
2.0

 
—

 
2.0

Total financial liabilities
$
—

 
$
2.2

 
$
782.2

 
$
784.4

 
$
—

 
$
3.2

 
$
763.0

 
$
766.2

Valuation Methodologies
Reinsurance Agreements with FGL
Front Street Cayman has entered into certain reinsurance agreements with FGL on a funds withheld basis. The funds withheld receivables portfolio related to the reinsurance agreements with FGL consists of investments in debt and equity securities that are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI, net of associated intangibles “shadow adjustments” and deferred income taxes. The funds withheld receivables portfolio also includes cash, derivatives and accrued income.
The liabilities for contractholder funds for deferred annuities consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the contractholders, excluding surrender charges and other liabilities. The liabilities for FIA consist of the value of the host contract plus the value of the FIA embedded derivative. The FIA embedded derivative is carried at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value reported in “Benefits and other changes in policy reserves” in the

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Table of Contents

accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Liabilities for immediate annuities without life contingencies are recorded at the present value of future benefits.
Liabilities for investment-type contracts are calculated by multiplying the benefit ratio by the cumulative assessments recorded from contract inception through the balance sheet date plus interest. If experience or assumption changes result in a new benefit ratio, the reserves are adjusted to reflect the changes.
The liabilities for future policy benefits and claim reserves life contingent immediate annuity policies are computed using assumptions for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals based principally on generally accepted actuarial methods and assumptions at the time of contract issue. The investment yield assumptions for life contingent immediate annuities range from 0.8% to 6.0%.
Reinsurance agreements with third parties
Front Street elected to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserve related to its assumed reinsurance with third parties. Front Street measures fair value of the funds withheld receivables based on the fair values of the securities in the underlying funds withheld portfolio held by the cedant. The non-funds withheld assets held by Front Street, backing the future policyholder benefits reserve, are measured at fair value. Policy loans included in the funds withheld receivables with third parties are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Front Street uses a discounted cash flows approach to measure the fair value of the future policyholder benefits reserve. The cash flows associated with future policy premiums and benefits are generated using best estimate assumptions (plus a risk margin, where applicable) and are consistent with market prices, where available. Risk margins are typically applied to non-observable, non-hedgeable market inputs such as mortality, morbidity, lapse, discount rate for non-performance risk, discount rate for risk margin, surrenders, etc. Mortality relates to the occurrence of death. Mortality assumptions are based upon the experience of the cedant as well as past and emerging industry experience, when available. Morbidity relates to the occurrence of a claim status and is a key assumption for the long term care business. Morbidity assumptions are based upon the experience of the cedant as well as past and emerging industry experience, when available. Mortality and morbidity assumptions may be different by sex, underwriting class and policy type. Assumptions are also made for future mortality and morbidity improvements.
Front Street determines the discount rate based on the market yields on the underlying assets backing the liabilities plus a risk margin to reflect uncertainty and adjusts the discount rate to reflect the credit risk of Front Street. Policies are terminated through surrenders and maturities, where surrenders represent the voluntary terminations of policies by policyholders and maturities are determined by policy contract terms. Surrender assumptions are based upon cedant experience adjusted for expected future conditions. Front Street discounts the liability cash flows by using the market yields on the underlying assets backing the liabilities plus a risk margin to reflect uncertainty and adjusts the discount rate to reflect the credit risk of Front Street.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Front Street future policyholder benefit liability are non-performance risk spread and risk spread to reflect uncertainty. Significant increases (decreases) in non-performance risk spread and risk margin to reflect uncertainty would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.
Funds Withheld Receivables
Through Front Street, the Company measures the fair value of its securities included in the funds withheld receivables portfolio based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and the Company will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. The Company’s fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include a third-party pricing service, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. The Company uses observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Management believes the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trends executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices. The Company did not adjust prices received from third parties as of March 31, 2017. However, the Company does analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives
The fair values of the embedded derivatives in Front Street’s assumed FIA business from FGL are derived using market indices, pricing assumptions and historical data. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the FIA embedded

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Table of Contents

derivatives in Front Street’s assumed FIA business are market value of options, interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. Significant increases or decreases in the market value of an option in isolation would result in a higher or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Significant increases or decreases in interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurement. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not result in a change in any other unobservable input.
Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets and liabilities are valued on a recurring basis using internal models, which are based on market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities, which are generally based on quoted or observed market prices and classified as Level 2. The fair value of certain derivatives is estimated using pricing models based on contracts with similar terms and risks. Modeling techniques assume market correlation and volatility, such as using prices of one delivery point to calculate the price of the contract’s different delivery point. The nominal value of interest rate transactions is discounted using applicable forward interest rate curves. In addition, by applying a credit reserve which is calculated based on credit default swaps or published default probabilities for the actual and potential asset value, the fair value of Spectrum Brands’ derivative assets reflects the risk that the counterparties to these contracts may default on the obligations. Likewise, by assessing the requirements of a reserve for non-performance which is calculated based on the probability of default by Spectrum Brands, it adjusts its derivative liabilities to reflect the price at which a potential market participant would be willing to assume Spectrum Brands’ liabilities.
The Company has not changed its valuation techniques in measuring the fair value of any derivative assets and liabilities during the quarter.
Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 were as follows: 
 
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
Range (Weighted average)
Assets
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Funds withheld receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
33.6

 
$
35.2

 
Matrix pricing
 
Quoted prices
 
100% - 117% (106%)
 
98% - 122% (109%)
Fixed maturity securities
 
5.1

 
5.4

 
Loan Recovery Value
 
Recovery rate
 
56% - 100% (81%)
 
56% - 100% (82%)
Fixed maturity securities
 
10.0

 
35.7

 
Broker-quoted
 
Offered quotes
 
99% - 105% (100%)
 
97% - 100% (100%)
Loan participations
 
0.4

 
1.8

 
Loan Recovery Value
 
Recovery rate
 
56%
 
52% - 100% (71%)
Total
 
$
49.1

 
$
78.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
 
$
661.2

 
$
631.8

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Non-performance risk spread
 
0.35%
 
0.32%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk margin to reflect uncertainty
 
0.50%
 
0.50%
Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
 
121.0

 
131.2

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Market value of option
 
0% - 24%
(3%)
 
0% - 27%
(2%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWAP rates (discount rates)
 
2.0%
 
1.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality multiplier
 
80%
 
80%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender rates
 
0.50% - 75%
(13%)
 
0.50% - 75%
(10%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performance risk spread
 
0.25%
 
0.25%
Total
 
$
782.2

 
$
763.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

19
Table of Contents

The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3 (a)
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld receivables
$
46.4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.1

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
—

 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
49.1

Total assets at fair value
$
46.4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.1

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
—

 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
49.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total (Gains) Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
$
634.5

 
$
21.1

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5.6

 
$
—

 
$
661.2

Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
121.2

 
(0.2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
121.0

Total liabilities at fair value
$
755.7

 
$
20.9

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5.6

 
$
—

 
$
782.2

(a) During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the net transfer out of Level 3 was exclusively to Level 2.
 
Six months ended March 31, 2017
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3 (a)
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld receivables
$
78.1

 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
9.1

 
$
(7.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
(29.5
)
 
$
49.1

Total assets at fair value
$
78.1

 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
9.1

 
$
(7.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
(29.5
)
 
$
49.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total (Gains) Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
$
631.8

 
$
8.5

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
20.9

 
$
—

 
$
661.2

Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
131.2

 
(10.2
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
121.0

Total liabilities at fair value
$
763.0

 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
20.9

 
$
—

 
$
782.2

(a) During the six months ended March 31, 2017, the net transfer out of Level 3 was exclusively to Level 2.

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Table of Contents

 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld receivables
$
65.1

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
3.1

 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
64.5

Total assets at fair value
$
65.1

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
3.1

 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
64.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total (Gains) Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
$
629.0

 
$
23.9

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
654.0

Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
139.9

 
(3.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
136.5

Total liabilities at fair value
$
768.9

 
$
20.5

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
790.5

 
Six months ended March 31, 2016
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate fixed maturity securities AFS
$
14.1

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(13.6
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Other invested assets
2.8

 
2.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5.5
)
 
—

 
—

Funds withheld receivables
74.7

 
(1.9
)
 
—

 
8.1

 
(16.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
64.5

Total assets at fair value
$
91.6

 
$
0.3

 
$
—

 
$
8.1

 
$
(30.0
)
 
$
(5.5
)
 
$
—

 
$
64.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning
of Period
 
Total (Gains) Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfer In (Out) of
Level 3
 
Balance at End of
Period
 
 
Included in
Earnings
 
Included in
AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability
$
629.2

 
$
20.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
4.6

 
$
—

 
$
654.0

Embedded derivatives in Front Street's assumed FIA business
142.3

 
(5.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
136.5

Total liabilities at fair value
$
771.5

 
$
14.4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
4.6

 
$
—

 
$
790.5

The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3, or between other levels, at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and there were no transfers in or out of Level 3 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, the transfers out of Level 3 were related to changes in the primary pricing source and changes in the observability of external information used in determining fair value.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets are tested annually or if an event occurs that indicates an impairment loss may have been incurred using fair value measurements with unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amount, estimated fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:

21
Table of Contents

 
March 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-based loans, included in other assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.3

 
$
6.3

 
$
6.3

Policy loans, included in funds withheld receivables
—

 
—

 
8.3

 
8.3

 
8.3

Total financial assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
14.6

 
$
14.6

 
$
14.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds and other insurance reserves
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
882.6

 
$
882.6

 
$
946.0

Total debt (b)
—

 
5,867.8

 
10.1

 
5,877.9

 
5,623.9

Total financial liabilities
$
—

 
$
5,867.8

 
$
892.7

 
$
6,760.5

 
$
6,569.9

 
September 30, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-based loans, included in other assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
35.0

 
$
35.0

 
$
35.0

Policy loans, included in funds withheld receivables
—

 
—

 
8.5

 
8.5

 
8.5

Total financial assets
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
43.5

 
$
43.5

 
$
43.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds and other insurance reserves
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
922.9

 
$
922.9

 
$
988.3

Total debt (b)
—

 
5,700.1

 
29.1

 
5,729.2

 
5,430.9

Total financial liabilities
$
—

 
$
5,700.1

 
$
952.0

 
$
6,652.1

 
$
6,419.2

(a) The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued investment income approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
(b) The fair value of debt set forth above is generally based on quoted or observed market prices.
Valuation Methodology
Investment Contracts and Other Insurance Reserves
Investment contracts assumed from FGL by Front Street include deferred annuities, FIAs and immediate annuities. The fair value of deferred annuity and FIAs is based on their cash surrender value (which is the cost the Company would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. See “Reinsurance Agreements with FGL” section above for discussion of the calculation of the fair value of the insurance reserves.
Asset-based loans
The fair value of the asset-based loans originated by Salus approximate their net carrying value. Such loans carry a variable rate that are typically revolving in nature and can be settled at the demand of either party. Nonaccrual loans are considered impaired for reporting purposes and are measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. As the loans are collateral dependent, Salus measures such impairment based on the estimated fair value of eligible proceeds. This is generally based on estimated market prices, which may be obtained from a variety of sources, including in certain instances from appraisals prepared by third parties. The impaired loan balance represents those nonaccrual loans for which impairment was recognized during the quarter.


22
Table of Contents

(7) Funds Withheld Receivables
The Company’s consolidated funds withheld receivables are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Funds withheld receivables with FGL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
$
661.1

 
$
10.0

 
$
(25.8
)
 
$
645.3

 
$
645.3

Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
197.8

 
1.1

 
(4.9
)
 
194.0

 
194.0

Municipals
12.0

 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 
11.8

 
11.8

Government bonds
1.1

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
1.0

 
1.0

Preferred stock
8.5

 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
 
8.2

 
8.2

Total funds withheld receivables with FGL
880.5

 
11.3

 
(31.5
)
 
860.3

 
860.3

Funds withheld receivables with third parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
404.4

 
5.9

 
(7.2
)
 
403.1

 
403.1

Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
135.4

 
2.4

 
(1.1
)
 
136.7

 
136.7

Municipals
56.2

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
56.5

 
56.5

Government bonds
83.0

 
—

 
(3.5
)
 
79.5

 
79.5

Agency bonds
7.3

 
—

 
—

 
7.3

 
7.3

Total funds withheld receivables with third parties
686.3

 
9.0

 
(12.2
)
 
683.1

 
683.1

Total fixed maturity and equity securities included in funds withheld receivables
1,566.8

 
20.3

 
(43.7
)
 
1,543.4

 
1,543.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call option receivable from FGL included in funds withheld receivables
8.9

 
4.4

 
—

 
13.3

 
13.3

Accrued interest
17.0

 
—

 
—

 
17.0

 
17.0

Net receivables
52.2

 
—

 
—

 
52.2

 
52.2

Policy loans and other
8.3

 
—

 
—

 
8.3

 
8.3

Total funds withheld receivables
$
1,653.2

 
$
24.7

 
$
(43.7
)
 
$
1,634.2

 
$
1,634.2

 
September 30, 2016
 
Cost or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Funds withheld receivables with FGL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
$
638.5

 
$
18.2

 
$
(29.5
)
 
$
627.2

 
$
627.2

Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
238.8

 
0.6

 
(7.9
)
 
231.5

 
231.5

Municipals
12.1

 
0.7

 
—

 
12.8

 
12.8

Government bonds
1.1

 
—

 
—

 
1.1

 
1.1

Preferred stock
8.8

 
0.3

 
(0.9
)
 
8.2

 
8.2

Total funds withheld receivables with FGL
899.3

 
19.8

 
(38.3
)
 
880.8

 
880.8

Funds withheld receivables with third parties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
390.0

 
18.8

 
(2.7
)
 
406.1

 
406.1

Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
118.7

 
1.9

 
(1.7
)
 
118.9

 
118.9

Municipals
49.5

 
4.1

 
—

 
53.6

 
53.6

Government bonds
67.7

 
1.3

 
(0.2
)
 
68.8

 
68.8

Agency bonds
6.6

 
0.3

 
—

 
6.9

 
6.9

Total funds withheld receivables with third parties
632.5

 
26.4

 
(4.6
)
 
654.3

 
654.3

Total fixed maturity and equity securities included in funds withheld receivables
1,531.8

 
46.2

 
(42.9
)
 
1,535.1

 
1,535.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call option receivable from FGL included in funds withheld receivables
9.8

 
1.5

 
—

 
11.3

 
11.3

Accrued interest
17.8

 
—

 
—

 
17.8

 
17.8

Net receivables
77.7

 
—

 
—

 
77.7

 
77.7

Policy loans and other
8.5

 
—

 
—

 
8.5

 
8.5

Total funds withheld receivables
$
1,645.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
(42.9
)
 
$
1,650.4

 
$
1,650.4


23
Table of Contents

Maturities of Funds Withheld Receivables
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities included in funds withheld receivables by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.
 
March 31, 2017
 
Amortized Cost
 
 Fair Value
Corporate, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and Preferred stock:
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$
18.6

 
$
18.6

Due after one year through five years
201.6

 
198.0

Due after five years through ten years
498.0

 
496.2

Due after ten years
496.3

 
481.6

Subtotal
1,214.5

 
1,194.4

Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
 
 
 
Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
333.2

 
330.7

Structured hybrids
19.1

 
18.3

Total fixed maturity and equity securities included in funds withheld receivables
$
1,566.8

 
$
1,543.4

Securities in Funds Withheld Receivables with FGL in an Unrealized Loss Position
The Company has concluded that the fair value of the securities presented in the table below were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2017. The fair value and gross unrealized losses of securities in the funds withheld receivables with FGL, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
Funds withheld receivables with FGL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
$
152.4

 
$
(5.3
)
 
$
159.6

 
$
(20.5
)
 
$
312.0

 
$
(25.8
)
Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
29.5

 
(0.1
)
 
100.6

 
(4.8
)
 
130.1

 
(4.9
)
Municipals
5.9

 
(0.3
)
 
0.9

 
—

 
6.8

 
(0.3
)
Government bonds
1.0

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
1.0

 
(0.1
)
Preferred stock
—

 
—

 
5.2

 
(0.4
)
 
5.2

 
(0.4
)
Total funds withheld receivables with FGL
$
188.8

 
$
(5.8
)
 
$
266.3

 
$
(25.7
)
 
$
455.1

 
$
(31.5
)
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 
135

 
 
 
112

 
 
 
247

 
September 30, 2016
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
Funds withheld receivables with FGL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
$
137.8

 
$
(12.6
)
 
$
91.7

 
$
(16.9
)
 
$
229.5

 
$
(29.5
)
Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
73.3

 
(2.2
)
 
99.0

 
(5.7
)
 
172.3

 
(7.9
)
Municipals
1.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1.0

 
—

Government bonds
0.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.2

 
—

Preferred stock
3.7

 
(0.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
3.7

 
(0.9
)
Total funds withheld receivables with FGL
$
216.0

 
$
(15.7
)
 
$
190.7

 
$
(22.6
)
 
$
406.7

 
$
(38.3
)
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
 
 
146

 
 
 
76

 
 
 
222

At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, securities in the funds withheld receivables with FGL in an unrealized loss position were primarily concentrated in investment grade corporate debt and asset-backed instruments.

24
Table of Contents

At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, securities with a fair value of $21.7 and $39.6, respectively, had an unrealized loss greater than 20% of amortized cost, which represented less than 5% of the carrying value of all funds withheld receivables.
The Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in operations totaling $4.5 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $1.0 and $5.9 for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to funds withheld receivables with FGL with an amortized cost of $12.5 and $8.7 and a fair value of $11.5 and $2.8 at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI that were recognized in “Net (loss) income” and included in “Net investment gains (losses)” were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
OTTI recognized in net (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporates
$
—

 
$
4.5

 
$
1.0

 
$
5.9

Total
$
—

 
$
4.5

 
$
1.0

 
$
5.9

Net investment income
The major sources of “Net investment income” reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Fixed maturity securities included in funds withheld receivables with FGL
$
11.9

 
$
14.1

 
$
22.1

 
$
29.6

Equity securities included in funds withheld receivables with FGL
0.2

 
0.6

 
0.4

 
1.2

Asset-based loans
0.7

 
1.2

 
1.0

 
3.2

Other investments
0.1

 
0.3

 
0.1

 
2.5

Net investment income
$
12.9

 
$
16.2

 
$
23.6

 
$
36.5

Net investment gains (losses)
The major sources of “Net investment gains (losses)” reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net realized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities included in funds withheld receivables with FGL
$
2.4

 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
(2.1
)
Realized gains on equity securities included in funds withheld receivables with FGL
0.8

 
—

 
0.7

 
1.8

Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments
5.8

 
(1.4
)
 
8.9

 
0.5

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives in funds withheld receivables with FGL
10.9

 
16.9

 
(1.3
)
 
(9.6
)
Realized gains (losses) on funds withheld receivables with third parties and other
12.1

 
29.6

 
(10.3
)
 
17.1

Net investment gains (losses)
$
32.0

 
$
39.7

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
7.7

The modified coinsurance arrangement between FGL Insurance and Front Street created an obligation for the parties to settle a payable or receivable at a later date, which resulted in an embedded derivative. This embedded derivative is considered a total return swap with contractual returns that are attributable to the assets and liabilities associated with this reinsurance arrangement. The fair value of the total return swap is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld portfolio. Investment results for the assets that support the coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangement, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurer pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangement. The reinsurance related embedded derivative is expected to continue to exist after the disposal of FGL and is therefore not eliminated to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held for sale. It is embedded in the funds withheld receivables with a corresponding asset in business held for sale on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related gains or losses are reported in “Net investment gains (losses)” with a corresponding “(Loss) income from discontinued operations” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


25
Table of Contents

(8) Goodwill and Intangibles, net
A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows:
 
 
 
Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill
 
Indefinite Lived
 
Definite Lived
 
Total
Balance at September 30, 2016
$
2,478.4

 
$
1,473.5

 
$
899.0

 
$
2,372.5

Additions
—

 
—

 
1.2

 
1.2

Periodic amortization
—

 
—

 
(47.1
)
 
(47.1
)
Effect of translation
(4.6
)
 
(9.7
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(14.1
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
2,473.8

 
$
1,463.8

 
$
848.7

 
$
2,312.5

Goodwill and indefinite lived trade name intangibles are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually at the Company’s August financial period end, or more frequently if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred between annual impairment tests.
Definite Lived Intangible Assets
The range and weighted average useful lives for definite lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
 
Cost
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Cost
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Customer relationships
$
976.8

 
$
(327.2
)
 
$
649.6

 
$
984.8

 
$
(302.9
)
 
$
681.9

Technology assets
238.2

 
(107.9
)
 
130.3

 
237.2

 
(96.7
)
 
140.5

Trade names
165.7

 
(96.9
)
 
68.8

 
165.7

 
(89.1
)
 
76.6

 
$
1,380.7

 
$
(532.0
)
 
$
848.7

 
$
1,387.7

 
$
(488.7
)
 
$
899.0

At March 31, 2017, the range and weighted average useful lives for definite-lived intangibles assets were as follows:
Asset Type
 
Range
 
Weighted Average
Customer relationships
 
2 to 20 years
 
18.5 years
Technology assets
 
5 to 18 years
 
11.2 years
Trade names
 
5 to 13 years
 
11.4 years
Amortization expense for definite lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $23.5 and $23.4, respectively, and $47.1 and $47.0 for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and was included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions or change in foreign currency, the Company estimates annual amortization expense of amortizable intangible assets for the next five fiscal years will be as follows:
Fiscal Year
 
Estimated Amortization Expense
2017
 
$
91.9

2018
 
85.7

2019
 
85.4

2020
 
85.2

2021
 
81.9



26
Table of Contents

(9) Debt
The Company’s consolidated debt consists of the following:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Interest rate
HRG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019
 
$
864.4

 
7.9
%
 
$
864.4

 
7.9
%
 
Fixed rate
7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes, due January 15, 2022
 
890.0

 
7.8
%
 
890.0

 
7.8
%
 
Fixed rate
2017 Loan, due July 13, 2018
 
50.0

 
3.5
%
 
—

 
—
%
 
Variable rate, see below
Spectrum Brands
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USD Term Loan, due June 23, 2022
 
1,000.4

 
2.9
%
 
1,005.5

 
3.6
%
 
Variable rate, see below
CAD Term Loan, due June 23, 2022
 
53.8

 
4.5
%
 
54.9

 
4.6
%
 
Variable rate, see below
Euro Term Loan, due June 23, 2022
 
59.7

 
3.5
%
 
63.0

 
3.5
%
 
Variable rate, see below
6.375% Notes, due November 15, 2020
 
—

 
—
%
 
129.7

 
6.4
%
 
Fixed rate
6.625% Notes, due November 15, 2022
 
570.0

 
6.6
%
 
570.0

 
6.6
%
 
Fixed rate
6.125% Notes, due December 15, 2024
 
247.9

 
6.1
%
 
250.0

 
6.1
%
 
Fixed rate
5.75% Notes, due July 15, 2025
 
1,000.0

 
5.8
%
 
1,000.0

 
5.8
%
 
Fixed rate
4.00% Notes, due October 1, 2026
 
453.7

 
4.0
%
 
477.0

 
4.0
%
 
Fixed rate
Revolver Facility, expiring March 6, 2022
 
201.5

 
3.3
%
 
—

 
—
%
 
Variable rate, see below
Other notes and obligations
 
20.5

 
9.6
%
 
16.8

 
9.8
%
 
Variable rate
Obligations under capitalized leases
 
229.9

 
5.7
%
 
114.7

 
5.5
%
 
Various
Salus
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaffiliated long-term debt of consolidated variable-interest entity
 
32.6

 
—
%
 
39.7

 
—
%
 
Variable rate, see below
Long-term debt of consolidated variable-interest entity with FGL (a)
 
51.8

 
—
%
 
63.0

 
—
%
 
Variable rate, see below
Unaffiliated secured borrowings under non-qualifying loan participations
 
0.8

 
—
%
 
2.0

 
—
%
 
Fixed rate
Total
 
5,727.0

 
 
 
5,540.7

 
 
 
 
Original issuance discounts on debt, net of premiums
 
(21.9
)
 
 
 
(22.8
)
 
 
 
 
Unamortized debt issue costs
 
(81.2
)
 
 
 
(87.0
)
 
 
 
 
Total debt
 
5,623.9

 
 
 
5,430.9

 
 
 
 
Less current maturities and short-term debt
 
35.8

 
 
 
166.0

 
 
 
 
Non-current portion of debt
 
$
5,588.1

 
 
 
$
5,264.9

 
 
 
 
(a) The debt balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the table above reflect transactions between the businesses held for sale and businesses held for use that are expected to continue to exist after the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process. Such transactions are not eliminated in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in order to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held for sale.
HRG
On January 13, 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into the 2017 loan agreement, pursuant to which it may borrow up to an aggregate amount of $150.0 (the “2017 Loan”). The 2017 Loan bears interest at an adjusted International Exchange London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus 2.35% per annum, payable quarterly and a commitment fee of 75 bps. The 2017 Loan matures on July 13, 2018, with an option for early termination by the borrower. The 2017 Loan is secured by approximately $583.8 worth of marketable securities owned by a subsidiary of HGI Funding. The Company incurred $1.1 of financing costs in connection with the 2017 Loan. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had drawn $50.0 under the 2017 Loan. The 2017 Loan contains a customary mandatory prepayment clause, which requires the borrower to pay back any amounts borrowed under the 2017 Loan if certain events occur, including, but not limited to, a breach of the terms of the agreement by the borrower, a change of control of the borrower or the issuer of the pledged securities or a delisting of the pledged securities.  
Spectrum Brands
Interest terms
On October 6, 2016, Spectrum Brands entered into the first amendment to the credit agreement under its term loans and the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver Facility”, collectively the “Credit Agreement”) reducing the interest rate margins applicable to the U.S. dollar denominated term loan facility (the “USD Term Loan”) to either adjusted LIBOR, subject to a 0.75% floor, plus margin of 2.50% per annum, or base rate with a 1.75% floor plus margin of 1.50% per annum. Spectrum Brands recognized $1.0 of costs in connection with amending the Credit Agreement that has been recognized as interest expense. On March 6, 2017,

27
Table of Contents

Spectrum Brands entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement expanding the overall capacity of the Revolver Facility to $700.0, reducing the interest rate margin to either adjusted LIBOR plus margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25%, or base rate plus margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25%, reducing the commitment fee to 35 bps and extending the maturity to March 2022. Spectrum Brands recognized $2.6 of costs in connection with amending the cash revolver that has been deferred as debt issuance costs. Subsequent to the six months ended March 31, 2017, on April 7, 2017, Spectrum Brands entered into a third amendment to the Credit Agreement under its term loans reducing the interest rate margins applicable to the USD Term Loans to either adjusted LIBOR plus margin of 2.00% per annum, or base rate plus margin of 1.00%.
Subsequent to the amendments to the Credit Agreement discussed above, Spectrum Brands’ term loans and Revolver Facility are subject to the following variable interest rates: (i) the USD Term Loan is subject to either adjusted LIBOR, subject to a 0.75% floor plus margin of 2.00% per annum, or base rate with a 1.75% floor plus margin of 1.00% per annum, (ii) the CAD denominated term loan facility (the “CAD Term Loan”) is subject to either Canadian Dollar Offered Rate, subject to a 0.75% floor plus 3.50% per annum, or base rate with a 1.75% floor plus 2.50% per annum; (iii) the Euro denominated term loan facility (the “Euro Term Loan”) is subject to Euro Interbank Offered Rate, subject to a 0.75% floor plus margin of 2.75% per annum, with no base rate option available; and (iv) the Revolver Facility is subject to either adjusted LIBOR plus margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25% per annum or base rate plus margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% per annum. As a result of borrowings and payments under the Revolver Facility, at March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands had borrowing availability of $472.3, net outstanding letters of credit of $24.7 and a $1.5 amount allocated to a foreign subsidiary.
The Credit Agreement, solely with respect to the Revolver Facility, contains a financial covenant test on the last day of each fiscal quarter on the maximum total leverage ratio. This is calculated as the ratio of (i) the principal amount of third party debt for borrowed money (including unreimbursed letter of credit drawings), capital leases and purchase money debt, at period-end, less cash and cash equivalents, to (ii) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the trailing twelve months. The maximum total leverage ratio should be no greater than 6.0 to 1.0. Additionally, as of March 31, 2017, Spectrum Brands was in compliance with all other covenants under the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the 6.625% Notes due November 15, 2022, the 6.125% Notes due December 15, 2024, the 5.75% Notes due July 15, 2025 and the 4.00% Notes.
On October 20, 2016, Spectrum Brands redeemed the remaining outstanding aggregate principal on the 6.375% Notes due 2020 (the “6.375% Notes”) of $129.7 with a make whole premium of $4.6 recognized as interest expense for the six months ended March 31, 2017 in connection with the issuance of the €425.0 aggregate principal amount of 4.00% Notes and repurchase of the 6.375% Notes. Spectrum Brands recognized $1.9 in interest expense for previously deferred debt issuance costs associated with the 6.375% Notes.
Salus
In February 2013, September 2013 and February 2015, Salus completed a collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) securitization of up to $578.5 notional aggregate principal amount. At March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the outstanding notional aggregate principal amount of $32.6 and $39.7, respectively, was taken up by unaffiliated entities and consisted entirely of subordinated debt in both periods, and $51.8 and $63.0, respectively, was taken up by FGL and included in “Assets of business held for sale” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The obligations of the securitization is secured by the assets of the Variable Interest Entity, primarily asset-based loan receivables and carry residual interest subject to maintenance of certain covenants. Due to losses incurred in the CLO, at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the CLO was not accruing interest on the subordinated debt.

(10) Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognized consolidated stock-based compensation expense of $15.9 and $25.0 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $27.0 and $40.0 during the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is principally included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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A summary of stock option awards outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and related activity during the six months then ended are as follows (option amounts in thousands):
 
 
HRG
Stock Option Awards
 
Options
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2016
 
4,231

 
$
9.48

 
$
3.80

Granted
 
318

 
15.39

 
5.96

Exercised
 
(491
)
 
11.18

 
4.49

Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
4,058

 
9.73

 
3.89

Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2017
 
3,615

 
9.15

 
3.67

Stock options outstanding and expected to vest
 
4,058

 
9.73

 
3.89

A summary of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and related activity during the six months then ended, under HRG and Spectrum Brands are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
 
 
HRG
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2016
 
1,975

 
$
12.74

Granted
 
25

 
15.71

Exercised/Released
 
(1,832
)
 
12.69

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
168

 
13.72

 
 
HRG
 
Spectrum Brands
Restricted Stock Units
 
Units
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Units
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2016
 
42

 
$
12.33

 
577

 
$
94.97

Granted
 
—

 
—

 
690

 
126.96

Vested/Exercised
 
(42
)
 
12.33

 
(491
)
 
109.09

Forfeited or Expired
 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
116.13

Restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
769

 
114.46

A summary of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and related activity during the six months then ended under HRG’s incentive plan are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
 
 
HRG
Warrants
 
Units
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2016
 
1,200

 
$
13.13

 
$
3.22

Exercised
 
(600
)
 
13.13

 
3.22

Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
600

 
13.13

 
3.22

Warrants outstanding and expected to vest
 
600

 
13.13

 
3.22

HRG
HRG granted no stock option awards, restricted stock units or restricted stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2017. During the six months ended March 31, 2017, HRG granted stock option awards and restricted stock awards representing approximately 318 thousand and 25 thousand, respectively. All of these grants are time based, and vest either immediately, or over a period of up to 3 years. The total fair value of the stock grants during the six months ended March 31, 2017 on their respective grant dates was approximately $2.3. During the six months ended March 31, 2017, stock option awards and restricted stock awards with a total fair value of $29.8 vested. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the six months ended March 31, 2017 was $2.8, for which HRG received cash of $5.5 in settlement.
During the six months ended March 31, 2016, HRG granted stock option awards, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards representing approximately 28 thousand, 99 thousand and 6 thousand shares, respectively. HRG granted no stock option

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awards, restricted stock units or restricted stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2016. All of these grants are time based, and vest either immediately, or over a period of up to 3 years. The total fair value of the stock grants during the six months ended March 31, 2016 on their respective grant dates was approximately $1.6. During the six months ended March 31, 2016, stock option awards and restricted stock awards with a total fair value of $30.3 vested. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six months ended March 31, 2016 was $2.1, for which HRG received cash of $3.2 in settlement.
Under HRG’s executive bonus plan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, executives will be paid in cash. In addition, executives may also be granted stock, stock options and shares of restricted stock.
As of March 31, 2017, there was approximately $2.1 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation agreements previously granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.37 years.
The fair values of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are determined based on the market price of HRG’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of stock option awards and warrants are determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values for options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Risk-free interest rate
1.80% to 2.25%
 
1.65% to 1.74%
Assumed dividend yield
—%
 
—%
Expected option term
5.0 to 6.5 years
 
5.0 to 5.5 years
Volatility
35.1% to 37.5%
 
37.4% to 37.9%
The weighted-average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock option awards and warrants at March 31, 2017 was 4.76 years.
On November 17, 2016, the Company and Mr. Asali entered into a Transition Agreement (the “Transition Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Asali was expected to leave his positions with the Company and its subsidiaries in the second half of fiscal 2017. On April 14, 2017, Mr. Asali ceased his employment with the Company and resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. In accordance with the Transition Agreement, for the Company’s fiscal 2017, Mr. Asali received a cash bonus of $3.0 on March 31, 2017, and Mr. Asali’s options and restricted stock that were scheduled to vest and settle in November 29, 2017 vested and settled on March 31, 2017.
Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands granted restricted stock units representing approximately 2 thousand and 690 thousand shares during the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, respectively. The 690 thousand restricted stock units granted during the six months ended March 31, 2017 included 81 thousand restricted stock units that vested immediately and 212 thousand restricted stock units that are time-based and vest over a period of less than 1 year. The remaining 397 thousand are both performance and time-based and vest over a period of 1 to 3 years. The total market value of the restricted stock units on the dates of the grants was approximately $87.5. The remaining unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to restricted stock units at March 31, 2017 was $43.9.
Spectrum Brands granted restricted stock units representing approximately 130 thousand and 572 thousand shares during the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, respectively. The 572 thousand restricted stock units granted during the six months ended March 31, 2016 included 190 thousand restricted stock units that vested immediately and 48 thousand restricted stock units are time-based and vest within a period of 1 year. The remaining 334 thousand shares are both performance and time-based and vest over a period ranging from 1 to 2 years. The total market value of the restricted stock units on the dates of the grants was approximately $54.2. The remaining unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to restricted stock units at March 31, 2016 was $40.2.
The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the market price of Spectrum Brands’ common stock on the grant date.

(11) Income Taxes
For the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s effective tax rate of 94.4% and 93.8%, respectively, differed from the expected U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% and was primarily impacted by U.S. pretax losses in the Company’s Corporate and Other and Insurance segments where the tax benefits were not more-likely-than-not to be realized resulting in the recording of valuation allowance. Additionally, the Company determined that the deferred tax assets of the Insurance segment at the beginning of the fiscal year were no longer more-likely-than-not to be realized and established a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets during the three and six months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in income tax expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 was principally due to current year losses from our Corporate and Other and Insurance segments in the

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U.S. that were not more-likely-than-not to be realized.
For the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s effective tax rate of (32.0)% and (40.4)%, respectively, differed from the expected U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% and was impacted by the expected utilization of a portion of Spectrum Brands’ U.S. net operating losses that were previously recorded with valuation allowance against Spectrum Brands’ earnings during the fiscal year 2016, the effects of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 that resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits in the Company’s provision for income taxes rather than paid-in capital and recognition of tax benefits on losses from the Corporate and Other segment in the U.S. during the fiscal year 2016. The Company determined that a portion of the fiscal year 2016 losses related to the Corporate and Other segment were more-likely-than-not to be realized based on the expected taxable gain following the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process. The decrease in income tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was principally due to current year losses from our Corporate and Other segment in the U.S. that were not more-likely-than-not to be realized. In addition, for the six months ended March 31, 2016, the effective tax rate was also reduced by $5.9 for non-recurring items related to the impact of tax law changes in state deferred tax rates on Spectrum Brands’ net deferred tax liabilities.

(12) Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) (share amounts in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest
$
(21.3
)
 
$
24.5

 
$
(46.8
)
 
$
2.7

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to controlling interest
(60.8
)
 
(49.2
)
 
176.9

 
(61.3
)
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
$
(82.1
)
 
$
(24.7
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
(58.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
199,981

 
198,521

 
199,579

 
198,068

Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units
—

 
1,501

 
—

 
2,130

Dilutive effect of stock options
—

 
1,040

 
—

 
1,172

Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted
199,981

 
201,062

 
199,579

 
201,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to controlling interest:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) income from continuing operations
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.23
)
 
$
0.01

Basic (loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.30
)
 
(0.24
)
 
0.88

 
(0.31
)
Basic
$
(0.41
)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.65

 
$
(0.30
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted (loss) income from continuing operations
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.12

 
$
(0.23
)
 
$
0.01

Diluted (loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.30
)
 
(0.24
)
 
0.88

 
(0.30
)
Diluted
$
(0.41
)
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.65

 
$
(0.29
)
The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the weighted average thereof reflects the actual number of HRG common stock outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock.
The following were excluded from the calculation of “Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to controlling interest” because the as-converted effect of the unvested restricted stock and stock units, stock options and warrants would have been anti-dilutive (share amounts in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units
393

 
—

 
846

 
—

Stock options
1,820

 
—

 
1,708

 
—

Anti-dilutive warrants
235

 
—

 
177

 
—

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, there were 1.8 million outstanding warrants to purchase HRG common stock at an exercise price of $13.125 per share that were excluded from the calculation of “Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to controlling interest” because the exercise price per share was above the average stock price for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016.


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(13) Commitments and Contingencies
Legal and Environmental Matters
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation and claims arising out of their prior businesses and arising in the ordinary course out of their current businesses, which include, among other things, indemnification and other claims and litigations involving HRG’s and its subsidiaries’ business practices, transactions, workers compensation matters, environmental matters, and personal injury claims. However, based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to the Company, and given the Company’s existing accruals and related insurance coverage, the Company does not believe that the outcome of these legal, environmental and regulatory matters will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
HRG
HRG is a defendant in various litigation matters generally arising out of its legacy businesses. HRG does not believe that any of the matters or proceedings presently pending will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows. See discussion above under the heading “Legal and Environmental Matters”.
Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands is a defendant in various litigation matters generally arising out of the ordinary course of business. Spectrum Brands does not believe that any of the matters or proceedings presently pending will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows. See discussion above under the heading “Legal and Environmental Matters”.
FGL (Business Held for Sale)
FGL is involved in various pending or threatened legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising in the ordinary course of business. In some instances, these proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief. In the opinion of FGL’s management and in light of existing insurance and other potential indemnification, reinsurance and established accruals, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on FGL’s financial position, although it is possible that the results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome in any one period.
FGL is assessed amounts by the state guaranty funds to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. At March 31, 2017, FGL had accrued $2.1 for guaranty fund assessments that is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $2.2.
FGL has received inquiries from a number of state regulatory authorities regarding its use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (the “Death Master File”) and compliance with state claims practices regulation. Legislation requiring insurance companies to use the Death Master File to identify potential claims has been enacted in a number of states. As a result of these legislative and regulatory developments, in May 2012, FGL undertook an initiative to use the Death Master File and other publicly available databases to identify persons potentially entitled to benefits under life insurance policies, annuities and retained asset accounts. In addition, FGL has received audit and examination notices from several state agencies responsible for escheatment and unclaimed property regulation in those states and in some cases has challenged the audits including litigation against the Controller for the State of California which is subject to a stay. FGL believes its current accrual will cover the reasonably estimated liability arising out of these developments, however costs that cannot be reasonably estimated as of the date of this filing are possible as a result of ongoing regulatory developments and other future requirements related to these matters.
On July 5, 2013, Plaintiff Eddie L. Cressy filed a putative class complaint captioned Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty [sic] Life Insurance Company, et. al. (“Cressy”) in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (the “LA Court”), Case No. BC-514340. The complaint was filed after the Plaintiff was unable to maintain an action in federal court. The complaint asserts, inter alia, that the Plaintiff and members of the putative class relied on defendants’ advice in purchasing allegedly unsuitable equity-indexed insurance policies.
On January 2, 2015, the Court entered Final Judgment in Cressy, certifying the class for settlement purposes, and approving the class settlement reached on April 4, 2014. On August 10, 2015, FGL tendered $1.3 to the Settlement Administrator for a claim review fund. FGL implemented an interest enhancement feature for certain policies as part of the class settlement, which enhancement began on October 12, 2015. On October 24, 2016, the parties filed a joint motion to amend the January 2, 2015 final order and judgment, to extend the deadline for settlement completion from October 24, 2016 to December 5, 2016. On December 5, 2016, Plaintiff Cressy filed a Notice of Filing Declaration of Settlement Administrator and Status of Completion of Settlement; the Declaration of Settlement Administrator included a certification by the Settlement Administrator that FGL had complied in all respects with the class settlement and that all eligible claims had been paid and the interest enhancement had been implemented pursuant to the terms of the class settlement.

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At March 31, 2017, FGL estimated the total cost for the settlement, legal fees and other costs related to Cressy would be $9.2, with a liability for the unpaid portion of the estimate of less than $0.1. FGL had incurred and paid $6.0 related to legal fees and other costs and $3.2 related to settlement costs as of March 31, 2017. Based on the information currently available, FGL does not expect the actual cost for settlement, legal fees and other related costs to differ materially from the amount accrued.
On January 7, 2015, a putative class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri (the “District Court”), captioned Dale R. Ludwick, on behalf of Herself and All Others Similarly Situated (the “Plaintiff”) v. HRG, FGL Insurance, Raven Re, and Front Street Cayman (together, the “Defendants”). The complaint alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, requested injunctive and declaratory relief and sought unspecified compensatory damages for the putative class in an amount not presently determinable, treble damages, and other relief, and claims Plaintiff Ludwick overpaid for her annuity. On February 12, 2016, the District Court granted the Defendants’ joint motion to dismiss the Plaintiff’s claims. On March 3, 2016, Plaintiff Ludwick filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (the “Court of Appeals”). On April 13, 2017, the Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court’s decision to dismiss the Plaintiff’s claims. The Plaintiff has no appeal as of right from the Court of Appeals’ decision but may seek discretionary review by the Court of Appeals en banc or by the United States Supreme Court. The Plaintiff’s time to seek discretionary review will expire on July 12, 2017. As of the date of this report, FGL does not have sufficient information to determine whether it has exposure to any losses that would be either probable or reasonably estimable.
Unfunded Lending Commitments
Salus and FGL had unfunded investment commitments as of March 31, 2017 based upon the timing of when investments are executed compared to when the actual investments are funded, as some investments require that funding occur over a period of months or years.
Through Salus, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to meet the financing needs of its asset based lending customers upon satisfaction of certain conditions. At March 31, 2017, the notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments was approximately $3.8, which all expires in 1 year or less.
FGL had unfunded investment commitments of $210.7 as of March 31, 2017.

(14) Related Party Transactions
FGL has invested in CLO securities issued by Fortress Credit Opportunities III CLO LP (“FCO III”) and also invested in securities issued by Fortress Credit BSL Limited (“Fortress BSL”). The parent of both FCO III and Fortress BSL is Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”), which has acquired interests greater than 10% ownership in HRG as of March 31, 2017. Such CLOs had an aggregate total carrying value of $275.2 and $203.2 as of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, of which $18.5 and $18.0, respectively, was included in the funds withheld receivables portfolio of Front Street. The Company’s net investment income from such securities was $3.1 and $6.1 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, respectively, of which $0.3 and $0.6, respectively, was included in “Net investment income”, and the remaining $2.8 and $5.5, respectively, was included in “(Loss) income from discontinued operations” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s net investment income from such securities was $2.3 and $4.5, respectively, of which $0.2 and $0.5, respectively, was included in “Net investment income”, and the remaining $2.0 and $4.0, respectively, was included in “(Loss) income from discontinued operations” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


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(15) Segment Data
The Company follows the accounting guidance which establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HRG’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in two reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products and (ii) Insurance. 
The following schedules present the Company’s segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Six months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Products
 
$
1,169.9

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
2,381.7

 
$
2,428.4

Insurance
 
41.0

 
40.1

 
12.3

 
30.1

Intersegment adjustments and eliminations
 
4.5

 
16.0

 
10.7

 
10.6

Consolidated segment revenues
 
1,215.4

 
1,265.7

 
2,404.7

 
2,469.1

Corporate and Other
 
0.7

 
1.6

 
1.0

 
7.6

Total revenues
 
$
1,216.1

 
$
1,267.3

 
$
2,405.7

 
$
2,476.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Products
 
$
144.2

 
$
148.5

 
$
295.2

 
$
291.0

Insurance
 
(4.1
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(19.5
)
 
(1.4
)
Intersegment adjustments and eliminations (a)
 
13.5

 
12.8

 
15.8

 
(6.2
)
Total segment operating income
 
153.6

 
159.9

 
291.5

 
283.4

Corporate and Other
 
(10.1
)
 
(17.4
)
 
(30.3
)
 
(41.1
)
Consolidated operating income
 
143.5

 
142.5

 
261.2

 
242.3

Interest expense
 
(88.3
)
 
(94.4
)
 
(180.0
)
 
(189.6
)
Other expense, net
 
(2.0
)
 
—

 
(0.6
)
 
(0.7
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
53.2

 
48.1

 
80.6

 
52.0

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
50.2

 
(15.4
)
 
75.6

 
(21.0
)
Net income from continuing operations
 
3.0

 
63.5

 
5.0

 
73.0

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(54.4
)
 
(47.6
)
 
204.4

 
(50.1
)
Net (loss) income
 
(51.4
)
 
15.9

 
209.4

 
22.9

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
30.7

 
40.6

 
79.3

 
81.5

Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
(82.1
)
 
$
(24.7
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
(58.6
)
(a) For its stand-alone reporting purposes, Front Street elected, since inception, to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserves related to its assumed reinsurance. For the Company’s consolidated reporting, the results from Front Street’s assumed reinsurance business with FGL is reported on FGL’s historical basis. Accordingly, in order to align the Company’s consolidated reporting, we have recorded a net intersegment adjustment to operating income (loss) of $13.1 and $13.9 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $9.9 and $(3.2) for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Upon the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process, the Company’s consolidated results will reflect all reinsurance business on the fair value option.


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(16) Consolidating Financial Information
The following schedules present the Company’s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets information at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations information for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. These schedules present the individual segments of the Company and their contribution to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Amounts presented will not necessarily be the same as those in the individual financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries due to adjustments for purchase accounting, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. In addition, some of the Company’s subsidiaries use a classified balance sheet which also leads to differences in amounts reported for certain line items.
The Corporate and Other column primarily reflects the parent company’s investment in its subsidiaries, invested cash portfolio and corporate long term debt, and the results of Salus and HGI Energy. The elimination adjustments are for intercompany assets and liabilities, adjustments to align segment accounting policies with the consolidated basis, interest and dividends, the parent company’s investment in capital stocks of subsidiaries, and various reclasses of debit or credit balances to the amounts in consolidation. Purchase accounting adjustments have been pushed down to the appropriate subsidiary.

HRG Group, Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information
March 31, 2017
 
Consumer Products
 
Insurance
 
Corporate and Other
 
Discontinued Operations
 
Eliminations and adjustments
 
 Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates
 
$
—

 
$
0.6

 
$
2,445.2

 
$
—

 
$
(2,445.8
)
 
$
—

Affiliated loans and receivables
 
—

 
20.3

 
0.2

 
—

 
(20.5
)
 
—

Cash and cash equivalents
 
137.2

 
25.4

 
157.7

 
—

 
—

 
320.3

Funds withheld receivables
 
—

 
1,700.2

 
—

 
—

 
(66.0
)
 
1,634.2

Receivables, net
 
572.8

 
8.2

 
3.3

 
—

 
—

 
584.3

Inventories, net
 
836.3

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
836.3

Deferred tax assets
 
18.3

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
13.3

 
31.6

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
660.8

 
—

 
0.9

 
—

 
—

 
661.7

Goodwill
 
2,473.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,473.8

Intangibles, net
 
2,312.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,312.5

Other assets
 
117.7

 
22.2

 
7.7

 
—

 
16.0

 
163.6

Assets of business held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27,678.5

 
—

 
27,678.5

Total assets
 
$
7,129.4

 
$
1,776.9

 
$
2,615.0

 
$
27,678.5

 
$
(2,503.0
)
 
$
36,696.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance reserves
 
$
—

 
$
1,664.8

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
63.4

 
$
1,728.2

Debt
 
3,780.8

 
—

 
1,793.4

 
—

 
49.7

 
5,623.9

Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
803.1

 
8.3

 
37.1

 
—

 
0.5

 
849.0

Employee benefit obligations
 
107.8

 
—

 
4.4

 
—

 
—

 
112.2

Deferred tax liabilities
 
577.7

 
—

 
11.1

 
—

 
—

 
588.8

Other liabilities
 
23.4

 
2.7

 
4.6

 
—

 
—

 
30.7

Affiliated debt and payables
 
—

 
0.2

 
161.7

 
—

 
(161.9
)
 
—

Liabilities of business held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25,995.7

 
—

 
25,995.7

Total liabilities
 
5,292.8

 
1,676.0

 
2,012.3

 
25,995.7

 
(48.3
)
 
34,928.5

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,047.2

 
100.9

 
605.0

 
1,306.6

 
(2,454.7
)
 
605.0

Noncontrolling interests
 
789.4

 
—

 
(2.3
)
 
376.2

 
—

 
1,163.3

Total permanent equity
 
1,836.6

 
100.9

 
602.7

 
1,682.8

 
(2,454.7
)
 
1,768.3

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
7,129.4

 
$
1,776.9

 
$
2,615.0

 
$
27,678.5

 
$
(2,503.0
)
 
$
36,696.8


35
Table of Contents

September 30, 2016
 
Consumer Products
 
Insurance
 
Corporate and Other
 
Discontinued Operations
 
Eliminations and adjustments
 
 Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates
 
$
—

 
$
3.4

 
$
2,405.3

 
$
—

 
$
(2,408.7
)
 
$
—

Affiliated loans and receivables
 
—

 
20.3

 
0.2

 
—

 
(20.5
)
 
—

Cash and cash equivalents
 
275.3

 
32.1

 
189.9

 
—

 
—

 
497.3

Funds withheld receivables
 
—

 
1,725.0

 
—

 
—

 
(74.6
)
 
1,650.4

Receivables, net
 
538.2

 
17.4

 
0.7

 
—

 
—

 
556.3

Inventories, net
 
740.6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
740.6

Deferred tax assets
 
18.3

 
8.6

 
—

 
—

 
15.7

 
42.6

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
542.1

 
—

 
1.3

 
—

 
—

 
543.4

Goodwill
 
2,478.4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,478.4

Intangibles, net
 
2,372.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,372.5

Other assets
 
103.7

 
18.1

 
34.6

 
—

 
16.2

 
172.6

Assets of business held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
26,738.7

 
—

 
26,738.7

Total assets
 
$
7,069.1

 
$
1,824.9

 
$
2,632.0

 
$
26,738.7

 
$
(2,471.9
)
 
$
35,792.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance reserves
 
$
—

 
$
1,685.9

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
65.4

 
$
1,751.3

Debt
 
3,620.2

 
—

 
1,747.7

 
—

 
63.0

 
5,430.9

Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
931.6

 
6.1

 
51.6

 
—

 
0.5

 
989.8

Employee benefit obligations
 
120.2

 
—

 
5.2

 
—

 
—

 
125.4

Deferred tax liabilities
 
532.7

 
—

 
13.3

 
—

 
—

 
546.0

Other liabilities
 
20.4

 
3.5

 
8.3

 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
32.0

Affiliated debt and payables
 
—

 
0.2

 
171.2

 
—

 
(171.4
)
 
—

Liabilities of business held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25,100.2

 
—

 
25,100.2

Total liabilities
 
5,225.1

 
1,695.7

 
1,997.3

 
25,100.2

 
(42.7
)
 
33,975.6

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,040.4

 
129.2

 
638.1

 
1,259.6

 
(2,429.2
)
 
638.1

Noncontrolling interests
 
803.6

 
—

 
(3.4
)
 
378.9

 
—

 
1,179.1

Total permanent equity
 
1,844.0

 
129.2

 
634.7

 
1,638.5

 
(2,429.2
)
 
1,817.2

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
7,069.1

 
$
1,824.9

 
$
2,632.0

 
$
26,738.7

 
$
(2,471.9
)
 
$
35,792.8





36
Table of Contents

HRG Group, Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Information
Six months ended March 31, 2017
 
Consumer Products
 
Insurance
 
Corporate and Other
 
Discontinued Operations
 
Eliminations and adjustments
 
 Total
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
2,381.7

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,381.7

Net investment income
 
—

 
0.1

 
1.0

 
—

 
22.5

 
23.6

Net investment gains (losses)
 
—

 
12.2

 
—

 
—

 
(14.0
)
 
(1.8
)
Insurance and investment product fees and other
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total revenues
 
2,381.7

 
12.3

 
1.0

 
—

 
10.7

 
2,405.7

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
1,476.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,476.5

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
 
—

 
26.3

 
—

 
—

 
(4.9
)
 
21.4

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
 
610.0

 
5.5

 
31.3

 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
646.6

Total operating costs and expenses
 
2,086.5

 
31.8

 
31.3

 
—

 
(5.1
)
 
2,144.5

Operating income
 
295.2

 
(19.5
)
 
(30.3
)
 
—

 
15.8

 
261.2

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
—

 
—

 
231.4

 
—

 
(231.4
)
 
—

Interest expense
 
(106.4
)
 
—

 
(73.6
)
 
—

 
—

 
(180.0
)
Affiliated interest expense
 
—

 
—

 
(3.7
)
 
—

 
3.7

 
—

Other expense, net
 
(0.8
)
 
0.1

 
0.5

 
—

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
188.0

 
(19.4
)
 
124.3

 
—

 
(212.3
)
 
80.6

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
64.1

 
8.7

 
(5.7
)
 
—

 
8.5

 
75.6

Net income from continuing operations
 
123.9

 
(28.1
)
 
130.0

 
—

 
(220.8
)
 
5.0

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
204.4

 
—

 
204.4

Net (loss) income
 
123.9

 
(28.1
)
 
130.0

 
204.4

 
(220.8
)
 
209.4

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
51.9

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
27.5

 
—

 
79.3

Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
72.0

 
$
(28.1
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
176.9

 
$
(220.8
)
 
$
130.1

Six months ended March 31, 2016
 
Consumer Products
 
Insurance
 
Corporate and Other
 
Discontinued Operations
 
Eliminations and adjustments
 
 Total
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
2,428.4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,428.4

Net investment income
 
—

 
1.5

 
6.7

 
—

 
28.3

 
36.5

Net investment gains (losses)
 
—

 
28.6

 
—

 
—

 
(20.9
)
 
7.7

Insurance and investment product fees and other
 
—

 
—

 
0.9

 
—

 
3.2

 
4.1

Total revenues
 
2,428.4

 
30.1

 
7.6

 
—

 
10.6

 
2,476.7

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
 
1,524.9

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,524.9

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
 
—

 
26.1

 
—

 
—

 
17.2

 
43.3

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
 
612.5

 
5.4

 
48.7

 
—

 
(0.4
)
 
666.2

Total operating costs and expenses
 
2,137.4

 
31.5

 
48.7

 
—

 
16.8

 
2,234.4

Operating income
 
291.0

 
(1.4
)
 
(41.1
)
 
—

 
(6.2
)
 
242.3

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
—

 
—

 
44.7

 
—

 
(44.7
)
 
—

Interest expense
 
(115.9
)
 
—

 
(71.4
)
 
—

 
(2.3
)
 
(189.6
)
Affiliated interest expense
 
—

 
—

 
(7.6
)
 
—

 
7.6

 
—

Other expense, net
 
(4.3
)
 
—

 
3.9

 
—

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.7
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
170.8

 
(1.4
)
 
(71.5
)
 
—

 
(45.9
)
 
52.0

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
4.4

 
(1.8
)
 
(12.9
)
 
—

 
(10.7
)
 
(21.0
)
Net income from continuing operations
 
166.4

 
0.4

 
(58.6
)
 
—

 
(35.2
)
 
73.0

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(50.1
)
 
—

 
(50.1
)
Net (loss) income
 
166.4

 
0.4

 
(58.6
)
 
(50.1
)
 
(35.2
)
 
22.9

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
70.3

 
—

 
—

 
11.2

 
—

 
81.5

Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
96.1

 
$
0.4

 
$
(58.6
)
 
$
(61.3
)
 
$
(35.2
)
 
$
(58.6
)

37
Table of Contents

(17) Subsequent Events
ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events” (“ASC 855”), establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855 requires the Company to evaluate events that occur after the balance sheet date through the date the Company’s financial statements are issued and to determine whether adjustments to or additional disclosures in the financial statements are necessary. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.
See Note 9, Debt, for additional discussion regarding Spectrum Brands’ amendment to its credit agreement that took place on April 7, 2017, pursuant to which interest rate margins applicable to the USD Term Loan had been reduced.
See Note 1, Description of Business, for information regarding the FGL Merger Agreement that was terminated on April 17, 2017, as well as the continuation of the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process.
On April 26, 2017, Spectrum Brands entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition of Petmatrix LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of rawhide-free dog chews, with a cash purchase price of approximately $255.0. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of May 2017 and will be integrated as part of the Company’s Consumer Products segment.

38
Table of Contents

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of HRG Group, Inc. (“HRG,” “we,” “us,” “our” and, collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of HRG which was included with our annual report filed on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 23, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”). Certain statements we make under this Item 2 constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Forward-Looking Statements” in “Part II — Other Information” of this report. You should consider our forward-looking statements in light of our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, related notes, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report, the Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q we refer to the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 as the “Fiscal 2017 Quarter” and the “Fiscal 2017 Six Months”, respectively, and the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 as the “Fiscal 2016 Quarter” and the “Fiscal 2016 Six Months”, respectively.
HRG Overview
We are a holding company that conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2017, our principal operations were conducted through subsidiaries that offer branded consumer products and related businesses (Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., (“Spectrum Brands”)); and insurance and reinsurance services (Fidelity & Guaranty Life (“FGL”) and Front Street Re (Delaware) Ltd. (“Front Street”)). We also own Salus Capital Partners, LLC, (“Salus”), an asset-based lender, and 99.5% of NZCH Corporation (“NZCH”), a public shell company. From time to time, we may manage a portion of our available cash and engage in other activities through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, HGI Funding, LLC (“HGI Funding”) and HGI Energy Holdings, LLC (“HGI Energy”).
We currently present our operations in two reportable segments: (i) Consumer Products, which consists of Spectrum Brands; and (ii) Insurance, which consists of Front Street.
On April 17, 2017, FGL announced that it had terminated the FGL Merger Agreement. FGL also announced that its Board of Directors is continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and has received interest from a number of parties. See Note 1, Description of Business to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information. Our ownership interest in FGL has been classified as held for sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and FGL’s operations were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and reported separately for all periods presented. See Note 4, Divestitures to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information.
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, HGI Energy completed the sale of its equity interests in Compass Production Partners, LP (“Compass”) to a third party (the “Compass Sale”). Following the completion of the Compass Sale, the Company no longer owns, directly or indirectly, any oil and gas properties and accordingly, the results of Compass are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 4, Divestitures to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information.
Consumer Products Segment
Through Spectrum Brands, we are a diversified global branded consumer products company with positions in the following major product lines and categories: consumer batteries, small appliances, global pet supplies, home and garden control products, personal care products, hardware and home improvement products and global auto care. Spectrum Brands manufactures, markets and/or distributes its products in approximately 160 countries in the North America (“NA”), Europe, Middle East & Africa (“EMEA”), Latin America (“LATAM”) and Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) regions through a variety of trade channels, including retailers, wholesalers and distributors, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), construction companies and hearing aid professionals.
Spectrum Brands’ operating performance is influenced by a number of factors including: general economic conditions; foreign exchange fluctuations; trends in consumer markets; consumer confidence and preferences; overall product line mix, including pricing and gross margin, which vary by product line and geographic region; pricing of certain raw materials and commodities; energy and fuel prices; and general competitive positioning, especially as impacted by competitors’ advertising and promotional activities and pricing strategies.
Insurance Segment
Through Front Street and its Bermuda and Cayman-based subsidiaries, we engage in the business of life, annuity and long-term care reinsurance.

39
Table of Contents

Highlights for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and the Fiscal 2017 Six Months
Significant Transactions and Activity
Consumer Products Segment
•
On October 6, 2016, Spectrum Brands entered into the first amendment to the credit agreement under its term loans (“Credit Agreement”), reducing the interest rate margins applicable to the U.S. dollar denominated term loan facility (the “USD Term Loan”) to adjusted International Exchange London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) subject to a 0.75% floor plus margin of 2.50% per annum, or base rate with a 1.75% floor plus margin of 1.50% per annum.
•
On March 6, 2017, Spectrum Brands entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement expanding the overall capacity of the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver Facility”) to $700.0 million, reducing the interest rate margin to either adjusted LIBOR plus margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.25%, or base rate plus margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25%, reducing the commitment fee to 35 bps, and extending the maturity to March 2022.
•
Subsequent to the end of the fiscal quarter, Spectrum Brands entered into a third amendment to the Credit Agreement reducing the interest rate margins applicable to the USD Term Loans to either adjusted LIBOR, subject to a 0.75% floor plus margin of 2.00% per annum, or base rate with a 1.75% floor plus margin of 1.00% per annum.
•
On September 20, 2016, Spectrum Brands issued €425.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.00% unsecured notes due 2026 (the “4.00% Notes”). The proceeds from the 4.00% Notes and draws on the Revolver Facility were used to repay Spectrum Brands’ outstanding 6.375% unsecured notes due 2020 (the “6.375% Notes”) and pay fees and expenses in connection with the refinancing. Spectrum Brands repurchased $390.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.375% Notes through a cash tender offer on September 20, 2016, with the remaining outstanding aggregate principal amount of $129.7 million subsequently redeemed by Spectrum Brands during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months.
•
On April 26, 2017, subsequent to the end of the Fiscal 2017 Quarter, Spectrum Brands entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition of Petmatrix LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of rawhide-free dog chews, with a cash purchase price of approximately $255.0 million. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of May 2017 and will be integrated as part of the Company’s Consumer Products segment.
Corporate and Other
•
Omar Asali, President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and a director of HRG ceased his employment with HRG and resigned from the Board of Directors of HRG and its subsidiaries effective as of April 14, 2017.
•
Joseph Steinberg, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of HRG, was appointed to the additional position of CEO effective as of April 14, 2017.
•
On March 22, 2017, HRG appointed Ehsan Zargar, effective January 1, 2017, as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company.
•
On November 17, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had initiated a process to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives available to the Company with a view toward enhancing shareholder value. Strategic alternatives may include, but are not limited to, a merger, sale or other business combination involving the Company and/or its assets.
•
On January 13, 2017, the Company entered into a loan agreement (“2017 Loan”), pursuant to which it may borrow up to an aggregate amount of $150.0 million. The 2017 Loan bears interest at an adjusted LIBOR plus 2.35% per annum, payable quarterly and a commitment fee of 75 bps. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had drawn $50.0 million under the 2017 Loan. The scheduled maturity date of the 2017 Loan is July 13, 2018, with an option for early termination by the borrower.
•
During the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, we continued the wind-down of the operations of Salus. The remaining outstanding amount of Salus loans continued to run-off, primarily attributable to paydowns. During the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, Salus sold its entire interest in the loan to RadioShack Corporation (“RadioShack”) to a third party buyer for $1.0 million (including $0.3 million attributable to FGL). The net carrying value of the loan to RadioShack prior to the sale was $2.5 million (including $0.8 million attributable to FGL). As of March 31, 2017, there were three asset-based loans outstanding carried at $6.3 million, net of loan loss allowance.
Discontinued Operations
•
On April 17, 2017, FGL terminated the FGL Merger Agreement. Prior to its termination, the FGL Merger Agreement was amended on November 3, 2016 and on February 9, 2017, each time to extend the outside termination date.
•
As part of the February 9, 2017 amendment, the FGL Merger Agreement was also amended to permit FGL to explore and negotiate strategic alternatives with other parties, but not to enter into a definitive agreement with a third party while the FGL Merger Agreement was in effect. As a result of the termination of the FGL Merger Agreement, FGL has no remaining obligations under the FGL Merger Agreement and may enter into an alternative transaction.

40
Table of Contents

•
In connection with the termination of the FGL Merger Agreement, on April 17, 2017, FGL’s Board of Directors announced that it was continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and had received interest from a number of parties (the “FGL Strategic Evaluation Process”).
Key financial highlights
•
Basic and diluted net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter was $0.11 per basic and diluted common share attributable to controlling interest, compared to basic and diluted net income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders of $0.12 per basic and diluted common share attributable to controlling interest in the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The decrease in net income per share was primarily due to higher effective income tax rate, partially offset by lower interest expenses as a result of the refinancing activities at Spectrum Brands.
•
We ended the quarter with corporate cash and investments of approximately $139.5 million (primarily held at HRG and HGI Funding).
•
Our Consumer Products segment’s operating income for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter decreased $4.3 million, or 2.9%, to $144.2 million from $148.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. Our Consumer Products segment’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA,” see additional discussion included in the “Non-GAAP Measurements” section below) decreased by $9.4 million, or 4.1%, to $220.2 million versus the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The decrease in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by delayed inventory intake by all major U.S. retailers of seasonal home and garden and global auto care products. Adjusted EBITDA margin represented 18.8% of sales as compared to 19.0% in the Fiscal 2016 Quarter.
•
Our Insurance segment’s operating loss for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter was $4.1 million compared to $1.4 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter primarily driven by a mismatch between the changes in the fair value of the insurance liabilities and the fair value of the assets backing such liabilities due to market conditions and changes in risk-free and discount rates.
•
During the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, we received cash dividends of $33.6 million from our subsidiaries, including $27.5 million and $6.1 million from Spectrum Brands and FGL, respectively.

41
Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Presented below is a table that summarizes our results of operations and compares the amount of the change between the fiscal periods (in millions):
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Products
$
1,169.9

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
(39.7
)
 
$
2,381.7

 
$
2,428.4

 
$
(46.7
)
Insurance
41.0

 
40.1

 
0.9

 
12.3

 
30.1

 
(17.8
)
Intersegment adjustments and eliminations
4.5

 
16.0

 
(11.5
)
 
10.7

 
10.6

 
0.1

Consolidated segment revenues
1,215.4

 
1,265.7

 
(50.3
)
 
2,404.7

 
2,469.1

 
(64.4
)
Corporate and Other
0.7

 
1.6

 
(0.9
)
 
1.0

 
7.6

 
(6.6
)
Total revenues
$
1,216.1

 
$
1,267.3

 
$
(51.2
)
 
$
2,405.7

 
$
2,476.7

 
$
(71.0
)
Operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Products
$
144.2

 
$
148.5

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
295.2

 
$
291.0

 
$
4.2

Insurance
(4.1
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(19.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(18.1
)
Intersegment adjustments and eliminations (a)
13.5

 
12.8

 
0.7

 
15.8

 
(6.2
)
 
22.0

Total segment operating income
153.6

 
159.9

 
(6.3
)
 
291.5

 
283.4

 
8.1

Corporate and Other
(10.1
)
 
(17.4
)
 
7.3

 
(30.3
)
 
(41.1
)
 
10.8

Consolidated operating income
143.5

 
142.5

 
1.0

 
261.2

 
242.3

 
18.9

Interest expense
(88.3
)
 
(94.4
)
 
6.1

 
(180.0
)
 
(189.6
)
 
9.6

Other expense, net
(2.0
)
 
—

 
(2.0
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.7
)
 
0.1

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
53.2

 
48.1

 
5.1

 
80.6

 
52.0

 
28.6

Income tax expense (benefit)
50.2

 
(15.4
)
 
65.6

 
75.6

 
(21.0
)
 
96.6

Net income from continuing operations
3.0

 
63.5

 
(60.5
)
 
5.0

 
73.0

 
(68.0
)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
(54.4
)
 
(47.6
)
 
(6.8
)
 
204.4

 
(50.1
)
 
254.5

Net (loss) income
(51.4
)
 
15.9

 
(67.3
)
 
209.4

 
22.9

 
186.5

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
30.7

 
40.6

 
(9.9
)
 
79.3

 
81.5

 
(2.2
)
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest
$
(82.1
)
 
$
(24.7
)
 
$
(57.4
)
 
$
130.1

 
$
(58.6
)
 
$
188.7

(a) For its stand-alone reporting purposes, Front Street elected, since inception, to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserves related to its assumed reinsurance. For the Company’s consolidated reporting, the results from Front Street’s assumed reinsurance business with FGL is reported on FGL’s historical basis. Accordingly, in order to align the Company’s consolidated reporting, we have recorded a net intersegment adjustment to operating income (loss) of $13.1 million and $13.9 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, respectively, and $9.9 million and $(3.2) million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months and the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, respectively. Upon the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process, the Company’s consolidated results will reflect all reinsurance business on the fair value option.
Revenues. Revenues for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter decreased $51.2 million, or 4.0%, to $1,216.1 million from $1,267.3 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues from our Consumer Products segment driven by lower sales in lawn and garden control products and repellents due to timing of seasonal inventory sales, reduction in distribution from retail inventory management initiatives and higher demand driven by Zika concerns in the prior period coupled with lower revenues generated by Salus as a result of the continued run-off of the asset-backed loan portfolio.
Revenues for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months decreased $71.0 million, or 2.9%, to $2,405.7 million from $2,476.7 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The decrease was primarily due to lower net sales from our Consumer Products segment mainly as a result of the effect of foreign exchange rates and decrease in home and garden products as discussed above; lower revenues generated by Salus as a result of the continued run-off of the asset-backed loan portfolio; and a decrease in fair value of the funds withheld receivables with third parties in the Insurance segment due to higher interest rates and wider credit spreads.
Consolidated operating income. Consolidated operating income for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter increased $1.0 million, or 0.7%, to $143.5 million from $142.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The increase was primarily due to lower impairments and loan loss provision expense in our Corporate and Other segment, partially offset by lower operating income from our Consumer Products and Insurance segments.
Consolidated operating income for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months increased $18.9 million, or 7.8%, to $261.2 million from $242.3 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The increase was primarily due to lower impairments and loan loss provision expense in our Corporate and Other segment and increased profitability in our Consumer Products segment.

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Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $6.1 million to $88.3 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter from $94.4 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter and decreased $9.6 million to $180.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months from $189.6 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The decreases were primarily due to the effect of refinancing activities to lower interest rates at our Consumer Products segment, partially offset by interest expense on the 2017 Loan.
Other expense, net. Other expense increased $2.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter as compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter primarily driven by foreign exchange losses.
Other expense remained flat at $0.6 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to $0.7 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months.
Income Taxes. For the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, our effective tax rate of 94.4% and 93.8%, respectively, differed from the expected U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% and was primarily impacted by U.S. pretax losses in our Corporate and Other and Insurance segments in the U.S. where the tax benefits were not more-likely-than-not to be realized, resulting in the recording of valuation allowance. Additionally, the Company determined that the deferred tax assets of the Insurance segment at the beginning of the fiscal year were no longer more-likely-than-not to be realized and established a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and the Fiscal 2017 Six Months. The increase in income tax expense for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, was principally due to current year losses from our Corporate and Other and Insurance segments in the U.S. that were not more-likely-than-not to be realized.
For the Fiscal 2016 Quarter and the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, our effective tax rate of (32.0)% and (40.4)%, respectively, differed from the expected U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% and was impacted by the expected utilization of a portion of Spectrum Brands’ U.S. net operating losses (“NOL”) that were previously recorded with valuation allowance against Spectrum Brands’ earnings during the fiscal year 2016, the effects of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 that resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits in the Company’s provision for income taxes rather than paid-in capital and recognition of tax benefits on a portion of current year losses from our Corporate and Other segment in the U.S. during the fiscal year 2016. The Company determined that a portion of the fiscal year 2016 losses related to our Corporate and Other segment were more-likely-than-not to be realized based on the expected taxable gain from the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process. In addition, for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, the effective tax rate was also reduced by $5.9 million for non-recurring items related to the impact of tax law changes in state deferred tax rates on Spectrum Brands’ net deferred tax liabilities.
The majority of NOL, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards at HRG and a portion of Spectrum Brands have historically been subject to valuation allowances, as the Company concluded that all or a portion of the related tax benefits were not more-likely-than-not to be realized. Utilization of a portion of the NOL, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards of HRG and Spectrum Brands are subject to limitations under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Sections 382 and 383. Such limitations resulted from ownership changes of more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period. The completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process is expected to result in significant utilization of tax attribute carryforwards against the taxable gain.
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter was $54.4 million and was entirely attributable to FGL. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter was $47.6 million due to a $34.5 million loss related to Compass’ operations and a $13.1 million loss attributable to FGL.
The increase in loss of $41.3 million attributable to FGL was driven by a $72.8 million write-down of the carrying value of the assets of business held for sale to fair value less cost to sell for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to $23.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter; partially offset by an increase in net income attributable to FGL’s operations of $9.1 million.
The increase in net income attributable to FGL’s operations of $9.1 million was driven primarily by the change in the fixed indexed annuity present value of future credits and guarantee liability that increased $12.2 million during the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to a $77.2 million increase for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The change was a result of the greater decrease in longer duration risk free rates in the Fiscal 2016 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2017 Quarter. Also contributing to the increase in net income attributable to FGL was higher net investment income driven by higher assets under management. These increases were partially offset by credit-related impairment losses of $20.0 million on available-for-sale debt securities; and higher amortization of intangibles and income tax expense.
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months was $204.4 million and was entirely attributable to FGL. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months was $50.1 million due to a $48.7 million loss attributable to FGL and a $1.4 million loss related to Compass’ operations.
The increase in income of $253.1 million attributable to FGL was driven by the non-recurrence of $90.9 million income tax expense recorded in the Fiscal 2016 Six Months; a write-up of the carrying value of the assets of business held for sale to fair value less cost to sell of $71.7 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to a write-down of $23.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months and an increase in net income attributable to FGL’s operations of $65.8 million.
The non-recurrence of $90.9 million income tax expense recorded in the Fiscal 2016 Six Months was related to the establishment of a deferred tax liability of $328.6 million at March 31, 2016 as a result of classifying HRG’s ownership interest in FGL as held

43
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for sale, partially offset by a $237.7 million reduction of valuation allowance on HRG’s net operating and capital loss carryforwards expected to offset the tax effects of the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process.
At March 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Company’s interest in FGL was $291.1 million higher than the fair value less cost to sell based on the closing price of FGL’s common stock at March 31, 2017 and as a result, the Company partially reversed the previously recorded $362.8 million write-down of assets of business held for sale by $71.7 million. The decrease in the carrying value of the Company’s interest was primarily as a result of a decrease in unrealized gains on FGL’s investment portfolio during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months due to the increase in market yields.
The increase in net income attributable to FGL’s operations of $65.8 million was driven primarily by the change in the fixed indexed annuity present value of future credits and guarantee liability that decreased $160.6 million during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to an increase of $53.9 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months due to the increase in longer duration risk free rates in the current period. Also contributing to the increase in net income attributable to FGL was higher net investment income driven by higher assets under management. These increases were partially offset by credit-related impairment losses of $20.0 million on available-for-sale debt securities; and higher amortization of intangibles and income tax expense.
Noncontrolling Interest. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interest reflects the share of the net income of our subsidiaries, which are not wholly-owned, attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Such amount varies in relation to such subsidiary’s net income or loss for the period and the percentage interest not owned by HRG.

Consumer Products Segment
Presented below is a table that summarizes the results of operations of our Consumer Products segment and compares the amount of the change between the periods (in millions):
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months

2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Net consumer and other product sales
$
1,169.9

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
(39.7
)
 
$
2,381.7

 
$
2,428.4

 
$
(46.7
)
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold
714.7

 
746.8

 
(32.1
)
 
1,476.5

 
1,524.9

 
(48.4
)
Consumer products segment gross profit
455.2

 
462.8

 
(7.6
)
 
905.2

 
903.5

 
1.7

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
311.0

 
314.3

 
(3.3
)
 
610.0

 
612.5

 
(2.5
)
Operating income - Consumer Products segment
$
144.2

 
$
148.5

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
295.2

 
$
291.0

 
$
4.2

Net consumer and other product sales. Net consumer and other product sales for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter decreased $39.7 million, or 3.3%, to $1,169.9 million from $1,209.6 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The decrease in net consumer and other product sales in the Fiscal 2017 Quarter was primarily due to a decline in home and garden control products, global pet supplies and small appliances product categories, and a negative impact of foreign exchange rates of $9.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by the increases in organic net sales in hardware and home improvement and consumer batteries product categories.
Net consumer and other product sales for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months decreased $46.7 million, or 1.9%, to $2,381.7 million from $2,428.4 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The decrease in net consumer and other product sales in the Fiscal 2017 Six Months was primarily due to the negative impact of foreign exchange rates of $28.4 million and a decline in organic net sales in home and garden control products, global pet supplies, small appliances, global auto care and personal care product categories. These decreases were partially offset by the increase in organic net sales in consumer batteries and hardware and home improvement product categories. Organic net sales exclude the impact of foreign currency translation and is considered a non-GAAP measurement (See “Non-GAAP Measurements” section below for reconciliation of net sales to organic net sales).
Consolidated net sales by product category for each of those respective periods are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase /(Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Hardware and home improvement products
 
$
313.7

 
$
301.6

 
$
12.1

 
$
602.5

 
$
584.3

 
$
18.2

Consumer batteries
 
185.2

 
178.2

 
7.0

 
445.7

 
430.8

 
14.9

Global pet supplies
 
191.8

 
208.5

 
(16.7
)
 
386.0

 
411.9

 
(25.9
)
Small appliances
 
123.6

 
138.3

 
(14.7
)
 
310.0

 
328.2

 
(18.2
)
Personal care products
 
104.7

 
108.4

 
(3.7
)
 
267.3

 
277.2

 
(9.9
)
Global auto care
 
119.0

 
119.6

 
(0.6
)
 
188.5

 
193.3

 
(4.8
)
Home and garden control products
 
131.9

 
155.0

 
(23.1
)
 
181.7

 
202.7

 
(21.0
)
Total net sales to external customers
 
$
1,169.9

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
(39.7
)
 
$
2,381.7

 
$
2,428.4

 
$
(46.7
)

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The following table details the principal components of the change in the Consumer Products segment net sales from the Fiscal 2016 Quarter to the Fiscal 2017 Quarter (in millions):
 
 
Net Sales
Fiscal 2016 Quarter Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
1,209.6

Increase in hardware and home improvement products
 
10.7

Increase in consumer batteries
 
9.0

Decrease in global auto care
 
(0.5
)
Decrease in personal care products
 
(1.7
)
Decrease in small appliances
 
(11.2
)
Decrease in global pet supplies
 
(13.3
)
Decrease in home and garden control products
 
(23.1
)
Foreign currency impact, net
 
(9.6
)
Fiscal 2017 Quarter Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
1,169.9

Net sales in hardware and home improvement products increased $12.1 million, or 4.0%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, while organic net sales increased $10.7 million, or 3.5%, primarily attributable to increases in security and locksets of $6.4 million from higher volumes through the introduction of new products with key retailers, increased volumes with non-retail wholesale and builder channels, and the introduction of Tell Manufacturing, Inc. product into retail channels, partially offset by the exit of lower margin business; the increase in plumbing of $4.3 million through introduction of new products with key retailers; and a marginal increase in hardware. Overall, net sales were adversely impacted by $4.0 million due to product exits that were primarily associated with a branded product that was transitioned under a third party license agreement.
Net sales in consumer batteries increased $7.0 million, or 3.9%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, with an organic net sales increase of $9.0 million, or 5.1%, primarily due to an increase in EMEA of $7.0 million from promotional sales of branded alkaline batteries plus expansion with new and existing customers for both branded alkaline and specialty batteries; an increase in NA of $2.6 million due to branded alkaline and specialty batteries volume growth with a key retailer, partially offset with reduced retail inventory on lighting products; an increase in APAC of $0.3 million and a decrease in LATAM of $1.0 million.
Net sales in global auto care decreased $0.6 million, or 0.5%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, with a decrease in organic net sales of $0.5 million, or 0.4%, primarily due to lower auto appearance products of $3.8 million due to cooler weather conditions; partially offset by an increase in refrigerant products of $2.9 million from implemented price increases in response to product cost increases; and a marginal increase in licensing and auto performance products.
Net sales in personal care products decreased $3.7 million, or 3.4%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, with an organic net sales decrease of $1.7 million, or 1.6%, primarily attributable to decreases in NA and EMEA of $2.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, due to softer category point of sale (“POS”) retail inventory reductions and competitor promotions; offset by increases in LATAM and APAC of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from promotional sales and market expansion.
Net sales in small appliances decreased $14.7 million, or 10.6%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, with an organic net sales decrease of $11.2 million, or 8.1%, primarily due to a decrease in NA of $5.5 million from declines in POS due to category softness retailer inventory reductions and competitor promotions, partially offset by sales growth through e-commerce channels; decreases in EMEA of $4.8 million from Brexit-related market softness in the UK; and decreases in LATAM and APAC of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Net sales in global pet supplies decreased $16.7 million, or 8.0%, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter, with a decrease in organic net sales of $13.3 million, or 6.4%, driven by decreases in companion animal and pet food sales of $6.7 million and aquatics of $6.6 million. The decrease in companion animal and pet food sales was due to a decrease in EMEA of $7.4 million from lower distribution of branded companion animal products and a reduction of $4.5 million for the acceleration of the exit of a pet food tolling agreement; partially offset by an increase in NA of $0.3 million from channel expansion of Nature’s Miracles products, despite exiting of low margin private label products reducing net sales by $2.2 million; and increases in LATAM and APAC of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The decrease in aquatics was due to a decrease in NA of $4.5 million driven by soft category POS and lower retailer inventory; a decrease in EMEA of $1.7 million driven by deferred sales due to weather; and a decrease of $0.4 million in APAC.
Net sales in home and garden control products decreased $23.1 million, or 14.9%, primarily attributable to lower sales in lawn and garden control products and repellents of $10.1 million and $12.0 million, respectively, due to timing of seasonal inventory sales, reduction in distribution from retail inventory management initiatives and higher demand driven by Zika concerns in the prior period; and a decrease in household insect control products of $1.0 million.

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The following table details the principal components of the change in the Consumer Products segment net sales from the Fiscal 2016 Six Months to the Fiscal 2017 Six Months (in millions):
 
 
Net Sales
Fiscal 2016 Six Months Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
2,428.4

Increase in consumer batteries
 
21.4

Increase in hardware and home improvement products
 
17.1

Decrease in personal care products
 
(4.2
)
Decrease in global auto care
 
(4.6
)
Decrease in small appliances
 
(7.3
)
Decrease in global pet supplies
 
(19.7
)
Decrease in home and garden control products
 
(21.0
)
Foreign currency impact, net
 
(28.4
)
Fiscal 2017 Six Months Net consumer and other product sales
 
$
2,381.7

Net sales in consumer batteries increased $14.9 million, or 3.5%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, with an organic net sales increase of $21.4 million, or 5.0%, due to an increase in EMEA of $18.2 million from promotional sales of branded alkaline batteries, plus expansion with new and existing customers for both branded alkaline and specialty batteries; an increase in NA of $2.0 million due to branded alkaline and specialty batteries volume growth with a key retailer and specialty batteries previously discussed coupled with strong holiday POS on branded alkaline batteries, partially offset by discontinued private label business and reduced retail inventory on lighting products; an increase in APAC of $1.8 million and a decrease in LATAM of $0.6 million.
Net sales in hardware and home improvement products increased $18.2 million, or 3.1%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, while organic net sales increased $17.1 million, or 2.9%, primarily attributable to increases in security and locksets of $13.6 million from higher volumes through the introduction of new products with key retailers, promotional sales through e-commerce channels, increased volumes with non-retail wholesale and builder channels, and the introduction of Tell Manufacturing, Inc. product into retail channels, partially offset by the exit of lower margin business; increase in plumbing of $4.1 million through introduction of new products with key retailers; and decrease in hardware of $0.6 million driven by the exit of lower margin business offset by incremental retail volumes and new product introduction. Overall, net sales were adversely impacted by $8.0 million due to product exits that were primarily associated with a branded product that was transitioned under a third party license arrangement.
Net sales in personal care products decreased $9.9 million, or 3.6%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, with an organic net sales decrease of $4.2 million, or 1.5%, due to decreases in NA of $7.7 million due to softer category POS, retail inventory reductions and competitor promotions; offset by increases in EMEA of $2.0 million from promotional sales and market expansion; and increases in APAC and LATAM of $1.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Net sales in global auto care decreased $4.8 million, or 2.5%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, with a decrease in organic net sales of $4.6 million, or 2.4%, primarily due to the cooler weather conditions and marginal increases in refrigerant from price increases and auto performance products.
Net sales in small appliances decreased $18.2 million, or 5.5%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, with an organic net sales decrease of $7.3 million, or 2.2%, primarily due to a decrease in EMEA of $3.9 million from Brexit-related market softness in the UK; a decrease in LATAM of $4.0 million for lower promotion activity and a decrease in APAC of $2.6 million from lower POS within the region; offset by an increase in NA of $3.2 million from incremental product listings and volumes with key retailers, promotional sales and expansion in other distribution channels including e-commerce, partially offset by declines in POS and lost distribution discussed above.
Net sales in global pet supplies decreased $25.9 million, or 6.3%, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months, with a decrease in organic net sales of $19.7 million, or 4.8%, driven by lower sales in companion animal and pet food of $15.5 million and aquatics of $4.2 million. The decrease in companion animal sales was due to a decrease in EMEA of $12.1 million from lower distribution of branded companion animal products and a reduction of $5.1 million for the acceleration of the exit of a pet food tolling agreement, partially offset by promotional activity during the period; a decrease in NA of $4.0 million from reduced listings and retail inventory with key pet retailers, increased competition and low-margin product exits of $4.3 million, offset by channel expansion of Nature’s Miracle product; partially offset by an increase in APAC and LATAM of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The decrease in aquatics was due to a decrease in NA of $4.5 million driven by soft category POS and lower retail inventory; marginal increase in EMEA of $1.0 million due to promotional sales offset by deferred sales due to weather; and a decrease in APAC of $0.7 million.
Net sales in home and garden control products decreased $21.0 million, or 10.4%, primarily attributable to lower sales in lawn and garden control products and repellents of $11.0 million and $12.5 million, respectively, due to timing of seasonal inventory

46
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sales, inventory management initiatives at retailers and higher demand in prior period discussed above; partially offset by an increase in household insect control products of $2.5 million driven by stronger POS at major retailers.
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold / Consumer products segment gross profit. Consumer products segment gross profit, representing net consumer products sales minus consumer products cost of goods sold, for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter was $455.2 million compared to $462.8 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The decrease in gross profit was mainly attributable to a reduction in net sales offset by gross margin improvement. Gross profit margin for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter increased to 38.9% compared to 38.3% for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a shift to higher margin product sales, the exit of low-margin product sales and continuing cost improvements initiatives.
Consumer products segment gross profit, representing net consumer products sales minus consumer products cost of goods sold, for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months was $905.2 million compared to $903.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The increase in gross profit was mainly attributable to an increase in gross profit margin. Gross profit margin for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months increased to 38.0% compared to 37.2% for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a shift to higher margin product sales, the exit of low-margin product sales and continuing cost improvements initiatives.
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses. Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses decreased by $3.3 million, or 1.0%, to $311.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter, from $314.3 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter mainly due to a decrease in acquisition and integration related charges of $8.3 million from lower integration activity offset by increased restructuring and related charges of $2.7 million for restructuring initiatives.
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses decreased by $2.5 million, or 0.4%, to $610.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, from $612.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months mainly due to a decrease in acquisition and integration related charges of $14.0 million due to lower integration activity, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses of $6.0 million and an increase in restructuring and related charges of $3.7 million for restructuring initiatives.

Insurance Segment
Presented below is a table that summarizes the results of operations of our Insurance segment and compares the amount of the change between the fiscal periods (in millions):
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Insurance segment revenues
$
41.0

 
$
40.1

 
$
0.9

 
$
12.3

 
$
30.1

 
$
(17.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
42.0

 
38.5

 
3.5

 
26.3

 
26.1

 
0.2

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
3.1

 
3.0

 
0.1

 
5.5

 
5.4

 
0.1

Total Insurance segment operating costs and expenses
45.1

 
41.5

 
3.6

 
31.8

 
31.5

 
0.3

 Operating loss - Insurance segment
$
(4.1
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
(19.5
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(18.1
)
For segment reporting purposes, at the inception date of the reinsurance transactions, Front Street elected to apply the fair value option to account for its funds withheld receivables, non-funds withheld assets and future policyholder benefits reserves related to its assumed reinsurance. For consolidated reporting, the results from Front Street’s assumed reinsurance business with FGL is reported on FGL’s historical basis. Upon the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process, our consolidated results will reflect all reinsurance business on the fair value option.
Insurance segment revenues. Insurance segment revenues remained relatively flat for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter as compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. For the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, Insurance segment revenues decreased $17.8 million to $12.3 million from $30.1 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The decrease in Insurance segment revenues was primarily driven by a decrease in the fair value of the underlying fixed maturity debt securities included in the funds withheld receivables during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months due to market conditions with increasing risk-free rates and widening credit spreads resulting in generally lower valuations of fixed maturity debt securities; the non-recurrence of realized gains on securities included in Front Street’s capital account portfolio for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months; and credit impairment losses due to intercompany investments for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months.
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves. For the Fiscal 2017 Quarter, benefits and other changes in policy reserves were $42.0 million as compared to $38.5 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. The change was primarily due to a decrease in the insurance liability discount rate.
For the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, benefits and other changes in policy reserves remained relatively flat at $26.3 million as compared to $26.1 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months.

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Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses. Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses of the Insurance segment remained flat for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter as compared to the Fiscal 2016 Quarter and for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months as compared to the Fiscal 2016 Six Months.

Corporate and Other Segment
Presented below is a table that summarizes the results of operations of our Corporate and Other segment and compares the amount of the change between the fiscal periods (in millions):
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Corporate and Other segment revenues
$
0.7

 
$
1.6

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
1.0

 
$
7.6

 
$
(6.6
)
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
10.8

 
19.0

 
(8.2
)
 
31.3

 
48.7

 
(17.4
)
Operating loss - Corporate and Other segment
$
(10.1
)
 
$
(17.4
)
 
$
7.3

 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
(41.1
)
 
$
10.8

Corporate and Other segment revenues. Corporate and Other segment revenues decreased $0.9 million to $0.7 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter from $1.6 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. Corporate and Other segment revenues decreased $6.6 million to $1.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months from $7.6 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. These decreases were primarily driven by lower revenue generated by Salus as a result of the continued run-off of the remaining outstanding amount of Salus loans primarily attributable to paydowns on existing loans and a lack of new loan originations by Salus, coupled with the effect of the Company’s sale of its ownership interest in CorAmerica Capital, LLC (“CorAmerica”) and the wind-down of the operations of Energy & Infrastructure Capital, LLC (“EIC”).
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses. Presented below is a table that summarizes the Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses of our Corporate and Other segment by product line, and compares the amount of the change between the fiscal periods (in millions):
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Corporate
$
10.0

 
$
8.2

 
$
1.8

 
$
25.5

 
$
22.8

 
$
2.7

Asset management operating and general expenses
0.8

 
10.8

 
(10.0
)
 
5.8

 
25.9

 
(20.1
)
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses - Corporate and Other segment
$
10.8

 
$
19.0

 
$
(8.2
)
 
$
31.3

 
$
48.7

 
$
(17.4
)
Corporate
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses increased $1.8 million to $10.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter from $8.2 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses increased $2.7 million to $25.5 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months from $22.8 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. These increases were primarily due to severance costs related to headcount reduction and an increase in legal expense related to the exploration and evaluation of strategic alternatives available to the Company with a view toward enhancing shareholder value. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation.
Asset Management Operating and General Expenses
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses decreased $10.0 million to $0.8 million for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter from $10.8 million for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter. Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses decreased $20.1 million to $5.8 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months from $25.9 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. These decreases in selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses reflect lower impairments and loan loss provision expenses on the asset-based loan portfolio, coupled with the effects of the continued run-off of the Salus portfolio, the Company’s sale of its ownership interest in CorAmerica, and the wind-down of operations of EIC.


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Non-GAAP Measurements
Our Consumer Products segment results contain non-GAAP metrics such as organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA. While we believe organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or the GAAP financial results of our Consumer Products segment and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.
Organic Net Sales — Consumer Products
Organic net sales is defined as net sales excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and/or impact from acquisitions (when applicable). Our Consumer Products segment believes this non-GAAP measure provides useful information to investors because it reflects regional and operating performance from our Consumer Products segment’s activities without the effect of changes in currency exchange rate and/or acquisitions. The Consumer Products segment uses organic net sales as one measure to monitor and evaluate their regional and segment performance. Organic growth is calculated by comparing organic net sales to net sales in the prior period. The effect of changes in currency exchange rates is determined by translating the period’s net sales using the currency exchange rates that were in effect during the prior comparative period. Net sales are attributed to the geographic regions based on the country of destination. Our Consumer Products segment excludes net sales from acquired businesses in the current period for which there are no comparable sales in the prior period.
The following is a reconciliation of reported net sales to organic net sales for the Fiscal 2017 Quarter compared to net sales for the Fiscal 2016 Quarter:
 
 
Net Sales Fiscal 2017 Quarter
 
Effect of Changes in Currency
 
Organic Net Sales
Fiscal 2017 Quarter
 
Net Sales Fiscal 2016 Quarter
 
Variance
 
% Variance
Hardware and home improvement products
 
$
313.7

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
312.3

 
$
301.6

 
$
10.7

 
3.5
 %
Global pet supplies
 
191.8

 
3.4

 
195.2

 
208.5

 
(13.3
)
 
(6.4
)%
Consumer batteries
 
185.2

 
2.0

 
187.2

 
178.2

 
9.0

 
5.1
 %
Home and garden control products
 
131.9

 
—

 
131.9

 
155.0

 
(23.1
)
 
(14.9
)%
Small appliances
 
123.6

 
3.5

 
127.1

 
138.3

 
(11.2
)
 
(8.1
)%
Global auto care
 
119.0

 
0.1

 
119.1

 
119.6

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.4
)%
Personal care products
 
104.7

 
2.0

 
106.7

 
108.4

 
(1.7
)
 
(1.6
)%
Total
 
$
1,169.9

 
$
9.6

 
$
1,179.5

 
$
1,209.6

 
$
(30.1
)
 
(2.5
)%
The following is a reconciliation of reported net sales to organic net sales for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months compared to net sales for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months:
 
 
Net Sales Fiscal 2017 Six Months
 
Effect of changes in Currency
 
Organic Net Sales
Fiscal 2017 Six Months
 
Net Sales Fiscal 2016 Six Months
 
Variance
 
% Variance
Hardware and home improvement products
 
$
602.5

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
601.4

 
$
584.3

 
$
17.1

 
2.9
 %
Consumer batteries
 
445.7

 
6.5

 
452.2

 
430.8

 
21.4

 
5.0
 %
Global pet supplies
 
386.0

 
6.2

 
392.2

 
411.9

 
(19.7
)
 
(4.8
)%
Small appliances
 
310.0

 
10.9

 
320.9

 
328.2

 
(7.3
)
 
(2.2
)%
Personal care products
 
267.3

 
5.7

 
273.0

 
277.2

 
(4.2
)
 
(1.5
)%
Global auto care
 
188.5

 
0.2

 
188.7

 
193.3

 
(4.6
)
 
(2.4
)%
Home and garden control products
 
181.7

 
—

 
181.7

 
202.7

 
(21.0
)
 
(10.4
)%
Total
 
$
2,381.7

 
$
28.4

 
$
2,410.1

 
$
2,428.4

 
$
(18.3
)
 
(0.8
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a metric used by our Consumer Products segment and one of the non-GAAP measures that provides useful information to investors because it reflects ongoing operating performance and trends, excluding certain non-cash based expenses and/or non-recurring items during each of the comparable periods and facilitates comparisons between peer companies since interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization can differ greatly between organizations as a result of differing capital structures and tax strategies. Adjusted EBITDA is also used for determining Spectrum Brands’ debt covenant compliance. See Note 9, Debt, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional details.
EBITDA is calculated by excluding income tax expense, interest expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense (from intangible assets) from our Consumer Products segment’s net income. Adjusted EBITDA further excludes: (1) stock-based

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compensation expense as it is a non-cash based compensation cost, see Note 10, Stock-Based Compensation, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for further details; (2) acquisition and integration charges that consist of transaction costs from acquisition transactions during the period or subsequent integration related project costs directly associated with the acquired business; (3) restructuring and related charges, which consist of project costs associated with restructuring initiatives; (4) non-cash purchase accounting inventory adjustments recognized in earnings subsequent to an acquisition (when applicable); (5) non-cash asset impairments or write-offs realized (when applicable); and (6) other adjustments as further discussed. During the Fiscal 2017 Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Six Months, other adjustments consisted of professional fees associated with non-acquisition based strategic initiatives of our Consumer Products segment. During the Fiscal 2016 Quarter and Fiscal 2016 Six Months, other adjustments consisted of costs associated with the exiting of a key executive, coupled with onboarding a key executive.
The table below shows a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the Consumer Products segment (in millions):
 
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Fiscal Six Months
Reconciliation to reported net income:
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Reported net income - Consumer Products segment
 
$
58.7

 
$
92.7

 
$
(34.0
)
 
$
123.9

 
$
166.4

 
$
(42.5
)
Interest expense
 
50.6

 
57.5

 
(6.9
)
 
106.4

 
115.9

 
(9.5
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
33.0

 
(2.5
)
 
35.5

 
64.1

 
4.4

 
59.7

Depreciation of properties
 
24.2

 
21.4

 
2.8

 
46.6

 
44.4

 
2.2

Amortization of intangibles
 
23.5

 
23.4

 
0.1

 
47.1

 
47.0

 
0.1

      EBITDA - Consumer Products segment
 
190.0

 
192.5

 
(2.5
)
 
388.1

 
378.1

 
10.0

Stock-based compensation
 
14.2

 
21.5

 
(7.3
)
 
23.0

 
31.6

 
(8.6
)
Acquisition and integration related charges
 
5.1

 
13.3

 
(8.2
)
 
9.2

 
23.2

 
(14.0
)
Restructuring and related charges
 
8.3

 
1.6

 
6.7

 
11.5

 
2.8

 
8.7

Other
 
2.6

 
0.7

 
1.9

 
2.6

 
1.0

 
1.6

      Adjusted EBITDA - Consumer Products segment
 
$
220.2

 
$
229.6

 
$
(9.4
)
 
$
434.4

 
$
436.7

 
$
(2.3
)
Our Consumer Products segment’s Adjusted EBITDA decreased $9.4 million to $220.2 million in the Fiscal 2017 Quarter as compared to $229.6 million in the Fiscal 2016 Quarter primarily driven by a $8.6 million decrease in the home and garden product categories due to lower sales volumes, incremental marketing costs for new product launches and channel expansion. Adjusted EBITDA margin represented 18.8% of sales in the Fiscal 2017 Quarter as compared to 19.0% in the Fiscal 2016 Quarter.
Our Consumer Products segment’s Adjusted EBITDA decreased $2.3 million to $434.4 million in the Fiscal 2017 Six Months as compared to $436.7 million in the Fiscal 2016 Six Months primarily driven by a decrease of $10.0 million in the home and garden product categories due to the reasons described above, which was partially offset by an increase of $8.5 million in the hardware and home improvement product categories due to increase in sales volumes with cost improvements. Adjusted EBITDA margin represented 18.2% of sales in the Fiscal 2017 Six Months as compared to 18.0% in the Fiscal 2016 Six Months.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
HRG
HRG is a holding company and its liquidity needs are primarily for interest payments on the 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “7.875% Notes”), the 7.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “7.75% Notes”) and the 2017 Loan (in total, approximately $139.5 million per year), professional fees (including advisory services, legal and accounting fees), retention bonuses, salaries and benefits, office rent, pension expense, insurance costs and funding certain requirements of our insurance and other subsidiaries. HRG’s current source of liquidity is its cash, cash equivalents and investments, and distributions from our subsidiaries and $100.0 million of available borrowings under the 2017 Loan.
During the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, we received cash dividends of $33.6 million from our subsidiaries, including $27.5 million and $6.1 million from Spectrum Brands and FGL, respectively. During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, we expect to receive approximately $68.5 million of dividends from our subsidiaries’ distributable earnings.
The ability of HRG’s subsidiaries to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make upstream cash distributions is subject to numerous factors, including restrictions contained in such subsidiary’s financing agreements, availability of sufficient funds in such subsidiary, applicable state laws and regulatory restrictions and the approval of such payment by such subsidiary’s Board of Directors, which must consider various factors, including general economic and business conditions, tax considerations, strategic plans, financial results and condition, expansion plans, any contractual, legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, and such other factors such subsidiary’s Board of Directors considers relevant including, in the case of FGL, target capital ratios and ratio levels anticipated by regulatory agencies to maintain or improve current ratings. In addition, if the completion of any disposition resulting from the FGL Strategic Evaluation Process is consummated, while we will receive the proceeds from the sale of our shares of FGL common stock, we will no longer receive dividends from FGL. Furthermore, one or more of our subsidiaries may issue, repurchase, retire or refinance, as applicable, their debt and/or equity securities for a variety of purposes, including in order to, in the future, grow their business, pursue acquisition activities and/or manage their liquidity needs. Any such issuance may limit such subsidiary’s ability to make upstream cash distributions.
HRG’s liquidity may also be impacted by the capital needs of HRG’s subsidiaries and the ability of our subsidiaries to remain in compliance with the covenants governing their indebtedness. Such entities may require additional capital to acquire other business, maintain or grow their businesses, make payments on, or remain in compliance with the covenants governing their indebtedness, and/or make upstream cash distributions to HRG. For example, Front Street has required, and may in the future require, additional capital in order to operate its business, engage in reinsurance transactions, and/or to meet regulatory or other applicable capital requirements. Similarly, Salus has required, and may in the future require, additional capital in order to operate its business, collect its existing loans and wind-down its business. HGI Energy has required, and may in the future require, additional capital to conduct its operations and pay interest on the HGI Energy Notes (as defined below).
We expect our cash, cash equivalents and investments to continue to be a source of liquidity except to the extent they may be used to fund the capital needs of our subsidiaries. At March 31, 2017, HRG’s corporate cash, cash equivalents and investments were $139.5 million.
We expect that dividends from our subsidiaries along with our cash on hand, cash equivalents and investments to exceed our expected cash requirements and to satisfy our interest obligations, and general administrative expenses for at least the next twelve months. Depending on a variety of factors, including general state of capital markets, operating needs or business strategies, HRG and/or one or more of its subsidiaries may or may be required to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity, debt, or both. There is no assurance, however, that such capital will be available at that time, in the amounts necessary or on terms satisfactory to HRG. We seek to service any such new additional debt through increasing the dividends we receive or disposing of certain of our holdings, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. We may also seek to repurchase, retire or refinance, as applicable, all or a portion of, our 7.875% Notes, the 7.75% Notes, the 2017 Loan, or common stock through open market purchases, tender offers, negotiated transactions or otherwise.
HGI Energy
HGI Energy has indebtedness of an aggregate $92.0 million under notes issued by HGI Energy for which Front Street, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HRG, bears the economic risk (the “HGI Energy Notes”). The HGI Energy Notes mature on August 22, 2017 and carry interest of 0.71% payable semi-annually. HGI Energy’s assets at March 31, 2017 included $117.1 million of marketable securities owned by HGI Energy. HGI Energy has required, and may in the future require, additional capital to conduct its operations and pay interest on the HGI Energy Notes.

Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands expects to fund its cash requirements, including capital expenditures, dividend, interest and principal payments due during the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 through a combination of cash on hand ($137.2 million at

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March 31, 2017), cash flows from operations and $472.3 million available borrowings under the Revolver Facility. Spectrum Brands expects its capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 will be approximately $110.0 million to $120.0 million. Going forward, its ability to satisfy financial and other covenants in its senior credit agreements and senior unsecured indentures and to make scheduled payments or prepayments on its debt and other financial obligations will depend on its future financial and operating performance. There can be no assurances that its business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings under Spectrum Brands’ debt agreements, including the Revolver Facility, will be available in an amount sufficient to satisfy its debt maturities or to fund its other liquidity needs.

Front Street
Front Street’s liquidity needs consist primarily of supporting the capitalization of its reinsurance business. As of March 31, 2017, Front Street maintained regulatory capital in excess of its minimum requirements. Front Street’s reinsurance obligations are collateralized by the assets in the funds withheld accounts of ceding companies. Front Street does not expect to need additional liquidity in the near-term, but there can be no assurance that its capitalization or the funds withheld assets will be sufficient in the future to meet applicable regulatory requirements or its reinsurance obligations in the event of impairments in the funds withheld assets.
Funds withheld receivables
Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd. (“Front Street Cayman”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Front Street, has entered into various reinsurance agreements on a funds withheld basis, meaning that funds are withheld by the ceding company, from the coinsurance premium owed to Front Street Cayman as collateral for Front Street Cayman’s payment obligations. Accordingly, the collateral assets remain under the ultimate ownership for the ceding company. Front Street Cayman’s investment portfolio underlying the funds withheld assets includes fixed maturities and short-term investments that are recorded at fair value and other invested assets. The carrying values of the investments underlying the funds withheld receivables at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 were as follows (in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
Asset Class
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
Corporates
 
$
1,048.4

 
68.0
%
 
$
1,033.3

 
67.3
%
Asset/Mortgage-backed securities
 
330.7

 
21.4
%
 
350.4

 
22.8
%
Government bonds
 
80.5

 
5.2
%
 
69.9

 
4.6
%
Municipals
 
68.3

 
4.4
%
 
66.4

 
4.3
%
Preferred stock
 
8.2

 
0.5
%
 
8.2

 
0.5
%
Agency bonds
 
7.3

 
0.5
%
 
6.9

 
0.5
%
Total fixed maturity securities included in funds withheld receivables
 
1,543.4

 
100.0
%
 
1,535.1

 
100.0
%
Accrued interest
 
17.0

 
 
 
17.8

 
 
Net cash receivables
 
52.2

 
 
 
77.7

 
 
Policy loans and other
 
21.6

 


 
19.8

 
 
Total funds withheld receivables
 
$
1,634.2

 
 
 
$
1,650.4

 
 
The decrease in fair value of the funds withheld receivables at March 31, 2017 compared to September 30, 2016 was primarily related to the increase in risk-free rates and widening credit spreads.
The table below summarizes Front Street’s funds withheld receivables rated by established nationally recognized statistical rating organizations in percentage terms at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (by credit rating, in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
Rating
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
 
Fair Value
 
Percent
AAA
 
$
112.5

 
7.3
%
 
$
109.9

 
7.2
%
AA
 
193.0

 
12.5
%
 
205.9

 
13.4
%
A
 
298.3

 
19.3
%
 
263.7

 
17.2
%
BBB
 
497.8

 
32.3
%
 
502.1

 
32.7
%
BB
 
204.1

 
13.2
%
 
187.6

 
12.2
%
B and below
 
227.2

 
14.7
%
 
256.8

 
16.7
%
Not rated
 
10.5

 
0.7
%
 
9.1

 
0.6
%
Total
 
$
1,543.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,535.1

 
100.0
%

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See Note 7, Funds Withheld Receivables, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information regarding the funds withheld receivables portfolio.
Salus
Salus expects that its available cash on hand will be sufficient for it to fund its operations going forward, which consists principally of collecting outstanding loans and winding down its business. However, there can be no assurance that unexpected losses and contingencies, such as larger than expected litigation expenses, would not require additional capital to conduct its operations.
The Company’s portfolio of asset-based loans receivable, originated by Salus and its co-lender Front Street, are included in “Other assets” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements. The asset-based loans participations by FGL are included in “Assets of business held for sale” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements.
As of March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the Company’s portfolio of asset-based loans receivable originated by Salus and its co-lender Front Street consisted of the following:
 
March 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2016
Asset-based loans, net of deferred fees, by major industry:
 
 
 
Manufacturing
$
8.1

 
$
10.9

Jewelry
0.9

 
7.2

Other
1.0

 
6.0

Apparel
—

 
18.8

Electronics
—

 
3.1

Total asset-based loans
10.0

 
46.0

Less: Allowance for credit losses
3.7

 
11.0

Total asset-based loans, net
$
6.3

 
$
35.0

FGL (Business Held for Sale)
FGL’s principal source of liquidity is dividends from Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings (“FGH”), whose liquidity is, in turn, principally based on dividends from its operating insurance company subsidiaries, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“FGL Insurance”) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (“FGL NY Insurance”). FGL Insurance’s and FGL NY Insurance’s primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from insurance premiums and fees and investment income. FGL’s principal use of cash is to fund payments under their annuity and universal life products. FGL Insurance’s and FGL NY Insurance’s cash flows associated with collateral received from and posted with counterparties change as the market value of the underlying derivative contract changes. As the value of a derivative asset declines (or increases), the collateral required to be posted by our counterparties would also decline (or increase). Likewise, when the value of a derivative liability declines (or increases), the collateral we are required to post to our counterparties would also decline (or increase). FGH also maintains lines of credit and long-term debt financing, which provide liquidity but also require debt service. 
FGL’s principal use of liquidity is to pay dividends to its stockholders, including HRG. Its ability to pay dividends is limited by regulatory and capital adequacy considerations and contractual limitations, and other limitations applicable to its subsidiaries.


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Discussion of Consolidated Cash Flows
Summary of Consolidated Cash Flows
Presented below is a table that summarizes the cash provided or used in our continuing activities and the amount of the respective increases or decreases in cash provided or used from those continuing activities between the fiscal periods (in millions):
 
 
Fiscal Six Months
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Increase / (Decrease)
Net change in cash due to continuing operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Products
 
$
30.1

 
$
(144.5
)
 
$
174.6

Insurance, including eliminations related to the cession between Front Street and FGL
 
59.5

 
73.2

 
(13.7
)
Corporate and Other
 
(112.3
)
 
(106.6
)
 
(5.7
)
Net change in cash due to continuing operating activities
 
(22.7
)
 
(177.9
)
 
155.2

Net change in cash due to continuing investing activities
 
(27.8
)
 
88.3

 
(116.1
)
Net change in cash due to continuing financing activities
 
(122.5
)
 
(113.8
)
 
(8.7
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(4.0
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(3.7
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents in continuing operations
 
$
(177.0
)
 
$
(203.7
)
 
$
26.7

Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities totaled $22.7 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months as compared to cash used of $177.9 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months. The $155.2 million decrease in cash used was primarily the result of a $174.6 million increase in cash provided by the Consumer Products segment; partially offset by (i) $13.7 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities by the Insurance segment, including eliminations related to the cession between Front Street and FGL primarily as a result of the run-off of the reinsurance agreements with FGL and (ii) $5.7 million increase in cash used in operating activities by the Corporate and Other segment, primarily due to higher cash bonus payments related to fiscal year 2016 as compared to fiscal year 2015 that were paid during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months and Fiscal 2016 Six Months, respectively.
The $174.6 million increase in cash provided by operating activities in the Consumer Products segment was primarily due to (i) $167.1 million incremental cash generated from the segment operations; including cash contributed by working capital of $164.0 million, primarily from decreases of receivables and inventory due to working capital management initiatives; (ii) decrease in cash paid for interest of $23.4 million due to a reduction in annualized interest costs; (iii) $13.5 million decrease in cash paid for restructuring and integration related costs; and (iv) a decrease in cash paid for income taxes of $4.9 million. These increases were partially offset by (i) cash paid to Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. of $23.2 million as a non-recurring settlement of transitional operating costs subsequent to the acquisition of the hardware and home improvement business that was acquired in 2013; (ii) non-recurring financing costs of $5.6 million associated with a premium on redemption of the 6.375% Notes and costs for re-pricing the USD Term Loan; and (iii) increased corporate expenditures of $5.5 million.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $27.8 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months and was primarily related to purchases of property, plant and equipment by Spectrum Brands of $51.3 million; partially offset by cash proceeds from the net repayment of asset-based loans of $25.3 million.
Cash provided by investing activities was $88.3 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months and was primarily related to (i) $74.7 million of cash provided from the net repayment of asset-based loans; and (ii) $52.2 million of cash provided from sales, maturities and repayments, net of purchases, of fixed maturity securities and other investments. Partially offsetting these inflows were purchases of property, plant and equipment by Spectrum Brands of $38.8 million.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $122.5 million for the Fiscal 2017 Six Months and was primarily related to (i) debt repayment by Spectrum Brands of $151.6 million, including $129.7 million for the redemption of the 6.375% Notes; (ii) purchases of Spectrum Brands stock of $103.1 million; (iii) cash used for payment of contractholder account withdrawals, net of account deposits of $59.0 million; (iv) share-based award tax withholding payments of $37.4 million; (v) dividend paid by Spectrum Brands to noncontrolling interests of $19.8 million; and (vi) debt repayment at Salus of $19.4 million; partially offset by (i) proceeds, net of debt issuance costs, from the Revolver Facility and other notes by Spectrum Brands of $213.4 million and the 2017 Loan by HRG of $48.9 million and (ii) proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $5.5 million.
Cash used in financing activities was $113.8 million for the Fiscal 2016 Six Months and was primarily related to the (i) $126.4 million repayment of debt primarily by Salus; (ii) cash used for payment of contractholder account withdrawals, net of contractholder

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account deposits of $69.5 million; (iii) purchases of Spectrum Brands stock of $49.6 million; (iv) share-based award tax withholding payments of $27.3 million; and (v) dividend paid by Spectrum Brands to noncontrolling interests of $18.2 million, partially offset by borrowing under Spectrum Brands’ Revolver Facility of $175.0 million.

Debt Financing Activities
At March 31, 2017, HRG and its subsidiaries were in compliance with their respective covenants under their respective documents. See Note 9, Debt, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries’ debt activities during the Fiscal 2017 Six Months.

Equity Financing Activities
During the Fiscal 2017 Six Months, we granted shares and restricted stock awards representing approximately 25 thousand shares to our employees and directors. The total market value of the restricted shares on the date of grant was approximately $0.4 million, a portion of which represented unearned restricted stock-based compensation. Unearned compensation is amortized to expense over the appropriate vesting period.

Contractual Obligations
At March 31, 2017, there have been no material changes to the contractual obligations as set forth in our Form 10-K, except as discussed in Note 9, Debt, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Throughout our history, we have entered into indemnifications in the ordinary course of business with our customers, suppliers, service providers, business partners and in connection with the purchase and sale of assets, securities and businesses. Additionally, we have indemnified our directors and officers who are, or were, serving at our request in such capacities. Although the specific terms or number of such arrangements is not precisely quantifiable, we do not believe that future costs associated with such arrangements will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At March 31, 2017, there have been no material changes to the off-balance sheet arrangements as set forth in our Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates as discussed in our Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
See Note 2, Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements for recent accounting policies not yet adopted.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk Factors
There has been no material changes in the Company’s market risk during the six months ended March 31, 2017. For additional information, refer to Note 5, Derivative Financial Instruments, Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Note 7, Funds Withheld Receivables and Note 9, Debt to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements in this report and to Part II, Item 7A of our Form 10-K.


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Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that, as of March 31, 2017, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
An evaluation was performed under the supervision of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of whether any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) occurred during the Fiscal 2017 Quarter. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting occurred during the Fiscal 2017 Quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Unless otherwise indicated in this report (this “10-Q”) or the context requires otherwise, in this 10-Q, references to the “Company,” “HRG,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to HRG Group, Inc. and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries; “FGL” refers to Fidelity & Guaranty Life and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries; “Front Street” refers to Front Street Re (Delaware) Ltd. and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries; “Salus” refers to Salus Capital Partners, LLC and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries; and “Spectrum Brands” refers to Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and, where applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.
This document contains, and certain oral statements made by our representatives from time to time may contain, forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, events and developments to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such statements. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of HRG’s management and the management of HRG’s subsidiaries and affiliates (including target businesses). Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future actions, events, results, strategies and expectations, including plans and expectations regarding future acquisitions, dispositions, distributions, and similar activities, and are generally identifiable by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “might,” or “continues” or similar expressions.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, events and developments to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of HRG’s management and the management of HRG’s subsidiaries. Factors that could cause actual results, events and developments to differ include, without limitation: that the review of strategic alternatives at FGL or HRG will result in a transaction, or if a transaction is undertaken, as to its terms or timing; the ability of HRG’s subsidiaries to close previously announced transactions, including statements regarding HRG’s and/or FGL’s ongoing strategic review process; the ability of HRG’s subsidiaries to generate sufficient net income and cash flows to make upstream cash distributions; the decision of the boards of HRG’s subsidiaries to make upstream cash distributions, which is subject to numerous factors such as restrictions contained in applicable financing agreements, state and regulatory restrictions and other relevant considerations as determined by the applicable board; HRG’s liquidity, which may be impacted by a variety of factors, including the capital needs of HRG’s subsidiaries; capital market conditions; commodity market conditions; foreign exchange rates; HRG’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to identify, pursue or complete any suitable future acquisition or disposition opportunities, including realizing such transaction’s expected benefits and the timetable for, completing applicable financial reporting requirements; litigation; potential and contingent liabilities; management’s plans; changes in regulations; taxes; and the risks that may affect the performance of the operating subsidiaries of HRG and those factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in HRG’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements described herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized. Neither HRG nor any of its affiliates undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operation results, except as required by law.
In addition, you should understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Item 1A of this report and those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. You should also understand that many factors described under one heading below may apply to more than one section in which we have grouped them for the purpose of this presentation. As a result, you should consider all of the following factors, together with all of the other information presented herein, in evaluating the business of the Company and our subsidiaries.
HRG and its Subsidiaries
HRG’s actual results or other outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein due to a variety of important factors, including, without limitation, the following:
•
our dependence on distributions from our subsidiaries and our ability to access the capital markets to fund our operations and payments on our debt and other obligations;

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•
the decision of our subsidiaries’ boards to make upstream cash distributions, which is subject to numerous factors such as restrictions contained in applicable financing agreements, state and regulatory restrictions and other relevant considerations as determined by the applicable board;
•
our and our subsidiaries’ liquidity, which may be impacted by a variety of factors, including the capital needs of us and our current and future subsidiaries and our current and future subsidiaries’ ability to access the capital markets;
•
the ability to satisfy the successfully identify or consummate a strategic alternative for HRG and/or its assets;
•
the need to provide sufficient capital to our operating businesses;
•
limitations on our ability to successfully identify suitable acquisition, disposition and other strategic opportunities and to compete for these opportunities with others who have greater resources;
•
our and our subsidiaries’ dependence on certain key personnel;
•
our and our subsidiaries’ ability to attract and retain key employees;
•
the impact of covenants in the indenture governing our 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, the covenants in the indenture governing our 7.750% Senior Notes due 2022 and the 2017 Loan, the continuing covenants contained in the certificate of designation governing our Series A Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and future financing or refinancing agreements, on our ability to operate our business and finance our pursuit of our business strategy;
•
our ability to incur new debt and refinance our existing indebtedness;
•
the impact on our business and financial condition of our substantial indebtedness and the significant additional indebtedness and other financing obligations we and our subsidiaries may incur;
•
the impact on us and/or our subsidiaries from interruption or other operational failures in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, integrity confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems;
•
the impact on the aggregate value of our assets and our stock price from changes in the market prices of publicly traded equity interests we hold, particularly during times of volatility in security prices;
•
the impact of decisions by our significant stockholders, whose interest may differ from those of our other stockholders, or any of them ceasing to remain significant stockholders;
•
the effect any interests of our officers, directors, stockholders and their respective affiliates may have in certain transactions in which we are involved;
•
the impact of additional material charges associated with our oversight of acquired or target businesses and the integration of our financial reporting;
•
the impact of restrictive covenants and applicable laws, including securities laws, on our ability to dispose of equity interests we hold;
•
the impact of potential losses and other risks from changes in the value of our assets;
•
our ability to effectively increase the size of our organization, if needed, and manage our growth;
•
the impact of a determination that we are an investment company or personal holding company;
•
the impact of claims or litigation arising from operations, agreements and transactions, including litigation arising from or involving former subsidiaries;
•
the impact of expending significant resources in considering acquisition or disposition targets or strategic opportunities that are not consummated;
•
our and our subsidiaries’ ability to successfully integrate current and future acquired businesses into our existing operations and achieve the expected economic benefits;
•
tax consequences associated with our acquisition, holding and disposition of target companies and assets;
•
the impact of delays or difficulty in satisfying the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or negative reports concerning our internal controls;
•
the impact of the relatively low market liquidity for shares of our Common Stock (“Common Stock”);
•
the impact on the holders of our Common Stock if we issue additional shares of our Common Stock or preferred stock; and
•
the effect of price fluctuations in our Common Stock caused by general market and economic conditions and a variety of other factors, including factors that affect the volatility of the common stock of any of our publicly-held subsidiaries.


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Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands’ actual results or other outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein due to a variety of important factors, including, without limitation, the following:
•
the impact of Spectrum Brands’ substantial indebtedness on its business, financial condition and results of operations;
•
the impact of restrictions in Spectrum Brands’ debt instruments on its ability to operate its business, finance its capital needs or pursue or expand its business strategies;
•
any failure to comply with financial covenants and other provisions and restrictions of Spectrum Brands’ debt instruments;
•
the impact of expenses resulting from the implementation of new business strategies, divestitures or current and proposed restructuring activities;
•
Spectrum Brands’ inability to successfully integrate and operate new acquisitions at the level of financial performance anticipated;
•
the unanticipated loss of key members of Spectrum Brands’ senior management;
•
the impact of fluctuations in commodity prices, costs or availability of raw materials or terms and conditions available from suppliers, including suppliers’ willingness to advance credit;
•
interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations;
•
Spectrum Brands’ ability to utilize their net operating loss carry-forwards to offset tax liabilities from future taxable income;
•
the loss of, significant reduction in, or dependence upon, sales to any significant retail customer(s);
•
competitive promotional activity or spending by competitors or price reductions by competitors;
•
the introduction of new product features or technological developments by competitors and/or the development of new competitors or competitive brands;
•
the effects of general economic conditions, including inflation, recession or fears of a recession, depression or fears of a depression, labor costs and stock market volatility or changes in trade, monetary or fiscal policies in the countries where Spectrum Brands does business;
•
changes in consumer spending preferences and demand for Spectrum Brands’ products;
•
Spectrum Brands’ ability to develop and successfully introduce new products, protect its intellectual property and avoid infringing the intellectual property of third parties;
•
Spectrum Brands’ ability to successfully implement, achieve and sustain manufacturing and distribution cost efficiencies and improvements, and fully realize anticipated cost savings;
•
the cost and effect of unanticipated legal, tax or regulatory proceedings or new laws or regulations (including environmental, public health and consumer protection regulations);
•
public perception regarding the safety of products that Spectrum Brands manufactures and sells, including the potential for environmental liabilities, product liability claims, litigation and other claims;
•
the impact of pending or threatened litigation;
•
the impact of cyber security breaches or Spectrum Brands’ actual or perceived failure to protect company and personal data;
•
changes in accounting policies applicable to Spectrum Brands’ business;
•
government regulations;
•
the seasonal nature of sales of certain of Spectrum Brands’ products;
•
the effects of climate change and unusual weather activity; and
•
the effects of political or economic conditions, terrorist attacks, acts of war or other unrest in international markets.

FGL and Front Street
FGL’s and Front Street’s actual results or other outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein due to a variety of important factors, including, without limitation, the following:
•
the ability of FGL to successfully identify or consummate a strategic alternative for FGL;
•
the inability of FGL’s and Front Street’s subsidiaries and affiliates to generate sufficient cash to service all of their obligations;

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•
the ability of FGL’s and Front Street’s subsidiaries to pay dividends;
•
the impact of restrictions in FGL’s debt instruments on its ability to operate its business, finance its capital needs or pursue or expand its business strategies;
•
the accuracy of FGL’s and Front Street’s assumptions and estimates;
•
the accuracy of FGL’s and Front Street’s assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of their investments;
•
FGL and its insurance subsidiaries’ abilities to maintain or improve their financial strength ratings;
•
FGL’s and Front Street’s and their insurance subsidiaries’ potential need for additional capital to maintain their financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements and obligations;
•
FGL’s and Front Street’s ability to defend themselves against or respond to, potential litigation (including class action litigation), enforcement investigations or increased regulatory scrutiny;
•
FGL’s and Front Street’s ability to manage their businesses in a highly-regulated industry, which is subject to numerous legal restrictions and regulations;
•
regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services, affecting (among other things) underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products and minimum capitalization and statutory reserve requirements for insurance companies, or the ability of FGL’s and Front Street’s insurance subsidiaries to make cash distributions to FGL or Front Street, as applicable (including dividends or payments on surplus notes FGL’s subsidiaries issue to FGL);
•
the impact of the newly finalized Department of Labor “fiduciary” rule on FGL, its products, distribution and business model;
•
the impact of the anticipated implementation of principle based reserving on FGL’s ability to write certain products, manage risk and deploy capital efficiently;
•
the impact of FGL’s reinsurers failing to meet or timely meet their assumed obligations, increasing their reinsurance rates, or becoming subject to adverse developments that could materially adversely impact their ability to provide reinsurance to FGL at consistent and economical terms;
•
restrictions on FGL’s ability to use captive reinsurers;
•
the impact of interest rate fluctuations on FGL and Front Street and withdrawal demands in excess of FGL’s and Front Street’s assumptions;
•
the impact of market and credit risks;
•
equity market volatility;
•
credit market volatility or disruption;
•
changes in the federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of FGL’s products;
•
increases in FGL’s and Front Street’s valuation allowance against FGL’s and Front Street’s deferred tax assets, and restrictions on FGL’s and Front Street’s ability to fully utilize such assets;
•
the performance of third-parties, including independent distributors, underwriters, actuarial consultants and other service providers;
•
interruption or other operational failures in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, integrity, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems;
•
the continued availability of capital required for FGL’s and Front Street’s insurance subsidiaries to grow;
•
the impact on FGL’s or Front Street’s business of new accounting rules or changes to existing accounting rules;
•
the risk that FGL’s or Front Street’s exposure to unidentified or unanticipated risk is not adequately addressed by their risk management policies and procedures;
•
general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest and unemployment rate levels and stock and credit market performance;
•
FGL’s ability to protect its intellectual property;
•
difficulties arising from FGL’s and Front Street’s outsourcing relationships;
•
the impact on FGL’s and Front Street’s business of natural and of man-made catastrophes, pandemics, computer viruses, network security breaches, and malicious and terrorist acts;
•
FGL’s and Front Street’s ability to compete in a highly competitive industry;

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•
FGL’s and Front Street’s ability to maintain competitive policy expense costs;
•
adverse consequences if the independent contractor status of FGL’s independent insurance marketing organizations (“IMOs”) is successfully challenged;
•
FGL’s ability to attract and retain national marketing organizations and independent agents;
•
the potential adverse tax consequences to FGL if FGL generates passive income in excess of operating expenses;
•
the significant operating and financial restrictions contained in FGL’s debt agreements, which may prevent FGL from capitalizing on business opportunities;
•
the impact on FGL and Front Street of non-performance of loans originated by Salus; and
•
the ability to maintain or obtain approval of the Iowa Insurance Division (“IID”) and other regulatory authorities as required for FGL’s operations and those of its insurance subsidiaries.

Salus
Salus’ actual results or other outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein due to a variety of important factors, including, without limitation, the following:
•
Salus’ ability to recover amounts that are contractually owed to it and its ability to adequately address the various risks it faces in executing its business strategy;
•
Salus’ ability to orderly and efficiently wind-down its business and to address the variety of risks associated with such a process, including litigation risk, regulatory compliance and retention of employees, management, agents and advisors required for such wind-down; and
•
Salus’ ability to address a variety of other risks associated with its business, including the risk of fraud or theft, operational errors and systems malfunctions.

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Information about our risk factors is contained in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016. With the exception of the change in risk factors discussed below, we believe that at March 31, 2017, there has been no material changes to this information.
Spectrum Brands faces risks related to the impact on foreign trade agreements and relations from the current administration.
Recent changes in the United States federal government have caused uncertainty about the future of trade partnerships and treaties, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). The current administration has expressed its desire to modify NAFTA and has already taken action against the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (“TPPA”), which have the ability to impact Spectrum Brands’ business on a macro level in terms of demand for American built products, as well as affect Spectrum Brands’ ability to leverage lower cost facilities in territories outside of the U.S. The current administration has also indicated that imports from China and Mexico, as well as other countries with which the U.S. runs a trade deficit, may be subject to an import tax. Spectrum Brands sources many products for certain segments of Spectrum Brands from Mexico, China and other Asian countries. Media and political reactions in the affected countries could potentially impact the ability of Spectrum Brands’ operations in those countries. Foreign countries may impose additional burdens on U.S. companies through the use of local regulations, tariffs or other requirements which could increase Spectrum Brands’ operating costs in those foreign jurisdictions. It remains unclear what additional actions, if any, the current administration will take. If the United States were to materially modify NAFTA or other international trade agreements to which it is a party, or if tariffs were raised on the foreign-sourced goods that Spectrum Brands sells, such goods may no longer be available at a commercially attractive price, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on Spectrum Brands’ business, financial condition and results of operations.
Spectrum Brands faces risks relating to the United Kingdom’s 2016 referendum, which called for its exit from the European Union.
The announcement of the referendum regarding the United Kingdom’s (“UK”) membership in the European Union (“EU”) on June 23, 2016 (referred to as “Brexit”), advising for the exit of the UK from the EU, and subsequent notification of intention to withdraw given on March 29, 2017, has adversely impacted global markets and foreign currencies. In particular, the value of the Pound Sterling has sharply declined as compared to the US Dollar and other currencies. This volatility in foreign currencies is

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expected to continue as the UK negotiates and executes its exit from the EU, but there is uncertainty over what time period this will occur. A significantly weaker Pound Sterling compared to the US Dollar could have a significant negative effect on the Spectrum Brands’ business, financial condition and results of operations. The decrease in value to the Pound Sterling and impacts across global markets and foreign currencies may influence trends in consumer confidence and discretionary spending habits, but given the lack of precedent and uncertainty, it is unclear how the implications will affect Spectrum Brands.
The intention to withdraw begins a two-year negotiating period to establish the withdrawal terms. Even if no agreement is reached, the UK’s separation still becomes effective unless all EU members unanimously agree on an extension. Negotiations will commence to determine the future terms of the UK relationship with the EU, including, among other things, the terms of trade between the UK and the EU. The effects of Brexit will depend on many factors, including any agreements that the UK makes to retain access to EU markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit and others Spectrum Brands cannot anticipate, Transactions between the UK and the EU, as well as the UK and non-EU countries, such as the United States will be affected because the UK currently operated under the EU’s tax treaties. The UK will need to negotiate its own tax treaties with countries all over the world, which could take years to complete. While Spectrum Brands cannot anticipate the outcome of these future negotiations, effects could include uncertainty regarding tax exemptions and reliefs within the EU, as well as expected changes in tax laws or regulations which could materially and adversely affect Spectrum Brands’ business, business opportunities, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
FGL’s businesses are highly regulated and subject to numerous legal restrictions and regulations.
In April 2016, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued its “fiduciary” rule which could have a material impact on FGL, its products, distribution, and business model. The final rule treats persons who provide investment advice for a fee or other compensation with respect to assets of an employer plan or individual retirement account ("IRA") as fiduciaries of that plan or IRA. Significantly, the rule expands the definition of fiduciary to apply to persons, including insurance agents, who advise and sell products to IRA owners. As a practical matter, this means commissioned insurance agents selling FGL’s IRA products must qualify for a prohibited transaction exemption which requires the agent and financial institution to meet various conditions including that an annuity sale be in the “best interest” of the client without regard for the agent’s, financial institution’s or other party’s financial or other interests, and that any compensation paid to the agent and financial institution be reasonable. The final rule was effective June 2016 and was supposed to become applicable in April 2017. However, the rule has generated considerable controversy and the "applicability date" was delayed by the DOL for 60 days from April 10, 2017 to June 9, 2017. DOL also acted to delay certain aspects of the prohibited transaction exemption requirements during a transition period through January 1, 2018. Industry efforts to block implementation of the rule continue both in Congress and in court actions. The success or failure of these efforts cannot be predicted. Assuming the rule is not blocked, the precise impact of the rule on the financial services industry more generally, and the impact on FGL and its business in particular, is difficult to assess. FGL believes however it could have an adverse effect on sales of annuity products to IRA owners particularly in the independent agent distribution channel. A significant portion of FGL’s annuity sales are to IRAs. Compliance with the prohibited transaction exemptions when fully phased in would likely require additional supervision of agents, cause changes to compensation practices and product offerings, and increase litigation risk, all of which could adversely impact FGL’s business, results of operations and/or financial condition. Regardless of the outcome of the court and political challenges, FGL believes that it is prepared to execute on its implementation plans on the revised applicability date.
On April 17, 2017, FGL announced that they were evaluating strategic alternatives for FGL, however, there can be no assurance that such process will be successful in identifying or consummating a strategic alternative. In addition, the evaluation of strategic alternatives could adversely affect FGL’s business and operations.
On April 17, 2017, FGL terminated the Agreement and Plan of Merger and announced that FGL’s Board of Directors was continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and had received interest from a number of parties. There can be no assurance that FGL’s evaluation of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction, or that any transaction, if pursued, will be consummated. FGL’s evaluation of strategic alternatives may be terminated at any time with or without notice. FGL does not intend to disclose developments with respect to this process until such time that it determines otherwise in its sole discretion or as required by applicable law.
In addition, the evaluation of strategic alternatives could cause disruptions to FGL’s business and business relationships, which could have an adverse impact on FGL’s results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. For example, FGL may refrain from taking certain actions during the pendency of the review process, the attention of FGL’s management may be re-directed to the strategic review process and related matters and away from the business of FGL, and FGL’s current and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with FGL. Any or all such matters may adversely affect FGL’s ability to retain and hire key personnel, and parties with which FGL has business relationships, including customers, potential customers and distributors.

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Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, HRG did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
On May 29, 2014, the HRG’s Board of Directors authorized a program to purchase up to $100.0 million of HRG’s shares of common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we did not repurchase any of our common stock. At March 31, 2017, there were $12.3 million of shares that may yet be repurchased under the plans of the program authorized by HRG’s Board of Directors.

Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information
None.

Item 6.     Exhibits
Exhibit No. 
 
Description of Exhibits
10.1
 
Retention Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2017, by and between HRG Group, Inc. and George C. Nicholson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 24, 2017 (File No. 1-4219)).
10.2*
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2012, by and between HRG Group, Inc. and Ehsan Zargar.
10.3*
 
Retention and Severance Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2017, by and between HRG Group, Inc. and Ehsan Zargar.
31.1*
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
*
Filed herewith
**
Furnished herewith

63
Table of Contents

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.
 
 
 
 
HRG GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
May 5, 2017
By:
/s/ George C. Nicholson
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(on behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Financial Officer)
 


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