File No. 333-207222
Washington, D.C. 20549
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE
FORM S-1
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
IOWA | 6311 | 39-1236386 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Waverly, Iowa 50677-9202
(319) 352-4090
of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
2000 Heritage Way
Waverly, Iowa 50677-9202
(319) 352-4090
Stephen E. Roth, Esq.
Thomas E. Bisset, Esq.
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
700 Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 383-0100
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement. | |
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. [ X ] | |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. |
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] | ||
Non-accelerated filer [ X ] | Smaller reporting company [ ] |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE | ||||||||||
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED | AMOUNT TO BE REGISTERED | PROPOSED MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER UNIT | PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE | AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION FEE | ||||||
Interests in Risk Control Accounts of Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contract | * | * | $2,884,806,356 | $290,500 | ||||||
*The maximum aggregate offering price is estimated solely for the purposes of determining the registration fee. The amount to be registered and the proposed maximum offering price per unit are not applicable since these securities are not issued in predetermined amounts or units. |
**Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act of 1933, the entire registration fee of $290,500 associated with securities registered pursuant to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-207150), which was filed on September 25, 2015 (“Registration Statement No. 1”) and withdrawn on September 30, 2015, is being used to offset the registration fee associated with this registration statement. No securities were sold under Registration Statement No. 1. |
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. |
C-2
and Index Linked Annuity
Issued by:
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
2000 Heritage Way
Waverly, Iowa 50677
Telephone number: 800-798-5500
Offered Through: CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
The Contract, which you may purchase with an initial Purchase Payment that is at least $5,000, is designed primarily for individuals, trusts, and certain retirement plans that qualify for the special federal income tax treatment associated with annuity contracts. The Contract provides for the accumulation of retirement savings by allocating your monies among various Variable Subaccounts and/or Risk Control Accounts, and also offers a number of payout options.
The variable annuity portion of the Contract is supported by the assets of the MEMBERS Horizon Variable Separate Account, a Separate Account of the Company, which is divided into Variable Subaccounts that each invest in an underlying Fund. You may allocate your Purchase Payments among one or more Variable Subaccounts, and your investment results in a Variable Subaccount will depend on the investment performance of the related Fund. You bear the entire investment risk of any amounts you allocate to the Variable Subaccounts. There is a Variable Subaccount that invests in each of the following Funds. This Prospectus is accompanied by a current prospectus for each such Fund. You should read a Fund’s prospectus carefully before investing.
AIM Variable Insurance Funds (Invesco Variable Insurance Funds) Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund (Series I) Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity Fund (Series I) American Funds Insurance Series® American Funds IS Asset Allocation Fund 1 (Series I) American Funds IS Bond Fund (Series I) American Funds IS Growth Fund (Series I) American Funds IS High-Income Bond Fund (Series I) American Funds IS International Fund (Series I) BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. I Columbia Threadneedle Columbia VP Emerging Markets Bond 1 DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc. DFA VA International Small DFA VA International Value DFA VA U.S. Large Value DFA VA U.S. Targeted Value Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund Dreyfus VIF Quality Bond (Institutional) | Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust Franklin High Income VIP (Class 1) Templeton Foreign VIP (Class 1) Templeton Global Bond VIP (Class 1) Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust Goldman Sachs VIT Core Fixed Income Trust (Institutional) Lazard Retirement Series, Inc. Lazard Retirement Emerging Markets Equity Fund (Investor) MFS® Variable Insurance Trust MFS® Total Return Bond Series (Initial Class) MFS® Utilities Series (Initial Class) MFS® Value Series (Initial Class) MFS® Variable Insurance Trust III MFS® Blended Research ® Small Cap Equity Portfolio (Initial Class) Morgan Stanley The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. Global Infrastructure Portfolio (Class I) The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. Growth Portfolio (Class I) Northern Lights Variable Trust TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1) TOPS® Balanced ETF Portfolio (Class 1) TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio (Class 1) TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1) TOPS® Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1) | Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds Oppenheimer International Growth Fund/VA (Non-Service Shares) PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust PIMCO CommodityRealReturn ® Strategy Portfolio PIMCO VIT All Asset (Institutional Class) PIMCO VIT Real Return (Institutional Class) Putnam Variable Trust Putnam VT High Yield Fund (IA) T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio Vanguard Variable Insurance Fund Vanguard VIF Capital Growth Vanguard VIF Diversified Value Vanguard VIF Equity Index Vanguard VIF High Yield Bond Vanguard VIF International Vanguard VIF Mid-Cap Index Vanguard VIF Money Market Vanguard VIF REIT Index Vanguard VIF Small Company Growth Vanguard VIF Total Bond Market Index Vanguard VIF Total Stock Market Index |
Purchase Payments and transfer amounts allocated to a Variable Subaccount or Risk Control Account are held in insulated Separate Accounts, the assets of which are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct. Our General Account assets are also available to meet the guarantees under the Contract as well as our other general obligations. The guarantees in this Contract are subject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
We may offer additional Variable Subaccounts and Risk Control Accounts in the future. Not all Variable Subaccounts and Risk Control Accounts may be available in all markets where we offer the Contract.
There are risks associated with the Contract. These risks include liquidity risks, investment risks, market risks, Company risks, and interest rate risks. Also, a Market Value Adjustment (in each case, as applicable), and for Series B contracts Surrender Charges, may apply for a number of years, so that the Contract should only be
We offer the Contract through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., which is the principal underwriter. The principal business address of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677. The principal underwriter is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Contracts, but will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts. There are no arrangements to place funds in an escrow, trust, or similar account. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Contracts are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. They are not deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not bank guaranteed. They are subject to investment risks and possible loss of principal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY | 1 | |
HIGHLIGHTS | 5 | |
Contract Series | 5 | |
How Your Contract Works | 5 | |
Contract Charges | 10 | |
Risk Factors | 10 | |
EXPENSE TABLES | 11 | |
Other Information | 15 | |
GETTING STARTED – THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD | 16 | |
Purchasing a Contract | 16 | |
Tax-Free “Section 1035” Exchanges | 16 | |
Owner | 17 | |
Divorce | 17 | |
Annuitant | 17 | |
Beneficiary | 17 | |
Right to Examine | 18 | |
Thirty Day Period to Discontinue Initial Risk Control Accounts | 18 | |
ALLOCATING YOUR PURCHASE PAYMENT | 19 | |
Purchase Payment | 19 | |
Purchase Payment Allocation | 19 | |
AUTOMATIC REBALANCE PROGRAM | 22 | |
CONTRACT VALUE | 23 | |
TRANSFERS | 23 | |
VARIABLE SUBACCOUNT OPTION | 24 | |
Funds | 25 | |
Availability of the Funds | 35 | |
Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments | 35 | |
Frequent Transfers Procedures | 36 | |
Fund Frequent Trading Policies | 37 | |
Voting Rights | 37 | |
Variable Subaccount Value | 38 | |
RISK CONTROL ACCOUNT OPTION | 38 | |
Risk Control Account Value | 39 | |
Risk Control Account Maturity Date | 46 | |
Holding Account Value | 47 | |
The Holding Account Value at any time is equal to: | 47 | |
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT | 48 | |
Purpose of the Market Value Adjustment | 48 | |
Application and Waiver | 49 | |
Market Value Adjustment Formula | 50 | |
SURRENDER VALUE | 51 | |
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY | 51 | |
Partial Withdrawals | 51 |
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Surrenders | 54 | |
Partial Withdrawal and Surrender Restrictions | 54 | |
Right to Defer Payments | 54 | |
Bailout Provision | 54 | |
DEATH BENEFIT | 55 | |
Death of the Owner | 55 | |
Death of Annuitant While the Owner is Living | 55 | |
Death Benefit Payment Options | 56 | |
Death of Owner or Annuitant After the Payout Date | 56 | |
Interest on Death Benefit Proceeds | 56 | |
Abandoned Property Requirements | 57 | |
INCOME PAYMENTS – THE PAYOUT PERIOD | 57 | |
Payout Date | 57 | |
Payout Period | 57 | |
Terms of Income Payments | 57 | |
INCOME PAYOUT OPTIONS | 58 | |
Options | 58 | |
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS | 59 | |
Tax Status of the Contracts | 59 | |
Taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts | 60 | |
Taxation of Qualified Contracts | 61 | |
Federal Estate Taxes, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes | 62 | |
Medicare Tax | 62 | |
Same-Sex Spouses | 62 | |
Annuity Purchases By Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations | 63 | |
Possible Tax Law Changes | 63 | |
Important Information about the Indices | 63 | |
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index | 63 | |
OTHER INFORMATION | 65 | |
Cyber Security | 66 | |
Authority to Change | 66 | |
Incontestability | 66 | |
Misstatement of Age or Gender | 66 | |
Conformity with Applicable Laws | 67 | |
Reports to Owners | 67 | |
Change of Address | 67 | |
Inquiries | 67 | |
CORPORATE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY | 67 | |
Financial Information | 68 | |
Investments | 68 | |
Reinsurance | 68 | |
Policy Liabilities and Accruals | 69 | |
POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND OUR FUTURE RESULTS | 69 | |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 73 | |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS | ||
OF OPERATIONS | 75 | |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information | 75 |
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Overview | 75 | |
Critical Accounting Policies | 77 | |
Executive Summary | 82 | |
Results of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 | 82 | |
Financial Condition | 83 | |
Liquidity and Capital Resources | 85 | |
Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions | 86 | |
Contractual Obligations | 86 | |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 87 | |
MANAGEMENT | 88 | |
Directors and Executive Officers | 88 | |
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons | 89 | |
Committees of the Board of Directors | 91 | |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation | 91 | |
Director Compensation | 94 | |
Legal Proceedings | 94 | |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 95 | |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS | 96 | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | 96 | |
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLES OF PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS AND FULL SURRENDER WITH APPLICATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT | A-1 |
The Contract may not be available in all states. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell any Contract and it is not soliciting an offer to buy any Contract in any state in which the offer or sale is not permitted. We do not authorize anyone to provide any information or representations regarding the offering described in this Prospectus other than the information and representations contained in this Prospectus.
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GLOSSARY |
We have tried to make this Prospectus as understandable as possible. However, in explaining how the Contract works, we have had to use certain terms that have special meanings. We define these terms below.
1940 Act – The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Accumulation Credit – A unit of measure used to calculate Risk Control Account Value.
Accumulation Period – The phase of the Contract that begins on the Contract Issue Date and ends on the Payout Date, or the date the Contract is terminated if earlier.
Accumulation Unit – A unit of measure used to calculate Variable Subaccount Value.
Accumulation Unit Value – A dollar value for each Accumulation Unit in a Variable Subaccount on a given Business Day.
Administrative Office – MEMBERS Life Insurance Company, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677. Phone: 1-800-798-5500.
Age – Age as of last birthday.
Allocation Level – Specific levels identified in your Contract for the sole purpose of administering allocation instructions according to the requirements of the Contract.
Annuitant (Joint Annuitant) – The natural person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the amount of annuity payments under the Contract.
Automatic Rebalance Program – A program to automatically transfer values among the Risk Control Accounts and/or Variable Subaccounts to achieve the balance of Contract Value equal to the Allocation Levels you requested.
Bailout Provision – If the Index Rate Cap for your Risk Control Account is set below the bailout rate prominently displayed on your Contract Data Page attached to the front of the cover page of the Contract, the Bailout Provision allows you to transfer the Risk Control Account Value from that Risk Control Account during the 30-day period following the Risk Control Account Anniversary. A Market Value Adjustment will not apply to such transfer.
Beneficiary – The person(s) (or entity) you named to receive proceeds payable due to the death of the Owner. Before the Payout Date, if no Beneficiary survives the Owner, we will pay the Death Benefit proceeds to the Owner’s estate.
Company – MEMBERS Life Insurance Company; also referred to as “we”, “our” and “us”.
Contract – The MEMBERS Horizon Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity, an individual or joint owned, flexible premium deferred variable and index-linked annuity contract issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company.
Contract Anniversary – The same day and month as the Contract Issue Date for each year the Contract remains in force. If a Contract Anniversary does not fall on a Business Day, any transactions required as of that date will be processed on the next Business Day but will be effective as of that Contract Anniversary.
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Contract Value – The total value of your annuity during the Accumulation Period. All values are calculated as of the end of a Business Day.
Contract Year – Any twelve-month period beginning on the Contract Issue Date or Contract Anniversary and ending on the next Contract Anniversary.
Data Page – Pages attached to your Contract that describe certain terms applicable to your specific Contract.
Death Benefit - The Contract Value as of the date Death Benefits are payable. We do not apply the Surrender Charge or Market Value Adjustment in determining the Death Benefit payable.
Frequent Transfers Procedures – Policies and procedures that we have adopted in order to try to protect Owners and the Funds from potentially harmful trading activity.
Fund – Each investment portfolio or any other open-end management investment company or unit investment trust in which a Variable Subaccount invests.
General Account – All of the Company’s assets other than the assets in the Separate Accounts.
Holding Account – An account that holds each Purchase Payment pending investment in a Risk Control Account. The Holding Account cannot be elected as an Investment Option. The Holding Account is part of our General Account.
Holding Account Value – The value of the Contract in the Holding Account.
Hospital – A facility that is licensed and operated as a hospital according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located.
Income Payout Option – The choices available under the Contract for payout of your Contract Value.
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Initial Index Value – The value for the reference Index as of the start of a Risk Control Account Year.
Internal Revenue Code – The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Investment Options – The choices available under this Contract for allocation of your Purchase Payment(s) and Contract Value. Choices include the Risk Control Accounts (“Risk Control Account Option”) and the Variable Subaccounts (“Variable Subaccount Option”).
Irrevocable Beneficiary – A Beneficiary who has certain rights which cannot be changed unless he or she consents to the change.
Market Value Adjustment Index (Indices) – The Index (Indices) used to determine the interest rates used to calculate the Market Value Adjustment.
Multiple Source Waiting Period – The maximum period of time we will wait for multiple sources of payment to be received by us prior to allocation to a Risk Control Account. It applies only to the sources of payment indicated on your application. The Multiple Source Waiting Period cannot be longer than six months.
Non-Qualified Contract – An annuity contract that is independent of any formal retirement or pension plan.
Nursing Home – A facility that is licensed and operates as a nursing facility according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located.
Owner – The person(s) (or entity) who owns the Contract and whose death determines the Death Benefit. If there are multiple Owners, each Owner will be a joint Owner of the Contract and all references to Owner will mean joint Owners. The Owner has all rights, title and interest in the Contract during the Accumulation Period. The Owner may exercise all rights and options stated in the Contract, subject to the rights of any Irrevocable Beneficiary or assignee. The Owner is also referred to as “you” or “your.”
Payee – The person(s) (or entity) who receives income payments during the Payout Period while the Annuitant is living. The Payee is the Owner, unless otherwise designated. A minor cannot be the Payee.
Payout Date – The date the first income payment is paid from the Contract to the Payee.
Payout Period – The phase the Contract is in once income payments begin.
Pro Rata – A method of allocating, withdrawing or transferring values across all Variable Subaccounts and/or Risk Control Accounts that is proportional to the value in each.
Proof of Death – Proof of Death may consist of a certified copy of the death record, a certified copy of a court decree reciting a finding of death or other similar proof.
Purchase Payment – Payment(s) made by or on behalf of the Owner for the Contract.
Qualified Contract – An annuity that is part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsored retirement program.
Risk Control Account – A subdivision of the Risk Control Account Option wherein two accounts types are available: the Secure Account and the Growth Account. Each Risk Control Account has an Index Rate Cap and Index Rate Floor.
Risk Control Account Anniversary – The same day and month as a Risk Control Account Start Date for each year of a Risk Control Account Period. If a Risk Control Account Anniversary does not fall on a Business Day, any transactions required as of that date will be processed on the next Business Day, but will be effective as of that Risk Control Account Anniversary.
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Risk Control Account Maturity Date – The last day of a Risk Control Account Period. If a Risk Control Account Maturity Date does not fall on a Business Day, any transactions required as of that date will be processed on the next Business Day, but will be effective as of that Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
Risk Control Account Period – The period that begins on a Risk Control Account Start Date and ends on a Risk Control Account Maturity Date. Each Risk Control Account Period is five years.
Risk Control Account Start Date – The first day of a Risk Control Account Period. It must be a date that we offer as a Risk Control Account Start Date (as shown on your Contract Data Page). If a Risk Control Account Start Date does not fall on a Business Day, any transactions required as of that date will be processed on the next Business Day, but will be effective as of that Risk Control Account Start Date.
Risk Control Account Value – The value of the Contract in a Risk Control Account.
Risk Control Account Year – Any 12-month period beginning on a Risk Control Account Start Date or Risk Control Account Anniversary and ending on the next Risk Control Account Anniversary.
Risk Control Separate Account – The Separate Account for the Risk Control Accounts.
SAI – The statement of additional information relating to the variable annuity aspect of the Contract.
SEC – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Separate Account – A legally insulated investment account that is maintained separately from our General Account. The Separate Account established for the variable portion of the Contract is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), while the Separate Account established for the index-linked aspect of the Contract is not registered under the 1940 Act.
Spouse – The person to whom you are legally married. The term Spouse does not include civil union partners or domestic partners.
Surrender Charge – The charge associated with surrendering either some or all of the Contract Value from a Series B Contract. Surrender Charges do not apply to Series C Contracts.
Surrender Value – The amount you are entitled to receive if you elect to surrender the Contract during the Accumulation Period.
Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 12 months or less due to any illness or accident.
U.S. GAAP – The generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States.
Valuation Period – The period beginning at the close of one Business Day and continuing to the close of the next succeeding Business Day.
Variable Separate Account – The Separate Account for the Variable Subaccounts.
Variable Subaccount – A subdivision of the Variable Separate Account, the assets of which are invested in a corresponding Fund.
Variable Subaccount Value – The value of the Contract in a Variable Subaccount.
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HIGHLIGHTS |
The following is a summary of the key features of the Contract. This summary does not include all of the information you should consider before purchasing a Contract. You should carefully read the entire Prospectus, which contains more detailed information concerning the Contract and the Company before making an investment decision.
Contract Series
You should work with your financial professional to decide which series of the Contract may be appropriate for you based on a thorough analysis of your particular insurance needs, financial objectives, investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance.
How Your Contract Works
During the Accumulation Period of your Contract, you allocate your Contract Value to the Variable Subaccounts and/or the Risk Control Accounts. Each of these options is described below.
• | Each Variable Subaccount invests its assets solely in the shares or units of designated Funds. Depending on the performance of the Funds underlying the Variable Subaccounts selected by you, you could lose money. | ||
• | The portion of Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account is credited with interest based in part on the investment performance of external Indices (currently, the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI EAFE Index), subject to an Index Rate Cap and Index Rate Floor that is unique to each Risk Control Account. The S&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in the U.S. stock market, as determined by Standard & Poor’s. The MSCI EAFE Index is a stock market index which is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. and Canada. The Indices can go up or down based on the stock prices of the companies that comprise the applicable Index. Neither Index includes dividends paid on the stocks comprising the Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying stocks. We set the Index Rate Caps prior to the Contract Issue Date and prior to each Risk Control Account Anniversary for the subsequent Risk Control Account Year. We will forward advance written notice to you of any change in the Index Rate Cap at least two weeks prior to the Risk Control Account Anniversary. The Index Rate Floor associated with each Risk Control Account will not change during the life of your Contract. |
The Accumulation Period begins on the Contract Issue Date and continues until the Payout Date.
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During the Payout Period of your Contract, you can elect to receive income payments by applying Contract Value to the income options offered in your Contract. The Payout Period begins on the Payout Date and continues while income payments are paid.
Please call your financial professional or the Company at 1-800-798-5500 if you have questions about how your Contract works.
Purchase Payments. You may purchase the Contract with an initial Purchase Payment of at least $5,000. Additional Purchase Payments can be made, but are not required. Each additional Purchase Payment may not be less than $50 and must be received at our Administrative Office prior to the oldest Owner’s 85th birthday or the oldest Annuitant’s 85th birthday if the Owner is a non-natural person. Purchase Payments that, in total, exceed $1 million require our prior approval. Multiple Contracts owned by the same individual where the sum of the Purchase Payments exceeds $1 million also require our prior approval.
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse additional Purchase Payments and to limit the amount and frequency of additional Purchase Payments under the Contract or that may be allocated to the Risk Control Accounts at any time.
Allocation Options. There are four Allocation Levels for your Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payment(s) and Contract Value: Level C (Contract Allocation Level), Level V (Variable Subaccount Allocation Level), Level I (Index Allocation Level), and Level R (Risk Control Allocation Level), each is described below.
• | At Level C, the allocation is split between the Variable Subaccounts and the Risk Control Accounts; | ||
• | At Level V, the allocation is split among the Variable Subaccounts; | ||
• | Level I only applies to Risk Control Accounts, and the allocation is split between Risk Control Accounts based on the reference Index; and | ||
• | Level R only applies to Risk Control Accounts, and the allocation is split among Risk Control Accounts with the same reference Index. |
Rather than choosing amounts to be directed to particular Allocation Levels, you can select one of six model asset allocation portfolios or “Express Portfolios” we make available. At the time you purchase the Contract, you may elect to allocate all of your Purchase Payments according to one of the Express Portfolios. Each Express Portfolio allocates your Purchase Payments among the Variable Subaccounts and Risk Control Accounts based on a specified allocation percentage for each investment option available under the Express Portfolio. Each Express Portfolio employs different investment styles and allocates Purchase Payments among investment options to match a specified level of risk tolerance (e.g., conservative, moderate and aggressive). Express Portfolios are found in “Allocating Your Purchase Payment Express Portfolios.” We will not issue the Contract without complete allocation instructions.
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Purchase Payments allocated to a Variable Subaccount become part of the total Variable Subaccount Value which fluctuates according to the investment performance of the selected Variable Subaccounts. More detailed information regarding the Variable Subaccount Option is found in “Variable Subaccount Option.”
Once you have established a Risk Control Account you may not allocate your subsequent Purchase Payments to a Risk Control Account until the existing Risk Control Account matures. You may allocate Risk Control Account Value from the maturity of a current Risk Control Account, and Variable Subaccount Value to new Risk Control Accounts we make available. We make the Index Rate Cap available for each new Risk Control Account at least two weeks prior to the Risk Control Account Start Date for the Risk Control Account.
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The same Index will be used for each Risk Control Account for the duration of the Risk Control Account Period. However, if the publication of an Index is discontinued, or calculation of the Index is materially changed, we will substitute a suitable Index that will be used for the remainder of the Risk Control Account Period and will notify you of the change in advance. If we substitute an Index, the performance of the new Index may differ from the original Index, which may, in turn, affect your Contract Value.
We may offer additional Risk Control Accounts with the same or additional Indices at our discretion. We may also discontinue a Risk Control Account, effective as of a Risk Control Account Maturity Date. In any case, we will notify you of the addition or discontinuation of a Risk Control Account. Such a change will be subject to any applicable regulatory approval that may be required.
Rebalancing / Reallocation. The Automatic Rebalance Program automatically transfers values between Risk Control Accounts and/or Variable Subaccounts to return your Contract Values to the Allocation Levels on file with us. Transfers that occur pursuant to the Automatic Rebalance Program will not count towards the number of transfers allowed in a Contract Year without incurring a transfer fee. The transfer fee is $25 per transfer after the first 12 transfers in a Contract Year.
Rebalancing at Level C (between Variable Subaccounts and Risk Control Accounts) will occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Risk Control Account Value, you elect to discontinue rebalancing by Authorized Request, or you have requested to transfer value which results in rebalancing being discontinued at Levels C and V (among Variable Subaccounts) as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
Rebalancing at Level V will occur as of each Contract Anniversary according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Variable Subaccount Value. Rebalancing at Level V will also occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Variable Subaccount Value or you have requested to transfer value which results in rebalancing being discontinued at Levels C and V as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date. If rebalancing is discontinued, you may elect to reinstate rebalancing at Level C by Authorized Request, which will also reinstate rebalancing at Level V. Your Authorized Request to reinstate rebalancing must be received at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date to take effect as of that date. If we are not notified at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date, rebalancing at Level C will not occur until the next Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
Rebalancing at Level I (between Risk Controls Accounts with different reference Indices) will occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date according to the allocation instructions on file with us. Rebalancing at Level I will not occur if your Risk Control Account Value is not split between Indices or there is no Risk Control Account Value.
Rebalancing at Level R (between Risk Controls Accounts with the same reference Index) will occur as of each Risk Control Account Anniversary according to the allocation instructions on file with us. Rebalancing at Level R will not occur if there is no Risk Control Account Value.
If the Index Rate Cap for a Risk Control Account is set below the bailout rate for that Risk Control Account, you may transfer the Risk Control Account Value from that Risk Control Account during the 30-day period following the Risk Control Account Anniversary by Authorized Request. A Market Value Adjustment will not apply to such transfer. Your Authorized Request to transfer Risk Account Control Account Value must be received in Good Order during this 30-day period. If the request is not received during this 30-day period or the request is not in Good Order, no transfer will occur. At any time while the Index Rate Cap for your Risk Control Account is less than the bailout rate specified in the Bailout Provision (as shown on your Contract Data Page), we may, at our discretion, restrict transfers into that
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Risk Control Account and may not reallocate your Risk Control Account Value between Risk Control Accounts under the Automatic Rebalance Program. See “Access to Your Money – Bailout Provision” for more details.
Withdrawal Options. The Contract offers the following liquidity features during the Accumulation Period:
• | Annual Free Withdrawal Amount – For Series B Contracts only, each Contract Year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the total Purchase Payments that are within the Surrender Charge Period at the time of the withdrawal for that Contract Year without incurring a Surrender Charge (the “Annual Free Withdrawal Amount”). Any unused Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to any subsequent Contract Year. Purchase Payments not subject to the Surrender Charge are deemed to be withdrawn prior to any Purchase Payments subject to the Surrender Charge. Earnings under the Contract are deemed withdrawn after the withdrawal of all Purchase Payments. However, as described below, withdrawals from the Risk Control Accounts are subject to a Market Value Adjustment. Surrender Charges do not apply to C Series Contracts. | ||
• | Partial Withdrawal Option – You may make partial withdrawals during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request, but a withdrawal of Risk Control Account Value is not permitted while there is Variable Subaccount Value. For partial withdrawals of Variable Subaccount Value, you may provide specific instructions but, if you do not, withdrawals will be processed on a Pro Rata basis from the value in all Variable Subaccounts. If there is insufficient Variable Subaccount Value, or no Variable Subaccount Value, Holding Account Value will be withdrawn. If there is insufficient Holding Account Value or no Holding Account Value, Risk Control Account Value will be withdrawn on a Pro Rata basis. Any applicable Surrender Charge and/or Market Value Adjustment will affect the amount available for a partial withdrawal. Surrender Charges do not apply to Series C Contracts. The maximum Surrender Charge is 9% of Purchase Payments withdrawn (See Fees and Expenses on page 11). Partial Withdrawals may also be subject to income taxes and penalty taxes (See Federal Tax Matters on page 59 and Access To Your Money on page 51). | ||
• | Full Surrender Option – You may surrender your Contract during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. Upon full surrender, a Surrender Charge and/or a Market Value Adjustment may apply. Surrender Charges do not apply to Series C Contracts. Full surrenders are subject to the Surrender Charges and income tax consequences noted in the preceding paragraph discussing partial withdrawals. |
Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment applies only to withdrawals from a Risk Control Account and is calculated separately for each Risk Control Account. Required minimum distributions under the Internal Revenue Code that are withdrawn under a systematic withdrawal program and withdrawals of Risk Control Account Value on a Risk Control Account Maturity Date are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment can increase or decrease your amount withdrawn or the Surrender Value, depending on how economic indicators have changed since your Contract was issued. See “Market Value Adjustment” for more details. You may lose a portion of your principal due to the Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment is not assessed upon death, at the time Contract Value is applied to an Income Payout Option, on transfers on amounts withdrawn from the Holding Account, partial withdrawals taken as required minimum distributions under the Internal Revenue Code that are withdrawn under a systematic withdrawal program we provide, and partial withdrawals and surrenders from a Risk Control Account on the Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
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Income Options. You have several income options to choose from during the Payout Period. Income payments will start on the Payout Date, and continue based on the option you elect.
Death Benefit. The Contract provides a Death Benefit during the Accumulation Period. The Death Benefit is equal to the Contract Value as of the date Death Benefits are payable. We do not apply the Surrender Charge or Market Value Adjustment in determining the Death Benefit payable.
Contract Charges
An investment in the Contract involves certain fees and expenses, including Contract Fees, Surrender Charges and underlying Fund fees and expenses. Some of these fees vary depending on whether you invest in the Series B Contract or the Series C Contract. For a full description of all such fees and expenses, please see the section of this Prospectus entitled “Fees and Expenses.”
Risk Factors
Your Contract has various risks associated with it. We list these risk factors below, as well as other important information you should know before purchasing a Contract.
Variable Subaccount Risk. Your investment results in any one of the Variable Subaccounts will depend on the investment performance of the underlying Funds. Because the Variable Subaccounts are not part of the Risk Control Accounts, they are not protected from losses. Therefore, you could lose all of your principal when investing in the Variable Subaccounts.
Index Rate of Return Risk. If you are invested in a Risk Control Account and the relevant Index declines, it may or may not reduce your Risk Control Account Value. This depends on the Risk Control Account to which you allocated your Risk Control Account Value. Nevertheless, you always assume the investment risk that no index interest will be credited and therefore the Index Rate of Return will not increase your Accumulation Credit Factor (and, ultimately, your Risk Control Account Value). You also bear the risk that sustained declines in the relevant Index may cause the Index Rate of Return to not increase your Accumulation Credit Factor (and, ultimately, your Risk Control Account Value) for a prolonged period. If your Risk Control Account Value is allocated to the Growth Account, you also assume the risk of a negative Index Rate of Return (crediting negative index interest), which means your Accumulation Credit Factor and, ultimately, the Risk Control Account Value allocated to the Growth Account, will decline. In addition, you assume the risk that the Index Rate Cap can be reduced to as little as 1%. Please note that in an increasing interest rate environment, the Market Value Adjustment could reduce the amount received to less than the protection provided by the Index Rate Floor.
Liquidity Risk. We designed your Contract to be a long-term investment that you may use to help save for retirement. Your Contract is not designed to be a short-term investment. While you are permitted to take partial withdrawals from the Contract, or fully surrender the Contract, during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request, such withdrawals may be subject to a Surrender Charge and/or Market Value Adjustment (if applicable). We may defer payments made under this Contract with respect to a Risk Control Account and/or the Holding Account for up to six months if the insurance regulatory authority of the
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state in which we issued the Contract approves such deferral. In addition, we m ay postpone payments made under this Contract with respect to a Variable Subaccount as permitted by the SEC.
Market Risk. The historical performance of an Index relating to a Risk Control Account or a Fund underlying a Variable Subaccount should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Index or the Fund. The performance of an Index or a Fund will be influenced by complex and interrelated economic, financial, regulatory, geographic, judicial, political and other factors that can affect the capital markets generally, and by various circumstances that can influence the performance of securities in a particular market segment.
Risk Control Account Transfer Restriction . At any time the Index Rate Cap for your Risk Control Account is less than the bailout rate specified on your Contract Data Page, we may, at our discretion, restrict transfers into that Risk Control Account. See “Access to Your Money – Bailout Provision” for more details.
Creditor and Solvency Risk . Our General Account assets support the guarantees under the Contract and are subject to the claims of our creditors. As such, the guarantees under the Contract are subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability, and therefore, to the risk that we may default on those guarantees. You need to consider our financial strength and claims-paying ability in meeting the guarantees under the Contract. You may obtain information on our financial condition by reviewing our financial statements included in this Prospectus. Additionally, information concerning our business and operations is set forth in the section of this Prospectus entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
EXPENSE TABLES |
Fee Tables
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering the Contract.
The first table describes the fees and charges that you will pay at the time that you surrender the Contract, make certain withdrawals, request special services or make certain transfers. Charges designed to approximate certain taxes that may be imposed on us, such as premium taxes in your state, may also apply.(1)
Charges We Deduct from Your Contract Value at the Time You Request Certain Transactions | Series B Contract | Series C Contract |
Maximum Surrender Charge as a Percentage of Purchase Payment Surrendered or Withdrawn | 9%(2) | None |
Transfer Fee(3) | $25 | $25 |
Research Fee | $50 | $50 |
Wire Transfer Fee | $90 | $90 |
Express Mail Charge | $35 | $35 |
Duplicate Contract Charge (For each duplicate Contract) | $30 | $30 |
The next table describes the periodic charges that you will pay during the time that you own the Contract to the extent you allocate Purchase Payments and/or Contract Value to the Variable Subaccounts. This table does not include the underlying fund fees and expenses to the extent Purchase Payments and/or Contract Value are allocated to the Variable Subaccounts.
Periodic Charges to the Variable Subaccounts | Series B | Series C |
Contract Fee on Variable Subaccounts(4) (percentage of average daily Variable Subaccount Value) | 1.50% | 1.75% |
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Fund Operating Expenses Expressed as an Annual Percentage of Daily Net Assets | Minimum | Maximum |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (total of all expenses that are deducted from Fund assets, including management fees, 12b-1 fees, service fees, and other expenses)(5) | 0.16% | 1.14% |
Periodic Charges to the Risk Control Accounts | Series B | Series C |
Contract Fee on Risk Control Accounts(4) | 1.50% | 1.75% |
(1) State premium taxes currently range from 0% to 3.5% of Purchase Payments.
We also assess the Contract Fee against Contract Value held in the Risk Control Accounts. The Contract Fee assessed against Contract Value held in the Risk Control Accounts is equal on an annual basis to the annual Contract Fee percentage multiplied by the Accumulation Credit Factor for each Risk Control Account at the start of the Risk Control Account Year. The Contract Fee reduces the Accumulation Credit Factor for each Risk Control Account in which you are invested, thereby reducing the amount of interest credited, if any, to Contract Value in the Risk Control Accounts. We do not assess a Contract Fee against Contract Value held in the Holding Account.
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If you surrender the Contract at the end of the applicable time period:
Series Type | 1 year | 3 years |
Series B | $1,077 | $1,540 |
Series C | $292 | $895 |
If you do not surrender the Contract at the end of the applicable time period:
Series Type | 1 year | 3 years |
Series B | $267 | $820 |
Series C | $292 | $895 |
The Examples are illustrations and do not represent past or future expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown. Similarly, your rate of return may be more or less than the 5% assumed in the Examples.
FEES |
Surrender Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge). For Series B Contracts, we deduct a Surrender Charge from each Purchase Payment withdrawn during the Surrender Charge Period that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount. The deduction of the Surrender Charge will reduce the amount you receive from a partial withdraw or surrender of the Contract during the Accumulation Period. Each Purchase Payment has an individual Surrender Charge schedule which begins when the Purchase Payment is credited to your Contract and continues for a period of five years, as shown in the table below. The amount of the Surrender Charge is determined separately for each Purchase Payment withdrawn and is expressed as a percentage of the Purchase Payment as follows:
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Number of Years Since Purchase Payment Credited | Surrender Charge as a Percent of Purchase Payments Withdrawn |
Less than 1 | 9% |
At least 1 but less than 2 | 9% |
At least 2 but less than 3 | 8% |
At least 3 but less than 4 | 7% |
At least 4 but less than 5 | 6% |
5 or more | 0% |
For purposes of calculating the Surrender Charge, Purchase Payments are assumed to be withdrawn on a first-in-first-out basis. This means that Purchase Payments that were allocated to your Contract first are considered to be withdrawn first and Purchase Payments are considered to be withdrawn before Earnings. Therefore, withdrawals will be processed to occur in the following order: (1) Purchase Payments that are no longer subject to a Surrender Charge as of the date of the withdrawal; (2) your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount; (3) Purchase Payments that are subject to a Surrender Charge on a first-in-first-out basis; and (4) Earnings, if any, after all Purchase Payments have been withdrawn. We will deduct the Surrender Charge from your withdrawal proceeds. We will deduct the Surrender Charge before we apply any Market Value Adjustments to withdrawal proceeds from the Risk Control Accounts. For an example of how we calculate the Surrender Charge, see “Appendix A” to this Prospectus.
We will not assess the Surrender Charge on:
• | Withdrawals under the Nursing Home or Hospital/Terminal Illness waiver; | ||
• | Required minimum distributions under the Internal Revenue Code that are withdrawn under the systematic withdrawal program provided by the Company; | ||
• | Withdrawal of Risk Control Account Value on a Risk Control Account Maturity Date; | ||
• | Purchase Payments that are no longer subject to a Surrender Charge as of the date of the partial withdrawal or full surrender; | ||
• | Your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount; | ||
• | Earnings, if any, after all Purchase Payments have been withdrawn; | ||
• | Death; | ||
• | At the time Contract Value is applied to an Income Payout Option; and | ||
• | Transfers. |
For information on the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount and Surrender Charge waivers, see “Access to Your Money.”
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the Contract Value held in the Variable Subaccounts. The deduction of the Contract Fee reduces the Accumulation Unit Value for each Variable Subaccount in which you are invested.
The Contract Fee assessed against Contract Value held in the Risk Control Accounts is equal on an annual basis to the annual Contract Fee percentage multiplied by the Accumulation Credit Factor for each Risk Control Account at the start of the Risk Control Account Year. The deduction of the Contract Fee reduces the Accumulation Credit Factor for each Risk Control Account in which you are invested, thereby reducing the Index Interest credited, if any, to values held in the Risk Control Accounts.
The annual Contract Fee percentage is 1.50% for Series B Contracts and 1.75% for Series C Contracts. We do not assess the Contract Fee against Contract Value held in the Holding Account.
Research Fee. We may charge you a fee of up to $50 when you request information that is duplicative of information previously provided to you and requires research on our part. The fee is deducted on a pro rata basis according to the current values in the accounts, first from any Variable Subaccounts, then, if there are insufficient funds, from the Holding Account and then from the Risk Control Accounts on a pro rata basis after all the other funds are exhausted.
Wire Transfer Fee. We may charge you a fee of up to $90 when you request a wire transfer of funds from your Contract. The fee reimburses us for the costs we incur in sending funds by wire transfer. The wire transfer fee is deducted on a pro rata basis according to current values in the accounts, first from any Variable Subaccounts, then, if there are insufficient funds, from the Holding Account and then from the Risk Control Accounts on a pro rata basis after all the other funds are exhausted.
Express Mail Charge. We reserve the right to charge you a fee of up to $35 when you request that a check or other documents be sent via express mail. The express mail charge reimburses us for the costs we incur when sending materials by express mail. The fee is deducted on a pro rata basis according to current values in the accounts, first from any Variable Subaccounts, then, if there are insufficient funds, from the Holding Account and then from the Risk Control Accounts on a pro rata basis after all the other funds are exhausted.
Other Information
We assume investment risks and costs in providing the guarantees under the Contract. These investment risks include the risks we assume in providing the Index Rate Floors for the Risk Control Accounts, the surrender rights available under the Contract, the Death Benefit and the income benefits. We must provide the rates and benefits set forth in your Contract regardless of how our General Account investments that support the guarantees we provide perform. To help manage our investment risks, we engage in certain risk management techniques. There are costs associated with those risk management techniques. You do not directly pay the costs associated with our risk management techniques. However, we take those costs into account when we set rates and guarantees under your Contract.
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GETTING STARTED – THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD |
The Prospectus describes all material rights, benefits and obligations under the Contract. Any material variations in the Contract are covered in this Prospectus and in your Contract. We will include any such state variations in your Contract. Your financial professional can provide you with more information about those state variations.
Purchasing a Contract
We offer the Contract to individuals, certain retirement plans, and other entities. To purchase a Contract, you and the Annuitant must be no older than age 85.
IMPORTANT: You may use the Contract with certain tax qualified retirement plans. The Contract includes attributes such as tax deferral on accumulated earnings. Qualified retirement plans provide their own tax deferral benefit; the purchase of this Contract does not provide additional tax deferral benefits beyond those provided in the qualified retirement plan. Accordingly, if you are purchasing this Contract through a qualified retirement plan, you should consider purchasing the Contract for its other features and other non-tax related benefits. Please consult a tax adviser for information specific to your circumstances to determine whether the Contract is an appropriate investment for you.
If mandated by applicable law, including Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering, we may be required to reject your Purchase Payment. We may also be required to provide additional information about you or your Contract to government regulators. In addition, we may be required to block an Owner’s Contract and thereby refuse to honor any request for transfers, partial withdrawals, surrender, income payments, and Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriate government regulator.
Tax-Free “Section 1035” Exchanges
You can generally exchange one annuity contract for another in a “tax-free exchange” under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code. Before making an exchange, you should compare both contracts carefully. Remember that if you exchange another contract for the one described in this Prospectus, you might have to pay a Surrender Charge or negative Market Value Adjustment on the existing contract. If the exchange does not qualify for Section 1035 tax treatment, you may have to pay federal income tax, including a possible penalty tax, on your old contract. There will be a new Surrender Charge Period for
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this Contract and other charges may be higher (or lower) and the benefits may be different. There may be delays in our processing of the exchange. You should not exchange another contract for this one unless you determine, after knowing all the facts that the exchange is in your best interest. In general, the person selling you this Contract will earn a commission from us.
Owner
The Owner is the person(s) (or entity) who own(s) the Contract and, in the case of a natural person(s), whose death determines the Death Benefit. A non-natural person cannot jointly own a Contract. The Owner names the Annuitant or Joint Annuitants. All rights under the Contract may be exercised by the Owner, subject to the rights of any other Owner and any Irrevocable Beneficiary. Assignment of the Contract by the Owner is not permitted, unless the state in which the Contract is issued requires us to provide the Owner the right to assign the Contract. In that case, the Owner must provide us with advance Written Notice of the assignment and the assignment is subject to our approval, unless those requirements are inconsistent with the law of the state in which the Contract is issued.
Divorce
In the event of divorce, the former Spouse must provide a copy of the divorce decree (or a qualified domestic relations order if it is a qualified plan) to us. The terms of the decree/order must identify the Contract and specify how the Contract Value should be allocated among the former Spouses.
Annuitant
The Annuitant is the natural person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the income payment amount payable under the Contract. If the Owner is a natural person, the Owner may change the Annuitant at any time before the Payout Date by Authorized Request. A request to change the Annuitant must be received by us at least 30 days before the Payout Date. Unless otherwise specified by the Owner, such change will take effect as of the date the Authorized Request was signed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take before we receive the Authorized Request. If you change the Annuitant, the Payout Date will not change. If the Owner is not a natural person, the Annuitant cannot be changed. The Annuitant does not have any rights under the Contract.
Beneficiary
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be paid to the Owner’s estate. If there is more than one Beneficiary, each Beneficiary will receive an equal share, unless otherwise specified by the Owner.
At any time before the Payout Date, you may change the Beneficiary by an Authorized Request sent to us, or you may name one or more Beneficiaries. A change of Beneficiary will take effect on the date the Authorized Request was signed. If there are Joint Owners, each Owner must sign the Authorized Request. In addition, any Irrevocable Beneficiary or assignee must sign the Authorized Request. Any change is subject to payment or other actions we took before we received the request to change the Beneficiary at our Administrative Office.
Use care when naming Beneficiaries. If you have any questions concerning the criteria you should use when choosing Beneficiaries, consult your financial professional.
Right to Examine
Thirty Day Period to Discontinue Initial Risk Control Accounts
If you elect to exercise your right under this provision, your entire Risk Control Account Value will be transferred to the Variable Subaccounts (according to the allocation instructions on file with us for Level V) on the Business Day that we receive your request in Good Order. For your request to be in Good Order, we will require you to provide Variable Subaccount allocations instructions (Level V) if none are on file with us, and to allocate 100% of your Contract Value to the Variable Subaccount Option (Level C) with 0% for Risk Control Account Allocation Levels I and R. These allocation instructions (C, I and R) cannot be changed for at least 30 days, beginning on the date of transfer. This means that once discontinued, a new Risk Control Account cannot be established for at least 30 days. You can, however, change your Variable Subaccount allocation instructions (Level V) effective as of any Business Day.
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Contract Values to a Risk Control Account and the Index Rate Cap is set below the levels identified in your Contract.
ALLOCATING YOUR PURCHASE PAYMENT |
Purchase Payment
If the application for a Contract is in Good Order, which includes our receipt of the initial Purchase Payment, we will issue the Contract on the Contract Issue Date. If the application is not in Good Order, we may retain the initial Purchase Payment for up to five Business Days while we attempt to complete the application. If the application is not complete at the end of the five Business Day period, we will inform you of the reason for the delay and the initial Purchase Payment will be returned immediately, unless you specifically consent to us retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is complete. Once the application is complete, we will allocate the initial Purchase Payment according to your allocation instructions.
The minimum initial Purchase Payment for a Non-Qualified or Qualified Contract is $5,000. Additional Purchase Payments can be made, but are not required. Each Additional Purchase Payment may not be less than $50 and must be received at our Administrative Office prior to the oldest Owner’s 85th birthday, or the oldest Annuitant’s 85th birthday if the Owner is a non-natural person. Additional Purchase Payments are not allowed on Traditional IRA Contracts after the Owner has reached age 70½. Purchase Payments that, in total, exceed $1 million require our prior approval. Multiple Contracts owned by the same individual where the sum of the Purchase Payments exceeds $1 million also require our prior approval.
Purchase Payment Allocation
There are four Allocation Levels available under the Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payments and Contract Value: Level C (Contract Allocation Level), Level V (Variable Subaccount Allocation Level), Level I (Index Allocation Level), and Level R (Risk Control Allocation Level). You must specify the percentage of your Purchase Payment to be allocated to each Allocation Level on the Contract Issue Date. The amount you direct to a particular Allocation Level must be in whole percentages from 0% to 100% of the Purchase Payment and your total allocation must equal 100% at each Allocation Level.
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If there is no Risk Control Account in force, an additional Purchase Payment may be made in order to establish a Risk Control Account. However, if you exercised your right to discontinue your Risk Control Accounts, as described under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period – Thirty Day Period to Discontinue Initial Risk Control Accounts,” a new Risk Control Account cannot be established for a period of 30 days. To establish a Risk Control Account, there must be at least five years until the Payout Date, and you must change your allocation instructions for Levels C, I and R to include Allocation Level percentages for the Risk Control Account Option and Risk Control Accounts. If these requirements have been met, we will allocate the portion of your Purchase Payment designated for the Risk Control Accounts to the Holding Account, and we will transfer your Holding Account Value to the Risk Control Accounts (according to your allocation instructions on file with us for Levels I and R) as of the next available Risk Control Account Start Date following our receipt of the Purchase Payment. If there are less than five years from the date we receive a Purchase Payment until the Payout Date, the Purchase Payment will be allocated to the Variable Subaccounts according to the allocation instructions on file with us for Level V on the Business Day we receive the Purchase Payment. If there are no such allocation instructions on file with us or if you request that the additional Purchase Payment be allocated to the Risk Control Account, we will treat the request to allocate the additional Purchase Payment as not in Good Order and will return the additional Purchase Payment to you unless you provide Level V allocation instructions by 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on the Business Day we receive the Purchase Payment.
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Transactions that are scheduled to occur on a day that the unit value for a Variable Subaccount or Risk Control Account is not available will be processed on the next Business Day at the Accumulation Unit Value for the Subaccount or Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account next determined.
The Express Portfolios are only available on or before the Contract Issue Date. You may select only one Express Portfolio and you must allocate 100% of your initial Purchase Payment to that Express Portfolio. Each Express Portfolio contains several different investment options that in combination may create different degrees of exposure to market risks and corresponding opportunities for more potential growth while other combinations of investment options may offer different degrees of protection from market risks but lower growth potential. If you elect to invest according to one of the Express Portfolios, we will invest your initial Purchase Payment according to the specified allocation percentages of the Express Portfolio you selected.
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AUTOMATIC REBALANCE PROGRAM |
Rebalancing at Level C (between Variable Subaccounts and Risk Control Accounts) will occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date (which is five years after the Risk Control Account Start Date). This rebalancing will occur according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Risk Control Account Value, you elect to discontinue rebalancing by Authorized Request, or you have requested to transfer value which results in rebalancing being discontinued at Levels C and V (among Variable Subaccounts) as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
Rebalancing at Level V will occur as of each Contract Anniversary according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Variable Subaccount Value. Rebalancing at Level V will also occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date according to the allocation instructions on file with us, unless there is no Variable Subaccount Value or you have requested to transfer value which results in rebalancing being discontinued at Levels C and V as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date. If rebalancing is discontinued, you may elect to reinstate rebalancing at Level C by Authorized Request, which will also reinstate rebalancing at Level V. Your Authorized Request to reinstate rebalancing must be received at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date to take effect as of that date. If we are not notified at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date, rebalancing at Level C will not occur until the next Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
Rebalancing at Level I (between Risk Controls Accounts with different reference Indices) will occur as of each Risk Control Account Maturity Date (which is five years after the Risk Control Account Start Date) according to the allocation instructions on file with us. Rebalancing at Level I will not occur if your Risk Control Account Value is not split between Indices or there is no Risk Control Account Value.
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Please note that at any time the Index Rate Cap for your Risk Control Account is less than the rate specified in the Bailout Provision (as shown on your Contract Data Page), we may, at our discretion, restrict transfers into that Risk Control Account and may not reallocate your Contract Value between Risk Control Accounts under the Automatic Rebalance Program. See “Access to Your Money – Bailout Provision” for more details.
CONTRACT VALUE |
On the Contract Issue Date, your Contract Value equals the initial Purchase Payment. After the Contract Issue Date, during the Accumulation Period, your Contract Value will equal the total Risk Control Account Value, plus the total Variable Subaccount Value, plus the Holding Account Value.
TRANSFERS |
Transfers between Risk Control Accounts and/or Variable Subaccounts will occur automatically under the Automatic Rebalance Program. In addition, by Authorized Request, you may also transfer value:
• | Between Variable Subaccounts on any Business Day; | ||
• | Between Risk Control Accounts with the same reference Index as of a Risk Control Account Anniversary; | ||
• | From Risk Control Accounts to Variable Subaccounts under the Thirty Day Period to Discontinue Initial Risk Control Account; | ||
• | Between Risk Control Accounts or between Risk Control Accounts and Variable Subaccounts as of a Risk Control Account Maturity Date; and | ||
• | From a Variable Subaccount to a Risk Control Account as of the next available Risk Control Account Start Date if there is no Risk Control Account in force. |
You may also make a transfer under the Bailout Provision, as described in “Access to Your Money – Bailout Provision.”
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received in our Administrative Office prior to the Payout Date. We reserve the right to impose a transfer fee, which, if imposed, will be deducted from the Variable Subaccount or Risk Control Account from which the transfer is made. If a transfer is made from more than one Variable Subaccount or Risk Control Account at the same time, the transfer fee will be deducted Pro Rata from the value in the Variable Subaccounts and/or Risk Control Accounts. We reserve the right to modify, suspend or terminate the transfer privilege for any Contract or series of Contracts at any time for any reason.
If there is no Risk Control Account in force, you may request to transfer value from a Variable Subaccount in order to establish a Risk Control Account by Authorized Request. However, if you exercised your right to discontinue your Risk Control Accounts, as described under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period – Thirty Day Period to Discontinue Initial Risk Control Accounts,” a new Risk Control Account cannot be established for a period of 30 days.
If there are less than five years until the Payout Date, transfers to a Risk Control Account will not be allowed. In addition, if your allocation instructions are not in Good Order, no transfer will occur until you provide allocation instructions that are in Good Order.
VARIABLE SUBACCOUNT OPTION |
The portion of the assets of the Variable Separate Account equal to the reserves and other liabilities of the Contracts supported by the Variable Separate Account will not be charged with liabilities arising from any other business that we may conduct. We have the right to transfer to our General Account any assets of the Variable Separate Account that are in excess of such reserves and other Contract liabilities. The income, gains and losses, realized or unrealized, from the assets allocated to the Variable Separate Account will be credited to or charged against the Variable Separate Account, without regard to our other income, gains or losses.
The Variable Separate Account is divided into Variable Subaccounts. Each Variable Subaccount invests its assets solely in the shares or units of designated Funds of underlying investment companies. Purchase Payments allocated and transfers to a Variable Subaccount are invested in the Fund supporting that Variable Subaccount.
Subject to obtaining approval or consent required by applicable law, we reserve the right to:
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• | Combine the Variable Separate Account with any other variable separate accounts that are also registered as unit investment trusts under the 1940 Act; | ||
• | Eliminate or combine any Variable Subaccounts and transfer the assets of any Variable Subaccount to any other Variable Subaccount; | ||
• | Add new Variable Subaccounts and make such Variable Subaccounts available to any series of contracts as we deem appropriate; | ||
• | Close certain Variable Subaccounts to the allocation of Purchase Payments or transfer of Contract Value; | ||
• | Add new Funds or remove existing Funds; substitute a different Fund for any existing Fund, if shares or units of a Fund are no longer available for investment or if we determine that investment in a Fund is no longer appropriate; | ||
• | Deregister the Variable Separate Account under the 1940 Act if such registration is no longer required; | ||
• | Operate the Variable Separate Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act (including managing the Variable Separate Account under the direction of a committee) or in any other form permitted by law; | ||
• | Restrict or eliminate any voting rights of Owners or other persons having such rights as to the Variable Separate Account; and | ||
• | Make any other changes to the Variable Separate Account or its operations as may be required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law or regulations. |
In the event of any substitution or other change, we may make changes to the Contract as may be necessary or appropriate to reflect such substitution or other change.
Funds
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund in which the Variable Subaccounts invest are summarized below. We select the Funds based on several criteria, including asset class coverage, the strength of the investment adviser’s or subadviser’s reputation and tenure, brand recognition, performance, fees, and the capability and qualification of each investment firm. Another factor we consider during the selection process is whether the Fund, its investment adviser, its subadviser(s), or an affiliate will compensate us or our affiliates, as described below under “Servicing Fees and Other Fund-Related Payments” and “Distribution of the Contract.” We review the Funds periodically and may remove or limit a Fund’s availability to new purchase payments and/or transfers of Variable Subaccount Value if we determine that the Fund no longer meets one or more of the selection criteria, and/or if the Fund has not attracted significant allocations from Owners.
Owners, through their indirect investment in the Funds, bear the costs of: (i) investment advisory or management fees that the Funds pay their respective investment advisers, and in some cases, subadvisers (see the Funds’ prospectuses for more information); (ii), administrative fees; (iii) 12b-1 service fees; and (iv) other expenses. As discussed above, an investment adviser or subadviser to a Fund, or its affiliates, may make payments to us and/or certain of our affiliates. These payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the advisory (and in some cases, subadvisory) or other fees deducted from Fund assets.
From time to time, the Funds may reorganize or merge with other mutual funds. If that occurs, we will process any instructions to allocate to the Variable Subaccount investing in the merged Fund post-merger
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instead to the Variable Subaccount investing in the surviving Fund.
Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund (Series I). The investment seeks total return through growth of capital and current income. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of real estate and real estate-related issuers, and in derivatives and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities. It invests primarily in real estate investment trusts (REITS) and equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers. The fund will provide exposure to investments that are economically tied to at least three different countries, including the U.S. It may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging market countries.
Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity Fund (Series I). The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small-capitalization issuers. The principal type of equity security in which the Fund invests is common stock. The Fund’s managers consider an issuer to be a small-capitalization issuer if it has a market capitalization, at the time of purchase, no larger than the largest capitalized issuer included in the Russell 2000® Index. The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities.
American Funds Insurance Series®
American Funds IS Asset Allocation Fund 1 (Series I). The Fund seeks high total return (including income and capital gains) consistent with preservation of capital over the long term. The Fund varies its mix of equity securities, debt securities and money market instruments. Under normal market conditions, its investment adviser expects (but is not required) to maintain an investment mix falling within the following ranges: 40%-80% in equity securities, 20%-50% in debt securities and 0%-40% in money market instruments. Although the Fund focuses on investments in medium to larger capitalization companies, the Fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size.
American Funds IS Bond Fund (Series I). The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to maximize the level of current income and preserve capital by investing primarily in bonds. Normally, it invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds and other debt securities which may be represented by other investment instruments, including derivatives. The Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in investment-grade debt securities rated Baaa3 or better or BBB- or by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations, or NRSRO’s, or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund’s investment adviser), including cash and cash equivalents, securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. and other governments, and securities backed by mortgages and other assets. It may invest up to 35% of its assets in debt securities rated Ba1 or below by NRSROs or unrated but determined by the fund’s investment adviser to be of equivalent quality. Such securities are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”. The Fund invests in debt securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States including in emerging market.
American Funds IS Growth Fund (Series I). The Fund seeks growth of capital. The Fund invests primarily in common stocks and seeks to invest in companies that appear to offer superior opportunities for growth of capital. It may invest up to 25% of its assets in common stocks and other securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States. Although the Fund focuses on investments in medium to larger capitalization companies, the Fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size.
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Capital Research and Management Company serves as the investment adviser to the American Funds Insurance Series.
BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.
BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. I. The Fund seeks high total investment return. The Fund invests in a portfolio of equity, debt and money market securities. Generally, its portfolio will include both equity and debt securities. In selecting equity investments, the Fund mainly seeks securities that the adviser believes are undervalued. The Fund may buy debt securities of varying maturities, debt securities paying a fixed or fluctuating rate of interest, and debt securities of any kind. It may invest up to 35% of its total assets in “junk bonds,” corporate loans and distressed securities. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts and securities related to real assets.
BlackRock Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to BlackRock Global Allocation V.I.I.
Columbia Threadneedle
Columbia VP Emerging Markets Bond 1. The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with high total return through current income and, secondarily, through capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets will be invested in fixed income securities of issuers that are located in emerging markets countries, or that earn 50% or more of their total revenues from goods or services produced in emerging markets countries or from sales made in emerging markets countries. It may invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of foreign governmental and corporate entities located in the same country. The Fund is non-diversified.
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC serves as the investment adviser to Columbia VP Emerging Markets Bond 1.
DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.
DFA VA International Small. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, using a market capitalization weighted approach, purchases securities of (i) Japanese small companies; (ii) United Kingdom small companies; (iii) small companies organized under the laws of certain European countries; (iv) small companies associated with Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Rim Asian countries; and (v) Canadian small companies. It may have some exposure to small cap equity securities associated with other countries or regions.
DFA VA International Value. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, using a market capitalization weighted approach, purchases securities of large non-U.S. companies in countries with developed markets that the investment adviser determines to be value stocks. It may gain exposure to companies associated with approved markets by purchasing equity securities in the form of depositary receipts, which may be listed or traded outside the issuer’s domicile country.
DFA VA US Large Value. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, using a market capitalization weighted approach, purchases a broad and diverse group of readily marketable securities
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of large U.S. companies that the investment adviser determines to be value stocks. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, it will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of large cap U.S. companies. The Fund may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts on U.S. equity securities and indices, to adjust equity market exposure based on actual or expected cash inflows to or outflows from the Portfolio.
DFA VA US Targeted Value. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund, using a market capitalization weighted approach, purchases a broad and diverse group of readily marketable securities of U.S. small and mid-cap companies that the investment adviser determines to be value stocks. As a non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, it will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of U.S. companies. The Fund may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts on U.S. equity securities and indices, to adjust equity market exposure based on actual or expected cash inflows to or outflows from the Fund.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP serves as the investment adviser to the DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
Dreyfus VIF Quality Bond (Institutional). The Fund seeks to maximize total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. To pursue its goal, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds. It may invest up to 10% of its net assets in bonds issued by foreign issuers that are denominated in foreign currencies, and up to 20% of its net assets in bonds issued by foreign issuers whether denominated in U.S. dollars or in a foreign currency.
The Dreyfus Corporation serves at the investment adviser to the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund.
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust
Franklin High Income VIP (Class 1). The Fund seeks a high level of current income; capital appreciation is a secondary objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests predominantly in high yield, lower-rated debt securities. Lower-rated securities generally pay higher yields than more highly rated securities to compensate investors for the higher risk. These securities include bonds, notes, debentures, convertible securities, and senior and subordinated debt securities. The Fund may also invest in preferred stock.
Templeton Global Bond VIP (Class 1). The Fund seeks high current income consistent with preservation of capital; capital appreciation is a secondary objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in “bonds.” Bonds include debt securities of any maturity, such as bonds, notes, bills and debentures. The Fund invests predominantly in bonds issued by governments and government agencies located around the world. Under normal market conditions, the investment adviser expects to invest at least 40% of its net assets in foreign securities, and may invest without limit in emerging or developing markets. It is non-diversified.
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Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust
Goldman Sachs VIT Core Fixed Income Trust (Institutional). The Fund seeks a total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the total return of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes in fixed income securities, including securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, corporate debt securities, privately issued adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans or other mortgage-related securities and asset-backed securities.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. serves as the investment adviser to Goldman Sachs VIT Core Fixed Income Trust.
Lazard Retirement Series, Inc.
Lazard Retirement Emerging Markets Equity Fund (Investor). The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-U.S. companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries and that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. Under normal circumstances, it invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries.
Lazard Asset Management LLC serves as the investment adviser to Lazard Retirement Emerging Markets Equity Fund.
MFS® Variable Insurance Trust
MFS® Utilities Series (Initial Class). The Fund seeks total return. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in securities of issuers in the utilities industry. The Fund primarily invests in equity securities, but may also invest in debt instruments, including below investment grade quality debt instruments. The Fund may invest in companies of any size. The Fund invests in U.S. and foreign securities, including emerging market securities. The Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in issuers in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. While the Fund may use derivatives for any investment purpose, the Fund expects to use derivatives primarily to increase or decrease currency exposure. Derivatives include futures, forward contracts, options, and swaps.
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MFS® Variable Insurance Trust III
MFS® Blended Research ® Small Cap Equity Portfolio (Initial Class). The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of issuers with small market capitalizations. The Fund generally defines small market capitalization issuers as issuers with market capitalizations similar to those of issuers included in the Russell 2000 Index over the last 13 months at the time of purchase. Equity securities include common stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other securities that represent an ownership interest (or right to acquire an ownership interest) in a company or other issuer. The Fund may invest foreign securities. Investments for the Fund are selected primarily based on blending fundamental and quantitative research.
Massachusetts Financial Services Company serves as the investment adviser to MFS® VIT Blended Research® Small Cap Equity Portfolio.
Morgan Stanley
The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. Global Infrastructure Portfolio (Class I). The Fund seeks both capital appreciation and current income. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities issued by companies located throughout the world that are engaged in the infrastructure business. It may invest up to 100% of its net assets in foreign securities, which may include emerging market securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 40% of its assets in the securities of issuers located outside of the United States. It is non-diversified.
The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. Growth Portfolio (Class I). The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in established and emerging companies with market capitalizations of generally $10 billion or more that the Fund’s investment adviser believes exhibit, among other things, strong free cash flow and compelling business strategies. Its equity investments may include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and equity-linked securities, rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds, limited partnership interests and other specialty securities having equity features. The Fund may invest in privately placed and restricted securities. It may invest up to 25% of the Fund’s net assets in foreign securities including emerging market securities classified as American Depository Receipts, Global Depository Receipts, American Depository Shares or Global Depository Shares, foreign U.S. dollar denominated securities that are traded on a U.S. Exchange or local shares of non-U.S. issuers.
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
Oppenheimer International Growth Fund/VA (Non-Service Shares). The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of issuers that are domiciled or that have their primary operations in at least three different countries outside of the United States and may invest 100% of its total assets in foreign companies. It mainly invests in “growth companies,” which are companies whose earnings and stock prices are expected to increase at a faster rate than the overall market. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in emerging markets. It can also use derivative instruments, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps.
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser, and OppenheimerFunds, Inc., is the sub-adviser, to Oppenheimer International Growth Fund/VA.
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PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust
PIMCO VIT All Asset (Institutional Class).* The Fund seeks maximum real return consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management. The Fund invests under normal circumstances substantially all of its assets in Institutional Class shares of any funds of the PIMCO Funds and PIMCO Equity Series, affiliated open-end investment companies, except funds of funds, and shares of any actively-managed funds of the PIMCO ETF Trust, an affiliated investment company (collectively, “Underlying PIMCO Funds”). The Fund invests its assets in shares of the Underlying PIMCO Funds and does not invest directly in stocks or bonds of other issuers. Research Affiliates, LLC, the Fund’s asset allocation sub-adviser, determines how the Fund allocates and reallocates its assets among the Underlying PIMCO Funds. In doing so, the asset allocation sub-adviser seeks concurrent exposure to a broad spectrum of asset classes.
PIMCO serves as the investment adviser to the PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust.
*The Fund operates as a fund of funds.
Putnam Variable Trust
Putnam Investment Management, LLC serves at the investment adviser to the Putnam VT High Yield Fund.
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T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth; income is a secondary objective. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in the common stocks of large-and medium-sized blue chip growth companies. It focuses on companies with leading market position, seasoned management, and strong financial fundamentals. The Fund may invest in foreign stocks in keeping with the Fund’s objectives. It may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses, or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.
Northern Lights Variable Trust
TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1).* The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds. The exchange-traded funds included in the Fund invest primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes: common and preferred stocks; real estate investment trusts; and natural resource-related securities.
TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio (Class 1). * The Fund seeks to preserve capital and provide moderate income and moderate capital appreciation. The Fund employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds. The exchange-traded funds included in the Fund invest primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes: government fixed income securities; corporate fixed income securities; common and preferred stocks; real estate investment trusts; and natural resource-related securities.
TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1).* The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds. The exchange-traded funds included in the Fund invest primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes: government fixed income securities; corporate fixed income securities; common and preferred stocks; real estate investment trusts; and natural resource-related securities.
TOPS® Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio (Class 1).* The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds. The exchange-traded funds included in the Fund invest primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes: government fixed income securities; corporate fixed income securities; common and preferred stocks; real estate investment trusts; and natural resource-related securities.
*The Fund operates as a fund of funds.
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Vanguard Variable Insurance Fund
Vanguard VIF Diversified Value. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and income growth, with reasonable current income. The Fund’s advisor, Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, uses in-depth fundamental research and valuation forecasts to identify large- and mid-capitalization stocks with strong fundamentals and price appreciation potential. The Fund typically invests in securities with below-average price/earnings and price/book value ratios and above-average current yield. Earnings forecasts, based on Barrow, Hanley’s experience and analysis, drive dividend-discount and relative-return valuation models that are key to security selection.
Vanguard VIF Equity Index. The Fund seeks to track the investment performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, an unmanaged benchmark representing U.S. large-capitalization stocks. Using full replication, the Fund holds all stocks in the same capitalization weighting as the index.
Vanguard VIF High Yield Bond. The Fund seeks a high and sustainable level of current income by investing primarily in below-investment-grade corporate securities offering attractive yields. The Fund emphasizes higher credit quality and lower risk than are typical of other high-yield funds. Using a long-term, fundamental process, the advisor applies intensive credit analysis to identify high-yielding companies with stable or improving prospects. The Fund maintains broad diversification in its below-investment-grade holdings. It also holds investment-grade issues suffering from near-term weakness and U.S. Treasury bonds. The advisor’s strategy seeks to reduce default risk and limit capital depreciation potential. The resulting portfolio generally has a lower yield-to-maturity, higher average credit quality, and lower volatility than the Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. The Fund purchases securities paying cash coupons and avoids zero-coupon or pay-in-kind bonds.
Vanguard VIF International. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through broadly diversified exposure to the major equity markets outside the United States. The Fund’s advisors employ fundamental research to construct portfolios of growth stocks in developed and emerging markets. The advisors use fundamental research to identify high-quality companies with above-average growth potential in countries around the world. The Fund’s multimanager structure—three advisors managing independent subportfolios—increases diversification. In addition, Vanguard may invest the Fund’s cash flows in equity index futures and/or exchange-traded funds to manage liquidity needs while ensuring that the Fund remains fully invested.
Vanguard VIF Mid-Cap Index. The Fund seeks to track the investment performance of the CRSP US Mid Cap Index, an unmanaged benchmark representing medium-size U.S. firms. Using full replication, the portfolio holds all stocks in the same capitalization weighting as the index.
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Vanguard VIF Small Company Growth. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in a broad universe of small-company growth stocks. The Fund’s three investment advisors—two using a fundamental approach and one using a quantitative approach—manage independent subportfolios. The use of three advisors diversifies risk and increases investment capacity, while providing each manager with the opportunity to generate superior returns. The Fund’s broad diversification tends to produce lower volatility.
Vanguard VIF Total Bond Market Index. The Fund seeks to track the investment performance of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond Index, an unmanaged benchmark representing the broad U.S. bond market. The Fund invests in investment-grade corporate, U.S. Treasury, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities with short, intermediate, and long maturities in excess of one year, resulting in a portfolio of intermediate duration.
The Vanguard Group, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to Vanguard VIF Capital Growth, Vanguard VIF Diversified Value, Vanguard VIF Equity Index, Vanguard VIF High Yield Bond, Vanguard VIF International, Vanguard VIF Mid-Cap Index, Vanguard VIF Money Market, Vanguard VIF REIT Index, Vanguard VIF Small Co Growth, Vanguard VIF Total Bond Market Index and Vanguard VIF Total Stock Market Index.
These mutual fund portfolios are not available for purchase directly by the general public, and are not the same as other mutual fund portfolios with very similar or nearly identical names that are sold directly to the public. However, the investment objectives and policies of certain portfolios available under the Contract may be very similar to the investment objectives and policies of other portfolios that are managed by the same investment adviser or manager. Nevertheless, the investment performance and results of the portfolios available under the Contract may be lower, or higher, than the investment results of such other (publicly available) portfolios. There can be no assurance, and no representation is made, that the investment results of any of the portfolios available under the Contract will be comparable to the investment results of any other mutual fund portfolio, even in the other portfolio has the same investment adviser or manager and the same investment objectives and policies, and a very similar name.
There is no guarantee that the stated objectives and policies of any of the Funds will be achieved. More detailed information concerning the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Funds, the expenses of the Funds, the risks attendant to investing in the Funds and other aspects of their operations can be found in the current prospectuses for the Funds and the current statement of additional information for each of the Funds. You may obtain a prospectus or a statement of additional information for any of the Funds by contacting the Company or by asking your financial professional. You should read the Funds’ prospectuses carefully before making any decision concerning the allocation of Purchase Payments or transfers among the Variable Subaccounts.
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Availability of the Funds
The Variable Separate Account purchases shares of a Fund in accordance with a participation agreement. If a participation agreement terminates, the Variable Separate Account may not be able to purchase additional shares of the Fund(s) covered by the agreement. Likewise, in certain circumstances, it is possible that shares of a Fund may not be available to the Variable Separate Account even if the participation agreement relating to that Fund has not been terminated. In either event, Owners will no longer be able to allocate Purchase Payments or transfer Contract Value to the Variable Subaccount investing in the Fund.
The service fees are for administrative services provided to the Funds by us and our affiliates. These payments may be derived, in whole or in part, from the investment management fees deducted from assets of the Funds. Owners, through their indirect investment in the Funds, bear the costs of the investment management fees.
In addition, certain Funds have adopted 12b-1 plans. Such plans allow the Fund to pay Rule 12b-1 fees to those who sell or distribute Fund shares and/or provide services to shareholders and Owners. Each of those Funds describes its Rule 12b-1 plan in its prospectus. Under certain Rule 12b-1 plans, we may receive 12b-1 fees for providing services to the Funds. Rule 12b-1 fees are deducted from Fund assets and, therefore, are indirectly borne by Owners.
Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments
We may, subject to applicable law, make additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the shares of a Fund that are held in the Variable Separate Account or that the Variable Separate Account may purchase. If the shares of a Fund are no longer available for investment or if, in our judgment, further investment in any Fund should become inappropriate, we may redeem the shares, if any, of that Fund and substitute shares of another Fund. Such other Funds may have different fees and expenses. We will not substitute any shares attributable to a Contract’s interest in a Variable Subaccount without prior notice and approval of the SEC and state insurance authorities, to the extent required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law.
We also may establish additional Variable Subaccounts of the Variable Separate Account, each of which would invest in shares of a new corresponding Fund having a specified investment objective. We may, in our sole discretion, establish new Variable Subaccounts or eliminate or combine one or more Variable Subaccounts if marketing needs, tax considerations, or investment conditions warrant. Any new Variable Subaccounts may be made available to existing Owners on a basis to be determined by us. Also, certain Variable Subaccounts may be closed to certain customers. Subject to obtaining any approvals or consents required by applicable law, the assets of one or more Variable Subaccounts may be transferred to any other Variable Subaccount if, in our sole discretion, marketing, tax, or investment conditions warrant.
In the event of any such substitution or change, we (by appropriate endorsement, if necessary) may change the Contract to reflect the substitution or change.
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Frequent Transfers Procedures
Frequent, large, or short-term transfers among Variable Subaccounts, such as those associated with “market timing” transactions, can adversely affect the Funds and the returns achieved by Owners. In particular, such transfers may dilute the value of Fund shares, interfere with the efficient management of the Funds, and increase brokerage and administrative costs of the Funds. These costs are borne by all Owners allocating Purchase Payments or Contract Value to the Variable Subaccounts and other Fund shareholders, not just the Owner making the transfers.
In order to try to protect Owners and the Funds from potentially harmful trading activity, we have adopted certain Frequent Transfers Procedures.
We employ various means in an attempt to detect, deter, and prevent inappropriate frequent, large, or short-term transfer activity among the Variable Subaccounts that may adversely affect other Owners or Fund shareholders. We may vary the Frequent Transfers Procedures with respect to the monitoring of potential harmful trading activity from Variable Subaccount to Variable Subaccount, and may be more restrictive with regard to certain Variable Subaccounts than others. However, we will apply the Frequent Transfers Procedures, including any variance in the Frequent Transfers Procedures by Variable Subaccount, uniformly to all Owners. We also coordinate with the Funds to identify potentially inappropriate frequent trading, and will investigate any patterns of trading behavior identified by Funds that may not have been captured through operation of the Frequent Transfers Procedures. Please note that despite our best efforts, we may not be able to detect nor stop all harmful transfers.
We currently do not impose redemption fees on transfers, or expressly allow a certain number of transfers in a given period, or limit the size of transfers in a given period; however, we do impose a transfer fee as discussed under “Fees and Expenses.” Redemption fees, transfer limits, and other procedures or restrictions may be more or less successful than our policies in deterring inappropriate frequent transfers or other disruptive transfers and in preventing or limiting harm from such transfers.
Our ability to detect and deter such transfer activity is limited by our operational and technological systems, as well as by our ability to predict strategies employed by Owners (or those acting on their behalf) to avoid detection. Accordingly, despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee that the Frequent Transfers Procedures will detect or deter frequent or harmful transfers by such Owners or intermediaries acting on their behalf. We apply the Frequent Transfers Procedures consistently to all Owners without waiver or exception.
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Fund Frequent Trading Policies
The Funds have adopted their own policies and procedures with respect to inappropriate frequent purchases and redemptions of their respective shares. The prospectuses for the Funds describe any such policies and procedures. The frequent trading policies and procedures of a Fund may be different, and more or less restrictive, than the frequent trading policies and procedures of other Funds and the policies and procedures we have adopted to discourage inappropriate frequent transfers. Accordingly, Owners and other persons who have material rights under the Contracts should assume that the sole protections they may have against potential harm from frequent transfers are the protections, if any, provided by the Frequent Transfers Procedures. You should read the prospectuses of the Funds for more details on their ability to refuse or restrict purchases or redemptions of their shares.
You should be aware that we are required to provide to a Fund or its designee, promptly upon request, certain information about the transfer activity of individual Owners and, if requested by the Fund, to restrict or prohibit further purchases or transfers by specific Owners identified by the Fund as violating the frequent trading policies established for that Fund.
Voting Rights
In accordance with our view of current applicable law, we will vote Fund shares held in the Variable Separate Account at regular and special shareholder meetings of the Funds in accordance with instructions received from persons having voting interests in the corresponding Variable Subaccounts. If, however, the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder should be amended, or if the present interpretation thereof should change, or we otherwise determine that we are allowed to vote the shares in our own right, we may elect to do so.
The number of votes available to an Owner will be determined as of the date coincident with the date established by the Fund for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the relevant meeting of the Fund’s shareholders. Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication prior to such meeting in accordance with procedures established for the Fund. Each Owner having a voting interest in a Variable Subaccount will receive proxy materials and reports relating to any meeting of shareholders of the Fund in which that Variable Subaccount invests.
Fund shares for which no timely instructions are received and shares held by us in a Variable Subaccount for which no Owner has a beneficial interest will be voted in proportion to the voting instructions which are received with respect to all Contracts participating in that Variable Subaccount. This means that a small number of Owners may determine the outcome of the vote. Voting instructions to abstain on any item to be voted upon will be applied to reduce the total number of votes eligible to be cast on a matter.
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Variable Subaccount Value
Your total Variable Subaccount Value for any Valuation Period is the sum of all Variable Subaccount Values. The Variable Subaccount Value for each Variable Subaccount is equal to:
• | The number of the Variable Subaccount’s Accumulation Units credited to you; multiplied by | ||
• | The Accumulation Unit Value for that Variable Subaccount at the end of the Valuation Period for which the determination is being made. The Accumulation Unit Value for a Variable Subaccount increases or decreases to reflect the investment performance of the corresponding underlying Fund. |
Accumulation Unit Values. The Accumulation Unit Value for each Variable Subaccount was arbitrarily set initially at $10. Thereafter, the Accumulation Unit Value at the end of every Valuation Period is determined by subtracting (b) from (a) and dividing the result by (c) (i.e., (a - b) / c), where:
(a) = | The net assets of the Variable Subaccount as of the end of the Valuation Period plus or minus the net charge or credit with respect to any taxes paid or any amount set aside as a provision for taxes during the Valuation Period; | |
(b) = | The daily Contract Fee multiplied by the number of days in the Valuation Period; and | |
(c) = | The number of Accumulation Units outstanding at the end of such Valuation Period. |
Accumulation Units. For each Variable Subaccount, Purchase Payments or transferred amounts are converted into Accumulation Units. The number of Accumulation Units credited is determined by dividing the dollar amount directed to each Variable Subaccount by the Accumulation Unit Value for that Variable Subaccount at the end of the Valuation Period in which the Purchase Payment or amount is received. The number of your Accumulation Units in a Variable Subaccount is increased by additional Purchase Payments and transfers. The number of Accumulation Units does not change as a result of investment experience or deduction of the Contract Fee.
RISK CONTROL ACCOUNT OPTION |
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Risk Control Account Value
• | The number of that Risk Control Account’s Accumulation Credits credited to you; multiplied by | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor for that Risk Control Account at the end of the Valuation Period for which the determination is being made. |
Accumulation Credit Factors. The Accumulation Credit Factor for each Risk Control Account is arbitrarily set initially at $10 as of each Risk Control Account Start Date. Thereafter, the Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account at the end of each Valuation Period is determined by multiplying (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) (i.e., a x b – c), where:
(a) = | The Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account at the start of the Risk Control Account Year; | |
(b) = | The Index Rate of Return (defined below); and | |
(c) = | The Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee (defined below) multiplied by the number of days that have passed since the last Risk Control Account Anniversary. |
A = | Adjusted Index Value (defined below) as of the current Business Day; and | |
B = | The Initial Index Value as of the start of the current Risk Control Account Year. If a Risk Control Account Start Date or Risk Control Account Anniversary does not fall on a Business Day, the Initial Index Value for the next Business Day will be used. |
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We use the Index Rate of Return to determine the interest we credit, if any, to Risk Control Account Value.
• | If the Closing Index Value is greater than the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap), then the Adjusted Index Value will equal the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap). | ||
• | If the Closing Index Value is less than the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor), then the Adjusted Index Value will equal the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor). | ||
• | If the Closing Index Value is less than the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap) but more than the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor), then the Adjusted Index Value will equal the Closing Index Value. |
For example, assume the following:
• | Initial Index Value = 1,000 | ||
• | Index Rate Cap = 15% | ||
• | Index Rate Floor = -10% | ||
At the time the Index Rate of Return is calculated, the Adjusted Index Value will be:
• | Scenario 1: Closing Index Value is greater than Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap) | |||||
o | Closing Index Value = 1,200 | |||||
o | 1,200 is greater than 1,150 (1,000 x (1 + 0.15)) so the Adjusted Index Value is equal to 1,150. | |||||
• | Scenario 2: Closing Index Value is less than Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor) | |||||
o | Closing Index Value = 850 | |||||
o | 850 is less than 900 (1,000 x (1 – 0.10)) so the Adjusted Index Value is equal to 900. | |||||
• | Scenario 3: Closing Index Value is less than Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap) but more than Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor) | |||||
o | Closing Index Value = 1,100 | |||||
o | 1,100 is less than 1,150 (1,000 x (1 + 0.15)) and greater than 900 (1,000 x (1 – 0.10)) so the Adjusted Index Value is equal to 1,100. |
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The Adjusted Index Value will never exceed the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Cap) and will never be lower than the Initial Index Value multiplied by (1 + Index Rate Floor).
For example, assume the following:
• | Contract Fee = 1.50% | ||
• | Number of days in the Risk Control Account Year = 365 | ||
• | Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account at the start of the Risk Control Account Year = 10.00 |
Then, the Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee = 1.50% / 365 x 10.00 = 0.000410959.
Accumulation Credits. In order to establish a Risk Control Account, Purchase Payments and/or Variable Subaccount Value transferred to the Risk Control Accounts are converted into Accumulation Credits. The number of Accumulation Credits credited to each Risk Control Account is determined by dividing the dollar amount directed to each Risk Control Account by the Accumulation Credit Factor as of the end of the Valuation Period for which the Purchase Payment or Variable Subaccount Value transferred is received.
We will redeem Accumulation Credits from a Risk Control Account upon: (i) partial withdrawal or full surrender (including any applicable Surrender Charge and negative Market Value Adjustment); (ii) a transfer from the Risk Control Account; (iii) payment of the Death Benefit; (iv) the Payout Date; (v) the deduction of the transfer fee; and (vi) to pay fees for special services such as wire transfers or express mail. We redeem Accumulation Credits as of the end of the Valuation Period (or effective date of the transfer) in which we receive your request for surrender, partial withdrawal or transfer or your Beneficiary’s request for payment of the Death Benefit in Good Order unless you or your Beneficiary specify a later date. We redeem Accumulation Credits to cover the transfer fee at the time the transfer occurs.
Setting the Index Rate Cap and the Index Rate Floor for the Secure Account and the Growth Account. We consider various factors in determining the Index Rate Caps and Index Rate Floors, including investment returns available at the time that we issue the Contract, the costs of our risk management techniques, sales commissions, administrative expenses, regulatory and tax requirements, general economic trends, and competitive factors. We determine the Index Rate Cap and the Index Rate Floor at our sole discretion. We set the Index Rate Cap on each Risk Control Account Anniversary for the subsequent Risk Control Account Year, and guarantee the Index Rate Cap for the duration of the Risk Control Account Year. We guarantee the Index Rate Floor for the life of your Contract. We will forward advance written notice to Owners of any change in the Index Rate Cap for the subsequent Risk Control Account Year at least two weeks prior to Risk Control Account Anniversary. This notice will describe the Owner’s right to transfer Contract Value between Risk Control Accounts, as permitted by the Contract, and the right to exercise the Bailout Provision, if applicable. The Index Rate Cap will always be positive and will be subject to a guaranteed minimum of 1% and a maximum of 75%.
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Assume the following information: | ||
As of the Risk Control Account Start Date: | ||
Risk Control Account Start Date: 10/10/2015 | ||
Initial Index Value: 1,000 | ||
Contract Fee: 1.50% | ||
S&P 500 Secure Account | ||
Account Value: $75,000 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $10 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 7,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: 0.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 8.00% | ||
S&P 500 Growth Account | ||
Account Value: $25,000 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $10 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 2,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: -10.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 18.00% | ||
As of the Risk Control Account Anniversary: | ||
Risk Control Account Anniversary: 10/10/2016 | ||
Closing Index Value: 1,200 | ||
Days in Risk Control Account Year: 366 |
Assume the following information: | ||
As of the Prior Risk Control Account Anniversary: | ||
Prior Risk Control Account Anniversary: 10/10/2016 | ||
Initial Index Value: 1,200 | ||
Contract Fee: 1.50% | ||
S&P 500 Secure Account | ||
Account Value: $79,875 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $10.65 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 7,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: 0.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 8.00% | ||
S&P 500 Growth Account | ||
Account Value: $29,125 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $11.65 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 2,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: -10.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 18.00% | ||
As of the Risk Control Account Anniversary: | ||
Risk Control Account Anniversary: 10/10/2017 | ||
Closing Index Value: 1,236 | ||
Days in Risk Control Account Year: 365 |
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Example 3: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index and subject to the Index Rate Cap and Index Rate Floor. In this example, the return on the Index is less than the Index Rate Floor.
Assume the following information: | ||
As of the Prior Risk Control Account Anniversary: | ||
Prior Risk Control Account Anniversary: 10/10/2017 | ||
Initial Index Value: 1,236 | ||
Contract Fee: 1.50% | ||
S&P 500 Secure Account | ||
Account Value: $81,073.13 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $10.80975 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 7,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: 0.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 8.00% | ||
S&P 500 Growth Account | ||
Account Value: $29,561.88 | ||
Accumulation Credit Factor: $11.82475 | ||
Accumulation Credits: 2,500 | ||
Index Rate Floor: -10.00% | ||
Index Rate Cap: 18.00% | ||
As of the Risk Control Account Anniversary: | ||
Risk Control Account Anniversary: 10/10/2018 | ||
Closing Index Value: 988.8 | ||
Days in Risk Control Account Year: 365 |
We reserve the right to add or substitute the Index. If we substitute the Index, the performance of the new Index may differ from the original Index. This, in turn, may affect the Credited Index Interest you earn.
Please note that we may add or substitute an Index associated with the Risk Control Accounts by sending you written notice at your last known address stating the effective date on which the Index will be added or substituted. We will send you the notice in your annual report unless earlier written notice is necessary.
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Risk Control Account Maturity Date
Five Years Until Payout Date. If there are at least five years until the Payout Date, you may exercise any of the following options by Authorized Request:
• | Request a change to your allocation instructions as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date for any or all of the Allocation Levels; | |||||
• | Request to transfer value (either a specific dollar amount or percentage) from the Risk Control Account Option to the Variable Subaccount Option (Level C), or vice versa, as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. If you choose this option: | |||||
• | The transfer will occur Pro Rata from the Risk Control Accounts, or Variable Subaccounts, as applicable; and | |||||
• | Rebalancing at Levels I and R will occur as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. However, rebalancing at Levels C and V will be discontinued, unless or until you elect to reinstate rebalancing at Level C. | |||||
• | Withdraw the total Risk Control Account Value as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date; or | |||||
• | Withdraw a portion of the total Risk Control Account Value as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. If you choose this option, you may also change your allocation instructions or request to transfer value, as described above. |
A new Risk Control Account Period, with a newly declared Index Rate Cap, will begin on the Risk Control Account Maturity Date unless there is no Risk Control Account Value remaining as a result of a change to your allocation instructions and/or withdrawal.
Your Authorized Request to change your allocation instructions, transfer value and/or withdraw Risk Control Account Value must be received at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date to take effect as of that date. If we do not receive such request at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date, the request is not in Good Order and no transfer or withdrawal will occur based on such request. However, a new Risk Control Account Period will begin and rebalancing will occur based on the allocation instructions on file with us.
Less Than Five Years Until Payout Date . If there are less than five years until the Payout Date, a new Risk Control Account cannot be started. You may choose one of the following by Authorized Request:
• | Request to transfer the total Risk Control Account Value to one or more Variable Subaccounts as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date; |
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• | Request to withdraw the total Risk Control Account Value as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date; or | ||
• | Request to transfer a portion of the Risk Control Account Value to one or more Variable Subaccounts and withdraw the remaining Risk Control Account Value as of the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. |
Your Authorized Request to transfer Risk Control Account Value and/or withdraw Risk Control Account Value must be received at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. If we do not receive such request at least one Business Day prior to the Risk Control Account Maturity Date, the request is not in Good Order and no transfer or withdrawal will occur based on such request. However, the total Risk Control Account Value will be transferred to the Variable Subaccounts according to the allocation instructions on file with us for Level V or will be returned to you.
Holding Account Value
The Holding Account Value at any time is equal to:
• | The portion of the Purchase Payment(s) held in the Holding Account pending allocation to a Risk Control Account; | ||
• | Plus interest credited; and | ||
• | Less any prior partial withdrawal. |
Surrenders or withdrawals of Holding Account Values are subject to a Surrender Charge.
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• | An annual rate of interest of 3%; or | |||||
• | An annual rate of interest determined as follows: | |||||
• | The average of the three applicable monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates reported by the Federal Reserve (described below), and rounded to the nearest 0.05%; | |||||
• | Minus 1.25%; and | |||||
• | Subject to a minimum interest rate of 1.00%. |
The three monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates used in the calculation above are as follows:
• | The prior September, October, and November monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates will be used to determine the first quarter Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate effective each January 1; | ||
• | The prior December, January, and February monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates will be used to determine the second quarter Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate effective each April 1; | ||
• | The prior March, April, and May monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates will be used to determine the third quarter Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate effective each July 1; and | ||
• | The prior June, July, and August monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates will be used to determine the fourth quarter Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate effective each October 1. |
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT |
IMPORTANT: The Market Value Adjustment will either increase or decrease the amount you receive from a partial withdrawal or your Surrender Value. You may lose a portion of your principal due to the Market Value Adjustment regardless of the Risk Control Account to which you allocated Contract Value. You directly bear the investment risk associated with a Market Value Adjustment. You should carefully consider your income needs before purchasing the Contract.
Purpose of the Market Value Adjustment
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The Company uses both the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index in determining any Market Value Adjustment since together both indices represent a broad mix of investments whose values may be affected by changes in market interest rates.
The amount of the Market Value Adjustment also reflects in part any change in the Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account(s) determined at the time of surrender or partial withdrawal. We use the change in the Accumulation Credit Factor measured from the last Risk Control Account Anniversary (prior Accumulation Credit Factor) to the date of surrender or partial withdrawal (current Accumulation Credit Factor) to increase or decrease the amount of the Market Value Adjustment. If the change in the Accumulation Credit Factor, the current Accumulation Credit Factor divided by the prior Accumulation Credit Factor, is positive (greater than one), we divide the amount of the withdrawal subject to the Market Value Adjustment by the change in the Accumulation Credit Factor, which will decrease the amount subject to the market value adjustment factor and thereby reduce the amount of any positive or negative Market Value Adjustment. Conversely, if the change is negative (less than one), we divide the amount of the withdrawal subject to the Market Value Adjustment by the change in the Accumulation Credit Factor, which will increase the amount subject to the market value adjustment factor and therefore increase the amount of any positive or negative Market Value Adjustment. If there is no change in the Accumulation Credit Factor (the current Accumulation Credit Factor divided by the prior Accumulation Credit Factor equals one), there will be no change in the amount of the withdrawal subject to the market value adjustment factor and in the amount of any positive or negative Market Value Adjustment.
Application and Waiver
For each Risk Control Account, we will calculate the Market Value Adjustment as of the date we receive your Authorized Request for surrender or partial withdrawal in Good Order at our Administrative Office. If the Market Value Adjustment is positive, we will increase your Surrender Value or amount you receive from a partial withdrawal by the amount of the positive Market Value Adjustment. If the Market Value Adjustment is negative, we will decrease the Surrender Value or amount you receive from a partial withdrawal by the amount of the negative Market Value Adjustment.
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We will not apply a Market Value Adjustment to:
1. | Death Benefit proceeds; | ||
2. | Transfers; | ||
3. | Partial withdrawals taken as required minimum distributions under the Internal Revenue Code that are withdrawn under a systematic withdrawal program we provide; | ||
4. | Upon application of Contract Value to an Income Payout Option; | ||
5. | Partial withdrawals and surrenders from a Risk Control Account on the Risk Control Account Maturity Date; and | ||
6. | Partial withdrawals and surrenders from the Holding Account. |
Market Value Adjustment Formula
A Market Value Adjustment is equal to the amount of the partial withdrawal or surrender from the Risk Control Account (W) divided by the result of the current Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account divided by the prior Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account then multiplied by the market value adjustment factor (MVAF ) minus 1 or (W/(C/P))x(MVAF -1) .
Where:
C = current Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account (i.e., as of the date of withdrawal); and
P = prior Accumulation Credit Factor for the Risk Control Account (i.e., as of the Risk Control Account Anniversary immediately preceding the date of withdrawal).
MVAF = ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L)) ^N where:
I = The Constant Maturity Treasury Rate as of the Risk Control Account Start Date for a maturity consistent with the Risk Control Account Period;
J = Constant Maturity Treasury Rate as of the date of withdrawal for a maturity consistent with the remaining number of years (whole and partial) in the Risk Control Account Period;
K = The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index as of the Risk Control Account Start Date;
L = The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index as of the date of withdrawal; and
N = The number of years (whole and partial) from the date of withdrawal until the Risk Control Account Maturity Date.
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We determine I based on the Risk Control Account Period. For example, the Risk Control Account Period is 5 years. I would correspond to the 5-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate on the Risk Control Account Start Date. We determine J when you take a partial withdrawal or surrender. For example, the Risk Control Account Period is 5 years and you surrender the Contract 2 years into the Risk Control Account Period, J would correspond to the Constant Maturity Treasury rate consistent with the time remaining in the Risk Control Account Period or 3 years (3 = 5 - 2). For I and J where there is no Constant Maturity Treasury rate declared, we will use linear interpolation between declared Constant Maturity rates to determine I and J.
The value of K and L on any Business Day will be equal to the closing value of the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index on the previous Business Day.
If the publication of any component of the Market Value Adjustment indices is discontinued or if the calculation of the Market Value Adjustment indices is changed substantially, we may substitute a new index for the discontinued or substantially changed index, subject to approval by the insurance department in your state. Before we substitute a Market Value Adjustment index, we will notify you in writing of the substitution.
For examples of how we calculate Market Value Adjustments, see “Appendix A” to this Prospectus.
SURRENDER VALUE |
If you surrender the Contract, you will receive the Surrender Value, as of the Business Day, we received your Authorized Request in Good Order. The Surrender Value is equal to your Contract Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which we receive your Authorized Request, minus any applicable Surrender Charge, adjusted for any applicable Market Value Adjustment for Risk Control Accounts. Surrender Charges do not apply to Series C Contracts.
Upon payment of the Surrender Value, the Contract is terminated, and we have no further obligation under the Contract. We may require that the Contract be returned to our Administrative Office prior to making payment. The Surrender Value will not be less than the amount required by applicable state law. We will pay you the amount you request in connection with a full surrender by redeeming Accumulation Units from the Variable Subaccounts and/or Accumulation Credits from the Risk Control Accounts, and withdrawing Holding Account Value, if applicable.
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY |
Partial Withdrawals
At any time during the Accumulation Period you may make partial withdrawals by Authorized Request in Good Order. The minimum partial withdrawal amount is $100. Although withdrawal of Risk Control Account Value is generally not permitted while there is Variable Subaccount Value, you may withdraw Risk Control Account Value on the Risk Control Account Maturity Date. You may provide specific instructions for withdrawal of Variable Subaccount Value. If you do not provide specific instructions, withdrawals will be processed on a Pro Rata basis from the value in all Variable Subaccounts. If there is insufficient Variable Subaccount Value, or no Variable Subaccount Value, Holding Account Value will be withdrawn. If there is insufficient Holding Account Value or no Holding Account Value, Risk Control Account Value will be withdrawn on a Pro Rata basis. Any applicable Surrender Charge and/or Market Value Adjustment will affect the amount available for a partial withdrawal. We will pay you the amount you request in connection with a partial withdrawal by redeeming Accumulation Units from the appropriate Variable Subaccounts withdrawing Holding Account Value, and/or redeeming Accumulation Credits from the appropriate Risk Control Accounts, if applicable.
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Partial withdrawals may be subject to Surrender Charges (for Series B Contracts only) and/or a Market Value Adjustment (for Risk Control Accounts only). See “Fees and Expenses” and “Market Value Adjustment.” Partial withdrawals may also be subject to income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax. You should consult your tax adviser before taking a partial withdrawal. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
Systematic Withdrawals. If elected at the time of the application or requested at any other time by Authorized Request in Good Order, you may elect to receive periodic partial withdrawals under our systematic withdrawal plan. Under the systematic withdrawal plan, we will make partial withdrawals (on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis), as specified by you. Such withdrawals must be at least $100 each. Generally, you must be at least age 59½ to participate in the systematic withdrawal plan. The withdrawals may be requested on the following basis:
• | As a specified dollar amount; or | ||
• | In an amount equal to your required minimum distribution under the Internal Revenue Code. | ||
Participation in the systematic withdrawal plan will terminate on the earliest of the following events:
• | The Surrender Value falls below the minimum required value of $2,000; | ||
• | A termination date that you have specified is reached; | ||
• | You request that your participation in the plan cease; | ||
• | The Payout Date is reached; or |
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• | A Surrender Charge would be applicable to amounts being withdrawn (i.e., partial withdrawals under the systematic withdrawal plan may not include amounts subject to the Surrender Charge). However, you may, by Authorized Request in Good Order, request that systematic withdrawals continue even though a Surrender Charge is deducted in connection with such withdrawals. |
There are federal income tax consequences to partial withdrawals through the systematic withdrawal plan and you should consult with your tax adviser before electing to participate in the plan. We may discontinue offering the systematic withdrawal plan at any time.
Annual Free Withdrawal Amount. For Series B Contracts, each Contract Year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the total Purchase Payments received that are within the Surrender Charge Period at the time of the withdrawal for that Contract Year without incurring a Surrender Charge. As long as the partial withdrawals you take during a Contract Year do not exceed the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount, we will not assess a Surrender Charge.
If you make a partial withdrawal of less than the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount, the remaining Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will be applied to any subsequent partial withdrawal which occurs during the same Contract Year. Any remaining Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to a subsequent Contract Year.
• | Nursing Home or Hospital Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant is confined to a licensed Nursing Home or Hospital, and has been confined to such Nursing Home or Hospital for at least 180 consecutive days after the latter of the Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. We require verification of confinement to the Nursing Home or Hospital, and such verification must be signed by the administrator of the facility (not available in Massachusetts). | ||
• | Terminal Illness Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant has a life expectancy of 12 months or less due to illness or accident. As proof, we require a determination of the Terminal Illness. Such determination must be signed by the physician making the determination after the latter of Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. The physician may not be a member of your or the Annuitant’s immediate family (not available in New Jersey). |
Please see your Contract for more information.
The laws of your state may limit the availability of the Surrender Charge waivers and may also change certain terms and/or benefits under the waivers. You should consult your Contract for further details on these variations. Also, even if you do not pay a Surrender Charge because of the waivers, you still may be required to pay taxes or tax penalties on the amount withdrawn. You should consult a tax adviser to determine the effect of a partial withdrawal on your taxes.
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Surrenders
You may surrender your Contract for the Surrender Value at any time during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received before 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, it will be processed that day. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received at or after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, it will be processed on the next Business Day.
To surrender your Contract, you must make an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office. The consent of all Owners and Irrevocable Beneficiaries must be obtained before the Contract is surrendered.
Surrender Charges and/or a Market Value Adjustment may apply to your Contract surrender. See “Market Value Adjustment” and “Fees and Expenses.” A surrender may also be subject to income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax. You should consult a tax adviser before requesting a surrender. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
Partial Withdrawal and Surrender Restrictions
Your right to make partial withdrawals and surrender the Contract is subject to any restrictions imposed by any applicable law or employee benefit plan.
Right to Defer Payments
Generally, the amount of any partial withdrawal or full surrender will be paid to you within seven days after we receive your Authorized Request in Good Order. With respect to the Risk Control Accounts and Holding Accounts, we reserve the right to postpone payment for up to six months after we receive your Authorized Request in Good Order, subject to obtaining prior written approval by the state insurance commissioner if required by the law of the state in which we issued the Contract. In the event of postponement as described above, we will pay interest on the proceeds if required by state law, calculated at the effective annual rate and for the time period required under state law.
With respect to Variable Subaccounts, to the extent permitted by applicable law, we reserve the right to postpone payment of any partial withdrawal or full surrender or death benefit proceeds for any period when: (i) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or the SEC determines that trading on the exchange is restricted; (ii) the SEC determines than an emergency exists such that disposal of securities held in the Variable Separate Account, or the termination of their value, is not reasonably practicable; or (iii) the SEC, by order, permits us to defer payment in order to protect persons with interests in the Funds. In addition, pursuant to SEC rules, if the money market fund available as one of the Fund options (the “Money Market Fund”) suspends payment of redemption proceeds in connection with the liquidation of the Money Market Fund, we may delay a transfer or payment of any partial withdrawal or full surrender from the Variable Subaccount investing in the Money Market Fund (“Money Market Subaccount”) until the Money Market Fund is liquidated. Moreover, if the Money Market Fund suspends payment of redemption proceeds in connection with the implementation of liquidity gates by such Money Market Fund, we will delay transfer or payment of any partial withdrawal or full surrender from the Money Market Subaccount until the removal of such liquidity gates.
Bailout Provision
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DEATH BENEFIT |
Death of the Owner
If the Owner dies during the Accumulation Period (if there are joint Owners, the Death Benefit will become payable after the first joint Owner dies), a Death Benefit will become payable to the Beneficiary. We will pay the Death Benefit after we receive the following at our Administrative Office in a form and manner satisfactory to us:
• | Proof of Death of the Owner while the Contract is in force; | ||
• | our claim form from each Beneficiary, properly completed; and | ||
• | any other documents we require. |
No Surrender Charges or Market Value Adjustments will apply to the Death Benefit.
Death of Annuitant While the Owner is Living
If an Owner is a natural person and the Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Period, the following will occur: (i) if there is a surviving Joint Annuitant, the surviving Joint Annuitant will become the Annuitant; and (ii) if there is no Joint Annuitant, the Owner will become the Annuitant (Primary Owner if Joint Owner). If, however, the Owner is not a natural person and the Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Period, the following will occur: (i) if there is a surviving Joint Annuitant, the surviving Joint Annuitant will become the
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Annuitant; and (ii) if there is no Joint Annuitant, the Beneficiary must elect to receive the Death Benefit proceeds. If you have any questions concerning the criteria you should use when choosing Annuitants under the Contract, consult your financial professional.
Death Benefit Payment Options
The following rules apply to the payment of the Death Benefit under a Non-Qualified Contract:
• | Spouses – If the sole Beneficiary is the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, then he or she may choose to continue the Contract and become the new Owner (except under certain Qualified Contracts). At the death of the surviving Spouse, this provision may not be used again, even if that surviving Spouse remarries. In that case, the rules for non-Spouses will apply. A surviving Spouse may also elect to receive the Death Benefit proceeds in a lump sum, apply the proceeds to an Income Payout Option, or receive the Death Benefit proceeds within five years of the date of the Owner’s death. | ||
• | Non-Spouses – If the Beneficiary is not the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, then this Contract cannot be continued. Instead, upon the death of any Owner, the Beneficiary must choose one of the following: |
• | Receive the Death Benefit (if the Beneficiary is a natural person) pursuant to one of the Income Payout Options. Payments under an Income Payout Option must begin within one year of the Owner’s death and must not extend beyond a period certain equal to the Beneficiary’s life expectancy; | ||
• | Receive the Death Benefit in one lump sum following our receipt of Proof of Death; or | ||
• | Receive the Death Benefit in one lump sum, deferred for up to five years from the date of the Owner’s death. |
Upon receipt of Proof of Death, the Beneficiary must instruct us how to treat the proceeds subject to the distribution rules discussed above. Other minimum distribution rules apply to Qualified Contracts.
Death of Owner or Annuitant After the Payout Date
If an Annuitant dies during the Payout Period, remaining income payments or Death Benefit proceeds, if any, will be distributed as provided by the Income Payout Option in effect. The Income Payout Option in effect will determine whether additional income payments or a Death Benefit apply.
If an Owner dies during the Payout Period, any remaining income payments will be distributed at least as rapidly as provided by the Income Payout Option in effect.
Interest on Death Benefit Proceeds
Interest will be paid on lump sum Death Benefit proceeds if required by state law. Interest, if any, will be calculated at the rate and for the time period required by state law.
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Abandoned Property Requirements
Every state has unclaimed property laws which generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from the date the Death Benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a Death Benefit has been triggered, but, if after a thorough search, we are still unable to locate the Beneficiary, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claim the Death Benefit in a timely manner, the Death Benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the state in which the Beneficiary or you last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile. The “escheatment” is revocable, however, and the state is obligated to pay the Death Benefit (without interest) if your Beneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation. To prevent such escheatment, it is important that you update your Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. To make such changes, please contact us by writing to us or calling us at our Administrative Office.
INCOME PAYMENTS – THE PAYOUT PERIOD |
Payout Date
When you purchase the Contract, we will set the Payout Date as the Contract Anniversary following the Annuitant’s 95th birthday. If there are Joint Annuitants, we will set the Payout Date based on the age of the oldest Joint Annuitant. Please refer to the Data Page of your Contract for details.
You may change the Payout Date by sending an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office provided: (i) the request is made while an Owner is living; (ii) the request is received at our Administrative Office at least 30 days before the anticipated Payout Date; (iii) the requested Payout Date is at least two years after the Contract Issue Date; and (iv) the requested Payout Date is no later than the anticipated Payout Date as shown on your Contract Data Page. Any such change is subject to any maximum maturity age restrictions that may be imposed by law.
Payout Period
The Payout Period is the period of time that begins on the Payout Date and continues until we make the last payment as provided by the Income Payout Option chosen. On the first day of the Payout Period, the Contract Value will be applied to the Income Payout Option you selected. A Surrender Charge (in the case of Series B Contracts only) and Market Value Adjustment will not apply to proceeds applied to an Income Payout Option. You cannot change the Annuitant or Owner on or after the Payout Date for any reason.
Terms of Income Payments
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The Owner may name the person to receive income payments. If no person is named, payments will be made to the Owner.
We will make the first income payment on the Payout Date. We may require proof of age and gender (if the Income Payout Option Rates is based on gender) of the Annuitant/Joint Annuitants before making the first income payment. To receive income payments, the Annuitant/Joint Annuitant must be living on the Payout Date and on the date that each subsequent payment is due as required by the terms of the Income Payout Option. We may require proof from time to time that this condition has been met.
INCOME PAYOUT OPTIONS |
Election of an Income Payout Option
You and/or the Beneficiary may elect to receive one of the Income Payout Options described under “Options” below. The Income Payout Option and distribution, however, must satisfy the applicable distribution requirements of Section 72(s) or 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable.
The election of an Income Payout Option must be made by Authorized Request. The election is irrevocable after the payments commence. The Payee may not assign or transfer any future payments under any option.
The amount applied under each option must be at least $2,500, or the amount required to provide an initial monthly income payment of $20.
We will make income payments monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually for the Installment Option. Life Income and Joint Survivor options allow monthly income payments. We will also furnish the amount of such payments on request. Payments that are less than $20 will only be made annually.
• | Life Income Option with a 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain (as described below) for Contracts with one Annuitant; and | ||
• | Joint and Survivor Life Income Option with a 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain (as described below) for Contracts with two Annuitants. |
You may change your Income Payout Option any time before payments begin on the Payout Date.
Options
Option 1 – Installment Option . We will pay monthly income payments for a chosen number of years, not less than 10, nor more than 30. If the Annuitant dies before income payments have been made for the chosen number of years: (a) income payments will be continued for the remainder of the period to the Payee; or (b) the present value of the remaining income payments, computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 1 rates, will be paid to the Payee or to the Owner, if there is no surviving Payee. For purposes of the present value calculation, guaranteed rates will be used.
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Option 2 – Life Income Option – Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income payments for as long as the Annuitant lives. If the Annuitant dies before all the income payments have been made for the guaranteed period certain: (a) income payments will be continued for the remainder of the guaranteed period to the Payee; or (b) the present value of the remaining income payments, computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 2 rates, will be paid to the Payee or to the Owner, if there is no surviving Payee. For purposes of the present value calculation, guaranteed rates will be used. The guaranteed period certain choices are 0 (life income only), 5, 10, 15, or 20 years.
Option 3 – Joint and Survivor Life Income Option – Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income payments for as long as either of the Annuitants lives. If at the death of the second surviving Annuitant, income payments have been made for less than 10 years: (a) income payments will be continued for the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Payee; or (b) the present value of the remaining income payments, computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 3 rates, will be paid to the Payee or to the Owner, if there is no surviving Payee. For purposes of the present value calculation, guaranteed rates will be used.
The Income Payout Options described above may not be offered in all states. Further, we may offer other Income Payout Options. More than one option may be elected. If your Contract is a Qualified Contract, not all options may satisfy required minimum distribution rules. Consult a tax advisor. Option 2 and Option 3 pay monthly income payments. We do allow partial annuitization.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS |
The following discussion is general in nature and is not intended as tax advice. Each person concerned should consult a competent tax adviser. No attempt is made to consider any applicable state or other income tax laws, any state and local estate or inheritance tax, or other tax consequences of ownership or receipt of distributions under a Contract.
When you invest in an annuity contract, you usually do not pay taxes on your investment gains until you withdraw the money —generally for retirement purposes. If you invest in an annuity as part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsored retirement program, your contract is called a Qualified Contract. If your annuity is independent of any formal retirement or pension plan, it is termed a Non-Qualified Contract. The tax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirement plan and the terms and conditions of the plan. See “Non-Natural Person” below for a discussion of Non-Qualified Contracts owned by persons such as corporations and trusts that are not natural persons.
Tax Status of the Contracts
Tax law imposes several requirements that annuities must satisfy in order to receive the tax treatment normally accorded to annuity contracts.
Required Distributions. In order to be treated as an annuity contract for Federal income tax purposes, Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code requires any Non-Qualified Contract to contain certain provisions specifying how your interest in the Contract will be distributed in the event of the death of an Owner of the Contract. Specifically, Section 72(s) requires that (i) if any Owner dies on or after the annuity starting date, but prior to the time the entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of such Owner’s death; and (ii) if any Owner dies prior to the annuity starting date, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed within five years after the date of such Owner’s death unless distributions are made over life or life expectancy, beginning within one year of the death of the Owner.
The Non-Qualified Contracts contain provisions that are intended to comply with these Internal Revenue Code requirements, although no regulations interpreting these requirements have yet been issued. We intend to review such provisions and modify them if necessary to assure that they comply with the
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applicable requirements when such requirements are clarified by regulation or otherwise.
Other rules may apply to Qualified Contracts.
Taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts
Non-Natural Person. If a non-natural person (e.g., a corporation or a trust) owns a Non-Qualified Contract, the taxpayer generally must include in income any increase in the excess of the account value over the investment in the Contract (generally, the Purchase Payments or other consideration paid for the Contract) during the taxable year. There are some exceptions to this rule and a prospective Owner that is not a natural person should discuss these with a tax adviser.
The following discussion generally applies to Contracts owned by natural persons.
Withdrawals. When a withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Contract occurs, the amount received will be treated as ordinary income subject to tax up to an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Contract Value, without adjustment for any applicable Surrender Charge, immediately before the distribution over the Owner’s investment in the Contract (generally, the Purchase Payments or other consideration paid for the Contract, reduced by any amount previously distributed from the Contract that was not subject to tax) at that time. The Contract Value immediately before a withdrawal may have to be increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment that results from a withdrawal. There is, however, no definitive guidance on the proper tax treatment of Market Value Adjustments and you may want to discuss the potential tax consequences of a Market Value Adjustment with your tax adviser. In the case of a surrender under a Non-Qualified Contract, the amount received generally will be taxable only to the extent it exceeds the Owner’s investment in the Contract.
In the case of a withdrawal under a Qualified Contract, a ratable portion of the amount received is taxable, generally based on the ratio of the “investment in the contract” to the individual’s total account balance or accrued benefit under the retirement plan. The “investment in the contract” generally equals the amount of any non-deductible Purchase Payment paid by or on behalf of any individual. In many cases, the “investment in the contract” under a Qualified Contract can be zero.
Penalty Tax on Certain Withdrawals. In the case of a distribution from a Non-Qualified Contract and Qualified Contract, there may be an imposed federal tax penalty equal to ten percent of the amount treated as income. In general, however, there is no penalty on distributions if they are:
• | made on or after the taxpayer reaches age 59½; | |
• | made on or after the death of an Owner; | |
• | attributable to the taxpayer’s becoming disabled; or | |
• | made as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the taxpayer. |
Income Payments. Although tax consequences may vary depending on the payout option elected under an annuity contract, a portion of each income payment is generally not taxed and the remainder is taxed as ordinary income. The non-taxable portion of an income payment is generally determined in a manner that is designed to allow you to recover your investment in the Contract ratably on a tax-free basis over the expected stream of income payments, as determined when income payments start. Once your investment in the Contract has been fully recovered, however, the full amount of each income payment is subject to tax as ordinary income.
Partial Annuitization. Under a new tax provision enacted in 2010, if part of an annuity contract’s value is applied to an annuity option that provides payments for one or more lives or for a period of at least ten
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years, those payments may be taxed as annuity payments instead of withdrawals. The payment options under the Contract are intended to qualify for this “partial annuitization” treatment.
Taxation of Death Benefit Proceeds. Amounts may be distributed from a Contract because of your death or the death of the Annuitant. Generally, such amounts are includible in the income of the recipient as follows: (i) if distributed in a lump sum, they are taxed in the same manner as surrender of the Contract, or (ii) if distributed under a payout option, they are taxed in the same way as income payments.
Withholding. Annuity distributions are generally subject to withholding for the recipient’s federal income tax liability. Recipients can generally elect, however, not to have tax withheld from distributions.
Multiple Contracts. All Non-Qualified deferred annuity contracts that are issued by us (or our affiliates) to the same Owner during any calendar year are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining the amount includible in such Owner’s income when a taxable distribution occurs.
Further Information. We believe that the Contracts will qualify as annuity contracts for Federal income tax purposes and the above discussion is based on that assumption.
Taxation of Qualified Contracts
The tax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirement plan and the terms and conditions of the plan. Your rights under a Qualified Contract may be subject to the terms of the retirement plan itself, regardless of the terms of the Qualified Contract. Adverse tax consequences may result if you do not ensure that contributions, distributions and other transactions with respect to the Contract comply with the law.
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs), as defined in Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code, permit individuals to make annual contributions of up to the lesser of a specified dollar amount for the year or the amount of compensation includible in the individual’s gross income for the year. The contributions may be deductible in whole or in part, depending on the individual’s income. Distributions from certain retirement plans may be “rolled over” into an IRA on a tax-deferred basis without regard to these limits. Amounts in the IRA (other than nondeductible contributions) are taxed when distributed from the IRA. A 10% penalty tax generally applies to distributions made before age 59½, unless an exception applies. Distributions that are rolled over to an IRA within 60 days are not immediately taxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year. Beginning in 2015, an individual can make only one rollover from an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs that are owned. The limit will apply by aggregating all of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs as well as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectively treating them as one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversation to Roth IRAs.
Roth IRAs, as described in Internal Revenue Code Section 408A, permit certain eligible individuals to contribute to make non-deductible contributions to a Roth IRA in cash or as a rollover or transfer from another Roth IRA or other IRA. A rollover from or conversion of an IRA to a Roth IRA is generally subject to tax and other special rules apply. The Owner may wish to consult a tax adviser before combining any converted amounts with any other Roth IRA contributions, including any other conversion amounts from other tax years. Distributions from a Roth IRA generally are not taxed, except that, once aggregate distributions exceed contributions to the Roth IRA, income tax and a 10% penalty tax may apply to distributions made (i) before age 59½ (subject to certain exceptions), or (ii) during the five taxable years starting with the year in which the first contribution is made to any Roth IRA. A 10% penalty tax may apply to amounts attributable to a conversion from an IRA if they are distributed during the five taxable years beginning with the year in which the conversion was made. Distributions that are rolled over to an IRA within 60 days are not immediately taxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year. Beginning in 2015, an individual can make only one rollover from an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs that are owned. The limit will apply by
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aggregating all of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs as well as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectively treating them as one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversions to Roth IRAs.
Other Tax Issues. Qualified Contracts have minimum distribution rules that govern the timing and amount of distributions. You should refer to your retirement plan, adoption agreement, or consult a tax adviser for more information about these distribution rules.
Distributions from Qualified Contracts generally are subject to withholding for the Owner’s federal income tax liability. The withholding rate varies according to the type of distribution and the Owner’s tax status. The Owner will be provided the opportunity to elect not have tax withheld from distributions.
“Eligible rollover distributions” from Section 401(a), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans are subject to a mandatory federal income tax withholding of 20%. For this purpose, an eligible rollover distribution is any distribution to an employee (or employee’s spouse or former spouse as Beneficiary or alternate Payee) from such a plan, except certain distributions such as distributions required by the Internal Revenue Code, distributions in a specified annuity form, or hardship distributions. The 20% withholding does not apply, however, to nontaxable distributions or if the employee chooses a “direct rollover” from the plan to a tax-qualified plan, IRA or tax sheltered annuity or to a governmental 457 plan that agrees to separately account for rollover contributions.
Federal Estate Taxes, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes
While no attempt is being made to discuss in detail the Federal estate tax implications of the Contract, a purchaser should keep in mind that the value of an annuity contract owned by a decedent and payable to a Beneficiary by virtue of surviving the decedent is included in the decedent’s gross estate. Depending on the terms of the annuity contract, the value of the annuity included in the gross estate may be the value of the lump sum payment payable to the contingent Owner or the actuarial value of the payments to be received by the Beneficiary. Consult an estate planning adviser for more information.
The potential application of these taxes underscores the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified adviser to help ensure that your estate plan adequately addresses your needs and those of your beneficiaries under all possible scenarios.
Medicare Tax
Distributions from non-qualified annuity policies will be considered “investment income” for purposes of the newly enacted Medicare tax on investment income. Thus, in certain circumstances, a 3.8% tax may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributions (e.g., earnings) to individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Please consult a tax advisor for more information.
Same-Sex Spouses
The Contract provides that upon your death, a surviving spouse may have certain continuation rights that he or she may elect to exercise for the Contract’s Death Benefit and any joint-life coverage under an optional living benefit. All Contract provisions relating to spousal continuation are available only to a person who meets the definition of “spouse” under federal law. The U.S. Supreme Court has held marriages must be recognized for federal law purposes regardless of whether they are same or different sex. Consult a tax adviser for more information on this subject.
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Annuity Purchases By Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations
The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. federal income tax consequences to annuity purchasers that are U.S. citizens or residents. Purchasers that are not U.S. citizens or residents will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax on taxable distributions from annuity contracts at a 30% rate, unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, such purchasers may be subject to state and/or municipal taxes and taxes that may be imposed by the purchaser’s country of citizenship or residence. Additional withholding may occur with respect to entity purchasers (including foreign corporations, partnerships and trusts) that are not U.S. residents. Prospective purchasers are advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser regarding U.S., state, and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity contract purchase.
Possible Tax Law Changes
Although the likelihood of legislative changes is uncertain, there is always the possibility that the tax treatment of the Contract could change by legislation or otherwise. Consult a tax adviser with respect to legislative developments and their effect on the Contract.
We have the right to modify the Contract in response to legislative changes that could otherwise diminish the favorable tax treatment that annuity contract owners currently receive. We make no guarantee regarding the tax status of the Contract and do not intend the above discussion as tax advice.
Important Information about the Indices
The Contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Bank of America/Merrill Lynch (“BofA Merrill Lynch”). BofA Merrill Lynch has not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Contract, nor makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Owners of the Contract or any member of the public regarding the Contract or the advisability of investing in the Contract, particularly the ability of the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index to track performance of any market or strategy. BofA Merrill Lynch’s only relationship to the Company is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names and indices or components thereof. The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index is determined, composed and calculated by BofA Merrill Lynch without regard to the Company or the Contract or its Owners. BofA Merrill Lynch has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the Owners of the Contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index. BofA Merrill Lynch is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the Contract to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Contract is to be priced, sold, purchased, or redeemed. BofA Merrill Lynch has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Contract.
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S&P 500 Index.
The Contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill companies, Inc. (“S&P”). S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Contract particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s only relationship to the Company is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the Company or the Contract. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the Owners of the Contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Contract or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Contract or in determination or calculation of the equation by which the Contract is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Contract.
S&P DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S&P SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The S&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in the U.S. stock market, as determined by Standard & Poors. The S&P 500 Index can go up or down based on the stock prices of the 500 companies that comprise the Index. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends paid on the stocks comprising the Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying stocks.
The S&P 500 Index is a trademark of Standard & Poors or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the Company.
MSCI EAFE Index. The Contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc. (“MSCI”). MSCI makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Contract or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Contract particularly or the ability of the MSCI EAFE Index to track general stock market performance. MSCI’s only relationship to the Company is in the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of MSCI and of the MSCI EAFE Index which is determined, composed and calculated by MSCI without regard to the Company or the Contract. MSCI has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the Owners of the Contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the MSCI EAFE Index. MSCI is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Contract or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Contract or in determination or calculation of the equation by which the Contract is to be converted into cash. MSCI has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Contract.
MSCI DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MSCI SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MSCI MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT,
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OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MSCI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MSCI HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid cap representation across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 912 constituents, the MSCI EAFE Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a trademark of MSCI or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the Company.
OTHER INFORMATION |
Distribution of the Contract
We offer the Contract on a continuous basis. We have entered into a distribution agreement with our affiliate, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., for the distribution of the Contract. MEMBERS Life Insurance Company and CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation. The principal business address of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677. Contracts are sold by licensed insurance agents (the “Selling Agents”) in those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold. Such Selling Agents will be registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. or other affiliated and unaffiliated broker-dealer firms (the “Selling Broker-Dealers”) registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), who are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and who have entered into the Company’s selling agreements with us and the principal underwriter, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
We pay CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. and/or our affiliates pay the Selling Broker-Dealers compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract. The Selling Agents who solicit sales of the Contract typically receive a portion of the compensation paid by the Company to CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. and the Selling Broker-Dealers in the form of commissions or other compensation, depending on the agreement between the Selling Broker-Dealer and the Selling Agent. The Selling Agents are also licensed as insurance agents by applicable state insurance authorities and appointed as agents of the Company. Selling Agents who are registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. or our affiliates are also eligible for various cash benefits, such as bonuses, insurance benefits and financing arrangements, and non-cash items that we may jointly provide with CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. or our affiliates. Non-cash items include conferences, seminars and trips (including travel, lodging and meals in connection therewith), entertainment, merchandise and other similar items. Sales of the Contracts may help registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. qualify for such benefits.
We also pay compensation to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries, including payments to affiliates of ours, in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, product training and administrative services to the Selling Agents of the Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of each Purchase Payment.
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In addition to the compensation described above, we may make additional cash payments, in certain circumstances referred to as “override” compensation or reimbursements to Selling Broker-Dealers in recognition of their marketing and distribution, transaction processing and/or administrative services support. These payments are not offered to all Selling Broker-Dealers, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Broker-Dealers depending on, among other things, the level and type of marketing and distribution support provided. Marketing and distribution support services may include, among other services, placement of the Company’s products on the Selling Broker-Dealers’ preferred or recommended list, increased access to the Selling Broker-Dealers’ registered representatives for purposes of promoting sales of our products, assistance in training and education of the Selling Agents, and opportunities for us to participate in sales conferences and educational seminars. The payments or reimbursements may be calculated as a percentage of the particular Selling Broker-Dealer’s actual or expected aggregate sales of our annuity contracts (including the Contract) and/or may be a fixed dollar amount. Broker-dealers receiving these additional payments may pass on some or all of the payments to the Selling Agent.
You should ask your Selling Agent for further information about what commissions or other compensation he or she, or the Selling Broker-Dealer for which he or she works, may receive in connection with your purchase of a Contract.
Commissions and other incentives or payments described above are not charged directly to you. We intend to recoup commissions and other sales expenses through fees and charges deducted under the Contract.
Cyber Security
Our business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our business partners, so that our business is potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a cyber-attack. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, denial of service on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential customer information. Cyber-attacks affecting us, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., and intermediaries may adversely affect us and your Contract Value. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential Owner or business information, impede order processing, subject us and/or CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. There can be no assurance that we or CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. will avoid losses affecting your Contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.
Authority to Change
Only the President or Secretary of the Company may change or waive any of the terms of your Contract. Any change must be in writing and signed by the President or Secretary of the Company. You will be notified of any such change, as required by law.
Incontestability
We consider all statements in your application (in the absence of fraud) to be representations and not warranties. We will not contest your Contract.
Misstatement of Age or Gender
If an Annuitant’s date of birth is misstated, we will adjust the income payments under the Contract to be equal to the payout amount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the Annuitant’s correct date of birth. If an Annuitant’s gender has been misstated, and the Life Income Rate Type is based on gender, we will adjust the income payments under the Contract to be equal to the payout amount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the Annuitant’s correct gender. We will add any
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underpayments to the next payment. We will subtract any overpayment from future payments. We will not credit or charge any interest to any underpayment or overpayment.
Conformity with Applicable Laws
The provisions of the Contract conform to the minimum requirements of the state in which the Contract is delivered (i.e., the “state of issue”). The laws of the state of issue control any conflicting laws of any other state in which the Owner may live on or after the Contract Issue Date. If any provision of your Contract is determined not to provide the minimum benefits required by the state in which the Contract is issued, such provision will be deemed to be amended to conform or comply with such laws or regulations. Further, the Company will amend the Contract to comply with any changes in law governing the Contract or the taxation of benefits under the Contract.
Reports to Owners
At least annually, we will mail a report to you at your last known address of record, a report that will state the beginning and end dates for the current report period; your Contract Value at the beginning and end of the current report period; the amounts that have been credited and debited to your Contract Value during the current report period, identified by the type of activity the amount represents; the Surrender Value at the end of the current report period; and any other information required by any applicable law or regulation.
You also will receive confirmations of each financial transaction, such as transfers, withdrawals, and surrenders.
Change of Address
Inquiries
You may make inquiries regarding your Contract by writing to us or calling us at our Administrative Office.
CORPORATE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY |
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In addition, in August 2013, the Company began issuing an Index-Linked Annuity Contract under the name “MEMBERS® Zone Annuity”. This annuity contract accounts for all the new sales of the Company. The Contract described in this Prospectus is first being offered as of the date of this Prospectus. When it becomes available the Company will have two annuity contract forms for sale. The Company also serves existing blocks of individual and group life policies.
• | CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations. We have entered into a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement for the administration of our business pursuant to which CMFG Life performs certain administrative functions related to agent licensing, payment of commissions, actuarial services, annuity policy issuance and service, accounting and financial compliance, market conduct, general and informational services and marketing as well as share certain resources and personnel with us; and pursuant to which CMFG Life provides us with certain procurement, disbursement, billing and collection services. |
You may write us at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677-9202, or call us at 1-800-798-5500.
Financial Information
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Investments
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed income securities.
Reinsurance
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Policy Liabilities and Accruals
The applicable accounting standards and state insurance laws under which we operate require that we record policy liabilities to meet the future obligations associated with all of our outstanding policies.
POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND OUR FUTURE RESULTS |
Although economic conditions both domestically and globally have continued to improve since the financial crisis in 2008, we remain vulnerable to market uncertainty and continued financial instability of national, state and local governments. Continued difficult conditions in the global capital markets and economy could deteriorate in the near future and affect our financial position and our level of earnings from our operations.
Markets in the United States and elsewhere experienced extreme volatility and disruption since the second half of 2007, due in part to the financial stresses affecting the liquidity of the banking system and the financial markets. This volatility and disruption reached unprecedented levels in late 2008 and early 2009. The United States entered a severe recession and recovery was slow with long-term high unemployment rates and lower average household income levels. One of the strategies used by the U.S. government to stimulate the economy has been to keep interest rates low and increase the supply of United States dollars. While these strategies have appeared to have had positive effects, any future economic downturn or market disruption could negatively impact our ability to invest our funds.
• | our investment portfolio could incur other-than-temporary impairments; | |
• | due to potential downgrades in our investment portfolio, we could be required to raise additional capital to sustain our current business in force and new sales of our annuity products, which may be difficult in a distressed market. If capital would be available, it may be at terms that are not favorable to us; or | |
• | our liquidity could be negatively affected and we could be forced to further limit our operations and our business could suffer, as we need liquidity to pay our policyholder benefits and operating expenses. |
The principal sources of our liquidity are monthly settlements under the coinsurance agreements with CMFG Life, annuity deposits, investment income, proceeds from the sale, maturity and call of investments and capital contributions from CMFG Life.
Governmental initiatives intended to improve global and local economies that have been adopted may not be effective and, in any event, may be accompanied by other initiatives, including new capital requirements or other regulations that could materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in ways that we cannot predict.
We are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by a number of different regulatory authorities including state insurance regulators, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and the SEC. Some of these authorities are or may in the future consider enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or otherwise assure the stability of institutions under their supervision. These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory or enforcement authority in new or more robust ways. All of these possibilities, if they occurred, could affect the way we conduct our business and manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements, any of which in turn could materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
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We face potential competition from companies that have greater financial resources, broader arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance, which may impair our ability to attract new customers and maintain our profitability and financial strength. It may also impair our ability to retain customers which could increase surrenders and impact profitability and financial strength.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and enjoy substantially greater financial resources, claims-paying ability and financial strength, broader and more diversified product lines and more widespread distribution relationships. Our annuity products compete with fixed indexed, traditional fixed rate and variable annuities (and combinations thereof) sold by other insurance companies and also with mutual fund products, traditional bank investments and other investment and retirement funding alternatives offered by asset managers, banks and broker-dealers. Our annuity products also compete with products of other insurance companies, financial intermediaries and other institutions based on a number of factors, including crediting rates, policy terms and conditions, services provided to distribution channels and policyholders, ratings, reputation and distribution compensation.
Our ability to compete will depend in part on the performance of our products. We will not be able to accumulate and retain assets under management for our products if our products underperform the market or the competition, since such underperformance likely would result in asset withdrawals and reduced sales.
We compete for distribution sources for our products. We believe that our success in competing for distributors will depend on factors such as our financial strength, the services we provide to, and the relationships we develop with these distributors and offering competitive commission structures. Our distributors will generally be free to sell products from whichever providers they wish, which makes it important for us to continually offer distributors products and services they find attractive. If our products or services fall short of distributors’ needs, we may not be able to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with distributors of our annuity products. Our ability to compete will also depend in part on our ability to develop innovative new products and bring them to market more quickly than our competitors. In order for us to compete in the future, we will need to continue to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion. Otherwise, our revenues and profitability could suffer.
The loss of key employees could disrupt our operations.
Our success depends in part on the continued service of key executives within our Company and our ability to attract and retain additional executives and employees. The loss of key employees or our inability to recruit and retain additional qualified personnel could cause disruption in our business and prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies, which could materially and adversely affect our business, growth and profitability.
Changes in state and federal regulation may affect our profitability.
We are subject to regulation under applicable insurance statutes, including insurance holding company statutes, in the various states in which we transact business. Insurance regulation is intended to provide safeguards for policyholders rather than to protect shareholders of insurance companies or their holding companies. As increased scrutiny has been placed upon the insurance regulatory framework, a number of state legislatures have considered or enacted legislative proposals that alter, and in many cases increase, state authority to regulate insurance companies and holding company systems.
Regulators oversee matters relating to trade practices, policy forms, claims practices, guaranty funds, types and amounts of investments, reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, minimum amounts of capital and surplus, transactions with related parties, changes in control and payment of dividends.
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State insurance regulators and the NAIC continually reexamine existing laws and regulations and may impose changes in the future.
We are subject to the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements which are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. We also may be required, under solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which we do business, to pay assessments up to certain prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities for insolvent insurance companies.
Although the federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas, including pension regulation, age and sex discrimination, financial services regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation, can significantly affect the insurance business. In addition, legislation has been enacted which could result in the federal government assuming some role in the regulation of the insurance industry.
Other regulatory requirements may indirectly impact us. For example, non-U.S. counterparties of the Company may also be subject non-U.S. regulation of their derivatives transactions with the Company. In addition, counterparties regulated by the Prudential Regulators are subject to liquidity, leverage and capital requirements that impact their derivatives transactions with the Company. Collectively, these new requirements have increased the direct and indirect costs of our derivatives activities and may further increase them in the future.
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The Dodd-Frank Act established a new federal council of financial regulators, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“Council”), which is charged with identifying risks to the financial stability of the U.S. financial markets, promoting market discipline, and responding to emerging threats to the stability of the U.S. financial markets. The Council is empowered to make recommendations to primary financial regulatory agencies regarding the application of new or heightened standards and safeguards for financial activities or practices, and certain participation in such activities, that threaten the stability of the U.S. financial markets. In addition, the Council is authorized to determine whether an insurance company is systematically significant and to recommend that it should be subject to enhanced prudential standards and to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. In April 2012, the Council approved its final rule for designating non-bank financial companies as systemically important financial institutions (“SIFI”). Under the final rule, the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations do not currently satisfy the financial thresholds that serve as the first step of the three-stage process to designate a non-bank financial company as a SIFI. Despite not being a SIFI, the Company could potentially be subject to the orderly liquidation authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), in accordance with Title II of the Dodd-Frank Act. Title II of the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the FDIC, under certain circumstances, may be appointed receiver of a “covered financial company,” which could include an insurance company, for purposes of liquidating such company. This would apply to insurance companies in a limited context, where the relevant state insurance regulator has failed to act within 60 days after a determination has been made to subject the insurance company to the FDIC’s orderly liquidation authority, and resolution by the FDIC would be in accordance with state insurance law.
Changes in federal income taxation laws may affect sales of our products and profitability.
The annuity products that we market generally provide the policyholder with certain federal income tax advantages. For example, federal income taxation on any increases in non-qualified annuity contract values (i.e., the “inside build-up”) is deferred until it is received by the policyholder. With other savings and investments, such as certificates of deposit and taxable bonds, the increase in value is generally taxed each year as it is earned.
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From time to time, various tax law changes have been proposed that could have an adverse effect on our business, including the elimination of all or a portion of the income tax advantages for annuities. If legislation were enacted to eliminate the tax deferral for annuities, such a change may have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities. Non-qualified annuities are annuities that are not sold to a qualified retirement plan.
Distributions from non-qualified annuity policies have been considered “investment income” for purposes of the Medicare tax on investment income contained in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. As a result, in certain circumstances, a 3.8% tax (“Medicare Tax”) may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributions from non-qualified annuities to individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. This new tax may have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities to individuals whose income exceeds these threshold amounts and could accelerate withdrawals due to this additional tax. The constitutionality of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 is currently the subject of multiple litigation actions initiated by various state attorneys general, and the Act is also the subject of several proposals in the U.S. Congress for amendment and/or repeal. The outcome of such litigation and legislative action as it relates to the 3.8% Medicare Tax is unknown at this time.
We face risks relating to litigation, including the costs of such litigation, management distraction and the potential for damage awards, which may adversely impact our business.
We may become involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff, relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations of companies in the annuity business concerning compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. Companies in the annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. There can be no assurance that any future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations through distraction of our management or otherwise.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
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For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
Results of Operations Data: | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||
Life and health premiums | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | 127 | $ | 139 | $ | (20,459 | ) | $ | 3,409 | |||||||
Contract charges | 18 | 24 | 46 | 460 | 501 | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 366 | 278 | 176 | 1,928 | 2,175 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized gains on investments | 117 | - | - | 4,319 | 119 | ||||||||||||||
Other income | 5,336 | - | 293 | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 4,662 | 429 | 654 | (13,752 | ) | 6,204 | |||||||||||||
Benefits and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims | |||||||||||||||||||
and benefits | (1,204 | ) | 112 | 179 | (20,028 | ) | 2,268 | ||||||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder | |||||||||||||||||||
account balances | 4 | 8 | 9 | 158 | 164 | ||||||||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 1,633 | 137 | 86 | 1,087 | 1,040 | ||||||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 433 | 257 | 274 | (18,783 | ) | 3,472 | |||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 4,229 | 172 | 380 | 5,031 | 2,732 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,449 | 11 | 249 | 1,679 | 921 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 2,780 | $ | 161 | $ | 131 | $ | 3,352 | $ | 1,811 | |||||||||
December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 12,351 | $ | 13,313 | $ | 6,681 | $ | 8,691 | $ | 53,678 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,093 | 5,602 | 11,105 | 4,926 | 3,853 | ||||||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 24,628 | 25,199 | 25,525 | 26,391 | - | ||||||||||||||
Assets on deposits | 947,595 | 349,937 | 89,313 | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | 1,007,811 | 399,381 | 138,582 | 47,405 | 64,248 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities and stockholder’s equity: | |||||||||||||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves | 21,537 | 22,368 | 23,196 | 24,112 | 23,974 | ||||||||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 951,068 | 353,549 | 93,047 | 3,797 | 3,885 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 986,263 | 380,166 | 119,481 | 28,281 | 28,212 | ||||||||||||||
Total stockholder’s equity | 21,548 | 19,215 | 19,101 | 19,124 | 36,036 | ||||||||||||||
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this Prospectus and elsewhere (such as in press releases, presentations by us, our immediate parent CMIC, or CMFG Life, our management or oral statements) relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. We caution that these statements may vary from actual results and the differences between these statements and actual results can be material. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include, among other things:
• | general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance which may affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated therewith, the fair value of our investments, which could result in other than temporary impairments, and certain liabilities, and the lapse rate and profitability of policies; | |
• | customer response to new products and marketing initiatives; | |
• | changes in the Federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products; | |
• | increasing competition in the sale of annuities; | |
• | regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank and credit union sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products; and | |
• | the risk factors or uncertainties disclosed in this Prospectus. |
For a detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance see the section entitled “Potential Risk Factors That May Affect Our Business and Our Future Results.”
Overview
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• | Managed Agents: employees of CMFG Life who sell insurance and investment products to members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services; | |
• | Dual Employee Agents: employees of credit unions who sell insurance and investment products to members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services. These agents are registered representatives of the Company’s affiliated broker dealer, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.; and | |
• | Independent Agents: agents who also represent other insurance companies and, along with or through an unaffiliated broker-dealer, contract with the Company to offer its individual life insurance and annuity products that are made available for distribution through this channel. |
CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations. CMFG Life allocates expenses to us on the basis of estimated time spent by employees of CMFG Life on Company matters and the use of operational resources. Management believes the allocations of expenses are
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reasonable and that the results of the Company’s operations may have materially differed in a negative manner from the results reflected in the accompanying financial statements if the Company did not have this relationship.
Critical Accounting Policies
The increasing complexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance requires us to closely monitor our accounting policies. The following summary of our critical accounting policies is intended to enhance your ability to assess our financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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 and in some cases the difference could be material. Investment valuations, embedded derivatives, claim and policyholder benefit reserves and deferred tax asset valuation reserves are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Investment Valuation. Investments in debt securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments in debt securities, net of federal income taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder’s equity.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities into three broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation technique, as follows:
• | Level 1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | |
• | Level 2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments, and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. | |
• | Level 3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. |
For purposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s investments, observable inputs are those inputs used by market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s estimates of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing investments, are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In some instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
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The hierarchy requires the use of market observable information when available for assessing fair value. The availability of observable inputs varies by investment. In situations where the fair value is based on inputs that are unobservable in the market or on inputs from inactive markets, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and is subject to the risk of variability. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for investments categorized in Level 3.
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||
Cash equivalents | $ | 16,080 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 16,080 | |||||||
Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,813 | - | 9,813 | |||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 2,538 | - | 2,538 | |||||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 12,351 | - | 12,351 | |||||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposits | - | - | 122,043 | 122,043 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 16,080 | $ | 12,351 | $ | 122,043 | $ | 150,474 | |||||||
Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | |||||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | |||||||
Our assets which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels. | |||||||||||||||
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||
Cash equivalents | $ | 3,681 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,681 | |||||||
Debt securities: | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,987 | - | 9,987 | |||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 3,207 | - | 3,207 | |||||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 13,194 | - | 13,194 | |||||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposits | - | - | 45,503 | 45,503 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 3,681 | $ | 13,194 | $ | 45,503 | $ | 62,378 | |||||||
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Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | |||||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | |||||||
Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments. Investment securities are reviewed for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities based largely on the fair value of an investment security relative to its cost basis. When the fair value drops below the Company’s cost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Company and depends on several factors, including:
• | the existence of any plans to sell the investment security; | |
• | the extent to which fair value is less than book value; | |
• | the underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.); | |
• | the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions; | |
• | the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value; | |
• | the Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements; and | |
• | the Company’s collateral position in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. | |
A debt security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s holding period of the security. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, it is required to bifurcate the impairment into the loss that is attributable to credit and non-credit related risk. The credit portion of the OTTI is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows and amortized cost. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized in earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive income. If the Company intends to sell, at the time this determination is made, the Company records a realized loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. In determining whether an unrealized loss is expected to be other than temporary, the Company considers, among other factors, any plans to sell the security, the severity of impairment, financial position of the issuer, recent events affecting the issuer’s business and industry sector, credit ratings, and the ability of the Company to hold the investment until the fair value has recovered at least its original cost basis.
For securitized debt securities, the Company considers factors including commercial and residential property changes in value that vary by property type and location and average cumulative collateral loss rates that vary by vintage year. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of expected recoveries. In addition, projections of expected future debt security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer and/or underlying collateral.
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For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, the Company is required to periodically update its 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 OTTI charge is recognized. The Company also considers its intent to retain a temporarily impaired security until recovery. Estimating future cash flows involves judgment and includes both quantitative and qualitative factors. Such determinations incorporate various information and assessments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company issues deferred annuity contracts that contain embedded derivatives. Derivatives embedded within non-derivative host contracts are separated from the host instrument when the embedded derivative is not clearly and closely related to the host instrument. Such embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value, and they are reported as part of assets on deposit and policyholder account balances in the balance sheets, with the change in the value being recorded in net realized investment gains.
Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in assets on deposit offset changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in policyholder account balances; both of these changes are included in net realized investment gains. Accretion of the interest on assets on deposit offsets accretion of the interest on the host contract; both of these activities are included in interest credited on policyholder account balances.
Reinsurance. Reinsurance premiums, claims and benefits, commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying direct policies that have been ceded and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and insurance claims and benefits in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded to other companies under such reinsurance contracts. Ceded insurance reserves and ceded benefits paid are included in reinsurance recoverables along with certain ceded policyholder account balances which include mortality risk. A prepaid reinsurance asset is also recorded for the portion of unearned premiums related to ceded policies.
The Company entered into a second agreement with CMFG Life, as described above under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview,” to cede 100% of its new business, which includes investment type contracts such as the Contract. Accordingly, the agreement is accounted for using the deposit method of accounting.
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Assets on Deposit. Assets on deposit represent the amount of policyholder account balances related to deferred annuity contracts, an investment type contract, that are ceded to CMFG Life. These investment type contracts are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying contracts. Since the related product is an investment type contract, the Company accounts for the reinsurance of these contracts using the deposit method of accounting consistent with the terms of the reinsurance agreement with CMFG Life. The related contract charges and interest credited to policyholder account balances in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded under the agreement. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus for a further discussion of the ceding agreement.
When actual experience indicates that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums, will not be sufficient to recover the present value of future benefits or recover unamortized deferred acquisition costs, a premium deficiency will be recognized by either a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in liability of future benefits.
The Company entered into three agreements with CMFG Life, as described above under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview.” These agreements do not relieve the Company of its obligations to its policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, they do transfer nearly all of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for nearly all of its liabilities.
Policyholder Account Balances. The Company recognizes a liability at the stated account value for policyholder deposits that are not subject to significant policyholder mortality or longevity risk and for universal life-type policies. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit and accumulated interest, less any withdrawals and expense charges. The average credited rate of interest applied to the account values was 4.5% in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The minimum guaranteed rate of interest that must be credited to such account values for the life of those contracts is 4.5%.
The single premium deferred annuities, which are included in policyholder account balances, have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts; the Secure Account has an annual credited interest rate floor and ceiling of 0% and 4%, respectively, and the Growth Account has an annual credited interest rate floor and ceiling of -10% and 14%, respectively. The Secure and Growth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. Interest is credited at the end of each Contract Year during the selected index term based on the allocation between risk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that Contract Year. Performance of both the Secure Account and Growth Account is calculated based, in part, on the performance of the S&P 500 Index. At the end of the initial index term only the Secure Account will be available as an option to the policyholder.
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Income Taxes. The Company recognizes taxes payable or refundable and deferred taxes for the tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by applying the enacted tax rates to the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records current tax benefits and deferred tax assets utilizing a benefits-for-loss approach. Under this approach, current benefits are realized and deferred tax assets are considered realizable by the Company when realized or realizable by the consolidated group of which the Company is a member even if the benefits would not be realized on a stand-alone basis. The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it determines it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized by the consolidated group. Deferred income tax assets can be realized through future earnings, including, but not limited to the generation of future income, reversal of existing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies.
The Company is subject to tax-related audits. These audits may result in additional tax assets or liabilities. In establishing tax liabilities, the Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not standard are not recognized. Tax positions that meet this standard are recognized in the financial statements.
Executive Summary
The Company provides life and health insurance throughout the United States servicing its existing blocks of individual and group life policies, and began marketing the Index-Linked Annuity Contract in 2013 and the Contract offered by this Prospectus as of the date hereof. The Company is managed as two reportable business segments, (1) life and health, and (2) annuities. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus for information related to the two business segments.
The Company began distributing the Index-Linked Annuity Contract, an individual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contract, in 2013 which became the Company’s second reportable business segment. The Company began distributing the Contract as of the date of this Prospectus. The Company’s annuities segment, which includes the Index-Linked Annuity Contract and the Contract, is ceded 100% to CMFG Life under the 2013 ceding agreement and accordingly does not impact the results of operations.
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Total benefits and expenses were $433, $257 and $274 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in life and health benefits and expenses in 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to increased legal expenses related to the settlement received on structured security investments that had previously been sold, partially offset by the 2015 amendment to the 2012 reinsurance agreement. The primary decrease in life and health benefits in 2014 is due to fewer claims incurred by the Company in 2014. Life and health benefits totaled ($1,204), $112 and $179 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company ceded $1,244 of life and health benefits in 2015, leading to the decrease in benefits in 2015 from 2014. The Company’s primary expense is the payment of claims related to life insurance policies. Operating expenses totaled $1,633, $137 and $86 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations. Operating expenses incurred by the Company that are specifically identifiable are borne by the Company; other operating expenses are allocated from CMFG Life on the basis of estimated time and usage studies. Operating expenses are primarily related to and include employee costs such as wages and benefits, and credit union reimbursements whereby the Company reimburses credit unions for certain administrative expenses they incur in the production of new and renewal business sold for the Company and other operating expenses such as rent, insurance and utilities. The increase in operating expenses in 2015 relates to increased legal fees related to the litigation settlement received on structured security investments that had previously been sold.
Income tax expense is recorded at 35% offset by prior year tax expense or benefits primarily related to interest on accrued refunds, resulting in an effective tax rate of 34.3%, 6.4% and 65.5% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Financial Condition
Our investment strategy is based upon a strategic asset allocation framework that considers the need to manage our General Account investment portfolio on a risk-adjusted spread basis for the underwriting of contract liabilities and to maximize return on retained capital. Our investment in bonds consists of publicly traded corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. Treasury securities. While the investments are categorized as available for sale, we generally hold our bond portfolio to maturity.
Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that we are permitted to purchase and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and
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regulations and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in United States government and government-sponsored agency securities and debt securities rated investment grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated.
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2015 | % | 2014 | % | |||||||||||
Debt Securities | $ | 12,351 | 100.0 | % | $ | 13,194 | 99.1 | % | ||||||
Policy loans | - | - | 104 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Receivable for securities sold | - | - | 15 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 12,351 | 100.0 | % | $ | 13,313 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
The table below presents our total debt securities by type at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2015 | % | 2014 | % | |||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | $ | 9,813 | 79.5 | % | $ | 9,987 | 75.6 | % | ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,538 | 20.5 | 3,207 | 24.4 | ||||||||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,351 | 100.0 | % | $ | 13,194 | 100.0 | % | ||||||
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity are shown below at December 31, 2015. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 1,261 | $ | 1,280 | |||
Due after one year through five years | 315 | 322 | |||||
Due after ten years | 8,757 | 8,211 | |||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,365 | 2,538 | |||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,698 | $ | 12,351 | |||
We have classified our debt securities as available for sale. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities (net of income taxes) are included as a separate component of stockholder’s equity, thereby exposing stockholder’s equity to volatility for changes in the reported fair value of securities classified as available for sale.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As consideration for the reinsurance provided under these agreements, as of October 1, 2015 we transfer all of our revenues to CMFG Life. Specifically, CMFG Life receives 100% of all premiums and other amounts received on account of our existing business and new business. CMFG Life pays us a monthly expense allowance to reimburse the Company for expenses and costs incurred on account of its insurance business.
While the reinsurance transactions have a minimal impact on our stockholder’s equity, they substantially diminish our net liabilities and greatly decrease the amount of capital and liquidity needed within the Company.
Operating activities provided $10,987, $1,327 and $4,286 in net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The Company’s primary use of funds includes the payment of benefits and related operating expenses. The increase in cash flow in 2015 from 2014 was primarily due to the Company’s new annuity product and the receipt of cash for income taxes from the Company’s parent company. The decrease in cash flow in 2014 from 2013 was primarily due to the receipt of tax receivables in 2013 and the non-renewal of business on the Company’s older insurance policies. The Company’s sources of funds include renewal premiums and investment income.
Investing activities provided $331 and $1,655 of net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2013, respectively, and used $6,779 for the year ended December 31, 2014 The Company’s main investing activities include the purchase and sale of debt securities. The Company sold $8,987 and purchased $8,760 of debt securities in 2015, contributing to the net increase of cash from investing activities. The Company purchased $7,535 of debt securities in 2014, contributing to the net use of cash from investing activities. The increase in the cash provided in 2013 was driven by the Company receiving proceeds on the sale of debt securities and not making any purchases of investments in 2013.
Going forward, liquidity requirements will be met primarily through monthly settlements under the coinsurance agreements with CMFG Life. We anticipate receiving adequate cash flow from these settlements and our investment income to meet our obligations. However, a primary liquidity concern going forward will be the risk of an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. We include provisions within our policies, such as Surrender Charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals.
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We believe that cash flows generated from sources above will be sufficient to satisfy the near term liquidity requirements of our operations, including reasonable foreseeable contingencies. However, we cannot predict future experience regarding benefits and surrenders since benefit and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, our claims paying ability and our financial credit ratings.
Most funds we receive going forward, funds which we will receive as annuity deposits, will be invested in high quality investments, those identified by the Company as investment grade, to fund our future commitments. We believe that the settlement we receive under the reinsurance agreements with CMFG Life, the diversity of our investment portfolio and a concentration of investments in high quality securities should provide sufficient liquidity to meet foreseeable cash requirements. Although there is no present need or intent to dispose of our investments, we could readily liquidate portions of our investments, if such a need arose. Sales of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position are subject to other-than-temporary impairment considerations including our intent to sell.
Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions
We are subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of equity and the payment of dividends. Generally, ordinary dividends from an insurance subsidiary to its parent company must meet notice requirements promulgated by the regulator of the subsidiary’s state of domicile (“Insurance Department”). Extraordinary dividends, as defined by state statutes, must be approved by the Insurance Department. Based on Iowa statutory regulations, the Company could pay dividends of $2,111 during 2016, without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Department.
Risk-based capital requirements promulgated by the NAIC require U.S. insurers to maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporating credit risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk, and general business risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the minimum capitalization requirements.
Contractual Obligations
For detailed discussion of the management services agreement, the investment advisory agreement and the coinsurance agreements, see “Management – Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons.”
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Going forward, we may enter into financing transactions, lease agreements, or other commitments in the normal course of our business.
Estimated Future Claim and Benefit Payments | |||
Due in one year or less | $ | 49,319 | |
Due after one year through three years | 126,547 | ||
Due after three years through five years | 280,564 | ||
Due after five years | 660,945 | ||
Total estimated payments | $ | 1,117,375 | |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Given our limited operations in writing new business to date, we are not currently subject to any material market risk exposures. However, in future periods, we expect to have exposure to market risk through both our insurance operations and investment activities, although a significant portion of this risk will be reinsured by CMFG Life pursuant to the coinsurance agreements discussed above. In addition, many of the measures described herein to offset these market risks will be taken by CMFG Life as it will hold nearly all of the assets related to our insurance business as a result of the Coinsurance Agreements.
Interest rate risk will be our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates will affect the profitability of our annuity products and the fair value of our investments. Most of the interest rate risk is absorbed by CMFG Life under the coinsurance agreements. The profitability of most of our annuity products will depend on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on the annuity products. We will have the ability to adjust crediting rates (caps, participation rates or asset fee rates for indexed annuities) on substantially all of our annuity products at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values). In addition, substantially all of our annuity products will have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. However, competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.
A major component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the General Account investment portfolio with cash flow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our annuity products. We use computer models to simulate cash flows expected from our existing business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us to measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expected cash flows from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our annuity products and to determine if it is necessary to lengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. The “duration” of a security is the time weighted present value of the security’s expected cash flows and is used to measure a security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s fixed debt investment portfolio consisted of U.S. government and agency securities and residential mortgage-backed securities with fair values of $9,813 and $2,538, respectively, and has an average duration of 16.4 years.
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We also utilize a hedging process in which we purchase options out of the money to the extent of any anticipated annual index credits under the indexed annuities. On the anniversary dates of the indexed annuities, we will purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credits. The risk associated with these prospective purchases is the uncertainty of the cost, which will determine whether we are able to earn our spread on our index business. We will manage this risk through the terms of our annuities, which will permit us to change caps, participation rates and asset fees, subject to contractual features. By modifying caps, participation rates or asset fees, we can limit option costs to budgeted amounts, except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.
MANAGEMENT |
Directors and Executive Officers
Our directors and executive officers are as follows:
Name | Age | Position | |||||
M. Jeffrey Bosco | 51 | President and Director | |||||
Steven R. Suleski | 62 | Secretary and Director | |||||
Brian J. Borakove | 37 | Treasurer | |||||
Michael F. Anderson | 48 | Director | |||||
Michael T. Defnet | 55 | Director | |||||
Jason A. Pisarik | 43 | Director |
All executive officers and directors are elected annually.
Steven R. Suleski has been a director of the Company since December 15, 2015 and has served as our Secretary and Senior Vice President since February 1, 2012. He has served as Associate General Counsel at CMFG Life, from May 1999 to January 2014. He serves as Chief Governance & Compliance Officer effective January 2014 to present. Before joining the Company, Mr. Suleski spent 12 years at Foley & Lardner, LLP, in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was a partner specializing in securities law, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law.
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Michael T. Defnet has been a director of the Company since December 15, 2015 and Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for CMFG Life. Mr. Defnet previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales Distribution Support and various positions in CMFG Life’s Sales Department for 25 years. He brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in sales and marketing leadership, sales operations and sales strategy.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons
Policy Regarding Related Person Transactions. It is our policy to enter into or ratify related person transactions only when our Board of Directors determines that the transaction either is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests, including but not limited to situations where we may obtain products or services of a nature, quantity or quality, or on other terms, that are not readily available from alternative sources or when we provide products or services to related persons on an arm’s length basis on terms comparable to those provided to unrelated third parties or on terms comparable to those provided to employees generally.
Therefore, we have adopted the following written procedures for the review, approval or ratification of related person transactions. For purposes of the related person transaction policy, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which (i) we were, are or will be a participant, (ii) the amount of the transaction, arrangement or relationship exceeds $120,000, and (iii) in which a related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction.
A related person means:
• | any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, a member of our Board of Directors or an executive officer or a nominee to become a member of our Board of Directors; | |
• | any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities; | |
• | any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons; or | |
• | any firm, corporation, or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest. |
Any proposed transaction with a related person shall be consummated or amended only if the following steps are taken:
• | Counsel (either inside or outside) will assess whether the proposed transaction is a related person transaction for purposes of this policy. |
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• | If counsel determines that the proposed transaction is a related person transaction, the proposed transaction shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration at the next meeting or, in those instances in which counsel, in consultation with the President or the Treasurer, determines that it is not practicable or desirable for us to wait until the next committee meeting, to the President of the Company (who has been delegated authority to act between meetings). | |
• | The Board of Directors shall consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available, including (if applicable) but not limited to: (i) the benefits to the Company; (ii) the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director, or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder, or executive officer; (iii) the availability of other suppliers or customers for comparable products or services; (iv) the terms of the transaction; and (v) the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. | |
• | The Board of Directors shall approve only those related person transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, as the Board of Directors determines in good faith. The Board of Directors shall convey the decision to counsel, who shall convey the decision to the appropriate persons within the Company. |
At the Board of Director’s first meeting of each fiscal year, it shall review any previously approved related person transactions that remain ongoing and have a remaining term of more than six months or remaining amounts payable to or receivable from the Company of more than $120,000. Based on all relevant facts and circumstances, taking into consideration the Company’s contractual obligations, the Board of Directors shall determine if it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to continue, modify, or terminate the related person transaction.
No member of the Board of Directors shall participate in any review, consideration, or approval of any related person transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person.
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions. Except for the agreements noted below, there have been no transactions between the Company and any related person since January 1, 2011, nor are any such related person transactions currently being contemplated for which disclosure would be required.
As consideration for the reinsurance provided under these agreements, as of October 1, 2015, we transfer nearly all of our revenues to CMFG Life. Specifically, CMFG Life receives 100% of all premiums and other amounts received on account of our existing business and new business. As additional consideration, we transferred assets equal to 95% of our reserves as of October 31, 2012 to CMFG Life. CMFG Life pays us a monthly expense allowance to reimburse the Company for expenses and costs incurred on account of its insurance business. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we ceded $3,559, $2,486 and $2,672, respectively. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
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Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors of the Company has not established any committees. The Board relies upon the committees of the CUNA Mutual Holding Company to oversee actions over the subsidiary companies. For example the CUNA Mutual Holding Company Audit Committee will assist with oversight of the company’s external auditors, performance of internal audit functions and legal and regulatory compliance requirements.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
In order to help you understand our compensation-related costs, we have set forth below a discussion of CMFG Life’s compensation policies and programs as such policies and programs relate to our named executive officers.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis. These compensation policies and programs are designed to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated executive officers and employees and encourage and reward achievement of annual and long-term goals.
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Federal income tax law limits deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain named executive officers unless this compensation qualifies as “performance-based compensation.” It is the intent of CMFG Life to qualify its executives’ compensation for deductibility under applicable tax laws, while recognizing that there may be situations in which compensation for executive officers may not be tax deductible.
Named Executive Officers. The primary elements of compensation for our named executive officers, who are officers of and compensated by CMFG Life, include base pay and incentive compensation.
In August 2013, the Company began issuing a single premium deferred index annuity contract under the name “MEMBERS ® Zone Annuity”. This annuity contract accounts for all the new sales of the Company. The Contract described in this Prospectus is first being offered as of the date of this Prospectus. When it becomes available the Company will have two annuity contract forms for sale. The Company also serves existing blocks of individual and group life policies. The amount of compensation allocated to the Company for Mr. Trunzo in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $72,412, $43,000 and $5,800, respectively. The amount of compensation allocated to the Company for Mr. Borakove for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $4,398, $2,600 and $1,300, respectively. The amount of compensation allocated to the Company for Mr. Bosco in 2015 was $4,884. This represents an allocation of gross wages and Corporate Success Sharing Plan (“CSSP)” payment.
Incentive Compensation. Under the CSSP for 2016, an incentive compensation pool is created if CM Holding and its subsidiaries consolidated financial statement has positive pre-tax net income on a GAAP basis. If this objective is met, the Board determines the amount of the pool that may be paid to leadership and staff based on CMFG Life performance, using the following guidelines and weighting factors: adjusted pre-tax operating gain, 60%; controllable expenses, 20%; and weighted revenue, 20%. Depending upon the level of CMFG Life’s success as determined by the Board, compensation is paid out of this pool as a percentage of the base salary according to the level of individual performance. Our management and the Board believe that this CSSP design creates the proper focus, flexibility and alignment for maximizing short-term and long-term policyholder value creation to benefit the policyholders who own CUNA Mutual Holding Company, the ultimate parent of both CMFG Life and the Company.
The costs of the CSSP and other incentive programs and benefits that have been allocated to the Company for the President for 2016 is $58,376. These allocations increased as management has been required to devote more time to the operations of the Company.
The costs of the CSSP and other incentive programs and benefits that have been allocated to the Company for the Treasurer for 2016 is $1,595. These allocations increased as management has been required to devote more time to the operations of the Company.
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At the time the performance goals for the different incentive plans were approved by the Board, it was believed that the performance targets reflected an appropriate degree of stretch but that they were attainable based on successful execution of the Company’s business plan and the realization of macro-economic and market conditions reasonably aligned with the Company’s near term expectations.
Change in Control, Separation and Retirement Arrangements. CMFG Life has a written employment contract with Mr. Trunzo. None of the other named executive officers have employment contracts or separation agreements with CMFG Life. No costs associated with this employment contract have previously been allocated to the Company.
Other Compensation Including Other Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Arrangements. CMFG Life has a qualified 401(k) plan for all eligible employees. CMFG Life matches 100% of employee contributions to the plan up to 5% of the employee’s total compensation, subject to the limitations specified in the Internal Revenue Code. CMFG Life also maintains a Supplemental 401(k) Plan in which some of the named executive officers participate that provides additional benefits and a company match.
In addition to the 401(k) plan, all employees of CMFG Life participate in a qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan. There is a non-qualified plan for some of the named executives that provides benefits that would otherwise be paid into the qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan but for Internal Revenue Code limitations. CMFG Life offers a package of insurance benefits to all employees including health, dental, long-term disability and life insurance. Several of the named executive officers receive perquisites including personal liability insurance, use of Company owned aircraft, travel to Company conventions for themselves and their spouse, tax benefits and tax preparation fees.
Compensation Summary. The following table sets forth the allocated compensation based upon the estimated percentage of time the following officers devote to the affairs of the Company for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 fiscal years:
Name and principal position | Year* | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Total*** ($) |
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (j) |
Robert N. Trunzo, President and Director* | 2013 2014 2015 | $2,800 $8,000 $14,036 | $3,000 $35,000 $58,376 | $5,800 $43,000 $72,412 |
M. Jeffrey Bosco, President ** | 2015 | $2,718 | $2,166 | $4,884 |
Brian J. Borakove, Treasurer*** | 2013 2014 2015 | $1,000 $1,600 $2,802 | $300 $1,000 $1,595 | $1,300 $2,600 $4,397 |
* | Mr. Trunzo resigned as President and Director of the Company effective December 1, 2015. | |
** | Mr. Bosco was appointed President effective December 1, 2015. | |
*** | Includes compensation paid by CMFG Life that was allocated to the Company for service rendered by Messrs. Bosco and Borakove. |
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Director Compensation
Legal Proceedings
Like other insurance companies, we routinely are involved in litigation and other proceedings, including class actions, reinsurance claims and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. In recent years, the life insurance and annuity industry, including us and our affiliated companies, has been subject to an increase in litigation pursued on behalf of both individual and purported classes of insurance and annuity purchasers, questioning the conduct of insurance companies and their agents in the marketing of their products. In addition, state and federal regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments and attorneys general, periodically make inquiries and conduct examinations concerning compliance by us and others with applicable insurance and other laws.
* * *
We do not file reports under the 1934 Act in reliance on Rule 12h-7 under the 1934 Act, which provides an exemption from the reporting requirements of Sections 13 and 15 of the 1934 Act.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
and for the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2015
and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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Index to |
Financial Statements of |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 1 |
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 | 2 |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 3 |
Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 4 |
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 5 |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Note 1—Nature of Business | 6 |
Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 6 |
Note 3—Investments, Debt Securities | 11 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Investment Income | 12 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Realized Investment Gains | 13 |
Note 3—Investments, Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments | 13 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Unrealized Investment Gains | 14 |
Note 3—Investments, Embedded Derivatives | 14 |
Note 3—Investments, Assets Designated /Securities on Deposit | 15 |
Note 4—Fair Value | 15 |
Note 5—Income Tax | 22 |
Note 6—Related Party Transactions | 25 |
Note 7—Reinsurance | 26 |
Note 8—Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions | 28 |
Note 9—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 29 |
Note 10—Business Segment Information | 30 |
Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies | 33 |
Note 12—Subsequent Events | 33 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
Madison, Wisconsin
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, results of the Company may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity, as the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 8, 2016
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Balance Sheets |
December 31, 2015 and 2014 |
($ in 000s) |
Assets | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Investments | ||||||||
Debt securities, available for sale, at fair value | ||||||||
(amortized cost 2015 - $12,698; 2014 - $12,854) | $ | 12,351 | $ | 13,194 | ||||
Policy loans | - | 104 | ||||||
Receivable for securities sold | - | 15 | ||||||
Total investments | 12,351 | 13,313 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,093 | 5,602 | ||||||
Accrued investment income | 134 | 80 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | 24,628 | 25,199 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | 947,595 | 349,937 | ||||||
Premiums receivable, net | 26 | 28 | ||||||
Net deferred tax asset | 682 | 440 | ||||||
Receivable from affiliate | 4,518 | 2,765 | ||||||
Other assets and receivables | 268 | 220 | ||||||
Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | 516 | 1,797 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,007,811 | $ | 399,381 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity | ||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | $ | 21,537 | $ | 22,368 | ||||
Policyholder account balances | 951,068 | 353,549 | ||||||
Unearned premiums | 1 | 3 | ||||||
Payables to affiliates | 2,480 | 1,292 | ||||||
Accounts payable and other liabilities | 11,177 | 2,954 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 986,263 | 380,166 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | ||||||||
Stockholder’s equity | ||||||||
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 1,000 shares; | ||||||||
issued and outstanding 1,000 shares | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 10,500 | 10,500 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), | ||||||||
net of tax expense (benefit) (2015 - ($122); 2014 - $118) | (225 | ) | 222 | |||||
Retained earnings | 6,273 | 3,493 | ||||||
Total stockholder’s equity | 21,548 | 19,215 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity | $ | 1,007,811 | $ | 399,381 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 2 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | 127 | $ | 139 | ||||||
Contract charges, net | 18 | 24 | 46 | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 366 | 278 | 176 | ||||||||||
Net realized investment gains | 117 | - | - | ||||||||||
Other income | 5,336 | - | 293 | ||||||||||
Total revenues | 4,662 | 429 | 654 | ||||||||||
Benefits and expenses | |||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | (1,204 | ) | 112 | 179 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances, net | 4 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
Operating and other expenses (Note 6) | 1,633 | 137 | 86 | ||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 433 | 257 | 274 | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 4,229 | 172 | 380 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,449 | 11 | 249 | ||||||||||
Net income | 2,780 | 161 | 131 | ||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of tax expense | |||||||||||||
(benefit) (2015 - ($235); 2014 - ($25); 2013 - ($105)) | (437 | ) | (47 | ) | (154 | ) | |||||||
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) | �� | ||||||||||||
included in net income, net of tax (benefit) - (2015 - ($5)) | (10 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (447 | ) | (47 | ) | (154 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 2,333 | $ | 114 | $ | (23 | ) | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 3 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Stockholder’s Equity |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Common | paid in | comprehensive | Retained | stockholder’s | ||||||||||||||||
stock | capital | income (loss) | earnings | equity | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2013 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 10,500 | $ | 423 | $ | 3,201 | $ | 19,124 | ||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 131 | 131 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 5,000 | 10,500 | 269 | 3,332 | 19,101 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 161 | 161 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 | 5,000 | 10,500 | 222 | 3,493 | 19,215 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 2,780 | 2,780 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 10,500 | $ | (225 | ) | $ | 6,273 | $ | 21,548 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 4 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Cash Flows |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 2,780 | $ | 161 | $ | 131 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income | ||||||||||||
to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Policyholder charges on investment type contracts | (18 | ) | (24 | ) | (46 | ) | ||||||
Net realized investment gains | (117 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 4 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (2 | ) | 197 | 675 | ||||||||
Amortization of bond premium and discount | 61 | 75 | 86 | |||||||||
Amortization and write off of deferred charges | 26 | 26 | 21 | |||||||||
Changes in other assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||
Accrued investment income | (54 | ) | (16 | ) | 9 | |||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 273 | 326 | 611 | |||||||||
Premiums receivable | 2 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||
Other assets | (1,828 | ) | 356 | (1,079 | ) | |||||||
Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | 1,281 | 87 | 1,892 | |||||||||
Insurance reserves | (831 | ) | (828 | ) | (916 | ) | ||||||
Unearned premiums | (2 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||
Other liabilities | 9,412 | 955 | 2,892 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 10,987 | 1,327 | 4,286 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Purchases of debt securities | (8,760 | ) | (7,535 | ) | - | |||||||
Proceeds on sale or maturity of debt securities | 8,987 | 750 | 1,665 | |||||||||
Net amounts received on policy loans | 104 | 6 | - | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 331 | (6,779 | ) | 1,665 | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Policyholder account deposits | 596,817 | 252,273 | 89,726 | |||||||||
Policyholder account withdrawals | (12,250 | ) | (3,581 | ) | (930 | ) | ||||||
Assets on deposit - deposits | (596,492 | ) | (252,273 | ) | (89,382 | ) | ||||||
Assets on deposit - withdrawals | 12,098 | 3,531 | 813 | |||||||||
Change in bank overdrafts | - | (1 | ) | 1 | ||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 173 | (51 | ) | 228 | ||||||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | 11,491 | (5,503 | ) | 6,179 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 5,602 | 11,105 | 4,926 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 17,093 | $ | 5,602 | $ | 11,105 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash information: | ||||||||||||
Cash received (paid) during the year for income taxes | $ | (170 | ) | $ | 273 | $ | 2,318 | |||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 5 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 1: Nature of Business
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (“MLIC” or the “Company”) is a life and health insurance stock company organized under the laws of Iowa and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”). CMIC is organized under the laws of Wisconsin and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”), an Iowa life insurance company. CMFG Life and its affiliated companies primarily sell insurance and other products to credit unions and their members. The Company’s ultimate parent is CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CMHC”), a mutual insurance holding company organized under the laws of Iowa. In 2013, MLIC began selling single premium deferred annuity contracts to credit union members through face-to-face and direct response distribution channels. Prior to 2013, MLIC did not actively market new business; it primarily serviced existing blocks of individual and group life policies. See Note 7, Reinsurance, for information on the Company’s reinsurance and ceding agreements.
MLIC is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, except New York. The following table identifies states with premiums greater than 5% of total direct premium and states with deposits on annuity contracts greater than 5% of total deposits:
Deposits on | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct Life and Health Premium | Annuity Contracts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Michigan | 63 | % | 63 | % | 64 | % | 8 | % | 12 | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||
Texas | 23 | 22 | 22 | 7 | 8 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
California | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indiana | * | * | * | 6 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Iowa | * | * | * | 5 | 8 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wisconsin | * | * | * | 5 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pennsylvania | * | * | * | 5 | 6 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Florida | * | * | * | 5 | 5 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Washington | * | * | * | 5 | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rhode Island | * | * | * | * | 8 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Utah | * | * | * | * | * | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
No other state represents more than 5% of the Company’s premiums or deposits for any year in the three years ended December 31, 2015.
CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations. Management believes allocations of expenses are reasonable, but the results of the Company’s operations may have materially differed from the results reflected in the accompanying financial statements if the Company did not have this relationship.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
6 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
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 the 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 and in some cases the difference could be material. Investment valuations, embedded derivatives, deferred tax asset valuation reserves, and claim and policyholder benefit reserves are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Segment Reporting
The Company is currently managed as two reportable business segments, (1) life and health and (2) annuities. See Note 7, Reinsurance, for information on the Company’s reinsurance and ceding agreements, which impact the financial statement presentation of these segments.
Investments
Debt securities: Investments in debt securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. A debt security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s anticipated holding period of the security. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, it is required to bifurcate the impairment into the loss that is attributable to credit and non-credit related components. The credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows and amortized cost. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized in net realized investment gains, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive loss. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before anticipated recovery in value, the Company records a realized loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. In determining whether an unrealized loss is expected to be other than temporary, the Company considers, among other factors, any plans to sell the security, the severity of impairment, financial position of the issuer, recent events affecting the issuer’s business and industry sector, credit ratings, and the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until the fair value has recovered at least its cost basis.
Unrealized gains and losses on investments in debt securities, net of deferred federal income taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder’s equity.
Policy loans: Policy loans are reported at their unpaid principal balance. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as they are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies. Any unpaid principal or interest on the loan is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy. Policy loans allocated to CMFG Life as payment related to the 2012 reinsurance agreement and the 2015 amendment (See Note 7) are $1,882 and $1,975 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As a result of the amendment, all policy loans are allocated to CMFG Life as of December 31, 2015.
Net investment income: Interest income related to mortgage-backed and other structured securities is recognized on an accrual basis using a constant effective yield method, based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments and such adjustments are reflected in net investment income. Prepayment assumptions for loan-backed bonds and structured securities are based on industry averages or internal estimates. Interest income related to non-structured securities is recognized on an accrual basis using a constant effective yield method. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are amortized over the estimated lives of the respective securities on an effective yield basis.
7 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Net realized gains and losses: Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on a specific identification basis and are recorded on the trade date.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company issues single premium deferred annuity contracts that contain embedded derivatives. Derivatives embedded within non-derivative host contracts are separated from the host instrument when the embedded derivative is not clearly and closely related to the host instrument. Such embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value, and they are reported as part of assets on deposit and policyholder account balances in the balance sheets, with the change in the value being recorded in net realized investment gains. See Note 3, Investments-Embedded Derivatives for additional information.
Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in assets on deposit offset changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in policyholder account balances; both of these changes are included in net realized investment gains. Accretion of the interest on assets on deposit offsets accretion of the interest on the host contract; both of these amounts are included in interest credited on policyholder account balances.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted deposits in financial institutions with maturities of 90 days or less. The Company recognizes a liability in accounts payable and other liabilities for the amount of checks issued in excess of its current cash balance. The change in this overdraft amount is recognized as a financing activity in the Company’s statement of cash flows.
Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits
Term-life and whole-life insurance premiums are recognized as premium income when due. Policy benefits for these products are recognized in relation to the premiums so as to result in the recognition of profits over the expected lives of the policies and contracts.
Amounts collected on policies not subject to significant mortality or longevity risk, such as the Company’s single premium deferred annuity contracts, are considered investment contracts and are recorded as increases in policyholder account balances. Revenues from investment contracts principally consist of net investment income and contract charges such as expense and surrender charges. Expenses for investment contracts consist of interest credited to contracts, benefits incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances and policy maintenance costs. Because the Company has entered into an agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of this business, these revenues and expenses are ceded and do not impact the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 7, Reinsurance for additional information on this agreement.
Other Income / Operating and Other Expenses
Other income in 2015 and 2013 relates to legal settlements received on structured security investments that had previously been sold. Operating and other expenses in 2015 include legal expenses related to the settlement received.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring insurance business that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal business are deferred to the extent that such costs are expected to be recoverable from future profits. Such costs principally include commissions and sales costs, direct response advertising costs, premium taxes, and certain policy issuance and underwriting costs. Costs deferred on term-life and whole-life insurance products, deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), are amortized in proportion to the ratio of the annual premium to the total anticipated premiums generated. Due to the age of the existing block of policies, all DAC has been fully amortized as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and there was no amortization expense in 2015, 2014 or 2013.
8 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Acquisition costs on the Company’s single premium deferred annuity contracts are reimbursed through a ceding commission by CMFG Life, which assumes all deferrable costs as part of its agreement to assume 100% of this business from the Company. See Note 7, Reinsurance for additional information on this agreement.
Insurance Reserves
Life and health claim and policy benefit reserves consist principally of future policy benefit reserves and reserves for estimates of future payments on incurred claims reported but not yet paid and unreported incurred claims. Estimates for future payments on incurred claims are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions based on past experience adjusted for current trends. Any change in the probable ultimate liabilities is reflected in net income in the period in which the change is determined.
When actual experience indicates that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums will not be sufficient to recover the present value of future benefits or recover unamortized deferred acquisition costs, a premium deficiency will be recognized by either a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits. There was no premium deficiency in 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Policyholder Account Balances
The Company recognizes a liability at the stated account value for policyholder deposits that are not subject to significant policyholder mortality or longevity risk and for universal life-type policies. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit and accumulated interest, less any withdrawals and expense charges. The average credited rate was 4.5% in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The future minimum guaranteed interest rate during the life of the contracts is 4.5%.
The single premium deferred annuities, which are included in policyholder account balances, have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts; the Secure Account has a yearly credited interest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure and Growth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. Interest is credited at the end of each contract year during the selected index term based on the allocation between risk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that contract year. Both the Growth Account and Secure Account are based on the S&P 500 Index. At the end of the initial index term, only the Secure Account will be available as an option to the policyholder. The average annualized credited rate was 1.65%, 1.10% and .72% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
The Company issues annuity contracts on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contracts for which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance premiums, claims and benefits, commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying direct policies that have been ceded and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and insurance claims and benefits in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded to other companies under such reinsurance contracts. Ceded insurance reserves and ceded benefits paid are included in reinsurance recoverables along with certain ceded policyholder account balances, which include mortality risk. A prepaid reinsurance asset is also recorded for the portion of unearned premiums related to ceded policies.
9 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Assets on Deposit
Assets on deposit represent the amount of policyholder account balances related to the single premium deferred annuity contracts (investment-type contracts) that are ceded to CMFG Life. These investment-type contracts are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying contracts. Since the related product is an investment-type contract, the Company accounts for the reinsurance of these contracts using the deposit method of accounting consistent with the terms of the ceding agreement. The related contract charges and interest credited to policyholder account balances in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded under the agreement. See Note 7 for a further discussion of the ceding agreement.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes taxes payable or refundable and deferred taxes for the tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by applying the enacted tax rates to the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records current tax benefits and deferred tax assets utilizing a benefits-for-loss approach. Under this approach, current benefits are realized and deferred tax assets are considered realizable by the Company when realized or realizable by the consolidated group of which the Company is a member even if the benefits would not be realized on a stand-alone basis. The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it determines it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized by the consolidated group. Deferred income tax assets can be realized through future earnings, including, but not limited to, the generation of future income, reversal of existing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies.
The Company is subject to tax-related audits. These audits may result in additional tax assets or liabilities. In establishing tax liabilities, the Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not standard are not recognized. Tax positions that meet this standard are recognized in the financial statements within net deferred tax assets or liabilities or federal income taxes recoverable or payable.
Accounting Standards Updates Pending Adoption
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The new standard will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance by establishing a five step, principles-based process; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments, and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted by the new guidance, ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of ASU 2014-09 for one year and it is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2018 for public business entities and 2019 for others. Early adoption in 2017 will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), effective in 2018. The new standard will require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Other provisions in ASU 2016-01 do not appear to be materially applicable to the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-01 on its financial statements.
10 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 3: Investments
Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values, as reported on the balance sheet, of debt securities at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | $ | 10,333 | $ | 26 | $ | (546 | ) | $ | 9,813 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,365 | 173 | - | 2,538 | |||||||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,698 | $ | 199 | $ | (546 | ) | $ | 12,351 | ||||
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values, as reported on the balance sheet, of debt securities at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | $ | 9,888 | $ | 103 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 9,987 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,966 | 241 | - | 3,207 | |||||||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,854 | $ | 344 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 13,194 | ||||
No investments were non-income producing in 2015 or 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in debt securities at December 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because of the potential for prepayment on mortgage-backed securities, such securities have not been displayed in the table below by contractual maturity.
Amortized | Estimated | |||||
Cost | Fair Value | |||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 1,261 | $ | 1,280 | ||
Due after one year through five years | 315 | 322 | ||||
Due after ten years | 8,757 | 8,211 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,365 | 2,538 | ||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,698 | $ | 12,351 | ||
Net Investment Income
Sources of investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Gross investment income: | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | $ | 389 | $ | 304 | $ | 275 | ||||||
Policy loans | 5 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||
Other investments | - | - | 6 | |||||||||
Total gross investment income | 394 | 312 | 289 | |||||||||
Investment expenses | (28 | ) | (34 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||||
Net investment income | $ | 366 | $ | 278 | $ | 176 | ||||||
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Net Realized Investment Gains
Net realized investment gains for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Debt securities | |||||||||
Gross gains on sales | $ | 117 | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Net realized investment gains | $ | 117 | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Proceeds from the sale of debt securities was $8,389 in 2015, there were no sales or transfers of debt securities in 2014 or 2013 that resulted in a realized investment gain or loss.
Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments
Investment securities are reviewed for OTTI on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities based largely on the fair value of an investment security relative to its cost basis. When the fair value drops below the Company’s cost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Company and depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
• | The existence of any plans to sell the investment security. | ||
• | The extent to which fair value is less than book value. | ||
• | The underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). | ||
• | The financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions. | ||
• | The Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. | ||
• | The Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. | ||
• | The Company’s collateral position in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
A debt security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s anticipated holding period of the security. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, it is required to bifurcate the impairment into the loss that is attributable to credit and non-credit related risk. The credit portion of the OTTI is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows and amortized cost. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized in earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive loss. If the Company intends to sell, at the time this determination is made, the Company records a realized loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. In determining whether an unrealized loss is expected to be other than temporary, the Company considers, among other factors, any plans to sell the security, the severity of impairment, financial position of the issuer, recent events affecting the issuer’s business and industry sector, credit ratings, and the ability of the Company to hold the investment until the fair value has recovered at least its cost basis.
For securitized debt securities, the Company considers factors including, commercial and residential property changes in value that vary by property type and location and average cumulative collateral loss rates that vary by vintage year. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
expected recoveries. In addition, projections of expected future debt security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer and/or underlying collateral.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, the Company is required to periodically update its 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 OTTI charge is recognized. The Company also considers its intent to retain a temporarily impaired security until recovery. Estimating future cash flows involves judgment and includes both quantitative and qualitative factors. Such determinations incorporate various information and assessments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Management has completed a review for other-than-temporarily impaired securities at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and recorded no OTTI. As a result of the subjective nature of these estimates, however, provisions may subsequently be determined to be necessary as new facts emerge and a greater understanding of economic trends develops. Consistent with the Company’s practices, OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determined by the Company’s regular monitoring procedures of additional facts.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31 were as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Debt securities | $ | (347 | ) | $ | 340 | $ | 412 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 122 | (118 | ) | (143 | ) | |||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | (225 | ) | $ | 222 | $ | 269 | |||||
At December 31, 2015, the Company owned one debt security with a fair value of $8,210 in an unrealized loss position of $546 for less than twelve months. At December 31, 2014 the Company owned one debt security with a fair value of $7,526 in an unrealized loss position of $4 for less than twelve months. The Company did not have any gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2013.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company issues single premium deferred annuity contracts that contain embedded derivatives. Such embedded derivatives are separated from their host contracts and recorded at fair value. The fair value of the embedded derivatives, which are reported as part of assets on deposit and policyholder account balances in the balance sheets, were an asset of $122,043 and a liability of $122,043, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and an asset of $45,503 and a liability of $45,503, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The increase in fair value related to embedded derivatives from the date of deposit was $3,591, $9,581 and $592 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Because the Company has entered into an agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of this business, this expense is ceded and does not impact the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Assets Designated/Securities on Deposit
Iowa law requires that assets equal to a life insurer’s “legal reserve” must be designated for the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. The legal reserve is equal to the net present value of all outstanding policies and contracts involving life contingencies. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, debt securities, policy loans and cash with a carrying value of $10,618 and $11,512, respectively, were accordingly designated for Iowa. Other regulatory jurisdictions require cash and securities to be deposited for the benefit of policyholders. Pursuant to these requirements, securities with a fair value of $1,732 and $1,854 were on deposit with other regulatory jurisdictions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 4: Fair Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and liabilities and to estimate fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value. Certain financial instruments, such as insurance policy liabilities (other than investment-type contracts), are excluded from the fair value disclosure requirements.
Valuation Hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities into three broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation technique, as follows:
• | Level 1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | ||
• | Level 2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. | ||
• | Level 3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. |
For purposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputs used by market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s estimates of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In some instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The hierarchy requires the use of market observable information when available for assessing fair value. The availability of observable inputs varies by investment. In situations where the fair value is based on inputs that are unobservable in the market or on inputs from inactive markets, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and is subject to the risk of variability. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for investments categorized in Level 3. Transfers in and out of level
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
categorizations are reported as having occurred at the end of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized gains and losses and all changes in unrealized gains and losses in the fourth quarter are not reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
Valuation Process
The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies and inputs and compliance with accounting standards through the execution of various processes and controls designed to provide assurance that the Company’s assets and liabilities are appropriately valued.
The Company has policies and guidelines that require the establishment of valuation methodologies and consistent application of such methodologies. These policies and guidelines govern the use of inputs and price source hierarchies and provide controls around the valuation processes. These controls include appropriate review and analysis of prices against market activity or indicators of reasonableness, approval of price source changes, price overrides, methodology changes and classification of fair value hierarchy levels. The valuation policies and guidelines are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes are designed to provide assurance that the valuation methodologies and inputs are appropriate and consistently applied, the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are appropriately recorded. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, process and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. When using internal valuation models, these models are developed by the Company’s investment group using established methodologies. The models including key assumptions are reviewed with various investment sector professionals, accounting, operations, compliance and risk management. In addition, when fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
Transfers Between Levels
There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2015. There were two U.S. government and agency securities totaling $2,556 transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014. The transfer occurred due to a change in the availability of the observable inputs. There were no other transfers in 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Fair Value Measurement – Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015.
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Cash equivalents1 | $ | 16,080 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 16,080 | ||||
Debt securities: | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,813 | - | 9,813 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 2,538 | - | 2,538 | ||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 12,351 | - | 12,351 | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit | - | - | 122,043 | 122,043 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 16,080 | $ | 12,351 | $ | 122,043 | $ | 150,474 | ||||
Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | ||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | ||||
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014.
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Cash equivalents 1 | $ | 3,681 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,681 | ||||
Debt securities: | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,987 | - | 9,987 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 3,207 | - | 3,207 | ||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 13,194 | - | 13,194 | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit | - | - | 45,503 | 45,503 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 3,681 | $ | 13,194 | $ | 45,503 | $ | 62,378 | ||||
Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | ||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | ||||
The Company had no assets or liabilities that required a fair value adjustment on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Changes in Fair Value Measurement
The following table sets forth the values of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2015.
Total Realized/Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Gain (Loss) Included in: | ||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2015 | Purchases | Maturities | Earnings1 | Balance December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in assets on deposit | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in annuity contracts | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
1 Included in net income is realized gains and losses associated with embedded derivatives. |
The following table sets forth the values of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014.
Total Realized/Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Gain (Loss) Included in: | ||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2014 | Purchases | Maturities | Earnings1 | Balance December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in assets on deposit | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in annuity contracts | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
1 Included in net income is realized gains and losses associated with embedded derivatives. |
Determination of Fair Values
The Company determines the estimated fair value of its investments using primarily the market approach and the income approach. The use of quoted prices and matrix pricing or similar techniques are examples of market approaches, while the use of discounted cash flow methodologies is an example of the income approach.
A summary of valuation techniques for classes of financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy level are as follows:
19 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Level 1 Measurements
Cash equivalents: Consists of money market funds; valuation is based on the closing price as of the balance sheet date.
Level 2 Measurements
U.S. government and agencies: Certain U.S. Treasury securities and debentures issued by agencies of the U.S. government are valued based on observable inputs such as the U.S. Treasury yield curve, market indicated spreads and quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are not active and/or similar assets in markets that are active.
Residential mortgage-backed securities: Valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are active and observable market data.
For the majority of assets classified as Level 2 investments, the Company values the assets using third-party pricing sources, which generally rely on quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are active and observable market data.
Level 3 Measurements
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit and annuity contracts: The Company offers single premium deferred annuity contracts with certain caps and floors which represent a minimum and maximum amount that could be credited to a contract during that contract year based on the performance of an external index. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value separately from the host deposit asset and annuity contract.
In estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative, the Company attributes a present value to the embedded derivative equal to the discounted sum of the excess cash flows of the index related fund value over the minimum fund value. The current year portion of the embedded derivative is adjusted for known market conditions. The discount factor at which the embedded derivative is valued contains an adjustment for the Company’s own credit and risk margins for unobservable non-capital market inputs. The Company’s own credit adjustment is determined taking into account its A.M. Best rating as well as its claims paying ability.
These derivatives may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Changes in market conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, default rates and market volatility. Changes in fair value may be impacted by changes in the Company’s own credit standing. Lastly, changes in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior (such as full or partial withdrawals varying from expectations) and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs may result in significant fluctuations in the fair value of the derivatives. See Embedded Derivatives within Note 3, Investments for the impact to net income.
20 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table presents information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 embedded derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value developed by internal models as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Predominant | Significant | Range of Values - Unobservable Input | ||||
Valuation Method | Unobservable Input | 2015 | 2014 | |||
Derivatives embedded in single premium deferred annuities and related assets on deposit | ||||||
Discounted cash flow | Lapse rates | 2% to 4% with an excess lapse rate at the end of the index period of 95%. | 2% to 4% with an excess lapse rate at the end of the index period of 95%. | |||
Company’s own credit and risk margin | 82 - 137 basis points added on to discount rate | 60 - 90 basis points added on to discount rate | ||||
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value
Accounting standards require disclosure of fair value information about certain on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments which are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for significant financial instruments:
Level 1 Measurements
Cash: The carrying amount for this instrument approximates its fair value due to its short term nature and is based on observable inputs.
Level 2 Measurements
Assets on deposit and Investment-type contracts: Assets on deposit and investment-type contracts include single premium deferred annuity contracts, excluding the related embedded derivative. In most cases, the fair values are determined by discounting expected liability cash flows and required profit margins using the year-end swap curve plus a spread equivalent to a cost of funds for insurance companies based on observable inputs.
21 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Not Practicable to Estimate Fair Value
Policy loans: The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its policy loans since there is no stated maturity and policy loans are often repaid by reductions to policy benefits.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Level | Amount | Fair Value | Level | ||||||||||||
Financial instruments | |||||||||||||||||
recorded as assets: | |||||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 1,013 | $ | 1,013 | 1 | $ | 1,921 | $ | 1,921 | 1 | |||||||
Policy loans | - | n/a | n/a | 104 | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Assets on deposit | 825,552 | 699,721 | 2 | 304,434 | 294,710 | 2 | |||||||||||
Financial instruments | |||||||||||||||||
recorded as liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
Investment-type contracts | 825,552 | 699,721 | 2 | 304,434 | 294,710 | 2 | |||||||||||
Note 5: Income Tax
The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return filed by CMHC, the Company’s ultimate parent. The Company has entered into a tax sharing agreement with CMHC and its subsidiaries. The agreement provides for the allocation of tax expense based on each subsidiary’s contribution to the consolidated federal income tax liability. Pursuant to the agreement, subsidiaries that have incurred losses are reimbursed regardless of the utilization of the loss in the current year. Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate reported on the balance sheet are due from CMFG Life.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense (benefit) | $ | 1,451 | $ | (186 | ) | $ | (426 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | (2 | ) | 197 | 675 | ||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 1,449 | $ | 11 | $ | 249 | ||||||
22 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Reconciliation to U.S. Tax Rate
Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes due to the items listed in the following reconciliation:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount | Rate | Amount | Rate | Amount | Rate | |||||||||||||||
Tax expense computed at | ||||||||||||||||||||
federal corporate tax rate | $ | 1,480 | 35.0 | % | $ | 60 | 35.0 | % | $ | 133 | 35.0 | % | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | ||||||||||||||||||||
related to prior years | (31 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (41 | ) | (23.9 | ) | 116 | 30.5 | ||||||||||
Other | - | - | (8 | ) | (4.7 | ) | - | |||||||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 1,449 | 34.3 | % | $ | 11 | 6.4 | % | $ | 249 | 65.5 | % | ||||||||
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Deferred tax assets | ||||||
Policy liabilities and reserves | $ | 36 | $ | 81 | ||
Unrealized investment losses | 122 | - | ||||
Investments | 168 | 276 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 94 | 26 | ||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | 309 | 230 | ||||
Other | 1 | 3 | ||||
Gross deferred tax assets | 730 | 616 | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||
Unrealized investment gains | - | 118 | ||||
Deferred reinsurance expense | 47 | 56 | ||||
Other | 1 | 2 | ||||
Gross deferred tax liabilities | 48 | 176 | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | 682 | $ | 440 | ||
23 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Valuation Allowance
The Company considered the need for a valuation allowance with respect to its gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and based on that evaluation, the Company has determined it is more likely than not all deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 will be realized. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not established.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance at January 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 7 | |||
Reductions for prior years’ tax positions | - | (6 | ) | ||||
Balance at December 31 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | |||
There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate in future periods. Management does not anticipate a material change to the Company’s uncertain tax positions during 2016.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company did not recognize any additions or reductions in interest and penalties for the year ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company recognized additions of $1 in interest and penalties. The Company had accrued $7 and $7 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Company is included in a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return filed by CMHC. The Company is also included in income tax returns filed in various states. For the major jurisdictions where it operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended before 2008.
Other Tax Items
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any capital loss, operating loss or credit carryforwards.
24 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 6: Related Party Transactions
In the normal course of business, there are various transactions between the Company and other related entities. In certain circumstances, expenses such as those related to sales and marketing, administrative, operations, other support and infrastructure costs are shared between the companies. Expenses incurred that are specifically identifiable with a particular company are borne by that company; other expenses are allocated among the companies on the basis of time and usage studies. Amounts due from transactions with affiliates are generally settled monthly. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $8,447, $5,641 and $2,492 for these expenses in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively; which are included in operating and other expenses.
Amounts receivable/payable from/to affiliates are shown in the following table:
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Receivable from: | ||||||
CMFG Life | $ | 4,518 | $ | 2,765 | ||
Total | $ | 4,518 | $ | 2,765 | ||
Payable to: | ||||||
CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. | $ | 2,478 | $ | 1,290 | ||
MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. | 2 | 2 | ||||
Total | $ | 2,480 | $ | 1,292 | ||
Amounts receivable from CMFG Life at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are primarily for a policyholder’s purchase of an annuity when a CMFG Life policyholder has surrendered their policy for the purchase of a single premium deferred annuity and for the cession of death claims related to the Company’s single premium deferred annuity.
The Company hires MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. (“MCA”) for investment advisory services. MCA, which is 100% owned by CMIC, manages substantially all of the Company’s invested assets in accordance with policies, directives and guidelines established by the Company. The Company recorded MCA investment management fees totaling $28, $34 and $113 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are included as a reduction to net investment income.
The Company utilizes CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”), which is 100% owned by CMIC, to distribute its single premium deferred annuity and recorded commission expense for this service of $23,072, $10,853 and $4,256 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in operating and other expenses. This expense is entirely offset by commission income the Company receives from CMFG Life as part of the 2013 reinsurance agreement.
See Note 7 regarding reinsurance and other agreements entered into by the Company and CMFG Life.
25 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 7: Reinsurance
The Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with its affiliate, CMFG Life, on a coinsurance and modified coinsurance basis. The agreement was effective November 1, 2015 to cede 100% of the business related to a new product currently in development, which includes any related development expenses. The Company receives a commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses incurred for this business, which was $1,027 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Company entered into an agreement with its affiliate, CMFG Life, effective January 1, 2013 to cede 100% of its investment-type contracts for its single premium deferred annuity, which are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting. The Company had $947,595 and $349,937 of assets on deposit for these contracts as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had related liabilities of $947,595 and $349,937, respectively which are included in policyholder account balances in the balance sheets. The Company receives a commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses incurred for this business, which was $34,236, $14,861 and $6,425 for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
On October 31, 2012, the Company ceded 95% of its insurance policies in force pursuant to a reinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and the Company was reimbursed for 95% of expenses incurred in the provision of policyholder and benefit payment services, and insurance taxes and charges on a go forward basis under this contract. On September 30, 2015, the Company amended its reinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and now cedes 100% of its insurance policies in force to CMFG Life and is reimbursed 100% for expenses incurred in the provision of policyholder and benefit payments services, and insurance taxes and charges going forward. As a result of the amendment to this agreement the Company ceded $1,297 of earned premiums and $1,244 of benefits as of September 30, 2015.
MLIC did not have any other reinsurance agreements at December 31, 2015 or 2014 and the entire reinsurance recoverable balance of $24,628 and $25,199, respectively, was due from CMFG Life. The recoverable balances are not collateralized and the Company retains the risk of loss in the event CMFG Life is unable to meet its obligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements. CMFG Life is rated A (excellent) by A.M. Best Company and MLIC believes the risk of non-collection is remote.
26 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The effects of reinsurance on contract charges, interest credited to policyholder accounts, premiums and on claims, benefits, and losses incurred for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Face amount of policies in force | $ | 110,827 | $ | 123,223 | $ | 147,371 | ||||||
Premiums: | ||||||||||||
Direct - written | $ | 2,384 | $ | 2,613 | $ | 2,811 | ||||||
Direct - change in unearned | - | - | - | |||||||||
Direct - earned | 2,384 | 2,613 | 2,811 | |||||||||
Ceded to affiliate - written | (3,559 | ) | (2,482 | ) | (2,671 | ) | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate - change in unearned | - | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Ceded to affiliate - earned | (3,559 | ) | (2,486 | ) | (2,672 | ) | ||||||
Premiums - written, net | (1,175 | ) | 131 | 140 | ||||||||
Premiums - change in unearned, net | - | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | 127 | $ | 139 | |||||
Contract charges: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 742 | $ | 472 | $ | 461 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (724 | ) | (448 | ) | (415 | ) | ||||||
Contract charges, net | $ | 18 | $ | 24 | $ | 46 | ||||||
Claims, benefits and losses incurred: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 1,784 | $ | 1,883 | $ | 2,953 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (2,988 | ) | (1,771 | ) | (2,774 | ) | ||||||
Claims, benefits and losses, net | $ | (1,204 | ) | $ | 112 | $ | 179 | |||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 9,833 | $ | 2,457 | $ | 320 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (9,829 | ) | (2,449 | ) | (311 | ) | ||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances, net | $ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 9 | ||||||
27 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 8: Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions
The Company is a life and health insurer and is domiciled in Iowa. The Company files statutory-basis financial statements with insurance regulatory authorities. The Company did not use any permitted practices in 2015, 2014 or 2013. Certain statutory basis financial information for MLIC is presented in the table below as of and for the years ended December 31.
Statutory Basis | Statutory Basis | ||||||||||||||||
Capital and Surplus | Net Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
MLIC | $ | 21,111 | $ | 18,366 | $ | 1,112 | $ | (1,792 | ) | $ | (1,562 | ) | |||||
The Company is subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of equity and the payment of dividends. Generally, ordinary dividends from an insurance subsidiary to its parent company must meet notice requirements promulgated by the regulator of the subsidiary’s state of domicile (“Insurance Department”). Extraordinary dividends, as defined by state statutes, must be approved by the Insurance Department. Based on Iowa statutory regulations, the Company could pay dividends up to $2,111 during 2016, without prior approval of the Insurance Department.
Risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners require U.S. insurers to maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporating credit risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk, and general business risk. The adequacy of the Company’s actual capital is evaluated by a comparison to the RBC results, as determined by the formula. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the minimum requirements.
28 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of accumulated comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
Accumulated | ||||||||
Unrealized | Other | |||||||
Investment | Comprehensive | |||||||
Gains (Loss) | Income (Loss) | |||||||
Balance, January 1, 2013 | $ | 423 | $ | 423 | ||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($105) | (154 | ) | (154 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 269 | 269 | ||||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($25) | (47 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 | 222 | 222 | ||||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($240) | (447 | ) | (447 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | (225 | ) | $ | (225 | ) | ||
Reclassification Adjustments
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) includes amounts related to unrealized investment gains (losses) which were reclassified to net income. Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) for the years ended December 31 are included in the following table:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale | ||||||||||||
securities included in net realized investment losses | $ | 15 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Total reclassifications from accumulated | ||||||||||||
other comprehensive income (losses) | 15 | - | - | |||||||||
Tax expense | 5 | - | - | |||||||||
Net reclassification from accumulated | ||||||||||||
other comprehensive income (losses) | $ | 10 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
29 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 10: Business Segment Information
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2015 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | - | $ | (1,175 | ) | ||||
Contract charges | 18 | - | 18 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 366 | - | 366 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | 117 | - | 117 | |||||||||
Other income | 5,336 | - | 5,336 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 4,662 | - | 4,662 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | (1,204 | ) | - | (1,204 | ) | |||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 4 | - | 4 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 1,633 | - | 1,633 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 433 | - | 433 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 4,229 | - | 4,229 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,449 | - | 1,449 | |||||||||
Net income | 2,780 | - | 2,780 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income | $ | 2,333 | $ | - | $ | 2,333 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 24,628 | $ | - | $ | 24,628 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 947,595 | 947,595 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 21,077 | 460 | 21,537 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,473 | 947,595 | 951,068 | |||||||||
30 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2014 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | 127 | $ | 127 | ||||||||
Contract charges | 24 | - | 24 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 278 | - | 278 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | - | - | - | |||||||||
Other income | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total revenues | 429 | - | 429 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | 112 | - | 112 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 8 | - | 8 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 137 | - | 137 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 257 | - | 257 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 172 | - | 172 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 11 | - | 11 | |||||||||
Net income | 161 | - | 161 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) | $ | 114 | $ | - | $ | 114 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 25,199 | $ | - | $ | 25,199 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 349,937 | 349,937 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 22,035 | 333 | 22,368 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,612 | 349,937 | 353,549 | |||||||||
31 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2013 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | 139 | $ | - | $ | 139 | ||||||
Contract charges | 46 | - | 46 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 176 | - | 176 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | - | - | - | |||||||||
Other income | 293 | - | 293 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 654 | - | 654 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | 179 | - | 179 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 9 | - | 9 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 86 | - | 86 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 274 | - | 274 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 380 | - | 380 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 249 | - | 249 | |||||||||
Net income | 131 | - | 131 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) | $ | (23 | ) | $ | - | $ | (23 | ) | ||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 25,525 | $ | - | $ | 25,525 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 89,313 | 89,313 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 23,196 | - | 23,196 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,734 | 89,313 | 93,047 | |||||||||
32 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies
Insurance Guaranty Funds
The Company is liable for guaranty fund assessments related to certain unaffiliated insurance companies that have become insolvent during 2015 and prior years. The Company includes a provision for all known assessments that will be levied as well as an estimate of amounts that it believes will be assessed in the future relating to past insolvencies. The Company has established a liability of $270 and $75 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for guaranty fund assessments. The Company also estimates the amount recoverable from future premium tax payments related to these assessments and has not established an asset as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 since it does not believe any amount will be recoverable. Recoveries of assessments from premium taxes are generally made over a five-year period.
Legal Matters
Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is occasionally a party to a number of lawsuits and other types of proceedings, some of which may involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range of the Company’s practices. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations and to support financial reporting.
In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in business practices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examination or proceeding. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all such pending actions will not materially affect the financial statements of the Company.
Note 12: Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. During this period, there were no significant subsequent events that required adjustment to or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements.
33 |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | S-1 | |
ADDITIONAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS | S-1 | |
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER | S-1 | |
INCOME PAYMENTS | S-2 | |
OTHER INFORMATION | S-4 | |
CUSTODIAN | S-4 | |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | S-4 | |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | S-4 |
You may obtain a copy of the SAI free of charge by writing to our Administrative Office at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, or by calling 1-800-798-5500.
96
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLES OF PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS AND FULL SURRENDER WITH APPLICATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT |
Example 1: Partial Withdrawal with a Negative Market Value Adjustment (MVA)
Assume the following information as it relates to the Contract: | |||
• | The Contract was issued on 06/05/2015 with an initial deposit of $100,000.00. | ||
• | The Series B Contract is purchased; therefore, the Contract Fee is 1.50%. | ||
• | Money is allocated to the Variable Subaccounts and S&P 500 Risk Control Accounts. | ||
• | There have been no additional Purchase Payments. | ||
• | A gross withdrawal of $20,000.00 is taken on 12/10/2016. No other withdrawals have been previously taken. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Variable Subaccounts: | |||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 1,012.09 Variable Subaccount Accumulation Units with an Accumulation Unit Value of $10.560000. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Risk Control Accounts: | |||
• | The Risk Control Account Start Date is 06/10/2015. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account has a 0.00% Index Rate Floor and a 7.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account has a -10.00% Index Rate Floor and a 17.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 5,940.59 S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 3,902.44 S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account is $10.1. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account is $10.25. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal is 1000.00. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the time of the withdrawal is 1200.00. | ||
• | On the Risk Control Account Start Date, the 5-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate (I) was 2.50% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (K) was 1.00%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal the Constant Maturity Treasury Rate for the remaining Index period (J) is 2.90% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (L) is 1.10%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal there are 3.50137 years remaining in the Risk Control Account Period (N). |
A-1
We take the following steps to determine the net partial withdrawal amount (excluding taxes) payable to the Owner:
First, we calculate the Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal.
(1) | (2) | (3) | ||||||
Units / | Unit Value / | Contract Value | ||||||
Accumulation | Accumulation | at time of | ||||||
Account | Credits | Credit Factor | Withdrawal | |||||
Variable Subaccounts | 1,012.09 | $10.56 | $10,687.67 | |||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 5,940.59 | $10.731042 | $63,748.72 | |||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 3,902.44 | $11.915414 | $46,499.19 | |||||
Total | $120,935.58 |
The return of the Index is equal to the Closing Index Value divided by the Initial Index Value. The return of the S&P 500 Index is calculated to be 1.2 (1,200.00 / 1,000.00 - 1). This is greater than the (1 + Index Rate Cap) and above (1 + the Index Rate Floor) for both the S&P 500 Secure and Growth accounts. Therefore, the Index Rate of Return is set to (1 + the Index Rate Cap) which equals 1.07 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account and 1.17 for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account.
The Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee is calculated as 1.50% divided by the number of days in the Risk Control Account Year multiplied by the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year (1.50% / 365 x 10.1 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account and 1.50% / 365 x 10.25 for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account).
The Accumulation Credit Factor is then calculated as (a) the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year multiplied by (b) the Index Rate of Return less (c) the Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee multiplied by the number of days that have passed since the last Risk Control Account Anniversary (i.e. a x b – c).
For the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account, this results in an Accumulation Credit Factor at the time of the withdrawal of $10.1 x 1.07 – ((1.50% / 365 x 10.1) x 183) which equals $10.731042. The current S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Contract Value is then calculated as 5,940.59 x $10.731042 which equals $63,748.72.
A-2
Next, we calculate the gross withdrawal from each account.
Account | (4) Gross Withdrawal |
Variable Subaccounts S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $10,687.67 $5,384.67 $3,927.66 |
Total | $20,000.00 |
Next, we calculate the net withdrawal from each account.
(5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | (9) | ||||||||||
Withdrawal | ||||||||||||||
Withdrawal | Subject to | |||||||||||||
Subject to | Surrender | Surrender | Net | |||||||||||
Account | MVA | MVA | Charge | Charge | Withdrawal | |||||||||
Variable Subaccounts | $0.00 | $0.00 | $687.67 | $61.89 | $10,625.78 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | $5,384.67 | ($84.80) | $5,384.67 | $484.62 | $4,815.25 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $3,927.66 | ($56.53) | $3,927.66 | $353.49 | $3,517.64 | |||||||||
Total | $9,312.33 | ($141.33) | $10,000.00 | $900.00 | $18,958.67 |
A-3
Withdrawals are first taken from the Variable Subaccounts, and because $10,000.00 is free of Surrender Charge, the Surrender Charge only applies to the remaining $687.67. There is no Surrender Charge free withdrawal amount remaining, so a Surrender Charge applies to the entire withdrawal from the Risk Control Accounts.
The net withdrawal is equal to the gross withdrawal plus the Market Value Adjustment less the Surrender Charge. For the Variable Subaccounts, the net withdrawal is calculated as $10,687.67 + $0.00 - $61.89 which equals $10,625.78. For the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account, the net withdrawal is calculated as $5,384.67 + -$84.80 - $484.62 which equals $4,815.25. For the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account, the net withdrawal is calculated as $3,927.66 + -$56.53 - $353.49 which equals $3,517.64. The total net withdrawal is the sum of the three accounts, $18,958.67.
A-4
Next, we calculate the Accumulation Units, Accumulation Credits, and Contract Value remaining after the withdrawal.
(10) | (11) | ||||
Units / | Contract | ||||
Accumulation Credits | Value after | ||||
Account | After Withdrawal | Withdrawal | |||
Variable Subaccounts | 0.00 | $0.00 | |||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 5,438.81 | $58,364.10 | |||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 3,572.81 | $42,571.51 | |||
Total | $100,935.61 |
A-5
Example 2: Partial Withdrawal with a Positive MVA | |||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Contract: | |||
• | The Contract was issued on 06/05/2015 with an initial deposit of $100,000.00. | ||
• | The Series B contract is purchased; therefore, the Contract Fee is 1.50%. | ||
• | Money is allocated to the Variable Subaccounts and S&P 500 Risk Control Accounts. | ||
• | There have been no additional Purchase Payments. | ||
• | A gross withdrawal of $20,000.00 is taken on 12/10/2016. No other withdrawals have been previously taken. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Variable Subaccounts: | |||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 1,012.09 Variable Subaccount Accumulation Units with an Accumulation Unit Value of $10.560000. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Risk Control Accounts: | |||
• | The Risk Control Account Start Date is 06/10/2015. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account has a 0.00% Index Rate Floor and a 7.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account has a -10.00% Index Rate Floor and a 17.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 5,940.59 S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 3,902.44 S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account is $10.1. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account is $10.25. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal is 1000.00. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the time of the withdrawal is 1200.00. | ||
• | On the Risk Control Account Start Date, the 5-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate (I) was 2.50% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (K) was 1.00%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal the Constant Maturity Treasury Rate for the remaining Index period (J) is 2.10% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (L) is 0.90%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal there are 3.50137 years remaining in the Risk Control Account Period (N). |
A-6
We take the following steps to determine the net partial withdrawal amount (excluding taxes) payable to the Owner:
First, we calculate the Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal.
(1) | (2) | (3) | ||||||
Units / | Unit Value / | Contract Value | ||||||
Accumulation | Accumulation | at time of | ||||||
Account | Credits | Credit Factor | Withdrawal | |||||
Variable Subaccounts | 1,012.09 | $10.56 | $10,687.67 | |||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 5,940.59 | $10.731042 | $63,748.19 | |||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 3,902.44 | $11.915414 | $46,499.19 | |||||
Total | $120,935.58 |
The return of the Index is equal to the Closing Index Value divided by the Initial Index Value.
The return of the S&P 500 Index is calculated to be 1.2 (1,200.00 / 1,000.00). This is greater than (1 + the Index Rate Cap) and above (1+ the Index Rate Floor) for both the S&P 500 Secure and Growth accounts. Therefore, the Index Rate of Return is set to (1 + the Index Rate Cap) which equals 1.07 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Accounts and 1.17 for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account.
The Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee is calculated as 1.50% divided by the number of days in the Risk Control Account Year, multiplied by the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year (1.50% / 365 x 10.1 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account and 1.50% / 365 x 10.25 for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account).
The Accumulation Credit Factor is then calculated as (a) the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year multiplied by (b) the Index Rate of Return less (c) the Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee multiplied by the number of days that have passed since the last Risk Control Account Anniversary (i.e. a x b – c).
For the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account, this results in an Accumulation Credit Factor at the time of the withdrawal of $10.1 x 1.07 – ((1.50% x 365 x 10.1) x 183) which equals $10.731042. The current S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Contract Value is then calculated as 5,940.59 x $10.731042 which equals $63,748.72.
A-7
Next, we calculate the gross withdrawal from each account.
(4) | |
Gross | |
Account | Withdrawal |
Variable Subaccounts | $10,687.67 |
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | $5,384.67 |
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $3,927.66 |
Total | $20,000.00 |
Next, we calculate the net withdrawal from each account.
(5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | (9) | ||||||||||
Withdrawal | ||||||||||||||
Withdrawal | Subject to | |||||||||||||
Subject to | Surrender | Surrender | Net | |||||||||||
Account | MVA | MVA | Charge | Charge | Withdrawal | |||||||||
Variable Subaccounts | $0.00 | $0.00 | $687.67 | $61.89 | $10,625.78 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | $5,384.67 | $86.67 | $5,384.67 | $484.62 | $4,986.72 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $3,927.66 | $57.78 | $3,927.66 | $353.49 | $3,631.95 | |||||||||
Total | $9,312.33 | $144.45 | $10,000.00 | $900.00 | $19,244.45 |
A-8
Withdrawals are first taken from the Variable Subaccounts, and because $10,000.00 is free of Surrender Charge, the Surrender Charge only applies to the remaining $687.67. There is no Surrender Charge free withdrawal amount remaining, so a Surrender Charge applies to the entire withdrawal from the Risk Control Accounts.
A-9
Next, we calculate the Accumulation Units, Accumulation Credits, and Contract Value remaining after the withdrawal.
(10) | (11) | ||||
Units / | Contract | ||||
Accumulation Credits | Value after | ||||
Account | After Withdrawal | Withdrawal | |||
Variable Subaccounts | 0.00 | $0.00 | |||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 5,438.81 | $58,364.10 | |||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 3,572.82 | $42,571.51 | |||
Total | $100,935.61 |
A-10
Example 3: Full Surrender of Contract with a Negative MVA | |||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Contract: | |||
• | The Contract was issued on 06/05/2015 with an initial deposit of $100,000.00. | ||
• | The Series B Contract is purchase; therefore, the Contract Fee is 1.50%. | ||
• | Money is allocated to the Variable Subaccounts and S&P 500 Risk Control Accounts. | ||
• | There have been no additional Purchase Payments. | ||
• | A full surrender is taken on 12/10/2016. No other withdrawals have been previously taken. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Variable Subaccounts: | |||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 1,012.09 Variable Subaccount Accumulation Units with an Accumulation Unit Value of $10.56. | ||
Assume the following information as it relates to the Risk Control Accounts: | |||
• | The Risk Control Account Start Date is 06/10/2015. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account has a 0.00% Index Rate Floor and a 7.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account has a -10.00% Index Rate Floor and a 17.00% Index Rate Cap. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 5,940.59 S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | As of the withdrawal date, there are 3,902.44 S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account Accumulation Credits. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account is $10.1. | ||
• | The Accumulation Credit Factor (P) at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account is $10.25. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the start of the Risk Control Account Year immediately preceding the withdrawal is 1000.00. | ||
• | The S&P 500 Index value at the time of the withdrawal is 1200.00. | ||
• | On the Risk Control Account Start Date, the 5-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate (I) was 2.50% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (K) was 1.00%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal the Constant Maturity Treasury Rate for the remaining Index period (J) is 2.90% and the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Index (L) is 1.10%. | ||
• | At the time of the withdrawal there are 3.50137 years remaining in the Risk Control Account Period (N). |
A-11
We take the following steps to determine the Surrender Value (excluding taxes) payable to the Owner:
First, we calculate the Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal.
(1) | (2) | (3) | ||||||
Units / | Unit Value / | Contract Value | ||||||
Accumulation | Accumulation | at time of | ||||||
Account | Credits | Credit Factor | Withdrawal | |||||
Variable Subaccounts | 1,012.09 | $10.56 | $10,687.67 | |||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 5,940.59 | $10.731042 | $63,748.72 | |||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 3,902.44 | $11.915414 | $46,499.19 | |||||
Total | $120,935.58 |
The return of the Index is equal to the Closing Index Value divided by the Initial Index Value. The return of the S&P 500 Index is calculated to be 1.2 (1,200.00 / 1,000.00). This is greater than (1 + the Index Rate Cap) and above (1 + the Index Rate Floor) for both the S&P 500 Secure and Growth accounts. Therefore, the Index Rate of Return is set to (1 + the Index Rate Cap), which equals 1.07 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account and 1.17% for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account.
The Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee is calculated as 1.50% divided by the number of days in the Risk Control Account Year multiplied by the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year (1.50% / 365 x 10.1 for the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account and 1.50% / 365 x 10.25 for the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account).
The Accumulation Credit Factor is then calculated as (a) the Accumulation Credit Factor at the start of the Risk Control Account Year multiplied by (b) the Index Rate of Return less (c) the Risk Control Account Daily Contract Fee multiplied by the number of days that have passed since the last Risk Control Account Anniversary (i.e. a x b – c).
For the S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account, this results in an Accumulation Credit Factor at the time of the withdrawal of $10.1 x 1.07 – ((1.50% x 365 x 1.1) x 183) which equals $10.731042. The current S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account Contract Value is then calculated as 5,940.59 x $10. 731042 which equals $63,748.72.
A-12
Next, we calculate the gross withdrawal from each account.
(4) | ||
Gross | ||
Account | Withdrawal | |
Variable Subaccounts | $10,687.67 | |
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | $63,748.72 | |
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $46,499.19 | |
Total | $120,935.58 |
Next, we calculate the net withdrawal from each account.
(5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | (9) | ||||||||||
Withdrawal | Withdrawal Subject | |||||||||||||
Subject to | to Surrender | Surrender | Net | |||||||||||
Account | MVA | MVA | Charge | Charge | Withdrawal | |||||||||
Variable Subaccounts | $0.00 | $0.00 | $687.67 | $61.89 | $10,625.78 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | $63,748.72 | ($1,003.95) | $51,643.13 | $4,647.88 | $58,096.89 | |||||||||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | $46,499.19 | ($669.30) | $37,669.20 | $3,390.23 | $42,439.66 | |||||||||
Total | $110,247.91 | ($1,673.25) | $90,000.00 | $8,100.00 | $111,162.33 |
A-13
Withdrawals are first taken from the Variable Subaccounts, and because $10,000.00 is free of Surrender Charge, the Surrender Charge only applies to the remaining $687.67. There is no Surrender Charge free withdrawal amount remaining, so a Surrender Charge applies to the Pro Rata withdrawal of the remaining Purchase payments subject to a Surrender Charge from the Risk Control Accounts. The remaining purchase Payments subject to a Surrender Charge is equal to the withdrawal subject to a Surrender Charge less the withdrawal from the Variable Subaccount subject to a surrender Charge, calculated as $90,000 - $687.67 which equals $89,312.33.
The Pro Rata withdrawal from the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account that is subject to a Surrender Charge is equal to the withdrawal from the S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account divided by the total withdrawal from the S&P 500 Risk Control Account multiplied by the remaining Purchase Payments subject to a Surrender Charge. This is calculated as $46,499.19 / $110,247.91 x $89,312.33 = $37,669.20.
A-14
Next, we calculate the Accumulation Units, Accumulation Credits, and Contract Value remaining after the withdrawal.
(10) | (11) | ||||
Units / | Contract | ||||
Accumulation Credits | Value after | ||||
Account | After Withdrawal | Withdrawal | |||
Variable Subaccounts | 0.00 | $0.00 | |||
S&P 500 Secure Risk Control Account | 0.00 | $0.00 | |||
S&P 500 Growth Risk Control Account | 0.00 | $0.00 | |||
Total | $0.00 |
A-15
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
2000 Heritage Way
Waverly, IA 50677
1-800-798-5500
Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligations
All dealers that effect transactions in these securities are required to deliver a Prospectus.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
and for the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2015
and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Index to |
Financial Statements of |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 1 |
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 | 2 |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 3 |
Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 4 |
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 | 5 |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Note 1—Nature of Business | 6 |
Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 6 |
Note 3—Investments, Debt Securities | 11 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Investment Income | 12 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Realized Investment Gains | 13 |
Note 3—Investments, Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments | 13 |
Note 3—Investments, Net Unrealized Investment Gains | 14 |
Note 3—Investments, Embedded Derivatives | 14 |
Note 3—Investments, Assets Designated /Securities on Deposit | 15 |
Note 4—Fair Value | 15 |
Note 5—Income Tax | 22 |
Note 6—Related Party Transactions | 25 |
Note 7—Reinsurance | 26 |
Note 8—Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions | 28 |
Note 9—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 29 |
Note 10—Business Segment Information | 30 |
Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies | 33 |
Note 12—Subsequent Events | 33 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
Madison, Wisconsin
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, results of the Company may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity, as the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 8, 2016
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Balance Sheets |
December 31, 2015 and 2014 |
($ in 000s) |
Assets | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Investments | ||||||||
Debt securities, available for sale, at fair value | ||||||||
(amortized cost 2015 - $12,698; 2014 - $12,854) | $ | 12,351 | $ | 13,194 | ||||
Policy loans | - | 104 | ||||||
Receivable for securities sold | - | 15 | ||||||
Total investments | 12,351 | 13,313 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 17,093 | 5,602 | ||||||
Accrued investment income | 134 | 80 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | 24,628 | 25,199 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | 947,595 | 349,937 | ||||||
Premiums receivable, net | 26 | 28 | ||||||
Net deferred tax asset | 682 | 440 | ||||||
Receivable from affiliate | 4,518 | 2,765 | ||||||
Other assets and receivables | 268 | 220 | ||||||
Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | 516 | 1,797 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,007,811 | $ | 399,381 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity | ||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | $ | 21,537 | $ | 22,368 | ||||
Policyholder account balances | 951,068 | 353,549 | ||||||
Unearned premiums | 1 | 3 | ||||||
Payables to affiliates | 2,480 | 1,292 | ||||||
Accounts payable and other liabilities | 11,177 | 2,954 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 986,263 | 380,166 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | ||||||||
Stockholder’s equity | ||||||||
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 1,000 shares; | ||||||||
issued and outstanding 1,000 shares | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 10,500 | 10,500 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), | ||||||||
net of tax expense (benefit) (2015 - ($122); 2014 - $118) | (225 | ) | 222 | |||||
Retained earnings | 6,273 | 3,493 | ||||||
Total stockholder’s equity | 21,548 | 19,215 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity | $ | 1,007,811 | $ | 399,381 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 2 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | 127 | $ | 139 | ||||||
Contract charges, net | 18 | 24 | 46 | ||||||||||
Net investment income | 366 | 278 | 176 | ||||||||||
Net realized investment gains | 117 | - | - | ||||||||||
Other income | 5,336 | - | 293 | ||||||||||
Total revenues | 4,662 | 429 | 654 | ||||||||||
Benefits and expenses | |||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | (1,204 | ) | 112 | 179 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances, net | 4 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
Operating and other expenses (Note 6) | 1,633 | 137 | 86 | ||||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 433 | 257 | 274 | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 4,229 | 172 | 380 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,449 | 11 | 249 | ||||||||||
Net income | 2,780 | 161 | 131 | ||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of tax expense | |||||||||||||
(benefit) (2015 - ($235); 2014 - ($25); 2013 - ($105)) | (437 | ) | (47 | ) | (154 | ) | |||||||
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) | |||||||||||||
included in net income, net of tax (benefit) - (2015 - ($5)) | (10 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (447 | ) | (47 | ) | (154 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 2,333 | $ | 114 | $ | (23 | ) | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 3 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Stockholder’s Equity |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Common | paid in | comprehensive | Retained | stockholder’s | ||||||||||||||||
stock | capital | income (loss) | earnings | equity | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2013 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 10,500 | $ | 423 | $ | 3,201 | $ | 19,124 | ||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 131 | 131 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 5,000 | 10,500 | 269 | 3,332 | 19,101 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 161 | 161 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 | 5,000 | 10,500 | 222 | 3,493 | 19,215 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 2,780 | 2,780 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | - | - | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 10,500 | $ | (225 | ) | $ | 6,273 | $ | 21,548 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 4 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Statements of Cash Flows |
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 |
($ in 000s) |
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 2,780 | $ | 161 | $ | 131 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income | ||||||||||||
to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Policyholder charges on investment type contracts | (18 | ) | (24 | ) | (46 | ) | ||||||
Net realized investment gains | (117 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 4 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (2 | ) | 197 | 675 | ||||||||
Amortization of bond premium and discount | 61 | 75 | 86 | |||||||||
Amortization and write off of deferred charges | 26 | 26 | 21 | |||||||||
Changes in other assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||
Accrued investment income | (54 | ) | (16 | ) | 9 | |||||||
Reinsurance recoverable | 273 | 326 | 611 | |||||||||
Premiums receivable | 2 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||
Other assets | (1,828 | ) | 356 | (1,079 | ) | |||||||
Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | 1,281 | 87 | 1,892 | |||||||||
Insurance reserves | (831 | ) | (828 | ) | (916 | ) | ||||||
Unearned premiums | (2 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||
Other liabilities | 9,412 | 955 | 2,892 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 10,987 | 1,327 | 4,286 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Purchases of debt securities | (8,760 | ) | (7,535 | ) | - | |||||||
Proceeds on sale or maturity of debt securities | 8,987 | 750 | 1,665 | |||||||||
Net amounts received on policy loans | 104 | 6 | - | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 331 | (6,779 | ) | 1,665 | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Policyholder account deposits | 596,817 | 252,273 | 89,726 | |||||||||
Policyholder account withdrawals | (12,250 | ) | (3,581 | ) | (930 | ) | ||||||
Assets on deposit - deposits | (596,492 | ) | (252,273 | ) | (89,382 | ) | ||||||
Assets on deposit - withdrawals | 12,098 | 3,531 | 813 | |||||||||
Change in bank overdrafts | - | (1 | ) | 1 | ||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 173 | (51 | ) | 228 | ||||||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | 11,491 | (5,503 | ) | 6,179 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 5,602 | 11,105 | 4,926 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 17,093 | $ | 5,602 | $ | 11,105 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash information: | ||||||||||||
Cash received (paid) during the year for income taxes | $ | (170 | ) | $ | 273 | $ | 2,318 | |||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements. | 5 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 1: Nature of Business
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (“MLIC” or the “Company”) is a life and health insurance stock company organized under the laws of Iowa and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”). CMIC is organized under the laws of Wisconsin and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”), an Iowa life insurance company. CMFG Life and its affiliated companies primarily sell insurance and other products to credit unions and their members. The Company’s ultimate parent is CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CMHC”), a mutual insurance holding company organized under the laws of Iowa. In 2013, MLIC began selling single premium deferred annuity contracts to credit union members through face-to-face and direct response distribution channels. Prior to 2013, MLIC did not actively market new business; it primarily serviced existing blocks of individual and group life policies. See Note 7, Reinsurance, for information on the Company’s reinsurance and ceding agreements.
MLIC is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, except New York. The following table identifies states with premiums greater than 5% of total direct premium and states with deposits on annuity contracts greater than 5% of total deposits:
Deposits on | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct Life and Health Premium | Annuity Contracts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Michigan | 63 | % | 63 | % | 64 | % | 8 | % | 12 | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||
Texas | 23 | 22 | 22 | 7 | 8 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
California | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indiana | * | * | * | 6 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Iowa | * | * | * | 5 | 8 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wisconsin | * | * | * | 5 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pennsylvania | * | * | * | 5 | 6 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Florida | * | * | * | 5 | 5 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Washington | * | * | * | 5 | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rhode Island | * | * | * | * | 8 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Utah | * | * | * | * | * | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
No other state represents more than 5% of the Company’s premiums or deposits for any year in the three years ended December 31, 2015.
CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations. Management believes allocations of expenses are reasonable, but the results of the Company’s operations may have materially differed from the results reflected in the accompanying financial statements if the Company did not have this relationship.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
6 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
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 the 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 and in some cases the difference could be material. Investment valuations, embedded derivatives, deferred tax asset valuation reserves, and claim and policyholder benefit reserves are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Segment Reporting
The Company is currently managed as two reportable business segments, (1) life and health and (2) annuities. See Note 7, Reinsurance, for information on the Company’s reinsurance and ceding agreements, which impact the financial statement presentation of these segments.
Investments
Debt securities: Investments in debt securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. A debt security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s anticipated holding period of the security. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, it is required to bifurcate the impairment into the loss that is attributable to credit and non-credit related components. The credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows and amortized cost. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized in net realized investment gains, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive loss. If the Company intends to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell before anticipated recovery in value, the Company records a realized loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. In determining whether an unrealized loss is expected to be other than temporary, the Company considers, among other factors, any plans to sell the security, the severity of impairment, financial position of the issuer, recent events affecting the issuer’s business and industry sector, credit ratings, and the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until the fair value has recovered at least its cost basis.
Unrealized gains and losses on investments in debt securities, net of deferred federal income taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholder’s equity.
Policy loans: Policy loans are reported at their unpaid principal balance. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as they are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies. Any unpaid principal or interest on the loan is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy. Policy loans allocated to CMFG Life as payment related to the 2012 reinsurance agreement and the 2015 amendment (See Note 7) are $1,882 and $1,975 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As a result of the amendment, all policy loans are allocated to CMFG Life as of December 31, 2015.
Net investment income: Interest income related to mortgage-backed and other structured securities is recognized on an accrual basis using a constant effective yield method, based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments and such adjustments are reflected in net investment income. Prepayment assumptions for loan-backed bonds and structured securities are based on industry averages or internal estimates. Interest income related to non-structured securities is recognized on an accrual basis using a constant effective yield method. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are amortized over the estimated lives of the respective securities on an effective yield basis.
7 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Net realized gains and losses: Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on a specific identification basis and are recorded on the trade date.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company issues single premium deferred annuity contracts that contain embedded derivatives. Derivatives embedded within non-derivative host contracts are separated from the host instrument when the embedded derivative is not clearly and closely related to the host instrument. Such embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value, and they are reported as part of assets on deposit and policyholder account balances in the balance sheets, with the change in the value being recorded in net realized investment gains. See Note 3, Investments-Embedded Derivatives for additional information.
Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in assets on deposit offset changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative in policyholder account balances; both of these changes are included in net realized investment gains. Accretion of the interest on assets on deposit offsets accretion of the interest on the host contract; both of these amounts are included in interest credited on policyholder account balances.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted deposits in financial institutions with maturities of 90 days or less. The Company recognizes a liability in accounts payable and other liabilities for the amount of checks issued in excess of its current cash balance. The change in this overdraft amount is recognized as a financing activity in the Company’s statement of cash flows.
Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits
Term-life and whole-life insurance premiums are recognized as premium income when due. Policy benefits for these products are recognized in relation to the premiums so as to result in the recognition of profits over the expected lives of the policies and contracts.
Amounts collected on policies not subject to significant mortality or longevity risk, such as the Company’s single premium deferred annuity contracts, are considered investment contracts and are recorded as increases in policyholder account balances. Revenues from investment contracts principally consist of net investment income and contract charges such as expense and surrender charges. Expenses for investment contracts consist of interest credited to contracts, benefits incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances and policy maintenance costs. Because the Company has entered into an agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of this business, these revenues and expenses are ceded and do not impact the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 7, Reinsurance for additional information on this agreement.
Other Income / Operating and Other Expenses
Other income in 2015 and 2013 relates to legal settlements received on structured security investments that had previously been sold. Operating and other expenses in 2015 include legal expenses related to the settlement received.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring insurance business that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal business are deferred to the extent that such costs are expected to be recoverable from future profits. Such costs principally include commissions and sales costs, direct response advertising costs, premium taxes, and certain policy issuance and underwriting costs. Costs deferred on term-life and whole-life insurance products, deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), are amortized in proportion to the ratio of the annual premium to the total anticipated premiums generated. Due to the age of the existing block of policies, all DAC has been fully amortized as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and there was no amortization expense in 2015, 2014 or 2013.
8 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Acquisition costs on the Company’s single premium deferred annuity contracts are reimbursed through a ceding commission by CMFG Life, which assumes all deferrable costs as part of its agreement to assume 100% of this business from the Company. See Note 7, Reinsurance for additional information on this agreement.
Insurance Reserves
Life and health claim and policy benefit reserves consist principally of future policy benefit reserves and reserves for estimates of future payments on incurred claims reported but not yet paid and unreported incurred claims. Estimates for future payments on incurred claims are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions based on past experience adjusted for current trends. Any change in the probable ultimate liabilities is reflected in net income in the period in which the change is determined.
When actual experience indicates that existing contract liabilities, together with the present value of future gross premiums will not be sufficient to recover the present value of future benefits or recover unamortized deferred acquisition costs, a premium deficiency will be recognized by either a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs or an increase in the liability for future benefits. There was no premium deficiency in 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Policyholder Account Balances
The Company recognizes a liability at the stated account value for policyholder deposits that are not subject to significant policyholder mortality or longevity risk and for universal life-type policies. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit and accumulated interest, less any withdrawals and expense charges. The average credited rate was 4.5% in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The future minimum guaranteed interest rate during the life of the contracts is 4.5%.
The single premium deferred annuities, which are included in policyholder account balances, have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts; the Secure Account has a yearly credited interest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure and Growth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. Interest is credited at the end of each contract year during the selected index term based on the allocation between risk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that contract year. Both the Growth Account and Secure Account are based on the S&P 500 Index. At the end of the initial index term, only the Secure Account will be available as an option to the policyholder. The average annualized credited rate was 1.65%, 1.10% and .72% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
The Company issues annuity contracts on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contracts for which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance premiums, claims and benefits, commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying direct policies that have been ceded and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and insurance claims and benefits in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded to other companies under such reinsurance contracts. Ceded insurance reserves and ceded benefits paid are included in reinsurance recoverables along with certain ceded policyholder account balances, which include mortality risk. A prepaid reinsurance asset is also recorded for the portion of unearned premiums related to ceded policies.
9 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Assets on Deposit
Assets on deposit represent the amount of policyholder account balances related to the single premium deferred annuity contracts (investment-type contracts) that are ceded to CMFG Life. These investment-type contracts are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying contracts. Since the related product is an investment-type contract, the Company accounts for the reinsurance of these contracts using the deposit method of accounting consistent with the terms of the ceding agreement. The related contract charges and interest credited to policyholder account balances in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of the amounts ceded under the agreement. See Note 7 for a further discussion of the ceding agreement.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes taxes payable or refundable and deferred taxes for the tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by applying the enacted tax rates to the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records current tax benefits and deferred tax assets utilizing a benefits-for-loss approach. Under this approach, current benefits are realized and deferred tax assets are considered realizable by the Company when realized or realizable by the consolidated group of which the Company is a member even if the benefits would not be realized on a stand-alone basis. The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it determines it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized by the consolidated group. Deferred income tax assets can be realized through future earnings, including, but not limited to, the generation of future income, reversal of existing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies.
The Company is subject to tax-related audits. These audits may result in additional tax assets or liabilities. In establishing tax liabilities, the Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not standard are not recognized. Tax positions that meet this standard are recognized in the financial statements within net deferred tax assets or liabilities or federal income taxes recoverable or payable.
Accounting Standards Updates Pending Adoption
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The new standard will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance by establishing a five step, principles-based process; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments, and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted by the new guidance, ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of ASU 2014-09 for one year and it is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2018 for public business entities and 2019 for others. Early adoption in 2017 will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), effective in 2018. The new standard will require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Other provisions in ASU 2016-01 do not appear to be materially applicable to the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-01 on its financial statements.
10 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 3: Investments
Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values, as reported on the balance sheet, of debt securities at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | $ | 10,333 | $ | 26 | $ | (546 | ) | $ | 9,813 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,365 | 173 | - | 2,538 | |||||||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,698 | $ | 199 | $ | (546 | ) | $ | 12,351 | ||||
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values, as reported on the balance sheet, of debt securities at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | $ | 9,888 | $ | 103 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 9,987 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | |||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,966 | 241 | - | 3,207 | |||||||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,854 | $ | 344 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 13,194 | ||||
No investments were non-income producing in 2015 or 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in debt securities at December 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because of the potential for prepayment on mortgage-backed securities, such securities have not been displayed in the table below by contractual maturity.
Amortized | Estimated | |||||
Cost | Fair Value | |||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 1,261 | $ | 1,280 | ||
Due after one year through five years | 315 | 322 | ||||
Due after ten years | 8,757 | 8,211 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | 2,365 | 2,538 | ||||
Total debt securities | $ | 12,698 | $ | 12,351 | ||
Net Investment Income
Sources of investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Gross investment income: | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | $ | 389 | $ | 304 | $ | 275 | ||||||
Policy loans | 5 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||
Other investments | - | - | 6 | |||||||||
Total gross investment income | 394 | 312 | 289 | |||||||||
Investment expenses | (28 | ) | (34 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||||
Net investment income | $ | 366 | $ | 278 | $ | 176 | ||||||
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Net Realized Investment Gains
Net realized investment gains for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Debt securities | |||||||||
Gross gains on sales | $ | 117 | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Net realized investment gains | $ | 117 | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Proceeds from the sale of debt securities was $8,389 in 2015, there were no sales or transfers of debt securities in 2014 or 2013 that resulted in a realized investment gain or loss.
Other-Than-Temporary Investment Impairments
Investment securities are reviewed for OTTI on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities based largely on the fair value of an investment security relative to its cost basis. When the fair value drops below the Company’s cost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Company and depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
• | The existence of any plans to sell the investment security. | ||
• | The extent to which fair value is less than book value. | ||
• | The underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). | ||
• | The financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions. | ||
• | The Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. | ||
• | The Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. | ||
• | The Company’s collateral position in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
A debt security is considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s anticipated holding period of the security. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, it is required to bifurcate the impairment into the loss that is attributable to credit and non-credit related risk. The credit portion of the OTTI is the difference between the present value of the expected future cash flows and amortized cost. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized in earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive loss. If the Company intends to sell, at the time this determination is made, the Company records a realized loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis. In determining whether an unrealized loss is expected to be other than temporary, the Company considers, among other factors, any plans to sell the security, the severity of impairment, financial position of the issuer, recent events affecting the issuer’s business and industry sector, credit ratings, and the ability of the Company to hold the investment until the fair value has recovered at least its cost basis.
For securitized debt securities, the Company considers factors including, commercial and residential property changes in value that vary by property type and location and average cumulative collateral loss rates that vary by vintage year. These assumptions require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability of issuer default and estimates regarding timing and amount of
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
expected recoveries. In addition, projections of expected future debt security cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the issuer and/or underlying collateral.
For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, the Company is required to periodically update its 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 OTTI charge is recognized. The Company also considers its intent to retain a temporarily impaired security until recovery. Estimating future cash flows involves judgment and includes both quantitative and qualitative factors. Such determinations incorporate various information and assessments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Management has completed a review for other-than-temporarily impaired securities at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and recorded no OTTI. As a result of the subjective nature of these estimates, however, provisions may subsequently be determined to be necessary as new facts emerge and a greater understanding of economic trends develops. Consistent with the Company’s practices, OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determined by the Company’s regular monitoring procedures of additional facts.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31 were as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Debt securities | $ | (347 | ) | $ | 340 | $ | 412 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 122 | (118 | ) | (143 | ) | |||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ | (225 | ) | $ | 222 | $ | 269 | |||||
At December 31, 2015, the Company owned one debt security with a fair value of $8,210 in an unrealized loss position of $546 for less than twelve months. At December 31, 2014 the Company owned one debt security with a fair value of $7,526 in an unrealized loss position of $4 for less than twelve months. The Company did not have any gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2013.
Embedded Derivatives
The Company issues single premium deferred annuity contracts that contain embedded derivatives. Such embedded derivatives are separated from their host contracts and recorded at fair value. The fair value of the embedded derivatives, which are reported as part of assets on deposit and policyholder account balances in the balance sheets, were an asset of $122,043 and a liability of $122,043, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and an asset of $45,503 and a liability of $45,503, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The increase in fair value related to embedded derivatives from the date of deposit was $3,591, $9,581 and $592 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Because the Company has entered into an agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of this business, this expense is ceded and does not impact the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Assets Designated/Securities on Deposit
Iowa law requires that assets equal to a life insurer’s “legal reserve” must be designated for the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. The legal reserve is equal to the net present value of all outstanding policies and contracts involving life contingencies. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, debt securities, policy loans and cash with a carrying value of $10,618 and $11,512, respectively, were accordingly designated for Iowa. Other regulatory jurisdictions require cash and securities to be deposited for the benefit of policyholders. Pursuant to these requirements, securities with a fair value of $1,732 and $1,854 were on deposit with other regulatory jurisdictions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 4: Fair Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and liabilities and to estimate fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value. Certain financial instruments, such as insurance policy liabilities (other than investment-type contracts), are excluded from the fair value disclosure requirements.
Valuation Hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities into three broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation technique, as follows:
• | Level 1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | ||
• | Level 2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. | ||
• | Level 3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. |
For purposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputs used by market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s estimates of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In some instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The hierarchy requires the use of market observable information when available for assessing fair value. The availability of observable inputs varies by investment. In situations where the fair value is based on inputs that are unobservable in the market or on inputs from inactive markets, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and is subject to the risk of variability. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for investments categorized in Level 3. Transfers in and out of level
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
categorizations are reported as having occurred at the end of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized gains and losses and all changes in unrealized gains and losses in the fourth quarter are not reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
Valuation Process
The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies and inputs and compliance with accounting standards through the execution of various processes and controls designed to provide assurance that the Company’s assets and liabilities are appropriately valued.
The Company has policies and guidelines that require the establishment of valuation methodologies and consistent application of such methodologies. These policies and guidelines govern the use of inputs and price source hierarchies and provide controls around the valuation processes. These controls include appropriate review and analysis of prices against market activity or indicators of reasonableness, approval of price source changes, price overrides, methodology changes and classification of fair value hierarchy levels. The valuation policies and guidelines are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes are designed to provide assurance that the valuation methodologies and inputs are appropriate and consistently applied, the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are appropriately recorded. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, process and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. When using internal valuation models, these models are developed by the Company’s investment group using established methodologies. The models including key assumptions are reviewed with various investment sector professionals, accounting, operations, compliance and risk management. In addition, when fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
Transfers Between Levels
There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2015. There were two U.S. government and agency securities totaling $2,556 transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014. The transfer occurred due to a change in the availability of the observable inputs. There were no other transfers in 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Fair Value Measurement – Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015.
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Cash equivalents1 | $ | 16,080 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 16,080 | ||||
Debt securities: | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,813 | - | 9,813 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 2,538 | - | 2,538 | ||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 12,351 | - | 12,351 | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit | - | - | 122,043 | 122,043 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 16,080 | $ | 12,351 | $ | 122,043 | $ | 150,474 | ||||
Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | ||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,043 | $ | 122,043 | ||||
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014.
Assets, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Cash equivalents 1 | $ | 3,681 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,681 | ||||
Debt securities: | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | - | 9,987 | - | 9,987 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed | - | 3,207 | - | 3,207 | ||||||||
Total debt securities | - | 13,194 | - | 13,194 | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit | - | - | 45,503 | 45,503 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 3,681 | $ | 13,194 | $ | 45,503 | $ | 62,378 | ||||
Liabilities, at Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||
Derivatives embedded in annuity contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | ||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 45,503 | $ | 45,503 | ||||
The Company had no assets or liabilities that required a fair value adjustment on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Changes in Fair Value Measurement
The following table sets forth the values of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2015.
Total Realized/Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Gain (Loss) Included in: | ||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2015 | Purchases | Maturities | Earnings1 | Balance December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in assets on deposit | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in annuity contracts | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 45,503 | $ | 73,631 | $ | (682 | ) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 122,043 | |||||
1 Included in net income is realized gains and losses associated with embedded derivatives. |
The following table sets forth the values of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014.
Total Realized/Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Gain (Loss) Included in: | ||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2014 | Purchases | Maturities | Earnings1 | Balance December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in assets on deposit | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Derivatives embedded | ||||||||||||||||
in annuity contracts | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 8,652 | $ | 27,522 | $ | (252 | ) | $ | 9,581 | $ | 45,503 | |||||
1 Included in net income is realized gains and losses associated with embedded derivatives. |
Determination of Fair Values
The Company determines the estimated fair value of its investments using primarily the market approach and the income approach. The use of quoted prices and matrix pricing or similar techniques are examples of market approaches, while the use of discounted cash flow methodologies is an example of the income approach.
A summary of valuation techniques for classes of financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy level are as follows:
19 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Level 1 Measurements
Cash equivalents: Consists of money market funds; valuation is based on the closing price as of the balance sheet date.
Level 2 Measurements
U.S. government and agencies: Certain U.S. Treasury securities and debentures issued by agencies of the U.S. government are valued based on observable inputs such as the U.S. Treasury yield curve, market indicated spreads and quoted prices for identical assets in markets that are not active and/or similar assets in markets that are active.
Residential mortgage-backed securities: Valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are active and observable market data.
For the majority of assets classified as Level 2 investments, the Company values the assets using third-party pricing sources, which generally rely on quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are active and observable market data.
Level 3 Measurements
Derivatives embedded in assets on deposit and annuity contracts: The Company offers single premium deferred annuity contracts with certain caps and floors which represent a minimum and maximum amount that could be credited to a contract during that contract year based on the performance of an external index. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value separately from the host deposit asset and annuity contract.
In estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative, the Company attributes a present value to the embedded derivative equal to the discounted sum of the excess cash flows of the index related fund value over the minimum fund value. The current year portion of the embedded derivative is adjusted for known market conditions. The discount factor at which the embedded derivative is valued contains an adjustment for the Company’s own credit and risk margins for unobservable non-capital market inputs. The Company’s own credit adjustment is determined taking into account its A.M. Best rating as well as its claims paying ability.
These derivatives may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Changes in market conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, default rates and market volatility. Changes in fair value may be impacted by changes in the Company’s own credit standing. Lastly, changes in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior (such as full or partial withdrawals varying from expectations) and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs may result in significant fluctuations in the fair value of the derivatives. See Embedded Derivatives within Note 3, Investments for the impact to net income.
20 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table presents information about significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 embedded derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value developed by internal models as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Predominant | Significant | Range of Values - Unobservable Input | ||||
Valuation Method | Unobservable Input | 2015 | 2014 | |||
Derivatives embedded in single premium deferred annuities and related assets on deposit | ||||||
Discounted cash flow | Lapse rates | 2% to 4% with an excess lapse rate at the end of the index period of 95%. | 2% to 4% with an excess lapse rate at the end of the index period of 95%. | |||
Company’s own credit and risk margin | 82 - 137 basis points added on to discount rate | 60 - 90 basis points added on to discount rate | ||||
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value
Accounting standards require disclosure of fair value information about certain on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments which are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for significant financial instruments:
Level 1 Measurements
Cash: The carrying amount for this instrument approximates its fair value due to its short term nature and is based on observable inputs.
Level 2 Measurements
Assets on deposit and Investment-type contracts: Assets on deposit and investment-type contracts include single premium deferred annuity contracts, excluding the related embedded derivative. In most cases, the fair values are determined by discounting expected liability cash flows and required profit margins using the year-end swap curve plus a spread equivalent to a cost of funds for insurance companies based on observable inputs.
21 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Not Practicable to Estimate Fair Value
Policy loans: The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its policy loans since there is no stated maturity and policy loans are often repaid by reductions to policy benefits.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | ||||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Level | Amount | Fair Value | Level | ||||||||||||
Financial instruments | |||||||||||||||||
recorded as assets: | |||||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 1,013 | $ | 1,013 | 1 | $ | 1,921 | $ | 1,921 | 1 | |||||||
Policy loans | - | n/a | n/a | 104 | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Assets on deposit | 825,552 | 699,721 | 2 | 304,434 | 294,710 | 2 | |||||||||||
Financial instruments | |||||||||||||||||
recorded as liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
Investment-type contracts | 825,552 | 699,721 | 2 | 304,434 | 294,710 | 2 | |||||||||||
Note 5: Income Tax
The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return filed by CMHC, the Company’s ultimate parent. The Company has entered into a tax sharing agreement with CMHC and its subsidiaries. The agreement provides for the allocation of tax expense based on each subsidiary’s contribution to the consolidated federal income tax liability. Pursuant to the agreement, subsidiaries that have incurred losses are reimbursed regardless of the utilization of the loss in the current year. Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate reported on the balance sheet are due from CMFG Life.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense (benefit) | $ | 1,451 | $ | (186 | ) | $ | (426 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | (2 | ) | 197 | 675 | ||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 1,449 | $ | 11 | $ | 249 | ||||||
22 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Reconciliation to U.S. Tax Rate
Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes due to the items listed in the following reconciliation:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount | Rate | Amount | Rate | Amount | Rate | |||||||||||||||
Tax expense computed at | ||||||||||||||||||||
federal corporate tax rate | $ | 1,480 | 35.0 | % | $ | 60 | 35.0 | % | $ | 133 | 35.0 | % | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | ||||||||||||||||||||
related to prior years | (31 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (41 | ) | (23.9 | ) | 116 | 30.5 | ||||||||||
Other | - | - | (8 | ) | (4.7 | ) | - | |||||||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 1,449 | 34.3 | % | $ | 11 | 6.4 | % | $ | 249 | 65.5 | % | ||||||||
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Deferred tax assets | ||||||
Policy liabilities and reserves | $ | 36 | $ | 81 | ||
Unrealized investment losses | 122 | - | ||||
Investments | 168 | 276 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 94 | 26 | ||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | 309 | 230 | ||||
Other | 1 | 3 | ||||
Gross deferred tax assets | 730 | 616 | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||
Unrealized investment gains | - | 118 | ||||
Deferred reinsurance expense | 47 | 56 | ||||
Other | 1 | 2 | ||||
Gross deferred tax liabilities | 48 | 176 | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | 682 | $ | 440 | ||
23 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Valuation Allowance
The Company considered the need for a valuation allowance with respect to its gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and based on that evaluation, the Company has determined it is more likely than not all deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 will be realized. Therefore, a valuation allowance was not established.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Balance at January 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 7 | |||
Reductions for prior years’ tax positions | - | (6 | ) | ||||
Balance at December 31 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | |||
There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate in future periods. Management does not anticipate a material change to the Company’s uncertain tax positions during 2016.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company did not recognize any additions or reductions in interest and penalties for the year ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company recognized additions of $1 in interest and penalties. The Company had accrued $7 and $7 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Company is included in a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return filed by CMHC. The Company is also included in income tax returns filed in various states. For the major jurisdictions where it operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended before 2008.
Other Tax Items
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any capital loss, operating loss or credit carryforwards.
24 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 6: Related Party Transactions
In the normal course of business, there are various transactions between the Company and other related entities. In certain circumstances, expenses such as those related to sales and marketing, administrative, operations, other support and infrastructure costs are shared between the companies. Expenses incurred that are specifically identifiable with a particular company are borne by that company; other expenses are allocated among the companies on the basis of time and usage studies. Amounts due from transactions with affiliates are generally settled monthly. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $8,447, $5,641 and $2,492 for these expenses in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively; which are included in operating and other expenses.
Amounts receivable/payable from/to affiliates are shown in the following table:
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Receivable from: | ||||||
CMFG Life | $ | 4,518 | $ | 2,765 | ||
Total | $ | 4,518 | $ | 2,765 | ||
Payable to: | ||||||
CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. | $ | 2,478 | $ | 1,290 | ||
MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. | 2 | 2 | ||||
Total | $ | 2,480 | $ | 1,292 | ||
Amounts receivable from CMFG Life at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are primarily for a policyholder’s purchase of an annuity when a CMFG Life policyholder has surrendered their policy for the purchase of a single premium deferred annuity and for the cession of death claims related to the Company’s single premium deferred annuity.
The Company hires MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. (“MCA”) for investment advisory services. MCA, which is 100% owned by CMIC, manages substantially all of the Company’s invested assets in accordance with policies, directives and guidelines established by the Company. The Company recorded MCA investment management fees totaling $28, $34 and $113 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are included as a reduction to net investment income.
The Company utilizes CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”), which is 100% owned by CMIC, to distribute its single premium deferred annuity and recorded commission expense for this service of $23,072, $10,853 and $4,256 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in operating and other expenses. This expense is entirely offset by commission income the Company receives from CMFG Life as part of the 2013 reinsurance agreement.
See Note 7 regarding reinsurance and other agreements entered into by the Company and CMFG Life.
25 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 7: Reinsurance
The Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with its affiliate, CMFG Life, on a coinsurance and modified coinsurance basis. The agreement was effective November 1, 2015 to cede 100% of the business related to a new product currently in development, which includes any related development expenses. The Company receives a commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses incurred for this business, which was $1,027 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Company entered into an agreement with its affiliate, CMFG Life, effective January 1, 2013 to cede 100% of its investment-type contracts for its single premium deferred annuity, which are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting. The Company had $947,595 and $349,937 of assets on deposit for these contracts as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had related liabilities of $947,595 and $349,937, respectively which are included in policyholder account balances in the balance sheets. The Company receives a commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses incurred for this business, which was $34,236, $14,861 and $6,425 for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
On October 31, 2012, the Company ceded 95% of its insurance policies in force pursuant to a reinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and the Company was reimbursed for 95% of expenses incurred in the provision of policyholder and benefit payment services, and insurance taxes and charges on a go forward basis under this contract. On September 30, 2015, the Company amended its reinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and now cedes 100% of its insurance policies in force to CMFG Life and is reimbursed 100% for expenses incurred in the provision of policyholder and benefit payments services, and insurance taxes and charges going forward. As a result of the amendment to this agreement the Company ceded $1,297 of earned premiums and $1,244 of benefits as of September 30, 2015.
MLIC did not have any other reinsurance agreements at December 31, 2015 or 2014 and the entire reinsurance recoverable balance of $24,628 and $25,199, respectively, was due from CMFG Life. The recoverable balances are not collateralized and the Company retains the risk of loss in the event CMFG Life is unable to meet its obligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements. CMFG Life is rated A (excellent) by A.M. Best Company and MLIC believes the risk of non-collection is remote.
26 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The effects of reinsurance on contract charges, interest credited to policyholder accounts, premiums and on claims, benefits, and losses incurred for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Face amount of policies in force | $ | 110,827 | $ | 123,223 | $ | 147,371 | ||||||
Premiums: | ||||||||||||
Direct - written | $ | 2,384 | $ | 2,613 | $ | 2,811 | ||||||
Direct - change in unearned | - | - | - | |||||||||
Direct - earned | 2,384 | 2,613 | 2,811 | |||||||||
Ceded to affiliate - written | (3,559 | ) | (2,482 | ) | (2,671 | ) | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate - change in unearned | - | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Ceded to affiliate - earned | (3,559 | ) | (2,486 | ) | (2,672 | ) | ||||||
Premiums - written, net | (1,175 | ) | 131 | 140 | ||||||||
Premiums - change in unearned, net | - | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | 127 | $ | 139 | |||||
Contract charges: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 742 | $ | 472 | $ | 461 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (724 | ) | (448 | ) | (415 | ) | ||||||
Contract charges, net | $ | 18 | $ | 24 | $ | 46 | ||||||
Claims, benefits and losses incurred: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 1,784 | $ | 1,883 | $ | 2,953 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (2,988 | ) | (1,771 | ) | (2,774 | ) | ||||||
Claims, benefits and losses, net | $ | (1,204 | ) | $ | 112 | $ | 179 | |||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances: | ||||||||||||
Direct | $ | 9,833 | $ | 2,457 | $ | 320 | ||||||
Ceded to affiliate | (9,829 | ) | (2,449 | ) | (311 | ) | ||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances, net | $ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 9 | ||||||
27 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 8: Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions
The Company is a life and health insurer and is domiciled in Iowa. The Company files statutory-basis financial statements with insurance regulatory authorities. The Company did not use any permitted practices in 2015, 2014 or 2013. Certain statutory basis financial information for MLIC is presented in the table below as of and for the years ended December 31.
Statutory Basis | Statutory Basis | ||||||||||||||||
Capital and Surplus | Net Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
MLIC | $ | 21,111 | $ | 18,366 | $ | 1,112 | $ | (1,792 | ) | $ | (1,562 | ) | |||||
The Company is subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of equity and the payment of dividends. Generally, ordinary dividends from an insurance subsidiary to its parent company must meet notice requirements promulgated by the regulator of the subsidiary’s state of domicile (“Insurance Department”). Extraordinary dividends, as defined by state statutes, must be approved by the Insurance Department. Based on Iowa statutory regulations, the Company could pay dividends up to $2,111 during 2016, without prior approval of the Insurance Department.
Risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners require U.S. insurers to maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporating credit risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk, and general business risk. The adequacy of the Company’s actual capital is evaluated by a comparison to the RBC results, as determined by the formula. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the minimum requirements.
28 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of accumulated comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
Accumulated | ||||||||
Unrealized | Other | |||||||
Investment | Comprehensive | |||||||
Gains (Loss) | Income (Loss) | |||||||
Balance, January 1, 2013 | $ | 423 | $ | 423 | ||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($105) | (154 | ) | (154 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 269 | 269 | ||||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($25) | (47 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 | 222 | 222 | ||||||
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses), | ||||||||
net of tax - ($240) | (447 | ) | (447 | ) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2015 | $ | (225 | ) | $ | (225 | ) | ||
Reclassification Adjustments
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) includes amounts related to unrealized investment gains (losses) which were reclassified to net income. Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) for the years ended December 31 are included in the following table:
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale | ||||||||||||
securities included in net realized investment losses | $ | 15 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Total reclassifications from accumulated | ||||||||||||
other comprehensive income (losses) | 15 | - | - | |||||||||
Tax expense | 5 | - | - | |||||||||
Net reclassification from accumulated | ||||||||||||
other comprehensive income (losses) | $ | 10 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
29 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 10: Business Segment Information
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2015 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | (1,175 | ) | $ | - | $ | (1,175 | ) | ||||
Contract charges | 18 | - | 18 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 366 | - | 366 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | 117 | - | 117 | |||||||||
Other income | 5,336 | - | 5,336 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 4,662 | - | 4,662 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | (1,204 | ) | - | (1,204 | ) | |||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 4 | - | 4 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 1,633 | - | 1,633 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 433 | - | 433 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 4,229 | - | 4,229 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,449 | - | 1,449 | |||||||||
Net income | 2,780 | - | 2,780 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (447 | ) | - | (447 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income | $ | 2,333 | $ | - | $ | 2,333 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 24,628 | $ | - | $ | 24,628 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 947,595 | 947,595 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 21,077 | 460 | 21,537 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,473 | 947,595 | 951,068 | |||||||||
30 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2014 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | 127 | $ | 127 | ||||||||
Contract charges | 24 | - | 24 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 278 | - | 278 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | - | - | - | |||||||||
Other income | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total revenues | 429 | - | 429 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | 112 | - | 112 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 8 | - | 8 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 137 | - | 137 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 257 | - | 257 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 172 | - | 172 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 11 | - | 11 | |||||||||
Net income | 161 | - | 161 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (47 | ) | - | (47 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) | $ | 114 | $ | - | $ | 114 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 25,199 | $ | - | $ | 25,199 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 349,937 | 349,937 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 22,035 | 333 | 22,368 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,612 | 349,937 | 353,549 | |||||||||
31 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
The following table sets forth financial information regarding the Company’s two reportable business segments for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Life and | ||||||||||||
Year ended or as of December 31, 2013 | Health | Annuities | Total | |||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||
Life and health premiums, net | $ | 139 | $ | - | $ | 139 | ||||||
Contract charges | 46 | - | 46 | |||||||||
Net investment income | 176 | - | 176 | |||||||||
Net realized investment gains | - | - | - | |||||||||
Other income | 293 | - | 293 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 654 | - | 654 | |||||||||
Benefits and expenses | ||||||||||||
Life and health insurance claims and benefits, net | 179 | - | 179 | |||||||||
Interest credited to policyholder account balances | 9 | - | 9 | |||||||||
Operating and other expenses | 86 | - | 86 | |||||||||
Total benefits and expenses | 274 | - | 274 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 380 | - | 380 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 249 | - | 249 | |||||||||
Net income | 131 | - | 131 | |||||||||
Change in unrealized (losses), net of tax (benefit) | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) | (154 | ) | - | (154 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) | $ | (23 | ) | $ | - | $ | (23 | ) | ||||
Reinsurance recoverable from affiliate | $ | 25,525 | $ | - | $ | 25,525 | ||||||
Assets on deposit | - | 89,313 | 89,313 | |||||||||
Claim and policy benefit reserves - life and health | 23,196 | - | 23,196 | |||||||||
Policyholder account balances | 3,734 | 89,313 | 93,047 | |||||||||
32 |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
Notes to Financial Statements |
($ in 000s) |
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies
Insurance Guaranty Funds
The Company is liable for guaranty fund assessments related to certain unaffiliated insurance companies that have become insolvent during 2015 and prior years. The Company includes a provision for all known assessments that will be levied as well as an estimate of amounts that it believes will be assessed in the future relating to past insolvencies. The Company has established a liability of $270 and $75 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for guaranty fund assessments. The Company also estimates the amount recoverable from future premium tax payments related to these assessments and has not established an asset as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 since it does not believe any amount will be recoverable. Recoveries of assessments from premium taxes are generally made over a five-year period.
Legal Matters
Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is occasionally a party to a number of lawsuits and other types of proceedings, some of which may involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range of the Company’s practices. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations and to support financial reporting.
In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in business practices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examination or proceeding. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all such pending actions will not materially affect the financial statements of the Company.
Note 12: Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. During this period, there were no significant subsequent events that required adjustment to or disclosure in the accompanying financial statements.
33 |
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.*
The expenses for the issuance and distribution of the securities offered by this Registration Statement, other than any underwriting discounts and commissions, are as follows:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fees | $ | 290,500 | |
Printing and engraving | $ | 70,000 | |
Accounting fees and expenses | $ | 53,202 | |
Legal fees and expenses | $ | 200,000 | |
Miscellaneous | $ | 7,000 | |
TOTAL EXPENSES | $ | 620,702 |
* Estimated. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 490.202 of the Iowa Business Corporation Act (the “IBCA”), provides that a corporation’s articles of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for any action taken, or failure to take action, as a director, except liability for (1) the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Registrant,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) or the shareholders, (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law.
Further, Section 490.851 of the IBCA provides that a corporation may indemnify its directors who may be party to a proceeding against liability incurred in the proceeding by reason of such person serving in the capacity of director, if such person has acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by the individual to be in the best interests of the corporation, if the director was acting in an official capacity, and in all other cases that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and in any criminal proceeding if such person had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful or the director engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation. The indemnity provisions under Section 490.851 do not apply (i) in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth above or (ii) in connection with any proceedings with respect to conduct for which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that the director received a financial benefit to which the director was not entitled, whether or not involving action in the director’s official capacity.
In addition, Section 490.852 of the IBCA provides mandatory indemnification of reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is wholly successful in defending any action in which the director was a party because the director is or was a director of the corporation. A director who is a party to a proceeding because the person is a director may also apply for court-ordered indemnification and advance of expenses under Section 490.854 of the IBCA.
Section 490.853 of the IBCA provides that a corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because such person is a director if the director delivers the following to the corporation: (1) a written affirmation that the director has met the standard of conduct described above or that the proceeding involved conduct for which liability has been eliminated under the corporation’s articles of incorporation and (2) the director’s written undertaking to repay any funds advanced if the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 490.852 of the IBCA and it is ultimately determined that the director has not met the standard of conduct described above.
II-1
Under Section 490.856 of the IBCA, a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because such person is an officer, to the same extent as a director. In addition, if the person is an officer but not a director, further indemnification may be provided by the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors or by contract, except liability for (1) a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation other than for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding and (2) conduct that constitutes receipt by the officer of a financial benefit to which the officer is not entitled, an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or the shareholders or an intentional violation of criminal law. Such indemnification is also available to an officer who is also a director if the basis on which the officer is made a party to a proceeding is an act taken or a failure to take action solely as an officer.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that our directors will not be liable to us or our shareholders for money damages for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for (1) the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on the Registrant or the shareholders, (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation also provide that we indemnify each of our directors or officers for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director or officer except liability for (1) the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on the Registrant or the shareholders, (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law. Additionally, the Registrant is required to exercise all of its permissive powers as often as necessary to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our Bylaws also provide indemnification to our directors on the same terms as the indemnification provided in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Our Bylaws also provide for advances of expenses to our directors and officers. The indemnification provisions of our Bylaws are not exclusive of any other right which any person seeking indemnification may have or acquire under any statute, our Amended and Restated of Incorporation or any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 490.857 of the IBCA provides that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a person who is a director or officer of a corporation, or who, while a director or officer of a corporation, serves at the corporation’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity, against liability asserted against or incurred by that person in that capacity or arising from that person’s status as a director or officer, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify or advance expenses to that person against the same liability under the IBCA. As permitted by and in accordance with Section 490.857 of the IBCA, we maintain insurance coverage for our officers and directors as well as insurance coverage to reimburse us for potential costs for indemnification of directors and officers.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Item 16. Exhibits.
Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
1(i) | Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated as of January 7, 2016 between MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) and CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
1(ii) | Form of Selling and Services Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207222) | |
3(i) | Articles of Incorporation of MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed February 6, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
3(ii) | Bylaws of MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed February 6, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) |
II-2
Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
3(iii) | Amended and Restated Bylaws of MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
4(i) | Form of MEMBERS® Horizons Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contract (Form No. 2015-VA-B) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(ii) | Form of MEMBERS® Horizons Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contract (Form No. 2015-VA-C) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(iii) | Form of MEMBERS® Horizons Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Data Page (Form No. 2015-VADP-B) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(iv) | Form of MEMBERS® Horizons Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Data Page (Form No. 2015-VADP-C) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(v)(a) | Form of Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(v)(b) | Form of Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
4(vi) | Form of MEMBERS® Horizons Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Application | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed October 5, 2015 (File Nos.333-207276) | |
5 | Legal Opinion | X | |
10(i)(a) | Coinsurance Agreement dated as of October 31, 2012 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 12, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(i)(b) | Coinsurance Agreement dated as of January 1, 2013 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 12, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(i)(c) | First Amendment to Coinsurance Agreement dated as of January 1, 2014 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 4, 2014 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(i)(d) | MEMBERS Horizon Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement dated November 1, 2015 between MLIC and CMFG Life | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
II-3
Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(ii)(a) | Cost Sharing Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 12, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(ii)(b) | Expense Sharing Agreement dated as of December 31, 2013 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 4, 2014 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(ii)(c) | Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed March 25, 2015 (File No. 333-202984) | |
10(iii)(a) | Investment Advisory Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 12, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(iii)(b) | Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 15, 2014 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 4, 2014 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(iii)(c) | Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed March 25, 2015 (File No. 333-202984) | |
10(iv)(a) | Procurement and Disbursement and Billing and Collection Services Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 12, 2013 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(iv)(b) | Amendment to Procurement and Disbursement and Billing and Collection Services Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 4, 2014 (File No. 333-186477) | |
10(iv)(c) | CUNA Mutual Group Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the filing of the MLIC Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed March 25, 2015 (File No. 333-202984) | |
10(v)(a) | Fund Participation and Service Agreement between American Funds Insurance Series and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(a)i | Business Agreement between American Funds Distributors, Inc., CBSI and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(a)ii | American Funds Rule 22c-2 Agreement between American Funds Service Company and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
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Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(v)(b) | Fund Participation Agreement between BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(b)i | Administrative Services Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(b)ii | Form of Distribution Sub-Agreement between BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(c) | Fund Participation Agreement between Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust I, Columbia Management Investment Advisors, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(c)i | Fund Participation Agreement between Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust II, Columbia Management Investment Advisors, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(c)ii | Fund Participation Agreement between Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust, Columbia Management Investment Advisors, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(c)iii | Revenue Sharing Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(d) | Participation Agreement between DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(e) | Fund Participation Agreement between The Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(f) | Fund Participation Agreement between The Dreyfus Corporation and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(f)i | Administrative Services Agreement between The Dreyfus Corporation and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
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Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(v)(f)ii | Distribution Letter Agreement between MBSC Securities Corporation (The Dreyfus Corporation) and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(g) | Participation Agreement between Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(g)i | Administrative Services Agreement between Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(g)ii | Shareholder Information Agreement between Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(h) | Participation Agreement between Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs & Co. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(h)i | Amendment #1 to Participation Agreement between Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(h)ii | Service Class Services Agreement between Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(h)iii | Administrative Services Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(h)iv | Shareholder Information Agreement between Goldman Sachs & Co and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(i) | Participation Agreement between AIM Variable Insurance Funds(Invesco Variable Insurance Funds), Invesco Distributors, Inc., CBSI and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(i)i | Distribution Services Agreement between AIM Variable Insurance Funds(Invesco Variable Insurance Funds) and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
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Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(v)(j) | Fund Participation Agreement between Lazard Retirement Series, Inc., Lazard Asset Management Securities LLC and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(j)i | Servicing Agreement between Lazard Retirement Series, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(k) | Participation Agreement between MFS Variable Insurance Trust, MFS Variable Insurance Trust II, MFS Variable Insurance Trust III, MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(k)i | Fund/Serv and Networking Supplement to Participation Agreement between MFS Variable Insurance Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(k)ii | Fee Letter Agreement between MFS Variable Insurance Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(l) | Participation Agreement between Morgan Stanley and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(l)i | Servicing Agreement between Morgan Stanley and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(l)ii | Letter Agreement between Morgan Stanley and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(l)iv | Administrative Service Agreement between Morgan Stanley and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(m) | Participation Agreement between Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(m)i | Shareholder Information Agreement between OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
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Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(v)(n) | Participation Agreement between PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, VIT, PIMCO Investments LLC and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(o) | Fund Participation Agreement between Northern Lights Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(o)i | Fund/Serv Agreement between Northern Lights Distributors, LLC and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(o)ii | Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement between Northern Lights Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(p) | Participation Agreement between T Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(p)i | Rule 22c-2 Agreement between T Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(p)ii | 12b-1 Agreement between T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(q) | Participation Agreement between Vanguard Variable Insurance Fund, The Vanguard Group, Inc., Vanguard Marketing Corporation and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(q)i | Defined Contribution Clearance & Settlement Agreement between The Vanguard Group and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(r) | Participation Agreement between Putnam Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) |
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Exhibit Item Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed Herewith |
10(v)(r)i | Rule 22c-2 Agreement between Putnam Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(r)ii | Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between Putnam Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
10(v)(r)iii | Letter Agreement between Putnam Variable Trust and MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form N-4, filed January 29, 2016 (File No. 333-207276) | |
23(i) | Consent of Legal Counsel | See Exhibit 5 | X |
23(ii) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | X | |
24 | Powers of Attorney | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed April 6, 2016 (File No. 333-207222) | |
101 | Interactive Date Files | X |
Item 17. Undertakings.
(A) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) | To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; | ||
(ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; | ||
(iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement. |
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a Registration Statement relating to an offering, other than Registration Statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to
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such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the Registration Statement or prospectus that was part of the Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; | ||
(ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; | ||
(iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and | ||
(iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
(B) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in that Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, MEMBERS Life Insurance Company has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Madison, and State of Wisconsin as of this 19 day of April, 2016.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company | ||
By: | /s/M. Jeffrey Bosco | |
M. Jeffrey Bosco, President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and as of the dates indicated:
Name | Title | Date | |||
/s/ M. Jeffrey Bosco* | President and Director | April 19, 2016 | |||
M. Jeffrey Bosco | (Principal Executive | ||||
Officer) | |||||
/s/ Brian J. Borakove* | Treasurer (Principal | April 19, 2016 | |||
Brian J. Borakove | Financial & Accounting | ||||
Officer) | |||||
/s/ Michael F. Anderson* | Director | April 19, 2016 | |||
Michael F. Anderson | |||||
/s/ Michael T. Defnet* | Director | April 19, 2016 | |||
Michael T. Defnet | |||||
/s/ Jason A. Pisarik* | Director | April 19, 2016 | |||
Jason A. Pisarik | |||||
/s/ Steven R. Suleski* | Director | April 19, 2016 | |||
Steven R. Suleski | |||||
*By:/s/Ross D. Hansen | |||||
Ross D. Hansen | |||||
* | Signed pursuant to Power of Attorney dated January 29, 2016 filed electronically with pre-effective amendment number 1 (File No. 333-207222) filed with the Commission on April 6, 2016. |
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