UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 | Commission File Number 1-12332 |
|---|
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)2801 HIGHWAY 280 SOUTH
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223
| DELAWARE | 95-2492236 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (IRS Employer | ||
| incorporation or organization) | Identifcation No.) |
Common Stock, $0.50 Par Value
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1.00 Par Value
PLC Capital Trust III 7.5% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
PLC Capital Trust IV 7.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
PLC Capital Trust V 6.125% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Guarantees Issued for the Benefit of Holders of:
PLC Capital Trust III 7.5% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Guarantees Issued for the Benefit of Holders of:
PLC Capital Trust IV 7.25% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Guarantees Issued for the Benefit of Holders of:
PLC Capital Trust V 6.125% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No[ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in the definitive proxy statement or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes [X] No [ ]
Aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2004: $2,606,119,174
Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.50 Par Value, outstanding as of February 25, 2005: 69,608,132
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement prepared for the 2005 annual meeting of share owners, pursuant to Regulation 14A, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business.....................................................................................
Item 2. Properties...................................................................................
Item 3. Legal Proceedings............................................................................
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Share-Owners..............................................
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Share-Owner Matters................................................................
Item 6. Selected Financial Data......................................................................
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations........................................................
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk....................................
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................................................
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure........................................................
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures......................................................................
Item 9B. Other Information............................................................................
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...........................................
Item 11. Executive Compensation.......................................................................
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Share-Owner Matters.................................................
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...............................................
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.......................................................
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules...................................................
Item 1. Business
Protective Life Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. Founded in 1907, Protective Life Insurance Company is the Company’s largest operating subsidiary. Unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company” refers to the consolidated group of Protective Life Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Copies of the Company’s Proxy Statement and 2004 Annual Report to Share-Owners will be furnished to anyone who requests such documents from the Company. Requests for copies should be directed to: Share-Owner Relations, Protective Life Corporation, P. O. Box 2606, Birmingham, Alabama 35202, Telephone (205) 268-3573, FAX (205) 268-5547. Copies may also be requested through the Internet from the Company’s Worldwide Web Site (www.protective.com). The Company makes periodic and current reports available free of charge on its website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information incorporated herein by reference is also electronically accessible through the Internet from the “EDGAR Database of Corporate Information” on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s World Wide Web site (www.sec.gov).
The Company operates several business segments each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is generally distinguished by products and/or channels of distribution. The Company’s operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products and Asset Protection. The Company also has an additional segment referred to as Corporate and Other. The Company periodically evaluates its operating segments in light of the segment reporting requirements prescribed by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed.
Additional information concerning the Company’s business segments may be found in“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations” and Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
In the following paragraphs, the Company reports sales and new capital invested. These statistics are used by the Company to measure the relative progress of its marketing and acquisition efforts. These statistics were derived from the Company’s various sales tracking and administrative systems and were not derived from the Company’s financial reporting systems or financial statements. These statistics attempt to measure some of the many factors that may affect future profitability, and therefore are not intended to be predictive of future profitability.
Life Marketing
The Life Marketing segment markets traditional life insurance products, including level premium term and term-like insurance and universal life insurance. The segment also markets variable universal life and “bank owned life insurance” (BOLI) products. All of these products are marketed on a national basis. The segment uses several methods of distribution for its products. One distribution system is comprised of brokerage general agencies who recruit a network of independent life agents. The segment also distributes insurance products through a network of experienced independent personal producing general agents who are recruited by regional sales managers. Also, the Company markets BOLI through an independent marketing organization that specializes in the BOLI market. The segment also distributes life insurance products through stockbrokers and banks, and through worksite arrangements.
The following table shows the Life Marketing segment’s sales measured by new premium.
Year Ended
December 31 Sales
________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)
2000 $161.1
2001 163.5
2002 224.1
2003 289.6
2004 261.7
________________________________________________________________________
Acquisitions
The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies sold to individuals. These acquisitions may be accomplished through acquisitions of companies or through the reinsurance of blocks of policies from other insurers. Forty-three transactions have been closed by the segment since 1970, including 16 since 1989. Policies acquired through the segment are usually administered as “closed” blocks; i.e., no new policies are being marketed. Therefore, the amount of insurance in force for a particular acquisition is expected to decline with time due to lapses and deaths of the insureds.
Most acquisitions closed by the Acquisitions segment do not include the acquisition of an active sales force. In transactions where some marketing activity was included, the Company generally either ceased future marketing efforts or redirected those efforts to another segment of the Company. However, in the case of the acquisition of West Coast Life Insurance Company (West Coast) which was closed by the Acquisitions segment in 1997, the Company elected to continue the marketing of new policies and operate West Coast as a component of the Company’s Life Marketing segment.
The Company believes that its focused and disciplined approach to the acquisition process and its experience in the assimilation, conservation, and servicing of acquired policies give it a significant competitive advantage over many other companies that attempt to make similar acquisitions. The Company expects acquisition opportunities to continue to be available as the life insurance industry continues to consolidate; however, management believes that the Company may face increased competition for future acquisitions.
Total revenues and income before income tax from the Acquisitions segment are expected to decline with time unless new acquisitions are made. Therefore, the segment’s revenues and earnings may fluctuate from year to year depending upon the level of acquisition activity.
The following table shows the number of transactions closed by the Acquisitions segment and the approximate amount of (statutory) capital invested for each year in which an acquisition was made.
Year Ended Number of Capital
December 31 Transactions Invested
_______________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)
2001 2 $247.8
2002 1 60.0
_______________________________________________________________________________
In 2001, the Company coinsured a block of individual life policies from Standard Insurance Company, and acquired the stock of Inter-State Assurance Company (Inter-State) and First Variable Life Insurance Company (First Variable) from ILona Financial Group, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Irish Life & Permanent plc of Dublin, Ireland. In 2002, the Company coinsured a block of traditional life and interest-sensitive life insurance policies from Conseco Variable Insurance Company. Although acquisition opportunities were investigated, no transactions were completed in 2000, 2003 or 2004.
From time to time other of the Company’s business segments have acquired companies and blocks of policies which are included in their respective results.
Annuities
The Company’s Annuities segment manufactures, sells, and supports fixed and variable annuity products. These products are primarily sold through stockbrokers, but are also sold through financial institutions and the Life Marketing segment’s sales force.
The Company’s fixed annuities are primarily modified guaranteed annuities which guarantee an interest rate for a fixed period. Because contract values are “market-value adjusted” upon surrender prior to maturity, these products afford the Company a measure of protection from the effects of changes in interest rates. The Company also offers variable annuities which offer the policyholder the opportunity to invest in various investment accounts.
The following table shows fixed and variable annuity sales. The demand for annuity products is related to the general level of interest rates and performance of the equity markets.
Year Ended Fixed Variable Total
December 31 Annuities Annuities Annuities
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)
2000 $635 $257 $892
2001 689 263 952
2002 628 325 953
2003 164 350 514
2004 443 283 726
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stable Value Products
The Company’s Stable Value Products segment markets fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, institutional investors, bank trust departments and money market funds, and sells funding agreements to special purpose entities that in turn issue notes or certificates in smaller, transferable denominations. During 2003, the Company registered a funding agreement-backed notes program with the SEC. Through this program, the Company is able to offer notes to both institutional and retail investors. The segment’s funding agreement-backed notes complement the Company’s overall asset-liability management in that the terms of the funding agreements may be tailored to the needs of Protective Life Insurance Company as the seller of the funding agreements, as opposed to the needs of the buyer.
The segment also markets guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans. GICs are generally contracts which specify a return on deposits for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan. The demand for GICs is related to the relative attractiveness of the “fixed rate” investment option in a 401(k) plan compared to the equity-based investment options available to plan participants.
The Company’s emphasis is on a consistent and disciplined approach to product pricing and asset/liability management, careful underwriting of early withdrawal risks and maintaining low distribution and administration costs. Most GIC contracts and funding agreements written by the Company have maturities of three to ten years.
The following table shows the stable value products sales.
Year Ended Funding
December 31 GICs Agreements Total
____________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)
2000 $418 $ 801 $1,219
2001 409 637 1,046
2002 267 888 1,155
2003 275 1,333 1,608
2004 59 1,524 1,583
____________________________________________________________________________
The rate of growth in account balances is affected by the amount of maturing contracts relative to the amount of new sales.
Asset Protection
The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and watercraft. The segment’s products are primarily marketed through a national network of 2,500 automobile and marine dealers. The Asset Protection segment has also offered credit insurance through banks and consumer finance companies. During 2004, the residual value and surety lines were moved from the Asset Protection segment to the Corporate and Other segment.
The Company is the fourth largest independent writer of credit insurance in the United States according to industry surveys. These policies cover consumer loans made by financial institutions located primarily in the southeastern United States and automobile dealers throughout the United States.
The following table shows the insurance and related product sales measured by new premium.
Year Ended
December 31 Sales
________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)
2000 $506.8
2001 500.1
2002 467.8
2003 472.4
2004 460.3
________________________________________________________________________
In 2004, approximately 59% of the segment’s sales were through the automobile dealer distribution channel, and approximately 44% of the segment’s sales were extended service contracts. A portion of the sales and resulting premium are reinsured with producer-owned reinsurers.
Corporate and Other
The Company has an additional segment referred to as Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income and expenses not attributable to the other business segments described above (including net investment income on unallocated capital and interest on all debt). This segment also includes earnings from several non-strategic lines of business (mostly cancer insurance, residual value insurance, surety insurance, and group annuities), various investment-related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries. The earnings of this segment may fluctuate from year to year.
Investments
The types of assets in which the Company may invest are influenced by various state laws which prescribe qualified investment assets. Within the parameters of these laws, the Company invests its assets giving consideration to such factors as liquidity needs, investment quality, investment return, matching of assets and liabilities, and the overall composition of the investment portfolio by asset type and credit exposure. For further information regarding the Company’s investments, the maturity of and the concentration of risk among the Company’s invested assets, derivative financial instruments, and liquidity, see Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, andManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
A significant portion of the Company’s bond portfolio is invested in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities are constructed from pools of residential mortgages and may have cash flow volatility as a result of changes in the rate at which prepayments of principal occur with respect to the underlying loans. Prepayments of principal on the underlying residential loans can be expected to accelerate with decreases in interest rates and diminish with increases in interest rates. The Company has not invested in the higher risk tranches of mortgage-backed securities (except mortgage-backed securities issued in securitization transactions sponsored by the Company). In addition, the Company has entered into derivatives to offset the volatility in the market value of its mortgage-backed securities.
The table below shows a breakdown of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio by type at December 31, 2004. Planned amortization class securities (PACs) pay down according to a schedule. Non-Accelerated Securities (NAS) receive no principal payments in the first five years, after which NAS receive an increasing percentage of pro rata principal payments until the tenth year, after which NAS receive principal as principal of the underlying mortgages is received. Each of these types of structured mortgage-backed securities give the Company some measure of protection against both prepayment and extension risk.
Accretion directed securities have a stated maturity but may repay more quickly. Sequentials receive payments in order until each class is paid off. Pass through securities receive principal as principal of the underlying mortgages is received. The CMBS are commercial mortgage-backed securities issued in securitization transactions sponsored by the Company, in which the Company securitized portions of its mortgage loan portfolio.
Percentage of
Mortgage-Backed
Type Securities
________________________________________________________________
PAC 41.6%
Sequential 38.1
Pass Through 11.4
CMBS 5.8
NAS 1.3
Accretion Directed 1.8
________________________________________________________________
100.0%
________________________________________________________________
The Company obtains ratings of its fixed maturities from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s Corporation (S&P). If a bond is not rated by Moody’s or S&P, the Company uses ratings from the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), or the Company rates the bond based upon a comparison of the unrated issue to rated issues of the same issuer or rated issues of other issuers with similar risk characteristics. At December 31, 2004, over 99% of bonds were rated by Moody’s, S&P, or the NAIC.
The approximate percentage distribution of the Company’s fixed maturity investments by quality rating at December 31, 2004, is as follows:
Percentage of Fixed
Rating Maturity Investments
__________________________________________________________
AAA 35.9%
AA 6.2
A 22.2
BBB 28.9
BB or less 6.8
__________________________________________________________
100.0%
__________________________________________________________
At December 31, 2004, approximately $13.4 billion of the Company’s $14.4 billion bond portfolio was invested in U.S. Government or agency-backed securities or investment grade bonds and approximately $977.2 million of its fixed maturities portfolio was rated less than investment grade, of which $427.4 million were bank loan participations and $63.4 million were securities issued in Company-sponsored commercial mortgage loan securitizations. The Company has increased its investment in bank loan participations over the last three years to take advantage of market conditions.
Risks associated with investments in less than investment grade debt obligations may be significantly higher than risks associated with investments in debt securities rated investment grade. Risk of loss upon default by the borrower is significantly greater with respect to such debt obligations than with other debt securities because these obligations may be unsecured or subordinated to other creditors. Additionally, there is often a thinly traded market for such securities and current market quotations are frequently not available for some of these securities. Issuers of less than investment grade debt obligations usually have higher levels of indebtedness and are more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, such as recession or increasing interest rates, than investment-grade issuers.
The Company also invests a significant portion of its portfolio in mortgage loans. Results for these investments have been excellent due to careful management and a focus on a specialized segment of the market. The Company generally does not lend on speculative properties and has specialized in making loans on either credit-oriented commercial properties or credit-anchored strip shopping centers. The average size of loans made during 2004 was $4.0 million. The average size mortgage loan in the Company’s portfolio is approximately $2.4 million. The largest single loan amount is $22.6 million.
The following table shows a breakdown of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio by property type at December 31, 2004:
Percentage of
Mortgage Loans
Property Type on Real Estate
__________________________________________________________
Retail 70.7%
Apartments 10.2
Office Buildings 9.2
Warehouses 8.4
Other 1.5
__________________________________________________________
100.0%
__________________________________________________________
Retail loans are generally on strip shopping centers anchored by one or more regional or national retail stores. The anchor tenants enter into long-term leases with the Company’s borrowers. These centers provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and clothing, and have been relatively insensitive to changes in economic conditions. The following are the largest anchor tenants (measured by the Company’s exposure) at December 31, 2004:
Percentage of
Mortgage Loans
Anchor Tenants on Real Estate
_________________________________________________________________
Ahold Corporation 2.7%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 2.4
Walgreen Corporation 2.4
Food Lion, Inc. 2.2
CVS Drugs, Inc. 1.6
_________________________________________________________________
The Company’s mortgage lending criteria generally require that the loan-to-value ratio on each mortgage be at or under 75% at the time of origination. Projected rental payments from credit anchors (i.e., excluding rental payments from smaller local tenants) generally exceed 70% of the property’s projected operating expenses and debt service. The Company also offers a commercial loan product under which the Company will permit a loan-to-value ratio of up to 85% in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. Approximately $439.8 million of the Company’s mortgage loans have this participation feature.
Many of the Company’s mortgage loans have call or interest rate reset provisions between 3 and 10 years. However, if interest rates were to significantly increase, the Company may be unable to call the loans or increase the interest rates on its existing mortgage loans commensurate with the significantly increased market rates.
At December 31, 2004, $10.8 million or 0.4% of the mortgage loan portfolio was nonperforming. It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on loans that are over 90 days delinquent. For loans less than 90 days delinquent, interest is accrued unless it is determined that the accrued interest is not collectible. If a loan becomes over 90 days delinquent, it is the Company’s general policy to initiate foreclosure proceedings unless a workout arrangement to bring the loan current is in place.
In 1996, the Company sold approximately $554 million of its mortgage loans in a securitization transaction. In 1997, the Company sold approximately $445 million of its loans in a second securitization transaction. In 1998, the Company securitized $146 million of its mortgage loans and in 1999 the Company securitized $263 million. The securitizations’ senior tranches were sold, and the Company retained the junior tranches. The Company continues to service the securitized mortgage loans. At December 31, 2004, the Company had investments related to retained beneficial interests of mortgage loan securitizations of $265.1 million.
As a general rule, the Company does not invest directly in real estate. The investment real estate held by the Company consists largely of properties obtained through foreclosures or the acquisition of other insurance companies. In the Company’s experience, the appraised value of a foreclosed property often approximates the mortgage loan balance on the property plus costs of foreclosure. Also, foreclosed properties often generate a positive cash flow enabling the Company to hold and manage the property until the property can be profitably sold.
The following table shows the investment results from continuing operations of the Company.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash, Accrued Percentage Realized Investment
Investment Earned on Gains (Losses)
Income, and Average of Derivative
Year Ended Investments at Net Investment Cash and Financial All Other
December 31 December 31 Income Investments Instruments Investments
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
2000 $10,419,217 $ 730,149 7.6% $ 9,013 $(16,056)
2001 13,604,102 880,141 7.3 (1,114) (8,740)
2002 15,765,420 1,022,953 7.0 28,308 910
2003 17,752,081 1,030,752 6.4 12,550 58,064
2004 19,712,244 1,084,217 6.1 19,591 28,305
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Life Insurance in ForceThe following table shows life insurance sales by face amount and life insurance in force.
Year Ended December 31
_________________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
New Business Written
Life Marketing $77,825,229 $102,154,269 $ 67,827,198 $ 40,538,738 $ 45,918,373
Group Products(1) 92,324 67,405 44,567 123,062 143,192
Asset Protection 24,117,969 6,655,790 4,516,350 5,917,047 7,052,106
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $102,035,522 $108,877,464 $ 72,388,115 $ 46,578,847 $ 53,113,671
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Business Acquired
Acquisitions $ 3,859,788 $ 19,992,424
Asset Protection $ 2,457,296
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $ 3,859,788 $ 19,992,424 $ 2,457,296
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Insurance in Force at End of Year(2)
Life Marketing $363,259,155 $305,939,864 $225,667,767 $ 159,485,393 $129,502,305
Acquisitions 30,807,264 30,755,635 27,372,622 36,856,042 20,133,370
Group Products(1) 2,289,785 710,358 5,015,636 5,821,744 7,348,195
Asset Protection 11,982,272 9,088,963 12,461,564 12,094,947 13,438,226
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $408,338,476 $346,494,820 $270,517,589 $ 214,258,126 $170,422,096
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) On December 31, 2001, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its Dental Division, with which the
group products are associated.
(2) Reinsurance assumed has been included; reinsurance ceded (2004 - $353,881,281; 2003 - $292,740,795; 2002 -
$219,025,215; 2001-$171,449,182; 2000-$128,374,583) has not been deducted.
The ratio of voluntary terminations of individual life insurance to mean individual life insurance in force, which is determined by dividing the amount of insurance terminated due to lapses during the year by the mean of the insurance in force at the beginning and end of the year, adjusted for the timing of major acquisitions was:
__________________________________________________
Ratio of
Year Ended Voluntary
December 31 Terminations
__________________________________________________
2000 5.8%
2001 7.4
2002 4.7
2003 4.1
2004 4.6
__________________________________________________
The amount of investment products in force is measured by account balances. The following table shows stable value product and annuity account balances. Most of the variable annuity account balances are reported in the Company’s financial statements as liabilities related to separate accounts.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stable Modified
Year Ended Value Guaranteed Fixed Variable
December 31 Products Annuities Annuities Annuities
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
2000 $3,177,863 $1,384,027 $ 330,428 $2,043,878
2001 3,716,530 1,883,998 1,143,394 2,131,476
2002 4,018,552 2,390,440 955,886 1,864,993
2003 4,676,531 2,286,417 851,165 2,388,033
2004 5,562,997 2,406,426 753,832 2,612,077
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed annuity account balances increased in 2001 due to the acquisition of Inter-State and First Variable.
Underwriting
The underwriting policies of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are established by management. With respect to individual insurance, the subsidiaries use information from the application and, in some cases, inspection reports, attending physician statements, or medical examinations to determine whether a policy should be issued as applied for, rated, or rejected. Medical examinations of applicants are required for individual life insurance in excess of certain prescribed amounts (which vary based on the type of insurance) and for most individual insurance applied for by applicants over age 50. In the case of “simplified issue” policies, which are issued primarily through the Asset Protection segment and the Life Marketing segment in the payroll deduction market, coverage is rejected if the responses to certain health questions contained in the application indicate adverse health of the applicant. For other than “simplified issue” policies, medical examinations are requested of any applicant, regardless of age and amount of requested coverage, if an examination is deemed necessary to underwrite the risk. Substandard risks may be referred to reinsurers for evaluation of the substandard risk.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries generally require blood samples to be drawn with individual insurance applications above certain face amounts based on the applicant’s age, except in the worksite and BOLI markets where limited blood testing is required. Blood samples are tested for a wide range of chemical values and are screened for antibodies to the HIV virus. Applications also contain questions permitted by law regarding the HIV virus which must be answered by the proposed insureds.
Reinsurance Ceded
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries cede insurance to other insurance companies. The ceding insurance company remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed by it. The Company sets a limit on the amount of insurance retained on the life of any one person. Currently, in the individual lines the Company will not retain more than $500,000, including accidental death benefits, on any one life. In many cases the retention is less. The Company is currently evaluating the retention limits for its life insurance business and may consider changing the retention levels currently in place. At December 31, 2004, the Company had insurance in force of $408.3 billion of which approximately $353.9 billion was ceded to reinsurers.
During 2004, the life reinsurance market continued the process of consolidation and tightening, resulting in a higher net cost of reinsurance for much of the Company’s life insurance business. The Company has also been challenged by changes in the reinsurance market which have impacted management of capital, particularly in the Company’s term life business which is required to hold reserves pursuant to regulation Triple X. The Company made significant progress during 2004 on a capital markets reinsurance strategy designed to enhance the Company’s ability to manage the cost of its reinsurance as well as its capital. The Company expects to have a capital markets structure in place during 2005.
The Company also has used reinsurance to reinsure fixed annuities in conjunction with the acquisition of two small insurers and for reinsuring guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) claims in its variable annuity contracts.
Policy Liabilities and Accruals
The applicable insurance laws under which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries operate require that each insurance company report policy liabilities to meet future obligations on the outstanding policies. These liabilities are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated in accordance with applicable law to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. These laws specify that the liabilities shall not be less than liabilities calculated using certain named mortality tables and interest rates.
The policy liabilities and accruals carried in the Company’s financial reports presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) differ from those specified by the laws of the various states and carried in the insurance subsidiaries’ statutory financial statements (presented on the basis of statutory accounting principles mandated by state insurance regulations). For policy liabilities other than those for universal life policies, annuity contracts, GICs, and funding agreements, these differences arise from the use of mortality and morbidity tables and interest rate assumptions which are deemed to be more appropriate for financial reporting purposes than those required for statutory accounting purposes; from the introduction of lapse assumptions into the calculation; and from the use of the net level premium method on all business. Policy liabilities for universal life policies, annuity contracts, GICs, and funding agreements are generally carried in the Company’s financial reports at the account value of the policy or contract plus accrued interest.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Existing federal laws and regulations affect the taxation of the Company’s products. Income tax payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of certain life insurance and annuity products. Congress has from time to time considered proposals that, if enacted, would have had an adverse impact on the federal income tax treatment of such products, or would have increased the tax-deferred status of competing products. In addition, life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations. Legislation has recently been enacted that would over time, reduce and eventually eliminate the estate tax. If the estate tax is significantly reduced or eliminated, the demand for certain life insurance products could be adversely affected. The Company cannot predict what tax initiatives may be enacted which could adversely affect the Company.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are taxed by the federal government in a manner similar to companies in other industries. However, certain restrictions on consolidating recently acquired life insurance companies and on consolidating life insurance company income with non-insurance income are applicable to the Company; thus, the Company is not able to consolidate all of the operating results of its subsidiaries for federal income tax purposes.
Under pre-1984 tax law, certain income of the Company was not taxed currently, but was accumulated in a memorandum account designated as “Policyholders’ Surplus” to be taxed only when such income was distributed to share owners or when certain limits on accumulated amounts were exceeded. Consistent with current tax law, amounts accumulated in Policyholders’ Surplus have been carried forward, although no accumulated income may be added to these accounts. As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate accumulation in the Policyholders’ Surplus account was $70.5 million. Under current income tax laws, the Company does not anticipate paying income tax on amounts in the Policyholders’ Surplus accounts. Legislation was enacted in 2004 which will suspend application of this provision for tax years 2005 and 2006.
Competition
Life and health insurance is a mature and highly competitive industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced little growth in life insurance sales, though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement savings products. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources than the Company, as well as competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products.
The insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, potentially more efficient organizations emerging from consolidation. Participants in certain of the Company’s independent distribution channels are also consolidating into larger organizations. Some mutual insurance companies are converting to stock ownership which will give them greater access to capital markets. Additionally, commercial banks, insurance companies, and investment banks may now combine, provided certain requirements are satisfied. The ability of banks to increase their securities-related business or to affiliate with insurance companies may materially and adversely affect sales of all of the Company’s products by substantially increasing the number and financial strength of potential competitors.
The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distribution channels to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of strong ratings from rating agencies.
Regulation
The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to government regulation in each of the states in which they conduct business. Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include premium rates, policy reserve levels, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, and capital adequacy, and is concerned primarily with the protection of policyholders and other customers rather than share owners.
A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as modified by the insurance company’s state of domicile. Statutory accounting rules are different from GAAP and are intended to reflect a more conservative view; for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs and use of more conservative computations of policy liabilities. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. These requirements are intended to allow insurance regulators to identify inadequately capitalized insurance companies based upon the types and mixtures of risks inherent in the insurer’s operations. The formula includes components for asset risk, liability risk, interest rate exposure, and other factors. Based upon the December 31, 2004 statutory financial reports, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are adequately capitalized under the formula.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to file detailed annual reports with the supervisory agencies in each of the jurisdictions in which they do business and their business and accounts are subject to examination by such agencies at any time. Under the rules of the NAIC, insurance companies are examined periodically (generally every three to five years) by one or more of the supervisory agencies on behalf of the states in which they do business. To date, no such insurance department examinations have produced any significant adverse findings regarding any insurance company subsidiary of the Company.
Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business in such a state can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent or failed insurance companies. Although the Company cannot predict the amount of any future assessments, most insurance guaranty fund laws currently provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s financial strength. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries were assessed immaterial amounts in 2004, which will be partially offset by credits against future state premium taxes.
In addition, many states, including the states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, have enacted legislation or adopted regulations regarding insurance holding company systems. These laws require registration of and periodic reporting by insurance companies domiciled within the jurisdiction which control or are controlled by other corporations or persons so as to constitute an insurance holding company system. These laws also affect the acquisition of control of insurance companies as well as transactions between insurance companies and companies controlling them. Most states, including Tennessee, where Protective Life Insurance Company (Protective Life) is domiciled, require administrative approval of the acquisition of control of an insurance company domiciled in the state or the acquisition of control of an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiary is incorporated in the state. In Tennessee, the acquisition of 10% of the voting securities of an entity is generally deemed to be the acquisition of control for the purpose of the insurance holding company statute and requires not only the filing of detailed information concerning the acquiring parties and the plan of acquisition, but also administrative approval prior to the acquisition.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to Protective Life Corporation. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid without prior approval. Dividends in larger amounts are subject to approval by the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to Protective Life Corporation by Protective Life in 2005 is estimated to be $231.6 million. No assurance can be given that more stringent restrictions will not be adopted from time to time by states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled; such restrictions could have the effect, under certain circumstances, of significantly reducing dividends or other amounts payable to the Company by such subsidiaries without affirmative prior approval by state regulatory authorities.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA.
Certain policies, contracts and annuities offered by the Company’s subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative and private remedial provisions.
Additional issues related to regulation of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are discussed in“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included herein.
Employees
At December 31, 2004 the Company had approximately 2,307 authorized and 2,272 filled positions, including approximately 1,295 in Birmingham, Alabama. Most employees are covered by contributory major medical, dental, group life, and long-term disability insurance plans. The cost of these benefits to the Company in 2004 was approximately $9.3 million. In addition, substantially all of the employees are covered by a defined benefit pension plan. The Company also matches employee contributions to its 401(k) Plan and makes discretionary profit sharing contributions for employees not otherwise covered by a bonus or sales incentive plan. See Note 11 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Executive Officers
The executive officers of the Company as of March 7, 2005 are as follows:
Name Age Position
John D. Johns 53 Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director
R. Stephen Briggs 55 Executive Vice President, Life and Annuity
Allen W. Ritchie 47 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Richard J. Bielen 44 Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer
Brent E. Griggs 49 Senior Vice President, Asset Protection
J. William Hamer, Jr. 60 Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Thomas Davis Keyes 52 Senior Vice President, Information Services
Carolyn King 54 Senior Vice President, Acquisitions
Deborah J. Long 51 Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Wayne E. Stuenkel 51 Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
Carl S. Thigpen 48 Senior Vice President, Chief Mortgage and Real Estate Officer
Steven G. Walker 45 Senior Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer
Judy Wilson 46 Senior Vice President, Stable Value Products
Douglas K. Adam 54 President, Empire General Life Assurance Corporation; President, West
Coast Life Insurance Company
All executive officers are elected annually and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. None of the executive officers are related to any director of the Company or to any other executive officer.
Mr. Johns has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since February 2003, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since December 2001. He has been a Director of the Company since May 1997. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 1996 until December 2001. Mr. Johns has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1993.
Mr. Briggs has been Executive Vice President, Life and Annuity, of the Company since January 2003 and has responsibility for the Life and Annuity Division. From October 1993 to January 2003, he served as Executive Vice President, Individual Life Division. Mr. Briggs has been associated with the Company and its subsidiaries since 1971.
Mr. Ritchie has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 2001. From July 1998 until 2000, Mr. Ritchie was President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Per-Se Technologies, Inc.
Mr. Bielen has been Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer since January 2002. From August 1996 until January 2002, he was Senior Vice President, Investments of the Company. Mr. Bielen has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1991.
Mr. Griggs has been Senior Vice President, Asset Protection Division of the Company since February 2003. He served as Vice President, Operations of the Asset Protection Division of Protective Life Insurance Company from January 1998 to February 2003. Mr. Griggs has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1997.
Mr. Hamer has been Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since March 2001. He served as Vice President, Human Resources of the Company from May 1982 to March 2001. Mr. Hamer has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1981.
Mr. Keyes has been Senior Vice President, Information Services of the Company since April 1999. Mr. Keyes was Vice President, Information Services of the Company from May 1993 to April 1999. Mr. Keyes has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1982.
Ms. King has been Senior Vice President, Acquisitions of the Company since December 2003. Ms. King served as Senior Vice President, Life and Annuity Division of the Company from January 2003 until December 2003. From April 1995 to January 2003, she served as Senior Vice President, Investment Products Division.
Ms. Long has been Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company since November 1996. From February 1994 to November 1996, she was Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
Mr. Stuenkel has been Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of the Company since March 1987. Mr. Stuenkel is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1978.
Mr. Thigpen has been Senior Vice President, Chief Mortgage and Real Estate Officer of the Company since January 2002. From March 2001 to January 2002, he was Senior Vice President, Investments. From May 1996 to March 2001, he was Vice President, Investments for the Company. Mr. Thigpen has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1984.
Mr. Walker has been Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since March 2004. From September 2003 through March 2004, he served as Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. From August 2002 to September 2003, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Asset Protection Division of the Company. From November 1998 through July 2002, Mr. Walker served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aon Integramark.
Ms. Wilson has been Senior Vice President, Stable Value Products of the Company since January 1995. Ms. Wilson has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1991.
Mr. Adam has been President of Empire General Life Assurance Corporation since April 1999 and President of West Coast Life Insurance Company since February 2005. Mr. Adam has been employed by the Company and its subsidiaries since 1991.
Certain of these executive officers also serve as executive officers and/or directors of various other Company subsidiaries.
Item 2. Properties
The Company’s Home Office is located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama. This campus includes the original 142,000 square-foot building which was completed in 1976, a second contiguous 220,000 square-foot building which was completed in 1985, and a third contiguous 315,000 square-foot building that was completed in January 2003. In addition, parking is provided for approximately 2,760 vehicles. The Company owns each of the properties except for the third building which is currently leased.
The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 25 cities, including approximately 33,571 square feet in Birmingham (excluding the home office building), with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The aggregate annualized rent is approximately $6.0 million.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
To the knowledge and in the opinion of management, there are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of the Company’s properties is the subject. For additional information regarding legal proceedings see “Known Trends and Uncertainties” included herein.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2004 to a vote of security holders of the Company.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Share-Owner Matters
The Company’s Common Stock is listed and principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE symbol: PL). The following table sets forth the highest and lowest closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.50 par value, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange during the periods indicated, along with the dividends paid per share of Common Stock during the same periods.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Range
_______________________
High Low Dividends
__________________________________________________________________________________
2003
First Quarter............................. $29.27 $24.71 $.15
Second Quarter............................ 30.14 25.99 .16
Third Quarter............................. 30.75 26.84 .16
Fourth Quarter............................ 34.22 30.47 .16
__________________________________________________________________________________
2004
First Quarter............................. 38.25 33.94 .16
Second Quarter............................ 39.14 35.49 .175
Third Quarter............................. 40.39 35.84 .175
Fourth Quarter............................ 42.92 36.60 .175
__________________________________________________________________________________
On February 23, 2005, there were approximately 1,990 owners of record of Company Common Stock.
The Company (or its predecessor) has paid cash dividends each year since 1926 and each quarter since 1934. The Company expects to continue to pay cash dividends, subject to the earnings and financial condition of the Company and other relevant factors. The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends is dependent in part on cash dividends received by the Company from its life insurance subsidiaries. See Item 7 –“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –Liquidity and Capital Resources” included herein. Such subsidiary dividends are restricted by the various insurance laws of the states in which the subsidiaries are incorporated. See Item 1 –“Business – Regulation”.
The following table provides information regarding the common stock of the Company that is authorized for issuance under various equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2004.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number of securities
remaining available for
Number of securities to be Weighted-average future issuance under
issued upon exercise of exercise price of equity compensation plans
outstanding options, outstanding options, (excluding securities
warrants and rights warrants and rights reflected in column (a))
Plan category (a) (b) (c)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Equity compensation plans
approved by share owners 2,842,876(1) $25.01(2) 3,964,286(3)
Equity compensation plans
not approved by share
owners 991,763(4) Not Applicable Not Applicable(5)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total 3,834,639(1)(4) $25.01(2) 3,964,286(3)(6)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) Includes (a) 1,438,979 shares of common stock issuable with respect to outstanding stock appreciation rights ("SARs") granted
under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 580,000 shares of common stock issuable with respect to outstanding SARs granted under
the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (assuming for this purpose that one share of common stock will be issued with respect to
each outstanding SAR); and (b) 823,897 shares of common stock issuable with respect to outstanding performance share awards
granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (assuming maximum earn-out of the awards).
(2) Based on exercise prices of outstanding SARs.
(3) Represents (a) 3,864,286 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan; and (b) 100,000
shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
(4) Includes (a) 76,568 shares of common stock issuable with respect to stock equivalents pursuant to the Company's Deferred
Compensation Plan for Directors Who Are Not Employees of the Company; (b) 700,014 shares of common stock issuable with respect to
stock equivalents pursuant to the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers; and (c) 215,180 shares of common stock
issuable with respect to stock equivalents pursuant to the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Sales Managers, Agents and
Representatives.
(5) The plans listed in Note 4 do not currently have limits on the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder. The total
number of shares of common stock that may be issuable thereunder will depend upon, among other factors, the deferral elections
made by participants in such plans.
(6) Plus any shares that become issuable under the plans listed in (4) above.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Year Ended December 31
_________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA(3)
Premiums and policy fees $ 1,841,296 $1,670,312 $ 1,561,717 $1,389,820 $1,175,898
Reinsurance ceded (1,142,644) (934,435) (751,396) (771,151) (686,108)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net of reinsurance ceded 698,652 735,877 810,321 618,669 489,790
Net investment income 1,084,217 1,030,752 1,022,953 880,141 730,149
Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative financial instruments 19,591 12,550 28,308 (1,114) 9,013
All other investments 28,305 58,064 910 (8,740) (16,056)
Other income 157,810 120,282 100,196 120,647 151,833
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total revenues 1,988,575 1,957,525 1,962,688 1,609,603 1,364,729
Benefits and expenses 1,603,374 1,632,113 1,697,645 1,400,007 1,153,054
Income tax expense 134,820 108,362 87,688 68,538 74,321
Income (loss) from discontinued operations(1) (30,522) 16,122
Change in accounting principle(2) (15,801) (7,593)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $ 234,580 $ 217,050 $ 177,355 $ 102,943 $ 153,476
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PER SHARE DATA(3)
Net income from continuing
operations(4) - basic $3.34 $3.10 $2.54 $2.02 $2.09
Net income - basic $3.34 $3.10 $2.54 $1.48 $2.33
Average shares outstanding - basic 70,299,470 70,033,288 69,923,955 69,410,525 65,832,349
Net income from continuing
operations(4) - diluted $3.30 $3.07 $2.52 $2.01 $2.08
Net income - diluted $3.30 $3.07 $2.52 $1.47 $2.32
Average shares
outstanding - diluted 71,064,539 70,644,642 70,462,797 69,950,173 66,281,128
Cash dividends $0.685 $0.63 $0.59 $0.55 $0.51
Share-owners' equity $31.19 $29.02 $25.06 $20.42 $17.26
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1)Income from discontinued operations in 2001 includes loss on sale of discontinued operations and loss from
discontinued operations, net of income tax.
(2)Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax - amount in 2004 relates to SOP 03-1; amount
in 2001 relates to SFAS No. 133.
(3)Prior periods have been restated to reflect discontinued operations.
(4)Net income excluding change in accounting principle and income (loss) from discontinued operations.
December 31
________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollar in thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total assets $ 27,211,378 $ 24,517,615 $ 21,893,403 $19,718,824 $15,145,633
Total long-term debt $ 451,433 $ 461,329 $ 406,110 $ 376,211 $ 306,125
Total stable value contract and annuity
account balances(5) $ 5,725,172 $ 4,847,518 $ 4,198,070 $ 3,907,892 $ 3,385,092
Liabilities related to variable interest
entities $ 482,434 $ 400,000
Subordinated debt securities $ 324,743 $ 221,650 $ 215,000 $ 175,000 $ 190,000
Shares-owners' equity $ 2,166,327 $ 2,002,144 $ 1,720,702 $ 1,400,144 $ 1,114,058
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5)Includes stable value contract account balances and annuity account balances which do not pose significant
mortality risk.
Note: Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial information
to make the prior period amounts comparable to those of the current period. Such
reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or share-owners’
equity.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in its entirety, since it contains detailed information that is important to understanding the Company’s results and financial condition. The Overview below is qualified in its entirety by the full Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS – CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE
This report reviews the Company’s financial condition and results of operations including its liquidity and capital resources. Historical information is presented and discussed. Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements instead of historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements, and the Company cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Please refer to “Known Trends and Uncertainties” herein for more information about factors which could affect future results.
OVERVIEW
Protective Life Corporation (the Company) is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company operates five business segments: Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Annuities, Stable Value Products, and Asset Protection. In addition, the Company has another segment referred to as Corporate and Other which consists of net investment income on unallocated capital, interest expense on all debt, earnings from various investment-related transactions, and the operations of several non-strategic lines of business.
The Company achieved strong growth in earnings in 2004 despite numerous challenges that existed across the financial services industry. Historically low interest rates continued to create a challenge for the Company’s products that generate investment spread profits, such as fixed annuities and stable value contracts. However, active management of crediting rates on these products allowed the Company to minimize spread compression effects. Strong competitive pressures on pricing, particularly in the Company’s life insurance business, continued to present a challenge from a new sales perspective. However, the Company’s continued focus on delivering value to consumers and broadening its base of distribution allowed for solid life insurance, annuity, and stable value product sales during the year. The life reinsurance market continued the process of consolidation and tightening in 2004. This continues to present the Company with challenges from both a new product pricing and capital management perspective. The Company made progress during 2004 in developing a capital markets reinsurance solution to support the sale of new term life business, and will continue to focus on this issue in 2005.
The Life Marketing segment achieved solid growth in earnings, despite the expected decline in overall sales for the year and the negative impact from adopting Statement of Position (SOP) 03-1 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts”. SOP 03-1 affects the timing of the recognition of mortality benefits for universal life products and not the overall profits from these products. The segment continued to focus on strengthening its relationships with high quality distributors of life insurance products. Sales made through the stockbroker and independent agent channels increased 27% and 11%, respectively. Sales from the brokerage distribution channel declined by 13.7%, as expected. Results for 2004 benefited from improved mortality, which was approximately $4 million better than 2003 levels.
Operating income in the Acquisitions segment declined in 2004, as no new acquisitions were completed and the earnings from previously acquired blocks declined, as expected. The segment continued to actively pursue acquisitions in 2004; however, no transactions were identified that fit the Company’s strategic and pricing guidelines. The Company’s acquisition capabilities have historically given the Company a unique competitive advantage, and this group is well positioned both in terms of capital and administrative capacity to pursue additional acquisitions in 2005.
Earnings in the Annuities segment increased over 23% in 2004, as a result of significantly higher sales of fixed annuities and improvement in the equity markets. Growth in equity markets translated into improved earnings as fee income based on variable account values increased and claims expense for variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits declined. The segment actively managed the rates offered on its fixed annuity products to minimize the effects of lower interest rates on earnings.
Stable Value Products achieved significant growth in operating income in 2004 as a result of strong sales and improvement in operating spreads. The successful introduction of the registered funding agreement-backed notes program in late 2003 provided a new and diverse source of funding and drove the strong sales in 2004. Proactive management and maturing higher-cost liabilities allowed for an expansion in spreads of 11 basis points.
The Asset Protection segment continued to show improvement in its results, driven primarily by improved loss ratios and proactive expense management. Price increases implemented over the last three years and changes made to improve the underwriting process have paid off by reducing average claims cost. Restructuring actions taken in 2003 enabled the segment to reduce operating expenses by a significant margin and are now in line with the segment’s level of revenues.
Corporate and Other operating income increased substantially over 2003, due to large reserve strengthening charges taken on runoff lines during 2003 as well as higher levels of investment income in 2004. Participating mortgage income was particularly strong in 2004, reflecting increased transaction activity within the Company’s mortgage portfolio. The overall performance of the Company’s investment portfolio continued to be strong, with no significant credit issues in either the securities or mortgage portfolio.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company’s accounting policies inherently require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, in particular expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates. Because of the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the consolidated financial statements. A discussion of the various critical accounting policies is presented below.
The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new insurance business. These costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business and coinsurance of blocks of policies, are deferred. The recovery of such costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies. The amount of future profit is dependent principally on investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation. These factors enter into management’s estimates of future profits which generally are used to amortize certain of such costs. Accounting for other intangible assets such as goodwill also requires an estimate of the future profitability of the associated lines of business. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future profits are less than the unamortized deferred amounts. At December 31, 2004, the Company had a deferred acquisition cost asset and goodwill asset of $1.8 billion and $46.6 million, respectively.
The Company has a deferred policy acquisition costs asset of approximately $107.7 million related to its variable annuity product line with an account balance of $2.3 billion at December 31, 2004. The Company monitors the rate of amortization of the deferred policy acquisition costs associated with its variable annuity product line. The Company’s monitoring methodologies employ varying assumptions about how much and how quickly the stock markets will appreciate. The primary assumptions used to project future profits as part of the analysis include: a long-term equity market growth rate of 9%, reversion to the mean methodology with a reversion to the mean cap rate of 14%, reversion to the mean period of 5 years, and an amortization period of 20 years. A recovery in equity markets, or the use of methodologies and assumptions that anticipate a recovery, result in lower amounts of amortization, and a worsening of equity markets results in higher amounts of amortization.
The Company also establishes liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB) on its variable annuity products. The methods used to estimate the liabilities employ assumptions about mortality and the performance of equity markets. The Company assumes mortality of 60% of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 1994 Variable Annuity GMDB Mortality Table plus a margin for reinsurance costs to reflect improvements in mortality since the table was derived and other factors. Future declines in the equity market would increase the Company’s GMDB liability. Differences between the actual experience and the assumptions used result in variances in profit and could result in losses. The Company’s GMDB at December 31, 2004 are subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction upon withdrawal of related annuity deposits on contracts issued prior to January 1, 2003. At December 31, 2004, the total GMDB liability held by the Company was $5.0 million.
Establishing an adequate liability for the Company’s obligations to its policyholders requires the use of assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions based on the Company’s historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Determining liabilities for the Company’s property and casualty insurance products also requires the use of assumptions, including the projected levels of used vehicle prices, the frequency and severity of claims, and the effectiveness of internal processes designed to reduce the level of claims. At December 31, 2004, the Company had total policy liabilities and accruals of $10.7 billion.
Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. For example, assessing the value of certain investments requires the Company to perform an analysis of expected future cash flows or rates of prepayments. Other investments, such as collateralized mortgage or bond obligations, represent selected tranches of a structured transaction, supported overall by underlying investments in a wide variety of issuers. The Company’s specific accounting policies related to its invested assets are discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2004, the Company held $15.1 billion of available-for-sale investments, including $2.2 billion in investments with a gross unrealized loss of $51.8 million.
The Company utilizes derivative transactions primarily in order to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, and currency exchange risk. Assessing the effectiveness of these hedging programs and evaluating the carrying values of the related derivatives often involve a variety of assumptions and estimates. The Company employs a variety of methods for determining the fair value of its derivative instruments. The fair values of swaps, interest rate swaptions, and options are based upon industry standard models which calculate the present-value of the projected cash flows of the derivatives using current and implied future market conditions. At December 31, 2004, the fair value of derivatives reported on the Company’s balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities” was $219.7 million and $27.4 million, respectively.
Determining the Company’s obligations to employees under its defined benefit pension plan and stock-based compensation plans requires the use of estimates. The calculation of the liability related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan requires assumptions regarding the appropriate weighted average discount rate, estimated rate of increase in the compensation of its employees and the expected long-term rate of return on the plan’s assets. Accounting for other stock-based compensation plans may require the use of option pricing models to estimate the Company’s obligations. Assumptions used in such models relate to equity market volatility, the risk-free interest rate at the date of grant, as well as expected exercise dates. See Notes 7 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on these plans.
The assessment of potential obligations for tax, regulatory, and litigation matters inherently involve a variety of estimates of potential future outcomes. The Company makes such estimates after consultation with its advisors and a review of available facts.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In the following discussion, segment operating income is defined as income before income tax excluding net realized investment gains and losses and related amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC), and the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. Periodic settlements of interest rate swaps associated with corporate debt and certain investments are included in realized gains and losses but are considered part of segment operating income because the swaps are used to mitigate risk in items affecting segment operating income. Management believes that segment operating income provides relevant and useful information to investors, as it represents the basis on which the performance of the Company’s business is internally assessed. Although the items excluded from segment operating income may be significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s overall financial performance, management believes that segment operating income enhances an investor’s understanding of the Company’s results of operations. Note that the Company’s segment operating income measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
The following table sets forth a summary of results and reconciles segment operating income (loss) to consolidated net income:
Change
______________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
________________________________ ______________________
Life Marketing $ 165,897 $159,157 $125,550 4.2% 26.8%
Acquisitions 87,300 95,150 95,097 (8.3) 0.1
Annuities 16,467 13,373 15,694 23.1 (14.8)
Stable Value Products 53,159 38,911 42,272 36.6 (8.0)
Asset Protection 19,079 20,193 (14,847) (5.5) n/a
Corporate and Other 21,560 (31,952) (2,888) n/a n/a
________________________________
363,462 294,832 260,878 23.3 13.0
Realized investment gains (losses) -
investments(1) 21,370 39,117 (1,071)
Realized investment gains (losses) -
derivatives(2) 369 (8,537) 5,236
Income tax expense (134,820) (108,362) (87,688)
________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle 250,381 217,050 177,355 15.4 22.4
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle,net of income tax (15,801)
________________________________
Net income $ 234,580 $ 217,050 $177,355 8.1 22.4
________________________________
(1)Realized investment gains (losses) -
investments $28,305 $58,064 $910
Related amortization of DAC (6,935) (18,947) (1,981)
________________________________
21,370 39,117 (1,071)
(2)Realized investment gains (losses) -
derivatives 19,591 12,550 28,308
Settlements on certain interest rate swaps (19,222) (21,087) (23,072)
________________________________
369 (8,537) 5,236
Net income for 2004 reflects strong overall growth in segment operating income, somewhat offset by lower realized investment gains and the cumulative effect charge. Excluding the $12.3 million of reinsurance recoveries during 2003 (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), Life Marketing’s operating income increased 13.0%, reflecting continued growth in life insurance in-force and improved results from the segment’s non-insurance businesses, somewhat offset by lower expense capitalization levels driven by a reduction in traditional life sales in 2004. Strong growth in average balances and a widening of spreads drove significant improvement in Stable Value Products’ earnings, while improvement in the equity markets and higher sales levels contributed to the increase in Annuities’ income. Excluding charter sales in 2004 and 2003, Asset Protection segment operating income increased 34.3% in 2004 primarily due to improved loss ratios in the service contract business and effective expense management. Earnings in the Acquisitions segment declined in 2004 as the result of the normal runoff of the segment’s previously acquired blocks of business. Corporate and Other earnings reflect dramatically lower losses on the runoff insurance lines as well as higher participating mortgage income and investment income on unallocated capital.
Included in net income for 2004 is a cumulative effect charge of $15.8 million arising from the Company’s adoption of SOP 03-1 (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of SOP 03-1).
Net income for 2003 reflects growth in overall segment operating income as well as significantly higher realized investment gains. Excluding the $12.3 million of reinsurance recoveries during 2003 and $7.2 million of recoveries in 2002 (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), Life Marketing’s operating income increased 24.1% in 2003, reflecting continued growth in life insurance in-force through new sales as well as favorable expense capitalization levels driven by the strong sales in 2003. Interest spread compression drove results in both the Stable Value Products and Annuities segments, as the impact of prepayments in the mortgage-backed security portfolio more than offset crediting rate reductions. Operating income in the Asset Protection segment increased in 2003 primarily due to the $25.6 million reserve strengthening taken during 2002 as well as a $6.9 million gain recognized during 2003 for the sale of an inactive charter. Corporate and Other earnings reflect a $28.4 million reserve strengthening for the residual value line in 2003.
RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
In the following segment discussions, various statistics and other key data the Company uses to evaluate its segments are presented. Sales statistics are used by the Company to measure the relative progress in its marketing efforts, but may or may not have an immediate impact on reported segment operating income. Sales data for traditional life insurance are based on annualized premiums, while universal life sales are based on annualized target premiums. Sales of annuities are measured based on the amount of deposits received. Stable value contract sales are measured at the time that the funding commitment is made, based on the amount of deposit to be received. Sales within the Asset Protection segment are generally based on the amount of single premium and fees received.
Sales and life insurance in-force amounts are derived from the Company’s various sales tracking and administrative systems, and are not derived from the Company’s financial reporting systems or financial statements. Mortality variances are derived from actual claims compared to expected claims. These variances do not represent the net impact to earnings due to the interplay of reserves and DAC amortization.
Life Marketing
The Life Marketing segment markets level premium term and term-like insurance, universal life (UL), and variable universal life products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, stockbrokers, and in the “bank owned life insurance” (BOLI) market. Segment results were as follows:
CHANGE
______________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
______________________________________ ______________________
REVENUES
Gross premiums and policy fees $1,026,889 $856,431 $673,412 19.9% 27.2%
Reinsurance ceded (818,207) (657,778) (453,228) 24.4 45.1
______________________________________
Net premiums and policy fees 208,682 198,653 220,184 5.0 (9.8)
Net investment income 238,193 231,238 209,002 3.0 10.6
Other income 94,695 59,961 56,372 57.9 6.4
______________________________________
Total operating revenues 541,570 489,852 485,558 10.6 0.9
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits and settlement expenses 274,584 253,785 228,224 8.2 11.2
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 58,970 66,078 117,836 (10.8) (43.9)
Other operating expenses 42,119 10,832 13,948 288.8 (22.3)
______________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 375,673 330,695 360,008 13.6 (8.1)
OPERATING INCOME 165,897 159,157 125,550 4.2 26.8
______________________________________
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX $ 165,897 $159,157 $125,550 4.2 26.8
______________________________________
The following table summarizes key data for the Life Marketing segment:
CHANGE
_______________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_____________________________________________ _______________________
Sales By Product
Traditional $171,883 $205,335 $146,280 (16.3)% 40.4%
Universal life 84,569 79,752 71,157 6.0 12.1
Variable universal life 5,236 4,558 6,700 14.9 (32.0)
_____________________________________________
$261,688 $289,645 $224,137 (9.7) 29.2
_____________________________________________
Sales By Distribution Channel
Brokerage general agents $161,174 $186,711 $131,804 (13.7) 41.7
Independent agents 55,926 50,207 39,866 11.4 25.9
Stockbrokers/banks 31,711 24,933 18,160 27.2 37.3
Direct response 1,097 5,830 11,503 (81.2) (49.3)
BOLI 11,780 21,964 22,804 (46.4) (3.7)
_____________________________________________
$261,688 $289,645 $224,137 (9.7) 29.2
_____________________________________________
Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)
Traditional $296,399,244 $224,298,764 $159,093,485 32.1 41.0
Universal life 40,416,769 36,865,396 33,529,411 9.6 9.9
_____________________________________________
$336,816,013 $261,164,160 $192,622,896 29.0 35.6
_____________________________________________
Average Account Values
Universal life $3,637,027 $3,149,430 $2,642,438 15.5 19.2
Variable universal life 190,522 137,380 112,913 38.7 21.7
_____________________________________________
$3,827,549 $3,286,810 $2,755,351 16.5 19.3
_____________________________________________
Interest Spread - Universal Life(2)
Net investment income yield 6.37% 6.89% 7.42%
Interest credited to policyholders 4.88 5.45 5.86
_____________________________________________
Interest spread 1.49% 1.44% 1.56%
_____________________________________________
Mortality Experience(3) $3,821 $(567) $6,157
(1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.
(2) Interest spread on average general account values.
(3) Represents a favorable (unfavorable) variance as compared to pricing assumptions.
Operating income increased 4.2% in 2004 reflecting the continued growth in life insurance in-force and improved results from non-insurance businesses, offset by the impact of lower sales in the current year and the positive impact of reinsurance recoveries on 2003 results. During 2003, the segment recognized additional net premiums of $18.4 million, amortization of DAC of $6.1 million, and operating income of $12.3 million, as a result of recoveries from previously overpaid reinsurance premiums (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the impact from these recoveries, operating income increased 13.0% in 2004. During 2002, the segment recognized additional net premiums of $69.7 million, amortization of DAC of $62.5 million, and operating income of $7.2 million as the estimate of the effect of previously overpaid reinsurance premiums (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the impact of recoveries recorded in 2003 and 2002, operating income increased by 24.1% in 2003. This increase reflects continued growth of life insurance in-force as well as favorable expense capitalization levels driven by strong sales in 2003.
Gross premiums and policy fees grew by 19.9% in 2004 due to the growth in life insurance in-force achieved over the last several quarters, while amounts ceded increased 21.0% (excluding reinsurance recoveries in 2003) as the segment continued to reinsure a significant amount of its new business. Net investment income increased approximately 3% over 2003 reflecting the growth of the segment's assets, offset by lower investment yields. The increase in other income for the year is due primarily to additional income from the segment's direct response and broker-dealer subsidiaries. Due to the nature of these businesses, a significant portion of this additional income is offset by increases in other operating expenses.
Benefits and settlement expenses were 8.2% higher in 2004 due to growth in life insurance in-force and higher benefit costs caused by the implementation of SOP 03-1, offset by lower crediting rates on UL products and normal fluctuations in mortality experience. Mortality for the year was $4.4 million more favorable versus 2003. Amortization of DAC (excluding the effect of reinsurance recoveries in 2003) was 1.7% lower in 2004. The decrease in amortization is primarily due to the segment's adoption of SOP 03-1. Amortization on UL products was reduced by $4.7 million in 2004 due to the application of SOP 03-1 and the resulting change in pattern of gross profits on these products. In addition, a $2.0 million reduction to the previously recorded reinsurance receivable reduced amortization by $1.0 million.
Gross premiums and policy fees increased 27.2% in 2003 due to continued growth through new sales, while amounts ceded increased 29.3% (excluding reinsurance recoveries in 2003 and 2002) as the segment continued to reinsure a significant amount of its new business. Net investment income increased approximately 11% over 2002 reflecting the significant growth of the segment's assets, offset by the 53 basis point drop in investment yields.
Benefits and settlement expenses were higher in 2003 due to growth in life insurance in-force and less favorable mortality experience, offset by lower crediting rates on UL products. Mortality for the year was $6.7 million less favorable versus 2002. Amortization of DAC (excluding the effect of reinsurance recoveries) was 8.4% higher in 2003. The increase in amortization is the result of the growth of life insurance in-force offset somewhat by favorable unlocking on UL products.
Other operating expenses for the segment were as follows:
CHANGE
______________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
______________________________________ ______________________
Insurance Companies:
First year commissions $288,990 $ 299,902 $ 220,375 (3.6)% 36.1%
Renewal commissions 32,985 30,258 25,702 9.0 17.7
First year ceding allowances (167,196) (188,194) (132,382) (11.2) 42.2
Renewal ceding allowances (159,384) (125,960) (98,376) 26.5 28.0
General & administrative 187,895 182,163 159,872 3.1 13.9
Taxes, licenses and fees 22,851 20,383 18,018 12.1 13.1
______________________________________
Other operating expenses incurred 206,141 218,552 193,209 (5.7) 13.1
Less commissions, allowances & expenses
capitalized (256,338) (268,933) (234,710) (4.7) 14.6
______________________________________
Other operating expenses (50,197) (50,381) (41,501) (0.4) 21.4
______________________________________
Marketing Companies:
Commissions 62,483 45,646 46,684 36.9 (2.2)
Other 29,833 15,567 8,765 91.6 77.6
______________________________________
Other operating expenses 92,316 61,213 55,449 50.8 10.4
______________________________________
Other operating expenses $ 42,119 $ 10,832 $ 13,948 288.8 (22.3)
______________________________________
Currently, the segment is reinsuring significant amounts of new life insurance sold. Pursuant to the underlying reinsurance contracts, reinsurers pay allowances to the segment as a percentage of both first year and renewal premiums. A portion of these allowances is deferred as part of DAC while the remainder is recognized immediately as a reduction of other operating expenses. While the recognition of reinsurance allowances is consistent with GAAP, non-deferred allowances often exceed the segment’s non-deferred direct costs, causing net other operating expenses to be negative. Consideration of all components of the segment’s income statement, including amortization of DAC, is required to assess the impact of reinsurance on segment operating income.
Other operating expenses for the insurance companies were relatively unchanged versus 2003, as the decrease in expenses incurred was offset by a decline in expense capitalization levels driven by the drop in sales. General and administrative expenses increased a modest 3.1% versus 2003, as lower underwriting costs achieved through rate reductions from certain vendors in the third quarter of 2003 partially offset by normal expense increases. Amounts capitalized as DAC generally include first year commissions and allowances, and other deferrable acquisition expenses. The change in these amounts generally reflects the trend in sales for the year. Other operating expenses for the marketing companies increased 50.8% as compared to 2003 primarily as a result of higher commissions and other expenses in the segment’s direct response and broker-dealer subsidiaries, resulting from higher revenue and the continuing transition to a multi-carrier strategy in the direct response business.
All categories of insurance related operating expenses increased in 2003, reflecting the segment’s strong growth during the year. Overall insurance expenses declined, however, as the 29.2% increase in sales caused the segment’s expense capitalization levels to compare favorably with 2002. Amounts capitalized as DAC generally include first year commissions and allowances, and other deferrable acquisition expenses. The change in these amounts generally reflects the trend in sales for the year. Other operating expenses for the marketing companies increased in 2003 primarily as a result of higher expenses in the segment’s direct response business. This increase was driven by a shift during the year to a multi-carrier strategy in this business which resulted in higher revenues and expenses.
Sales for the segment decreased in 2004 primarily due to lower production of traditional life at Empire General, which is included within the brokerage general agent channel. As expected, traditional life business sold through Empire General declined $27.9 million versus the unusually strong levels achieved in 2003. Offsetting this decline was a $7.2 million increase in sales of UL business through the stockbroker channel, primarily resulting from a new product introduction in the fourth quarter of 2004. Sales of BOLI business declined significantly from the strong sales achieved in 2003. BOLI sales will vary widely between periods as the segment responds to opportunities for these products only when the market accommodates required returns. The segment has changed its direct response business sold through Matrix Direct to focus on a multi-carrier distribution strategy, resulting in the significant decrease in the Company’s direct response sales versus 2003.
Acquisitions
The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies sold to individuals. Segment results were as follows:
CHANGE
_____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
________________________________________ _____________________
REVENUES
Gross premiums and policy fees $276,394 $289,906 $300,818 (4.7)% (3.6)%
Reinsurance ceded (72,062) (75,994) (76,333) (5.2) (0.4)
________________________________________
Net premiums and policy fees 204,332 213,912 224,485 (4.5) (4.7)
Net investment income 232,499 246,143 252,147 (5.5) (2.4)
Other income 2,272 2,640 1,636 (13.9) 61.4
________________________________________
Total operating revenues 439,103 462,695 478,268 (5.1) (3.3)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits and settlement expenses 287,356 291,768 301,401 (1.5) (3.2)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 28,652 32,690 35,245 (12.4) (7.2)
Other operating expenses 35,795 43,087 46,525 (16.9) (7.4)
________________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 351,803 367,545 383,171 (4.3) (4.1)
OPERATING INCOME 87,300 95,150 95,097 (8.3) 0.1
________________________________________
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX $ 87,300 $ 95,150 $ 95,097 (8.3) 0.1
________________________________________
The following table summarizes key data for the Acquisitions segment:
CHANGE
_____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________________________________
Average Life Insurance In-Force(1)
Traditional $11,694,948 $13,656,841 $14,774,431 (14.4)% (7.6)%
Universal life 18,077,468 19,945,426 20,156,647 (9.4) (1.0)
________________________________________
$29,772,416 $33,602,267 $34,931,078 (11.4) (3.8)
________________________________________
Average Account Values
Universal life $1,723,647 $1,747,831 $ 1,744,775 (1.4) 0.2
Fixed annuity(2) 218,087 226,567 225,647 (3.7) 0.4
Variable annuity 89,327 104,129 149,130 (14.2) (30.2)
________________________________________
$2,031,061 $2,078,527 $ 2,119,552 (2.3) (1.9)
________________________________________
Interest Spread - UL and Fixed Annuities
Net investment income yield 7.17% 7.51% 8.15%
Interest credited to policyholders 5.22 5.57 6.25
________________________________________
Interest spread 1.95% 1.94% 1.90%
________________________________________
Mortality Experience(3) $5,364 $3,921 $3,161
(1) Amounts are not adjusted for reinsurance ceded.
(2) Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products and is net of reinsurance ceded.
(3) Represents a favorable (unfavorable) variance as compared to pricing assumptions.
Operating income was 8.3% lower in 2004 as the earnings from previously acquired blocks continued to decline as the result of lapses, deaths, and other terminations of coverage. In 2003, income was relatively flat as a $9.0 million decline in earnings from previously acquired blocks was offset by a $9.1 million increase in earnings from the June 2002 Conseco transaction.
Net premiums and policy fees declined by 4.5% and 4.7%, respectively, in 2004 and 2003 due to the continued runoff from acquired blocks of business. Net investment income was also lower in 2004 and 2003, caused by the runoff of business and lower overall earned rates. The segment has continued to review credited rates on UL and annuity business to minimize the impact of lower earned rates on interest spreads.
Benefits and settlement expenses were down for 2004 and 2003, due to the decline in business in-force as well as normal fluctuations in mortality. Amortization of DAC decreased during 2004 due to the overall decline in business as well as lower gross profits on certain universal life blocks primarily caused by higher mortality. The general decline in premiums drove the decrease in amortization of DAC in 2003. Other operating expenses decreased during 2004 due to conversion costs incurred for the Conseco acquisition during 2003 as well as lower agent commissions incurred as a result of lower net premiums. The decrease in other operating expenses in 2003 was primarily driven by lower commission expense and conversion costs incurred in 2002 for the Inter-State and First Variable acquisitions.
The segment’s life insurance in-force and UL and annuity account values have declined from 2003 levels as no new acquisitions have been made since June 2002. In the ordinary course of business, the Company regularly considers acquisitions of blocks of policies or smaller insurance companies. However, the level of the Company’s acquisition activity is predicated upon many factors, including available capital, operating capacity, and market dynamics. The Company will continue to pursue suitable acquisitions as they become available.
Annuities
The Annuities segment manufactures, sells, and supports fixed and variable annuity products. These products are primarily sold through stockbrokers, but are also sold through financial institutions and the Life Marketing segment’s sales force. Segment results were as follows:
CHANGE
_____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ _____________________
REVENUES
Gross premiums and policy fees $ 30,341 $ 26,265 $ 25,826 15.5% 1.7%
Reinsurance ceded 0 0 0 0.0 0.0
_________________________________________
Net premiums and policy fees 30,341 26,265 25,826 15.5 1.7
Net investment income 210,888 224,332 220,447 (6.0) 1.8
Other income 7,004 8,745 8,876 (19.9) (1.5)
_________________________________________
Total operating revenues 248,233 259,342 255,149 (4.3) 1.6
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits and settlement expenses 183,271 197,955 186,107 (7.4) 6.4
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 25,336 19,249 22,688 31.6 (15.2)
Other operating expenses 23,159 28,765 30,660 (19.5) (6.2)
_________________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 231,766 245,969 239,455 (5.8) 2.7
OPERATING INCOME 16,467 13,373 15,694 23.1 (14.8)
Realized investment gains (losses) 9,873 22,733 2,277
Related amortization of DAC (6,935) (18,947) (1,981)
_________________________________________
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX $ 19,405 $ 17,159 $ 15,990 13.1 7.3
_________________________________________
The following table summarizes key data for the Annuities segment:
CHANGE
_____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ _____________________
Sales
Fixed annuity $443,170 $163,516 $628,367 171.0% (74.0)%
Variable annuity 282,926 350,590 324,507 (19.3) 8.0
_________________________________________
$726,096 $514,106 $952,874 41.2 (46.0)
_________________________________________
Average Account Values
Fixed annuity(1) $3,228,976 $3,302,511 $3,031,896 (2.2) 8.9
Variable annuity 2,022,101 1,595,173 1,526,035 26.8 4.5
_________________________________________
$5,251,077 $4,897,684 $4,557,931 7.2 7.5
_________________________________________
Interest Spread - Fixed Annuities(2)
Net investment income yield 6.45% 6.69% 7.15%
Interest credited to policyholders 5.61 5.79 5.97
_________________________________________
Interest spread 0.84% 0.90% 1.18%
_________________________________________
As of December 31 CHANGE
_________________________________________ _____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ _____________________
GMDB - Net amount at risk(3) $182,038 $286,603 $538,583 (36.5)% (46.8)%
GMDB - Reserves $4,575 $5,073 $5,581 (9.8) (9.1)
S&P 500 Index 1,212 1,112 880 9.0 26.4
(1) Includes general account balances held within variable annuity products.
(2) Interest spread on average general account values.
(3) Guaranteed death benefit in excess of contract holder account balance.
Segment operating income increased substantially in 2004, reflecting higher sales of fixed annuities and the impact of improved equity markets reflected in the variable annuity business. The segment’s operating income declined in 2003, as growth in both fixed and variable account values were more than offset by interest spread compression.
The improvement in the equity markets in 2004 caused a significant increase in variable annuity account values, which drove the increase in net premiums and policy fees for the year. The lower interest rate environment and decrease in fixed annuity balances in 2004 caused net investment income to decline from 2003 levels. Interest spreads on fixed annuities declined 6 basis points in 2004 as lower rates on new investments more than offset the effects of crediting rate reductions. Other income declined significantly in 2004 due to the elimination of fee income from segment-managed mutual funds that are no longer offered as investment options within variable annuity products.
Interest credited decreased $9.8 million in 2004 due to the decline in fixed annuity account values and reductions in credited rates. Benefits expense also benefited from lower guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) expenses of $3.1 million, as the segment’s net amount at risk, reserves, and paid claims declined from 2003. The additional profits on variable annuities were partially offset by higher amortization of DAC, accounting for an increase of $5.3 million in 2004. Other operating expenses decreased $5.6 million, reflecting lower administrative expenses and the elimination of sub-advisor fees paid for the segment-managed mutual funds, as well as higher expense capitalization caused by the increase in sales.
The decline in average equity market values in 2003 as compared to 2002 resulted in variable annuity account values growing by only 4.5% during 2003. This growth resulted in the modest increase in policy fees during the year. The growth in fixed annuity account values was substantially offset by the 46 basis point decline in yields, resulting in a 1.8% increase in net investment income. Interest spreads on fixed annuities declined 28 basis points in 2003 as lower rates on new investments and the impact of prepayments in the mortgage-backed security portfolio more than offset the effects of crediting rate reductions.
Interest credited in 2003 increased $10.2 million over 2002, as the reductions in crediting rates were more than offset by the 8.9% increase in fixed annuity account values. While the net amount at risk for GMDB declined significantly on a year-end basis, average net amount at risk was relatively flat versus 2002. As a result, GMDB claims were relatively unchanged in 2003. As the level of DAC amortization is largely based on the amount of income (prior to amortization) recognized in a given period, amortization was 15.2% lower than 2002. Other operating expenses decreased $1.9 million, primarily as a result of proactive management of administrative expenses during the year.
Sales of fixed annuities increased significantly in 2004, reflecting higher interest rates and more competitive pricing. Sales trends showed steady improvement throughout 2004, with approximately 40% of total fixed annuity sales coming in the fourth quarter. Included in fixed annuity sales in the fourth quarter of 2004, were $122 million of single premium immediate annuities sold on an institutional basis in a structured transaction. Sales made through structured transactions are opportunistic in nature and may vary widely between periods. Variable annuity sales were 19.3% lower than the historically high levels achieved in 2003 as the Company maintained its pricing discipline. The segment continues to develop new products, including an equity-indexed fixed annuity, that are designed to be a catalyst for sales growth in 2005.
Stable Value Products
The Stable Value Products segment markets guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans, and sells guaranteed funding agreements (GFA) to special purpose entities that in turn issue notes or certificates in smaller, transferable denominations. The segment also markets fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, institutional investors, bank trust departments, and money market funds. Segment results were as follows:
CHANGE
____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ ____________________
REVENUES
Net investment income $268,184 $233,104 $246,098 15.0% (5.3)%
_________________________________________
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits and settlement expenses 205,168 186,565 196,576 10.0 (5.1)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 3,480 2,279 2,304 52.7 (1.1)
Other operating expenses 6,377 5,349 4,946 19.2 8.1
_________________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 215,025 194,193 203,826 10.7 (4.7)
OPERATING INCOME 53,159 38,911 42,272 36.6 (8.0)
Realized investment gains (losses) 13,225 9,756 (7,061)
_________________________________________
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX $ 66,384 $ 48,667 $ 35,211 36.4 38.2
_________________________________________
The following table summarizes key data for the Stable Value Products segment:
CHANGE
____________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ ____________________
Sales
GIC $ 59,000 $ 275,000 $ 266,500 (78.5)% 3.2%
GFA - Direct Institutional 67,020 377,900 125,000 (82.3) 202.3
GFA - Non-Registered Notes 0 505,000 763,400 n/a (33.8)
GFA - Registered Notes - Institutional 925,000 450,000 0 105.6 n/a
GFA - Registered Notes - Retail 531,560 0 0 n/a n/a
_________________________________________
$1,582,580 $1,607,900 $1,154,900 (1.6) 39.2
_________________________________________
Average Account Values $5,122,170 $4,191,182 $3,985,090 22.2 5.2
Operating Spread
Net investment income yield 5.39% 5.73% 6.22%
Interest credited 4.12 4.59 4.97
Operating expenses 0.20 0.19 0.18
_________________________________________
Operating spread 1.07% 0.95% 1.07%
_________________________________________
The increase in operating income in 2004 was due to the strong growth in average account balances, as well as the widening of spreads. The growth in average account balances was driven by sales of the Company’s registered funding agreement-backed notes program during 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2003. The lower interest rate environment caused both the investment income yield and the interest credited rate to decline from 2003. However, a rebalancing of the segment’s portfolio and replacement of higher rate contracts during 2004 allowed for a widening of interest spreads.
Operating income declined in 2003 as the modest growth in account balances was more than offset by the decline in spreads. Average account balances did not increase as dramatically as sales during 2003 as approximately $900 million of the year’s sales occurred during the fourth quarter. The primary driver of spread compression was a reduction in yield caused by the high level of prepayments in the mortgage-backed securities portfolio in 2003.
Sales during 2004 reflect the segment’s focus on its registered funding agreement-backed notes program, which was introduced during the fourth quarter of 2003. During 2004, the segment began offering inflation-adjusted notes through its registered retail program. Sales of inflation-adjusted notes were $236.2 million for the year and accounted for approximately 85% of all retail sales for the second half of 2004. The registered-notes program has given the segment access to a broader customer base and will continue to be the focus for future growth in the segment. Sales of traditional GICs and non-registered funding agreements were significantly lower than 2003 levels due to the segment’s continued focus on the registered note programs as well as lower overall market demand for certain of these products. Sales in 2003 increased significantly over 2002 levels as sales of $450 million in institutional registered notes contributed to modest growth in sales of the segment’s other products.
Asset Protection
The Asset Protection segment primarily markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and watercraft. Segment results were as follows:
CHANGE
___________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
__________________________________________ ___________________
REVENUES
Gross premiums and policy fees $ 459,281 $ 441,203 $488,705 4.1% (9.7)%
Reinsurance ceded (251,343) (196,434) (202,576) 28.0 (3.0)
__________________________________________
Net premiums and policy fees 207,938 244,769 286,129 (15.0) (14.5)
Net investment income 30,939 36,652 41,879 (15.6) (12.5)
Other income 36,476 42,238 30,765 (13.6) 37.3
__________________________________________
Total operating revenues 275,353 323,659 358,773 (14.9) (9.8)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits and settlement expenses 121,007 142,166 204,069 (14.9) (30.3)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs 72,273 80,320 75,108 (10.0) 6.9
Other operating expenses 62,994 80,980 94,443 (22.2) (14.3)
__________________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 256,274 303,466 373,620 (15.6) (18.8)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 19,079 20,193 (14,847) (5.5) n/a
__________________________________________
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX $ 19,079 $ 20,193 $ (14,847) (5.5) n/a
__________________________________________
The following table summarizes key data for the Asset Protection segment:
CHANGE
___________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
__________________________________________ ___________________
Sales
Credit insurance $217,585 $198,252 $177,722 9.8% 11.6%
Service contracts 202,983 204,810 195,803 (0.9) 4.6
Other products 39,755 69,351 94,323 (42.7) (26.5)
__________________________________________
$460,323 $472,413 $467,848 (2.6) 1.0
__________________________________________
Loss Ratios(1)
Credit insurance 38.3% 37.3% 36.4%
Service contracts 78.4 84.7 103.7
Other products 69.0 89.7 122.1
(1) Incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums.
Excluding gains from charter sales, operating income increased significantly in both 2004 and 2003. Excluding gains from the sale of separate inactive charters of $1.2 million and $6.9 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, income increased 34.3% in 2004. This increase is primarily due to growth of 92.8% in service contract earnings, which were partially offset by lower earnings from credit insurance and other products. The service contract lines benefited from more favorable claims experience as well as proactive expense management. Excluding the impact of the 2003 charter sale and a $2.7 million gain from a charter sale reported in 2002, operating income increased $30.9 million in 2003. The increase in 2003 earnings reflects the $25.6 million charge taken in 2002 for certain under-performing lines of business, as well as improved results from the segment's service contract business. The vehicle service contract business improved to contribute income of $3.7 million in 2003, as compared to a loss of $2.8 million in 2002, due to improving loss ratios caused by the effect of increasing prices in 2000 through 2003.
The decline in net premiums for 2004 was primarily related to a decrease of $33.7 million in the credit insurance lines, due to higher levels of reinsurance. Premiums in the service contract business increased $2.4 million during the year, with the segment's other lines accounting for the remainder of the decline in premiums. The decrease in net investment income was attributable to the overall decline in business resulting in lower levels of invested assets as well as a lower net yield on investments. Excluding the impact of the charter sale gains, other income was relatively flat in 2004.
Benefits and settlement expenses declined in 2004, reflecting the decrease in the segment's net premiums and the overall improvement in loss ratios. Amortization of DAC was lower than 2003 primarily due to the significant decline in the segment's credit business. Other operating expenses decreased due to lower commissions and reductions in other general expenses. General expenses were reduced primarily as a result of the outsourcing of the administration of a portion of the segment's credit insurance business during 2003 and other cost saving initiatives implemented by management during the year.
Net premiums for 2003 declined due to relatively flat sales and the termination of various under-performing lines of business during the year. The decrease in net investment income for 2003 was attributable to the overall decline in business and lower levels of invested assets as well as a lower net yield on investments. Excluding the impact of charter sale gains, other income increased $7.3 million or 26.1% during 2003. This increase was attributable to service contract fee income driven by higher volumes during the year.
Benefits and settlement expenses declined in 2003, reflecting the decrease in the segment's net premiums and the significant improvement in loss ratios. Amortization of DAC increased in 2003 primarily as a result of the higher overall sales of credit insurance during the year. Operating expenses declined primarily due to a reduction in commissions expense caused by the drop in net premiums for the year.
Loss ratios for the service contract business improved over 2003 levels as a result of segment initiatives to increase pricing and tighten the underwriting and claims processes during 2004. Price increases implemented during 2000 through 2003 on the service contract business allowed for the significant reduction in loss ratios during 2003. Loss ratios for other products have declined in 2004 and 2003 primarily due to the segment exiting certain under-performing lines during 2002.
Sales of credit insurance through financial institutions rose $34.3 million in 2004 from the level achieved in 2003 primarily due to a third party administrator relationship. The increase in financial institution credit insurance sales is expected to decline as this third party administrator relationship goes into runoff during 2005. These sales results were partially offset by a decline of $15.0 million in credit insurance sold through automobile dealers. The decrease in other product sales in 2004 and 2003 primarily reflects declines in products the segment is no longer marketing.
Corporate and Other
The Company has an additional segment herein referred to as Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including net investment income on unallocated capital and interest on all debt). This segment also includes earnings from several non-strategic lines of business (primarily cancer insurance, residual value insurance, surety insurance, and group annuities), various investment-related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries. The surety and residual value insurance lines were moved from the Asset Protection segment to Corporate and Other during 2004, and prior period segment data was restated to reflect the change.
The following table summarizes results for this segment:
CHANGE
_________________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_________________________________________ _________________________
Operating income (loss)(1) $21,560 $(31,952) $(2,888) $ 53,512 $(29,064)
Realized gains and losses - investments 6,366 26,550 5,694 (20,184) 20,856
Realized gains and losses - derivatives (790) (9,512) 5,236 8,722 (14,748)
_________________________________________ _________________________
Income (loss) before income tax $27,136 $(14,914) $ 8,042 $ 42,050 $(22,956)
_________________________________________ _________________________
(1) Includes settlements on interest rate swaps of $19,222, $21,087 and $23,072 for 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
The significant improvement in 2004 operating income reflects a $28.4 million reserve charge taken in 2003 as well as significantly higher net investment income partially offset by higher overall expenses. Results for the runoff insurance lines improved by $16.0 million in 2004, primarily as a result of reduced reserve strengthening taken in the residual value line of $19.0 million partially offset by higher losses in the cancer line of $3.6 million for 2004. Net investment income increased $44.2 million over 2003, reflecting mark-to-market gains on trading securities, increased participating mortgage income, and higher amounts of unallocated capital. Mark-to-market gains on the Company’s trading portfolio were $4.9 million in 2004 with no similar activity in 2003. Participating mortgage income increased $9.5 million, reflecting increased transaction activity within the Company’s mortgage portfolio. Higher overall expenses and lower amounts of income from interest rate swaps accounted for the remainder of the change in the current year’s results.
The decline in 2003 earnings was primarily due to a $28.4 million reserve strengthening taken in the residual value line of business as a result of negative trends in used vehicle prices. Including this charge, results from the residual value line decreased $23.2 million from 2002. Other decreases in operating income included a $3.0 million increase in interest expense, a $2.0 million decrease in net settlements on derivatives, an increase of $3.9 million in expenses related to employee incentive plans and other corporate expenses, a $1.2 million decline in results from the surety line of business, and a $1.6 million charge related to the early extinguishment of debt. These decreases were partially offset by a $5.8 million increase in investment income on unallocated capital.
Realized Gains and Losses
The following table sets forth realized investment gains and losses for the periods shown:
CHANGE
________________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003
_______________________________________ ________________________
Fixed maturity gains $50,916 $84,556 $ 46,469 $(33,640) $ 38,087
Fixed maturity losses (7,234) (6,270) (10,905) (964) 4,635
Equity gains 3,863 368 1,545 3,495 (1,177)
Equity losses (214) (295) (3,230) 81 2,935
Impairments on fixed maturity securities (14,667) (20,530) (27,512) 5,863 6,982
Impairments on equity securities (3,591) (1,800) (2,712) (1,791) 912
Other (768) 2,035 (2,745) (2,803) 4,780
_______________________________________ ________________________
Total realized gains (losses) - investments $28,305 $ 58,064 $ 910 $(29,759) $ 57,154
_______________________________________ ________________________
Foreign currency swaps $ 519 $ 2,687 $ 71,099 $ (2,168) $(68,412)
Foreign currency adjustments on stable value
contracts (44) (1,711) (75,172) 1,667 73,461
Derivatives related to corporate debt 17,601 1,359 41,487 16,242 (40,128)
Derivatives related to mortgage loan commitments (1,652) 4,738 (30,335) (6,390) 35,073
Other derivatives 3,167 5,477 21,229 (2,310) (15,752)
_______________________________________ ________________________
Total realized gains (losses) - derivatives $19,591 $ 12,550 $ 28,308 $ 7,041 $(15,758)
_______________________________________ ________________________
Realized gains and losses on investments reflect portfolio management activities designed to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities and to enhance long-term investment portfolio performance. The change in net realized investment gains for 2004 and 2003, excluding impairments, reflects the normal operation of the Company’s asset/liability program within the context of the changing interest rate environment. The reduction in impairments for 2004 and 2003 reflects general improvement in the corporate credit environment. Additional details on the Company’s investment performance and evaluation is provided in the section entitled “Consolidated Investments” included herein.
Realized investment gains and losses related to derivatives represent changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments and gains (losses) on derivative contracts closed during the period. The Company has entered into foreign currency swaps to mitigate the risk of changes in the value of principal and interest payments to be made on certain of its foreign currency denominated stable value contracts. The net change in the realized gains (losses) resulting from these securities during 2004 was $(0.5) million. These changes were the result of differences in the related foreign currency spot and forward rates used to value the stable value contracts and foreign currency swaps. The Company also uses interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk related to its Senior Notes, Medium-Term Notes, and subordinated debt securities. Long-term interest rates moved lower during 2004 and caused the 2004 results from these swaps to compare favorably with the 2003 results. The Company has taken short positions in U.S. Treasury futures to mitigate interest rate risk related to the Company’s mortgage loan commitments. The changes in net gains (losses) from these securities were the result of fluctuations in interest rates and adjustments to the Company’s short positions during the respective periods.
The Company also uses various swaps and options to mitigate risk related to other interest rate exposures of the Company. For a portion of the change, a $2.7 million increase in realized gains (losses), resulted from lower interest rates, which impacted the fair value of certain interest rate swaps and options. Further, 2003 results reflected a $2.9 million gain from a total return swap that was not reflected in 2004 due to the implementation of FIN 46. An additional increase of $3.9 million during 2004 was related to gains from embedded derivatives within certain bonds that either matured or were called during 2004, with no similar activity in 2003.
CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS
Portfolio Description
The Company’s investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) and commercial mortgage loans. The Company generally purchases its investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, the Company may sell any of its investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the Company has classified $14.1 billion of its fixed maturities and certain other securities as “available for sale.”
As of December 31, 2003, the Company consolidated a special-purpose entity, in accordance with FIN 46, whose investments are managed by the Company. These investments with a market value of $417.3 million at December 31, 2004 have been classified as “trading” securities by the Company. No realized or unrealized gains (losses) were recognized in 2003 on the trading portion of the Company’s investments.
The Company’s investments in debt and equity securities are reported at market value, and investments in mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s fixed maturity investments (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) had a market value of $14.4 billion, which is 5.1% above amortized cost of $13.7 billion. The Company had $3.0 billion in mortgage loans at December 31, 2004. While the Company’s mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, at December 31, 2004, the Company estimates the market value of its mortgage loans to be $3.2 billion (using discounted cash flows from the next call date), which is 5.6% above amortized cost. Most of the Company’s mortgage loans have significant prepayment fees. These assets are invested for terms approximately corresponding to anticipated future benefit payments. Thus, market fluctuations are not expected to adversely affect liquidity.
At December 31, 2003, the Company’s fixed maturity investments had a market value of $13.4 billion, which was 4.8% above amortized cost of $12.7 billion. The Company estimated the market value of its mortgage loans to be $3.0 billion at December 31, 2003, which was 8.2% above amortized cost of $2.7 billion.
The following table shows the reported values of the Company’s invested assets.
December 31
_________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
Publicly issued bonds $12,519,107 64.6 % $11,377,474 65.3%
Privately issued bonds 1,889,905 9.7 1,975,273 11.3
Redeemable preferred stock 3,593 0.0 3,164 0.0
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed maturities 14,412,605 74.3 13,355,911 76.6
Equity securities 58,941 0.3 46,731 0.3
Mortgage loans 3,005,418 15.5 2,733,722 15.7
Investment real estate 107,246 0.6 18,126 0.1
Policy loans 482,780 2.5 502,748 2.9
Other long-term investments 259,025 1.3 249,494 1.4
Short-term investments 1,059,557 5.5 519,419 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total investments $19,385,572 100.0 % $17,426,151 100.0%
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Included in the table above are $410.1 million and $420.1 million of fixed maturities and $7.2 million and $4.8 million of short-term investments classified by the Company as trading securities in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Market values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) the Company obtains estimates from independent pricing services or 2) the Company estimates market value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. The market value of private, non-traded securities was $1.9 billion at December 31, 2004, representing 9.7% of the Company’s total invested assets.
The Company participates in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned to third parties for short periods of time. The Company requires collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored, on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained as necessary. At December 31, 2004, securities with a market value of $535.4 million were loaned under these agreements. As collateral for the loaned securities, the Company receives short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “other liabilities” to account for the Company’s obligation to return the collateral.
Risk Management and Impairment Review
The Company monitors the overall credit quality of the Company’s portfolio within general guidelines. The following table shows the Company’s available for sale fixed maturities by credit rating at December 31, 2004.
Percent of
S&P or Equivalent Designation Market Value Market Value
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
AAA $ 4,983,896 35.6%
AA 872,185 6.2
A 3,109,075 22.2
BBB 4,067,784 29.1
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment grade 13,032,940 93.1
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BB 698,321 5.0
B 248,627 1.8
CCC or lower 18,920 0.1
In or near default 101 0.0
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Below investment grade 965,969 6.9
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Redeemable preferred stock 3,593 0.0
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $14,002,502 100.0%
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Not included in the table above are $398.9 million of investment grade and $11.2 million of less than investment grade fixed maturities classified by the Company as trading securities.
Limiting bond exposure to any creditor group is another way the Company manages credit risk. The following table summarizes the Company’s ten largest fixed maturity exposures to an individual creditor group as of December 31, 2004.
Creditor Market Value
_______________________________________________________
(in millions)
Wachovia $80.9
Citigroup 80.1
FPL Group 77.3
Dominion 76.8
Duke Energy 75.6
BellSouth 74.4
Cox Communications 74.2
Union Pacific 73.8
Merrill Lynch 73.4
Berkshire Hathaway 72.1
_______________________________________________________
The Company’s management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Although it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, the Company engages in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to its investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties and business markets.
The Company generally considers a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered.
The Company generally considers a number of factors relating to the issuer in determining the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of an issuer. These include but are not limited to: available collateral, tangible and intangible assets that might be available to repay debt, operating cash flows, financial ratios, access to capital markets, quality of management, market position, exposure to litigation or product warranties, and the effect of general economic conditions on the issuer. Once management has determined that a particular investment has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.
There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in market values are other than temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud and legislative actions. The Company continuously monitors these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment. Provided below are additional facts concerning the potential effect upon the Company’s earnings should circumstances lead management to conclude that some of the current declines in market value are other than temporary.
Unrealized Gains and Losses
The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after December 31, 2004, the balance sheet date. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. As indicated above, the Company’s management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including its ability and intent to hold the security until recovery. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain (loss) position of the portfolio. At December 31, 2004, the Company had an overall pretax net unrealized gain of $700.1 million.
For traded and private fixed maturity and equity securities held by the Company that are in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004, the estimated market value, amortized cost, unrealized loss and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below.
Estimated % Market Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Market Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
‹=90 days $1,283,554 59.4% $1,293,509 58.5% $ (9,955) 19.2%
›90 days but ‹=180 days 57,082 2.6 62,029 2.8 (4,946) 9.6
›180 days but‹= 270 days 346,083 16.0 353,030 16.0 (6,947) 13.4
›270 days but ‹= 1 year 116,581 5.4 118,812 5.4 (2,231) 4.3
›1 year but ‹= 2 years 299,794 13.9 310,320 14.0 (10,526) 20.3
›2 years but ‹= 3 years 339 0.0 568 0.0 (229) 0.4
›3 years but ‹= 4 years 22,386 1.1 25,387 1.1 (3,001) 5.8
›4 years but ‹= 5 years 259 0.0 411 0.0 (152) 0.3
›5 years 34,333 1.6 48,176 2.2 (13,844) 26.7
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $2,160,411 100.0% $2,212,242 100.0% $(51,831) 100.0%
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At December 31, 2004, securities with a market value of $29.2 million and $16.5 million of unrealized losses were issued in Company-sponsored commercial mortgage loan securitizations, including $12.8 million of unrealized losses greater than five years. The Company does not consider these unrealized positions to be other than temporary because the underlying mortgage loans continue to perform consistently with the Company’s original expectations.
The Company has no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held by the Company at December 31, 2004, is presented in the following table.
Estimated % Market Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Market Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
Agency mortgages $ 724,792 33.6% $ 728,875 32.9% $ (4,083) 7.9%
Banking 128,935 6.0 130,435 5.9 (1,500) 2.9
Basic industrial 68,785 3.2 71,027 3.2 (2,242) 4.3
Brokerage 52,505 2.4 53,002 2.4 (497) 1.0
Communications 73,254 3.4 75,907 3.4 (2,653) 5.1
Consumer-cyclical 43,813 2.0 44,490 2.0 (677) 1.3
Consumer-noncyclical 50,980 2.4 52,545 2.4 (1,565) 3.0
Electric 270,567 12.5 280,627 12.7 (10,060) 19.4
Energy 66,987 3.1 69,454 3.1 (2,467) 4.8
Finance companies 23,328 1.1 23,617 1.1 (289) 0.6
Insurance 102,710 4.8 105,137 4.8 (2,427) 4.7
Municipal agencies 72 0.0 72 0.0 (0) 0.0
Natural gas 114,441 5.3 116,696 5.3 (2,255) 4.3
Non-agency mortgages 277,212 12.8 291,369 13.2 (14,157) 27.3
Other finance 37,728 1.7 42,558 1.9 (4,830) 9.3
Other industrial 34,513 1.6 34,781 1.6 (268) 0.5
Other utility 21 0.0 44 0.0 (23) 0.0
Real estate 50 0.0 50 0.0 (0) 0.0
Technology 11,199 0.5 11,480 0.5 (281) 0.6
Transportation 53,857 2.5 55,147 2.5 (1,290) 2.5
U.S. Government 24,662 1.1 24,929 1.1 (267) 0.5
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $2,160,411 100.0% $2,212,242 100.0% $(51,831) 100.0%
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004 varies, with 10.6% maturing in less than 5 years, 23.9% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 65.5% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating of securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004.
S&P or Equivalent Estimated % Market Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Designation Market Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
AAA/AA/A $1,524,183 70.6% $1,544,480 69.8% $(20,297) 39.1%
BBB 519,326 24.0 531,230 24.0 (11,904) 23.0
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment grade 2,043,509 94.6 2,075,710 93.8 (32,201) 62.1
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BB 31,739 1.5 32,918 1.5 (1,179) 2.3
B 70,804 3.3 78,906 3.6 (8,102) 15.6
CCC or lower 14,359 0.6 24,708 1.1 (10,349) 20.0
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Below investment grade 116,902 5.4 136,532 6.2 (19,630) 37.9
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $2,160,411 100.0% $2,212,242 100.0% $(51,831) 100.0%
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At December 31, 2004, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 5.4% of the total market value and 37.9% of the total unrealized loss. Unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months were $15.9 million. Securities in an unrealized loss position rated less than investment grade were 0.6% of invested assets. The Company generally purchases its investments with the intent to hold to maturity. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities.
The following table shows the estimated market value, amortized cost, unrealized loss and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities.
Estimated % Market Amortized % Amortized Unrealized % Unrealized
Market Value Value Cost Cost Loss Loss
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
‹= 90 days $11,071 9.5% $ 11,261 8.2% $ (190) 1.0%
›90 days but ‹= 180 days 1,442 1.2 1,781 1.3 (339) 1.7
›180 days but ‹= 270 days 39,883 34.1 42,625 31.2 (2,742) 14.0
›270 days but ‹= 1 year 11,936 10.2 12,399 9.1 (463) 2.3
›1 year but ‹= 2 years 597 0.5 661 0.5 (64) 0.3
›2 years but ‹= 3 years 186 0.2 251 0.2 (65) 0.3
›3 years but ‹= 4 years 22,109 18.9 25,051 18.4 (2,942) 15.0
›4 years but ‹= 5 years 14 0.0 45 0.0 (31) 0.2
›5 years 29,664 25.4 42,458 31.1 (12,794) 65.2
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $116,902 100.0% $136,532 100.0% $(19,630) 100.0%
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At December 31, 2004, below investment grade securities with a market value of $24.7 million and $11.8 million of unrealized losses were issued in Company-sponsored commercial mortgage loan securitizations, including securities in an unrealized loss position greater than five years with a market value of $24.6 million and $11.8 million of unrealized losses. The Company does not consider these unrealized positions to be other than temporary, because the underlying mortgage loans continue to perform consistently with the Company’s original expectations.
Realized Losses
Realized losses are comprised of both write-downs on other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded pretax other-than-temporary impairments in its investments of $18.3 million as compared to $22.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2003. The most significant impairments taken during 2004 were $11.6 million in write-downs taken on airline equipment trust certificates that were secured by passenger aircraft. Given the continued difficulties in this industry as well as developments with the specific assets backing these securities, management deemed these securities to be other than temporarily impaired. The remaining impairments were not concentrated from an industry perspective and no individual impairment was greater than $2.5 million.
As discussed earlier, the Company’s management considers several factors when determining other than temporary impairments. Although the Company generally intends to hold securities until maturity, the Company may change its position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with the Company’s classification of all but a specific portion of its investment portfolio as available for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a market value of $503.5 million resulting in a realized loss of $7.4 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below.
Realized % Realized
Proceeds % Proceeds Loss Loss
______________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
‹= 90 days $291,069 57.8% $(2,706) 36.4%
›90 days but ‹= 180 days 18,350 3.6 (186) 2.5
›180 days but ‹= 270 days 106,121 21.1 (2,561) 34.4
›270 days but ‹= 1 year 76,337 15.2 (1,615) 21.7
›1 year 11,650 2.3 (374) 5.0
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $503,527 100.0% $(7,442) 100.0%
______________________________________________________________________________________________
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the Company's analysis of its investments.
Mortgage Loans
The Company records mortgage loans net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that are believed to be at a higher risk of becoming impaired in the near future. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s allowance for mortgage loan credit losses was $3.3 million.
Subsequent to December 31, 2004, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. (Winn-Dixie), an anchor tenant in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At March 9, 2005, the Company had 46 loans amounting to $118.8 million in loan balances in which Winn-Dixie was considered to be the anchor tenant for the underlying property (including 12 loans with balances of $21.3 million included in mortgage loan securitization trusts in which the Company holds retained beneficial interests). At March 9, 2005, the rents from Winn-Dixie represented approximately 50% of the total rents applicable to the properties underlying these loans (including approximately 66% of rents on loans in mortgage loan securitizations). The Company has evaluated each of the related loans, and, at this time, does not believe any of the loans to be materially impaired. The Company will continue to actively monitor these loans and assess them for potential impairments as circumstances develop in the future.
For several years the Company has offered a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a slightly higher loan-to-value ratio in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2004, approximately $439.8 million of the Company’s mortgage loans have this participation feature.
At December 31, 2004, delinquent mortgage loans and foreclosed properties were 0.1% of invested assets. The Company does not expect these investments to adversely affect its liquidity or ability to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities.
Liquidity
The Company meets its liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from its operating subsidiaries. Primary sources of cash from the operating subsidiaries are premiums, deposits for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, and investment income. Primary uses of cash for the operating subsidiaries include benefit payments, withdrawals from policyholder accounts, investment purchases, policy acquisition costs, and other operating expenses.
The Company’s positive cash flows from operations are used to fund an investment portfolio that provides for future benefit payments. The Company employs a formal asset/liability program to manage the cash flows of its investment portfolio relative to its long-term benefit obligations. The Company believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable it to fulfill its obligation to pay benefits under its various insurance and deposit contracts. However, the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity and other factors, and the effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.
While the Company generally anticipates that the cash flow of its operating subsidiaries will be sufficient to meet their investment commitments and operating cash needs, the Company recognizes that investment commitments scheduled to be funded may, from time to time, exceed the funds then available. Therefore, the Company has established repurchase agreement programs for certain of its insurance subsidiaries to provide liquidity when needed. The Company expects that the rate received on its investments will equal or exceed its borrowing rate. Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, sell short-duration stable value products to complement its cash management practices. The Company has also used securitization transactions involving its commercial mortgage loans to increase liquidity for the operating subsidiaries.
The life insurance subsidiaries were committed at December 31, 2004, to fund mortgage loans in the amount of $739.9 million. The Company’s subsidiaries held $1,190.1 million in cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2004. Protective Life Corporation had an additional $0.1 million in cash and short-term investments available for general corporate purposes.
Protective Life Corporation’s primary sources of cash are dividends and payments on surplus notes from its operating subsidiaries; revenues from investment, data processing, legal, and management services rendered to subsidiaries; investment income; and external financing. These sources of cash support the general corporate needs of the holding company including its common stock dividends and debt service. The states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are domiciled impose certain restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to Protective Life Corporation. These restrictions are generally based in part on the prior year’s statutory income and surplus. Generally, these restrictions pose no short-term liquidity concerns for Protective Life Corporation. The Company plans to retain substantial portions of the earnings of its insurance subsidiaries in those companies primarily to support their future growth.
Capital Resources
To give the Company flexibility in connection with future acquisitions and other funding needs, the Company has registered debt securities, preferred and common stock, and stock purchase contracts of Protective Life Corporation, and additional preferred securities of special purpose finance subsidiaries under the Securities Act of 1933 on a delayed (or shelf) basis. In October 2004, the Company issued the remaining securities available under the existing shelf registration. In December 2004, the Company filed a new shelf registration for a total of $750 million in securities, which became effective in January 2005.
At December 31, 2004, the Company’s capital structure consisted of Medium-Term Notes, Senior Notes, Subordinated Debentures, and share-owners’ equity. The Company also has a $200 million revolving line of credit, under which both Protective Life Corporation and Protective Life Insurance Company may borrow funds at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.30%, with balances due July 30, 2009. No compensating balances are required to maintain the line of credit. The line of credit arrangements contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining certain financial ratios and restrictions on indebtedness incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries. Additionally, the line of credit arrangements preclude the Company, on a consolidated basis, from incurring debt in excess of 40% of its total capital. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
The Company’s Subordinated Debentures are held by wholly-owned subsidiary trusts that have issued Trust Originated Preferred Securities (TOPrS) to finance the purchase of such debentures. The principal obligations of the trusts are irrevocably guaranteed by the Company. As described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the subsidiary trusts are not consolidated and, therefore, the Company’s obligations with respect to the TOPrS are reported in the financial statements as “subordinated debt securities”.
The Company’s total debt balance increased by $93.2 million in 2004, compared to a total increase of $55.2 million in 2003. Debt issuances of $253.1 million and $250.0 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, are detailed below.
Description (scheduled maturity) Amount Interest Rate
______________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Subordinated Debentures (30-year) $103,093 6.125%
Senior Notes (10-year) 150,000 4.875
______________________________________________________________________________________
2003
Senior Notes (10-year) 250,000 4.30
______________________________________________________________________________________
Debt reductions totaled $159.9 million and $194.8 million, respectively, during 2004 and 2003, as shown below.
Description (scheduled maturity) Amount Interest Rate
______________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Senior Notes (16-year) $ 59,864 7.50%
Senior Notes (10-year) 75,000 7.95%
Revolving line of credit 25,000 LIBOR + .30%
Other, net 32 Various
______________________________________________________________________________________
2003
Senior Notes (2-year) 100,000 LIBOR + .375%
Senior Notes (10-year) 49,858 8.00%
Senior Notes (15-year) 39,843 8.10%
Revolving line of credit 5,000 LIBOR + .30%
Other, net 80 Various
______________________________________________________________________________________
The Company plans to redeem all of its $34.7 million in 8.25% Senior Notes in April 2005. The Company plans to fund the redemption with proceeds from its revolving line of credit.
In May 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program, available through May 2, 2007. There has been no activity under this program, and future activity will be dependent upon many factors, including capital levels, rating agency expectations, and the relative attractiveness of alternative uses for capital.
A life insurance company’s statutory capital is computed according to rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as modified by the insurance company’s state of domicile. Statutory accounting rules are different from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and are intended to reflect a more conservative view by, for example, requiring immediate expensing of policy acquisition costs. The NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. The achievement of long-term growth will require growth in the statutory capital of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. The subsidiaries may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as retained statutory earnings or equity contributions by Protective Life Corporation.
Currently, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries have statutory surplus and risk-based capital levels well above regulatory required levels. At December 31, 2004, the primary insurance subsidiaries had the following insurer financial strength ratings:
Standard
& Poor's A.M. Best Fitch Moody's
______________________________________________________________
Protective Life Insurance Company AA A+ AA- Aa3
West Coast Life Insurance Company AA A+ AA- Aa3
Empire General Life Assurance Corporation AA A+ AA- N/A
Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company AA A+ AA- N/A
Lyndon Property Insurance Company N/A A- N/A N/A
Market Risk Exposures
The Company’s financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, changes in the yield curve, changes in spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, changes in foreign currency rates, changes in used vehicle prices, and equity price risks. The Company analyzes and manages the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. The Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, risk, and cash flow characteristics. These programs also incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, and currency exchange risk.
Derivative instruments that are currently used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, and interest rate options. The Company’s inflation risk management strategy involves the use of swaps that require the Company to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate that is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Company also uses foreign currency swaps to manage its exposure to changes in the value of foreign currency denominated stable value contracts.
The Company believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures and certain product features provide protection for the Company against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios. Additionally, the Company believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable it to fulfill its obligation to pay benefits under its various insurance and deposit contracts. However, the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity and other factors, and the effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.
The primary focus of the Company’s asset/liability program is the management of interest rate risk within the insurance operations. This includes monitoring the duration of both investments and insurance liabilities to maintain an appropriate balance between risk and profitability for each product category, and for the Company as a whole. It is the Company’s policy to generally maintain asset and liability durations within one-half year of one another, although, from time to time, a broader interval may be allowed.
The following table sets forth the estimated market values of the Company’s fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans resulting from a hypothetical immediate 1 percentage point increase in interest rates from levels prevailing at December 31, and the percent change in market value the following estimated market values would represent.
Percent
At December 31 Amount Change
_______________________________________________________________
(in millions)
2003
Fixed maturities $12,608.0 (5.6)%
Mortgage loans 2,816.1 (4.8)
2004
Fixed maturities $13,576.7 (5.8)%
Mortgage loans 3,021.3 (4.8)
_______________________________________________________________
Estimated market values were derived from the durations of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans. Duration measures the relationship between changes in market value to changes in interest rates. While these estimated market values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the market values of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
In the ordinary course of its commercial mortgage lending operations, the Company will commit to provide a mortgage loan before the property to be mortgaged has been built or acquired. The mortgage loan commitment is a contractual obligation to fund a mortgage loan when called upon by the borrower. The commitment is not recognized in the Company’s financial statements until the commitment is actually funded. The mortgage loan commitment contains terms, including the rate of interest, which may be different than prevailing interest rates.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had outstanding mortgage loan commitments of $793.9 million with an estimated fair value of $805.1 million (using discounted cash flows from the first call date). At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding commitments of $578.5 million with an estimated fair value of $595.7 million. The following table sets forth the estimated fair value of the Company’s mortgage loan commitments resulting from a hypothetical immediate 1 percentage point increase in interest rate levels prevailing at December 31, and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent.
Percent
At December 31 Amount Change
____________________________________________________________
(in millions)
2003 $566.1 (5.0)%
2004 $764.8 (5.0)%
____________________________________________________________
The estimated fair values were derived from the durations of the Company’s outstanding mortgage loan commitments. While these estimated fair values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the fair value of the Company’s outstanding commitments are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
As previously discussed, the Company utilizes a risk management strategy that involves the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk. The Company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. The Company manages the market risk associated with interest rate and foreign exchange contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken.
At December 31, 2004, derivative contracts with a notional amount of $4.1 billion were in a $190.1 million net gain position. At December 31, 2003, derivative contracts with a notional amount of $3.6 billion were in a $152.4 million net gain position. The Company recognized $19.6 million, $12.6 million, and $28.3 million of realized investment gains related to derivative financial instruments in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The following table sets forth the December 31 notional amount and fair value of the Company’s interest rate risk related derivative financial instruments, and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical immediate plus and minus one percentage point change in interest rates from levels prevailing at December 31.
Fair Value Resulting From
Notional Fair Value at an Immediate +/-1% Change
Amount December 31 in Interest Rates
+1% -1%
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(in millions)
2003
Options
Puts $1,300.0 $ 0.5 $ 1.2 $ 0.0
Fixed to floating
Swaps 593.7 30.2 5.9 54.4
Floating to fixed
Swaps 460.1 (31.9) (24.7) (38.0)
Floating to floating
Swaps 800.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
___________________________________________________________________________________________
$3,153.8 $ (1.2) $(17.6) $ 16.4
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Options
Puts $1,190.0 $ 0.5 $ 18.3 $ 0.0
Futures 499.0 (6.0) 47.8 (57.4)
Fixed to floating
Swaps 550.8 15.4 (14.3) 33.1
Floating to fixed
Swaps 651.2 (13.4) 10.1 (38.7)
Floating to floating
Swaps 800.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
___________________________________________________________________________________________
$3,691.0 $ (3.5) $ 61.9 $(63.0)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Company is also subject to foreign exchange risk arising from stable value contracts denominated in foreign currencies and related foreign currency swaps. At December 31, 2004, stable value contracts of $389.5 million had a foreign exchange loss of approximately $180.2 million and the related foreign currency swaps had a net unrealized gain of approximately $196.0 million. At December 31, 2003, stable value contracts of $416.1 million had a foreign exchange loss of approximately $151.8 million and the related foreign currency swaps had a net unrealized gain of approximately $154.4 million.
The following table sets forth the notional amount and fair value of the funding agreements and related foreign currency swaps at December 31, and the estimated fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates from levels prevailing at December 31.
Fair Value Resulting From
an Immediate +/-10%
Notional Fair Value at Change in Foreign Currency
Amount December 31 Exchange Rates
+10% -10%
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
(in millions)
2003
Stable Value Contracts $416.1 $ (151.8) $ (208.6) $ (95.0)
Foreign Currency Swap 416.1 154.4 180.6 128.2
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
$832.2 $ 2.6 $ (28.0) $ 33.2
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Stable Value Contracts $389.5 $ (180.2) $ (237.1) $ (123.2)
Foreign Currency Swap 389.5 196.0 215.3 176.6
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
$779.0 $ 15.8 $ (21.8) $ 53.4
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated gains and losses were derived using pricing models specific to derivative financial instruments. While these estimated gains and losses generally provide an indication of how sensitive the Company’s derivative financial instruments are to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
The Company’s stable value contract and annuity products tend to be more sensitive to market risks than the Company’s other products. As such, many of these products contain surrender charges and other features that reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain stable value and annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect the Company against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had $5.6 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $5.6 billion (using discounted cash flows), and $3.5 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $3.5 billion (using surrender values). At December 31, 2003, the Company had $4.7 billion of stable value product account balances with an estimated fair value of $4.7 billion, and $3.5 billion of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $3.5 billion.
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of the Company’s stable value and annuity account balances resulting from a hypothetical immediate 1 percentage point decrease in interest rates from levels prevailing at December 31 and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent.
Percent
At December 31 Amount Change
_________________________________________________________________________________
(in millions)
2003
Stable value product account balances $4,817.2 1.7%
Annuity account balances 3,642.0 4.8
2004
Stable value product account balances $5,723.8 2.4%
Annuity account balances 3,621.4 4.8
_________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated fair values were derived from the durations of the Company’s stable value and annuity account balances. While these estimated fair values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of the Company’s stable value and annuity account balances are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
Approximately 10% of the Company’s liabilities relate to products (primarily whole life insurance), the profitability of which could be affected by changes in interest rates. The effect of such changes in any one year is not expected to be material.
The Company’s runoff residual value line of business exposes the Company to the risk of changes in used vehicle prices. Reserves for this business are established based upon assumptions regarding the level of used vehicle prices. The following table sets forth the estimated changes in the Company’s reserves resulting from hypothetical immediate decreases in the assumed levels of used vehicle prices from those used to value the reserves established at December 31, 2004.
Change in Used Vehicle Prices
_______________________________________________________________________________________
-1.0% -2.0% -3.0% -4.5%
________________________________________________________
Reserve Change (in millions) $3.4 $7.1 $11.1 $19.9
_______________________________________________________________________________________
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The table below sets forth future maturities of long-term debt, subordinated debt securities, stable value products, notes payable, operating lease obligations, mortgage loan commitments, and liabilities related to variable interest entities.
2005 2006-2007 2008-2009 After 2009
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
Long-term debt(a) $ 2,202 $ 449,231
Subordinated debt securities(b) 324,743
Stable value products(c) $1,162,578 2,394,535 $ 946,728 1,059,156
Operating leases(d) 5,979 8,113 5,818 6,862
Home office lease(e) 1,665 76,943
Mortgage loan commitments 793,930
Liabilities related to variable interest
entities(f) 406,752 3,025 36,089 36,568
Policyholder Obligations(g) 860,459 1,788,764 1,598,549 8,803,941
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(a) Long-term debt includes all principal amounts owed on note agreements, and does not include interest
payments due over the term of the notes.
(b) Subordinated debt securities includes all principal amounts owed to non-consolidated special purpose
finance subsidiaries of the Company, and does not include interest payments due over the term of the
obligations.
(c) Anticipated stable value products cash flows, excluding interest not yet accrued.
(d) Includes all lease payments required under operating lease agreements.
(e) The lease payments shown assume the Company exercises its option to purchase the building at the end of
the lease term.
(f) Liabilities related to variable interest entities are not the legal obligations of the Company, but will
be repaid with cash flows generated by the variable interest entities. The amounts represent scheduled
principal payments.
(g) Estimated contractual policyholder obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, and lapse assumptions
comparable to the Company's historical experience, modified for recent observed trends. These obligations
are based on current balance sheet values and do not incorporate an expectation of future market growth,
interest crediting, or future deposits. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts
presented could materially differ from actual results. As separate account obligations are legally
insulated from general account obligations, the separate account obligations will be fully funded by cash
flows from separate account assets. The Company expects to fully fund the general account obligations from
cash flows from general account investments.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KNOWN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company’s future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the known trends and uncertainties which are discussed more fully below.
The Company is exposed to the risks of natural disasters, malicious and terrorist acts that could adversely affect the Company’s operations.
While the Company has obtained insurance, implemented risk management and contingency plans, and taken preventive measures and other precautions, no predictions of specific scenarios can be made nor can assurance be given that there are not scenarios that could have an adverse effect on the Company. A natural disaster or an outbreak of an easily communicable disease could adversely affect the mortality or morbidity experience of the Company or its reinsurers.
The Company operates in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit its ability to gain or maintain its position in the industry.
Life and health insurance is a mature industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced little growth in life insurance sales, though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement savings products. Life and health insurance is a highly competitive industry. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources than the Company, as well as competition from other providers of financial services. Competition could result in, among other things, lower sales or higher lapses of existing products.
The insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, potentially more efficient organizations emerging from consolidation. Participants in certain of the Company’s independent distribution channels are also consolidating into larger organizations. Some mutual insurance companies are converting to stock ownership, which will give them greater access to capital markets. Additionally, commercial banks, insurance companies, and investment banks may now combine, provided certain requirements are satisfied. The ability of banks to increase their securities-related business or to affiliate with insurance companies may materially and adversely affect sales of all of the Company’s products by substantially increasing the number and financial strength of potential competitors.
The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain distribution channels to market its insurance and investment products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of strong ratings from rating agencies.
A ratings downgrade could adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete.
Rating organizations periodically review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company’s subsidiaries. In recent years, downgrades of insurance companies have occurred with increasing frequency. A downgrade in the rating of the Company’s subsidiaries could adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell its products, retain existing business, and compete for attractive acquisition opportunities. Specifically, a ratings downgrade would materially harm the Company’s ability to sell certain products, including guaranteed investment products and funding agreements.
Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating organization, general economic conditions and circumstances outside the rated company’s control. In addition, rating organizations use various models and formulas to assess the strength of a rated company, and from time to time rating organizations have, in their discretion, altered the models. Changes to the models could impact the rating organizations’ judgment of the rating to be assigned to the rated company. The Company cannot predict what actions the rating organizations may take, or what actions the Company may be required to take in response to the actions of the rating organizations, which could adversely affect the Company.
The Company’s policy claims fluctuate from period to period, and actual results could differ from its expectations.
The Company’s results may fluctuate from period to period due to fluctuations in policy claims received by the Company. Certain of the Company’s businesses may experience higher claims if the economy is growing slowly or in recession, or equity markets decline.
Mortality, morbidity, and casualty expectations incorporate assumptions about many factors, including, for example, how a product is distributed, persistency and lapses, future progress in the fields of health and medicine, and the projected level of used vehicle values. Actual mortality, morbidity, the projected level of used vehicle values, and casualty claims could differ from expectations if actual results differ from those assumptions. In addition, continued activity in the life settlement industry could have an adverse impact on the Company’s level of persistency and lapses.
The Company’s results may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management’s assumptions and estimates.
In the conduct of business, the Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses and interest rates, or other factors appropriate to the type of business it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are also used to estimate the amounts of deferred policy acquisition costs, policy liabilities and accruals, future earnings, and various components of the Company’s balance sheet. The Company’s actual experience, as well as changes in estimates, are used to prepare the Company’s statements of income.
The calculations the Company uses to estimate various components of its balance sheet and statements of income are necessarily complex and involve analyzing and interpreting large quantities of data. The Company currently employs various techniques for such calculations and it from time to time will develop and implement more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures capable of facilitating the calculation of more precise estimates.
Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revision over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing more sophisticated administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.
The use of reinsurance introduces variability in the Company’s statements of income.
The timing of premium payments to, and receipt of expense allowances from, reinsurers may differ from the Company’s receipt of customer premium payments and incurrence of expenses. These timing differences introduce variability in certain components of the Company’s statements of income, and may also introduce variability in the Company’s quarterly results.
The Company could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals.
Many of the products offered by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries allow policyholders and contract holders to withdraw their funds under defined circumstances. The Company and its insurance subsidiaries manage their liabilities and configure their investment portfolios so as to provide and maintain sufficient liquidity to support anticipated withdrawal demands and contract benefits and maturities. While the Company and its life insurance subsidiaries own a significant amount of liquid assets, a certain portion of their assets are relatively illiquid. If the Company or its subsidiaries experience unanticipated withdrawal or surrender activity, the Company or its subsidiaries could exhaust their liquid assets and be forced to liquidate other assets, perhaps on unfavorable terms. If the Company or its subsidiaries are forced to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
Interest-rate fluctuations could negatively affect the Company’s spread income or otherwise impact its business.
Significant changes in interest rates expose insurance companies to the risk of not earning anticipated spreads between the interest rate earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding policies and contracts. Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect the Company’s spread income. While the Company develops and maintains asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to preserve spread income in rising or falling interest rate environments, no assurance can be given that changes in interest rates will not affect such spreads.
From time to time, the Company has participated in securities repurchase transactions that have contributed to the Company’s investment income. Such transactions involve some degree of risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations to pay amounts owed and the collateral has insufficient value to satisfy the obligation. No assurance can be given that such transactions will continue to be entered into and contribute to the Company’s investment income in the future.
Changes in interest rates may also impact its business in other ways. Lower interest rates may result in lower sales of certain of the Company’s insurance and investment products. In addition, certain of the Company’s insurance and investment products guarantee a minimum credited interest rate, and the Company could become unable to earn its spread income should interest rates decrease significantly.
Higher interest rates may create a less favorable environment for the origination of mortgage loans and decrease the investment income the Company receives in the form of prepayment fees, make-whole payments, and mortgage participation income. Higher interest rates may also increase the cost of debt and other obligations having floating rate or rate reset provisions and may result in lower sales of variable products.
Additionally, the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve) and relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, and other factors. The effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from these assumptions.
In general terms, the Company’s results are improved when the yield curve is positively sloped (i.e., when long-term interest rates are higher than short-term interest rates), and will be adversely affected by a flat or negatively sloped curve.
Equity market volatility could negatively impact the Company’s business.
The amount of policy fees received from variable products is affected by the performance of the equity markets, increasing or decreasing as markets rise or fall. Equity market volatility can also affect the profitability of variable products in other ways.
The amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs relating to variable products and the estimated cost of providing guaranteed minimum death benefits incorporate various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets over certain time periods. The rate of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the estimated cost of providing guaranteed minimum death benefits could increase if equity market performance is worse than assumed.
A deficiency in the Company’s systems could result in over or underpayments of amounts owed to or by the Company and/or errors in the Company’s critical assumptions or reported financial results.
The business of insurance necessarily involves the collection and dissemination of large amounts of data using systems operated by the Company. Examples of data collected and analyzed include policy information, policy rates, expenses, mortality and morbidity experience. To the extent that data input errors, systems errors, or systems failures are not identified and corrected by the Company’s internal controls, the information generated by the systems and used by the Company and/or supplied to business partners, policyholders, and others may be incorrect and may result in an overpayment or underpayment of amounts owed to or by the Company and/or the Company using incorrect assumptions in its business decisions or financial reporting.
In the third quarter of 2002, the Company discovered that the rates payable on certain life insurance policies were incorrectly entered into its reinsurance administrative system in 1991. As a result, the Company overpaid to several reinsurance companies the reinsurance premiums related to such policies of approximately $94.5 million over a period of 10 years beginning in 1992. The Company has received payment from substantially all of the affected reinsurance companies.
Insurance companies are highly regulated and subject to numerous legal restrictions and regulations.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to government regulation in each of the states in which they conduct business. Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative power dealing with many aspects of the Company’s business, which may include, among other things, premium rates, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, and capital adequacy, and is concerned primarily with the protection of policyholders and other customers rather than share owners. At any given time, a number of financial and/or market conduct examinations of the Company’s subsidiaries is ongoing. The Company is required to obtain state regulatory approval for rate increases for certain health insurance products, and the Company’s profits may be adversely affected if the requested rate increases are not approved in full by regulators in a timely fashion. From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinations or audits of the Company’s subsidiaries that could, if determined adversely, have a material impact on the Company. The Company cannot predict whether or when regulatory actions may be taken that could adversely affect the Company or its operations. In addition, the interpretations of regulations by regulators may change and statutes may be enacted with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as health insurance and accounting or reserve requirements. For example, the NAIC has been debating whether changes should be made to Actuarial Guideline 38, which sets forth the reserve requirements for universal life insurance with secondary guarantees, and, if any such changes should be made retroactively.
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries may be subject to regulation by the United States Department of Labor when providing a variety of products and services to employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Severe penalties are imposed for breach of duties under ERISA.
Certain policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions.
Other types of regulation that could affect the Company and its subsidiaries include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting practices, anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, federal money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, and because the Company owns and operates real property state, federal, and local environmental laws. The Company cannot predict what form any future changes in these or other areas of regulation affecting the insurance industry might take or what effect, if any, such proposals might have on the Company if enacted into law.
The Company is exposed to potential risks from recent legislation requiring companies to evaluate their internal control over financial reporting.
Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, effective at year-end 2004, management is required to assess the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s auditors are required to attest to and report on management’s assessment. Implementation guidance has been issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the SEC. The Company, like other publicly traded companies, has no prior experience with this process. The Company believes that its control environment is effective; however, it is possible that adverse attestations with respect to other companies in the industry or in business in general could result in a loss of investor confidence and/or impact the Company or the environment in which it operates.
Changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company and its ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products.
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income tax payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of certain life insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment may give certain of the Company’s products a competitive advantage over other non-insurance products. To the extent that the Code is revised to reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to increase the tax-deferred status of competing products, all life insurance companies, including the Company and its subsidiaries, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products, and, depending upon grandfathering provisions, would be affected by the surrenders of existing annuity contracts and life insurance policies. For example, changes in laws or regulations could restrict or eliminate the advantages of certain corporate or bank-owned life insurance products. Recent changes in tax law, which have reduced the federal income tax rates on corporate dividends in certain circumstances, could make the tax advantages of investing in certain life insurance or annuity products less attractive. Additionally, changes in tax law based on proposals to establish new tax advantaged retirement and life savings plans, if enacted, could reduce the tax advantage of investing in certain life insurance or annuity products. In addition, life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations. Legislation has been enacted that would, over time, reduce and eventually eliminate the estate tax. If the estate tax is significantly reduced or eliminated, the demand for certain life insurance products could be adversely affected. Additionally, the Company is subject to the federal corporation income tax. The Company cannot predict what changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company.
Financial services companies are frequently the targets of litigation, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments.
A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments.
Group health coverage issued through associations has received some negative coverage in the media as well as increased regulatory consideration and review. The Company has a small closed block of group health insurance coverage that was issued to members of an association; a lawsuit is currently pending against the Company in connection with this business.
The Company, like other financial services companies, in the ordinary course of business is involved in such litigation and arbitration. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation or arbitration, the Company does not believe that any such outcome will have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
The financial services and insurance industry is sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations.
The financial services and insurance industry is sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations relating to the numerous laws that govern the financial services and insurance business. The Company cannot predict the impact of any such investigations on the Company or the industry.
The Company’s ability to maintain low unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency of existing business.
The Company’s ability to maintain low unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales and persistency (continuation or renewal) of existing business. A decrease in sales or persistency without a corresponding reduction in expenses may result in higher unit costs.
Additionally, a decrease in persistency may result in higher or more rapid amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and thus higher unit costs, and lower reported earnings. Although many of the Company’s products contain surrender charges, the charges decrease over time and may not be sufficient to cover the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs with respect to the insurance policy or annuity contract being surrendered. Some of the Company’s products do not contain surrender charge features and such products can be surrendered or exchanged without penalty. A decrease in persistency may also result in higher claims.
The Company’s investments are subject to market and credit risks.
The Company’s invested assets and derivative financial instruments are subject to customary risks of credit defaults and changes in market values. The value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio depends in part on the financial condition of the tenants occupying the properties which the Company has financed. Factors that may affect the overall default rate on, and market value of, the Company’s invested assets, derivative financial instruments, and mortgage loans include interest rate levels, financial market performance, and general economic conditions as well as particular circumstances affecting the businesses of individual borrowers and tenants.
The Company may not realize its anticipated financial results from its acquisitions strategy.
The Company’s acquisitions have increased its earnings in part by allowing the Company to enter new markets and to position itself to realize certain operating efficiencies. There can be no assurance, however, that suitable acquisitions, presenting opportunities for continued growth and operating efficiencies, or capital to fund acquisitions will continue to be available to the Company, or that the Company will realize the anticipated financial results from its acquisitions.
Additionally, in connection with its acquisitions, the Company assumes or otherwise becomes responsible for the obligations of policies and other liabilities of other insurers. Any regulatory, legal, financial, or other adverse development affecting the other insurer could also have an adverse effect on the Company.
The Company is dependent on the performance of others.
The Company’s results may be affected by the performance of others because the Company has entered into various arrangements involving other parties. For example, most of the Company’s products are sold through independent distribution channels, and variable annuity deposits are invested in funds managed by third parties. Additionally, the Company’s operations are dependent on various technologies, some of which are provided and/or maintained by other parties.
Certain of these other parties may act on behalf of the Company or represent the Company in various capacities. Consequently, the Company may be held responsible for obligations that arise from the acts or omissions of these other parties.
As with all financial services companies, its ability to conduct business is dependent upon consumer confidence in the industry and its products. Actions of competitors and financial difficulties of other companies in the industry could undermine consumer confidence and adversely affect retention of existing business and future sales of the Company’s insurance and investment products.
The Company’s reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations, increase rates or be subject to adverse developments that could affect the Company.
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries cede material amounts of insurance and transfer related assets to other insurance companies through reinsurance. The Company may enter into third-party reinsurance arrangements under which the Company will rely on the third party to collect premiums, pay claims, and/or perform customer service functions. However, notwithstanding the transfer of related assets or other issues, the Company remains liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed by it.
The Company’s ability to compete is dependent on the availability of reinsurance. Premium rates charged by the Company are based, in part, on the assumption that reinsurance will be available at a certain cost. Under certain reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer may increase the rate it charges the Company for the reinsurance. Therefore, if the cost of reinsurance were to increase or if reinsurance were to become unavailable, or if a reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations, the Company could be adversely affected.
Recently, access to reinsurance has become more costly for the Company as well as the insurance industry in general. This could have a negative effect on the Company’s ability to compete. In recent years, the number of life reinsurers has decreased as the reinsurance industry has consolidated. The decreased number of participants in the life reinsurance market results in increased concentration risk for insurers, including the Company. In addition, going forward reinsurers are unwilling to continue to reinsure new sales of long-term guarantee products. If the reinsurance market further contracts, the Company’s ability to continue to offer its products on terms as favorable to the Company would be adversely impacted.
Computer viruses or network security breaches could affect the data processing systems of the Company or its business partners.
A computer virus could affect the data processing systems of the Company or its business partners, destroying valuable data or making it difficult to conduct business. In addition, despite our implementation of network security measures, our servers could be subject to physical and electronic break-ins, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems.
>The Company’s ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital.
The Company has recently deployed significant amounts of capital to support its sales and acquisitions efforts. Capital has also been consumed as the Company increased its reserves on the residual value product. Although positive performance in the equity markets has recently allowed the Company to decrease its GMDB related policy liabilities and accruals, deterioration in these markets could lead to further capital consumption. Although the Company believes it has sufficient capital to fund its immediate growth and capital needs, the amount of capital available can vary significantly from period to period due to a variety of circumstances, some of which are neither predictable nor foreseeable, nor within the Company’s control. A lack of sufficient capital could impair the Company’s ability to grow.
New accounting rules or changes to existing accounting rules could negatively impact the Company.
Like all publicly traded companies, the Company is required to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). A number of organizations are instrumental in the development of GAAP such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). GAAP is subject to constant review by these organizations and others in an effort to address emerging issues and otherwise improve financial reporting. In this regard, these organizations adopt new accounting rules and issue interpretive accounting guidance on a continual basis. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to GAAP will not have a negative impact on the Company.
In addition, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to comply with statutory accounting principles (SAP). SAP is subject to constant review by the NAIC and its committees as well as state insurance departments in an effort to address emerging issues and otherwise improve financial reporting. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to SAP will not have a negative impact on the Company.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of SFAS 123, which was originally issued by the FASB in 1995. SFAS 123(R) will become effective for the Company in the third quarter of 2005. As originally issued, SFAS 123 provided companies with the option to either record expense for share-based payments under a fair value model, or to simply disclose the impact of the expense. SFAS 123(R) requires companies to measure the cost of share-based payments to employees using a fair value model, and to recognize that cost over the relevant service period. In addition, SFAS 123(R) requires that an estimate of future award forfeitures be made at the grant date, while SFAS 123 permitted recognition of forfeitures on an as incurred basis. When SFAS 123 was originally issued, the Company elected to recognize the cost of its share-based compensation plans in its financial statements. Therefore, the Company does not anticipate that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
A proposal to amend Actuarial Guideline 38 (currently part of codification of statutory accounting principles) has been exposed for comment, and certain regulators have indicated a desire for the NAIC to adopt the proposal before year-end 2004, with retroactive effect. To date, the actuarial guideline has not been adopted, although the New York Insurance Department adopted it for insurers operating in New York. The New York action does not affect the Company due to its limited product portfolio in New York. Actuarial Guideline 38, also known as AXXX, sets forth the reserve requirements for universal life insurance with secondary guarantees (ULSG). The Company believes that the proposal would increase the reserve levels required for many ULSG products, and thus would make those products more expensive and less competitive as compared to other products. The products could also become less competitive as compared to similar products issued by companies with ready access to surplus-relief reinsurance (primarily large insurers with larger international operations). The Company cannot predict whether the proposal will be adopted and, if so, whether it will be in the form currently proposed and whether it will be retroactive. The Company believes that the impact of the proposal on the Company will be primarily prospective and relate to the competitiveness of its products as compared to traditional whole life or other high cash value insurance products or products sold by companies with ready access to surplus-relief reinsurers. To the extent the additional reserves are generally considered to be economically redundant, capital market or other solutions may emerge to reduce the impact of the proposal, if passed in its current form. The Company cannot predict when or if these solutions may become available.
The insurance industry has recently become the focus of increased scrutiny by regulatory and law enforcement authorities relating to allegations of improper special payments, price-fixing, bid-rigging and other alleged misconduct, including payments made by insurers to brokers and the practices surrounding the placement of insurance business. Such publicity may generate litigation against insurers, even those who do not engage in the business lines or practices currently at issue. It is impossible to predict the outcome of these investigations or proceedings, whether they will expand into other areas not yet contemplated, whether they will result in changes in insurance regulation, whether activities currently thought to be lawful will be characterized as unlawful, or the impact, if any, of this increased regulatory and law enforcement scrutiny of the insurance industry on the Company. As these inquiries appear to encompass a large segment of our industry, perhaps the entire industry, it would not be unusual for large numbers of companies in the life industry to receive subpoenas, requests for information from regulatory authorities or other inquiries relating to these and similar matters. From time to time, the Company may receive subpoenas, requests or other inquiries.
The California Department of Insurance has promulgated proposed regulations that would characterize some life insurance agents as brokers and impose certain obligations on those agents that may conflict with the interests of insurance carriers or require the agent to, among other things, advise the client with respect to the “best available insurer.” The Company cannot predict the outcome of this regulatory proposal or whether any other state will propose or adopt similar actions.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Inflation increases the need for life insurance. Many policyholders who once had adequate insurance programs may increase their life insurance coverage to provide the same relative financial benefit and protection. Higher interest rates may result in higher sales of certain of the Company’s investment products.
The higher interest rates that have traditionally accompanied inflation could also affect the Company’s operations. Policy loans increase as policy loan interest rates become relatively more attractive. As interest rates increase, disintermediation of stable value and annuity account balances and individual life policy cash values may increase. The market value of the Company’s fixed-rate, long-term investments may decrease, the Company may be unable to implement fully the interest rate reset and call provisions of its mortgage loans, and the Company’s ability to make attractive mortgage loans, including participating mortgage loans, may decrease. In addition, participating mortgage loan income may decrease. The difference between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate credited to life insurance and investment products may also be adversely affected by rising interest rates.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required by this item is included in Item 7,“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”and Item 8,“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following financial statements are located in this report on the pages indicated.
Page
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002......................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31,
2004 and 2003..........................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Share-Owners' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002..................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002..................................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm...................................................
For supplemental quarterly financial information, please see Note 14, “Consolidated Quarterly Results – Unaudited” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31
______________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Premiums and policy fees $ 1,841,296 $1,670,312 $1,561,717
Reinsurance ceded (1,142,644) (934,435) (751,396)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net of reinsurance ceded 698,652 735,877 810,321
Net investment income 1,084,217 1,030,752 1,022,953
Realized investment gains:
Derivative financial instruments 19,591 12,550 28,308
All other investments 28,305 58,064 910
Other income 157,810 120,282 100,196
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total revenues 1,988,575 1,957,525 1,962,688
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Benefits and expenses
Benefits and settlement expenses (net of reinsurance ceded:
2004 - $1,134,762; 2003 - $932,164; 2002 - $712,866) 1,130,437 1,151,574 1,167,085
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 200,130 225,107 267,662
Other operating expenses (net of reinsurance ceded:
2004 - $169,421; 2003 - $144,921; 2002 - $176,871) 272,807 255,432 262,898
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total benefits and expenses 1,603,374 1,632,113 1,697,645
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income before income tax 385,201 325,412 265,043
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income tax expense
Current 126,163 64,513 51,247
Deferred 8,657 43,849 36,441
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total income tax expense 134,820 108,362 87,688
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change 250,381 217,050 177,355
in accounting principle
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax (15,801) 0 0
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $ 234,580 $ 217,050 $ 177,355
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change in $3.56 $3.10 $2.54
accounting principle per share - basic
Net income per share - basic $3.34 $3.10 $2.54
Net income before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle per share - diluted $3.52 $3.07 $2.52
Net income per share - diluted $3.30 $3.07 $2.52
Cash dividends paid per share $ .685 $ .63 $ .59
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31
_________________________________
2004 2003
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities, at market (amortized cost: 2004 - $13,711,526; 2003 - $12,743,213) $14,412,605 $13,355,911
Equity securities, at market (cost: 2004 - $56,049; 2003 - $45,379) 58,941 46,731
Mortgage loans 3,005,418 2,733,722
Investment real estate, net of accumulated depreciation (2004 - $1,417; 2003 - $1,377) 107,246 18,126
Policy loans 482,780 502,748
Other long-term investments 259,025 249,494
Short-term investments 1,059,557 519,419
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total investments 19,385,572 17,426,151
Cash 130,596 136,698
Accrued investment income 196,076 189,232
Accounts and premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible
amounts (2004 - $2,452; 2003 - $2,617) 44,364 57,944
Reinsurance receivables 2,750,260 2,350,606
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,821,972 1,817,990
Goodwill 46,619 47,312
Property and equipment 45,454 45,640
Other assets 264,512 225,235
Assets related to separate accounts
Variable annuity 2,308,858 2,045,038
Variable universal life 217,095 171,408
Other 0 4,361
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$27,211,378 $24,517,615
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
December 31
_____________________________________
2004 2003
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
Liabilities
Policy liabilities and accruals
Future policy benefits and claims $10,014,106 $ 8,948,131
Unearned premiums 666,560 728,190
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total policy liabilities and accruals 10,680,666 9,676,321
Stable value product account balances 5,562,997 4,676,531
Annuity account balances 3,463,477 3,480,577
Other policyholders' funds 151,660 158,875
Other liabilities 1,075,949 875,652
Accrued income taxes 13,195 6,120
Deferred income taxes 312,544 337,609
Liabilities related to variable interest entities 482,434 400,000
Long-term debt 451,433 461,329
Subordinated debt securities 324,743 221,650
Liabilities related to separate accounts
Variable annuity 2,308,858 2,045,038
Variable universal life 217,095 171,408
Other 0 4,361
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total liabilities 25,045,051 22,515,471
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Commitments and contingent liabilities - Note 6
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Share-owners' equity
Preferred Stock, $1 par value
Shares authorized: 3,600,000
Issued: none
Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock, $1 par value
Shares authorized: 400,000
Issued: none
Common Stock, $.50 par value
Shares authorized: 2004 and 2003 - 160,000,000
Issued: 2004 and 2003 - 73,251,960 36,626 36,626
Additional paid-in capital 426,927 418,351
Treasury stock, at cost (2004 - 3,802,071 shares; 2003 - 4,260,259 shares) (13,632) (15,275)
Stock held in trust (2003 - 97,700 shares) 0 (2,788)
Unallocated stock in Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(2004 - 609,735 shares; 2003 - 724,068 shares) (1,989) (2,367)
Retained earnings 1,422,084 1,235,012
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Net unrealized gains on investments
(net of income tax: 2004 - $154,913; 2003 - $177,642) 287,695 329,907
Accumulated gain - hedging (net of income tax:
2004 - $4,639; 2003 - $1,442) 8,616 2,678
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total share-owners' equity 2,166,327 2,002,144
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$27,211,378 $24,517,615
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHARE-OWNERS' EQUITY
Total
Additional Unallocated Net Unrealized Accumulated Share-
Common Paid-In Treasury Stock Held Stock in Retained Gains (Losses) Gain/ (Loss) Owners'
(dollars in thousands) Stock Capital Stock In Trust ESOP Earnings on Investments Hedging Equity
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2001 $36,626 $405,420 $(15,895) $(1,535) $(3,317) $924,517 $54,328 $0 $1,400,144
__________
Net income for 2002 177,355 177,355
Change in net unrealized
gains/losses on investments
(net of income tax -
$99,209) 184,246 184,246
Reclassification adjustment
for amounts included in net
income
(net of income tax - $(318)) (591) (591)
Change in accumulated
gains (loss) hedging (net
of income
tax - $(1,114)) (2,069) (2,069)
__________
Comprehensive income for 2002 358,941
__________
Cash dividends ($0.59 per (40,511) (40,511)
share)
Purchase of common stock (882) (882)
Purchase of treasury stock (828) (828)
Stock-based compensation 2,928 311 3,239
Reissuance of treasury stock
to ESOP 49 10 (59) 0
Allocation of stock to
employee accounts 599 599
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2002 36,626 408,397 (16,402) (2,417) (2,777) 1,061,361 237,983 (2,069) 1,720,702
__________
Net income for 2003 217,050 217,050
Change in net unrealized
gains/losses on investments
(net of income tax -
$69,820) 129,666 129,666
Reclassification adjustment
for amounts included in
net income (net of income
tax - $(20,322)) (37,742) (37,742)
Change in accumulated
gain (loss) hedging (net of
income tax - $(2,556)) 4,747 4,747
__________
Comprehensive income for 2003 313,721
__________
Cash dividends ($0.63 per (43,399) (43,399)
share)
Purchase of common stock (371) (371)
Purchase of treasury stock 0
Stock-based compensation 9,195 1,009 10,204
Reissuance of treasury stock
to ESOP 759 118 (877) 0
Allocation of stock to
employee accounts 1,287 1,287
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2003 36,626 418,351 (15,275) (2,788) (2,367) 1,235,012 329,907 2,678 2,002,144
__________
Net income for 2004 234,580 234,580
Change in net unrealized
gains/losses on investments
(net of income tax -
$(12,823)) (23,814) (23,814)
Reclassification adjustment
for amounts included in
net income (net of income
tax - $(9,907)) (18,398) (18,398)
Change in accumulated
gain (loss) hedging (net of
income tax - $(3,197)) 5,938 5,938
__________
Comprehensive income for 2004 198,306
__________
Cash dividends ($0.685 per (47,508) (47,508)
share)
Sale of common stock 2,788 2,788
Purchase of treasury stock 0
Stock-based compensation 7,774 1,557 9,331
Reissuance of treasury stock
to ESOP 802 86 (888) 0
Allocation of stock to
employee accounts 1,266 1,266
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2004 -
Note 7 $36,626 $426,927 $(13,632) $0 $(1,989) $1,422,084 $287,695 $8,616 $2,166,327
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31
________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 234,580 $ 217,050 $ 177,355
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Realized investment (gains) losses (47,896) (58,064) (910)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 200,130 225,107 239,490
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs (362,882) (381,120) (435,324)
Depreciation expense 17,679 12,302 11,015
Deferred income taxes (151) 43,849 36,441
Accrued income taxes 5,060 (3,385) (57,711)
Interest credited to universal life and investment products 649,216 647,695 900,930
Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products (349,057) (324,773) (268,191)
Change in accrued investment income and other receivables (392,278) 18,885 (272,362)
Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders' funds of
traditional life and health products 813,018 500,871 528,122
Net change in trading securities 1,231 0 0
Change in other liabilities (4,915) (187,892) 98,504
Other, net (16,557) 74,992 (51,847)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash provided by operating activities 747,178 785,517 905,512
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from investing activities
Investments available for sale, net of short-term investments:
Maturities and principal reductions of investments 1,900,579 4,618,380 3,624,740
Sale of investments 4,262,628 7,539,941 15,272,346
Cost of investments acquired (7,109,138) (13,173,599) (20,014,231)
Mortgage loans:
New loans (658,276) (604,531) (402,556)
Additional borrowings on existing loans (61,234) (16,336) (60,602)
Repayments 443,363 405,299 454,483
Change in investment real estate, net 441 2,585 5,638
Change in policy loans, net 19,968 40,413 (21,320)
Change in other long-term investments, net 11,899 (26,760) (117,866)
Change in short-term investments, net (324,414) 258,442 (211,244)
Acquisitions and bulk reinsurance assumptions 0 0 130,515
Purchase of property and equipment (16,788) (16,618) (10,880)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash used in investing activities (1,530,972) (972,784) (1,350,977)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under line of credit arrangements and long-term debt 407,400 442,700 69,000
Principal payments on line of credit arrangements and long-term
debt (417,296) (387,480) (39,102)
Net payments on securities sold under repurchase agreements 0 0 (117,000)
Payment of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests 0 0 (75,000)
Dividends to share owners (47,508) (43,399) (40,511)
Issuance of subordinated debt securities 103,093 0 115,000
Purchase of common stock held in trust 0 (371) (882)
Purchase of treasury stock 0 0 (828)
Investment product deposits and change in universal life deposits 3,042,453 2,721,579 1,687,213
Investment product withdrawals (2,318,674) (2,511,017) (1,177,030)
Other financing activities 8,224 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash provided by financing activities 777,692 222,012 420,860
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Change in cash (6,102) 34,745 (24,605)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash at beginning of year 136,698 101,953 126,558
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash at end of year $ 130,596 $ 136,698 $ 101,953
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Protective Life Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) are prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities (see also Note 9).
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make various estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Entities Included
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts, after intercompany eliminations, of Protective Life Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company’s financial statements also include the accounts of certain variable interest entities which are not subsidiaries of the Company but are required to be consolidated under GAAP.
Nature of Operations
Protective Life Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. The Company markets individual life insurance, credit life and disability insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, fixed and variable annuities, and extended service contracts throughout the United States. The Company also maintains a separate division devoted to the acquisition of insurance policies from other companies. Founded in 1907, Protective Life Insurance Company (Protective Life) is the Company’s largest operating subsidiary.
The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, claims, persistency, and other factors.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which was revised in December 2003. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated support from other parties. The Company consolidated, as of December 31, 2003, a special-purpose entity whose investments are managed by the Company. The special-purpose entity was consolidated based on the determination that the Company was its primary beneficiary. The consolidation resulted in the Company’s reported assets and liabilities increasing by $430.6 million with an immaterial impact on the results of operations. The increase in assets was the result of the entity’s $430.6 million investment portfolio, while the increase in liabilities was due to $400.0 million of notes payable (reported in “liabilities related to variable interest entities”), $15.0 million of derivative liabilities (reported in “other liabilities”), and $15.6 million of minority interest (reported in “other liabilities”). Additionally, the Company deconsolidated, as of December 31, 2003, the special-purpose entities PLC Capital Trust III and PLC Capital Trust IV after determining the Company was not the primary beneficiary of these special-purpose entities. The deconsolidation resulted in a $6.6 million increase to “investments” and “subordinated debt securities”. The Company consolidated, as of March 31, 2004, two real estate investment companies that the Company had previously reported as investments. The entities were consolidated based on the determination that the Company was the primary beneficiary. The consolidation resulted in the Company’s reported assets and liabilities increasing by $76.2 million with an immaterial impact on results of operations.
On October 1, 2003, the Company adopted Derivatives Implementation Group Issue No. B36, “Embedded Derivatives: Modified Coinsurance Arrangements and Debt Instruments That Incorporate Credit Risk Exposures That Are Unrelated or Only Partially Related to the Creditworthiness of the Obligor under Those Instruments” (DIG B36). DIG B36 requires the bifurcation of embedded derivatives within certain modified coinsurance and funds withheld coinsurance arrangements that expose the creditor to credit risk of a company other than the debtor, even if the debtor owns as investment assets the third-party securities to which the creditor is exposed. The adoption did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
On December 31, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” as revised by the FASB in December 2003. The FASB revised disclosure requirements for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans to require more information. The revision of SFAS No. 132 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In July 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AcSEC) issued Statement of Position 03-1 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (SOP 03-1). SOP 03-1 provides guidance related to the establishment of reserves for benefit guarantees provided under certain long-duration contracts, as well as the accounting for mortality benefits provided in certain universal life products. In addition, it addresses the capitalization and amortization of sales inducements to contract holders. The SOP was effective January 1, 2004 and was adopted through an adjustment for the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle originally amounting to $10.1 million (net of $5.5 income tax). During the third quarter of 2004, AcSEC issued a Technical Practice Aid (TPA) which provided additional interpretive guidance on applying certain provisions of the SOP. As a result of this additional guidance, the Company restated its cumulative effect charge as of January 1, 2004 to record an additional expense of $5.7 million (net of $3.1 income tax). The following table presents the results for the first quarter of 2004 as originally reported and as adjusted for the addition to the cumulative effect adjustment.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
March 31, 2004 Adoption March 31, 2004
As Reported of TPA Restated
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle $ 65,305 $ 65,305
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net
of tax (10,128) $(5,673) (15,801)
_________________________________________________________
Net income $ 55,177 $(5,673) $ 49,504
_________________________________________________________
Per share information (diluted):
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of tax $(0.14) $(0.08) $(0.22)
Net income 0.78 (0.08) (0.70)
Per share information (basic):
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of tax (0.14) (0.08) (0.22)
Net income 0.79 (0.08) 0.71
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Company issues variable universal life and variable annuity products through its separate accounts for which the investment risk is borne by the contract holder. The Company also offers, for its variable annuity products, various account value guarantees upon death. The most significant of these guarantees involve (a) return of the highest anniversary date account value, or (b) return of the greater of the highest anniversary date account value or the last anniversary date account value compounded at 5% interest. The GMDB reserve is calculated by applying a benefit ratio, equal to the present value of total expected GMDB claims divided by the present value of total expected contract assessments, to cumulative contract assessments. This amount is then adjusted by the amount of cumulative GMDB claims paid and accrued interest. Assumptions used in the calculation of the GMDB reserve were as follows: mean investment performance of 9%, mortality at 60% of the 1994 MGDB Mortality Table plus a margin for reinsurance costs, lapse rates ranging from 1%-20% (depending on product type and duration), and an average discount rate of 7%. Changes in the GMDB reserve are included in benefits and settlement expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The variable annuity separate account balances subject to GMDB were $2.3 billion at December 31, 2004. The total guaranteed amount payable based on variable annuity account balances at December 31, 2004, was $211.9 million (including $182.0 million in the Annuities segment and $29.9 million in the Acquisitions segment), with a GMDB reserve of $5.0 million (including $4.6 million in the Annuities segment and $0.4 million in the Acquisitions segment). The average attained age of contract holders at December 31, 2004 was 65.
Activity relating to GMDB reserves for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
_______________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
_______________________________________________________________________________
Incurred claims $3,179 $6,416 $7,599
Paid claims 4,054 7,170 5,989
_______________________________________________________________________________
Account balances of variable annuities with guarantees were invested in variable annuity separate accounts as of December 31 were as follows:
_______________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003
_______________________________________________________________________________
Equity mutual funds $2,089,744 $1,845,952
Fixed income mutual funds 219,114 199,086
_______________________________________________________________________________
Total $2,308,858 $2,045,038
_______________________________________________________________________________
Certain of the Company's universal life products have a sales inducement in the form of a retroactive interest credit (RIC). In addition, certain variable annuity contracts provide a sales inducement in the form of a bonus interest credit. In accordance with SOP 03-1, the Company maintains a reserve for all interest credits earned to date. The Company defers the expense associated with the RIC and bonus interest credits each period and amortizes these costs in a manner similar to that used for deferred policy acquisition costs.
Activity in the Company's deferred sales inducement asset for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Deferred asset, beginning of period $27,713 $31,557 $29,179
Amounts deferred 12,597 14,041 9,567
Amortization (11,692) (17,885) (7,189)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Deferred asset, end of period $28,618 $27,713 $31,557
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of SFAS 123, which was originally issued by the FASB in 1995. SFAS 123(R) will become effective for the Company in the third quarter of 2005. As originally issued, SFAS 123 provided companies with the option to either record expense for share-based payments under a fair value model, or to simply disclose the impact of the expense. SFAS 123(R) requires companies to measure the cost of share-based payments to employees using a fair value model, and to recognize that cost over the relevant service period. In addition, SFAS 123(R) requires that an estimate of future award forfeitures be made at the grant date, while SFAS 123 permitted recognition of forfeitures on an as incurred basis. When SFAS 123 was originally issued, the Company elected to recognize the cost of its share-based compensation plans in its financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 123(R), but does not anticipate that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Investments
Investments are reported on the following bases:
| o | Fixed maturities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) – at current market value. Where market values are unavailable, the Company obtains estimates from independent pricing services or estimates market value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. |
| o | Equity securities (common and nonredeemable preferred stocks) – at current market value. |
| o | Mortgage loans – at unpaid balances, adjusted for loan origination costs, net of fees, and amortization of premium or discount. Mortgage loans are also recorded net of an allowance for credit losses. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that are believed to be at a higher risk of becoming impaired in the near future. |
| o | Investment real estate – at cost, less allowances for depreciation computed on the straight-line method. With respect to real estate acquired through foreclosure, cost is the lesser of the loan balance plus foreclosure costs or appraised value. |
| o | Policy loans - at unpaid balances. |
| o | Other long-term investments – at a variety of methods similar to those listed above, as deemed appropriate for the specific investment. |
| o | Short-term investments – at amortized cost, which approximates current market value, except collateral from securities lending which is recorded at current market value. |
Estimated market values were derived from the durations of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans. Duration measures the relationship between changes in market value to changes in interest rates. While these estimated market values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the market values of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.
Substantially all short-term investments have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition and include approximately $0.3 million in bank deposits voluntarily restricted as to withdrawal.
The market values of fixed maturities change due to interest rate changes, credit related events, and other factors. As prescribed by GAAP, investments deemed as “available for sale” are recorded at their market values with the resulting unrealized gains and losses reduced by a related adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs, net of income tax, reported as a component of share-owners’ equity. Furthermore, investments deemed as trading securities by the Company are recorded at their market values with any resulting unrealized gains and losses reported in net realized gains. The Company’s trading securities were consolidated as of December 31, 2003 in conjunction with the adoption of FIN 46, therefore, there was no income effect for 2003.
Investment securities are regularly reviewed for impairment. Unrealized losses that are deemed to be other than temporary are recognized in realized gains (losses). See Note 2 for further discussion of the Company’s policies regarding identification of other-than-temporary impairments. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income using the specific identification basis.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company utilizes a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk, inflation risk, and currency exchange risk. The Company monitors its use of derivatives in connection with its overall asset/liability management programs and strategies. These strategies are developed through the asset/liability committee’s analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources and are then incorporated into the Company’s risk management program.
Derivative instruments that are currently used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, and interest rate options. The Company’s inflation risk management strategy involves the use of swaps that require the Company to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate that is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Company also uses foreign currency swaps to manage its exposure to changes in the value of foreign currency denominated stable value contracts.
Derivative instruments expose the Company to credit and market risk. The Company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties. The Company also maintains netting and collateral support arrangements with its counterparties to further minimize the credit risk associated with its derivative instruments. The Company manages the market risk associated with interest rate and foreign exchange contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degrees of risk that may be undertaken.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133) requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. The Company records its derivative instruments on the balance sheet in “other long-term investments” and “other liabilities”. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or a hedge related to foreign currency exposure. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss realized on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The remaining gain or loss on these derivatives is recognized as ineffectiveness in current earnings during the period of the change. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings during the period of change in fair values. Effectiveness of the Company’s hedge relationships is assessed on a quarterly basis. The Company accounts for changes in fair values of derivatives that are not part of a qualifying hedge relationship through earnings in the period of change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are recognized in current earnings are reported in “realized investment gains (losses) – derivative financial instruments”.
Cash-Flow Hedges. The Company has entered into a foreign currency swap to hedge the risk of changes in the value of interest and principal payments to be made on certain foreign-currency-based stable value contracts. Under the terms of the swap, the Company pays a fixed U.S.-dollar-denominated rate and receives a fixed foreign-currency-denominated rate. Effective July 1, 2002, the Company designated this swap as a cash flow hedge and therefore recorded the change in the fair value of the swap during the period in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on this swap are reclassified from other comprehensive income to current earnings as payments are made on the hedged stable value contract. In connection with the issuance of inflation adjusted funding agreements, the Company has entered into swaps to convert the floating CPI-linked interest rate on the contracts to a fixed rate. The Company pays a fixed rate on the swap and receives a floating rate equal to the CPI change paid on the funding agreements. Gains and losses on these swaps are reclassified from other comprehensive income to current earnings as interest payments are made on the funding agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the amount of hedge ineffectiveness reported in income was a $1.0 million gain, a $0.3 million gain, and an immaterial loss, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company reported an after-tax increase to accumulated other comprehensive income of $5.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges. During 2005, the Company expects to reclassify $4.9 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings.
Fair-Value Hedges. During 2004 and 2003, there were no fair value hedges outstanding. In 2002, the Company designated, as fair value hedges, callable interest rate swaps used to modify the interest characteristics of certain callable debt and stable value contracts. In assessing hedge effectiveness, the Company excluded the embedded call option’s time value component from each derivative’s total gain or loss. In 2002, total measured ineffectiveness for the fair value hedging relationships as well as the excluded time value component were insignificant.
Other Derivatives. The Company also uses various other derivative instruments for risk management purposes that either do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment or have not currently been qualified by the Company for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in earnings during the period of change.
The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert the fixed interest rate payments on certain of its debt obligations to a floating rate. Interest is exchanged periodically on the notional value, with the Company receiving the fixed rate and paying various LIBOR-based rates. In 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recognized pre-tax gains of $17.6 million, $1.4 million, and $41.5 million, respectively, representing the change in value of these derivatives.
The Company uses certain foreign currency swaps, which are not designated as cash flow hedges, to mitigate its exposure to changes in currency rates. For 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million, a pre-tax gain of $2.6 million, and a pre-tax gain of $70.8 million on these swaps, respectively. In connection with these swaps, the Company also recognized a $0.4 million pre-tax loss, a $1.9 million pre-tax loss, and a $74.9 million pre-tax loss, respectively, during 2004, 2003, and 2002 as the change in value of the related foreign currency denominated stable value contracts. These net gains or losses primarily result from differences in the forward and spot exchange rates used to revalue the swaps and the stable value contracts.
The Company also uses short positions in interest rate futures to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s mortgage loan commitments. During 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $1.7 million, a pre-tax gain of $4.7 million, and a pre-tax loss of $30.3 million, respectively, as a result of changes in value of these futures positions.
The Company uses other interest rate swaps and options to manage the interest rate risk in the Company’s mortgage-backed security portfolio. For 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $0.5 million, a pre-tax loss of $6.1 million, and a pre-tax gain of $35.0 million, respectively, for the change in fair value of these derivatives.
The Company has entered into asset swap arrangements to, in effect, sell the equity options embedded in owned convertible bonds in exchange for an interest rate swap that converts the remaining host bond to a variable rate instrument. In 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recognized an immaterial loss, a $3.0 million gain, and a $2.0 million gain, respectively, for the change in the asset swaps’ fair value and recognized a $4.0 million gain, a $0.1 million gain, and a $7.8 million loss, respectively, to separately record the embedded equity options at fair value.
The Company has also entered into a total return swap in connection with a portfolio of investment securities managed by the Company for an unrelated party. The Company recognized a $0.7 million pre-tax loss, a $2.9 million pre-tax gain, and an $8.5 million pre-tax loss in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively, for the change in the total return swap’s fair value.
The Company has invested in debt securities with embedded options, which are considered to be derivative instruments under SFAS 133. In addition, the Company is involved in various modified coinsurance arrangements which, in accordance with DIG B36, contain embedded derivatives. The change in fair value of these derivatives resulted in the recognition of a $0.3 million pre-tax loss, a $5.6 million pre-tax gain, and a $1.3 million pre-tax loss in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
Cash
Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding checks and drafts. The Company has deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believes there is minimal risk of a material loss.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Commissions and other costs of acquiring traditional life and health insurance, credit insurance, universal life insurance, and investment products that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business, have been deferred. Traditional life and health insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to the present value of the total anticipated premium income. Credit insurance acquisition costs are being amortized in proportion to earned premium. Acquisition costs for universal life and investment products are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits before amortization. Under SFAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments,” the Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates (equal to the rate used to compute liabilities for future policy benefits; currently 2.3% to 12.6%) it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are to be best estimates and are to be periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. Additionally, relating to SFAS No. 115, these costs have been adjusted by an amount equal to the amortization that would have been recorded if unrealized gains or losses on investments associated with the Company’s universal life and investment products had been realized. Acquisition costs for stable value contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts using the effective yield method.
The cost to acquire blocks of insurance, representing the present value of future profits from such blocks of insurance, is also included in deferred policy acquisition costs. The Company amortizes the present value of future profits over the premium payment period, including accrued interest of up to approximately 8%. The unamortized present value of future profits for all acquisitions was approximately $468.0 million and $502.2 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During 2004, no present value of profits was capitalized and $34.2 million was amortized. During 2003, no present value of profits was capitalized and $40.3 million was amortized.
The expected amortization of the present value of future profits for the next five years is as follows:
Year Expected Amortization
_____________________________________________
2005 $31,100
2006 29,800
2007 28,300
2008 26,800
2009 25,000
_____________________________________________
Goodwill
The goodwill balance at December 31, 2004 was $46.6 million and $47.3 million on December 31, 2003. The $0.7 million reduction in the goodwill balance in 2004 relates to the sale of a small subsidiary by the Asset Protection segment. At October 31, 2004, and 2003, the Company evaluated its goodwill and determined that fair value had not decreased below carrying value and no adjustment to impair goodwill was necessary in accordance with SFAS No. 142.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company primarily uses the straight-line method of depreciation based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company’s Home Office building is depreciated over a thirty-nine year useful life, furniture is depreciated over a ten year useful life, office equipment and machines are depreciated over a five year useful life, and software and computers are depreciated over a three year useful life. Major repairs or improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Other repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
2004 2003
____________________________________________________________________________________
Home Office building $ 50,156 $ 48,678
Data processing equipment 39,527 35,708
Other, principally furniture and equipment 48,786 46,270
____________________________________________________________________________________
138,469 130,656
Accumulated depreciation 93,015 85,016
____________________________________________________________________________________
$ 45,454 $ 45,640
____________________________________________________________________________________
Separate Accounts
The assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in which the Company does not bear the investment risk are valued at market and reported separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Amounts assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and other services are included in premiums and policy fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Stable Value Product Account Balances
The Company markets guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans, and fixed and floating rate funding agreements to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, institutional investors, bank trust departments, and money market funds. Through its registered funding agreement-backed note program, the Company is able to offer secured notes to both institutional and retail investors. GICs are generally contracts that specify a return on deposits for a specified period and often provide flexibility for withdrawals at book value in keeping with the benefits provided by the plan. Stable value product account balances include GICs and funding agreements issued by the Company as well as the obligations of consolidated special purpose trusts or entities formed to purchase funding agreements issued by the Company. At December 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company had $3.9 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively of stable value product account balances marketed through structured programs. Most GICs and funding agreements written by the Company have maturities of three to seven years. At December 31, 2004, future maturities of stable value products were $1.2 billion in 2005, $2.4 billion in 2006–2007, $0.9 billion in 2008–2009, and $1.1 billion after 2009.
Revenues and Benefits Expense
Traditional Life, Health, and Credit Insurance Products:
Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, and they include whole life insurance policies, term and term-like life insurance policies, limited payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies. Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Health and credit insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contracts. This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Gross premiums in excess of net premiums related to immediate annuities are deferred and recognized over the life of the policy.
Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield assumptions on December 31, 2004 range from 6.6% to 7.0%. The liability for future policy benefits and claims on traditional life, health, and credit insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to the Company and claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period in which the claims are incurred.
Activity in the liability for unpaid claims for life and health insurance is summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance beginning of year $121,832 $116,214 $100,023
Less reinsurance 55,395 54,765 33,723
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Net balance beginning of year 66,437 61,449 66,300
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Incurred related to: 256,754 266,676 258,612
Current year
Prior year (30) (1,783) (338)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Total incurred 256,724 264,893 258,274
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Paid related to: 210,943 261,311 243,206
Current year
Prior year 43,991 (1,406) 22,528
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Total paid 254,934 259,905 265,734
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Other changes:
Acquisitions and reserve transfers 0 0 2,609
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Net balance end of year 68,227 66,437 61,449
Plus reinsurance 66,788 55,395 54,765
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance end of year $135,015 $121,832 $116,214
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Universal Life and Investment Products:
Universal life and investment products include universal life insurance, guaranteed investment contracts, guaranteed funding agreements, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies. Premiums and policy fees for universal life and investment products consist of fees that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned. Benefit reserves for universal life and investment products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest rates credited to universal life products ranged from 3.7% to 12.6% and investment products ranged from 2.3% to 9.4% in 2004.
The Company’s accounting policies with respect to variable universal life and variable annuities are identical except that policy account balances (excluding account balances that earn a fixed rate) are valued at market and reported as components of assets and liabilities related to separate accounts.
Property and Casualty Insurance Products:
Property and casualty insurance products include service contract business, surety bonds, residual value insurance, guaranteed asset protection (GAP), credit-related coverages, and inventory protection products. Premiums for service contracts and GAP products are recognized based on expected claim patterns. For all other products, premiums are generally recognized over the terms of the contract on a pro-rata basis. Fee income from providing administrative services is recognized as earned when the related services are performed. Unearned premium reserves are maintained for the portion of the premiums that is related to the unexpired period of the policy. Benefit reserves are recorded when insured events occur. Benefit reserves include case basis reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date as well as incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date. The case base reserves and IBNR are calculated based on historical experience and on assumptions relating to claim severity and frequency, the level of used vehicle prices, and other factors. These assumptions are modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Income tax provisions are generally based on income reported for financial statement purposes. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to the deferral of policy acquisition costs and the provision for future policy benefits and expenses.
Net Income Per Share
Net income per share – basic is net income divided by the average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding including shares that are issuable under various deferred compensation plans. Net income per share – diluted is adjusted net income divided by the average number of shares outstanding including all diluted, potentially issuable shares that are issuable under various stock-based compensation plans and stock purchase contracts.
Net income and a reconciliation of basic and diluted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $234,580 $217,050 $177,355
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Average shares issued and outstanding 69,358,641 68,886,442 68,659,881
Stock held in trust (60,478) (102,412) (67,566)
Issuable under various deferred compensation plans 1,001,307 1,249,258 1,331,640
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Average shares outstanding - basic 70,299,470 70,033,288 69,923,955
Stock held in trust 60,478 102,412 67,566
Stock appreciation rights 313,984 248,289 220,500
Issuable under various other stock-based compensation plans 390,607 260,653 250,776
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Average shares outstanding - diluted 71,064,539 70,644,642 70,462,797
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash paid during the year:
Interest on debt $ 49,107 $ 45,341 $ 39,553
Income taxes 117,240 66,082 132,039
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Reissuance of treasury stock to ESOP $ 888 $ 877 $ 59
Change in unallocated stock in ESOP 378 410 540
Stock-based compensation 9,331 10,204 3,239
Change in collateral for securities lending
transactions 214,824 83,456 250,806
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Acquisitions and related reinsurance transactions:
Assets acquired $ 0 $ 0 $ 358,897
Liabilities assumed 0 0 (489,412)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net $ 0 $ 0 $(130,515)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or share-owners’ equity.
2. Investment Operations
Major categories of net investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed maturities $ 822,081 $ 743,934 $ 680,825
Equity securities 2,684 2,321 3,500
Mortgage loans 232,577 208,983 218,165
Investment real estate 1,622 3,478 2,437
Short-term investments and other 55,573 91,795 134,900
________________________________________________________________________________________________
1,114,537 1,050,511 1,039,827
Investment expenses 30,320 19,759 16,874
________________________________________________________________________________________________
$1,084,217 $1,030,752 $1,022,953
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Realized investment gains (losses) for all other investments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed maturities $29,015 $57,756 $ 8,052
Equity securities 58 (1,727) (4,397)
Mortgage loans and other investments (768) 2,035 (2,745)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
$28,305 $58,064 $ 910
________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 2004, gross gains on investments available for sale (fixed maturities, equity securities, and short-term investments) were $54.8 million, and gross losses were $25.7 million. In 2003, gross gains were $84.9 million, and gross losses were $28.9 million. In 2002, gross gains were $48.0 million, and gross losses were $44.3 million.
The amortized cost and estimated market value of the Company’s investments classified as available for sale at December 31 are as follows:
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
Cost Gains Losses Market Value
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
Mortgage-backed securities $ 4,812,610 $110,269 $(22,997) $ 4,899,882
United States Government and authorities 79,225 7,042 (267) 86,000
States, municipalities, and political
subdivisions 27,915 2,488 0 30,403
Public utilities 1,605,276 122,636 (4,759) 1,723,153
Convertibles and bonds with warrants 10,439 597 (89) 10,947
All other corporate bonds 6,766,424 505,220 (23,120) 7,248,524
Redeemable preferred stocks 3,406 187 0 3,593
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13,305,295 748,439 (51,232) 14,002,502
Equity securities 56,049 3,491 (599) 58,941
Short-term investments 1,052,357 0 0 1,052,357
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$14,413,701 $751,930 $(51,831) $15,113,800
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AtDecember 31, 2004, the Company had an additional $410.1 million of fixed maturities and $7.2 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2003
Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
Mortgage-backed securities $ 4,491,392 $132,984 $(36,112) $ 4,588,264
United States Government and authorities 83,834 6,538 (119) 90,253
States, municipalities, and political
subdivisions 25,349 1,738 (1) 27,086
Public utilities 1,389,389 96,926 (10,776) 1,475,539
Convertibles and bonds with warrants 43,384 743 (277) 43,850
All other corporate bonds 6,286,776 455,323 (34,476) 6,707,623
Redeemable preferred stocks 2,957 207 0 3,164
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12,323,081 694,459 (81,761) 12,935,779
Equity securities 45,379 1,881 (529) 46,731
Short-term investments 514,619 0 0 514,619
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$12,883,079 $696,340 $(82,290) $13,497,129
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At December 31, 2003, the Company had an additional $420.1 million of fixed maturities and $4.8 million of short-term investments classified as trading securities.
The amortized cost and estimated market value of available for sale fixed maturities at December 31, 2004, by expected maturity, are shown as follows. Expected maturities are derived from rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.
Estimated Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value
___________________________________________________________________________
Due in one year or less $ 401,392 $ 412,418
Due after one year through five years 1,681,414 1,747,893
Due after five years through ten years 3,701,871 3,901,563
Due after ten years 7,520,618 7,940,628
___________________________________________________________________________
$13,305,295 $14,002,502
___________________________________________________________________________
Each quarter the Company reviews investments with unrealized losses and tests for other-than-temporary impairments. The Company analyzes various factors to determine if any specific other than temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, a realized loss is incurred and the cost basis of the impaired asset is adjusted to its fair value. During 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments in its investments of $18.3 million, $22.3 million, and $30.2 million, respectively.
The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, 2004.
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
_________________________ ________________________ ____________________________
Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Market Unrealized
Value Loss Value Loss Value Loss
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mortgage-backed $1,005,036 $(18,075) $ 21,120 $ (4,922) $1,026,156 $(22,997)
securities
US government 22,545 (187) 2,162 (80) 24,707 (267)
State, municipalities, 72 0 0 0 72 0
etc.
Public utilities 99,112 (787) 97,405 (3,972) 196,517 (4,759)
Convertible bonds 0 0 184 (89) 184 (89)
Other corporate bonds 681,747 (12,799) 226,548 (10,321) 908,295 (23,120)
Equities 2,687 (281) 1,793 (318) 4,480 (599)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$1,811,199 $(32,129) $349,212 $(19,702) $2,160,411 $(51,831)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For mortgage-backed securities in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months, $4.8 million of the unrealized loss relates to securities issued in Company-sponsored commercial loan securitizations. The Company does not consider these unrealized loss positions to be other than temporary, because the underlying mortgage loans continue to perform consistently with the Company’s original expectations.
The other corporate bonds category has gross unrealized losses greater than 12 months of $10.3 million at December 31, 2004, including $6.3 million of electrical industry securities. The public utilities category has gross unrealized losses greater than 12 months of $4.0 million. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered included credit ratings, the financial health of the investee, the continued access of the investee to capital markets, and other pertinent information including the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities to recovery.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had bonds which were rated less than investment grade of $966.0 million and $995.5 million, respectively, having an amortized cost of $933.4 million and $990.7 million, respectively. Not included in these less than investment grade bonds at December 31, 2004 and 2003, are $11.2 million and $10.9 million of trading securities. At December 31, 2004, approximately $63.4 million of the bonds rated less than investment grade were securities issued in Company-sponsored commercial mortgage loan securitizations. Approximately $1,889.9 million of bonds are not publicly traded.
The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturity and equity securities, classified as available for sale, for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:
2004 2003 2002
________________________________________________________________________
Fixed maturities $54,931 $110,499 $227,283
Equity securities 1,001 2,372 (480)
________________________________________________________________________
The Company participates in securities lending, primarily as an investment yield enhancement, whereby securities that are held as investments are loaned to third parties for short periods of time. The Company requires collateral of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. The loaned securities’ market value is monitored, on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained as necessary. At December 31, 2004, securities with a market value of $535.4 million were loaned under these agreements. As collateral for the loaned securities, the Company receives short-term investments, which are recorded in “short-term investments” with a corresponding liability recorded in “other liabilities” to account for the Company’s obligation to return the collateral.
At December 31, 2004, all of the Company’s mortgage loans were commercial loans of which 71% were retail, 10% were apartments, 9% were office buildings, 8% were warehouses, and 2% were other. The Company specializes in making mortgage loans on either credit-oriented or credit-anchored commercial properties. No single tenant’s leased space represents more than 2.7% of mortgage loans. Approximately 73% of the mortgage loans are on properties located in the following states listed in decreasing order of significance: Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah, Mississippi, Virginia, California and Ohio.
Many of the mortgage loans have call provisions between 3 and 10 years. Assuming the loans are called at their next call dates, approximately $167.5 million would become due in 2005, $605.8 million in 2006 through 2009, $432.2 million in 2010 through 2014, and $78.3 million thereafter.
At December 31, 2004, the average mortgage loan was $2.4 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 7.1%. The largest single mortgage loan was $22.6 million.
For several years the Company has offered a type of commercial mortgage loan under which the Company will permit a slightly higher loan-to-value ratio in exchange for a participating interest in the cash flows from the underlying real estate. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $439.8 million and $382.7 million, respectively, of the Company’s mortgage loans have this participation feature.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s problem mortgage loans (over sixty days past due) and foreclosed properties totaled $10.8 million and $11.8 million, respectively. Since the Company’s mortgage loans are collateralized by real estate, any assessment of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the real estate. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had an allowance for mortgage loan credit losses of $3.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively. This allowance is calculated through analysis of specific loans that are believed to be at a higher risk of becoming impaired in the near future.
Subsequent to December 31, 2004, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. (Winn-Dixie), an anchor tenant in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At December 31, 2004, the Company had 49 loans amounting to $131.9 million in loan balances in which Winn-Dixie was considered to be the anchor tenant for the underlying property (including 12 loans with balances of $21.7 million included in mortgage loan securitization trusts in which the Company holds retained beneficial interests). At December 31, 2004, the rents from Winn-Dixie represented approximately 45% of the total rents applicable to the properties underlying these loans (including approximately 66% of rents on loans in mortgage loan securitizations). The Company has evaluated each of the related loans, and, at this time, does not believe any of the loans to be materially impaired. The Company will continue to actively monitor these loans and assess them for potential impairments as circumstances develop in the future.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had investments related to retained beneficial interests of mortgage loan securitizations of $265.1 million and $283.6 million, respectively.
Certain investments with a carrying value of $2.4 million were non-income producing for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
Policy loan interest rates generally range from 4.5% to 8.0%.
3. Income Taxes
The Company’s effective income tax rate related to continuing operations varied from the maximum federal income tax rate as follows:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________
Statutory federal income tax 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
rate applied to pretax income
State income taxes 0.7 0.2 0.8
Dividends received deduction
and tax-exempt income (1.5) (1.5) (2.1)
Low-income housing credit 0.0 (0.3) (0.4)
Other 0.8 (0.1) (0.2)
______________________________________________________________________________________
35.0% 33.3% 33.1%
______________________________________________________________________________________
The provision for federal income tax differs from amounts currently payable due to certain items reported for financial statement purposes in periods which differ from those in which they are reported for income tax purposes.
During the year ended December 31, 2004 the Company adopted SOP 03-1 and recognized a deferred tax benefit of approximately $8,508.
The components of the Company’s income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Taxes estimated to be payable currently:
Federal $122,309 $62,602 $48,162
State 3,854 1,911 3,085
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total current $126,163 $64,513 $51,247
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Taxes deferred:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Federal $149 $43,849 $36,441
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
During the year ended December 31, 2004 the Company adopted SOP 03-1 and recognized a deferred tax benefit of approximately $8,508.
The components of the Company's net deferred income tax liability as of December 31 were as follows:
2004 2003
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Deferred income tax assets:
Policy and policyholder liability reserves $317,946 $262,094
Other 36,058 24,790
_____________________________________________________________________________________
354,004 286,884
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Deferred income tax liabilities: 537,933 485,361
Deferred policy acquisition costs
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments 128,615 139,132
_____________________________________________________________________________________
666,548 624,493
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Net deferred income tax liability $312,544 $337,609
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Under pre-1984 life insurance company income tax laws, a portion of the Company’s gain from operations which was not subject to current income taxation was accumulated for income tax purposes in a memorandum account designated as Policyholders’ Surplus. The aggregate accumulation in this account at December 31, 2004, was approximately $70.5 million. Should the accumulation in the Policyholders’ Surplus account of the life insurance subsidiaries exceed certain stated maximums, or should distributions including cash dividends be made to Protective Life Corporation in excess of approximately $1.8 billion, such excess would be subject to federal income taxes at rates then effective. Legislation was enacted in 2004 which will suspend application of this provision for tax years 2005 and 2006. Deferred income taxes have not been provided on amounts designated as Policyholders’ Surplus. Under current income tax laws, the Company does not anticipate paying income tax on amounts in the Policyholders’ Surplus accounts.
4. Long-Term Debt, Subordinated Debt Securities, and Liabilities Related to Variable Interest Entities
Long-term debt and subordinated debt securities at December 31 are summarized as follows:
2004 2003
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Long-term debt (year of issue):
Notes payable to banks $ 0 $ 25,000
7.95% Senior Notes (1994), due 2004 0 75,000
7.45% Medium-Term Notes (1996), due 2011 9,852 9,852
8.25% Senior Notes (2000), due 2030, callable 2005 34,699 34,699
7.50% Senior Notes (2000), due 2016, callable 2004 0 59,864
4.30% Senior Notes (2003), due 2013 250,000 250,000
4.875% Senior Notes (2004), due 2014 150,000 0
Mortgage notes on investment real estate 6,882 6,914
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total long-term debt $451,433 $461,329
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Subordinated debt securities (year of issue):
7.50% Subordinated Debentures (2001), due 2031, callable 2006 $103,093 $103,093
7.25% Subordinated Debentures (2002), due 2032, callable 2007 118,557 118,557
6.125% Subordinated Debentures (2004), due 2034, callable 2009 103,093 0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total subordinated debt securities $324,743 $221,650
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Future maturities of long-term debt and subordinated debt securities are as follows:
Year Amount
_____________________________________________
2005 $ 0
2006 2,202
2007 0
2008 0
2009 0
Thereafter 773,974
Under revolving line of credit arrangements with several banks, the Company can borrow up to $200 million on an unsecured basis. No compensating balances are required to maintain the line of credit. These arrangements contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining certain financial ratios and restrictions on indebtedness incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company, on a consolidated basis, cannot incur debt in excess of 40% of its total capital. At December 31, 2004, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under these arrangements. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
The Company has also accessed capital from subordinated debt securities issued to wholly-owned subsidiary trusts. Securities currently outstanding were offered through a series of trusts (PLC Capital Trust III, PLC Capital Trust IV, and PLC Capital Trust V). These trusts were formed solely to issue preferred securities (TOPrS) and use the proceeds thereof to purchase subordinated debentures of the Company. The sole assets of the trusts are the subordinated debt securities issued by the Company. The principal obligations of the trusts are irrevocably guaranteed by the Company. Under the terms of the subordinated debentures, the Company has the right to extend interest payment periods up to five consecutive years. Consequently, dividends on the preferred securities may be deferred (but will continue to accumulate, together with additional dividends on any accumulated but unpaid dividends at the dividend rate) by the trusts during any such extended interest payment period.
Limited amounts of the 8.25% Senior Notes and 7.45% Medium-Term Notes may be redeemed upon the death of the beneficial owner of the notes.
As of December 31, 2003, the Company consolidated a special-purpose entity, as a result of the implementation of FIN 46. The consolidated entity included a $430.6 million investment portfolio, $400.0 million of notes payable, $15.0 million of derivative liabilities, and $15.6 million of minority interest. In accordance with FIN 46, the Company also consolidated, as of March 31, 2004, two real estate investment companies previously reported as investments. This consolidation resulted in the recognition of notes payable owed by the investment companies. The $482.4 million and $400.0 million of notes payable reported on the balance sheet in “liabilities related to variable interest entities” at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, are not the legal obligations of the Company, but will be repaid with cash flows generated by the separate entities’ operations.
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of its debt from a fixed interest rate to a floating rate. These interest rate swap agreements do not qualify as hedges of the corresponding long-term debt or subordinated debt securities, under SFAS 133. All net interest settlements and mark-to-market adjustments for these interest rate swap agreements are recorded as "Realized investment gains (losses) — derivative financial instruments." Interest expense on all debt totaled $49.7 million, $43.6 million, and $40.7 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
5. Acquisition
In June 2002, the Company coinsured a block of traditional life and interest-sensitive life insurance policies from Conseco Variable Insurance Company (Conseco). This transaction has been accounted for as a purchase, and the results of the transaction have been included in the accompanying financial statements since its effective date.
Summarized below are the consolidated results of operations for 2002, on an unaudited pro forma basis, as if the Conseco transaction had occurred as of January 1, 2002. The pro forma information is based on the Company’s consolidated results of operations for 2002, and on data provided by the acquired block, after giving effect to certain pro forma adjustments. The pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of results of operations that would have occurred had the transaction occurred on the basis assumed above nor are they indicative of results of the future operations of the combined enterprises.
(unaudited) 2002 ____________________________________________________________ Total revenues $2,003,158 Net income 179,981 Net income per share - basic 2.57 Net income per share - diluted 2.55 ____________________________________________________________
6. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company is contingently liable to obtain a $20 million letter of credit under indemnity agreements with its directors. Such agreements provide insurance protection in excess of the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in force at the time up to $20 million. Should certain events occur constituting a change in control of the Company, the Company must obtain the letter of credit upon which directors may draw for defense or settlement of any claim relating to performance of their duties as directors. The Company has similar agreements with certain of its officers providing up to $10 million in indemnification that are not secured by the obligation to obtain a letter of credit.
The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 25 cities including Birmingham, with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The aggregate annualized rent is approximately $6.0 million. Additionally, the Company leases a building contiguous to its home office, which expires in February 2007. Lease payments in 2005 and 2006 approximate $1.7 million per year. At the end of the lease term the Company may purchase the building for approximately $75 million.
Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. The Company does not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the financial statements. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s own financial strength.
A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers and other providers of financial services involving sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very little appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. The Company, like other financial service companies, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such litigation and in arbitration. Although the outcome of any such litigation or arbitration cannot be predicted, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.
7. Share-Owners’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation
Activity in the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock is summarized as follows:
Treasury Outstanding
Issued Shares Shares Shares
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2001 73,251,960 4,696,788 68,555,172
Reissuance of treasury stock (150,177) 150,177
Repurchase of treasury stock 29,455 (29,455)
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2002 73,251,960 4,576,066 68,675,894
Reissuance of treasury stock (315,807) 315,807
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2003 73,251,960 4,260,259 68,991,701
Reissuance of treasury stock (458,188) 458,188
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Balance, December 31, 2004 73,251,960 3,802,071 69,449,889
____________________________________________________________________________________________
The Company has a Rights Agreement that provides rights to owners of the Company’s Common Stock to purchase Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, or in certain circumstances, either Common Stock or common stock of an acquiring company at one-half the market price of such Common Stock or common stock, as the case may be. The rights will become exercisable if certain events occur with respect to the Company, including the acquisition by a person or group of 15% or more of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company can redeem the rights at $.01 per right in certain circumstances, including redemption until 10 business days following a public announcement that 15% or more of the Company’s Common Stock has been acquired by a person or group.
Share owners have authorized 4,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value. Other terms, including preferences, voting, and conversion rights, may be established by the Board of Directors. In connection with the Rights Agreement, 400,000 of these shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, and were unissued at December 31, 2004. The remaining 3,600,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, were also unissued at December 31, 2004.
The Company sponsors a deferred compensation plan for certain of its agents. A trust was established to aid the Company in meeting its obligations under the plan. Previously, Company Common Stock owned by the trust was accounted for as treasury stock. In September 2004, all Company Common Stock owned by the trust was sold.
The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The stock is used to match employee contributions to the Company’s 401(k) and Stock Ownership Plan (401(k) Plan) and to provide other employee benefits. The stock held by the ESOP that has not yet been used is the unallocated stock shown as a reduction to share-owners’ equity. The ESOP shares are dividend-paying and are considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Dividends on the shares are used to pay the ESOP’s note to Protective Life. If certain events associated with a change in control of the Company occur, any unallocated shares held by the ESOP will become allocable to employee 401(k) accounts.
The Company may, from time to time, reissue treasury shares or buy in the open market additional shares of Common Stock to complete its 401(k) obligations. Accordingly, in 2003, the Company reissued from treasury 38,317 shares of Common Stock to the 401(k) Plan and reissued from treasury another 72,497 shares during 2004.
Since 1973, the Company has had stock-based incentive plans to motivate management to focus on the Company’s long-range performance through the awarding of stock-based compensation. Under plans approved by share owners in 1997 and 2003, up to 6,500,000 shares may be issued in payment of awards.
The criteria for payment of performance awards is based primarily upon a comparison of the Company’s average return on average equity and total rate of return over a four-year award period (earlier upon the death, disability, or retirement of the executive, or in certain circumstances, of a change in control of the Company) to that of a comparison group of publicly held life and multiline insurance companies. If the Company’s results are below the median of the comparison group, no portion of the award is earned. If the Company’s results are at or above the 90th percentile, the award maximum is earned. Awards are paid in shares of Company Common Stock.
Performance shares and performance-based stock appreciation rights (P-SARs) awarded in 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000 and the estimated fair value of the awards at grant date are as follows:
Year Performance Estimated
Awarded Shares P-SARs Fair Value
_________________________________________________________________
2004 125,670 $4,600
2003 148,730 3,900
2002 192,360 5,700
2001 153,490 40,000 4,900
2000 3,330 513,618 3,700
_________________________________________________________________
Performance shares are equivalent in value to one share of Company Common Stock times the award earned percentage payout. P-SARs convert to the equivalent of one stock appreciation right (SAR) if earned times the award percentage payout. Of the 2000 P-SARs awarded, 87,778 were canceled and 425,840 converted to 547,728 SARs. The 40,000 P-SARs awarded in 2001 were not earned and have been canceled. The P-SARs, once converted to SARs, expire 10 years after the grant date. At December 31, 2004, the total outstanding performance shares related to these performance-based plans measured at maximum payouts were 846,313.
Between 1996 and 2003 SARs were granted (in addition to the P-SARs discussed above) to certain officers of the Company to provide long-term incentive compensation based solely on the performance of the Company’s Common Stock. The SARs are exercisable after five years (earlier upon the death, disability, or retirement of the officer, or in certain circumstances, of a change in control of the Company) and expire after ten years or upon termination of employment. The SARs activity as well as weighted average base price for 2002, 2003, and 2004 is as follows:
Weighted Average
Base Price No. of SARs
____________________________________________________________________________
Balance at December 31, 2001 $19.92 1,113,823
SARs granted 32.00 480,000
SARs exercised 32.60 (80,000)
SARs canceled 22.31 (15,000)
____________________________________________________________________________
Balance at December 31, 2002 23.90 1,498,823
SARs granted 26.49 95,000
P-SARs converted 22.31 45,838
P-SARs canceled 30.77 (22,500)
____________________________________________________________________________
Balance at December 31, 2003 23.91 1,617,161
P-SARs converted 22.31 401,818
SARs exercised 18.68 (451,036)
____________________________________________________________________________
Balance at December 31, 2004 $25.01 1,567,943
____________________________________________________________________________
The outstanding SARs at December 31, 2004, were at the following base prices:
SARs Remaining Life Currently
Base Price Outstanding in Years Exercisable
_____________________________________________________________________________
$17.44 235,000 1 235,000
26.49 15,000 2 15,000
32.00 30,000 2 30,000
22.31 720,443 5 542,943
31.26 50,000 6 0
31.29 2,500 6 0
32.00 435,000 7 0
26.49 80,000 8 0
_____________________________________________________________________________
The SARs issued in 2002 and 2003 had estimated fair values at grant date of $3.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The fair value of the 2003 SARs was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the model were as follows: expected volatility of 25.0% (approximately equal to that of the S&P Life and Health Insurance Index), a risk-free interest rate of 3.1%, a dividend rate of 2.1%, and an expected exercise date of 2009.
The Company will pay an amount in stock equal to the difference between the specified base price of the Company’s Common Stock and the market value at the exercise date for each SAR.
The expense recorded by the Company for its stock-based compensation plans was $4.8 million, $5.5 million, and $5.2 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The Company’s obligations of its stock-based compensation plans that are expected to be settled in shares of the Company’s Common Stock are reported as a component of share-owners’ equity.
The Company has established deferred compensation plans for directors, officers, and others. Compensation deferred is credited to the participants in cash, Common Stock equivalents, or a combination thereof. The Company may, from time to time, reissue treasury shares or buy in the open market shares of Common Stock to fulfill its obligation under the plans. At December 31, 2004, the plans had 991,763 shares of Common Stock equivalents credited to participants.
At December 31, 2004, approximately $574.2 million of consolidated share-owners’ equity, excluding net unrealized gains on investments, represented net assets of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries that cannot be transferred to Protective Life Corporation. In addition, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to Protective Life Corporation. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries in 2005 is estimated to be $231.6 million.
8. Related Party Matters
Certain corporations with which the Company’s directors were affiliated paid the Company premiums and policy fees or other amounts for various types of insurance and investment products. Such premiums, policy fees, and other amounts totaled $10.5 million, $12.2 million, and $16.0 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The Company paid commissions, interest on debt and investment products, and fees to these same corporations totaling $2.6 million, $2.1 million, and $1.6 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 2003, the Company had a swap contract with a related party having a notional amount of $303.7 million and a gain position of $31.0 million.
9. Statutory Reporting Practices and Other Regulatory Matters
Financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP differ in some respects from the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. The most significant differences are as follows: (a) acquisition costs of obtaining new business are deferred and amortized over the approximate life of the policies rather than charged to operations as incurred; (b) benefit liabilities are computed using a net level method and are based on realistic estimates of expected mortality, interest, and withdrawals as adjusted to provide for possible unfavorable deviation from such assumptions; (c) deferred income taxes are not subject to statutory limitations as to amounts recognized and are recognized through earnings as opposed to being charged to share-owners’ equity; (d) the Asset Valuation Reserve and Interest Maintenance Reserve are restored to share-owners’ equity; (e) furniture and equipment, agents’ debit balances, and prepaid expenses are reported as assets rather than being charged directly to surplus (referred to as nonadmitted assets); (f) certain items of interest income, such as mortgage and bond discounts, are amortized differently; and (g) bonds are recorded at their market values instead of amortized cost.
The net income and share-owners’ equity prepared in conformity with statutory reporting practices compared to that reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Net Income (Loss) Share-Owners' Equity
____________________________________________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In conformity with statutory
reporting practices(1) $202,980 $274,244 $ (2,418) $1,317,719 $1,135,942 $ 852,645
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In conformity with GAAP $234,580 $217,050 $177,355 $2,166,327 $2,002,144 $1,720,702
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) Consolidated
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with regulatory authorities, fixed maturity and short-term investments with a market value of approximately $61.1 million.
10. Operating Segments
The Company operates several business segments each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is generally distinguished by products and/or channels of distribution. A brief description of each segment follows.
| o | The Life Marketing segment markets level premium term and term-like insurance, universal life, variable universal life and “bank owned life insurance” (BOLI) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, and in the BOLI market. |
| o | The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies sold to individuals. |
| o | The Annuities segment manufactures, sells, and supports fixed and variable annuity products. These products are primarily sold through stockbrokers, but are also sold through financial institutions and the Life Marketing segment’s sales force. |
| o | The Stable Value Products segment markets guaranteed investment contracts to 401(k) and other qualified retirement savings plans, and sells funding agreements to special purpose entities that in turn issue notes or certificates in smaller, transferable denominations. The segment also markets fixed and floating rate funding agreements directly to the trustees of municipal bond proceeds, institutional investors, bank trust departments, and money market funds. |
| o | The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles and watercraft. |
The Company has an additional segment herein referred to as Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including net investment income on unallocated capital and interest on all debt). This segment also includes earnings from several non-strategic lines of business (mostly cancer insurance, residual value insurance, surety insurance, and group annuities), various investment-related transactions, and the operations of several small subsidiaries (including a subsidiary that markets discount plans). The surety and residual value insurance lines were moved from the Asset Protection segment to Corporate and Other in 2004, and prior period segment data has been restated to reflect the change.
The Company uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure segment operating income and assets as it uses to measure its consolidated net income and assets. Segment operating income is generally income before income tax, adjusted to exclude net realized investment gains and losses (and the related amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs) and the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. Periodic settlements of interest rate swaps associated with corporate debt and certain investments are included in realized gains and losses but are considered part of operating income. Segment operating income represents the basis on which the performance of the Company’s business is assessed by management. Premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of deferred policy acquisition cost are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner which appropriately reflects the operations of that segment.
Assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities and deferred policy acquisition costs directly attributable to each segment.
There are no significant intersegment transactions.
The following tables summarize financial information for the Company’s segments. Asset adjustments represent the inclusion of assets related to discontinued operations.
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________
Revenues
Life Marketing $ 541,570 $ 489,852 $ 485,558
Acquisitions 439,103 462,695 478,268
Annuities 258,106 282,075 257,426
Stable Value Products 281,409 242,860 239,037
Asset Protection 275,353 323,659 358,773
Corporate and Other 193,034 156,384 143,626
______________________________________________
Total revenues $1,988,575 $1,957,525 $1,962,688
______________________________________________
Segment Operating Income
Life Marketing $ 165,897 $ 159,157 $ 125,550
Acquisitions 87,300 95,150 95,097
Annuities 16,467 13,373 15,694
Stable Value Products 53,159 38,911 42,272
Asset Protection 19,079 20,193 (14,847)
Corporate and Other 21,560 (31,952) (2,888)
______________________________________________
Total segment operating income 363,462 294,832 260,878
______________________________________________
Realized investment gains (losses) - investments(1) 21,370 39,117 (1,071)
Realized investment gains (losses) - derivatives(2) 369 (8,537) 5,236
Income tax expense (134,820) (108,362) (87,688)
______________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting 250,381 217,050 177,355
principle
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (15,801)
______________________________________________
Net income $ 234,580 $ 217,050 $ 177,355
______________________________________________
(1) Realized investment gains (losses) - investments $ 28,305 $ 58,064 $ 910
Related amortization of DAC (6,935) (18,947) (1,981)
______________________________________________
$ 21,370 $ 39,117 $ (1,071)
______________________________________________
(2) Realized investment gains (losses) - derivatives $ 19,591 $ 12,550 $ 28,308
Settlements on certain interest rate swaps (19,222) (21,087) (23,072)
______________________________________________
$ 369 $ (8,537) $ 5,236
______________________________________________
Net investment income
Life Marketing $ 238,193 $ 231,238 $ 209,002
Acquisitions 232,499 246,143 252,147
Annuities 210,888 224,332 220,447
Stable Value Products 268,184 233,104 246,098
Asset Protection 30,939 36,652 41,879
Corporate and Other 103,514 59,283 53,380
______________________________________________
Total net investment income $1,084,217 $1,030,752 $1,022,953
______________________________________________
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
Life Marketing $ 58,970 $ 66,078 $ 117,836
Acquisitions 28,652 32,690 35,245
Annuities 32,271 38,196 24,669
Stable Value Products 3,480 2,279 2,304
Asset Protection 72,273 80,320 75,108
Corporate and Other 4,484 5,544 12,500
______________________________________________
Total amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs $ 200,130 $ 225,107 $ 267,662
______________________________________________
Operating Segment Assets
December 31, 2004
_______________________________________________________________________________
Life Stable Value
Marketing Acquisitions Annuities Products
_______________________________________________________________________________
Investments and other assets $5,967,768 $4,063,711 $5,980,259 $5,377,917
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,262,637 337,372 81,251 18,301
Goodwill 10,354
_______________________________________________________________________________
Total assets $7,240,759 $4,401,083 $6,061,510 $5,396,218
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Asset Corporate Total
Protection and Other Adjustments Consolidated
_______________________________________________________________________________
Investments and other assets $ 879,385 $3,027,486 $46,261 $25,342,787
Deferred policy acquisition costs 113,918 8,493 1,821,972
Goodwill 36,182 83 46,619
_______________________________________________________________________________
Total assets $1,029,485 $3,036,062 $46,261 $27,211,378
_______________________________________________________________________________
Operating Segment Assets
December 31, 2003
_______________________________________________________________________________
Life Stable Value
Marketing Acquisitions Annuities Products
_______________________________________________________________________________
Investments and other assets $4,987,757 $4,356,929 $5,436,619 $4,520,955
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,185,102 385,042 101,096 7,186
Goodwill 10,354
_______________________________________________________________________________
Total assets $6,183,213 $4,741,971 $5,537,715 $4,528,141
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Asset Corporate Total
Protection and Other Adjustments Consolidated
_______________________________________________________________________________
Investments and other assets $ 956,396 $2,333,396 $60,261 $22,652,313
Deferred policy acquisition costs 128,833 10,731 1,817,990
Goodwill 36,875 83 47,312
_______________________________________________________________________________
Total assets $1,122,104 $2,344,210 $60,261 $24,517,615
_______________________________________________________________________________
11. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s highest thirty-six consecutive months of compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future.
At December 31, 2004, the Company estimated that its 2005 defined benefit pension plan expense will be $6.6 million, which is the Company’s estimate of its expected contributions for 2005. The measurement date used to determine the benefit expense and benefit obligations of the plan is December 31, 2004.
The actuarial present value of benefit obligations and the funded status of the plan at December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of the year $77,454 $62,179
Service cost - benefits earned during the year 5,408 4,513
Interest cost - on projected benefit obligation 5,506 4,666
Actuarial loss 10,756 7,531
Benefits paid (1,725) (1,435)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Projected benefit obligation, end of the year 97,399 77,454
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fair value of plan assets beginning of the year 74,071 49,450
Actual return on plan assets 7,780 12,886
Employer contribution 19,764 13,170
Benefits paid (1,725) (1,435)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fair value of plan assets end of the year 99,890 74,071
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Plan assets less than the projected benefit obligation 2,491 (3,383)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss from past experience
different from that assumed 36,056 27,453
Unrecognized prior service cost 1,458 1,672
Other adjustments 0 684
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net pension asset $40,005 $26,426
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accumulated benefit obligation $80,526 $60,984
Fair value of assets $99,890 $74,071
Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation $ 0 $ 0
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations as of December 31 were as follows:
2004 2003
___________________________________________________________________________________
Weighted average discount rate 5.75% 6.25%
Rates of increase in compensation level 3.75 4.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.25 8.50
___________________________________________________________________________________
Net pension cost of the defined benefit pension plan includes the following components for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Service cost $5,408 $ 4,513 $ 3,723
Interest cost 5,506 4,666 4,111
Expected return on plan assets (6,864) (5,604) (4,265)
Amortization of prior service cost 214 214 263
Amortization of losses 1,920 1,049 302
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Net pension cost $6,184 $ 4,838 $ 4,134
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Assumptions used to determine the net pension cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weighted average discount rate 6.25% 6.75% 7.25%
Rates of increase in compensation level 4.00 4.50 5.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.50 8.50 8.50
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Plan assets by category as of December 31 were as follows:
Target
Allocation
for 2005 2004 2003
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash and cash equivalents 2% 2.7% 4.4%
Equity securities 60 68.8 72.1
Fixed income 38 28.5 23.5
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Total 100% 100.0% 100.0%
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Prior to July 1999, upon an employee’s retirement, a distribution from pension plan assets was used to purchase a single premium annuity from Protective Life in the retiree’s name. Therefore, amounts shown above as plan assets exclude assets relating to such retirees. Since July 1999, retiree obligations have been fulfilled from pension plan assets. The defined benefit pension plan has a target asset allocation of 60% domestic equities, 38% fixed income, and 2% cash and cash equivalents. When calculating asset allocation, the Company includes reserves for pre-July 1999 retirees. Based on historical data of the domestic equity markets and the Company’s group annuity investments, the plan’s target asset allocation would be expected to earn annualized returns in excess of 9% per year. In arriving at the plan’s 8.5% expected rate of return, the Company has adjusted this historical data to reflect lower expectations for equity returns. The plan’s equity assets are invested in a domestic equity index collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation. The plan’s cash equivalents are invested in a collective trust managed by Northern Trust Corporation. The plan’s fixed income assets are invested in a group annuity contract with Protective Life.
Estimated future benefit payments under the defined benefit pension plan are as follows:
Year Amount
__________________________________________________________
2005 $ 1,675
2006 1,985
2007 2,317
2008 2,749
2009 3,137
2010-2014 25,302
The Company also sponsors an unfunded excess benefits plan, which is a nonqualified plan that provides defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed on qualified plans by federal tax law. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the projected benefit obligation of this plan totaled $21.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, of which $16.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations as of December 31 were as follows:
2004 2003
___________________________________________________________________________________
Weighted average discount rate 5.75% 6.25%
Rates of increase in compensation level 4.75 5.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.25 8.50
___________________________________________________________________________________
Net pension cost of the excess benefits plan includes the following components for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Service cost $ 542 $ 485 $ 455
Interest cost 1,302 1,182 1,178
Amortization of prior service cost 16 16 16
Recognized net actuarial loss 309 118 71
Cost of divestiture and special termination benefits 0 81 0
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net pension cost $2,169 $1,882 $1,720
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assumptions used to determine the net pension cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003 2002
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weighted average discount rate 6.25% 6.75% 7.25%
Rates of increase in compensation level 5.00 5.50 6.00
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.50 8.50 8.50
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated benefit payments under the excess benefits plan are as follows:
Year Amount
__________________________________________________________
2005 $1,168
2006 1,187
2007 1,206
2008 1,256
2009 1,287
2010-2014 7,210
In addition to pension benefits, the Company provides limited healthcare benefits to eligible retired employees until age 65. This postretirement benefit is provided by an unfunded plan. This benefit has no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For a closed group of retirees over age 65, Protective provides a prescription drug benefit. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s liability related to this benefit was $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Company’s obligation is not materially affected by a 1% change in the healthcare cost trend assumptions used in the calculation of the obligation.
Life insurance benefits for retirees from $10,000 up to a maximum of $75,000 are provided through the payment of premiums under a group life insurance policy. This plan is partially funded at a maximum of $50,000 face amount of insurance.
The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan which covers substantially all employees. Employee contributions are made on a before-tax basis as provided by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to match voluntary employee contributions to the Company’s 401(k) Plan. In 1994, a stock bonus component was added to the 401(k) Plan for employees who are not otherwise under a bonus or sales incentive plan. Expense related to the ESOP consists of the cost of the shares allocated to participating employees plus the interest expense on the ESOP’s note payable to the Company less dividends on shares held by the ESOP. All shares held by the ESOP are treated as outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. At December 31, 2004, the Company had committed approximately 105,405 shares to be released to fund the 401(k) Plan match. The expense recorded by the Company for these employee benefits was $0.0 million, $0.6 million, and $0.1 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
Effective as of January 1, 2005, the Company adopted a supplemental matching contribution program, which is a nonqualified plan that provides supplemental matching contributions in excess of the limits imposed on qualified defined contribution plans by federal tax law. The first allocations under this program will be made in early 2006, with respect to the 2005 plan year.
12. Reinsurance
The Company reinsures certain of its risks with, and assumes risks from, other insurers under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance agreements. Under yearly renewable term agreements, the Company generally pays specific premiums to the reinsurer and receives specific amounts from the reinsurer as reimbursement for certain expenses. Coinsurance agreements are accounted for by passing a portion of the risk to the reinsurer. Generally, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums less commissions and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments. Modified coinsurance is accounted for similarly to coinsurance except that the liability for future policy benefits is held by the original company, and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies. A substantial portion of the Company’s new life insurance and credit insurance sales is being reinsured. The Company reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers.
The Company continues to monitor the consolidation of reinsurers and the concentration of credit risk the Company has with any reinsurer. At December 31, 2004, the Company had reinsured approximately 86.7% of the face value of its life insurance in force. The Company had reinsured approximately 51.7% of the face value of its life insurance in force with three reinsurers. These reinsurers had a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of AA- and a minimum A. M. Best rating of A+. The Company has not experienced any credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, or 2002 related to these reinsurers.
The Company has reinsured approximately $353.9 billion, $292.7 billion, and $219.0 billion in face amount of life insurance risks with other insurers representing $959.6 million, $781.8 million, and $546.0 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The Company has also reinsured accident and health risks representing $60.6 million, $61.6 million, and $61.5 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In addition, the Company reinsured property and casualty risks representing $122.4 million, $91.0 million, and $143.9 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In 2004 and 2003, policy and claim reserves relating to insurance ceded of $2,750.3 million and $2,230.7 million, respectively, are included in reinsurance receivables. Should any of the reinsurers be unable to meet its obligation at the time of the claim, obligation to pay such claim would remain with the Company. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had paid $63.1 million and $53.3 million, respectively, of ceded benefits which are recoverable from reinsurers. In addition, at December 31, 2004, the Company had receivables of $66.9 million related to insurance assumed.
In 2002, the Company discovered that it had overpaid reinsurance premiums to several reinsurance companies of approximately $94.5 million. At December 31, 2002, the Company had recorded cash and receivables totaling $69.7 million, which reflected the amounts received and the Company’s then current estimate of amounts to be recovered in the future, based upon the information available. The corresponding increase in premiums and policy fees resulted in $62.5 million of additional amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs in 2002. The amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs took into account the amortization relating to the increase in premiums and policy fees as well as the additional amortization required should the remainder of the overpayment not be collected. In 2003, the Company substantially completed its recovery of the reinsurance overpayments. As a result, the Company increased premiums and policy fees by $18.4 million in 2003. The increase in premiums and policy fees resulted in $6.1 million of additional amortization of deferred policy acquisitions costs. As a result of the recoveries, income before income tax increased $12.3 million and $7.2 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. During 2004, the Company adjusted its estimate of the remaining expected receipts, resulting in a $1.3 million decrease in income before income tax.
13. Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003
______________________________________________________________
Carrying Fair Values Carrying Fair Value
Amounts Amounts
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assets (see Notes 1 and 2):
Investments:
Fixed maturities $14,412,605 $14,412,605 $13,355,911 $13,355,911
Equity securities 58,941 58,941 46,731 46,731
Mortgage loans on real estate 3,005,418 3,173,656 2,733,722 2,958,052
Short-term investments 1,059,557 1,059,557 519,419 519,419
Cash 130,596 130,596 136,698 136,698
Liabilities (see Notes 1 and 4):
Stable value product account balances 5,562,997 5,589,665 4,676,531 4,736,681
Annuity account balances 3,463,477 3,454,065 3,480,577 3,475,167
Debt:
Bank borrowings 0 0 25,000 25,000
Senior and Medium-Term Notes 444,551 431,288 429,415 419,825
Subordinated debt securities 324,743 336,454 221,650 234,526
Other (see Note 1):
Derivative financial instruments 192,342 192,342 153,219 153,219
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.
The Company estimates the fair value of its mortgage loans using discounted cash flows from the next call date.
The Company believes the fair value of its short-term investments and notes payable to banks approximates book value due to being either short-term or having a variable rate of interest.
The Company estimates the fair value of its stable value products and annuities using discounted cash flows and surrender values, respectively.
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 Company estimates the fair value of its derivative financial instruments using market quotes or derivative pricing models. The fair values represent the net amount of cash the Company would have received (or paid) had the contracts been terminated on December 31.
14. Consolidated Quarterly Results – Unaudited
The Company’s unaudited consolidated quarterly operating data for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, are presented below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of quarterly results have been reflected in the data which follow. It is also management’s opinion, however, that quarterly operating data for insurance enterprises are not indicative of results to be achieved in succeeding quarters or years. In order to obtain a more accurate indication of performance, there should be a review of operating results, changes in share-owners’ equity, and cash flows for a period of several quarters. Amounts shown for the first quarter of 2004 have been restated from the amount originally reported due to the Company’s adoption of SOP 03-1 (see Note 1 for further detail).
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Premiums and policy fees $ 443,796 $ 456,088 $ 460,784 $ 480,628
Reinsurance ceded (249,339) (285,369) (276,736) (331,200)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net of reinsurance ceded 194,457 170,719 184,048 149,428
Net investment income 264,608 265,899 279,271 274,439
Realized investment gains (losses) 21,710 7,817 14,468 3,901
Other income 37,419 37,563 40,921 41,907
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total revenues 518,194 481,998 518,708 469,675
Benefits and expenses 418,795 386,628 416,442 381,509
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income from before income tax 99,399 95,370 102,266 88,166
Income tax expense 34,094 34,075 35,793 30,858
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of income tax (15,801)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $ 49,504 $ 61,295 $ 66,473 $ 57,308
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change in $0.93 $0.87 $0.95 $0.81
accounting principle per share - basic
Net income per share - basic $0.71 $0.87 $0.95 $0.81
Average shares outstanding - basic 70,142,108 70,284,893 70,337,248 70,431,763
Net income before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle per share - diluted $0.92 $0.86 $0.94 $0.80
Net income per share - diluted $0.70 $0.86 $0.94 $0.80
Average shares outstanding - diluted 70,887,591 71,030,983 71,115,468 71,221,826
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2003
Premiums and policy fees $ 387,094 $ 397,652 $ 424,590 $460,976
Reinsurance ceded (189,417) (205,268) (237,996) (301,754)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net of reinsurance ceded 197,677 192,384 186,594 159,222
Net investment income 257,701 262,744 248,915 261,392
Realized investment gains (losses) (6,058) 33,858 17,994 24,820
Other income 25,309 39,981 26,128 28,864
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total revenues 474,629 528,967 479,631 474,298
Benefits and expenses 418,590 439,675 400,839 373,009
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income before income tax 56,039 89,292 78,792 101,289
Income tax expense 18,334 29,916 26,383 33,729
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $ 37,705 $ 59,376 $ 52,409 $ 67,560
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income per share - basic $0.54 $0.85 $0.75 $0.96
Average shares outstanding - basic 69,956,505 70,004,109 70,091,080 70,079,471
Net income per share - diluted $0.53 $0.84 $0.74 $0.95
Average shares outstanding - diluted 70,483,448 70,561,795 70,722,885 70,806,034
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Share Owners of
Protective Life Corporation:
We have completed an integrated audit of Protective Life Corporation’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Protective Life Corporation and its subsidiariesat December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(2)present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidatedfinancial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedulesbased on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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. An audit of financial statements 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 03-1 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” and effective March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Birmingham,Alabama
March 15, 2005
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
NoneItem 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure controls and procedures
Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2004. It should be noted that any system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain judgments, including the costs and benefits of controls and the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within the Company have been detected.
(b) Management’s report on Internal controls over financial reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
| o | pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; |
| o | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and |
| o | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) inInternal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on our assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in Item 8.
(c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting
No significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting. Our internal controls exist within a dynamic environment and the Company continually strives to improve its internal controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
NonePART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information regarding Executive Officers called for by this item is included in Item 1.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The members of the Board have determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence and financial expertise requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board has determined that the Company has at least one “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under applicable SEC rules and regulations, and has determined that Mr. Terry is an audit committee financial expert. While Mr. Terry possesses the attributes of an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under applicable SEC rules and regulations, he is not and never has been an accountant or an auditor, and this financial expert designation does not impose any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations and liabilities imposed by being a member of the Audit Committee or the Board. The Board has also determined that Mr. Terry is “independent” as defined under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and the independence standards for audit committee members in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder.
The remaining information called for by this item is incorporated by reference to “Election of Directors”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Corporate Governance”, “Audit Committee” and “Board of Directors Composition, Qualifications, and Nominations” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be held May 2, 2005.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information called for by this Item is incorporated by reference to “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be held May 2, 2005.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Share Owner Matters
The information called for by this Item is incorporated by reference to “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” and “Security Ownership” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be held May 2, 2005.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
None.Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to “Fees for Professional Services of the Company’s Independent Accountants” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be held May 2, 2005.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements” under Item 8 on page 50 of this Annual Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm which covers the financial
statement schedules appears on page 83 of this report. The following schedules are located
in this report on the pages indicated.
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information
of Registrant........................................................................
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information.....................................
Schedule IV - Reinsurance..............................................................
Schedule V - Valuation Accounts........................................................
All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by Article 7 of
Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and
therefore have been omitted.
3. Exhibits:
Included as exhibits are the items listed below. The Company will furnish a copy of any of the
exhibits listed upon the payment of $5.00 per exhibit to cover the cost of the Company in
furnishing the exhibit.
Item Number Document
| *2(a) | Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement By and Among Protective Life Corporation, Protective Life Insurance Company, Fortis, Inc. and Dental Care Holdings, Inc. dated July 9, 2001 filed as Exhibit 2(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *2(b) | Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement By and Between Protective Life Insurance Company and Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated December 31, 2001 filed as Exhibit 2(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *2(c) | Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement By and Between Empire General Life Assurance Corporation and Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated December 31, 2001 filed as Exhibit 2(c) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *2(d) | Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement By and Between Protective Life & Annuity Insurance Company and First Fortis Life Insurance Company dated December 31, 2001 filed as Exhibit 2(d) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *3(a) | 1998 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on November 12, 1998, filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1998. |
| *3(b) | 2004 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as adopted August 2, 2004, filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed December 30, 2004 (No. 333-121791). |
| 4(a) | Reference is made to Exhibit 3(a) above. |
| 4(b) | Reference is made to Exhibit 3(b) above. |
| *4(c) | Rights Agreement, dated as of August 7, 1995, between the Company and The Bank of New York as successor to AmSouth Bank (formerly, AmSouth Bank N.A.), as Rights Agent filed as Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Form 8-K Current Report filed August 7, 1995 and filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A Registration Statement filed August 7, 1995. |
| *4(d) | Rights Certificate filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed August 7, 1995. |
| *4(e) | Certificate of Trust of PLC Capital Trust III filed as Exhibit 4(bb) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed July 8, 1997 (No. 333-30965). |
| *4(f) | Declaration of Trust of PLC Capital Trust III filed as Exhibit 4 (ee) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed July 8, 1997 (No. 333-30965). |
| *4(g) | Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of PLC Capital III, dated August 22, 2001 filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Filing on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2001. |
| *4(h) | Form of Preferred Security Certificate for PLC Capital Trust III (included in Exhibit 4(g)). |
| *4(i) | Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated August 22, 2001 with respect to Preferred Securities issued by PLC Capital Trust III filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2001. |
| *4(j) | Certificate of Trust of PLC Capital Trust IV filed as Exhibit 4(cc) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed July 8, 1997 (No. 333-30905). |
| *4(k) | Declaration of Trust of PLC Capital Trust IV filed as Exhibit 4(ff) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed July 8, 1997 (No. 333-30905). |
| *4(l) | Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust for PLC Capital Trust IV filed as Exhibit 4.09 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2002. |
| *4(m) | Form of Preferred Security Certificate for PLC Capital Trust IV (included as Exhibit A-1 of Exhibit 4(l)). |
| *4(n) | Form of Guarantee with respect to Preferred Securities of PLC Capital Trust IV filed as Exhibit 4(x) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed July 8, 1997 (No. 333-30905). |
| *4(o) | Certificate of Trust of PLC Capital Trust V filed as Exhibit 4(cc) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed May 5, 2003 (No. 333-105003). |
| *4(p) | Declaration of Trust of PLC Capital Trust V filed as Exhibit 4(ee) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed May 5, 2003 (No. 333-105003). |
| *4(q) | Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of PLC Capital Trust V filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2004. |
| *4(r) | Form of Preferred Security Certificate for PLC Capital Trust V (included as Exhibit A-1 of Exhibit 4(q)). |
| *4(s) | Preferred Securities, Guarantee Agreement, dated January 27, 2004, with respect to Preferred Securities issued by PLC Capital Trust V filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2004. |
| *10(a)† | The Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (effective as of January 1, 2002) filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2005. |
| *10(b)† | The Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan as amended and restated as of May 5, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 15, 2003. |
| *10(b)(1)† | Form of Performance Share Award Letter under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2004. |
| *10(b)(2)† | Form of Performance Share Award Letter for Senior Officers under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10(b)(1) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2005. |
| *10(b)(3)† | Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Letter under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2004. |
| *10(b)(4)† | Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Letter for Senior Officers under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10(b)(2) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2005. |
| *10(b)(5)† | Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Letter for under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10(b)(3) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2005. |
| *10(c)† | Excess Benefit Plan filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2004. |
| *10(d)† | Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors filed as Exhibit 19.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 14, 1986. |
| *10(d)(1)† | Form of Indemnity Agreement for Officers filed as Exhibit 10(d)(1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. |
| *10(e)† | Form of the Company’s Employment Continuation Agreement (Executives) filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2004. |
| *10(e)(1)† | Form of the Company’s Employment Continuation Agreement (Senior Officers) filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2004. |
| *10(f)† | The Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors Who Are Not Employees of the Company as amended through March 3, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 14, 1997. |
| *10(f)(1)† | Amendment to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors who are not Employees of the Company effective as of November 4, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10(f)(1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(g)† | The Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended through March 3, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 14, 1997. |
| *10(g)(1)† | Amendment to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers effective as of February 5, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10(g)(1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(g)(2)† | Amendment to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers effective as of November 4, 2002, filed as Exhibit 10(g)(2) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(h)† | The Company’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan as amended through March 3, 1997, filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 14, 1997. |
| *10(h)(1)† | The Company’s specimen letter confirming grants under the Company’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(2) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 13, 1996. |
| *10(i)† | Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors of Protective Life Corporation filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 9, 2004. |
| *10(j) | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Protective Life Corporation, Protective Life Insurance Company, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, AmSouth Bank and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, dated as of July 30, 2004 filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2004. |
| *10(k) | Reference is made to Exhibit 2(a) above, filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *10(l) | Reference is made to Exhibit 2(b) above, filed as Exhibit 10(k) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
| *10(m) | Lease Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, between Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc. and the Company, filed as Exhibit 10(l) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(m)(l) | First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated as of October 31, 2001, between Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc. and the Company, filed as Exhibit 10(l)(l) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(n) | Investment and Participation Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, among the Company and Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10(m) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(n)(1) | First Amendment to Investment and Participation Agreement and Lease Agreement dated as of November 30, 2002, among the Company, Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc., and SunTrust Bank and LaSalle Bank National Association, filed as Exhibit 10(m)(1) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(n)(2) | Second Amendment to Investment and Participation Agreement and Lease Agreement dated as of March 11, 2002 among the Company, Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc., and SunTrust Bank and LaSalle Bank National Association, filed as Exhibit 10(m)(2) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| *10(n)(3) | Third Amendment to Investment and Participation Agreement and Lease Agreement dated as of July 22, 2002 among the Company, Wachovia Capital Investments, Inc., and SunTrust Bank and LaSalle Bank National Association, filed as Exhibit 10(m)(3) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. |
| 21 | Organization Chart of the Company and Affiliates. |
| 23 | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
| 24 | Powers of Attorney. |
| 31(a) | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 31(b) | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32(a) | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32(b) | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 99 | Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements. |
*incorporated by reference
†Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
Years Ended December 31
____________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
Revenues
Dividends from subsidiaries* $ 1,665 $ 8,917 $ 5,007
Service fees from subsidiaries* 109,896 104,245 97,045
Net investment income 1,273 8,278 9,117
Realized investment gains (losses) 23,531 (4,399) 21,612
Other income (loss) 136 682 (328)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total revenues 136,501 117,723 132,453
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Expenses
Operating and administrative 81,065 95,199 58,428
Interest - subsidiaries* 22,168 16,327 15,227
Interest - other 20,444 26,285 24,960
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total expenses 123,677 137,811 98,615
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income (loss) before income tax and other items below 12,824 (20,088) 33,838
Income tax expense (benefit) (120) (10,866) 6,173
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 12,944 (9,222) 27,665
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries* 237,437 226,272 149,690
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 250,381 217,050 177,355
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of
income tax (15,801) 0 0
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income $234,580 $217,050 $177,355
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Condensed Financial Information.
* Eliminated in consolidation
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
December 31
____________________________________
2004 2003
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities $ 2,390 $ 1,433
Other long-term investments 32,489 20,402
Short-term investments 830 651
Investments in subsidiaries (equity method)* 2,917,044 2,666,301
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total investments 2,952,753 2,688,787
Cash 0 484
Accrued investment income 44 0
Receivables from subsidiaries* 19,909 10,604
Property and equipment, net 1,060 1,287
Other 55,294 43,198
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$3,029,060 $2,744,360
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 64,863 $ 63,766
Accrued income taxes (4,457) (41,913)
Deferred income taxes 33,033 44,298
Long-term debt 444,551 454,415
Subordinated debt securities 324,743 221,650
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total liabilities 862,733 742,216
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Commitments and contingent liabilities - Note 5
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Share-owners' equity
Preferred stock
Junior participating cumulative preferred stock
Common stock 36,626 36,626
Additional paid-in capital 426,927 418,351
Treasury stock (13,632) (15,275)
Stock held in trust 0 (2,788)
Unallocated stock in employee stock ownership plan (1,989) (2,367)
Retained earnings (including undistributed income of subsidiaries:
2004 - $1,681,091; 2003 - $1,440,150) 1,422,084 1,235,012
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Net unrealized gains on investments
(all from subsidiaries, net of income tax:
2004 - $154,913; 2003 - $177,642) 287,695 329,907
Accumulated gain - hedging (net of income tax:
2004 - $4,639; 2003 - $1,442) 8,616 2,678
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total Share-owners' equity 2,166,327 2,002,144
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$3,029,060 $2,744,360
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Condensed Financial Information.
* Eliminated in consolidation
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
Year Ended December 31
_______________________________________________________
2004 2003 2002
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $234,580 $ 217,050 $ 177,355
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Realized investment (gains) losses 2,466 8,700 (11,403)
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries* (237,437) (226,272) (149,690)
Deferred income taxes (10,120) 3,029 31,127
Accrued income taxes 40,790 (7,396) (17,180)
Accrued expenses (2,448) 16,262 2,787
Accrued investment income (44)
Receivables from subsidiaries (9,305) (3,620) 5,187
Other (net) (17,728) (5,661) (6,772)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash provided by operating activities 754 2,092 31,411
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of and/or additional investments in subsidiaries* (53,352) (23,437) (68,272)
Purchase of fixed assets (222) (1,275)
Principal payments received on loan to subsidiaries* 2,000 4,000
Purchases of investments (5,293)
Sales of investments 991
Proceeds from other long-term investments 2,650 7,940 5,618
Change in short-term investments (179) 454 (1,095)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash used in investing activities (55,183) (13,265) (61,024)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under line of credit arrangements and
long-term debt 407,400 442,700 69,000
Principal payments on line of credit arrangements and
long-term debt (417,264) (387,451) (39,102)
Issuance of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests 103,093 115,000
Redemption of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests (75,000)
Purchase of common stock (371) (882)
Purchase of treasury stock (828)
Dividends to share owners (47,508) (43,399) (40,511)
Other financing activities 8,224
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash provided by financing activities 53,945 11,479 27,677
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Increase (decrease) in cash (484) 306 (1,936)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash at beginning of year 484 178 2,114
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash at end of year $ 0 $ 484 $ 178
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See Notes to Condensed Financial Information.
*Eliminated in consolidation.
SCHEDULE II — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company publishes consolidated financial statements that are its primary financial statements. Therefore, these parent company condensed financial statements are not intended to be the primary financial statements of the Company, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Protective Life Corporation and subsidiaries.
NOTE 1 - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS/CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLEIn July 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AcSEC) issued Statement of Position 03-1 “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” (SOP 03-1). SOP 03-1 provides guidance related to the establishment of reserves for benefit guarantees provided under certain long-duration contracts, as well as the accounting for mortality benefits provided in certain universal life products. In addition, it addresses the capitalization and amortization of sales inducements to contract holders. The SOP was effective January 1, 2004 and was adopted through an adjustment for the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle originally amounting to $10.1 million (net of $5.5 income tax). During the third quarter of 2004, AcSEC issued a Technical Practice Aid (TPA) which provided additional interpretive guidance on applying certain provisions of the SOP. As a result of this additional guidance, the Company restated its cumulative effect charge as of January 1, 2004 to record an additional expense of $5.7 million (net of $3.1 income tax). The following table presents the results for the first quarter of 2004 as originally reported and as adjusted for the addition to the cumulative effect adjustment.
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
March 31, 2004 Adoption March 31, 2004
As Reported of TPA Restated
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net income before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle $ 65,305 $ 65,305
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of tax (10,128) $(5,673) (15,801)
_______________________________________________________________
Net income $ 55,177 $(5,673) $ 49,504
_______________________________________________________________
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of SFAS 123, which was originally issued by the FASB in 1995. SFAS 123(R) will become effective for the Company in the third quarter of 2005. As originally issued, SFAS 123 provided companies with the option to either record expense for share-based payments under a fair value model, or to simply disclose the impact of the expense. SFAS 123(R) requires companies to measure the cost of share-based payments to employees using a fair value model, and to recognize that cost over the relevant service period. In addition, SFAS 123(R) requires that an estimate of future award forfeitures be made at the grant date, while SFAS 123 permitted recognition of forfeitures on an as incurred basis. When SFAS 123 was originally issued, the Company elected to recognize the cost of its share-based compensation plans in its financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 123 (R), but does not anticipate that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 2 — DEBT
At December 31, 2004, the Company had no borrowings under its $200 million line of credit arrangements. $9.9 million of 7.45% Medium-Term Notes due 2011, $34.7 million of 8.25% Senior Notes due 2030, $250.0 million of 4.30% Senior Notes due 2013, $150.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2014, $103.1 million of subordinated debentures due 2031, $118.6 million of subordinated debentures due 2032, and $103.1 million of subordinated debentures due 2034, were outstanding at December 31, 2004. The subordinated debentures were issued to affiliates in connection with the issuance by such affiliates of Trust Originated Preferred Securities.
NOTE 3 — SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
2004 2003 2002
___________________________________________
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid to non-affiliates $ 23,526 $28,006 $17,710
Interest paid for subordinated debt securities* 22,168 16,327 15,227
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$ 45,694 $44,333 $32,937
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a
tax sharing agreement) $(29,983) $ 7,000
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Noncash investing and financing activities
Reinsurance of treasury stock to ESOP $ 888 $ 877 $ 59
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Change in unallocated stock in ESOP $ 378 $ 410 $ 540
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stock-based compensation $ 9,331 $10,204 $ 3,239
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE 4 – OPERATING EXPENSES
In 2003, the Company incurred $27.5 million of expenses related to the payment of claims in the Company’s Corporate and Other segment. In 2004, the Company incurred an additional $13.9 million related to the payment of claims in the Company’s Corporate and Other segment.
NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company is contingently liable to obtain a $20 million letter of credit under indemnity agreements with its directors. Such agreements provide insurance protection in excess of the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in force at the time up to $20 million. Should certain events occur constituting a change in control of the Company, the Company must obtain the letter of credit upon which directors may draw for defense or settlement of any claim relating to performance of their duties as directors. The Company has similar agreements with certain of its officers providing up to $10 million in indemnification that are not secured by the obligation to obtain a letter of credit.
The Company leases administrative and marketing office space in approximately 25 cities including Birmingham, with most leases being for periods of three to ten years. The aggregate annualized rent is approximately $6.0 million. Additionally, the Company leases a building contiguous to its home office from an unrelated party which expires in February 2007. Lease payments in 2005 and 2006 approximate $1.7 million per year. At the end of the lease term the Company may purchase the building for approximately $75 million.
Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. The Company does not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the financial statements. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s own financial strength.
A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers and other providers of financial services involving sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very little appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. The Company, like other financial service companies, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such litigation and in arbitration. Although the outcome of any such litigation or arbitration cannot be predicted, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E COL. F COL. G COL. H COL. I COL. J
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stable Value
Products,
Annuity Amortization
Deferred Contracts and Net of Deferred
Policy Future Policy Other Premiums Net Benefits and Policy Other
Acquisition Benefits and Unearned Policyholders' and Policy Investment Settlement Acquisitions Operating
Segment Costs Claims Premiums Funds Fees Income(1) Expenses Costs Expenses(1)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2004:
Life Marketing $1,262,637 $ 5,794,434 $ 43,500 $ 64,247 $208,682 $ 238,193 $ 274,584 $ 58,970 $ 42,119
Acquisitions 337,372 3,136,525 309 834,675 204,332 232,499 287,356 28,652 35,795
Annuities 81,251 772,440 8,861 2,669,776 30,341 210,888 183,271 32,271 23,159
Stable Value Products 18,301 5,377,917 268,184 205,168 3,480 6,377
Asset Protection 113,918 181,722 584,202 5,603 207,938 30,939 121,007 72,273 62,994
Corporate and Other 8,493 90,883 29,617 225,916 47,359 103,514 59,051 4,484 102,363
Adjustments(2) 38,102 71
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $1,821,972 $10,014,106 $666,560 $9,178,134 $698,652 $1,084,217 $1,130,437 $200,130 $272,807
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2003:
Life Marketing $1,185,102 $4,846,032 $ 1,854 $ 62,641 $198,653 $ 231,238 $ 253,785 $ 66,078 $ 10,832
Acquisitions 385,042 3,185,708 354 917,401 213,912 246,143 291,768 32,690 43,087
Annuities 101,096 593,119 5,329 2,618,571 26,265 224,332 197,955 38,196 28,765
Stable Value Products 7,186 4,520,955 233,104 186,565 2,279 5,349
Asset Protection 128,833 199,268 718,405 6,255 244,769 36,652 142,166 80,320 80,980
Corporate and Other 10,731 76,843 2,172 189,969 52,278 59,283 79,335 5,544 86,419
Adjustments(2) 47,161 76 191
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $1,817,990 $8,948,131 $728,190 $8,315,983 $735,877 $1,030,752 $1,151,574 $225,107 $255,432
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2002:
Life Marketing $220,184 $ 209,002 $ 228,224 $117,836 $ 13,948
Acquisitions 224,485 252,147 301,401 35,245 46,525
Annuities 25,826 220,447 186,107 24,669 30,660
Stable Value Products 246,098 196,576 2,304 4,946
Asset Protection 286,129 41,879 204,069 75,108 94,443
Corporate and Other 53,697 53,380 50,708 12,500 72,376
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $810,321 $1,022,953 $1,167,085 $267,662 $262,898
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) Allocations of Net Investment Income and Other Operating Expenses are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and results would change if different methods were
applied.
(2) Balance Sheet adjustments represent the inclusion of assets related to discontinued operations.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars in thousands)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E COL. F
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Percentage of
Assumed from Amount
Gross Ceded to Other Other Assumed to
Amount Companies Companies Net Amount Net
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2004:
Life insurance in force $379,588,512 $ 354,015,938 $29,448,143 $55,020,717 53.5%
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Premiums and policy fees:
Life insurance $ 1,218,899 $ 959,643 $ 219,917 $ 479,173 45.9
Accident/health insurance 113,367 60,560 25,461 78,268 32.5
Property and liability insurance 236,048 122,441 27,604 141,211 19.5
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $ 1,568,314 $ 1,142,644 $ 272,982 $ 698,652
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2003:
Life insurance in force $324,318,517 $ 292,740,795 $22,176,303 $53,754,025 41.3
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Premiums and policy fees:
Life insurance $ 1,028,053 $ 781,776 $ 247,592 $ 493,869 50.1
Accident/health insurance 99,023 61,644 59,633 97,012 61.5
Property and liability insurance 170,322 91,015 65,688 144,995 45.3
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $ 1,297,398 $ 934,435 $ 372,913 $ 735,876
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Year Ended
December 31, 2002:
Life insurance in force $248,994,479 $ 219,025,215 $21,523,110 $51,492,374 41.8
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Premiums and policy fees:
Life insurance $ 854,813 $ 545,976 $ 235,198 $ 544,035 43.2
Accident/health insurance 103,858 61,512 44,337 86,683 51.1
Property and liability insurance 194,601 143,908 110,543 161,236 68.6
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $ 1,153,272 $ 751,396 $ 390,078 $ 791,954
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION ACCOUNTS
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars in thousands)
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E
Additions
(1)
Balance at Charged to (2)
beginning of costs and Charges to Balance at end
Description period expenses other accounts Deductions of period
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2004
Allowance for Uncollected
Reinsurance Receivable $ 6,462 $0 $0 $ 6,462 $ 0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2003
Allowance for Uncollected
Reinsurance Receivable $24,833 $0 $0 $18,371 $6,462
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
By: /s/ John D.Johns
John D. Johns
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
March 15, 2005
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Capacity in Which Signed Date
/s/ John D. Johns Chairman of the Board, President March 15, 2005
JOHN D. JOHNS and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
and Director
/s/ Allen W. Ritchie Executive Vice President and March 15, 2005
ALLEN W. RITCHIE Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Steven G. Walker Senior Vice President, Controller, March 15, 2005
STEVEN G. WALKER and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
* Director March 15, 2005
JOHN J. MCMAHON, JR.
* Director March 15, 2005
JAMES S. M. FRENCH
* Director March 15, 2005
DONALD M. JAMES
* Director March 15, 2005
J. GARY COOPER
* Director March 15, 2005
H. CORBIN DAY
* Director March 15, 2005
W. MICHAEL WARREN, JR.
* Director March 15, 2005
MALCOLM PORTERA
* Director March 15, 2005
THOMAS L. HAMBY
* Director March 15, 2005
VANESSA LEONARD
* Director March 15, 2005
WILLIAM A. TERRY
*John D. Johns, by signing his name hereto, does sign this document on behalf of each of the persons indicated above pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
By: /s/ John D. Johns
JOHN D. JOHNS
Attorney-in-fact