Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549


FORM 10-K10-K/A

 

(Amendment No. 1)

x  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

or

o  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 001-31901

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

TENNESSEE

 

63-0169720

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

2801 HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code  (205) 268-1000

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

6.750% Callable InterNotes® due 2033 of Protective Life Secured Trust 2008-20

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

 

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

 

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

 

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated Filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Smaller Reporting Company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No x

Aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2013:  None

 

Number of shares of Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value, outstanding as of  March 12, 2014:  5,000,000

 

REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(1)(a) and (b) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-K WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT WHERE NOTED HEREIN.

 

 

 



EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 to the Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 is being filed for the purpose of including the signatures of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in Part II, Item 8, The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and in Part IV, Item 15, Exhibit 23, Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, which were inadvertently omitted from the original filing.  For convenience, the entire Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, is being re-filed.  Any reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 shall refer to this amended Annual Report.

No other revisions or amendments have been made to the Annual Report. This Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report does not otherwise update information in the Annual Report to reflect facts or events occurring subsequent to the original filing of the Annual Report.

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PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

PART I

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results

15

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

35

Item 2.

Properties

35

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

36

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosure - Not Applicable

36

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

37

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

38

Item 7.

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

39

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

116

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

116

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

208

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

208

Item 9B.

Other Information

209

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

Part III - Disclosure

210

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

212

 

Signatures

216

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

Item 1.   Business

 

Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1907. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PL). The Company provides financial services primarily in the United States through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries.

 

The Company operates several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. The Company’s operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products, and Asset Protection. The Company has an additional segment referred to as Corporate and Other which consists of net investment income not assigned to the segments above (including the impact of carrying liquidity) and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment also includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various investment-related transactions, the operations of several small subsidiaries, and the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. The Company periodically evaluates operating segments, as prescribed in the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Segment Reporting Topic, and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed.

 

Additional information concerning the Company’s operating segments may be found in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 24, Operating Segments to consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

In the following paragraphs, the Company reports sales and other statistical information. These statistics are used to measure the relative progress of its marketing and acquisition efforts, but may or may not have an immediate impact on reported segment operating income. Sales data for traditional life insurance is based on annualized premiums, while universal life sales are based on annualized planned premiums, or “target” premiums if lesser, plus 6% of amounts received in excess of target premiums and 10% of single premiums. “Target” premiums for universal life are those premiums upon which full first year commissions are paid. Sales of annuities are measured based on the amount of purchase payments received less surrenders occurring within twelve months of the purchase payments. Stable value contract sales are measured at the time that the funding commitment is made based on the amount of purchase payments to be received. Sales within the Asset Protection segment are based on the amount of single premiums and fees received.

 

These statistics are derived from various sales tracking and administrative systems and are not derived from the Company’s financial reporting systems or financial statements. These statistics attempt to measure only some of the many factors that may affect future profitability, and therefore, are not intended to be predictive of future profitability.

 

Life Marketing

 

The Life Marketing segment markets universal life (“UL”), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis, primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, stockbrokers, and independent marketing organizations.

 

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The following table presents the Life Marketing segment’s sales measured by new premium:

 

For The

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Sales

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2009

 

$

163

 

2010

 

171

 

2011

 

133

 

2012

 

121

 

2013

 

155

 

 

Acquisitions

 

The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies from other insurance companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. The Company expects acquisition opportunities to continue to be available; however, the Company believes it may face increased competition and evolving capital requirements that may affect the environment and the form of future acquisitions.

 

Most acquisitions completed by the Acquisitions segment have not included the acquisition of an active sales force, thus policies acquired through the segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage, unless new acquisitions are made. The segment’s revenues and earnings may fluctuate from year to year depending upon the level of acquisition activity. In transactions where some marketing activity was included, the Company may cease future marketing efforts, redirect those efforts to another segment of the Company, or elect to continue marketing new policies as a component of other segments.

 

The Company believes that its focused and disciplined approach to the acquisition process and its experience in the assimilation, conservation, and servicing of acquired policies provide a significant competitive advantage.

 

On occasion, the Company’s other operating segments have acquired companies and/or blocks of policies. The results of these acquisitions are included in the respective segment’s financials.

 

On October 1, 2013 the Company completed the acquisition contemplated by the master agreement (the “Master Agreement”) dated April 10, 2013, by and among the Company, AXA Financial, Inc. (“AXA”) and AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC (“AEFS”). Pursuant to the Master Agreement, the Company acquired the stock of MONY Life Insurance Company (���(“MONY”) from AEFS and entered into a reinsurance agreement (the “Reinsurance Agreement”) pursuant to which it reinsured on a 100% indemnity reinsurance basis certain business (the “MLOA Business”) of MONY Life Insurance Company of America (“MLOA”). The aggregate purchase price of MONY was $686 million. The ceding commission for the reinsurance of the MLOA Business was $370 million. Together, the purchase of MONY and reinsurance of the MLOA Business are referred to herein as the “MONY acquisition”. The MONY acquisition allowed the Company to invest its capital and increase the scale of its Acquisitions segment. The MONY acquisition business is comprised of traditional and universal life insurance policies and fixed and variable annuities, most of which were written prior to 2004. See Note 3, Significant Acquisitions for additional information.

 

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Annuities

 

The Annuities segment markets fixed and variable annuity (“VA”) products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.

 

The Company’s fixed annuities include modified guaranteed annuities which guarantee an interest rate for a fixed period. Contract values for these annuities are “market-value adjusted” upon surrender prior to maturity. In certain interest rate environments, these products afford the Company with a measure of protection from the effects of changes in interest rates. The Company’s fixed annuities also include single premium deferred annuities, single premium immediate annuities, and indexed annuities. The Company’s variable annuities offer the policyholder the opportunity to invest in various investment accounts and offer optional features that guarantee the death and withdrawal benefits of the underlying annuity.

 

The demand for annuity products is related to the general level of interest rates, performance of the equity markets, and perceived risk of insurance companies. The following table presents fixed and VA sales:

 

For The

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Fixed

 

Variable

 

Total

 

December 31,

 

Annuities

 

Annuities

 

Annuities

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2009

 

$

1,225

 

796

 

2,021

 

2010

 

930

 

1,715

 

2,645

 

2011

 

1,032

 

2,349

 

3,381

 

2012

 

592

 

2,735

 

3,327

 

2013

 

693

 

1,867

 

2,560

 

 

Stable Value Products

 

The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. GICs are contracts which specify a return on funds for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan. The demand for GICs is related to the relative attractiveness of the “fixed rate” investment option in a 401(k) plan compared to the equity-based investment options available to plan participants.  Additionally, the Company has contracts outstanding pursuant to a funding agreement-backed notes program registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which offers notes to both institutional and retail investors.

 

The segment’s products complement the Company’s overall asset/liability management in that the terms may be tailored to the needs of the Company as the seller of the contracts. The Company’s emphasis is on a consistent and disciplined approach to product pricing and asset/liability management, careful underwriting of early withdrawal risks, and maintaining low distribution and administration costs.  Most GICs and funding agreements written by the Company have maturities of one to ten years.

 

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The following table presents Stable Value Products sales:

 

For The

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

Funding

 

 

 

December 31,

 

GICs

 

Agreements

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2009

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

2010

 

133

 

625

 

758

 

2011

 

499

 

300

 

799

 

2012

 

400

 

222

 

622

 

2013

 

495

 

 

495

 

 

Asset Protection

 

The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and recreational vehicles (“RV”). In addition, the segment markets a guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) product. GAP coverage covers the difference between the loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss. The segment’s products are primarily marketed through a national network of approximately 8,000 automobile and RV dealers. A network of direct employee sales representatives and general agents distribute these products to the dealer market.

 

The following table presents the insurance and related product sales measured by new revenue:

 

For The

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Sales

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2009

 

$

294

 

2010

 

326

 

2011

 

395

 

2012

 

427

 

2013

 

444

 

 

In 2013, approximately 98% of the segment’s sales were through the automobile and RV dealer distribution channel and approximately 77% of the segment’s sales were extended service contracts. A portion of the sales and resulting premiums are reinsured with producer-affiliated reinsurers.

 

Corporate and Other

 

The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income not assigned to the segments above (including the impact of carrying liquidity) and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various investment-related transactions, the operations of several small subsidiaries, and the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. The earnings of this segment may fluctuate from year to year.

 

Investments

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s investment portfolio was approximately $43.6 billion. The types of assets in which the Company may invest are influenced by various state insurance laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, the Company invests in assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity and capital needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure. For further information regarding the Company’s investments, the maturity of and the concentration of risk among the Company’s invested assets, derivative financial instruments, and liquidity, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 5, Investment

 

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Operations, Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments to consolidated financial statements, and Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following table presents the investment results from continuing operations of the Company:

 

 

 

Cash, Accrued

 

 

 

Percentage

 

Realized Investment

 

 

 

Investment

 

 

 

Earned on

 

Gains (Losses)

 

For The

 

Income, and

 

Net

 

Average of

 

Derivative

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Investments as of

 

Investment

 

Cash and

 

Financial

 

All Other

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

Income

 

Investments

 

Instruments

 

Investments

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2009

 

$

29,402,055

 

$

1,603,063

 

5.7

%

$

(176,880

)

$

123,818

 

2010

 

31,837,082

 

1,624,845

 

5.2

 

(144,438

)

117,056

 

2011

 

35,375,823

 

1,753,444

 

5.1

 

(155,005

)

200,432

 

2012

 

37,480,220

 

1,789,338

 

4.8

 

(227,816

)

174,692

 

2013

 

44,449,102

 

1,836,188

 

4.8

 

82,161

 

(143,984

)

 

Mortgage Loans

 

The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s mortgage loan holdings were approximately $5.5 billion. The Company has specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers and apartments. The Company’s underwriting procedures relative to its commercial loan portfolio are based, in the Company’s view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. The Company concentrates on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, professional office buildings, and warehouses). The Company believes these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which the Company has chosen not to participate. The Company believes this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout its history. The majority of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio was underwritten and funded by the Company. From time to time, the Company may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition. During 2013, the Company acquired previously funded mortgage loans as part of the MONY acquisition with a fair value of $823.3 million as of the acquisition date. For more information regarding the Company’s investment in mortgage loans, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 6, Mortgage Loans to the consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

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Ratings

 

Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. These ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in an insurer’s products, its ability to market its products and its competitive position. The following table summarizes the financial strength ratings of the Company and its significant member companies from the major independent rating organizations as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard &

 

 

 

Ratings

 

A.M. Best

 

Fitch

 

Poor’s

 

Moody’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance company financial strength rating:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protective Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

A2

 

West Coast Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

A2

 

Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

 

Lyndon Property Insurance Company

 

A-

 

 

 

 

MONY Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

A+

 

A2

 

 

The Company’s ratings are subject to review and change by the rating organizations at any time and without notice. Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating organization, general economic conditions, and circumstances outside the rated company’s control. In addition, rating organizations use various models and formulas to assess the strength of a rated company, and from time to time rating organizations have, in their discretion, altered the models. Changes to the models could impact the rating organizations’ judgment of the rating to be assigned to the rated company.

 

Life Insurance In-Force

 

The following table presents life insurance sales by face amount and life insurance in-force:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

New Business Written

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

39,107,963

 

$

20,488,483

 

$

19,357,654

 

$

30,626,739

 

$

50,621,394

 

Asset Protection

 

1,040,593

 

1,013,484

 

1,093,770

 

1,191,268

 

1,376,012

 

Total

 

$

40,148,556

 

$

21,501,967

 

$

20,451,424

 

$

31,818,007

 

$

51,997,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business Acquired through Acquisitions

 

$

44,812,977

 

$

 

$

16,233,361

 

$

13,185,627

 

$

 

Insurance In-Force at End of Year (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

535,747,678

 

$

521,829,874

 

$

541,899,176

 

$

552,590,776

 

$

553,799,195

 

Acquisitions

 

235,552,325

 

212,812,930

 

217,216,920

 

217,101,363

 

218,271,519

 

Asset Protection

 

2,149,324

 

2,243,597

 

2,367,047

 

2,625,886

 

3,019,142

 

Total

 

$

773,449,327

 

$

736,886,401

 

$

761,483,143

 

$

772,318,025

 

$

775,089,856

 

 


(1)             Reinsurance assumed has been included, reinsurance ceded (2013 - $416,809,287; 2012 - $444,950,866; 2011 - $469,530,487; 2010 - $495,056,077; 2009 - $515,136,471) has not been deducted.

 

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The ratio of voluntary terminations of individual life insurance to mean individual life insurance in-force, which is determined by dividing the amount of insurance terminated due to lapses during the year by the mean of the insurance in-force at the beginning and end of the year, adjusted for the timing of major acquisitions is as follows:

 

 

 

Ratio of

 

As of

 

Voluntary

 

December 31,

 

Termination

 

2009

 

4.9

%

2010

 

4.8

 

2011

 

5.0

 

2012

 

5.0

 

2013

 

5.1

 

 

Investment Products In-Force

 

The amount of investment products in-force is measured by account balances. The following table includes the stable value products and fixed and variable annuity account balances. A majority of the VA account balances are reported in the Company’s financial statements as liabilities related to separate accounts.

 

 

 

Stable

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

Value

 

Fixed

 

Variable

 

December 31,

 

Products

 

Annuities

 

Annuities

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2009

 

$

3,581,150

 

$

9,619,307

 

$

3,240,190

 

2010

 

3,076,233

 

10,139,687

 

5,622,111

 

2011

 

2,769,510

 

10,436,281

 

7,252,526

 

2012

 

2,510,559

 

10,107,365

 

10,152,515

 

2013

 

2,559,552

 

10,832,956

 

13,083,735

 

 

Underwriting

 

The underwriting policies of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are established by management. With respect to individual insurance, the Company and its subsidiaries use information from the application and, in some cases, inspection reports, attending physician statements, and/or medical examinations to determine whether a policy should be issued as applied for, other than applied for, or rejected. Medical examinations of applicants are required for individual life insurance in excess of certain prescribed amounts (which vary based on the type of insurance) and for most individual insurance applied for by applicants over age 50. In the case of “simplified issue” policies, which are issued primarily through the Asset Protection segment, coverage is rejected if the responses to certain health questions contained in the application indicate adverse health of the applicant. For other than “simplified issue” policies, medical examinations are requested of any applicant, regardless of age and amount of requested coverage, if an examination is deemed necessary to underwrite the risk. Substandard risks may be referred to reinsurers for evaluation.

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries generally require blood samples to be drawn with individual insurance applications above certain face amounts based on the applicant’s age, except in the worksite and BOLI markets where limited blood testing is required. Blood samples are tested for a wide range of chemical values and are screened for antibodies to certain viruses. Applications also contain questions permitted by law regarding certain viruses which must be answered by the proposed insureds.

 

The Company utilizes an advanced underwriting system, TeleLife®, for certain segments of its life business. TeleLife® streamlines the application process through a telephonic interview of the applicant, schedules medical exams, accelerates the underwriting process and the ultimate issuance of a policy mostly through electronic means, and reduces the number of attending physician statements.

 

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The Company’s maximum retention limit on directly issued business is $2,000,000 for any one life on certain of its traditional life and universal life products.

 

Reinsurance Ceded

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries cede life insurance to other insurance companies. The ceding insurance company remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed by it.  The Company has also reinsured guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) claims relative to certain of its VA contracts.

 

For approximately 10 years prior to mid-2005, the Company entered into reinsurance contracts in which the Company ceded a significant percentage, approximately 90%, of its newly written traditional life insurance business on a first dollar quota share basis under coinsurance contracts. In mid-2005, the Company substantially discontinued coinsuring its newly written traditional life insurance and moved to yearly renewable term (“YRT”) reinsurance. The amount of insurance retained by the Company on any one life on traditional life insurance was $500,000 in years prior to mid-2005. In 2005, this retention was increased to amounts up to $1,000,000 for certain policies, and during 2008, was increased to $2,000,000 for certain policies.

 

For approximately 15 years prior to 2012, the Company reinsured 90% of the mortality risk on the majority of its newly written universal life insurance on a YRT basis. During 2012, the Company moved to reinsure only amounts in excess of its $2,000,000 retention for the majority of its newly written universal life insurance.

 

Policy Liabilities and Accruals

 

The applicable insurance laws under which the Company and its insurance subsidiaries operate require that each insurance company report policy liabilities to meet future obligations on the outstanding policies. These liabilities are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated in accordance with applicable law to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. These laws specify that the liabilities shall not be less than liabilities calculated using certain named mortality tables and interest rates.

 

The policy liabilities and accruals carried in the Company’s financial reports presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) differ from those specified by the laws of the various states and carried in the insurance subsidiaries’ statutory financial statements (presented on the basis of statutory accounting principles mandated by state insurance regulations). For policy liabilities other than those for universal life policies, annuity contracts, GICs, and funding agreements, these differences arise from the use of mortality and morbidity tables and interest rate assumptions which are deemed to be more appropriate for financial reporting purposes than those required for statutory accounting purposes, from the introduction of lapse assumptions into the calculation, and from the use of the net level premium method on all business. Policy liabilities for universal life policies, annuity contracts, GICs, and funding agreements are generally carried in the Company’s financial reports at the account value of the policy or contract plus accrued interest.

 

Federal Taxes

 

Existing laws and regulations affect the taxation of the Company’s products. Income taxes that would otherwise be payable by policyholders on investment income that is earned inside certain types of insurance and annuity policies are deferred during these products’ accumulation period. This favorable tax treatment gives certain of the Company’s products a competitive advantage over non-insurance products. If the individual income tax is revised such that there is an elimination or scale-back of the tax-deferred status of these insurance products, or competing non-insurance products are granted a tax-deferred status, then the relative attractiveness of the Company’s products may be reduced or eliminated.

 

Life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations. Since 2001, the estate tax has changed significantly. From 2000 to 2009, its highest marginal rate graded down from 55 percent to 45 percent, and there were significant changes in its key provisions. In 2010, the estate tax was completely eliminated. It was reinstated in 2011, but at lower rates and significantly-changed terms from what existed prior to 2001. In early 2013, The American Tax

 

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Relief Act of 2012 was enacted.  It provides that an estate is taxable only if its net value exceeds $5 million. This $5 million floor is indexed for inflation and any unused portion may be transferable. The highest marginal tax rate is 40 percent. Although it is subject to change (as is any existing law) by its terms this new estate tax does not have a schedule of changing rates, significantly-changing terms, or a sunset date. Nevertheless, if this tax is significantly reduced or eliminated again in the future, the demand for certain life insurance products could be adversely affected.

 

The Company is subject to the corporate income tax. It currently benefits from certain special tax benefits, such as deductions relating to its variable products’ separate accounts and its future policy benefits and claims. Due to a number of factors, such as the current large government budget deficits and the resulting proposals to reduce these deficits, tax legislation could be enacted that would cause the Company to lose some or all of these deductions and therefore incur additional income tax expense.

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are taxed in a manner similar to other companies in its industry. Certain restrictions apply to the consolidation of recently-acquired life insurance companies into the Company’s consolidated income tax return. Additionally, restrictions on the amount of life insurance income that can be offset by non-life-insurance losses can cause the Company’s income tax expense to increase.

 

There is general uncertainty regarding the taxes to which the Company and its products will be subject to in the future. The Company cannot predict what changes to tax law will occur.

 

The Company’s move away from reliance on reinsurance for newly written traditional life products results in a net reduction of current taxes, but an increase in deferred taxes. The Company allocates the benefits of reduced current taxes to the Life Marketing and Acquisition segments. The profitability and competitive position of certain products is dependent on the continuation of existing tax rules and interpretations as well as the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income.

 

Competition

 

Life and health insurance is a mature and highly competitive industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced a decline in life insurance sales, though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement savings products. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources than the Company and which may have a greater market share, offer a broader range of products, services or features, assume a greater level of risk, have lower operating or financing costs, or have lower profitability expectations. The Company also faces competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products.

 

The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distributors to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of adequate ratings from rating agencies.

 

As technology evolves, comparison of a particular product of any company for a particular customer with competing products for that customer is more readily available, which could lead to increased competition as well as agent or customer behavior, including persistency, which differs from past behavior.

 

Risk Management

 

Risk management is a critical part of the Company’s business, and the Company has adopted risk management processes in multiple aspects of its operations, including product development and management, business acquisitions, underwriting, investment management, asset-liability management, and technology development projects. The Company’s risk management office, under the direction of the Chief Risk Officer, along with other departments, management groups and committees, have responsibilities for managing different risks throughout the Company. Risk management includes the assessment of risk, a decision process to determine which risks are acceptable and the ongoing monitoring and management of identified risks. The primary objective of these risk management processes is to determine the acceptable level of variations the Company experiences from its expected results and to implement strategies designed to limit such variations to these levels.

 

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Regulation

 

The Company is subject to government regulation in each of the states in which it conducts business. In many instances, the regulatory models emanate from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative and in some instances discretionary power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include, among other things, premium rates and increases thereto, underwriting practices, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, acquisitions, mergers, capital adequacy, claims practices and the remittance of unclaimed property. In addition, some state insurance departments may enact rules or regulations with extra-territorial application, effectively extending their jurisdiction to areas such as permitted insurance company investments that are normally the province of an insurance company’s domiciliary state regulator.

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to file periodic reports with the regulatory agencies in each of the jurisdictions in which they do business, and their business and accounts are subject to examination by such agencies at any time. Under the rules of the NAIC, insurance companies are examined periodically (generally every three to five years) by one or more of the regulatory agencies on behalf of the states in which they do business. At any given time, a number of financial and/or market conduct examinations of the Company and its subsidiaries may be ongoing. From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits for the Company and its subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on the Company. To date, no such insurance department examinations have produced any significant adverse findings regarding any of the Company or its insurance company subsidiaries.

 

Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. Although the Company cannot predict the amount of any future assessments, most insurance guaranty fund laws currently provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s own financial strength.

 

In addition, many states, including the states in which the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, have enacted legislation or adopted regulations regarding insurance holding company systems. These laws require registration of and periodic reporting by insurance companies domiciled within the jurisdiction which control or are controlled by other corporations or persons so as to constitute an insurance holding company system. These laws also affect the acquisition of control of insurance companies as well as transactions between insurance companies and companies controlling them. Most states, including Tennessee, where the Company is domiciled, require administrative approval of the acquisition of control of an insurance company domiciled in the state or the acquisition of control of an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiary is incorporated in the state. In Tennessee, the acquisition of 10% of the voting securities of an entity is deemed to be the acquisition of control for the purpose of the insurance holding company statute and requires not only the filing of detailed information concerning the acquiring parties and the plan of acquisition, but also administrative approval prior to the acquisition. Recently, new holding company legislation has been adopted in certain states where the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, which subjects such companies to increased reporting requirements. Holding company legislation has been proposed in additional states, which, if adopted, will subject any domiciled subsidiaries to additional reporting requirements.

 

The states in which the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled also impose certain restrictions on their ability to pay dividends. These restrictions are based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and surplus. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid without prior approval. Dividends in larger amounts are subject to approval by the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries in 2014 is estimated to be $117.8 million. No assurance can be given that more stringent restrictions will not be adopted from time to time by states in which the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled; such restrictions could have the effect, under certain circumstances, of significantly reducing dividends or other amounts payable to the Company by such subsidiaries without affirmative prior approval by state regulatory authorities.

 

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State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer and may lead to additional expense for the insurer. The NAIC may also be influenced by the initiatives or regulatory structures or schemes of international regulatory bodies, and those initiatives or regulatory structures or schemes may not translate readily into the regulatory structures or schemes or the legal system (including the interpretation or application of standards by juries), under which U.S. insurers must operate. Changes in laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, as well as initiatives or regulatory structures or schemes of international regulatory bodies, applicable to the Company could have a significant adverse impact on the Company.  Some NAIC pronouncements, particularly as they affect accounting issues, take effect automatically in the various states without affirmative action by the states. Also, regulatory actions with prospective impact can potentially have a significant adverse impact on currently sold products.

 

At the federal level, bills are routinely introduced in both chambers of the United States Congress which could affect life insurers. In the past, Congress has considered legislation that would impact insurance companies in numerous ways, such as providing for an optional federal charter or a federal presence for insurance, pre-empting state law in certain respects to the regulation of reinsurance, increasing federal oversight in areas such as consumer protection and solvency regulation, and other matters. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form legislation will be enacted and, if so, the impact of such legislation on the Company.

 

The Company is also subject to various conditions and requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the “Healthcare Act”). The Healthcare Act makes significant changes to the regulation of health insurance and may affect the Company in various ways. The Healthcare Act may affect the small blocks of business the Company has offered or acquired over the years that are, or are deemed to be, health insurance. The Healthcare Act may also affect the benefit plans the Company sponsors for employees or retirees and their dependents, the Company’s expense to provide such benefits, the tax liabilities of the Company in connection with the provision of such benefits, and the Company’s ability to attract or retain employees. In addition, the Company may be subject to regulations, guidance or determinations emanating from the various regulatory authorities authorized under the Healthcare Act. The Healthcare Act, or any regulatory pronouncement made thereunder, could have a significant impact on the Company.

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) makes sweeping changes to the regulation of financial services entities, products and markets. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank are or may become applicable to the Company, its competitors or those entities with which the Company does business. Such provisions include, but are not limited to, the following:  the establishment of consolidated federal regulation and resolution authority over systemically important financial services firms, the establishment of the Federal Insurance Office, changes to the regulation and standards applicable to broker dealers and investment advisors, changes to the regulation of reinsurance, changes to regulations affecting the rights of shareholders, the imposition of additional regulation over credit rating agencies, and the imposition of concentration limits on financial institutions that restrict the amount of credit that may be extended to a single person or entity.

 

Dodd-Frank also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, other than investment products already regulated by the SEC or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sell products that may be regulated by the CFPB. In addition, Dodd-Frank includes a new framework of regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets which requires clearing of certain types of transactions which have been or are currently traded OTC by the Company. The Company uses derivatives to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its business, including those arising from its VA products with guaranteed benefit features. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could continue to have an impact on the Company.

 

Numerous provisions of Dodd-Frank require the adoption of implementing rules and/or regulations. The process of adopting such implementing rules and/or regulations has been delayed beyond the timeframes imposed by Dodd-Frank. Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the full impact of the regulations on the Company will remain unclear. In addition, Dodd-Frank mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislation or regulation applicable to the insurance industry, the Company, its competitors or the

 

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entities with which the Company does business. Legislative or regulatory requirements imposed by or promulgated in connection with Dodd-Frank may have a significant impact on the Company.

 

The Company may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans and individual investors that are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). The Department of Labor is currently in the process of re-proposing a rule that would change the circumstances under which one who works with employee benefit plans and Individual Retirement Accounts would be considered a fiduciary under ERISA. Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA and the Company cannot predict the impact that the Department of Labor’s re-proposed rule may have on its operations.

 

Certain equity and debt securities, policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) examine or investigate the activities of broker dealers and investment advisors, including the Company’s affiliated broker dealers and investment advisors. These examinations often focus on the activities of the registered representatives and registered investment advisors doing business through such entities.

 

Other types of regulation that could affect the Company and its subsidiaries include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting practices, anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, insurable interest laws, federal anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, employment and immigration laws and because the Company owns and operates real property, state, federal, and local environmental laws.

 

Additional issues related to regulation of the Company are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results and in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included herein.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2013, PLC and the Company had approximately 2,415 employees, of which 2,402 were full-time and 13 were part-time employees. Included in the total were approximately 1,388 employees in Birmingham, Alabama, of which 1,381 were full-time and 7 were part-time employees. The Company believes its relations with its employees are satisfactory. Most employees are covered by contributory major medical, dental, vision, group life, and long-term disability insurance plans. The cost of these benefits to the Company in 2013 was approximately $14.1 million. In addition, substantially all of the employees may participate in a defined benefit pension plan and 401(k) Plan. The Company matches employee contributions to its 401(k) Plan. See Note 14, Stock-Based Compensation and Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

Available Information

 

The Company files reports with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other reports as required. The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company is an electronic filer and the SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically by the Company.

 

The Company makes available free of charge through its website, www.protective.com, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 

The Company also has available copies of PLC’s Proxy Statement and the 2013 Annual Report to Shareowners which will be furnished to anyone who requests such documents from PLC. Requests for copies should be

 

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directed to: Shareowner Relations, Protective Life Corporation, P. O. Box 2606, Birmingham, Alabama 35202, Telephone (205) 268-3573, Fax (205) 268-5547.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct, which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Code of Business Conduct incorporates a code of ethics that applies to the principal executive officer and all financial officers (including the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer) of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website, www.protective.com.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results

 

The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company’s future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and known trends and uncertainties which are discussed more fully below.

 

The Company is exposed to the risks of natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, pandemics, malicious acts, terrorist acts and climate change, which could adversely affect the Company’s operations and results.

 

While the Company has obtained insurance, implemented risk management and contingency plans, and taken preventive measures and other precautions, no predictions of specific scenarios can be made nor can assurance be given that there are not scenarios that could have an adverse effect on the Company. A natural or man-made disaster or catastrophe, including a severe weather or geological event such as a storm, tornado, fire, flood, or earthquake, pandemic, malicious act, terrorist act, or the occurrence of climate change, could cause the Company’s workforce to be unable to engage in operations at one or more of its facilities or result in short or long-term interruptions in the Company’s business operations, any of which could be material to the Company’s operating results for a particular period. In addition, such events could adversely affect the mortality, morbidity, or other experience of the Company or its reinsurers and have a significant negative impact on the Company. In addition, claims arising from the occurrence of such events or conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Such events or conditions could also have an adverse effect on lapses and surrenders of existing policies, as well as sales of new policies. The Company’s risk management efforts and other precautionary plans and activities may not adequately predict the impact on the Company from such events.

 

In addition, such events or conditions could result in a decrease or halt in economic activity in large geographic areas, adversely affecting the marketing or administration of the Company’s business within such geographic areas and/or the general economic climate, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company. Such events or conditions could also result in additional regulation or restrictions on the Company in the conduct of its business. The possible macroeconomic effects of such events or conditions could also adversely affect the Company’s asset portfolio, as well as many other aspects of the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

A disruption affecting the electronic systems of the Company or those on whom the Company relies could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In conducting its business, the Company relies extensively on various electronic systems, including computer systems, networks, data processing and administrative systems, and communication systems. The Company’s business partners, counter parties, service providers and distributors also rely on such systems, as do securities exchanges and financial markets that are important to the Company’s ability to conduct its business. These systems could be disrupted, damaged or destroyed by intentional or unintentional acts or events such as cyber-attacks, viruses, sabotage, acts of war or terrorism, human error, system failures, failures of power or water supply, and the loss or malfunction of other utilities or services. They may also be disrupted, damaged or destroyed by natural events such as storms, tornadoes, fires, floods or earthquakes.   While the Company and others on whom it depends try to identify threats and implement measures to protect their systems, such protective measures may not be sufficient. Disruption, damage or destruction of any of these systems could cause the Company or others on whom the Company relies to be unable to conduct business for an extended period of time, which could materially adversely impact the Company’s business and its financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Confidential information maintained in the Company’s systems could be compromised or misappropriated, damaging the Company’s business and reputation and adversely affecting its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In the course of conducting its business, the Company retains confidential information, including information about its customers and proprietary business information. The Company retains confidential information in various electronic systems, including computer systems, data processing and administrative systems, and communication systems. The Company maintains physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect the information and it relies on commercial technologies to maintain the security of its systems and to maintain the security of its transmission of such information to other parties, including its business partners, counter parties and service providers. An intentional or unintentional breach or compromise of the Company’s security measures could result in the disclosure, misappropriation, misuse, alteration or destruction of the confidential information retained by the Company, which could damage the Company’s business and reputation, and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations by, among other things, causing harm to the Company’s customers, deterring customers and others from doing business with the Company, subjecting the Company to significant regulatory, civil, and criminal liability, and requiring the Company to incur significant legal and other expenses. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Although to date the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches at the Company or its counterparties, there can be no assurance that the Company will not suffer such losses in the future.

 

The Company’s results and financial condition may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management’s assumptions and estimates.

 

In the conduct of business, the Company makes certain assumptions regarding mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, interest rates, equity market volatility, tax liability, business mix, frequency and severity of claims, contingent liabilities, investment performance, and other factors appropriate to the type of business it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are also used to estimate the amounts of deferred policy acquisition costs, policy liabilities and accruals, future earnings, and various components of the Company’s balance sheet. These assumptions are used in the operation of the Company’s business in making decisions crucial to the success of the Company, including the pricing of products and expense structures relating to products. The Company’s actual experience, as well as changes in estimates, is used to prepare the Company’s financial statements. To the extent the Company’s actual experience and changes in estimates differ from original estimates, the Company’s financial condition may be affected.

 

Mortality, morbidity, and casualty expectations incorporate assumptions about many factors, including for example, how a product is distributed, for what purpose the product is purchased, the mix of customers purchasing the products, persistency and lapses, future progress in the fields of health and medicine, and the projected level of used vehicle values. Actual mortality, morbidity, and/or casualty experience may differ from expectations. In addition, continued activity in the viatical, stranger-owned, and/or life settlement industry could cause the Company’s level of lapses to differ from its assumptions about persistency and lapses, which could negatively impact the Company’s performance.

 

The calculations the Company uses to estimate various components of its balance sheet and statements of income are necessarily complex and involve analyzing and interpreting large quantities of data. The Company currently employs various techniques for such calculations. From time to time it develops and implements more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures capable of facilitating the calculation of more precise estimates.

 

Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revisions over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.

 

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The Company may not realize its anticipated financial results from its acquisitions strategy.

 

The Company’s acquisitions of companies and acquisitions or coinsurance of blocks of insurance business have increased its earnings in part by allowing the Company to position itself to realize certain operating efficiencies. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will have future suitable opportunities for, or sufficient capital available to fund, such transactions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will realize the anticipated financial results from such transactions.

 

The Company may be unable to complete an acquisition transaction. Completion of an acquisition transaction may be more costly or take longer than expected, or may have a different or more costly financing structure than initially contemplated. In addition, the Company may not be able to complete or manage multiple acquisition transactions at the same time, or the completion of such transactions may be delayed or be more costly than initially contemplated. The Company or other parties to the transaction may be unable to obtain regulatory approvals required to complete an acquisition transaction. There may also be unforeseen liabilities that arise in connection with businesses or blocks of insurance business that the Company acquires.

 

Additionally, in connection with its acquisition transactions that involve reinsurance, the Company assumes, or otherwise becomes responsible for, the obligations of policies and other liabilities of other insurers. Any regulatory, legal, financial, or other adverse development affecting the other insurer could also have an adverse effect on the Company.

 

The Company may not be able to achieve the expected results from its recent acquisition.

 

On October 1, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) and reinsured certain business of MONY Life Insurance Company of America (collectively, the “MONY acquisition”).  Integration of the MONY acquisition may be more expensive, more difficult, or take longer than expected; the actual financial results of the MONY acquisition could differ materially from the Company’s expectations and may be impacted by items not taken into account in its forecasts and calculations; and the Company’s expectations regarding its ability to successfully integrate and transition the acquired operations and satisfy its legal and compliance obligations in relation to the MONY acquisition may prove to be incorrect.

 

Assets allocated to the MONY Closed Block benefit only the holders of certain policies; adverse performance of Closed Block assets or adverse experience of Closed Block liabilities may negatively affect the Company.

 

MONY, acquired from AXA Financial, Inc. in October 2013, was converted from a mutual insurance company to a stock corporation in accordance with its Plan of Reorganization dated August 14, 1998, as amended. In connection with its demutualization, an accounting mechanism known as a closed block (the “Closed Block”) was established for the benefit of policyholders who owned certain individual insurance policies of MONY in force as of the date of demutualization. Please refer to Note 4, MONY Closed Block of Business, to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed description of the Closed Block.

 

Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the Closed Block’s policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of the Company. However, if the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments must be made from assets outside the Closed Block. Adverse financial or investment performance of the Closed Block, or adverse mortality or lapse experience on policies in the Closed Block, may require MONY to pay policyholder benefits using assets outside the Closed Block, which events could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations and negatively affect the Company’s risk-based capital ratios.

 

The Company is dependent on the performance of others.

 

The Company’s results may be affected by the performance of others because the Company has entered into various arrangements involving other parties. For example, most of the Company’s products are sold through independent distribution channels, variable annuity deposits are invested in funds managed by third parties, and certain modified coinsurance assets are managed by third parties. Also, the Company may rely upon third parties to administer certain portions of its business. Additionally, the Company’s operations are dependent on various technologies, some of

 

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which are provided and/or maintained by other parties. Any of the other parties upon which the Company depends may default on their obligations to the Company due to bankruptcy, insolvency, lack of liquidity, adverse economic conditions, operational failure, fraud, or other reasons. Such defaults could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

Certain of these other parties may act on behalf of the Company or represent the Company in various capacities. Consequently, the Company may be held responsible for obligations that arise from the acts or omissions of these other parties.

 

As with all financial services companies, the Company’s ability to conduct business is dependent upon consumer confidence in the industry and its products. Actions of competitors and financial difficulties of other companies in the industry could undermine consumer confidence and adversely affect retention of existing business and future sales of the Company’s insurance and investment products.

 

The Company’s risk management policies, practices, and procedures could leave it exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks, which could negatively affect its business or result in losses.

 

The Company has developed risk management policies and procedures and expects to continue to enhance these in the future. Nonetheless, the Company’s policies and procedures to identify, monitor, and manage both internal and external risks may not predict future exposures, which could be different or significantly greater than expected.

 

These identified risks may not be the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that it currently deems to be immaterial, may adversely affect its business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

The Company’s strategies for mitigating risks arising from its day-to-day operations may prove ineffective resulting in a material adverse effect on its results of operations and financial condition.

 

The Company’s performance is highly dependent on its ability to manage risks that arise from a large number of its day-to-day business activities, including: policy pricing, reserving and valuation; underwriting; claims processing; policy administration and servicing; execution of its investment and hedging strategy; financial and tax reporting; and other activities, many of which are very complex. The Company also may rely on third parties for such activities. The Company seeks to monitor and control its exposure to risks arising out of or related to these activities through a variety of internal controls, management review processes, and other mechanisms. However, the occurrence of unforeseen or uncontemplated risks, or the occurrence of risks of a greater magnitude than expected, including those arising from a failure in processes, procedures or systems implemented by the Company or a failure on the part of employees or third parties upon which the Company relies in this regard, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

Interest rate fluctuations and sustained periods of low interest rates could negatively affect the Company’s interest earnings and spread income, or otherwise impact its business.

 

Significant changes in interest rates expose the Company to the risk of not earning anticipated interest on products without significant account balances, or not realizing anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on in-force policies and contracts that have significant account balances. Both rising and declining interest rates as well as sustained periods of low interest rates can negatively affect the Company’s interest earnings and spread income.

 

Lower interest rates may also result in lower sales of certain of the Company’s life insurance and annuity products. Additionally, during periods of declining or low interest rates, certain previously issued life insurance and annuity products may be relatively more attractive investments to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features, repayment of policy loans and increased persistency, or a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from year to year during a period when the Company’s investments earn lower returns. Certain of the Company’s life insurance and annuity products guarantee a minimum credited interest rate, and the Company could become unable to earn its spread income or may earn less interest on its investments than it is required to credit to policy holders should interest rates decrease significantly and/or remain low for sustained periods.

 

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Additionally, the profitability of certain of the Company’s life insurance products that do not have significant account balances could be reduced should interest rates decrease significantly and/or remain low for sustained periods.

 

The Company’s expectation for future interest earnings and spreads is an important component in amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and significantly lower interest earnings or spreads may cause it to accelerate amortization, thereby reducing net income in the affected reporting period. Sustained periods of low interest rates could also result in an increase in the valuation of the future policy benefit or policyholder account balance liabilities associated with the Company’s products.

 

Higher interest rates may create a less favorable environment for the origination of mortgage loans and decrease the investment income the Company receives in the form of prepayment fees, make-whole payments, and mortgage participation income. Higher interest rates would also adversely affect the market value of fixed income securities within the Company’s investment portfolio. Higher interest rates may also increase the cost of debt and other obligations of the Company having floating rate or rate reset provisions and may result in fluctuations in sales of annuity products. During periods of increasing market interest rates, the Company may offer higher crediting rates on interest-sensitive products, such as universal life insurance and fixed annuities, and it may increase crediting rates on in-force products to keep these products competitive. In addition, rapidly rising interest rates may cause increased policy surrenders, withdrawals from life insurance policies and annuity contracts, and requests for policy loans as policyholders and contract holders shift assets into higher yielding investments. Increases in crediting rates, as well as surrenders and withdrawals, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, including earnings, equity (including AOCI), and statutory risk based capital ratios.

 

Additionally, the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve) and relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, and other factors. The effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from these assumptions. In general, the Company’s results are improved when the yield curve is positively sloped (i.e., when long-term interest rates are higher than short-term interest rates), and will be adversely affected by a flat or negatively sloped curve.

 

The Company’s investments are subject to market and credit risks. These risks could be heightened during periods of extreme volatility or disruption in financial and credit markets.

 

The Company’s invested assets and derivative financial instruments are subject to risks of credit defaults and changes in market values. These risks could be heightened during periods of extreme volatility or disruption in the financial and credit markets. A widening of credit spreads will increase the unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio. The factors affecting the financial and credit markets could lead to other-than-temporary impairments of assets in the Company’s investment portfolio.

 

The value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio depends in part on the financial condition of the tenants occupying the properties that the Company has financed. The value of the Company’s investment portfolio, including its portfolio of government debt obligations, debt obligations of those entities with an express or implied governmental guarantee and debt obligations of other issuers holding a large amount of such obligations, depends in part on the ability of the issuers or guarantors of such debt to maintain their credit ratings and meet their contractual obligations. Factors that may affect the overall default rate on, and market value of, the Company’s invested assets, derivative financial instruments, and mortgage loans include interest rate levels, financial market performance, and general economic conditions as well as particular circumstances affecting the individual tenants, borrowers, issuers and guarantors.

 

Significant continued financial and credit market volatility, changes in interest rates and credit spreads, credit defaults, real estate values, market illiquidity, declines in equity prices, acts of corporate malfeasance, ratings downgrades of the issuers or guarantors of these investments, and declines in general economic conditions, either alone or in combination, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows through realized losses, impairments, changes in unrealized loss positions, and increased demands on capital, including obligations to post additional capital and collateral. In addition, market volatility can make it difficult for the Company to value certain of its assets, especially if trading becomes less frequent. Valuations may include

 

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assumptions or estimates that may have significant period-to-period changes that could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

Equity market volatility could negatively impact the Company’s business.

 

Volatility in equity markets may discourage prospective purchasers of variable separate account products, such as variable annuities, that have returns linked to the performance of equity markets and may cause some existing customers to withdraw cash values or reduce investments in those products. The amount of policy fees received from variable products is affected by the performance of the equity markets, increasing or decreasing as markets rise or fall.

 

Equity market volatility can also affect the profitability of variable products in other ways, in particular as a result of death benefit and withdrawal benefit guarantees in these products. The estimated cost of providing guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) incorporates various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets over certain time periods. Periods of significant and sustained downturns in equity markets or increased equity market volatility could result in an increase in the valuation of the future policy benefit or policyholder account balance liabilities associated with such products, resulting in a reduction to net income and an adverse impact to the statutory capital and risk-based capital ratios of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries.

 

The amortization of DAC relating to variable products and the estimated cost of providing GMDB and GMWB incorporate various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets over certain time periods. The rate of amortization of DAC and the cost of providing GMDB and GMWB could increase if equity market performance is worse than assumed.

 

The Company’s use of derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy may not be effective or sufficient.

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy to mitigate risks to which it is exposed, including the adverse effects of domestic and/or international credit and/or equity market and/or interest rate levels or volatility on its fixed indexed annuity and variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. These derivative financial instruments may not effectively offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, the time lag between changes in the value of such guarantees and the changes in the value of the derivative financial instruments purchased by the Company, extreme credit and/or equity market and/or interest rate levels or volatility, contract holder behavior that differs from the Company’s expectations, and divergence between the performance of the underlying funds of such variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features and the indices utilized by the Company in estimating its exposure to such guarantees.

 

The Company may also use derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy to mitigate risks arising from its exposure to individual issuers or sectors of issuers and to mitigate the adverse effects of distressed domestic and/or international credit and/or equity markets and/or interest rate levels or volatility on its overall financial condition or results of operations.

 

The use of derivative financial instruments by the Company may have an adverse impact on the level of statutory capital and the risk based capital ratios of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries. The Company employs strategies in the use of derivative financial instruments that are intended to mitigate such adverse impacts, but the Company’s strategies may not be effective.

 

The Company may also choose not to hedge, in whole or in part, these or other risks that it has identified, due to, for example, the availability and/or cost of a suitable derivative financial instrument or, in reaction to extreme credit, equity market and/or interest rate levels or volatility. Additionally, the Company’s estimates and assumptions made in connection with its use of any derivative financial instrument may fail to reflect or correspond to its actual long-term exposure in respect to identified risks. Derivative financial instruments held or purchased by the Company may also otherwise be insufficient to hedge the risks in relation to the Company’s obligations. In addition, the Company may fail to identify risks, or the magnitude thereof, to which it is exposed. The Company is also exposed to the risk that its use of derivative financial instruments within its risk management strategy may not be properly designed and/or may not be properly implemented as designed.

 

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The Company is also subject to the risk that its derivative counterparties or clearinghouse may fail or refuse to meet their obligations to the Company under derivative financial instruments. If the Company’s derivative counterparties or clearinghouse fail or refuse to meet their obligations to the Company in this regard, the Company’s efforts to mitigate risks to which it is subject through the use of such derivative financial instruments may prove to be ineffective or inefficient.

 

The above factors, either alone or in combination, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

Credit market volatility or disruption could adversely impact the Company’s financial condition or results from operations.

 

Significant volatility or disruption in credit markets could have an adverse impact in several ways on either the Company’s financial condition or results from operations. Changes in interest rates and credit spreads could cause market price and cash flow variability in the fixed income instruments in the Company’s investment portfolio. Significant volatility and lack of liquidity in the credit markets could cause issuers of the fixed-income securities in the Company’s investment portfolio to default on either principal or interest payments on these securities. Additionally, market price valuations may not accurately reflect the underlying expected cash flows of securities within the Company’s investment portfolio.

 

The Company’s statutory surplus is also impacted by widening credit spreads as a result of the accounting for the assets and liabilities on its fixed market value adjusted (“MVA”) annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities, the Company is required to use current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in the statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value losses. Credit spreads are not consistently fully reflected in crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries, and the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in reductions in statutory surplus. This situation would result in the need to devote significant additional capital to support fixed MVA annuity products.

 

Volatility or disruption in the credit markets could also impact the Company’s ability to efficiently access financial solutions for purposes of issuing long-term debt for financing purposes, its ability to obtain financial solutions for purposes of supporting certain traditional and universal life insurance products for capital management purposes, or result in an increase in the cost of existing securitization structures.

 

The ability of the Company to implement financing solutions designed to fund a portion of statutory reserves on both the traditional and universal life blocks of business is dependent upon factors such as the ratings of the Company, the size of the blocks of business affected, the mortality experience of the Company, the credit markets, and other factors. The Company cannot predict the continued availability of such solutions or the form that the market may dictate. To the extent that such financing solutions were desired but are not available, the Company’s financial position could be adversely affected through impacts including, but not limited to, higher borrowing costs, surplus strain, lower sales capacity, and possible reduced earnings expectations.

 

The Company’s ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital.

 

The Company deploys significant amounts of capital to support its sales and acquisitions efforts. Although the Company believes it has sufficient capital to fund its immediate capital needs, the amount of capital available can vary significantly from period to period due to a variety of circumstances, some of which are not predictable, foreseeable, or within the Company’s control. A lack of sufficient capital could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

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A ratings downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization could adversely affect the Company.

 

Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. While financial strength ratings are not a recommendation to buy the Company’s securities or products, these ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in the Company, its products, its ability to market its products, and its competitive position. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization with respect to the financial strength ratings of the Company or its insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect the Company in many ways, including the following: reducing new sales of insurance and investment products; adversely affecting relationships with distributors and sales agents; increasing the number or amount of policy surrenders and withdrawals of funds; requiring a reduction in prices for the Company’s insurance products and services in order to remain competitive; and adversely affecting the Company’s ability to obtain reinsurance at a reasonable price, on reasonable terms or at all. A downgrade of sufficient magnitude could result in the Company, its insurance subsidiaries, or both being required to collateralize reserves, balances or obligations under reinsurance, funding, swap, and securitization agreements. A downgrade of sufficient magnitude could also result in the termination of certain funding and swap agreements.

 

Rating organizations also publish credit ratings for issuers of debt securities, including the Company and PLC. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner. These ratings are important to the Company’s and PLC’s overall ability to access credit markets and other types of liquidity. Credit ratings are not recommendations to buy the securities or products of the Company, PLC or their insurance subsidiaries. Downgrades of the Company’s or PLC’s credit ratings, or an announced potential downgrade or other negative action, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations in many ways, including, but not limited to, the following: limiting the Company’s access to capital markets; increasing the cost of debt; impairing its ability to raise capital to refinance maturing debt obligations; limiting its capacity to support the growth of the Company or its insurance subsidiaries; requiring it to pay higher amounts in connection with certain existing or future financing arrangements or transactions; and making it more difficult to maintain or improve its current financial strength rating or those of its insurance subsidiaries. A downgrade of sufficient magnitude, in combination with other factors, could require the Company to post collateral pursuant to certain contractual obligations.

 

Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating organization, general economic conditions, and circumstances outside the rated company’s control.  Factors identified by rating agencies that could lead to negative rating actions with respect to the Company or its insurance subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, weak growth in earnings, a deterioration of earnings (including deterioration due to spread compression in interest-sensitive lines of business), significant impairments in investment portfolios, heightened financial leverage, lower interest coverage ratios, risk-based capital ratios falling below ratings thresholds, a material reinsurance loss, and underperformance of an acquisition.  In addition, rating organizations use various models and formulas to assess the strength of a rated company, and from time to time rating organizations have, in their discretion, altered the models. Changes to the models could impact the rating organizations’ judgment of the rating to be assigned to the rated company. The Company cannot predict what actions the rating organizations may take, or what actions the Company may take in response to the actions of the rating organizations, which could adversely affect the Company.

 

The Company could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals.

 

Many of the products offered by the Company allow policyholders and contract holders to withdraw their funds under defined circumstances. The Company manages its liabilities and configures its investment portfolios so as to provide and maintain sufficient liquidity to support expected withdrawal demands and contract benefits and maturities. While the Company owns a significant amount of liquid assets, a certain portion of its assets are relatively illiquid. If the Company experiences unexpected withdrawal or surrender activity, it could exhaust its liquid assets and be forced to liquidate other assets, perhaps at a loss or on other unfavorable terms. If the Company is forced to dispose of assets at a loss or on unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. The degree of the adverse effect could vary in relation to the magnitude of the unexpected surrender or withdrawal activity.

 

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Disruption of the capital and credit markets could negatively affect the Company’s ability to meet its liquidity and financing needs.

 

The Company needs liquidity to meet its obligations to its policyholders and its debt holders, and to pay its operating expenses. The Company’s sources of liquidity include insurance premiums, annuity considerations, deposit funds, cash flow from investments and assets, and other income from its operations. In normal credit and capital market conditions, the Company’s sources of liquidity also include a variety of short and long-term borrowing arrangements, including issuing debt securities, as well as raising capital by issuing a variety of equity securities.

 

The Company’s business is dependent on the capital and credit markets, including confidence in such markets. When the credit and capital markets are disrupted and confidence is eroded the Company may not be able to borrow or raise equity capital, or the cost of borrowing or raising equity capital may be prohibitively high. If the Company’s internal sources of liquidity are inadequate during such periods, the Company could suffer negative effects from not being able to borrow or raise capital, or from having to do so on unfavorable terms. The negative effects could include being forced to sell assets at a loss, a lowering of the Company’s credit ratings and the financial strength ratings of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, and the possibility that customers, lenders, shareholders, ratings agencies, or regulators develop a negative perception of the Company’s financial prospects, which could lead to further adverse effects on the Company.

 

Difficult general economic conditions could materially adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

The Company’s business and results of operations could be materially affected by difficult general economic conditions. Stressed economic conditions and volatility and disruptions in capital markets, particular markets or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on the Company due to the size of the Company’s investment portfolio and the sensitive nature of insurance liabilities to changing market factors. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Volatility in financial markets can also affect the Company’s business by adversely impacting general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior.

 

Like other financial institutions, and particularly life insurers, the Company may be adversely affected by these conditions. The presence of these conditions could have an adverse impact on the Company by, among other things, exerting downward pressure on the price of the Company’s stock, decreasing demand for its insurance and investment products, and increasing the level of lapses and surrenders of its policies. The Company and its subsidiaries could also experience additional ratings downgrades from ratings agencies, unrealized losses, significant realized losses, impairments in its investment portfolio, and charges incurred as a result of mark-to-market and fair value accounting principles. If general economic conditions become more difficult, the Company’s ability to access sources of capital and liquidity may be limited.

 

Economic trends may worsen in 2014, thus contributing to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy, markets, and financial asset classes. The Company cannot predict the occurrence of economic trends or the likelihood or timing of improvement in such trends.

 

The Company may be required to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and capital position.

 

Deferred tax assets refer to assets that are attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets in essence represent future savings of taxes that would otherwise be paid in cash. The realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income, including capital gains. If it is determined that the deferred tax assets cannot be realized, a deferred tax valuation allowance must be established, with a corresponding charge to net income.

 

Based on the Company’s current assessment of future taxable income, including available tax planning opportunities, the Company anticipates that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its material deferred tax assets. If future events differ from the Company’s current forecasts, a valuation allowance may need to be established, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and capital position.

 

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The Company could be adversely affected by an inability to access its credit facility.

The Company relies on its credit facility as a potential source of liquidity. The availability of these funds could be critical to the Company’s credit and financial strength ratings and its ability to meet obligations, particularly when alternative sources of credit are either difficult to access or costly. The availability of the Company’s credit facility is dependent in part on the ability of the lenders to provide funds under the facility. The Company’s credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. The Company’s right to make borrowings under the facility is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including its compliance with all covenants. The Company’s failure to comply with the covenants in the credit facility could restrict its ability to access this credit facility when needed. The Company’s inability to access some or all of the line of credit under the credit facility could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company could be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) issued an Announced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”). The purpose of the ANPR is to seek comment on several possible changes to the requirements applicable to members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Any changes to such requirements that eliminate the Company’s eligibility for continued FHLB membership or limit the Company’s borrowing capacity pursuant to its FHLB membership could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company can give no assurance as to the outcome of the ANPR. The FHFA also released an advisory bulletin on the particular risks associated with lending to insurance companies as opposed to federally-backed banks, which includes standards for evaluating FHLB’s lending to an insurance company member. These standards are broad and raise concerns about the state regulatory framework and of FHLB creditor status in the event of insurer insolvency.  In March 2013, the FHFA issued a report entitled “FHFA Can Enhance Its Oversight of FHLBank Advances to Insurance Companies by Improving Communication with State Insurance Regulators and Industry Groups,” which proposes the FHFA coordinate with state regulators to obtain confidential supervisory information about insurers and interact with NAIC working groups to receive “early warning” information about failing members, so the FHFA can participate in the rehabilitation and perhaps increase FHLB creditor status.  Any standards or events that result in stricter regulation of, or a reduced incidence of FHLB-insurer lending could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company’s financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted if the Company’s assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of its investments differ from actual experience.

The Company makes assumptions regarding the fair value and expected future performance of its investments. Expectations that the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions a market participant would use in determining the current fair value and consider the performance of the underlying assets. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such reduced performance may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on the Company’s holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within the Company’s portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. In addition, expectations that the Company’s investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through its normal credit surveillance process. It is possible that issuers of the Company’s investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead the Company to recognize potential future write-downs within its portfolio of corporate securities and/or debt obligations. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead the Company to dispose of such investments and recognize the effects of any market movements in its financial statements.

The Company also makes certain assumptions when utilizing internal models to value certain of its investments. It is possible that actual results will differ from the Company’s assumptions. Such events could result in a material change in the value of the Company’s investments.

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The amount of statutory capital that the Company has and the amount of statutory capital that it must hold to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of the Company’s control.

The Company conducts business directly and through licensed insurance company subsidiaries. Insurance regulators have established regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on risk-based capital (“RBC”) formulas for life and property and casualty companies. The RBC formula for life insurance companies establishes capital requirements relating to insurance, business, asset, interest rate, and certain other risks.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors including the following: the amount of statutory income or losses generated by the Company and its  insurance subsidiaries (which are sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions); the amount of additional capital that the Company and its insurance subsidiaries must hold to support business growth; changes in reserve requirements; the Company’s ability to secure capital market solutions to provide reserve relief; changes in equity market levels; the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in its investment portfolio; the credit ratings of investments held in its portfolio, including those issued by, or explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by, a government; the value of certain derivative instruments; changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; credit market volatility; changes in consumer behavior; and changes to the NAIC RBC formula. Most of these factors are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios of the Company and its insurance company subsidiaries. Rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital the Company must hold in order to maintain its current ratings. In addition, rating agencies may downgrade the investments held in the Company’s portfolio, which could result in a reduction of the Company’s capital and surplus and/or its RBC ratio.

In scenarios of equity market declines, the amount of additional statutory reserves the Company is required to hold for its variable product guarantees may increase at a rate greater than the rate of change of the markets. Increases in reserves could result in a reduction to the Company’s capital, surplus, and/or RBC ratio. Also, in environments where there is not a correlative relationship between interest rates and spreads, the Company’s market value adjusted annuity product can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s statutory surplus position.

The business of the Company is highly regulated and is subject to routine audits, examinations and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies and self-regulatory organizations.

The Company is subject to government regulation in each of the states in which it conducts business. In many instances, the regulatory models emanate from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative and in some instances discretionary power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include, among other things, premium rates and increases thereto, underwriting practices, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, acquisitions, mergers, capital adequacy, claims practices and the remittance of unclaimed property. In addition, some state insurance departments may enact rules or regulations with extra-territorial application, effectively extending their jurisdiction to areas such as permitted insurance company investments that are normally the province of an insurance company’s domiciliary state regulator.

At any given time, a number of financial, market conduct, or other examinations or audits of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries may be ongoing. It is possible that any examination or audit may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to obtain state regulatory approval for rate increases for certain health insurance products. The Company’s profits may be adversely affected if the requested rate increases are not approved in full by regulators in a timely fashion.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often

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made for the benefit of the consumer and may lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The NAIC may also be influenced by the initiatives and regulatory structures or schemes of international regulatory bodies, and those initiatives or regulatory structures or schemes may not translate readily into the regulatory structures or schemes or the legal system (including the interpretation or application of standards by juries) under which U.S. insurers must operate. In August 2013, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) released a report encouraging the U.S. to move toward a federal regulatory system for insurance. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”) also announced an intention to develop a global capital standard for insurers. These are only a few examples of international developments impacting the global insurance market. At this time, FSB reports, IAIS Insurance Core Principles, and other international work products are not directly binding on the U.S. or any U.S. insurer. However, there is increasing pressure to conform to international standards due to the globalization of the business of insurance and the recent financial crisis. Any international reports or mandates that directly impact, or indirectly influence, the nature of U.S. regulation or industry operations could impact the Company.

Although some NAIC pronouncements, particularly as they affect accounting and reserving issues, may take effect automatically without affirmative action taken by the states, the NAIC is not a governmental entity and its processes and procedures do not comport with those to which governmental entities typically adhere. Therefore, it is possible that actions could be taken by the NAIC that become effective without the procedural safeguards that would be present if governmental action was required. In addition, with respect to some financial regulations and guidelines, states sometimes defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of a non-domiciliary state. Neither the action of the domiciliary state nor the action of the NAIC is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company is also subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may result in non-compliance with another regulator’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. There is an additional risk that any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may change over time to the Company’s detriment, or that changes to the overall legal or market environment may cause the Company to change its practices in ways that may, in some cases, limit its growth or profitability. Statutes, regulations, and interpretations may be applied with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting and reserve requirements. Also, regulatory actions with prospective impact can potentially have a significant impact on currently sold products.

The NAIC has announced more focused inquiries on certain matters that could have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Such inquiries concern, for example, examination of statutory accounting disclosures for separate accounts, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, certain aspects of insurance holding company reporting and disclosure, reserving for universal life products with secondary guarantees, and reinsurance. In addition, the NAIC continues to consider various initiatives to change and modernize its financial and solvency requirements and regulations. It is considering changing to, or has considered and passed, a principles-based reserving method for life insurance and annuity reserves, changes to the accounting and risk-based capital regulations, changes to the governance practices of insurers, and other items. Some of these proposed changes, including implementing a principles-based reserving methodology, would require the approval of state legislatures. The Company cannot provide any estimate as to what impact these more focused inquiries or proposed changes, if they occur, will have on its product mix, product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

With respect to reserving requirements for universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”), in 2012 the NAIC adopted revisions to Actuarial Guideline XXXVIII (“AG38”) addressing those requirements. Some of the regulatory participants in the AG38 revision process appeared to believe that one of the purposes of the revisions was to calculate reserves for ULSG similarly to reserves for guaranteed level term life insurance contracts with the same guarantee period. The effect of the revisions was to increase the level of reserves that must be held by insurers on ULSG with certain product designs that are issued on and after January 1, 2013, and to cause insurers to test the adequacy of reserves, and possibly increase the reserves, on ULSG with certain product designs that were issued before January 1, 2013. The increased reserves on ULSG issued on and after January 1, 2013 may make certain product designs, including some of those offered by the Company and its subsidiaries before January 1, 2013, unprofitable to the Company if issued after 2012 unless prices are increased. The Company has developed and introduced a new ULSG product for sales in 2013. The Company cannot predict future regulatory actions that could negatively impact the Company’s ability to market its new product. Such regulatory reactions could include, for example, withdrawal of state approvals of the new product, or adoption of further changes to AG38 or other adverse action including retroactive

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regulatory action that could negatively impact the Company’s new product. A disruption of the Company’s ability to sell financially viable life insurance products or an increase in reserves on ULSG policies issued either before or after January 1, 2013, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company currently uses, and currently expects to be able to continue using, affiliated captive reinsurance companies in various structures relating to term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees, and certain guaranteed benefits relating to variable annuities. However, the NAIC has established a subgroup to study the use of captives and special purpose vehicles to transfer insurance risk in relation to existing state laws and regulations. That subgroup issued a Captives and Special Purpose Vehicles White Paper which was recently adopted by the NAIC Financial Condition (“E”) Committee and Executive Committee/Plenary. The Financial Condition Committee also adopted an “interim solution for captives” in the form of a new charge for the Financial Analysis Working Group (“FAWG”). FAWG will now be reviewing captive transactions submitted by the states, in a peer review and comment process, while the remaining recommendations in the White Paper are divided among the NAIC Reinsurance (“E”) Task Force and the Principles Based Reserving Implementation (“EX”) Task Force. Also, the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (“FACI”) took up the issue of captives at a recent meeting, and a task force was created. Any regulatory action that materially adversely affects the Company’s use or materially increases the Company’s cost of using affiliated captive reinsurers, either retroactively or prospectively, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. If the Company were required to discontinue its use of captives for intercompany reinsurance transactions on a retroactive basis, adverse impacts would include early termination fees payable with respect to certain structures, diminished capital position and higher cost of capital. Additionally, finding alternative means to support policy liabilities efficiently is an unknown factor that would be dependent, in part, on future market conditions and the Company’s ability to obtain required regulatory approvals. On a prospective basis, discontinuation of the use of captives could impact the types, amounts and pricing of products offered by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries.

Recently, new laws and regulations have been adopted in certain states that require life insurers to search for unreported deaths. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (“NCOIL”) has adopted the Model Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (the “Unclaimed Benefits Act”) and legislation has been enacted in several states that is similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act, although each state’s version differs in some respects. The Unclaimed Benefits Act would impose new requirements on insurers to periodically compare their in-force life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, investigate any potential matches to confirm the death and determine whether benefits are due, and to attempt to locate the beneficiaries of any benefits that are due or, if no beneficiary can be located, escheat the benefit to the state as unclaimed property. Other states in which the Company does business may also consider adopting legislation similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act. The Company cannot predict whether such legislation will be proposed or enacted in additional states.  Life insurance industry associations and regulatory associations are also considering these matters.

A number of state treasury departments and administrators of unclaimed property have audited life insurance companies for compliance with unclaimed property laws. The focus of the audits has been to determine whether there have been maturities of policies or contracts, or policies that have exceeded limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under the policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. In addition, the audits have sought to identify unreported deaths of insureds. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for treating an unreported death as giving rise to a policy benefit that would be subject to unclaimed property procedures. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into resolution agreements with state treasury departments under which the life insurers agreed to procedures for comparing their previously issued life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, and escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found. The amounts publicly reported to have been paid to beneficiaries and/or escheated to the states have been substantial.

The NAIC has established an Investigations of Life/Annuity Claims Settlement Practices (D) Task Force to coordinate targeted multi-state examinations of life insurance companies on claims settlement practices. The state insurance regulators on the Task Force have initiated targeted multi-state examinations of life insurance companies with respect to the companies’ claims paying practices and use of a Death Database to identify unreported deaths in their life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for requiring a life insurer to search for unreported deaths in order to determine whether a benefit is owed. A number of life

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insurers, however, have entered into settlement or consent agreements with state insurance regulators under which the life insurers agreed to implement systems and procedures for periodically comparing their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, and escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found. It has been publicly reported that the life insurers have paid substantial administrative and/or examination fees to the insurance regulators in connection with the settlement or consent agreements.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as well as certain other insurance companies from whom the Company has coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies, are subject to unclaimed property audits and/or targeted multistate examinations by insurance regulators similar to those described above. It is possible that the audits, examinations and/or the enactment of state laws similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act could result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, payment of administrative penalties and/or examination fees to state authorities, and changes to the Company’s procedures for identifying unreported deaths and escheatment of abandoned property. It is possible any such additional payments and any costs related to changes in Company procedures could materially impact the Company’s financial results from operations. It is also possible that life insurers, including the Company, may be subject to claims, regulatory actions, law enforcement actions, and civil litigation arising from their prior business practices. Any resulting liabilities, payments or costs, including initial and ongoing costs of changes to the Company’s procedures or systems, could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

During December 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed actions against the Company and its subsidiary West Coast Life Insurance Company in West Virginia state court (State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue vs. Protective Life Insurance Company, State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue vs. West Coast Life Insurance Company; Defendant’s Motions to Dismiss granted on December 27, 2013; Notice of Appeal filed on January 27, 2014). The actions, which also name numerous other life insurance companies, allege that the companies violated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seek to compel compliance with the Act, and seek payment of unclaimed property, interest, and penalties. While the legal theory or theories that may give rise to liability in the West Virginia Treasurer litigation are uncertain, it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar actions. The Company does not currently believe that losses, if any, arising from the West Virginia Treasurer litigation will be material. The Company cannot, however, predict whether other jurisdictions will pursue similar actions or, if they do, whether such actions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial results from operations.  Additionally, the California Controller has recently sued several insurance carriers for alleged failure to comply with audit requests from an appointed third party auditor. The Company cannot predict whether California might pursue a similar action against the Company and further cannot predict whether other jurisdictions might pursue similar actions.  The Company does not believe however that any such action would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. The Company cannot predict the amount or timing of any future assessments.

The purchase of life insurance products is limited by state insurable interest laws, which in most jurisdictions require that the purchaser of life insurance name a beneficiary that has some interest in the sustained life of the insured. To some extent, the insurable interest laws present a barrier to the life settlement, or “stranger-owned” industry, in which a financial entity acquires an interest in life insurance proceeds, and efforts have been made in some states to liberalize the insurable interest laws. To the extent these laws are relaxed, the Company’s lapse assumptions may prove to be incorrect.

At the federal level, bills are routinely introduced in both chambers of the United States Congress (“Congress”) that could affect life insurers. In the past, Congress has considered legislation that would impact insurance companies in numerous ways, such as providing for an optional federal charter or a federal presence for insurance, preempting state law in certain respects regarding the regulation of reinsurance, increasing federal oversight in areas such as consumer protection and other matters. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form legislation will be enacted and, if

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so, whether the enacted legislation will positively or negatively affect the Company or whether any effects will be material.

The Company is subject to various conditions and requirements of the Healthcare Act. The Healthcare Act makes significant changes to the regulation of health insurance and may affect the Company in various ways. The Healthcare Act may affect the small blocks of business the Company has offered or acquired over the years that are, or are deemed to constitute, health insurance. The Healthcare Act may also affect the benefit plans the Company sponsors for employees or retirees and their dependents, the Company’s expense to provide such benefits, the tax liabilities of the Company in connection with the provision of such benefits, and the Company’s ability to attract or retain employees. In addition, the Company may be subject to regulations, guidance or determinations emanating from the various regulatory authorities authorized under the Healthcare Act. The Company cannot predict the effect that the Healthcare Act, or any regulatory pronouncement made thereunder, will have on its results of operations or financial condition.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) enacted in July 2010 made sweeping changes to the regulation of financial services entities, products and markets. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank are or may become applicable to the Company, its competitors or those entities with which the Company does business. Such provisions include, but are not limited to the following: the establishment of the Federal Insurance Office, changes to the regulation and standards applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisors, changes to the regulation of reinsurance, changes to regulations affecting the rights of shareholders, and the imposition of additional regulation over credit rating agencies.

Dodd-Frank also created the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which has issued a final rule and interpretive guidance setting forth the methodology by which it will determine whether a non-bank financial company is a systemically important financial institution (“SIFI”). A non-bank financial company, such as the Company, that is designated as a SIFI by the FSOC will become subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Company is not currently supervised by the Federal Reserve. Such supervision could impact the Company’s requirements relating to capital, liquidity, stress testing, limits on counterparty credit exposure, compliance and governance, early remediation in the event of financial weakness and other prudential matters, and in other ways the Company currently cannot anticipate.  FSOC-designated non-bank financial companies will also be required to prepare resolution plans, so-called “living wills,” that set out how they could most efficiently be liquidated if they endangered the U.S. financial system or the broader economy. The FSOC has made its initial SIFI designations, and the Company was not designated as such.  However, the Company could be considered and designated at any time.  Because the process is in its initial stages, the Company is at this time, unable to predict the impact on an entity that is supervised as a SIFI by the Federal Reserve Board.  The Company is not able to predict whether the capital requirements or other requirements imposed on SIFIs may impact the requirements applicable to the Company even if it is not designated as a SIFI.  The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions with respect to some product lines.  There is a similarly uncertain international designation process. The Financial Stability Board, appointed by the G-20 Summit, recently designated nine insurers as “G-SII’s,” or globally systemic insurance institutions. As with the designation of SIFI’s, it is unclear at this time whether additional capital and other requirements may be imposed and what the overall impact of G-SII designation on industry will be. The insurers designated as G-SIIs to date represent organizations larger than the Company, but the possibility remains that the Company could be so designated.

Additionally, Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, other than investment products already regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. CFPB has issued a rule to bring under its supervisory authority certain nonbanks whose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers.  It is unclear at this time which activities or products will be covered by this rule.  Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sell products that may be regulated by the CFPB.  CFPB continues to bring enforcement actions involving a growing number of issues, including actions using state Attorney’s General, which could directly or indirectly affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  Additionally, the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirement savings and is considering the extent of its authority in that area.  The Company is unable at this time, to predict the impact of these activities on the Company.

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Dodd-Frank includes a new framework of regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets which requires clearing of certain types of transactions which have been or are currently traded OTC by the Company. The types of transactions to be cleared are expected to increase in the future.  The new framework could potentially impose additional costs, including increased margin requirements and additional regulation on the Company. Increased margin requirements on the Company’s part, combined with restrictions on securities that will qualify as eligible collateral, could continue to reduce its liquidity and require an increase in its holdings of cash and government securities with lower yields causing a reduction in income. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its businesses, including those arising from its variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could continue to increase the cost of the Company’s risk mitigation and expose it to the risk of a default by a clearinghouse with respect to the Company’s cleared derivative transactions.

Numerous provisions of Dodd-Frank require the adoption of implementing rules and/or regulations. The process of adopting such implementing rules and/or regulations have in some instances been delayed beyond the timeframes imposed by Dodd-Frank. Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the full impact of the regulations on the Company will remain unclear. In addition, Dodd-Frank mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislation or regulation applicable to the insurance industry, the Company, its competitors or the entities with which the Company does business. Legislative or regulatory requirements imposed by or promulgated in connection with Dodd-Frank may impact the Company in many ways, including but not limited to the following: placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its competition or other financial services entities, changing the competitive landscape of the financial services sector and/or the insurance industry, making it more expensive for the Company to conduct its business, requiring the reallocation of significant company resources to government affairs, legal and compliance-related activities, causing historical market behavior or statistics utilized by the Company in connection with its efforts to manage risk and exposure to no longer be predictive of future risk and exposure or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the overall business climate as well as the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans and individual investors that are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). The Department of Labor is currently in the process of re-proposing a rule that would change the circumstances under which one who works with employee benefit plans and Individual Retirement Accounts would be considered a fiduciary under ERISA. Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA and the Company cannot predict the impact that the Department of Labor’s re-proposed rule may have on its operations.

Certain life insurance policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) examine or investigate the activities of broker-dealers and investment advisors, including the Company’s affiliated broker-dealers and investment advisors. These examinations or investigations often focus on the activities of the registered representatives and registered investment advisors doing business through such entities and the entities’ supervision of those persons. It is possible that any examination or investigation could lead to enforcement action by the regulator and/or may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures of such entities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, the SEC is reviewing the standard of conduct applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisers when those entities provide personalized investment advice about securities to retail customers. FINRA has also issued a report addressing how its member firms might identify and address conflicts of interest including conflicts related to the introduction of new products and services and the compensation of the member firms’ associated persons. These regulatory initiatives could have an impact on Company operations and the manner in which broker-dealers and investment advisers distribute the Company’s products.

In August 2013, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) released a report encouraging the U.S. to move toward a federal regulatory system for insurance.  The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”) also announced an intention to develop a global capital standard for insurers.  These are only a few examples of international

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developments impacting the global insurance market.  At this time, FSB reports, IAIS Insurance Core Principles, and other international work products are not directly binding on the U.S. or any other U.S. insurer.  However, there is increasing pressure to conform to international standards due to the globalization of the business of insurance and the recent financial crisis.  Any international reports or mandates that directly impact, or indirectly influence, the nature of U.S. regulation or industry operations could impact the Company.

The Company may also be subject to regulation by governments of the countries in which it currently does, or may in the future, do, business, as well as regulation by the U.S. Government with respect to its operations in foreign countries, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Penalties for violating the various laws governing the Company’s business in other countries may include restrictions upon business operations, fines and imprisonment, both within the U.S. and abroad. U.S. enforcement of anti-corruption laws continues to increase in magnitude, and penalties may be substantial.

Other types of regulation that could affect the Company and its subsidiaries include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting and reserving practices, anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, insurable interest laws, federal anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, employment and immigration laws (including a law in Alabama where over half of the Company’s employees are located), and because the Company owns and operates real property, state, federal, and local environmental laws. Under some circumstances, severe penalties may be imposed for breach of these laws.

The Company cannot predict what form any future changes to laws and/or regulations affecting participants in the financial services sector and/or insurance industry, including the Company and its competitors or those entities with which it does business, may take, or what effect, if any, such changes may have.

Changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company and its ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income taxes payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of most life insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment provides some of the Company’s products with a competitive advantage over products offered by non-insurance companies. To the extent that the Code is revised to either reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to establish the tax-deferred status of new or competing products, then all life insurance companies, including the Company and its subsidiaries, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products. Furthermore, depending upon grandfathering provisions, such changes could cause increased surrenders of existing life insurance and annuity products. For example, new legislation that further restricts the deductibility of interest on funds borrowed to purchase corporate-owned life insurance products could result in increased surrenders of these products.

The Company is subject to the federal corporate income tax. Certain tax provisions, such as the dividends-received deduction, the deferral of current taxation on certain types of derivatives and securities, economic income, and the deduction for future policy benefits and claims, are beneficial to the Company. The Obama Administration and Congress have separately made proposals that either materially change or eliminate these benefits. Most of the foregoing proposals would cause the Company to pay higher current taxes, offset by a reduction in its deferred taxes. However, the proposal regarding the dividends-received deduction would cause the Company’s net income and earnings per share to decrease. Whether these proposals will be enacted, and if so, whether they will be enacted as described above, is uncertain.

The Company’s mid-2005 transition from relying on reinsurance for newly-written traditional life products to reinsuring some of these products’ reserves into its captive insurance companies resulted in a net reduction in its current taxes, offset by an increase in its deferred taxes. The resulting benefit of reduced current taxes is attributed to the applicable life products and is an important component of the profitability of these products. The profitability and competitive position of these products is dependent on the continuation of current tax law and the ability to generate taxable income.

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There is general uncertainty regarding the taxes to which the Company and its products will be subject in the future. The Company cannot predict what changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law may ultimately be enacted or adopted, or whether such changes will adversely affect the Company.

Financial services companies are frequently the targets of legal proceedings, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments.

A number of judgments have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving, among other things, sales, underwriting practices, product design, product disclosure, product administration, denial or delay of benefits, charging excessive or impermissible fees, recommending unsuitable products to customers, breaching fiduciary or other duties to customers, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the company does business, payment of sales or other contingent commissions, and other matters. Often these legal proceedings have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given legal proceeding. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some legal proceedings, companies have made material settlement payments. In some instances, substantial judgments may be the result of a party’s perceived ability to satisfy such judgments as opposed to the facts and circumstances regarding the claims.

Group health coverage issued through associations and credit insurance coverages have received some negative publicity in the media as well as increased regulatory consideration and review and litigation. The Company has a small closed block of group health insurance coverage that was issued to members of an association; a purported class action lawsuit is currently pending against the Company in connection with this business.

A number of lawsuits and investigations regarding the method of paying claims have been initiated against life insurers. The Company offers payment methods that may be similar to those that have been the subject of such lawsuits and investigations.

The Company, like other financial services companies in the ordinary course of business, is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory actions. The occurrence of such matters may become more frequent and/or severe when general economic conditions have deteriorated. The Company may be unable to predict the outcome of such matters and may be unable to provide a reasonable range of potential losses. Given the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such matters, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain such matters could be material to the Company’s results for any particular reporting period.

Companies in the financial services industry are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny.

Companies in the financial services and insurance industries are sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies. Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or other actions resulting from such investigations. Resulting publicity about one company may generate inquiries into or litigation against other financial service providers, even those who do not engage in the business lines or practices at issue in the original action. It is impossible to predict the outcome of such investigations or actions, whether they will expand into other areas not yet contemplated, whether they will result in changes in regulation, whether activities currently thought to be lawful will be characterized as unlawful, or the impact, if any, of such scrutiny on the financial services and insurance industry or the Company. From time to time, the Company receives subpoenas, requests, or other inquires and responds to them in the ordinary course of business.

New accounting rules, changes to existing accounting rules, or the grant of permitted accounting practices to competitors could negatively impact the Company.

The Company is required to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). A number of organizations are instrumental in the development and interpretation of GAAP such as the SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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(“AICPA”). GAAP is subject to constant review by these organizations and others in an effort to address emerging accounting rules and issue interpretative accounting guidance on a continual basis. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to GAAP will not have a negative impact on the Company. GAAP includes the requirement to carry certain investments and insurance liabilities at fair value. These fair values are sensitive to various factors including, but not limited to, interest rate movements, credit spreads, and various other factors. Because of this, changes in these fair values may cause increased levels of volatility in the Company’s financial statements.

The FASB is working on several projects in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards Board, which could result in significant changes as GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) attempt to converge. Furthermore, the SEC is considering whether and how to incorporate IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system. The changes to GAAP and potential incorporation of IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system will impose special demands on issuers in the areas of governance, employee training, internal controls, contract fulfillment and disclosure and will likely affect how we manage our business, as it will likely affect other business processes such as design of compensation plans, product design, etc. The Company is unable to predict whether, and if so, when these projects and ultimately convergence with IFRS will be adopted and/or implemented.

In addition, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to comply with statutory accounting principles (“SAP”). SAP and various components of SAP (such as actuarial reserving methodology) are subject to constant review by the NAIC and its task forces and committees as well as state insurance departments in an effort to address emerging issues and otherwise improve or alter financial reporting. Various proposals either are currently or have previously been pending before committees and task forces of the NAIC, some of which, if enacted, would negatively affect the Company. The NAIC is also currently working to reform model regulation in various areas, including comprehensive reforms relating to life insurance reserves and the accounting for such reserves. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form reforms will be enacted by state legislatures and, if so, whether the enacted reforms will positively or negatively affect the Company. In addition, the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual provides that state insurance departments may permit insurance companies domiciled therein to depart from SAP by granting them permitted accounting practices. The Company cannot predict whether or when the insurance departments of the states of domicile of its competitors may permit them to utilize advantageous accounting practices that depart from SAP, the use of which is not permitted by the insurance departments of the states of domicile of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries. With respect to regulations and guidelines, states sometimes defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of the state of domicile. Neither the action of the domiciliary state nor action of the NAIC is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to SAP or components of SAP or the grant of permitted accounting practices to its competitors will not have a negative impact on the Company. For additional information regarding pending NAIC reforms, please see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The use of reinsurance introduces variability in the Company’s statements of income.

The timing of premium payments to and receipt of expense allowances from reinsurers differs from the Company’s receipt of customer premium payments and incurrence of expenses. These timing differences introduce variability in certain components of the Company’s statements of income and may also introduce variability in the Company’s quarterly financial results.

The Company’s reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates, terminate agreements or be subject to adverse developments that could affect the Company.

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets or other issues, the Company remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the assumed obligations. Therefore, the failure, insolvency, or inability or unwillingness to pay under the terms of the reinsurance agreement with the Company of one or more of the Company’s reinsurers could negatively impact the Company’s earnings and financial position.

The Company’s results and its ability to compete are affected by the availability and cost of reinsurance. Premium rates charged by the Company are based, in part, on the assumption that reinsurance will be available at a certain cost. Under certain reinsurance agreements, a reinsurer may increase the rate it charges the Company for the

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reinsurance, including rates for new policies the Company is issuing and rates related to policies that the Company has already issued. The Company may not be able to increase the premium rates it charges for policies it has already issued, and for competitive reasons it may not be able to raise the premium rates it charges for new policies to offset the increase in rates charged by reinsurers. If the cost of reinsurance were to increase, if reinsurance were to become unavailable, if alternatives to reinsurance were not available to the Company, or if a reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations, the Company could be adversely affected.

In recent years, the number of life reinsurers has decreased as the reinsurance industry has consolidated. The decreased number of participants in the life reinsurance market results in increased concentration of risk for insurers, including the Company. If the reinsurance market further contracts, the Company’s ability to continue to offer its products on terms favorable to it could be adversely impacted.

In addition, reinsurers are facing many challenges regarding illiquid credit and/or capital markets, investment downgrades, rating agency downgrades, deterioration of general economic conditions, and other factors negatively impacting the financial services industry. Concerns over the potential default on the sovereign debt of several European Union member states, and its impact on the European financial sector have increased liquidity concerns, particularly for those reinsurers with significant exposure to European capital and/or credit markets. If such events cause a reinsurer to fail to meet its obligations, the Company would be adversely impacted.

The Company has implemented a reinsurance program through the use of captive reinsurers. Under these arrangements, an insurer owned by the Company serves as the reinsurer, and the consolidated books and tax returns of the Company reflects a liability consisting of the full reserve amount attributable to the reinsured business. The success of the Company’s captive reinsurance program is dependent on a number of factors outside the control of the Company, including continued access to financial solutions, a favorable regulatory environment, and the overall tax position of the Company. If the captive reinsurance program is not successful, the Company could be adversely impacted.

The Company’s policy claims fluctuate from period to period resulting in earnings volatility.

The Company’s results may fluctuate from period to period due to fluctuations in the amount of policy claims received. In addition, certain of the Company’s lines of business may experience higher claims if the economy is growing slowly or in recession, or if equity markets decline. Also, insofar as the Company continues to retain a larger percentage of the risk of newly written life insurance products than it has in the past, its financial results may have greater variability due to fluctuations in mortality results.

The Company operates in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit its ability to gain or maintain its position in the industry and negatively affect profitability.

The insurance industry is a mature and highly competitive industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced reduced growth in life insurance sales. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources and higher ratings than the Company and which may have a greater market share, offer a broader range of products, services or features, assume a greater level of risk, have lower operating or financing costs, or have different profitability expectations than the Company. The Company also faces competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products. Consolidation and expansion among banks, insurance companies, distributors, and other financial service companies with which the Company does business could also have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations if such companies require more favorable terms than previously offered to the Company or if such companies elect not to continue to do business with the Company following consolidation or expansion.

The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distribution channels to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of adequate ratings from rating agencies.

As technology evolves, comparison of a particular product of any company for a particular customer with competing products for that customer is more readily available, which could lead to increased competition as well as agent or customer behavior, including persistency that differs from past behavior.

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The Company’s ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business.

 

The Company’s ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon a number of factors, such as the level of new sales, persistency of existing business, and expense management. A decrease in sales or persistency without a corresponding reduction in expenses may result in higher unit costs.

 

Additionally, a decrease in persistency of existing business may result in higher or more rapid amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and thus higher unit costs and lower reported earnings. Although many of the Company’s products contain surrender charges, the charges decrease over time and may not be sufficient to cover the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs with respect to the insurance policy or annuity contract being surrendered. Some of the Company’s products do not contain surrender charge features and such products can be surrendered or exchanged without penalty. A decrease in persistency may also result in higher claims.

 

The Company may not be able to protect its intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims.

 

The Company relies on a combination of contractual rights and copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret laws to establish and protect its intellectual property. Although the Company uses a broad range of measures to protect its intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe or misappropriate its intellectual property. The Company may have to litigate to enforce and protect its copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and know-how or to determine their scope, validity, or enforceability, which represents a diversion of resources that may be significant in amount and may not prove successful. The loss of intellectual property protection or the inability to secure or enforce the protection of the Company’s intellectual property assets could have a material adverse effect on its business and ability to compete.

 

The Company also may be subject to costly litigation in the event that another party alleges its operations or activities infringe upon that party’s intellectual property rights. Third parties may have, or may eventually be issued, patents that could be infringed by the Company’s products, methods, processes, or services. Any party that holds such a patent could make a claim of infringement against the Company. The Company may also be subject to claims by third parties for breach of copyright, trademark, trade secret, or license usage rights. Any such claims and any resulting litigation could result in significant liability for damages. If the Company were found to have infringed third party patent or other intellectual property rights, it could incur substantial liability, and in some circumstances could be enjoined from providing certain products or services to its customers or utilizing and benefiting from certain methods, processes, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, or licenses, or alternatively could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2.   Properties

 

The Company’s home office is located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama. The Company owns two buildings consisting of 310,000 square feet constructed in two phases. The first building was constructed in 1974 and the second building was constructed in 1982. Additionally, PLC leases a third 310,000 square-foot building constructed in 2004. Parking is provided for approximately 2,594 vehicles.

 

The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in 19 cities, including 24,090 square feet in Birmingham (excluding the home office building), with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The aggregate annualized rent is approximately $7.0 million.

 

The Company believes its properties are adequate and suitable for the Company’s business as currently conducted and are adequately maintained. The above properties do not include properties the Company owns for investment only.

 

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Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

 

To the knowledge and in the opinion of management, there are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of our properties is the subject. For additional information regarding legal proceedings see Item 1A, Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results and Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, each included herein.

 

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosure — Not Applicable

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.         Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), which also owns all of the preferred stock issued by the Company’s subsidiary, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PL&A”). Therefore, neither the Company’s common stock nor PL&A’s preferred stock is publicly traded.

 

As of December 31, 2013, approximately $494.6 million of the Company’s consolidated shareowner’s equity excluding net unrealized gains and losses on investments represented net assets of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that cannot be transferred to Protective Life Insurance Company in the form of dividends, loans, or advances.

 

Insurers are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurers’ ability to pay dividends. In general, dividends up to specific levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to PLC by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries in 2014 is estimated to be $305.1 million.

 

PL&A paid no dividends on its preferred stock in 2013 or 2012. The Company and its subsidiaries may pay cash dividends in the future, subject to their earnings and financial condition and other relevant factors.

 

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

 

$

2,967,322

 

$

2,799,390

 

$

2,784,134

 

$

2,609,357

 

$

2,674,680

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

(1,387,437

)

(1,310,097

)

(1,363,914

)

(1,380,712

)

(1,509,036

)

Net of reinsurance ceded

 

1,579,885

 

1,489,293

 

1,420,220

 

1,228,645

 

1,165,644

 

Net investment income

 

1,836,188

 

1,789,338

 

1,753,444

 

1,624,845

 

1,603,063

 

Realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

82,161

 

(227,816

)

(155,005

)

(144,438

)

(176,880

)

All other investments

 

(121,537

)

232,836

 

247,753

 

158,420

 

303,709

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(10,941

)

(67,130

)

(62,210

)

(74,970

)

(227,587

)

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

 

(11,506

)

8,986

 

14,889

 

33,606

 

47,696

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(22,447

)

(58,144

)

(47,321

)

(41,364

)

(179,891

)

Other income

 

250,420

 

230,553

 

189,494

 

110,876

 

212,443

 

Total revenues

 

3,604,670

 

3,456,060

 

3,408,585

 

2,936,984

 

2,928,088

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

3,182,171

 

2,996,481

 

2,933,310

 

2,603,808

 

2,537,647

 

Income tax expense

 

130,897

 

151,043

 

151,519

 

109,865

 

135,321

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

$

223,311

 

$

255,120

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

68,284,142

 

$

57,157,583

 

$

52,003,183

 

$

46,717,138

 

$

41,501,553

 

Total stable value products and annuity account balances

 

13,684,805

 

13,169,022

 

13,716,358

 

13,667,838

 

13,492,190

 

Non-recourse funding obligations

 

1,495,448

 

1,446,900

 

1,248,600

 

1,360,800

 

1,555,000

 

Shareowner’s equity

 

4,690,426

 

5,687,213

 

4,877,350

 

4,072,113

 

3,207,898

 

 

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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated audited financial statements and related notes included herein.

 

Certain reclassifications and revisions have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior period amounts comparable to those of the current period. Such reclassifications and revisions had no effect on previously reported net income or shareowner’s equity.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE

 

This report reviews our financial condition and results of operations including our liquidity and capital resources. Historical information is presented and discussed, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements instead of historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements, and we cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results included herein.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Our business

 

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PL”. Founded in 1907, we are the largest operating subsidiary of PLC. We provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Insurance Company and our subsidiaries.

 

We have several operating segments, each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. We periodically evaluate our operating segments as prescribed in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Segment Reporting Topic, and make adjustments to our segment reporting as needed.

 

Our operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products, Asset Protection, and Corporate and Other.

 

·                  Life Marketing - We market universal life (“UL”), variable universal life (“VUL”), bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, stockbrokers, and independent marketing organizations.

 

·                  Acquisitions - We focus on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisition segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore

 

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earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.

 

·                  Annuities - We market fixed and variable annuity (“VA”) products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.

 

·                  Stable Value Products - We sell fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. Additionally, we have contracts outstanding pursuant to a funding agreement-backed notes program registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which offered notes to both institutional and retail investors.

 

·                  Asset Protection - We market extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and recreational vehicles. In addition, the segment markets a guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) product. GAP coverage covers the difference between the loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss.

 

·                  Corporate and Other - This segment primarily consists of net investment income not assigned to the segments above (including the impact of carrying liquidity) and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various investment-related transactions, the operations of several small subsidiaries, and the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations.

 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

The factors which could affect our future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the following risks and uncertainties:

 

General

 

·                  exposure to the risks of natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, pandemics, malicious acts, terrorist acts and climate change could adversely affect our operations and results;

·                  a disruption affecting the electronic systems of the Company or those on whom the Company relies could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;

·                  confidential information maintained in our systems could be compromised or misappropriated, damaging our business and reputation and adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations;

·                  our results and financial condition may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management’s assumptions and estimates;

·                  we may not realize our anticipated financial results from our acquisitions strategy;

·                  we may not be able to achieve the expected results from our recent acquisition;

·                  assets allocated to the MONY Closed Block benefit only the holders of certain policies; adverse performance of Closed Block assets or adverse experience of Closed Block liabilities may negatively affect us;

·                  we are dependent on the performance of others;

·                  our risk management policies, practices, and procedures could leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks, which could negatively affect our business or result in losses;

·                  our strategies for mitigating risks arising from our day-to-day operations may prove ineffective resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition;

 

Financial Environment

 

·                  interest rate fluctuations and sustained periods of low interest rates could negatively affect our interest earnings and spread income, or otherwise impact our business;

·                  our investments are subject to market and credit risks, which could be heightened during periods of

 

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extreme volatility or disruption in financial and credit markets;

·                  equity market volatility could negatively impact our business;

·                  our use of derivative financial instruments within our risk management strategy may not be effective or sufficient;

·                  credit market volatility or disruption could adversely impact our financial condition or results from operations;

·                  our ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital;

·                  we could be adversely affected by a ratings downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization;

·                  we could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals;

·                  disruption of the capital and credit markets could negatively affect our ability to meet our liquidity and financing needs;

·                  difficult general economic conditions could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations;

·                  we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and capital position;

·                  we could be adversely affected by an inability to access our credit facility;

·                  we could be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending;

·                  our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted if our assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of our investments differ from actual experience;

·                  the amount of statutory capital that we have and the amount of statutory capital that we must hold to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of our control;

 

Industry

 

·                  we are highly regulated, are subject to routine audits, examinations, and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies, and self-regulatory agencies;

·                  changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect our ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products;

·                  financial services companies are frequently the targets of legal proceedings, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments;

·                  companies in the financial services industry are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny;

·                  new accounting rules, changes to existing accounting rules, or the grant of permitted accounting practices to competitors could negatively impact us;

·                  use of reinsurance introduces variability in our statements of income;

·                  our reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates, terminate agreements, or be subject to adverse developments that could affect us;

·                  our policy claims fluctuate from period to period resulting in earnings volatility;

 

Competition

 

·                  we operate in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit our ability to gain or maintain our position in the industry and negatively affect profitability;

·                  our ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business; and

·                  we may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims.

 

For more information about the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect our future results, please see Part I, Item 1A of this report.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our accounting policies require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, including, but not limited to expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates, as well as expectations around the valuations of investments, securities, and certain intangible assets. Because of

 

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the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the consolidated financial statements. A discussion of our various critical accounting policies is presented below.

 

Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security is judged to be other-than-temporary, the security’s basis is adjusted and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through a charge in the statement of income. The portion of this other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses on a security is recognized in earnings, while the non-credit portion, representing the difference between fair value and the discounted expected future cash flows of the security, is recognized within other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired investment becomes its new cost basis. For fixed maturities, we accrete the new cost basis to par or to the estimated future value over the expected remaining life of the security by adjusting the security’s future yields, assuming that future expected cash flows on the securities can be properly estimated.

 

Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is other-than-temporary is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. For example, assessing the value of certain investments requires that we perform an analysis of expected future cash flows including rates of prepayments. Other investments, such as collateralized mortgage or bond obligations, represent selected tranches of a structured transaction, supported in the aggregate by underlying investments in a wide variety of issuers. Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Although it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio related concentrations or leveraged risk. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.

 

For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including other asset-backed securities, the ASC Investments-Other Topic requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the estimated cash flows since the last revised estimate, considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.

 

Each quarter we review investments with unrealized losses and test for other-than-temporary impairments. We analyze various factors to determine if any specific other-than-temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the duration of the decline, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, and in some cases, an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows is performed. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, the security’s basis is adjusted and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. Equity securities that are other-than temporarily impaired are written down to fair value with a realized loss recognized in earnings. Other-than-temporary impairments to debt securities that we do not intend to sell and do not expect to be required to sell before recovering the security’s amortized cost are written down to discounted expected future cash flows (“post impairment cost”) and credit losses are recorded in earnings. The difference between the securities’ discounted expected future cash flows and the fair value of the securities on the impairment date is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as a non-credit portion impairment. When calculating the post impairment cost for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or

 

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“ABS”), we consider all known market data related to cash flows to estimate future cash flows. When calculating the post impairment cost for corporate debt securities, we consider all contractual cash flows to estimate expected future cash flows. To calculate the post impairment cost, the expected future cash flows are discounted at the original purchase yield. Debt securities that we intend to sell or expect to be required to sell before recovery are written down to fair value with the change recognized in earnings.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we recorded pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of investments of $10.9 million, $67.1 million, and $62.2 million, respectively. Credit impairments recorded in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2013, were $22.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, $11.5 million of non-credit losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded in earnings as credit losses. Of the $67.1 million of impairments for the year ended December 31, 2012, $58.1 million was recorded in earnings and $9.0 million was recorded in other comprehensive income. Of the $62.2 million of impairments for the year ended December 31, 2011, $47.3 million was recorded in earnings and $14.9 million was recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, there were $3.3 million of other-than-temporary impairments related to equity securities.  For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no other-than-temporary impairments related to equity securities. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, there were $7.6 million, $67.1 million, and $62.2 million of other-than-temporary impairments related to debt securities, respectively.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no other-than-temporary impairments related to debt securities or equity securities that we intend to sell or expect to be required to sell. For the year ended December 31, 2011, other-than-temporary impairments related to debt securities that we do not intend to sell and do not expect to be required to sell were $52.7 million, with $37.8 million of credit losses recorded on debt securities in earnings and $14.9 million of non-credit losses recorded in other comprehensive income. During the same period, other-than-temporary impairments related to debt securities that we intend to sell or expect to be required to sell were $9.5 million and were recorded in earnings.

 

Our specific accounting policies related to our invested assets are discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2013, we held $32.0 billion of available-for-sale investments, including $10.9 billion in investments with a gross unrealized loss of $604.3 million, and $365.0 million of held-to-maturity investments, none of which were in an unrealized loss position.

 

Derivatives - We utilize a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, foreign exchange, and equity market risk. Assessing the effectiveness of the hedging programs and evaluating the carrying values of the related derivatives often involve a variety of assumptions and estimates. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. The fair values of most of our derivatives are determined using exchange prices or independent broker quotes, but certain derivatives are valued based upon industry standard models which calculate the present-value of the projected cash flows of the derivatives using current and implied future market conditions. These models include market-observable estimates of volatility and interest rates in the determination of fair value. The use of different assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts, as well as the amount of reported net income. In addition, measurements of ineffectiveness of hedging relationships are subject to interpretations and estimations, and any differences may result in material changes to our results of operations. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of derivatives reported on our balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” was $210.3 million and $455.2 million, respectively.

 

Reinsurance - For each of our reinsurance contracts, we must determine if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with applicable accounting standards. We must review all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which we are subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. If we determine that the possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk will occur only under remote circumstances, we record the contract under a deposit method of accounting with the net amount payable/receivable reflected in other reinsurance assets or liabilities on our consolidated

 

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balance sheets. Fees earned on the contracts are reflected as other revenues, as opposed to premiums, in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Our reinsurance is ceded to a diverse group of reinsurers. The collectability of reinsurance is largely a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. We perform periodic credit reviews on our reinsurers, focusing on, among other things, financial capacity, stability, trends, and commitment to the reinsurance business. We also require assets in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support balances due from reinsurers not authorized to transact business in the applicable jurisdictions. Despite these measures, a reinsurer’s insolvency, inability, or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance contract could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. As of December 31, 2013, our third party reinsurance receivables amounted to $6.0 billion. These amounts include ceded reserve balances and ceded benefit payments.

 

We account for reinsurance as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance under the ASC Financial Services Topic as applicable. In accordance with this guidance, costs for reinsurance are amortized as a level percentage of premiums for traditional life products and a level percentage of estimated gross profits for universal life products. Accordingly, ceded reserve and deferred acquisition cost balances are established using methodologies consistent with those used in establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs. Establishing these balances requires the use of various assumptions including investment returns, mortality, persistency, and expenses. The assumptions made for establishing ceded reserves and ceded deferred acquisition costs are consistent with those used for establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs.

 

Assumptions are also made regarding future reinsurance premium rates and allowance rates. Assumptions made for mortality, persistency, and expenses are consistent with those used for establishing direct policyholder reserves and deferred acquisition costs. Assumptions made for future reinsurance premium and allowance rates are consistent with rates provided for in our various reinsurance agreements. For certain of our reinsurance agreements, premium and allowance rates may be changed by reinsurers on a prospective basis, assuming certain contractual conditions are met (primarily that rates are changed for all companies with which the reinsurer has similar agreements).  We do not anticipate any changes to these rates and, therefore, have assumed continuation of these non-guaranteed rates. To the extent that future rates are modified, these assumptions would be revised and both current and future results would be affected. For traditional life products, assumptions are not changed unless projected future revenues are expected to be less than future expenses. For universal life products, assumptions are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future differ from that assumed. When assumptions are updated, changes are reflected in the income statement as part of an “unlocking” process. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we adjusted our estimates of future reinsurance costs in both the Acquisitions and Life Marketing segments, resulting in an unfavorable unlocking impact of $15.0 million.

 

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired - We incur significant costs in connection with acquiring new insurance business. Portions of these costs, which are determined to be incremental direct costs associated with successfully acquired policies and coinsurance of blocks of policies, are deferred and amortized over future periods. The recovery of such costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies. The amount of future profit is dependent principally on investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation. These costs are amortized over the expected lives of the contracts, based on the level and timing of either gross profits or gross premiums, depending on the type of contract. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future profits are less than the unamortized deferred amounts. As of December 31, 2013, we had deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”)/value of business acquired (“VOBA”) of $3.5 billion.

 

We periodically review and update as appropriate our key assumptions on certain life and annuity products including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, investment yields, and interest spreads. Changes to these assumptions result in adjustments which increase or decrease DAC amortization and/or benefits and expenses. When we refer to DAC amortization or unlocking, we are referring to changes in balance sheet components amortized over estimated gross profits.

 

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In conjunction with the acquisition of a block of insurance policies or investment contracts, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from the acquired insurance policies or investment contracts. This intangible asset, called VOBA, represents the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from the acquired policies. The estimated present value of future cash flows is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company expects to experience in future years. These assumptions are to be best estimates and are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. We amortize VOBA in proportion to gross premiums for traditional life products and in proportion to expected gross profits (“EGPs”) for interest sensitive products, including accrued interest credited to account balances of up to approximately 8.75%. VOBA is subject to annual recoverability testing.

 

Goodwill - Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business to assess the recoverability of the capitalized acquisition goodwill. The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its operating segments (which are each considered to be reporting units). The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions. Additionally, the discount rate used is based on the Company’s judgment of the appropriate rate for each reporting unit based on the relative risk associated with the projected cash flows. As of December 31, 2013, we performed our annual evaluation of goodwill and determined that no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. As of December 31, 2013, we had goodwill of $80.7 million.

 

Insurance Liabilities and Reserves - Establishing an adequate liability for our obligations to policyholders requires the use of assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions based on our historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for our property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our reserves and pricing our products. Our reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments. In addition, we fair value the liability related to our equity indexed annuity product at each balance sheet date, with changes in the fair value recorded through earnings. Changes in this liability may be significantly affected by interest rate fluctuations. As of December 31, 2013, we had total policy liabilities and accruals of $31.3 billion.

 

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits - We establish liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) on our VA products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. We assume age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. Future declines in the equity market would increase our GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. Our GMDB as of December 31, 2013, is subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. As of December 31, 2013, the GMDB liability was $13.6 million.

 

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The Company could be adversely affected by an inability to access its credit facility.

The Company relies on its credit facility as a potential source of liquidity. The availability of these funds could be critical to the Company’s credit and financial strength ratings and its ability to meet obligations, particularly when alternative sources of credit are either difficult to access or costly. The availability of the Company’s credit facility is dependent in part on the ability of the lenders to provide funds under the facility. The Company’s credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth. The Company’s right to make borrowings under the facility is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including its compliance with all covenants. The Company’s failure to comply with the covenants in the credit facility could restrict its ability to access this credit facility when needed. The Company’s inability to access some or all of the line of credit under the credit facility could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company could be adversely affected by an inability to access FHLB lending.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) issued an Announced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”). The purpose of the ANPR is to seek comment on several possible changes to the requirements applicable to members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Any changes to such requirements that eliminate the Company’s eligibility for continued FHLB membership or limit the Company’s borrowing capacity pursuant to its FHLB membership could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company can give no assurance as to the outcome of the ANPR. The FHFA also released an advisory bulletin on the particular risks associated with lending to insurance companies as opposed to federally-backed banks, which includes standards for evaluating FHLB’s lending to an insurance company member. These standards are broad and raise concerns about the state regulatory framework and of FHLB creditor status in the event of insurer insolvency.  In March 2013, the FHFA issued a report entitled “FHFA Can Enhance Its Oversight of FHLBank Advances to Insurance Companies by Improving Communication with State Insurance Regulators and Industry Groups,” which proposes the FHFA coordinate with state regulators to obtain confidential supervisory information about insurers and interact with NAIC working groups to receive “early warning” information about failing members, so the FHFA can participate in the rehabilitation and perhaps increase FHLB creditor status.  Any standards or events that result in stricter regulation of, or a reduced incidence of FHLB-insurer lending could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company’s financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted if the Company’s assumptions regarding the fair value and future performance of its investments differ from actual experience.

The Company makes assumptions regarding the fair value and expected future performance of its investments. Expectations that the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions a market participant would use in determining the current fair value and consider the performance of the underlying assets. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such reduced performance may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on the Company’s holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within the Company’s portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. In addition, expectations that the Company’s investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through its normal credit surveillance process. It is possible that issuers of the Company’s investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead the Company to recognize potential future write-downs within its portfolio of corporate securities and/or debt obligations. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead the Company to dispose of such investments and recognize the effects of any market movements in its financial statements.

The Company also makes certain assumptions when utilizing internal models to value certain of its investments. It is possible that actual results will differ from the Company’s assumptions. Such events could result in a material change in the value of the Company’s investments.

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The amount of statutory capital that the Company has and the amount of statutory capital that it must hold to maintain its financial strength and credit ratings and meet other requirements can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of the Company’s control.

The Company conducts business directly and through licensed insurance company subsidiaries. Insurance regulators have established regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on risk-based capital (“RBC”) formulas for life and property and casualty companies. The RBC formula for life insurance companies establishes capital requirements relating to insurance, business, asset, interest rate, and certain other risks.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors including the following: the amount of statutory income or losses generated by the Company and its  insurance subsidiaries (which are sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions); the amount of additional capital that the Company and its insurance subsidiaries must hold to support business growth; changes in reserve requirements; the Company’s ability to secure capital market solutions to provide reserve relief; changes in equity market levels; the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities in its investment portfolio; the credit ratings of investments held in its portfolio, including those issued by, or explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by, a government; the value of certain derivative instruments; changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; credit market volatility; changes in consumer behavior; and changes to the NAIC RBC formula. Most of these factors are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by the statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios of the Company and its insurance company subsidiaries. Rating agencies may implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital the Company must hold in order to maintain its current ratings. In addition, rating agencies may downgrade the investments held in the Company’s portfolio, which could result in a reduction of the Company’s capital and surplus and/or its RBC ratio.

In scenarios of equity market declines, the amount of additional statutory reserves the Company is required to hold for its variable product guarantees may increase at a rate greater than the rate of change of the markets. Increases in reserves could result in a reduction to the Company’s capital, surplus, and/or RBC ratio. Also, in environments where there is not a correlative relationship between interest rates and spreads, the Company’s market value adjusted annuity product can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s statutory surplus position.

The business of the Company is highly regulated and is subject to routine audits, examinations and actions by regulators, law enforcement agencies and self-regulatory organizations.

The Company is subject to government regulation in each of the states in which it conducts business. In many instances, the regulatory models emanate from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative and in some instances discretionary power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include, among other things, premium rates and increases thereto, underwriting practices, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, acquisitions, mergers, capital adequacy, claims practices and the remittance of unclaimed property. In addition, some state insurance departments may enact rules or regulations with extra-territorial application, effectively extending their jurisdiction to areas such as permitted insurance company investments that are normally the province of an insurance company’s domiciliary state regulator.

At any given time, a number of financial, market conduct, or other examinations or audits of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries may be ongoing. It is possible that any examination or audit may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to obtain state regulatory approval for rate increases for certain health insurance products. The Company’s profits may be adversely affected if the requested rate increases are not approved in full by regulators in a timely fashion.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often

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made for the benefit of the consumer and may lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The NAIC may also be influenced by the initiatives and regulatory structures or schemes of international regulatory bodies, and those initiatives or regulatory structures or schemes may not translate readily into the regulatory structures or schemes or the legal system (including the interpretation or application of standards by juries) under which U.S. insurers must operate. In August 2013, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) released a report encouraging the U.S. to move toward a federal regulatory system for insurance. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”) also announced an intention to develop a global capital standard for insurers. These are only a few examples of international developments impacting the global insurance market. At this time, FSB reports, IAIS Insurance Core Principles, and other international work products are not directly binding on the U.S. or any U.S. insurer. However, there is increasing pressure to conform to international standards due to the globalization of the business of insurance and the recent financial crisis. Any international reports or mandates that directly impact, or indirectly influence, the nature of U.S. regulation or industry operations could impact the Company.

Although some NAIC pronouncements, particularly as they affect accounting and reserving issues, may take effect automatically without affirmative action taken by the states, the NAIC is not a governmental entity and its processes and procedures do not comport with those to which governmental entities typically adhere. Therefore, it is possible that actions could be taken by the NAIC that become effective without the procedural safeguards that would be present if governmental action was required. In addition, with respect to some financial regulations and guidelines, states sometimes defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of a non-domiciliary state. Neither the action of the domiciliary state nor the action of the NAIC is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company is also subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may result in non-compliance with another regulator’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. There is an additional risk that any particular regulator’s interpretation of a legal, accounting or actuarial issue may change over time to the Company’s detriment, or that changes to the overall legal or market environment may cause the Company to change its practices in ways that may, in some cases, limit its growth or profitability. Statutes, regulations, and interpretations may be applied with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting and reserve requirements. Also, regulatory actions with prospective impact can potentially have a significant impact on currently sold products.

The NAIC has announced more focused inquiries on certain matters that could have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Such inquiries concern, for example, examination of statutory accounting disclosures for separate accounts, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, certain aspects of insurance holding company reporting and disclosure, reserving for universal life products with secondary guarantees, and reinsurance. In addition, the NAIC continues to consider various initiatives to change and modernize its financial and solvency requirements and regulations. It is considering changing to, or has considered and passed, a principles-based reserving method for life insurance and annuity reserves, changes to the accounting and risk-based capital regulations, changes to the governance practices of insurers, and other items. Some of these proposed changes, including implementing a principles-based reserving methodology, would require the approval of state legislatures. The Company cannot provide any estimate as to what impact these more focused inquiries or proposed changes, if they occur, will have on its product mix, product profitability, reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

With respect to reserving requirements for universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”), in 2012 the NAIC adopted revisions to Actuarial Guideline XXXVIII (“AG38”) addressing those requirements. Some of the regulatory participants in the AG38 revision process appeared to believe that one of the purposes of the revisions was to calculate reserves for ULSG similarly to reserves for guaranteed level term life insurance contracts with the same guarantee period. The effect of the revisions was to increase the level of reserves that must be held by insurers on ULSG with certain product designs that are issued on and after January 1, 2013, and to cause insurers to test the adequacy of reserves, and possibly increase the reserves, on ULSG with certain product designs that were issued before January 1, 2013. The increased reserves on ULSG issued on and after January 1, 2013 may make certain product designs, including some of those offered by the Company and its subsidiaries before January 1, 2013, unprofitable to the Company if issued after 2012 unless prices are increased. The Company has developed and introduced a new ULSG product for sales in 2013. The Company cannot predict future regulatory actions that could negatively impact the Company’s ability to market its new product. Such regulatory reactions could include, for example, withdrawal of state approvals of the new product, or adoption of further changes to AG38 or other adverse action including retroactive

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regulatory action that could negatively impact the Company’s new product. A disruption of the Company’s ability to sell financially viable life insurance products or an increase in reserves on ULSG policies issued either before or after January 1, 2013, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company currently uses, and currently expects to be able to continue using, affiliated captive reinsurance companies in various structures relating to term life insurance and universal life insurance with secondary guarantees, and certain guaranteed benefits relating to variable annuities. However, the NAIC has established a subgroup to study the use of captives and special purpose vehicles to transfer insurance risk in relation to existing state laws and regulations. That subgroup issued a Captives and Special Purpose Vehicles White Paper which was recently adopted by the NAIC Financial Condition (“E”) Committee and Executive Committee/Plenary. The Financial Condition Committee also adopted an “interim solution for captives” in the form of a new charge for the Financial Analysis Working Group (“FAWG”). FAWG will now be reviewing captive transactions submitted by the states, in a peer review and comment process, while the remaining recommendations in the White Paper are divided among the NAIC Reinsurance (“E”) Task Force and the Principles Based Reserving Implementation (“EX”) Task Force. Also, the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (“FACI”) took up the issue of captives at a recent meeting, and a task force was created. Any regulatory action that materially adversely affects the Company’s use or materially increases the Company’s cost of using affiliated captive reinsurers, either retroactively or prospectively, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. If the Company were required to discontinue its use of captives for intercompany reinsurance transactions on a retroactive basis, adverse impacts would include early termination fees payable with respect to certain structures, diminished capital position and higher cost of capital. Additionally, finding alternative means to support policy liabilities efficiently is an unknown factor that would be dependent, in part, on future market conditions and the Company’s ability to obtain required regulatory approvals. On a prospective basis, discontinuation of the use of captives could impact the types, amounts and pricing of products offered by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries.

Recently, new laws and regulations have been adopted in certain states that require life insurers to search for unreported deaths. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (“NCOIL”) has adopted the Model Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (the “Unclaimed Benefits Act”) and legislation has been enacted in several states that is similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act, although each state’s version differs in some respects. The Unclaimed Benefits Act would impose new requirements on insurers to periodically compare their in-force life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, investigate any potential matches to confirm the death and determine whether benefits are due, and to attempt to locate the beneficiaries of any benefits that are due or, if no beneficiary can be located, escheat the benefit to the state as unclaimed property. Other states in which the Company does business may also consider adopting legislation similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act. The Company cannot predict whether such legislation will be proposed or enacted in additional states.  Life insurance industry associations and regulatory associations are also considering these matters.

A number of state treasury departments and administrators of unclaimed property have audited life insurance companies for compliance with unclaimed property laws. The focus of the audits has been to determine whether there have been maturities of policies or contracts, or policies that have exceeded limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under the policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. In addition, the audits have sought to identify unreported deaths of insureds. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for treating an unreported death as giving rise to a policy benefit that would be subject to unclaimed property procedures. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into resolution agreements with state treasury departments under which the life insurers agreed to procedures for comparing their previously issued life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, and escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found. The amounts publicly reported to have been paid to beneficiaries and/or escheated to the states have been substantial.

The NAIC has established an Investigations of Life/Annuity Claims Settlement Practices (D) Task Force to coordinate targeted multi-state examinations of life insurance companies on claims settlement practices. The state insurance regulators on the Task Force have initiated targeted multi-state examinations of life insurance companies with respect to the companies’ claims paying practices and use of a Death Database to identify unreported deaths in their life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts. There is no clear basis in previously existing law for requiring a life insurer to search for unreported deaths in order to determine whether a benefit is owed. A number of life

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insurers, however, have entered into settlement or consent agreements with state insurance regulators under which the life insurers agreed to implement systems and procedures for periodically comparing their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, and escheating the benefits and interest to the state if the beneficiary could not be found. It has been publicly reported that the life insurers have paid substantial administrative and/or examination fees to the insurance regulators in connection with the settlement or consent agreements.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as well as certain other insurance companies from whom the Company has coinsured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies, are subject to unclaimed property audits and/or targeted multistate examinations by insurance regulators similar to those described above. It is possible that the audits, examinations and/or the enactment of state laws similar to the Unclaimed Benefits Act could result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, payment of administrative penalties and/or examination fees to state authorities, and changes to the Company’s procedures for identifying unreported deaths and escheatment of abandoned property. It is possible any such additional payments and any costs related to changes in Company procedures could materially impact the Company’s financial results from operations. It is also possible that life insurers, including the Company, may be subject to claims, regulatory actions, law enforcement actions, and civil litigation arising from their prior business practices. Any resulting liabilities, payments or costs, including initial and ongoing costs of changes to the Company’s procedures or systems, could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

During December 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed actions against the Company and its subsidiary West Coast Life Insurance Company in West Virginia state court (State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue vs. Protective Life Insurance Company, State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue vs. West Coast Life Insurance Company; Defendant’s Motions to Dismiss granted on December 27, 2013; Notice of Appeal filed on January 27, 2014). The actions, which also name numerous other life insurance companies, allege that the companies violated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seek to compel compliance with the Act, and seek payment of unclaimed property, interest, and penalties. While the legal theory or theories that may give rise to liability in the West Virginia Treasurer litigation are uncertain, it is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar actions. The Company does not currently believe that losses, if any, arising from the West Virginia Treasurer litigation will be material. The Company cannot, however, predict whether other jurisdictions will pursue similar actions or, if they do, whether such actions will have a material impact on the Company’s financial results from operations.  Additionally, the California Controller has recently sued several insurance carriers for alleged failure to comply with audit requests from an appointed third party auditor. The Company cannot predict whether California might pursue a similar action against the Company and further cannot predict whether other jurisdictions might pursue similar actions.  The Company does not believe however that any such action would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. The Company cannot predict the amount or timing of any future assessments.

The purchase of life insurance products is limited by state insurable interest laws, which in most jurisdictions require that the purchaser of life insurance name a beneficiary that has some interest in the sustained life of the insured. To some extent, the insurable interest laws present a barrier to the life settlement, or “stranger-owned” industry, in which a financial entity acquires an interest in life insurance proceeds, and efforts have been made in some states to liberalize the insurable interest laws. To the extent these laws are relaxed, the Company’s lapse assumptions may prove to be incorrect.

At the federal level, bills are routinely introduced in both chambers of the United States Congress (“Congress”) that could affect life insurers. In the past, Congress has considered legislation that would impact insurance companies in numerous ways, such as providing for an optional federal charter or a federal presence for insurance, preempting state law in certain respects regarding the regulation of reinsurance, increasing federal oversight in areas such as consumer protection and other matters. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form legislation will be enacted and, if

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so, whether the enacted legislation will positively or negatively affect the Company or whether any effects will be material.

The Company is subject to various conditions and requirements of the Healthcare Act. The Healthcare Act makes significant changes to the regulation of health insurance and may affect the Company in various ways. The Healthcare Act may affect the small blocks of business the Company has offered or acquired over the years that are, or are deemed to constitute, health insurance. The Healthcare Act may also affect the benefit plans the Company sponsors for employees or retirees and their dependents, the Company’s expense to provide such benefits, the tax liabilities of the Company in connection with the provision of such benefits, and the Company’s ability to attract or retain employees. In addition, the Company may be subject to regulations, guidance or determinations emanating from the various regulatory authorities authorized under the Healthcare Act. The Company cannot predict the effect that the Healthcare Act, or any regulatory pronouncement made thereunder, will have on its results of operations or financial condition.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) enacted in July 2010 made sweeping changes to the regulation of financial services entities, products and markets. Certain provisions of Dodd-Frank are or may become applicable to the Company, its competitors or those entities with which the Company does business. Such provisions include, but are not limited to the following: the establishment of the Federal Insurance Office, changes to the regulation and standards applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisors, changes to the regulation of reinsurance, changes to regulations affecting the rights of shareholders, and the imposition of additional regulation over credit rating agencies.

Dodd-Frank also created the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which has issued a final rule and interpretive guidance setting forth the methodology by which it will determine whether a non-bank financial company is a systemically important financial institution (“SIFI”). A non-bank financial company, such as the Company, that is designated as a SIFI by the FSOC will become subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Company is not currently supervised by the Federal Reserve. Such supervision could impact the Company’s requirements relating to capital, liquidity, stress testing, limits on counterparty credit exposure, compliance and governance, early remediation in the event of financial weakness and other prudential matters, and in other ways the Company currently cannot anticipate.  FSOC-designated non-bank financial companies will also be required to prepare resolution plans, so-called “living wills,” that set out how they could most efficiently be liquidated if they endangered the U.S. financial system or the broader economy. The FSOC has made its initial SIFI designations, and the Company was not designated as such.  However, the Company could be considered and designated at any time.  Because the process is in its initial stages, the Company is at this time, unable to predict the impact on an entity that is supervised as a SIFI by the Federal Reserve Board.  The Company is not able to predict whether the capital requirements or other requirements imposed on SIFIs may impact the requirements applicable to the Company even if it is not designated as a SIFI.  The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions with respect to some product lines.  There is a similarly uncertain international designation process. The Financial Stability Board, appointed by the G-20 Summit, recently designated nine insurers as “G-SII’s,” or globally systemic insurance institutions. As with the designation of SIFI’s, it is unclear at this time whether additional capital and other requirements may be imposed and what the overall impact of G-SII designation on industry will be. The insurers designated as G-SIIs to date represent organizations larger than the Company, but the possibility remains that the Company could be so designated.

Additionally, Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, other than investment products already regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. CFPB has issued a rule to bring under its supervisory authority certain nonbanks whose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers.  It is unclear at this time which activities or products will be covered by this rule.  Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sell products that may be regulated by the CFPB.  CFPB continues to bring enforcement actions involving a growing number of issues, including actions using state Attorney’s General, which could directly or indirectly affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  Additionally, the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirement savings and is considering the extent of its authority in that area.  The Company is unable at this time, to predict the impact of these activities on the Company.

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Dodd-Frank includes a new framework of regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets which requires clearing of certain types of transactions which have been or are currently traded OTC by the Company. The types of transactions to be cleared are expected to increase in the future.  The new framework could potentially impose additional costs, including increased margin requirements and additional regulation on the Company. Increased margin requirements on the Company’s part, combined with restrictions on securities that will qualify as eligible collateral, could continue to reduce its liquidity and require an increase in its holdings of cash and government securities with lower yields causing a reduction in income. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate a wide range of risks in connection with its businesses, including those arising from its variable annuity products with guaranteed benefit features. The derivative clearing requirements of Dodd-Frank could continue to increase the cost of the Company’s risk mitigation and expose it to the risk of a default by a clearinghouse with respect to the Company’s cleared derivative transactions.

Numerous provisions of Dodd-Frank require the adoption of implementing rules and/or regulations. The process of adopting such implementing rules and/or regulations have in some instances been delayed beyond the timeframes imposed by Dodd-Frank. Until the various final regulations are promulgated pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the full impact of the regulations on the Company will remain unclear. In addition, Dodd-Frank mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislation or regulation applicable to the insurance industry, the Company, its competitors or the entities with which the Company does business. Legislative or regulatory requirements imposed by or promulgated in connection with Dodd-Frank may impact the Company in many ways, including but not limited to the following: placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its competition or other financial services entities, changing the competitive landscape of the financial services sector and/or the insurance industry, making it more expensive for the Company to conduct its business, requiring the reallocation of significant company resources to government affairs, legal and compliance-related activities, causing historical market behavior or statistics utilized by the Company in connection with its efforts to manage risk and exposure to no longer be predictive of future risk and exposure or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the overall business climate as well as the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans and individual investors that are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). The Department of Labor is currently in the process of re-proposing a rule that would change the circumstances under which one who works with employee benefit plans and Individual Retirement Accounts would be considered a fiduciary under ERISA. Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA and the Company cannot predict the impact that the Department of Labor’s re-proposed rule may have on its operations.

Certain life insurance policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the SEC. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) examine or investigate the activities of broker-dealers and investment advisors, including the Company’s affiliated broker-dealers and investment advisors. These examinations or investigations often focus on the activities of the registered representatives and registered investment advisors doing business through such entities and the entities’ supervision of those persons. It is possible that any examination or investigation could lead to enforcement action by the regulator and/or may result in payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or both, as well as changes in systems or procedures of such entities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, the SEC is reviewing the standard of conduct applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisers when those entities provide personalized investment advice about securities to retail customers. FINRA has also issued a report addressing how its member firms might identify and address conflicts of interest including conflicts related to the introduction of new products and services and the compensation of the member firms’ associated persons. These regulatory initiatives could have an impact on Company operations and the manner in which broker-dealers and investment advisers distribute the Company’s products.

In August 2013, the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) released a report encouraging the U.S. to move toward a federal regulatory system for insurance.  The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”) also announced an intention to develop a global capital standard for insurers.  These are only a few examples of international

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developments impacting the global insurance market.  At this time, FSB reports, IAIS Insurance Core Principles, and other international work products are not directly binding on the U.S. or any other U.S. insurer.  However, there is increasing pressure to conform to international standards due to the globalization of the business of insurance and the recent financial crisis.  Any international reports or mandates that directly impact, or indirectly influence, the nature of U.S. regulation or industry operations could impact the Company.

The Company may also be subject to regulation by governments of the countries in which it currently does, or may in the future, do, business, as well as regulation by the U.S. Government with respect to its operations in foreign countries, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Penalties for violating the various laws governing the Company’s business in other countries may include restrictions upon business operations, fines and imprisonment, both within the U.S. and abroad. U.S. enforcement of anti-corruption laws continues to increase in magnitude, and penalties may be substantial.

Other types of regulation that could affect the Company and its subsidiaries include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting and reserving practices, anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, insurable interest laws, federal anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, employment and immigration laws (including a law in Alabama where over half of the Company’s employees are located), and because the Company owns and operates real property, state, federal, and local environmental laws. Under some circumstances, severe penalties may be imposed for breach of these laws.

The Company cannot predict what form any future changes to laws and/or regulations affecting participants in the financial services sector and/or insurance industry, including the Company and its competitors or those entities with which it does business, may take, or what effect, if any, such changes may have.

Changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company and its ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income taxes payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of most life insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment provides some of the Company’s products with a competitive advantage over products offered by non-insurance companies. To the extent that the Code is revised to either reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to establish the tax-deferred status of new or competing products, then all life insurance companies, including the Company and its subsidiaries, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products. Furthermore, depending upon grandfathering provisions, such changes could cause increased surrenders of existing life insurance and annuity products. For example, new legislation that further restricts the deductibility of interest on funds borrowed to purchase corporate-owned life insurance products could result in increased surrenders of these products.

The Company is subject to the federal corporate income tax. Certain tax provisions, such as the dividends-received deduction, the deferral of current taxation on certain types of derivatives and securities, economic income, and the deduction for future policy benefits and claims, are beneficial to the Company. The Obama Administration and Congress have separately made proposals that either materially change or eliminate these benefits. Most of the foregoing proposals would cause the Company to pay higher current taxes, offset by a reduction in its deferred taxes. However, the proposal regarding the dividends-received deduction would cause the Company’s net income and earnings per share to decrease. Whether these proposals will be enacted, and if so, whether they will be enacted as described above, is uncertain.

The Company’s mid-2005 transition from relying on reinsurance for newly-written traditional life products to reinsuring some of these products’ reserves into its captive insurance companies resulted in a net reduction in its current taxes, offset by an increase in its deferred taxes. The resulting benefit of reduced current taxes is attributed to the applicable life products and is an important component of the profitability of these products. The profitability and competitive position of these products is dependent on the continuation of current tax law and the ability to generate taxable income.

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There is general uncertainty regarding the taxes to which the Company and its products will be subject in the future. The Company cannot predict what changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law may ultimately be enacted or adopted, or whether such changes will adversely affect the Company.

Financial services companies are frequently the targets of legal proceedings, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments.

A number of judgments have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving, among other things, sales, underwriting practices, product design, product disclosure, product administration, denial or delay of benefits, charging excessive or impermissible fees, recommending unsuitable products to customers, breaching fiduciary or other duties to customers, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the company does business, payment of sales or other contingent commissions, and other matters. Often these legal proceedings have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given legal proceeding. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some legal proceedings, companies have made material settlement payments. In some instances, substantial judgments may be the result of a party’s perceived ability to satisfy such judgments as opposed to the facts and circumstances regarding the claims.

Group health coverage issued through associations and credit insurance coverages have received some negative publicity in the media as well as increased regulatory consideration and review and litigation. The Company has a small closed block of group health insurance coverage that was issued to members of an association; a purported class action lawsuit is currently pending against the Company in connection with this business.

A number of lawsuits and investigations regarding the method of paying claims have been initiated against life insurers. The Company offers payment methods that may be similar to those that have been the subject of such lawsuits and investigations.

The Company, like other financial services companies in the ordinary course of business, is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory actions. The occurrence of such matters may become more frequent and/or severe when general economic conditions have deteriorated. The Company may be unable to predict the outcome of such matters and may be unable to provide a reasonable range of potential losses. Given the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such matters, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain such matters could be material to the Company’s results for any particular reporting period.

Companies in the financial services industry are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny.

Companies in the financial services and insurance industries are sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies. Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or other actions resulting from such investigations. Resulting publicity about one company may generate inquiries into or litigation against other financial service providers, even those who do not engage in the business lines or practices at issue in the original action. It is impossible to predict the outcome of such investigations or actions, whether they will expand into other areas not yet contemplated, whether they will result in changes in regulation, whether activities currently thought to be lawful will be characterized as unlawful, or the impact, if any, of such scrutiny on the financial services and insurance industry or the Company. From time to time, the Company receives subpoenas, requests, or other inquires and responds to them in the ordinary course of business.

New accounting rules, changes to existing accounting rules, or the grant of permitted accounting practices to competitors could negatively impact the Company.

The Company is required to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). A number of organizations are instrumental in the development and interpretation of GAAP such as the SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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(“AICPA”). GAAP is subject to constant review by these organizations and others in an effort to address emerging accounting rules and issue interpretative accounting guidance on a continual basis. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to GAAP will not have a negative impact on the Company. GAAP includes the requirement to carry certain investments and insurance liabilities at fair value. These fair values are sensitive to various factors including, but not limited to, interest rate movements, credit spreads, and various other factors. Because of this, changes in these fair values may cause increased levels of volatility in the Company’s financial statements.

The FASB is working on several projects in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards Board, which could result in significant changes as GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) attempt to converge. Furthermore, the SEC is considering whether and how to incorporate IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system. The changes to GAAP and potential incorporation of IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system will impose special demands on issuers in the areas of governance, employee training, internal controls, contract fulfillment and disclosure and will likely affect how we manage our business, as it will likely affect other business processes such as design of compensation plans, product design, etc. The Company is unable to predict whether, and if so, when these projects and ultimately convergence with IFRS will be adopted and/or implemented.

In addition, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to comply with statutory accounting principles (“SAP”). SAP and various components of SAP (such as actuarial reserving methodology) are subject to constant review by the NAIC and its task forces and committees as well as state insurance departments in an effort to address emerging issues and otherwise improve or alter financial reporting. Various proposals either are currently or have previously been pending before committees and task forces of the NAIC, some of which, if enacted, would negatively affect the Company. The NAIC is also currently working to reform model regulation in various areas, including comprehensive reforms relating to life insurance reserves and the accounting for such reserves. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form reforms will be enacted by state legislatures and, if so, whether the enacted reforms will positively or negatively affect the Company. In addition, the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual provides that state insurance departments may permit insurance companies domiciled therein to depart from SAP by granting them permitted accounting practices. The Company cannot predict whether or when the insurance departments of the states of domicile of its competitors may permit them to utilize advantageous accounting practices that depart from SAP, the use of which is not permitted by the insurance departments of the states of domicile of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries. With respect to regulations and guidelines, states sometimes defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of the state of domicile. Neither the action of the domiciliary state nor action of the NAIC is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to SAP or components of SAP or the grant of permitted accounting practices to its competitors will not have a negative impact on the Company. For additional information regarding pending NAIC reforms, please see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The use of reinsurance introduces variability in the Company’s statements of income.

The timing of premium payments to and receipt of expense allowances from reinsurers differs from the Company’s receipt of customer premium payments and incurrence of expenses. These timing differences introduce variability in certain components of the Company’s statements of income and may also introduce variability in the Company’s quarterly financial results.

The Company’s reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates, terminate agreements or be subject to adverse developments that could affect the Company.

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets or other issues, the Company remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the assumed obligations. Therefore, the failure, insolvency, or inability or unwillingness to pay under the terms of the reinsurance agreement with the Company of one or more of the Company’s reinsurers could negatively impact the Company’s earnings and financial position.

The Company’s results and its ability to compete are affected by the availability and cost of reinsurance. Premium rates charged by the Company are based, in part, on the assumption that reinsurance will be available at a certain cost. Under certain reinsurance agreements, a reinsurer may increase the rate it charges the Company for the

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reinsurance, including rates for new policies the Company is issuing and rates related to policies that the Company has already issued. The Company may not be able to increase the premium rates it charges for policies it has already issued, and for competitive reasons it may not be able to raise the premium rates it charges for new policies to offset the increase in rates charged by reinsurers. If the cost of reinsurance were to increase, if reinsurance were to become unavailable, if alternatives to reinsurance were not available to the Company, or if a reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations, the Company could be adversely affected.

In recent years, the number of life reinsurers has decreased as the reinsurance industry has consolidated. The decreased number of participants in the life reinsurance market results in increased concentration of risk for insurers, including the Company. If the reinsurance market further contracts, the Company’s ability to continue to offer its products on terms favorable to it could be adversely impacted.

In addition, reinsurers are facing many challenges regarding illiquid credit and/or capital markets, investment downgrades, rating agency downgrades, deterioration of general economic conditions, and other factors negatively impacting the financial services industry. Concerns over the potential default on the sovereign debt of several European Union member states, and its impact on the European financial sector have increased liquidity concerns, particularly for those reinsurers with significant exposure to European capital and/or credit markets. If such events cause a reinsurer to fail to meet its obligations, the Company would be adversely impacted.

The Company has implemented a reinsurance program through the use of captive reinsurers. Under these arrangements, an insurer owned by the Company serves as the reinsurer, and the consolidated books and tax returns of the Company reflects a liability consisting of the full reserve amount attributable to the reinsured business. The success of the Company’s captive reinsurance program is dependent on a number of factors outside the control of the Company, including continued access to financial solutions, a favorable regulatory environment, and the overall tax position of the Company. If the captive reinsurance program is not successful, the Company could be adversely impacted.

The Company’s policy claims fluctuate from period to period resulting in earnings volatility.

The Company’s results may fluctuate from period to period due to fluctuations in the amount of policy claims received. In addition, certain of the Company’s lines of business may experience higher claims if the economy is growing slowly or in recession, or if equity markets decline. Also, insofar as the Company continues to retain a larger percentage of the risk of newly written life insurance products than it has in the past, its financial results may have greater variability due to fluctuations in mortality results.

The Company operates in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit its ability to gain or maintain its position in the industry and negatively affect profitability.

The insurance industry is a mature and highly competitive industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced reduced growth in life insurance sales. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources and higher ratings than the Company and which may have a greater market share, offer a broader range of products, services or features, assume a greater level of risk, have lower operating or financing costs, or have different profitability expectations than the Company. The Company also faces competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products. Consolidation and expansion among banks, insurance companies, distributors, and other financial service companies with which the Company does business could also have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations if such companies require more favorable terms than previously offered to the Company or if such companies elect not to continue to do business with the Company following consolidation or expansion.

The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distribution channels to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of adequate ratings from rating agencies.

As technology evolves, comparison of a particular product of any company for a particular customer with competing products for that customer is more readily available, which could lead to increased competition as well as agent or customer behavior, including persistency that differs from past behavior.

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Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits — We establish reserves for guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) on its variable annuity (“VA”) products. The GMWB is valued in accordance with FASB guidance under the ASC Derivatives and Hedging Topic which utilizes the valuation technique prescribed by the ASC Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, which requires the liability to be recorded at fair value using current implied volatilities for the equity indices. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality, lapses, policyholder behavior, equity market returns, interest rates, and market volatility. We assume age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% to 80%. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. Favorable market returns during the year have reduced the likelihood of claims and increased the amount of fees projected to be received. More favorable market conditions at year end 2013 also reduced projected claims. The increase in risk free interest rates has reduced the present value of both claims and fees, but since claims are generally expected later than the fees, the reduction of the present value of claims is greater than the reduction of the present value of fees. As a result of these and other factors, the aggregate GMWB reserve has moved to a net asset position. As of December 31, 2013, our net GMWB asset held was $93.9 million.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Determining PLC’s obligations to employees under its pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans requires the use of assumptions. The calculation of the liability and expense related to PLC’s benefit plans incorporates the following significant assumptions:

 

·                  appropriate weighted average discount rate;

·                  estimated rate of increase in the compensation of employees;

·                  expected long-term rate of return on the plan’s assets.

 

See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, to the consolidated financial statements for further information on this plan.

 

Stock-Based Payments - Accounting for stock-based compensation plans may require the use of option pricing models to estimate PLC’s obligations. Assumptions used in such models relate to equity market movements and volatility, the risk-free interest rate at the date of grant, expected dividend rates, and expected exercise dates. See Note 14, Stock-Based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

 

Deferred Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions - Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to net unrealized gains (losses), deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, and future policy benefits and claims. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse. We evaluate deferred tax assets for impairment quarterly at the taxpaying component level within each tax jurisdiction. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of such assets will not be realized as future reductions of current taxes. In determining the need for a valuation allowance we consider the reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. The determination of any valuation allowance requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions regarding future operations that are based on our historical experience and our expectations of future performance.

 

The ASC Income Taxes Topic prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an expected or actual uncertain income tax return position and provides guidance on disclosure. Additionally, in order for us to recognize any degree of benefit in our financial statements from such a position, there must be a greater than 50 percent chance of success with the relevant taxing authority with regard to that position. In making this analysis, we assume that the taxing authority is fully informed of all of the facts regarding any issue. Our judgments and assumptions regarding uncertain tax positions are subject to change over time due to the enactment of new legislation, the issuance of revised or new regulations or rulings by the various tax authorities, and the issuance of new decisions by the courts.

 

Contingent Liabilities - The assessment of potential obligations for tax, regulatory, and litigation matters inherently involves a variety of estimates of potential future outcomes. We make such estimates after consultation with

 

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our advisors and a review of available facts. However, there can be no assurance that future outcomes will not differ from management’s assessments.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

We use the same accounting policies and procedures to measure segment operating income (loss) and assets as we use to measure consolidated net income and assets. Segment operating income (loss) is income before income tax, excluding realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives, net of the amortization related to DAC, VOBA, and benefits and settlement expenses. Operating earnings exclude changes in the GMWB embedded derivatives (excluding the portion attributed to economic cost), realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives used to hedge the VA product, actual GMWB incurred claims, and the related amortization of DAC attributed to each of these items.

 

Segment operating income (loss) represents the basis on which the performance of our business is internally assessed by management. Premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC/VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we began allocating realized gains and losses to certain of our segments to better reflect the economics of the investments supporting those segments. This change had no impact to segment operating income. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.

 

However, segment operating income (loss) should not be viewed as a substitute for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) net income. In addition, our segment operating income (loss) measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

We periodically review and update as appropriate our key assumptions on products using the ASC Financial Services-Insurance Topic, including future mortality, expenses, lapses, premium persistency, investment yields, interest spreads, and equity market returns. Changes to these assumptions result in adjustments which increase or decrease DAC/VOBA amortization and/or benefits and expenses. The periodic review and updating of assumptions is referred to as “unlocking”. When referring to DAC/VOBA amortization or unlocking on products covered under the ASC Financial Services-Insurance Topic, the reference is to changes in all balance sheet components amortized over estimated gross profits.

 

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The following table presents a summary of results and reconciles segment operating income (loss) to consolidated net income:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

106,812

 

$

102,114

 

$

96,110

 

4.6

%

6.2

%

Acquisitions

 

154,003

 

171,060

 

157,393

 

(10.0

)

8.7

 

Annuities

 

166,278

 

117,778

 

79,373

 

41.2

 

48.4

 

Stable Value Products

 

80,561

 

60,329

 

56,780

 

33.5

 

6.3

 

Asset Protection

 

20,148

 

9,765

 

16,892

 

n/m

 

(42.2

)

Corporate and Other

 

(74,620

)

1,119

 

6,985

 

n/m

 

(84.0

)

Total segment operating income

 

453,182

 

462,165

 

413,533

 

(1.9

)

11.8

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - investments(1)

 

(140,236

)

188,729

 

194,866

 

 

 

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - derivatives

 

109,553

 

(191,315

)

(133,124

)

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

(130,897

)

(151,043

)

(151,519

)

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

(5.5

)

(4.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses)(2)

 

$

(143,984

)

$

174,692

 

$

200,432

 

 

 

 

 

Less: amortization related to DAC/VOBA and benefits and settlement expenses

 

(3,748

)

(14,037

)

5,566

 

 

 

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - investments

 

$

(140,236

)

$

188,729

 

$

194,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative gains (losses) (3)

 

$

82,161

 

$

(227,816

)

$

(155,005

)

 

 

 

 

Less: VA GMWB economic cost

 

(27,392

)

(36,501

)

(21,881

)

 

 

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - derivatives

 

$

109,553

 

$

(191,315

)

$

(133,124

)

 

 

 

 

 


(1)             Includes credit related other-than-temporary impairments of $22.4 million, $58.1 million, and $47.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

(2)             Includes realized investment gains (losses) before related amortization.

(3)             Includes realized gains (losses) on derivatives before the VA GMWB economic cost.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2013, included a $9.0 million, or 1.9%, decrease in segment operating income. The decrease was primarily related to a $17.1 million decrease in the Acquisitions segment and a $75.7 million decrease in the Corporate and Other segment. These decreases were partially offset by a $4.7 million increase in the Life Marketing segment, a $48.5 million increase in the Annuities segment, a $20.2 million increase in the Stable Value Products segment, and a $10.4 million increase in the Asset Protection segment.

 

We experienced net realized losses of $61.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to net realized losses of $53.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The losses realized for the year ended December 31, 2013, were primarily related to $22.4 million for other-than-temporary impairment credit-related losses, net losses of $112.0 million of derivatives related to variable annuity contracts, and a $24.9 million loss related to other investment and derivative activity.  Partially offsetting these losses were gains of $66.4 million of gains related to investment securities sale activity, $27.0 million of gains related to the net activity of the modified coinsurance portfolio, $3.0 million of gains related to interest rate swaps, and net gains of $1.1 million of derivatives related to fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) contracts.

 

·                  Life Marketing segment operating income was $106.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, representing an increase of $4.7 million, or 4.6%, from the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was

 

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primarily due to higher premiums and policy fees, higher investment income due to growth of the block of business and favorable prospective unlocking. These increases were largely offset by less favorable traditional mortality and higher universal life claims due to growth in in-force and an increase in non-deferred expenses resulting from higher sales.

 

·                  Acquisitions segment operating income was $154.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $17.1 million, or 10.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to less favorable mortality, an unfavorable change in prospective unlocking, lower spread income, the impact of increased reinsurance, and the expected runoff of business, partly offset by the favorable impact of $25.2 million from the MONY acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013.

 

·                  Annuities segment operating income was $166.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $48.5 million, or 41.2%. This variance included a favorable change of $36.9 million in unlocking and higher gross policy fees and other income in the VA line. Partially offsetting these favorable changes was an unfavorable change in net investment income and an increased in ceded policy fees.

 

·                  Stable Value Products segment operating income was $80.6 million and increased $20.2 million, or 33.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in operating earnings resulted from an increase in participating mortgage income, higher operating spreads, and lower expenses offset by a decline in average account values. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $12.1 million as compared to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income and other income, increased by 58 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2013 over the prior year.

 

·                  Asset Protection segment operating income was $20.1 million, representing an increase of $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Service contract earnings increased $5.4 million primarily due to $4.1 million of expense incurred in 2012 to write off previously capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software. In addition, the line experienced higher volume and lower general expenses in 2013. Credit insurance earnings increased $4.2 million primarily due to $3.1 million in legal settlement and related costs incurred in 2012 and lower expenses in 2013.  Earnings from the GAP product line increased $0.8 million primarily resulting from lower expenses, somewhat offset by higher losses.

 

·                  Corporate and Other segment operating loss was $74.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to operating income of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a $27.6 million unfavorable variance related to gains on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $4.4 million of pre-tax gains were generated from the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations compared to $32.0 million of pre-tax gains during 2012. In addition, the segment experienced a $2.8 million decrease related to a portfolio of securities designated for trading, a $4.0 million unfavorable variance related to income on called securities, lower core investment income, and higher other operating expenses.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012, included a $48.6 million, or 11.8%, increase in segment operating income. The increase was primarily related to a $6.0 million increase in the Life Marketing segment, a $13.7 million increase in the Acquisitions segment, a $38.4 million increase in the Annuities segment, and a $3.5 million increase in the Stable Value Products segment. These increases were partially offset by a $7.1 million decrease in the Asset Protection segment and a $5.9 million decrease in the Corporate and Other segment.

 

We experienced net realized losses of $53.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to net realized gains of $45.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The losses realized for the year ended December 31, 2012, were primarily related to $58.1 million for other-than-temporary impairment credit-related losses, net losses of $102.8 million of derivatives related to variable annuity contracts, a $2.8 million loss on interest rate caps and swaps, and a $2.2 million loss related to other investment and derivative activity.  Partially offsetting these losses

 

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were gains of $67.6 million of gains related to investment securities sale activity and $45.2 million of gains related to the net activity of the modified coinsurance portfolio.

 

·                  Life Marketing segment operating income was $102.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, representing an increase of $6.0 million, or 6.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher investment income, more favorable traditional life claims, and a less unfavorable change in unlocking. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable universal life and BOLI claims, an increase in reserves resulting from changes in universal life interest rate assumptions, and higher operating expenses.

 

·                  Acquisitions segment operating income was $171.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $13.7 million, or 8.7%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to the Liberty Life Insurance Company (“Liberty Life”) coinsurance transaction. The Liberty Life transaction added $50.2 million to segment operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $15.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The Liberty Life transaction was effective April 30, 2011, therefore, the 2012 results include twelve months of Liberty Life activity as compared to eight months included in the 2011 results. This was partly offset by the expected runoff in the older acquired blocks.

 

·                  Annuities segment operating income was $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $79.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $38.4 million. This variance included a favorable change of $41.2 million in operating revenue driven by higher policy fees and other income in the VA line and lower benefits and settlement expenses. Partially offsetting these favorable changes was an unfavorable change of $14.7 million in unlocking and an increase in DAC amortization and non-deferred expenses.

 

·                  Stable Value Products segment operating income was $60.3 million and increased $3.5 million, or 6.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in operating earnings resulted from higher operating spreads and lower expenses offset by a decline in average account values. We also called certain retail notes, which accelerated DAC amortization of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We did not accelerate DAC amortization during the year ended December 31, 2012 as no contracts were called. The operating spread increased 17 basis points to 231 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an operating spread of 214 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2011. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, increased by 29 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2012 over the prior year.

 

·                  Asset Protection segment operating income was $9.8 million, representing a decrease of $7.1 million, or 42.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Service contract earnings decreased $3.2 million, or 61.6%, primarily due to $4.1 million of expense to impair and dispose of previously capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software.  Credit insurance earnings decreased $4.1 million primarily due to $3.1 million in legal settlement and related costs.  Earnings from the GAP product line increased $0.2 million, or 1.8%.

 

·                  Corporate and Other segment operating income was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an operating income of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to $8.5 million of pre-tax earnings recorded during 2011 relating to the settlement of a dispute with respect to certain investments and a $3.5 million unfavorable variance related to gains on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2012, $32.0 million of pre-tax gains were generated by repurchases as compared to $35.5 million of pre-tax gains generated during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Partially offsetting this variance was an $8.6 million favorable variance related to mortgage loan prepayment fee income as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Life Marketing

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums and policy fees

 

$

1,634,132

 

$

1,575,074

 

$

1,591,581

 

3.7

%

(1.0

)%

Reinsurance ceded

 

(838,023

)

(831,713

)

(846,762

)

(0.8

)

1.8

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

796,109

 

743,361

 

744,819

 

7.1

 

(0.2

)

Net investment income

 

521,219

 

486,374

 

446,014

 

7.2

 

9.0

 

Other income

 

3,204

 

3,919

 

3,094

 

(18.2

)

26.7

 

Total operating revenues(1)

 

1,320,532

 

1,233,654

 

1,193,927

 

7.0

 

3.3

 

Realized gains (losses)- investments

 

3,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

1,324,409

 

1,233,654

 

1,193,927

 

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

1,142,619

 

1,054,645

 

978,098

 

8.3

 

7.8

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

24,838

 

45,079

 

87,461

 

(44.9

)

(48.5

)

Other operating expenses

 

46,263

 

31,816

 

32,258

 

45.4

 

(1.4

)

Operating benefits and expenses

 

1,213,720

 

1,131,540

 

1,097,817

 

7.3

 

3.1

 

Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(1)

 

513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of DAC related to realized gains (losses)- investments(1)

 

936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

1,215,169

 

1,131,540

 

1,097,817

 

7.4

 

3.1

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

109,240

 

102,114

 

96,110

 

7.0

 

6.2

 

Less: realized gains (losses)(1)

 

3,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(1)

 

(513

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: related amortization of DAC(1)

 

(936

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

$

106,812

 

$

102,114

 

$

96,110

 

4.6

 

6.2

 

 


(1)  During the year ended December 31, 2013, we began allocating realized gains and losses and associated amortization of DAC and benefits and settlement expenses to certain of our segments to better reflect the economics of the investments supporting these segments. Prior year realized gains and losses are not comparable to the current year presentation.

 

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The following table summarizes key data for the Life Marketing segment:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Sales By Product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional

 

$

1,293

 

$

1,115

 

$

3,846

 

16.0

%

(71.0

)%

Universal life

 

153,428

 

117,099

 

117,947

 

31.0

 

(0.7

)

BOLI

 

 

3,253

 

11,363

 

n/m

 

(71.4

)

 

 

$

154,721

 

$

121,467

 

$

133,156

 

27.4

 

(8.8

)

Sales By Distribution Channel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent agents

 

$

108,180

 

$

73,692

 

$

89,398

 

46.8

 

(17.6

)

Stockbrokers / banks

 

44,343

 

42,973

 

31,677

 

3.2

 

35.7

 

BOLI / other

 

2,198

 

4,802

 

12,081

 

(54.2

)

(60.3

)

 

 

$

154,721

 

$

121,467

 

$

133,156

 

27.4

 

(8.8

)

Average Life Insurance In-force(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional

 

$

424,012,114

 

$

449,462,487

 

$

476,813,161

 

(5.7

)

(5.7

)

Universal life

 

109,131,467

 

80,331,839

 

67,823,606

 

35.9

 

18.4

 

 

 

$

533,143,581

 

$

529,794,326

 

$

544,636,767

 

0.6

 

(2.7

)

Average Account Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Universal life

 

$

6,965,424

 

$

6,501,025

 

$

6,037,896

 

7.1

 

7.7

 

Variable universal life

 

475,064

 

387,424

 

364,803

 

22.6

 

6.2

 

 

 

$

7,440,488

 

$

6,888,449

 

$

6,402,699

 

8.0

 

7.6

 

 


 (1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.

 

Operating expenses detail

 

Other operating expenses for the segment were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

First year commissions

 

$

169,597

 

$

124,030

 

$

159,430

 

36.7

%

(22.2

)%

Renewal commissions

 

34,855

 

35,231

 

35,898

 

(1.1

)

(1.9

)

First year ceding allowances

 

(4,139

)

(4,538

)

(8,294

)

8.8

 

45.3

 

Renewal ceding allowances

 

(167,853

)

(166,445

)

(172,493

)

(0.8

)

3.5

 

General & administrative

 

175,641

 

147,582

 

155,282

 

19.0

 

(5.0

)

Taxes, licenses, and fees

 

36,823

 

35,439

 

35,480

 

3.9

 

(0.1

)

Other operating expenses incurred

 

244,924

 

171,299

 

205,303

 

43.0

 

(16.6

)

Less: commissions, allowances & expenses capitalized

 

(198,661

)

(139,483

)

(173,045

)

(42.4

)

19.4

 

Other operating expenses

 

$

46,263

 

$

31,816

 

$

32,258

 

45.4

 

(1.4

)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $106.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, representing an increase of $4.7 million, or 4.6%, from the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to higher premiums and

 

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policy fees, higher investment income due to growth of the block of business and favorable prospective unlocking. These increases were largely offset by less favorable traditional mortality and higher universal life claims due to growth in in-force and an increase in non-deferred expenses resulting from higher sales.

 

Operating revenues

 

Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased $86.9 million, or 7.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase was driven by higher premiums and policy fees due to increased sales and higher investment income due to increases in net in-force reserves.

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

Net premiums and policy fees increased by $52.7 million, or 7.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in premium and policy fees associated with increased sales of universal life business, partially offset by decreases in traditional life premiums.

 

Net investment income

 

Net investment income in the segment increased $34.8 million, or 7.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Of the increase in net investment income, $25.1 million was the result of a net increase in universal life reserves. Additionally, traditional life investment income increased $8.8 million due to a net increase in reserves.

 

Other income

 

Other income decreased $0.7 million, or 18.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease relates primarily to fees on variable universal life funds.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $88.0 million, or 8.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, due to growth in retained universal life insurance in-force, higher credited interest on universal life products resulting from increases in account values, and higher claims from growth in the universal life block and less favorable mortality in the traditional life block.  Unlocking during 2013 and 2012 increased benefit and settlement expenses by $50.5 million and $51.0 million, respectively.

 

Amortization of DAC

 

DAC amortization decreased $20.2 million, or 44.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to differing impacts of unlocking. In 2013, universal life and BOLI unlocking decreased amortization $47.6 million, as compared to a decrease of $39.3 million in 2012.

 

Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses increased $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase reflects higher new business acquisition costs associated with higher sales, higher general administrative expenses, and a $4.0 million increase in interest expense associated with reserve financing costs.

 

Sales

 

Sales for the segment increased $33.3 million, or 27.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Universal life sales increased $36.3 million due to more competitive product positioning. BOLI sales decreased by $3.3 million due to less favorable product positioning.

 

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For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $102.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, representing an increase of $6.0 million, or 6.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher investment income, more favorable traditional life claims, and a less unfavorable change in unlocking. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable universal life and BOLI claims, an increase in reserves resulting from changes in universal life interest rate assumptions, and higher operating expenses.

 

Operating revenues

 

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, increased $39.7 million, or 3.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was driven by higher investment income due to increases in net in-force reserves, partially offset by lower premiums and policy fees.

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

Net premiums and policy fees decreased by $1.5 million, or 0.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to decreases in traditional life premiums, largely offset by continued growth in universal life in-force business policy fees.

 

Net investment income

 

Net investment income in the segment increased $40.4 million, or 9.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Increased retained universal life reserves more than offset the loss of investment income due to the securitization of excess reserves leading to increased investment income of $20.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Increases in BOLI reserves led to higher BOLI investment income of $2.3 million in the same period. Traditional life investment income increased $17.4 million caused by growth in retained reserves and lower reserve financing costs.

 

Other income

 

Other income increased $0.8 million, or 26.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase relates primarily to fees on variable universal life funds.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses increased by $76.5 million, or 7.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, due to growth in retained universal life insurance in-force, an increase in reserves resulting from changes in universal life interest rate assumptions, higher credited interest on universal life products resulting from increases in account values, and higher claims from growth in the universal life block and continued maturing of the traditional life block. In 2012, universal life and BOLI unlocking was largely driven by assumption changes regarding lapses, investment yield and credited interest on fund value. The impact of these changes increased benefits and settlement expenses $51.0 million. In 2011, universal life and BOLI unlocking increased benefit expenses $25.2 million.

 

Amortization of DAC

 

DAC amortization decreased $42.4 million, or 48.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to differing impacts of unlocking. In 2012, universal life and BOLI unlocking decreased amortization $39.3 million, as compared to a decrease of $7.0 million in 2011.

 

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Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses decreased $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease reflects lower commissions and general administrative expenses, partly offset by a reduction in reinsurance allowances and a $0.6 million increase in interest expense associated with the securitization of excess universal life reserves.

 

Sales

 

Sales for the segment decreased $11.7 million, or 8.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Traditional life sales decreased $2.7 million, or 71.0%, as we focused sales efforts on other lines. Universal life sales decreased $0.8 million, or 0.7%, due to price increases on certain products. BOLI sales, which tend to be subject to large variations, decreased by $8.1 million, or 71.4%.

 

Reinsurance

 

Currently, the Life Marketing segment reinsures significant amounts of its life insurance in-force. Pursuant to the underlying reinsurance contracts, reinsurers pay allowances to the segment as a percentage of both first year and renewal premiums. Reinsurance allowances represent the amount the reinsurer is willing to pay for reimbursement of acquisition costs incurred by the direct writer of the business. A portion of reinsurance allowances received is deferred as part of DAC and a portion is recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. As the non-deferred portion of allowances reduces operating expenses in the period received, these amounts represent a net increase to operating income during that period.

 

Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC or the period over which such DAC is amortized. However, they do affect the amounts recognized as DAC amortization. DAC on universal life-type, limited-payment long duration, and investment contracts business is amortized based on the estimated gross profits of the policies in-force. Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore, impact DAC amortization on these lines of business. Deferred reinsurance allowances on level term business are recorded as ceded DAC, which is amortized over estimated ceded premiums of the policies in-force. Thus, deferred reinsurance allowances may impact DAC amortization. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Impact of reinsurance

 

Reinsurance impacted the Life Marketing segment line items as shown in the following table:

 

Life Marketing Segment

Line Item Impact of Reinsurance

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

$

(838,023

)

$

(831,713

)

$

(846,762

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

(818,597

)

(823,510

)

(757,225

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(45,574

)

(41,734

)

(51,219

)

Other operating expenses (1)

 

(144,801

)

(142,169

)

(142,905

)

Total benefits and expenses

 

(1,008,972

)

(1,007,413

)

(951,349

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE (2)

 

$

170,949

 

$

175,700

 

$

104,587

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowances received

 

$

(169,552

)

$

(170,982

)

$

(180,787

)

Less: Amount deferred

 

24,751

 

28,813

 

37,882

 

Allowances recognized
(ceded other operating expenses)
(1)

 

$

(144,801

)

$

(142,169

)

$

(142,905

)

 


(1) Other operating expenses ceded per the income statement are equal to reinsurance allowances recognized after capitalization.

(2) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially reduce the favorable impact of reinsurance. The Company estimates that the impact of foregone investment income would reduce the net impact of reinsurance by 90% to 160%.

 

The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. By ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed, which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on the business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified. The impact of including foregone investment income would be to substantially reduce the favorable net impact of reinsurance reflected above. We estimate that the impact of foregone investment income would be to reduce the net impact of reinsurance presented in the table above by 90% to 160%. The Life Marketing segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.

 

As shown above, reinsurance had a favorable impact on the Life Marketing segment’s operating income for the periods presented above. The impact of reinsurance is largely due to our quota share coinsurance program in place prior to mid-2005. Under that program, generally 90% of the segment’s traditional new business was ceded to reinsurers. Since mid-2005, a much smaller percentage of overall term business has been ceded due to a change in reinsurance strategy on traditional business. As a result of that change, the relative impact of reinsurance on the Life Marketing segment’s overall results is expected to decrease over time. While the significance of reinsurance is expected to decline over time, the overall impact of reinsurance for a given period may fluctuate due to variations in mortality and unlocking of balances.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

The increase in ceded premiums for 2013 as compared to 2012 was caused primarily by higher ceded universal life premiums and policy fees of $35.4 million, offset by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $28.6 million.

 

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Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were lower for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, due to a smaller increase in ceded reserves, largely offset by higher ceded claims. Traditional ceded benefits decreased $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, due to a smaller increase in ceded reserves, largely offset by higher ceded death benefits. Universal life ceded benefits increased $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, due to higher ceded claims, largely offset by a smaller increase in the ceded reserves. Ceded universal life claims were $10.9 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Ceded amortization of deferred policy acquisitions costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to the differences in unlocking between the two periods.

 

Total allowances recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased slightly from the year ended December 31, 2012, as the impact of growth in the universal life product line more than offset the impact of the continued reduction in our traditional life reinsurance allowances.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

The decrease in ceded premiums for 2012 as compared to 2011 was caused primarily by lower ceded traditional life premiums of $38.4 million, partially offset by higher ceded universal life premiums of $23.4 million.

 

Ceded benefits and settlement expenses were higher for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, due to higher increases in ceded reserves and higher ceded claims. Traditional ceded benefits decreased $44.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, due to a decrease in ceded reserves and slightly lower ceded death benefits. Universal life ceded benefits increased $110.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, due to an increase in ceded reserves primarily due to unlocking, new business, and higher ceded claims. Ceded universal life claims were $26.7 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Ceded amortization of deferred policy acquisitions costs decreased for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to the differences in unlocking between the two periods.

 

Total allowances recognized for the year ended December 31, 2012, decreased slightly from the year ended December 31, 2011, as the impact of the continued reduction in our traditional life reinsurance allowances more than offset the impact of growth in the universal life product line.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Acquisitions

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums and policy fees

 

$

929,125

 

$

847,080

 

$

834,499

 

9.7

%

1.5

%

Reinsurance ceded

 

(409,648

)

(387,245

)

(419,676

)

(5.8

)

7.7

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

519,477

 

459,835

 

414,823

 

13.0

 

10.9

 

Net investment income

 

617,298

 

550,334

 

529,261

 

12.2

 

4.0

 

Other income

 

6,924

 

6,003

 

5,561

 

15.3

 

7.9

 

Total operating revenues

 

1,143,699

 

1,016,172

 

949,645

 

12.5

 

7.0

 

Realized gains (losses) - investments

 

(160,065

)

178,941

 

167,107

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

202,945

 

(130,818

)

(133,931

)

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

1,186,579

 

1,064,295

 

982,821

 

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

839,616

 

716,893

 

662,293

 

17.1

 

8.2

 

Amortization of value of business acquired

 

71,836

 

76,505

 

74,167

 

(6.1

)

3.2

 

Other operating expenses

 

78,244

 

51,714

 

55,792

 

51.3

 

(7.3

)

Operating benefits and expenses

 

989,696

 

845,112

 

792,252

 

17.1

 

6.7

 

Amortization related to business and settlement expenses(1)

 

11,770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of VOBA related to realized gains (losses) - investments

 

926

 

746

 

874

 

 

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

1,002,392

 

845,858

 

793,126

 

18.5

 

6.6

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

184,187

 

218,437

 

189,695

 

(15.7

)

15.2

 

Less: realized gains (losses)

 

42,880

 

48,123

 

33,176

 

 

 

 

 

Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses(1)

 

(11,770

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: related amortization of VOBA

 

(926

)

(746

)

(874

)

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

$

154,003

 

$

171,060

 

$

157,393

 

(10.0

)

8.7

 

 


(1) During the year ended December 31, 2013, we began allocating benefits and settlement expenses associated with realized gains and losses to the Acquisitions segment. Prior period amounts of amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses are not comparable.

 

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The following table summarizes key data for the Acquisitions segment (excludes the MONY acquisition):

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional

 

$

167,594,421

 

$

179,586,818

 

$

188,439,000

 

(6.7

)%

(4.7

)%

Universal life

 

27,771,451

 

30,351,626

 

30,670,689

 

(8.5

)

(1.0

)

 

 

$

195,365,872

 

$

209,938,444

 

$

219,109,689

 

(6.9

)

(4.2

)

Average Account Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Universal life

 

$

3,330,496

 

$

3,418,753

 

$

3,304,966

 

(2.6

)

3.4

 

Fixed annuity(2)

 

3,033,811

 

3,187,616

 

3,329,680

 

(4.8

)

(4.3

)

Variable annuity

 

583,758

 

597,467

 

665,742

 

(2.3

)

(10.3

)

 

 

$

6,948,065

 

$

7,203,836

 

$

7,300,388

 

(3.6

)

(1.3

)

Interest Spread - UL & Fixed Annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income yield(3)

 

5.73

%

5.83

%

5.86

%

 

 

 

 

Interest credited to policyholders

 

4.00

 

3.99

 

3.98

 

 

 

 

 

Interest spread

 

1.73

%

1.84

%

1.88

%

 

 

 

 

 


(1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.

(2) Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products and is net of coinsurance ceded.

(3) Earned rates exclude portfolios supporting modified coinsurance and crediting rates exclude 100% cessions.

(4) Excludes $44,812,977 related to the MONY acquisition.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $154.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $17.1 million, or 10.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to less favorable mortality, an unfavorable change in prospective unlocking, lower spread income, the impact of increased reinsurance, and the expected runoff of business, partly offset by the favorable impact of $25.2 million from the MONY acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013.

 

Operating revenues

 

Net premiums and policy fees increased $59.6 million, or 13.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to the MONY acquisition which added $104.3 million in 2013. This increase was partly offset by a reinsurance transaction in 2013, the favorable impact of a reinsurance recapture in 2012, and expected runoff. Net investment income increased $67.0 million, or 12.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to the MONY acquisition. This was offset by expected runoff related to other blocks of business.

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

Total benefits and expenses increased $156.5 million, or 18.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was due to a $175.9 million impact from the MONY acquisition, less favorable mortality and less favorable unlocking, which was partly offset by reinsurance changes, and the expected runoff of the in-force business.

 

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For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $171.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $13.7 million, or 8.7%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to the Liberty Life coinsurance transaction. The Liberty Life transaction added $50.2 million to segment operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $15.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The Liberty Life transaction was effective April 30, 2011, therefore, the 2012 results include twelve months of Liberty Life activity as compared to eight months included in the 2011 results. This was partly offset by the expected runoff in the older acquired blocks.

 

Operating revenues

 

Net premiums and policy fees increased $45.0 million, or 10.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to the additional months of the Liberty Life blocks of business and the impact of a reinsurance recapture more than offsetting expected runoff related to other blocks of business. Net investment income increased $21.1 million, or 4.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, due to the additional months associated with the Liberty Life blocks of business. This was offset by expected runoff related to other blocks of business.

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

Total benefits and expenses increased $52.7 million, or 6.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was due to the additional months associated with the Liberty Life blocks, the impact of a reinsurance recapture and less favorable mortality, which was partly offset by the expected runoff of the in-force business.

 

Reinsurance

 

The Acquisitions segment currently reinsures portions of both its life and annuity in-force. The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Impact of reinsurance

 

Reinsurance impacted the Acquisitions segment line items as shown in the following table:

 

Acquisitions Segment

Line Item Impact of Reinsurance

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

$

(409,648

)

$

(387,245

)

$

(419,676

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

(330,153

)

(320,662

)

(383,439

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(8,968

)

(11,766

)

(19,062

)

Other operating expenses

 

(50,159

)

(54,595

)

(54,894

)

Total benefits and expenses

 

(389,280

)

(387,023

)

(457,395

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE (1)

 

$

(20,368

)

$

(222

)

$

37,719

 

 


(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially reduce the favorable impact of reinsurance.

 

The segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company. For business ceded under modified coinsurance arrangements, the amount of investment income attributable to the assuming company is included as part of the overall change in policy reserves and, as such, is reflected in benefit and settlement expenses. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not fully reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

 

The net impact of reinsurance decreased $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in ceded premiums in relation to the increase in ceded benefits and settlement expenses. This was primarily driven by the MONY acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013.

 

The net impact of reinsurance decreased $37.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to a larger decrease in ceded benefits and settlement expenses in relation to the decrease in ceded premiums.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Annuities

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums and policy fees

 

$

132,317

 

$

97,928

 

$

68,385

 

35.1

%

43.2

%

Reinsurance ceded

 

(51,974

)

(26

)

(66

)

n/m

 

60.6

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

80,343

 

97,902

 

68,319

 

(17.9

)

43.3

 

Net investment income

 

468,329

 

504,342

 

507,229

 

(7.1

)

(0.6

)

Realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

(27,392

)

(36,501

)

(21,881

)

25.0

 

(66.8

)

Other income

 

122,828

 

82,607

 

53,999

 

48.7

 

53.0

 

Total operating revenues

 

644,108

 

648,350

 

607,666

 

(0.7

)

6.7

 

Realized gains (losses) - investments

 

8,418

 

28,470

 

9,461

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost

 

(83,522

)

(66,331

)

16,058

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

569,004

 

610,489

 

633,185

 

(6.8

)

(3.6

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

320,209

 

369,692

 

391,880

 

(13.4

)

(5.7

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

47,355

 

60,032

 

51,417

 

(21.1

)

16.8

 

Other operating expenses

 

110,266

 

100,848

 

84,996

 

9.3

 

18.7

 

Operating benefits and expenses

 

477,830

 

530,572

 

528,293

 

(9.9

)

0.4

 

Amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses

 

(2,036

)

(70

)

(1,092

)

 

 

 

 

Amortization of DAC related to realized gains (losses) - investments

 

(15,857

)

(14,713

)

5,784

 

 

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

459,937

 

515,789

 

532,985

 

(10.8

)

(3.2

)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

109,067

 

94,700

 

100,200

 

15.2

 

(5.5

)

Less: realized gains (losses) - investments

 

8,418

 

28,470

 

9,461

 

 

 

 

 

Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost

 

(83,522

)

(66,331

)

16,058

 

 

 

 

 

Less: amortization related to benefits and settlement expenses

 

2,036

 

70

 

1,092

 

 

 

 

 

Less: related amortization of DAC

 

15,857

 

14,713

 

(5,784

)

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

$

166,278

 

$

117,778

 

$

79,373

 

41.2

 

48.4

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes key data for the Annuities segment:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed annuity

 

$

693,128

 

$

591,711

 

$

1,032,582

 

17.1

%

(42.7

)%

Variable annuity

 

1,866,494

 

2,734,985

 

2,348,599

 

(31.8

)

16.5

 

 

 

$

2,559,622

 

$

3,326,696

 

$

3,381,181

 

(23.1

)

(1.6

)

Average Account Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed annuity(1)

 

$

8,233,343

 

$

8,559,562

 

$

8,538,007

 

(3.8

)

0.3

 

Variable annuity

 

10,696,375

 

7,550,714

 

5,397,720

 

41.7

 

39.9

 

 

 

$

18,929,718

 

$

16,110,276

 

$

13,935,727

 

17.5

 

15.6

 

Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income yield

 

5.50

%

5.80

%

5.93

%

 

 

 

 

Interest credited to policyholders

 

3.53

 

3.85

 

4.33

 

 

 

 

 

Interest spread

 

1.97

%

1.95

%

1.60

%

 

 

 

 

 


(1)             Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products.

(2)             Interest spread on average general account values.

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives related to variable annuity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate futures - VA

 

$

(31,216

)

$

21,138

 

$

164,221

 

$

(52,354

)

$

(143,083

)

Equity futures - VA

 

(52,640

)

(50,797

)

(30,061

)

(1,843

)

(20,736

)

Currency futures - VA

 

(469

)

(2,763

)

2,977

 

2,294

 

(5,740

)

Volatility futures - VA

 

 

(132

)

 

132

 

(132

)

Variance swaps - VA

 

(11,310

)

(11,792

)

(239

)

482

 

(11,553

)

Equity options - VA

 

(95,022

)

(37,370

)

(15,051

)

(57,652

)

(22,319

)

Volatility options - VA

 

(115

)

 

 

(115

)

 

Interest rate swaptions - VA

 

1,575

 

(2,260

)

 

3,835

 

(2,260

)

Interest rate swaps - VA

 

(157,408

)

3,264

 

7,718

 

(160,672

)

(4,454

)

Credit default swaps - VA

 

 

 

(7,851

)

 

7,851

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB(1)

 

162,737

 

(22,120

)

(127,537

)

184,857

 

105,417

 

Funds withheld derivative

 

71,862

 

 

 

71,862

 

 

Total derivatives related to variable annuity contracts

 

(112,006

)

(102,832

)

(5,823

)

(9,174

)

(97,009

)

Derivatives related to FIA contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivative - FIA

 

(942

)

 

 

(942

)

 

Equity futures - FIA

 

173

 

 

 

173

 

 

Volatility futures - FIA

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

Equity options - FIA

 

1,866

 

 

 

1,866

 

 

Total derivatives related to FIA contracts

 

1,092

 

 

 

1,092

 

 

Economic cost - VA GMWB(2)

 

27,392

 

36,501

 

21,881

 

(9,109

)

14,620

 

Realized gains (losses) - derivatives, net of economic cost

 

$

(83,522

)

$

(66,331

)

$

16,058

 

$

(17,191

)

$

(82,389

)

 


(1)             Includes impact of nonperformance risk of $(7.2) million and $(70.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(2)             Economic cost is the long-term expected average cost of providing the product benefit over the life of the policy based on product pricing assumptions. These include assumptions about the economic/market environment, and elective and non-elective policy owner behavior (e.g. lapses, withdrawal timing, mortality, etc.).

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

GMDB - Net amount at risk(1)

 

$

85,137

 

$

129,309

 

(34.2

)%

GMDB Reserves

 

13,324

 

19,316

 

(31.0

)

GMWB and GMAB Reserves

 

(93,881

)

169,269

 

n/m

 

Account value subject to GMWB rider(2)

 

9,513,847

 

7,165,375

 

32.8

 

GMWB Benefit Base(2)

 

8,601,719

 

6,888,471

 

24.9

 

GMAB Benefit Base

 

5,441

 

5,565

 

(2.2

)

S&P 500® Index

 

1,848

 

1,426

 

29.6

 

 


(1)             Guaranteed death benefits in excess of contract holder account balance.

(2)             Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

��

Segment operating income

 

Segment operating income was $166.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $48.5 million, or 41.2%. This variance included a favorable change of $36.9 million in unlocking and higher gross policy fees and other income in the VA line. Partially offsetting these favorable changes was an unfavorable change in net investment income and an increase in ceded policy fees.

 

Operating revenues

 

Segment operating revenues decreased $4.2 million, or 0.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to lower overall investment income and an increase in ceded policy fees within the VA line of business. Average fixed account balances decreased by 3.8% and average variable account balances increased by 41.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $49.5 million, or 13.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. This decrease was primarily the result of lower credited interest, lower realized losses in the market value adjusted line, lower amortization, a favorable change in unlocking, and a $2.8 million favorable change in the FIA fair value adjustments. These favorable changes were partially offset by a $17.5 million unfavorable change in SPIA mortality results. Unfavorable unlocking of $2.1 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $13.8 million of unfavorable unlocking during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Amortization of DAC

 

The decrease in DAC amortization for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, was primarily due to a favorable change in unlocking. The segment recorded favorable DAC unlocking of $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to unfavorable unlocking of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The favorable change in unlocking is partially offset by increased DAC amortization in the VA line that is attributable to the growth in the business.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses increased $9.4 million, or 9.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase is due to higher commissions and maintenance expenses. Lower acquisition expenses are partially offsetting these increases.

 

Sales

 

Total sales decreased $767.1 million, or 23.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Sales of variable annuities decreased $868.5 million, or 31.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Sales of fixed annuities increased by $101.4 million, or 17.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, driven by sales of a recently launched fixed indexed annuity.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment operating income

 

Segment operating income was $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $79.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $38.4 million. This variance included a favorable change of $41.2 million in operating revenue driven by higher policy fees and other income in the VA line and lower benefits and settlement expenses. Partially offsetting these favorable changes was an unfavorable change of $14.7 million in unlocking and an increase in DAC amortization and non-deferred expenses.

 

Operating revenues

 

Segment operating revenues increased $40.7 million, or 6.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to increases in policy fees and other income from the VA line of business. Those increases were partially offset by lower investment income and increased GMWB economic cost from the VA line of business. Average fixed account balances grew 0.3% and average variable account balances grew 39.9% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses decreased $22.2 million, or 5.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of lower credited interest, a $9.0 million favorable change in SPIA mortality results and other favorable reserve changes. These favorable changes were partially offset by higher realized losses in the market value adjusted line, a $4.0 million unfavorable change in the FIA fair value adjustments, and an unfavorable change in unlocking. Unfavorable unlocking of $13.8 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $3.1 million of favorable unlocking during the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Amortization of DAC

 

The increase in DAC amortization for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, was primarily due to growth in the VA line of business. The segment recorded unfavorable DAC unlocking of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to unfavorable unlocking of $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses increased $15.9 million, or 18.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase is due to higher commissions, maintenance, and acquisition expenses driven by the growth of the business.

 

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Sales

 

Total sales decreased $54.5 million, or 1.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Sales of variable annuities increased $386.4 million, or 16.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Sales of fixed annuities decreased by $440.9 million, or 42.7% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, driven by a decrease in single premium deferred annuity and market value adjusted annuity sales.

 

Reinsurance

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Annuity segment began reinsuring certain risks associated with the GMWB and GMDB riders to Shades Creek, a subsidiary of PLC.  The cost of reinsurance to the segment is reflected in the chart shown below.  A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Impact of reinsurance

 

Reinsurance impacted the Annuities segment line items as shown in the following table:

 

Annuities Segment

Line Item Impact of Reinsurance

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

$

(51,974

)

$

(26

)

$

(66

)

Realized gains (losses)- derivatives

 

32,344

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

 

(19,630

)

(26

)

(66

)

Realized gains (losses)- derivatives, net of economic cost

 

(123,241

)

 

 

Total revenues

 

(142,871

)

(26

)

(66

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

(1,247

)

 

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(853

)

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

(1,684

)

 

 

Operating benefits and expenses

 

(3,784

)

 

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs related to realized gain (loss) investments

 

(30,483

)

 

 

Total benefit and expenses

 

(34,267

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE

 

$

(108,604

)

$

(26

)

$

(66

)

 

The table above does not reflect the impact of reinsurance on our net investment income. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming company has been quantified and is immaterial. The Annuities segment’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the “other income” line of our income statement.

 

The net impact of reinsurance is unfavorable by $210.5 million for the year December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to realized gains on derivatives that were ceded. That was partially offset by favorable changes in DAC amortization.

 

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Stable Value Products

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

123,798

 

$

128,239

 

$

145,150

 

(3.5

)%

(11.7

)%

Other income

 

759

 

1

 

(1

)

n/m

 

n/m

 

Total operating revenues

 

124,557

 

128,240

 

145,149

 

(2.9

)

(11.6

)

Realized gains (losses)

 

(1,583

)

(4,966

)

25,306

 

68.1

 

n/m

 

Total revenues

 

122,974

 

123,274

 

170,455

 

(0.2

)

(27.7

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

41,793

 

64,790

 

81,256

 

(35.5

)

(20.3

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

398

 

947

 

4,556

 

(58.0

)

(79.2

)

Other operating expenses

 

1,805

 

2,174

 

2,557

 

(17.0

)

(15.0

)

Total benefits and expenses

 

43,996

 

67,911

 

88,369

 

(35.2

)

(23.2

)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

78,978

 

55,363

 

82,086

 

42.7

 

(32.6

)

Less: realized gains (losses)

 

(1,583

)

(4,966

)

25,306

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

$

80,561

 

$

60,329

 

$

56,780

 

33.5

 

6.3

 

 

The following table summarizes key data for the Stable Value Products segment:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIC

 

$

494,582

 

$

400,104

 

$

498,695

 

23.6

%

(19.8

)%

GFA - Direct Institutional

 

 

221,500

 

300,000

 

n/m

 

(26.2

)

 

 

$

494,582

 

$

621,604

 

$

798,695

 

(20.4

)

(22.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Account Values

 

$

2,537,307

 

$

2,637,549

 

$

2,685,194

 

(3.8

)%

(1.8

)%

Ending Account Values

 

$

2,559,552

 

$

2,510,559

 

$

2,769,510

 

2.0

%

(9.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income yield

 

4.88

%

4.87

%

5.43

%

 

 

 

 

Other income yield

 

0.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited

 

1.65

 

2.44

 

3.03

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

0.09

 

0.12

 

0.26

 

 

 

 

 

Operating spread

 

3.17

%

2.31

%

2.14

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating spread(1)

 

2.67

%

2.09

%

1.80

%

 

 

 

 

 


(1) Excludes participating mortgage loan income and other income.

 

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For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Segment Operating Income

 

Operating income was $80.6 million and increased $20.2 million, or 33.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in operating earnings resulted from an increase in participating mortgage income, higher operating spreads, and lower expenses offset by a decline in average account values. Participating mortgage income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $12.1 million as compared to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income and other income, increased by 58 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2013 over the prior year.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment Operating Income

 

Operating income was $60.3 million and increased $3.5 million, or 6.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in operating earnings resulted from higher operating spreads and lower expenses offset by a decline in average account values. We also called certain retail notes, which accelerated DAC amortization of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We did not accelerate DAC amortization during the year ended December 31, 2012 as no contracts were called. The operating spread increased 17 basis points to 231 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an operating spread of 214 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2011. The adjusted operating spread, which excludes participating income, increased by 29 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2012 over the prior year.

 

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Asset Protection

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums and policy fees

 

$

253,588

 

$

259,741

 

$

268,200

 

(2.4

)%

(3.2

)%

Reinsurance ceded

 

(87,781

)

(91,085

)

(97,302

)

3.6

 

6.4

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

165,807

 

168,656

 

170,898

 

(1.7

)

(1.3

)

Net investment income

 

19,046

 

19,698

 

21,650

 

(3.3

)

(9.0

)

Other income

 

111,929

 

105,792

 

90,039

 

5.8

 

17.5

 

Total operating revenues

 

296,782

 

294,146

 

282,587

 

0.9

 

4.1

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

97,174

 

91,778

 

88,257

 

5.9

 

4.0

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

23,603

 

22,569

 

22,607

 

4.6

 

(0.2

)

Other operating expenses

 

155,857

 

170,034

 

154,831

 

(8.3

)

9.8

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

276,634

 

284,381

 

265,695

 

(2.7

)

7.0

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

20,148

 

9,765

 

16,892

 

n/m

 

(42.2

)

OPERATING INCOME

 

$

20,148

 

$

9,765

 

$

16,892

 

n/m

 

(42.2

)

 

The following table summarizes key data for the Asset Protection segment:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit insurance

 

$

33,635

 

$

35,336

 

$

35,767

 

(4.8

)%

(1.2

)%

Service contracts

 

344,081

 

328,931

 

286,485

 

4.6

 

14.8

 

GAP

 

66,646

 

62,342

 

72,908

 

6.9

 

(14.5

)

 

 

$

444,362

 

$

426,609

 

$

395,160

 

4.2

 

8.0

 

Loss Ratios(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit insurance

 

36.1

%

37.7

%

33.8

%

 

 

 

 

Service contracts

 

61.3

 

58.7

 

56.5

 

 

 

 

 

GAP

 

58.1

 

41.3

 

33.8

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1) Incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $20.1 million, representing an increase of $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Service contract earnings increased $5.4 million primarily due to $4.1 million of expense incurred in 2012 to write off previously capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software. In addition, the line experienced higher volume and lower general expenses in 2013. Credit insurance earnings increased $4.2 million primarily due to $3.1 million in legal settlement and related costs incurred in

 

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Table of Contents

 

2012 and lower expenses in 2013.  Earnings from the GAP product line increased $0.8 million primarily resulting from lower expenses, somewhat offset by higher losses.

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

Net premiums and policy fees decreased $2.8 million, or 1.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Service contract premiums decreased $3.3 million, or 2.5%, partly due to higher ceded premiums. Credit insurance premiums decreased $1.3 million, or 8.3%, primarily the result of decreasing sales and the related impact on earned premiums. The decreases were partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million, or 8.4%, in the GAP product line primarily due to lower ceded premiums.

 

Other income

 

Other income increased $6.1 million, or 5.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in 2013 sales reflecting improvement in the U.S. automobile market.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses increased $5.4 million, or 5.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. GAP claims increased $4.7 million and service contract claims increased $1.5 million due to higher loss ratios.  The increases were partially offset by a decrease in credit insurance claims of $0.8 million.

 

Amortization of DAC and Other operating expenses

 

Amortization of DAC increased $1.0 million, or 4.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to higher amortization expense in the service contract product line somewhat offset by lower expense in the GAP and credit product lines. Other operating expenses decreased $14.2 million, or 8.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, partly due to the $4.1 million impairment and disposal of capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software in 2012, $2.0 million legal settlement costs incurred in 2012 and an expense reduction initiative implemented in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Sales

 

Total segment sales increased $17.8 million, or 4.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Service contract sales increased $15.2 million, or 4.6%, and sales in the GAP product line increased $4.3 million, or 6.9%. The increase is partly attributable to the improvement in auto sales over the prior year.  Credit insurance sales decreased $1.7 million, or 4.8%, partly due to an increase in refunds as a result of the 2012 legal settlement.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment operating income

 

Operating income was $9.8 million, representing a decrease of $7.1 million, or 42.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Service contract earnings decreased $3.2 million, or 61.6%, primarily due to $4.1 million of expense to impair and dispose of previously capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software. Credit insurance earnings decreased $4.1 million primarily due to $3.1 million in legal settlement and related costs.  Earnings from the GAP product line increased $0.2 million, or 1.8%.

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

Net premiums and policy fees decreased $2.2 million, or 1.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Service contract premiums decreased $3.7 million, or 2.8% and credit

 

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Table of Contents

 

insurance premiums decreased $2.1 million, or 11.6%. The decrease was primarily the result of decreasing sales in prior years and the related impact on earned premiums. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $3.6 million, or 20.5%, in the GAP product line.

 

Other income

 

Other income increased $15.8 million, or 17.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase in 2012 sales reflecting improvement in the U.S. automobile market and increased market share.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

Benefits and settlement expenses increased $3.5 million, or 4.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. GAP claims increased $2.5 million, or 39.7%, due to an increase in earned premiums and higher loss ratios. Service contract claims increased $1.1 million, or 1.4%.  Credit insurance claims decreased $0.1 million, or 1.3%.

 

Amortization of DAC and Other operating expenses

 

Amortization of DAC remained consistent for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Other operating expenses increased $15.2 million, or 9.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, partly due to the $4.1 million impairment and disposal of capitalized costs associated with developing internal-use software and $2.0 million legal settlement and related costs. Expenses related to higher sales and expenses related to new initiatives also contributed to the increase.

 

Sales

 

Total segment sales increased $31.4 million, or 8.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Service contract sales increased $42.4 million, or 14.8%. The increase is attributable to the improvement in auto sales over the prior year and increased market share. Sales in the GAP product line decreased $10.6 million, or 14.5%, primarily due to a change in mix of GAP business. Credit insurance sales decreased $0.4 million, or 1.2%, as compared to the prior year.

 

Reinsurance

 

The majority of the Asset Protection segment’s reinsurance activity relates to the cession of single premium credit life and credit accident and health insurance, vehicle service contracts, and guaranteed asset protection insurance to producer affiliated reinsurance companies (“PARC’s”). These arrangements are coinsurance contracts ceding the business on a first dollar quota share basis at 100% to limit our exposure and allow the PARC’s to share in the underwriting income of the product. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve us from our obligations to our policyholders. A more detailed discussion of the components of reinsurance can be found in the Reinsurance section of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Reinsurance impacted the Asset Protection segment line items as shown in the following table:

 

Asset Protection Segment

Line Item Impact of Reinsurance

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

$

(87,781

)

$

(91,085

)

$

(97,302

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

(52,402

)

(56,958

)

(63,406

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(13,788

)

(18,869

)

(24,614

)

Other operating expenses

 

(7,300

)

(9,353

)

(11,759

)

Total benefits and expenses

 

(73,490

)

(85,180

)

(99,779

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET IMPACT OF REINSURANCE (1)

 

$

(14,291

)

$

(5,905

)

$

2,477

 

 


(1) Assumes no investment income on reinsurance. Foregone investment income would substantially change the impact of reinsurance.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Reinsurance premiums ceded decreased $3.3 million, or 3.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in ceded dealer credit insurance premiums due to lower sales in prior years and a decrease in ceded GAP premiums primarily due to a change in mix of GAP business, somewhat offset by an increase in service contract premiums.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses ceded decreased $4.6 million, or 8.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower losses in the service contract and dealer credit lines, somewhat offset by an increase in GAP losses.

 

Amortization of DAC ceded decreased $5.1 million, or 26.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily as the result of the decreases in the GAP product line. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $2.1 million, or 22.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily as a result of decreases in the GAP product line.

 

Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Reinsurance premiums ceded decreased $6.2 million, or 6.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in ceded dealer credit insurance premiums due to lower sales in prior years and a decrease in ceded GAP premiums primarily due to a change in mix of GAP business, somewhat offset by an increase in service contract premiums.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses ceded decreased $6.4 million, or 10.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to lower losses in the service contract line.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Amortization of DAC ceded decreased $5.7 million, or 23.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily as the result of the decreases in the ceded dealer credit and GAP product lines. Other operating expenses ceded decreased $2.4 million, or 20.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily as a result of decreases in the dealer credit and GAP product lines.

 

Net investment income has no direct impact on reinsurance cost. However, by ceding business to the assuming companies, we forgo investment income on the reserves ceded. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business we cede. The net investment income impact to us and the assuming companies has not been quantified as it is not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Corporate and Other

 

Segment results of operations

 

Segment results were as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross premiums and policy fees

 

$

18,160

 

$

19,567

 

$

21,469

 

(7.2

)%

(8.9

)%

Reinsurance ceded

 

(11

)

(28

)

(108

)

60.7

 

74.1

 

Net premiums and policy fees

 

18,149

 

19,539

 

21,361

 

(7.1

)

(8.5

)

Net investment income

 

86,498

 

100,351

 

104,140

 

(13.8

)

(3.6

)

Other income

 

4,776

 

32,231

 

36,802

 

(85.2

)

(12.4

)

Total operating revenues

 

109,423

 

152,121

 

162,303

 

(28.1

)

(6.3

)

Realized gains (losses) - investments

 

5,180

 

(27,930

)

(1,801

)

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

(9,681

)

6,011

 

(14,892

)

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

104,922

 

130,202

 

145,610

 

(19.4

)

(10.6

)

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

22,330

 

19,393

 

21,528

 

15.1

 

(9.9

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

625

 

1,018

 

2,654

 

(38.6

)

(61.6

)

Other operating expenses

 

161,088

 

130,591

 

131,136

 

23.4

 

(0.4

)

Total benefits and expenses

 

184,043

 

151,002

 

155,318

 

21.9

 

(2.8

)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

(79,121

)

(20,800

)

(9,708

)

n/m

 

n/m

 

Less: realized gains (losses) - investments

 

5,180

 

(27,930

)

(1,801

)

 

 

 

 

Less: realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

(9,681

)

6,011

 

(14,892

)

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(74,620

)

$

1,119

 

$

6,985

 

n/m

 

(84.0

)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Segment operating income (loss)

 

Corporate and Other segment operating loss was $74.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to operating income of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a $27.6 million unfavorable variance related to gains on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $4.4 million of pre-tax gains were generated from the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations compared to $32.0 million of pre-tax gains during 2012. In addition, the segment experienced a $2.8 million decrease related to a portfolio of securities designated for trading, a $4.0 million unfavorable variance related to income on called securities, lower core investment income, and higher other operating expenses.

 

Operating revenues

 

Net investment income for the segment decreased $13.9 million, or 13.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, and net premiums and policy fees decreased $1.4 million, or 7.1%. The decrease in net investment income was primarily the result of a $2.8 million decrease related to a portfolio of securities designated for trading, a $4.0 million unfavorable variance related to income on called securities, and lower core investment income as compared to 2012. Partially offsetting these decreases was a $14.0 million increase in interest income associated with a reserve financing transaction which is entirely offset by the increase in interest expense as referred to below. Other income decreased $27.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to a $27.6 million unfavorable variance related to gains generated on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

Total benefits and expenses increased $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.  The increase in operating expenses reflects a $14.0 million increase in interest expense associated with a reserve financing transaction which was entirely offset by the increase in interest income as referred to above, $5.1 million of acquisition related expenses recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, and an increase in general overhead expenses as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Segment operating income (loss)

 

Corporate and Other segment operating income was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an operating income of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to $8.5 million of pre-tax earnings recorded during 2011 relating to the settlement of a dispute with respect to certain investments and a $3.5 million unfavorable variance related to gains on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2012, $32.0 million of pre-tax gains were generated by repurchases as compared to $35.5 million of pre-tax gains generated during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Partially offsetting this variance was an $8.6 million favorable variance related to mortgage loan prepayment fee income as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Operating revenues

 

Net investment income for the segment decreased $3.8 million, or 3.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, and net premiums and policy fees decreased $1.8 million, or 8.5%. The decrease in net investment income was primarily the result of $8.5 million of pre-tax earnings recorded in 2011 relating to the settlement of a dispute with respect to certain investments.  In addition, the segment experienced a decrease in investment income related to the lower interest rate environment as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  Partially offsetting this variance was an $8.6 million increase in mortgage loan prepayment fee income as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  Other income decreased $4.6 million 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily due to a $3.5 million unfavorable variance related to gains generated on the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations.

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

Total benefits and expenses decreased $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in benefits and settlement expenses from a reduction in policy benefits on non-core lines of business.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS

 

Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying tables to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income, shareowner’s equity, or the totals reflected in the accompanying tables.

 

Portfolio Description

 

As of December 31, 2013, our investment portfolio was approximately $43.6 billion. The types of assets in which we may invest are influenced by various state insurance laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, we invest in assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity and capital needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure.

 

The following table presents the reported values of our invested assets:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Publicly issued bonds (amortized cost: 2013 - $26,094,567; 2012 - $21,228,463)

 

$

27,052,318

 

62.0

%

$

23,808,542

 

64.6

%

Privately issued bonds (amortized cost: 2013 - $7,912,256; 2012 - $5,732,847)

 

8,110,439

 

18.6

 

6,261,436

 

17.0

 

Fixed maturities

 

35,162,757

 

80.6

 

30,069,978

 

81.6

 

Equity securities (cost: 2013 - $632,652; 2012 - $371,827)

 

602,388

 

1.4

 

373,715

 

1.0

 

Mortgage loans

 

5,486,417

 

12.6

 

4,948,625

 

13.4

 

Investment real estate

 

16,873

 

 

6,517

 

 

Policy loans

 

1,815,744

 

4.2

 

865,391

 

2.3

 

Other long-term investments

 

424,482

 

1.0

 

378,821

 

1.0

 

Short-term investments

 

133,024

 

0.2

 

216,787

 

0.7

 

Total investments

 

$

43,641,685

 

100.0

%

$

36,859,834

 

100.0

%

 

Included in the preceding table are $2.8 billion and $3.0 billion of fixed maturities and $52.4 million and $118.9 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The trading portfolio includes invested assets of $2.8 billion and $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, held pursuant to modified coinsurance (“Modco”) arrangements under which the economic risks and benefits of the investments are passed to third party reinsurers. Also included above, are $365.0 million and $300.0 million of securities classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Fixed Maturity Investments

 

As of December 31, 2013, our fixed maturity investment holdings were approximately $35.2 billion. The approximate percentage distribution of our fixed maturity investments by quality rating is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Rating

 

2013

 

2012

 

AAA

 

12.5

%

14.7

%

AA

 

7.0

 

7.2

 

A

 

32.2

 

30.8

 

BBB

 

41.7

 

39.7

 

Below investment grade

 

5.6

 

6.6

 

Not rated

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

We use various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations’ (“NRSRO”) ratings when classifying securities by quality ratings. When the various NRSRO ratings are not consistent for a security, we use the second-highest convention in assigning the rating. When there are no such published ratings, we assign a rating based on the statutory accounting rating system if such ratings are available.

 

We do not have material exposure to financial guarantee insurance companies with respect to our investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2013, based upon amortized cost, $40.7 million of our securities were guaranteed either directly or indirectly by third parties out of a total of $33.8 billion fixed maturity securities held by us (0.1% of total fixed maturity securities).

 

Changes in fair value for our available-for-sale portfolio, net of related DAC, VOBA, and policyholder dividend obligation are charged or credited directly to shareowner’s equity, net of tax. Declines in fair value that are other-than-temporary are recorded as realized losses in the consolidated statements of income, net of any applicable non-credit component of the loss, which is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The distribution of our fixed maturity investments by type is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Type

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Corporate bonds

 

$

27,268.0

 

$

22,037.9

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

1,756.0

 

2,197.1

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

1,129.2

 

1,040.9

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

1,160.2

 

1,133.0

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,704.1

 

1,474.3

 

Other government-related securities

 

108.5

 

164.2

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

1,671.7

 

1,722.6

 

Other

 

365.0

 

300.0

 

Total fixed income portfolio

 

$

35,162.7

 

$

30,070.0

 

 

Within our fixed maturity investments, we maintain portfolios classified as “available-for-sale”, “trading”, and “held-to-maturity”. We purchase our available-for-sale investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, we may sell any of our available-for-sale and trading investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, we classified $32.0 billion, or 91.0%, of our fixed maturities as “available-for-sale” as of December 31, 2013. These securities are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Fixed maturities that we have both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity”. We classified $365.0 million, or 1.0% of our fixed maturities as “held-to-maturity” as of December 31, 2013. These securities are carried at amortized cost on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Trading securities are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded on the income statement as they occur. Our trading portfolio accounts for $2.8 billion, or 8.0%, of our fixed maturities and $52.4 million of short-term investments as of December 31, 2013. Changes in fair value on the trading portfolio, including gains and losses from sales, are passed to the reinsurers through the contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangements. Partially offsetting these amounts are corresponding changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with the underlying reinsurance arrangement. The total Modco trading portfolio fixed maturities by rating is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Rating

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

AAA

 

$

419,866

 

$

559,374

 

AA

 

266,173

 

239,834

 

A

 

854,020

 

801,562

 

BBB

 

924,554

 

1,038,873

 

Below investment grade

 

324,453

 

353,089

 

Total Modco trading fixed maturities

 

$

2,789,066

 

$

2,992,732

 

 

A portion of our bond portfolio is invested in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). ABS are securities that are backed by a pool of assets. These holdings as of December 31, 2013, were approximately $4.0 billion. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are constructed from pools of mortgages and may have cash flow volatility as a result of changes in the rate at which prepayments of principal occur with respect to the underlying loans. Excluding limitations on access to lending and other extraordinary economic conditions, prepayments of principal on the underlying loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in market interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - As of December 31, 2013, our RMBS portfolio was approximately $1.8 billion. Sequential securities receive payments in order until each class is paid off. Planned amortization class securities (“PACs”) pay down according to a schedule. Pass through securities receive principal as principal of the underlying mortgages is received.

 

The tables below include a breakdown of these holdings by type and rating as of December 31, 2013.

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Residential

 

 

 

Mortgage-
Backed

 

Type

 

Securities

 

Sequential

 

26.0

%

PAC

 

38.0

 

Pass Through

 

10.8

 

Other

 

25.2

 

 

 

100.00

%

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Residential

 

 

 

Mortgage-Backed

 

Rating

 

Securities

 

AAA

 

60.2

%

AA

 

 

A

 

1.1

 

BBB

 

0.6

 

Below investment grade

 

38.1

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

Alt-A Collateralized Holdings

 

As of December 31, 2013, we held securities with a fair value of $395.0 million, or 0.9% of invested assets, supported by collateral classified as Alt-A. As of December 31, 2012, we held securities with a fair value of $443.6 million supported by collateral classified as Alt-A. We included in this classification certain whole loan securities where such securities had underlying mortgages with a high level of limited loan documentation. As of December 31, 2013, these securities had a fair value of $132.0 million and an unrealized gain of $28.3 million.

 

The following table includes the percentage of our collateral classified as Alt-A, grouped by rating category, as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Alt-A

 

Rating

 

Securities

 

BBB

 

0.2

%

Below investment grade

 

99.8

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

The following tables categorize the estimated fair value and unrealized gain/(loss) of our mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans by rating as of December 31, 2013:

 

Alt-A Collateralized Holdings

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

BBB

 

$

0.8

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.8

 

Below investment grade

 

394.2

 

 

 

 

 

394.2

 

Total mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans

 

$

395.0

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

395.0

 

 

 

 

Estimated Unrealized Gain (Loss) of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

BBB

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Below investment grade

 

32.9

 

 

 

 

 

32.9

 

Total mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans

 

$

32.9

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

32.9

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Sub-Prime Collateralized Holdings

 

As of December 31, 2013, we held securities with a total fair value of $2.0 million that were supported by collateral classified as sub-prime. As of December 31, 2012, we held securities with a fair value of $2.7 million that were supported by collateral classified as sub-prime.

 

Prime Collateralized Holdings

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had RMBS collateralized by prime mortgage loans (including agency mortgages) with a total fair value of $1.4 billion, or 3.1%, of total invested assets. As of December 31, 2012, we held securities with a fair value of $1.8 billion of RMBS collateralized by prime mortgage loans (including agency mortgages).

 

The following table includes the percentage of our collateral classified as prime, grouped by rating category, as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Prime

 

Rating

 

Securities

 

AAA

 

77.8

%

AA

 

 

A

 

1.4

 

BBB

 

0.7

 

Below investment grade

 

20.1

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

The following tables categorize the estimated fair value and unrealized gain/(loss) of our mortgage-backed securities collateralized by prime mortgage loans (including agency mortgages) by rating as of December 31, 2013:

 

Prime Collateralized Holdings

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

280.4

 

$

292.0

 

$

315.1

 

$

24.4

 

$

145.3

 

$

1,057.2

 

AA

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

A

 

18.6

 

 

 

 

 

18.6

 

BBB

 

9.0

 

 

 

 

 

9.0

 

Below investment grade

 

273.9

 

 

 

 

 

273.9

 

Total mortgage-backed securities collateralized by prime mortgage loans

 

$

582.2

 

$

292.0

 

$

315.1

 

$

24.4

 

$

145.3

 

$

1,359.0

 

 

 

 

Estimated Unrealized Gain (Loss) of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

14.0

 

$

6.3

 

$

3.3

 

$

(1.1

)

$

(5.0

)

$

17.5

 

AA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

BBB

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

Below investment grade

 

7.2

 

 

 

 

 

7.2

 

Total mortgage-backed securities collateralized by prime mortgage loans

 

$

22.3

 

$

6.3

 

$

3.3

 

$

(1.1

)

$

(5.0

)

$

25.8

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities - Our CMBS portfolio consists of commercial mortgage-backed securities issued in securitization transactions. As of December 31, 2013, the CMBS holdings were approximately $1.1 billion. As of December 31, 2012, the CMBS holdings were approximately $1.0 billion.

 

The following table includes the percentages of our CMBS holdings, grouped by rating category, as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Commercial

 

 

 

Mortgage-Backed

 

Rating

 

Securities

 

AAA

 

68.7

%

AA

 

13.8

 

A

 

14.5

 

BBB

 

3.0

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

The following tables categorize the estimated fair value and unrealized gain/(loss) of our CMBS as of December 31, 2013:

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

64.8

 

$

80.2

 

$

207.4

 

$

294.0

 

$

128.9

 

$

775.3

 

AA

 

16.9

 

33.0

 

37.3

 

40.5

 

28.4

 

156.1

 

A

 

48.0

 

31.9

 

52.8

 

13.0

 

18.4

 

164.1

 

BBB

 

33.7

 

 

 

 

 

33.7

 

Total commercial mortgage- backed securities

 

$

163.4

 

$

145.1

 

$

297.5

 

$

347.5

 

$

175.7

 

$

1,129.2

 

 

 

 

Estimated Unrealized Gain (Loss) of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

1.2

 

$

5.7

 

$

14.2

 

$

(9.4

)

$

(5.6

)

$

6.1

 

AA

 

0.2

 

1.8

 

2.3

 

(3.5

)

(1.8

)

(1.0

)

A

 

1.0

 

0.9

 

(0.7

)

(1.4

)

(2.0

)

(2.2

)

BBB

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

Total commercial mortgage- backed securities

 

$

2.8

 

$

8.4

 

$

15.8

 

$

(14.3

)

$

(9.4

)

$

3.3

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Other Asset-Backed Securities — Other asset-backed securities pay down based on cash flow received from the underlying pool of assets, such as receivables on auto loans, student loans, credit cards, etc. As of December 31, 2013, these holdings were approximately $1.2 billion. As of December 31, 2012, these holdings were approximately $1.1 billion.

 

The following table includes the percentages of our other asset-backed holdings, grouped by rating category, as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Other Asset-
Backed

 

Rating

 

Securities

 

AAA

 

47.8

%

AA

 

18.7

 

A

 

21.0

 

BBB

 

0.8

 

Below investment grade

 

11.7

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

The following tables categorize the estimated fair value and unrealized gain/(loss) of our asset-backed securities as of December 31, 2013:

 

Other Asset-Backed Securities

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

474.2

 

$

4.7

 

$

24.8

 

$

32.1

 

$

18.7

 

$

554.5

 

AA

 

153.7

 

 

 

63.5

 

 

217.2

 

A

 

63.9

 

 

51.9

 

93.8

 

34.3

 

243.9

 

BBB

 

9.3

 

 

 

 

 

9.3

 

Below investment grade

 

135.3

 

 

 

 

 

135.3

 

Total other asset-backed securities

 

$

836.4

 

$

4.7

 

$

76.7

 

$

189.4

 

$

53.0

 

$

1,160.2

 

 

 

 

Estimated Unrealized Gain (Loss) of Security by Year of Security Origination

 

 

 

2009 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating

 

Prior

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

AAA

 

$

(41.1

)

$

 

$

0.7

 

$

(0.8

)

$

(0.4

)

$

(41.6

)

AA

 

(15.1

)

 

 

(0.3

)

 

(15.4

)

A

 

5.7

 

 

4.2

 

0.6

 

(0.5

)

10.0

 

BBB

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Below investment grade

 

11.2

 

 

 

 

 

11.2

 

Total other asset-backed securities

 

$

(39.2

)

$

 

$

4.9

 

$

(0.5

)

$

(0.9

)

$

(35.7

)

 

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We obtained ratings of our fixed maturities from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”), and/or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). If a fixed maturity is not rated by Moody’s, S&P, or Fitch, we use ratings from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), or we rate the fixed maturity based upon a comparison of the unrated issue to rated issues of the same issuer or rated issues of other issuers with similar risk characteristics. As of December 31, 2013, over 99.0% of our fixed maturities were rated by Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and/or the NAIC.

 

The industry segment composition of our fixed maturity securities is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

As of

 

% Fair

 

As of

 

% Fair

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Value

 

December 31, 2012

 

Value

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Banking

 

$

2,663,408

 

7.6

%

$

2,314,924

 

7.7

%

Other finance

 

620,051

 

1.8

 

346,029

 

1.2

 

Electric

 

3,749,786

 

10.7

 

3,782,241

 

12.6

 

Natural gas

 

2,364,863

 

6.7

 

2,199,265

 

7.3

 

Insurance

 

2,631,715

 

7.5

 

2,539,394

 

8.4

 

Energy

 

1,946,030

 

5.5

 

1,820,275

 

6.1

 

Communications

 

1,500,544

 

4.3

 

1,260,773

 

4.2

 

Basic industrial

 

1,673,188

 

4.8

 

1,293,037

 

4.3

 

Consumer noncyclical

 

3,040,080

 

8.6

 

1,738,686

 

5.8

 

Consumer cyclical

 

2,140,643

 

6.1

 

941,057

 

3.1

 

Finance companies

 

259,925

 

0.7

 

244,107

 

0.8

 

Capital goods

 

1,299,535

 

3.7

 

1,065,864

 

3.5

 

Transportation

 

908,600

 

2.6

 

670,477

 

2.2

 

Other industrial

 

386,079

 

1.1

 

235,642

 

0.8

 

Brokerage

 

627,630

 

1.8

 

588,307

 

2.0

 

Technology

 

1,007,174

 

2.9

 

844,036

 

2.8

 

Real estate

 

269,378

 

0.8

 

119,021

 

0.4

 

Other utility

 

179,346

 

0.5

 

34,779

 

0.1

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

1,129,226

 

3.2

 

1,040,896

 

3.5

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

1,160,238

 

3.3

 

1,132,943

 

3.8

 

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities

 

800,154

 

2.3

 

987,035

 

3.3

 

Residential mortgage-backed agency securities

 

955,791

 

2.7

 

1,210,098

 

4.0

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,704,128

 

4.8

 

1,474,319

 

4.9

 

Other government-related securities

 

108,524

 

0.3

 

164,222

 

0.5

 

State, municipals, and political divisions

 

1,671,721

 

4.8

 

1,722,551

 

5.7

 

Other

 

365,000

 

0.9

 

300,000

 

1.0

 

Total

 

$

35,162,757

 

100.0

%

$

30,069,978

 

100.0

%

 

Our investments classified as available-for-sale and trading in debt and equity securities are reported at fair value. Our investments classified as held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2013, our fixed maturity investments (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) had a fair value of $35.2 billion, which was 4.1% above amortized cost of $33.8 billion. These assets are invested for terms approximately corresponding to anticipated future benefit payments. Thus, market fluctuations are not expected to adversely affect liquidity.

 

Market values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) we obtain estimates from independent pricing services and 2) we estimate market value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. We analyze the independent pricing services valuation methodologies and related inputs, including an assessment of the observability of market inputs. Upon obtaining this information related to market value, management makes a determination as to the appropriate valuation amount.

 

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Mortgage Loans

 

We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2013, our mortgage loan holdings were approximately $5.5 billion. We have specialized in making loans on credit-oriented commercial properties, credit-anchored strip shopping centers, and apartments. Our underwriting procedures relative to our commercial loan portfolio are based, in our view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. We concentrate on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, professional office buildings, and warehouses). We believe these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which we have chosen not to participate. We believe this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout our history. The majority of our mortgage loan portfolio was underwritten and funded by the Company. From time to time, we may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.

 

During 2013, we acquired previously funded mortgage loans as part of the MONY acquisition with a fair value of $823.3 million as of the acquisition date. These loans were recorded in our balance sheet at the fair value of the mortgage loans on the date of acquisition, October 1, 2013. The acquired loans had an unpaid principal balance of $857.3 million of which we did not expect to collect $11.0 million as of the date of acquisition.

 

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

 

We record mortgage loans net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that have indicators of potential impairment based on current information and events. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, our allowance for mortgage loan credit losses was $3.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. While our mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, as of December 31, 2013, we estimated the fair value of our mortgage loans to be $5.9 billion (using discounted cash flows from the next call date), which was approximately 7.5% greater than the amortized cost, less any related loan loss reserve.

 

At the time of origination, our mortgage lending criteria targets that the loan-to-value ratio on each mortgage is 75% or less. We target projected rental payments from credit anchors (i.e., excluding rental payments from smaller local tenants) of 70% of the property’s projected operating expenses and debt service.

 

We also offer a type of commercial mortgage loan under which we will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately $666.6 million and $817.3 million, respectively, of our mortgage loans had this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. Exceptions to these loan-to-value measures may be made if we believe the mortgage has an acceptable risk profile. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $17.9 million and $16.1 million of participating mortgage loan income, respectively.

 

Certain of our mortgage loans have call options or interest rate reset options between 3 and 10 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, we may be unable to exercise the call options or increase the interest rates on our existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. Assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $94.5 million will be due in 2014, $1.2 billion in 2015 through 2019, $511.3 million in 2020 through 2024, and $134.5 million thereafter.

 

As of December 31, 2013, approximately $15.9 million, or 0.03%, of invested assets consisted of nonperforming, restructured or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2013, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that were accounted for as troubled debt restructurings under Topic 310 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. Transactions accounted for as troubled debt restructurings during the year

 

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either involved the modification of payment terms pursuant to bankruptcy proceedings or included acceptance of assets in satisfaction of principal or foreclosure on collateral property, and were the result of agreements between the creditor and the debtor. With respect to the modified loans we expect to collect all amounts due related to these loans as well as expenses incurred as a result of the restructurings. Additionally, there were no material changes to the principal balance of these loans, as a result of restructuring or modifications, which was $3.2 million as of December 31, 2013.  During the year a mortgage loan was paid off at a discount, the impact of this transaction resulted in a reduction of $0.5 million in our investments in mortgage loans, net of existing allowances for mortgage loan losses and did not remain on our balance sheets as of December 31, 2013.

 

Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: (1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and (2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreement. As of December 31, 2013, $3.2 million of mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. We foreclosed on three nonperforming loans of $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

As of December 31, 2013, $2.2 million of loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming. None of these nonperforming loans have been restructured during the year ended December 31, 2013. We did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and service agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities.

 

It is our policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is our general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status.

 

Risk Management and Impairment Review

 

We monitor the overall credit quality of our portfolio within established guidelines. The following table includes our available-for-sale fixed maturities by credit rating as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of

 

Rating

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

AAA

 

$

3,973,190

 

12.4

%

AA

 

2,199,142

 

6.9

 

A

 

10,469,711

 

32.7

 

BBB

 

13,747,442

 

43.0

 

Investment grade

 

30,389,485

 

95.0

 

BB

 

934,654

 

2.9

 

B

 

140,368

 

0.4

 

CCC or lower

 

534,760

 

1.7

 

Below investment grade

 

1,609,782

 

5.0

 

Total

 

$

31,999,267

 

100.0

%

 

Not included in the table above are $2.5 billion of investment grade and $333.9 million of below investment grade fixed maturities classified as trading securities and $365.0 million of fixed maturities classified as held-to-maturity.

 

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Limiting bond exposure to any creditor group is another way we manage credit risk. We held no credit default swaps on the positions listed below as of December 31, 2013. The following summarizes our ten largest maturity exposures to an individual creditor group as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Fair Value of

 

 

 

 

 

Funded

 

Unfunded

 

Total

 

Creditor

 

Securities

 

Exposures

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

 

$

221.8

 

$

 

$

221.8

 

Comcast Corp.

 

212.9

 

 

212.9

 

General Electric

 

204.7

 

 

204.7

 

Duke Energy Corp.

 

189.8

 

 

189.8

 

Bank of America Corp.

 

188.2

 

 

188.2

 

Wells Fargo & Co

 

184.8

 

 

184.8

 

AT&T Inc.

 

178.1

 

 

178.1

 

Exelon Corp.

 

168.3

 

 

168.3

 

Nextera Energy Inc.

 

168.2

 

 

168.2

 

Morgan Stanley

 

158.9

 

0.2

 

159.1

 

 

Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value is both objective and subjective, and can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. We review our positions on a monthly basis for possible credit concerns and review our current exposure, credit enhancement, and delinquency experience.

 

Management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Since it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, we engage in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to our investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties, and business markets.

 

For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including RMBS, CMBS, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), GAAP requires us to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the expected cash flows since the last revised estimate, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, we consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery.

 

Securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We consider a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of our intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether we will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the duration of the decline, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security-by-security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, along with an analysis regarding our expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows. Based on our analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of $22.4 million due to credit-related factors, resulting in a charge to earnings. The $22.4 million of credit losses included $11.5 million of non-credit losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

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There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in market values are other-than-temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud, and legislative actions. We continuously monitor these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment.

 

We have deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. We have reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believe there is minimal risk of a material loss.

 

Certain European countries have experienced varying degrees of financial stress. Risks from the continued debt crisis in Europe could continue to disrupt the financial markets which could have a detrimental impact on global economic conditions and on sovereign and non-sovereign obligations. There remains considerable uncertainty as to future developments in the European debt crisis and the impact on financial markets.

 

The chart shown below includes our non-sovereign fair value exposures in these countries as of December 31, 2013. As December 31, 2013, we had no unfunded exposure and had no direct sovereign fair value exposure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Gross

 

 

 

Non-sovereign Debt

 

Funded

 

Financial Instrument and Country

 

Financial

 

Non-financial

 

Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

 

 

Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Kingdom

 

$

523.6

 

$

824.0

 

$

1,347.6

 

Switzerland

 

148.8

 

305.5

 

454.3

 

Netherlands

 

184.7

 

185.0

 

369.7

 

France

 

97.0

 

173.2

 

270.2

 

Germany

 

69.2

 

131.8

 

201.0

 

Sweden

 

155.0

 

30.5

 

185.5

 

Spain

 

42.6

 

138.6

 

181.2

 

Ireland

 

10.8

 

103.7

 

114.5

 

Belgium

 

 

109.2

 

109.2

 

Italy

 

 

99.9

 

99.9

 

Norway

 

12.6

 

83.4

 

96.0

 

Luxembourg

 

 

71.3

 

71.3

 

Total securities

 

1,244.3

 

2,256.1

 

3,500.4

 

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switzerland

 

12.5

 

 

12.5

 

Germany

 

7.4

 

 

7.4

 

United Kingdom

 

1.1

 

 

1.1

 

Total derivatives

 

21.0

 

 

21.0

 

Total securities

 

$

1,265.3

 

$

2,256.1

 

$

3,521.4

 

 

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Realized Gains and Losses

 

The following table sets forth realized investment gains and losses for the periods shown:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Change

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Fixed maturity gains - sales

 

$

69,356

 

$

73,017

 

$

95,384

 

$

(3,661

)

$

(22,367

)

Fixed maturity losses - sales

 

(6,195

)

(5,348

)

(15,340

)

(847

)

9,992

 

Equity gains - sales

 

3,276

 

206

 

9,136

 

3,070

 

(8,930

)

Equity losses - sales

 

 

(251

)

 

251

 

(251

)

Impairments on fixed maturity securities

 

(19,100

)

(58,144

)

(47,321

)

39,044

 

(10,823

)

Impairments on equity securities

 

(3,347

)

 

 

(3,347

)

 

Modco trading portfolio

 

(178,134

)

177,986

 

164,224

 

(356,120

)

13,762

 

Other

 

(9,840

)

(12,774

)

(5,651

)

2,934

 

(7,123

)

Total realized gains (losses) - investments

 

$

(143,984

)

$

174,692

 

$

200,432

 

$

(318,676

)

$

(25,740

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives related to variable annuity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate futures - VA

 

$

(31,216

)

$

21,138

 

$

164,221

 

$

(52,354

)

$

(143,083

)

Equity futures - VA

 

(52,640

)

(50,797

)

(30,061

)

(1,843

)

(20,736

)

Currency futures - VA

 

(469

)

(2,763

)

2,977

 

2,294

 

(5,740

)

Volatility futures - VA

 

 

(132

)

 

132

 

(132

)

Variance swaps - VA

 

(11,310

)

(11,792

)

(239

)

482

 

(11,553

)

Equity options - VA

 

(95,022

)

(37,370

)

(15,051

)

(57,652

)

(22,319

)

Volatility options- VA

 

(115

)

 

 

(115

)

 

Interest rate swaptions - VA

 

1,575

 

(2,260

)

 

3,835

 

(2,260

)

Interest rate swaps - VA

 

(157,408

)

3,264

 

7,718

 

(160,672

)

(4,454

)

Credit default swaps - VA

 

 

 

(7,851

)

 

7,851

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

162,737

 

(22,120

)

(127,537

)

184,857

 

105,417

 

Funds withheld derivative

 

71,862

 

 

 

71,862

 

 

Total derivatives related to variable annuity contracts

 

(112,006

)

(102,832

)

(5,823

)

(9,174

)

(97,009

)

Derivatives related to FIA contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivative - FIA

 

(942

)

 

 

(942

)

 

Equity futures - FIA

 

173

 

 

 

173

 

 

Volatility futures - FIA

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

Equity options - FIA

 

1,866

 

 

 

1,866

 

 

Total derivatives related to FIA contracts

 

1,092

 

 

 

1,092

 

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

205,176

 

(132,816

)

(134,340

)

337,992

 

1,524

 

Interest rate swaps

 

2,985

 

(87

)

(11,264

)

3,072

 

11,177

 

Interest rate caps

 

 

(2,666

)

(2,801

)

2,666

 

135

 

Derivatives with PLC(1)

 

(15,072

)

10,664

 

(300

)

(25,736

)

10,964

 

Other derivatives

 

(14

)

(79

)

(477

)

65

 

398

 

Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

$

82,161

 

$

(227,816

)

$

(155,005

)

$

309,977

 

$

(72,811

)

 


(1) These derivatives include an interest support, a yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of our subsidiaries and PLC.

 

Realized gains and losses on investments reflect portfolio management activities designed to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities and to enhance long-term investment portfolio performance. The change in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairments and Modco trading portfolio activity during the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily reflects the normal operation of our asset/liability program within the context of the

 

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changing interest rate and spread environment, as well as tax planning strategies designed to utilize capital loss carryforwards.

 

From time to time, we are required to post and obligated to return collateral related to derivative transactions. As of December 31, 2013, we had posted cash and securities (at fair value) as collateral of approximately $102.3 million and $51.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, we received $10.7 million of cash as collateral. We do not net the collateral posted or received with the fair value of the derivative financial instruments for reporting purposes.

 

Realized losses are comprised of both write-downs of other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of $22.4 million due to credit-related factors, resulting in a charge to earnings. Additionally, we recognized $11.5 million of non-credit losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income were recorded in earnings as credit losses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of $58.1 million. These other-than-temporary impairments resulted from our analysis of circumstances and our belief that credit events, loss severity, changes in credit enhancement, and/or other adverse conditions of the respective issuers have caused, or will lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to these investments. These other-than-temporary impairments, net of Modco recoveries, are presented in the chart below:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Alt-A MBS

 

$

8.5

 

$

9.1

 

Other MBS

 

6.2

 

17.0

 

Corporate bonds

 

4.3

 

32.0

 

Sub-prime bonds

 

 

 

Equities

 

3.4

 

 

Total

 

$

22.4

 

$

58.1

 

 

As previously discussed, management considers several factors when determining other-than-temporary impairments. Although we purchase securities with the intent to hold them until maturity, we may change our position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with our classification of all but a specific portion of our investment portfolio as available-for-sale. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $398.2 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss, and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:

 

 

 

Proceeds

 

% Proceeds

 

Realized Loss

 

% Realized Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

<= 90 days

 

$

321,478

 

80.7

%

$

(2,118

)

34.2

%

>90 days but <= 180 days

 

31,936

 

8.0

 

(805

)

13.0

 

>180 days but <= 270 days

 

22

 

 

(2

)

 

>270 days but <= 1 year

 

6,962

 

1.7

 

(9

)

0.1

 

>1 year

 

37,847

 

9.6

 

(3,261

)

52.7

 

Total

 

$

398,245

 

100.0

%

$

(6,195

)

100.0

%

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $398.2 million. The loss realized on the sale of these securities was $6.2 million. We made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with our overall asset liability management process.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value of $2.3 billion. The gain realized on the sale of these securities was $72.6 million.

 

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The $9.8 million of other realized losses recognized for the  year ended December 31, 2013, consists of the increase in mortgage loss reserves of $0.3 million, mortgage loan losses of $9.8 million, and partnership gains of $0.2 million.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, net losses of $178.1 million primarily related to changes in fair value on our Modco trading portfolios were included in realized gains and losses. Of this amount, approximately $29.7 million of gains were realized through the sale of certain securities, which will be reimbursed to our reinsurance partners over time through the reinsurance settlement process for this block of business. The Modco embedded derivative associated with the trading portfolios had realized pre-tax gains of $205.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. These gains were primarily the result of higher interest rates.

 

Realized investment gains and losses related to derivatives represent changes in their fair value during the period and termination gains/(losses) on those derivatives that were closed during the period.

 

We use equity, interest rate, currency, and volatility futures to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within our VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and interest rate markets, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility. The equity futures resulted in net pre-tax losses of $52.6 million, interest rate futures resulted in pre-tax losses of $31.2 million, and currency futures resulted in net pre-tax losses of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively. No volatility future positions were held during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

We also use equity options, variance swaps, and volatility options to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within our VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets and overall volatility. The equity options resulted in net pre-tax losses of $95.0 million, the variance swaps resulted in a net pre-tax loss of $11.3 million, and the volatility options resulted in net pre-tax losses of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013, we did not hold any volatility options.

 

We use interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within our VA products. The interest rate swaps resulted in net pre-tax losses of $157.4 million and interest rate swaptions resulted in a net pre-tax gain of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The GMWB rider embedded derivative on variable deferred annuities, with a GMWB rider, had net realized gains of $162.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The Funds Withheld derivative associated with Shades Creek had a pre-tax realized gain of $71.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

We use certain interest rate swaps to mitigate the price volatility of fixed maturities. These positions resulted in net pre-tax gains of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The pre-tax gains were primarily the result of $0.5 million in realized gains due to terminations and interest settlements and $2.5 million in unrealized gains during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

We purchased interest rate caps during 2011, to mitigate our credit risk with respect to our LIBOR exposure and the potential impact of European financial market distress. These caps resulted in immaterial pre-tax losses for the year ended December 31, 2013.  As of December 31, 2013, we did not hold any interest rate caps.

 

Certain of our subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, a YRT premium support agreement, and two portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $15.0 million related to the interest support agreement and an immaterial pre-tax gain related to the YRT premium support agreement for the year ended December 31, 2013. We entered into two separate portfolio maintenance agreements in October 2012. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to our portfolio maintenance agreements.

 

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We also use various swaps and other types of derivatives to mitigate risk related to other exposures. These contracts generated net pre-tax losses that were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

We recognized pre-tax losses of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, related to the embedded derivative on the FIA product. We use certain equity options as well as equity and volatility futures to mitigate certain equity market risks associated with the FIA. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized pre-tax gains of $2.0 million related to these derivatives.

 

Unrealized Gains and Losses — Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after December 31, 2013, the balance sheet date. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. Management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including the expected cash to be collected and the intent, likelihood, and/or ability to hold the security until recovery. Consistent with our long-standing practice, we do not utilize a “bright line test” to determine other-than-temporary impairments. On a quarterly basis, we perform an analysis on every security with an unrealized loss to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis includes reviewing several metrics including collateral, expected cash flows, ratings, and liquidity. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain/(loss) position of the portfolio. We had an overall net unrealized gain of $1.1 billion, prior to tax and DAC and VOBA offsets, as of December 31, 2013, and an overall net unrealized gain of $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2012.

 

For fixed maturity and equity securities held that are in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013, the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below:

 

 

 

Fair

 

% Fair

 

Amortized

 

% Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

% Unrealized

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Cost

 

Loss

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

<= 90 days

 

$

6,075,381

 

55.8

%

$

6,253,613

 

54.4

%

$

(178,232

)

29.5

%

>90 days but <= 180 days

 

1,694,960

 

15.6

 

1,788,957

 

15.6

 

(93,997

)

15.6

 

>180 days but <= 270 days

 

1,881,976

 

17.3

 

2,071,374

 

18.0

 

(189,398

)

31.3

 

>270 days but <= 1 year

 

216,525

 

2.0

 

244,521

 

2.1

 

(27,996

)

4.6

 

>1 year but <= 2 years

 

508,101

 

4.7

 

572,084

 

5.0

 

(63,983

)

10.6

 

>2 years but <= 3 years

 

74,881

 

0.7

 

83,407

 

0.7

 

(8,526

)

1.4

 

>3 years but <= 4 years

 

22,338

 

0.2

 

26,736

 

0.2

 

(4,398

)

0.7

 

>4 years but <= 5 years

 

45,015

 

0.4

 

49,734

 

0.4

 

(4,719

)

0.8

 

>5 years

 

370,506

 

3.3

 

403,561

 

3.6

 

(33,055

)

5.5

 

Total

 

$

10,889,683

 

100.0

%

$

11,493,987

 

100.0

%

$

(604,304

)

100.0

%

 

The majority of the unrealized loss as of December 31, 2013 for both investment grade and below investment grade securities is attributable to a widening in credit and mortgage spreads for certain securities. The negative impact of spread levels for certain securities was partially offset by lower treasury yield levels and the associated positive effect on security prices.  Spread levels have improved since December 31, 2012. However, certain types of securities, including tranches of RMBS and ABS, continue to be priced at a level which has caused the unrealized losses noted above. We believe spread levels on these RMBS and ABS are largely due to market perceived uncertainties regarding future performance of the underlying mortgage loans and/or assets.

 

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As of December 31, 2013, the Barclays Investment Grade Index was priced at 112.9 bps versus a 10 year average of 164.4 bps. Similarly, the Barclays High Yield Index was priced at 427.8 bps versus a 10 year average of 602.7 bps. As of December 31, 2013, the five, ten, and thirty-year U.S. Treasury obligations were trading at levels of 1.743%, 3.021%, and 3.969%, as compared to 10 year averages of 2.695%, 3.493%, and 4.220%, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2013, 88.8% of the unrealized loss was associated with securities that were rated investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and cash flows and expect that our investments will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms. Factors such as credit enhancements within the deal structures and the underlying collateral performance/characteristics support the recoverability of the investments. Based on the factors discussed, we do not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset/liability management, and liquidity requirements.

 

Expectations that investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions a market participant would use in determining the current fair value. It is reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations and that such an event may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows on our holdings of these types of securities. This could lead to potential future write-downs within our portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Expectations that our investments in corporate securities and/or debt obligations will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through our normal credit surveillance process. Although we do not anticipate such events, it is reasonably possible that issuers of our investments in corporate securities will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead us to recognize potential future write-downs within our portfolio of corporate securities. It is also possible that such unanticipated events would lead us to dispose of those certain holdings and recognize the effects of any such market movements in our financial statements.

 

As of December 31, 2013, there were estimated gross unrealized losses of $11.3 million related to our mortgage-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A mortgage loans. Gross unrealized losses in our securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans as of December 31, 2013, were primarily the result of continued widening spreads, representing marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in Alt-A residential mortgage loans and rating agency downgrades of securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2013, we reviewed the performance of the underlying collateral supporting these securities and determined that the expected cash flows were in line with the valuation. As such, we believe unrealized losses as of December 31, 2013 were temporary in nature.

 

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We have no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held as of December 31, 2013, is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

Fair

 

% Fair

 

Amortized

 

% Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

%
 Unrealized

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Cost

 

Loss

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Banking

 

$

689,749

 

6.3

%

$

738,947

 

6.4

%

$

(49,198

)

8.1

%

Other finance

 

214,741

 

2.0

 

228,492

 

2.0

 

(13,751

)

2.3

 

Electric

 

795,232

 

7.3

 

837,712

 

7.3

 

(42,480

)

7.0

 

Natural gas

 

480,677

 

4.4

 

511,090

 

4.4

 

(30,413

)

5.0

 

Insurance

 

464,275

 

4.3

 

489,487

 

4.3

 

(25,212

)

4.2

 

Energy

 

335,157

 

3.1

 

349,894

 

3.0

 

(14,737

)

2.4

 

Communications

 

362,081

 

3.3

 

396,156

 

3.4

 

(34,075

)

5.6

 

Basic industrial

 

500,315

 

4.6

 

531,155

 

4.6

 

(30,840

)

5.1

 

Consumer noncyclical

 

1,451,719

 

13.3

 

1,524,913

 

13.3

 

(73,194

)

12.1

 

Consumer cyclical

 

983,621

 

9.0

 

1,020,361

 

8.9

 

(36,740

)

6.1

 

Finance companies

 

25,405

 

0.2

 

26,603

 

0.2

 

(1,198

)

0.2

 

Capital goods

 

528,881

 

4.9

 

545,555

 

4.7

 

(16,674

)

2.8

 

Transportation

 

301,875

 

2.8

 

316,297

 

2.8

 

(14,422

)

2.4

 

Other industrial

 

196,755

 

1.8

 

206,370

 

1.8

 

(9,615

)

1.6

 

Brokerage

 

129,329

 

1.2

 

133,623

 

1.2

 

(4,294

)

0.7

 

Technology

 

403,557

 

3.7

 

426,914

 

3.7

 

(23,357

)

3.9

 

Real estate

 

123,183

 

1.1

 

127,049

 

1.1

 

(3,866

)

0.6

 

Other utility

 

113,160

 

1.0

 

117,239

 

1.0

 

(4,079

)

0.7

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

443,068

 

4.1

 

462,773

 

4.0

 

(19,705

)

3.3

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

673,358

 

6.2

 

742,906

 

6.5

 

(69,548

)

11.5

 

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities

 

306,421

 

2.8

 

321,417

 

2.8

 

(14,996

)

2.5

 

Residential mortgage-backed agency securities

 

236,208

 

2.2

 

245,748

 

2.1

 

(9,540

)

1.6

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

948,263

 

8.7

 

1,002,341

 

8.7

 

(54,078

)

8.9

 

Other government-related securities

 

10,161

 

0.1

 

10,162

 

0.1

 

(1

)

 

States, municipals, and political divisions

 

172,492

 

1.6

 

180,783

 

1.7

 

(8,291

)

1.4

 

Total

 

$

10,889,683

 

100.0

%

$

11,493,987

 

100.0

%

$

(604,304

)

100.0

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

The percentage of our unrealized loss positions, segregated by industry segment, is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banking

 

8.1

%

10.2

%

Other finance

 

2.3

 

0.5

 

Electric

 

7.0

 

6.6

 

Natural gas

 

5.0

 

4.1

 

Insurance

 

4.2

 

7.3

 

Energy

 

2.4

 

0.3

 

Communications

 

5.6

 

0.4

 

Basic industrial

 

5.1

 

3.2

 

Consumer noncyclical

 

12.1

 

2.7

 

Consumer cyclical

 

6.1

 

0.9

 

Finance companies

 

0.2

 

1.7

 

Capital goods

 

2.8

 

2.0

 

Transportation

 

2.4

 

 

Other industrial

 

1.6

 

0.2

 

Brokerage

 

0.7

 

0.4

 

Technology

 

3.9

 

1.0

 

Real estate

 

0.6

 

 

Other utility

 

0.7

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

3.3

 

0.4

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

11.5

 

43.8

 

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency securities

 

2.5

 

13.7

 

Residential mortgage-backed agency securities

 

1.6

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

8.9

 

0.4

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political divisions

 

1.4

 

0.2

 

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013, varies, with 9.0% maturing in less than 5 years, 34.8% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 56.2% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating of securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013:

 

S&P or Equivalent

 

Fair

 

% Fair

 

Amortized

 

% Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

% Unrealized

 

Designation

 

Value

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Cost

 

Loss

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

AAA/AA/A

 

$

6,071,816

 

55.8

%

$

6,391,626

 

55.6

%

$

(319,810

)

52.9

%

BBB

 

4,021,694

 

36.9

 

4,238,452

 

36.9

 

(216,758

)

35.9

 

Investment grade

 

10,093,510

 

92.7

 

10,630,078

 

92.5

 

(536,568

)

88.8

 

BB

 

318,230

 

2.9

 

349,906

 

3.0

 

(31,676

)

5.2

 

B

 

93,883

 

0.9

 

105,239

 

0.9

 

(11,356

)

1.9

 

CCC or lower

 

384,060

 

3.5

 

408,764

 

3.6

 

(24,704

)

4.1

 

Below investment grade

 

796,173

 

7.3

 

863,909

 

7.5

 

(67,736

)

11.2

 

Total

 

$

10,889,683

 

100.0

%

$

11,493,987

 

100.0

%

$

(604,304

)

100.0

%

 

As of December 31, 2013, we held a total of 1,047 positions that were in an unrealized loss position. Included in that amount were 124 positions of below investment grade securities with a fair value of $796.2 million that were in an unrealized loss position. Total unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities were $67.7 million, of

 

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which $32.8 million had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. Below investment grade securities in an unrealized loss position were 1.8% of invested assets.

 

As of December 31, 2013, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 7.3% of the total fair value and 11.2% of the total unrealized loss. After a review of each security and its expected cash flows, we believe the decline in market value to be temporary. We have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. As of December 31, 2013, total unrealized losses for all securities in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months were $114.7 million. A widening of specific credit spreads is estimated to account for unrealized losses of $48.7 million, with changes in treasury rates offsetting this loss by an estimated $163.4 million.

 

The following table includes the fair value, amortized cost, unrealized loss, and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Fair

 

% Fair

 

Amortized

 

% Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

% Unrealized

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Cost

 

Loss

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

<= 90 days

 

$

175,206

 

22.0

%

$

188,339

 

21.8

%

$

(13,133

)

19.4

%

>90 days but <= 180 days

 

188,605

 

23.7

 

201,658

 

23.3

 

(13,053

)

19.3

 

>180 days but <= 270 days

 

51,316

 

6.4

 

58,570

 

6.8

 

(7,254

)

10.7

 

>270 days but <= 1 year

 

14,478

 

1.8

 

15,928

 

1.8

 

(1,450

)

2.1

 

>1 year but <= 2 years

 

40,040

 

5.0

 

44,028

 

5.1

 

(3,988

)

5.9

 

>2 years but <= 3 years

 

55,645

 

7.0

 

62,921

 

7.3

 

(7,276

)

10.7

 

>3 years but <= 4 years

 

7,353

 

0.9

 

8,077

 

0.9

 

(724

)

1.1

 

>4 years but <= 5 years

 

44,989

 

5.7

 

49,666

 

5.7

 

(4,677

)

6.9

 

>5 years

 

218,541

 

27.5

 

234,722

 

27.3

 

(16,181

)

23.9

 

Total

 

$

796,173

 

100.0

%

$

863,909

 

100.0

%

$

(67,736

)

100.0

%

 

The majority of our RMBS holdings as of December 31, 2013, were super senior or senior bonds in the capital structure. Our total non-agency portfolio has a weighted-average life of 5.41 years. The following table categorizes the weighted-average life for our non-agency portfolio, by category of material holdings, as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

Non-agency portfolio

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

Prime

 

5.84

 

Alt-A

 

4.68

 

Sub-prime

 

5.50

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet its needs. We meet our liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from our operating activities. Primary sources of cash are premiums, deposits for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, and investment income. Primary uses of cash include benefit payments, withdrawals from policyholder accounts, investment purchases, policy acquisition costs, other operating expenses, and distributions to PLC. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our cash needs under normal operating scenarios.

 

In the event of significant unanticipated cash requirements beyond our normal liquidity needs, we have additional sources of liquidity available depending on market conditions and the amount and timing of the liquidity need. These additional sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, the sale of liquid assets, accessing our credit facility, and other sources described herein.

 

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Our decision to sell investment assets could be impacted by accounting rules, including rules relating to the likelihood of a requirement to sell securities before recovery of our cost basis. Under stressful market and economic conditions, liquidity may broadly deteriorate which could negatively impact our ability to sell investment assets. If we require on short notice significant amounts of cash in excess of normal requirements, we may have difficulty selling investment assets in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.

 

While we anticipate that our operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, we recognize that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, we have established repurchase agreement programs to provide liquidity when needed. We expect that the rate received on our investments will equal or exceed our borrowing rate. Under this program, we may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are for a term less than ninety days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. The agreements provide for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $384.4 million and the repurchase obligation of $350.0 million was included in our consolidated balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 10 basis points). During 2013, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $815.0 million. The average daily balance was $496.9 million (at an average borrowing rate of 11 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, we had a $150.0 million outstanding balance related to such borrowings. During 2012, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $425.0 million. The average daily balance was $266.3 million (at an average borrowing rate of 14 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Additionally, we may, from time to time, sell short-duration stable value products to complement our cash management practices. Depending on market conditions, we may also use securitization transactions involving our commercial mortgage loans to increase liquidity for the operating subsidiaries.

 

Credit Facility

 

We and PLC have access to a Credit Facility that provides the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $750 million. We have the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.0 billion. Balances outstanding under the Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i) LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s senior unsecured long-term debt (“Senior Debt”), or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Federal Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt. The Credit Facility also provides for a facility fee at a rate, currently 0.175%, that varies with the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The maturity date on the Credit Facility is July 17, 2017. We did not have an outstanding balance under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2013. PLC had an outstanding balance of $485.0 million at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.20% under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2013.

 

Sources and Use of Cash

 

Our primary sources of funding are from our insurance operations and revenues from investments.  These sources of cash support our operations and are used to pay dividends to PLC. The states in which we and our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled impose certain restrictions on the ability to pay dividends. These restrictions are based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and/or surplus.

 

We are a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati. FHLB advances provide an attractive funding source for short-term borrowing and for the sale of funding agreements. Membership in the FHLB requires that we purchase FHLB capital stock based on a minimum requirement and a percentage of the dollar amount of advances outstanding. Our borrowing capacity is determined by the following factors: 1) total advance capacity is limited to the lower of 50% of total assets or 100% of mortgage-related assets of Protective Life Insurance Company, 2) ownership of appropriate

 

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capital and activity stock to support continued membership in the FHLB and current and future advances, and 3) the availability of adequate eligible mortgage or treasury/agency collateral to back current and future advances.

 

We held $67.1 million of FHLB common stock as of December 31, 2013, which is included in equity securities. In addition, our obligations under the advances must be collateralized. We maintain control over any such pledged assets, including the right of substitution. As of December 31, 2013, we had $821.8 million of funding agreement-related advances and accrued interest outstanding under the FHLB program.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we reported approximately $544.8 million (fair value) of Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”) in non-Modco portfolios. As of December 31, 2013, 100% of these ARS were rated Aaa/AA+, or higher. While the auction rate market has experienced liquidity constraints, we believe that based on our current liquidity position and our operating cash flows, any lack of liquidity in the ARS market will not have a material impact on our liquidity, financial condition, or cash flows.

 

All of the auction rate securities held, on a consolidated basis, in non-Modco portfolios as of December 31, 2013, were student loan-backed auction rate securities, for which the underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). As there is no active market for these auction rate securities, we use a valuation model, which incorporates, among other inputs, the contractual terms of each indenture and current valuation information from actively-traded asset-backed securities with comparable underlying assets (i.e. FFELP-backed student loans) and vintage.

 

We use an income approach valuation model to determine the fair value of our student loan-backed auction rate securities. Specifically, a discounted cash flow method is used. The expected yield on the auction rate securities is estimated for each coupon date, based on the contractual terms on each indenture. The estimated market yield is based on comparable securities with observable yields and an additional yield spread for illiquidity of auction rate securities in the current market.

 

The auction rate securities held in non-Modco portfolios are classified as a Level 2 or Level 3 valuation. An unrealized loss of $57.2 million and $44.0 million was recorded as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and we have not recorded any other-than-temporary impairment because the underlying collateral for each of the auction rate securities is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP and there are subordinate tranches within each of these auction rate security issuances that would support the senior tranches in the event of default. In the event of a complete and total default by all underlying student loans, the principal shortfall, in excess of the 97% FFELP guarantee, would be absorbed by the subordinate tranches. Our credit exposure is to the FFELP guarantee, not the underlying student loans. At this time, we have no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary. In addition, we do not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering our amortized cost of these securities. Therefore, we believe that no other-than-temporary impairment has been experienced.

 

The liquidity requirements primarily relate to the liabilities associated with our various insurance and investment products, operating expenses, and income taxes. Liabilities arising from insurance and investment products include the payment of policyholder benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders and withdrawals, policy loans, and obligations to redeem funding agreements.

 

We maintain investment strategies intended to provide adequate funds to pay benefits and expected surrenders, withdrawals, loans, and redemption obligations without forced sales of investments. In addition, we hold highly liquid, high-quality short-term investment securities and other liquid investment grade fixed maturity securities to fund our expected operating expenses, surrenders, and withdrawals. We were committed as of December 31, 2013, to fund mortgage loans in the amount of $322.8 million.

 

Our positive cash flows from operations are used to fund an investment portfolio that provides for future benefit payments. We employ a formal asset/liability program to manage the cash flows of our investment portfolio relative to our long-term benefit obligations. As of December 31, 2013, we held cash and short-term investments of $478.6 million.

 

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The following chart includes the cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing, and financing activities for the following periods:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

542,477

 

$

696,632

 

$

632,399

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,082,652

)

(585,833

)

(787,744

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activites

 

616,172

 

(10,992

)

88,122

 

Total

 

$

75,997

 

$

99,807

 

$

(67,223

)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013 as compared to The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Net cash provided by operating activities - Cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums received, fees received, investment income, and expenses paid. Principal sources of cash include sales of our products and services. We typically generate positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums and deposits collected from our insurance and investment products exceed benefit payments and redemptions, and we invest the excess. Accordingly, in analyzing our cash flows we focus on the change in the amount of cash available and used in investing activities.

 

Net cash used in investing activities - Changes in cash from investing activities primarily related to the activity in our investment portfolio. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of MONY and the reinsurance of MLOA.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - Changes in cash from financing activities included $200 million inflows from repurchase program borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $150.0 million inflows for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $345.1 million inflows of investment product and universal life net activity for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to $102.3 million of outflows in the prior year. Net issuances of non-recourse funding obligations equaled $46.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to net issuances of $198.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Capital Resources

 

To give us flexibility in connection with future acquisitions and other funding needs, PLC has debt securities, preferred and common stock, and additional preferred securities of special purpose finance subsidiaries registered under the Securities Act of 1933 on a delayed (or shelf) basis. Additionally, we have access to the Credit Facility previously mentioned.

 

Captive Reinsurance Companies

 

Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate”), a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary, had three series of Surplus Notes with a total outstanding balance of $800 million as of December 31, 2013. PLC holds the entire outstanding balance of Surplus Notes. The Series A1 Surplus Notes have a balance of $400 million and accrue interest at 7.375%, the Series A2 Surplus Notes have a balance of $100 million and accrue interest at 8%, and the Series A3 Surplus Notes have a balance of $300 million and accrue interest at 8.45%.

 

Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate II”), a wholly owned special purpose financial captive insurance company, had $575.0 million of non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2013. These outstanding non-recourse funding obligations were issued to special purpose trusts, which in turn issued securities to third parties. Certain of our affiliates own a portion of these securities. As of December 31, 2013, securities related to $269.9 million of the outstanding balance of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by external parties, securities related to $8.5 million of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by nonconsolidated affiliates, and securities related to $296.6 million were held by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. These non-recourse funding obligations mature in 2052. $275 million of this amount is currently accruing interest at a rate of

 

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LIBOR plus 30 basis points. We have experienced higher borrowing costs than were originally expected associated with $300 million of our non-recourse funding obligations supporting the business reinsured to Golden Gate II. These higher costs are the result of higher spread component of interest expense associated with the illiquidity of the current market for auction rate securities, as well as a rating downgrade of our guarantor by certain rating agencies. The current rate associated with these obligations is LIBOR plus 200 basis points, which is the maximum rate we can be required to pay under these obligations. We have contingent approval to issue an additional $100 million of obligations. Under the terms of the non-recourse funding obligations, the special purpose trusts, as holders of the non-recourse funding obligations, cannot require repayment from PLC, us, or any of our subsidiaries, other than Golden Gate II, the direct issuer of the non-recourse funding obligations, although PLC has agreed to indemnify Golden Gate II for certain costs and obligations (which obligations do not include payment of principal and interest on the surplus notes). In addition, PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate II obligating it to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate II’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate II. These support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate II if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if Golden Gate II’s investment income on certain investments or premium income was below certain actuarially determined amounts. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements, however, certain support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $0.3 million have been collateralized by PLC. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustment of any support agreement collateralization amounts occurs annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreements. There are no support agreements between us and Golden Gate II.

 

Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate III”), a wholly owned Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”) with UBS AG, Stamford Branch (“UBS”), as issuing lender. Under the original Reimbursement Agreement, dated April 23, 2010, UBS issued a letter of credit (the “LOC”) in the initial amount of $505 million to a trust for the benefit of West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”). The Reimbursement Agreement was subsequently amended and restated effective November 21, 2011 (the “First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), to replace the existing LOC with one or more letters of credit from UBS, and to extend the maturity date from April 1, 2018, to April 1, 2022. On August 7, 2013, Golden Gate III entered into a Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with UBS (the “Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), which amended and restated the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. Under the Second and Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, a new LOC in an initial amount of $710 million was issued by UBS in replacement of the existing LOC issued under the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The term of the LOC was extended from April 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, subject to certain conditions being satisfied including scheduled capital contributions being made to Golden Gate III by one of its affiliates. The maximum stated amount of the LOC was increased from $610 million to $720 million in 2015 if certain conditions are met. The LOC is held in trust for the benefit of WCL, and supports certain obligations of Golden Gate III to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement originally effective April 1, 2010, as amended and restated on November 21, 2011, and as further amended and restated on August 7, 2013 to include an additional block of policies, and pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. The LOC balance was $715 million as of December 31, 2013. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum of $720 million in 2015. The term of the LOC is expected to be approximately 13.5 years from the original issuance date. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate III are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate III obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate III’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate III. Future scheduled capital contributions amount to approximately $149.8 million and will be paid in three installments with the last payment occurring in 2019, and these contributions may be subject to potential offset against dividend payments as permitted under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate III if Golden Gate III’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate III. There were no support agreements between us and Golden Gate III. Pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated letter agreement with UBS, PLC has continued to guarantee the payment of fees to UBS as specified in the Second and Amended and Restated Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

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Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate IV”), a wholly owned Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement with UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as issuing lender. Under the Reimbursement Agreement, dated December 10, 2010, UBS issued an LOC in the initial amount of $270 million to a trust for the benefit of WCL. The LOC balance has increased, in accordance with the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement, during each quarter of 2013 and was $700 million as of December 31, 2013. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum of $790 million in 2016. The term of the LOC is expected to be 12 years from the original issuance date and with a maturity date of December 30, 2022. The LOC was issued to support certain obligations of Golden Gate IV to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities related to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate IV are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate IV obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate IV’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate IV. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate IV if Golden Gate IV’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate IV. PLC has also entered into a separate agreement to guarantee the payments of LOC fees under the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

On October 10, 2012, Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) and Red Mountain, LLC (“Red Mountain”), a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a 20-year transaction to finance up to $945 million of “AXXX” reserves related to a block of universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees issued by us and our subsidiary, WCL. Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain, and Red Mountain issued a note with an initial principal amount of $275 million, increasing to a maximum of $945 million in 2027, to Golden Gate V for deposit to a reinsurance trust supporting Golden Gate V’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with WCL, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (“Hannover Re”), the ultimate risk taker in the transaction, provides credit enhancement to the Red Mountain note for the 20-year term in exchange for a fee. The transaction is “non-recourse” to Golden Gate V, Red Mountain, WCL, PLC and the Company, meaning that none of these companies are liable for the reimbursement of any credit enhancement payments required to be made. As of December 31, 2013, the principal balance of the Red Mountain note was $365 million. In connection with the transaction, PLC has entered into certain support agreements under which PLC guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate V or Red Mountain. Future scheduled capital contributions to prefund credit enhancement fees amount to approximately $144.3 million and will be paid in annual installments through 2031. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC if Golden Gate V’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold levels. Additionally, PLC has entered into separate agreements to indemnify Golden Gate V with respect to material adverse changes in non-guaranteed elements of insurance policies reinsured by Golden Gate V, and to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Red Mountain note. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the NAIC, as modified by state law. Generally speaking, other states in which a company does business defer to the interpretation of the domiciliary state with respect to NAIC rules, unless inconsistent with the other state’s regulations. Statutory accounting rules are different from GAAP and are intended to reflect a more conservative view, for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The achievement of long-term growth will require growth in our statutory capital and that of our insurance subsidiaries. We and our subsidiaries may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as retained statutory earnings or our equity contributions. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as an ordinary dividend from our insurance subsidiaries in 2014 is estimated to be $117.8 million.

 

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State insurance regulators and the NAIC have adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks. The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile. A company’s risk-based statutory surplus is calculated by applying factors and performing calculations relating to various asset, premium, claim, expense, and reserve items. Regulators can then measure the adequacy of a company’s statutory surplus by comparing it to the RBC. We manage our capital consumption by using the ratio of our total adjusted capital, as defined by the insurance regulators, to our company action level RBC (known as the RBC ratio), also as defined by insurance regulators. As of December 31, 2013, our total adjusted capital and company action level RBC was $3.2 billion and $714.8 million, respectively providing an RBC of approximately 446%.

 

In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks discussed above relative to our RBC ratio, in the fourth quarter of 2012, PLC established an indirect wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Shades Creek Captive Insurance Company (“Shades Creek”) to which we have reinsured GMWB and GMDB riders related to our variable annuity contracts. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation. Also during 2012, PLC entered into an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek which provides through a guarantee that PLC will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement.  As of April 1, 2013, Shades Creek became a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC.  As of December 31, 2013, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds.  The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.

 

Statutory reserves established for variable annuity contracts are sensitive to changes in the equity markets and are affected by the level of account values relative to the level of any guarantees and product design. As a result, the relationship between reserve changes and equity market performance may be non-linear during any given reporting period. Market conditions greatly influence the capital required due to their impact on the valuation of reserves and derivative investments mitigating the risk in these reserves. Risk mitigation activities may result in material and sometimes counterintuitive impacts on statutory surplus and RBC ratio. Notably, as changes in these market and non-market factors occur, both our potential obligation and the related statutory reserves and/or required capital can vary at a non-linear rate.

 

In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks discussed above relative to our RBC ratio, we have reinsured GMWB and GMDB riders related to our variable annuity contracts to Shades Creek. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation. As of April 1, 2013, Shades Creek became a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC.

 

Our statutory surplus is impacted by credit spreads as a result of accounting for the assets and liabilities on our fixed MVA annuities. Statutory separate account assets supporting the fixed MVA annuities are recorded at fair value. In determining the statutory reserve for the fixed MVA annuities, we are required to use current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries. In many capital market scenarios, current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries are highly correlated with market rates implicit in the fair value of statutory separate account assets. As a result, the change in the statutory reserve from period to period will likely substantially offset the change in the fair value of the statutory separate account assets. However, in periods of volatile credit markets, actual credit spreads on investment assets may increase or decrease sharply for certain sub-sectors of the overall credit market, resulting in statutory separate account asset market value gains or losses. As actual credit spreads are not fully reflected in current crediting rates based on U.S. Treasuries, the calculation of statutory reserves will not substantially offset the change in fair value of the statutory separate account assets resulting in a change in statutory surplus. The result of this mismatch had a negative impact to our statutory surplus of approximately $57 million on a pre-tax basis for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to a positive impact to our statutory surplus of approximately $20 million on a pre-tax basis for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

On October 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition contemplated by the master agreement (the “Master Agreement”) dated April 10, 2013. Pursuant to that Master Agreement with AXA Financial, Inc. (“AXA”) and AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC (“AEFS”), we acquired the stock of MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”)

 

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from AEFS and entered into a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which it is reinsuring on a 100% indemnity reinsurance basis certain business (the “MLOA Business”) of MONY Life Insurance Company of America (“MLOA”). The aggregate purchase price for MONY was $686 million. The ceding commission for the reinsurance of the MLOA Business was $370 million. Together, the purchase of MONY and reinsurance of the MLOA Business are hereto referred to as (the “MONY acquisition”). The MONY acquisition allowed us to invest our capital and increase the scale of our Acquisitions segment. The MONY acquisition business is comprised of traditional and universal life insurance policies and fixed and variable annuities, most of which were written prior to 2004. See Note 3, Significant Acquisitions for additional information.

 

We cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets, we remain liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations that it assumed. We evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor the associated concentration of credit risk. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we ceded premiums to unaffiliated third party reinsurers amounting to $1.4 billion. In addition, we had receivables from unaffiliated reinsurers amounting to $6.0 billion as of December 31, 2013. We review reinsurance receivable amounts for collectability and establish bad debt reserves if deemed appropriate. For additional information related to our reinsurance exposure, see Note 10, Reinsurance.

 

Ratings

 

Various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“rating organizations”) review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including us and our insurance subsidiaries, and publish their financial strength ratings as indicators of an insurer’s ability to meet policyholder and contract holder obligations. These ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in an insurer’s products, its ability to market its products and its competitive position. The following table summarizes the financial strength ratings of our significant member companies from the major independent rating organizations as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard &

 

 

Ratings

 

A.M. Best

 

Fitch

 

Poor’s

 

Moody’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance company financial strength rating:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protective Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

A2

West Coast Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

A2

Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

AA-

 

Lyndon Property Insurance Company

 

A-

 

 

 

MONY Life Insurance Company

 

A+

 

A

 

A+

 

A2

 

Our ratings are subject to review and change by the rating organizations at any time and without notice. A downgrade or other negative action by a ratings organization with respect to our financial strength ratings or those of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect sales, relationships with distributors, the level of policy surrenders and withdrawals, competitive position in the marketplace, and the cost or availability of reinsurance.

 

LIABILITIES

 

Many of our products contain surrender charges and other features that are designed to reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had policy liabilities and accruals of approximately $31.3 billion. Our interest-sensitive life insurance policies have a weighted average minimum credited interest rate of approximately 3.52%.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

We enter into various obligations to third parties in the ordinary course of our operations. However, we do not believe that our cash flow requirements can be assessed solely based upon an analysis of these obligations. The most significant factors affecting our future cash flows are our ability to earn and collect cash from our customers, and the cash flows arising from our investment program. Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, will also vary based upon our future needs. Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. Examples of fixed obligations include our obligations to pay principal and interest on fixed-rate borrowings. Examples of obligations that will vary include obligations to pay interest on variable-rate borrowings and insurance liabilities that depend on future interest rates, market performance, or surrender provisions. Many of our obligations are linked to cash-generating contracts. In addition, our operations involve significant expenditures that are not based upon contractual obligations. These include expenditures for income taxes and payroll.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we carried an $85.2 million liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest on unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts are not included in the long-term contractual obligations table because of the difficulty in making reasonably reliable estimates of the occurrence or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities.

 

The table below sets forth future maturities of our contractual obligations.

 

 

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

More than

 

 

 

Total

 

1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

5 years

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Non-recourse funding obligations(1)

 

$

4,625,736

 

$

91,479

 

$

196,033

 

$

210,987

 

$

4,127,237

 

Stable value products(2)

 

2,653,830

 

805,647

 

1,185,208

 

631,107

 

31,868

 

Operating leases(3)

 

20,705

 

6,971

 

9,615

 

2,141

 

1,978

 

Home office lease(4)

 

81,157

 

1,236

 

2,475

 

77,446

 

 

Mortgage loan and investment commitments

 

330,276

 

330,276

 

 

 

 

Repurchase program borrowings(5)

 

350,001

 

350,001

 

 

 

 

Policyholder obligations(6)

 

42,406,605

 

1,545,424

 

3,028,173

 

2,925,293

 

34,907,715

 

Total

 

$

50,468,310

 

$

3,131,034

 

$

4,421,504

 

$

3,846,974

 

$

39,068,798

 

 


(1)  Non-recourse funding obligations include all undiscounted principal amounts owed and expected future interest payments due over the term of the notes. Of the total undiscounted cash flows, $1.9 billion relates to the Golden Gate V transaction. These cash outflows are matched and predominantly offset by the cash inflows Golden Gate V receives from notes issued by a nonconsolidated variable interest entity. The remaining amounts are associated with the Golden Gate II notes held by third parties as well as certain obligations assumed with the acquisition of MONY Life Insurance Company.

(2)  Anticipated stable value products cash flows including interest.

(3)  Includes all lease payments required under operating lease agreements.

(4)  The lease payments shown assume we exercise our option to purchase the building at the end of the lease term. Additionally, the payments due by the periods above were computed based on the terms of the renegotiated lease agreement, which was entered in December 2013.

(5)  Represents secured borrowings as part of our repurchase program as well as related interest.

(6)  Estimated contractual policyholder obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, and lapse assumptions comparable to our historical experience, modified for recent observed trends. These obligations are based on current balance sheet values and include expected interest crediting, but do not incorporate an expectation of future market growth, or future deposits. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts presented could materially differ from actual results. As variable separate account obligations are legally insulated from general account obligations, the variable separate account obligations will be fully funded by cash flows from variable separate account assets. We expect to fully fund the general account obligations from cash flows from general account investments.

 

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Employee Benefit Plans

 

PLC sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. In addition, PLC sponsors an unfunded excess benefit plan and provides other postretirement benefits to eligible employees.

 

PLC reports the net funded status of its pension and other postretirement plans in the consolidated balance sheet. The net funded status represents the differences between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation.

 

PLC’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) plus such additional amounts as it may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. PLC may also make additional contributions in future periods to maintain an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of at least 80%.

 

In July of 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (“MAP-21”), which includes pension funding stabilization provisions, was signed into law. These provisions establish an interest rate corridor which is designed to stabilize the segment rates used to determine funding requirements from the effects of interest rate volatility. The funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 reduced PLC’s minimum required defined benefit plan contributions for the 2012 and 2013 plan years. Since the funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 do not apply for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting purposes, PLC may also make additional contributions in future periods to avoid certain PBGC reporting triggers.

 

PLC has not yet determined the total amount it will fund during 2014, but it estimates that the amount will be between $10 million and $20 million.

 

For a complete discussion of PLC’s benefit plans, additional information related to the funded status of its benefit plans, and its funding policy, see Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans.

 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

FASB guidance defines fair value for GAAP and establishes a framework for measuring fair value as well as a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The term “fair value” in this document is defined in accordance with GAAP. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. For more information, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 21, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

 

Available-for-sale securities and trading account securities are recorded at fair value, which is primarily based on actively traded markets where prices are based on either direct market quotes or observed transactions. Liquidity is a significant factor in the determination of the fair value for these securities. Market price quotes may not be readily available for some positions or for some positions within a market sector where trading activity has slowed significantly or ceased. These situations are generally triggered by the market’s perception of credit uncertainty regarding a single company or a specific market sector. In these instances, fair value is determined based on limited available market information and other factors, principally from reviewing the issuer’s financial position, changes in credit ratings, and cash flows on the investments. As of December 31, 2013, $2.4 billion of available-for-sale and trading account assets, excluding other long-term investments, were classified as Level 3 fair value assets.

 

The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, and other deal specific factors, where appropriate. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the over-the-counter market are determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices, and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources. Estimation risk is greater for derivative financial instruments that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case quantitative based extrapolations of rate, price, or index scenarios are used in determining fair values. As of December 31, 2013, the Level 3 fair values of

 

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derivative assets and liabilities determined by these quantitative models were $98.9 million and $233.7 million, respectively.

 

The liabilities of certain of our annuity account balances are calculated at fair value using actuarial valuation models. These models use various observable and unobservable inputs including projected future cash flows, policyholder behavior, our credit rating, and other market conditions. As of December 31, 2013, the Level 3 fair value of these liabilities was $107.0 million.

 

For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, we assess whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. We use a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if we determine there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly.

 

Of our $2.5 billion, or 5.0% of total assets (measured at fair value on a recurring basis) classified as Level 3 assets, $740.8 million were ABS. Of this amount, $572.0 million were student loan related ABS and $168.8 million were non-student loan related ABS. The years of issuance of the ABS are as follows:

 

Year of Issuance

 

Amount

 

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

$

274.3

 

2003

 

109.4

 

2004

 

114.0

 

2006

 

12.9

 

2007

 

100.6

 

2012

 

105.0

 

2013

 

24.6

 

Total

 

$

740.8

 

 

The ABS was rated as follows: $460.9 million were AAA rated, $166.3 million were AA rated, $107.5 million were A rated, $5.2 million were BBB rated, and $0.9 million were less than investment grade. We do not expect any credit losses on these securities related to student loans since the majority of the underlying collateral of the student loan asset-backed securities is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

MARKET RISK EXPOSURES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Our financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, the yield curve, spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, foreign currency rates, used vehicle prices, and equity price risks and issuer defaults. We analyze and manage the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, foreign exchange, and equity market risk. See Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information on our financial instruments.

 

The primary focus of our asset/liability program is the management of interest rate risk within the insurance operations. This includes monitoring the duration of both investments and insurance liabilities to maintain an appropriate balance between risk and profitability for each product category, and for us as a whole. It is our policy to maintain asset and liability durations within one-half year of one another, although, from time to time, a broader interval may be allowed.

 

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We are exposed to credit risk within our investment portfolio and through derivative counterparties. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor’s continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We manage credit risk through established investment policies which attempt to address quality of obligors and counterparties, credit concentration limits, diversification requirements, and acceptable risk levels under expected and stressed scenarios. Derivative counterparty credit risk is measured as the amount owed to us, net of collateral held, based upon current market conditions and potential payment obligations between us and our counterparties. We minimize the credit risk in derivative financial instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, (A-rated or higher at the time we enter into the contract) and we maintain collateral support agreements with certain of those counterparties.

 

We utilize a risk management strategy that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative instruments expose us to credit market and basis risk. Such instruments can change materially in value from period-to-period. We minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. We manage the market and basis risks by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. We monitor our use of derivatives in connection with our overall asset/liability management programs and procedures. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.

 

Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps and interest rate options. Our inflation risk management strategy involves the use of swaps that require us to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate that is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”).

 

We may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate our exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to variable annuity contracts:

 

·                  Foreign Currency Futures

·                  Variance Swaps

·                  Interest Rate Futures

·                  Equity Options

·                  Equity Futures

·                  Credit Derivatives

·                  Interest Rate Swaps

·                  Interest Rate Swaptions

·                  Volatility Futures

·                  Volatility Options

·                  Funds Withheld Agreement

 

Other Derivatives

 

Certain of our subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, a YRT premium support arrangement, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.

 

We have a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by us that is used to hedge the GMWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.

 

We believe our asset/liability management programs and procedures and certain product features provide protection against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios. Additionally, we believe our asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable us to fulfill our obligation to pay benefits under our various insurance and deposit contracts. However, our asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, spread movements, implied volatility, policyholder behavior, and other factors, and the effectiveness of our asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.

 

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The following table sets forth the estimated market values of our fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans resulting from a hypothetical immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates from levels prevailing as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent:

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

As of December 31,

 

Amount

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

 

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

32,631.0

 

(7.2

)%

Mortgage loans

 

5,686.7

 

(4.4

)

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

27,811.7

 

(7.5

)%

Mortgage loans

 

5,463.2

 

(4.6

)

 

Estimated fair values were derived from the durations of our fixed maturities and mortgage loans.  Duration measures the change in fair value resulting from a change in interest rates. While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of our fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future fair value changes or the potential impact of fluctuations in credit spreads. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

In the ordinary course of our commercial mortgage lending operations, we may commit to provide a mortgage loan before the property to be mortgaged has been built or acquired. The mortgage loan commitment is a contractual obligation to fund a mortgage loan when called upon by the borrower. The commitment is not recognized in our financial statements until the commitment is actually funded. The mortgage loan commitment contains terms, including the rate of interest, which may be different than prevailing interest rates.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $322.8 million at an average rate of 4.9% and $182.6 million at an average rate of 5.1%, respectively, with estimated fair values of $347.0 million and $210.5 million, respectively (using discounted cash flows from the first call date). The following table sets forth the estimated fair value of our mortgage loan commitments resulting from a hypothetical immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rate levels prevailing as of December 31, 2013, and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent:

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

As of December 31,

 

Amount

 

Change

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

 

 

2013

 

$

330.8

 

(4.7

)%

2012

 

200.8

 

(4.6

)

 

The estimated fair values were derived from the durations of our outstanding mortgage loan commitments.  While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair value of our outstanding commitments are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.

 

As previously discussed, we utilize a risk management strategy that involves the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative instruments expose us to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. We minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. We manage the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. We monitor our use of derivatives in connection with our overall asset/liability management programs and procedures.

 

As of December 31, 2013, total derivative contracts with a notional amount of $11.9 billion were in a $439.6 million net loss position. Included in the $11.9 billion, is a notional amount of $2.7 billion in a $205.4 million

 

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net loss position that relates to our Modco trading portfolio. Also included in the total, is $1.0 billion in a $34.3 million net loss position that relates to our funds withheld derivative, $2.0 billion in a $93.9 million net loss position that relates to our GMWB derivatives, and $0.2 billion in a $25.3 million net loss position that relates to our FIA embedded derivatives. As of December 31, 2012, total derivative contracts with a notional amount of $17.2 billion were in a $637.4 million net loss position. We recognized gains of $82.2 million, losses of $227.8 million, and losses of $155.0 million related to derivative financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our freestanding interest rate risk related derivative financial instruments and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus 100 basis points change in interest rates from levels prevailing as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Resulting From an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immediate +/- 100 bps Change

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

in the Underlying Reference

 

 

 

Notional

 

as of

 

Interest Rates

 

 

 

Amount

 

December 31,

 

+100 bps

 

-100 bps

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures(1)

 

$

322.9

 

$

(5.2

)

$

(21.6

)

$

14.8

 

Caps

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Swaptions

 

625.0

 

30.3

 

45.6

 

17.1

 

Floating to fixed Swaps(2)

 

383.0

 

0.1

 

7.6

 

(7.8

)

Fixed to floating Swaps(2)

 

1,230.0

 

(153.3

)

(268.9

)

(14.2

)

Total

 

$

2,560.9

 

$

(128.1

)

$

(237.3

)

$

9.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures

 

$

893.5

 

$

(14.0

)

$

(118.3

)

$

109.8

 

Caps

 

3,000.0

 

 

2.6

 

 

Interest Rate Swaptions

 

400.0

 

11.4

 

4.3

 

36.0

 

Floating to fixed Swaps(2)

 

308.0

 

(8.3

)

0.9

 

(19.0

)

Fixed to floating Swaps(2)

 

630.0

 

(0.2

)

(67.8

)

83.6

 

Total

 

$

5,231.5

 

$

(11.1

)

$

(178.3

)

$

210.4

 

 


(1)Interest rate change scenario subject to floor, based on treasury rates as of December 31, 2013.

(2)Includes an effect for inflation.

 

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The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our equity futures and options and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus ten percentage point change in equity level from levels prevailing as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Resulting From an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immediate +/- 10% Change

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

in the Underlying Reference

 

 

 

Notional

 

as of

 

Index Equity Level

 

 

 

Amount

 

December 31,

 

+10%

 

-10%

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures

 

$

168.0

 

$

(6.5

)

$

(23.3

)

$

10.3

 

Options

 

1,633.5

 

61.2

 

43.1

 

92.3

 

Total

 

$

1,801.5

 

$

54.7

 

$

19.8

 

$

102.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures

 

$

299.9

 

$

(2.7

)

$

(33.0

)

$

27.6

 

Options

 

573.7

 

62.1

 

46.1

 

87.4

 

Total

 

$

873.6

 

$

59.4

 

$

13.1

 

$

115.0

 

 

The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our currency futures and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus ten percentage point change in currency level from levels prevailing as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Resulting From an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immediate +/- 10% Change

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

in the Underlying Reference

 

 

 

Notional

 

as of

 

in Currency Level

 

 

 

Amount

 

December 31,

 

+10%

 

-10%

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency futures

 

$

132.3

 

$

(0.5

)

$

(13.8

)

$

12.8

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency futures

 

$

147.9

 

$

(1.1

)

$

(16.0

)

$

13.8

 

 

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The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of our volatility futures and variance swaps and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus ten percentage point change in volatility level from levels prevailing as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Resulting From an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immediate +/- 10% Change

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

in the Underlying Reference

 

 

 

Notional

 

as of

 

in Volatility Level

 

 

 

Amount

 

December 31,

 

+10%

 

-10%

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility futures

 

$

0.4

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Variance swaps

 

1.5

 

(1.7

)

9.5

 

(8.8

)

Total

 

$

1.9

 

$

(1.7

)

$

9.5

 

$

(8.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance swap

 

$

3.2

 

$

(11.8

)

$

17.7

 

$

(31.5

)

 

Estimated gains and losses were derived using pricing models specific to derivative financial instruments.  While these estimated gains and losses provide an indication of how sensitive our derivative financial instruments are to changes in interest rates, volatility, equity levels, and credit spreads, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.

 

Our stable value contract and annuity products tend to be more sensitive to market risks than our other products. As such, many of these products contain surrender charges and other features that reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect us against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue. Additionally, approximately $1.1 billion of our stable value contracts have no early termination rights.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had $2.6 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $2.6 billion (using discounted cash flows) and $11.1 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $10.6 billion (using discounted cash flows). As of December 31, 2012, we had $2.5 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $2.5 billion (using discounted cash flows) and $10.7 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $10.5 billion (using discounted cash flows).

 

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The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of our stable value and annuity account balances resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus 100 basis points change in interest rates from levels prevailing and the percent change in fair value that the following estimated fair values would represent:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

Resulting From an

 

 

 

 

 

Immediate

 

 

 

 

 

+/- 100 bps Change

 

 

 

 

 

in the Underlying

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Reference

 

 

 

as of

 

Interest Rates

 

As of December 31,

 

December 31,

 

+100 bps

 

-100 bps

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stable value product account balances

 

$

2,559.6

 

$

2,518.3

 

$

2,600.8

 

Annuity account balances

 

10,639.6

 

10,485.4

 

10,752.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stable value product account balances

 

$

2,510.6

 

$

2,472.1

 

$

2,549.0

 

Annuity account balances

 

10,328.0

 

10,173.4

 

10,434.8

 

 

Estimated fair values were derived from the durations of our stable value and annuity account balances. While these estimated fair values provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of our stable value and annuity account balances are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.

 

Certain of our liabilities relate to products whose profitability could be significantly affected by changes in interest rates. In addition to traditional whole life and term insurance, many universal life policies with secondary guarantees that insurance coverage will remain in force (subject to the payment of specified premiums) have such characteristics. These products do not allow us to adjust policyholder premiums after a policy is issued, and most of these products do not have significant account values upon which we credit interest. If interest rates fall, these products could have both decreased interest earnings and increased amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and the converse could occur if interest rates rise.

 

Impact of Continued Low Interest Rate Environment

 

Significant changes in interest rates expose us to the risk of not realizing anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to in-force policies and contracts. In addition, certain of our insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum credited interest rate (“MGIR”). In periods of prolonged low interest rates, the interest spread earned may be negatively impacted to the extent our ability to reduce policyholder crediting rates is limited by the guaranteed minimum credited interest rates. Additionally, those policies without account values may exhibit lower profitability in periods of prolonged low interest rates due to reduced investment income.

 

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The table below presents account values by range of current minimum guaranteed interest rates and current crediting rates for our universal life and deferred fixed annuity products:

 

Credited Rate Summary

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

1-50 bps

 

More than

 

 

 

Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate

 

At

 

above

 

50 bps

 

 

 

Account Value

 

MGIR

 

MGIR

 

above MGIR

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Universal Life Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>2% - 3%

 

$

43

 

$

1,024

 

$

1,984

 

$

3,051

 

>3% - 4%

 

3,109

 

2,099

 

150

 

5,358

 

>4% - 5%

 

2,110

 

15

 

 

2,125

 

>5% - 6%

 

232

 

 

 

232

 

Subtotal

 

5,494

 

3,138

 

2,134

 

10,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1%

 

$

422

 

$

173

 

$

461

 

$

1,056

 

>1% - 2%

 

612

 

518

 

279

 

1,409

 

>2% - 3%

 

1,846

 

308

 

632

 

2,786

 

>3% - 4%

 

309

 

 

 

309

 

>4% - 5%

 

313

 

 

 

313

 

Subtotal

 

3,502

 

999

 

1,372

 

5,873

 

Total

 

$

8,996

 

$

4,137

 

$

3,506

 

$

16,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of Total

 

54

%

25

%

21

%

100

%

 

The table below presents account values by range of current minimum guaranteed interest rates and current crediting rates for our universal life and deferred fixed annuity products:

 

Credited Rate Summary

 

As of December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

1-50 bps

 

More than

 

 

 

Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate

 

At

 

above

 

50 bps

 

 

 

Account Value

 

MGIR

 

MGIR

 

above MGIR

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Universal Life Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>2% - 3%

 

$

36

 

$

1

 

$

911

 

$

948

 

>3% - 4%

 

1,402

 

649

 

1,137

 

3,188

 

>4% - 5%

 

2,058

 

3,069

 

385

 

5,512

 

>5% - 6%

 

223

 

 

 

223

 

Subtotal

 

3,719

 

3,719

 

2,433

 

9,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Annuities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1%

 

$

275

 

$

104

 

$

477

 

$

856

 

>1% - 2%

 

570

 

459

 

489

 

1,518

 

>2% - 3%

 

1,544

 

353

 

892

 

2,789

 

>3% - 4%

 

347

 

 

 

347

 

>4% - 5%

 

240

 

 

 

240

 

Subtotal

 

2,976

 

916

 

1,858

 

5,750

 

Total

 

$

6,695

 

$

4,635

 

$

4,291

 

$

15,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of Total

 

43

%

30

%

27

%

100

%

 

113



Table of Contents

 

We are active in mitigating the impact of a continued low interest rate environment through product design, as well as adjusting crediting rates on current in-force policies and contracts. We also manage interest rate and reinvestment risks through our asset/liability management process. Our asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the regular rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, credit and market risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk.

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

Pursuant to the accounting guidance related to PLC’s obligations to employees under its pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans, PLC is required to make a number of assumptions to estimate related liabilities and expenses. PLC’s most significant assumptions are those for the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return.

 

Discount Rate Assumption

 

The assumed discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations were based on an analysis of future benefits expected to be paid under the plans. The assumed discount rate reflects the interest rate at which an amount that is invested in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments on the measurement date would provide the future cash flows necessary to pay benefits when they come due.

 

The following presents PLC’s estimates of the hypothetical impact to the December 31, 2013 benefit obligation and to the 2013 benefit cost, associated with sensitivities related to the discount rate assumption:

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plans(1)

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

100 basis point increase

 

$

(23,924

)

$

(3,943

)

100 basis point decrease

 

29,772

 

4,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

100 basis point increase

 

$

(2,897

)

$

(288

)

100 basis point decrease

 

3,551

 

336

 

 


(1)Includes excess pension plan, retiree medical plan, and postretirement life insurance plan.

 

Long-term Rate of Return Assumption

 

To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption for PLC’s defined benefit pension plan, PLC obtained 25 year annualized returns for each of the represented asset classes. In addition, PLC received evaluations of market performance based on PLC’s asset allocation as provided by external consultants. A combination of these statistical analytics provided results that PLC utilized to determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption.

 

For PLC’s postretirement life insurance plan, PLC utilized 20 year average and annualized return results on the Barclay’s short treasury index to determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption.

 

114



Table of Contents

 

The following presents PLC’s estimates of the hypothetical impact to the 2013 benefit cost, associated with sensitivities related to the long-term rate of return assumption:

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plans(1)

 

 

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

100 basis point increase

 

$

(1,469

)

$

(62

)

100 basis point decrease

 

1,469

 

62

 

 


(1)Includes excess pension plan, retiree medical plan, and postretirement life insurance plan.

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION

 

Inflation increases the need for life insurance. Many policyholders who once had adequate insurance programs may increase their life insurance coverage to provide the same relative financial benefit and protection. Higher interest rates may result in higher sales of certain of our investment products.

 

The higher interest rates that have traditionally accompanied inflation could also affect our operations. Policy loans increase as policy loan interest rates become relatively more attractive. As interest rates increase, disintermediation of stable value and annuity account balances and individual life policy cash values may increase. The market value of our fixed-rate, long-term investments may decrease, we may be unable to implement fully the interest rate reset and call provisions of our mortgage loans, and our ability to make attractive mortgage loans, including participating mortgage loans, may decrease. In addition, participating mortgage loan income may decrease. The difference between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to life insurance and investment products may also be adversely affected by rising interest rates.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.

 

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Item 7A.            Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The information required by this item is included in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Item 8.                     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements are located in this report on the pages indicated.

 

 

 

Page

Consolidated Statements of Income For The Year Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

 

117

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) For The Year Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

 

118

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

119

Consolidated Statements of Shareowner’s Equity For The Year Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

 

121

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For The Year Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011

 

122

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

123

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

206

 

For supplemental quarterly financial information, please see Note 25, Consolidated Quarterly Results-Unaudited of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

116



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

 

$

2,967,322

 

$

2,799,390

 

$

2,784,134

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

(1,387,437

)

(1,310,097

)

(1,363,914

)

Net of reinsurance ceded

 

1,579,885

 

1,489,293

 

1,420,220

 

Net investment income

 

1,836,188

 

1,789,338

 

1,753,444

 

Realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

82,161

 

(227,816

)

(155,005

)

All other investments

 

(121,537

)

232,836

 

247,753

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(10,941

)

(67,130

)

(62,210

)

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

 

(11,506

)

8,986

 

14,889

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

(22,447

)

(58,144

)

(47,321

)

Other income

 

250,420

 

230,553

 

189,494

 

Total revenues

 

3,604,670

 

3,456,060

 

3,408,585

 

Benefits and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2013 - $1,207,781; 2012 - $1,228,897; 2011 - $1,231,405)

 

2,473,988

 

2,317,121

 

2,222,220

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

154,660

 

192,183

 

249,520

 

Other operating expenses, net of reinsurance ceded: (2013 - $199,079; 2012 - $200,442; 2011 - $203,868)

 

553,523

 

487,177

 

461,570

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

3,182,171

 

2,996,481

 

2,933,310

 

Income before income tax

 

422,499

 

459,579

 

475,275

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(18,298

)

81,006

 

(4,576

)

Deferred

 

149,195

 

70,037

 

156,095

 

Total income tax expense

 

130,897

 

151,043

 

151,519

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

117



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2013 - $(673,302); 2012 - $392,372; 2011 - $400,626)

 

(1,250,416

)

728,692

 

744,032

 

Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2013 - $(15,396); 2012 - $(3,317); 2011 - $(14,646))

 

(28,594

)

(6,163

)

(27,213

)

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2013 - $2,472; 2012 - $16,227; 2011 - $(13,195))

 

4,591

 

30,136

 

(24,506

)

Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2013 - $395; 2012 - $1,108; 2011 - $2,382)

 

734

 

2,058

 

4,424

 

Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2013 - $822; 2012 - $1,120; 2011 - $(138))

 

1,527

 

2,080

 

(256

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,272,158

)

756,803

 

696,481

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(980,556

)

$

1,065,339

 

$

1,020,237

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

118



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013 - $33,641,823; 2012 - $26,661,310)

 

$

34,797,757

 

$

29,769,978

 

Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value: 2013 - $335,676; 2012 - $319,163)

 

365,000

 

300,000

 

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2013 - $632,652; 2012 - $371,827)

 

602,388

 

373,715

 

Mortgage loans (2013 and 2012 includes: $627,731 and $765,520 related to securitizations)

 

5,486,417

 

4,948,625

 

Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2013 - $937; 2012 - $771)

 

16,873

 

6,517

 

Policy loans

 

1,815,744

 

865,391

 

Other long-term investments

 

424,482

 

378,821

 

Short-term investments

 

133,024

 

216,787

 

Total investments

 

43,641,685

 

36,859,834

 

Cash

 

345,579

 

269,582

 

Accrued investment income

 

461,838

 

350,804

 

Accounts and premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible amounts (2013 - $4,211; 2012 - $4,191)

 

128,115

 

67,891

 

Reinsurance receivables

 

6,008,010

 

5,682,841

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

3,490,605

 

3,225,356

 

Goodwill

 

80,675

 

83,773

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (2013 - $110,080; 2012 - $103,625)

 

51,071

 

47,391

 

Other assets

 

501,509

 

343,925

 

Income tax receivable

 

12,399

 

61,952

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

12,791,438

 

9,601,417

 

Variable universal life

 

783,618

 

562,817

 

Total assets

 

$

68,296,542

 

$

57,157,583

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

119



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Future policy benefits and claims

 

$

29,780,958

 

$

21,626,065

 

Unearned premiums

 

1,500,394

 

1,352,872

 

Total policy liabilities and accruals

 

31,281,352

 

22,978,937

 

Stable value product account balances

 

2,559,552

 

2,510,559

 

Annuity account balances

 

11,125,253

 

10,658,463

 

Other policyholders’ funds

 

1,214,380

 

566,985

 

Other liabilities

 

944,429

 

1,210,579

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,060,646

 

1,783,713

 

Non-recourse funding obligations

 

1,495,448

 

1,446,900

 

Repurchase program borrowings

 

350,000

 

150,000

 

Liabilities related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

12,791,438

 

9,601,417

 

Variable universal life

 

783,618

 

562,817

 

Total liabilities

 

63,606,116

 

51,470,370

 

Commitments and contingencies - Note 12

 

 

 

 

 

Shareowner’s equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock; $1 par value, shares authorized: 2,000; Liquidation preference: $2,000

 

2

 

2

 

Common Stock, $1 par value, shares authorized and issued: 2013 and 2012 - 5,000,000

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

1,433,258

 

1,363,258

 

Retained earnings

 

2,713,200

 

2,507,829

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2013 - $290,553; 2012 - $979,251)

 

539,598

 

1,818,608

 

Net unrealized (losses) gains relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2013 - $325; 2012 - $(2,147))

 

603

 

(3,988

)

Accumulated loss - derivatives, net of income tax: (2013 - $(665); 2012 - $(1,883))

 

(1,235

)

(3,496

)

Total shareowner’s equity

 

4,690,426

 

5,687,213

 

Total liabilities and shareowner’s equity

 

$

68,296,542

 

$

57,157,583

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

120



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

Preferred

 

Common

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Shareowner’s

 

 

 

Stock

 

Stock

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Equity

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

$

2

 

$

5,000

 

$

1,361,734

 

$

2,347,537

 

$

357,840

 

$

4,072,113

 

Net income for 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

323,756

 

 

 

323,756

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

696,481

 

696,481

 

Comprehensive income for 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,020,237

 

Dividends paid to the parent company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(215,000

)

 

 

(215,000

)

Balance, December 31, 2011

 

$

2

 

$

5,000

 

$

1,361,734

 

$

2,456,293

 

$

1,054,321

 

$

4,877,350

 

Net income for 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

308,536

 

 

 

308,536

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

756,803

 

756,803

 

Comprehensive income for 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,065,339

 

Capital contributions

 

 

 

 

 

1,524

 

 

 

 

 

1,524

 

Dividends paid to the parent company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(257,000

)

 

 

(257,000

)

Balance, December 31, 2012

 

$

2

 

$

5,000

 

$

1,363,258

 

$

2,507,829

 

$

1,811,124

 

$

5,687,213

 

Net income for 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

291,602

 

 

 

291,602

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,272,158

)

(1,272,158

)

Comprehensive loss for 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(980,556

)

Capital contributions

 

 

 

 

 

70,000

 

 

 

 

 

70,000

 

Dividends paid to the parent company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(86,231

)

 

 

(86,231

)

Balance, December 31, 2013

 

$

2

 

$

5,000

 

$

1,433,258

 

$

2,713,200

 

$

538,966

 

$

4,690,426

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

121



Table of Contents

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized investment losses (gains)

 

61,823

 

53,124

 

(45,427

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

154,660

 

192,183

 

249,520

 

Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(345,885

)

(311,960

)

(355,033

)

Depreciation expense

 

6,595

 

7,378

 

8,616

 

Deferred income tax

 

149,195

 

70,037

 

107,265

 

Accrued income tax

 

70,749

 

359

 

(24,683

)

Interest credited to universal life and investment products

 

875,180

 

962,678

 

993,574

 

Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products

 

(894,176

)

(794,825

)

(712,038

)

Change in reinsurance receivables

 

97,523

 

(140,424

)

(28,615

)

Change in accrued investment income and other receivables

 

(34,551

)

580

 

(35,436

)

Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and health products

 

95,421

 

300,523

 

15,307

 

Trading securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities and principal reductions of investments

 

179,180

 

276,659

 

283,239

 

Sale of investments

 

256,938

 

454,150

 

860,474

 

Cost of investments acquired

 

(380,836

)

(585,618

)

(950,051

)

Other net change in trading securities

 

38,999

 

(56,615

)

7,933

 

Change in other liabilities

 

(78,240

)

(22,009

)

(148,801

)

Other income - gains on repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations

 

(15,379

)

(29,344

)

(35,512

)

Other, net

 

13,679

 

11,220

 

118,311

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

542,477

 

696,632

 

632,399

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities and principal reductions of investments, available-for-sale

 

1,094,862

 

1,169,563

 

1,396,105

 

Sale of investments, available-for-sale

 

3,241,559

 

2,535,708

 

2,957,589

 

Cost of investments acquired, available-for-sale

 

(5,079,971

)

(4,228,755

)

(5,155,155

)

Change in investments, held-to-maturity

 

(65,000

)

(300,000

)

 

Mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New lendings

 

(583,697

)

(346,435

)

(484,483

)

Repayments

 

861,562

 

739,402

 

446,794

 

Change in investment real estate, net

 

(10,356

)

4,927

 

(4,266

)

Change in policy loans, net

 

17,181

 

14,428

 

14,190

 

Change in other long-term investments, net

 

(231,653

)

(123,401

)

77,079

 

Change in short-term investments, net

 

147,477

 

(82,282

)

122,665

 

Net unsettled security transactions

 

7,373

 

37,169

 

68,810

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(10,275

)

(6,157

)

(17,463

)

Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(471,714

)

 

(209,609

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,082,652

)

(585,833

)

(787,744

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance (repayment) of non-recourse funding obligations

 

46,000

 

198,300

 

(112,200

)

Repurchase program borrowings

 

200,000

 

150,000

 

 

Capital contributions from PLC

 

70,000

 

 

 

Dividends paid to the parent company

 

(44,963

)

(257,000

)

(215,000

)

Investment product deposits and change in universal life deposits

 

3,219,561

 

3,716,553

 

4,216,738

 

Investment product withdrawals

 

(2,874,426

)

(3,818,845

)

(3,777,365

)

Other financing activities, net

 

 

 

(24,051

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

616,172

 

(10,992

)

88,122

 

Change in cash

 

75,997

 

99,807

 

(67,223

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

269,582

 

169,775

 

236,998

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

345,579

 

$

269,582

 

$

169,775

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1907. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange “PL”. The Company provides financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate division devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities (see also Note 20, Statutory Reporting Practices and Other Regulatory Matters).

 

The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or shareowners’ equity.

 

Entities Included

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Protective Life Insurance Company and its affiliate companies in which the Company holds a majority voting or economic interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

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2.                                      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure 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. The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and related amortization periods, goodwill recoverability, value of business acquired (“VOBA”), investment and certain derivatives fair values, and other-than-temporary impairments, future policy benefits, pension and other postretirement benefits, provisions for income taxes, reserves for contingent liabilities, reinsurance risk transfer assessments, and reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

Valuation of Investment Securities

 

The Company determines the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase and periodically re-evaluates such designations. Investment securities are classified as either trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity securities. Investment securities classified as trading are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in realized gains (losses). Investment securities purchased for long term investment purposes are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Investment securities are classified as held to maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Interest income on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities includes the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are recorded in investment income.

 

The fair value for fixed maturity, short term, and equity securities, is determined by management after considering and evaluating one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a “waterfall” approach whereby publicly available prices are first sought from third party pricing services, any remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and rates of prepayments. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, third party pricing services will normally derive the security prices through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information as outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon issuer and/or collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of other asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal and underlying collateral support over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and rates of prepayments previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The basis for the cost of securities sold was determined at the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) level. The committee supplies a unique nine-character identification, called a CUSIP number, for each class of security approved for trading in the U.S., to facilitate clearing and settlement. These numbers are used when any buy and sell orders are recorded.

 

Each quarter the Company reviews investments with unrealized losses and tests for other-than-temporary impairments. The Company analyzes various factors to determine if any specific other-than-temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) an assessment of the Company’s intent to sell the security (including a more likely than not assessment of whether the Company will be required to sell the security) before recovering the security’s amortized cost, 5) the duration of the decline, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the

 

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investment performance, collateral position, and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered, and in some cases, an analysis regarding the Company’s expectations for recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis through the receipt of future cash flows is performed. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, the security’s basis is adjusted and an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. Equity securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to fair value with a realized loss recognized in earnings. Other-than-temporary impairments to debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and does not expect to be required to sell before recovering the security’s amortized cost are written down to discounted expected future cash flows (“post impairment cost”) and credit losses are recorded in earnings. The difference between the securities’ discounted expected future cash flows and the fair value of the securities on the impairment date is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as a non-credit portion impairment. When calculating the post impairment cost for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”), the Company considers all known market data related to cash flows to estimate future cash flows. When calculating the post impairment cost for corporate debt securities, the Company considers all contractual cash flows to estimate expected future cash flows. To calculate the post impairment cost, the expected future cash flows are discounted at the original purchase yield. Debt securities that the Company intends to sell or expects to be required to sell before recovery are written down to fair value with the change recognized in earnings.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of investments of $10.9 million, of which $7.6 million were related to fixed maturities and $3.3 million were related to equity securities. Credit impairments recorded in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2013, were $22.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, $11.5 million of non-credit losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income were recorded in earnings as credit losses. For more information on impairments, refer to Note 5, Investment Operations.

 

Investment Products

 

The Company establishes liabilities for fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) products. These products are deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance. The FIA product is considered a hybrid financial instrument under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic 815 — Derivatives and Hedging which allows the Company to make the election to value the liabilities of these FIA products at fair value. This election was made for the FIA products issued prior to 2010 as the policies were issued. These products are no longer being marketed. The changes in the fair value of the liability for these FIA products are recorded in Benefit and settlement expenses with the liability being recorded in Annuity account balances. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of annuity account balances please refer to Note 21, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Premiums and policy fees for these FIA products consist of fees that have been assessed against the policy account balances for surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned.

 

During 2013, the Company began marketing a new FIA product. These products are also deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and are considered hybrid financial instruments under the FASB’s ASC Topic 815 — Derivatives and Hedging. The Company did not elect to value these FIA products at fair value. As a result the Company accounts for the provision that provides for a contingent return based on equity market performance as an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and recorded at fair value in Other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in Realized investment gains (losses) — Derivative financial instruments. For more information regarding the determination of fair value of the FIA embedded derivative refer to Note 21, Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument in accordance with ASC Topic 944 — Financial Services — Insurance and is recorded in Annuity account balances with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method. Benefits and settlement expenses include accreted interest and benefit claims incurred during the period.

 

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Cash

 

Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding checks and drafts. As a result of the Company’s cash management system, checks issued from a particular bank but not yet presented for payment may create negative book cash balances with the bank. Such negative balances are included in other liabilities and were $42.1 million and $96.6 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company has deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believes there is minimal risk of a material loss.

 

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-26 — Financial Services — Insurance - Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. The objective of this Update is to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. This Update prescribes that certain incremental direct costs of successful initial or renewal contract acquisitions may be deferred. It defines incremental direct costs as those costs that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transaction not occurred. This Update also clarifies the definition of the types of incurred costs that may be capitalized and the accounting and recognition treatment of advertising, research, and other administrative costs related to the acquisition of insurance contracts.

 

The incremental direct costs associated with successfully acquired insurance policies, are deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such costs include commissions and other costs of acquiring traditional life and health insurance, credit insurance, universal life insurance, and investment products. Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) are subject to recoverability testing at the end of each accounting period. Traditional life and health insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to the present value of the total anticipated premium income. Credit insurance acquisition costs are being amortized in proportion to earned premium. Acquisition costs for universal life and investment products are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits before amortization.

 

Based on the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Financial Services-Insurance Topic, the Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates (equal to the rate used to compute liabilities for future policy benefits, currently 1.0% to 7.13%) the Company expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are to be best estimates and are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. Additionally, using guidance from ASC Investments-Debt and Equity Securities Topic, these costs have been adjusted by an amount equal to the amortization that would have been recorded if unrealized gains or losses on investments associated with our universal life and investment products had been realized. Acquisition costs for stable value contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts using the effective yield method.

 

Value of Businesses Acquired

 

In conjunction with the acquisition of a block of insurance policies or investment contracts, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from cash flow and earnings of the acquired insurance policies or investment contracts. This intangible asset, called VOBA, represents the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from the acquired policies. The estimated present value of future cash flows used in calculating VOBA is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company expects to experience in future years. These assumptions are to be best estimates and are periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. The Company amortizes VOBA in proportion to gross premiums for traditional life products, in proportion to expected gross profits (“EGPs”) for interest sensitive products, including accrued interest credited to account balances of up to approximately 8.75% and in proportion to estimated gross margin for policies within the Closed Block that was acquired as part of the MONY acquisition. VOBA is subject to annual recoverability testing.

 

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Property and Equipment

 

The Company reports land, buildings, improvements, and equipment at cost, including interest capitalized during any acquisition or development period, less accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates its assets using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company’s home office building is depreciated over a thirty-nine year useful life, furniture is depreciated over a ten year useful life, office equipment and machines are depreciated over a five year useful life, and software and computers are depreciated over a three year useful life. Major repairs or improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Other repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are included in income.

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Home office building

 

$

74,313

 

$

72,587

 

Data processing equipment

 

35,789

 

29,209

 

Other, principally furniture and equipment

 

51,049

 

49,220

 

 

 

161,151

 

151,016

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(110,080

)

(103,625

)

Total property and equipment

 

$

51,071

 

$

47,391

 

 

Separate Accounts

 

The separate account assets represent funds for which the Company does not bear the investment risk. These assets are carried at fair value and are equal to the separate account liabilities, which represent the policyholder’s equity in those assets. The investment income and investment gains and losses on the separate account assets accrue directly to the policyholder. These amounts are reported separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Amounts assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and other services are included in premiums and policy fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Stable Value Product Account Balances

 

The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and other institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. GICs are contracts which specify a return on deposits for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan. Additionally, the Company has contracts outstanding pursuant to a funding agreement-backed notes program registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which offered notes to both institutional and retail investors.

 

The segment’s products complement the Company’s overall asset/liability management in that the terms may be tailored to the needs of the Company as the seller of the contracts, as opposed to solely meeting the needs of the buyer.  Stable value product account balances include GICs and funding agreements the Company has issued. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively, of stable value product account balances marketed through structured programs. Most GICs and funding agreements the Company has written have maturities of one to ten years.

 

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As of December 31, 2013, future maturities of stable value products were as follows:

 

Year of Maturity

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

2014

 

$

555.2

 

2015-2016

 

1,294.4

 

2017-2018

 

684.1

 

Thereafter

 

25.9

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” in accordance with GAAP, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of income or in the other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether the derivative instrument qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis. The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship in earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in “Realized investment gains (losses) - Derivative financial instruments”. For additional information, see Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

Insurance Liabilities and Reserves

 

Establishing an adequate liability for the Company’s obligations to policyholders requires the use of certain assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for the Company’s property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the projected levels of used vehicle prices, the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. The Company’s results depend significantly upon the extent to which its actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions the Company used in determining its reserves and pricing its products. The Company’s reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. The Company cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that it will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

 

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits

 

The Company also establishes reserves for guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) on its variable annuity (“VA”) products. The GMWB is valued in accordance with FASB guidance under the ASC Derivatives and Hedging Topic which utilizes the valuation technique prescribed by the ASC Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, which requires the liability to be recorded at fair value using current implied volatilities for the equity indices. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality, lapses, policyholder behavior, equity market returns, interest rates, and market volatility. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% to 80%. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. Favorable market returns during the year have reduced the likelihood of claims and increased the amount of fees projected to be received. More favorable market conditions at year end 2013 also reduced projected claims. The increase in risk free interest rates has reduced the present value of both claims and fees, but since claims are generally expected later than the fees, the reduction of the

 

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present value of claims is greater than the reduction of the present value of fees. As a result of these and other factors, the aggregate GMWB reserve has moved to a net asset position. As of December 31, 2013, our net GMWB asset held was $93.9 million.

 

Goodwill

 

Accounting for goodwill requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business to assess the recoverability of the capitalized acquisition goodwill. The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill at the segment (or reporting unit) level at least annually and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: 1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, 2) unanticipated competition, or 3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. When evaluating whether goodwill is impaired, the Company first determines through qualitative analysis whether relevant events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that segment goodwill balances are impaired as of the testing date. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that impairment exists, the Company compares its estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company utilizes a fair value measurement (which includes a discounted cash flows analysis) to assess the carrying value of the reporting units in consideration of the recoverability of the goodwill balance assigned to each reporting unit as of the measurement date. The Company’s material goodwill balances are attributable to certain of its operating segments (which are each considered to be reporting units). The cash flows used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are dependent on a number of significant assumptions. The Company’s estimates, which consider a market participant view of fair value, are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future results and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, capital limitations, new product introductions, and specific industry and market conditions. Additionally, the discount rate used is based on the Company’s judgment of the appropriate rate for each reporting unit based on the relative risk associated with the projected cash flows. As of December 31, 2013, the Company performed its annual evaluation of goodwill and determined that no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary. As of December 31, 2013, we had goodwill of $80.7 million.

 

Income Taxes

 

The results of operations of the Company are included in the consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns of PLC.  The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  The method of allocation of current income taxes between the affiliates is subject to a written agreement under which the Company incurs a liability to PLC to the extent that a separate return calculation indicates that the Company has a federal income tax liability.  If the Company has an income tax benefit, the benefit is recorded currently to the extent it can be carried back against prior years’ separate company income tax expense.  Any amount not carried back is carried forward on a separate company basis (generally without a time limit), and the tax benefit is reflected in future periods when the Company generates taxable income.  Income taxes recoverable (payable) are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, and are settled periodically, per the tax sharing agreement. In general, income tax provisions are based on the income reported for financial statement purposes. Deferred income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to net unrealized gains (losses), deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, and future policy benefits and claims.

 

The Company analyzes whether it needs to establish a valuation allowance on each of its deferred tax assets. In performing this analysis, the Company first considers the need for a valuation allowance on each separate deferred tax asset. Ultimately, it analyzes this need in the aggregate in order to prevent the double-counting of expected future taxable income in each of the foregoing separate analyses.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the FASB ASC (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity

 

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(“VIE”). If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For more information on the Company’s investment in a VIE refer to Note 5, Investment Operations, to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Policyholder Liabilities, Revenues, and Benefits Expense

 

Traditional Life, Health, and Credit Insurance Products

 

Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and they include whole life insurance policies, term and term-like life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies. Traditional life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Health and credit insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contracts.  This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Gross premiums in excess of net premiums related to immediate annuities are deferred and recognized over the life of the policy.

 

Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield assumptions on December 31, 2013, range from approximately 2.0% to 8.75%. The liability for future policy benefits and claims on traditional life, health, and credit insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to us and claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period in which the claims are incurred.

 

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Activity in the liability for unpaid claims for life and health insurance is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance beginning of year

 

$

326,633

 

$

312,799

 

$

299,971

 

Less: reinsurance

 

155,341

 

161,450

 

156,932

 

Net balance beginning of year

 

171,292

 

151,349

 

143,039

 

Incurred related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

698,028

 

702,555

 

653,525

 

Prior year

 

68,396

 

62,926

 

65,269

 

Total incurred

 

766,424

 

765,481

 

718,794

 

Paid related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

682,877

 

664,744

 

639,118

 

Prior year

 

85,146

 

80,794

 

76,424

 

Total paid

 

768,023

 

745,538

 

715,542

 

Other changes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition and reserve transfers

 

47,255

(1)

 

5,058

 

Net balance end of year

 

216,948

 

171,292

 

151,349

 

Add: reinsurance

 

117,502

 

155,341

 

161,450

 

Balance end of year

 

$

334,450

 

$

326,633

 

$

312,799

 

 


(1) This amount represents the net liability, before reinsurance, for unpaid claims as of December 31, 2013 for MONY Life Insurance Company. The claims activity from the acquisition date of October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 for MONY Life Insurance Company is not reflected in this chart.

 

Universal Life and Investment Products

 

Universal life and investment products include universal life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies. Premiums and policy fees for universal life and investment products consist of fees that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned. Benefit reserves for universal life and investment products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest rates credited to universal life products ranged from 2.0% to 7.0% and investment products ranged from 0.2% to 7.9% in 2013.

 

The Company’s accounting policies with respect to variable universal life (“VUL”) and VA are identical except that policy account balances (excluding account balances that earn a fixed rate) are valued at fair value and reported as components of assets and liabilities related to separate accounts.

 

The Company establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) on its VA products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. Future declines in the equity market would increase the Company’s GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. Our GMDB as of December 31, 2013, are subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. As of December 31, 2013, the GMDB was $13.6 million.

 

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Property and Casualty Insurance Products

 

Property and casualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, and guaranteed asset protection (“GAP). Premiums for service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the terms of the contract on a pro-rata basis. Fee income from providing administrative services is recognized as earned when the related services are performed. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the premiums that is related to the unexpired period of the policy. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date. The case basis reserves and IBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the level of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends.

 

Reinsurance

 

The Company uses reinsurance extensively in certain of its segments and accounts for reinsurance and the recognition of the impact of reinsurance costs in accordance with the ASC Financial Services — Insurance Topic. The following summarizes some of the key aspects of the Company’s accounting policies for reinsurance.

 

Reinsurance Accounting Methodology — Ceded premiums of the Company’s traditional life insurance products are treated as an offset to direct premium and policy fee revenue and are recognized when due to the assuming company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable financial reporting period. Expense allowances paid by the assuming companies are treated as an offset to other operating expenses. Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances is treated as an offset to direct amortization of DAC or VOBA. Amortization of deferred expense allowances is calculated as a level percentage of expected premiums in all durations given expected future lapses and mortality and accretion due to interest.

 

The Company utilizes reinsurance on certain short duration insurance contracts (primarily issued through the Asset Protection segment). As part of these reinsurance transactions the Company receives reinsurance allowances which reimburse the Company for acquisition costs such as commissions and premium taxes. A ceding fee is also collected to cover other administrative costs and profits for the Company. Reinsurance allowances received are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premiums earned. Ceded unamortized acquisition costs are netted with direct unamortized acquisition costs in the balance sheet.

 

Ceded premiums and policy fees on the Company’s universal life (“UL”), VUL, bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and annuity products reduce premiums and policy fees recognized by the Company. Ceded claims are treated as an offset to direct benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized when the claim is incurred on a direct basis. Ceded policy reserve changes are also treated as an offset to benefits and settlement expenses and are recognized during the applicable valuation period. Commission and expense allowances paid by the assuming companies are treated as an offset to other operating expenses. Since reinsurance treaties typically provide for allowance percentages that decrease over the lifetime of a policy, allowances in excess of the “ultimate” or final level allowance are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized reinsurance expense allowances are amortized based on future expected gross profits. Assumptions regarding mortality, lapses, and interest rates are continuously reviewed and may be periodically changed. These changes will result in “unlocking” that changes the balance in the ceded deferred acquisition cost and can affect the amortization of DAC and VOBA. Ceded unearned revenue liabilities are also amortized based on expected gross profits. Assumptions are based on the best current estimate of expected mortality, lapses and interest spread.

 

The Company has also assumed certain policy risks written by other insurance companies through reinsurance agreements. Premiums and policy fees as well as Benefits and settlement expenses include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Assumed reinsurance is accounted for in accordance with ASC Financial Services — Insurance topic.

 

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Reinsurance Allowances - The amount and timing of reinsurance allowances (both first year and renewal allowances) are contractually determined by the applicable reinsurance contract and may or may not bear a relationship to the amount and incidence of expenses actually paid by the ceding company. Many of the Company’s reinsurance treaties do, in fact, have ultimate renewal allowances that exceed the direct ultimate expenses. Additionally, allowances are intended to reimburse the ceding company for some portion of the ceding company’s commissions, expenses, and taxes. As a result, first year expenses paid by the Company may be higher than first year allowances paid by the reinsurer, and reinsurance allowances may be higher in later years than renewal expenses paid by the Company.

 

The Company recognizes allowances according to the prescribed schedules in the reinsurance contracts, which may or may not bear a relationship to actual expenses incurred by the Company. A portion of these allowances is deferred while the non-deferrable allowances are recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. The Company’s practice is to defer reinsurance allowances in excess of the ultimate allowance. This practice is consistent with the Company’s practice of capitalizing direct expenses. While the recognition of reinsurance allowances is consistent with GAAP, in some cases non-deferred reinsurance allowances may exceed non-deferred direct costs, which may cause net other operating expenses to be negative.

 

Ultimate reinsurance allowances are defined as the lowest allowance percentage paid by the reinsurer in any policy duration over the lifetime of a universal life policy (or through the end of the level term period for a traditional life policy). Ultimate reinsurance allowances are determined by the reinsurer and set by the individual contract of each treaty during the initial negotiation of each such contract. Ultimate reinsurance allowances and other treaty provisions are listed within each treaty and will differ between agreements since each reinsurance contract is separately negotiated. The Company uses the ultimate reinsurance allowances set by the reinsurers and contained within each treaty agreement to complete its accounting responsibilities.

 

Amortization of Reinsurance Allowances - Reinsurance allowances do not affect the methodology used to amortize DAC and VOBA, or the period over which such DAC and VOBA are amortized. Reinsurance allowances offset the direct expenses capitalized, reducing the net amount that is capitalized. The amortization pattern varies with changes in estimated gross profits arising from the allowances. DAC and VOBA on traditional life policies are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross premiums of the policies in force. Reinsurance allowances do not affect the gross premiums, so therefore they do not impact traditional life amortization patterns. DAC and VOBA on universal life products are amortized based on the pattern of estimated gross profits of the policies in force.  Reinsurance allowances are considered in the determination of estimated gross profits, and therefore do impact amortization patterns.

 

Reinsurance Liabilities - Claim liabilities and policy benefits are calculated consistently for all policies in accordance with GAAP, regardless of whether or not the policy is reinsured. Once the claim liabilities and policy benefits for the underlying policies are estimated, the amounts recoverable from the reinsurers are estimated based on a number of factors including the terms of the reinsurance contracts, historical payment patterns of reinsurance partners, and the financial strength and credit worthiness of reinsurance partners. Liabilities for unpaid reinsurance claims are produced from claims and reinsurance system records, which contain the relevant terms of the individual reinsurance contracts. The Company monitors claims due from reinsurers to ensure that balances are settled on a timely basis. Incurred but not reported claims are reviewed by the Company’s actuarial staff to ensure that appropriate amounts are ceded.

 

The Company analyzes and monitors the credit worthiness of each of its reinsurance partners to minimize collection issues. For newly executed reinsurance contracts with reinsurance companies that do not meet predetermined standards, the Company requires collateral such as assets held in trusts or letters of credit.

 

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Components of Reinsurance Cost - The following income statement lines are affected by reinsurance cost:

 

Premiums and policy fees (“reinsurance ceded” on the Company’s financial statements) represent consideration paid to the assuming company for accepting the ceding company’s risks. Ceded premiums and policy fees increase reinsurance cost.

 

Benefits and settlement expenses include incurred claim amounts ceded and changes in ceded policy reserves. Ceded benefits and settlement expenses decrease reinsurance cost.

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition cost and VOBA reflects the amortization of capitalized reinsurance allowances. Ceded amortization decreases reinsurance cost.

 

Other expenses include reinsurance allowances paid by assuming companies to the Company less amounts capitalized. Non-deferred reinsurance allowances decrease reinsurance cost.

 

The Company’s reinsurance programs do not materially impact the other income line of the Company’s income statement. In addition, net investment income generally has no direct impact on the Company’s reinsurance cost. However, it should be noted that by ceding business to the assuming companies, the Company forgoes investment income on the reserves ceded to the assuming companies. Conversely, the assuming companies will receive investment income on the reserves assumed which will increase the assuming companies’ profitability on business assumed from the Company.

 

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

 

ASU No. 2011-11—Balance Sheet—Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This Update contains new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity’s rights of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial and derivative instruments. The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). Generally, it is more difficult to qualify for offsetting under IFRSs than it is under GAAP. As a result, entities with significant financial instrument and derivative portfolios that report under IFRSs typically present positions on their balance sheets that are significantly larger than those of entities with similarly sized portfolios whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. To facilitate comparison between financial statements prepared under GAAP and IFRSs, the new disclosures will give financial statement users information about both gross and net exposures. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, which clarifies that application of ASU No. 2011-11 is limited to certain derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Both Updates were effective January 1, 2013. Neither Update had an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. See Note 23, Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities for additional information.

 

ASU No. 2012-02—Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This Update is intended to reduce the complexity and cost of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of impairment prior to the quantitative calculation required by current guidance. Under the amendments to Topic 350, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that impairment exists, quantitative impairment testing is not required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, the impairment test outlined in current guidance is required to be completed. The Update does not change the current requirement that indefinite-lived intangible assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. This Update was effective January 1, 2013. This Update did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. See Note 8, Goodwill.

 

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ASU No. 2013-02—Comprehensive Income—Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this Update supersede the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, and ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income—Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, for all entities. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. The Update requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The Company has added the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income footnote to disclose the required information beginning in 2013. This Update was effective January 1, 2013. This Update did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

ASU No. 2013-10—Derivatives and Hedging—Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This Update provides for the inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to U.S. Treasury rates and LIBOR. The amendments in the Update also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendments are effective prospectively for transactions entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company has and will continue to consider this additional benchmark rate.

 

ASU No. 2013-11 — Income Taxes — Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or A Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.  The objective of this Update is to eliminate diversity in practice related to the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits. The Update provides that unrecognized tax benefits should be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss or other tax credit carry forward when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt the guidance in this Update for the annual period ending December 31, 2013. The Update did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

3.                                      SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS

 

On October 1, 2013 the Company completed the acquisition contemplated by the master agreement (the “Master Agreement”) dated April 10, 2013. Pursuant to that Master Agreement with AXA Financial, Inc. (“AXA”) and AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC (“AEFS”), the Company acquired the stock of MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) from AEFS and entered into a reinsurance agreement (the “Reinsurance Agreement”) pursuant to which it reinsured on a 100% indemnity reinsurance basis certain business (the “MLOA Business”) of MONY Life Insurance Company of America (“MLOA”). The aggregate purchase price of MONY was $686 million. The ceding commission for the reinsurance of the MLOA Business was $370 million. Together, the purchase of MONY and reinsurance of the MLOA Business are hereto referred to as (the “MONY acquisition”). The MONY acquisition allowed the Company to invest its capital and increase the scale of its Acquisitions segment. The MONY acquisition business is comprised of traditional and universal life insurance policies and fixed and variable annuities, most of which were written prior to 2004.

 

The MONY acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting under ASC Topic 805. Based on SEC Regulation 210.11-01, the Company considered the reinsurance of the MLOA Business, together with the acquisition of MONY, as a business combination since there is a continuity of business operations related to MONY and the related reinsured MLOA Business such as physical facilities and employee base. In addition, the Company considered SEC Reporting Manual 2010.6 which states “reinsurance transactions may also be deemed the acquisition of a business because the right to receive future premiums generally indicates continuity of historical revenues”.

 

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In accordance with ASC 805-20-30, all identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. The MONY acquisition will be subject to customary post-closing adjustments as the Company finalizes the determination and analysis of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for the acquisition and the preliminary determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

October 1, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, at fair value

 

$

6,550,691

 

Equity securities, at fair value

 

108,413

 

Mortgage loans

 

823,340

 

Policy loans

 

967,534

 

Short-term investments

 

130,963

 

Total investments

 

8,580,941

 

Cash

 

213,861

 

Accrued investment income

 

114,656

 

Accounts and premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible amounts

 

29,031

 

Reinsurance receivables

 

422,692

 

Value of business acquired

 

219,751

 

Other assets

 

30,139

 

Income tax receivable

 

21,196

 

Deferred income taxes

 

168,916

 

Separate account assets

 

195,452

 

Total assets

 

$

9,996,635

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Future policy and benefit claims

 

$

7,654,969

 

Unearned premiums

 

3,066

 

Total policy liabilities and accruals

 

7,658,035

 

Annuity account balances

 

752,163

 

Other policyholders’ funds

 

636,034

 

Other liabilities

 

66,936

 

Non-recourse funding obligation

 

2,548

 

Separate account liabilities

 

195,344

 

Total liabilities

 

9,311,060

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

685,575

 

 

Included in the amounts above, are liabilities related to certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (“MONY Benefits Plans”) and supporting trust assets. Through an indemnification agreement within the Master Agreement, at the end of each calendar year, to the extent the supporting trust assets are less than the MONY Benefit Plan liabilities, AXA will pay MONY an amount equal to the shortfall. As of December 31, 2013, the MONY Benefit Plans had a total liability balance of $8.1 million and the supporting trust assets had a total balance of $8.6 million.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred $18.3 million of expenses related to the MONY acquisition. These expenses are included in the Company’s other operating expenses.

 

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The following (unaudited) pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations assumes that the aforementioned acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012:

 

 

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

For The Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Revenue

 

$

4,245,388

(1)

$

4,330,935

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

325,783

(2)

$

365,204

 

 


(1) Includes $203.8 million of revenue recognized in the Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2013.

(2) Includes $27.9 million of pre-tax net income recognized by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

4.                                      MONY CLOSED BLOCK OF BUSINESS

 

In 1998, MONY converted from a mutual insurance company to a stock corporation (“demutualization”).  In connection with its demutualization, an accounting mechanism known as a closed block (the “Closed Block”) was established for certain individuals’ participating policies in force as of the date of demutualization. Assets, liabilities, and earnings of the Closed Block are specifically identified to support its participating policyholders. The Company acquired the Closed Block in conjunction with the MONY acquisition as discussed in Note 3, Significant Acquisitions.

 

Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of each Closed Block’s policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of MONY or the Company. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of MONY’s general account, any of MONY’s separate accounts or any affiliate of MONY without the approval of the Superintendent of The New York State Insurance Department (the “Superintendent”). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the general account.

 

The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”)) represents the expected maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. In connection with the acquisition of MONY, the Company has developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of MONY’s Closed Block’s earnings as of October 1, 2013.

 

If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in the Company’s net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block.

 

Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of VOBA, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block.

 

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Summarized financial information for the Closed Block from the acquisition date through December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Closed block liabilities

 

 

 

Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other

 

$

6,274,719

 

Policyholder dividend obligation

 

190,494

 

Other liabilities

 

1,259

 

Total closed block liabilities

 

6,466,472

 

 

 

 

 

Closed block assets

 

 

 

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value

 

4,109,142

 

Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value

 

5,223

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

594,884

 

Policy loans

 

802,013

 

Cash and other invested assets

 

140,577

 

Other assets

 

207,265

 

Total closed block assets

 

5,859,104

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of reported closed block liabilities over closed block assets

 

607,368

 

Portion of above representing accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

Net unrealized investments gains (losses) net of deferred tax benefit of $1,074 and net of policyholder dividend obligation of $12,720

 

(1,994

)

Future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and closed block liabilities

 

$

605,374

 

 

Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation from the acquisition date through December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

 

 

For The

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Policyholder dividend obligation, at acquisition date

 

$

213,350

 

Applicable to net revenue (losses)

 

(10,136

)

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated to policyholder dividend obligation

 

(12,720

)

Policyholder dividend obligation, end of period

 

$

190,494

 

 

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Closed Block revenues and expenses from the acquisition date through December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

 

 

For The

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

Premiums and other income

 

$

64,171

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

51,141

 

Net investment gains (losses)

 

9,252

 

Total revenues

 

124,564

 

Benefits and other deductions

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

113,564

 

Other operating expenses

 

548

 

Total benefits and other deductions

 

114,112

 

Net revenues before income taxes

 

10,452

 

Income tax expense

 

3,658

 

Net revenues

 

$

6,794

 

 

5.             INVESTMENT OPERATIONS

 

Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

Fixed maturities

 

$

1,508,924

 

$

1,453,018

 

$

1,414,965

 

Equity securities

 

26,735

 

20,740

 

20,595

 

Mortgage loans

 

333,093

 

349,845

 

336,541

 

Investment real estate

 

3,555

 

3,289

 

3,458

 

Short-term investments

 

72,433

 

62,887

 

72,137

 

 

 

1,944,740

 

1,889,779

 

1,847,696

 

Other investment expenses

 

108,552

 

100,441

 

94,252

 

Net investment income

 

$

1,836,188

 

$

1,789,338

 

$

1,753,444

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses) for all other investments are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

63,161

 

$

67,669

 

$

80,044

 

Equity securities

 

3,276

 

(45

)

9,136

 

Impairments on fixed maturity securities

 

(19,100

)

(58,144

)

(47,321

)

Impairments on equity securities

 

(3,347

)

 

 

Modco trading portfolio

 

(178,134

)

177,986

 

164,224

 

Other investments

 

(9,840

)

(12,774

)

(5,651

)

Total realized gains (losses) - investments

 

$

(143,984

)

$

174,692

 

$

200,432

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments) were $72.6 million and gross realized losses were $27.9 million, including $21.7 million of impairment losses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments) were $73.2 million and

 

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gross realized losses were $60.3 million, including $54.7 million of impairment losses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, gross realized gains on investments available-for-sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments) were $104.5 million and gross realized losses were $62.0 million, including $46.6 million of impairment losses.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value (proceeds) of $2.3 billion. The gain realized on the sale of these securities was $72.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value (proceeds) of $1.6 billion. The gain realized on the sale of these securities was $73.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company sold securities in an unrealized gain position with a fair value (proceeds) of $2.2 billion. The gain realized on the sale of these securities was $104.5 million.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $398.2 million. The loss realized on the sale of these securities was $6.2 million. The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in conjunction with our overall asset liability management process.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $38.0 million. The loss realized on the sale of these securities was $5.6 million. The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in order to reduce its European financial exposure.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value (proceeds) of $263.1 million. The loss realized on the sale of these securities was $15.3 million. The Company made the decision to exit these holdings in order to reduce its European financial exposure.

 

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The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

Total OTTI

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Recognized

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

in OCI(1)

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

1,435,349

 

$

34,255

 

$

(24,536

)

$

1,445,068

 

$

979

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

963,461

 

26,900

 

(19,705

)

970,656

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

926,396

 

15,135

 

(69,548

)

871,983

 

(51

)

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,529,818

 

32,150

 

(54,078

)

1,507,890

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

49,171

 

2,257

 

(1

)

51,427

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

1,315,457

 

103,663

 

(8,291

)

1,410,829

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

24,623,681

 

1,509,546

 

(391,813

)

25,741,414

 

 

 

 

30,843,333

 

1,723,906

 

(567,972

)

31,999,267

 

928

 

Equity securities

 

611,473

 

6,068

 

(36,332

)

581,209

 

 

Short-term investments

 

80,582

 

 

 

80,582

 

 

 

 

$

31,535,388

 

$

1,729,974

 

$

(604,304

)

$

32,661,058

 

$

928

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

1,766,260

 

$

92,417

 

$

(19,347

)

$

1,839,330

 

$

(406

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

797,844

 

72,577

 

(598

)

869,823

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

1,023,649

 

12,788

 

(61,424

)

975,013

 

(241

)

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,097,501

 

71,536

 

(591

)

1,168,446

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

93,565

 

7,258

 

(45

)

100,778

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

1,188,019

 

255,898

 

(264

)

1,443,653

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

17,687,164

 

2,726,858

 

(48,395

)

20,365,627

 

(5,488

)

 

 

23,654,002

 

3,239,332

 

(130,664

)

26,762,670

 

(6,135

)

Equity securities

 

352,272

 

11,881

 

(9,993

)

354,160

 

 

Short-term investments

 

97,852

 

 

 

97,852

 

 

 

 

$

24,104,126

 

$

3,251,213

 

$

(140,657

)

$

27,214,682

 

$

(6,135

)

 


(1) These amounts are included in the gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses columns above.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

Total OTTI

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Recognized

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

in OCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

$

365,000

 

$

 

$

(29,324

)

$

335,676

 

$

 

 

 

$

365,000

 

$

 

$

(29,324

)

$

335,676

 

$

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

$

300,000

 

$

19,163

 

$

 

$

319,163

 

$

 

 

 

$

300,000

 

$

19,163

 

$

 

$

319,163

 

$

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments on held-to-maturity securities. The Company’s held-to-maturity securities had gross unrecognized holding losses of $29.3 million. The Company does not consider these unrecognized holding losses to be other-than-temporary based on certain positive factors associated with the securities which include credit ratings, financial health of the issuer, continued access of the issuer to capital markets and other pertinent information.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had an additional $2.8 billion and $3.0 billion of fixed maturities, $21.2 million and $19.6 million of equity securities, and $52.4 million and $118.9 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities, respectively.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity fixed maturities as of December 31, 2013, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of securities without a single maturity date are allocated based on estimated rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

Held-to-Maturity

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

1,016,111

 

$

1,033,834

 

$

 

$

 

Due after one year through five years

 

4,980,915

 

5,244,978

 

 

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

9,074,051

 

9,323,440

 

 

 

Due after ten years

 

15,772,256

 

16,397,015

 

365,000

 

335,676

 

 

 

$

30,843,333

 

$

31,999,267

 

$

365,000

 

$

335,676

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of investments of $10.9 million, of which $7.6 million were related to fixed maturities and $3.3 million were related to equity securities. Credit impairments recorded in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2013, were $22.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, $11.5 million of non-credit losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income were recorded in earnings as credit losses. There were no other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities or equity securities that the Company intended to sell or expected to be required to sell for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of investments of $67.1 million all of which were related to fixed maturities. Of the $67.1 million of impairments for the year ended December 31, 2012, $58.1 million was recorded in earnings and $9.0 million was recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). There were no impairments related to equity securities. For the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities or equity securities that the Company intended to sell or expected to be required to sell.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments of investments of $62.2 million all of which were related to fixed maturities. Of the $62.2 million of impairments for the year ended December 31, 2011, $47.3 million was recorded in earnings and $14.9 million was recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2011, there were no impairments related to equity securities. For the year ended December 31, 2011, pre-tax other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities that the Company did not intend to sell and does not expect to be required to sell were $52.7 million, with $37.8 million of credit losses recorded on fixed maturities in earnings and $14.9 million of non-credit losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). During the same period, other-than-temporary impairments related to fixed maturities that the Company intends to sell or expects to be required to sell were $9.5 million and were recorded in earnings.

 

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The following chart is a rollforward of available-for-sale credit losses on fixed maturities held by the Company for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Beginning balance

 

$

121,237

 

$

69,476

 

$

39,275

 

Additions for newly impaired securities

 

3,516

 

26,544

 

12,699

 

Additions for previously impaired securities

 

12,066

 

25,217

 

20,591

 

Reductions for previously impaired securities due to a change in expected cash flows

 

(87,908

)

 

 

Reductions for previously impaired securities that were sold in the current period

 

(7,237

)

 

(3,089

)

Other

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

 

$

41,674

 

$

121,237

 

$

69,476

 

 

The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

332,812

 

$

(14,050

)

$

209,818

 

$

(10,486

)

$

542,630

 

$

(24,536

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

429,228

 

(18,467

)

13,840

 

(1,238

)

443,068

 

(19,705

)

Other asset-backed securities

 

175,846

 

(14,555

)

497,512

 

(54,993

)

673,358

 

(69,548

)

U.S. government-related securities

 

891,698

 

(53,508

)

6,038

 

(570

)

897,736

 

(54,078

)

Other government-related securities

 

10,161

 

(1

)

 

 

 

10,161

 

(1

)

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

172,157

 

(8,113

)

335

 

(178

)

172,492

 

(8,291

)

Corporate bonds

 

7,480,163

 

(353,069

)

271,535

 

(38,744

)

7,751,698

 

(391,813

)

Equities

 

376,776

 

(27,861

)

21,764

 

(8,471

)

398,540

 

(36,332

)

 

 

$

9,868,841

 

$

(489,624

)

$

1,020,842

 

$

(114,680

)

$

10,889,683

 

$

(604,304

)

 

RMBS have a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $10.5 million as of December 31, 2013. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.

 

The other asset-backed securities have a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $55.0 million as of December 31, 2013. This category predominately includes student-loan backed auction rate securities, the underlying collateral, of which is at least 97% guaranteed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). These unrealized losses have occurred within the Company’s auction rate securities (“ARS”) portfolio since the market collapse during 2008. At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.

 

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The corporate bonds category has gross unrealized losses less than and greater than twelve months of $353.1 million and $38.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. These declines were primarily related to changes in interest rates during the period. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.

 

The equities category has a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $8.5 million as of December 31, 2013. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to the capital markets, and other pertinent information.

 

The Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary, based on the aggregate factors discussed previously and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the fair values recover, and does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering the Company’s amortized cost of the securities.

 

The following table includes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

100,412

 

$

(9,578

)

$

166,000

 

$

(9,769

)

$

266,412

 

$

(19,347

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

50,506

 

(598

)

 

 

50,506

 

(598

)

Other asset-backed securities

 

479,223

 

(28,179

)

242,558

 

(33,245

)

721,781

 

(61,424

)

U.S. government-related securities

 

106,806

 

(591

)

 

 

106,806

 

(591

)

Other government-related securities

 

14,955

 

(45

)

 

 

14,955

 

(45

)

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

11,526

 

(264

)

 

 

11,526

 

(264

)

Corporate bonds

 

775,593

 

(23,630

)

363,128

 

(24,765

)

1,138,721

 

(48,395

)

Equities

 

35,059

 

(5,150

)

21,754

 

(4,843

)

56,813

 

(9,993

)

 

 

$

1,574,080

 

$

(68,035

)

$

793,440

 

$

(72,622

)

$

2,367,520

 

$

(140,657

)

 

RMBS had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $9.8 million as of December 31, 2012. The non-agency RMBS market experienced improvements during the year, but these losses represented securities where credit concerns were more pronounced. Factors such as the credit enhancement within the deal structure, the average life of the securities, and the performance of the underlying collateral support the recoverability of these investments.

 

The other asset-backed securities had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $33.2 million as of December 31, 2012. This category predominately includes student-loan backed auction rate securities, the underlying collateral, of which is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. These unrealized losses have occurred within the Company’s ARS portfolio since the market collapse during 2008. At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that the U.S. Department of Education would not honor the FFELP guarantee, if it were necessary.

 

The corporate bonds category had gross unrealized losses greater than twelve months of $24.8 million as of December 31, 2012. These losses were primarily related to fluctuations in credit spreads. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to capital markets, and other pertinent information.

 

The equities category had a gross unrealized loss greater than twelve months of $4.8 million as of December 31, 2012. These losses were primarily related to a widening in credit spreads on perpetual preferred stock holdings. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to factors supporting the

 

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recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors include credit ratings, the financial health of the issuer, the continued access of the issuer to the capital markets, and other pertinent information.

 

The Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary, based on the aggregate factors discussed previously and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until the fair values recover, and does not intend to sell or expect to be required to sell the securities before recovering the Company’s amortized cost of the securities.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had securities in its available-for-sale portfolio which were rated below investment grade of $1.6 billion and had an amortized cost of $1.6 billion. In addition, included in the Company’s trading portfolio, the Company held $333.9 million of securities which were rated below investment grade. Approximately $543.8 million of the below investment grade securities were not publicly traded.

 

The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturity and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

(1,269,277

)

$

819,152

 

$

761,738

 

Equity securities

 

(20,899

)

8,484

 

(13,292

)

 

The Company held $26.4 million of non-income producing securities for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Excluding the MONY acquisition, included in the Company’s invested assets are $985.9 million of policy loans as of December 31, 2013. The interest rates on standard policy loans range from 3.0% to 8.0%. The collateral loans on life insurance policies have an interest rate of 13.64%.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company holds certain investments in entities in which its ownership interests could possibly be considered variable interests under Topic 810 of the FASB ASC (excluding debt and equity securities held as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity). The Company reviews the characteristics of each of these applicable entities and compares those characteristics to applicable criteria to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”).  If the entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then performs a detailed review to determine whether the interest would be considered a variable interest under the guidance. The Company then performs a qualitative review of all variable interests with the entity and determines whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 provides that an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if the entity has 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

 

Based on this analysis, the Company had an interest in one wholly owned subsidiary, Red Mountain, LLC (“Red Mountain”), that was determined to be a VIE as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The activity most significant to Red Mountain is the issuance of a note in connection with a financing transaction involving Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) and the Company in which Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain and Red Mountain issued the note to Golden Gate V. Credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note is provided by an unrelated third party. For details of this transaction, see Note 11, Debt and Other Obligations. The Company has the power, via its 100% ownership through an affiliate, to direct the activities of the VIE, but does not have the obligation to absorb losses related to the primary risks or sources of variability to the VIE. The variability of loss would be borne primarily by the third party in its function as provider of credit enhancement on the Red Mountain Note. Accordingly, it was determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s risk of loss related to the VIE is limited to its investment of $10,000. Additionally, the holding company (“PLC”) has guaranteed the VIE’s credit enhancement fee obligation to the unrelated third party provider. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made or required related to this guarantee.

 

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6.                                      MORTGAGE LOANS

 

Mortgage Loans

 

The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s mortgage loan holdings were approximately $5.5 billion. The Company has specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers and apartments. The Company’s underwriting procedures relative to its commercial loan portfolio are based, in the Company’s view, on a conservative and disciplined approach. The Company concentrates on a small number of commercial real estate asset types associated with the necessities of life (retail, multi-family, professional office buildings, and warehouses). The Company believes these asset types tend to weather economic downturns better than other commercial asset classes in which it has chosen not to participate. The Company believes this disciplined approach has helped to maintain a relatively low delinquency and foreclosure rate throughout its history. The majority of the Company’s mortgage loans portfolio was underwritten and funded by the Company. From time to time, the Company may acquire loans in conjunction with an acquisition.

 

During 2013, the Company acquired previously funded mortgage loans as part of the MONY acquisition with a fair value of $823.3 million as of the acquisition date. These loans were recorded in the Company’s balance sheet at the fair value of the mortgage loans on the date of acquisition, October 1, 2013. The acquired loans had an unpaid principal balance of $857.3 million of which the Company did not expect to collect $11.0 million as of the date of acquisition.

 

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

 

The following table includes a breakdown of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by property type as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Mortgage Loans

 

Type

 

on Real Estate

 

Retail

 

60.6

%

Office Buildings

 

14.9

 

Apartments

 

11.8

 

Warehouses

 

7.4

 

Other

 

5.3

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

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The Company specializes in originating mortgage loans on either credit-oriented or credit-anchored commercial properties. No single tenant’s exposure represents more than 2.0% of mortgage loans. Approximately 62.1% of the mortgage loans are on properties located in the following states:

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Mortgage Loans

 

State

 

on Real Estate

 

Texas

 

11.6

%

Georgia

 

8.6

 

Alabama

 

6.9

 

Florida

 

6.5

 

Tennessee

 

6.1

 

North Carolina

 

5.0

 

New York

 

4.7

 

South Carolina

 

4.6

 

Ohio

 

4.2

 

Utah

 

3.9

 

 

 

62.1

%

 

During 2013, the Company funded approximately $548.2 million of new loans, with an average loan size of $4.2 million. As part of the MONY acquisition, the Company added $857.3 million previously funded mortgage loans to the total mortgage loan portfolio. The average size mortgage loan in the portfolio as of December 31, 2013, was $2.8 million, and the weighted-average interest rate was 5.86%. The largest single mortgage loan was $50.0 million.

 

Many of the mortgage loans have call options or interest rate reset options between 3 and 10 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, we may be unable to exercise the call options or increase the interest rates on our existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates. Assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $94.5 million would become due in 2014, $1.2 billion in 2015 through 2019, $511.3 million in 2020 through 2024, and $134.5 million thereafter.

 

The Company offers a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, approximately $666.6 million and $817.3 million, respectively, of the Company’s mortgage loans have this participation feature. Cash flows received as a result of this participation feature are recorded as interest income. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $17.9 million and $16.1 million of participating mortgage loan income, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2013, approximately $15.9 million, or 0.03%, of invested assets consisted of nonperforming, restructured or mortgage loans that were foreclosed and were converted to real estate properties. We do not expect these investments to adversely affect our liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2013, certain mortgage loan transactions occurred that were accounted for as troubled debt restructurings under Topic 310 of the FASB ASC. For all mortgage loans, the impact of troubled debt restructurings is generally reflected in our investment balance and in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses. Transactions accounted for as troubled debt restructurings during the year either involved the modification of payment terms pursuant to bankruptcy proceedings or included acceptance of assets in satisfaction of principal or foreclosure on collateral property, and were the result of agreements between the creditor and the debtor. With respect to the modified loans we expect to collect all amounts due related to these loans as well as expenses incurred as a result of the restructurings. Additionally, there were no material changes to the principal balance of these loans, as a result of restructuring or modifications, which was $3.2 million as of December 31, 2013.  During the year a mortgage loan was paid off at a discount, the impact of this transaction  resulted in a reduction of $0.5 million in the Company’s investment in mortgage loans, net of existing allowances for mortgage loan losses and did not remain on the Company’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2013.

 

The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consists of two categories of loans: (1) those not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement and (2) those subject to a contractual pooling and servicing agreements. As of December 31,

 

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2013, $3.2 million of mortgage loans not subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming or restructured. The Company foreclosed on three nonperforming loans of $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

As of December 31, 2013, $2.2 million of loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement were nonperforming. None of these nonperforming loans have been restructured during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company did not foreclose on any nonperforming loans subject to a pooling and service agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses of $3.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Due to the Company’s loss experience and nature of the loan portfolio, the Company believes that a collectively evaluated allowance would be inappropriate. The Company believes an allowance calculated through an analysis of specific loans that are believed to have a higher risk of credit impairment provides a more accurate presentation of expected losses in the portfolio and is consistent with the applicable guidance for loan impairments in ASC Subtopic 310. Since the Company uses the specific identification method for calculating the allowance, it is necessary to review the economic situation of each borrower to determine those that have higher risk of credit impairment. The Company has a team of professionals that monitors borrower conditions such as payment practices, borrower credit, operating performance, and property conditions, as well as ensuring the timely payment of property taxes and insurance. Through this monitoring process, the Company assesses the risk of each loan. When issues are identified, the severity of the issues are assessed and reviewed for possible credit impairment. If a loss is probable, an expected loss calculation is performed and an allowance is established for that loan based on the expected loss. The expected loss is calculated as the excess carrying value of a loan over either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the current estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral. A loan may be subsequently charged off at such point that the Company no longer expects to receive cash payments, the present value of future expected payments of the renegotiated loan is less than the current principal balance, or at such time that the Company is party to foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings associated with the borrower and does not expect to recover the principal balance of the loan.

 

A charge off is recorded by eliminating the allowance against the mortgage loan and recording the renegotiated loan or the collateral property related to the loan as investment real estate on the balance sheet, which is carried at the lower of the appraised fair value of the property or the unpaid principal balance of the loan, less estimated selling costs associated with the property:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Beginning balance

 

$

2,875

 

$

4,975

 

Charge offs

 

(6,838

)

(8,340

)

Recoveries

 

(1,016

)

(628

)

Provision

 

8,109

 

6,868

 

Ending balance

 

$

3,130

 

$

2,875

 

 

It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is the Company’s general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place. For loans subject to a pooling and servicing agreement, there are certain additional restrictions and/or requirements related to workout proceedings, and as such, these loans may have different attributes and/or circumstances affecting the status of delinquency or categorization of those in nonperforming status. An analysis of the delinquent loans is shown in the following chart as of December 31, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greater

 

 

 

 

 

30-59 Days

 

60-89 Days

 

than 90 Days

 

Total

 

 

 

Delinquent

 

Delinquent

 

Delinquent

 

Delinquent

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Commercial mortgage loans

 

$

14,368

 

$

 

$

2,208

 

$

16,576

 

Number of delinquent commercial mortgage loans

 

8

 

 

1

 

9

 

 

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The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that are collateralized by real estate. Due to the collateralized nature of the loans, any assessment of impairment and ultimate loss given a default on the loans is based upon a consideration of the estimated fair value of the real estate. The Company limits accrued interest income on impaired loans to ninety days of interest. Once accrued interest on the impaired loan is received, interest income is recognized on a cash basis. For information regarding impaired loans, please refer to the following chart as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Average

 

Interest

 

Cash Basis

 

 

 

Recorded

 

Principal

 

Related

 

Recorded

 

Income

 

Interest

 

 

 

Investment

 

Balance

 

Allowance

 

Investment

 

Recognized

 

Income

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With no related allowance recorded

 

$

2,208

 

$

2,208

 

$

 

$

2,208

 

$

31

 

$

 

With an allowance recorded

 

21,288

 

21,281

 

3,130

 

5,322

 

304

 

304

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With no related allowance recorded

 

$

13,044

 

$

14,419

 

$

 

$

2,609

 

$

53

 

$

69

 

With an allowance recorded

 

13,927

 

13,927

 

2,875

 

3,482

 

154

 

154

 

 

7.                                      DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND VALUE OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

The balances and changes in DAC are as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

2,493,729

 

$

2,345,458

 

Capitalization of commissions, sales, and issue expenses

 

345,885

 

311,959

 

Amortization

 

(112,117

)

(105,447

)

Change in unrealized investment gains and losses

 

(6,894

)

(58,241

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

2,720,603

 

$

2,493,729

 

 

Value of Business Acquired

 

The balances and changes in VOBA are as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

731,627

 

$

877,763

 

Acquisitions(1)

 

63,627

 

 

Amortization

 

(42,543

)

(86,736

)

Change in unrealized gains and losses

 

17,291

 

(59,400

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

770,002

 

$

731,627

 

 


(1) Includes VOBA associated with the MONY acquisition of $219.8 million, offset by $156.1 million ceded to reinsurers.

 

During 2013, the Company reclassified certain amounts which previously were reported as DAC into VOBA for purposes of presentation within the tables above. Prior years amounts have been similarly presented to make the

 

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amounts within these tables comparable for the periods presented. These changes had no effect on previously reported financial statement line items.

 

The expected amortization of VOBA for the next five years is as follows:

 

 

 

Expected

 

Years

 

Amortization

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014 

 

$

79,248

 

2015 

 

74,663

 

2016 

 

70,235

 

2017 

 

66,720

 

2018 

 

63,153

 

 

8.                                      GOODWILL

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset

 

Total

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

Protection

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

 

$

38,713

 

$

48,158

 

$

86,871

 

Tax benefit of excess tax goodwill

 

(3,098

)

 

(3,098

)

Balance as of December 31, 2012

 

35,615

 

48,158

 

83,773

 

Tax benefit of excess tax goodwill

 

(3,098

)

 

(3,098

)

Balance as of December 31, 2013

 

$

32,517

 

$

48,158

 

$

80,675

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company decreased its goodwill balance by approximately $3.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The decreases were due to an adjustment in the Acquisitions segment related to tax benefits realized during 2013 and 2012 on the portion of tax goodwill in excess of GAAP basis goodwill. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.

 

9.                                      CERTAIN NONTRADITIONAL LONG-DURATION CONTRACTS

 

The Company issues variable universal life and VA products through its separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder. The Company also offers, for our VA products, various account value guarantees upon death. The most significant of these guarantees involve 1) return of the highest anniversary date account value, or 2) return of the greater of the highest anniversary date account value or the last anniversary date account value compounded at 5% interest or 3) return of premium. The GMWB rider is classified as an embedded derivative and is carried at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet. The VA separate account balances subject to GMWB were $9.5 billion as of December 31, 2013. For more information regarding the valuation of and income impact of GMWB please refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 21, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

The GMDB reserve is calculated by applying a benefit ratio, equal to the present value of total expected GMDB claims divided by the present value of total expected contract assessments, to cumulative contract assessments. This amount is then adjusted by the amount of cumulative GMDB claims paid and accrued interest. Assumptions used in the calculation of the GMDB reserve were as follows: mean investment performance of 6.7%, age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%, lapse rates ranging from 0% - 24% (depending on product type and duration), and an average discount rate of 6.2%. Changes in the GMDB reserve are included in benefits and settlement expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

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The VA separate account balances subject to GMDB were $12.6 billion as of December 31, 2013. The total GMDB amount payable based on VA account balances as of December 31, 2013, was $106.6 million (including $90.0 million in the Annuities segment and $16.6 million in the Acquisitions segment) with a GMDB reserve of $13.3 million and $0.3 million in the Annuities and Acquisitions segment, respectively. The average attained age of contract holders as of December 31, 2013 for the Company was 68.

 

These amounts exclude the VA business of the Chase Insurance Group, acquired in 2006, which consisted of five insurance companies that manufactured and administered traditional life insurance and annuity products and four non-insurance companies (which collectively are referred to as the “Chase Insurance Group”) which has been 100% reinsured to Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company) (“CALIC”), under a Modco agreement. The guaranteed amount payable associated with the annuities reinsured to CALIC was $13.8 million and is included in the Acquisitions segment. The average attained age of contract holders as of December 31, 2013, was 64.

 

Activity relating to GMDB reserves (excluding those 100% reinsured under the Modco agreement) is as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Beginning balance

 

$

19,606

 

$

9,798

 

$

6,412

 

Incurred guarantee benefits

 

(3,133

)

14,087

 

7,171

 

Less: Paid guarantee benefits

 

2,865

 

4,279

 

3,785

 

Ending balance

 

$

13,608

 

$

19,606

 

$

9,798

 

 

Account balances of variable annuities with guarantees invested in variable annuity separate accounts are as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Equity mutual funds

 

$

7,984,198

 

$

6,171,196

 

Fixed income mutual funds

 

4,606,093

 

3,381,581

 

Total

 

$

12,590,291

 

$

9,552,777

 

 

Certain of the Company’s fixed annuities and universal life products have a sales inducement in the form of a retroactive interest credit (“RIC”). In addition, certain annuity contracts provide a sales inducement in the form of a bonus interest credit. The Company maintains a reserve for all interest credits earned to date. The Company defers the expense associated with the RIC and bonus interest credits each period and amortizes these costs in a manner similar to that used for DAC.

 

Activity in the Company’s deferred sales inducement asset was as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Deferred asset, beginning of period

 

$

143,949

 

$

125,527

 

$

112,147

 

Amounts deferred

 

15,274

 

23,362

 

29,472

 

Amortization

 

(12,572

)

(4,940

)

(16,092

)

Deferred asset, end of period

 

$

146,651

 

$

143,949

 

$

125,527

 

 

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10.                               REINSURANCE

 

The Company reinsures certain of its risks with (cedes), and assumes risks from, other insurers under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance agreements. Under yearly renewable term agreements, the Company reinsures only the mortality risk, while under coinsurance the Company reinsures a proportionate share of all risks arising under the reinsured policy. Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate share of the premiums less commissions and is liable for a corresponding share of all benefit payments. Modified coinsurance is accounted for in a manner similar to coinsurance except that the liability for future policy benefits is held by the ceding company, and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies.

 

Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the Company as the primary insurer. Ceded balances would represent a liability of the Company in the event the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations to us under the terms of the reinsurance agreements. The Company continues to monitor the consolidation of reinsurers and the concentration of credit risk the Company has with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of its reinsurers. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had reinsured approximately 54% of the face value of its life insurance in-force. The Company has reinsured approximately 23% of the face value of its life insurance in-force with the following three reinsurers:

 

·             Security Life of Denver Insurance Co. (currently administered by Hanover Re)

·             Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.

·             Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. (currently administered by Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.)

 

The Company has not experienced any credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, or 2011 related to these reinsurers. The Company has set limits on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. In 2005, the Company increased its retention for certain newly issued traditional life products from $500,000 to $1,000,000 on any one life. During 2008, the Company increased its retention limit to $2,000,000 on certain of its traditional and universal life products.

 

Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, benefits, and reserves related to reinsured long-duration contracts are accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured contracts using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying contracts. The cost of reinsurance related to short-duration contracts is accounted for over the reinsurance contract period. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for both short-and long-duration reinsurance arrangements, are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with reinsured policies.

 

The following table presents the net life insurance in-force:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Direct life insurance in-force

 

$

726,697

 

$

706,416

 

$

728,670

 

Amounts assumed from other companies

 

46,752

 

30,470

 

32,813

 

Amounts ceded to other companies

 

(416,809

)

(444,951

)

(469,530

)

Net life insurance in-force

 

$

356,640

 

$

291,935

 

$

291,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of amount assumed to net

 

13

%

10

%

11

%

 

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The following table reflects the effect of reinsurance on life insurance premiums written and earned:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Direct premiums

 

$

2,372

 

$

2,227

 

$

2,245

 

Reinsurance assumed

 

307

 

282

 

248

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

(1,300

)

(1,229

)

(1,278

)

Net premiums(1)

 

$

1,379

 

$

1,280

 

$

1,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of amount assumed to net

 

22

%

22

%

20

%

 


(1) Includes annuity policy fees of $88.7 million, $103.8 million, and $74.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

 

The Company has also reinsured accident and health risks representing $20.0 million, $12.1 million, and $14.4 million of premium income, while the Company has assumed accident and health risks representing $24.3 million, $29.4 million, and $21.7 million of premium income for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. In addition, the Company reinsured property and casualty risks representing $67.8 million, $69.6 million, and $71.2 million of premium income, while the Company assumed property and casualty risks representing $8.0 million, $6.8 million, and $6.2 million of premium income for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, policy and claim reserves relating to insurance ceded of $6.0 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively, are included in reinsurance receivables. Should any of the reinsurers be unable to meet its obligation at the time of the claim, the Company would be obligated to pay such claims. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had paid $79.7 million and $105.0 million, respectively, of ceded benefits which are recoverable from reinsurers. In addition, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had receivables of $66.1 million and $66.1 million, respectively, related to insurance assumed.

 

The Company’s third party reinsurance receivables amounted to $6.0 billion and $5.7 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts include ceded reserve balances and ceded benefit payments. The ceded benefit payments are recoverable from reinsurers. The following table sets forth the receivables attributable to our more significant reinsurance partners:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

Reinsurance

 

A.M. Best

 

Reinsurance

 

A.M. Best

 

 

 

Receivable

 

Rating

 

Receivable

 

Rating

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc.

 

$

823.0

 

A+

 

$

739.6

 

A+

 

Security Life of Denver Insurance Company

 

819.3

 

A

 

768.9

 

A

 

Lincoln National Life Insurance Co.

 

553.7

 

A+

 

515.2

 

A+

 

Transamerica Life Insurance Co.

 

531.1

 

A+

 

524.1

 

A+

 

RGA Reinsurance Company

 

419.1

 

A+

 

377.6

 

A+

 

SCOR Global Life USA Reinsurance Company

 

402.7

 

A

 

237.3

 

A

 

American United Life Insurance Company

 

342.2

 

A+

 

334.8

 

A+

 

Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. (1)

 

305.1

 

NR

 

290.7

 

NR

 

Employers Reassurance Corporation

 

289.2

 

A-

 

287.9

 

A-

 

Centre Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd

 

281.6

 

NR

 

 

NR

 

 


(1) As of July 30, 2013, Scottish Re Life Corporation was merged with and into Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc., and for comparative purposes the 2012 reinsurance receivable from these two companies has been combined.

 

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The Company’s reinsurance contracts typically do not have a fixed term. In general, the reinsurers’ ability to terminate coverage for existing cessions is limited to such circumstances as material breach of contract or non-payment of premiums by the ceding company. The reinsurance contracts generally contain provisions intended to provide the ceding company with the ability to cede future business on a basis consistent with historical terms. However, either party may terminate any of the contracts with respect to future business upon appropriate notice to the other party.

 

Generally, the reinsurance contracts do not limit the overall amount of the loss that can be incurred by the reinsurer. The amount of liabilities ceded under contracts that provide for the payment of experience refunds is immaterial.

 

11.                               DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company and PLC has access to a Credit Facility that provides the ability to borrow on an unsecured basis up to an aggregate principal amount of $750 million. The Company has the right in certain circumstances to request that the commitment under the Credit Facility be increased up to a maximum principal amount of $1.0 billion. Balances outstanding under the Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, (i)  LIBOR plus a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s senior unsecured long-term debt (“Senior Debt”), or (ii) the sum of (A) a rate equal to the highest of (x) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (y) 0.50% above the Federal Funds rate, or (z) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% and (B) a spread based on the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt. The Credit Facility also provides for a facility fee at a rate that varies with the ratings of PLC’s Senior Debt and that is calculated on the aggregate amount of commitments under the Credit Facility, whether used or unused. The maturity date on the Credit Facility is July 17, 2017. The Company did not have an outstanding balance under the credit facility as of December 31, 2013. PLC had an outstanding balance of $485.0 million at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.20% under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2013.

 

Non-Recourse Funding Obligations

 

Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company

 

Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate”), a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary, had three series of Surplus Notes with a total outstanding balance of $800 million as of December 31, 2013. PLC holds the entire outstanding balance of Surplus Notes. The Series A1 Surplus Notes have a balance of $400 million and accrue interest at a fixed rate of 7.375%, the Series A2 Surplus Notes have a balance of $100 million and accrue interest at a fixed rate of 8%, and the Series A3 Surplus Notes have a balance of $300 million and accrue interest at a fixed rate of 8.45%.

 

Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company

 

Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate II”), a wholly owned special purpose financial captive insurance company, had $575.0 million of outstanding non-recourse funding obligations as of December 31, 2013. These outstanding non-recourse funding obligations were issued to special purpose trusts, which in turn issued securities to third parties. Certain of our affiliates own a portion of these securities. As of December 31, 2013, securities related to $269.9 million of the outstanding balance of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by external parties, securities related to $8.5 million of the non-recourse funding obligations were held by nonconsolidated affiliates, and $296.6 million were held by consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate II obligating it to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate II’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate II. These support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate II if its annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if Golden Gate II’s investment income on certain investments or premium income was below certain actuarially determined amounts. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements, however, PLC has collateralized certain support agreement obligations to Golden Gate II of approximately $0.3 million. Re-evaluation and, if necessary, adjustment of any support agreement collateralization amounts occurs annually during the first quarter pursuant to the terms of the support agreements. There are no support agreements between the Company and Golden Gate II.

 

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Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company

 

On October 10, 2012, Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate V”) and Red Mountain, LLC (“Red Mountain”), a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a 20-year transaction to finance up to $945 million of “AXXX” reserves related to a block of universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees issued by the Company and its subsidiary, WCL. Golden Gate V issued non-recourse funding obligations to Red Mountain, and Red Mountain issued a note with an initial principal amount of $275 million, increasing to a maximum of $945 million in 2027, to Golden Gate V for deposit to a reinsurance trust supporting Golden Gate V’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with WCL, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. Through the structure, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (“Hannover Re”), the ultimate risk taker in the transaction, provides credit enhancement to the Red Mountain note for the 20-year term in exchange for a fee. The transaction is “non-recourse” to Golden Gate V, Red Mountain, WCL, PLC and the Company, meaning that none of these companies are liable for the reimbursement of any credit enhancement payments required to be made. As of December 31, 2013, the principal balance of the Red Mountain note was $365 million. In connection with the transaction, PLC has entered into certain support agreements under which PLC guarantees or otherwise supports certain obligations of Golden Gate V or Red Mountain. Future scheduled capital contributions to prefund credit enhancement fees amount to approximately $144.3 million and will be paid in annual installments through 2031. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC if Golden Gate V’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or in the event write-downs due to other-than-temporary impairments on assets held in certain accounts exceed defined threshold levels. Additionally, PLC has entered into separate agreements to indemnify Golden Gate V with respect to material adverse changes in non-guaranteed elements of insurance policies reinsured by Golden Gate V, and to guarantee payment of certain fee amounts in connection with the credit enhancement of the Red Mountain note. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

In connection with the transaction outlined above, Golden Gate V had a $365 million outstanding non-recourse funding obligation as of December 31, 2013. This non-recourse funding obligation matures in 2037, has scheduled increases in principal to a maximum of $945 million, and accrues interest at a fixed annual rate of 6.25%.

 

Non-recourse funding obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2013, on a consolidated basis, are shown in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-to-Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity

 

Avg

 

Issuer

 

Balance

 

Year

 

Interest Rate

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Gate Captive Insurance Company(1)

 

$

800,000

 

2037

 

7.86

%

Golden Gate II Captive Insurance Company

 

327,900

 

2052

 

1.11

%

Golden Gate V Vermont Captive Insurance Company(1)

 

365,000

 

2037

 

6.25

%

MONY Life Insurance Company(1)

 

2,548

 

2024

 

6.63

%

Total

 

$

1,495,448

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1) Fixed rate obligations

 

During 2013, the Company repurchased $68.5 million of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount. These repurchases resulted in a $15.4 million pre-tax gain for the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased $101.7 million of its outstanding non-recourse funding obligations, at a discount. These repurchases resulted in a $32.0 million pre-tax gain for the Company. These gains are recorded in other income in the consolidated condensed statements of income.

 

Letters of Credit

 

Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate III”), a wholly owned Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement (the “Reimbursement Agreement”) with UBS AG, Stamford Branch (“UBS”), as issuing lender. Under the original Reimbursement Agreement, dated April 23, 2010, UBS issued a letter of credit (the “LOC”) in the initial amount of $505 million to a

 

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trust for the benefit of West Coast Life Insurance Company (“WCL”). The Reimbursement Agreement was subsequently amended and restated effective November 21, 2011 (the “First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), to replace the existing LOC with one or more letters of credit from UBS, and to extend the maturity date from April 1, 2018, to April 1, 2022. On August 7, 2013, Golden Gate III entered into a Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement with UBS (the “Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement”), which amended and restated the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. Under the Second and Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement a new LOC in an initial amount of $710 million was issued by UBS in replacement of the existing LOC issued under the First Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The term of the LOC was extended from April 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, subject to certain conditions being satisfied including scheduled capital contributions being made to Golden Gate III by one of its affiliates. The maximum stated amount of the LOC was increased from $610 million to $720 million in 2015 if certain conditions are met. The LOC is held in trust for the benefit of WCL, and supports certain obligations of Golden Gate III to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement originally effective April 1, 2010, as amended and restated on November 21, 2011, and as further amended and restated on August 7, 2013 to include an additional block of policies, and pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities relating to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities relating to the policies of the Company. The LOC balance was $715 million as of December 31, 2013. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum of $720 million in 2015. The term of the LOC is expected to be approximately 13.5 years from the original issuance date. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate III are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate III obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate III’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate III. Future scheduled capital contributions amount to approximately $149.8 million and will be paid in three installments with the last payment occurring in 2019, and these contributions may be subject to potential offset against dividend payments as permitted under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate III if Golden Gate III’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate III. There were no support agreements between the Company and Golden Gate III. Pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated letter agreement with UBS, PLC has continued to guarantee the payment of fees to UBS as specified in the Second and Amended and Restated Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company (“Golden Gate IV”), a wholly owned Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company, is party to a Reimbursement Agreement with UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as issuing lender. Under the Reimbursement Agreement, dated December 10, 2010, UBS issued an LOC in the initial amount of $270 million to a trust for the benefit of WCL. The LOC balance has increased, in accordance with the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement, during each quarter of 2013 and was $700 million as of December 31, 2013. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum of $790 million in 2016. The term of the LOC is expected to be 12 years from the original issuance date and with a maturity date of December 30, 2022. The LOC was issued to support certain obligations of Golden Gate IV to WCL under an indemnity reinsurance agreement, pursuant to which WCL cedes liabilities related to the policies of WCL and retrocedes liabilities related to the policies of the Company. This transaction is “non-recourse” to WCL, PLC, and the Company, meaning that none of these companies other than Golden Gate IV are liable for reimbursement on a draw of the LOC. PLC has entered into certain support agreements with Golden Gate IV obligating PLC to make capital contributions or provide support related to certain of Golden Gate IV’s expenses and in certain circumstances, to collateralize certain of PLC’s obligations to Golden Gate IV. The support agreements provide that amounts would become payable by PLC to Golden Gate IV if Golden Gate IV’s annual general corporate expenses were higher than modeled amounts or if specified catastrophic losses occur during defined time periods with respect to the policies reinsured by Golden Gate IV. PLC has also entered into a separate agreement to guarantee the payments of LOC fees under the terms of the Reimbursement Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been made under these agreements.

 

Repurchase Program Borrowings

 

While the Company anticipates that its cash flows and those of its operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet its investment commitments and operating cash needs in a normal credit market environment, the Company recognizes that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then

 

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available. Therefore, the Company has established repurchase agreement programs for itself and certain of its insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. The Company expects that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Under this program, the Company may, from time to time, sell an investment security at a specific price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. These borrowings are for a term less than ninety days. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. The agreements provided for net settlement in the event of default or on termination of the agreements. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $384.4 million and the repurchase obligation of $350.0 million was included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (at an average borrowing rate of 10 basis points). During the year ended December 31, 2013, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $815.0 million. The average daily balance was $496.9 million (at an average borrowing rate of 11 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a $150.0 million outstanding balance related to such borrowings. During 2012, the maximum balance outstanding at any one point in time related to these programs was $425.0 million. The average daily balance was $266.3 million (at an average borrowing rate of 14 basis points) during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Other Obligations

 

The Company routinely receives from or pays to affiliates under the control of PLC reimbursements for expenses incurred on one another’s behalf. Receivables and payables among affiliates are generally settled monthly.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense on non-recourse funding obligations, letters of credit, and other temporary borrowings was $111.4 million, $92.9 million, and $90.8 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The $18.5 million unfavorable variance was primarily due to increased interest expense on the Golden Gate V non-recourse funding obligation of $17.3 million and $2.2 million increased interest expense primarily on Golden Gate III and Golden Gate IV letters of credit. These unfavorable variances were offset by reductions in interest expense as a result of the Company’s repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations during the year.

 

12.                               COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 19 cities including 24,090 square feet in Birmingham (excluding the home office building), with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The Company had rental expense of $11.2 million, $11.2 million, and $10.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The aggregate annualized rent was approximately $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under these leases:

 

Year

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014

 

$

6,971

 

2015

 

5,845

 

2016

 

3,770

 

2017

 

1,391

 

2018

 

750

 

Thereafter

 

1,978

 

 

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Additionally, the Company leases a building contiguous to its home office. The lease was renewed in December 2013 and was extended to December 2018. At the end of the lease term the Company may purchase the building for approximately $75 million. Monthly rental payments are based on the current LIBOR rate plus a spread. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under this lease:

 

Year

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014

 

$

1,236

 

2015

 

1,236

 

2016

 

1,239

 

2017

 

1,236

 

2018

 

76,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $322.8 million at an average rate of 4.93% and $182.6 million at an average rate of 5.10%, respectively.

 

Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. In addition, from time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. Most insurance guaranty fund laws provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s own financial strength. The Company does not believe its insurance guaranty fund assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the financial statements.

 

A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker dealers and other providers of financial services involving sales, refund or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Often these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. Companies in the financial services and insurance industries are also sometimes the target of law enforcement and regulatory investigations relating to the numerous laws and regulations that govern such companies. Some companies have been the subject of law enforcement or regulatory actions or other actions resulting from such investigations. The Company, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such matters.

 

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory actions when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. For matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no liability is established. For such matters, the Company may provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly and annual basis and updates its established liabilities, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or range of loss based on such reviews.

 

Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or regulatory action, the Company does not believe that any such outcome will have an impact, either individually or in the aggregate, on its financial condition or results of operations that differs materially from the Company’s established liabilities. Given the inherent difficulty in predicting the outcome of such matters, however, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain such matters could be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations for any particular reporting period.

 

The Company was audited by the IRS and the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company’s 2003 through 2007 reported taxable incomes. The Company protested certain unfavorable adjustments and sought resolution at the IRS’ Appeals Division. The case has followed normal procedure and is now under review at Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation. The Company believes the matter will conclude within the next twelve months. If the IRS prevails on every issue that it identified in this audit, and the Company does not litigate these issues,

 

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then the Company will make an income tax payment of approximately $24.3 million. However, this payment, if it were to occur, would not materially impact the Company or its effective tax rate.

 

As discussed in Note 3, Significant Acquisitions, through the acquisition of MONY by the Company certain income tax credit carryforwards (which arose in MONY’s pre-acquisition tax years) transferred to the Company. This transfer was in accordance with the applicable rules of the Internal Revenue Code and the related Regulations. In spite of this transfer, AXA (the former parent of the consolidated income tax return group in which MONY was a member) retains the right to utilize these credits in the future to offset future increases in its 2010 through 2013 tax liabilities. The Company has determined that, based on all information known as of the acquisition date and through the December 31, 2013 reporting date, it is probable that a loss of the utilization of these carryforwards has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  Accordingly, in the table summarizing the fair value of net assets acquired from the Acquisition, the amount of the deferred tax asset from the credit carryforwards has been offset by the aforementioned liability. However, given the inherent difficulty in predicting the ultimate outcome of such matters, it is possible that adjustments to the values of this deferred tax asset and the related liability may occur in future reporting periods.

 

The Company has received notice from two third party auditors that certain of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as well as certain other insurance companies for which the Company has co-insured blocks of life insurance and annuity policies, will be audited for compliance with the unclaimed property laws of a number of states. The audits are being conducted on behalf of the treasury departments or unclaimed property administrators in such states. The focus of the audits is on whether there have been unreported deaths, maturities, or policies that have exceeded limiting age with respect to which death benefits or other payments under life insurance or annuity policies should be treated as unclaimed property that should be escheated to the state. The Company has recorded a reserve with respect to life insurance policies issued by the Company’s subsidiaries and certain co-insured blocks of life insurance policies issued by other companies in connection with these pending audits. The Company does not consider the amount of this reserve to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. With respect to a separate block of life insurance policies that is co-insured by a subsidiary of the Company, the Company is presently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss due to a number of factors, including uncertainty as to the legal theory or theories that may give rise to liability, uncertainty as to whether the Company or other companies are responsible for the liabilities, if any, arising in connection with such policies, the distinct characteristics of this co-insured block of policies which differentiate it from the blocks of life insurance policies for which the Company has recorded a reserve, and the initial stages of the audits being conducted. The Company will continue to monitor the matter for any developments that would make the loss contingency associated with this block of co-insured policies probable or reasonably estimable.

 

The Company has received notice that it and its affiliated life insurance companies are subject to a targeted multi-state examination with respect to their claims paying practices and their use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or similar databases (a “Death Database”) to identify unreported deaths in their life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts. There is no clear basis in previously existing law requiring a life insurer to search for unreported deaths in order to determine whether a benefit is owed, and substantial legal authority exists to support the position that the prevailing industry practice was lawful. A number of life insurers, however, have entered into settlement or consent agreements with state insurance regulators under which the life insurers agreed to implement procedures for periodically comparing their life insurance and annuity contracts and retained asset accounts against a Death Database, treating confirmed deaths as giving rise to a death benefit under their policies, locating beneficiaries and paying them the benefits and interest, and escheating the benefits and interest as well as penalties to the state if the beneficiary could not be found.  It has been publicly reported that the life insurers have paid substantial administrative and/or examination fees to the insurance regulators in connection with the settlement or consent agreements. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that insurance regulators could demand from the Company administrative and/or examination fees relating to the targeted multi-state examination. Based on publicly reported payments by other life insurers, the Company estimates the range of such fees to be from $0 to $3.5 million.

 

13.                               SHAREOWNER’S EQUITY

 

PLC owns all of the 2,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock issued by the Company’s subsidiary, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PL&A”). The stock pays, when and if declared, noncumulative participating

 

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dividends to the extent PL&A’s statutory earnings for the immediately preceding fiscal year exceeded $1.0 million. In 2013, 2012, and 2011, PL&A paid no dividends to PLC on its preferred stock.

 

14.                               STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Since 1973, PLC has had stock-based incentive plans to motivate management to focus on its long-range performance through the awarding of stock-based compensation. Under plans approved by shareowners in 1997, 2003, 2008, and 2012, up to 9.5 million shares of PLC common stock may be issued in payment of awards.

 

Performance Shares

 

The criteria for payment of the 2013 performance awards is based on PLC’s average operating return on average equity (“ROE”) over a three-year period. If PLC’s ROE is below 10.0%, no award is earned. If PLC’s ROE is at or above 11.5%, the award maximum is earned.

 

The criteria for payment of the 2012 performance awards is based on PLC’s ROE over a three-year period. If PLC’s ROE is below 10.0%, no award is earned. If PLC’s ROE is at or above 11.2%, the award maximum is earned.

 

Awards are paid in shares of PLC’s common stock. Performance shares are equivalent in value to one share of our common stock times the award earned percentage payout. Performance share awards of 298,500 were issued during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 306,100 performance share awards were issued during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Performance share awards in 2013 and 2012 and the estimated fair value of the awards at grant date are as follows:

 

Year

 

Performance

 

Estimated

 

Awarded

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2013

 

298,500

 

$

9,328

 

2012

 

306,100

 

8,608

 

2011

 

191,100

 

5,433

 

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) of PLC have historically been granted to certain officers to provide long-term incentive compensation based solely on the performance of PLC’s common stock. The SARs are exercisable either five years after the date of grant or in three or four equal annual installments beginning one year after the date of grant (earlier upon the death, disability, or retirement of the officer, or in certain circumstances, of a change in control of PLC) and expire after ten years or upon termination of employment. The SARs activity as well as weighted-average base price is as follows:

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

 

 

Base Price per share

 

No. of SARs

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

$

 21.97

 

2,324,837

 

SARs exercised / forfeited

 

8.31

 

(50,608

)

Balance at December 31, 2011

 

$

22.27

 

2,274,229

 

SARs exercised / forfeited / expired

 

22.60

 

(633,062

)

Balance at December 31, 2012

 

$

22.15

 

1,641,167

 

SARs exercised / forfeited / expired

 

18.54

 

(336,066

)

Balance at December 31, 2013

 

$

23.08

 

1,305,101

 

 

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The outstanding SARs as of December 31, 2013, were at the following base prices:

 

 

 

SARs

 

Remaining Life

 

Currently

 

Base Price

 

Outstanding

 

in Years

 

Exercisable

 

$

41.05

 

100,700

 

2

 

100,700

 

$

48.60

 

33,900

 

3

 

33,900

 

$

43.46

 

161,700

 

4

 

161,700

 

$

41.12

 

2,500

 

4

 

2,500

 

$

38.59

 

267,800

 

5

 

267,800

 

$

3.50

 

501,697

 

6

 

501,697

 

$

18.36

 

236,804

 

7

 

236,804

 

 

PLC will pay an amount in stock equal to the difference between the specified base price of PLC’s common stock and the market value at the exercise date for each SAR. There were no SARs issued for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. These fair values were estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used in this pricing model varied depending on the vesting period of awards. Assumptions used in the model for the 2010 SARs granted (the simplified method under the ASC Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic was used for the 2010 awards) were as follows: an expected volatility of 69.4%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.6%, a dividend rate of 2.4%, a zero percent forfeiture rate, and expected exercise date of 2016.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Restricted stock units are awarded to participants and include certain restrictions relating to vesting periods. PLC issued 166,850 restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 190,800 restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2012. These awards had a total fair value at grant date of $5.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Approximately half of these restricted stock units vest after three years from grant date and the remainder vest after four years.

 

PLC recognizes all stock-based compensation expense over the related service period of the award, or earlier for retirement eligible employees. The expense recorded by PLC for its stock-based compensation plans was $15.7 million, $10.3 million, and $10.2 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Company recognized expense associated with PLC’s stock-based compensation plans for compensations awarded to its employees of $4.5 million, $3.9 million, and $2.7 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. PLC’s obligations of its stock-based compensation plans that are expected to be settled in shares of PLC’s common stock are reported as a component of shareowners’ equity, net of deferred taxes. As of December 31, 2013, the total compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation not yet recognized was $19.7 million and the weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.9 years.

 

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The following table provides information as of December 31, 2013, about equity compensation plans under which PLC’s common stock is authorized for issuance:

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

remaining available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for future issuance

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

under equity

 

 

 

to be issued upon

 

Weighted-average

 

compensation plans

 

 

 

exercise of

 

exercise price of

 

(excluding securities

 

 

 

outstanding options,

 

outstanding options,

 

reflected in

 

 

 

warrants and rights as

 

warrants and rights as

 

column (a)) as of

 

Plan category

 

of December 31, 2013 (a)

 

of December 31, 2013 (b)

 

of December 31, 2013 (c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareowners

 

2,628,085

(1)

$

22.15

(3)

4,297,959

(4)

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareowners

 

213,900

(2)

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

(5)

Total

 

2,841,985

 

$

22.15

 

4,297,959

 

 


(1)             Includes the following number of shares:  (a) 848,316 shares issuable with respect to outstanding SARs (assuming for this purpose that one share of common stock will be payable with respect to each outstanding SAR); (b) 852,384 shares issuable with respect to outstanding performance share awards (assuming for this purpose that the awards are payable based on estimated performance under the awards as of September 30, 2013); (c) 397,578 shares issuable with respect to outstanding restricted stock units (assuming for this purpose that shares will be payable with respect to all outstanding restricted stock units); (d) 383,641 shares issuable with respect to stock equivalents representing previously earned awards under the LTIP that the recipient deferred under PLC’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers; and (e) 146,166 shares issuable with respect to stock equivalents representing previous awards under PLC’s Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors that the recipient deferred under PLC’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors Who Are Not Employees of PLC.

(2)             Includes the following number of shares of common stock: (a) 174,476 shares issuable with respect to stock equivalents representing (i) stock awards to PLC’s Directors before June 1, 2004 that the recipient deferred pursuant to PLC’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors Who Are Not Employees of PLC and (ii) cash retainers and fees that PLC’s Directors deferred under PLC’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors Who Are Not Employees of PLC, and (b) 39,425 shares issuable with respect to stock equivalents pursuant to PLC’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers.

(3)             Based on exercise prices of outstanding SARs.

(4)             Represents shares of common stock available for future issuance under the LTIP and PLC’s Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

(5)             The plans listed in Note (2) do not currently have limits on the number of shares of common stock issuable under such plans. The total number of shares of common stock that may be issuable under such plans will depend upon, among other factors, the deferral elections made by the plans’ participants.

 

15.                               EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Unfunded Excess Benefit Plan

 

PLC sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. Benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation.

 

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Effective January 1, 2008, PLC made the following changes to its defined benefit pension plan. These changes have been reflected in the computations within this note.

 

·                  Employees hired after December 31, 2007, will receive benefits under a cash balance plan.

 

·                  Employees active on December 31, 2007, with age plus vesting service less than 55 years will receive a final pay-based pension benefit for service through December 31, 2007, plus a cash balance benefit for service after December 31, 2007.

 

·                  Employees active on December 31, 2007, with age plus vesting service equaling or exceeding 55 years, will receive a final pay-based pension benefit for service both before and after December 31, 2007, with a modest reduction in the formula for benefits earned after December 31, 2007.

 

·                  All participants terminating employment on or after December of 2007 may elect to receive a lump sum benefit.

 

PLC’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) plus such additional amounts as PLC may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.

 

Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”), a plan could be subject to certain benefit restrictions if the plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) drops below 80%. Therefore, PLC may make additional contributions in future periods to maintain an AFTAP of at least 80%. In general, the AFTAP is a measure of how well the plan is funded and is obtained by dividing the plan’s assets by the plan’s funding liabilities. AFTAP is based on participant data, plan provisions, plan methods and assumptions, funding credit balances, and plan assets as of the plan valuation date.  Some of the assumptions and methods used to determine the plan’s AFTAP may be different from the assumptions and methods used to measure the plan’s funded status on a GAAP basis.

 

In July of 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (“MAP-21”), which includes pension funding stabilization provisions, was signed into law. These provisions establish an interest rate corridor which is designed to stabilize the segment rates used to determine funding requirements from the effects of interest rate volatility. The funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 reduced our minimum required defined benefit plan contributions for the 2012 and 2013 plan years.  Since the funding stabilization provisions of MAP-21 do not apply for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) reporting purposes, PLC may also make additional contributions in future periods to avoid certain PBGC reporting triggers.

 

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, PLC contributed $2.0 million to its defined benefit pension plan for the 2012 plan year and $6.9 million to its defined benefit pension plan for the 2013 plan year. In addition, during January of 2014, PLC made a $2.3 million contribution to the defined benefit pension plan for the 2013 plan year. PLC has not yet determined what amount it will fund for the remainder of 2014, but estimates that the amount will be between $10 million and $20 million.

 

PLC also sponsors an unfunded excess benefit plan, which is a nonqualified plan that provides defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed on qualified plans by federal tax law.

 

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PLC uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans. The following table presents the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of PLC’s defined benefit pension plan and unfunded excess benefit plan as of December 31. This table also includes the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic pension costs as of December 31:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Unfunded Excess

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plan

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year

 

$

207,999

 

$

210,319

 

$

36,306

 

$

39,828

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

223,319

 

$

199,162

 

$

42,971

 

$

36,256

 

Service cost

 

9,345

 

9,145

 

1,037

 

867

 

Interest cost

 

8,985

 

8,977

 

1,387

 

1,473

 

Actuarial (gain) or loss

 

(8,172

)

15,286

 

(1,505

)

6,946

 

Benefits paid

 

(14,325

)

(9,251

)

(4,211

)

(2,571

)

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

 

219,152

 

223,319

 

39,679

 

42,971

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

152,187

 

125,058

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

33,368

 

15,202

 

 

 

Employer contributions(1)

 

8,943

 

21,178

 

4,211

 

2,571

 

Benefits paid

 

(14,325

)

(9,251

)

(4,211

)

(2,571

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

180,173

 

152,187

 

 

 

After reflecting FASB guidance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

(38,979

)

(71,132

)

(39,679

)

(42,971

)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

(38,979

)

(71,132

)

(39,679

)

(42,971

)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial loss

 

54,897

 

95,055

 

13,346

 

17,571

 

Prior service cost/(credit)

 

(1,425

)

(1,816

)

36

 

48

 

Total

 

$

53,472

 

$

93,239

 

$

13,382

 

$

17,619

 

 


(1) Employer contributions disclosed are based on PLC’s fiscal filing year

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Unfunded Excess

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plan

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2013

 

2012

 

Discount rate

 

4.86

%

4.07

%

4.30

%

3.37

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.0

 

3.0

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

Expected long-term return on plan assets

 

7.5

 

7.5

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

The assumed discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations were based on an analysis of future benefits expected to be paid under the plans. The assumed discount rate reflects the interest rate at which an amount that is invested in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments on the measurement date would provide the future cash flows necessary to pay benefits when they come due.

 

To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption, PLC obtained 25 year annualized returns for each of the represented asset classes. In addition, PLC received evaluations of market performance based on PLC’s asset allocation as provided by external consultants. A combination of these statistical analytics provided results that PLC utilized to determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption.

 

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Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Unfunded Excess Benefits Plan

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

Discount rate

 

4.07

%

4.62

%

5.30

%

3.37

%

4.07

%

4.79

%

Rates of compensation increase

 

3.0

 

2.5 - 3.0

 

2.5 - 3.0

 

4.0

 

3.5 - 4.0

 

3.5 - 4.0

 

Expected long-term return on plan assets

 

7.5

 

7.75

 

7.75

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Components of the net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Unfunded Excess Benefits Plan

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Service cost — benefits earned during the period

 

$

9,345

 

$

9,145

 

$

8,682

 

$

1,037

 

$

867

 

$

679

 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 

8,985

 

8,977

 

8,938

 

1,387

 

1,473

 

1,506

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(11,013

)

(10,916

)

(10,021

)

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)

 

(392

)

(392

)

(392

)

12

 

12

 

12

 

Amortization of actuarial losses(1)

 

9,631

 

7,749

 

5,625

 

1,792

 

1,300

 

881

 

Preliminary net periodic benefit cost

 

16,556

 

14,563

 

12,832

 

4,228

 

3,652

 

3,078

 

Settlement/curtailment expense(2)

 

 

 

 

928

 

 

 

Total net periodic benefit cost

 

$

16,556

 

$

14,563

 

$

12,832

 

$

5,156

 

$

3,652

 

$

3,078

 

 


(1)2013 average remaining service period used is 8.19 years and 7.45 years for the defined benefit pension plan and unfunded excess benefit plan, respectively.

(2)The excess pension plan triggered settlement accounting for the year ended December 31, 2013 since the total lump sum payments exceeded the settlement threshold of service cost plus interest cost.

 

The estimated net actuarial loss, prior service cost/(credit), and transition obligation for these plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during 2014 is as follows:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Unfunded Excess

 

 

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefits Plan

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Net actuarial loss

 

$

6,300

 

$

1,300

 

Prior service cost/(credit)

 

(392

)

12

 

Transition obligation

 

 

 

 

The amortization of any prior service cost is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the Plan.

 

Allocation of plan assets of the defined benefit pension plan by category as of December 31 are as follows:

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation for

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Category

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

2.0

%

2.0

%

4.0

%

Equity securities

 

60.0

 

64.0

 

60.0

 

Fixed income

 

38.0

 

34.0

 

36.0

 

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

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PLC’s target asset allocation is designed to provide an acceptable level of risk and balance between equity assets and fixed income assets. The weighting towards equity securities is designed to help provide for an increased level of asset growth potential and liquidity.

 

Prior to July 1999, upon an employee’s retirement, a distribution from pension plan assets was used to purchase a single premium annuity from the Company in the retiree’s name. Therefore, amounts shown above as plan assets exclude assets relating to such retirees. Since July 1999, retiree obligations have been fulfilled from pension plan assets. The defined benefit pension plan has a target asset allocation of 60% domestic equities, 38% fixed income, and 2% cash. When calculating asset allocation, PLC includes reserves for pre-July 1999 retirees.

 

PLC’s investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants. The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the policy are target allocation ranges (shown above) by major asset categories. The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.

 

The plan’s equity assets are in a Russell 3000 index fund that invests in a domestic equity index collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation and in a Spartan 500 index fund managed by Fidelity. The plan’s cash is invested in a collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation. The plan’s fixed income assets are invested in a group deposit administration annuity contract with the Company.

 

Plan assets of the defined benefit pension plan by category as of December 31, are as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Asset Category

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Cash

 

$

3,052

 

$

6,222

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Collective Russell 3000 Equity Index Fund

 

74,753

 

61,451

 

Fidelity Spartan 500 Equity Index Fund

 

45,632

 

34,482

 

Fixed income

 

56,736

 

50,032

 

Total investments

 

180,173

 

152,187

 

Employer contribution receivable

 

2,314

 

 

Total

 

$

182,487

 

$

152,187

 

 

The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. The Plan’s group deposit administration annuity contract with PLC is recorded at contract value, which, by utilizing a long-term view, PLC believes approximates fair value. Contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest at the contract rate, less funds used to purchase annuities. Units in collective short-term and collective investment funds are valued at the unit value, which approximates fair value, as reported by the trustee of the collective short-term and collective investment funds on each valuation date. These methods of valuation may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while PLC believes its valuation method is appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

 

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The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Collective short-term investment fund

 

$

3,052

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,052

 

Collective investment funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity index funds

 

45,632

 

74,753

 

 

120,385

 

Group deposit administration annuity contract

 

 

 

56,736

 

56,736

 

Total investments

 

$

48,684

 

$

74,753

 

$

56,736

 

$

180,173

 

 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Collective short-term investment fund

 

$

6,222

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,222

 

Collective investment funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity index funds

 

34,482

 

61,451

 

 

95,933

 

Group deposit administration annuity contract

 

 

 

50,032

 

50,032

 

Total investments

 

$

40,704

 

$

61,451

 

$

50,032

 

$

152,187

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, $4.0 million was transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. For the year ended December 31, 2012, $6.0 million was transferred into Level 3 from Level 2. These transfers were made to maintain an acceptable asset allocation as set by the PLC’s investment policy.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

 

The following table summarizes the Plan investments measured at fair value based on NAV per share as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

Unfunded

 

Redemption

 

Redemption

 

Name

 

Fair Value

 

Commitments

 

Frequency

 

Notice Period

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective short-term investment fund

 

$

3,052

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

Collective Russell 3000 index fund(1)

 

74,753

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

Fidelity Spartan 500 index fund

 

45,632

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective short-term investment fund

 

$

6,222

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

Collective Russell 3000 index fund(1)

 

61,451

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

Fidelity Spartan 500 index fund

 

34,482

 

Not Applicable

 

Daily

 

1 day

 

 


(1) Non-lending collective trust that doesn not publish a daily NAV but tracks the Russell 3000 index and provides a daily NAV to the Plan.

 

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the fair value measurements for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) have been used is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$

50,032

 

$

41,527

 

Interest income

 

2,704

 

2,505

 

Transfers from collective short-term investments fund

 

4,000

 

6,000

 

Transfers to collective short-term investments fund

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

 

$

56,736

 

$

50,032

 

 

The following table represents the Plan’s Level 3 financial instrument, the valuation technique used, and the significant unobservable input and the ranges of values for that input as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

Significant

 

Range of

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Significant Input

 

Instrument

 

Fair Value

 

Technique

 

Inputs

 

Values

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group deposit administration annuity contract

 

$

56,736

 

Contract Value

 

Contract Rate

 

5.32% - 5.42%

 

 

Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect the amounts reported.

 

Estimated future benefit payments under the defined benefit pension plan are as follows:

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Unfunded Excess

 

Years

 

Pension Plan

 

Benefits Plan

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014

 

$

12,621

 

$

3,817

 

2015

 

13,284

 

4,077

 

2016

 

13,688

 

4,007

 

2017

 

14,571

 

3,887

 

2018

 

15,431

 

3,845

 

2019-2023

 

84,854

 

16,936

 

 

Other Postretirement Benefits

 

In addition to pension benefits, PLC provides limited healthcare benefits to eligible retired employees until age 65. This postretirement benefit is provided by an unfunded plan. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation associated with these benefits was $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

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The change in the benefit obligation for the retiree medical plan is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Change in Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

 

$

788

 

$

949

 

Service cost

 

4

 

6

 

Interest cost

 

5

 

17

 

Amendments

 

 

 

Actuarial (gain) or loss

 

29

 

(144

)

Plan participant contributions

 

289

 

293

 

Benefits paid

 

(668

)

(333

)

Special termination benefits

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, end of year

 

$

447

 

$

788

 

 

For the retiree medical plan, PLC’s discount rate assumption used to determine benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2013, is 1.26% and 1.09%, respectively.

 

For a closed group of retirees over age 65, PLC provides a prescription drug benefit. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, PLC’s liability related to this benefit was less than $0.1 million. PLC’s obligation is not materially affected by a 1% change in the healthcare cost trend assumptions used in the calculation of the obligation.

 

PLC also offers life insurance benefits for retirees from $10,000 up to a maximum of $75,000 which are provided through the payment of premiums under a group life insurance policy. This plan is partially funded at a maximum of $50,000 face amount of insurance. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation associated with these benefits is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Change in Benefit Obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

 

$

10,070

 

$

8,951

 

Service cost

 

144

 

123

 

Interest cost

 

405

 

412

 

Amendments

 

 

 

Actuarial (gain) or loss

 

(1,620

)

895

 

Plan participant contributions

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(346

)

(311

)

Special termination benefits

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, end of year

 

$

8,653

 

$

10,070

 

 

For the postretirement life insurance plan, PLC’s discount rate assumption used to determine benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2013, is 5.05% and 4.10%, respectively.

 

PLC’s expected long-term rate of return assumption used to determine benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2013, is 3.13% and 3.26%, respectively. To determine an appropriate long-term rate of return assumption, PLC utilized 20 year average and annualized return results on the Barclay’s short treasury index.

 

Investments of PLC’s group life insurance plan are held by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Plan assets held by the Custodian are invested in a money market fund.

 

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The fair value of each major category of plan assets for PLC’s postretirement life insurance plan is as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

Category of Investment

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Money market fund

 

$

6,156

 

$

6,174

 

$

6,193

 

 

Investments are stated at fair value and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The money market funds are valued based on historical cost, which represents fair value, at year end. This method of valuation may produce a fair value calculation that may not be reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while PLC believes its valuation method is appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Money market fund

 

$

6,156

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,156

 

 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Money market fund

 

$

6,174

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,174

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers between levels.

 

Investments are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with investments and the level of uncertainty related to credit risks, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risk in the near term could materially affect the amounts reported.

 

401(k) Plan

 

PLC sponsors a 401(k) Plan which covers substantially all employees. Employee contributions are made on a before-tax basis as provided by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or as after-tax “Roth” contributions. Employees may contribute up to 25% of their eligible annual compensation to the 401(k) Plan, limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service ($17,500 for 2013). The Plan also provides a “catch-up” contribution provision which permits eligible participants (age 50 or over at the end of the calendar year), to make additional contributions that exceed the regular annual contribution limits up to a limit periodically set by the Internal Revenue Service ($5,500 for 2013). PLC matches the sum of all employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum of 4% of an employee’s pay per year per person. All matching contributions vest immediately.

 

Prior to 2009, employee contributions to PLC’s 401(k) Plan were matched through use of an ESOP established by PLC. Beginning in 2009, PLC adopted a cash match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan. For the year ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, PLC recorded an expense of $6.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

 

Effective as of January 1, 2005, PLC adopted a supplemental matching contribution program, which is a nonqualified plan that provides supplemental matching contributions in excess of the limits imposed on qualified defined contribution plans by federal tax law. The first allocations under this program were made in early 2006, with

 

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respect to the 2005 plan year. The expense recorded by PLC for this employee benefit was $0.5 million, $0.4 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, in 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

 

PLC has established deferred compensation plans for directors, officers, and others. Compensation deferred is credited to the participants in cash, mutual funds, common stock equivalents, or a combination thereof. PLC may, from time to time, reissue treasury shares or buy in the open market shares of common stock to fulfill its obligation under the plans. As of December 31, 2013, the plans had 971,512 common stock equivalents credited to participants. PLC’s obligations related to its deferred compensation plans are reported in other liabilities, unless they are to be settled in shares of its common stock, in which case they are reported as a component of shareowners’ equity.

 

16.          ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) as of December 31, 2013.

 

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Accumulated

 

Other

 

 

 

Gains and Losses

 

Gain and Loss

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

on Investments(2)

 

Derivatives

 

Income (Loss)

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands, Net of Tax)

 

Beginning Balance, December 31, 2012

 

$

1,814,620

 

$

(3,496

)

$

1,811,124

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

(1,250,416

)

734

 

(1,249,682

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) relating to other- than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings

 

4,591

 

 

4,591

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1)

 

(28,594

)

1,527

 

(27,067

)

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,274,419

)

2,261

 

(1,272,158

)

Ending Balance, December 31, 2013

 

$

540,201

 

$

(1,235

)

$

538,966

 

 


(1)   See Reclassification table below for details.

(2)   These balances were offset by the impact of DAC and VOBA by $198.1 million and $204.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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The following table summarizes the reclassifications amounts out of AOCI for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassified

 

 

 

 

 

from Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive

 

Affected Line Item in the Consolidated

 

 

 

Income (Loss)

 

Statements of Income

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Gains and losses on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

Net settlement (expense)/benefit- (1)

 

$

(2,349

)

Benefits and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance ceded

 

 

 

(2,349

)

Total before tax

 

 

 

822

 

Tax (expense) or benefit

 

 

 

$

(1,527

)

Net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains/losses

 

$

66,437

 

Realized investment gains (losses): All other investments

 

Impairments recognized in earnings

 

(22,447

)

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 

 

43,990

 

Total before tax

 

 

 

(15,396

)

Tax (expense) or benefit

 

 

 

$

28,594

 

Net of tax

 

 


(1) See Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

 

17.                               INCOME TAXES

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate related to continuing operations varied from the maximum federal income tax rate as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State income taxes

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Investment income not subject to tax

 

(4.4

)

(3.1

)

(2.2

)

Uncertain tax positions

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

(0.1

)

Other

 

(0.1

)

0.4

 

(1.2

)

 

 

31.0

%

32.9

%

31.9

%

 

The annual provision for federal income tax in these financial statements differs from the annual amounts of income tax expense reported in the respective income tax returns. Certain significant revenues and expenses are appropriately reported in different years with respect to the financial statements and the tax returns.

 

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The components of the Company’s income tax are as follows:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Current income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(18,076

)

$

78,510

 

$

(4,609

)

State

 

(222

)

2,496

 

33

 

Total current

 

$

(18,298

)

$

81,006

 

$

(4,576

)

Deferred income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

149,288

 

$

66,375

 

$

153,412

 

State

 

(93

)

3,662

 

2,683

 

Total deferred

 

$

149,195

 

$

70,037

 

$

156,095

 

 

The components of the Company’s net deferred income tax liability are as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Premium receivables and policy liabilities

 

$

185,073

 

$

51,276

 

Intercompany losses

 

85,134

 

45,079

 

Deferred compensation

 

105,744

 

3,750

 

Other

 

22,854

 

26,604

 

Valuation allowance

 

(1,200

)

(2,552

)

 

 

397,605

 

124,157

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

983,254

 

911,858

 

Invested assets (other than realized gains)

 

184,935

 

20,936

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

290,062

 

975,076

 

 

 

1,458,251

 

1,907,870

 

Net deferred income tax (liability) asset

 

$

(1,060,646

)

$

(1,783,713

)

 

The Company’s income tax returns, except for MONY which files separately, are included in PLC’s consolidated U.S. income tax returns.

 

The deferred tax assets reported above include certain deferred tax assets related to nonqualified deferred compensation and other employee benefit liabilities. These liabilities were assumed by AXA; they were not acquired by the Company in connection with the acquisition of MONY discussed in Note 3, Significant Acquisitions. The future tax deductions stemming from these liabilities will be claimed by the Company on MONY’s tax returns in its post-acquisition periods. These deferred tax assets have been estimated as of the Acquisition date (and through the December 31, 2013 reporting date) based on all available information. However, it is possible that these estimates may be adjusted in future reporting periods based on actuarial changes to the projected future payments associated with these liabilities. Any such adjustments will be recognized by the Company as an adjustment to income tax expense during the period in which they are realized.

 

In management’s judgment, the gross deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2013, will more likely than not be fully realized. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance of $1.2 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to state-based loss carryforwards that it has determined are more likely than not to expire unutilized. This resulting favorable change of $1.4 million, before federal income taxes, decreased state income tax expense in 2013 by the same amount. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no valuation

 

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allowances were established with regard to deferred tax assets relating to impairments on fixed maturities, capital or operating loss carryforwards, and unrealized losses on investments. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had U.S. life subgroup operating loss carryforwards of $171.3 million which will expire if not used by PLC in the consolidated U.S. income tax return by 2028. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company relied upon a prudent and feasible tax-planning strategy regarding its fixed maturities that were reported at an unrealized loss.  The Company has the ability and the intent to either hold such bonds to maturity, thereby avoiding a realized loss, or to generate a realized gain from unrealized gain bonds if such unrealized loss bond is sold at a loss prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a net unrealized gain on its fixed maturities.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

74,335

 

$

4,318

 

Additions for tax positions of the current year

 

7,464

 

9,465

 

Additions for tax positions of prior years

 

6,787

 

64,050

 

Reductions of tax positions of prior years:

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in judgment

 

(2,740

)

(3,498

)

Settlements during the period

 

 

 

Lapses of applicable statute of limitations

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

85,846

 

$

74,335

 

 

Included in the balance above, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, are approximately $78.5 million and $67.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective income tax rate but would accelerate to an earlier period the payment of cash to the taxing authority. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, that would affect the effective income tax rate is approximately $7.4 million and $6.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and as of December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

Any accrued interest related to the unrecognized tax benefits have been included in income tax expense. There were no amounts included in 2013 or 2012 and a $1.4 million benefit in 2011. The Company has no accrued interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (before taking into consideration the related income tax benefit that is associated with such an expense).

 

During 2012, an IRS audit concluded in which the IRS proposed favorable and unfavorable adjustments to the Company’s 2003 through 2007 reported taxable incomes. The Company protested certain unfavorable adjustments and sought resolution at the IRS’ Appeals Division. In January 2014, the Appeals Division followed its normal procedure and sent the Company’s case to Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation for review. Although it cannot be certain, the Company believes this review process may conclude within the next 12 months. If this is the case, approximately $7.5 million of these unrecognized tax benefits on the above chart will be reduced. This reduction could occur because of the Company’s successful negotiation of certain issues at Appeals coupled with its unsuccessful negotiation on others. This possible scenario includes an assumption that the Company would pay the IRS-asserted deficiencies on issues that it loses at Appeals rather than litigating such issues. If the IRS prevails at Appeals and the Company does not litigate these issues, the tax payments that would occur as a result would not materially impact the Company or its effective tax rate.

 

During the 12 months ending December 31, 2013, the Company’s uncertain tax position liability decreased $2.7 million primarily due to the interaction of various taxable income dividends received deduction limitations and the taxable income impacts of other uncertain tax positions. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s uncertain tax position liability decreased $3.5 million as a result of new technical guidance and other developments which led the Company to conclude that the full amount of the associated tax benefit was more than 50% likely to be realized.

 

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In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for tax years that began before 2003.

 

18.                               SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Cash paid / (received) during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

110,301

 

$

92,175

 

$

89,657

 

Income taxes

 

(54,370

)

77,665

 

25,129

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in collateral for securities lending transactions

 

 

 

(96,653

)

 

19.          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company leases furnished office space and computers to affiliates. Lease revenues were $4.9 million, $4.7 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Company purchases data processing, legal, investment, and management services from affiliates. The costs of such services were $170.9 million, $154.7 million, and $143.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  In addition, the Company has an intercompany payable with affiliates as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 of $27.6 million and $10.3 million, respectively. There was no intercompany receivable with affiliates balance as of December 31, 2013 and a $6.0 million balance as of December 31, 2012.

 

Certain corporations with which PLC’s directors were affiliated paid us premiums and policy fees or other amounts for various types of insurance and investment products, interest on bonds we own and commissions on securities underwritings in which our affiliates participated. Such amounts totaled $40.0 million, $59.1 million, and $51.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Company and/or PLC paid commissions, interest on debt and investment products, and fees to these same corporations totaling $16.4 million, $13.0 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

 

PLC has guaranteed the Company’s obligations for borrowings or letters of credit under the revolving line of credit arrangement to which PLC is also a party. PLC has also issued guarantees, entered into support agreements and/or assumed a duty to indemnify its indirect wholly owned captive insurance companies in certain respects. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, PLC is the sole holder of the $800 million balance of outstanding surplus notes issued by one such wholly owned captive insurance company, Golden Gate.

 

As of February 1, 2000, PLC guaranteed the obligations of the Company under a synthetic lease entered into by the Company, as lessee, with a non-affiliated third party, as lessor. Under the terms of the synthetic lease, financing of $75 million was available to the Company for construction of a new office building and parking deck. The synthetic lease was amended and restated as of January 11, 2007, and again on December 19, 2013, wherein as of December 31, 2013, PLC continues to guarantee the obligations of the Company thereunder.

 

The Company has agreements with certain of its subsidiaries under which it provides administrative services for a fee.  These services include but are not limited to accounting, financial reporting, compliance, policy administration, reserve computations, and projections. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries pay PLC for investment, legal and data processing services.

 

The Company and/or certain of its affiliates have reinsurance agreements in place with companies owned by PLC. These agreements relate to certain portions of our service contract business which is included within the Asset Protection segment. These transactions are eliminated at the PLC consolidated level.

 

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In an effort to mitigate the equity market risks discussed above relative to our RBC ratio, in the fourth quarter of 2012, PLC established an indirect wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Shades Creek Captive Insurance Company (“Shades Creek”) to which we have reinsured GMWB and GMDB riders related to our variable annuity contracts. The purpose of Shades Creek is to reduce the volatility in RBC due to non-economic variables included within the RBC calculation. Also during 2012, PLC entered into an intercompany capital support agreement with Shades Creek which provides through a guarantee that PLC will contribute assets or purchase surplus notes (or cause an affiliate or third party to contribute assets or purchase surplus notes) in amounts necessary for Shades Creek’s regulatory capital levels to equal or exceed minimum thresholds as defined by the agreement.  As of April 1, 2013, Shades Creek became a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of PLC.  As of December 31, 2013, Shades Creek maintained capital levels in excess of the required minimum thresholds.  The maximum potential future payment amount which could be required under the capital support agreement will be dependent on numerous factors, including the performance of equity markets, the level of interest rates, performance of associated hedges, and related policyholder behavior.

 

As of December 31, 2012, Shades Creek was a direct wholly owned insurance subsidiary of the Company. On April 1, 2013, the Company paid to its parent, PLC, a dividend that consisted of all outstanding stock of Shades Creek. The Company will continue to reinsure guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) riders to Shades Creek, which include a funds withheld account that is considered a derivative. For more information related to the derivative, refer to Note 21, Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments. For cash flow purposes, portions of the dividend were treated as non-cash transactions.

 

The following balances from Shades Creek’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2013, with the exception of cash, were excluded from the Company’s cash flow statement for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Other long-term investments

 

$

34,093

 

Short-term investments

 

745

 

Total investments

 

34,838

 

Cash

 

44,963

 

Accounts and premiums receivable

 

16,036

 

Deferred policy acquisition cost

 

123,847

 

Other assets

 

48,953

 

Total assets

 

$

268,637

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Future policy benefits and claims

 

$

1,626

 

Other liabilities

 

178,321

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,459

 

Total liabilities

 

182,406

 

Total equity

 

86,231

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

268,637

 

 

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20.                               STATUTORY REPORTING PRACTICES AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory financial statements for regulatory purposes in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the NAIC and the applicable state insurance department laws and regulations. These financial statements vary materially from GAAP. Statutory accounting practices include publications of the NAIC, state laws, regulations, general administrative rules as well as certain permitted accounting practices granted by the respective state insurance department. Generally, the most significant differences are that statutory financial statements do not reflect 1) deferred acquisition costs, 2) benefit liabilities that are calculated using Company estimates of expected mortality, interest, and withdrawals, 3) deferred income taxes that are not subject to statutory limits, 4) recognition of realized gains and losses on the sale of securities in the period they are sold, and 5) fixed maturities recorded at fair values, but instead at amortized cost.

 

Statutory net income for the Company was $165.5 million, $376.3 million, and $259.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus for the Company was $2.9 billion and $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to the Company. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to the Company from our insurance subsidiaries, and which would consequently be free from restriction and available for the payment of dividends to the Company’s shareowners in 2014 is estimated to be $117.8 million. This results in approximately $2.5 billion of the Company’s net assets being restricted from transfer to PLC without prior approval from the respective state insurance department. Additionally, as of December 31, 2013, approximately $494.6 million of consolidated shareowners’ equity, excluding net unrealized gains on investments, represented net assets of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries needed to maintain the minimum capital required by the insurance subsidiaries’ respective state insurance departments.

 

State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) have adopted risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks. The requirements provide a means of measuring the minimum amount of statutory surplus appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations based on its size and risk profile.

 

A company’s risk-based statutory surplus is calculated by applying factors and performing calculations relating to various asset, premium, claim, expense and reserve items. Regulators can then measure the adequacy of a company’s statutory surplus by comparing it to the RBC. Under specific RBC requirements, regulatory compliance is determined by the ratio of a company’s total adjusted capital, as defined by the insurance regulators, to its company action level of RBC (known as the RBC ratio), also as defined by insurance regulators. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s total adjusted capital and company action level RBC was $3.2 billion and $714.8 million, respectively, providing an RBC ratio of approximately 446%.

 

Additionally, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries have certain assets that are on deposit with state regulatory authorities and restricted from use. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s and its insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with regulatory authorities, fixed maturity and short-term investments with a fair value of approximately $47.4 million.

 

The states of domicile of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries have adopted prescribed accounting practices that differ from the required accounting outlined in NAIC Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”). The insurance subsidiaries also have certain accounting practices permitted by the states of domicile that differ from those found in NAIC SAP.

 

Certain prescribed and permitted practices impact the statutory surplus of the Company. These practices include the non-admission of goodwill as an asset for statutory reporting and the reporting of Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) separate account amounts at book value rather than at fair value.

 

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The favorable (unfavorable) effects of the Company’s statutory surplus, compared to NAIC statutory surplus, from the use of these prescribed and permitted practices were as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Non-admission of goodwill

 

$

(311

)

$

 

Report BOLI Separate Accounts at Book Value

 

 

(1

)

Reserving difference related to a captive insurance company

 

 

(49

)

Total (net)

 

$

(311

)

$

(50

)

 

The Company also has certain prescribed and permitted practices which are applied at the subsidiary level and do not have a direct impact on the statutory surplus of the Company. These practices include permission to follow the actuarial guidelines of the domiciliary state of the ceding insurer for certain captive reinsurers, accounting for the face amount of all issued and outstanding letters of credit, and a note issued by an affiliate as an asset in the statutory financial statements of certain wholly owned subsidiaries that are considered “Special Purpose Financial Captives”.

 

The favorable (unfavorable) effects on the statutory surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, compared to NAIC statutory surplus, from the use of these prescribed and permitted practices were as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Millions)

 

Accounting for Letters of Credit as admitted assets

 

$

1,415

 

$

1,205

 

Accounting for Red Mountain Note as admitted asset

 

$

365

 

$

300

 

Reserving based on state specific actuarial practices

 

$

105

 

$

95

 

 

21.                               FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company determined the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in FASB guidance referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company has adopted the provisions from the FASB guidance that is referenced in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic for non-financial assets and liabilities (such as property and equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets) that are required to be measured at fair value on a periodic basis. The effect on the Company’s periodic fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities was not material.

 

The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized as follows:

 

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

 

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·                  Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

a)                                     Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets

b)                                     Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets

c)                                      Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable

d)                                     Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means.

 

·                  Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

 

$

1,445,040

 

$

28

 

$

1,445,068

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

970,656

 

 

970,656

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

326,175

 

545,808

 

871,983

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

1,211,141

 

296,749

 

 

1,507,890

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

1,407,154

 

3,675

 

1,410,829

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

51,427

 

 

51,427

 

Corporate bonds

 

107

 

24,191,367

 

1,549,940

 

25,741,414

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

1,211,248

 

28,688,568

 

2,099,451

 

31,999,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

310,877

 

 

310,877

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

158,570

 

 

158,570

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

93,278

 

194,977

 

288,255

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

191,332

 

4,906

 

 

196,238

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

260,892

 

 

260,892

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

57,097

 

 

57,097

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,497,362

 

29,199

 

1,526,561

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

191,332

 

2,382,982

 

224,176

 

2,798,490

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,402,580

 

31,071,550

 

2,323,627

 

34,797,757

 

Equity securities

 

483,482

 

50,927

 

67,979

 

602,388

 

Other long-term investments (1)

 

56,469

 

54,965

 

98,886

 

210,320

 

Short-term investments

 

131,421

 

1,603

 

 

133,024

 

Total investments

 

2,073,952

 

31,179,045

 

2,490,492

 

35,743,489

 

Cash

 

345,579

 

 

 

345,579

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

12,791,438

 

 

 

12,791,438

 

Variable universal life

 

783,618

 

 

 

783,618

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

15,994,587

 

$

31,179,045

 

$

2,490,492

 

$

49,664,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

 

$

 

$

107,000

 

$

107,000

 

Other liabilities (1)

 

30,241

 

191,182

 

233,738

 

455,161

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

30,241

 

$

191,182

 

$

340,738

 

$

562,161

 

 


(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

 

$

1,839,326

 

$

4

 

$

1,839,330

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

869,823

 

 

869,823

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

378,870

 

596,143

 

975,013

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

909,988

 

258,458

 

 

1,168,446

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

1,439,378

 

4,275

 

1,443,653

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

80,767

 

20,011

 

100,778

 

Corporate bonds

 

207

 

20,197,528

 

167,892

 

20,365,627

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

910,195

 

25,064,150

 

788,325

 

26,762,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

357,803

 

 

357,803

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

171,073

 

 

171,073

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

 

87,395

 

70,535

 

157,930

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

304,704

 

1,169

 

 

305,873

 

State, municipalities, and political subdivisions

 

 

278,898

 

 

278,898

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

63,444

 

 

63,444

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,672,172

 

115

 

1,672,287

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

304,704

 

2,631,954

 

70,650

 

3,007,308

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

1,214,899

 

27,696,104

 

858,975

 

29,769,978

 

Equity securities

 

273,072

 

35,116

 

65,527

 

373,715

 

Other long-term investments (1)

 

23,639

 

58,134

 

48,655

 

130,428

 

Short-term investments

 

214,295

 

2,492

 

 

216,787

 

Total investments

 

1,725,905

 

27,791,846

 

973,157

 

30,490,908

 

Cash

 

269,582

 

 

 

269,582

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable annuity

 

9,601,417

 

 

 

9,601,417

 

Variable universal life

 

562,817

 

 

 

562,817

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

12,159,721

 

$

27,791,846

 

$

973,157

 

$

40,924,724

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances (2)

 

$

 

$

 

$

129,468

 

$

129,468

 

Other liabilities (1)

 

19,187

 

27,250

 

611,437

 

657,874

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

19,187

 

$

27,250

 

$

740,905

 

$

787,342

 

 


(1)Includes certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

Determination of Fair Values

 

The valuation methodologies used to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities reflect market participant assumptions and are based on the application of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable market inputs over unobservable inputs. The Company determines the fair values of certain financial assets and financial liabilities based on quoted market prices, where available. The Company also determines certain fair values based on future cash flows discounted at the appropriate current market rate. Fair values reflect adjustments for counterparty credit quality, the Company’s credit standing, liquidity, and where appropriate, risk margins on unobservable parameters. The following is a discussion of the methodologies used to determine fair values for the financial instruments as listed in the above table.

 

The fair value of fixed maturity, short-term, and equity securities is determined by management after considering one of three primary sources of information: third party pricing services, non-binding independent broker quotations, or pricing matrices. Security pricing is applied using a ‘‘waterfall’’ approach whereby publicly available

 

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prices are first sought from third party pricing services, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers for non-binding prices, or lastly, securities are priced using a pricing matrix. Typical inputs used by these three pricing methods include, but are not limited to: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Third party pricing services price approximately 90% of the Company’s available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for available-for-sale and trading fixed maturities, third party pricing services derive the majority of security prices from observable market inputs such as recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information outlined above. If there are no recent reported trades, the third party pricing services and brokers may use matrix or model processes to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Certain securities are priced via independent non-binding broker quotations, which are considered to have no significant unobservable inputs. When using non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company obtains one quote per security, typically from the broker from which we purchased the security. A pricing matrix is used to price securities for which the Company is unable to obtain or effectively rely on either a price from a third party pricing service or an independent broker quotation.

 

The pricing matrix used by the Company begins with current spread levels to determine the market price for the security. The credit spreads, assigned by brokers, incorporate the issuer’s credit rating, liquidity discounts, weighted-average of contracted cash flows, risk premium, if warranted, due to the issuer’s industry, and the security’s time to maturity. The Company uses credit ratings provided by nationally recognized rating agencies.

 

For securities that are priced via non-binding independent broker quotations, the Company assesses whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through an analysis using internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads and, when available, market indices. The Company uses a market-based cash flow analysis to validate the reasonableness of prices received from independent brokers. These analytics, which are updated daily, incorporate various metrics (yield curves, credit spreads, prepayment rates, etc.) to determine the valuation of such holdings. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the analytics, the price received from the independent broker is adjusted accordingly. The Company did not adjust any quotes or prices received from brokers during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The Company has analyzed the third party pricing services’ valuation methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs that is in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price was classified to Level 1, 2, or 3. Most prices provided by third party pricing services are classified into Level 2 because the significant inputs used in pricing the securities are market observable and the observable inputs are corroborated by the Company. Since the matrix pricing of certain debt securities includes significant non-observable inputs, they are classified as Level 3.

 

Asset-Backed Securities

 

This category mainly consists of residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities (collectively referred to as asset-backed securities or “ABS”). As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $3.3 billion of ABS classified as Level 2. These securities are priced from information provided by a third party pricing service and independent broker quotes. The third party pricing services and brokers mainly value securities using both a market and income approach to valuation. As part of this valuation process they consider the following characteristics of the item being measured to be relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, and 7) credit ratings of the securities.

 

After reviewing these characteristics of the ABS, the third party pricing service and brokers use certain inputs to determine the value of the security. For ABS classified as Level 2, the valuation would consist of predominantly market observable inputs such as, but not limited to: 1) monthly principal and interest payments on the underlying

 

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assets, 2) average life of the security, 3) prepayment speeds, 4) credit spreads, 5) treasury and swap yield curves, and 6) discount margin. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $740.8 million of Level 3 ABS, which included $545.8 million of other asset-backed securities classified as available-for-sale and $195.0 million of other asset-backed securities classified trading. These securities are predominantly ARS whose underlying collateral is at least 97% guaranteed by the FFELP. As a result of the ARS market collapse during 2008, the Company prices its ARS using an income approach valuation model. As part of the valuation process the Company reviews the following characteristics of the ARS in determining the relevant inputs: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) types of underlying assets, 4) weighted-average coupon rate of the underlying assets, 5) weighted-average years to maturity of the underlying assets, 6) seniority level of the tranches owned, 7) credit ratings of the securities, 8) liquidity premium, and 9) paydown rate.

 

Corporate Bonds, U.S. Government-Related Securities, States, Municipals, and Political Subdivisions, and Other Government Related Securities

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company classified approximately $27.8 billion of corporate bonds, U.S. government-related securities, states, municipals, and political subdivisions, and other government-related securities as Level 2. The fair value of the Level 2 bonds and securities is predominantly priced by broker quotes and a third party pricing service. The Company has reviewed the valuation techniques of the brokers and third party pricing service and has determined that such techniques used Level 2 market observable inputs. The following characteristics of the bonds and securities are considered to be the primary relevant inputs to the valuation: 1) weighted-average coupon rate, 2) weighted-average years to maturity, 3) seniority, and 4) credit ratings. The Company reviews the methodologies and valuation techniques (including the ability to observe inputs) in assessing the information received from external pricing services and in consideration of the fair value presentation.

 

The brokers and third party pricing service utilize valuation models that consist of a hybrid income and market approach to valuation. The pricing models utilize the following inputs: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) treasury yield curve, 3) credit spreads from new issue and secondary trading markets, 4) dealer quotes with adjustments for issues with early redemption features, 5) liquidity premiums present on private placements, and 6) discount margins from dealers in the new issue market.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company classified approximately $1.6 billion of bonds and securities as Level 3 valuations. Level 3 bonds and securities primarily represent investments in illiquid bonds for which no price is readily available. To determine a price, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with both observable and unobservable inputs. These inputs are entered into an industry standard pricing model to determine the final price of the security. These inputs include: 1) principal and interest payments, 2) coupon rate, 3) sector and issuer level spread over treasury, 4) underlying collateral, 5) credit ratings, 6) maturity, 7) embedded options, 8) recent new issuance, 9) comparative bond analysis, and 10) an illiquidity premium.

 

Equities

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company held approximately $118.9 million of equity securities classified as Level 2 and Level 3. Of this total, $67.1 million represents Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The Company believes that the cost of the FHLB stock approximates fair value. The remainder of these equity securities is primarily made up of holdings we have obtained through bankruptcy proceedings or debt restructurings.

 

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Other Long-Term Investments and Other Liabilities

 

Other long-term investments and other liabilities consist entirely of free-standing and embedded derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 22, Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued using exchange prices, independent broker quotations, or pricing valuation models, which utilize market data inputs. Excluding embedded derivatives, as of December 31, 2013, 72.4% of derivatives based upon notional values were priced using exchange prices or independent broker quotations. The remaining derivatives were priced by pricing valuation models, which predominantly utilize observable market data inputs. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest swap rates, credit spreads, interest rate and equity market volatility indices, equity index levels, and treasury rates. The Company performs monthly analysis on derivative valuations that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

 

Derivative instruments classified as Level 1 generally include futures, credit default swaps, and options, which are traded on active exchange markets.

 

Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 primarily include interest rate and inflation swaps, options, and swaptions. These derivative valuations are determined using independent broker quotations, which are corroborated with observable market inputs.

 

Derivative instruments classified as Level 3 were embedded derivatives and include at least one significant non-observable input. A derivative instrument containing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs will be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety if it has at least one significant Level 3 input.

 

The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets and liabilities. However, the derivative instruments may not be classified within the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated assets and liabilities. Therefore, the changes in fair value on derivatives reported in Level 3 may not reflect the offsetting impact of the changes in fair value of the associated assets and liabilities.

 

The embedded derivatives are carried at fair value in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair value are recorded in earnings as “Realized investment gains (losses) — Derivative financial instruments”. Refer to 22, Derivative Financial Instruments for more information related to each embedded derivatives gains and losses.

 

The fair value of the GMWB embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios and policyholder behavior assumptions. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The projected equity volatilities are based on a blend of historical volatility and near-term equity market implied volatilities. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB Mortality Table for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk). As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the GMWB embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3. These assumptions are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

 

The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is derived through the income method of valuation using a valuation model that projects future cash flows using  current index values and volatility, the hedge budget used to price the product, and policyholder assumptions (both elective and non-elective). For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and withdrawal assumptions are used and updated for actual experience, as necessary. The Company assumes age-based mortality from the 1994 Variable Annuity MGDB mortality table modified for company experience, with attained age factors varying from 49% - 80%. The present value of the cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, which is based upon LIBOR up to one year and constant maturity treasury rates plus a credit spread (to represent the Company’s non-performance risk) thereafter. Policyholder assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.  As a result of using significant unobservable inputs, the FIA embedded derivative is categorized as Level 3.

 

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The Company has assumed and ceded certain blocks of policies under modified coinsurance agreements in which the investment results of the underlying portfolios inure directly to the reinsurers. As a result, these agreements contain embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value. Changes in their fair value are reported in earnings. The investments supporting these agreements are designated as “trading securities”; therefore changes in their fair value are also reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is the difference between the statutory policy liabilities (net of policy loans) of $2.6 billion and the fair value of the trading securities of $2.8 billion. As a result, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are largely offset by the changes in fair value of the related investments and each are reported in earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 3 valuation due to the unobservable nature of the policy liabilities.

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have entered into interest support, yearly renewable term (“YRT”) premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.  These agreements meet the definition of a derivative and are accounted for at fair value and are considered Level 3 valuations.  The fair value of these derivatives as of December 31, 2013 was $2.0 million and is included in Other long-term investments. For information regarding realized gains on these derivatives please refer to 22, Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

The Interest Support Agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II if actual investment income on certain of Golden Gate II’s asset portfolios falls below a calculated investment income amount as defined in the Interest Support Agreement. The calculated investment income amount is a level of investment income deemed to be sufficient to support certain of Golden Gate II’s obligations under a reinsurance agreement with the Company, dated July 1, 2007. The derivative is valued using an internal valuation model that assumes a conservative projection of investment income under an adverse interest rate scenario and the probability that the expectation falls below the calculated investment income amount. This derivative had a fair value of zero as of December 31, 2013. The assessment of required payments from PLC under the Interest Support Agreement occurs annually. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The YRT Premium support agreement provides that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate II in the event that YRT premium rates increase. The derivative is valued using an internal valuation model. The valuation model is a probability weighted discounted cash flow model. The value is primarily a function of the likelihood and severity of future YRT premium increases. The fair value of this derivative as of December 31, 2013 was $1.6 million. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The portfolio maintenance agreements provide that PLC will make payments to Golden Gate V and WCL in the event of other-than-temporary impairments on investments that exceed defined thresholds. The derivatives are valued using an internal discounted cash flow model. The significant unobservable inputs are the projected probability and severity of credit losses used to project future cash flows on the investment portfolios.  The fair value of the portfolio maintenance agreements as of December 31, 2013, was approximately $0.4 million. As of December 31, 2013, no payments have been triggered under this agreement.

 

The Funds Withheld derivative results from a reinsurance agreement with Shades Creek where the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company is ceded to Shades Creek. The value of the Funds Withheld derivative is directly tied to the value of the hedging instruments held in the funds withheld account. The hedging instruments predominantly consist of derivative instruments the fair values of which are classified as a Level 2 measurement; as such, the fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative has been classified as a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of the Funds Withheld derivative as of December 31, 2013, was a liability of $34.3 million.

 

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Annuity Account Balances

 

The Company records certain of its FIA reserves at fair value. The fair value is considered a Level 3 valuation. The FIA valuation model calculates the present value of future benefit cash flows less the projected future profits to quantify the net liability that is held as a reserve. This calculation is done using multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios. The cash flows are discounted using LIBOR plus a credit spread. Best estimate assumptions are used for partial withdrawals, lapses, expenses and asset earned rate with a risk margin applied to each. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually as a part of the formal unlocking process. If an event were to occur within a quarter that would make the assumptions unreasonable, the assumptions would be reviewed within the quarter.

 

The discount rate for the fixed indexed annuities is based on an upward sloping rate curve which is updated each quarter. The discount rates for December 31, 2013, ranged from a one month rate of 0.32%, a 5 year rate of 2.44%, and a 30 year rate of 4.99%. A credit spread component is also included in the calculation to accommodate non-performance risk.

 

Separate Accounts

 

Separate account assets are invested in open-ended mutual funds and are included in Level 1.

 

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Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments

 

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Range

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Technique

 

Input

 

(Weighted Average)

 

 

 

(Dollars In
Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

$

545,808

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium
Paydown rate

 

1.00%-1.68% (1.08%)
8.57% - 16.87% (12.05%)

 

Corporate bonds

 

1,555,898

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

0.11% - 6.75% (2.06%)

 

Embedded derivatives - GMWB(1)

 

156,287

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality
Lapse

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table
0% - 24%, depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

product/duration/funded status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization

 

97% - 103%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.15% - 1.06%

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

107,000

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Asset earned rate
Expenses

 

5.37%
$88 - $102 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

2.20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

49% to 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.2% - 33.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on assets

 

1.50% - 1.85% depending on surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.15% - 1.06%

 

Embedded derivative-FIA

 

25,324

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Expenses

 

$83 - $97 per policy
1.1% - 4.5% depending on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate
Mortality

 

 duration and tax qualification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49% - 80% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse
Nonperformance risk

 

2.5% - 40.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.15% - 1.06%

 

 


(1)The fair value for the GMWB embedded derivative is presented as a net asset. Excludes modified coinsurance agreements.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.

 

The Company has considered all reasonably available quantitative inputs as of December 31, 2013, but the valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company. This resulted in $216.0 million of financial instruments being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2013. Of the $216.0 million, $195.0 million are other asset backed securities and $21.0 million are corporate bonds.

 

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held $73.9 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value. Of the $73.9 million, $68.0 million represents equity securities, which are predominantly FHLB stock, $3.7 million of other fixed maturity securities, and $2.2 million of other corporate bonds.

 

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The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of

 

Valuation 

 

Unobservable 

 

Range

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

 

Technique 

 

Input 

 

(Weighted Average)

 

 

 

(Dollars In
Thousands) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

$

596,143

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidity premium
Paydown rate

 

0.72% - 1.68% (1.29%)
8.51% - 18.10% (11.40%)

 

Other government-related securities

 

20,011

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

(0.30)%

 

Corporate bonds

 

168,007

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Spread over treasury

 

0.92% - 7.75% (3.34%)

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives - GMWB(1)

 

$

169,041

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Mortality
Lapse

 

57% of 1994 MGDB table 0% - 24%, depending on
product/duration/funded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

status of guarantee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization

 

93% - 100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.09% - 1.34%

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

129,468

 

Actuarial cash flow model

 

Asset earned rate
Expenses

 

5.81%
$88 - $108 per policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal rate

 

2.20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality

 

57% of 1994 MGDB table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse

 

2.2% - 45.0%, depending on duration/surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on assets

 

1.50% - 1.85% depending on surrender charge period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperformance risk

 

0.09% - 1.34%

 

 


(1)The fair value for the GMWB embedded derivative is presented as a net liability. Excludes modified coinsurance arrangements.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

The chart above excludes Level 3 financial instruments that are valued using broker quotes and those which book value approximates fair value.

 

The valuation techniques and inputs used by some brokers in pricing certain financial instruments are not shared with the Company which resulted in $70.5 million of financial instruments, all asset backed securities, being classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2012.

 

In certain cases the Company has determined that book value materially approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2012, the Company held $69.8 million of financial instruments where book value approximates fair value. Of the $69.8 million, $65.5 million represents equity securities, which are predominantly FHLB stock, and $4.3 million of other fixed maturity securities.

 

The asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 are predominantly ARS. A change in the paydown rate (the projected annual rate of principal reduction) of the ARS can significantly impact the fair value of these securities. A decrease in the paydown rate would increase the projected weighted average life of the ARS and increase the sensitivity of the ARS’ fair value to changes in interest rates. An increase in the liquidity premium would result in a decrease in the fair value of the securities, while a decrease in the liquidity premium would increase the fair value of these securities.

 

The fair value of corporate bonds classified as Level 3 is sensitive to changes in the interest rate spread over the corresponding U.S. Treasury rate. This spread represents a risk premium that is impacted by company specific and market factors. An increase in the spread can be caused by a perceived increase in credit risk of a specific issuer and/or an increase in the overall market risk premium associated with similar securities. The fair values of corporate bonds are sensitive to changes in spread. When holding the treasury rate constant, the fair value of corporate bonds increases when spreads decrease, and decreases when spreads increases.

 

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The GMWB liability is sensitive to changes in the discount rate which includes the Company’s nonperformance risk, volatility, lapse, and mortality assumptions. The volatility assumption is an observable input as it is based on market inputs. The Company’s nonperformance risk, lapse, and mortality are unobservable. An increase in the three unobservable assumptions would result in a decrease in the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumptions the liability would increase. The liability is also dependent on the assumed policyholder utilization of the GMWB where an increase in assumed utilization would result in an increase in the liability and conversely, if there is a decrease in the assumption, the liability would decrease.

 

The fair value of the FIA account balance liability is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA account balance liability is sensitive to the asset earned rate and required return on assets. The value of the liability increases with an increase in required return on assets and decreases with an increase in the asset earned rate and conversely, the value of the liability decreases with a decrease in required return on assets and an increase in the asset earned rate.

 

The fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is predominantly impacted by observable inputs such as discount rates and equity returns. However, the fair value of the FIA embedded derivative is sensitive to non-performance risk. The value of the liability increases with decreases in the discount rate and non-performance risk and decreases with increases in the discount rate and nonperformance risk. The value of the liability increases with increases in equity returns and the liability decreases with a decrease in equity returns.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2013, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

4

 

$

 

$

1,310

 

$

 

$

(338

)

$

14,349

 

$

(23

)

$

 

$

 

$

(15,287

)

$

13

 

$

28

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

596,143

 

 

 

44,620

 

 

(58,937

)

24,931

 

(62,760

)

 

 

1,227

 

584

 

545,808

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

4,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(600

)

 

 

 

 

3,675

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

20,011

 

 

2

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(20,000

)

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

167,892

 

116

 

8,310

 

 

 

(20,118

)

736,012

 

(67,431

)

 

 

726,760

 

(1,601

)

1,549,940

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

788,325

 

116

 

54,242

 

 

(79,396

)

775,292

 

(150,814

)

 

 

712,700

 

(1,014

)

2,099,451

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

1,582

 

(72

)

 

 

(1,494

)

(15

)

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

70,535

 

8,785

 

 

(5,947

)

 

147,224

 

(29,344

)

 

 

2,210

 

1,514

 

194,977

 

3,588

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

(123

)

 

3,500

 

 

 

 

(3,377

)

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

115

 

1

 

 

(102

)

 

4,880

 

(17

)

 

 

24,312

 

10

 

29,199

 

(5

)

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

70,650

 

8,786

 

 

(6,173

)

 

157,186

 

(29,433

)

 

 

21,651

 

1,509

 

224,176

 

3,583

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

858,975

 

8,902

 

54,242

 

(6,173

)

(79,396

)

932,478

 

(180,247

)

 

 

734,351

 

495

 

2,323,627

 

3,583

 

Equity securities

 

65,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,979

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

48,655

 

100,441

 

 

(16,117

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(34,093

)

98,886

 

84,324

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

973,157

 

109,343

 

54,242

 

(22,290

)

(79,396

)

934,930

 

(180,247

)

 

 

734,351

 

(33,598

)

2,490,492

 

87,907

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

973,157

 

$

109,343

 

$

54,242

 

$

(22,290

)

$

(79,396

)

$

934,930

 

$

(180,247

)

$

 

$

 

$

734,351

 

$

(33,598

)

$

2,490,492

 

$

87,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

129,468

 

$

 

$

 

$

(8,029

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

406

 

$

30,903

 

$

 

$

 

$

107,000

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

611,437

 

295,910

 

 

(52,716

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,505

 

233,738

 

242,411

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

740,905

 

$

295,910

 

$

 

$

(60,745

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

406

 

$

30,903

 

$

 

$

134,505

 

$

340,738

 

$

242,411

 

 


(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, $771.6 million of securities were transferred into Level 3. This amount was transferred from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods, using no significant unobservable inputs, but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were no longer available as of December 31, 2013.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, $37.2 million of securities were transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred to Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were previously priced using an internal model that utilized significant unobservable inputs but were valued internally or by independent pricing services or brokers, utilizing no significant unobservable inputs. All transfers are recognized as of the end of the reporting period.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers from Level 1.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements for the year ended December 31, 2012, for which the Company has used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

included in

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

Realized and Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

Included in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

 

still held at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

Included in

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in/out of

 

 

 

Ending

 

the Reporting

 

 

 

Balance

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Issuances

 

Settlements

 

Level 3

 

Other

 

Balance

 

Date

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

$

7

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(3

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

4

 

$

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

614,813

 

339

 

21,780

 

 

 

(22,587

)

 

(19,050

)

 

 

771

 

77

 

596,143

 

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

(15,000

)

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

States, municipals, and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,275

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

29

 

 

(27

)

20,024

 

 

 

 

 

(15

)

20,011

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

119,565

 

470

 

8,052

 

(4

)

(2,723

)

11,960

 

(9,854

)

 

 

40,060

 

366

 

167,892

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities - available-for-sale

 

749,385

 

809

 

29,861

 

(4

)

(25,339

)

36,259

 

(43,907

)

 

 

40,831

 

430

 

788,325

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 

28,343

 

4,086

 

 

(2,306

)

 

48,255

 

(9,896

)

 

 

 

 

2,053

 

70,535

 

1,780

 

U.S. government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States, municipals and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other government-related securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

112

 

 

 

115

 

10

 

Total fixed maturity securities - trading

 

28,343

 

4,088

 

 

(2,306

)

 

48,256

 

(9,896

)

 

 

112

 

2,053

 

70,650

 

1,790

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

777,728

 

4,897

 

29,861

 

(2,310

)

(25,339

)

84,515

 

(53,803

)

 

 

40,943

 

2,483

 

858,975

 

1,790

 

Equity securities

 

70,080

 

8

 

827

 

 

(1,097

)

4

 

(4,295

)

 

 

 

 

 

65,527

 

 

Other long-term investments(1)

 

19,103

 

 

 

29,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,655

 

29,552

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

866,911

 

4,905

 

30,688

 

27,242

 

(26,436

)

84,519

 

(58,098

)

 

 

40,943

 

2,483

 

973,157

 

31,342

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

866,911

 

$

4,905

 

$

30,688

 

$

27,242

 

$

(26,436

)

$

84,519

 

$

(58,098

)

$

 

$

 

$

40,943

 

$

2,483

 

$

973,157

 

$

31,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances(2)

 

$

136,462

 

$

 

$

 

$

12,293

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

860

 

$

20,147

 

$

 

$

 

$

129,468

 

$

 

Other liabilities(1)

 

437,613

 

86,523

 

 

(260,347

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

611,437

 

(173,824

)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

574,075

 

$

86,523

 

$

 

$

(248,054

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

860

 

$

20,147

 

$

 

$

 

$

740,905

 

$

(173,824

)

 


(1)Represents certain freestanding and embedded derivatives.

(2)Represents liabilities related to fixed indexed annuities.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, $67.7 million of securities were transferred into Level 3. This amount was transferred from Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were priced by independent pricing services or brokers in previous periods, using no significant unobservable inputs, but were priced internally using significant unobservable inputs where market observable inputs were no longer available as of December 31, 2012.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, $26.8 million of securities were transferred out of Level 3. This amount was transferred into Level 2. These transfers resulted from securities that were previously valued using an internal model that utilized significant unobservable inputs but were valued internally or by independent pricing services or brokers, utilizing no significant unobservable inputs. All transfers are recognized as of the end of the reporting period.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1.

 

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either realized investment gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of income (loss) or other comprehensive income (loss) within shareowners’ equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the item.

 

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at the

 

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beginning of the period. Such activity primarily relates to purchases and sales of fixed maturity securities and issuances and settlements of fixed indexed annuities.

 

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 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. The asset transfers in the table(s) above primarily related to positions moved from Level 3 to Level 2 as the Company determined that certain inputs were observable.

 

The amount of total gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives that exist as of the reporting date and the change in fair value of fixed indexed annuities.

 

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the periods shown below are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

 

Level

 

Amounts

 

Fair Values

 

Amounts

 

Fair Values

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

3

 

$

5,486,417

 

$

5,949,058

 

$

4,948,625

 

$

5,723,579

 

Policy loans

 

3

 

1,815,744

 

1,815,744

 

865,391

 

865,391

 

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity(1)

 

3

 

365,000

 

335,676

 

300,000

 

319,163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stable value product account balances

 

3

 

$

2,559,552

 

$

2,566,209

 

$

2,510,559

 

$

2,534,094

 

Annuity account balances

 

3

 

11,125,253

 

10,639,637

 

10,658,463

 

10,525,702

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-recourse funding obligations(2)

 

3

 

$

1,495,448

 

$

1,272,425

 

$

1,446,900

 

$

1,357,290

 

 

Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.

 


(1) Security purchased from unconsolidated subsidiary, Red Mountain LLC.

(2) Of this carrying amount $365.0 million, fair value of $321.5 million, as of December 31, 2013, and $300 million, fair value of $297.6 million, as of December 31, 2012, relates to non-recourse funding obligations issued by Golden Gate V.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 

The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage loans using an internally developed model. This model includes inputs derived by the Company based on assumed discount rates relative to the Company’s current mortgage loan lending rate and an expected cash flow analysis based on a review of the mortgage loan terms. The model also contains the Company’s determined representative risk adjustment assumptions related to credit and liquidity risks.

 

Policy Loans

 

The Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates book value. Policy loans are funds provided to policy holders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by

 

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Table of Contents

 

the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates carrying value.

 

Fixed Maturities, Held-to-Maturity

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its fixed maturity, held-to-maturity using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model were based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.

 

Stable Value Product and Annuity Account Balances

 

The Company estimates the fair value of stable value product account balances and annuity account balances using models based on discounted expected cash flows. The discount rates used in the models were based on a current market rate for similar financial instruments.

 

Non-Recourse Funding Obligations

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its non-recourse funding obligations using internal discounted cash flow models. The discount rates used in the model were based on a current market yield for similar financial instruments.

 

22.          DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies

 

The Company utilizes a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to certain risks, including but not limited to, interest rate risk, inflation risk, currency exchange risk, volatility risk, and equity market risk. These strategies are developed through the Company’s analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources, and are then incorporated into the Company’s risk management program.

 

Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk and could result in material changes from period to period. The Company attempts to minimize its credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. The Company manages the market risk by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken. The Company monitors its use of derivatives in connection with its overall asset/liability management programs and risk management strategies. In addition, all derivative programs are monitored by our risk management department.

 

Derivatives Related to Interest Rate Risk Management

 

Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, interest rate caps, and interest rate swaptions. The Company’s inflation risk management strategy involves the use of swaps that requires the Company to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate that is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”).

 

Derivatives Related to Risk Mitigation of Variable Annuity Contracts

 

The Company may use the following types of derivative contracts to mitigate its exposure to certain guaranteed benefits related to VA contracts:

 

·                  Foreign Currency Futures

·                  Variance Swaps

·                  Interest Rate Futures

·                  Equity Options

·                  Equity Futures

 

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·                  Credit Derivatives

·                  Interest Rate Swaps

·                  Interest Rate Swaptions

·                  Volatility Futures

·                  Volatility Options

·                  Funds Withheld Agreement

 

Other Derivatives

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have derivatives with PLC. These derivatives consist of an interest support agreement, a YRT premium support agreement, and portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC.

 

We have a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by us that is used to hedge the GMWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.

 

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

 

The Company records its derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” in accordance with GAAP, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments is reported either in the statement of income or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending upon whether it qualified for and also has been properly identified as being part of a hedging relationship, and also on the type of hedging relationship that exists.

 

For a derivative financial instrument to be accounted for as an accounting hedge, it must be identified and documented as such on the date of designation. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of their realized gain or loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item impacts earnings. Any remaining gain or loss, the ineffective portion, is recognized in current earnings. For fair value hedge derivatives, their gain or loss as well as the offsetting loss or gain attributable to the hedged risk of the hedged item is recognized in current earnings. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis.

 

The Company reports changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship through earnings in the period of change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in “Realized investment gains (losses) - Derivative financial instruments”.

 

Derivative Instruments Designated and Qualifying as Hedging Instruments

 

Cash-Flow Hedges

 

·                  In connection with the issuance of inflation-adjusted funding agreements, the Company has entered into swaps to essentially convert the floating CPI-linked interest rate on these agreements to a fixed rate. The Company pays a fixed rate on the swap and receives a floating rate primarily determined by the period’s change in the CPI. The amounts that are received on the swaps are almost equal to the amounts that are paid on the agreements.

 

Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments

 

The Company uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in earnings during the period of change.

 

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Derivatives Related to Variable Annuity Contracts

 

·                  The Company uses equity, interest rate, currency, and volatility futures to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within our VA products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and interest rate markets, foreign currency levels, and overall volatility. No volatility future positions were held during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

·                  The Company uses equity options, volatility swaps, and volatility options to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within its variable annuity products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets and overall volatility. As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not hold any volatility options.

 

·                  The Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions to mitigate the risk related to certain guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWB, within its VA products.

 

·                  The Company entered into credit default swaps to partially mitigate the Company’s non-performance risk related to certain guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits within its variable annuity products. The Company reported net pre-tax losses of $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Net settlements received were $2.5 million, offset by termination losses of $10.4 million. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not hold any remaining credit default swaps.

 

·                  The Company markets certain VA products with a GMWB rider. The GMWB component is considered an embedded derivative, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.

 

·                  The Company has a funds withheld account that consists of various derivative instruments held by the Company that are used to hedge the GMWB and GMDB riders. The economic performance of derivatives in the funds withheld account is ceded to Shades Creek. The funds withheld account is accounted for as a derivative financial instrument.

 

Derivatives Related to Fixed Annuity Contracts

 

·                  The Company uses equity and volatility futures to mitigate the risk within its fixed indexed annuity products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity and overall volatility.

 

·                  The Company uses equity options to mitigate the risk within its fixed indexed annuity products. In general, the cost of such benefits varies with the level of equity markets.

 

·                  The Company markets certain fixed indexed annuity products. The FIA component is considered an embedded derivative, not considered to be clearly and closely related to the host contract.

 

Other Derivatives

 

·                  The Company uses certain interest rate swaps to mitigate the price volatility of fixed maturities.

 

·                  The Company has purchased interest rate caps to mitigate its risk with respect to the Company’s LIBOR exposure and the potential impact of European financial market distress. As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not hold any interest rate caps.

 

·                  Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have an interest support agreement, YRT premium support agreement, and two portfolio maintenance agreements with PLC. The Company entered into two separate portfolio maintenance agreements in October 2012.

 

·                  The Company uses various swaps and other types of derivatives to manage risk related to other exposures.

 

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·                  The Company recorded an embedded derivative associated with the FIA product as of December 31, 2013. The Company did not market this product during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

·                  The Company is involved in various modified coinsurance and funds withheld arrangements which contain embedded derivatives. Changes in their fair value are recorded in current period earnings. The investment portfolios that support the related modified coinsurance reserves and funds withheld arrangements had fair value changes which substantially offset the gains or losses on these embedded derivatives.

 

The following table sets forth realized investments gains and losses for the periods shown:

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - derivative financial instruments

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Derivatives related to variable annuity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate futures - VA

 

$

(31,216

)

$

21,138

 

$

164,221

 

Equity futures - VA

 

(52,640

)

(50,797

)

(30,061

)

Currency futures - VA

 

(469

)

(2,763

)

2,977

 

Volatility futures - VA

 

 

(132

)

 

Variance swaps - VA

 

(11,310

)

(11,792

)

(239

)

Equity options - VA

 

(95,022

)

(37,370

)

(15,051

)

Volatility options- VA

 

(115

)

 

 

Interest rate swaptions - VA

 

1,575

 

(2,260

)

 

Interest rate swaps - VA

 

(157,408

)

3,264

 

7,718

 

Credit default swaps - VA

 

 

 

(7,851

)

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

162,737

 

(22,120

)

(127,537

)

Funds withheld derivative

 

71,862

 

 

 

Total derivatives related to variable annuity contracts

 

(112,006

)

(102,832

)

(5,823

)

Derivatives related to FIA contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivative- FIA

 

(942

)

 

 

Equity futures- FIA

 

173

 

 

 

Volatility futures- FIA

 

(5

)

 

 

Equity options- FIA

 

1,866

 

 

 

Total derivatives related to FIA contracts

 

1,092

 

 

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

205,176

 

(132,816

)

(134,340

)

Interest rate swaps

 

2,985

 

(87

)

(11,264

)

Interest rate caps

 

 

(2,666

)

(2,801

)

Derivatives with PLC(1)

 

(15,072

)

10,664

 

(300

)

Other derivatives

 

(14

)

(79

)

(477

)

Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives

 

$

82,161

 

$

(227,816

)

$

(155,005

)

 


(1)These derivatives include the Interest, YRT premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and PLC.

 

Realized investment gains (losses) - all other investments

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Modco trading portfolio(1)

 

$

(178,134

)

$

177,986

 

$

164,224

 

 


(1)The Company elected to include the use of alternate disclosures for trading activities.

 

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Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in Cash Flow Relationship

 

 

 

 

 

Amount and Location of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassified from

 

Amount and Location of

 

 

 

Amount of Gains (Losses)

 

Accumulated Other

 

(Losses) Recognized in

 

 

 

Deferred in

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Income (Loss) on

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

(Loss) into Income (Loss)

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

 

(Effective Portion)

 

(Ineffective Portion)

 

 

 

(Loss) on Derivatives

 

Benefits and settlement

 

Realized investment

 

 

 

(Effective Portion)

 

expenses

 

gains (losses)

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflation

 

$

1,130

 

$

(2,349

)

$

(190

)

Total

 

$

1,130

 

$

(2,349

)

$

(190

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate

 

$

(77

)

$

(2,261

)

$

 

Inflation

 

3,243

 

(938

)

(177

)

Total

 

$

3,166

 

$

(3,199

)

$

(177

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

The table below presents information about the nature and accounting treatment of the Company’s primary derivative financial instruments and the location in and effect on the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented below:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013 

 

2012

 

 

 

Notional 

 

Fair

 

Notional

 

Fair

 

 

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Other long-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflation

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

200,000

 

1,961

 

355,000

 

6,532

 

Variance swaps

 

 

 

500

 

406

 

Derivatives with PLC(1)

 

1,464,164

 

1,993

 

1,404,750

 

17,064

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

80,376

 

1,517

 

30,244

 

1,330

 

Embedded derivative  - GMWB

 

1,921,443

 

95,376

 

1,640,075

 

30,261

 

Interest rate futures

 

 

 

 

 

Equity futures

 

3,387

 

111

 

147,581

 

595

 

Currency futures

 

14,338

 

321

 

15,944

 

784

 

Interest rate caps

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

Equity options

 

1,376,205

 

78,277

 

573,493

 

61,833

 

Interest rate swaptions

 

625,000

 

30,291

 

400,000

 

11,370

 

Other

 

425

 

473

 

224

 

253

 

 

 

$

5,685,338

 

$

210,320

 

$

7,567,811

 

$

130,428

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflation

 

$

182,965

 

$

1,865

 

$

182,965

 

$

5,027

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

1,230,000

 

153,322

 

400,000

 

10,025

 

Variance swaps

 

1,500

 

1,744

 

2,675

 

12,198

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

2,578,590

 

206,918

 

2,655,134

 

411,907

 

Funds withheld derivative

 

991,568

 

34,251

 

 

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

104,180

 

1,496

 

5,253,961

 

199,530

 

Embedded derivative- FIA

 

244,424

 

25,324

 

 

 

Interest rate futures

 

322,902

 

5,221

 

893,476

 

13,970

 

Equity futures

 

164,595

 

6,595

 

152,364

 

3,316

 

Currency futures

 

118,008

 

840

 

131,979

 

1,901

 

Equity options

 

257,065

 

17,558

 

 

 

Other

 

230

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,196,027

 

$

455,161

 

$

9,672,554

 

$

657,874

 

 


(1)These derivatives include the Interest, YRT premium support, and portfolio maintenance agreements between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and PLC.

 

Based on the expected cash flows of the underlying hedged items, the Company expects to reclassify $1.3 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next twelve months.

 

From time to time, the Company is required to post and obligated to return collateral related to derivative transactions. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had posted cash and securities (at fair value) as collateral of approximately $102.3 million and $51.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company received $10.7 million of cash as collateral. The Company does not net the collateral posted or received with the fair value of the derivative financial instruments for reporting purposes.

 

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23.          OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements associated with each master netting arrangement provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have been reached. Additionally, certain of the Company’s repurchase agreements provide for net settlement on termination of the agreement. Refer to Note 11, Debt and Other Obligations for details of the Company’s repurchase agreement programs.

 

The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

of Assets

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts

 

Presented in

 

in the Statement of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Offset in the

 

the

 

Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts of

 

Statement of

 

Statement of

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Collateral

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Position

 

Position

 

Instruments

 

Received

 

Net Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free-Standing derivatives

 

$

110,983

 

$

 

$

110,983

 

$

52,487

 

$

10,700

 

$

47,796

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

1,517

 

 

1,517

 

 

 

1,517

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

95,376

 

 

95,376

 

 

 

95,376

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

207,876

 

 

207,876

 

52,487

 

10,700

 

144,689

 

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

2,444

 

 

2,444

 

 

 

2,444

 

Total derivatives

 

210,320

 

 

210,320

 

52,487

 

10,700

 

147,133

 

Total Assets

 

$

210,320

 

$

 

$

210,320

 

$

52,487

 

$

10,700

 

$

147,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

of Liabilities

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts

 

Presented in

 

in the Statement of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Offset in the

 

the

 

Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts of

 

Statement of

 

Statement of

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Collateral

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Position

 

Position

 

Instruments

 

Paid

 

Net Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free-Standing derivatives

 

$

187,172

 

$

 

$

187,172

 

$

52,487

 

$

98,359

 

$

36,326

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

206,918

 

 

206,918

 

 

 

206,918

 

Funds withheld derivative

 

34,251

 

 

 

34,251

 

 

 

 

 

34,251

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

1,496

 

 

1,496

 

 

 

1,496

 

Embedded derivative - FIA

 

25,324

 

 

25,324

 

 

 

25,324

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

455,161

 

 

455,161

 

52,487

 

98,359

 

304,315

 

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives

 

455,161

 

 

455,161

 

52,487

 

98,359

 

304,315

 

Repurchase agreements(1)

 

350,000

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

350,000

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

805,161

 

$

 

$

805,161

 

$

52,487

 

$

98,359

 

$

654,315

 

 


(1) Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The tables below present the derivative instruments by assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

of Assets

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts

 

Presented in

 

in the Statement of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Offset in the

 

the

 

Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts of

 

Statement of

 

Statement of

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Collateral

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

Position

 

Position

 

Instruments

 

Received

 

Net Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free-Standing derivatives

 

$

81,520

 

$

 

$

81,520

 

$

21,565

 

$

11,280

 

$

48,675

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

1,330

 

 

1,330

 

 

 

1,330

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

30,261

 

 

30,261

 

 

 

30,261

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

113,111

 

 

113,111

 

21,565

 

11,280

 

80,266

 

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

17,317

 

 

17,317

 

 

 

17,317

 

Total derivatives

 

130,428

 

 

130,428

 

21,565

 

11,280

 

97,583

 

Total Assets

 

$

130,428

 

$

 

$

130,428

 

$

21,565

 

$

11,280

 

$

97,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

of Liabilities

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts

 

Presented in

 

in the Statement of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Offset in the

 

the

 

Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts of

 

Statement of

 

Statement of

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Financial

 

Collateral

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Position

 

Position

 

Instruments

 

Paid

 

Net Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free-Standing derivatives

 

$

46,437

 

$

 

$

46,437

 

$

21,565

 

$

20,373

 

$

4,499

 

Embedded derivative - Modco reinsurance treaties

 

411,907

 

 

411,907

 

 

 

411,907

 

Embedded derivative - GMWB

 

199,530

 

 

199,530

 

 

 

199,530

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

657,874

 

 

657,874

 

21,565

 

20,373

 

615,936

 

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives

 

657,874

 

 

657,874

 

21,565

 

20,373

 

615,936

 

Repurchase agreements(1)

 

150,000

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

150,000

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

807,874

 

$

 

$

807,874

 

$

21,565

 

$

20,373

 

$

765,936

 

 


(1) Borrowings under repurchase agreements are for a term less than 90 days.

 

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Table of Contents

 

24.          OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

The Company has several operating segments each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is distinguished by products, channels of distribution, and/or other strategic distinctions. The Company periodically evaluates its operating segments, as prescribed in the ASC Segment Reporting Topic, and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed. A brief description of each segment follows.

 

·      The Life Marketing segment markets UL, VUL, BOLI, and level premium term insurance (“traditional”) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, stockbrokers, and independent marketing organizations.

 

·      The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies and annuity products that were sold to individuals. The level of the segment’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, potential return on capital, and market dynamics. Policies acquired through the Acquisitions segment are typically blocks of business where no new policies are being marketed. Therefore earnings and account values are expected to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage unless new acquisitions are made.

 

·      The Annuities segment markets fixed and VA products. These products are primarily sold through broker-dealers, financial institutions, and independent agents and brokers.

 

·      The Stable Value Products segment sells fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, money market funds, bank trust departments, and institutional investors. The segment also issues funding agreements to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and markets guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans.  Additionally, the Company has contracts outstanding pursuant to a funding agreement-backed notes program registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which offered notes to both institutional and retail investors.

 

·      The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and recreational vehicles. In addition, the segment markets a guaranteed asset protection (“GAP”) product. GAP coverage covers the difference between the loan pay-off amount and an asset’s actual cash value in the case of a total loss.

 

·      The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income not assigned to the segments above (including the impact of carrying liquidity) and expenses not attributable to the segments above. This segment includes earnings from several non-strategic or runoff lines of business, various investment-related transactions, the operations of several small subsidiaries, and the repurchase of non-recourse funding obligations.

 

The Company uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure segment operating income (loss) and assets as it uses to measure consolidated net income available to the Company’s shareowner and assets. Segment operating income (loss) is income before income tax, excluding realized gains and losses on investments and derivatives net of the amortization related to DAC, VOBA, and benefits and settlement expenses. Operating earnings exclude changes in the GMWB embedded derivatives (excluding the portion attributed to economic cost), realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives used to hedge the VA product, actual GMWB incurred claims and the related amortization of DAC attributed to each of these items.

 

Segment operating income (loss) represents the basis on which the performance of the Company’s business is internally assessed by management. Premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of DAC/VOBA are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner that most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company began allocating realized gains and losses to certain of its segments to better reflect the economics of the investments supporting those segments. This change had no

 

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Table of Contents

 

impact to segment operating income. Investments and other assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities net of associated statutory policy assets, while DAC/VOBA and goodwill are shown in the segments to which they are attributable.

 

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company recorded $8.5 million of pre-tax earnings in the Corporate and Other business segment relating to the settlement of a dispute with respect to certain investments.

 

There were no significant intersegment transactions during the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following tables summarize financial information for the Company’s segments:

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

1,324,409

 

$

1,233,654

 

$

1,193,927

 

Acquisitions

 

1,186,579

 

1,064,295

 

982,821

 

Annuities

 

569,004

 

610,489

 

633,185

 

Stable Value Products

 

122,974

 

123,274

 

170,455

 

Asset Protection

 

296,782

 

294,146

 

282,587

 

Corporate and Other

 

104,922

 

130,202

 

145,610

 

Total revenues

 

$

3,604,670

 

$

3,456,060

 

$

3,408,585

 

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

106,812

 

$

102,114

 

$

96,110

 

Acquisitions

 

154,003

 

171,060

 

157,393

 

Annuities

 

166,278

 

117,778

 

79,373

 

Stable Value Products

 

80,561

 

60,329

 

56,780

 

Asset Protection

 

20,148

 

9,765

 

16,892

 

Corporate and Other

 

(74,620

)

1,119

 

6,985

 

Total segment operating income

 

453,182

 

462,165

 

413,533

 

Realized investment (losses) gains - investments(1)

 

(140,236

)

188,729

 

194,866

 

Realized investment (losses) gains - derivatives

 

109,553

 

(191,315

)

(133,124

)

Income tax expense

 

(130,897

)

(151,043

)

(151,519

)

Net Income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment gains (losses)(2)

 

$

(143,984

)

$

174,692

 

$

200,432

 

Less: amortization related to DAC/VOBA and benefits settelement expenses

 

(3,748

)

(14,037

)

5,566

 

Realized investment gains (losses) in investments

 

$

(140,236

)

$

188,729

 

$

194,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative gains (losses)(3)

 

$

82,161

 

$

(227,816

)

$

(155,005

)

Less: VA GMWB economic cost

 

(27,392

)

(36,501

)

(21,881

)

Realized investment gains (losses)- derivatives

 

$

109,553

 

$

(191,315

)

$

(133,124

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

521,219

 

$

486,374

 

$

446,014

 

Acquisitions

 

617,298

 

550,334

 

529,261

 

Annuities

 

468,329

 

504,342

 

507,229

 

Stable Value Products

 

123,798

 

128,239

 

145,150

 

Asset Protection

 

19,046

 

19,698

 

21,650

 

Corporate and Other

 

86,498

 

100,351

 

104,140

 

Total net investment income

 

$

1,836,188

 

$

1,789,338

 

$

1,753,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of DAC and VOBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

25,774

 

$

45,079

 

$

87,461

 

Acquisitions

 

72,762

 

77,251

 

75,041

 

Annuities

 

31,498

 

45,319

 

57,201

 

Stable Value Products

 

398

 

947

 

4,556

 

Asset Protection

 

23,603

 

22,569

 

22,607

 

Corporate and Other

 

625

 

1,018

 

2,654

 

Total amortization of DAC and VOBA

 

$

154,660

 

$

192,183

 

$

249,520

 

 


(1) Includes credit related other-than-temporary impairments of $22.4 million, $58.1 million, and $47.3 million  for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

(2)Includes realized investment gains (losses) before related amortization.

(3)Includes realized gains (losses) on derivatives before the VA GMWB economic cost.

 

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Operating Segment Assets

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

Stable Value

 

 

 

Marketing

 

Acquisitions

 

Annuities

 

Products

 

Investments and other assets

 

$

13,135,914

 

$

20,201,081

 

$

20,029,310

 

$

2,558,551

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

2,071,470

 

813,239

 

554,974

 

1,001

 

Goodwill

 

 

32,517

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

15,207,384

 

$

21,046,837

 

$

20,584,284

 

$

2,559,552

 

 

 

 

Asset

 

Corporate

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Protection

 

and Other

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Investments and other assets

 

$

777,388

 

$

8,006,256

 

$

16,762

 

$

64,725,262

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

49,275

 

646

 

 

3,490,605

 

Goodwill

 

48,158

 

 

 

80,675

 

Total assets

 

$

874,821

 

$

8,006,902

 

$

16,762

 

$

68,296,542

 

 

 

 

Operating Segment Assets

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

Stable Value

 

 

 

Marketing

 

Acquisitions

 

Annuities

 

Products

 

Investments and other assets

 

$

12,171,384

 

$

11,312,550

 

$

17,649,488

 

$

2,509,160

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

2,001,708

 

679,746

 

491,184

 

1,399

 

Goodwill

 

 

35,615

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

14,173,092

 

$

12,027,911

 

$

18,140,672

 

$

2,510,559

 

 

 

 

Asset

 

Corporate

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Protection

 

and Other

 

Adjustments

 

Consolidated

 

Investments and other assets

 

$

740,153

 

$

9,446,057

 

$

19,662

 

$

53,848,454

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

50,253

 

1,066

 

 

3,225,356

 

Goodwill

 

48,158

 

 

 

83,773

 

Total assets

 

$

838,564

 

$

9,447,123

 

$

19,662

 

$

57,157,583

 

 

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25.                               CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY RESULTS — UNAUDITED

 

The Company’s unaudited consolidated quarterly operating data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair statement of quarterly results have been reflected in the following data. It is also management’s opinion, however, that quarterly operating data for insurance enterprises are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in succeeding quarters or years. In order to obtain a more accurate indication of performance, there should be a review of operating results, changes in shareowners’ equity, and cash flows for a period of several quarters.

 

 

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

 

$

723,200

 

$

752,752

 

$

653,664

 

$

837,706

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

(325,840

)

(396,777

)

(277,628

)

(387,192

)

Net of reinsurance ceded

 

397,360

 

355,975

 

376,036

 

450,514

 

Net investment income

 

439,012

 

447,064

 

434,772

 

515,340

 

Realized investment gains (losses)

 

(5,223

)

(47,636

)

4,263

 

(13,227

)

Other income

 

54,434

 

60,638

 

65,523

 

69,825

 

Total revenues

 

885,583

 

816,041

 

880,594

 

1,022,452

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

775,769

 

737,114

 

767,239

 

902,049

 

Income before income tax

 

109,814

 

78,927

 

113,355

 

120,403

 

Income tax expense

 

35,936

 

25,923

 

37,107

 

31,931

 

Net income

 

$

73,878

 

$

53,004

 

$

76,248

 

$

88,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

 

$

692,398

 

$

707,720

 

$

681,324

 

$

717,948

 

Reinsurance ceded

 

(296,295

)

(336,119

)

(311,862

)

(365,821

)

Net of reinsurance ceded

 

396,103

 

371,601

 

369,462

 

352,127

 

Net investment income

 

443,532

 

438,648

 

446,374

 

460,784

 

Realized investment gains (losses)

 

(13,022

)

6,669

 

(2,686

)

(44,085

)

Other income

 

75,142

 

50,121

 

51,046

 

54,244

 

Total revenues

 

901,755

 

867,039

 

864,196

 

823,070

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

760,687

 

749,974

 

757,507

 

728,313

 

Income before income tax

 

141,068

 

117,065

 

106,689

 

94,757

 

Income tax expense

 

45,212

 

35,438

 

35,778

 

34,615

 

Net income

 

$

95,856

 

$

81,627

 

$

70,911

 

$

60,142

 

 

26.                               SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated the effects of events subsequent to December 31, 2013, and through the date we filed our consolidated financial statements with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All accounting and disclosure requirements related to subsequent events are included in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareowner of

Protective Life Insurance Company:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Protective Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15 (2) present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

As described in “Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 9A, theCompany has excluded MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) and the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and processes being provided by third parties for the blocks of life and health business reinsured from MONY Life Insurance Company of America (“MLOA Business”), because MONY, a wholly owned subsidiary, and the reinsured MLOA Business, were acquired in a business combination during 2013. We have also excluded MONY and the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and process being provided by third parties for the MLOA Business from our audit of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. MONY, a wholly owned subsidiary, and the MLOA Business represent revenues, pre-tax income, and total assets of $203.8 million, $27.9 million, and $10.0 billion, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2013.

 

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

 

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

 

Birmingham, Alabama

March 25, 2014

 

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Item 9.         Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A.            Controls and Procedures

 

(a)                                 Disclosure controls and procedures

 

In order to ensure that the information the Company must disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis, the Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), except as otherwise noted below. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. It should be noted that any system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain judgments, including the costs and benefits of controls and the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

(b)                                 Management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·                  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

 

·                  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

 

·                  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992).

 

In conducting our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, we have excluded MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”) and the internal controls relating to the administrative systems and processes being provided by third parties for the blocks of life and health business reinsured from MONY Life Insurance Company of America (“MLOA Business”), because MONY, a wholly owned subsidiary, and the reinsured MLOA Business, were acquired in a business combination in 2013. MONY

 

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Table of Contents

 

and the MLOA Business represent revenues, pre-tax income, and total assets of $203.8 million, $27.9 million, and $10.0 billion, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2013.

 

Based on the Company’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in Item 8.

 

March 25, 2014

 

(c)                                  Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period ended December 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls exist within a dynamic environment and the Company continually strives to improve its internal controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.            Other Information

 

None.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART III

 

Item 10.              Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(c).

 

Item 11.              Executive Compensation

 

Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(c).

 

Item 12.              Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(c).

 

Item 13.              Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(c).

 

Item 14.              Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table shows the aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for 2013 and 2012 with respect to various services provided to PLC and its subsidiaries.

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars in Millions)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

6.3

 

$

5.2

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

0.6

 

0.7

 

Tax Fees

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

Total

 

$

7.2

 

$

6.4

 

 

Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of PLC, including integrated audits of PLC’s consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, audits (GAAP and statutory basis) of certain of PLC’s subsidiaries, issuance of comfort letters and consents, assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities, and expenses related to the above services.

 

Audit-Related Fees were for assurance and related services related to employee benefit plan audits, due diligence and accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, attest services that are not required by statute or regulation, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

 

Tax Fees were for services related to tax compliance, including the preparation and review of tax returns and claims for refund as well as tax planning and tax advice, including assistance with tax audits and appeals, advice related to acquisitions, tax services for employee benefit plans, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities.

 

All Other Fees include fees that are appropriately not included in the Audit, Audit-Related, and Tax categories.

 

On February 24, 2014, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to render audit and non-audit services for PLC and its subsidiaries, including the Company, for the period ended February 

 

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2015. Its policy is to pre-approve, generally for a 12-month period, the audit, audit-related, tax and other services provided by the independent accountants to PLC and its subsidiaries. Under the pre-approval process, the Committee reviews and approves specific services and categories of services and the maximum aggregate fee for each service or service category. Performance of any additional services or categories of services, or of services that would result in fees in excess of the established maximum, requires the separate pre-approval of the Audit Committee or one of its members who has been delegated pre-approval authority. The Committee or its Chairman pre-approved all Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other services performed for PLC and its subsidiaries by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to fiscal year 2014.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15.              Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

1.                    Financial Statements (See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data)

 

2.                    Financial Statement Schedules:

 

The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm which covers the financial statement schedules appears on pages 206 and 207 of this report. The following schedules are located in this report on the pages indicated.

 

 

Page

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information

225

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

226

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

227

 

All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

3.                    Exhibits:

 

For a list of exhibits, refer to the “Exhibit Index” filed as part of this report beginning on the following page and incorporated herein by this reference.

 

The exhibits to this report are included to provide you with information regarding the terms thereof and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about the Company or the other parties thereto or referenced therein. Such documents may contain representations and warranties by the parties to such documents that have been made solely for the benefit of the parties specified therein. These representations and warranties (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (ii) may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable document, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the documents, (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors, and (iv) were made only as of the date or dates specified in the documents and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, the representations and warranties contained in the documents included as exhibits may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

 

 

2(a)

 

Stock Purchase Agreement among Protective Life Insurance Company, United Investors Life Insurance Company, Liberty National Life Insurance Company and Torchmark Corporation, dated as of September 13, 2010, filed as Exhibit 2.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2010 (No. 001-31901).

 

2(b)

 

Master Agreement by and among AXA Equitable Financial Services LLC, AXA Financial Inc. and Protective Life Insurance Company, dated as of April 10, 2013, filed as Exhibit 2(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2013 (No. 001-11339).

 

3(a)

 

2011 Amended and Restated Charter of Protective Life Insurance Company dated as of June 27, 2011, filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed March 29, 2012 (No. 001-31901).

 

3(b)

 

2011 Amended and Restated By-Laws of Protective Life Insurance Company dated as of June 27, 2011, filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed March 29, 2012 (No. 001-31901).

**

 

4(a)

 

Group Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract

***

 

4(b)

 

Individual Certificate

**

 

4(c)

 

Tax-Sheltered Annuity Endorsement

**

 

4(d)

 

Qualified Retirement Plan Endorsement

**

 

4(e)

 

Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement

**

 

4(f)

 

Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Endorsement

*

 

4(g)

 

Qualified Plan Endorsement

**

 

4(h)

 

Application for Individual Certificate

**

 

4(i)

 

Adoption Agreement for Participation in Group Modified Guaranteed Annuity

***

 

4(j)

 

Individual Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract

**

 

4(k)

 

Application for Individual Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract

****

 

4(l)

 

Endorsement - Group Policy

****

 

4(m)

 

Endorsement - Certificate

****

 

4(n)

 

Endorsement - Individual Contracts

****

 

4(o)

 

Endorsement (Annuity Deposits) - Group Policy

****

 

4(p)

 

Endorsement (Annuity Deposits) - Certificate

****

 

4(q)

 

Endorsement (Annuity Deposits) - Individual Contracts

*****

 

4(r)

 

Endorsement - Individual

*****

 

4(s)

 

Endorsement - Group Contract/Certificate

 

4(t)

 

Endorsement - Individual, filed as Exhibit 4(EE) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 4, 1996 (No. 333-02249).

 

4(u)

 

Endorsement - Group Contract, filed as Exhibit 4(FF) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 4, 1996 (No. 333-02249).

 

4(v)

 

Endorsement - Group Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4(GG) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 4, 1996 (No. 333-02249).

 

4(w)

 

Individual Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract, filed as Exhibit 4(HH) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 4, 1996 (No. 333-02249).

 

4(x)

 

Cancellation Endorsement, filed as Exhibit 4(HH) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 4, 1996 (No. 333-02249).

 

4(y)

 

Group Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract, filed as Exhibit 4(A) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(z)

 

Individual Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract, filed as Exhibit 4(B) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(aa)

 

Group Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4(C) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed

 

213



Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(bb)

 

Application for Modified Guaranteed Annuity, filed as Exhibit 4(D) to the Company’s Amended Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed February 10, 2009 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(cc)

 

Endorsement - Free Look, filed as Exhibit 4(E) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(dd)

 

Endorsement - Settlement Option, filed as Exhibit 4(F) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(ee)

 

Endorsement - Automatic Renewal, filed as Exhibit 4(G) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(ff)

 

Endorsement - Traditional IRA, filed as Exhibit 4(H) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(gg)

 

Endorsement - Roth IRA, filed as Exhibit 4(I) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(hh)

 

Endorsement - Qualified Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit 4(J) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(ii)

 

Endorsement - Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 4(K) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 18, 2008 (No. 333-156285).

 

4(jj)

 

Application for Modified Guaranteed Annuity, filed as Exhibit 4(bb) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed March 31, 2008 (No. 001-31901).

*

 

10(a)

 

Bond Purchase Agreement

*

 

10(b)

 

Escrow Agreement

 

10(c)

 

Credit Agreement dated as of July 17, 2012 among Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company, as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time a party thereto, Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Syndication Agent, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 23, 2012 (No. 001-11339).

 

 

10(d)

 

Second Amended and Restated Lease Agreement dated as of December 19, 2013, between Protective Life Insurance Company and Wachovia Development Corporation, filed herewith.

 

 

10(e)

 

Second Amended and Restated Investment and Participation Agreement dated as of December 19, 2013, between Protective Life Insurance Company and Wachovia Development Corporation, filed herewith.

 

10(f)

 

Amendment and Clarification of the Tax Allocation Agreement dated January 1, 1988 by and among Protective Life Corporation and its subsidiaries, filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed March 31, 2005 (No. 001-131901).

 

10(g)

 

Second Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement dated as of August 7, 2013 between Golden Gate III Vermont Captive Insurance Company and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 12, 2013 (001-31901). ±

 

10(h)

 

Stock Purchase Agreement by and among RBC Insurance Holdings (USA), Inc., Athene Holding Ltd., Protective Life Insurance Company and RBC USA Holdco Corporation (solely for the purposes of Sections 5.14-5.17 and Articles 7.8 and 10), dated as of October 22, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 28, 2010 (No. 001-31901).

 

10(i)

 

Reimbursement Agreement dated as of December 10, 2010 between Golden Gate IV Vermont Captive Insurance Company and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, filed as Exhibit 10(J) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed March 30, 2011 (001-31901). ±

 

10(j)

 

Coinsurance Agreement by and between Liberty Life Insurance Company and Protective Life Insurance Company, filed as Exhibit 10.02 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 28, 2010 (No. 001-31901).

 

214



Table of Contents

 

 

14 

 

Code of Business Conduct for Protective Life Corporation and all of its subsidiaries, revised May 22, 2013 filed as Exhibit 14 to Protective Life Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014 (001-11339).

 

14(a)

 

Supplemental Policy on Conflict of Interest, revised August 30, 2010 for Protective Life Corporation and all of its subsidiaries, filed as Exhibit 14(a) to Protective Life Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014 (001-11339).

 

 

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

31(a)

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31(b)

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32(a)

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32(b)

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101

 

Financial statements from the annual report on Form 10-K of Protective Life Insurance Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on March 25, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (iiI) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareowner’s Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow,and (vI) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


*

 

 

 

Previously filed or incorporated by reference in Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-31940.

**

 

 

 

Previously filed or incorporated by reference in Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-31940.

***

 

 

 

Previously filed or incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-31940.

****

 

 

 

Previously filed or incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-57052.

*****

 

 

 

Previously filed or incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 33-57052.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference.

±

 

 

 

Certain portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. The non-public information has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

215



Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Steven G. Walker

 

 

Steven G. Walker

 

 

Senior Vice President, Controller

 

 

and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

March 25,26, 2014

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Capacity in Which Signed

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John D. Johns

 

Chairman of the Board, President

 

March 25,26, 2014

JOHN D. JOHNS

 

and Chief Excecutive Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

and Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard J. Bielen

 

Vice Chairman and

 

March 25,26, 2014

RICH BIELEN

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Carl S. Thigpen

 

Executive Vice President

 

March 25,26, 2014

CARL S. THIGPEN

 

Chief Investment Officer

 

 

 

 

and a Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Steven G. Walker

 

Senior Vice President

 

March 25,26, 2014

STEVEN G. WALKER

 

Chief Accounting Officer and

 

 

 

 

Controller

 

 

 

216


 


Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Parent Company)

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

 

$

869,498

 

$

807,044

 

$

622,342

 

Dividends from subsidiaries*

 

109,373

 

129,751

 

186,400

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

1,301,510

 

1,331,811

 

1,255,985

 

Realized investment gains (losses)

 

103,422

 

(43,384

)

32,255

 

Other income

 

162,666

 

212,693

 

60,746

 

Total revenues

 

2,546,469

 

2,437,915

 

2,157,728

 

Benefits and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses

 

1,614,671

 

1,556,966

 

1,386,883

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

219,593

 

134,549

 

155,614

 

Other operating expenses

 

265,345

 

405,222

 

189,423

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

2,099,609

 

2,096,737

 

1,731,920

 

Income (loss) before income tax and other items below

 

446,860

 

341,178

 

425,808

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(53,269

)

(103,541

)

(16,675

)

Deferred

 

163,208

 

163,183

 

85,472

 

Total income tax (benefit) expense

 

109,939

 

59,642

 

68,797

 

Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

 

336,921

 

281,536

 

357,011

 

Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries*

 

(45,319

)

27,000

 

(33,255

)

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 


*Eliminated in Consolidation

 

217



Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Parent Company)

 

 

 

For The��Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

$

(1,272,158

)

$

756,803

 

$

696,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

 

$

(980,556

)

$

1,065,339

 

$

1,020,237

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 


*Eliminated in Consolidation

 

218



Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

BALANCE SHEETS

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Parent Company)

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

20,616,992

 

$

20,609,232

 

Equity securities

 

 

393,911

 

 

276,046

 

Mortgage loans

 

4,027,626

 

4,182,263

 

Investment real estate

 

16,873

 

6,517

 

Policy loans

 

908,431

 

785,841

 

Other long-term investments

 

416,290

 

360,867

 

Short-term investments

 

74,907

 

143,344

 

Investments in subsidiaries (equity method)*

 

2,602,566

 

2,586,543

 

Total investments

 

29,057,596

 

28,950,653

 

Cash

 

2,440

 

128,568

 

Accounts and premiums receivable

 

87,636

 

70,011

 

Reinsurance receivables

 

5,575,085

 

5,358,881

 

Receivables from subsidiaries*

 

 

5,424

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired

 

2,271,579

 

2,089,708

 

Goodwill

 

22,582

 

25,680

 

Property and equipment, net

 

49,892

 

45,921

 

Other assets

 

585,597

 

428,737

 

Income tax receivable

 

7,043

 

165,013

 

Assets related to separate accounts

 

13,154,395

 

10,030,831

 

Total Assets

 

$

50,813,845

 

$

47,299,427

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Policy liabilities and accruals

 

$

17,868,373

 

$

16,554,276

 

Stable value product account balances

 

2,559,552

 

2,510,559

 

Annuity account balances

 

9,551,869

 

9,308,179

 

Other policyholders’ funds

 

521,799

 

452,798

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

1,148,485

 

1,354,321

 

Payables to subsidiaries*

 

2,964

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

965,982

 

1,251,250

 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

 

350,000

 

150,000

 

Liabilities related to separate accounts

 

13,154,395

 

10,030,831

 

Total liabilities

 

46,123,419

 

41,612,214

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities- Note 3

 

 

 

 

 

Shareowners’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

2

 

2

 

Common stock

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

1,433,258

 

1,363,258

 

Retained earnings, including undistributed (losses) of subsidiaries:(2013- $(774,766); 2012- $(729,448))

 

2,713,200

 

2,507,829

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, all from subsidiaries, net of income tax: (2013: $290,553; 2012- $979,251)

 

539,598

 

1,818,608

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) related to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax (2013- $325; 2012- $(2,147))

 

603

 

(3,988

)

Accumulated gain (loss)- derivatives, net of income tax: (2013- $(666); 2012- $(1883))

 

(1,235

)

(3,496

)

Total shareowners’ equity

 

4,690,426

 

5,687,213

 

Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity

 

$

50,813,845

 

$

47,299,427

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 


*Eliminated in Consolidation

 

219



Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Parent Company)

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

291,602

 

$

308,536

 

$

323,756

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized investment losses (gains)

 

(103,422

)

43,384

 

(32,255

)

Equity in undistributed (net income) loss of subsidiaries*

 

45,319

 

(27,000

)

33,255

 

Non-cash dividend from subsidiary

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of businesses acquired

 

219,593

 

134,549

 

155,614

 

Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition cost

 

(369,538

)

(431,560

)

(190,859

)

Depreciation expense

 

6,146

 

4,716

 

5,944

 

Deferred income taxes

 

163,208

 

163,183

 

85,472

 

Accrued income taxes

 

157,970

 

(111,649

)

15,332

 

Interest credited to universal life and investment products

 

703,620

 

775,749

 

790,799

 

Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products

 

(716,862

)

(582,848

)

(487,602

)

Change in reinsurance receivables

 

(209,152

)

(630,244

)

(55,169

)

Change in accrued investment income and other receivables

 

3,327

 

(18,632

)

(10,280

)

Change in due to/from subsidiaries, net

 

8,388

 

(5,424

)

(7,650

)

Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and health products

 

120,456

 

668,760

 

(217,459

)

Trading securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities and principal reductions of investments

 

133,635

 

223,889

 

230,857

 

Sale of investments

 

235,701

 

430,095

 

817,434

 

Cost of investments acquired

 

(330,119

)

(526,694

)

(860,487

)

Other net change in trading securities

 

33,650

 

(62,528

)

(37,030

)

Change in other liabilities

 

47,639

 

113,825

 

(153,839

)

Other, net

 

91,254

 

45,512

 

(120,189

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

532,415

 

515,619

 

285,644

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities and principal reductions of investments

 

637,855

 

767,796

 

972,818

 

Sale of investments

 

2,104,400

 

1,921,862

 

2,082,356

 

Cost of investments acquired

 

(3,324,738

)

(3,425,248

)

(3,348,476

)

Mortgage loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New borrowings

 

(543,760

)

(262,677

)

(472,893

)

Repayments

 

692,377

 

657,780

 

382,229

 

Additional investments in/return of capital from subsidiaries*

 

(54,228

)

(103,236

)

(113,941

)

Change in investment real estate, net

 

(10,356

)

4,065

 

(4,306

)

Change in policy loans, net

 

5,978

 

(23,122

)

17,336

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(10,117

)

(4,053

)

(14,998

)

Change in other long-term investments, net

 

(212,261

)

(111,745

)

123,388

 

Change in short-term investments, net

 

45,250

 

(31,174

)

74,246

 

Net unsettled security transactions

 

13,652

 

37,169

 

68,810

 

Payments for business acquisitions

 

(471,714

)

 

(209,609

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,127,662

)

(572,583

)

(443,040

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contributions

 

70,000

 

 

 

Repurchase program borrowings

 

200,000

 

150,000

 

 

Investment product and universal life deposits

 

2,883,575

 

3,692,312

 

3,613,791

 

Investment products and univeral life withdrawals

 

(2,684,456

)

(3,624,816

)

(3,576,474

)

Other financing activities, net

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

469,119

 

217,496

 

37,317

 

Change in cash

 

(126,128

)

160,532

 

(120,079

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

128,568

 

(31,964

)

88,115

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

2,440

 

$

128,568

 

$

(31,964

)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 


*Eliminated in Consolidation

 

220



Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Parent Company)

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The Company publishes consolidated financial statements that are its primary financial statements.  Therefore, this parent company condensed financial information is not intended to be the primary financial statements of the Company, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Protective Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries.

 

1.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Nature of Operations

 

Protective Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1907. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange “PL”. The Company provides financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate division devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. The condensed financial statements of Protective Life Insurance Company reflect its wholly owned subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

 

2.                                      SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

 

PLC owns all of the 2,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock issued by the Company’s subsidiary, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“PL&A”). The stock pays, when and if declared, noncumulative participating dividends to the extent PL&A’s statutory earnings for the immediately preceding fiscal year exceeded $1.0 million. In 2013, 2012, and 2011, PL&A paid no dividends to PLC on its preferred stock.

 

3.                                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 19 cities including 24,090 square feet in Birmingham (excluding the home office building), with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The Company had rental expense of $11.2 million, $11.2 million, and $10.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The aggregate annualized rent was approximately $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under these leases:

 

Year

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014

 

$

6,971

 

2015

 

5,845

 

2016

 

3,770

 

2017

 

1,391

 

2018

 

750

 

Thereafter

 

1,978

 

 

221



Table of Contents

 

Additionally, the Company leases a building contiguous to its home office. The lease was renewed in December 2013 and was extended to December 2018. At the end of the lease term the Company may purchase the building for approximately $75 million. Monthly rental payments are based on the current LIBOR rate plus a spread. The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under this lease:

 

Year

 

Amount

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2014

 

$

1,236

 

2015

 

1,236

 

2016

 

1,239

 

2017

 

1,236

 

2018

 

76,211

 

 

The Company has provided liquidity support to some of its insurance subsidiaries in the form of guarantees of certain (primarily insurance) obligations. The majority of these obligations are backed by assets held in the Company’s insurance subsidiaries which the Company believes sufficiently cover the underlying obligations.

 

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4.                                      SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

550

 

$

563

 

$

149

 

Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)

 

(212,786

)

6,897

 

(29,527

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in collateral for securities lending transactions

 

 

 

(96,953

)

 

5.             DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

In connection with a reinsurance agreement between the Company and Shades Creek, Shades Creek assumed the economic performance of certain hedging instruments held by the Company, giving rise to a derivative instrument. As of December 31, 2013, the Company included in its balance sheet a liability for this instrument of $34.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company included in its statement of income pre-tax gains of $71.9 million.

 

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SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

Stable Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy

 

 

 

 

 

Products,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and

 

 

 

 

 

Contracts and

 

Net

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Costs and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value of

 

Future Policy

 

 

 

Other

 

Premiums

 

Net

 

and

 

Value of

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Businesses

 

Benefits and

 

Unearned

 

Policyholders’

 

and Policy

 

Investment

 

Settlement

 

Businesses

 

Operating

 

Premiums

 

 Segment

 

Acquired

 

Claims

 

Premiums

 

Funds

 

Fees

 

Income(1)

 

Expenses

 

Acquired

 

Expenses(1)

 

Written(2)

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

2,071,470

 

$

13,504,869

 

$

812,929

 

$

311,290

 

$

796,109

 

$

521,219

 

$

1,143,132

 

$

25,774

 

$

46,263

 

$

173

 

Acquisitions

 

813,239

 

15,121,574

 

4,680

 

4,734,487

 

519,477

 

617,298

 

851,386

 

72,762

 

78,244

 

24,781

 

Annuities

 

554,974

 

1,037,348

 

102,734

 

7,228,119

 

80,343

 

468,329

 

318,173

 

31,498

 

110,266

 

 

Stable Value Products

 

1,001

 

 

 

2,559,552

 

 

123,798

 

41,793

 

398

 

1,805

 

 

Asset Protection

 

49,275

 

49,362

 

578,755

 

1,556

 

165,807

 

19,046

 

97,174

 

23,603

 

155,857

 

157,629

 

Corporate and Other

 

646

 

67,805

 

1,296

 

64,181

 

18,149

 

86,498

 

22,330

 

625

 

161,088

 

18,141

 

Total

 

$

3,490,605

 

$

29,780,958

 

$

1,500,394

 

$

14,899,185

 

$

1,579,885

 

$

1,836,188

 

$

2,473,988

 

$

154,660

 

$

553,523

 

$

200,724

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

2,001,708

 

$

12,733,602

 

$

698,862

 

$

277,919

 

$

743,361

 

$

486,374

 

$

1,054,645

 

$

45,079

 

$

31,816

 

$

161

 

Acquisitions

 

679,746

 

7,666,423

 

8,367

 

3,514,838

 

459,835

 

550,334

 

716,893

 

77,251

 

51,714

 

29,874

 

Annuities

 

491,184

 

1,102,577

 

103,316

 

7,372,471

 

97,902

 

504,342

 

369,622

 

45,319

 

100,848

 

 

Stable Value Products

 

1,399

 

 

 

2,510,559

 

 

128,239

 

64,790

 

947

 

2,174

 

 

Asset Protection

 

50,253

 

51,279

 

540,766

 

1,790

 

168,656

 

19,698

 

91,778

 

22,569

 

170,034

 

159,927

 

Corporate and Other

 

1,066

 

72,184

 

1,561

 

58,430

 

19,539

 

100,351

 

19,393

 

1,018

 

130,591

 

19,456

 

Total

 

$

3,225,356

 

$

21,626,065

 

$

1,352,872

 

$

13,736,007

 

$

1,489,293

 

$

1,789,338

 

$

2,317,121

 

$

192,183

 

$

487,177

 

$

209,418

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

 

$

1,912,916

 

$

11,755,841

 

$

589,027

 

$

274,870

 

$

744,819

 

$

446,014

 

$

978,098

 

$

87,461

 

$

32,258

 

$

196

 

Acquisitions

 

824,277

 

7,804,207

 

6,792

 

3,669,366

 

414,823

 

529,261

 

662,293

 

75,041

 

55,792

 

22,386

 

Annuities

 

435,462

 

1,175,690

 

103,314

 

7,497,370

 

68,319

 

507,229

 

390,788

 

57,201

 

84,996

 

 

Stable Value Products

 

2,347

 

 

 

2,769,510

 

 

145,150

 

81,256

 

4,556

 

2,557

 

 

Asset Protection

 

46,606

 

53,987

 

517,274

 

1,645

 

170,898

 

21,650

 

88,257

 

22,607

 

154,831

 

161,387

 

Corporate and Other

 

1,612

 

78,002

 

1,851

 

50,113

 

21,361

 

104,140

 

21,528

 

2,654

 

131,136

 

21,107

 

Total

 

$

3,223,220

 

$

20,867,727

 

$

1,218,258

 

$

14,262,874

 

$

1,420,220

 

$

1,753,444

 

$

2,222,220

 

$

249,520

 

$

461,570

 

$

205,076

 

 


(1)Allocations of Net Investment Income and Other Operating Expenses are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and results would change if different methods were applied.

(2) Excludes Life Insurance

 

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SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

 

 

Ceded to

 

from

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

Gross

 

Other

 

Other

 

Net

 

Assumed to

 

 

 

Amount

 

Companies

 

Companies

 

Amount

 

Net

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in-force

 

$

726,697,151

 

$

416,809,287

 

$

46,752,176

 

$

356,640,040

 

13.1

%

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

 

2,371,871

 

1,299,631

 

306,921

 

1,379,161

(1) 

22.3

 

Accident/health insurance

 

45,262

 

20,011

 

24,291

 

49,542

 

49.0

 

Property and liability insurance

 

211,000

 

67,796

 

7,978

 

151,182

 

5.3

 

Total

 

$

2,628,133

 

$

1,387,438

 

$

339,190

 

$

1,579,885

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in-force

 

$

706,415,969

 

$

444,950,866

 

$

30,470,432

 

$

291,935,535

 

10.4

%

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

 

2,226,614

 

1,228,444

 

281,711

 

1,279,881

(1) 

22.0

 

Accident/health insurance

 

38,873

 

12,065

 

29,413

 

56,221

 

52.3

 

Property and liability insurance

 

216,014

 

69,589

 

6,765

 

153,190

 

4.4

 

Total

 

$

2,481,501

 

$

1,310,098

 

$

317,889

 

$

1,489,292

 

 

 

For The Year Ended December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in-force

 

$

728,670,260

 

$

469,530,487

 

$

32,812,882

 

$

291,952,655

 

11.2

%

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

 

2,245,359

 

1,278,273

 

248,467

 

1,215,553

(1) 

20.4

 

Accident/health insurance

 

43,161

 

14,415

 

21,719

 

50,465

 

43.0

 

Property and liability insurance

 

219,267

 

71,225

 

6,160

 

154,202

 

4.0

 

Total

 

$

2,507,787

 

$

1,363,913

 

$

276,346

 

$

1,420,220

 

 

 

 


(1)Includes annuity policy fees of $88.7 million, $103.8 million, and $74.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

 

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SCHEDULE V — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

 

Charged to

 

Charges

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

at beginning

 

costs and

 

to other

 

 

 

at end of

 

Description

 

of period

 

expenses

 

accounts

 

Deductions

 

period

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

2013 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for losses on commercial mortgage loans

 

$

2,875

 

$

7,093

 

$

 

$

(6,838

)

$

3,130

 

2012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for losses on commercial mortgage loans

 

$

4,975

 

$

6,240

 

$

 

$

(8,340

)

$

2,875

 

2011 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for losses on commercial mortgage loans

 

$

11,650

 

$

9,603

 

$

 

$

(16,278

)

$

4,975

 

 

226