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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x | | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 |
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OR |
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o | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from to |
Commission file number 333-1173
GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
COLORADO | | 84-0467907 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
8515 EAST ORCHARD ROAD, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111
(Address of principal executive offices)
(303) 737-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
Large accelerated filer o | | Accelerated filer o |
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Non-accelerated filer x | | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. Yes o No x
As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $0.
As of February 1, 2012, 7,032,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding, all of which were owned by the registrant’s parent company.
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Part I
Item 1.
Business
As used in this Form 10-K, the “Company” refers to Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, a stock life insurance company originally organized on March 28, 1907 and domiciled in the state of Colorado, and its subsidiaries.
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements not based on historical information and that relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “expected,” “anticipate,” “believe,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements include statements that represent the Company’s beliefs concerning future or projected levels of sales of its products, investment spreads or yields, or the earnings or profitability of the Company’s activities.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change. Some of these risks are described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Whether or not actual results differ materially from forward-looking statements may depend on numerous foreseeable and unforeseeable events or developments, some of which may be global or national in scope, such as general economic conditions and interest rates, some of which may be related to the insurance industry generally, such as pricing competition, regulatory developments and industry consolidation and others of which may relate to the Company specifically, such as credit, volatility and other risks associated with its investment portfolio and other factors.
Readers should also consider other matters, including any risks and uncertainties, discussed in documents filed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to the Company’s “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
1.1 Organization and Corporate Structure
The Company is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of GWL&A Financial Inc. (“GWL&A Financial”), a Delaware holding company. The Company is indirectly owned by Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“Lifeco”), a Canadian holding company. Lifeco operates in the United States primarily through the Company and through Putnam Investments, LLC, and in Canada and Europe through The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“Great-West Life”) and its subsidiaries, London Life Insurance Company (“London Life”) and The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”). Lifeco is a subsidiary of Power Financial Corporation (“Power Financial”), a Canadian holding company with substantial interests in the financial services industry. Power Corporation of Canada (“Power Corporation”), a Canadian holding and management company, has voting control of Power Financial. Mr. Paul Desmarais, through a group of private holding companies that he controls, has voting control of Power Corporation.
The shares of Lifeco, Power Financial and Power Corporation are traded publicly in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
1.2 Business of the Company
The Company offers a wide range of life insurance and retirement and investment products to individuals, businesses and other private and public organizations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the United States Virgin Islands. Through its Individual Markets segment, the Company offers various forms of life insurance, annuity and retirement products. Through its
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Retirement Services segment, the Company provides various retirement plan products and investment options and educational, advisory, enrollment and communication services to employer-sponsored defined contribution and associated defined benefit plans, as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers.
No customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues during the years 2011, 2010 or 2009. In addition, no segment of the Company’s business is dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of which would have a significant effect on it or its business segments’ operations. The loss of business from any one, or a few, independent brokers or agents would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business segments.
During 2010, the Company completed comprehensive planning for its five-year strategic plan. The five-year strategic plan encompasses nine key initiatives across the organization to accelerate the growth of its business and retain customers. The implementation of the five-year strategic plan started in 2011.
On April 1, 2008, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries completed the sale of substantially all of their healthcare insurance business to a subsidiary of CIGNA Corporation (“CIGNA”). The Company recognized a gain in the amount of $697 million, net of income taxes, upon completion of the transaction. The business that was sold, formerly reported as the Company’s Healthcare segment, was the vehicle through which it marketed and administered group life and health insurance to small, mid-sized and national employers.
Through December 31, 2007, the Company held an undistributed earnings liability on participating business in connection with a long-standing assumption reinsurance agreement under which the Company had reinsured a block of participating policies. During the first quarter of 2008, the Company was no longer required to maintain the $208 million liability to meet the obligations under the terms of the agreement so the liability was decreased with a corresponding decrease to policyholder benefits. An income tax provision was recorded on the undistributed earnings when those earnings occurred. Accordingly, there was no income tax provision recorded at the time of the liability release. On January 1, 2008, the Company began recognizing the net earnings on these policies in its Individual Markets segment net income.
On June 1, 2007, the Company terminated its reinsurance agreement with CLAC. The Company and CLAC originally entered into the indemnity reinsurance agreement on August 31, 2003, whereby the Company reinsured 80% (originally 45% coinsurance and 35% coinsurance with funds withheld) of certain U.S. life, health and annuity business of CLAC’s U.S. branch. The termination of the agreement resulted in additional net income of $22 million in 2007.
Individual Markets Segment Principal Products
The Company’s Individual Markets segment distributes life insurance, annuity and retirement products (including individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”)) to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life and variable universal life. Participating policyholders share in the financial results of the participating business in the form of policyholder dividends that reflect the difference between the assumptions used in the premium charged and the actual experience on those policies. The Company no longer actively markets participating products. The participating policyholder earnings that cannot be distributed to the shareholder are not included in the Company’s consolidated net income and are reflected in liabilities in undistributed earnings on participating business in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a stated period and pays a death benefit only if the insured dies within the period. Whole life insurance provides guaranteed death benefits and level premium payments for the life of the insured. Universal life insurance products include a cash value component that is credited with interest at regular intervals. The Company’s universal life insurance earnings result from the difference between the investment income and interest credited on customer cash values and from differences between charges for mortality and actual death claims. Universal life cash values are charged for the cost of insurance coverage and for administrative expenses.
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Sales of life insurance products typically have initial marketing expenses which are deferred. These expenses are shown as deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits or premium revenues recognized. Therefore, retention is an important factor in profitability and is encouraged through product features. For example, the Company’s life insurance contracts may impose a surrender charge on policyholder balances withdrawn within the first ten years of the contract’s inception. The period of time and level of the charge vary by product.
One of the principal products for the Individual Markets segment is individual insurance known as business-owned life insurance (“business-owned”). The primary business-owned life insurance products are single premium universal life insurance, registered variable universal life insurance, private placement variable universal life insurance (“PPVUL”) and PPVUL with a stable value guarantee feature. The insurance policies indirectly fund post-retirement benefits for all employees and non-qualified benefit plans for executives. Corporations and community banks are the primary purchasers of the universal life product (general account); while regional and national banks typically purchase PPVUL with a stable value wrapper (separate account). Corporations indirectly funding executive benefits also purchase the PPVUL product (separate account) which offers an array of equity and bond funds. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $8 billion of general account and $4 billion of separate account business-owned life insurance future policy benefits.
The Company partners with retail financial institutions to distribute individual life, annuity and retirement products. During 2011, the Company continued its efforts to partner with large financial institutions to provide individual term and whole life insurance to the general population. Through institutional partners, the Company has in excess of 16,000 individual branch and brokerage sales representatives appointed to sell its products, as well as direct exposure to on-line banking customers. Most recently, management’s attention has turned to meeting the insurance related needs of the growing retiree marketplace by focusing on providing wealth transfer solutions to their bank partners’ customers via single premium life insurance.
On a limited basis, the Company also offers single premium annuities that provide guarantees of principal and interest.
Retirement Services Segment Principal Products
Through its Retirement Services segment, the Company provides various retirement plan product and investment options and educational, advisory, enrollment and communication services to employer-sponsored defined contribution and associated defined benefit plans, as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers. Defined contribution plans provide for benefits based upon the value of contributions to, and investment returns on, an individual’s account. This has been a rapidly growing portion of the retirement marketplace in recent years.
The Company’s marketing focus is directed toward providing investment management, advisory services and recordkeeping services under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 408 and 457 to private corporations, state and local governments, hospitals, non-profit organizations and public school districts. Fund management, investment and advisory services and record-keeping and administrative services are also provided to this target market. Through the Company’s subsidiary FASCore, LLC, the Company partners with other large institutions to provide third-party record-keeping and administration services.
The Company offers mutual funds, guaranteed interest rate investment options for various lengths of time and variable annuity products designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. In addition, the Company offers both customized annuity and non-annuity products.
From the guaranteed interest rate option, the Company earns investment margins on the difference between the income earned on investments in its general account and the interest credited to the participant’s account balance. The Company’s general account assets support the guaranteed
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investment product. The Company also manages separate account fixed interest rate options for which it is paid a management fee.
The Company’s variable investment options provide the opportunity for participants to assume the risks of, and receive the benefits from, the investment of retirement assets. The variable product assets are invested, as designated by the participant, in separate accounts that in turn invest in shares of underlying funds managed by the Company or its affiliates and by selected external fund managers.
The Company is compensated by separate account fees for mortality and expense risks pertaining to the variable annuity contract and/or for providing administrative services. The Company is reimbursed by external mutual funds for marketing, sales and service costs under various revenue sharing agreements.
The Company also receives fees for providing third-party administrative and record-keeping services to financial institutions and employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Sales of annuity products typically have initial marketing expenses which are deferred. These expenses are shown as DAC in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits.
Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Life Insurance In-Force
The amount of fixed annuity products in-force is measured by future policy benefits. The following table shows group and individual annuity policy benefits supported by the Company’s general account as well as the annuity balances in Retirement Services and Individual Markets separate accounts for the years indicated:
| | (In millions) | |
| | | | | | Individual Markets | |
Year ended | | General account | | Retirement Services | | annuity | |
December 31, | | annuity benefits | | separate accounts | | separate accounts | |
2011 | | $ | 10,290 | | $ | 16,447 | | $ | 1,290 | |
2010 | | 9,637 | | 16,225 | | 1,381 | |
2009 | | 8,874 | | 14,288 | | 1,262 | |
2008 | | 8,598 | | 10,403 | | 1,144 | |
2007 | | 8,193 | | 13,482 | | 1,533 | |
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The following table summarizes individual life insurance future policy benefits, separate account balances and in-force prior to reinsurance ceded for the years indicated:
| | (In millions) | |
| | Life insurance | | Individual Markets | | | |
Year ended | | future policy | | life insurance | | Life insurance | |
December 31, | | benefits | | separate accounts | | in-force | |
2011 | | $ | 11,182 | | $ | 4,594 | | $ | 127,815 | |
2010 | | 10,432 | | 4,883 | | 131,595 | |
2009 | | 9,756 | | 3,337 | | 137,049 | |
2008 | | 9,183 | | 3,575 | | 142,177 | |
2007 | | 8,906 | | 3,075 | | 146,297 | |
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In the Individual Markets segment, future policy benefits for all fixed individual life insurance contracts are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield, mortality, morbidity and expenses, including a margin for adverse deviation. These future policy benefits are calculated as the present value of future benefits (including dividends) and expenses less the present value of future net premiums. The assumptions used in calculating the future policy benefits generally vary by plan, year of issue and policy duration.
For all life insurance contracts, policy and contract claim liabilities are established for claims that have been incurred but not reported based on factors derived from past experience.
In both the Individual Markets and Retirement Services segments, policy benefit liabilities for investment-type policies are established at the contractholder’s account value, which is equal to cumulative deposits and credited interest, less withdrawals and mortality and expense and/or administrative service charges.
Policy benefit liabilities for limited payment contracts (immediate annuities) are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield, mortality (where payouts are contingent on survivorship) and expenses. These assumptions generally vary by plan, year of issue and policy duration. Policy benefit liabilities for immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield and expenses.
The aforementioned policy benefit liabilities are computed amounts that, with additions from premiums and deposits to be received and with interest on such liabilities, are expected to be sufficient to meet the Company’s policy obligations (such as paying expected death or retirement benefits or surrender requests) and to generate profits.
Reinsurance
The Company enters into reinsurance transactions primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and, to a smaller extent, also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products. Reinsurance transactions are assumed from and ceded to affiliated entities and third parties. When purchasing reinsurance, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage, quota share, coinsurance and modified coinsurance contracts. Under the terms of these contracts, the reinsurer agrees to reimburse the Company for the ceded amount in the event a claim is paid. However, the Company remains liable to its policyholders with respect to the ceded insurance if a reinsurer fails to meet the obligations it assumed. Accordingly, the Company strives to cede risks to highly rated, well-capitalized companies. The Company retains a maximum of $3.5 million of coverage per individual life. Further, the maximum annual growth due to automatic increases is $175,000 per annum, with an overall maximum of $1,000,000. The Company assumes risk from approximately forty insurers and reinsurers by participating in yearly renewable term and coinsurance pool agreements. When assuming risk, the Company seeks to generate revenue while maintaining reciprocal working relationships with these partners as they also seek to limit their exposure to loss on any single life.
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Maximum capacity to be accepted by the Company is dictated at the treaty level and is monitored annually to ensure the risk acquired on any one life is managed to its maximum retention of $3.5 million.
Method of Distribution of Products Within the Individual Markets and Retirement Services Segments
The Individual Markets segment distributes individual life insurance through marketing agreements with various retail financial institutions. It markets IRAs through its IRA Resource Center. Business-owned is distributed through specialized benefit consulting organizations.
The Retirement Services segment distributes products to plan sponsors through a subsidiary, GWFS Equities, Inc., as well as through brokers, consultants, advisors, third-party administrators and banks.
Competition Within the Individual Markets and Retirement Services Segments
The life insurance, savings and investment marketplaces are highly competitive. The Company’s competitors include insurance companies, banks, investment advisors, mutual fund companies and certain service and professional organizations. No individual competitor or small group of competitors is dominant. Competition focuses on service, technology, cost, variety of investment options, investment performance, product features and price and financial strength as indicated by ratings issued by nationally recognized agencies.
Company Outlook
Significant progress was made during 2011 on the Company’s five-year strategic plan which is expected to accelerate the growth of the business in 2012. Key initiatives to increase sales, improve customer services, increase assets under management (“AUM”) and launch new products have laid the groundwork for continued growth.
Additionally, a corporate branding initiative is under way to increase recognition and create stronger equity for the Company in all of its markets which will make client retention and sales more efficient and effective.
Individual Markets Outlook
During 2011, the Individual Markets segment launched an IRA rollover initiative. The initiative’s goal is to increase awareness of the distribution options for terminated plan participants. This program is expected to continue to result in increased asset growth in the IRA product in 2012.
The Individual Markets segment introduced a new hybrid business-owned life insurance product in the first quarter of 2011. This product, which combines both General Account and Separate Account product features, is being marketed to community and regional banks purchasing life insurance to help finance the cost of employee benefits. This hybrid business-owned life insurance product, which has captured an increasing share of sales in the community and regional bank markets, is expected to continue its momentum in 2012.
The Individual Markets segment also expanded its distribution channels by adding four distribution partners for single premium life insurance in 2011. These new partners will help drive additional sales of its individual life insurance products in 2012.
Along with these initiatives, Individual Markets will continue to focus on developing and expanding new distribution channels in 2012, ensuring that through its successful relationships with other distributors, it will create a solid base for future growth. New retail retirement income products for individuals also are planned, and a continued focus on providing excellent customer service and a diversity of product offerings provides a sound basis for growth in 2012.
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Retirement Services Outlook
The Retirement Services segment continues its emphasis on investment in infrastructure through technology, service and product enhancements.
In 2011, the Retirement Services segment entered into an agreement with Bank of America Merrill Lynch creating a high-potential distribution channel for corporate 401(k) plan sales through Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Advisor Alliance platform. The Company was selected to be the only provider on the Advisor Alliance platform to offer both a group annuity contract product designed specifically for small clients and a net asset value product targeted to the small and mid-size market. This is expected to contribute to the growth of plan sales in 2012.
New products also position Retirement Services to capitalize on investment trends. A collective trust product introduced in 2011 provides target date asset allocation investment solutions to large corporations and government plan markets. The Maxim Lifetime Asset Allocation Series mutual funds, which provide retirement target date options and the Maxim SecureFoundations Portfolios, which offer guaranteed lifetime income within defined contribution plans, together became the 16th largest target date fund offering in the United States and ranked 10th in net flows among target date fund families in 2011. All of these products are expected to continue contributing to growth of AUM into 2012.
A new online sales tool launched in 2011 will aggregate information about 401(k) prospects, advisors, plans and sales metrics to increase opportunities and sales force productivity. Additionally, a recently launched customer relationship management system consolidates legacy databases to improve service to retirement plan sponsors and partners and enhance client retention.
Along with these initiatives, Retirement Services will continue to focus on developing and expanding new distribution channels in 2012, ensuring that through its successful relationships with other distributors, it will create a solid base for future growth. A continued focus on providing excellent customer service and a diversity of product offerings provides a sound basis for growth in 2012.
Other Segment
The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity under the assumption reinsurance agreement between GWSC and CLAC (“the GWSC operating segment”), corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt. Future policy benefits under these policies are calculated as the present value of future benefits (including dividends) and expenses less the present value of future net premiums. The assumptions used in calculating the future policy benefits generally vary by plan, year of issue and policy duration. Future policy benefits are also established for claims that have been incurred but not reported based on factors derived from past experience.
The following table shows future policy benefits and life insurance in-force in the Other segment for the years indicated:
| | December 31, | |
(In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
Future policy benefits | | $ | 356 | | $ | 352 | | $ | 342 | | $ | 321 | | $ | 277 | |
Life insurance in-force | | 68,204 | | 72,581 | | 76,768 | | 80,992 | | 85,618 | |
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1.3 Investment Operations
The Company’s investment division manages and administers the investments of its general and separate accounts in support of the cash and liquidity requirements of its insurance and investment products.
The Company’s principal general account investments are in fixed maturities and mortgage loans on real estate, all of which are exposed to three primary sources of investment risk: credit, interest rate and market valuation. Total investments at December 31, 2011, were $46 billion, comprised of general account investment assets of $24 billion and separate account assets of $22 billion. Total investments at December 31, 2010, were $46 billion, comprised of general account investment assets in the amount of $23 billion and separate account assets in the amount of $23 billion.
The Company’s general account investments are in a broad range of asset classes but consist primarily of domestic fixed maturities. Fixed maturity investments include public and privately placed corporate bonds, government bonds and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The Company’s mortgage loans on real estate are comprised exclusively of domestic commercial collateralized real estate loans diversified by regional markets and commercial real estate property types.
The Company manages the characteristics of its investment assets, such as liquidity, currency, yield and duration, to reflect the underlying characteristics of related insurance and policyholder liabilities that vary among its principal product lines. The Company observes strict asset and liability matching guidelines designed to ensure that the investment portfolio will appropriately meet the cash flow requirements of its liabilities. The Company uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes associated with certain invested assets and policy liabilities, not for speculative purposes.
The Company routinely monitors and evaluates the status of its investments in light of current economic conditions, trends in capital markets and other factors. These other factors include investment size, quality, concentration by issuer and industry and other diversification considerations relevant to the Company’s fixed maturity investments.
The Company reduces credit risk for the portfolio as a whole by investing primarily in investment grade fixed maturities. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, 99% and 98%, respectively, of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio carried an investment grade rating.
1.4 Regulation
Insurance Regulation
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are licensed in and regulated by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam to transact life insurance business, accident and health insurance business and annuity business. The extent of such regulation varies, but most jurisdictions have laws and regulations governing the business conduct of insurers as well as the financial aspects of insurers, including standards of solvency, statutory reserves, reinsurance and capital adequacy. In addition, statutes and regulations usually require the licensing of insurers and their agents, the approval of policy forms and certain other related materials and, for certain lines of insurance, the approval of rates. Such statutes and regulations also prescribe the permitted types and concentration of investments.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to, and comply with, insurance holding company regulations in applicable states. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are each required to file reports, generally including detailed annual financial statements, with insurance regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which they do business, and their operations and accounts are subject to periodic examination by such authorities. These subsidiaries must also file, and in many jurisdictions and in some lines of insurance, obtain regulatory approval for rules, rates and forms relating to the insurance written in the jurisdictions in which they operate.
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The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) has established a program of accrediting state insurance departments. NAIC accreditation permits accredited states to conduct periodic examinations of insurers domiciled in such states. NAIC-accredited states will not accept reports of examination of insurers from unaccredited states, except under limited circumstances. As a direct result, insurers domiciled in unaccredited states may be subject to financial examination by accredited states in which they are licensed, in addition to any examinations conducted by their domiciliary states. The Colorado Department of Insurance, the Company’s principal insurance regulator, has received this NAIC accreditation.
State and federal insurance and securities regulatory authorities and other state law enforcement agencies and attorneys general from time to time make inquiries regarding compliance by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries with insurance, securities and other laws and regulations regarding the conduct of the Company’s insurance and securities business.
A discussion of certain regulations the Company is subjected to follows:
· Insurance Company Regulation - The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation under the insurance company laws of various jurisdictions. The insurance company laws and regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally require an insurance company that is a member of an insurance holding company system (two or more affiliated persons, one or more of which is an insurer) to register with state regulatory authorities and to file with those authorities certain reports, including information concerning their capital structure, ownership, financial condition, certain intercompany transactions and general business operations. In addition, various state jurisdictions have broad administrative powers with respect to such matters as admittance of assets, premium rating methodology, policy forms, establishing reserve requirements and solvency standards, maximum interest rates on life insurance policy loans and minimum rates for accumulation of surrender values, the type and amounts and valuation of investments permitted. State insurance statutes also typically place restrictions and limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions payable by insurance companies to their parent companies, as well as on transactions between an insurer and its affiliates.
· Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements - Most of the jurisdictions in which the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are permitted to transact business require life insurers doing business within their jurisdiction to participate in guaranty associations, which are organized to pay certain contractual insurance benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. The Company has historically recovered more than half of the guaranty assessments through these offsets.
· Statutory Insurance Examinations - As part of their regulatory oversight process, state insurance departments conduct periodic detailed examinations of the books, records, accounts and business practices of insurers domiciled in their states. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, these examinations produced no significant adverse findings regarding the operations or accounts of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries.
· Policy and Contract Reserve Sufficiency Analysis - Annually, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to conduct an analysis of the sufficiency of all statutory reserves. In each case, a qualified actuary must submit an opinion which states that the statutory reserves, when considered in light of the assets held with respect to such reserves, make good and sufficient provision for the associated contractual obligations and related expenses of the insurer. If such an opinion cannot be provided, the insurer must set up additional reserves by moving funds from surplus. Since inception of this requirement, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, which are required by their states of domicile to provide these opinions, have provided such opinions without qualification.
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· Surplus and Capital - The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to the supervision of the regulators in each jurisdiction in which they are licensed to transact business. Regulators have discretionary authority, in connection with the continued licensing of these insurance subsidiaries, to limit or prohibit sales to policyholders if, in their judgment, the regulators determine that such insurer has not maintained the minimum surplus or capital or that the further transaction of business will be hazardous to policyholders. As of December 31, 2011, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries have surplus and capital in excess of that required by the regulators.
· Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) - The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain RBC requirements and report their RBC based on a formula calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium and statutory reserve items. The formula takes into account the risk characteristics of the insurer, including asset risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The formula is used as an early warning regulatory tool to identify possible inadequately capitalized insurers for purposes of initiating regulatory action and not as a means to rank insurers generally. As of the date of the most recent statutory financial statements filed with insurance regulators, the total adjusted capital of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries was in excess of the RBC Company Action Level amount.
· Regulation of Investments - The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of its investment portfolios and limit the amount of investments in certain asset categories, such as below investment grade fixed income securities, other equity investments and derivatives. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause investments exceeding regulatory limitations to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture of such non-qualifying investments.
· Federal Initiatives - Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal initiatives often have an impact on the Company’s business in a variety of ways. From time to time, federal measures are proposed which may significantly affect the Company’s business. At the present time, management is not aware of any federal legislative initiatives that, if enacted, would materially impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.
· Broker-Dealer and Securities Regulation - One of the Company’s subsidiaries is a non-clearing broker dealer and subject to certain regulatory provisions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This subsidiary acts as the underwriter and distributor for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the Company and for Maxim Series Fund, Inc., an affiliated open-end management investment company.
ERISA and Other Considerations
The Company provides products and services to certain employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, the Company’s activities are subject to the restrictions imposed by ERISA and the Code, including the requirement under ERISA that fiduciaries must perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries and the requirement under ERISA and the Code that fiduciaries may not cause a covered plan to engage in prohibited transactions with persons who have certain relationships with respect to such plans. The applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code are subject to enforcement by the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
In March of 2010, comprehensive health care reform legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “Acts”) was signed into law. The Acts contain provisions which could impact the Company’s accounting for retiree medical benefits in future periods. However, the extent of that impact, if any, cannot be determined until regulations are promulgated under the Acts and additional interpretations of the Acts become available. Elements of the Acts, the impact of which are currently not determinable, include the elimination of lifetime limits on retiree medical coverage. The Company will continue to assess the business and
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accounting implications of the Acts as related regulations and interpretation of the Acts become available.
1.5 Ratings
The Company is rated by a number of nationally recognized rating agencies. The ratings represent the opinion of the rating agencies regarding the financial strength of the Company and its ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. The Company’s financial strength ratings as of the date of this filing are as follows:
Rating agency | | Measurement | | Current rating | |
A.M. Best, Inc. | | Financial strength, operating performance and business profile | | A+ | (1) |
Fitch Ratings | | Financial strength | | AA | (2) |
Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. | | Financial strength | | Aa3 | (3) |
Standard & Poor’s Rating Services | | Financial strength | | AA | (2) |
(1) Superior (highest category out of ten categories).
(2) Very Strong (second highest category out of nine categories).
(3) Excellent (second highest category out of nine categories).
1.6 Employees
The Company had approximately 3,200 and 3,100 employees at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
1.7 Available Information
The Company files periodic reports and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at its Headquarters Office, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090 (Public Reference Room) or 1-800-SEC-0330 (Office of Investor Education and Advocacy). In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
In the normal course of its business, the Company is exposed to certain operational, regulatory and financial risks and uncertainties. The most significant risks include the following.
Competition could negatively affect the ability of the Company to maintain or increase market share or profitability.
The industry in which the Company operates is highly competitive. The Company’s competitors include insurance companies, mutual fund companies, banks, investment advisors and certain service and professional organizations. Although there has been consolidation in some sectors, no one competitor is dominant. Customer retention is a key factor for continued profitability. Management cannot be certain that the Company will be able to maintain its current competitive position in the markets in which it operates, or that it will be able to expand its operations into new markets. If the Company fails to do so, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
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The insurance and financial services industries are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce profitability.
Federal and state regulatory reform that increases the compliance requirements imposed on the Company or that changes the way that the Company is able to do business may significantly harm its business or adversely impact the results of operations in the future. It is not possible to predict whether future legislation or regulation adversely affecting the Company’s business will be enacted and, if enacted, the extent to which such legislation will have an effect on the Company or its competitors. Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to which of the Company’s specific products would be impacted by any such legislative or regulatory reform.
The Company’s operations and accounts are subject to examination by the Colorado Department of Insurance and other regulators at specified intervals. The NAIC has also prescribed RBC rules and other financial ratios for life insurance companies. The calculations set forth in these rules are used by regulators to assess the sufficiency of an insurer’s capital and measure the risk characteristics of an insurer’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items. RBC is calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium and liability items. Although the Company has risk-based capital levels well in excess of those required by its regulators, there can be no assurances made that it will continue to maintain these levels.
A downgrade or potential downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or claims paying ratings could result in a loss of business and negatively affect results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is rated by a number of nationally recognized rating agencies. The ratings represent the opinion of the rating agencies regarding the Company’s financial strength and its ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. Claims paying ability and financial strength ratings are factors in establishing the competitive position of insurers. A rating downgrade, or the potential for such a downgrade, of the Company or any of its rated insurance subsidiaries could, among other things, materially increase the number of policy surrenders and withdrawals by policyholders of cash values from their policies, adversely affecting relationships with broker-dealers, banks, agents, wholesalers and other distributors of its products and services. This may result in cash payments requiring the Company to sell invested assets, including illiquid assets such as privately placed fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans on real estate, at a price that may result in realized investment losses. These cash payments to policyholders result in a decrease in total invested assets and a decrease in net income. Among other things, early withdrawals may also cause the Company to accelerate amortization of DAC and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), reducing net income. In addition, a significant downgrade may negatively impact new sales and adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete and thereby have a material effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. Negative changes in credit ratings may also increase the Company’s cost of funding.
Deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality and interest rates used in calculating liabilities for future policyholder benefits and claims could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company maintains policy and contract claim liabilities to cover its estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for both reported and unreported claims incurred. Future policy benefits do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, future policy benefits represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based upon management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in persistency (how long a contract stays with the Company), claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability, interest rates and other factors. These variables are affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, catastrophic events, inflation, judicial trends and legislative changes. Many of these items are not directly quantifiable in advance. The Company’s life insurance products are exposed to the risk of catastrophic events, such as a pandemic, terrorism, or other such events that cause a large number of deaths. Additionally, there may be a significant reporting delay between the occurrence of an insured event and the date it is reported to the Company.
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The inherent uncertainties of estimating policy and contract claim liabilities are greater for certain types of liabilities, particularly those in which the various considerations affecting the type of claim are subject to change and in which long periods of time may elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Liability estimates including estimated premiums the Company will receive over the assumed life of the policy are continually refined in a regular and ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to policy benefit liabilities are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of income in the period in which adjustments are determined. Because setting policy benefit liabilities is inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that current liabilities will prove to be adequate in light of subsequent events.
The Company may be required to accelerate the amortization of DAC or VOBA, or recognize impairment in the value of goodwill, which could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
DAC represents the costs that vary with and are related primarily to the acquisition of new insurance and annuity contracts and are amortized over the expected lives of the contracts. VOBA represents the present value of future profits associated with acquired insurance, annuity and investment-type contracts and is amortized over the expected effective lives of the acquired contracts. Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts the Company paid to acquire subsidiaries and other businesses over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. The Company, on an ongoing basis, tests the DAC and VOBA recorded on the consolidated balance sheets to determine if these amounts are recoverable under current assumptions. In addition, management regularly reviews the estimates and assumptions underlying DAC and VOBA for those products for which DAC and VOBA are amortized in proportion to gross profits or gross premiums. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually based upon estimates of the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates. Given changes in facts and circumstances, these tests and reviews could lead to reductions in DAC, VOBA and/or goodwill that could have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition.
If the companies that provide reinsurance default or fail to perform or the Company is unable to obtain adequate reinsurance for some of the risks underwritten, the Company could incur significant losses adversely affecting results of operations and financial condition.
The Company purchases reinsurance by transferring, or ceding, part of the risk it assumes to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium it receives in connection with the risk. The part of the risk the Company retains for its own account is known as the retention. Through reinsurance, the Company has the contractual right to collect the amount above its retention from its reinsurers. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to the Company to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve it of its full liability to its policyholders. Accordingly, the Company bears credit risk with respect to its reinsurers. Management cannot make assurances that the Company’s reinsurers will pay all of their reinsurance claims, or that they will pay claims on a timely basis. If the Company becomes liable for risks it has ceded to reinsurers or if its reinsurers cease to meet their obligations to the Company, whether because they are in a weakened position as a result of incurred losses or otherwise, the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
As related to the Company’s reinsurance facilities, there are no assurances that the Company can maintain its current reinsurance facilities or that it can obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If the Company is unable to obtain new reinsurance facilities, either its net exposures would increase or, if it is unwilling to bear an increase in net exposures, it would have to reduce the level of its underwriting commitments. Either of these potential developments could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
Interest rate fluctuations could have a negative impact on results of operations and financial condition.
In periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, policy surrenders and withdrawals may increase. Premiums in flexible premium policies may decrease as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns. This activity may result in the Company making cash payments requiring that it sell
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invested assets at a time when the prices of those assets are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates. Among other things, early withdrawals may also cause the Company to accelerate the amortization of DAC and VOBA, reducing net income.
During periods of sustained low interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be affected by increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features and a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in-force from year to year. During such a period, investment earnings may be lower because the interest earnings on new fixed income investments will likely have declined with the market interest rates. Although the Company invests in a broad range of asset classes, it is primarily invested in domestic fixed income securities. Accordingly, during periods of sustained low interest rates, net income may decline as a result of a decrease in the spread between the earned rate on the Company’s assets and either the interest rates credited to policyholders or the rates assumed in reserve calculations. Several products are at or approaching their minimum guaranteed credit rate, which could have a negative effect on net income due to spread compression.
The Company began an interest rate risk hedging program during the fourth quarter of 2009 to hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates on the Company’s general account life insurance and group pension liabilities as well as certain separate account life insurance liabilities. In February 2012, the Company modified the scope of this interest rate risk hedging program. Although the Company engages in hedging activities including investing in interest rate derivatives, there can be no assurance that it would be fully insulated from realizing any losses on sales of securities. In addition, regardless of whether the Company realized an investment loss, potential withdrawals would produce a decrease in invested assets, with an adverse effect on future earnings.
Market fluctuations and general economic conditions may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.
The risk of fluctuations in market value of substantially all of the separate account assets is borne by the policyholders. The Company’s fee income for administering separate account assets, however, is generally set as a percentage of those assets. Accordingly, fluctuations in the market value of separate account assets may result in fluctuations in revenue from policy charges.
The Company manages or administers its general and separate accounts in support of cash and liquidity requirements of its insurance and investment products. The Company’s general account investment portfolio is diversified over a broad range of asset classes but consists primarily of domestic fixed income investments. The fair value of these and other general account invested assets fluctuate depending upon, among other factors, general economic and market conditions. In general, the market value of the Company’s general account fixed maturity securities portfolio increases or decreases in inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates.
The occurrence of a major economic downturn, acts of corporate malfeasance or other events that adversely affect the issuers of the Company’s investment securities could cause the value of these securities and net income to decline and the default rate of the fixed maturity securities to increase. A ratings downgrade affecting particular issuers or securities could have a similar effect. Any event reducing the value of these securities other than on a temporary basis could have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, for business, regulatory, or other reasons, elect or be required to sell certain of its general account invested assets at a time when their fair values are less than their original cost, resulting in realized capital losses, which would reduce net income.
Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of the Company’s products less attractive to consumers and increase its tax costs.
Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of the Company’s products less attractive to consumers. For example, the following events could adversely affect the Company’s business:
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· Changes in tax laws that would reduce or eliminate tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of annuities and life insurance products;
· Reductions in the federal income tax that investors are required to pay on long-term capital gains and on some dividends paid on stock may provide an incentive for some of the Company’s customers and potential customers to shift assets into mutual funds and away from products, including life insurance and annuities, designed to defer taxes payable on investment returns;
· Changes in applicable regulations that could restrict the ability of some companies to purchase certain business-owned products;
· Changes in the availability of, or rules concerning the establishment and operation of, Section 401, 403(b), 408 and 457 plans; and
· Repeal of the federal estate tax.
The Company cannot predict whether any other legislation will be enacted, what the specific terms of any such legislation will be or how, if at all, this legislation or any other legislation could have an adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition.
Congress, as well as state and local governments, also considers from time to time legislation that could increase the Company’s tax costs. If such legislation is adopted, the results of operations could be adversely impacted.
The Company may be subject to litigation resulting in substantial awards or settlements and this may adversely affect its reputation and results of operations.
In recent years, life and accident insurance and financial service companies have been named as defendants in lawsuits, including class actions. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial jury awards and settlements. There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to matters such as the provision of insurance coverage or pricing and sales practices will not have a material adverse affect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
The Company’s risk management policies and procedures may leave it exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Management of operational, legal and regulatory risks requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events. Management has devoted significant resources to develop the Company’s risk management and disaster recovery policies and procedures. However, policies and procedures may not be fully effective and may leave the Company exposed to unidentified and unanticipated risks. The Company may be subject to disruptions of its operating systems or its ability to conduct business from events that are wholly or partially beyond its control such as a natural catastrophe, act of terrorism, pandemic, or electrical/telecommunications outage. A failure of the computer systems or a compromise of their security could also subject the Company to regulatory sanctions or other claims, harm its reputation, interrupt operations and adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may experience difficulty in marketing and distributing products through its current and future distribution channels.
The Company distributes its life and savings products through a variety of distribution channels, including brokers, independent agents, consultants, retail financial institutions and its own internal sales force. In some areas the Company generates a significant portion of its business through third-party arrangements. Management periodically negotiates provisions and renewals of these relationships and there can be no assurance that such terms will remain acceptable to either party. An interruption in the continuing relationship with certain of these third parties could materially affect the Company’s ability to market its products. The Company must attract and retain productive internal sales representatives to sell its products. If the Company is unsuccessful in attracting and retaining sales representatives with demonstrated abilities, its results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Properties
The Company’s corporate office facility is comprised of an 882,000 square foot complex located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The Company owns its corporate office facilities. At December 31, 2011, the Company leased approximately 188,000 square feet of the complex to CIGNA for a lease period expiring on March 31, 2018. The Company also leases sales and administrative offices throughout the United States. Management believes that the Company’s properties are suitable and adequate for its current and anticipated business operations.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
5.1 Equity Security Holders and Market Information
There is no established public trading market for the Company’s common equity. GWL&A Financial is the sole shareholder of the Company’s common equity securities.
5.2 Dividends
In the three most recent fiscal years, the Company has paid dividends on its common shares. Dividends paid on the Company’s common stock were $206 million, $161 million and $25 million during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
On February 3, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend for the first quarter of 2012 of $52 million to be paid to the Company’s sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial. The dividend is payable on March 30, 2012.
Under Colorado law, the Company cannot, without the approval of the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance, pay a dividend if as a result of such payment, the total of that dividend and all dividends paid in the preceding twelve months, would exceed the greater of (i) 10% of the Company’s statutory surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding year ended December 31; or (ii) the Company’s statutory net gain, not including realized capital gains, for the twelve-month period ending the preceding December 31 not including pro rata distributions of the Company’s own securities.
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Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information for the Company. The information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by the information contained in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in Item 8, “Financial Statement and Supplementary Data.”
The selected consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and at December 31, 2011 and 2010 has been derived in part from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. The selected consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been derived in part from the Company’s consolidated financial statements not included elsewhere herein.
| | As of and for the year ended December 31, | |
(In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
Total revenues | | $ | 2,193 | | $ | 2,404 | | $ | 2,028 | | $ | 2,011 | | $ | 744 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,879 | | 2,127 | | 1,862 | | 1,475 | | 385 | |
Income from continuing operations | | 314 | | 277 | | 166 | | 536 | | 359 | |
Provision for income taxes | | 100 | | 72 | | 41 | | 83 | | 119 | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (1) | | — | | (2 | ) | — | | 668 | | 179 | |
Net income | | $ | 214 | | $ | 203 | | $ | 125 | | $ | 1,121 | | $ | 419 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared | | $ | 206 | | $ | 161 | | $ | 25 | | $ | 1,772 | | $ | 605 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment assets | | $ | 23,995 | | $ | 23,069 | | $ | 20,376 | | $ | 18,082 | | $ | 19,383 | |
Separate account assets | | 22,331 | | 22,489 | | 18,887 | | 15,122 | | 18,090 | |
Total assets | | 48,336 | | 47,627 | | 41,801 | | 36,184 | | 40,335 | |
Due to parent and affiliates | | 539 | | 537 | | 538 | | 534 | | 535 | |
Total stockholder’s equity | | 1,994 | | 1,780 | | 1,360 | | 617 | | 2,035 | |
(1) See Item 1.2, “Business of the Company” for a discussion of the Company’s discontinued operations.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2011 follows. This management discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial data contained in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” and in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Certain statements in this report constitute forward-looking statements. See “Business” in Item 1 of this report for additional factors relating to these statements, and see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to the business and its financial condition and results of operations.
7.1 Executive Summary
The Company and its subsidiaries are providers of insurance and other financial service products to individual, corporate, institutional and government customers.
The Company’s operations are organized into three reporting segments: Individual Markets, Retirement Services and Other. Management considers the ability to continue to expand its presence in the United States defined contribution and institutional insurance markets to be its primary points of focus. The life insurance, savings and investments marketplace is also highly competitive. Competitors include mutual
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fund companies, insurance companies, banks, investment advisors and certain service and professional organizations.
During 2011, the Company introduced a single premium universal life (“SPUL”) product as an alternative to the single premium whole life (“SPWL”) product previously offered. The decision to introduce the SPUL product was based on market conditions including prevailing interest rates. SPUL is considered an investment contract while SPWL is considered an insurance contract. Due to the change in product mix sold in 2011, premium income decreased as sales in the SPWL product marketed through banks decreased by $280 million and was replaced by the SPUL product which had deposits of $196 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26 “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts - a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (“ASU No. 2010-26”). ASU No. 2010-26 provides guidance and modifies the definition of the types and nature of costs incurred by insurance enterprises that can be capitalized in connection with the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Further, ASU No. 2010-26 clarifies which costs may not be capitalized as DAC. ASU No. 2010-26 is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2010-26 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012, and expects to apply the retrospective method of adoption. Accordingly, upon adoption, DAC will be reduced with a corresponding reduction, net of tax, to stockholder’s equity as a result of acquisition costs previously deferred that are not eligible for deferral under the amended guidance. The Company estimates the impact as of December 31, 2011, retrospective adoption would reduce DAC by approximately $120 million to $130 million and would reduce stockholder’s equity by approximately $76 million to $86 million, net of tax. Expenses in future periods will be higher due to a decrease of deferrable expenses. However, amortization expense will be lower in future periods due to the lower DAC balance, before the effect of any amortization related to realized gains and losses.
The Company is committed to providing exceptional service and high value to life and annuity policyholders. It has a dedicated service unit to work in collaboration with its brokers and agents to ensure that policyholders continue to receive the information and service they need to make sound financial decisions with respect to their policies.
Current Market Conditions
During the latter part of 2009 and through 2011, the financial markets have shown some recovery from the turmoil experienced in the latter part of 2008 and early 2009. However, there was a slight down turn in the markets during the third quarter of 2011. As a result, the S&P 500 index ended 2011 exactly where it started 2011, at 1,258, for a 0% growth as compared to 2010 which was up 13% at December 31, 2010 when compared to December 31, 2009. The average of the S&P 500 index during the year ended December 31, 2011 was up by 11% when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the average was up by 20% for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Variable asset-based fees earned by the Company fluctuate with changes in participant account balances. Participant account balances change due to cash flow and unrealized market gains and losses which are primarily associated with changes in the United States equities market. Fee income increased by $40 million, or 9%, to $487 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to higher variable fee income as a result of higher average account balances due to the improved average performance of the U.S. equities market.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded net other-than-temporary losses recognized in earnings of $7 million on its available-for-sale fixed maturity investments primarily related to asset-backed investments with home improvement loans and home equity loan collateral. A continued recovery in market liquidity and lower interest rates have resulted in improved market values for the Company’s fixed maturity investments since December 31, 2010. The Company has recorded a decrease in gross unrealized losses of $73 million and an increase in gross unrealized gains of $369 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. This resulted in a $221 million increase to
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accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of policyholder related amounts and deferred taxes.
7.2 Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to adopt accounting policies to enable them to make a significant variety of accounting and actuarial estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect, among other things, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results can differ from the amounts previously estimated, which were based on information available at the time the estimates were made.
Critical accounting estimates are those that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and which require them to make difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments. Critical accounting estimates cover accounting and actuarial matters that are inherently uncertain because the future resolution of such matters is unknown. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries. The Company believes that its most critical accounting estimates include the following:
· Valuation of investments in the absence of quoted market values (including derivative financial instruments);
· Impairment of investments;
· Accounting for derivative financial instruments;
· Valuation of policy benefit liabilities;
· Valuation of DAC and VOBA;
· Accounting for employee benefit plans; and
· Accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets.
Valuation of investments in the absence of quoted market values (including derivative financial instruments)
The Company’s investments are in fixed maturity investments, mortgage and policy loans and limited partnership interests and other investments. The Company’s investments are exposed to three primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate and market valuation. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of fair values.
The fair values for fixed maturity investments are based upon quoted market prices or estimates from independent pricing services. However, in cases where quoted market prices are not readily available, such as for private fixed maturity investments, fair values are estimated. To determine estimated fair value for these instruments, the Company generally utilizes discounted cash flows calculated at current market rates on investments of similar quality and term. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts of the Company’s financial instruments.
The fair value of derivatives is determined by quoted market prices or through the use of pricing models. The determination of fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on valuation methodologies and assumptions deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Essential to the analysis of fair value is the risk of counterparty default. Values can also be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, market volatility and liquidity.
Impairment of investments
Assumptions and estimates about the issuer’s operations and ability to generate future cash flows are inherent in management’s evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. The
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assessment of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred on securities where management does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. Management considers a wide range of factors regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate recoverable amount from a distressed or impaired security. The evaluation of impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the recovery period.
If an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the impairment amount is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the credit loss and the amount attributed to other factors (referred to as the non-credit portion). The calculation of expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation and bifurcation process is determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics and current levels of subordination.
The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage credit loss allowance and mortgage impairments involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience and other relevant factors.
Accounting for derivative financial instruments
Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under accounting guidance. If it was determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported net income could be materially affected. Differences in judgment as to the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment may result in a differing impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company from that previously reported. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness of hedging relationships are also subject to interpretations and estimations and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.
Valuation of policy benefit liabilities
The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies and annuity contracts. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time and related liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid, reduced by the present value of future expected premiums. Such liabilities are established based upon methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with GAAP and applicable actuarial standards. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of liabilities for future policy benefits are mortality, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, investment returns, inflation, expenses and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type. These assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are intended to estimate the experience for the period the policy benefits are payable. Utilizing these assumptions, liabilities are established on a block of business basis. If experience is less favorable than the assumptions employed, additional liabilities may be required, resulting in a charge to current period earnings.
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Valuation of DAC and VOBA
The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. DAC varies with and relates to costs that consist primarily of commissions and agency and policy issue expenses. VOBA is an intangible asset that reflects the estimated fair value of in-force life insurance contracts acquired and represents the portion of the purchase price allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the acquired business. VOBA is based upon actuarially determined projections, by block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns and other factors. DAC and VOBA are amortized over the expected lives of the related contracts based upon the level and timing of either gross profits or gross premiums, depending upon the type of contract as discussed below. The recovery of both DAC and VOBA is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business.
DAC and VOBA associated with annuity and investment-type products are being amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of estimated gross profits. DAC and VOBA associated with traditional life insurance products are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to the present value of estimated premium revenues recognized.
Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated present values of gross profits for that period. When the actual gross profits change from previous estimates, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by the cumulative charge or credit to current period earnings. When actual gross profits exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross profits are below those previously estimated. These adjustments are made when the Company revises its estimates for such factors as investment yield, realized investment gains and losses and policyholder retention. DAC and VOBA, for applicable products, are adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholder’s equity section in its consolidated balance sheets.
Accounting for employee benefit plans
The Company sponsors pension and other post retirement benefit plans in various forms covering employees who meet specified eligibility requirements. The obligations and expenses associated with these plans require an extensive use of estimates and assumptions, such as the discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increases, healthcare cost trend rates, as well as assumptions regarding participant demographics such as rate and age of retirements, withdrawal rates and mortality. Management, in consultation with its independent consulting actuarial firm, determines these assumptions based upon a variety of factors such as historical performance of the plan and its assets, currently available market and industry data and expected benefit payout streams. The assumptions used will differ, and may differ materially, from actual results due to, among other factors, changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates and changes in participant demographics. These assumptions are subjective in many cases and have an important effect on the Company’s pension and post retirement benefit obligations.
Accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets
The Company’s effective tax rate is based upon expected income, statutory income tax rates and prudent available tax planning opportunities. In the determination of the Company’s effective income tax rate, management considers judgments regarding its business plans, planning opportunities and expectations about their future outcomes. Certain changes or future events, such as changes in tax legislation and the commencement or completion of tax audits, could have an impact on management’s estimates and the Company’s effective tax rate.
Accounting and tax regulations require that items be included in income tax returns at different times from when they are reflected in financial statements. These timing differences give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities. A deferred tax liability is recognized for temporary differences that will result in
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taxable amounts or nondeductible expenses in future years. A deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary differences that will result in tax deductible amounts or nontaxable income in future years, including loss carryforwards.
The application of GAAP requires management to evaluate the realization of its deferred tax assets. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Factors in management’s determination consider the performance of the business including the ability to generate capital gains. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established, as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such determination, consideration is given to, among other things, the following:
· future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;
· future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
· taxable income in prior carryback years; and
· tax planning strategies.
The Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the consolidated financial statements. A tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the threshold are included within other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made.
7.3 Company Results of Operations
The Company has three reportable segments: Individual Markets, Retirement Services and Other. The Individual Markets segment distributes life insurance, annuity and retirement products (including individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”)) to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life and variable universal life. The Retirement Services segment provides various retirement plan products and investment options and educational, advisory, enrollment and communication services to employer-sponsored defined contribution and associated defined benefit plans, as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers. Defined contribution plans provide for benefits based upon the value of contributions to, and investment returns on, an individual’s account. The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity under the assumption reinsurance agreement between GWSC and CLAC (“the GWSC operating segment”), corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt.
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Year ended December 31, 2011 compared with the year ended December 31, 2010
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Premium income | | $ | 523 | | $ | 806 | |
Fee income | | 487 | | 447 | |
Net investment income | | 1,159 | | 1,175 | |
Net realized investment gains (losses) | | 24 | | (24 | ) |
Total revenues | | 2,193 | | 2,404 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 1,264 | | 1,541 | |
Operating expenses | | 615 | | 586 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,879 | | 2,127 | |
Income before income taxes | | 314 | | 277 | |
Income tax expense | | 100 | | 72 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 214 | | $ | 205 | |
The Company’s consolidated income from continuing operations increased by $9 million, or 4%, to $214 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in policyholder benefits of $277 million offset partially by a decrease in revenues of $211 million and an increase in expenses of $29 million. Income tax expense has increased by $28 million primarily as a result of an increase of $37 million in income before taxes. Additionally, the Company had a $13 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examinations.
Premium income decreased by $283 million, or 35%, to $523 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. This decrease is primarily related to a $280 million decrease in the sales of the SPWL product in the Company’s Individual Market’s segment. In 2011, the Company began replacing the SPWL product with a SPUL product which had deposits of $196 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Fee income increased by $40 million, or 9%, to $487 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to higher variable fee income as a result of higher average account balances due to the performance of the U.S. equities market. The equities market performance is evidenced by the average S&P 500 index which increased by 11% in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Net investment income remained relatively constant, decreasing by $16 million, or 1%, to $1,159 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease is primarily due to an increase in unrealized loss of $18 million on derivatives and held for trading assets offset by an increase in interest income of $2 million.
Net realized investment gains (losses) increased by $48 million from a loss of $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to a gain of $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. The $24 million gain in 2011 is due to $38 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments, including dollar rolls, offset by $5 million increase in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses due to the increase in mortgage loans and $9 million of credit related OTTI losses primarily on fixed maturity investments. The $24 million loss in 2010 is primarily due to $81 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“Ambac”) offset by $57 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
Total benefits and expenses decreased by $248 million, or 12%, to $1,879 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease is attributable to a reduction of $312 million in the Company’s Individual Markets segment which is primarily due to a reduction in future policyholder benefits and expenses related to the change in mix of sales mentioned in premiums above. This
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decrease is partially offset by a $34 million increase in benefits and expense in the Company’s Retirement Services segment and a $31 million increase in benefits and expense in the Other segment.
Income tax expense increased by $28 million, or 39%, to $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily due to a $37 million, or 13% increase in income before income taxes. Additionally, the Company had a $13 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of IRS examinations.
Year ended December 31, 2010 compared with the year ended December 31, 2009
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Premium income | | $ | 806 | | $ | 560 | |
Fee income | | 447 | | 386 | |
Net investment income | | 1,175 | | 1,149 | |
Net realized investment losses | | (24 | ) | (67 | ) |
Total revenues | | 2,404 | | 2,028 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 1,541 | | 1,326 | |
Operating expenses | | 586 | | 535 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 2,127 | | 1,861 | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | 277 | | 167 | |
Income tax expense | | 72 | | 42 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 205 | | $ | 125 | |
The Company’s consolidated income from continuing operations increased by $80 million, or 64%, to $205 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to a $61 million increase in fee income, an improvement in net interest margins, a $35 million decrease in net realized and unrealized investment losses, net of policyholder related amounts, a $17 million release of future policyholder benefits in the Individual Markets segment and a $8 million increase in earnings of the reinsurance business of the Other segment. These are partially offset by $64 million higher general insurance expenses primarily in the Retirement Services segment.
Premium income increased by $246 million, or 44%, to $806 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. This increase is primarily related to a $224 million increase in sales of the SPWL product in the Company’s Individual Markets segment.
Fee income increased by $61 million, or 16%, to $447 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to higher variable fee income in the Retirement Services segment as a result of higher average account balances due to the performance of the U.S. equities market as seen by the higher S&P 500 index average in 2010 compared to 2009.
Net investment income increased by $26 million, or 2%, to $1,175 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to increased interest income of $27 million due to higher invested asset balances offset by $1 million higher unrealized losses on derivatives and held for trading assets.
Net realized investment losses decreased by $43 million, or 64%, to a loss of $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The $24 million loss in 2010 is primarily due to $81 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac offset by $57 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments. The $67 million loss in 2009 is due to $99 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (“FGIC”) offset by $32 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
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Total benefits and expenses increased by $266 million, or 14%, to $2,127 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in future policy benefits and expenses of $268 million in the Company’s Individual Markets segment due to increased sales. This increase is offset by a $14 million decrease in benefits and expenses in the reinsurance business of the Other segment.
Income tax expense increased by $30 million, or 71%, to $72 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. This increase is primarily due to the $110 million increase in income before income taxes in 2010 when compared to 2009, offset by a $13 million prior year tax benefit recorded in 2010 primarily related to the closing of IRS examinations.
The segment information below discusses the reasons for these changes.
7.4 Individual Markets Segment Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2011 compared with the year ended December 31, 2010
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Individual Markets segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Premium income | | $ | 396 | | $ | 676 | |
Fee income | | 65 | | 56 | |
Net investment income | | 714 | | 731 | |
Net realized investment gains (losses) | | 21 | | (1 | ) |
Total revenues | | 1,196 | | 1,462 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 938 | | 1,219 | |
Operating expenses | | 102 | | 133 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,040 | | 1,352 | |
Income before income taxes | | 156 | | 110 | |
Income tax expense | | 51 | | 30 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 105 | | $ | 80 | |
The following is a summary of the Individual Markets segment participant accounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Participant accounts | | 517 | | 518 | |
Income from continuing operations for the Individual Markets segment increased by $25 million, or 31%, to $105 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to a decrease in benefits and expenses of $312 million partially offset by a decrease in revenues of $266 million. Income tax expense has increased by $21 million primarily as a result of of an increase of $46 million in income before taxes. Additionally, the Company had a $3 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of IRS examinations.
Premium income decreased by $280 million, or 41%, to $396 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease is primarily related to sales in the SPWL product marketed through banks which decreased by $280 million. In 2011, the Company began replacing the SPWL product with a SPUL product which had deposits of $196 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Fee income increased by $9 million, or 16%, to $65 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to an overall increase in the size of the block of business.
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Net investment income decreased by $17 million, or 2%, to $714 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in interest income of $11 million and an increase in unrealized loss of $6 million on derivatives and held for trading assets.
Net realized investment gains (losses) increased by $22 million from a loss of $1 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to a gain of $21 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. The $21 million gain in 2011 is due to $26 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments offset by $2 million increase in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses due to the increase in mortgage loans and $3 million of credit related OTTI losses primarily on fixed maturity investments. The $1 million loss in 2010 is due to $34 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac offset by $33 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
Total benefits and expenses decreased by $312 million, or 23%, to $1,040 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. Approximately $281 million of the decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in future policyholder benefits and expenses related to the change in mix of sales mentioned in premiums above, offset by a release of future policy benefits in 2010 due to the refinement in the calculation methodology as a result of additional information on the assumed reinsurance individual life block of business. The remaining $31 million is primarily due to a $28 million decrease in commissions and premium tax expense, net of the deferral of acquisition costs, also as a result of the change in sales mix discussed in premiums above as the Company replaces its SPWL product with a SPUL product.
Income tax expense increased by $21 million, or 70%, to $51 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily due to a $46 million, or 42% increase in income before income taxes, as well as a $3 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of IRS examinations.
Year ended December 31, 2010 compared with the year ended December 31, 2009
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Premium income | | $ | 676 | | $ | 428 | |
Fee income | | 56 | | 50 | |
Net investment income | | 731 | | 718 | |
Net realized investment losses | | (1 | ) | (38 | ) |
Total revenues | | 1,462 | | 1,158 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 1,219 | | 982 | |
Operating expenses | | 133 | | 102 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,352 | | 1,084 | |
Income before income taxes | | 110 | | 74 | |
Income tax expense | | 30 | | 17 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 80 | | $ | 57 | |
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The following is a summary of the Individual Markets segment participant accounts at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Participant accounts | | 518 | | 521 | |
Income from continuing operations for the Individual Markets segment increased by $23 million, or 40%, to $80 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to a $32 million decrease in net realized and unrealized investment losses, net of policy related amounts and $17 million release of future policyholder benefits offset by $22 million increase in acquisition expense of the SPWL product due to increased sales.
Premium income increased by $248 million, or 58%, to $676 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to sales in the SPWL product marketed through banks which increased by $224 million.
Fee income increased by $6 million, or 12%, to $56 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to higher fees as a result of higher sales of the business-owned product.
Net investment income increased by $13 million, or 2%, to $731 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to increased interest income of $15 million due to higher invested asset balances offset by $2 million higher unrealized losses on derivatives and held for trading assets.
Net realized investment losses decreased by $37 million, or 97%, to a loss of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The $1 million loss in 2010 is due to $34 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac offset by $33 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments. The $38 million loss in 2009 is due to $47 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by FGIC partially offset by $9 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
Total benefits and expenses increased by $268 million, or 25%, to $1,352 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in future policy benefits and expenses of $268 million primarily related to the SPWL product marketed through banks less $17 million of future policy benefits released due to a change in estimate due to the availability of more precise information for assumed reinsurance. In addition, interest paid or credited to contractholders decreased by $20 million due to lower crediting rates primarily in the participating block of business.
Income tax expense increased by $13 million, or 76%, to $30 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily due to a $36 million increase in income before income taxes in 2010.
The slight decrease in participant accounts is primarily the result of policy maturities and policy surrenders.
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7.5 Retirement Services Segment Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2011 compared with the year ended December 31, 2010
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Retirement Services segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Premium income | | $ | 2 | | $ | 6 | |
Fee income | | 417 | | 387 | |
Net investment income | | 399 | | 399 | |
Net realized investment gains (losses) | | 3 | | (23 | ) |
Total revenues | | 821 | | 769 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 223 | | 222 | |
Operating expenses | | 424 | | 391 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 647 | | 613 | |
Income before income taxes | | 174 | | 156 | |
Income tax expense | | 55 | | 38 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 119 | | $ | 118 | |
The following is a summary of the Retirement Services segment participant accounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Participant accounts | | 4,439 | | 4,409 | |
Income from continuing operations for the Retirement Services segment remained relatively flat, increasing by $1 million, or less than 1%, to $119 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. Total revenues have increased by $52 million which is offset by an increase in benefits and expenses of $34 million in total benefits and expenses. Income tax expense has increased by $17 million primarily as a result of of an increase of $18 million in income before taxes. Additionally, the Company had a $5 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of IRS examinations.
Fee income increased by $30 million, or 8%, to $417 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to higher variable fee income as a result of higher average account balances due to the performance of the U.S. equities market. The equities market performance is evidenced by the average S&P 500 index which increased by 11% in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Net investment income remained unchanged at $399 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. This is primarily related to increased interest income of $12 million due to higher invested asset balances offset by $12 million higher unrealized losses on derivatives and held for trading assets.
Net realized investment gains (losses) increased by $26 million from a loss of $23 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to a gain of $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. The $3 million gain in 2011 is due to $12 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments offset by a $3 million increase in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses, due to the increase in mortgage loans and $6 million of credit related OTTI losses primarily on fixed maturity securities. The $23 million loss in 2010 is due to $47 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac offset by $24 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
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Total benefits and expenses increased by $34 million, or 6%, to $647 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily related to an $11 million increase in asset based commission expense and a $22 million increase in other general operating expense due to segment growth in 2011.
Income tax expense increased by $17 million, or 45%, to $55 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase is primarily due to a $18 million, or 12% increase in income before income taxes. Additionally, the Company had a $5 million tax benefit in 2010 related to the closing of IRS examinations.
The following table provides information for the Retirement Services’ participant account values at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
(In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
General account - Fixed options: | | $ | 8,540 | | $ | 7,866 | |
| | | | | |
Separate accounts - Variable options: | | 16,286 | | 15,857 | |
| | | | | |
Proprietary mutual funds / Collective trust funds: | | 2,821 | | 2,677 | |
| | | | | |
Retail investment options and administrative services only: | | 123,370 | | 120,569 | |
| | | | | | | |
Account values invested in the general account fixed investment options have increased by $674 million, or 9%, at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 primarily due to new sales.
Account values invested in the separate account variable investment options have increased by $429 million, or 3%, at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily due to new public/non-profit sales and an increase in the U.S. equity markets, offset by higher 401(k) transfers to other fund options.
Account values invested in the proprietary mutual fund investment options have increased by $144 million, or 5%, at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily due to new sales.
Participant account values invested in unaffiliated retail investment options and participant account values where only administrative services and recordkeeping functions are provided have increased by $2,801 million, or 2%, at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily due to new sales.
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Year ended December 31, 2010 compared with the year ended December 31, 2009
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Retirement Services segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Premium income | | $ | 6 | | $ | 3 | |
Fee income | | 387 | | 331 | |
Net investment income | | 399 | | 383 | |
Net realized investment losses | | (23 | ) | (23 | ) |
Total revenues | | 769 | | 694 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 222 | | 231 | |
Operating expenses | | 391 | | 362 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 613 | | 593 | |
Income before income taxes | | 156 | | 101 | |
Income tax expense | | 38 | | 25 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 118 | | $ | 76 | |
The following is a summary of the Retirement Services segment participant accounts at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | December 31, | |
(In thousands) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Participant accounts | | 4,409 | | 4,201 | |
Income from continuing operations for the Retirement Services segment increased by $42 million, or 55%, to $118 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to a $56 million increase in fee income, $17 million lower amortization of DAC and an improvement in net interest margins partially offset by a $46 million increase in general insurance expenses due to increased participants.
Premium income increased by $3 million, or 100%, to $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is due to increased life annuitizations in the government market business.
Fee income increased by $56 million, or 17%, to $387 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to higher variable fee income as a result of higher average account balances due to the performance of the U.S. equities market as seen by the higher S&P 500 index average in 2010 compared to 2009 as well as an increase in participants.
Net investment income increased by $16 million, or 4%, to $399 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is due to increased interest income of $15 million due to higher invested asset balances in addition to $1 million higher unrealized gains on derivatives and held for trading assets.
Net realized investment losses remain unchanged at $23 million during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The $23 million loss in 2010 is due to $47 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by Ambac offset by $24 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments. The $23 million loss in 2009 is due to $46 million of write-downs primarily on fixed maturity securities guaranteed by FGIC partially offset by $23 million of net realized gains on the sale of investments.
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Total benefits and expenses increased by $20 million, or 3%, to $613 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily related to a $46 million increase in general insurance expenses as a result of higher distribution costs, higher policy administration costs due to increased participant accounts and higher asset based commissions from higher average account balances due to the performance of the U.S. equities market in 2010 compared to 2009. This is offset by $14 million lower interest paid to policyholders due to lower crediting rates and $17 million lower amortization of DAC primarily due to the decrease in net realized investment gains and losses.
Income tax expense increased by $13 million, or 52%, to $38 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase is primarily due to a $55 million increase in income before income taxes in 2010.
Retirement participant accounts, including third-party administration and institutional accounts, increased by 208 thousand, or 5%, to 4,409 thousand at December 31, 2010 from 4,201 thousand at December 31, 2009 primarily due to the sale of several large plans in the public/non-profit government market.
The following table provides information for the Retirement Services’ participant account values at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
(In millions) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
General account - Fixed options: | | $ | 7,866 | | $ | 6,971 | |
| | | | | |
Separate accounts - Variable options: | | 15,857 | | 13,910 | |
| | | | | |
Proprietary mutual funds / Collective trust funds: | | 2,677 | | 1,397 | |
| | | | | |
Retail investment options and administrative services only: | | 120,569 | | 100,819 | |
| | | | | | | |
Account values invested in the general account fixed investment options have increased by $895 million, or 13%, at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 primarily due to an increase in new participant contributions and interest credited to existing account balances.
Account values invested in the separate account variable investment options have increased by $1,947 million, or 14%, at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009. The increase is primarily due to new sales and an overall increase in the U.S. equity markets.
Account values invested in the proprietary mutual fund investment options have increased by $1,280 million, or 92 %, at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009. The increase is primarily due to new sales and an overall increase in the U.S. equity markets.
Participant account values invested in unaffiliated retail investment options and participant account values where only administrative services and recordkeeping functions are provided have increased by $19,750 million, or 20 %, at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009. The increase is primarily due to new sales and an overall increase in the U.S. equity markets.
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7.6 Other Segment Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2011 compared with the year ended December 31, 2010
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company’s Other segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Premium income | | $ | 125 | | $ | 124 | |
Fee income | | 5 | | 4 | |
Net investment income | | 46 | | 45 | |
Total revenues | | 176 | | 173 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 103 | | 99 | |
Operating expenses | | 89 | | 62 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 192 | | 161 | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | | (16 | ) | 12 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | (6 | ) | 5 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | (10 | ) | $ | 7 | |
The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity of the GWSC operating segment, corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt. Income (loss) from continuing operations for the Company’s Other segment decreased by $17 million from a gain of $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to a loss of $10 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease of $17 million is primarily due to an increase in operating expenses of $27 million caused by a $8 million increase in commissions expense at GWSC, a $2 million increase in guarantee fund assessment, an $11 million increase in expenses on strategic initiatives, and a $6 million increase in other operating expenses. This increase in operating expense was partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $11 million dollars which is due to the decrease in income before income taxes.
Year ended December 31, 2010 compared with the year ended December 31, 2009
The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company’s Other segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
Income statement data (In millions) | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Premium income | | $ | 124 | | $ | 129 | |
Fee income | | 4 | | 5 | |
Net investment income | | 45 | | 48 | |
Net realized investment losses | | — | | (6 | ) |
Total revenues | | 173 | | 176 | |
Policyholder benefits | | 99 | | 113 | |
Operating expenses | | 62 | | 71 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 161 | | 184 | |
Income before income taxes | | 12 | | (8 | ) |
Income tax expense | | 5 | | — | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | 7 | | $ | (8 | ) |
Income (loss) from continuing operations for the Company’s Other segment increased by $15 million from a loss of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 to a gain of $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase of $15 million is due to an $8 million increase from reinsurance which is primarily attributable to a decrease in future policy benefits.
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7.7 Investment Operations
The Company’s primary investment objective is to acquire assets with duration and cash flow characteristics reflective of its liabilities, while meeting industry, size, issuer and geographic diversification standards. Formal liquidity and credit quality parameters have also been established.
The Company follows rigorous procedures to control interest rate risk and observes strict asset and liability matching guidelines. These guidelines ensure that even under changing market conditions, the Company’s assets should meet the cash flow and income requirements of its liabilities. Using dynamic modeling to analyze the effects of a range of possible market changes upon investments and policyholder benefits, the Company works to ensure that its investment portfolio is appropriately structured to fulfill financial obligations to its policyholders.
A summary of the Company’s general account investment assets and the assets as a percentage of total general account investments at December 31, 2011 and 2010 follows:
| | December 31, | |
(In millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale | | $ | 16,590 | | 69.1 | % | $ | 15,943 | | 69.1 | % |
Fixed maturities, held for trading | | 147 | | 0.6 | % | 144 | | 0.6 | % |
Mortgage loans on real estate | | 2,513 | | 10.5 | % | 1,722 | | 7.5 | % |
Policy loans | | 4,220 | | 17.6 | % | 4,060 | | 17.6 | % |
Short-term investments, available-for-sale | | 333 | | 1.4 | % | 965 | | 4.2 | % |
Limited partnership and other corporation interests | | 169 | | 0.7 | % | 210 | | 0.9 | % |
Other investments | | 23 | | 0.1 | % | 25 | | 0.1 | % |
Total investment assets | | $ | 23,995 | | 100.0 | % | $ | 23,069 | | 100.0 | % |
Fixed Maturity Investments
Fixed maturity investments include public and privately placed corporate bonds, government bonds and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Included in available-for-sale fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. The Company’s strategy related to mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is to focus on those investments with low prepayment risk and minimal credit risk.
Private placement investments are generally less marketable than publicly traded assets, yet they typically offer enhanced covenant protection that allows the Company, if necessary, to take appropriate action to protect its investment. The Company believes that the cost of the additional monitoring and analysis required by private placement investments is more than offset by their enhanced yield.
One of the Company’s primary objectives is to ensure that its fixed maturity portfolio is maintained at a high average credit quality to limit credit risk. All securities are internally rated by the Company on a basis intended to be similar to that of the rating agencies. The Company’s internal rating methodology generally takes into account ratings from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. In addition, the NAIC implemented a ratings methodology for RMBS, CMBS and other structured securities. The Company may also utilize inputs from this ratings process to develop its internal rating.
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The distribution of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio by the Company’s internal credit rating at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is summarized as follows:
| | December 31, | |
Credit Rating | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
AAA | | 33.0 | % | 38.5 | % |
AA | | 14.7 | % | 14.0 | % |
A | | 25.0 | % | 21.9 | % |
BBB | | 25.9 | % | 23.3 | % |
BB and below (Non-investment grade) | | 1.4 | % | 2.3 | % |
Total | | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
The following table contains the sector distribution of the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investment portfolio, calculated as a percentage of fixed maturities at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, | |
Sector | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Utility | | 15.8 | % | 15.3 | % |
Finance | | 10.5 | % | 10.0 | % |
Consumer | | 9.6 | % | 8.7 | % |
Natural resources | | 4.7 | % | 4.8 | % |
Transportation | | 2.4 | % | 2.6 | % |
Other | | 10.0 | % | 8.4 | % |
Fair Value Measurement of Fixed Maturity Investments Classified as Available-for-Sale
Each fixed maturity investment is categorized in a hierarchy based on the observability of inputs into the valuation methodology with Level 3 being the least observable. Management uses some judgment in determining the observability of valuation inputs. Total assets measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) decreased by $35 million at December 31, 2011 from December 31, 2010. Level 3 assets at December 31, 2011 were $318 million or 1% of total net assets and liabilities carried at fair value compared to Level 3 assets of $353 million or 1% at December 31, 2010. The decrease in Level 3 assets and liabilities is due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple vendors.
Due to market conditions beginning in 2008 which have continued into 2011, the Company uses internal models to determine fair value for asset-backed securities backed by home improvement loans. Using these models instead of an external source resulted in a decrease to unrealized losses of $24 million and $58 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The internal models utilize asset-backed index spread assumptions versus credit default spread assumptions used by the external pricing source.
Securities Lending and Cash Collateral Reinvestment Practices
All cash collateral related to the securities lending program, repurchase agreements and dollar repurchase agreement practices is invested in U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Some cash collateral may be invested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. In addition, the securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $7 million and $51 million, respectively, of securities out on loan and $2 million and $657 million, respectively, in short-term repurchase agreements, all of which are fully collateralized as described above. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had an average balance of dollar repurchase agreements of $742 million while the balance at year end was zero. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $937 million in dollar repurchase agreements. The decrease in dollar repurchase agreements during the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to the Company’s review and management of capital resources. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancement on its investment portfolio.
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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
The Company’s mortgage loans on real estate are comprised exclusively of domestic commercial collateralized real estate loans. The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified with regard to geographical markets and commercial real estate property types within the United States. The Company originates, directly or through correspondents, real estate mortgages with the intent to hold to maturity. The Company’s portfolio includes loans which are fully amortizing, amortizing with a balloon balance at maturity, interest only to maturity and interest only for a number of years followed by an amortizing period.
The weighted average loan-to-value ratio for the Company’s mortgage loans on real estate was 53% at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. The debt service coverage ratio was 2.10 and 2.00 times at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company originated 69 and 29 new loans with aggregate principal balances of $900 million and $347 million, respectively. At origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio was 54% and 50% and the debt service coverage ratio was 2.31 and 2.43 times at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company originates interest only and amortizing commercial mortgage loans. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company originated mortgage loans structured with an interest only component in the amount of $550 million and $212 million, respectively, compared to a total mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010 of $2,513 million and $1,722 million, respectively. The weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the interest only loans originated in 2011 and 2010 was 54% and 48%, respectively.
Derivatives
The Company uses certain derivatives, such as futures, swaps and interest rate swaptions for purposes of managing the interest rate, foreign currency exchange and equity market risks impacting the Company’s business. These derivatives, when taken alone, may subject the Company to varying degrees of market and credit risk; however, when used for hedging purposes, these instruments typically reduce risk. The Company controls the credit risk of its over-the-counter derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and in most cases, requiring collateral. Risk of loss is generally limited to the portion of the fair value of derivative instruments which exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives.
Investment Yield
Net investment income performance is analyzed excluding derivative income and interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements in order to assess underlying profitability and results from ongoing operations. Net investment income performance is summarized as follows:
| | Years ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,152 | | $ | 1,151 | | $ | 1,120 | |
Average invested assets, at amortized cost | | 22,267 | | 20,918 | | 19,914 | |
Yield on average invested assets | | 5.17 | % | 5.50 | % | 5.62 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The yield on average invested assets decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to the Company charging lower interest rates on policy loans in conjunction with earning lower yields on new investments as the U.S. Treasury curve shifted lower during the year. The yield on average invested assets decreased in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to the Company charging lower interest rates on policy loans and achieving lower yields on new investments as credit markets stabilized, spreads across asset classes narrowed and the U.S. treasury yield curve shifted lower through the year.
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7.8 Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the needs of its operations. The Company manages its operations to create stable, reliable and cost-effective sources of cash flows to meet all of its obligations.
The principal sources of the Company’s liquidity are premiums and contract deposits, fees, investment income and investment maturities and sales. Funds provided from these sources are reasonably predictable and normally exceed liquidity requirements for payment of policy benefits, payments to policy and contractholders in connection with surrenders and withdrawals and general expenses. However, since the timing of available funds cannot always be matched precisely to commitments, imbalances may arise when demands for funds exceed those on hand. A primary liquidity concern regarding cash flows from operations is the risk of early policyholder and contractholder withdrawals. A primary liquidity concern regarding investment activity is the risks of defaults and market volatilities. In addition, a demand for funds may arise as a result of the Company taking advantage of current investment opportunities. The sources of the funds that may be required in such situations include the issuance of commercial paper or other debt instruments. Management believes that the liquidity profile of its assets is sufficient to satisfy the liquidity requirements of reasonably foreseeable scenarios.
Generally, the Company has met its operating requirements by utilizing cash flows from operations and maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity in its investment portfolio. Liquidity for the Company has remained strong, as evidenced by the amounts of short-term investments and cash that totaled $340 million and $969 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, 99% and 98% of the fixed maturity portfolio carried an investment grade rating at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, thereby providing significant liquidity to the Company’s overall investment portfolio.
The Company continues to be well capitalized, with sufficient borrowing capacity. Additionally, the Company expects that our cash on hand and expected net cash generated by operating activities will exceed the anticipated needs of the business over the next 12 months. The Company’s financial strength provides the capacity and flexibility to enable it to raise funds in the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper. The Company had $98 million and $92 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The commercial paper has been given a rating of A-1+ by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and a rating of P-1 by Moody’s Investors Service, each being the highest rating available. Through the recent financial market volatility, the Company continued to have the ability to access the capital markets for funds. The loss of this access in the future would not have a significant impact to the Company’s liquidity as the commercial paper is not used to fund daily operations and is an insignificant amount in relation to total invested assets.
The Company also has available a revolving credit facility agreement, which expires on May 26, 2013, in the amount of $50 million for general corporate purposes. The Company had no borrowings under this credit facility during December 31, 2011. The Company does not anticipate the need for borrowings under this facility and the loss of its availability would not significantly impact its liquidity.
Capital resources provide protection for policyholders and financial strength to support the underwriting of insurance risks and allow for continued business growth. The amount of capital resources that may be needed is determined by the Company’s senior management and Board of Directors, as well as by regulatory requirements. The allocation of resources to new long-term business commitments is designed to achieve an attractive return, tempered by considerations of risk and the need to support the Company’s existing business.
7.9 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate and other investments in the normal course of its business. The amounts of these unfunded commitments at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $98 million and $96 million, respectively. The precise timing of the fulfillment of the commitment cannot be predicted, however, these amounts are due within one year of the dates indicated. There are no other obligations or liabilities arising from such arrangements that are reasonably likely to become material.
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The Company, as lessee, has entered into various lease and sublease agreements primarily for the rental of office space.
The Company maintains a corporate credit facility agreement in the amount of $50 million for general corporate purposes. The Company had no borrowings under the credit facility at either December 31, 2011 or 2010.
GWL&A Financial obtained two letters of credit for the benefit of the Company as collateral under a reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities and capital support. The first letter of credit is for $1,129 million and renews annually until it expires on December 31, 2025. The second letter of credit is for $70 million and renews annually for an indefinite period of time.
7.10 Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s major contractual obligations at December 31, 2011:
| | Payment due by period | |
| | Less than | | One to | | Three to | | More than | | | |
| | one year | | three years | | five years | | five years | | Total | |
Future policy benefits (1) | | $ | 1,563,494 | | $ | 2,929,465 | | $ | 2,921,405 | | $ | 45,731,765 | | $ | 53,146,129 | |
Policy and contract claims (2) | | 193,965 | | 28,641 | | 23,110 | | 86,761 | | 332,477 | |
Policyholders’ funds (3) | | 382,816 | | — | | — | | — | | 382,816 | |
Provision for policyholder dividends (4) | | 64,710 | | — | | — | | — | | 64,710 | |
Undistributed earnings on participating business (5) | | — | | — | | — | | 11,105 | | 11,105 | |
Related party long-term debt - principal (6) | | — | | — | | — | | 528,400 | | 528,400 | |
Related party long-term debt - interest (7) | | 37,177 | | 74,355 | | 74,355 | | 940,714 | | 1,126,601 | |
Commercial paper (8) | | 97,536 | | — | | — | | — | | 97,536 | |
Payable under securities lending agreements (9) | | 7,099 | | — | | — | | — | | 7,099 | |
Investment purchase obligations (10) | | 97,694 | | — | | — | | — | | 97,694 | |
Operating leases (11) | | 4,894 | | 6,913 | | 2,492 | | 1,043 | | 15,342 | |
Other liabilities (12) | | 129,065 | | 14,270 | | 11,050 | | 55,855 | | 210,240 | |
Total | | $ | 2,578,450 | | $ | 3,053,644 | | $ | 3,032,412 | | $ | 47,355,643 | | $ | 56,020,149 | |
(1),(2) Future policy benefits and policy and contract claims - The Company has estimated payments to be made to policy and contractholders for future policy benefits. Insurance and investment contract liabilities include various investment-type products with contractually scheduled maturities, including periodic payments of a term certain nature. However, a significant portion of policy benefits and claims to be paid do not have stated contractual maturity dates and ultimately may not result in any payment obligation.
Estimated future policyholder obligations have been developed in accordance with industry accepted actuarial standards based upon the estimated timing of cash flows related to the policies or contracts, the Company’s historical experience and its expectation of future payment patterns. Management has incorporated significant assumptions in developing these estimates, many of which are outside of the Company’s control and include assumptions relating to mortality, morbidity, policy renewals and terminations, retirement, inflation, disability recovery rates, investment returns, future interest crediting levels, policy loans, future premium receipts on current policies in-force and other contingent events as may be appropriate to the respective product type. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the amounts presented could materially differ from actual results.
The amounts presented in the table above are undiscounted as to interest. Accordingly, the sum of the estimated cash payment presented significantly exceeds the liability amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet principally due to the time value of money.
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Separate account liabilities have been excluded from the table above. Separate account obligations are legally insulated from general account assets. Separate account liabilities represent funds maintained by the Company to meet the specific investment objectives of the contractholders who bear the related investment risk. It is generally expected that the separate account liabilities will be fully funded by the separate account assets.
Policy and contract claims consist of liabilities associated with installment claims on certain long-term disability policies. Because the timing of the payment of these obligations is based upon assumptions of disability recovery rates, the amounts presented could differ from actual results.
(3) Policyholders’ funds - Policyholders’ funds consist primarily of future policy benefits associated with policyholder deposits, participating policy dividends left on deposit and provisions for experience rating refunds. Because the timing of the payment of some of these obligations is unknown and beyond the control of the Company, the obligations related to these liabilities are presented in the table above in the less than one year category in the amounts of the liabilities presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(4) Provision for policyholder dividends - The provision for policyholders’ dividends payable represents the liabilities related to dividends payable in the following year on participating policies. As such, the obligations related to these liabilities are presented in the table above in the less than one year category in the amounts of the liabilities presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(5) Undistributed earnings on participating business - The timing of the payment of the liability for undistributed earnings on participating business is unknown by its nature and subject to significant long-term uncertainty. As such, the obligation related to this liability is presented in the table above in the more than five year category in the amount of the liability presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(6) Related party long-term debt principal - Represents contractual maturities of principal due to the Company’s parent, GWL&A Financial, under the terms of two long-term surplus notes. The amounts shown in this table differ from the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet because the amounts shown above do not consider the discount upon the issuance of one of the surplus notes.
(7) Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2011 and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes.
(8) Commercial paper - The Company’s obligations under its commercial paper program are short-term in nature. The amounts presented represent the amounts due upon maturity of the instrument. The obligations related to these liabilities are presented in the table above in the less than one year category as presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(9) Payable under securities lending agreements - The Company accepts both cash and non-cash collateral in connection with its securities lending program. Since the securities lending transactions generally expire within one year or the timing of the return of the collateral is uncertain, the obligations related to these liabilities are presented in the table above in the less than one year category in the amounts of the liabilities presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(10) Investment purchase obligations - The Company commits to fund limited partnership interests, mortgage loan and other investments in the normal course of its business. As the timing of the fulfillment of the commitment to fund partnership interests cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category. The timing of the funding of mortgage loans is based on the expiration date of the commitment.
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(11) Operating leases - The Company is obligated to make payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase the lease obligations presented, including operating expense escalation clauses. Management does not consider the impact of any such clauses to be material to the Company’s operating lease obligations.
From time to time, the Company enters into agreements or contracts, including capital leases, to purchase goods or services in the normal course of its business. However, these agreements and contracts are not material and are excluded from the table above.
(12) Other liabilities - Other liabilities include those other liabilities which represent contractual obligations not included elsewhere in the table above. If the timing of the payment of any other liabilities was sufficiently uncertain, the amounts were included in the less than one year category. Other liabilities presented in the table above include:
· Liabilities under reinsurance arrangements.
· Liabilities related to securities purchased but not yet settled.
· Liabilities related to derivative obligations.
· Liabilities related to derivative counterparty collateral.
· Statutory state escheat liabilities.
· Expected benefit payments to the Company’s defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans through 2021.
· Unrecognized tax benefits
· Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services.
7.11 Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of the application of recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company has established processes and procedures to effectively identify, monitor, measure and manage the risks associated with its invested assets and its interest rate sensitive insurance and annuity products. Management has identified investment portfolio management, including the use of derivative instruments, insurance and annuity product design and asset/liability management as three critical means to accomplish a successful risk management program.
The major risks to which the Company is exposed include the following:
· Market risk - the potential of loss arising from adverse fluctuations in interest rates and equity market prices and the levels of their volatility.
· Insurance risk - the potential of loss resulting from claims, persistency and expense experience exceeding that assumed in the liabilities held.
· Credit risk - the potential of loss arising from an obligator’s inability or unwillingness to meet its obligations to the Company.
· Operational and corporate risk - the potential of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from other external events.
Market risk
The Company’s exposure to interest rate changes results from its significant holdings of fixed maturity investments, mortgage loans on real estate and interest rate sensitive liabilities. The fixed maturity investments primarily consist of direct obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, direct obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions, corporate debt securities and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. All of these investments are exposed to changes in medium and long-term interest rates. Interest rate sensitive product liabilities, primarily those liabilities associated with
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universal life insurance contracts and annuity contracts, have the same type of interest rate risk exposure as fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans on real estate.
To reduce interest rate risk, the Company performs periodic projections of asset and liability cash flows in order to evaluate the interest rate sensitivity of its fixed maturity securities and its product liabilities to interest rate movements. For determinate liabilities, i.e. liabilities with stable, predictable cash flows on products that can’t be repriced (for example, certificate annuities and payout annuities), asset/liability cash flow mismatches are monitored and the asset portfolios are rebalanced as necessary to keep the mismatches within tolerance limits. For these determinate liabilities, the investment policy predominantly requires assets with stable, predictable cash flows so that changes in interest rates will not cause changes in the timing of asset cash flows resulting in mismatches. For indeterminate liabilities, i.e. liabilities that have less predictable cash flows but that can be repriced (for example, portfolio annuities and universal life insurance), the potential mismatch of assets and liabilities is tested under a wide variety of interest scenarios. The potential cost of this mismatch is calculated. If the potential cost is considered to be too high, actions considered would include rebalancing the asset portfolio and/or purchasing derivatives that reduce the risk as part of the hedging strategy program discussed below. For each major block of indeterminate liabilities, the asset and liability positions are reviewed in senior management meetings to proactively recommend changes in the current investment strategy and/or a rebalance of the asset portfolio.
The Company supports a hedging strategy program that consists of the use of various derivative instruments including futures, forwards, interest rate swaps and options such as interest rate swaptions. The Company has strict operating policies which prohibit the use of derivative instruments for speculative purposes, permit derivative transactions only with approved counterparties, specify limits on concentration of risk and provide requirements of reporting and monitoring systems.
· Futures and forwards are commitments to either purchase or sell designated financial instruments at a future date for a specified price.
· Interest rate swaps involve the periodic exchange of cash flows with third parties at specified intervals calculated using agreed upon rates or other financial variables.
· Option contracts grant the purchaser, in consideration for the payment of a premium, the right to either purchase from or sell to the issuer a financial instrument at a specified price within a specified time period or on a stated date. Interest rate swaptions grant the purchaser the right to enter into a swap with predetermined fixed-rate payments over a predetermined time period on the exercise date.
The Company has estimated the possible effects of interest rate changes at December 31, 2011. If interest rates increased by 100 basis points (1.00%), the December 31, 2011 fair value of the fixed income assets in the general account would decrease by approximately $1,046 million. This calculation uses projected asset cash flows, discounted back to December 31, 2011. The cash flow projections are shown in the table below. The table below shows cash flows rather than expected maturity dates because many of the Company’s assets have substantial expected principal payments prior to the final maturity date. The fair value shown in the table below was calculated using spot discount interest rates that varied by the year in which the cash flows are expected to be received. The spot rates in the benchmark calculation range from 1.34% to 6.03%.
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Projected cash flows by | | | | Interest rate | |
calendar years (In millions) | | Benchmark | | increase one percent | |
2012 | | $ | 2,800 | | $ | 2,726 | |
2013 | | 2,794 | | 2,755 | |
2014 | | 2,494 | | 2,487 | |
2015 | | 2,174 | | 2,201 | |
2016 | | 2,194 | | 2,184 | |
Thereafter | | 12,281 | | 12,552 | |
Undiscounted total | | $ | 24,737 | | $ | 24,905 | |
| | | | | |
Fair value | | $ | 20,379 | | $ | 19,333 | |
The Company does not have significant equity risk exposure associated with its equity invested assets as this type of investment is minimal.
The Company administers separate account variable annuities and provides other investment and retirement services where fee income is earned and profitability is determined based upon a percentage of account balances or AUM. Fluctuations in fund asset levels occur as a result of both changes in cash flow and general market conditions. There is a market risk of reduced fee income if equity markets decline. If equity markets were to decline by 10%, the Company’s associated net fee income after subadvisor fees in 2012 would decline by approximately $15 million.
The Company’s surplus assets include equity investments. There is a market risk of reduced asset values if equity markets decline. If equity markets were to decline by 10%, the Company would have an unrealized loss of approximately $6.5 million on equity investments in non-affiliates. This unrealized loss would not impact net income but would reduce stockholder’s equity.
The Company has sold variable annuities with various forms of guaranteed minimum death benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits. The Company is required to hold future policy benefit liabilities for these guaranteed benefits. If equity markets were to decline by 10%, the liability for these benefits would increase by approximately $0.9 million. The Company’s dynamic hedging program for the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit product would be expected to offset changes in the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit liability.
The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations is minimal since only nominal amounts of foreign investments are held. To manage foreign currency exchange risk, the Company uses currency swaps to convert foreign currency back to United States dollars. These swaps are purchased each time a foreign currency denominated asset is purchased.
Insurance risk
The Company manages the risks associated with its insurance and other contractual liabilities through the use of actuarial modeling techniques. These techniques utilize significant assumptions including morbidity, mortality, persistency, expenses and the cash flow stream of benefit payments. Through these techniques, the Company attempts to match the anticipated cash flow streams of its invested assets with the anticipated cash flow streams of its insurance and other contractual obligations. The cash flows associated with determinate policy liabilities are not interest rate sensitive but will vary based upon the timing and amount of benefit payments. The primary risks associated with these liabilities are that the benefits will exceed those anticipated in the actuarial modeling or that the actual timing of the payment of benefits will differ from what was anticipated.
The Company utilizes reinsurance programs to control its exposure to general insurance risks. Reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company from its direct obligations to its insureds. However, an effective reinsurance program limits the Company’s exposure to potentially large losses. The failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. To manage this risk, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of
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credit risk relative to the reinsurers in order to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company currently retains a maximum liability in the amount of $3.5 million of coverage per individual life. Further, the maximum annual growth due to automatic increases is $175,000 per annum, with an overall maximum of $1,000,000.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk the Company assumes if its debtors, customers or other counterparties and intermediaries may be unable or unwilling to pay their contractual obligations when they come due and may manifest itself through the downgrading of credit ratings of counterparties. It is the Company’s policy to acquire only investment grade assets to enable it to provide for future policy obligations and to minimize undue concentrations of assets in any single geographic area, industry or entity. To minimize this risk, management regularly reviews the credit ratings of the entities in which the Company invests. These credit ratings are obtained from recognized external credit rating agencies and/or by internal credit review.
Operational and corporate risk
The Company manages and mitigates internal operational risk through integrated and complementary policies, procedures, processes and practices. Human Resource hiring practices, performance evaluations and promotion and compensation practices are designed to attract, retain and develop the skilled personnel required. A comprehensive job evaluation process is in place and training and development programs are supported. Each business area provides training designed for their specific needs and has developed internal controls for significant processes. Processes and controls are monitored and redefined by the business areas and subject to review by the Company’s internal audit staff. The Company applies a robust project management discipline to all significant initiatives.
Appropriate security measures protect premises and information. The Company has emergency procedures in place for short-term incidents and is committed to maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery plans at every business location for the recovery of critical functions in the event of a disaster, including offsite data backup and work area facilities. The Company maintains various corporate insurance coverages such as property, general liability, excess liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation, financial institution bonds, other regulatory bonds and professional liability insurance to protect its owned property assets and to insure against certain third-party liabilities.
The Company’s businesses are subject to various regulatory requirements imposed by regulation or legislation applicable to insurance companies and companies providing financial services. These regulations are primarily intended to protect policyholders and beneficiaries. Material changes in the regulatory framework or the failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company monitors compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions in which it conducts business and assesses trends in legal and regulatory change to keep business areas current and responsive.
In the course of its business activities, the Company may be exposed to the risk that some actions may lead to damaging its reputation and hence damage its future business prospects. These actions may include unauthorized activities of employees or others associated with the Company, inadvertent actions of the Company that become publicized and damage its reputation, regular or past business activities of the Company that become the subject of regulatory or media scrutiny or litigation and, due to a change of public perception, cause damage to the Company. To manage or mitigate this risk, the Company has ongoing controls to limit the unauthorized activities of people associated with it. The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which sets out the standards of business conduct to be followed by all of its directors, officers and employees.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
Greenwood Village, Colorado
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP | |
| |
| |
Denver, Colorado | |
February 29, 2012 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Assets | | | | | |
Investments: | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $15,586,970 and $15,382,402) | | $ | 16,589,783 | | $ | 15,943,057 | |
Fixed maturities, held for trading, at fair value (amortized cost $134,591 and $134,587) | | 147,526 | | 144,174 | |
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowances of $21,130 and $16,300) | | 2,513,087 | | 1,722,422 | |
Policy loans | | 4,219,849 | | 4,059,640 | |
Short-term investments, available-for-sale (cost approximates fair value) | | 332,764 | | 964,507 | |
Limited partnership and other corporation interests | | 169,233 | | 210,146 | |
Other investments | | 22,990 | | 24,650 | |
Total investments | | 23,995,232 | | 23,068,596 | |
| | | | | |
Other assets: | | | | | |
Cash | | 7,593 | | 4,476 | |
Reinsurance receivable | | 616,336 | | 594,997 | |
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired | | 343,449 | | 306,948 | |
Investment income due and accrued | | 248,114 | | 239,345 | |
Collateral under securities lending agreements | | 7,099 | | 51,749 | |
Due from parent and affiliates | | 114,697 | | 203,231 | |
Goodwill | | 105,255 | | 105,255 | |
Other intangible assets | | 21,855 | | 25,642 | |
Other assets | | 505,401 | | 475,994 | |
Assets of discontinued operations | | 39,621 | | 62,091 | |
Separate account assets | | 22,331,391 | | 22,489,038 | |
Total assets | | $ | 48,336,043 | | $ | 47,627,362 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | | | | (Continued) | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011 and 2010
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Liabilities and stockholder’s equity | | | | | |
Policy benefit liabilities: | | | | | |
Future policy benefits | | $ | 21,828,274 | | $ | 20,420,875 | |
Policy and contract claims | | 310,455 | | 293,383 | |
Policyholders’ funds | | 382,816 | | 372,980 | |
Provision for policyholders’ dividends | | 64,710 | | 66,244 | |
Undistributed earnings on participating business | | 11,105 | | 6,803 | |
Total policy benefit liabilities | | 22,597,360 | | 21,160,285 | |
| | | | | |
General liabilities: | | | | | |
Due to parent and affiliates | | 538,561 | | 537,474 | |
Repurchase agreements | | — | | 936,762 | |
Commercial paper | | 97,536 | | 91,681 | |
Payable under securities lending agreements | | 7,099 | | 51,749 | |
Deferred income tax liabilities, net | | 197,729 | | 57,798 | |
Other liabilities | | 532,327 | | 460,310 | |
Liabilities of discontinued operations | | 39,616 | | 62,042 | |
Separate account liabilities | | 22,331,391 | | 22,489,038 | |
Total liabilities | | 46,341,619 | | 45,847,139 | |
| | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Stockholder’s equity: | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding | | — | | — | |
Common stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 7,032,000 shares issued and outstanding | | 7,032 | | 7,032 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 768,247 | | 764,644 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | 445,372 | | 242,516 | |
Retained earnings | | 773,773 | | 766,031 | |
Total stockholder’s equity | | 1,994,424 | | 1,780,223 | |
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity | | $ | 48,336,043 | | $ | 47,627,362 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | (Concluded) |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(In Thousands)
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | |
Premium income, net of premiums ceded of $40,720, $41,474 and $48,761 | | $ | 523,216 | | $ | 805,622 | | $ | 560,252 | |
Fee income | | 486,795 | | 447,954 | | 386,201 | |
Net investment income | | 1,158,486 | | 1,174,744 | | 1,149,084 | |
Realized investment gains (losses), net: | | | | | | | |
Total other-than-temporary losses | | (19,467 | ) | (96,648 | ) | (112,764 | ) |
Other-than-temporary losses transferred to other comprehensive income | | 10,005 | | 16,747 | | 13,422 | |
Other realized investment gains, net | | 33,957 | | 55,406 | | 31,802 | |
Total realized investment gains (losses), net | | 24,495 | | (24,495 | ) | (67,540 | ) |
Total revenues | | 2,192,992 | | 2,403,825 | | 2,027,997 | |
Benefits and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $36,876, $30,678 and $47,077 | | 645,567 | | 628,895 | | 590,456 | |
Increase in future policy benefits | | 18,828 | | 320,167 | | 109,728 | |
Interest paid or credited to contractholders | | 529,349 | | 518,918 | | 552,620 | |
Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business | | 2,884 | | 2,197 | | 1,245 | |
Dividends to policyholders | | 67,334 | | 70,230 | | 72,755 | |
Total benefits | | 1,263,962 | | 1,540,407 | | 1,326,804 | |
General insurance expenses | | 535,636 | | 498,386 | | 435,478 | |
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired | | 41,634 | | 50,741 | | 62,274 | |
Interest expense | | 37,462 | | 37,421 | | 37,508 | |
Total benefits and expenses, net | | 1,878,694 | | 2,126,955 | | 1,862,064 | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | 314,298 | | 276,870 | | 165,933 | |
Income tax expense | | 100,203 | | 72,515 | | 41,433 | |
Income from continuing operations | | 214,095 | | 204,355 | | 124,500 | |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $ - , $900 and $ - | | — | | (1,600 | ) | — | |
Net income | | $ | 214,095 | | $ | 202,755 | | $ | 124,500 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(In Thousands)
| | | | | | Accumulated Other | | | | | |
| | | | | | Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | | | | |
| | | | Additional | | Unrealized | | Employee | | | | | |
| | Common | | paid-in | | gains (losses) | | benefit plan | | Retained | | | |
| | stock | | capital | | on securities | | adjustments | | earnings | | Total | |
Balances, January 1. 2009 | | $ | 7,032 | | $ | 756,912 | | $ | (691,594 | ) | $ | (71,079 | ) | $ | 615,847 | | $ | 617,118 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | 124,500 | | 124,500 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | | (4,367 | ) | | | | | (4,367 | ) |
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) | | | | | | 614,379 | | | | | | 614,379 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | | | | | | | 28,468 | | | | 28,468 | |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | 762,980 | |
Impact of adopting ASC section 320-10-65 “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities” on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | | | | | | (8,528 | ) | | | 8,528 | | — | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | (24,682 | ) | (24,682 | ) |
Capital contribution - stock-based compensation | | | | 2,181 | | | | | | | | 2,181 | |
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation | | | | 2,237 | | | | | | | | 2,237 | |
Balances, December 31, 2009 | | 7,032 | | 761,330 | | (90,110 | ) | (42,611 | ) | 724,193 | | 1,359,834 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | 202,755 | | 202,755 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | | 6,346 | | | | | | 6,346 | |
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) | | | | | | 372,233 | | | | | | 372,233 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | | | | | | | (3,342 | ) | | | (3,342 | ) |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | 577,992 | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | (160,917 | ) | (160,917 | ) |
Capital contribution - stock-based compensation | | | | 1,855 | | | | | | | | 1,855 | |
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation | | | | 1,459 | | | | | | | | 1,459 | |
Balances, December 31, 2010 | | 7,032 | | 764,644 | | 288,469 | | (45,953 | ) | 766,031 | | 1,780,223 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | 214,095 | | 214,095 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | | 13,590 | | | | | | 13,590 | |
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) | | | | | | 221,484 | | | | | | 221,484 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | | | | | | | (32,218 | ) | | | (32,218 | ) |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | 416,951 | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | (206,353 | ) | (206,353 | ) |
Capital contribution - stock-based compensation | | | | 1,786 | | | | | | | | 1,786 | |
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation | | | | 1,817 | | | | | | | | 1,817 | |
Balances, December 31, 2011 | | $ | 7,032 | | $ | 768,247 | | $ | 523,543 | | $ | (78,171 | ) | $ | 773,773 | | $ | 1,994,424 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(In Thousands)
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 214,095 | | $ | 202,755 | | $ | 124,500 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Earnings allocated to participating policyholders | | 2,884 | | 2,197 | | 1,245 | |
Amortization of premiums / (accretion of discounts) on investments, net | | (41,220 | ) | (44,096 | ) | (59,048 | ) |
Net realized (gains) losses on investments | | (62,088 | ) | 26,665 | | 85,627 | |
Net proceeds / (purchases) of trading securities | | 3,597 | | 901 | | (97,474 | ) |
Interest credited to contractholders | | 525,347 | | 514,002 | | 546,429 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 60,908 | | 65,938 | | 80,227 | |
Deferral of acquisition costs | | (88,165 | ) | (80,020 | ) | (74,642 | ) |
Deferred income taxes | | 30,002 | | 37,524 | | 94,096 | |
Other, net | | (4,037 | ) | (9,834 | ) | 2,911 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Policy benefit liabilities | | (148,298 | ) | 135,731 | | 59,227 | |
Reinsurance receivable | | 1,131 | | 4,594 | | 8,898 | |
Investment income due and accrued | | (8,769 | ) | (13,896 | ) | (79,674 | ) |
Other assets | | (8,176 | ) | 9,256 | | (26,924 | ) |
Other liabilities | | 45,515 | | (112,002 | ) | (86,125 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | 522,726 | | 739,715 | | 579,273 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sales, maturities and redemptions of investments: | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale | | 5,373,914 | | 4,515,507 | | 3,639,252 | |
Mortgage loans on real estate | | 96,848 | | 158,246 | | 96,160 | |
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests and other investments | | 58,872 | | 90,235 | | 53,877 | |
Purchases of investments: | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale | | (6,405,522 | ) | (5,355,943 | ) | (3,975,219 | ) |
Mortgage loans on real estate | | (899,234 | ) | (331,843 | ) | (281,962 | ) |
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests and other investments | | (7,874 | ) | (19,528 | ) | (13,598 | ) |
Net change in short-term investments | | 1,576,779 | | (919,023 | ) | (360,896 | ) |
Net change in repurchase agreements | | (936,762 | ) | 445,424 | | 289,259 | |
Policy loans, net | | (41,408 | ) | 24,257 | | (625 | ) |
Purchases of furniture, equipment and software | | (19,990 | ) | — | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | (1,204,377 | ) | (1,392,668 | ) | (553,752 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | | | | (Continued) | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(In Thousands)
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Contract deposits | | $ | 2,544,213 | | $ | 2,234,984 | | $ | 1,921,471 | |
Contract withdrawals | | (1,716,544 | ) | (1,570,767 | ) | (1,660,454 | ) |
Change in due to/from parent and affiliates | | 87,743 | | (16,274 | ) | (141,770 | ) |
Dividends paid | | (206,353 | ) | (160,917 | ) | (24,682 | ) |
Net commercial paper borrowings | | 5,855 | | (5,932 | ) | 446 | |
Change in bank overdrafts | | (31,963 | ) | 3,898 | | 19,857 | |
Income tax benefit of stock option exercises | | 1,817 | | 1,459 | | 2,237 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | 684,768 | | 486,451 | | 117,105 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | | 3,117 | | (166,502 | ) | 142,626 | |
Cash, beginning of year | | 4,476 | | 170,978 | | 28,352 | |
Cash, end of year | | $ | 7,593 | | $ | 4,476 | | $ | 170,978 | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Net cash paid (received) during the year for: | | | | | | | |
Income taxes | | $ | (121,436 | ) | $ | 33 | | $ | (44,878 | ) |
Income tax payments withheld and remitted to taxing authorities | | 53,630 | | 56,664 | | 55,055 | |
Interest | | 37,463 | | 37,421 | | 37,508 | |
| | | | | | | |
Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the years: | | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation expense | | $ | 1,786 | | $ | 1,855 | | $ | 2,181 | |
Fair value of assets acquired in settlement of fixed maturity investments | | 13,021 | | — | | — | |
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt | | 2,140 | | — | | — | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements. | (Concluded) |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“GWLA”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GWL&A Financial Inc. (“GWL&A Financial”), a holding company formed in 1998. GWL&A Financial is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc. (“Lifeco U.S.”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“Lifeco”). The Company offers a wide range of life insurance, retirement and investment products to individuals, businesses and other private and public organizations throughout the United States. The Company is an insurance company domiciled in the State of Colorado and is subject to regulation by the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its subsidiaries over which it exercises control. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required to account for items and matters such as, but not limited to, the valuation of investments in the absence of quoted market values (including derivative financial instruments), impairment of investments, accounting for derivative financial instruments, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), accounting for employee benefits plans and accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. However, in the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements include normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and the results of its operations.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Investments
Investments are reported as follows:
1. The Company classifies the majority of its fixed maturity investments as available-for-sale. Included in fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. All available-for-sale fixed maturity investments are recorded at fair value with the related net unrealized gain or loss, net of policyholder related amounts and deferred taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company recognizes the acquisition of its public fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis. Net unrealized gains and losses related to participating contract policies that cannot be distributed are recorded as undistributed earnings on participating business.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Premiums and discounts are recognized as a component of net investment income using the scientific interest method, realized gains and losses are included in net realized investment gains (losses) and declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses.
The Company purchases fixed maturity securities which are classified as held for trading. Assets in the held for trading category are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net investment income.
The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) is dependent upon market conditions, which may result in prepayments and changes in amounts to be earned. Prepayments on all mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are monitored monthly and amortization of the premium and/or the accretion of the discount associated with the purchase of such securities are adjusted by such prepayments.
2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts and allowances for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance for all loans, except for loans on non-accrual status. Premiums and discounts are amortized to net investment income using the scientific interest method. Prepayment penalty fees are recognized in other realized investment gains upon receipt.
The Company uses an internal risk assessment process as a primary credit quality indicator, which is updated quarterly, with regard to impairment review and credit loss calculations. The Company follows a comprehensive approach with the management of mortgage loans that includes ongoing analysis of factors such as debt service coverage ratios, loan-to-value ratios, payment status, default or legal status, annual collateral property evaluations and general market conditions. Management’s risk assessment process is subjective and includes the categorization of all loans, based on the above mentioned credit quality indicators, into one of the following categories:
· Performing - generally indicates the loan has standard market risk and is within its original underwriting guidelines.
· Non-performing - generally indicates that there is a potential for loss due to the deterioration of financial/monetary default indicators or potential foreclosure. Due to the potential for loss, these loans are disclosed as impaired.
The Company’s allowance for credit loss is reviewed quarterly. The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage credit loss allowance and mortgage impairments involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience and other relevant factors. Loans included in the non-performing category and other loans with certain substandard credit quality indicators are individually reviewed to determine if a specific impairment is required. Loans reviewed for specific impairment are excluded from the analysis to estimate the credit loss allowance for the loans categorized as performing in the portfolio. Risk is mitigated through first position collateralization, guarantees, loan covenants and borrower reporting requirements. Since the Company does not originate or hold uncollateralized mortgages, loans are generally not deemed fully uncollectable. Generally, unrecoverable amounts are written off during the final stage of the foreclosure process.
Loan balances are considered past due when payment has not been received based on contractually agreed upon terms. For loan balances greater than 90 days past due or in the process of foreclosure,
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
all accrual of interest is discontinued. The Company resumes interest accrual on loans when a loan returns to current status. Interest accrual may also resume under new terms when loans are restructured or modified.
On a quarterly basis, any loans with terms that were modified during that period are reviewed to determine if the loan modifications constitute a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). In evaluating whether a loan modification constitutes a TDR, it must be determined that the modification is a significant concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties.
3. Limited partnership and other corporation interests are accounted for using either the cost or equity method of accounting. The Company uses the cost method on investments where it has a minor equity interest and no significant influence over the entity’s operations. The Company uses the equity method when it has a partnership interest that is considered more than minor, although the Company has no significant influence over the entity’s operations. Also included in limited partnership interests are limited partnerships established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing that qualify for federal and state tax credits. These interests are carried at amortized cost as determined using the effective yield method.
In the normal course of its activities, the Company is involved with other entities that are considered variable interest entities (“VIE”). An entity would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidated when the entity has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the Company becomes involved with a VIE and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates:
· The structure and purpose of the entity;
· The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity and
· The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits and absorb its losses.
The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with VIEs to determine if consolidation is required.
4. Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances.
5. Short-term investments include securities purchased with initial maturities of one year or less and are generally carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The Company classifies its short-term investments as available-for-sale.
6. The Company enters into dollar repurchase agreements with third party broker-dealers. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancements on its investment portfolio. The dollar repurchase trading strategy involves the sale of securities with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase similar securities at a future date at an agreed-upon price. Assets to be repurchased are the same, or substantially the same, as the assets transferred, and are accounted for as collateralized borrowings. Proceeds of the sale are reinvested in other securities and may enhance the current yield and total return. The difference between the sales price and the future repurchase price is recorded as an adjustment to net investment income. In connection with repurchase agreements transactions, it is the Company’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. During the period between the sale and repurchase, the Company will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the securities or if the counterparty enters bankruptcy proceedings or becomes insolvent. In such cases, the Company’s right to
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
repurchase the security may be restricted. Amounts owed to brokers under these arrangements are included in repurchase agreements. The liability is collateralized by securities with approximately the same fair value.
7. The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancements on its investment portfolio. The borrower can return and the Company can request the loaned securities at any time. The Company maintains ownership of the securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as collateralized borrowings. The securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default. The Company generally requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned. Such collateral is used to replace the securities loaned in event of default by the borrower. Acceptable collateral is generally defined as government securities, letters of credit and/or cash collateral. Some cash collateral may be invested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities.
8. The Company’s other-than-temporary impairments accounting policy requires that a decline in the value of a security below its cost or amortized cost basis be assessed to determine if the decline is other-than-temporary. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred on fixed maturity investments where management does not intend to sell the fixed maturity investment and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. Management considers a wide range of factors, as described below, regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery.
Considerations used by the Company in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to, the following:
· The extent to which estimated fair value is below cost;
· The decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular instrument, its issuer, an industry or geographic area;
· The length of time for which the estimated fair value has been below cost;
· A fixed maturity investment has been downgraded by a credit rating agency;
· The financial condition of the issuer has deteriorated;
· The payment structure of the fixed maturity investment and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future; and
· Dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made.
If management either (a) has the intent to sell a fixed maturity investment or (b) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery, a charge is recorded in net realized investment losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. If management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected (discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity investment prior to impairment) is less than the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity investment (referred to as the credit loss portion), an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. In this instance, total other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the credit
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
loss, which is recognized in current period earnings; and the amount attributed to other factors (referred to as the non-credit portion), which is recognized as a separate component in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The calculation of expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation process are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics and current levels of subordination. After the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment, a fixed maturity investment is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. The Company accretes the new cost basis to estimated future value over the remaining life of the security based on the future estimated cash flows by adjusting the security’s yield.
Fair Value
Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the following fair value hierarchy:
· Level 1 inputs utilize observable, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain money market funds.
· Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities are obtained from pricing services. The inputs used by the pricing services are reviewed at least quarterly or when the pricing vendor issues updates to its pricing methodology. For fixed maturity securities and separate account assets and liabilities, inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Additional inputs utilized for assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 are:
· Asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations - new issue data, monthly payment information, collateral performance and third party real estate analysis.
· U.S. states and their subdivisions - material event notices.
· Short-term investments - valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
· Derivative instruments - reported trades, swap curves, credit spreads, recovery rates, restructuring, currency volatility, net present value of cash flows and news sources.
· Separate account assets and liabilities - exchange rates, various index data and news sources, amortized cost (which approximates fair value), reported trades, swap curves, credit spreads, recovery rates, restructuring, currency volatility, net present value of cash flows and quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
· Common collective trusts — the net asset value based on the underlying trust investments.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
· Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In general, the prices of Level 3 securities, are obtained from single broker quotes and internal pricing models. If the broker’s inputs are largely unobservable, the valuation is classified as a Level 3. Broker quotes are validated through an internal analyst review process, which includes validation through known market conditions and other relevant data. Internal models are usually cash flow based utilizing characteristics of the underlying collateral of the security such as default rate and other relevant data. Inputs utilized for securities classified as Level 3 are as follows:
· Corporate debt securities - single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable.
· Asset-backed securities - internal models utilizing asset-backed securities index spreads.
· Separate account assets - single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable or net asset value per share of the underlying investments.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. All transfers between levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company enters into derivative transactions which include the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, cross-currency swaps, U.S. government treasury futures contracts, Eurodollar futures contracts, futures on equity indices and interest rate swap futures. The Company uses these derivative instruments to manage various risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk associated with its invested assets and liabilities. Derivative instruments are not used for speculative reasons.
All derivatives, regardless of hedge accounting treatment, are recorded in other assets and other liabilities at fair value. Accounting for the ongoing changes in the fair value of a derivative depends upon the intended use of the derivative and its designation as determined when the derivative contract is entered into. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the consolidated income statements when the hedged item affects earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in its fair value and of the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in net investment income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting and the over effective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in net investment income in the period of the change. Investment gains and losses generally result from the termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration.
The Company uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes associated with certain invested assets and policy liabilities. Derivatives are used to (a) hedge the economic effects of interest rate and stock market movements on the Company’s guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, (b) hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates on the Company’s general account life insurance, group pension liabilities and certain separate account life insurance liabilities, (c) hedge the economic risks of other transactions such as future asset acquisitions or dispositions, the timing of liability pricing, currency risks on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and fee revenue based on equity market performance and (d) convert floating rate assets to fixed rate assets for asset/liability management purposes.
The Company controls the credit risk of its derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and in many cases, requiring collateral. The Company’s exposure is limited to the portion of
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
the fair value of derivative instruments that exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives. The Company incorporates the market’s perception of its own and the counterparty’s non-performance risk through review of credit spreads in determining the fair value of the portion of its over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative assets and liabilities that are uncollateralized. Fair values are adjusted accordingly based on an internal carry value adjustment model.
Collateral agreements are regularly entered into as part of the underlying agreements with counterparties to mitigate counterparty credit risk. Certain of these arrangements require collateral when the fair value exceeds certain thresholds and also include credit contingent provisions that provide for a reduction of these thresholds in the event of downgrade in the credit ratings of the Company and/or the counterparty.
Certain derivatives in a net asset position have cash pledged as collateral to the Company in accordance with the collateral support agreements with the counterparty. This collateral is held in a custodial account for the benefit of the Company. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in other assets and the obligation to return it is included in other liabilities. The cash collateral is reinvested in a government money market fund. Cash collateral pledged is included in other assets.
Cash
Cash includes only amounts in demand deposit accounts.
Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued by the Company, but have not been presented to the Company’s disbursement bank accounts for payment. These bank accounts allow the Company to delay funding of the issued checks until they are presented for payment. This delay in funding results in a temporary source of financing. The activity related to book overdrafts is included in the financial activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The book overdrafts are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, these liabilities were $609 and $32,572, respectively.
Internal use software
Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal use computer software during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. Capitalized internal use software development costs, net of accumulated amortization, in the amounts of $33,021 and $24,196, are included in other assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company capitalized $16,676, $9,816 and $8,014 of internal use software development costs during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
DAC, which primarily consists of sales commissions and costs associated with the Company’s sales representatives related to the production of new business or through the acquisition of insurance or annuity contracts through indemnity reinsurance transactions, has been deferred to the extent recoverable. VOBA represents the estimated fair value of insurance or annuity contracts acquired either directly through the acquisition of another insurance company or through the acquisition of insurance or annuity contracts through assumption reinsurance transactions. The recoverability of such costs is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. DAC and VOBA associated with the annuity products and flexible premium universal life insurance products are being amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits. Retrospective adjustments of these amounts are made when the Company revises its estimates of current or future gross profits. DAC and VOBA associated with traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenues recognized. DAC and VOBA, for applicable products, are adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with an acquisition and is considered an indefinite lived asset and therefore is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income in the period in which the impairment is identified.
Other intangible assets represent the estimated fair value of the portion of the purchase price that was allocated to the value of customer relationships and preferred provider relationships in various acquisitions. These intangible assets have been assigned values using various methodologies, including present value of projected future cash flows, analysis of similar transactions that have occurred or could be expected to occur in the market and replacement or reproduction cost. The initial valuations of these intangible assets were supported by an independent valuation study that was commissioned by the Company. Other identified intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which initially ranged from 4 to 14 years (weighted average 13 years), primarily based upon the cash flows generated by these assets.
Separate accounts
Separate account assets and related liabilities are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company issues variable annuity contracts through separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder and therefore, are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Revenues to the Company from the separate accounts consist of contract maintenance fees, investment management fees, administrative fees and mortality and expense risk charges.
The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Maxim Series Fund Inc. and Putnam Funds, open-end management investment companies, which are affiliates of the Company, and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds.
Life insurance and annuity future benefits
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies in the amounts of $13,051,532 and $12,395,926 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are computed on the basis of estimated mortality, investment yield, withdrawals, future maintenance and settlement expenses and retrospective experience rating premium refunds. Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies in the amounts of $8,727,286 and $7,976,954 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are established at the contractholder’s account value.
Reinsurance Ceded
In the normal course of its business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not provide indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Policy benefits and policy and contract claims ceded to other insurance companies are carried as a reinsurance receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cost of reinsurance related to long duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.
Policy and contract claims
Policy and contract claims include provisions for claims incurred but not reported and claims in the process of settlement. The provision for claims incurred but not reported is valued based primarily on the Company’s prior experience. The claims in the process of settlement are valued in accordance with the terms of the related policies and contracts.
Participating business
The Company has participating policies in which the policyholder shares in the Company’s earnings through policyholder dividends that reflect the difference between the assumptions used in the premium charged and the actual experience on those policies. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined by the Board of Directors.
Participating life and annuity policy benefit liabilities are $6,705,462 and $6,544,238 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Participating business comprises approximately 8% and 9% of the Company’s individual life insurance in-force at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 19%, 13% and 19% of individual life insurance premium income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The policyholder’s share of net income on participating policies is excluded from stockholder’s equity and recorded as undistributed earnings on participating business in the consolidated balance sheet.
Recognition of premium and fee income and benefits and expenses
Life insurance premiums are recognized when due. Annuity contract premiums with life contingencies are recognized as received. Revenues for annuity and other contracts without significant life contingencies consist of contract charges for the cost of insurance and contract administration and surrender fees that have been assessed against the contract account balance during the period and are recognized when earned. Fees from assets under management, which consist of contract maintenance fees, administration fees and mortality and expense risk charges, are recognized when due. Benefits and expenses on policies with life contingencies are associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the life of the contracts. Premiums and policyholder benefits and expenses are presented net of reinsurance.
Net investment income
Interest income from fixed maturities and mortgage loans on real estate is recognized when earned.
Realized investment gains (losses) and derivative financial instruments
Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of revenues and are determined on a specific identification basis. Realized investment gains and losses also result from the termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and certain fair-value hedge relationships.
Income taxes
Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in either the Company’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. In estimating future tax
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
consequences, all expected future events, other than the enactments or changes in the tax laws or rules, are considered. A valuation allowance is provided to the extent that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Share-based compensation
Lifeco maintains the Great-West Lifeco Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco plan”) that provides for the granting of options on its common shares to certain of its officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, including the Company. The Company uses the fair value method to recognize the cost of share-based employee compensation under the Lifeco plan.
2. Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU No. 2010-06”). ASU No. 2010-06 provides for disclosure of significant transfers in and out of the fair value hierarchy Levels 1 and 2 and the reasons for these transfers. In addition, ASU No. 2010-06 provides for separate disclosure about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 hierarchy roll forward activity. ASU No. 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2009 except for the provisions relating to purchases, sales, issuances and settlements of Level 3 investments, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of ASU 2010-06 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010 and adopted the Level 3 purchases, sales, issuances and settlements provisions for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011. The provisions of ASU No. 2010-06 relate only to financial statement disclosures and, accordingly, did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of its operations.
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-15 “How Investments Held through Separate Accounts Affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments” (“ASU No. 2010-15”). ASU No. 2010-15 clarifies that an insurance company should not consider any separate account interests in an investment held for the benefit of policyholders to be its interests and that those interests should not be combined with interests of its general account in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation. ASU No. 2010-15 also provides that an insurance company is required to consider a separate account as a subsidiary for purposes of evaluating whether the retention of specialized accounting for investments in consolidation is appropriate. ASU No. 2010-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted ASU No. 2010-15 for its fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASU No. 2010-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of its operations.
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20 “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses” (“ASU No. 2010-20”). ASU No. 2010-20 provides for entities to disclose credit quality indicators, aging of past due amounts, the nature and extent of troubled debt restructurings, modifications as a result of troubled debt restructurings and significant sales or purchases, by disaggregated class, for its financing receivables. ASU No. 2010-20 is effective for fiscal periods ending after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted ASU No. 2010-20 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. The provisions of ASU No. 2010-20 related to troubled debt restructurings have been clarified in ASU No. 2011-02, see below. The provisions of ASU No. 2010-20 relate only to financial statement disclosures regarding financing receivables and, accordingly, its adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of its operations.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02 “Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring” (“ASU No. 2011-02”). ASU No. 2011-02 clarifies and defines the criteria to be met in a debt modification in order to be considered a troubled debt restructuring. It also clarifies whether a modification of the terms of a receivable meets the criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring, both for purposes of recording an impairment loss and for disclosure of troubled debt restructures. ASU No. 2011-02 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted and is to be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-02 for its fiscal period ended September 30, 2011. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 related only to financial statement disclosure and, accordingly, did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operations.
Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26 “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts - a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (“ASU No. 2010-26”). ASU No. 2010-26 provides guidance and modifies the definition of the types and nature of costs incurred by insurance enterprises that can be capitalized in connection with the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Further, ASU No. 2010-26 clarifies which costs may not be capitalized as DAC. ASU No. 2010-26 is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2010-26 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012, and expects to apply the retrospective method of adoption. Accordingly, upon adoption, DAC will be reduced with a corresponding reduction, net of tax, to stockholder’s equity as a result of acquisition costs previously deferred that are not eligible for deferral under the amended guidance. The Company estimates the impact as of December 31, 2011, retrospective adoption would reduce DAC by approximately $120,000 to $130,000 and would reduce stockholder’s equity by approximately $76,000 to $86,000, net of tax. Expenses in future periods will be higher due to a decrease of deferrable expenses. However, amortization expense will be lower in future periods due to the lower DAC balance, before the effect of any amortization related to realized gains and losses.
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03 “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (“ASU No. 2011-03”). ASU No. 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring a transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets transferred in a repurchase arrangement. This requirement was one of the criterions under ASC topic 860 that entities used to determine whether a transferor maintained effective control. Entities are still required to consider all the effective control criterion under ASC topic 860; however, the elimination of this requirement may lead to more conclusions that a repurchase agreement should be accounted for as a secured borrowing rather than a sale. ASU No. 2011-03 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2011-03 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-03 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operations.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU No. 2011-04”). ASU No. 2011-04 does not extend the use of the existing concepts or guidance regarding fair value. It results in common fair value measurements and disclosures between accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and those of International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU No. 2011-04 expands disclosure requirements for Level 3 inputs to include a quantitative description of the unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation process used and a qualitative description about the sensitivity of the fair value measurements. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2011-04 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operations.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU No. 2011-05”). ASU No. 2011-05 provides that, upon adoption, entities must present the components of net income, the components of comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income for all periods presented. The option of presenting the components of comprehensive income in the statement of changes of equity has been eliminated. ASU No. 2011-05 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2011-05 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-05 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of its operations. ASU No 2011-05 was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2011-12.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 provides that entities have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of recorded goodwill is less than its carrying value. If an entity concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of recorded goodwill is less than its carrying value, it is then required to calculate the fair value of the recorded goodwill and to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. ASU No. 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2011-08 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of its operations.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU No. 2011-12”). ASU No. 2011-12 indefinitely defers the requirement in ASU No. 2011-05 for entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and statement in which other comprehensive income is presented, for both interim and annual periods. ASU No. 2011-12 does not effect any other provisions of ASU No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-12 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years ending after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2011-12 for its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-12 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operations.
3. Related Party Transactions
Included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are the following related party amounts:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Reinsurance receivable | | $ | 502,093 | | $ | 483,564 | |
Future policy benefits | | 2,115,676 | | 2,183,167 | |
| | | | | | | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Included in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are the following related party amounts:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $6,912, $3,588, and $3,411 | | $ | 129,072 | | $ | 131,037 | | $ | 137,085 | |
Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $6,426, $4,906 and $7,415 | | 106,790 | | 122,830 | | 118,624 | |
Decrease in future policy benefits | | (70,554 | ) | (65,778 | ) | (45,960 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The Company provides administrative and operational services for the United States operations of The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“GWL”) and the United States operations of The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”), wholly-owned subsidiaries of Lifeco. The Company also provides investment services for London Reinsurance Group, an indirect subsidiary of GWL. The following table presents revenue and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided pursuant to these service agreements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. These amounts, in accordance with the terms of the various contracts, are based upon estimated costs incurred, including a profit charge, and resources expended based upon the number of policies, certificates in-force and/or administered assets.
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Investment management and administrative revenue included in fee income and net investment income | | $ | 7,492 | | $ | 7,505 | | $ | 7,334 | |
Administrative and underwriting expense reimbursements included as a reduction to general insurance expense | | 3,629 | | 988 | | 944 | |
Total | | $ | 11,121 | | $ | 8,493 | | $ | 8,278 | |
The following table summarizes amounts due from parent and affiliates at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | December 31, | |
Related party | | Indebtedness | | Due date | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
GWL&A Financial Inc. | | On account | | On demand | | $ | 6,976 | | $ | 11,298 | |
Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc. | | On account | | On demand | | 105,614 | | 191,185 | |
Great-West Lifeco Finance LP | | On account | | On demand | | 716 | | — | |
Great-West Lifeco Finance LP II | | On account | | On demand | | 524 | | 187 | |
Putnam Investments LLC | | On account | | On demand | | 308 | | 182 | |
Crown Life Insurance Company | | On account | | On demand | | 195 | | 152 | |
Other related party receivables | | On account | | On demand | | 364 | | 227 | |
Total | | | | | | $ | 114,697 | | $ | 203,231 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes amounts due to parent and affiliates at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | December 31, | |
Related party | | Indebtedness | | Due date | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
GWL&A Financial Inc. (1) | | Surplus note | | November 2034 | | $ | 194,362 | | $ | 194,231 | |
GWL&A Financial Inc. (2) | | Surplus note | | May 2046 | | 333,400 | | 333,400 | |
GWL&A Financial Inc. | | Note interest | | May 2011 | | 4,701 | | 4,701 | |
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Capital (Nova Scotia) Co. II | | On account | | On demand | | 140 | | 13 | |
Great-West Lifeco Finance LP II | | On account | | On demand | | | | — | |
London Life Financial Corporation | | On Account | | On demand | | 1,715 | | — | |
The Great-West Life Assurance Company | | On account | | On demand | | 1,765 | | 4,046 | |
The Canada Life Assurance Company | | On account | | On demand | | 2,478 | | 1,083 | |
Other related party payables | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | $ | 538,561 | | $ | 537,474 | |
(1) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on November 15, 2004, with a face amount of $195,000 and carrying amounts of $194,362 and $194,231 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The surplus note bears interest at the rate of 6.675% per annum, payable in arrears on each May 14 and November 14. The note matures on November 14, 2034.
(2) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on May 19, 2006, with a face amount and carrying amount of $333,400. The surplus note bears interest initially at the rate of 7.203% per annum, payable in arrears on each May 16 and November 16 until May 16, 2016. After May 16, 2016, the surplus note bears an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). The surplus note is redeemable by the Company at the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest after May 16, 2016. The note matures on May 16, 2046.
Payments of principal and interest under the surplus notes shall be made only out of surplus funds of the Company and only with prior written approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Colorado when the Commissioner of Insurance is satisfied that the financial condition of the Company warrants such action pursuant to applicable Colorado law. Payments of principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable only if at the time of such payment and after giving effect to the making thereof, the Company’s surplus would not fall below two and one half times the authorized control level as required by the most recent risk-based capital calculations.
Interest expense attributable to these related party debt obligations was $37,163 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $37,042 for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $4,701 of interest payable attributable to these related party debt obligations.
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of South Carolina (“GWSC”) and CLAC are parties to a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which GWSC assumes term life insurance from CLAC. GWL&A Financial obtained two letters of credit for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities and capital support. The first letter of credit is for $1,128,500 and renews annually until it expires on December 31, 2025. The second letter of credit is for $70,000 and renews annually for an indefinite period of time. At December 31, 2011 and 2010 there were no outstanding amounts related to the letters of credit.
Included within reinsurance receivable in the consolidated balance sheets are $450,820 and $436,661 of funds withheld assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. CLAC pays the Company on, a quarterly basis, interest on the funds withheld balance at a rate of 4.55% per annum.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
A subsidiary of the Company, GW Capital Management, LLC, serves as a Registered Investment Advisor to Maxim Series Fund, Inc. an affiliated open-end management investment company, to several affiliated insurance company separate accounts and to Collective Investment Trusts, an affiliated entity. A subsidiary of the Company, Orchard Trust Company, LLC, serves as trustee to Collective Investment Trusts. Included in fee income on the consolidated statements of income is $69,172, $59,320 and $52,540 of advisory and management fee income from these affiliated entities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Maxim Series Fund, Inc. and Putnam Funds which are affiliates of the Company and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds. The Company’s separate accounts include mutual funds or other investment options that purchase guaranteed interest annuity contracts issued by the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, these purchases totaled $112,117, $162,504 and $149,302, respectively. As the general account investment contracts are also included in the separate account balances in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the Company has reduced the separate account assets and liabilities by $266,340 and $269,495 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to eliminate these amounts in its consolidated balance sheets at those dates.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
4. Summary of Investments
The following tables summarize fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale and the amount of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) classified as the non-credit-related component of previously impaired fixed maturity investments that the Company does not intend to sell included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | |
Fixed maturities: | | Amortized
cost | | Gross unrealized
gains | | Gross unrealized
losses | | Estimated fair value
and carrying value | | OTTI (gain) loss
included in AOCI (1) | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | 2,209,420 | | $ | 107,363 | | $ | 1,112 | | $ | 2,315,671 | | $ | — | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | 1,773,687 | | 297,488 | | 5 | | 2,071,170 | | — | |
Corporate debt securities (3) | | 8,287,960 | | 762,045 | | 154,259 | | 8,895,746 | | 3,672 | |
Asset-backed securities (2) | | 2,006,544 | | 70,117 | | 125,217 | | 1,951,444 | | (23,837 | ) |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | 578,046 | | 17,461 | | 3,965 | | 591,542 | | 1,409 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | 712,831 | | 42,538 | | 7,572 | | 747,797 | | — | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | 18,482 | | 3 | | 2,072 | | 16,413 | | — | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 15,586,970 | | $ | 1,297,015 | | $ | 294,202 | | $ | 16,589,783 | | $ | (18,756 | ) |
(1) | Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. |
(2) | OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities that had previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss for asset-backed securities was in an unrealized gain position of $23,837 at December 31, 2011 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. |
(3) | Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $253,023 and estimated fair value of $166,284 at December 31, 2011. |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
Fixed Maturities: | | Amortized
cost | | Gross unrealized
gains | | Gross unrealize
losses | | Estimated fair value
and carrying value | | OTTI (gain) loss
included in AOCI (1) | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | 2,289,010 | | $ | 96,924 | | $ | 14,784 | | $ | 2,371,150 | | $ | — | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | 1,784,299 | | 173,567 | | 15,603 | | 1,942,263 | | — | |
Corporate debt securities (3) | | 7,625,810 | | 557,104 | | 144,486 | | 8,038,428 | | 5,439 | |
Asset-backed securities (2) | | 2,104,420 | | 51,663 | | 154,157 | | 2,001,926 | | (22,284 | ) |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | 730,293 | | 20,888 | | 12,119 | | 739,062 | | 505 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | 812,915 | | 28,049 | | 20,615 | | 820,349 | | — | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | 35,655 | | 5 | | 5,781 | | 29,879 | | — | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 15,382,402 | | $ | 928,200 | | $ | 367,545 | | $ | 15,943,057 | | $ | (16,340 | ) |
(1) | Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. |
(2) | OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities that had previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss for asset-backed securities was in an unrealized gain position of $22,284 at December 31, 2010 due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. |
(3) | Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $253,023 and estimated fair value of $189,877 at December 31, 2010. |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
See Note 6 for additional information on policies regarding estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2011, based on estimated cash flows, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities will likely differ from these projections because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
| | December 30, 2011 | |
| | Amortized cost | | Estimated fair value | |
Maturing in one year or less | | $ | 478,189 | | $ | 511,588 | |
Maturing after one year through five years | | 3,161,433 | | 3,420,611 | |
Maturing after five years through ten years | | 3,554,634 | | 3,965,884 | |
Maturing after ten years | | 2,972,324 | | 3,186,060 | |
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities | | 5,420,390 | | 5,505,640 | |
| | $ | 15,586,970 | | $ | 16,589,783 | |
Mortgage-backed (commercial and residential) and asset-backed securities, including those issued by U.S. government and U.S. agencies, include collateralized mortgage obligations that consist primarily of sequential and planned amortization classes with legal final stated maturities of up to thirty years and expected average lives of up to fifteen years.
The following table summarizes information regarding the sales of securities classified as available-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Proceeds from sales | | $ | 3,958,589 | | $ | 3,222,700 | | $ | 2,258,653 | |
Gross realized gains from sales | | 104,893 | | 62,702 | | 42,375 | |
Gross realized losses from sales | | 23,138 | | 26 | | 267 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross realized gains and losses from sales during the year were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates and gains and losses on repurchase agreement transactions.
Included in net investment income are unrealized gains of $12,935, $9,587 and $4,749 on held-for-trading fixed maturity investments still held at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The Company has a corporate fixed maturity security with a fair value of $9,949 and $8,845 that has been non-income producing for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This security was written down to its fair value in the period it was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Mortgage loans on real estate - The following table summarizes the carry value of the mortgage loan portfolio by component as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | |
Principal | | $ | 2,510,949 | | $ | 1,709,075 | |
Unamortized premium (discount) | | 23,268 | | 29,647 | |
Allowance for credit loss | | (21,130 | ) | (16,300 | ) |
Total mortgage loans | | $ | 2,513,087 | | $ | 1,722,422 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Of the total principal balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, $2,067 and $8,470 related to impaired loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in the impaired loans balance was due to four loans that were foreclosed upon and one loan that was paid in full offset by one loan that was deemed non-performing during the year ended December 31, 2011.
The recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $2,067 and $9,576 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The average recorded investment of impaired mortgage loans was $5,822, $5,101 and $313 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The following table summarizes the recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | |
Performing | | $ | 2,532,150 | | $ | 1,729,146 | |
Non-performing | | 2,067 | | 9,576 | |
Total | | $ | 2,534,217 | | $ | 1,738,722 | |
The following table summarizes activity in the allowance for mortgage loan credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December, 31 | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
| | Commercial mortgages | | Commercial mortgages | | Commercial mortgages | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 16,300 | | $ | 14,854 | | $ | 8,834 | |
Provision increases | | 4,830 | | 1,446 | | 6,172 | |
Provision decreases | | — | | — | | (152 | ) |
Ending balance | | $ | 21,130 | | $ | 16,300 | | $ | 14,854 | |
| | | | | | | |
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method: | | | | | | | |
Collectively evaluated for impairment | | $ | 21,130 | | $ | 16,300 | | $ | 14,854 | |
| | | | | | | |
Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method: | | $ | 2,534,217 | | $ | 1,738,722 | | $ | 1,568,986 | |
Individually evaluated for impairment | | 18,493 | | 27,250 | | 4,506 | |
Collectively evaluated for impairment | | 2,515,724 | | 1,711,472 | | 1,564,480 | |
The table below summarizes the recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by aging category as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Current | | Loan balances 31-60
days past due | | Loan balances 61-89
days past due | | Loan balances greater than
90 days past due or in
process of foreclosure (1) | | Total portfolio balance | |
Commercial mortgages: | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2011 | | $ | 2,534,217 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 2,534,217 | |
December 31, 2010 | | 1,733,922 | | 2,642 | | — | | 2,158 | | 1,738,722 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) December 31, 2010 includes four loans in the amount of $2,158 in process of foreclosure.
Occasionally, the Company elects to grant a concession to a debtor with financial difficulties in an attempt to protect as much of its investment as possible. At December 31, 2010, the Company had one loan, with a principal balance of $6,355, classified as a troubled debt restructuring with loan modifications which primarily reduced the interest rate for the life of the loan, but did not extend the maturity date or forgive any principal.
Limited partnership and other corporation interests - The Company invests in limited partnership interests, which include limited partnerships established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing that qualify for federal and state tax credits, and other corporation interests. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $169,233 and $210,146, respectively, invested in limited partnership and other corporation interests.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The Company has determined its investment in low-income housing limited partnerships (“LIHLP”) to be considered a VIE. Although the Company is involved with the VIE, it determined that consolidation was not required because it has no power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance.
As a 99% limited partner in various upper-tier LIHLPs, the Company has few or no voting rights, but expects to receive the tax credits allocated to the partnership and operating losses from depreciation and interest expense. The Company is only an equity investor and views the LIHLP as a single investment. The general partner of the LIHLPs is most closely involved in the development and management of the LIHLP project. The general partner has a small ownership of the partnership, which requires a de minimus capital contribution. This equity investment is reduced based on fees paid at inception by the limited partner; therefore, the general partner does not qualify as having an equity investment at risk in the LIHLP project. However, the limited partner does not have the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about the general partner’s activities that have a significant effect on the success of the partnership.
The following table presents information about the nature and activities of the VIEs and the effect on the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 as follows:
| | Limited partnership and | | | | | |
| | other corporation interests | | Liabilities | | Maximum exposure to loss | |
December 31, 2011 | | $ | 111,631 | | $ | — | | $ | 111,631 | |
December 31, 2010 | | 151,158 | | — | | 151,158 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Securities pledged, special deposits and securities lending - The Company pledges investment securities it owns to unaffiliated parties to meet initial margin requirements for exchange-traded futures contracts. The fair value of margin deposits related to futures contracts was $4,765 and $5,979 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company had securities on deposit with government authorities as required by certain insurance laws with fair values in the amounts of $16,631 and $14,144 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby securities are loaned to third parties. Securities with a cost or amortized cost in the amounts of $7,266 and $45,000 and estimated fair values in the amounts of $6,823 and $50,807 were on loan under the program at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company received restricted cash collateral in the amounts of $7,099 and $51,749 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale - The following tables summarize unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by class of investment at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Less than twelve months | | Twelve months or longer | | Total | |
| | Estimated | | Unrealized | | Estimated | | Unrealized | | Estimated | | Unrealized | |
Fixed maturities: | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | 297,410 | | $ | 913 | | $ | 17,531 | | $ | 199 | | $ | 314,941 | | $ | 1,112 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | 1,557 | | 5 | | — | | — | | 1,557 | | 5 | |
Corporate debt securities | | 363,111 | | 12,986 | | 479,441 | | 141,273 | | 842,552 | | 154,259 | |
Asset-backed securities | | 218,850 | | 10,365 | | 841,415 | | 114,852 | | 1,060,265 | | 125,217 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | 14,203 | | 373 | | 120,364 | | 3,592 | | 134,567 | | 3,965 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | 6,726 | | 13 | | 68,952 | | 7,559 | | 75,678 | | 7,572 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | — | | — | | 16,392 | | 2,072 | | 16,392 | | 2,072 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 901,857 | | $ | 24,655 | | $ | 1,544,095 | | $ | 269,547 | | $ | 2,445,952 | | $ | 294,202 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | | | | 89 | | | | 167 | | | | 256 | |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Less than twelve months | | Twelve months or longer | | Total | |
| | Estimated | | Unrealized | | Estimated | | Unrealized | | Estimated | | Unrealized | |
Fixed maturities: | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | | fair value | | loss and OTTI | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | 892,025 | | $ | 14,551 | | $ | 22,471 | | $ | 233 | | $ | 914,496 | | $ | 14,784 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | 391,101 | | 11,332 | | 99,720 | | 4,271 | | 490,821 | | 15,603 | |
Corporate debt securities | | 477,059 | | 15,486 | | 819,627 | | 129,000 | | 1,296,686 | | 144,486 | |
Asset-backed securities | | 52,814 | | 1,505 | | 1,071,557 | | 152,652 | | 1,124,371 | | 154,157 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | 26,142 | | 509 | | 146,532 | | 11,610 | | 172,674 | | 12,119 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | 53,462 | | 2,086 | | 79,429 | | 18,529 | | 132,891 | | 20,615 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | 5,745 | | 29 | | 23,112 | | 5,752 | | 28,857 | | 5,781 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 1,898,348 | | $ | 45,498 | | $ | 2,262,448 | | $ | 322,047 | | $ | 4,160,796 | | $ | 367,545 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | | | | 161 | | | | 227 | | | | 388 | |
Fixed maturity investments - Total unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses decreased by $73,343, or 20%, from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011. This decrease in unrealized losses was across most asset classes and reflects recovery in market liquidity and lower interest rates, although the economic uncertainty in certain asset classes still remains.
Unrealized losses on corporate debt securities increased by $9,773 from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011. The valuation of these securities has been influenced by market conditions with widening credit spreads in the finance sector resulting in generally lower valuations of these fixed income securities. The finance sector accounts for 91% of the corporate debt securities unrealized loss at December 31, 2011.
Unrealized losses on asset-backed securities decreased by $28,940 since December 31, 2010, generally due to lower interest rates, increased market liquidity and other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the year.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Corporate debt securities account for 52% of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months. Of the $141,273 of unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on corporate debt securities, 64% are on securities which continue to be rated investment grade. Of the $51,356 of unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months on non-investment grade corporate debt securities, $42,036 of the losses are on perpetual debt investments issued by banks in the United Kingdom, which have senior debt ratings of A- or higher. The Company determined that the majority of the unrealized losses on the perpetual securities were due to widening credit spreads and low LIBOR based coupon rates on the securities. Based on our analysis, the Company concluded that the ability of the issuers to service the investment has not been compromised by these factors. Additionally, although foreign banks have suffered from the weak credit and economic environment, they benefit from central bank support. Management does not have the intent to sell these assets prior to a full recovery; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings.
Asset-backed securities account for 43% of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months. Of the $114,852 of unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on asset-backed securities, 85% of the losses are on securities which continue to be rated investment grade. Of the securities which are not rated investment grade, 89% of the losses are on securities guaranteed by monoline insurers. The present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is not less than amortized cost. Management does not have the intent to sell these assets prior to a full recovery; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings.
See Note 6 for additional discussion regarding fair value measurements.
Other-than-temporary impairment recognition - The Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity investments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows:
| | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
| | OTTI recognized in realized
gains/(losses) | | OTTI
recognized
in OCI (2) | | �� | |
Fixed maturities: | | Credit related (1) | | Non-credit
related | | Non-credit
related | | Total | |
Corporate debt securities | | $ | 501 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 501 | |
Asset-backed securities | | 6,264 | | — | | 10,005 | | 16,269 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 6,765 | | $ | — | | $ | 10,005 | | $ | 16,770 | |
(1) Of the $6,264 in asset-backed fixed maturities, all is bifurcated credit loss recognized on one held security.
(2) Amounts are recognized in OCI in the period incurred.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | OTTI recognized in realized
gains/(losses) | | OTTI
recognized
in OCI (2) | | | |
Fixed maturities: | | Credit related (1) | | Non-credit
related | | Non-credit
related | | Total | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | 750 | | $ | 10,035 | | $ | — | | $ | 10,785 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 1,529 | | — | | 1,529 | |
Asset-backed securities | | 64,896 | | — | | 16,242 | | 81,138 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | 1,390 | | — | | 505 | | 1,895 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | 34 | | — | | — | | 34 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 67,070 | | $ | 11,564 | | $ | 16,747 | | $ | 95,381 | |
(1) Of the credit-related other-than-temporary impairment on asset-backed securities, $53,327 and $8,558 were related to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Of the $67,070 in total fixed maturities, $66,286 is the bifurcated credit loss recognized on securities.
(2) Amounts are recognized in OCI in the period incurred.
| | Year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | OTTI recognized in realized
gains/(losses) | | OTTI
recognized
in OCI (2) | | | |
Fixed maturities: | | Credit related (1) | | Non-credit
related | | Non-credit
related | | Total | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | — | | $ | 684 | | $ | — | | $ | 684 | |
Corporate debt securities | | 3,652 | | 6,181 | | — | | 9,833 | |
Asset-backed securities | | 88,134 | | 502 | | 13,422 | | 102,058 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 28 | | — | | 28 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | 154 | | — | | — | | 154 | |
Total fixed maturities | | $ | 91,940 | | $ | 7,395 | | $ | 13,422 | | $ | 112,757 | |
(1) Of the credit-related other-than-temporary impairment on asset-backed securities, all of it was related to Financial Guaranty Insurance Company for the year ended December 31, 2009. Of the $91,940 in total fixed maturities, $88,134 is the bifurcated credit loss recognized on securities.
(2) Amounts are recognized in OCI in the period incurred.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity securities where the loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component is recognized in realized investment gains (losses) is summarized as follows:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Bifurcated credit loss: | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 181,611 | | $ | 115,325 | | $ | 43,871 | |
Additions: | | | | | | | |
Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired | | 6,264 | | 66,286 | | 88,134 | |
Reductions: | | | | | | | |
Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period | | (876 | ) | — | | — | |
Non-credit losses reclassified out of retained earnings into AOCI | | — | | — | | (16,680 | ) |
Ending balance | | $ | 186,999 | | $ | 181,611 | | $ | 115,325 | |
Net Investment Income
The following table summarizes net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Investment income: | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity and short-term investments | | $ | 821,582 | | $ | 823,828 | | $ | 795,323 | |
Mortgage loans on real estate | | 117,796 | | 96,711 | | 85,116 | |
Policy loans | | 218,663 | | 234,944 | | 244,140 | |
Limited partnership interests | | 6,915 | | 5,767 | | 2,514 | |
Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party | | 18,376 | | 17,130 | | 18,448 | |
Derivative instruments (1) | | (11,613 | ) | 7,182 | | 10,489 | |
Other | | 3,113 | | 5,079 | | 6,614 | |
| | 1,174,832 | | 1,190,641 | | 1,162,644 | |
Investment expenses | | (16,346 | ) | (15,897 | ) | (13,560 | ) |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,158,486 | | $ | 1,174,744 | | $ | 1,149,084 | |
(1) Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges.
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table summarizes realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Realized investment gains (losses): | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity and short-term investments | | $ | 78,637 | | $ | (15,793 | ) | $ | (58,208 | ) |
Derivative instruments | | (47,264 | ) | (17,076 | ) | (3,905 | ) |
Other | | (2,048 | ) | 9,820 | | 745 | |
Provision for mortgage impairments, net of recoveries | | (4,830 | ) | (1,446 | ) | (6,172 | ) |
Realized investment gains (losses) | | $ | 24,495 | | $ | (24,495 | ) | $ | (67,540 | ) |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Included in net investment income and realized investment gains (losses) are amounts allocable to the participating fund account. This allocation is based upon the activity in a specific block of investments that are segmented for the benefit of the participating fund account. The amounts of net investment income allocated to the participating fund account were $4,095, $4,481 and $4,799 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The amounts of realized investment gains (losses) allocated to the participating fund account were $279, $438 and $234 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
5. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative transactions, excluding cross-currency swaps, are entered into pursuant to master agreements and other contracts that provide for a single net payment to be made by one party to the other on a daily basis, periodic payment dates, or at the due date, expiration or termination of the agreement.
The Company holds $11,985 and $7,790 of unrestricted cash collateral from derivative counterparties to satisfy collateral netting agreements at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For a complete discussion of the Company’s policy surrounding derivative collateral, refer to Note 1, Organization and Significant Accounting Policies.
Cash flow hedges - Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a floating rate to a fixed rate. Cross-currency swaps are used to manage the foreign exchange rate risk associated with investments denominated in other than U.S. dollars. Interest rate futures are used to manage the interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments. These derivatives are primarily structured to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities. The Company’s derivatives treated as cash flow hedges are eligible for hedge accounting.
At December 31, 2011, the Company estimates that $7,996 of net derivative gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into net income within the next twelve months.
Fair value hedges - Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a fixed rate to a floating rate to manage the risk of the change in the fair value of certain fixed rate maturity investments. Interest rate futures are used to manage the risk of the change in the fair value of certain fixed rate maturity investments. The Company’s derivatives treated as fair value hedges are eligible for hedge accounting.
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The Company enters into transactions in which derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments. Accordingly, hedge accounting is not elected. These derivative instruments include: exchange-traded interest rate swap futures, exchange-traded equity index futures on certain indices, OTC interest rate swaptions, OTC interest rate swaps, exchange-traded Eurodollar interest rate futures and interest rate futures.
The derivative instruments mentioned above are economic hedges and used to manage risk. These transactions are used to offset changes in liabilities, hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates, manage the potential variability in future interest payments due to a change in credited interest rates and the related change in cash flows due to increased surrenders, manage interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments and forecasted liability pricing, and hedge equity based fee income.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables summarize derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | | | Net derivatives | | Asset derivatives | | Liability derivatives | |
| | Notional amount | | Fair value | | Fair value (1) | | Fair value (1) | |
Hedge designation/derivative type: | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | 184,200 | | 20,894 | | $ | 20,894 | | $ | — | |
Cross-currency swaps | | 69,030 | | 6,241 | | 6,241 | | — | |
Total cash flow hedges | | 253,230 | | 27,135 | | 27,135 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Fair value hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | 35,800 | | (1,011 | ) | — | | 1,011 | |
Total fair value hedges | | 35,800 | | (1,011 | ) | — | | 1,011 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives designated as hedges | | 289,030 | | 26,124 | | 27,135 | | 1,011 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | 392,235 | | (8,316 | ) | 4,687 | | 13,003 | |
Futures on equity indices | | 2,680 | | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate futures | | 59,090 | | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate swaptions | | 890,400 | | 944 | | 944 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives not designated as hedges | | 1,344,405 | | (7,372 | ) | 5,631 | | 13,003 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total cash flow hedges, fair value hedges and derivatives not designated as hedges | | $ | 1,633,435 | | $ | 18,752 | | $ | 32,766 | | $ | 14,014 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position are reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position are reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | | | Net derivatives | | Asset derivatives | | Liability derivatives | |
| | Notional amount | | Fair value | | Fair value (1) | | Fair value (1) | |
Hedge designation/derivative type: | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | 90,700 | | $ | 10,255 | | $ | 10,386 | | $ | 131 | |
Cross-currency swaps | | 30,000 | | (252 | ) | — | | 252 | |
Interest rate futures | | 80,700 | | — | | — | | — | |
Total cash flow hedges | | 201,400 | | 10,003 | | 10,386 | | 383 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Fair value hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate futures | | 128,900 | | — | | — | | — | |
Total fair value hedges | | 128,900 | | — | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives designated as hedges | | 330,300 | | 10,003 | | 10,386 | | 383 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | 612,902 | | 4,036 | | 9,484 | | 5,448 | |
Futures on equity indices | | 680 | | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate futures | | 52,360 | | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate swaptions | | 1,083,000 | | 4,956 | | 4,956 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives not designated as hedges | | 1,748,942 | | 8,992 | | 14,440 | | 5,448 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total cash flow hedges, fair value hedges and derivatives not designated as hedges | | $ | 2,079,242 | | $ | 18,995 | | $ | 24,826 | | $ | 5,831 | |
(1) The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position are reported within other assets and the
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position are reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Notional amounts are used to express the extent of the Company’s involvement in derivative transactions and represent a standard measurement of the volume of its derivative activity. Notional amounts represent those amounts used to calculate contractual flows to be exchanged. Notional amounts are not paid or received.
The Company had 143 and 117 swap transactions with an average notional amount of $16,361 and $19,745 during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company added one cross-currency swap during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company had 1,678 and 979 futures transactions with an average number of contracts per transaction of 18 and 26 during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company had 44 swaption transactions with an average notional amount of $5,986 during the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had three swaptions expire.
The change in notional amount of derivatives during the year was primarily due to the following:
· The net decrease of $486,837 in interest rate swaps, interest rate futures and interest rate swaptions was primarily the result of a decrease in interest rates.
· The increase of $39,030 in cross-currency swaps was due to a new swap added to hedge a floating rate British pound asset.
The Company recognized total derivative gains (losses) in net investment income of ($15,428), $1,366 and $2,105 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company realized net investment gains (losses) on closed derivative positions of ($38,794), ($17,076) and ($3,905) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The preceding amounts are all shown net of any gains (losses) on the hedged assets in a fair value hedge that has been recorded in net investment income.
The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 reported by cash flow hedges, fair value hedges and economic hedges:
| | Gain (loss) recognized
in OCI on derivatives
(Effective portion) | | Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI
into net income (Effective portion) | | Gain (loss) recognized in net income on
derivatives (Ineffective portion and amount
excluded from effectiveness testing) | |
| | Year ended December 31, | | Year ended December 31, | | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | 21,322 | | $ | 13,896 | | $ | (52,350 | ) | $ | 2,820 | | $ | 1,582 | | $ | 553 | (A) | $ | 9 | | $ | — | | $ | 6 | (A) |
Cross-currency swaps | | 1,123 | | 3,065 | | (5,334 | ) | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate futures | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (92 | ) | 92 | | — | (A) |
Interest rate futures | | (1,431 | ) | 332 | | 466 | | 43 | | 110 | | 53 | (A) | 6 | | 545 | | — | (B) |
Total cash flow hedges | | $ | 21,014 | | $ | 17,293 | | $ | (57,218 | ) | $ | 2,863 | | $ | 1,691 | | $ | 606 | | $ | (77 | ) | $ | 637 | | $ | 6 | |
(A) Income statement location: Net investment income.
(B) Income statement location: Realized investment gains (losses), net. Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions.
| | Gain (loss) on derivatives
recognized in net income | | Gain (loss) on hedged assets
recognized in net income | |
| | Year ended December 31, | | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Fair value hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | (1,011 | ) | $ | — | | $ | — | (A) | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
Interest rate futures | | (285 | ) | (1,027 | ) | 6,030 | (A) | — | | — | | — | |
Interest rate futures | | (8,311 | ) | (1,088 | ) | (1,124 | )(B) | — | | — | | — | |
Items hedged in interest rate swaps | | — | | — | | — | | 1,011 | | — | | — | (A) |
Items hedged in interest rate futures | | — | | — | | — | | (2,002 | ) | 3,632 | | (4,691 | )(A) |
Items hedged in interest rate futures | | — | | — | | — | | 8,470 | | — | | — | (B) |
Total fair value hedges (1) | | $ | (9,607 | ) | $ | (2,115 | ) | $ | 4,906 | | $ | 7,479 | | $ | 3,632 | | $ | (4,691 | ) |
(1) Hedge ineffectiveness of $(2,128), $1,517 and $215 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively, was recognized.
(A) Income statement location: Net investment income.
(B) Income statement location: Realized investment gains (losses), net. Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income | |
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | |
Futures on equity indices | | (32 | )(A) | (9 | )(A) | — | |
Futures on equity indices | | 373 | (B) | (363 | )(B) | — | |
Interest rate swaps | | (12,351 | )(A) | 4,036 | (A) | — | |
Interest rate swaps | | (38,377 | )(B) | (4,476 | )(B) | — | |
Interest rate futures | | 260 | (A) | (3,600 | )(A) | 3,714 | (A) |
Interest rate futures | | (251 | )(B) | (11,640 | )(B) | (2,781 | )(B) |
Interest rate swaptions | | (3,798 | )(A) | (3,450 | )(A) | (3,560 | )(A) |
Interest rate swaptions | | (704 | )(B) | (54 | )(B) | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | | $ | (54,880 | ) | $ | (19,556 | ) | $ | (2,627 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(A) Income statement location: Net investment income
(B) Income statement location: Realized investment gains (losses), net. Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions.
6. Fair Value Measurements
The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Carrying | | Estimated | | Carrying | | Estimated | |
Assets | | amount | | fair value | | amount | | fair value | |
Fixed maturities and short-term investments | | $ | 17,070,073 | | $ | 17,070,073 | | $ | 17,051,738 | | $ | 17,051,738 | |
Mortgage loans on real estate | | 2,513,087 | | 2,679,474 | | 1,722,422 | | 1,809,356 | |
Policy loans | | 4,219,849 | | 4,219,849 | | 4,059,640 | | 4,059,640 | |
Other investments | | 22,990 | | 47,915 | | 24,650 | | 48,496 | |
Collateral under securities lending agreements | | 7,099 | | 7,099 | | 51,749 | | 51,749 | |
Collateral under derivative counter- party collateral agreements | | 11,985 | | 11,985 | | 7,790 | | 7,790 | |
Derivative instruments | | 32,766 | | 32,766 | | 24,826 | | 24,826 | |
Separate account assets | | 22,331,391 | | 22,331,391 | | 22,489,038 | | 22,489,038 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Carrying | | Estimated | | Carrying | | Estimated | |
Liabilities | | amount | | fair value | | amount | | fair value | |
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies | | $ | 8,727,286 | | $ | 8,888,585 | | $ | 7,976,954 | | $ | 7,912,850 | |
Policyholders’ funds | | 382,816 | | 382,816 | | 372,980 | | 372,980 | |
Repurchase agreements | | — | | — | | 936,762 | | 936,762 | |
Commercial paper | | 97,536 | | 97,536 | | 91,681 | | 91,681 | |
Payable under securities lending agreements | | 7,099 | | 7,099 | | 51,749 | | 51,749 | |
Payable under derivative counterparty collateral agreements | | 11,985 | | 11,985 | | 7,790 | | 7,790 | |
Derivative instruments | | 14,014 | | 14,014 | | 5,831 | | 5,831 | |
Notes payable | | 532,463 | | 515,104 | | 532,332 | | 532,332 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Fixed maturity investments
The fair values for fixed maturity investments are based upon quoted market prices or estimates from independent pricing services. However, in cases where quoted market prices are not readily available, such as for private fixed maturity investments, fair values are estimated. To determine estimated fair value for these instruments, the Company generally utilizes discounted cash flows calculated at current market rates on investments of similar quality and term. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty.
Short-term investments, securities lending agreements, repurchase agreements and commercial paper
The amortized cost of short-term investments, collateral and payable under securities lending agreements, repurchase agreements and commercial paper is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their short-term nature.
Policy loans
The policy loans accrue interest at variable rates which approximate current market interest rates. Additionally, policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Given the absence of borrower credit risk and the short time period between interest rate resets, carrying value approximates fair value.
Mortgage loans on real estate
Mortgage loan fair value estimates are generally based on discounted cash flows. A discount rate matrix is incorporated whereby the discount rate used in valuing a specific mortgage generally corresponds to that mortgage’s remaining term and credit quality. Management believes the discount rate used is commensurate with the credit, interest rate, term, servicing costs and risks of loans similar to the portfolio loans that the Company would make today given its internal pricing strategy.
Other investments
Other investments include the Company’s percentage ownership of foreclosed lease interests in aircraft. The estimated fair value is based on the present value of anticipated lease payments plus the residual value of the aircraft. Real estate held for investments is also included in other investments. The estimated fair value for real estate is based on appraised value.
Derivative counterparty collateral agreements
Included in other assets and other liabilities is cash collateral received from derivative counterparties and the obligation to return the cash collateral to the counterparties. The amortized cost of the collateral is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Derivative instruments
Included in other assets and other liabilities are derivative financial instruments. The estimated fair values of OTC derivatives, primarily consisting of interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions which are held for other than trading purposes, are the estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the end of each reporting period, taking into consideration current interest rates, counterparty credit risk and other relevant factors.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Separate account assets
Separate account assets include investments in mutual fund, fixed maturity and short-term securities. Mutual funds are recorded at net asset value, which approximates fair value, on a daily basis. The fixed maturity and short-term investments are valued in the same manner, and using the same pricing sources and inputs as the fixed maturity and short-term investments of the Company.
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies
The estimated fair values of annuity contract benefits without life contingencies are estimated by discounting the projected expected cash flows to the maturity of the contracts utilizing risk-free spot interest rates plus a provision for the Company’s credit risk.
Policyholders’ funds
The carrying amount of policyholders’ funds approximates the fair value since the Company can change the interest crediting rates with thirty days notice.
Notes payable
The estimated fair values of the notes payable to GWL&A Financial are based upon quoted market prices from independent pricing services of securities with characteristics similar to those of the notes payable.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Fair value hierarchy
The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy category as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Assets and liabilities measured at | |
| | fair value on a recurring basis | |
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Quoted prices | | Significant | | | | | |
| | in active | | other | | Significant | | | |
| | markets for | | observable | | unobservable | | | |
| | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | | | |
| | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | | Total | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities available-for-sale: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | — | | $ | 2,315,671 | | $ | — | | $ | 2,315,671 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | — | | 2,071,170 | | — | | 2,071,170 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 8,859,250 | | 36,496 | | 8,895,746 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 1,672,423 | | 279,021 | | 1,951,444 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 591,542 | | — | | 591,542 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 747,797 | | — | | 747,797 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | — | | 16,391 | | 22 | | 16,413 | |
Total fixed maturities available-for-sale | | — | | 16,274,244 | | 315,539 | | 16,589,783 | |
Fixed maturities held for trading: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | — | | 36,352 | | — | | 36,352 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 60,243 | | — | | 60,243 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 43,905 | | — | | 43,905 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 7,026 | | — | | 7,026 | |
Total fixed maturities held for trading | | — | | 147,526 | | — | | 147,526 | |
Short-term investments available-for-sale | | 45,869 | | 286,895 | | — | | 332,764 | |
Collateral under securities lending agreements | | 7,099 | | — | | — | | 7,099 | |
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements | | 11,985 | | — | | — | | 11,985 | |
Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 20,894 | | — | | 20,894 | |
Cross-currency swaps | | — | | 6,241 | | — | | 6,241 | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 4,687 | | — | | 4,687 | |
Interest rate swaptions | | — | | 944 | | — | | 944 | |
Total derivative instruments | | — | | 32,766 | | — | | 32,766 | |
Separate account assets (1) | | 10,646,426 | | 11,568,489 | | 2,118 | | 22,217,033 | |
Total assets | | $ | 10,711,379 | | $ | 28,309,920 | | $ | 317,657 | | $ | 39,338,956 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral under securities lending agreements | | $ | 7,099 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 7,099 | |
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements | | 11,985 | | — | | — | | 11,985 | |
Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 1,011 | | — | | 1,011 | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 13,003 | | — | | 13,003 | |
Total derivative instruments | | — | | 14,014 | | — | | 14,014 | |
Separate account liabilities (1) | | 74 | | 278,796 | | — | | 278,870 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 19,158 | | $ | 292,810 | | $ | — | | $ | 311,968 | |
(1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying invested assets or liabilities owned by the separate accounts.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Assets and liabilities measured at | |
| | fair value on a recurring basis | |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Quoted prices | | Significant | | | | | |
| | in active | | other | | Significant | | | |
| | markets for | | observable | | unobservable | | | |
| | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | | | |
| | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | | Total | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities available-for-sale: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | $ | — | | $ | 2,371,150 | | $ | — | | $ | 2,371,150 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | | — | | 1,942,263 | | — | | 1,942,263 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 7,979,736 | | 58,692 | | 8,038,428 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 1,711,438 | | 290,488 | | 2,001,926 | |
Residential mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 739,062 | | — | | 739,062 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 820,349 | | — | | 820,349 | |
Collateralized debt obligations | | — | | 29,865 | | 14 | | 29,879 | |
Total fixed maturities available-for-sale | | — | | 15,593,863 | | 349,194 | | 15,943,057 | |
Fixed maturities held for trading: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | | — | | 41,834 | | — | | 41,834 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 49,961 | | — | | 49,961 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 44,060 | | — | | 44,060 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 8,319 | | — | | 8,319 | |
Total fixed maturities held for trading | | — | | 144,174 | | — | | 144,174 | |
Short-term investments available-for-sale | | 140,922 | | 823,585 | | — | | 964,507 | |
Collateral under securities lending agreements | | 51,749 | | — | | — | | 51,749 | |
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements | | 7,790 | | — | | — | | 7,790 | |
Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 10,386 | | — | | 10,386 | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 9,484 | | — | | 9,484 | |
Interest rate swaptions | | — | | 4,956 | | — | | 4,956 | |
Total derivative instruments | | — | | 24,826 | | — | | 24,826 | |
Separate account assets (1) | | 11,222,384 | | 10,838,983 | | 4,278 | | 22,065,645 | |
Total assets | | $ | 11,422,845 | | $ | 27,425,431 | | $ | 353,472 | | $ | 39,201,748 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | $ | — | | $ | 131 | | $ | — | | $ | 131 | |
Cross-currency swaps | | — | | 252 | | — | | 252 | |
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps | | — | | 5,448 | | — | | 5,448 | |
Total derivative instruments | | — | | 5,831 | | — | | 5,831 | |
Separate account liabilities (1) | | 93 | | 301,108 | | — | | 301,201 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 93 | | $ | 306,939 | | $ | — | | $ | 307,032 | |
(1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying invested assets or liabilities owned by the separate accounts.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
| | Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
| | Fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | |
| | Corporate | | Asset-backed | | Collateralized | | Separate | | | |
| | debt securities | | securities | | debt obligations | | accounts | | Total | |
Balance, January 1, 2011 | | $ | 58,692 | | $ | 290,488 | | $ | 14 | | $ | 4,278 | | $ | 353,472 | |
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | 3,961 | | (192 | ) | — | | 37 | | 3,806 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 779 | | 20,031 | | 8 | | 260 | | 21,078 | |
Sales | | (14,430 | ) | — | | — | | (1,847 | ) | (16,277 | ) |
Settlements | | (17,460 | ) | (31,306 | ) | — | | (158 | ) | (48,924 | ) |
Transfers into Level 3 (1) | | 7,333 | | — | | — | | 1,400 | | 8,733 | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (1) | | (2,379 | ) | — | | — | | (1,852 | ) | (4,231 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | $ | 36,496 | | $ | 279,021 | | $ | 22 | | $ | 2,118 | | $ | 317,657 | |
Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2011 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
(1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors.
| | Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | Fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | | | |
| | Corporate | | Asset-backed | | Commercial | | Collateralized | | Other assets | | Separate | | | |
| | debt securities | | securities | | mortgage-backed securities | | debt obligations | | and liabilities (1) | | accounts | | Total | |
Balance, January 1, 2010 | | $ | 188,936 | | $ | 392,365 | | $ | 58,270 | | $ | 1,729 | | $ | (3,317 | ) | $ | 9,960 | | $ | 647,943 | |
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | 475 | | (49,393 | ) | — | | (34 | ) | — | | — | | (48,952 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 5,630 | | 70,026 | | — | | 161 | | — | | 622 | | 76,439 | |
Purchases, issuances and settlements | | (30,084 | ) | (98,807 | ) | — | | (1,842 | ) | — | | (1,700 | ) | (132,433 | ) |
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 (2) | | (106,265 | ) | (23,703 | ) | (58,270 | ) | — | | 3,317 | | (4,604 | ) | (189,525 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 58,692 | | $ | 290,488 | | $ | — | | $ | 14 | | $ | — | | $ | 4,278 | | $ | 353,472 | |
Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2010 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
(1) Includes derivative financial instruments.
(2) Transfers in and out of Level 3 are from and to Level 2 and are due primarily to the ability or inability to corroborate market prices with multiple pricing vendors.
| | Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | Fixed maturities available-for-sale | | | | | | | | | |
| | U.S. government and | | Corporate | | Asset-backed | | Commercial | | Collateralized | | Other assets | | Separate | | | |
| | U.S. agencies | | debt securities | | securities | | mortgage-backed securities | | debt obligations | | and liabilities (1) | | accounts | | Total | |
Balance, January 1, 2009 | | $ | 14,711 | | $ | 203,975 | | $ | 521,351 | | $ | 55,321 | | $ | 213 | | $ | 3,224 | | $ | 532 | | $ | 799,327 | |
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | — | | (2,597 | ) | (84,990 | ) | — | | — | | — | | — | | (87,587 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 2,227 | | 47,030 | | 178,951 | | 3,281 | | 1,592 | | (6,541 | ) | 1,902 | | 228,442 | |
Purchases, issuances and settlements | | (256 | ) | (52,008 | ) | (124,017 | ) | (332 | ) | (12,027 | ) | — | | 7,526 | | (181,114 | ) |
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 (2) | | (16,682 | ) | (7,464 | ) | (98,930 | ) | — | | 11,951 | | — | | — | | (111,125 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | $ | — | | $ | 188,936 | | $ | 392,365 | | $ | 58,270 | | $ | 1,729 | | $ | (3,317 | ) | $ | 9,960 | | $ | 647,943 | |
Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2009 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
(1) Includes derivative financial instruments.
(2) Transfers in and out of Level 3 are from and to Level 2 and are due primarily to the ability or inability to corroborate market prices with multiple pricing vendors.
Non-recurring fair value measurements - The Company held $19,745 and $980 of adjusted cost basis limited partnership interests which were impaired at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, based on the fair value disclosed in the limited partnership financial statements. These limited partnership interests were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a non-recurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value was categorized as Level 3.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
7. Reinsurance
In the normal course of its business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. The Company retains a maximum liability in the amount of $3,500 of coverage per individual life. Further, the maximum annual growth due to automatic increases is $175 per annum, with an overall maximum of $1,000.
Ceded reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the reinsurance receivables had carrying values in the amounts of $616,336 and $594,997, respectively. Included in these amounts are $502,093 and $483,564 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, associated with reinsurance agreements with related parties. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, 81% and 73%, respectively, of the total reinsurance receivable was due from CLAC, a related party.
The Company assumes risk from approximately forty insurers and reinsurers by participating in yearly renewable term and coinsurance pool agreements. When assuming risk, the Company seeks to generate revenue while maintaining reciprocal working relationships with these partners as they also seek to limit their exposure to loss on any single life. Maximum capacity to be accepted by the Company is dictated at the treaty level and is monitored annually to ensure the risk acquired on any one life is managed to its maximum retention of $3,500.
The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2011:
| | Life insurance in-force | |
| | Individual | | Group | | Total | |
Written and earned direct | | $ | 50,461,815 | | $ | 37,007,795 | | $ | 87,469,610 | |
Reinsurance ceded | | (11,157,504 | ) | — | | (11,157,504 | ) |
Reinsurance assumed | | 77,352,956 | | — | | 77,352,956 | |
Net | | $ | 116,657,267 | | $ | 37,007,795 | | $ | 153,665,062 | |
| | | | | | | |
Percentage of amount assumed to net | | 66.3 | % | 0.0 | % | 50.3 | % |
| | Premium income | |
| | Life insurance | | Annuities | | Total | |
Written and earned direct | | $ | 395,419 | | $ | 1,960 | | $ | 397,379 | |
Reinsurance ceded | | (40,654 | ) | (66 | ) | (40,720 | ) |
Reinsurance assumed | | 166,557 | | — | | 166,557 | |
Net | | $ | 521,322 | | $ | 1,894 | | $ | 523,216 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2010:
| | Life insurance in-force | |
| | Individual | | Group | | Total | |
Written and earned direct | | $ | 50,976,256 | | $ | 34,985,650 | | $ | 85,961,906 | |
Reinsurance ceded | | (9,878,257 | ) | — | | (9,878,257 | ) |
Reinsurance assumed | | 80,618,669 | | — | | 80,618,669 | |
Net | | $ | 121,716,668 | | $ | 34,985,650 | | $ | 156,702,318 | |
| | | | | | | |
Percentage of amount assumed to net | | 66.2 | % | 0.0 | % | 51.4 | % |
| | Premium income | |
| | Life insurance | | Annuities | | Total | |
Written and earned direct | | $ | 674,726 | | $ | 5,665 | | $ | 680,391 | |
Reinsurance ceded | | (41,362 | ) | (112 | ) | (41,474 | ) |
Reinsurance assumed | | 166,705 | | — | | 166,705 | |
Net | | $ | 800,069 | | $ | 5,553 | | $ | 805,622 | |
The following table summarizes total premium income for the year ended December 31, 2009:
| | Premium income | |
| | Life insurance | | Annuities | | Total | |
Written and earned direct | | $ | 431,585 | | $ | 3,039 | | $ | 434,624 | |
Reinsurance ceded | | (48,687 | ) | (74 | ) | (48,761 | ) |
Reinsurance assumed | | 174,389 | | — | | 174,389 | |
Net | | $ | 557,287 | | $ | 2,965 | | $ | 560,252 | |
8. Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired
The following table summarizes activity in DAC and VOBA for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | DAC | | VOBA | | Total | |
Balance, January 1, 2009 | | $ | 625,144 | | $ | 55,711 | | $ | 680,855 | |
Capitalized additions | | 74,642 | | — | | 74,642 | |
Amortization and writedowns | | (61,113 | ) | (1,161 | ) | (62,274 | ) |
Unrealized investment (gains) losses | | (242,085 | ) | (5,881 | ) | (247,966 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | 396,588 | | 48,669 | | 445,257 | |
Capitalized additions | | 80,020 | | — | | 80,020 | |
Amortization and writedowns | | (48,903 | ) | (1,837 | ) | (50,740 | ) |
Unrealized investment (gains) losses | | (167,162 | ) | (427 | ) | (167,589 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | 260,543 | | 46,405 | | 306,948 | |
Capitalized additions | | 88,165 | | — | | 88,165 | |
Amortization and writedowns | | (37,998 | ) | (3,636 | ) | (41,634 | ) |
Unrealized investment (gains) losses | | (9,313 | ) | (717 | ) | (10,030 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | $ | 301,397 | | $ | 42,052 | | $ | 343,449 | |
The estimated future amortization of VOBA for the years ended December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2016 is approximately $4,000 per annum.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The balance of goodwill, all of which is within the Retirement Services segment, at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $105,255.
The following tables summarize other intangible assets, all of which are within the Retirement Services segment, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Gross carrying | | Accumulated | | | |
| | amount | | amortization | | Net book value | |
Customer relationships | | $ | 36,314 | | $ | (15,234 | ) | $ | 21,080 | |
Preferred provider agreements | | 7,970 | | (7,195 | ) | 775 | |
Total | | $ | 44,284 | | $ | (22,429 | ) | $ | 21,855 | |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Gross carrying | | Accumulated | | | |
| | amount | | amortization | | Net book value | |
Customer relationships | | $ | 36,314 | | $ | (12,701 | ) | $ | 23,613 | |
Preferred provider agreements | | 7,970 | | (5,941 | ) | 2,029 | |
Total | | $ | 44,284 | | $ | (18,642 | ) | $ | 25,642 | |
Amortization expense for other intangible assets included in general insurance expenses was $3,787. $3,990 and $4,192 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Except for goodwill, the Company has no intangible assets with indefinite lives. The Company did not incur costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2010.
The estimated future amortization of other intangible assets using current assumptions, which are subject to change, for the years ended December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2016 is approximately $3,000 per annum.
10. Commercial Paper
The Company maintains a commercial paper program that is partially supported by a $50,000 corporate credit facility.
The following table provides information regarding the Company’s commercial paper program at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Commercial paper outstanding | | $97,536 | | $91,681 | |
Maturity range (days) | | 4 - 75 | | 3 - 74 | |
Interest rate range | | 0.2% - 0.4% | | 0.3% - 0.4% | |
11. Stockholder’s Equity and Dividend Restrictions
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had 50,000,000 shares of $1 par value preferred stock authorized, none of which were issued or outstanding at either date. In addition, the Company has 50,000,000 shares of $1 par value common stock authorized, 7,032,000 of which were issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
GWLA’s net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
| | 2011(1) | | 2010(2) | | 2009(3) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 146,902 | | $ | 405,343 | | $ | 282,033 | |
Capital and surplus | | 1,069,452 | | 1,159,657 | | 1,360,896 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(1) As filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance
(2) As filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance. The Company subsequently filed an amended filing with the Colorado Division of Insurance whereby net income and capital and surplus were $398,555 and $1,152,654, respectively.
(3) As filed in an amended filing with the Colorado Division of Insurance
Dividends are paid as determined by the Board of Directors, subject to restrictions as discussed below. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company paid dividends in the amounts of $206,353, $160,917 and $24,682, respectively, to its parent company, GWL&A Financial.
The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders by insurance companies domiciled in the State of Colorado, without prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner, is subject to restrictions relating to statutory capital and surplus and statutory net gain from operations. As filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance, the statutory capital and surplus and net gain from operations at and for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $1,069,452 and $176,892, respectively. Based on the as filed amounts, GWLA may pay up to $176,892 of dividends during the year ended December 31, 2012 without the prior approval of the Colorado insurance commissioner. Prior to any payments of dividends, the Company seeks approval from the Colorado Insurance Commissioner.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
12. Other Comprehensive Income
The following tables present the composition of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
| | Before-tax | | Tax (expense) | | Net-of-tax | |
| | amount | | benefit | | amount | |
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments | | $ | 511,663 | | $ | (179,082 | ) | $ | 332,581 | |
Net changes during the year related to cash flow hedges | | 21,014 | | (7,355 | ) | 13,659 | |
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income | | (74,165 | ) | 25,958 | | (48,207 | ) |
Net unrealized gains | | 458,512 | | (160,479 | ) | 298,033 | |
Future policy benefits, deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired adjustments | | (96,860 | ) | 33,901 | | (62,959 | ) |
Net unrealized gains | | 361,652 | | (126,578 | ) | 235,074 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | (49,566 | ) | 17,348 | | (32,218 | ) |
Other comprehensive income | | $ | 312,086 | | $ | (109,230 | ) | $ | 202,856 | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | Before-tax | | Tax (expense) | | Net-of-tax | |
| | amount | | benefit | | amount | |
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments | | $ | 724,296 | | $ | (253,504 | ) | $ | 470,792 | |
Net changes during the year related to cash flow hedges | | 17,293 | | (6,053 | ) | 11,240 | |
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income | | 23,198 | | (8,119 | ) | 15,079 | |
Net unrealized gains | | 764,787 | | (267,676 | ) | 497,111 | |
Future policy benefits, deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired adjustments | | (182,357 | ) | 63,825 | | (118,532 | ) |
Net unrealized gains | | 582,430 | | (203,851 | ) | 378,579 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | (5,142 | ) | 1,800 | | (3,342 | ) |
Other comprehensive income | | $ | 577,288 | | $ | (202,051 | ) | $ | 375,237 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | Before-tax | | Tax (expense) | | Net-of-tax | |
| | amount | | benefit | | amount | |
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments | | $ | 1,174,693 | | $ | (411,143 | ) | $ | 763,550 | |
Net changes during the year related to cash flow hedges | | (57,218 | ) | 20,027 | | (37,191 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income | | 71,473 | | (25,016 | ) | 46,457 | |
Net unrealized gains | | 1,188,948 | | (416,132 | ) | 772,816 | |
Future policy benefits, deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired adjustments | | (250,468 | ) | 87,664 | | (162,804 | ) |
Net unrealized gains | | 938,480 | | (328,468 | ) | 610,012 | |
Employee benefit plan adjustment | | 43,797 | | (15,329 | ) | 28,468 | |
Other comprehensive income | | $ | 982,277 | | $ | (343,797 | ) | $ | 638,480 | |
13. General Insurance Expenses
The following table summarizes the significant components of general insurance expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Compensation | | $ | 303,514 | | $ | 294,923 | | $ | 273,934 | |
Commissions | | 156,461 | | 143,680 | | 114,461 | |
Other | | 75,661 | | 59,783 | | 47,083 | |
Total general insurance expenses | | $ | 535,636 | | $ | 498,386 | | $ | 435,478 | |
14. Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
The Company has a noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan covering substantially all of its employees that were hired before January 1, 1999. Pension benefits are based principally on an employee’s years of service and compensation levels near retirement. The Company’s policy for funding the defined benefit pension plans is to make annual contributions, which equal or exceed regulatory requirements.
The Company sponsors an unfunded Post-Retirement Medical Plan (the “Medical Plan”) that provides health benefits to retired employees who are not Medicare eligible. The medical plan is contributory and contains other cost sharing features which may be adjusted annually for the expected general inflation rate. The Company’s policy is to fund the cost of the medical plan benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management.
The Company also provides supplemental executive retirement plans to certain key executives. These plans provide key executives with certain benefits upon retirement, disability or death based upon total compensation. The Company has purchased individual life insurance policies with respect to each employee covered by this plan. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of the insurance contracts.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and the underfunded status for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans as of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | Supplemental executive | | | | | |
` | | Defined benefit pension plan | | Post-retirement medical plan | | retirement plan | | Total | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Change in projected benefit obligation: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit obligation, January 1 | | $ | 349,435 | | $ | 318,278 | | $ | 10,162 | | $ | 12,136 | | $ | 54,855 | | $ | 44,430 | | $ | 414,452 | | $ | 374,844 | |
Service cost | | 3,935 | | 3,739 | | 622 | | 728 | | 916 | | 672 | | 5,473 | | 5,139 | |
Interest cost | | 20,286 | | 19,578 | | 585 | | 713 | | 3,136 | | 2,905 | | 24,007 | | 23,196 | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | | 39,211 | | 18,644 | | 693 | | (2,843 | ) | 3,520 | | 5,973 | | 43,424 | | 21,774 | |
Regular benefits paid | | (11,733 | ) | (10,804 | ) | (337 | ) | (572 | ) | (2,719 | ) | (2,646 | ) | (14,789 | ) | (14,022 | ) |
Plan amendments | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 1,650 | | 3,521 | | 1,650 | | 3,521 | |
Benefit obligation, December 31 | | $ | 401,134 | | $ | 349,435 | | $ | 11,725 | | $ | 10,162 | | $ | 61,358 | | $ | 54,855 | | $ | 474,217 | | $ | 414,452 | |
Accumulated benefit obligation | | $ | 393,487 | | $ | 342,967 | | $ | 11,725 | | $ | 10,162 | | $ | 50,033 | | $ | 41,837 | | $ | 455,245 | | $ | 394,966 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Supplemental executive | | | | | |
| | Defined benefit pension plan | | Post-retirement medical plan | | retirement plan | | Total | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Change in plan assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Value of plan assets, January 1 | | $ | 282,616 | | $ | 251,078 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 282,616 | | $ | 251,078 | |
Actual return on plan assets | | 12,353 | | 36,642 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 12,353 | | 36,642 | |
Employer contributions | | 10,100 | | 5,700 | | 337 | | 572 | | 2,719 | | 2,646 | | 13,156 | | 8,918 | |
Benefits paid | | (11,733 | ) | (10,804 | ) | (337 | ) | (572 | ) | (2,719 | ) | (2,646 | ) | (14,789 | ) | (14,022 | ) |
Value of plan assets, December 31 | | $ | 293,336 | | $ | 282,616 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $293,336 | | $282,616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Under funded status at December 31 | | $ | (107,798 | ) | $ | (66,819 | ) | $ | (11,725 | ) | $ | (10,162 | ) | $ | (61,358 | ) | $ | (54,855 | ) | $ | (180,881 | ) | $ | (131,836 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans:
| | | | | | | | | | Supplemental executive | | | | | |
| | Defined benefit pension plan | | Post-retirement medical plan | | retirement plan | | Total | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | (120,487 | ) | $ | (76,314 | ) | $ | 15,741 | | $ | 18,695 | | $ | (15,520 | ) | $ | (13,079 | ) | $ | (120,266 | ) | $ | (70,698 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table provides information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2011:
| | | | | | | | | | Supplemental executive | | | | | |
| | Defined benefit pension plan | | Post-retirement medical plan | | retirement plan | | Total | |
| | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | |
Net gain (loss) | | $ | (120,321 | ) | $ | (78,208 | ) | $ | 7,600 | | $ | 4,940 | | $ | (9,587 | ) | $ | (6,231 | ) | $ | (122,308 | ) | $ | (79,499 | ) |
Net prior service (cost) credit | | (166 | ) | (108 | ) | 8,141 | | 5,292 | | (5,933 | ) | (3,856 | ) | 2,042 | | 1,328 | |
| | $ | (120,487 | ) | $ | (78,316 | ) | $ | 15,741 | | $ | 10,232 | | $ | (15,520 | ) | $ | (10,087 | ) | $ | (120,266 | ) | $ | (78,171 | ) |
The following table provides information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the year ended December 31, 2012:
| | | | | | | | | | Supplemental executive | | | | | |
| | Defined benefit pension plan | | Post-retirement medical plan | | retirement plan | | Total | |
| | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | | Gross | | Net of tax | |
Net gain (loss) | | $ | (9,370 | ) | $ | (6,091 | ) | $ | 537 | | $ | 349 | | $ | 586 | | $ | 381 | | $ | (8,247 | ) | $ | (5,361 | ) |
Prior service cost (credit) | | 51 | | 33 | | (1,650 | ) | (1,072 | ) | 934 | | 607 | | (665 | ) | (432 | ) |
| | $ | (9,319 | ) | $ | (6,058 | ) | $ | (1,113 | ) | $ | (723 | ) | $ | 1,520 | | $ | 988 | | $ | (8,912 | ) | $ | (5,793 | ) |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The expected benefit payments for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans for the years indicated are as follows:
| | | | | | Supplemental | |
| | Defined benefit | | Post-retirement | | executive | |
| | pension plan | | medical plan | | retirement plan | |
2012 | | $ | 12,569 | | $ | 650 | | $ | 3,611 | |
2013 | | 13,281 | | 693 | | 3,759 | |
2014 | | 13,973 | | 733 | | 3,574 | |
2015 | | 14,951 | | 757 | | 4,992 | |
2016 | | 16,524 | | 782 | | 3,447 | |
2017 through 2021 | | 103,331 | | 4,117 | | 29,048 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic (benefit) cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans included in general insurance expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 includes the following components:
| | Defined benefit pension plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Components of net periodic cost: | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 3,935 | | $ | 3,739 | | $ | 4,087 | |
Interest cost | | 20,286 | | 19,578 | | 19,135 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | (21,093 | ) | (18,618 | ) | (16,073 | ) |
Amortization of transition obligation | | (1,388 | ) | (1,514 | ) | (1,514 | ) |
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost | | 51 | | 82 | | 88 | |
Amortization of loss from earlier periods | | 5,115 | | 5,091 | | 10,131 | |
Net periodic cost | | $ | 6,906 | | $ | 8,358 | | $ | 15,854 | |
| | Post-retirement medical plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Components of net periodic benefit: | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 622 | | $ | 728 | | $ | 680 | |
Interest cost | | 585 | | 713 | | 709 | |
Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit | | (1,650 | ) | (1,650 | ) | (1,650 | ) |
Amortization of gain from earlier periods | | (611 | ) | (461 | ) | (440 | ) |
Net periodic benefit | | $ | (1,054 | ) | $ | (670 | ) | $ | (701 | ) |
| | Supplemental executive retirement plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost: | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 916 | | $ | 673 | | $ | 716 | |
Interest cost | | 3,136 | | 2,905 | | 2,856 | |
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost | | 2,584 | | 899 | | 675 | |
Amortization of net (gain) loss | | 145 | | — | | — | |
Net periodic (benefit) cost | | $ | 6,781 | | $ | 4,477 | | $ | 4,247 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables present the weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining benefit obligations of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Defined benefit pension plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 5.23 | % | 5.87 | % |
Expected return on plan assets | | 7.50 | % | 7.50 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 3.14 | % | 3.14 | % |
| | Post-retirement medical plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 4.70 | % | 5.87 | % |
Initial health care cost trend | | 8.00 | % | 7.50 | % |
Ultimate health care cost trend | | 5.25 | % | 5.25 | % |
Year ultimate trend is reached | | 2018 | | 2016 | |
| | Supplemental executive | |
| | retirement plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 4.87 | % | 5.87 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 5.00 | % | 6.00 | % |
The following tables present the weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic benefit/cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | Defined benefit pension plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 5.87 | % | 6.37 | % |
Expected return on plan assets | | 7.50 | % | 8.00 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 3.14 | % | 4.94 | % |
| | Post-retirement medical plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 5.87 | % | 6.37 | % |
Initial health care cost trend | | 7.50 | % | 8.00 | % |
Ultimate health care cost trend | | 5.25 | % | 5.25 | % |
Year ultimate trend is reached | | 2016 | | 2016 | |
| | Supplemental executive | |
| | retirement plan | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Discount rate | | 5.87 | % | 6.37 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 6.00 | % | 6.00 | % |
The discount rate has been set based upon the rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period the benefits will be paid. In particular, the yields on bonds rated AA or better on the measurement date have been used to set the discount rate.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table presents what a one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have on the following:
| | One percentage
point increase | | One percentage
point decrease | |
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components | | $ | 162 | | $ | (139 | ) |
Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation | | 1,199 | | (1,048 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
The following table presents how the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets are invested at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Equity securities | | 52 | % | 65 | % |
Debt securities | | 44 | % | 33 | % |
Other | | 4 | % | 2 | % |
Total | | 100 | % | 100 | % |
The following tables present information about the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value:
| | Defined Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis | |
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Quoted prices | | Significant | | | | | |
| | in active | | other | | Significant | | | |
| | markets for | | observable | | unobservable | | | |
| | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | | | |
| | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | | Total | |
Common collective trust funds: | | | | | | | | | |
Equity index funds | | $ | — | | $ | 49,211 | | $ | — | | $ | 49,211 | |
Midcap index funds | | — | | 48,406 | | — | | 48,406 | |
World equity index funds | | — | | 5,336 | | — | | 5,336 | |
U.S. equity market funds | | — | | 48,972 | | — | | 48,972 | |
Total common collective trust funds | | — | | 151,925 | | — | | 151,925 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity investments: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and agencies | | — | | 10,676 | | — | | 10,676 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their municpalities | | — | | 22,467 | | — | | 22,467 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 86,836 | | — | | 86,836 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 7,711 | | — | | 7,711 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 2,487 | | — | | 2,487 | |
Total fixed maturity investments | | — | | 130,177 | | — | | 130,177 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock | | — | | 111 | | — | | 111 | |
Limited partnership investments | | — | | — | | 7,116 | | 7,116 | |
Money market funds | | 4,007 | | — | | — | | 4,007 | |
Total defined benefit plan assets | | $ | 4,007 | | $ | 282,213 | | $ | 7,116 | | $ | 293,336 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Defined Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis | |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Quoted prices | | Significant | | | | | |
| | in active | | other | | Significant | | | |
| | markets for | | observable | | unobservable | | | |
| | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | | | |
| | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | | Total | |
Common collective trust funds: | | | | | | | | | |
Equity index funds | | $ | — | | $ | 54,784 | | $ | — | | $ | 54,784 | |
Midcap index funds | | — | | 57,007 | | — | | 57,007 | |
World equity index funds | | — | | 15,549 | | — | | 15,549 | |
U.S. equity market funds | | — | | 55,487 | | — | | 55,487 | |
Total common collective trust funds | | — | | 182,827 | | — | | 182,827 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturity investments: | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government direct obligations and agencies | | — | | 10,767 | | — | | 10,767 | |
Obligations of U.S. states and their municpalities | | — | | 9,716 | | — | | 9,716 | |
Corporate debt securities | | — | | 61,350 | | — | | 61,350 | |
Asset-backed securities | | — | | 8,091 | | — | | 8,091 | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — | | 2,174 | | — | | 2,174 | |
Total fixed maturity investments | | — | | 92,098 | | — | | 92,098 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock | | — | | 45 | | — | | 45 | |
Limited partnership investments | | — | | — | | 6,030 | | 6,030 | |
Money market funds | | 1,616 | | — | | — | | 1,616 | |
Total defined benefit plan assets | | $ | 1,616 | | $ | 274,970 | | $ | 6,030 | | $ | 282,616 | |
The following tables present additional information at December 31, 2011 and 2010 about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
| | Fair Value Measurements Using | |
| | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |
| | Limited partnership interest | |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 6,030 | |
Actual return on plan assets: | | | |
Purchases | | (34 | ) |
Issuances | | 1,542 | |
Settlements | | (422 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | $ | 7,116 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
| | Fair Value Measurements Using | |
| | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |
| | Limited partnership interests | |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | $ | 4,495 | |
Actual return on plan assets: | | | |
Purchases | | 395 | |
Issuances | | 1,653 | |
Settlements | | (513 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | 6,030 | |
The investment objective of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is to provide a risk-adjusted return that will ensure the payment of benefits while protecting against the risk of substantial investment losses. Correlations among the asset classes are used to identify an asset mix that the Company believes will provide the most attractive returns. Long-term return forecasts for each asset class using historical data and other qualitative considerations to adjust for projected economic forecasts are used to set the expected rate of return for the entire portfolio.
The Defined Benefit Pension Plan utilizes various investment securities. Generally, investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risks, credit risk and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported.
The following table presents the ranges the Company targets for the allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2012:
| | December 31, 2012 | |
Equity securities | | 25% - 75% | |
Debt securities | | 25% - 75% | |
Other | | 0% - 15% | |
Management estimates the value of these investments will be recoverable. The Company does not expect any plan assets to be returned to it during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company expects to make payments of approximately $650 with respect to its Post-Retirement Medical Plan and $3,611 with respect to its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company will make a contribution at least equal to the minimum contribution of $22,000 to its Defined Benefit Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2012.
Other employee benefit plans
The Company has an executive deferred compensation plan providing key executives with the opportunity to participate in an unfunded deferred compensation program. Under the program, participants may defer base compensation and bonuses and earn interest on the amounts deferred. The program is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Participant balances, which are reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are $13,330 and $14,139 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The participant deferrals earned interest at the average rates of 6.72% and 7.55% during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The interest rate is based on the Moody’s Average Annual Corporate Bond Index rate plus 0.45% for actively employed participants and fixed rates ranging from 6.37% to 7.91% for retired participants.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The Company offers an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan to a select group of management and highly compensated individuals. Participants defer a portion of their compensation and realize potential market gains or losses on the invested contributions. The program is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Participant balances, which are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are $11,258 and $10,848 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
15. Federal Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is comprised of the following:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Current | | $ | 70,201 | | $ | 34,090 | | $ | (21,088 | ) |
Deferred | | 30,002 | | 38,425 | | 62,521 | |
Total income tax provision from continuing operations | | $ | 100,203 | | $ | 72,515 | | $ | 41,433 | |
The following table presents a reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective federal income tax rate from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Statutory federal income tax rate | | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % |
Income tax effect of: | | | | | | | |
Investment income not subject to federal tax | | (2.7 | )% | (2.2 | )% | (4.9 | )% |
Tax credits | | (2.1 | )% | (2.9 | )% | (4.9 | )% |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit | | 0.7 | % | 0.7 | % | (2.8 | )% |
Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business | | 0.3 | % | 0.3 | % | 0.3 | % |
Income tax contingency provisions | | 2.0 | % | (3.9 | )% | 0.9 | % |
Other, net | | (1.4 | )% | (0.8 | )% | 1.4 | % |
Effective federal income tax rate from continuing operations | | 31.8 | % | 26.2 | % | 25.0 | % |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Balance, beginning of year | | $ | 35,256 | | $ | 81,390 | | $ | 60,079 | |
Additions to tax positions in the current year | | 6,557 | | 6,939 | | 24,843 | |
Reductions to tax positions in the current year | | (420 | ) | — | | (2,670 | ) |
Additions to tax positions in the prior year | | 4,785 | | 142 | | — | |
Reductions to tax positions in the prior year | | (9,858 | ) | (47,922 | ) | (862 | ) |
Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring | | (4,197 | ) | (5,253 | ) | — | |
Settlements | | — | | (40 | ) | — | |
Balance, end of year | | $ | 32,123 | | $ | 35,256 | | $ | 81,390 | |
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $32,123 at December 31, 2011 was $6,379 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the annual effective tax rate. Also included in the balance at December 31, 2011 is $25,744 of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.
The Company anticipates additional increases in its unrecognized tax benefits of $2,000 to $3,000 in the next twelve months. The Company expects that this increase in its unrecognized tax benefit will impact the effective tax rate.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in current income tax expense. The Company recognized approximately $2,629, ($13,403) and $2,430 in interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company had approximately $4,204 and $1,575 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2007 and prior. Tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010 are open to federal examination by the I.R.S. The Company does not expect significant increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits relating to federal, state or local audits.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Deferred income taxes represent the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effect of temporary differences, which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, are as follows:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2011 | | 2010 | |
| | Deferred | | Deferred | | Deferred | | Deferred | |
| | tax asset | | tax liability | | tax asset | | tax liability | |
Policyholder reserves | | $ | — | | $ | 210,457 | | $ | — | | $ | 200,110 | |
Deferred acquisition costs | | — | | 8,112 | | 26,976 | | — | |
Investment assets | | — | | 336,482 | | — | | 169,852 | |
Policyholder dividends | | 18,449 | | — | | 18,706 | | — | |
Net operating loss carryforward | | 200,486 | | — | | 193,828 | | — | |
Pension plan accrued benefit liability | | 72,387 | | — | | 59,178 | | — | |
Goodwill | | — | | 25,169 | | — | | 24,126 | |
Experience rated refunds | | 21,623 | | — | | 19,335 | | — | |
Tax Credits | | 74,389 | | — | | 41,493 | | | |
Other | | — | | 4,843 | | — | | 23,226 | |
Total deferred taxes | | $ | 387,334 | | $ | 585,063 | | $ | 359,516 | | $ | 417,314 | |
Amounts presented for investment assets above include ($264,078) and ($145,517) related to the net unrealized losses (gains) on the Company’s investments, which are classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The Company, together with certain of its subsidiaries, and Lifeco U.S. have entered into an income tax allocation agreement whereby Lifeco U.S. files a consolidated federal income tax return. Under the agreement, these companies are responsible for and will receive the benefits of any income tax liability or benefit computed on a separate tax return basis.
The Company has federal net operating loss carry forwards generated by a subsidiary that is included in the Lifeco U.S. consolidated federal income tax return. As of December 31, 2011, the subsidiary had net operating loss carry forwards expiring as follows:
Year | | Amount | |
2020 | | $ | 179,380 | |
2021 | | 112,600 | |
2022 | | 136,701 | |
2023 | | 81,693 | |
Total | | $ | 510,374 | |
During 2011 and 2010, the Company generated $34,020 and $36,039 of Guaranteed Federal Low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards respectively. These credits will expire in 2031 and 2030.
Included in due from parent and affiliates at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $115,300 and $199,884, respectively, of income taxes receivable from Lifeco U.S. related to the consolidated income tax return filed by the Company and certain subsidiaries. Included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $9,019 and $10,311, respectively, of income taxes receivable in other assets primarily related to the separate state income tax returns filed by certain subsidiaries.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
16. Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: Individual Markets, Retirement Services and Other.
Individual Markets
The Individual Markets reporting and operating segment distributes life insurance and individual annuity products to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life and variable universal life.
Retirement Services
The Retirement Services reporting and operating segment provides retirement plan enrollment services, communication materials, various retirement plan investment options and educational services to employer-sponsored defined contribution/defined benefit plans and 401(k) and 403(b) plans, as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers.
Other
The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity under the assumption reinsurance agreement between GWSC and CLAC (“the GWSC operating segment”), corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt.
The accounting principles used to determine segment results are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements. The Company evaluates performance of its reportable segments based on their profitability from operations after income taxes. Inter-segment transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s operations are not materially dependent on one or a few customers, brokers or agents.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables summarize segment financial information for the year ended and as of December 31, 2011:
| | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | Total | |
Revenue: | | | | | | | | | |
Premium income | | $ | 395,923 | | $ | 1,960 | | $ | 125,333 | | $ | 523,216 | |
Fee income | | 65,487 | | 416,405 | | 4,903 | | 486,795 | |
Net investment income | | 714,228 | | 399,222 | | 45,036 | | 1,158,486 | |
Net realized gains on investments | | 20,533 | | 3,311 | | 651 | | 24,495 | |
Total revenues | | 1,196,171 | | 820,898 | | 175,923 | | 2,192,992 | |
Benefits and expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder benefits | | 937,885 | | 222,642 | | 103,435 | | 1,263,962 | |
Operating expenses | | 102,016 | | 423,895 | | 88,821 | | 614,732 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,039,901 | | 646,537 | | 192,256 | | 1,878,694 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | | 156,270 | | 174,361 | | (16,333 | ) | 314,298 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 51,667 | | 54,808 | | (6,272 | ) | 100,203 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | 104,603 | | $ | 119,553 | | $ | (10,061 | ) | $ | 214,095 | |
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | $ | 13,702,356 | | $ | 8,752,301 | | $ | 1,540,575 | | $ | 23,995,232 | |
Other assets | | 1,124,844 | | 718,487 | | 126,468 | | 1,969,799 | |
Separate account assets | | 5,884,676 | | 16,446,714 | | — | | 22,331,391 | |
Assets of continuing operations | | $ | 20,711,876 | | $ | 25,917,502 | | $ | 1,667,043 | | 48,296,422 | |
Assets of discontinued operations | | | | | | | | 39,621 | |
Total assets | | | | | | | | $ | 48,336,043 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following tables summarize segment financial information for the year ended and as of December 31, 2010:
| | Year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | Total | |
Revenue: | | | | | | | | | |
Premium income | | $ | 676,395 | | $ | 5,509 | | $ | 123,718 | | $ | 805,622 | |
Fee income | | 56,232 | | 387,103 | | 4,619 | | 447,954 | |
Net investment income | | 730,439 | | 399,456 | | 44,849 | | 1,174,744 | |
Net realized losses on investments | | (1,239 | ) | (23,229 | ) | (27 | ) | (24,495 | ) |
Total revenues | | 1,461,827 | | 768,839 | | 173,159 | | 2,403,825 | |
Benefits and expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder benefits | | 1,218,791 | | 221,943 | | 99,673 | | 1,540,407 | |
Operating expenses | | 132,962 | | 391,491 | | 62,095 | | 586,548 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,351,753 | | 613,434 | | 161,768 | | 2,126,955 | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | 110,074 | | 155,405 | | 11,391 | | 276,870 | |
Income tax expense | | 30,006 | | 37,916 | | 4,593 | | 72,515 | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 80,068 | | $ | 117,489 | | $ | 6,798 | | $ | 204,355 | |
| | December 31, 2010 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | $ | 13,159,008 | | $ | 8,277,926 | | $ | 1,631,662 | | $ | 23,068,596 | |
Other assets | | 1,167,474 | | 695,401 | | 144,762 | | 2,007,637 | |
Separate account assets | | 6,264,046 | | 16,224,992 | | — | | 22,489,038 | |
Assets from continuing operations | | $ | 20,590,528 | | $ | 25,198,319 | | $ | 1,776,424 | | 47,565,271 | |
Assets from discontinued operations | | | | | | | | 62,091 | |
Total assets | | | | | | | | $ | 47,627,362 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes segment financial information for the year ended December 31, 2009:
| | Year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | Total | |
Revenue: | | | | | | | | | |
Premium income | | $ | 428,142 | | $ | 2,949 | | $ | 129,161 | | $ | 560,252 | |
Fee income | | 49,845 | | 331,242 | | 5,114 | | 386,201 | |
Net investment income | | 718,040 | | 383,446 | | 47,598 | | 1,149,084 | |
Net realized losses on investments | | (38,382 | ) | (23,239 | ) | (5,919 | ) | (67,540 | ) |
Total revenues | | 1,157,645 | | 694,398 | | 175,954 | | 2,027,997 | |
Benefits and expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
Policyholder benefits | | 982,465 | | 231,648 | | 112,691 | | 1,326,804 | |
Operating expenses | | 101,662 | | 362,775 | | 70,823 | | 535,260 | |
Total benefits and expenses | | 1,084,127 | | 594,423 | | 183,514 | | 1,862,064 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | | 73,518 | | 99,975 | | (7,560 | ) | 165,933 | |
Income tax expense | | 17,104 | | 24,417 | | (88 | ) | 41,433 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | 56,414 | | $ | 75,558 | | $ | (7,472 | ) | $ | 124,500 | |
17. Share-Based Compensation
Lifeco, of which the Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, has a stock option plan (the “Lifeco plan”) that provides for the granting of options on its common shares to certain of its officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, including the Company. Options are granted with exercise prices not less than the average market price of the shares on the five days preceding the date of the grant. Termination of employment prior to the vesting of the options results in the forfeiture of the unvested options. The Lifeco plan provides for the granting of options with varying terms and vesting requirements with vesting commencing on the first anniversary of the grant and expiring ten years from the date of grant.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, Lifeco granted 550,700 stock options to employees of the Company. These stock options vest over five-year periods ending in September 2016. Compensation expense of $2,472 will be recognized in the Company’s financial statements over the vesting period of these stock options using the accelerated method of recognition.
The Lifeco plan contains a provision that permits a retiring option holder with unvested stock options on the date of retirement to continue to vest in them after retirement for a period of up to five years. Upon the retirement of an option holder with unvested options, the Company accelerates the recognition period to the date of retirement for any unrecognized share-based compensation cost related thereto and recognizes it in its earnings at that time.
At December 31, 2011, the Company had $2,710, net of estimated forfeitures, of unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized in its earnings through 2016. The weighted-average period over which these costs will be recognized in earnings is 1.8 years.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, the Lifeco plan options granted to Company employees which are outstanding at December 31, 2011. The options granted relate to underlying stock traded in Canadian dollars on the Toronto Stock Exchange, therefore, the amounts, which are presented in United States dollars, will fluctuate as a result of exchange rate fluctuations.
| | | | Weighted average | |
| | | | Exercise | | Remaining | | Aggregate | |
| | Shares | | price | | contractual | | intrinsic | |
| | under option | | (Whole dollars) | | term (Years) | | value (1) | |
Outstanding, January 1, 2011 | | 3,542,642 | | $ | 24.30 | | | | | |
Granted | | 550,700 | | 26.44 | | | | | |
Exercised | | (740,582 | ) | 18.42 | | | | | |
Cancelled/Expired | | (456,200 | ) | 33.29 | | | | | |
Outstanding, December 31, 2011 | | 2,896,560 | | | | 5.7 | | $ | 495 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2011 | | 2,809,546 | | $ | 28.05 | | 5.2 | | $ | 403 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Exercisable, December 31, 2011 | | 1,478,607 | | $ | 28.01 | | 3.8 | | $ | 403 | |
(1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2011 and the exercise price of the option (only if the result is positive) multiplied by the number of options.
The following table presents other information regarding stock options under the Lifeco plan during the year ended December 31, 2011:
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | | |
Weighted average fair value of options granted | | $ | 4.49 | |
Intrinsic value of options exercised (1) | | 1,197 | |
Fair value of options vested | | 1,541 | |
| | | | |
(1) The intrinsic value of options exercised is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of options exercised.
The fair value of the options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011 was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Dividend yield | | 4.59 | % |
Expected volatility | | 25.22 | % |
Risk free interest rate | | 2.62 | % |
Expected duration (years) | | 5.5 | |
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
18. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Future Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s estimated future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011:
| | Payment due by period | |
| | Less than | | One to | | Three to | | More than | | | |
| | one year | | three years | | five years | | five years | | Total | |
Related party long-term debt - principal (1) | | — | | — | | — | | 528,400 | | 528,400 | |
Related party long-term debt - interest (2) | | 37,177 | | 74,355 | | 74,355 | | 940,714 | | 1,126,601 | |
Investment purchase obligations (3) | | 97,694 | | — | | — | | — | | 97,694 | |
Operating leases (4) | | 4,894 | | 6,913 | | 2,492 | | 1,043 | | 15,342 | |
Other liabilities (5) | | 64,119 | | 10,179 | | 10,208 | | 55,165 | | 139,671 | |
Total | | $ | 203,884 | | $ | 91,447 | | $ | 87,055 | | $ | 1,525,322 | | $ | 1,907,708 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) Related party long-term debt principal - Represents contractual maturities of principal due to the Company’s parent, GWL&A Financial, under the terms of two long-term surplus notes. The amounts shown in this table differ from the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet because the amounts shown above do not consider the discount upon the issuance of one of the surplus notes.
(2) Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2011 and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes.
(3) Investment purchase obligations - The Company commits to fund limited partnership interests, mortgage loan and other investments in the normal course of its business. As the timing of the fulfillment of the commitment to fund partnership interests cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category. The timing of the funding of mortgage loans is based on the expiration date of the commitment.
(4) Operating leases - The Company is obligated to make payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase the lease obligations presented, including operating expense escalation clauses. Management does not consider the impact of any such clauses to be material to the Company’s operating lease obligations. The Company incurred rent expense, net of sublease income, of $5,645, $6,047 and $6,767 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
From time to time, the Company enters into agreements or contracts, including capital leases, to purchase goods or services in the normal course of its business. However, these agreements and contracts are not material and are excluded from the table above.
(5) Other liabilities - Other liabilities include those other liabilities which represent contractual obligations not included elsewhere in the table above. If the timing of the payment of any other liabilities was sufficiently uncertain, the amounts were included in the less than one year category. Other liabilities presented in the table above include:
· Expected benefit payments to the Company’s defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans through 2021.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
· Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services.
· Unrecognized tax benefits
The Company has a revolving credit facility agreement in the amount of $50,000 for general corporate purposes. The credit facility matures on May 26, 2013. Interest accrues at a rate dependent on various conditions and terms of borrowings. The agreement requires, among other things, the Company to maintain a minimum adjusted net worth, as defined, of $1,000,000 plus 50% of its net income, if positive and as defined in the credit facility agreement (both compiled on the unconsolidated statutory accounting basis prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), for each quarter ending after March 31, 2010. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2011 or 2010.
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests and mortgage loans on real estate and other investments in the normal course of its business. The amounts of these unfunded commitments at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $97,694 and $95,688, respectively, all of which is due within one year from the dates indicated.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the resolutions of these proceedings are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations or cash flows.
19. Subsequent Event
On February 3, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $51,600 to be paid to its sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial, during the first quarter of 2012.
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GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Schedule III
Supplemental Insurance Information
(In Thousands)
| | As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | | |
Operations: | | Segment | | Segment | | Segment | | Total | |
Deferred acquisition costs | | $ | 118,698 | | $ | 182,699 | | $ | — | | $ | 301,397 | |
Future policy benefits, losses, claims and expenses | | 12,812,079 | | 8,620,044 | | 356,296 | | 21,788,419 | |
Unearned premium reserves | | 39,855 | | — | | — | | 39,855 | |
Other policy claims and benefits payable | | 742,457 | | 445 | | 26,184 | | 769,086 | |
Premium income | | 395,923 | | 1,960 | | 125,333 | | 523,216 | |
Net investment income | | 714,228 | | 399,222 | | 45,036 | | 1,158,486 | |
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses | | 937,885 | | 222,643 | | 103,434 | | 1,263,962 | |
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | | 11,354 | | 26,644 | | — | | 37,998 | |
Other operating expenses | | 90,662 | | 397,251 | | 88,821 | | 576,734 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | | |
Operations: | | Segment | | Segment | | Segment | | Total | |
Deferred acquisition costs | | $ | 110,247 | | $ | 150,296 | | $ | — | | $ | 260,543 | |
Future policy benefits, losses, claims and expenses | | 12,140,361 | | 7,888,725 | | 351,955 | | 20,381,041 | |
Unearned premium reserves | | 39,834 | | — | | — | | 39,834 | |
Other policy claims and benefits payable | | 714,099 | | 387 | | 24,924 | | 739,410 | |
Premium income | | 676,395 | | 5,509 | | 123,718 | | 805,622 | |
Net investment income | | 730,439 | | 399,456 | | 44,849 | | 1,174,744 | |
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses | | 1,218,791 | | 221,943 | | 99,673 | | 1,540,407 | |
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | | 22,743 | | 26,160 | | — | | 48,903 | |
Other operating expenses | | 110,219 | | 365,331 | | 62,095 | | 537,645 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| | Individual | | Retirement | | | | | |
| | Markets | | Services | | Other | | | |
Operations: | | Segment | | Segment | | Segment | | Total | |
Premium income | | 428,142 | | 2,949 | | 129,161 | | 560,252 | |
Net investment income | | 718,040 | | 383,446 | | 47,598 | | 1,149,084 | |
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses | | 982,465 | | 231,648 | | 112,691 | | 1,326,804 | |
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs | | 16,221 | | 44,892 | | — | | 61,113 | |
Other operating expenses | | 85,441 | | 317,883 | | 70,823 | | 474,147 | |
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Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There has been no change in the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm nor have there been any disagreements on accounting or financial disclosure matters.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this evaluation, management used criteria set forth in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2011.
The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer hereby confirm that there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As the Company is neither an accelerated filer nor a large accelerated filer, management’s report is not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to final rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.
Part III
Item 10.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
10.1 Identification of Directors
| | | | Served as a | | |
| | | | Director | | |
Director | | Age | | from | | Principal Occupation(s) for Last Five Years |
James Balog
(1) (2) (5) (6) | | 83 | | 1993 | | Corporate Director |
| | | | | | |
John L. Bernbach
(5) (6) | | 67 | | 2006 | | Chief Operating Officer, Engine USA |
| | | | | | |
André Desmarais
(1) (2) (4) (6) (7) (8) | | 55 | | 1997 | | Deputy Chairman, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Power Corporation; Co-Chairman, Power Financial Corporation |
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| | | | Served as a | | |
| | | | Director | | |
Director | | Age | | from | | Principal Occupation(s) for Last Five Years |
Paul Desmarais, Jr.
(1) (2) (4) (6) (7) (8) | | 57 | | 1991 | | Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Power Corporation; Co-Chairman, Power Financial Corporation |
| | | | | | |
Mitchell T.G. Graye
(1) (2) | | 56 | | 2008 | | President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
| | | | | | |
Alain Louvel
(3) (5) | | 65 | | 2006 | | Corporate Director |
| | | | | | |
Raymond L. McFeetors
(1) (2) (4) (6) (8) | | 67 | | 2006 | | Chairman of the Board of the Company; Chairman of the Board of Lifeco, Great-West Life, CLAC and London Life Insurance Company |
| | | | | | |
Jerry E.A. Nickerson
(3) (8) | | 75 | | 1994 | | Chairman of the Board, H.B.Nickerson & Sons Limited |
| | | | | | |
R. Jeffrey Orr
(1) (2) (4) (6) (8) | | 53 | | 2005 | | President and Chief Executive Officer, Power Financial Corporation |
| | | | | | |
Michel Plessis-Bélair
(8) | | 69 | | 1991 | | Vice Chairman, Power Corporation |
| | | | | | |
Henri-Paul Rousseau
(1) (2) (8) | | 63 | | 2009 | | Vice Chairman, Power Corporation since January 2009; previously President and Chief Executive Officer of la Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec |
| | | | | | |
Raymond Royer
(3) (8) | | 73 | | 2009 | | Corporate Director since December 2008; previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar Inc. |
| | | | | | |
Philip K. Ryan
(1) (2) (3) (8) | | 55 | | 2008 | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Power Corporation since January 2008; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Power Financial Corporation since January 2008; previously Chief Financial Officer, Credit Suisse Group |
| | | | | | |
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.
(1) (2) (8) | | 66 | | 2009 | | President and Chief Executive Officer of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association since January 2008; previously Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase |
| | | | | | |
Brian E. Walsh
(1) (2) (4) (6) (8) | | 58 | | 1995 | | Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Saguenay Strathmore Capital, LLC since September 2011; previously Managing Partner, Saguenay Capital, LLC |
(1) Member of the Executive Committee.
(2) Member of the Investment and Credit Committee.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee.
(4) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(5) Member of the Conduct Review Committee.
(6) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee.
(7) Mr. André Desmarais and Mr. Paul Desmarais, Jr. are brothers.
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(8) Also a director of Great-West Lifeco.
Unless otherwise indicated, all of the directors have been engaged for not less than five years in their present principal occupations or in another executive capacity with the companies or firms identified.
The appointments of directors are confirmed annually.
The following is a list of directorships currently held or formerly held within the five previous years by the directors of the Company, on companies whose securities are traded publicly in the United States or that are investment companies (other than the Company) registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
| | | | Former |
| | Current | | Directorships |
Director | | Directorships | | and Dates |
André Desmarais | | CITIC Pacific Limited | | BELLUS Health Inc.
(formerly Neurochem, Inc.)
May 2006 - June 2009 |
| | | | |
Paul Desmarais, Jr. | | TOTAL S.A. | | * GDF Suez |
| | | | |
Mitchell T.G. Graye | | Maxim Series Fund, Inc. | | |
| | | | |
R. Jeffrey Orr | | Panagora Asset Management, Inc. | | |
| | | | |
Raymond Royer | | | | Shell Canada Limited
February 2000 - April 2007 |
| | | | |
Philip K. Ryan | | Panagora Asset Management, Inc. | | |
| | | | |
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr. | | Lloyds Banking Group PLC | | |
| | | | |
Brian E. Walsh | | Saguenay Strathmore Capital, LLC | | |
* Mr. Desmarais remains a director of GDF Suez which deregistered with the Securities and Exchange Commission during 2009.
The Company’s Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors the qualifications for Directors, including among other things, the competencies, skills, experience and level of commitment required to fulfill Board responsibilities and the personal qualities that should be sought in candidates for Board membership. The Nominating Committee’s duties include identifying and recommending Director candidates to the Board based on a consideration of the competencies and skills that the Board considers appropriate for the Board as a whole to possess, the competencies and skills that the Board considers each existing Director to possess and that each new nominee will bring to the Board, and the appropriate level of representation on the Board by Directors who are independent of management and who are neither officers nor employees of any of the Company’s affiliates.
The Company’s Directors are elected on an annual basis by the Company’s sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial Inc.
The Company’s Directors are identified below along with an indication of their experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, which leads the Company to believe that they are qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.
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James Balog
Mr. Balog has had a long and varied career in the investment field. After a decade at Merck and Co., in both technical and business areas, he began working on Wall Street as an investment analyst and portfolio manager. His Wall Street career extended over thirty years and included posts in investment research and banking, brokerage, and general management. He has served as Chairman and Director of several mutual fund and asset management companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University (chemistry and biology) and an MBA from Rutgers University School of Business (Finance). Mr. Balog also serves on the Board of Directors of Putnam Investments. Throughout his career he has served on the Boards of healthcare, mutual fund and asset management companies, foundations, and on various committees at the national level devoted to healthcare policy and social security issues.
John L. Bernbach
Mr. Bernbach is Chief Operating Officer of Engine USA, a media and marketing services company, which is a subsidiary of The Engine Group Ltd, headquartered in the U.K. He was also a co-founder of NTM (Not Traditional Media) Inc. in 2003, a marketing and media advisory firm that worked with clients and media companies to develop strategies integrating nontraditional marketing solutions and new media models. Prior to that, Mr. Bernbach was Chairman and CEO of The Bernbach Group, an executive management consulting business. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Bernbach served as Director and then CEO and Chairman of North American Television, which produced and distributed news and entertainment programming. In 1994, Mr. Bernbach launched the publication of luxury goods magazines in China, Japan, France and Spain. Prior to 1994, Mr. Bernbach spent 22 years at the advertising firm Doyle Dane Bernbach, the last eight as President/COO of DDB Needham Worldwide. Mr. Bernbach currently serves on the Boards of Putnam Investments, Cellfish Media and Casita Maria and as an advisor to The Blackstone Group.
André Desmarais
Mr. Desmarais is Co-Chairman of Power Financial and Deputy Chairman, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation. Prior to joining Power in 1983, he was Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice of Canada and an institutional investment counselor at Richardson Greenshields Securities Ltd. He has held a number of senior positions with Power group companies. Mr. Desmarais is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life Insurance Company (“London Life”), CLAC, Crown Life Insurance Company (“Crown Life”) and Putnam Investments. He is a Director of IGM Financial Inc. (“IGM”), Investors Group Inc. (Investors Group”) and Mackenzie Inc. (“Mackenzie”). He is also a Director of Power Financial, Pargesa Holding S.A. (“Pargesa”) in Europe, Power Corporation and CITIC Pacific Ltd. in Asia. Mr. Desmarais is Honorary Chairman of the Canada China Business Council and is a member of several China-based organizations. Mr. Desmarais is active in cultural, health and other not-for-profit organizations. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and of the National Order of Québec.
Paul Desmarais, Jr.
Mr. Desmarais is Co-Chairman of Power Financial and Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation. Prior to joining Power in 1981, he was with S.G. Warburg & Co. in London, England, and with Standard Brands Incorporated in New York. He was President and Chief Operating Officer of Power Financial from 1986 to 1989, and served as Chairman of the Board of Power Financial from 1990 until 2005. He is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life, Putnam Investments, IGM, Investors Group and Mackenzie. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Pargesa, Vice-Chairman of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, and a Director of Total S.A., GDF Suez and Lafarge S.A. He was a Director and Vice-Chairman of Imerys S.A. until 2008. Mr. Desmarais is a member of the International Council and a Director of the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), Chairman of the Board of Governors of The International Economic Forum of the Americas, Founder and member of the International Advisory Committee of École des hautes études commerciales of Montréal, a Trustee and the Co-Chair of the International Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution (Washington), and Founder and member of the International Advisory Board of the McGill University Faculty of Management in Montréal. He is also involved in charitable and community activities in Montréal. In 2005 he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and in 2009 he was named an Officer of the National Order of Québec. In 2006 he received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from Université Laval (Canada) and in 2008 he received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from Université de Montréal.
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Mitchell T.G. Graye
Mr. Graye was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May 2008. From 1997 until his appointment as CEO, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Graye served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Great-West Life in Winnipeg. Prior to his roles within the Great-West Life family of companies, Mr. Graye held senior financial positions in both the corporate and investment banking sectors. Mr. Graye is an Honors graduate in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario, where he was the Gold Medalist for Standing First in Class.
Alain Louvel
After receiving an MBA from Columbia University, and a masters in Economics and Political Sciences degree from the Paris University, Mr. Louvel began his professional career in 1970 as an advisor to the Department of Industry and Trade of the Quebec Government. In 1972, he joined Bank Paribas (“Paribas”) and for the next 33 years held numerous positions with Paribas in France, Canada and the United States. He completed his career with Paribas as the Head of Risk Management for the Americas, with overall responsibilities over credit, market, counterparty and operational risk for the combined operations of Paribas and BNP following the merger which formed BNP Paribas. Mr. Louvel serves as a Director of Putnam Investments, Mountain Asset Management LLC and World Point Terminals. He is also a Trustee of the French Institute Alliance Francaise and a French Foreign Trade Counselor. Mr. Louvel is a permanent resident of the United States with dual French and Canadian citizenship.
Raymond L. McFeetors
Mr. McFeetors is Chairman of the Board of the Lifeco and the Company, a position he has held since May, 2008. He is also Vice-Chairman of Power Financial. Prior to May, 2008 he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life and the Company. Mr. McFeetors has been with Lifeco since 1968, and is a Director and Chairman of the Board of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC and Crown Life. He is a Director of Putnam Investments, IGM, Investors Group, Mackenzie, Power Financial and Power Corporation. Mr. McFeetors is also a Director of a number of national organizations in the health, education, cultural and business sectors. In 2002, he was appointed Honorary Colonel of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Also in 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Mr. McFeetors received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg in 2007.
Jerry E.A. Nickerson
Mr. Nickerson is Chairman of the Board of H.B. Nickerson & Sons Limited, a management and holding company based in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. He is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life and Putnam Investments. Mr. Nickerson is also a Director of Power Financial and Power Corporation. He has also served on the boards of various organizations, federal and provincial Crown corporations, and other public and private companies.
R. Jeffrey Orr
Mr. Orr is President and Chief Executive Officer of Power Financial, a position he has held since May, 2005. From May, 2001 until May, 2005, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of IGM. Previously, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking Group, Bank of Montreal. He is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC and Crown Life and he is also a Director and Chairman of Putnam Investments. Mr. Orr is also a Director of IGM, Investors Group, Mackenzie, Power Financial and Power Corporation. He is active in a number of community and business organizations.
Michel Plessis-Bélair
Mr. Plessis-Bélair was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Power Financial and Vice-Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Power Corporation until his retirement in January, 2008. He continues to serve as Vice-Chairman of Power Corporation. Before joining Power Corporation in 1986, he was Executive Vice-President and Director of Société générale de financement du Québec and prior to that he was Senior Vice-President of Marine Industries Ltd. Mr. Plessis-Bélair is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC and Crown Life. He is a Director of IGM, Investors Group and Mackenzie. He is also a Director of Power Financial, Pargesa, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert and Power Corporation. Mr. Plessis-Bélair is also a Director of Lallemand Inc., Hydro-Québec and Université de Montréal.
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Henri-Paul Rousseau
Mr. Rousseau is Vice-Chairman of Power Financial and Power Corporation, positions he has held since January, 2009. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec from May, 2005 until May, 2008 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from September, 2002 until April, 2005. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Laurentian Bank of Canada from 1994 until 2002 and prior to that held senior offices with Boréal Assurances Inc. and the National Bank of Canada. Mr. Rousseau was an economics professor at Université Laval from 1975 until 1986 and at Université du Québec à Montréal from 1973 until 1975. He is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life and Putnam Investments. He is also a Director of IGM, Investors Group, Mackenzie, Power Financial and Power Corporation. He is a Director of GFMA (Global Financial Markets Association). He received doctorates Honoris Causa from Concordia University, from Université Lumière Lyon 2 (France), from Université Laval and from Université de Sherbrooke. Mr. Rousseau is active in a number of community and non-profit organizations.
Raymond Royer
Mr. Royer was President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Domtar Inc. from 1996 until December, 2008. He was previously President and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Inc. Mr. Royer is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life and Putnam Investments. Mr. Royer is also a Director of Power Financial. He was a Director of Shell Canada Limited until 2007. He is a Member of the International Advisory Board of École des Hautes Études Commerciales of Montréal. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and of the National Order of Québec.
Philip K. Ryan
Mr. Ryan is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Power Financial and Power Corporation, positions that he has held since January 2008. From 1985 until January, 2008 he held a variety of positions with Credit Suisse, a global financial services company domiciled in Switzerland, including Chairman of the Financial Institutions Group (UK), Chief Financial Officer of Credit Suisse Group (Switzerland), Chief Financial Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management (UK), and Managing Director of CSFB Financial Institutions Divisions (USA/UK). Mr. Ryan is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life, Putnam Investments, PanAgora Asset Management, Inc., IGM, Investors Group and Mackenzie. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Engineering and of the Indiana University Kelley School of Graduate Business.
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.
Mr. Ryan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”). SIFMA is the leading industry trade association representing 680 global financial market participants. Prior to joining SIFMA, Mr. Ryan was Vice-Chairman, Financial Institutions and Governments at J.P. Morgan where he was a member of the firm’s senior leadership. He is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC, Crown Life and Putnam Investments. He is also a Director of Power Financial and Power Corporation. Mr. Ryan is a member of the board of Lloyds Banking Group PLC, where he serves on the Remuneration, Audit and Risk Committees, and is a director of The U.S. Japan Foundation. He is also a private sector member of the Global Markets Advisory Committee for the National Intelligence Council. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 1993, Mr. Ryan was the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of the Treasury. Mr. Ryan was a Director of the Resolution Trust Corporation and a Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. From 1983 to 1990 Mr. Ryan was a Partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay, where he headed the Pension Investment Group and was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. From 1981 to 1983 Mr. Ryan was Solicitor of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor. Mr. Ryan is a graduate of Villanova University and American University Law School.
Brian E. Walsh
Mr. Walsh is Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Saguenay Strathmore Capital, LLC, a money management and investment advisory company, a position that he has held since September, 2011. He was previously Managing Partner of Saguenay Capital, LLC from January, 2001 to September, 2011. Mr. Walsh has over 30 years of investment banking, international capital markets and investment management experience. He had a long career at Bankers Trust culminating in his appointment as Co-head of Global Investment Banking and as a member of the Management Committee. Mr. Walsh is a Director of Lifeco, Great-West Life, London Life, CLAC and Crown Life. Mr. Walsh also serves on the Board of Directors of
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Putnam Investments, and serves on the International Advisory Board of École des Hautes Études Commerciales of Montréal.
10.2 Identification of Executive Officers
| | | | Served as | | |
| | | | Executive | | |
Executive | | Age | | Officer from | | Principal Occupation(s) for Last Five Years |
Mitchell T.G. Graye
President and Chief Executive Officer | | 56 | | 1997 | | President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
| | | | | | |
Charles P. Nelson
President, Great-West Retirement Services | | 51 | | 2008 | | President, Great-West Retirement Services of the Company |
| | | | | | |
S. Mark Corbett
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer | | 52 | | 2008 | | Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Company |
| | | | | | |
Robert K. Shaw
Executive Vice President, Individual Markets | | 56 | | 2008 | | Executive Vice President, Individual Markets of the Company |
| | | | | | |
Scot A. Miller
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer | | 53 | | 2008 | | Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company |
| | | | | | |
Richard G. Schultz
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | 51 | | 2008 | | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company |
Unless otherwise indicated, all of the executive officers have been engaged for not less than five years in their present principal occupations or in another executive capacity with the companies or firms identified.
The appointments of executive officers are confirmed annually.
10.3 Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) that is applicable to its senior financial officers, as well as to other officers and employees. All of the items identified as elements of a “code of ethics” as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission regulations adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are substantively covered by the Code. A copy of the Code is available without charge upon written request to Beverly A. Byrne, Chief Compliance Officer, 8525 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.
10.4 Security Holder Communications
As a wholly-owned subsidiary, the Board of Directors of the Company does not have a process for security holders to send communications to the Board of Directors.
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10.5 Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board of Directors has reviewed the qualifications and backgrounds of the members of the Audit Committee and determined that, although no one member of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the Rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the combined qualifications and experience of the members of the Audit Committee give the Committee collectively the financial expertise necessary to discharge its responsibilities.
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
11.1 Compensation Discussion and Analysis
1. General
The executive compensation program adopted by the Company and applied to the executive officers (including the Named Executive Officers) is designed to support the primary objective of generating added value for shareholders and policyholders over the long term. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company oversees the executive compensation program. The Board and the Compensation Committee recognize the importance of executive compensation decisions to the management and shareholders of the Corporation, and have given careful consideration to the process which is followed to make decisions.
The main objectives of the executive compensation program are to:
· attract, retain and reward qualified and experienced executives who will contribute to the success of the Company;
· motivate executive officers to meet annual corporate, divisional, and individual performance goals; and
· enhance long-term shareholder and policyholder value.
More specifically, the executive compensation program is designed to reward the following:
· excellence in crafting and executing strategies that will produce significant value for the shareholders and policyholders over the long term;
· management vision and an entrepreneurial approach;
· quality of decision-making;
· strength of leadership;
· record of performance over the long term; and
· initiating and implementing transactions and activities that create shareholder and policyholder value.
In designing and administering the individual elements of the executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee strives to balance short-term and long-term incentive objectives and to apply prudent judgment in establishing performance criteria, evaluating performance, and determining actual incentive awards. The total compensation of each Named Executive Officer is reviewed by the Compensation Committee from time to time for market competitiveness, and reflects each Named Executive Officer’s job responsibilities, experience and proven and/or expected performance.
The executive compensation programs consist of five primary components:
· base salary;
· annual incentive bonus;
· share units;
· options for Lifeco common shares; and
· retirement benefits.
The primary role of each of these components is presented in the table below:
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Base Salary | | Reflect skills, competencies, experience and performance appraisal of the Named Executive Officers |
Annual Incentive Bonus | | Reflect performance for the year |
Share Units | | More closely align the medium term interests of the Named Executive Officers with the interests of the shareholders |
Stock Options | | More closely align the long term interests of the Named Executive Officers with interests of the shareholders |
Retirement Benefits | | Provide for appropriate replacement income upon retirement based on years of service with the Company |
Base salary, annual incentive bonus, share units and retirement benefits are determined by the Compensation Committee for the executive officers (including the Named Executive Officers) other than the President and Chief Executive Officer, whose base salary, share units and annual incentive bonus are recommended by the Compensation Committee for approval by the Board of Directors. The long-term compensation component in the form of options for Lifeco common shares is determined and administered by Lifeco’s Compensation Committee. For the Named Executive Officers, the annual incentive bonus, share unit and stock option components are an essential part of their compensation.
The President and Chief Executive Officer participates in the compensation setting process for the other Named Executive Officers by evaluating individual performance, establishing individual performance targets and objectives and recommending salary levels.
2. Base Salary
Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are set annually, taking into account the individual’s job responsibilities, experience and proven or expected performance, as well as market conditions. The Company gathers market data in relation to the insurance and financial services industries and also considers surveys prepared by external professional compensation consultants such as Tower Watson, Hewitt, Mercer and McLagan Partners with regard to peer groups in these industries.
3. Bonuses
(a) Annual Incentive Bonus Plan
To relate the compensation of the Named Executive Officers to the performance of the Company, an annual incentive bonus plan (the “Annual Incentive Bonus Plan”) is provided. Target objectives are set annually, and may include earnings, expense or sales targets of the Company and/or a business unit of the Company or specific individual objectives related to strategic initiatives, acquisition related integration or synergy achievements.
These objectives are designed to be integrated with the Company’s overall goals and initiatives. These targets are set high enough to drive performance while still being reasonable in terms of the likelihood of being met if individuals perform to the levels expected by the Company.
See Section 11.5 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and a further description of the terms of the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.
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(b) Special Bonuses
From time to time, special bonuses may be provided related to significant projects such as acquisitions or dispositions or for retention purposes.
4. Share Units
To provide a medium term component to the executive compensation program, the Named Executive Officers participate in the the Company’s Share Unit Plan for Senior Executives (the “Executive Share Unit Plan”).
The Company’s Compensation Committee is responsible for the granting of share units to participants under the Executive Share Unit Plan. Share Units are not granted based on the timing of the disclosure of non-public material information with respect to Lifeco or the Company.
The granting of share units is considered annually by the Compensation Committee. Officer levels are taken into account when new share unit grants are considered. The granting of share units is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Executive Share Unit Plan and any additional terms and conditions fixed by the Compensation Committee at the time of the grant.
See Section 11.5 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Executive Share Unit Plan and a further description of the terms of the Executive Share Unit Plan.
The Compensation Committee of the Company believes that medium-term incentives in the form of share units, with delayed vesting provisions, will play an important part in retaining key executive officers and in aligning the interests of the executive officers with those of the shareholders, and in contributing to the achievement of the results that have been attained by the Company.
5. Stock Options
To provide a long-term component to the executive compensation program, the Named Executive Officers participate in Lifeco’s Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco Option Plan”).
While the Company’s Compensation Committee makes recommendations with respect to the granting of Lifeco options, Lifeco’s Compensation Committee is responsible for the granting of options to participants under the Lifeco Option Plan. Options are not granted based on the timing of the disclosure of non-public material information with respect to Lifeco or the Company.
The granting of Lifeco options is considered annually by the Lifeco Compensation Committee. Officer levels are taken into account when new option grants are considered. The granting of options is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Lifeco Stock Option Plan and any additional terms and conditions fixed by the Lifeco Compensation Committee at the time of the grant.
See Section 11.5 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Lifeco Option Plan and a further description of the terms of the Lifeco Option Plan.
The Compensation Committees of the Company and Lifeco believe that long-term incentives in the form of stock options, with delayed vesting provisions, play an important part in retaining key executive officers and in aligning the interests of the executive officers with those of the shareholders, and in contributing to the achievement of the results that have been attained by the Company.
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6. Pension Benefits
(a) Defined Benefit Plan
The Company has a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Defined Benefit Plan”) which is available to all employees hired before January 1, 1999. See Section 11.8 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Defined Benefit Plan and a description of the terms of the Defined Benefit Plan.
(b) SERP
To provide a competitive retirement benefit to certain key executives, the Company also has a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”), which provides benefits above the compensation limits applicable to the Defined Benefit Plan. See Section 11.8 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the SERP and a description of the terms of the SERP.
(c) 401(k) Plan
All employees, including the Named Executive Officers, may participate in the Company’s qualified defined contribution 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may make contributions of between 1% and 50% of base salary, subject to applicable Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) limits. All new employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) Plan at a 3% contribution rate unless the employee elects out or elects a different contribution rate.
For employees participating in the Defined Benefit Plan, the Company matches 50% of the first 5% of pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. For employees who do not participate in the Defined Benefit Plan, the Company matches 50% of the first 8% of pre-tax and/or Roth contributions.
The 401(k) Plan offers a variety of investment options, including variable funds, collective funds, guaranteed certificate funds, Lifeco common shares (company matching contributions only) and a self-directed investment option.
7. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
To provide market competitive compensation to certain key executives, the Company also has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDCP”) and a nonqualified executive deferred compensation plan (“EDCP”). See Section 11.9 below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in these plans and a description of the terms of the plans.
8. Perquisites Program
The Company has a limited perquisites program in which the Named Executive Officers participate.
A perquisites account of up to $5,500 is available to officers at the level of Senior Vice President and above for reimbursement of expenses such as club dues, employee recognition or other miscellaneous expenses. In addition, these officers have available a one time membership perquisite of up to $10,000.
The President and Chief Executive Officer receives a yearly car lease benefit. Executive Vice Presidents and the Chief Financial Officer receive a fixed car allowance of $800 per month.
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11.2 Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management of the Company and based on such review and discussions, recommends to the Board of Directors that the Compensation and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K.
Compensation Committee Members:
R. J. Orr (Chairman)
A. Desmarais
P. Desmarais, Jr.
R.L. McFeetors
B.E. Walsh
11.3 Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
R.L. McFeetors retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective May 1, 2008 and is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. McFeetors is a member of the Compensation Committee.
11.4 Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets out compensation earned in 2011 by the individuals who (i) served as Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company during 2011; and (ii) were the other three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company at December 31, 2011 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).
Name and Principal
Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) | | Stock
Awards
($)(2) | | Option
Awards
($)(3) | | Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4) | | Change in Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)(5) | | All Other
Compensation
($)(6) | | Total ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mitchell T.G. Graye | | 2011 | �� | 942,029 | | — | | 693,751 | | 483,963 | | 1,413,043 | | 638,315 | | 159,427 | | 4,330,528 | |
President and Chief | | 2010 | | 916,667 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,375,000 | | 735,829 | | 150,658 | | 3,178,154 | |
Executive Officer | | 2009 | | 900,000 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,125,000 | | 298,978 | | 136,399 | | 2,460,377 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
James L. McCallen (1) | | 2011 | | 210,872 | | — | | 129,831 | | — | | 128,675 | | 2,003,511 | | 14,934 | | 2,487,823 | |
Senior Vice President | | 2010 | | 366,750 | | — | | — | | — | | 260,393 | | 217,104 | | 21,225 | | 865,472 | |
and Chief Financial | | 2009 | | 357,500 | | — | | — | | — | | 255,612 | | 122,400 | | 21,435 | | 756,947 | |
Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charles P. Nelson | | 2011 | | 642,419 | | — | | 282,405 | | 170,004 | | 579,334 | | 586,536 | | 80,292 | | 2,340,990 | |
President, Great-West | | 2010 | | 626,550 | | — | | — | | — | | 614,019 | | 532,234 | | 80,408 | | 1,853,211 | |
Retirement Services | | 2009 | | 611,250 | | — | | — | | — | | 611,250 | | 207,582 | | 80,408 | | 1,510,490 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S. Mark Corbett | | 2011 | | 528,099 | | — | | 237,495 | | 138,014 | | 491,132 | | 427,070 | | 21,183 | | 1,842,993 | |
Executive Vice | | 2010 | | 509,375 | | — | | — | | — | | 509,375 | | 588,334 | | 21,195 | | 1,628,279 | |
President and Chief | | 2009 | | 475,000 | | — | | — | | — | | 475,000 | | 61,612 | | 21,225 | | 1,032,837 | |
Investment Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Robert K. Shaw | | 2011 | | 458,100 | | — | | 191,432 | | 121,562 | | 361,899 | | 487,301 | | 20,995 | | 1,641,289 | |
Executive Vice | | 2010 | | 440,975 | | — | | — | | 215,366 | | 418,926 | | 349,908 | | 21,225 | | 1,446,400 | |
President, Individual markets | | 2009 | | 412,500 | | — | | — | | — | | 371,250 | | 141,913 | | 21,025 | | 946,688 | |
(1) Mr. McCallen retired on June 30, 2011. Effective September 7, 2011, Mitchell T.G. Graye took on the responsibilities of principal financial officer in addition to his responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer.
(2) This relates to share units granted under the Executive Share Unit Plan. The amounts are the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
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(3) This relates to Lifeco options granted under the Lifeco Option Plan. The amounts are the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For further information, see Footnote 17 to the Company’s December 31, 2011 Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(4) These are bonuses earned under the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.
(5) The change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings are as follows:
(a) Mr. Graye had a change in actuarial present value under the Defined Benefit Plan of $94,800 and a change in actuarial present value under the SERP of $543,515.
(b) Mr. McCallen had a change in actuarial present value under the Defined Benefit Plan of $224,439 and a change in actuarial present value under the SERP of $1,779,072.
(c) Mr. Nelson had a change in actuarial present value under the Defined Benefit Plan of $184,926, a change in actuarial present value under the SERP of $392,100 and above market earnings under the EDCP of $9,510. For each of the Named Executive Officers participating in the EDCP, above average earnings equaled total earnings less 3.36% of total earnings (3.36% being 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate at December 31, 2011).
(d) Mr. Corbett had a change in actuarial present value under the Defined Benefit Plan of $170,503 and a change in actuarial present value under the SERP of $256,567.
(e) Mr. Shaw had a change in actuarial present value under the Defined Benefit Plan of $217,985, a change in actuarial present value under the SERP of $259,913 and above market earnings under the EDCP of $9,403.
(6) The components of other compensation for each of the Named Executive Officers are as follows:
(a) Mr. Graye received (i) a car lease benefit of $15,760; (ii) a perquisites account reimbursement of $5,500; (iii) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $6,125; and (iv) $132,042 in respect of directors’ fees.
(b) Mr. McCallen received (i) a car allowance of $4,800; (ii) a perquisites account reimbursement of $5,500; and (iii) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $4,634.
(c) Mr. Nelson received (i) a housing benefit of $59,183 (determined by calculating a lost investment return on the money used by the Company to contribute toward the purchase of a house for use by Mr. Nelson equal to the 30-year agency mortgage backed security rate of 6.07% in effect on June 9, 2008, the purchase date, less a 35% corporate tax rate on income earned); (ii) a car allowance of $9,600; (iii) a perquisites account reimbursement of $5,384; and (iv) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $6,125.
(d) Mr. Corbett received (i) a car allowance of $9,600; (ii) a perquisites account reimbursement of $5,458; and (iii) a 401(k) plan employer contribution of $6,125.
(e) Mr. Shaw received (i) a car allowance of $ 9,600; (ii) a perquisites account reimbursement of $5,270; and (iii) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $6,125.
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11.5 Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2011
1. Table
The following table sets out information with respect to grants to the Named Executive Officers under the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, Executive Share Unit Plan and Lifeco Option Plan.
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | |
Name | | Thresholds
($) | | Target ($) | | Maximum ($) | | All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units (#)(1) | | All Other Option
Awards: Number
of Securities
Underlying
Options (#)(2) | | Exercise or Base
Price of Option
Awards
($/Share)(3) | | Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and
Option Awards
($) | |
M.T.G. Graye | | — | | 942,029 | | 1,413,043 | | 26,477 | | 105,900 | | 27.43 | | 1,177,714 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | — | | 279,774 | | 279,774 | | 4,955 | | — | | — | | 129,831 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
C.P. Nelson | | — | | 642,419 | | 642,419 | | 10,778 | | 37,200 | | 27.43 | | 452,409 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S.M. Corbett | | — | | 528,099 | | 528,099 | | 9,064 | | 30,200 | | 27.43 | | 375,509 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R.K. Shaw | | — | | 458,100 | | 458,100 | | 7,306 | | 26,600 | | 27.43 | | 312,994 | |
(1) These are Executive Share Units granted under the Executive Share Unit Plan. The grant date was January 1, 2011. The Company’s Compensation Committee approved the grants on February 9, 2011.
(2) These are Lifeco options granted under the Lifeco Option Plan. The grant date was March 1, 2011. The Lifeco Compensation Committee approved the grants on February 9, 2011.
(3) Lifeco options are issued with an exercise price in Canadian dollars, which have been translated to U.S. dollars at 1/.99 which was Lifeco’s average rate for the year (the “Conversion Rate”).
2. Narrative Description of the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan
Under the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, bonus opportunity is expressed as a percentage of base salary and varies by office. The President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents can generally earn bonuses of up to 150%, 100% and 75%, respectively, of base salary if all targets and objectives are met. For individuals promoted during the year, the bonus opportunity for the year is prorated based on the different percentages applicable to the two positions held.
Bonus amounts are established against each target or objective. If objectives are not met, the President and Chief Executive Officer is not entitled to any bonus. Lower bonus amounts may be earned by Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents on partial achievement of bonus objectives.
For 2011:
(i)M.T.G. Graye had an opportunity to earn 100% of base salary earned in 2011 if earnings targets were met and up to 150% of base salary earned in 2011 if earnings targets were exceeded by specified amounts;
(ii)J.L. McCallen had an opportunity to earn up to 75% of base salary earned in 2011 - 40% based on earnings targets, 7.5% based on expense related targets, 5.5% based on sales related targets and 22% based on specific individual objectives;
(iii)C.P. Nelson had an opportunity to earn up to 100% of base salary earned in 2011 - 55% based on earnings targets, 10% based on expense related targets, 17.5% based on sales related targets and 17.5% based on specific individual objectives;
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(iv)S.M. Corbett had an opportunity to earn up to 100% of base salary earned in 2011 - 55% based on earnings targets, 10% based on expense related targets, 7% based on sales related targets and 28% based on specific individual objectives; and
(v)R.K. Shaw had an opportunity to earn up to 100% of base salary earned in 2011 - 55% based on earnings targets, 10% based on expense related targets, 21% based on sales related targets and 14% based on specific individual objectives.
3. Narrative Description of the Executive Share Unit Plan
Under the Executive Share Unit Plan, notional share units (“Executive Share Units”) may be granted to the Named Executive Officers by the Compensation Committee. The value of an Executive Share Unit on a grant date is based on the average closing price of Lifeco common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the preceding 20 days (the “Market Value”).
The number of Executive Share Units granted is generally related to the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers. Each grant of Executive Share Units has a three year vesting period during which certain conditions (including continued employement) must be satisfied.
The number of Executive Share Units granted is increased during the three year vesting period based on dividends declared on Lifeco common shares, and may be increased or decreased based on business segment performance results.
Subject to satisfaction of the vesting conditions, the Executive Share Units becomes payable in cash during the fourth year following the date of the award, at the Market Value as of the vesting date.
4. Narrative Description of the Lifeco Option Plan
Under the Lifeco Option Plan, the Lifeco Compensation Committee sets the exercise price of the options but under no circumstances can it be less than the weighted average trading price per Lifeco common share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days preceding the date of the grant.
Options are either regular options or contingent options. Regular options are generally granted in multi-year allotments. Regular options become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year commencing one year after the date of the grant, except that grants made during the period February 2007 to February 2009 became exercisable over a seven and one-half year period commencing one year after the date of the grant at a rate of 4%, 8%, 14.66%, 14.66%, 14.66%, 14.66%, and 14.66% per year, with the final 14.66% becoming exercisable six months later. Contingent options do not become exercisable unless and until conditions prescribed by the Lifeco Compensation Committee have been satisfied.
Options generally expire ten years after the date of the grant, except that if options would otherwise expire during a blackout period or within ten business days of the end of a blackout period, the expiry date for the options is extended to the tenth business day after the expiry date of the blackout period.
In the event of the death of a participant or the termination of a participant’s employment, then the period within which the options may be exercised is generally reduced depending on the circumstances surrounding the death or termination of employment. Options are not assignable by participants otherwise than by will or pursuant to the laws of succession. Lifeco does not provide any financial assistance to participants to facilitate the purchase of common shares under the Lifeco Option Plan. Subject to any regulatory or shareholder approval required by law, the Lifeco Board of Directors may amend the Lifeco Option Plan or the terms of a grant.
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11.6 Outstanding Equity Awards at 2011 Fiscal Year End
The following table sets out Lifeco options held by the Named Executive Officers under the Lifeco Option Plan, and Executive Share Units held by the Named Executive Officers under the Executive Share Unit Plan, as of December 31, 2011.
| | Option Awards | | Stock awards | |
Name | | Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable | | Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#) Unexercisable | | Option
Exercise Price
(8) | | Option Expiration
Date | | Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
that have not
Vested (#) | | Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
that have not
Vested
(#)(10) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
M.T.G. Graye | | 100,000 | | — | | 19.62 | | July 9, 2013 | | 27,947 | (9) | 575,878 | |
| | 280,000 | | — | | 30.14 | | December 13, 2015 | | — | | — | |
| | 73,333 | | 201,667 | (1) | 31.58 | | May 12, 2018 | | — | | — | |
| | — | | 105,900 | (7) | 27.43 | | February 28, 2021 | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | 20,000 | | — | | 19.62 | | July 9, 2013 | | — | | — | |
| | 60,000 | | — | | 31.58 | | June 30, 2016 | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
C.P. Nelson | | 45,464 | | 64,536 | (2) | 37.60 | | February 27, 2017 | | 11,376 | (9) | 234,415 | |
| | 29,333 | | 80,667 | (3) | 28.88 | | March 24, 2018 | | — | | — | |
| | — | | 37,200 | (7) | 27.43 | | February 28, 2021 | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
S.M. Corbett | | 20,000 | | — | | 19.62 | | July 9, 2013 | | 9,567 | (9) | 197,138 | |
| | 37,198 | | 52,802 | (4) | 37.60 | | February 27, 2017 | | — | | — | |
| | 13,333 | | 36,667 | (5) | 31.58 | | May 12, 2018 | | — | | — | |
| | | | 30,200 | (7) | 27.43 | | February 28, 2021 | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
R.K. Shaw | | 20,000 | | — | | 19.62 | | July 9, 2013 | | 7,711 | (9) | 158,898 | |
| | 10,280 | | 41,120 | (6) | 27.41 | | February 29, 2020 | | — | | — | |
| | | | 26,600 | (7) | 27.43 | | February 28, 2021 | | — | | — | |
(1) These options vest as follows: 40,333 on each of May 13, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and 40,335 on November 13, 2015.
(2) These options vest as follows: 16,132 on each of February 28, 2012, 2013 and 2014; and 16,140 on August 28, 2014.
(3) These options vest as follows: 16,133 on each of March 25, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and 16,135 on September 25, 2015.
(4) These options vest as follows: 13,199 on each of February 28, 2012, 2013 and 2014; and 13,205 on August 28, 2014.
(5) These options vest as follows: 7,333 on each of May 13, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and 7,335 on November 13, 2015.
(6) This option grant vests 20% per year on each of March 1, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
(7) These option grants vest 20% per year on each of March 1, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
(8) Lifeco options are issued with an exercise price in Canadian dollars, which have been translated to U.S. dollars at the Conversion Rate.
(9) These Executive Share Unit grants vest on December 31, 2013.
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(10) The market value of Executive Share Units held as of December 31, 2011 is based on the year-end closing price of Lifeco common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, translated into U.S. dollars at the Conversion Rate.
11.7 Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2011
The following table sets out Lifeco options exercised by, and Executive Share Units vested for, the Named Executive Officers in 2011.
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards | |
| | Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#) | | Value Realized
on Exercise ($) | | Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting (#) | | Value Realized
on Vesting ($) | |
M.T.G. Graye | | 80,000 | | 805,578 | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | 24,630 | | 252,967 | | 5,074 | | 130,591 | |
C.P. Nelson | | 120,000 | | 1,222,779 | | | | | |
S.M. Corbett | | 80,000 | | 823,373 | | | | | |
11.8 Pension Benefits for 2011
1. Table
The following table sets out information with respect to the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Defined Benefit Plan and the SERP.
Name | | Plan Name | | Number of Years
of Credited
Service | | Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($) (1) | | Payments During
Last Fiscal Year ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
M.T.G. Graye | | Defined Benefit Plan | | 19 | | 453,129 | | — | |
| | SERP | | 19 | | 2,239,520 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | Defined Benefit Plan | | 37 | | 1,663,547 | | 119,769 | |
| | SERP | | 37 | | 1,779,072 | | 73,164 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
C.P. Nelson | | Defined Benefit Plan | | 29 | | 874,137 | | — | |
| | SERP | | 29 | | 1,389,227 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
S.M. Corbett | | Defined Benefit Plan | | 25 | | 777,229 | | — | |
| | SERP | | 25 | | 710,958 | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | |
R.K. Shaw | | Defined Benefit Plan | | 34 | | 1,220,669 | | — | |
| | SERP | | 34 | | 878,650 | | — | |
(1) The amounts shown in the table are calculated according to the terms of the plans based on age and years of service as of December 31, 2011. These amounts are based on pay through December 31, 2011. The assumptions used for these calculations are consistent with actuarial valuations of the plans. The present value of accumulated benefit under the plans equals the actuarial present value of the annuity earned as of December 31, 2011, payable at age 65 for the Defined Benefit Plan and age 62 for
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the SERP, discounted to December 31, 2011 at the applicable discount rate for December 31, 2011. Benefits calculated under the SERP are the termination benefit.
2. Narrative Description of the Defined Pension Plan
The Defined Benefit Plan is designed to provide regular income at retirement to eligible employees. In general, an eligible employee is any employee hired prior to January 1, 1999. Participants in the Defined Benefit Plan are entitled to benefits at age 65 if they have 5 or more years of service.
The benefit formula for participants hired before January 1, 1992 is 1.5% for each of the first 30 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each of the next 5 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each year of service to retirement up to a maximum of 35 years multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation minus the covered compensation amount (as determined by the IRS). If a participant made required or voluntary contributions to the Defined Benefit Plan prior to July 1, 1979, the participant’s benefit is increased to reflect these contributions and interest accrued thereon, so long as the employee contributions plus interest have not been withdrawn in a lump sum.
The benefit formula for participants hired on and after January 1, 1992 is 1.0% for each of the first 30 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each of the next 5 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each year of service to retirement up to a maximum of 35 years multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation minus the covered compensation amount (as determined by the IRS).
Average annual compensation is the highest average of compensation paid during 5 consecutive years of service out of the last 7 years of service.
Participants who have terminated service prior to age 65 and who have at least 5 years of service may begin receiving benefits as early as age 55. Benefits that begin prior to age 65 are reduced by approximately 5% for each year prior to age 65.
The normal form of benefit for a married participant is a joint and 50% survivor annuity. The normal form of benefit for an unmarried participant is a life only annuity. Other optional forms of pension payment are available on an actuarially equivalent basis.
3. Narrative Description of the SERP
The SERP is designed to provide retirement benefits to certain key executive officers who are subject to qualified plan compensation limits. At the Company’s discretion, executive officers may be designated to participate in the SERP. Participants in the SERP are generally entitled to benefits if they have 15 or more years of service.
The following describes the retirement benefit amount under the SERP based on age at the time of separation of service.
(1) For participants who separate from service at or after age 62, the normal retirement benefit is equal to 60% of final average compensation if the participant has 30 years of service. The benefit is prorated for less than 30 years of service. Final average compensation is the average of the highest 60 consecutive months of compensation during the last 84 months of employment. Compensation includes salary, bonuses and commissions prior to any deferrals to other benefit plans. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits as of retirement.
(2) For participants who separate from service between ages 57 and 62, the early retirement benefit is calculated by reducing the bonus used in determining final average compensation by 5/6% for each month prior to age 62 and by further reducing the early retirement benefit by 5/12% for each month prior to age 62. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits as of age 62.
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(3) For participants who separate from service prior to age 57, the termination benefit is equal to 60% of final average salary if the participant has 30 years of service. The benefit is prorated for less than 30 years of service. If the participant has less than 35 years of service, the termination benefit is also reduced by 5% for each of the first three years of service below 35. Final average salary is the average of the highest 60 consecutive months of salary during the last 84 months of employment. Salary includes deferrals of any salary to other benefit plans. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits payable as of age 62.
Payments under the normal retirement benefit and the early retirement benefit commence upon retirement. Payments under the termination benefit commence at age 62.
The normal form of benefit under the SERP is a life only annuity. Other optional forms of payment are available on an actuarially equivalent basis.
11.9 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2011
1. Table
The following table sets out information with respect to the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the NQDCP and/or EDCP.
Name | | Plan Name | | Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)(1) | | Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal
Year ($) | | Aggregate
Withdrawls or
Distributions
($) | | Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | NQDCP | | — | | 6,775 | | 7,927 | | 151,334 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
C.P. Nelson | | EDCP | | — | | 23,213 | | — | | 424,821 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
R.K. Shaw | | NQDCP | | — | | (5,309 | ) | — | | 277,674 | |
| | EDCP | | 85,295 | | 23,034 | | — | | 440,347 | |
(1) Amounts contributed are included in the Salary column of the Summary Compensation Table.
2. Narrative Description of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
All officers and certain senior employees of the Company, and others at the discretion of the Company, are eligible to participate in the NQDCP. At the Company’s discretion, executive officers may be designated to participate in the EDCP.
Under the NQDCP and EDCP, a participant may defer (i) a minimum of the greater of $2,500 or 5% of base salary (including sales related compensation under the NQDCP) and a maximum of 90% of base salary; and (ii) a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 90% of bonus.
Under the NQDCP, participants specify one or more investment preferences in which deferrals are deemed to be invested. Participant accounts are adjusted for interest, earnings or losses equal to the actual results of the underlying investment(s). Under the EDCP, participant deferrals earn an interest rate equal to the Moody’s Average Annual Corporate Bond Index rate plus .45% for active participants and fixed rates ranging from 6.37% to 7.91% for participants receiving benefits.
Amounts deferred under both plans and the earnings from the plans are distributed to a participant upon termination of employment, if not distributed earlier. Amounts distributed under the plans are generally paid in either a lump sum or installments over 3, 5, 10 or 15 years at the election of the participant.
Following a change in control of the Company, the Board of Directors may terminate one or both plans in its discretion and pay all amounts due under a terminated plan to participants. Certain payments following
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termination of employment or after a change in control may be delayed to comply with requirements under the Internal Revenue Code.
11.10 Compensation of Company Directors for 2011
1. Table
The Company compensates Directors who are not also Directors of Lifeco (“Company Directors”). The following sets out compensation earned in 2011 by the Company Directors.
Name | | Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)(1) | | Stock Awards
($)(2) | | All Other
Compensation
($)(3) | | Total ($) | |
J. Balog | | 74,000 | | 50,000 | | 42 | | 124,042 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
J.L. Bernbach | | 58,000 | | 50,000 | | 42 | | 108,042 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
M.T.G. Graye | | 82,000 | | 50,000 | | 42 | | 132,042 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
A. Louvel | | 79,000 | | 50,000 | | 42 | | 129,042 | |
(1) Mr. Balog, Mr. Bernbach and Mr. Louvel received their payment in cash. Mr. Graye receved his payment in Deferred Share Units under the voluntary component of the Company’s Director Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSUP”). The value for these Deferred Share Units is the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2) These amounts represent Deferred Share Units granted under the mandatory component of the DSUP. The value for these Deferred Share Units is the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Balog held 56,315 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Bernbach held 11,688 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Graye held 21,817 Deferred Share Units and Mr. Louvel held 11,515 Deferred Share Units.
(3) These amounts are life insurance premiums paid under the Great-West Life Director’s Group Life Insurance Plan.
2. Narrative Description of Company Director Compensation
The Company pays Company Directors an annual retainer fee in the amount of $100,000. $50,000 of this retainer is paid in Deferred Share Units under the mandatory component of the DSUP. The remaining $50,000 is available in cash.
A Company Director serving on the Audit Committee receives an additional retainer fee in the amount of $3,000. The Company pays each Company Director a meeting fee in the amount of $2,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof attended.
At their option, in lieu of cash payments, Company Directors may receive additional Deferred Share Units for 50% or 100% of the cash payments under the voluntary component of the DSUP.
Under both the mandatory and voluntary components of the DSUP the number of Deferred Share Units granted is determined by dividing the amount of remuneration payable to the Company Director by the weighted average Canadian dollar trading price per Lifeco common share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days of the preceding fiscal quarter (such weighted average trading price being the “value of a Deferred Share Unit”). Directors receive additional Deferred Share Units in respect of dividends payable on the common shares based on the value of a Deferred Share Unit at that time.
Deferred Share Units are redeemable at the time that an individual ceases to be a Director by a lump sum cash payment, based on the value of the Deferred Share Units on the date of redemption.
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Item 11.11 Compensation Policies and Risk Management
The Company has evaluated its compensation policies and practices applicable to all employees and believes that they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
12.1 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Set forth below is certain information, as of January 1, 2012, concerning beneficial ownership of the voting securities of the Company by entities and persons who beneficially own more than 5% of the voting securities of the Company. The determinations of “beneficial ownership” of voting securities are based upon Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This rule provides that securities will be deemed to be “beneficially owned” where a person has, either solely or in conjunction with others, (1) the power to vote or to direct the voting of securities and/or the power to dispose or to direct the disposition of the securities or (2) the right to acquire any such power within 60 days after the date such “beneficial ownership” is determined.
(1) 100% of the Company’s 7,032,000 outstanding common shares are owned by GWL&A Financial Inc., 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.
(2) 100% of the outstanding common shares of GWL&A Financial Inc. are owned by Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc., 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.
(3) 100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc. are owned by Great-West Financial (Nova Scotia) Co., Suite 800, 1959 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2X2.
(4) 100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Financial (Nova Scotia) Co. are owned by Great-West Financial (Canada) Inc., 100 Osborne Street North, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3A5.
(5) 100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Financial (Canada) Inc. are owned by Great-West Lifeco Inc., 100 Osborne Street North, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3A5.
(6) 68.24% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc. are controlled by Power Financial Corporation, 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3, representing approximately 63% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(7) 66.06% of the outstanding common shares of Power Financial Corporation are owned by 171263 Canada Inc., 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3.
(8) 100% of the outstanding common shares of 171263 Canada Inc. are owned by Power Corporation of Canada, 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3.
(9) Mr. Paul Desmarais, 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3, directly and through a group of private holding companies which he controls, has voting control of Power Corporation of Canada.
As a result of the chain of ownership described in paragraphs (1) through (9) above, each of the entities and persons listed in paragraphs (1) through (9) would be considered under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act to be a “beneficial owner” of 100% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company.
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12.2 Security Ownership of Management
The following tables set out the number of equity securities and exercisable options for equity securities of the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries, beneficially owned, as of January 1, 2012, by (i) the directors of the Company (ii) the Named Executive Officers and (iii) the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
Directors | | Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(1) | | Power Financial
Corporation (2) | | Power Corporation of
Canada (3) | |
J. Balog | | — | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
J.L. Bernbach | | — | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
A. Desmarais | | 700,000 | | 43,200 | | 1,046,994 | |
| | | | | | 1,262,813 options | |
| | | | | | | |
P. Desmarais, Jr. | | 100,000 | | — | | 62,631 | |
| | | | | | 1,262,813 options | |
| | | | | | | |
M.T.G. Graye | | 7,218 | | 75,000 | | — | |
| | 453,333 options | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
A. Louvel | | — | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
R.L. McFeetors | | 2,107,103 | | 170,500 | | 12,579 | |
| | 2,100,000 options | | 605,272 options | | | |
| | | | | | | |
J.E.A. Nickerson | | 5,000 | | 23,089 | | 26,022 | |
| | | | | | | |
R.J. Orr | | 20,000 | | 400,400 | | 20,000 | |
| | | | 2,630,905 options | | | |
| | | | | | | |
M. Plessis-Bélair | | 40,000 | | 6,000 | | 162,426 | |
| | | | | | 287,975 options | |
| | | | | | | |
H.P. Rousseau | | 2,800 | | 5,400 | | 8,948 | |
| | | | | | 228,572 options | |
| | | | | | | |
R. Royer | | 15,000 | | 174,000 | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
P.K. Ryan | | — | | 84,849 options | | 5,200 | |
| | | | | | 86,931 options | |
| | | | | | | |
T.T. Ryan, Jr. | | — | | — | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
B.E. Walsh | | — | | — | | — | |
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Named Executive
Officers | | Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(1) | | Power Financial
Corporation (2) | | Power Corporation of
Canada (3) | |
M.T.G. Graye | | 7,218 | | 75,000 | | — | |
| | 453,333 options | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
J.L. McCallen | | 11,356 | | | | | |
| | 80,000 options | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
C.P. Nelson | | 24,755 | | — | | — | |
| | 74,797 options | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
S.M. Corbett | | — | | — | | — | |
| | 70,531 options | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
R.K. Shaw | | 39,790 | | — | | — | |
| | 30,280 options | | | | | |
Directors and
Executive Officers
as a Group | | Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(1) | | Power Financial
Corporation (2) | | Power Corporation of
Canada (3) | |
| | 3,073,022 | | 897,589 | | 1,344,800 | |
| | 2,833,739 | | 3,321,026 options | | 3,129,104 options | |
(1) All holdings are common shares, or where indicated, preferred shares or exercisable options for common shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(2) All holdings are common shares, or where indicated, exercisable options for common shares of Power Financial Corporation.
(3) All holdings are subordinate voting shares, or where indicated, exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada.
The number of subordinate voting shares and exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada held by the directors and executive officers as a group represents 1.07% of the total number of subordinate voting shares and exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada outstanding.
None of the remaining holdings set out above exceeds 1% of the total number of shares and exercisable options for shares of the class outstanding.
Item 13.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons
(a) There are no transactions to report.
(b) The Company’s Board of Directors has a Conduct Review Committee which acts pursuant to a written Charter and procedures (together, the “procedures”). Messrs. Balog, Bernbach and Louvel serve on the Conduct Review Committee.
The Conduct Review Committee, in accordance with the procedures, considers and approves transactions between the Company or its subsidiaries and (i) the directors and senior officers of the Company or its affiliates, including their spouses and minor children; (ii) its affiliates; and (iii) companies controlled by a director or senior officer of the Company or its affiliates, or their spouses or minor children. Control and affiliation is defined as a 10% voting interest or 25% ownership interest, but does not include subsidiaries of the Company.
Among other criteria, the Conduct Review Committee considers whether such transactions were on market terms and conditions, including interest rates and fees, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
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transactions with third parties. Such review also considers the Company’s established conflict of interest guidelines with respect to the transaction, as set forth in the Company’s Code.
There were no reportable related party transactions during the Registrant’s most recently completed fiscal year where the aforementioned procedures did not require review, approval or ratification or where the procedures were not followed.
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
14.1 Principal Accounting Fees
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, professional services were performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”). The total fees for these services were $7,959,200 and $5,717,600 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and were composed of the following:
Audit fees - The aggregate fees billed for the audit of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, were $6,776,700 and $4,494,400, respectively.
Audit related fees - The aggregate fees billed for audit related services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $829,000 and $644,200, respectively. These services included Statement of Auditing Standards No, 70 internal control reports and audits of the Company’s employee benefit plans.
Tax fees - The aggregate fees billed for tax services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $353,500 and $579,000, respectively. These services included tax compliance services for the Company’s affiliated mutual fund, Maxim Series Fund, Inc., as well as tax planning and compliance services for the Company and its subsidiaries.
All other fees - The aggregate fees for services not included above were $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
14.2 Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee pre-approves all services, including both audit and non-audit services, provided by D&T. Each year, the Audit Committee receives a schedule of the audit, audit-related and tax services that it is asked to approve for the year before D&T may be engaged.
None of the services described in this Item 14 were approved by the Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, the de minimis safe harbor exemption from pre-approval requirements. The amount of hours expended on D&T’s audit of the Company’s financial statements for 2011 attributable to work performed by persons other than D&T’s full-time, permanent employees was less than 50%.
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Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The documents identified below are filed as a part of this report:
15.1 Index to Financial Statements
| Page |
| |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | 45 |
| |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 | 46 |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | 48 |
| |
Consolidsated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | 49 |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | 50 |
| |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 | 52 |
| |
Schedule III - Supplemental Insurance Information | 106 |
All other schedules and separate financial statements of the Registrant are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
15.2 Index to Exhibits
Exhibit Number | | Title | | Page |
3(i) | | | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company Filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 | | |
| | | | | |
3(ii) | | | Bylaws of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company Filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended Decfember 31, 2006 | | |
| | | | | |
10 | | | Material Contracts | | |
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10.1 | | | Great-West Lifeco Inc. Stock Option Plan Effective November 10, 2010 Filed herewith | | |
| | | | | |
10.2 | | | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.3 | | | Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.4 | | | Deferred Share Unit Plan Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.5 | | | Executive Long-Term Disability Plan Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.6 | | | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.7 | | | Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement Filed as Exhibit 99.9 by way of a Form 8-K dated December 6, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.8 | | | Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement Filed as Exhibit 99.9 by way of a Form 8-K dated November 26, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
10.9 | | | Share Unit Plan effective January 1, 2011 Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference | | |
| | | | | |
21 | | | Subsidiaries of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company filed herewith | | |
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24 | | | Directors’ Power of Attorney Directors’ Power of Attorney filed as Exhibit 24 to Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 | | |
| | | | | |
31.1 | | | Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer filed herewith | | |
| | | | | |
31.2 | | | Section 302 Certification of the Chief Accounting Officer filed herewith | | |
| | | | | |
32 | | | Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer filed herewith | | |
| | | | | |
101 | | | Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company for the year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. | | |
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY | |
|
/s/ | Mitchell T.G. Graye | |
| Mitchell T.G. Graye, President and Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer |
|
Date: February 29, 2012 | |
| | | |
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 registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | Signature and Title | | Date |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Mitchell T.G. Graye | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Mitchell T.G. Graye | | |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and a Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | James Van Harmelen | | February 29, 2012 |
| | James Van Harmelen | | |
| | Senior Vice President and Controller | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | James Balog * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | James Balog, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | John L. Bernbach * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | John L. Bernbach, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | André Desmarais * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | André Desmarais, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Paul Desmarais, Jr. * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Paul Desmarais, Jr., Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Alain Louvel * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Alain Louvel, Director | | |
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| /s/ | Raymond L. McFeetors * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Raymond L. McFeetors, Chairman of the Board | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Jerry E.A. Nickerson * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Jerry E.A. Nickerson, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | R. Jeffrey Orr * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | R. Jeffrey Orr, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Michel Plessis-Bélair * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Michel Plessis-Bélair, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Henri-Paul Rousseau * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Henri-Paul Rousseau, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Raymond Royer * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Raymond Royer, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Philip K. Ryan * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Philip K. Ryan, Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | T. Timothy Ryan, Jr. * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | T. Timothy Ryan, Jr., Director | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ | Brian E. Walsh * | | February 29, 2012 |
| | Brian E. Walsh, Director | | |
| | | | |
* By: | /s/ | James Van Harmelen | | February 29, 2012 |
| | James Van Harmelen | | |
| | Attorney-in-fact pursuant to filed Power of Attorney | | |
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