American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
A maker of fixed index and fixed rate annuities, this Iowa-based company sells retirement income products that let savers grow money tied to market indexes while protecting against downturns. It was founded in 1995 by veteran insurer David Noble, who retired and returned to the business just three days later to build a company around what he called "sleep insurance" — annuities built on guarantees and long-term stability.