As filed with the Securities and Exchange Registration No. 333-57212 Commission on April 8, 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to FORM S-2 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41-0991508 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Linda E. Senker, Esq. Kimberly J. Smith, Esq. ING ING 1475 Dunwoody Drive 1475 Dunwoody Drive West Chester, PA 19380-1478 West Chester, PA 19380-1478 (610) 425-4139 (610) 425-3427 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The annuities covered by this registration statement are to be issued from time to time after the effective date of this registration statement. If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box............................................ [XX] If the registrant elects to deliver its latest annual report to security holders, or a complete and legible facsimile thereof, pursuant to Item 11(a)(1) of this Form, check the following box................................... [XX] If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ______________ If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ______________ If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ______________ If the delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART I - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ING USA GUARANTEED ACCOUNT PROSPECTUS - APRIL 30, 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION The ING USA Guaranteed Account (the Guaranteed Account) (formerly the Golden American Guaranteed Account) is a fixed interest option available during the accumulation phase under the Smart Design variable annuity contract issued by ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (the Company, we, us, our). Read this prospectus carefully before investing in the Guaranteed Account and save it for future reference. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Guaranteed Account offers investors an opportunity to earn specified guaranteed rates of interest for specified periods of time, called guaranteed terms. We generally offer several guaranteed terms at any one time for those considering investing in the Guaranteed Account. Each guaranteed term offers a guaranteed interest rate for investments that remain in the Guaranteed Account for the duration of the specific guaranteed term. The guaranteed term establishes both the length of time for which we agree to credit a guaranteed interest rate and how long your investment must remain in the Guaranteed Account in order to receive the guaranteed interest rate. We guarantee both principal and interest if, and only if, your investment remains invested for the full guaranteed term. Charges related to the contract, such as a maintenance fee or early withdrawal charge, may still apply even if you do not withdraw until the end of a guaranteed term. INVESTMENTS TAKEN OUT OF THE GUARANTEED ACCOUNT PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEED TERM MAY BE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN INVESTMENT GAIN OR LOSS. SEE "MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA)." PREMIUM BONUS OPTION. If the premium bonus option is available under your contract and you elect that option, we will credit a premium bonus to your contract for each purchase payment you make during the first account year. There is an additional charge for this option during the first seven account years. For amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Account, the assessment of this charge will result in a reduction in the interest which would have been credited to your account during the first seven account years if you had not elected the premium bonus option. Therefore, the fees you will pay if you elect the premium bonus option will be greater than the fees you will pay if you do not elect the premium bonus option. The premium bonus option may not be right for you if you expect to make additional purchase payments after the first account year or if you anticipate that you will need to make withdrawals during the first seven account years. In these circumstances the amount of the premium bonus option charge may be more than the amount of the premium bonus we credit to your contract. See the "Premium Bonus Option-Suitability" section of the contract prospectus. The premium bonus option may not be available in all states. This prospectus will explain: o Guaranteed interest rates and guaranteed terms; o Contributions to the Guaranteed Account; o Types of investments available; o How rates are offered; o How there can be an investment risk and how we calculate gain or loss; o Contract charges that can affect your account value in the Guaranteed Account; o Taking investments out of the Guaranteed Account; and o How to reinvest or withdraw at maturity. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE INFORMATION NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. WE DO NOT INTEND FOR THIS PROSPECTUS TO BE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION THAT DOES NOT PERMIT THEIR SALE. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT THAN THAT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. Our Customer Service Center: P.O. Box 9271 Des Moines, IA 50306-9271 1-800-366-0066 GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 TABLE OF CONTENTS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PAGE SUMMARY 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEED ACCOUNT 7 General, Contributions to the Guaranteed Account, Deposit Period, Guaranteed Terms, Guaranteed Interest Rates, Maturity Value Transfer Provision TRANSFERS 10 WITHDRAWALS 10 Deferral of Payments, Reinstatement Privilege MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA) 11 Calculation of the MVA, Deposit Period Yield, Current Yield, MVA Formula CONTRACT CHARGES 13 OTHER TOPICS 14 The Company, Income Phase, Investments, Distribution of Contracts, Taxation, Experts, Legal Proceedings, Further Information, Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference, Inquiries APPENDIX I - EXAMPLES OF MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT CALCULATIONS 18 APPENDIX II - EXAMPLES OF MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT YIELDS 20 GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 SUMMARY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Guaranteed Account is a fixed interest option that may be available during the accumulation phase of your variable annuity contract. The following is a summary of certain facts about the Guaranteed Account. IN GENERAL. Amounts that you invest in the Guaranteed Account will earn a guaranteed interest rate if left in the Guaranteed Account for a specified period of time (the guaranteed term). You must invest amounts in the Guaranteed Account for the full guaranteed term in order to receive the quoted guaranteed interest rate. If you withdraw or transfer those amounts before the end of the guaranteed term, we may apply a "market value adjustment," which may be positive or negative. DEPOSIT PERIODS. A deposit period is the time during which we offer a specific guaranteed interest rate if you deposit dollars for a specific guaranteed term. For a particular guaranteed interest rate and guaranteed term to apply to your account dollars, you must invest them during the deposit period in which that rate and term are offered. GUARANTEED TERMS. A guaranteed term is the period of time account dollars must be left in the Guaranteed Account in order to earn the guaranteed interest rate specified for that guaranteed term. We offer different guaranteed terms at different times. We may also offer more than one guaranteed term of the same duration with different guaranteed interest rates. Check with your sales representative or the Company to learn the details about the guaranteed term(s) currently offered. We reserve the right to limit the number of guaranteed terms or the availability of certain guaranteed terms. GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES. We guarantee different interest rates, depending upon when account dollars are invested in the Guaranteed Account. For guaranteed terms one year or longer, we may offer different rates for specified time periods within a guaranteed term. The interest rate we guarantee is an annual effective yield; that means that the rate reflects a full year's interest. We credit interest at a rate that will provide the guaranteed annual effective yield over one year. The guaranteed interest rate(s) is guaranteed for that deposit period and for the length of the guaranteed term. The guaranteed interest rates we offer will always meet or exceed the minimum interest rates agreed to in the contract. Apart from meeting the contractual minimum interest rates, we cannot guarantee any aspect of future offerings. FEES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS. We do not make deductions from amounts in the Guaranteed Account to cover mortality and expense risks. We consider these risks when determining the credited rate. The following other types of charges may be deducted from amounts held in, withdrawn or transferred from the Guaranteed Account: > Market Value Adjustment (MVA). An MVA may be applied to amounts transferred or withdrawn prior to the end of a guaranteed term, which reflects changes in interest rates since the deposit period. The MVA may be positive or negative and therefore may increase or decrease the amount withdrawn to satisfy a transfer or withdrawal request. See "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)." [sidebar] QUESTIONS: CONTACTING THE COMPANY. To answer your questions, contact your sales representative or write or call our Customer Service Center at: ING P.O. Box 9271 Des Moines, IA 50306-9271 1-800-366-0066 [end sidebar] GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 3 > Tax Penalties and/or Tax Withholding. Amounts withdrawn may be subject to withholding for federal income taxes, as well as a 10% penalty tax for amounts withdrawn prior to your having attained age 59 1/2. See "Taxation"; see also the "Taxation" section of the contract prospectus. > Early Withdrawal Charge. An early withdrawal charge, which is a deferred sales charge, may apply to amounts withdrawn from the contract, in order to reimburse us for some of the sales and administrative expenses associated with the contract. See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fees" section of the contract prospectus. > Maintenance Fee. A maintenance fee of up to $30 may be deducted, on an annual basis, pro rata from all funding options including the Guaranteed Account. See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fees" section of the contract prospectus. > Transfer Fees. During the accumulation phase, transfer fees of up to $10 per transfer may be deducted from amounts held in or transferred from the Guaranteed Account. See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fees" section of the contract prospectus. > Premium Taxes. We may deduct premium taxes of up to 4% from amounts in the Guaranteed Account. See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fees" section of the contract prospectus. > Premium Bonus Option Charge. If you elected the premium bonus option, a charge will be deducted from amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Account, resulting in a 0.50% reduction in the interest which would have been credited to your account during the first seven account years if you had not elected the premium bonus option. See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fee Tables," "Fees" and "Premium Bonus Option" sections of the contract prospectus. MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA). If you withdraw or transfer your account value from the -- Guaranteed Account before a guaranteed term is complete, an MVA may apply. The MVA reflects the change in the value of the investment due to changes in interest rates since the date of deposit. The MVA may be positive or negative depending upon interest rate activity at the time of withdrawal or transfer. An MVA will not apply to: > Amounts transferred or withdrawn at the end of a guaranteed term; > Transactions made under the maturity value transfer provision; > Transfers due to participation in the dollar cost averaging program (see "Market Value Adjustment" for certain restrictions); > Amounts distributed under a systematic distribution option (see "Systematic Distribution Options" in the contract prospectus); > Withdrawals for minimum distributions required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Tax Code), and for which the early withdrawal charge is waived; and > Withdrawals due to your exercise of the right to cancel your contract. See the "Right to Cancel" section of the contract prospectus. MVAs applied to withdrawals or transfers from the Guaranteed Account will be calculated as an "aggregate MVA," which is the sum of all MVAs applicable due to the withdrawal (see sidebar on "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)" section of this prospectus). The following withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA only if it is positive: > Withdrawals due to the election of a lifetime income option; and > Unless otherwise noted, payment of a guaranteed death benefit (if paid within the first six months following death). [sidebar CONTRACT HOLDER (YOU/YOUR) The contract holder of any individually owned contract or the certificate holder of a group contract. [end sidebar] GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 4 All other withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, including: > Withdrawals due to the election of a nonlifetime income option; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit due to the death of a spousal beneficiary or a joint contract holder who continued the account in his or her name after the death of the other joint contract holder; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit more than six months after the date of death; and > Full or partial withdrawals during the accumulation phase (an MVA may not apply in certain situations, see "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)"). See "Description of the Guaranteed Account" and "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)." MATURITY OF A GUARANTEED TERM. On or before the end of a guaranteed term, you may instruct us to: > Transfer the matured amount to one or more new guaranteed terms available under the current deposit period; > Transfer the matured amount to other available investment options; or > Withdraw the matured amount. Amounts withdrawn may be subject to an early withdrawal charge, a maintenance fee, tax withholding and, if you are under age 59 1/2, tax penalties. Withdrawals may also result in the forfeiture of all or part of any premium bonus credited to the Guaranteed Account (see "Premium Bonus Option" in the contract prospectus). See "Contract Charges"; see also the "Fees" and "Taxation" sections of the contract prospectus. When a guaranteed term ends, if we have not received instructions from you, we will automatically reinvest the maturing investment into a new guaranteed term of similar length (see "Maturity of a Guaranteed Term" and "Maturity Value Transfer Provision"). If the same guaranteed term is no longer available, the next shortest guaranteed term available in the current deposit period will be used. If no shorter guaranteed term is available, the next longest guaranteed term will be used. If you do not provide instructions concerning the maturing amount on or before the end of a guaranteed term, and this amount is automatically reinvested as noted above, the maturity value transfer provision will apply. MATURITY VALUE TRANSFER PROVISION. This provision allows transfers or withdrawals of amounts automatically reinvested at the end of a guaranteed term without an MVA, if the transfer or withdrawal occurs during the calendar month immediately following a guaranteed term maturity date. As described in "Fees and Other Deductions" above, other fees, including an early withdrawal charge and a maintenance fee, may be assessed on amounts withdrawn. See "Maturity Value Transfer Provision." TRANSFER OF ACCOUNT DOLLARS. Generally, account dollars invested in the Guaranteed Account may be transferred among guaranteed terms offered GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 5 through the Guaranteed Account and/or to other investment options offered through the contract. However: > Transfers may not be made during the deposit period in which your account dollars are invested in the Guaranteed Account or for 90 days after the close of that deposit period; and > We may apply an MVA to transfers made before the end of a guaranteed term. INVESTMENTS. Guaranteed interest rates credited during any guaranteed term are not determined by investment performance. Deposits received into the Guaranteed Account will generally be invested in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate, certain other fixed income investments and cash or cash equivalents. All of our general assets are available to meet guarantees under the Guaranteed Account. Amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Account are held in a nonunitized separate account established by the Company under Iowa law. NOTIFICATION OF MATURITY. We will notify you at least 18 calendar days prior to the maturity of a guaranteed term. We will include information relating to the current deposit period's guaranteed interest rates and the available guaranteed terms. You may obtain information concerning available deposit periods, guaranteed interest rates and guaranteed terms by telephone (1-800-366-0066). See "Description of the ING USA Guaranteed Account--General" and "Maturity of a Guaranteed Term." GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 6 DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEED ACCOUNT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL The Guaranteed Account offers guaranteed interest rates for specific guaranteed terms. For a particular guaranteed interest rate and guaranteed term to apply to your account dollars, you must invest them during the deposit period in which that rate and term are offered. For guaranteed terms of one year or longer, we may offer different interest rates for specified time periods within a guaranteed term. We may also offer more than one guaranteed term of the same duration with different guaranteed interest rates. An MVA may be applied to any values withdrawn or transferred from a guaranteed term prior to the end of that guaranteed term, except for amounts transferred under the maturity value transfer provision, amounts transferred under the dollar cost averaging program, amounts withdrawn under a systematic distribution option, amounts withdrawn for minimum distributions required by the Tax Code and withdrawals due to your exercise of the right to cancel your contract. MVAs applied to withdrawals or transfers from the Guaranteed Account will be calculated as an "aggregate MVA," which is the sum of all MVAs applicable due to the withdrawal (see sidebar in "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)" section of this prospectus for an example of the calculation of the aggregate MVA). The following withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA only if it is positive: > Withdrawals due to the election of a lifetime income option; and > Unless otherwise noted, payment of a guaranteed death benefit (if paid within the first six months following death). All other withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, including: > Withdrawals due to the election of a nonlifetime income option; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit due to the death of a spousal beneficiary or a joint contract holder who continued the account in his or her name after the death of the other joint contract holder; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit more than six months after the date of death; and > Full or partial withdrawals during the accumulation phase (an MVA may not apply in certain situations, see "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)"). We maintain a toll-free telephone number for those wishing to obtain information concerning available deposit periods, guaranteed interest rates and guaranteed terms. The telephone number is 1-800-366-0066. At least 18 calendar days before a guaranteed term matures we will notify you of the upcoming deposit period dates and information on the current guaranteed interest rates, guaranteed terms and projected matured guaranteed term values. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GUARANTEED ACCOUNT You may invest in the guaranteed terms available in the current deposit period by allocating new payments to the Guaranteed Account or by GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 7 transferring a sum from other funding options available under the contract or from other guaranteed terms of the Guaranteed Account, subject to the transfer limitations described in the contract. We may limit the number of guaranteed terms you may select. Currently, if the dollar cost averaging program is in effect in a guaranteed term and you wish to add an additional deposit to be dollar cost averaged, all amounts to be dollar cost averaged will be combined and the dollar cost averaging amount will be recalculated. This will affect the duration of amounts in the guaranteed term. Although there is currently no limit, we reserve the right to limit the total number of investment options you may select at any one time during the life of the contract. For purposes of determining any limit, each guaranteed term counts as one investment option. Although we may require a minimum payment(s) to a contract, we do not require a minimum investment for a guaranteed term. Refer to the contract prospectus. There is a $500 minimum for transfers from other funding options. Investments may not be transferred from a guaranteed term during the deposit period in which the investment is applied or during the first 90 days after the close of the deposit period. This restriction does not apply to amounts transferred or withdrawn under the maturity value transfer provision, to amounts transferred under the dollar cost averaging program or, in some situations, withdrawn because you discontinued the dollar cost averaging program, or to amounts distributed under a systematic distribution option. See "Maturity Value Transfer Provision" and "Transfers." DEPOSIT PERIOD The deposit period is the period of time during which you may direct investments to a particular guaranteed term(s) and receive a stipulated guaranteed interest rate(s). The deposit period for a guaranteed term ends upon the commencement of that specific guaranteed term. Each deposit period may be a month, a calendar quarter or any other period of time we specify. GUARANTEED TERMS A guaranteed term is the time we specify during which we credit the guaranteed interest rate. We offer guaranteed terms at our discretion for various periods ranging up to and including ten years. We may limit the number of guaranteed terms you may select and may require enrollment in the dollar cost averaging program. GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES Guaranteed interest rates are the rates that we guarantee will be credited on amounts applied during a deposit period for a specific guaranteed term. We may offer different guaranteed interest rates on guaranteed terms of the same duration. Guaranteed interest rates are annual effective yields, reflecting a full year's interest. We credit interest at a rate that will provide the guaranteed annual effective yield over one year. Guaranteed interest rates are credited according to the length of the guaranteed term as follows: GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 8 GUARANTEED TERMS OF ONE YEAR OR LESS. The guaranteed interest rate is credited from the date of deposit to the last day of the guaranteed term. GUARANTEED TERMS OF GREATER THAN ONE YEAR. Several different guaranteed interest rates may be applicable during a guaranteed term of more than one year. The initial guaranteed interest rate is credited from the date of deposit to the end of a specified period within the guaranteed term. We may credit several different guaranteed interest rates for subsequent specific periods of time within the guaranteed term. For example, for a five-year guaranteed term we may guarantee 7% for the first year, 6.75% for the next two years and 6.5% for the remaining two years. We reserve the right, however, to apply one guaranteed interest rate for an entire guaranteed term. We will not guarantee or credit a guaranteed interest rate below the minimum rate specified in the contract, nor will we credit interest at a rate above the guaranteed interest rate we announce prior to the start of a deposit period. Our guaranteed interest rates are influenced by, but are not determined by, interest rates available on fixed income investments we may buy using deposits directed to the Guaranteed Account (see "Investments"). We consider other factors when determining guaranteed interest rates including regulatory and tax requirements, sales commissions and administrative expenses borne by the Company, general economic trends and competitive factors. WE MAKE THE FINAL DETERMINATION REGARDING GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES. WE CANNOT PREDICT THE LEVEL OF FUTURE GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES. MATURITY OF A GUARANTEED TERM. At least 18 calendar days prior to the maturity of a guaranteed term we will notify you of the upcoming deposit period, the projected value of the amount maturing at the end of the guaranteed term and the guaranteed interest rate(s) and guaranteed term(s) available for the current deposit period. When a guaranteed term matures, the amounts in any maturing guaranteed term may be: > Transferred to a new guaranteed term(s), if available under the contract; > Transferred to any of the allowable investment options available under the contract; or > Withdrawn from the contract. We do not apply an MVA to amounts transferred or withdrawn from a guaranteed term on the date the guaranteed term matures. Amounts withdrawn, however, may be subject to an early withdrawal charge, a maintenance fee, taxation and, if the contract holder is under age 59 1/2, tax penalties. Withdrawals may also result in the forfeiture of all or part of any premium bonus credited to the Guaranteed Account (see "Premium Bonus Option" in the contract prospectus). If we have not received direction from you by the maturity date of a guaranteed term, we will automatically transfer the matured term value to a new guaranteed term of similar length. If the same guaranteed term is no longer available, the next shortest guaranteed term available in the current deposit period will be used. If no shorter guaranteed term is available, the next longest guaranteed term will be used. Under the Guaranteed Account, each guaranteed term is counted as one funding option. If a guaranteed term matures, and is renewed for the same term, it will not count as an additional investment option for purposes of any limitation on the number of investment options. You will receive a confirmation statement, plus information on the new guaranteed rate(s) and guaranteed term. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 9 MATURITY VALUE TRANSFER PROVISION If we automatically reinvest the proceeds from a matured guaranteed term, you may transfer or withdraw from the Guaranteed Account the amount that was reinvested without an MVA. An early withdrawal charge and maintenance fee may apply to withdrawals. If the full amount reinvested is transferred or withdrawn, we will include interest credited to the date of the transfer or withdrawal. This provision is only available until the last business day of the month following the maturity date of the prior guaranteed term. This provision only applies to the first transfer or withdrawal request received from the contract holder with respect to a particular matured guaranteed term value, regardless of the amount involved in the transaction. TRANSFERS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We allow you to transfer all or a portion of your account value to the Guaranteed Account or to other investment options under the contract. We do not allow transfers from any guaranteed term to any other guaranteed term or investment option during the deposit period for that guaranteed term or for 90 days following the close of that deposit period. The 90-day wait does not apply to: > Amounts transferred on the maturity date or under the maturity value transfer provision; > Amounts transferred from the Guaranteed Account before the maturity date due to the election of an income phase payment option; > Amounts distributed under a systematic distribution option; > Amounts transferred from an available guaranteed term in connection with the dollar cost averaging program; and > Withdrawals due to your exercise of the right to cancel your contract. See the "Right to Cancel" section of the contract prospectus. Transfers after the 90-day period are permitted from a guaranteed term(s) to another guaranteed term(s) available during a deposit period or to other available investment options. We will apply an MVA to transfers made before the end of a guaranteed term. Transfers within one calendar month of a term's maturity date are not counted as one of the 12 free transfers of accumulated values in the account. When the contract holder requests the transfer of a specific dollar amount, we account for any applicable MVA in determining the amount to be withdrawn from a guaranteed term(s) to fulfill the request. Therefore, the amount we actually withdraw from the guaranteed term(s) may be more or less than the requested dollar amount (see "Appendix I" for an example). For more information on transfers, see the contract prospectus. WITHDRAWALS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The contract allows for full or partial withdrawals from the Guaranteed Account at any time during the accumulation phase. To make a full or partial withdrawal, a request form (available from us) must be properly completed and submitted to our Home Office (or other designated office as provided in the contract). [sidebar] BUSINESS DAY--Any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open. [end sidebar] GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 10 Partial withdrawals are made pro rata from each guaranteed term group. Within each guaranteed term group, we will first withdraw funds from the oldest deposit period until depleted, then from the next oldest and so on. We may apply an MVA to withdrawals made prior to the end of a guaranteed term, except for withdrawals made under the maturity value transfer provision (see "Market Value Adjustment"). We may deduct an early withdrawal charge and maintenance fee. The early withdrawal charge is a deferred sales charge which may be deducted upon withdrawal to reimburse us for some of the sales and administrative expenses associated with the contract. A maintenance fee, up to $30, may be deducted pro rata from each of the funding options, including the Guaranteed Account. Refer to the contract prospectus for a description of these charges. When a request for a partial withdrawal of a specific dollar amount is made, we will include the MVA in determining the amount to be withdrawn from the guaranteed term(s) to fulfill the request. Therefore, the amount we actually take from the guaranteed term(s) may be more or less than the dollar amount requested. See "Appendix I" for an example. DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS Under certain emergency conditions, we may defer payment of a Guaranteed Account withdrawal for up to six months. Refer to the contract prospectus for more details. REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE You may elect to reinstate all or a portion of a full withdrawal during the 30 days following such a withdrawal. We must receive amounts for reinstatement within 60 days of the withdrawal. We will apply reinstated amounts to the current deposit period(s). This means that the guaranteed annual interest rate(s) and guaranteed terms available on the date of reinstatement will apply. Amounts will be reinstated to the guaranteed terms in the same proportion as prior to the full withdrawal. We will not credit your account for market value adjustments or any premium bonus forfeited that we deducted at the time of withdrawal or refund any taxes that were withheld. Refer to the contract prospectus for further details. MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We apply an MVA to amounts transferred or withdrawn from the Guaranteed Account prior to the end of a guaranteed term. To accommodate early withdrawals or transfers, we may need to liquidate certain assets or use cash that could otherwise be invested at current interest rates. When we sell assets prematurely we could realize a profit or loss depending upon market conditions. The MVA reflects changes in interest rates since the deposit period. When interest rates increase after the deposit period, the value of the investment decreases and the MVA amount will be negative. Conversely, when interest rates decrease after the deposit period, the value of the investment increases and the MVA amount will be positive. Therefore, [sidebar] AGGREGATE MVA--The total of all MVAs applied due to a transfer or withdrawal. CALCULATION OF THE AGGREGATE MVA--In order to satisfy a transfer or withdrawal, amounts may be withdrawn from more than one guaranteed term, with more than one guaranteed interest rate. In order to determine the MVA applicable to such a transfer or withdrawal, the MVAs applicable to EACH GUARANTEED TERM will be added together, in order to determine the "aggregate MVA." Example: $1,000 withdrawal, two guaranteed terms, MVA1 = $10, MVA2 = $-30 $10 + $-30 = $-20. Aggregate MVA = $-20. Example: $1,000 withdrawal, two guaranteed terms, MVA1 = $30, MVA2 = $-10 $30 + $-10 = $20. Aggregate MVA = $20. [sidebar] GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 11 the application of an MVA may increase or decrease the amount withdrawn from a guaranteed term to satisfy a withdrawal or transfer request. An MVA will not apply to: > Amounts transferred or withdrawn at the end of a guaranteed term; > Transactions made under the maturity value transfer provision; > Transfers due to participation in the dollar cost averaging program*; > Amounts distributed under a systematic distribution option--see "Systematic Distribution Options" in the contract prospectus; or > Withdrawals for minimum distributions required by the Tax Code and for which the early withdrawal charge is waived. *If you discontinue the dollar cost averaging program and transfer the amounts in it, subject to the Company's terms and conditions governing guaranteed terms, to another guaranteed term, an MVA will apply. MVAs applied to withdrawals or transfers from the Guaranteed Account will be calculated as an "aggregate MVA," which is the sum of all MVAs applicable due to the withdrawal (see sidebar above for an example of the calculation of the aggregate MVA). The following withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA only if it is positive: > Withdrawals due to the election of a lifetime income option; and > Unless otherwise noted, payment of a guaranteed death benefit (if paid within the first six months following death). All other withdrawals will be subject to an aggregate MVA, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, including: > Withdrawals due to the election of a nonlifetime income option; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit due to the death of a spousal beneficiary or a joint contract holder who continued the account in his or her name after the death of the other joint contract holder; > Payment of a guaranteed death benefit more than six months after the date of death; and > Full or partial withdrawals during the accumulation phase (an MVA may not apply in certain situations, as noted above). CALCULATION OF THE MVA The amount of the MVA depends upon the relationship between: > The deposit period yield of U.S. Treasury Notes that will mature in the last quarter of the guaranteed term; and > The current yield of such U. S. Treasury Notes at the time of withdrawal. If the current yield is less than the deposit period yield, the MVA will decrease the amount withdrawn from a guaranteed term to satisfy a transfer or withdrawal request (the MVA will be positive). If the current yield is greater than the deposit period yield, the MVA will increase the amount withdrawn from a guaranteed term (the MVA will be negative or detrimental to the investor). GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 12 DEPOSIT PERIOD YIELD We determine the deposit period yield used in the MVA calculation by considering interest rates prevailing during the deposit period of the guaranteed term from which the transfer or withdrawal will be made. First, we identify the Treasury Notes that mature in the last three months of the guaranteed term. Then, we determine their yield-to-maturity percentages for the last business day of each week in the deposit period. We then average the resulting percentages to determine the deposit period yield. Treasury Note information may be found each business day in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, which publishes the yield-to-maturity percentages for all Treasury Notes as of the preceding business day. CURRENT YIELD We use the same Treasury Notes identified for the deposit period yield to determine the current yield--Treasury Notes that mature in the last three months of the guaranteed term. However, we use the yield-to-maturity percentages for the last business day of the week preceding the withdrawal and average those percentages to get the current yield. MVA FORMULA The mathematical formula used to determine the MVA is: { (1+I/1+j) }^(X/365) where I is the deposit period yield; J is the current yield; and X is the number of days remaining (computed from Wednesday of the week of withdrawal) in the guaranteed term. (For examples of how we calculate MVA, refer to Appendix I.) We make an adjustment in the formula of the MVA to reflect the period of time remaining in the guaranteed term from the Wednesday of the week of a withdrawal. CONTRACT CHARGES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Certain charges may be deducted directly or indirectly from the funding options available under the contract, including the Guaranteed Account. The contract may have a maintenance fee of up to $30 that we will deduct, on an annual basis, pro rata from all funding options including the Guaranteed Account. We may also deduct a maintenance fee upon full withdrawal of a contract. The contract may have an early withdrawal charge that we will deduct, if applicable, upon a full or partial withdrawal from the contract. If the withdrawal occurs prior to the maturity of a guaranteed term, both the early withdrawal charge and an MVA may be assessed. We do not make deductions from amounts in the Guaranteed Account to cover mortality and expense risks. Rather, we consider these risks when determining the interest rate to be credited. Also, if you elected the premium bonus option, a charge will be deducted from amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Account, resulting in a 0.50% reduction in the interest which would have been credited to your account during the first seven account years if you had not elected the premium bonus option. See the "Fee Tables," "Fees" and "Premium Bonus Option" sections of the contract prospectus. We may deduct a charge for premium taxes of up to 4% from amounts in the Guaranteed Account. During the accumulation phase, we reserve the right to charge transfer fees of up to $10 per transfer from amounts held in or transferred from the Guaranteed Account. Refer to the contract prospectus for details on contract deductions. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 13 OTHER TOPICS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE COMPANY ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, (formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company) ("ING USA") is an Iowa stock life insurance company, which was originally incorporated in Minnesota on January 2, 1973. ING USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc. ("Lion Connecticut"), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V. ("ING"), a global financial services holding company based in The Netherlands. ING USA is authorized to sell insurance and annuities in all states, except New York, and the District of Columbia. Lion Connecticut is the holding company for Equitable Life and Directed Services, Inc., distributor of the Contracts, and other interests. Our principal office is located at: 1475 Dunwoody Drive West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 INCOME PHASE The Guaranteed Account may not be used as a funding option during the income phase. Amounts invested in guaranteed terms must be transferred to one or more of the options available to fund income payments before income payments can begin. An aggregate MVA, as previously described, may be applied to amounts transferred to fund income payments before the end of a guaranteed term. Amounts used to fund lifetime income payments will receive either a positive aggregate MVA or none at all; however, amounts transferred to fund a nonlifetime income payment option may receive either a positive or negative aggregate MVA. Refer to the contract prospectus for a discussion of the income phase. INVESTMENTS Amounts applied to the Guaranteed Account will be allocated to a nonunitized separate account established under Iowa law. A nonunitized separate account is a separate account in which the contract holder does not participate in the performance of the assets through unit values or any other interest. Contract holders allocating funds to the nonunitized separate account do not receive a unit value of ownership of assets accounted for in this separate account. The risk of investment gain or loss is borne entirely by the Company. All Company obligations due to allocations to the nonunitized separate account are contractual guarantees of the Company and are accounted for in the separate account. All of the general assets of the Company are available to meet our contractual guarantees. Income, gains and losses of the separate account are credited to or charged against the separate account without regard to other income, gains or losses of the Company. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 14 TYPES OF INVESTMENTS. We intend to invest primarily in investment-grade fixed income securities including: > Securities issued by the United States Government; > Issues of United States Government agencies or instrumentalities (these issues may or may not be guaranteed by the United States Government); > Debt securities which have an investment grade, at the time of purchase, within the four highest grades assigned by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa), Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or any other nationally-recognized rating service; > Other debt instruments, including those issued or guaranteed by banks or bank holding companies, and of corporations, which although not rated by Moody's, Standard & Poor's or other nationally-recognized rating services, are deemed by the Company's management to have an investment quality comparable to securities which may be purchased as stated above; and > Commercial paper, cash or cash equivalents and other short-term investments having a maturity of less than one year which are considered by the Company's management to have investment quality comparable to securities which may be purchased as stated above. We may invest in futures and options. We purchase financial futures, related options and options on securities solely for non-speculative hedging purposes. Should securities prices be expected to decline, we may sell a futures contract or purchase a put option on futures or securities to protect the value of securities held in or to be sold for the nonunitized separate account. Similarly, if securities prices are expected to rise, we may purchase a futures contract or a call option against anticipated positive cash flow or may purchase options on securities. WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO INVEST THE ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTRACT ACCORDING TO ANY PARTICULAR STRATEGY, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY IOWA AND OTHER STATE INSURANCE LAWS. THE GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES ESTABLISHED BY THE COMPANY ARE NOT DETERMINED BY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NONUNITIZED SEPARATE ACCOUNT. DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS Directed Services, Inc. (DSI) is principal underwriter and distributor of the contract as well as for other contracts issued through the separate account and other separate accounts of ING USA. The principal address of DSI is 1475 Dunwoody Drive, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380. DSI enters into sales agreements with broker-dealers to sell the contracts through registered representatives who are licensed to sell securities and variable insurance products. These broker-dealers are registered with the SEC and are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). For additional information, see the contract prospectus. TAXATION You should seek advice from your tax adviser as to the application of federal (and where applicable, state and local) tax laws to amounts paid to or distributed under the contract. Refer to the contract prospectus for a discussion of tax considerations. TAXATION OF THE COMPANY. We are taxed as a life insurance company under Part I of Subchapter L of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We own all assets supporting the contract obligations of the Guaranteed Account. Any income earned on such assets is considered income to the Company. We do not intend to make any provision or impose a charge under the contract with respect to any tax liability of the Company. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 15 TAXATION OF PAYMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. For information concerning the tax treatment of payments to and distributions from the contract, please refer to the contract prospectus. EXPERTS We have included and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part and / or into this prospectus the consolidated financial statements and schedules of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company), as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing and incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part. These consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Company appearing in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been audited by Ernst & Young. Such financial statements and schedules are included and incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are, or may be in the future, a defendant in various legal proceedings in connection with the normal conduct of our insurance operations. Some of these cases may seek class action status and may include a demand for punitive damages as well as for compensatory damages. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of any existing legal proceeding is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our obligations under the contract. Directed Services, Inc., the principal underwriter and distributor of the contract, is not involved in any legal proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to distribute the contract. FURTHER INFORMATION This prospectus does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Portions of the registration statement have been omitted from this prospectus as allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You may obtain the omitted information from the offices of the SEC, as described below. We are required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. You may inspect or copy information concerning the Company at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at: Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street NW Washington, DC 20549 GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 16 You may also obtain copies of these materials at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Room of the above office. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at either 1-800-SEC-0330 or 1-202-942-8090. You may also find more information about the Company at WWW.ING.COM. A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 accompanies this prospectus. We refer to Form 10-K for a description of the Company and its business, including financial statements. We intend to send contract holders annual account statements and other such legally required reports. We do not anticipate such reports will include periodic financial statements or information concerning the Company. You can find this prospectus and other information the Company files electronically with the SEC on the SEC's web site at WWW.SEC.GOV. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE We have incorporated by reference the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC and in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The Annual Report must accompany this prospectus. Form 10-K contains additional information about the Company including financial statements for the latest fiscal year. We were not required to file any other reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by that Form 10-K. The registration statement for this prospectus incorporates some documents by reference. We will provide a free copy of any such documents upon the written or oral request of anyone who has received this prospectus. We will not include exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into the document. Direct requests to: ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company Attn: Customer Service Department P.O. Box 9271 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9271 1-800-366-0066 INQUIRIES You may contact us directly by writing or calling us at the address or phone number shown above. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 17 APPENDIX I EXAMPLES OF MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT CALCULATIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following are examples of market value adjustment (MVA) calculations using several hypothetical deposit period yields and current yields. These examples do not include the effect of any early withdrawal charge or other fees or deductions that may be assessed under the contract upon withdrawal. EXAMPLE I Assumptions: Assumptions: i, the deposit period yield, is 4% i, the deposit period yield, is 5% j, the current yield, is 6% j, the current yield, is 6% x, the number of days remaining x, the number of days remaining (computed from Wednesday of the (computed from Wednesday of the week of withdrawal) in the week of withdrawal) in the guaranteed term, is 927. guaranteed term, is 927. MVA = { (1+i)/(1+j) }^(x/365) MVA = { (1+i)/(1+j) }^(x/365) = { (1.04)/(1.06) }^(927/365) = { (1.05)/(1.06) }^(927/365) =.9528 =.9762 In this example, the deposit period In this example, the deposit period yield of 4% is less than the yield of 5% is less than the current yield of 6%; therefore, the current yield of 6%; therefore, the MVA is less than one. The amount MVA is less than one. The amount withdrawn from the guaranteed term withdrawn from the guaranteed term is multiplied by this MVA. is multiplied by this MVA. If a withdrawal or transfer of a If a withdrawal or transfer of a specific dollar amount is specific dollar amount is requested, the amount withdrawn requested, the amount withdrawn from a guaranteed term will be from a guaranteed term will be increased to compensate for the increased to compensate for the negative MVA amount. For example, a negative MVA amount. For example, a withdrawal request to receive a withdrawal request to receive a check for $2,000 would result in a check for $2,000 would result in a $2,099.08 withdrawal from the $2,048.76 withdrawal from the guaranteed term. guaranteed term. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 18 EXAMPLE II Assumptions: Assumptions: i, the deposit period yield, is 6% i, the deposit period yield, is 5% j, the current yield, is 4% j, the current yield, is 4% x, the number of days remaining x, the number of days remaining (computed from Wednesday of the (computed from Wednesday of the week of withdrawal) in the week of withdrawal) in the guaranteed term, is 927. guaranteed term, is 927. MVA = { (1+i)/(1+j) }^(x/365) MVA = { (1+i)/(1+j) }^(x/365) = { (1.06)/(1.04) }^(927/365) = { (1.05)/(1.04) }^(927/365) =1.0496 =1.0246 In this example, the deposit period In this example, the deposit period yield of 6% is greater than the yield of 5% is greater than the current yield of 4%; therefore, the current yield of 4%; therefore, the MVA is greater than one. The amount MVA is greater than one. The amount withdrawn from the guaranteed term withdrawn from the guaranteed term is multiplied by this MVA. is multiplied by this MVA. If a withdrawal or transfer of a If a withdrawal or transfer of a specific dollar amount is specific dollar amount is requested, the amount withdrawn requested, the amount withdrawn from a guaranteed term will be from a guaranteed term will be decreased to compensate for the decreased to compensate for the positive MVA amount. For example, a positive MVA amount. For example, a withdrawal request to receive a withdrawal request to receive a check for $2,000 would result in a check for $2,000 would result in a $1,905.49 withdrawal from the $1,951.98 withdrawal from the guaranteed term. guaranteed term. GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 19 APPENDIX II EXAMPLES OF MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT YIELDS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following hypothetical examples show the MVA based upon a given current yield at various times remaining in the guaranteed term. Table A illustrates the application of the MVA based upon a deposit period yield of 6%; Table B illustrates the application of the MVA based upon a deposit period yield of 5%. The MVA will have either a positive or negative influence on the amount withdrawn from or remaining in a guaranteed term. Also, the amount of the MVA generally decreases as the end of the guaranteed term approaches. TABLE A: DEPOSIT PERIOD YIELD OF 6% CHANGE IN DEPOSIT CURRENT PERIOD TIME REMAINING TO YIELD YIELD MATURITY OF GUARANTEED TERM - --------- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------- 8 YEARS 6 YEARS 4 YEARS 2 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 MONTHS ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ -------- 9% 3% -20.0% -15.4% -10.6% -5.4% -2.8% -0.7% 8% 2% 13.9% -10.6% -7.2% -3.7% -1.9% -0.5% 7% 1% -7.2% -5.5% -3.7% -1.9% -0.9% -0.2% 6% 0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4% -2% 16.5% 12.1% 7.9% 3.9% 1.9% 0.5% 3% -3% 25.8% 18.8% 12.2% 5.9% 2.9% 0.7% 2% -4% 36.0% 26.0% 16.6% 8.0% 3.9% 1.0% 1% -5% 47.2% 33.6% 21.3% 10.1% 5.0% 1.2% TABLE B: DEPOSIT PERIOD YIELD OF 5% CHANGE IN DEPOSIT CURRENT PERIOD TIME REMAINING TO YIELD YIELD MATURITY OF GUARANTEED TERM - --------- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------- 8 YEARS 6 YEARS 4 YEARS 2 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 MONTHS ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ -------- 9% 3% -25.9% -20.1% -13.9% -7.2% -3.7% -0.9% 8% 2% -20.2 -15.6 -10.7 -5.5 -2.8 -0.7 7% 1% -14.0 -10.7 -7.3 -3.7 -1.9 -0.5 6% 0% -7.3 -5.5 -3.7 -1.9 -0.9 -0.2 4% -2% 8.0 5.9 3.9 1.9 1.0 0.2 3% -3% 16.6 12.2 8.0 3.9 1.9 0.5 2% -4% 26.1 19.0 12.3 6.0 2.9 0.7 1% -5% 36.4 26.2 16.8 8.1 4.0 1.0 GA Guaranteed Account - 131935 20 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 ----------------- Commission file number: 333-57212, 333-104539, 333-104546, 333-104547, and 333-104548 ---------------------------------- ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Iowa 41-0991508 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (IRS employer of incorporation or organization identification no.) 1475 Dunwoody Drive, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380-1478 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (610) 425-3400 -------------- Golden American Life Insurance Company - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of Act: None 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 [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes [ X ] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [ X ] APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 250,000 shares of Common Stock as of March 25, 2004, all of which were directly owned by Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc. NOTE: WHEREAS ING USA ANNUITY AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-K, THIS FORM IS BEING FILED WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(2). ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Annual Report on Form 10-K For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS Form 10-K Item No. Page PART I Item 1. Business** 3 Item 2. Properties** 5 Item 3. Legal Proceedings 6 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders* 6 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 6 Item 6. Selected Financial Data* 6 Item 7. Management's Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations and Financial Condition** 6 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 16 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 18 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 56 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 56 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant* 56 Item 11. Executive Compensation* 57 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management* 57 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions* 57 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services* 57 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 58 Index on Financial Statement Schedules 62 Signatures 66 * Item omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K, except as to Part III, Item 10 with respect to compliance with Sections 406 and 407 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 ** Item prepared in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K PART I Item 1. Business Organization of Business ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Golden American Life Insurance Company) ("ING USA" or the "Company" as appropriate), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc. ("Lion" or "Parent"), is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Iowa. ING USA was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota on January 2, 1973, in the name of St. Paul Life Insurance Company. On December 21, 1993, the Company redomesticated from Minnesota to Delaware. On January 1, 2004 several events occurred. First, the Company redomesticated from Delaware to Iowa. Secondly, on January 1, 2004 (the "merger date"), Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("Equitable Life"), USG Annuity & Life Company ("USG") and United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("ULA") (the "Merger Companies"), merged with and into Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden American"). Also on January 1, 2004, immediately after the merger, Golden American changed its name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. As of the merger date, the Merger Companies ceased to exist and were merged into ING USA. Lion is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V. ("ING"), a global financial services holding company based in The Netherlands. ING USA is authorized to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except New York. ING USA is licensed as a life insurance company under the laws of the State of Delaware until December 31, 2003 and Iowa since January 1, 2004. Prior to the merger date, ING USA was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life from December 30, 2001 through December 31, 2003. Formerly, from October 24, 1997, until December 30, 2001, Equitable of Iowa Companies, Inc. ("EIC" or "Former Holding Company") directly owned 100% of Golden American's stock. On December 3, 2001, the Board of Directors of EIC approved a plan to contribute its holding of stock of Golden American to another wholly-owned subsidiary, Equitable Life. The contribution of stock occurred on December 31, 2001, following approval by the Insurance Department of Delaware. As of April 1, 2002, ING USA sold First Golden American Life Insurance Company of New York ("First Golden") to its sister company, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar"). ReliaStar, the parent of Security-Connecticut Life Insurance Company ("Security-Connecticut") which in turn is the parent of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York ("RLNY"), merged the First Golden business into RLNY operations and dissolved First Golden at book value for $27.7 million in cash and a receivable totaling $0.2 million from RLNY. The receivable from RLNY was assumed by Equitable Life, and ultimately by ING. The consideration was based on First Golden's statutory-basis book value. RLNY's payable to the Company was assumed by ING and subsequently forgiven. ING USA realized a loss of $3.0 million related to the sale of First Golden, which was recorded as a capital transaction. Approval for the merger was obtained from the Insurance Departments of the States of New York and Delaware. 3 As of October 1, 2003, RLNY's parent, Security-Connecticut merged with and into its parent, ReliaStar. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations" excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control and is therefore covered by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 16, "Business Combinations". RLNY presented combined results of operations including First Golden activity as of the beginning of the period ending December 31, 2002. The first three months of First Golden activity is not reflected in the Golden statement of financial position or other financial information for the period ended December 31, 2002, as the amounts were not material. Products and Services Management has determined that under FAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", the Company has one operating segment, ING U.S. Financial Services ("USFS"). The Company offers a portfolio of variable and fixed insurance products designed to meet customer needs for tax-advantaged savings for retirement and protection from death. The Company believes longer life expectancies, an aging population, and growing concern over the stability and availability of the Social Security system have made retirement planning a priority for many Americans. The target market for all products is consumers and corporations throughout the United States. Variable annuities are long-term savings vehicles in which contract owner premiums (purchase payments) are recorded and maintained in subaccounts within a separate account established and registered with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a unit investment trust. Many of the variable annuities issued by ING USA are combination variable and fixed deferred annuity contracts under which some or all of the premiums may be allocated by the contract owner to a fixed account available under the contract. Principal Markets and Method of Distribution The Company continued to expand distribution systems during 2003. Broad-based distribution networks are key to realizing a growing share of the wealth accumulation marketplace. The principal distribution channels of the Company's variable and fixed insurance products include national wirehouses, regional securities firms, independent National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") firms with licensed registered representatives, banks, life insurance companies with captive agency sales forces, independent insurance agents and independent marketing organizations. The Company plans to establish new relationships and increase penetration with key distributors in existing channels. In addition, growth opportunities exist through increased utilization of the ING broker/dealer network and the cross-selling of ING products. 4 Competition The current business and regulatory environment presents many challenges to the insurance industry. The variable and fixed annuity competitive environment remains intense and is dominated by a number of large highly-rated insurance companies. Increasing competition from traditional insurance carriers as well as banks and mutual fund companies offers consumers many choices. The economic environment during 2003 was characterized by record low interest rates, a modest recovery in the economy and a strong recovery in the equity market as evidenced by a 26.4% growth rate in the S&P 500 indices. There is an aging U.S. population which is increasingly concerned about retirement, estate planning, maintaining its standard of living in retirement; and potential reductions in government and employer-provided benefits at retirement, as well as lower public confidence in the adequacy of those benefits. Regulation The Company's operations are subject to comprehensive regulation throughout the United States. The laws of the various jurisdictions establish supervisory agencies, including the state insurance departments, with board authority to grant licenses to transact business and regulate many aspects of the products and services offered by the Company, as well as solvency and reserve adequacy. Many agencies also regulate investment activities on the basis of quality, diversification, and other quantitative criteria. The Company's operations and accounts are subject to examination at regular intervals by certain of these regulators. ING USA is subject to the insurance laws of the state in which organized and of the other jurisdictions in which it transacts business. Through December 31, 2003, the primary regulator of the ING USA insurance operations is the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Delaware; beginning January 1, 2004, its primary regulator will be the Division of Insurance for the State of Iowa. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD") and, to a lesser extent, the states regulate sales and investment management activities and operations of the Company. Regulations of the SEC, Department of Labor ("DOL") and Internal Revenue Service also impact certain of the Company's annuity and other investment products. These products involve Separate Accounts and mutual funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Item 2. Properties The Company's principal executive office is located at 1475 Dunwoody Drive, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19380-1478. All Company office space is leased or subleased by the Company or its other affiliates. The Company pays substantially all expenses associated with its leased and subleased office properties. Expenses not paid directly by the Company are paid for by an affiliate and allocated back to the Company. 5 Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of such lawsuits, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters As of December 31, 2003, all of the Company's outstanding shares were owned by Equitable Life, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion, whose ultimate parent is ING. As of January 1, 2004, all of the Company's outstanding shares are owned by Lion as a result of the affiliate mergers described in Part I, Item 1. Item 6. Selected Financial Data Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) of Form 10-K. Item 7. Management's Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations and Financial Condition Overview The following narrative analysis of the results of operations and financial condition presents a review of the Company for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2003 versus 2002. This review should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other data presented herein. 6 Change in Accounting Principle During 2002, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset" ("FAS No. 142"). The adoption of this standard resulted in an impairment loss of $135.3 million. The Company, in accordance with FAS No. 142, recorded the impairment loss retroactive to the first quarter of 2002; prior quarters of 2002 were restated accordingly. This impairment loss represented the entire carrying amount of goodwill, net of accumulated amortization. This impairment charge was shown as a change in accounting principle on the December 31, 2002 Consolidated Income Statement. Results of Operations Fee income and other income for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased by $80.6 million compared to the same period in 2002, primarily due to an increase in the average variable assets under management by the Company. The increase in average variable assets under administration reflects continued business growth in the Company's variable product lines, as well as the impact of the 2003 equity market recovery on contract holder account values. Net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased by $122.6 million compared to the same period in 2002. This increase in net investment income is primarily due to higher average fixed assets under management during the year, resulting from having strong fixed product sales in mid-year 2002, which increased the average inforce for the full year in 2003. This increase was partially offset by reduced new money yields, which were negatively impacted by the low interest rate environment. Net realized capital gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $40.4 million compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to futures trading losses related to the Company's dynamic hedging program to mitigate the Company's product living and death benefit guarantee exposures resulting from the volatility in the equity markets. Excluding the futures losses there is an increase in net realized capital gains of $94.5 million. Net realized gains result from sale of fixed maturity investments having a fair value greater than book value primarily due to declining interest rates. Interest credited and other benefits to the policyholders for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased by $1.7 million compared to the same period in 2002. The increase is primarily due to the Company's growth in interest credited related to its higher average fixed account values in force being largely offset by reduced guaranteed living and death benefit reserves related to the strong equity market recovery. General expenses for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $15.9 million compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease is primarily due to a lower allocation of corporate and service charges from the Company's parent and other affiliates who provide service to the Company, as a result of increased efficiencies gained from ING's 7 company-wide cost reduction efforts. Also contributing to the decrease is a decline in fixed business sales resulting in lower general expenses. Commissions for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $38.4 million compared to the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily due to lower sales in the Company's fixed product portfolio. Also contributing to the decrease is a negative ceding commission related to the recapture of an affiliate reinsurance agreement in the first quarter of the year. Policy acquisition costs deferred for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $81.4 million compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to lower selling expenses on lower fixed product sales, as well as the deferral of a net gain attributed to the recapture of an affiliated reinsurance agreement. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired for the year ended December 31, 2003, increased by $56.9 million compared to the same period in 2002. Amortization of long-duration products is reflected in proportion to actual and estimated future gross profits. Estimated future gross profits are computed based on underlying assumptions related to the underlying contracts, including but not limited to interest margins, surrenders, withdrawals, expenses, and asset growth. The increase in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of insurance acquired reflects the impact of these variables on the overall book of business. Expense and charges reimbursed under modified coinsurance ("MODCO") agreements for the year ended December 31, 2003, increased by $26.7 million compared to the same period in 2002. This balance reflects the net cash flows associated with affiliate MODCO agreements covering certain variable annuity business. The increase is primarily due to an increase in expense allowance related to new business written and covered by MODCO. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003, decreased by $2.3 million compared to the same period in 2002. Interest expense reduced for the year of 2003, due to the repayment of two surplus notes on June 28, 2002 to Equitable Life. Principal amounts of the notes were for $50 million and $25 million. The Insurance Department of the State of Delaware approved the repayments of these notes. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle for the year ended December 31, 2002, was a loss of $135.3 million net of taxes, related to the adoption of FAS No. 142, which addresses the value of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. 8 Net income, excluding change in accounting principle and net realized capital gains and losses (net of taxes), increased by $131.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in net earnings is primarily the result of increased fee income, reduced variable product benefit guarantees related to the equity market recovery, partially offset by lower fixed margins resulting from the depressed interest rate environment, and increased amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired. Financial Condition Investments Fixed Maturities Total fixed maturities reflected net unrealized capital gains of $176.3 million and $216.3 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. It is management's objective that the portfolio of fixed maturities be of high quality and be well diversified by market sector. The fixed maturities in the Company's portfolio are generally rated by external rating agencies and, if not externally rated, are rated by the Company on a basis believed to be similar to that used by the rating agencies. The average quality rating of the Company's fixed maturities portfolio was A+ and AA+ at December 31, 2003 and 2002. Fixed maturities rated BBB and below may have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to make principal and interest payments than is the case with higher rated fixed maturities. In addition, the Company invests in structured securities that meet the criteria of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets". Under EITF Issue No. 99-20, a determination of the required impairment is based on credit risk and the possibility of significant prepayment risk that restricts the Company's ability to recover the investment. An impairment is recognized if the fair value of the security is less than book value and there has been an adverse change in cash flow since the last remeasurement date. When a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the individual security is written down to fair value and the loss is accounted for as a realized loss. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity is the ability of the Company to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the cash requirements of operating, investing, and financing activities. The Company's principal sources of liquidity are annuity premiums and product charges, investment income, maturing investments, proceeds from debt issuance, and capital contributions. Primary uses of these funds are payments of commissions and operating expenses, interest and premium credits, investment purchases, repayment of debt, as well as withdrawals and surrenders. 9 The Company's liquidity position is managed by maintaining adequate levels of liquid assets, such as cash or cash equivalents and short-term investments. Additional sources of liquidity include borrowing facilities to meet short-term cash requirements. The Company maintains a $40.0 million revolving note facility with ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING AIH"), a perpetual $75.0 million revolving note facility with Bank of New York and a $125.0 million revolving note facility with SunTrust Bank which expires on July 30, 2004. Management believes that these sources of liquidity are adequate to meet the Company's short-term cash obligations. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. These requirements are intended to allow insurance regulators to monitor the capitalization of insurance companies based upon the type and mixture of risks inherent in a Company's operations. The formula includes components for asset risk, liability risk, interest rate exposure, and other factors. The Company has complied with the NAIC's risk-based capital reporting requirements. Amounts reported indicate that the Company has total adjusted capital above all required capital levels. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, ING USA received capital contributions of $230.0 million, $356.3 million and $196.8 million, respectively. Critical Accounting Policies General The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis based on historical developments, market conditions, industry trends and other information that is reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operations will not be affected in a materially adverse manner by the need to make future accounting adjustments to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions from time to time. The Company has identified the following estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability: investment impairment testing, amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired and goodwill impairment testing. In developing these estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that are inherently uncertain and subject to material changes as facts and circumstances develop. Although variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are appropriate based upon the facts available upon compilation of the consolidated financial statements. 10 Investment Impairment Testing The Company reviews the general account investments for impairments by analyzing the amount and length of time amortized cost has exceeded fair value, and by making certain estimates and assumptions regarding the issuing companies' business prospects, future economic conditions and market forecasts. Based on the facts and circumstances of each case, management uses judgment in deciding whether any calculated impairments are temporary or other than temporary. For those impairments judged to be other than temporary, the Company reduces the carrying value of those investments to the current fair value and records impairment losses for the difference (refer to Note 2). Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") and value of business acquired ("VOBA") are amortized with interest over the life of the contracts (usually 25 years) in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits from projected interest margins, asset-based fees, policy administration and surrender charges less policy maintenance fees and non-capitalized commissions. Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on the calculation of DAC/VOBA and its related amortization patterns. Due to the relative size of DAC/VOBA balance and the sensitivity of the calculation to minor changes in the underlying assumptions and the related volatility that could result in the reported DAC/VOBA balance, the Company performs a quarterly analysis of DAC/VOBA. At each balance sheet date, actual historical gross profits are reflected and expected future gross profits and related assumptions are evaluated for continued reasonableness. Any adjustment in estimated profit requires that the amortization rate be revised retroactively to the date of policy or contract issuance ("unlocking"), which could be significant. The cumulative difference related to prior periods is recognized as a component of current period's amortization, along with amortization associated with the actual gross profits of the period. In general, increases in estimated returns result in increased expected future profitability and may lower the rate of amortization, while increases in lapse/surrender and mortality assumptions or decreases in returns reduce the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may increase the rate of amortization. One of the most significant assumptions involved in the estimation of future gross profits for variable universal life and variable deferred annuity products is the assumed return associated with future variable account performance. To reflect the near-term and long-term volatility in the equity markets, this assumption involves a combination of near-term expectations and a long-term assumption about market performance. The overall return generated by the variable account is dependent on several factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds as well as equity sector weightings. As part of the regular analysis of DAC/VOBA, at the end of third quarter of 2002, the Company unlocked its long-term rate of return assumptions. The Company reset long-term assumptions for the separate account returns to 9.0% (gross before fund management fees and mortality and expense and other policy charges), as of December 31, 2002, reflecting a blended return of equity and other sub-accounts. 11 The initial unlocking adjustment in 2002 was primarily driven by the sustained downturn in the equity markets and revised expectations for future returns. During 2002, the Company recorded an acceleration of DAC/VOBA amortization totaling $91.5 million before tax, or $59.5 million, net of $32.0 million of federal income tax benefit. The Company has remained unlocked during 2003, and reset long-term assumptions for the separate account returns from 9.0% to 8.5% (gross before fund management fees and mortality and expense and other policy charges), as of December 31, 2003, maintaining a blended return of equity and other sub-accounts. The 2003 unlocking adjustment from the previous year was primarily driven by improved market performance. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded a deceleration of DAC/VOBA amortization totaling $41.3 million before tax, or $26.9 million, net of $14.4 million of federal income tax expense. Goodwill Impairment Testing The Company tested goodwill as of January 1, 2002 for impairment using fair value calculations based on the present value of estimated future cash flows from business currently in force and business that we estimate we will add in the future. These calculations require management to make estimates on the amount of future revenues and the appropriate discount rate. The calculated fair value of goodwill and the resulting impairment loss recorded is based on these estimates, which require a significant amount of management judgment. The adoption of FAS No. 142 resulted in the impairment of the Company's entire goodwill balance during 2002. Refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the results of the Company's goodwill testing procedures and to Management's Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations for the impact these procedures had on the Company's income. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", an Interpretation of ARB No.51 (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB modified FIN 46 to make certain technical corrections and address certain implementation issues that had arisen. FIN 46 provides a new framework for identifying variable interest entities (VIEs) and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited-liability corporation, trust, or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets that either (1) has an insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) has a group of equity owners that are unable to make significant decisions about its activities, or (3) has a group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns generated by its operations. FIN 46 requires a VIE to be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable 12 interest holder) is obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE's activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the VIE's residual returns (if no party absorbs a majority of the VIE's losses), or both. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE's assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated based on majority voting interest. FIN 46 also requires disclosures about VIEs that the variable interest holder is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. At December 31, 2003, the Company held the following investments that, for purposes of FIN 46, were evaluated and determined that the investments do not require consolidation in the Company's financial statements: Asset Type Purpose Book Value (1) Market Value ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------ Private Corporate Securities - synthetic leases; project financings; credit tenant leases Investment Holdings $ 1,057.2 $ 1,114.6 Foreign Securities - US VIE subsidiaries of foreign companies Investment Holdings 190.3 203.0 Commercial Mortgage Obligations (CMO) Investment Holdings 888.5 893.9 Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO) Investment Holdings and/or Collateral Manager 4.9 4.3 Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) Investment Holdings 479.9 482.3 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) Investment Holdings 325.4 342.0 (1) Represents maximum exposure to loss except for those structures for which the Company also receives asset management fees. Contractual Obligations As of December 31, 2003, the Company had certain contractual obligations due over a period of time as summarized in the following table: Payments due by Period (in millions) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Less than More than Contractual Obligations Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years ----------------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Long-Term Debt $ 502.5 $ 13.0 $ 25.9 $ 25.9 $ 437.7 Operating Lease Obligations 15.1 2.2 4.7 4.8 3.4 Purchase Obligations 25.2 25.2 - - - ------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- Total $ 542.8 $ 40.4 $ 30.6 $ 30.7 $ 441.1 ======= ========= ========= ========= ========== The Company's long-term debt consists of three surplus notes and the related interest payable. Two of the notes are with Equitable Life and have outstanding principal balances of $60.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively. The related interest rates and maturity dates for the Equitable Life notes are 7.25% and 7.75%, and December 29, 2028 and September 29, 2029, respectively. The remaining surplus note of the Company is with Security Life of Denver Insurance Company, and has an outstanding principal, interest rate and maturity date of $35.0 million, 7.98% and December 7, 2029, respectively. As a result of the 13 Company's merger with Equitable Life, USG, and ULA effective January 1, 2004, the surplus notes with Equitable Life will no longer exist effective as of the date of the merger. Operating lease obligations relate to the rental of office space under various non-cancelable operating lease agreements that expire through May 2010. Purchase obligations consist of commitments to enter into mortgage loan arrangements during 2004. Legislative Initiatives The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, which was enacted in the second quarter, may impact the Company. The Act's provisions, which reduce the tax rates on long-term capital gains and corporate dividends, impact the relative competitiveness of the Company's products especially variable annuities. Other legislative proposals under consideration include repealing the estate tax, changing the taxation of products, changing life insurance company taxation and making changes to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. Some of these proposals, if enacted, could have a material effect on life insurance, annuity and other retirement savings product sales. The impact on the Company's tax position and products cannot be predicted. Other Regulatory Matters Like many financial services companies, certain U.S. affiliates of ING Groep N.V. have received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING has cooperated fully with each request. In addition to responding to regulatory requests, ING management initiated an internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. The goal of this review has been to identify whether there have been any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. This internal review is being conducted by independent special counsel and auditors. Additionally, ING reviewed its controls and procedures in a continuing effort to deter improper frequent trading in ING products. ING's internal reviews related to mutual fund trading are continuing. The internal review has identified several arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within our variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. Most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question. In each arrangement identified, ING has terminated the inappropriate trading, taken steps to discipline or terminate employees who were involved, and modified policies and procedures to deter inappropriate activity. While the review is not 14 completed, management believes the activity identified does not represent a systemic problem in the businesses involved. These instances included agreements (initiated in 1998) that permitted one variable life insurance customer of Reliastar Life Insurance Company ("Reliastar") to engage in frequent trading, and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time, instead of 4pm Eastern Time. Reliastar was acquired by ING in 2000. The late trading arrangement was immediately terminated when current senior management became aware of it in 2002. ING believes that no profits were realized by the customer from the late trading aspect of the arrangement. In addition, the review has identified five arrangements that allowed frequent trading of funds within variable insurance products issued by Reliastar and by ING USA; and in certain ING Funds. ING entities did not receive special benefits in return for any of these arrangements, which have all been terminated. The internal review also identified two investment professionals who engaged in improper frequent trading in ING Funds. ING will reimburse any ING Fund or its shareholders affected by inappropriate trading for any profits that accrued to any person who engaged in improper frequent trading for which ING is responsible. Management believes that the total amount of such reimbursements will not be material to ING or its U.S. business. Subsequent Event On January 1, 2004, Equitable Life, USG, and ULA, merged with and into the Company. Also on January 1, 2004, immediately after the merger, the Company changed its name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. As of the merger date, the Merger Companies ceased to exist and were succeeded by ING USA. The merger was accounted for based on the pooling-of-interests method. FAS 141 excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control, and notes that certain provisions under APB 16, provide a source of guidance for such transactions. Prior to the merger date, the Merger Companies were affiliated companies of ING USA and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING. Equitable Life was domiciled in Iowa and offered various insurance products, including deferred and immediate annuities, variable annuities, and interest sensitive and traditional life insurance. ULA was also domiciled in Iowa and primarily offered annuity related insurance products, as well as life and health insurance that was ceded to other insurers. USG was domiciled in Oklahoma and offered various insurance products, including deferred fixed annuities, immediate annuities, and interest-sensitive life insurance. A Form 8-K for ING USA describing the merger, was filed on January 4, 2004 and includes unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information as of, and for the periods ended, September 30, 2003 and 2002, and December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000. Revenues and net income for the period ended December 31, 2003, had the pooling been consummated at the date of the financial statements, is $1,509.0 million and $57.2 million, respectively (unaudited). 15 Forward-Looking Information/Risk Factors In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company cautions readers regarding certain forward-looking statements contained in this report and in any other statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company, whether or not in future filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are statements not based on historical information and which relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Statements using verbs such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe" or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements include statements which represent the Company's beliefs concerning future levels of sales and redemptions of the Company's products, investment spreads and yields, or the earnings and profitability of the Company's activities. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on 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 are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies 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 developments. Some may be national in scope, such as general economic conditions, changes in tax law and changes in interest rates. Some may be related to the insurance industry generally, such as pricing competition, regulatory developments and industry consolidation. Others may relate to the Company specifically, such as credit, volatility and other risks associated with the Company's investment portfolio. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the SEC. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking information. Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Asset/liability management is integrated into many aspects of the Company's operations, including investment decisions, product development, and determination of crediting rates. As part of the risk management process, different economic scenarios are modeled, including cash flow testing required for insurance regulatory purposes, to determine that existing assets are adequate to meet projected liability cash flows. Key variables in the modeling process include interest rates, anticipated contractholder behavior and variable separate account performance. Contractholders bear the investment risk related to variable separate account products. The fixed account liabilities are supported by a portfolio principally composed of fixed rate investments that can generate predictable, steady rates of return. The portfolio management strategy for the fixed account considers the assets available for sale. This enables the Company to respond to changes in market interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, changes in relative values of asset sectors and individual securities and loans, changes in credit quality outlook, and other relevant factors. The objective of portfolio management is to maximize returns, taking into account interest rate and credit risk, as well as other risks. The Company's asset/liability management 16 discipline includes strategies to minimize exposure to loss as interest rates and economic and market conditions change. On the basis of these analyses, management believes there is currently no material solvency risk to the Company. 17 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Page Report of Independent Auditors 19 Consolidated Financial Statements: Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 20 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 21 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 22 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 23 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 24 Report of Independent Auditors The Board of Directors ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company) and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of changes in shareholder's equity, and statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company changed the accounting principle for goodwill and other intangible assets effective January 1, 2002. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 22, 2004 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Consolidated Income Statements (Millions) Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2003 2002* 2001* ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Revenues: Fee income $ 330.2 $ 245.9 $ 219.1 Net investment income 320.3 197.7 94.4 Net realized capital gains (losses) (36.2) 4.2 (6.5) Other income (loss) (0.2) 3.5 - ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Total revenue $ 614.1 $ 451.3 $ 307.0 ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Benefits, losses and expenses: Benefits: Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 320.1 318.4 239.2 Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses: General expenses 123.8 139.7 119.9 Commissions 250.3 288.7 232.4 Policy acquisition costs deferred (210.8) (292.2) (128.2) Amortization: Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 184.7 127.8 49.6 Goodwill - - 4.2 Other: Expense and charges reimbursed under modified coinsurance agreements (131.6) (104.9) (225.6) Interest expense 13.7 16.0 19.4 ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Total benefits, losses and expenses 550.2 493.5 310.9 ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 63.9 (42.2) (3.9) Income tax expense (benefit) 2.5 (12.5) 0.1 ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 61.4 (29.7) (4.0) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - (135.3) - ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Net income (loss) $ 61.4 $ (165.0) $ (4.0) ================== =================== ================== *See Note 1. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 20 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions) As of December 31, 2003 2002 ----------------- ----------------- Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $5,047.0 at 2003 and $4,720.1 at 2002) $ 5,223.3 $ 4,936.4 Equity securities at fair value: Investment in mutual funds (cost of $5.3 at 2003 and $22.9 at 2002) 5.6 19.0 Mortgage loans on real estate 847.6 482.4 Policy loans 17.5 16.0 Short-term investments 17.7 2.2 ----------------- ----------------- Total investments 6,111.7 5,456.0 Cash and cash equivalents 17.9 148.5 Accrued investment income 65.4 61.9 Reinsurance recoverable 13.0 196.9 Deferred policy acquisition costs 835.3 678.0 Value of business acquired 8.5 8.5 Receivable for securities sold 10.2 - Due from affiliates 4.2 - Other assets 14.7 5.3 Assets held in separate accounts 17,112.6 11,029.3 ----------------- ----------------- Total assets $ 24,193.5 $ 17,584.4 ================= ================= Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity Policy liabilities and accruals: Future policy benefits and claims' reserves $ 5,277.3 $ 5,159.1 ----------------- ----------------- Total policy liabilities and accruals 5,277.3 5,159.1 Surplus notes 170.0 170.0 Current income taxes 3.9 42.4 Deferred income taxes 126.0 79.8 Dollar roll obligations 120.1 40.0 Other liabilities 31.0 64.7 Liabilities related to separate accounts 17,112.6 11,029.3 ----------------- ----------------- Total liabilities 22,840.9 16,585.3 ----------------- ----------------- Shareholder's equity: Common stock (250,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding; $10.00 per share par value) 2.5 2.5 Additional paid-in capital 1,358.4 1,128.4 Accumulated other comprehensive income 64.2 2.1 Retained deficit (72.5) (133.9) ----------------- ----------------- Total shareholder's equity 1,352.6 999.1 ----------------- ----------------- Total liabilities and shareholder's equity $ 24,193.5 $ 17,584.4 ================= ================= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 21 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity (Millions) Accumulated Additional Other Retained Total Common Paid-In Comprehensive Earnings Shareholder's Stock Capital Income (Loss) (Deficit) Equity --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Balance at December 31, 2000 $ 2.5 $ 583.6 $ (4.1) $ 35.1 $ 617.1 Contribution of capital 196.8 196.8 Comprehensive income: Net (loss) - - - (4.0) (4.0) Other comprehensive income net of tax: Unrealized gain on securities ($12.2 pretax) - - 7.9 - 7.9 ---------------- Comprehensive income 3.9 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Balance at December 31, 2001 2.5 780.4 3.8 31.1 817.8 Contribution of capital 356.3 356.3 Other (8.3) (8.3) Comprehensive income: Net (loss) - - - (165.0) (165.0) Other comprehensive income net of tax: Unrealized (loss) on securities ($(2.6) pretax) - - (1.7) - (1.7) ---------------- Comprehensive loss (166.7) --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Balance at December 31, 2002 2.5 1,128.4 2.1 (133.9) 999.1 Contribution of capital - 230.0 - - 230.0 Comprehensive income: Net income - - - 61.4 61.4 Other comprehensive income net of tax: Unrealized gain on securities ($95.6 pretax) - - 62.1 - 62.1 ---------------- Comprehensive income 123.5 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Balance at December 31, 2003 $ 2.5 $ 1,358.4 $ $ 64.2 $ (72.5) $ 1,352.6 =============== =============== ================ ================ ================ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 22 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Millions) Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income (loss) $ 61.4 $ (165.0) $ (4.0) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Interest credited and charges on interest sensitive products 306.3 282.2 191.0 Net realized capital (gains) losses 36.2 (4.2) 6.5 Increase in accrued investment income (3.5) (39.5) (13.2) Increase in guaranteed benefits reserve (91.6) 107.1 28.2 Other changes in insurance reserve liabilities 13.3 - - Policy acquisition cost deferred (210.8) (292.2) (128.2) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 180.4 121.2 45.2 Amortization of value of business acquired 4.3 6.6 4.4 Impairment of goodwill - 151.3 - Other non-cash reconciling items and other changes in assets and liabilities (87.0) 21.3 110.6 Provision for deferred income taxes 12.8 (85.7) (0.6) ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 221.8 103.1 239.9 ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Proceeds from the sale, maturity, or repayment of: Fixed maturities available for sale 7,025.8 7,297.1 880.7 Equity securities 16.2 7.8 6.9 Mortgage loans 51.9 285.0 136.0 Acquisition of investments: Fixed maturities available for sale (7,267.3) (10,068.3) (2,070.8) Equity securities - (22.8) - Short-term and other investments (15.4) - (4.7) Mortgage loans (417.1) (553.7) (250.3) Increase in policy loans (1.5) (1.2) (1.5) (Increase) decrease in property and equipment (0.7) 1.1 1.2 Proceeds from sale of interest in subsidiary - 27.7 - Loss on valuation of interest in subsidiary - 3.0 - Other - 0.6 - ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Net cash used for investing activities (608.1) (3,023.7) (1,302.5) ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Deposits and interest credited for investment contracts 1,383.5 3,818.5 1,933.1 Maturities and withdrawals from insurance contracts (332.3) (171.2) (134.8) Transfers to separate accounts (1,160.0) (1,053.8) (902.9) Proceeds received on reinsurance recapture 134.5 - - Proceeds of notes payable - - 3.1 Repayment of notes payable - (1.4) (1.7) Proceeds from reciprocal loan agreement borrowings - - 69.3 Repayment of reciprocal loan agreement borrowings - (75.0) (69.3) Contributions of capital by parent 230.0 356.3 196.8 ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 255.7 2,873.4 1,093.6 ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (130.6) (47.2) 31.0 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 148.5 195.7 164.7 ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 17.9 $ 148.5 $ 195.7 ================= ================== ================= Supplemental cash flow information: Income taxes (received) paid, net $ 28.2 $ (141.5) $ 0.4 ================= ================== ================= Interest paid $ 13.0 $ 20.8 $ 15.0 ================= ================== ================= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 23 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Golden American Life Insurance Company) ("ING USA" or the "Company" as appropriate), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc. ("Lion" or "Parent"), is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Iowa. ING USA was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota on January 2, 1973, in the name of St. Paul Life Insurance Company. On December 21, 1993, the Company redomesticated from Minnesota to Delaware. On January 1, 2004 several events occurred. First, the Company redomesticated from Delaware to Iowa. Secondly, on January 1, 2004 (the "merger date"), Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("Equitable Life"), USG Annuity & Life Company ("USG") and United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("ULA") (the "Merger Companies"), merged with and into Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden American"). Also on January 1, 2004, immediately after the merger, Golden American changed its name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. As of the merger date, the Merger Companies ceased to exist and were merged into ING USA. Lion is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V. ("ING"), a global financial services holding company based in The Netherlands. ING USA is authorized to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except New York. ING USA is licensed as a life insurance company under the laws of the State of Delaware until December 31, 2003 and Iowa since January 1, 2004. Prior to the merger date, ING USA was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life from December 30, 2001 through December 31, 2003. Formerly, from October 24, 1997, until December 30, 2001, Equitable of Iowa Companies, Inc. ("EIC" or "Former Holding Company") directly owned 100% of Golden American's stock. On December 3, 2001, the Board of Directors of EIC approved a plan to contribute its holding of stock of Golden American to another wholly-owned subsidiary, Equitable Life. The contribution of stock occurred on December 31, 2001, following approval by the Insurance Department of Delaware. As of April 1, 2002, ING USA sold First Golden American Life Insurance Company of New York ("First Golden") to its sister company, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar"). ReliaStar, the parent of Security-Connecticut Life Insurance Company ("Security-Connecticut"), which in turn is the parent of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York ("RLNY"), merged the First Golden business into RLNY operations and dissolved First Golden at book value for $27.7 million in cash and a receivable totaling $0.2 million from RLNY. The receivable from RLNY was assumed by Equitable Life, and ultimately by ING. The consideration was based on First Golden's statutory-basis book value. RLNY's payable to the Company was assumed by ING and subsequently forgiven. ING USA realized a loss of $3.0 million related to the sale of First Golden, which was recorded as a capital transaction. Approval for the merger was obtained from the Insurance Departments of the States of New York and Delaware. 24 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of October 1, 2003, RLNY's parent, Security-Connecticut merged with and into its parent, ReliaStar. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations" excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control and is therefore covered by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 16, "Business Combinations". RLNY presented combined results of operations including First Golden activity as of the beginning of the period ending December 31, 2002. The first three months of First Golden activity is not reflected in the ING USA statement of financial position or other financial information for the period ended December 31, 2002, as the amounts were not material. Description of Business The Company offers a portfolio of variable and fixed insurance products designed to meet customer needs for a tax-advantaged savings for retirement and protection from death. The Company's variable and fixed insurance products are marketed by broker/dealers, financial institutions, and insurance agents. The Company's primary customers are consumers and corporations. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets During 2002, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") FAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". The adoption of this standard resulted in an impairment loss of $135.3 million. The Company, in accordance with FAS No. 142, recorded the impairment loss retroactive to the first quarter of 2002; prior quarters of 2002 were restated accordingly. This impairment loss represented the entire carrying amount of goodwill, net of accumulated amortization. This impairment charge was shown as a change in accounting principle on the December 31, 2002 Consolidated Income Statement. 25 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Application of the nonamortization provision (net of tax) of the standard resulted in an increase in net income of $3.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002. Had the Company been accounting for goodwill under FAS No. 142 for all periods presented, the Company's net income (loss) would have been as follow: Year ended December 31, (Millions) 2001 Reported net income (loss) $ (4.0) Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax 3.8 ----------------- Adjusted net income (loss) $ (0.2) ================= Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities In June 1998, the FASB issued FAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended and interpreted by FAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement 133, and FAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - an Amendment of FASB 133, and certain FAS 133 implementation issues". This standard, as amended, requires companies to record all derivatives on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. The manner in which companies are to record gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair values of those derivatives depends on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. FAS No. 133 was effective for the Company's financial statements beginning January 1, 2001. Adoption of FAS No. 133 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations given the Company's limited derivative holdings and embedded derivatives. The Company occasionally purchases a financial instrument that contains a derivative that is "embedded" in the instrument. In addition, the Company's insurance products are reviewed to determine whether they contain an embedded derivative. The Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument or insurance product (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and carried at fair value. However, in cases where the host contract is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current period earnings or the Company is unable to reliably identify and measure the embedded derivative for separation from its host contracts, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at fair value and is not 26 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- designated as a hedging instrument. The Company did not have embedded derivatives at December 31, 2003 or 2002. The Derivative Implementation Group ("DIG") responsible for issuing guidance on behalf of the FASB for implementation of FAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" recently issued Statement Implementation Issue No. B36, "Embedded Derivatives: Modified Coinsurance Arrangements and Debt Instruments" That Incorporate Credit Risk Exposures That Are Unrelated or Only Partially Related to the Credit Worthiness of the Obligor under Those Instruments ("DIG B36"). Under this interpretation, modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements as well as other types of receivables and payables where interest is determined by reference to a pool of fixed maturity assets or total return debt index may be determined to contain embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated. The required date of adoption of DIG B36 for the Company was October 1, 2003. The Company completed its evaluation of DIG B36 and determined that the Company had modified coinsurance treaties that required implementation of the guidance. The applicable contracts, however, were determined to generate embedded derivatives with a fair value of zero. Therefore, the guidance, while implemented, did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Guarantees In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No.45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others", to clarify accounting and disclosure requirements relating to a guarantor's issuance of certain types of guarantees, or groups of similar guarantees, even if the likelihood of the guarantor's having to make any payments under the guarantee is remote. The disclosure provisions are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ended after December 15, 2002. For certain guarantees, the interpretation also requires that guarantors recognize a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantee upon its issuance. This initial recognition and measurement provision is to be applied only on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company has performed an assessment of its guarantees and believes that all of its guarantees are excluded from the scope of this interpretation. Variable Interest Entities In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No.51" (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB modified FIN 46 to make certain technical corrections and address certain implementation issues that had arisen. FIN 46 provides a new framework for identifying variable interest entities (VIEs) and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. 27 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited- liability corporation, trust, or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets that either (1) has an insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) has a group of equity owners that are unable to make significant decisions about its activities, or (3) has a group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns generated by its operations. FIN 46 requires a VIE to be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable interest holder) is obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE's activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the VIE's residual returns (if no party absorbs a majority of the VIE's losses), or both. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE's assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated based on majority voting interest. FIN 46 also requires disclosures about VIEs that the variable interest holder is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. At December 31, 2003, the Company held the following investments that, for purposes of FIN 46, were evaluated and determined that the investments do not require consolidation in the Company's financial statements: Asset Type Purpose Book Value (1) Market Value ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------ Private Corporate Securities - synthetic leases; project financings; credit tenant leases Investment Holdings $ 1,057.2 $ 1,114.6 Foreign Securities - US VIE subsidiaries of foreign companies Investment Holdings 190.3 203.0 Commercial Mortgage Obligations (CMO) Investment Holdings 888.5 893.9 Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO) Investment Holdings and/or Collateral Manager 4.9 4.3 Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) Investment Holdings 479.9 482.3 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) Investment Holdings 325.4 342.0 (1) Represents maximum exposure to loss except for those structures for which the Company also receives asset management fees. New Accounting Pronouncements In July 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 03-1, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts," which the Company intends to adopt during first quarter 2004. The impact on the financial statements is not known at this time. 28 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reclassifications and Changes to Prior Year Presentation Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications. During 2003, certain changes were made to the 2002 and 2001 Income Statements to reflect the correct balances. These changes had no impact on net income or net shareholder's equity of the Company. The following summarizes the corrections to each financial statement line item (in millions): Previously Reported Restated 2002 Adjustments 2002 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Fee income $ 204.0 $ 41.9 $ 245.9 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Total revenue $ 409.4 $ 41.9 $ 451.3 =================== ================== ================== Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 276.5 41.9 318.4 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Total expense $ 451.6 $ 41.9 $ 493.5 =================== ================== ================== Previously Reported Restated 2002 Adjustments 2002 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Fee income $ 188.9 $ 30.2 $ 219.1 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Total revenue $ 276.8 $ 30.2 $ 307.0 =================== ================== ================== Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 209.0 30.2 239.2 ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ Total expense $ 280.7 $ 30.2 $ 310.9 =================== ================== ================== Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from reported results using those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments and other debt issues with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased. 29 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments All of the Company's fixed maturity and equity securities are currently designated as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included directly in shareholder's equity, after adjustment for related charges in deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired, and deferred income taxes. The Company analyzes the general account investments to determine whether there has been an other than temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis in accordance with FAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Management considers the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; future economic conditions and market forecasts; and the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in market value. If it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a debt security will not be collected, an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. In addition, the Company invests in structured securities that meet the criteria of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 99-20, "Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets". Under Issue No. EITF 99-20, a determination of the required impairment is based on credit risk and the possibility of significant prepayment risk that restricts the Company's ability to recover the investment. An impairment is recognized if the fair value of the security is less than amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in cash flow since the remeasurement date. When a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the individual security is written down to fair value and the loss is accounted for as a realized loss. Realized capital gains and losses on all other investments are included in the consolidated income statements. Unrealized capital gains and losses on all other investments are reflected in shareholder's equity, net of related income taxes. Purchases and sales of fixed maturities and equity securities (excluding private placements) are recorded on the trade date. Purchases and sales of private placements and mortgage loans are recorded on the closing date. Fair values for fixed maturities are obtained from independent pricing services or broker/dealer quotations. Fair values for privately placed bonds are determined using a matrix-based model. The matrix-based model considers the level of risk-free interest rates, current corporate spreads, the credit quality of the issuer and cash flow characteristics of the 30 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- security. The fair values for equity securities are based on quoted market prices. For equity securities not actively traded, estimated fair values are based upon values of issues of comparable yield and quality or conversion value where applicable. The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. Initial collateral, primarily cash, is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned domestic securities. The collateral is deposited by the borrower with a lending agent, and retained and invested by the lending agent according to the Company's guidelines to generate additional income. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates. Reverse dollar repurchase agreement and reverse repurchase agreement transactions are accounted for as collateralized borrowings, where the amount borrowed is equal to the sales price of the underlying securities. The investment in mutual funds represents an investment in mutual funds managed by the Company, and is carried at fair value. Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at amortized cost less impairment writedowns. If the value of any mortgage loan is determined to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to the present value of expected cash flows from the loan, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or to the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the underlying collateral. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a permanent writedown charged to realized loss. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of impairment reserves. Short-term investments, consisting primarily of money market instruments and other fixed maturities issues purchased with an original maturity of 91 days to one year, are considered available for sale and are carried at fair value, which approximates amortized cost. The Company's use of derivatives is limited to hedging purposes. The Company enters into interest rate and currency contracts, including swaps, caps, and floors to reduce and manage risks associated with changes in value, yield, price, cash flow or exchange rates of assets or liabilities held or intended to be held. Changes in the fair value of open derivative contracts are recorded in net realized capital gains and losses. On occasion, the Company sells call options written on underlying securities that are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of these options are recorded in net realized capital gains or losses. 31 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC") is an asset, which represents certain costs of acquiring certain insurance business, which are deferred and amortized. These costs, all of which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business, consist principally of commissions, certain underwriting and contract issuance expenses, and certain agency expenses. Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA") is an asset, which represents the present value of estimated net cash flows embedded in the Company's contracts, which existed at the time the Company was acquired by ING. DAC and VOBA are evaluated for recoverability at each balance sheet date and these assets would be reduced to the extent that gross profits are inadequate to recover the asset. The amortization methodology varies by product type based upon two accounting standards: FAS No. 60, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises" ("FAS No. 60") and FAS No. 97, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments" ("FAS No. 97"). Under FAS No. 60, acquisition costs for traditional life insurance products, which primarily include whole life and term life insurance contracts, are amortized over the premium payment period in proportion to the premium revenue recognition. Under FAS No. 97, acquisition costs for universal life and investment-type products, which include universal life policies and fixed and variable deferred annuities, are amortized over the life of the blocks of policies (usually 25 years) in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits from surrender charges, investment margins, mortality and expense margins, asset-based fee income, and actual realized gains (losses) on investments. Amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits to be realized from a group of products are revised. DAC and VOBA are written off to the extent that it is determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits are not adequate to cover related expenses. 32 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Activity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 within VOBA was as follows: (Millions) Balance at December 31, 2000 $ 25.9 Adjustment for FAS No. 115 (1.3) Interest accrued at 7% 1.6 Amortization (6.0) ----------------- Balance at December 31, 2001 20.2 Adjustment for FAS No. 115 (5.1) Additions (3.3) Interest accrued at 7% 1.3 Amortization (4.6) ----------------- Balance at December 31, 2002 8.5 Adjustment for FAS No. 115 4.3 Additions - Interest accrued at (4% - 5%) 0.4 Amortization (4.7) ----------------- Balance at December 31, 2003 $ 8.5 ================= The estimated amount of VOBA to be amortized, net of interest, over the next five years is $7.7 million, $5.7 million, $4.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.6 million for the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Actual amortization incurred during these years may vary as assumptions are modified to incorporate actual results. As part of the regular analysis of DAC/VOBA, at the end of third quarter of 2002, the Company unlocked its long-term rate of return assumptions. The Company reset long-term assumptions for the separate account returns to 9.0% (gross before fund management fees and mortality and expense and other policy charges), as of December 31, 2002, reflecting a blended return of equity and other sub-accounts. The initial unlocking adjustment in 2002 was primarily driven by the sustained downturn in the equity markets and revised expectations for future returns. During 2002, the Company recorded an acceleration of DAC/VOBA amortization totaling $91.5 million before tax, or $59.5 million, net of $32.0 million of federal income tax benefit. The Company has remained unlocked during 2003, and reset long-term assumptions for the separate account returns from 9.0% to 8.5% (gross before fund management fees and mortality and expense and other policy charges), as of December 31, 2003, maintaining a blended return of equity and other sub-accounts. The 2003 unlocking adjustment from the previous year was primarily driven by improved market performance. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded a deceleration of DAC/VOBA amortization totaling $41.3 million before tax, or $26.9 million, net of $14.4 million of federal income tax expense. 33 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Policy Liabilities and Accruals Reserves for immediate annuities with life contingent payout contracts are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield, mortality, and expenses, including a margin for adverse deviations. Such assumptions generally vary by plan, year of issue and policy duration. Reserve interest rates range from 3.0% to 3.5% for all years presented. Investment yield is based on the Company's experience. Mortality and withdrawal rate assumptions are based on relevant Company experience and are periodically reviewed against both industry standards and experience. Other policyholders' funds include reserves for deferred annuity investment contracts and immediate annuities without life contingent payouts. Reserves on such contracts are equal to cumulative deposits less charges and withdrawals plus credited interest thereon (rates range from 2.4% to 7.5% for all years presented) net of adjustments for investment experience that the Company is entitled to reflect in future credited interest. Revenue Recognition For certain annuity contracts, charges assessed against policyholders' funds for the cost of insurance, surrender, expenses, actuarial margin and other fees are recorded as revenue as charges are assessed against policyholders. Other amounts received for these contracts are reflected as deposits and are not recorded as revenue. Related policy benefits are recorded in relation to the associated premiums or gross profit so that profits are recognized over the expected lives of the contracts. When annuity payments with life contingencies begin under contracts that were initially investment contracts, the accumulated balance in the account is treated as a single premium for the purchase of an annuity and reflected as an offsetting amount in both premiums and current and future benefits in the Consolidated Income Statement. Separate Accounts Separate Account assets and liabilities generally represent funds maintained to meet specific investment objectives of contractholders who bear the investment risk, subject, in some cases, to minimum guaranteed rates. Investment income and investment gains and losses generally accrue directly to such contractholders. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company. Separate Account assets supporting variable options under universal life and annuity contracts are invested, as designated by the contractholder or participant under a contract (who bears the investment risk subject, in limited cases, to minimum guaranteed rates) in shares of mutual funds which are managed by the Company, or other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company. 34 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Separate Account assets are carried at fair value. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, unrealized gains of $112.8 million and of $133.4 million, respectively, after taxes, on assets supporting a guaranteed interest option are reflected in shareholder's equity. Separate Account liabilities are carried at fair value, except for those relating to the guaranteed interest option. Reserves relating to the guaranteed interest option are maintained at fund value and reflect interest credited at rates ranging from 2.4% to 7.5% in 2003 and 2.4% to 11.0% in 2002. Separate Account assets and liabilities are shown as separate captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deposits, investment income and net realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Separate Accounts are not reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements (with the exception of realized and unrealized capital gains and losses on the assets supporting the guaranteed interest option). The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the Separate Accounts. Reinsurance The Company utilizes indemnity reinsurance agreements to reduce its exposure to large losses in all aspects of its insurance business. Such reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers, although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as direct insurer of the risks reinsured. The Company evaluates the financial strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial condition of reinsurers. Only those reinsurance recoverable balances deemed probable of recovery are reflected as assets on the Company's Balance Sheets. Income Taxes The Company is taxed at regular corporate rates after adjusting income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items. Deferred income tax expenses/benefits result from changes during the year in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities. 35 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred corporate tax is stated at the face value and is calculated for temporary valuation differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and tax bases based on tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the assets are realized or the liabilities are settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. A deferred tax asset is recognized for the carryforward of unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available for compensation. 2. Investments Fixed maturities available for sale as of December 31 were as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- 2003 (Millions) U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 23.8 $ 0.1 $ - $ 23.9 State, municipalities and political subdivisions 5.0 - 0.4 4.6 U.S. corporate securities: Public utilities 482.1 35.7 3.7 514.1 Other corporate securities 2,630.8 128.7 12.1 2,747.4 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total U.S. corporate securities 3,112.9 164.4 15.8 3,261.5 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Foreign securities: Government 68.5 1.0 1.0 68.5 Other 559.7 30.3 5.5 584.5 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total foreign securities 628.2 31.3 6.5 653.0 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Mortgage-backed securities 790.0 6.0 4.6 791.4 Other assets-backed securities 487.1 5.5 3.7 488.9 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total fixed maturities $ 5,047.0 $ 207.3 $ 31.0 $ 5,223.3 ============= ============= ============== ============= 36 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed maturities available for sale as of December 31 were as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- 2002 (Millions) U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 207.3 $ 2.3 $ 0.1 $ 209.5 U.S. corporate securities: Public utilities 335.7 15.5 1.9 349.3 Other corporate securities 2,739.5 163.2 6.4 2,896.4 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total U.S. corporate securities 3,075.2 178.7 8.3 3,245.7 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Foreign securities: Government 64.8 2.9 - 67.7 Other 436.3 27.7 2.6 461.3 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total foreign securities 501.1 30.6 2.6 529.0 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Mortgage-backed securities 641.7 12.0 0.2 653.5 Other assets-backed securities 294.8 7.0 3.1 298.7 ------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total fixed maturities $ 4,720.1 $ 230.6 $ 14.3 $ 4,936.4 ============= ============= ============== ============= At December 31, 2003 and 2002, net unrealized appreciation is $176.3 million and $216.3 million, respectively, on available-for-sale fixed maturities. The aggregate unrealized losses and related fair values of investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2003, are shown below by duration: Unrealized Fair Loss Value ------------ ----------- (Millions) Duration category: Less than six months below cost $ 9.3 $ 675.3 More than six months and less than twelve months below cost 20.4 679.7 More than twelve months below cost 1.3 7.9 ------------ ----------- Fixed maturities $ 31.0 $ 1,362.9 ============ =========== 37 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of the losses more than 6 months and less than 12 months in duration of $20.4 million, there were $9.1 million in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. Business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining losses of $11.3 million as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: $3.6 million of unrealized losses related to securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by EITF 99-20. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the carrying amount was $195.1 million. $6.3 million of unrealized losses relating to the energy/utility industry, for which the carrying amount was $125.7 million. During 2003, the energy sector recovered due to a gradually improving economic picture and the lack of any material accounting irregularities similar to those experienced in the prior two years. The Company's year-end analysis indicates that the Company expects the debt to be serviced in accordance with the contractual terms. The remaining unrealized losses totaling $1.4 million relate to a carrying amount of $61.9 million. Of the losses more than 12 months in duration of $1.3 million, there were $0.6 million related to securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by EITF 99-20. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the carrying amount was $4.0 million. The amortized cost and fair value of total fixed maturities for the year-ended December 31, 2003 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because securities may be restructured, called, or prepaid. Amortized Fair Cost Value ------------ ----------- (Millions) Due to mature: One year or less $ 30.6 $ 31.0 After one year through five years 880.9 921.1 After five years through ten years 1,866.6 1,962.7 After ten years 666.4 686.2 Mortgage-backed securities 1,115.4 1,133.3 Other asset-backed securities 487.1 489.0 ------------ ----------- Fixed maturities $ 5,047.0 $ 5,223.3 ============ =========== 38 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At December 31, 2003 and 2002, fixed maturities with fair values of $2.9 million and $7.5 million, respectively, were on deposit as required by regulatory authorities. The Company did not have any investments in a single issuer, other than obligations of the U.S. government, with a carrying value in excess of 10% of the Company's shareholder's equity at December 31, 2003. Beginning in April 2001, the Company entered into reverse dollar repurchase agreement and reverse repurchase agreement transactions to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. These transactions involve a sale of securities and an agreement to repurchase substantially the same securities as those sold. The dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements are accounted for as short-term collateralized financings and the repurchase obligation is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The repurchase obligation totaled $120.1 and $40.0 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company's exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments, an amount that was not material at December 31, 2003. The Company believes the counterparties to the dollar roll and reverse repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is immaterial. During 2003, the Company determined that five fixed maturities had other than temporary impairments. As a result, at December 31, 2003, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $5.7 million to reduce the carrying value of the fixed maturities to their fair value of $4.2 million. During 2002, the Company determined that thirteen fixed maturities had other than temporary impairments. As a result, at December 31, 2002, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $8.9 million to reduce the carrying value of the fixed maturities to their combined fair value of $123.5 million. During 2001, the Company determined that ten fixed maturities had other than temporary impairments. As a result, at December 31, 2001, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $0.7 million to reduce the carrying value of the fixed maturities to their fair value of $0.7 million. 3. Financial Instruments Estimated Fair Value The following disclosures are made in accordance with the requirements of FAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments". FAS No. 107 requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. 39 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. FAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of the above financial instruments: Fixed maturities securities: The fair values for the actively traded marketable bonds are determined based upon the quoted market prices. The fair values for marketable bonds without an active market are obtained through several commercial pricing services which provide the estimated fair values. Fair values of privately placed bonds are determined using a matrix-based pricing model. The model considers the current level of risk-free interest rates, current corporate spreads, the credit quality of the issuer and cash flow characteristics of the security. Using this data, the model generates estimated market values which the Company considers reflective of the fair value of each privately placed bond. Fair values for privately placed bonds are determined through consideration of factors such as the net worth of the borrower, the value of collateral, the capital structure of the borrower, the presence of guarantees and the Company's evaluation of the borrower's ability to compete in their relevant market. Equity securities: Fair values of these securities are based upon quoted market value. Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair values for mortgage loans on real estate are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and rates currently being offered in the marketplace for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. Cash, short-term investments and policy loans: The carrying amounts for these assets approximate the assets' fair values. Assets held in separate accounts: Assets held in separate accounts are reported at the quoted fair values of the individual securities in the separate accounts. Surplus notes: Estimated fair value of the Company's surplus notes were based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate approximating the current market value. Investment contract liabilities (included in future policy benefits and claims' reserves): With a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows at interest rates currently being offered by, or available to, the Company for similar contracts. 40 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Without a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated as the amount payable to the policyholder upon demand. However, the Company has the right under such contracts to delay payment of withdrawals which may ultimately result in paying an amount different than that determined to be payable on demand. Liabilities related to separate accounts: Liabilities related to separate accounts are reported at full account value in the Company's historical balance sheet. Estimated fair values of separate account liabilities are equal to their carrying amount. The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows: 2003 2002 -------------------------- -------------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value ---------- --------- ---------- --------- (Millions) Assets: Fixed maturity $ 5,223.3 $ 5,223.3 $ 4,936.4 $ 4,936.4 Equity securities 5.6 5.6 19.0 19.0 Mortgage loans on real estate 847.6 878.1 482.4 522.2 Policy loans 17.5 17.5 16.0 16.0 Cash and short-term investments 35.6 35.6 150.7 150.7 Assets held in separate accounts 17,112.6 17,112.6 11,029.3 11,029.3 Liabilities: Surplus notes 170.0 267.7 170.0 260.0 Investment contract liabilities: Deferred annuities 5,180.2 4,872.0 5,128.0 4,802.9 Supplementary contracts and immediate annuities 12.9 12.9 8.0 8.0 Liabilities related to separate account 17,112.6 17,112.6 11,029.3 11,029.3 Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgment about various financial instruments, such as estimates of timing and amounts of future cash flows. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company's management of interest rate, price and liquidity risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above. 41 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derivative Financial Instruments Interest Rate Swaps Interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate risk in the Company's bond portfolio as well as the Company's liabilities. Interest rate swaps represent contracts that require the exchange of cash flows at regular interim periods, typically monthly or quarterly. The notional amount, carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's open interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2003 were $250.0 million, $22.8 million and $22.8 million, respectively. The Company did not have interest rate swaps at December 31, 2002. 4. Net Investment Income Sources of net investment income were as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2003 2002 2001 ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- (Millions) Fixed maturities $ 287.7 $ 185.6 $ 83.7 Mortgage loans 36.2 19.6 11.2 Policy loans 0.8 0.6 0.8 Short-term investments and cash equivalents 0.7 2.6 2.6 Other 16.1 0.4 0.6 ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Gross investment income 341.5 208.8 98.9 Less: investment expenses 21.2 11.1 4.5 ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Net investment $ 320.3 $ 197.7 $ 94.4 =================== ==================== =================== 5. Dividend Restrictions and Shareholder's Equity The Company's ability to pay dividends to its Parent is subject to the prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities for payment of dividends, which exceed an annual limit. The Company did not pay common stock dividends during 2003, 2002 and 2001. The Insurance Departments of the State of Delaware and the State of Iowa (the "Department") recognize as net income and capital and surplus those amounts determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department, which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Statutory net income (loss) was $7.6 million, $(303.0) million, and $(156.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was $733.9 million and $424.9 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. 42 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2003, the Company does not utilize any statutory accounting practices, which are not prescribed by state regulatory authorities that, individually or in the aggregate, materially affect statutory capital and surplus. The Company maintains a $40.0 million revolving note facility with ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING AIH"), a perpetual $75.0 million revolving note facility with Bank of New York and a $125.0 million revolving note facility with SunTrust Bank, which expires on July 30, 2004. 6. Capital Gains and Losses Realized capital gains or losses are the difference between the carrying value and sale proceeds of specific investments sold. Net realized capital (losses) gains on investments were as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Fixed maturities $ 99.7 $ 4.2 $ (4.9) Equity securities (1.0) - (1.6) Derivatives (134.9) - - ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Pretax realized capital gains (losses) $ (36.2) $ 4.2 $ (6.5) ================= ================= ================== After-tax realized capital gains (losses) $ (23.5) $ 2.7 $ (4.2) ================= ================= ================== Proceeds from the sale of total fixed maturities and the related gross gains and losses were as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Proceeds on sales $ 5,806.4 $ 6,281.7 $ 880.7 Gross gains 136.3 76.8 6.9 Gross losses 36.6 72.6 11.8 43 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in shareholder's equity related to changes in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Fixed maturities $ (40.0) $ 204.0 $ 18.4 Equity securities 4.2 (3.9) - DAC/VOBA 131.4 (202.8) (8.4) ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Subtotal 95.6 (2.7) 10.0 Increase in deferred income taxes 33.5 1.0 2.1 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 62.1 $ (1.7) $ 7.9 ================= ================= ================== Shareholder's equity included the following accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): As of As of As of December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net unrealized capital gains (losses): Fixed maturities $ 176.3 $ 216.3 $ 12.3 Equity securities 0.3 (3.9) - DAC/VOBA (77.8) (209.2) (6.4) ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Subtotal 98.8 3.2 5.9 Less: deferred income taxes 34.6 1.1 2.1 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net accumulated other comprehensive income $ 64.2 $ 2.1 $ 3.8 ================= ================= ================== Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to changes in unrealized gains (losses) on securities, were as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising the year(1) $ (2.1) $ (8.7) $ 11.1 Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) and other items included in net income(2) 64.2 7.0 (3.2) ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities $ 62.1 $ (1.7) $ 7.9 ================= ================= ================== 44 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Pretax unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year were $(3.3) million, $(13.4) million and $17.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. (2) Pretax reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) and other items included in net income were $98.8 million, $10.8 million and $(4.9) million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 7. Severance In December 2001, ING announced its intentions to further integrate and streamline the U.S. based operations of ING Americas, (which includes the Company), in order to build a more customer-focused organization. During the first quarter 2003, the Company performed a detail analysis of its severance accrual. As part of this analysis, the Company corrected the initial planned number of people to eliminate from 252 to 228 (corrected from the 2002 Annual Report on Form 10K) and extended the date of expected completion for severance actions to June 30, 2003. Activity for the year ended December 31, 2003 within the severance liability and positions elimination related to such actions were as follows: Severance (Millions) Liability Positions --------------- --------------- Balance at December 31, 2002 $ 0.8 34 Payments (0.8) - Positions eliminated due to internal replacement jobs - (34) --------------- --------------- Balance at December 31, 2003 $ - - =============== =============== 8. Income Taxes In 2003 and 2002, ING USA joined in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return with its former parent, Equitable Life and other affiliates. The Company had a tax allocation agreement with Equitable Life whereby the Company was charged for taxes it would have incurred were it not a member of the consolidated group and was credited for losses at the statutory tax rate. Prior to joining the Equitable Life consolidated group, the Company was the parent of a different consolidated group. At December 31, 2003, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $206.5 million for federal income tax purposes which are available to offset future taxable income. If not used, these carryforwards will expire between 2014 and 2016. 45 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations included in the consolidated financial statements are as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Current taxes (benefits): Federal $ (10.3) $ (98.2) $ 0.6 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total current taxes (benefits) (10.3) (98.2) 0.6 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Deferred taxes (benefits): Operations and capital loss carryforwards 53.3 (3.9) (55.3) Other federal deferred taxes (40.5) 89.6 54.8 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total deferred taxes (benefits) 12.8 85.7 (0.5) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total income tax expense $ 2.5 $ (12.5) $ 0.1 ================= ================= ================= Income taxes were different from the amount computed by applying the federal income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes for the following reasons: Year ended Year ended, Year ended, December 31, December 31, December 31, (Millions) 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Income before income taxes $ 63.9 $ (42.2) $ (3.9) Tax rate 35% 35% 35% ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Income tax at federal statutory rate 22.4 (14.8) (1.4) Tax effect of: Goodwill amortization - - 1.0 Meals and entertainment 0.3 0.6 0.5 Dividend received deduction (10.8) - - Refinement of deferred tax balances (9.5) - - Other 0.1 1.7 - ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Income taxes $ 2.5 $ (12.5) $ 0.1 ================= ================= ================= 46 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are presented below: (Millions) 2003 2002 ----------------- ----------------- Deferred tax assets: Operations and capital loss carryforwards $ 72.3 $ 125.6 Future policy benefits 86.9 134.5 Goodwill 9.8 11.1 Investments 0.2 0.2 Other 12.2 - ----------------- ----------------- Total gross assets 181.4 271.4 ----------------- ----------------- Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains on investments (61.9) (74.3) Deferred policy acquisition cost (232.6) (254.8) Value of purchased insurance in force (3.0) (5.0) Other (9.9) (17.1) ----------------- ----------------- Deferred tax liability before allowance (307.4) (351.2) ----------------- ----------------- Valuation allowance - - ----------------- ----------------- Net deferred income tax liability $ (126.0) $ (79.8) ================= ================= The Company establishes reserves for possible proposed adjustments by various taxing authorities. Management believes there are sufficient reserves provided for, or adequate defenses against any such adjustments. 9. Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plan ING North America Insurance Corporation ("ING North America") sponsors the ING Americas Retirement Plan (the "Retirement Plan"), effective as of December 31, 2001. Substantially all employees of ING North America and its subsidiaries and affiliates (excluding certain employees) are eligible to participate, including the Company's employees. The Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan, the benefits of which are guaranteed (within certain specified legal limits) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"). As of January 1, 2002, each participant in the Retirement Plan (except for certain specified employees) earn a benefit under a final average compensation formula. Subsequent to December 31, 2001, ING North America is responsible for all Retirement Plan liabilities. The costs allocated to the Company for its employees' participation in the Retirement Plan were $7.3 million for 2003, $3.4 million for 2002, and $1.2 million for 2001, respectively. 47 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Defined Contribution Plan ING North America sponsors the ING Savings Plan and ESOP (the "Savings Plan"). Substantially all employees of ING North America and its subsidiaries and affiliates (excluding certain employees) are eligible to participate, including the Company's employees. The Savings Plan is a tax-qualified profit sharing and stock bonus plan, which includes an employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") component. Savings Plan benefits are not guaranteed by the PBGC. The Savings Plan allows eligible participants to defer into the Savings Plan a specified percentage of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. ING North America matches such pre-tax contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation. All matching contributions are subject to a 4-year graded vesting schedule (although certain specified participants are subject to a 5-year graded vesting schedule). All contributions made to the Savings Plan are subject to certain limits imposed by applicable law. Pre-tax charges of operations of the Company for the Savings Plan were $2.3 million in 2003, $2.3 million in 2002, and $0.9 million in 2001, respectively. Other Benefit Plans During 2003 and 2002, benefit charges to the Company related to the ING Americas Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that covers certain employees of the Company were not significant. 10. Related Party Transactions Operating Agreements The Company has certain agreements whereby it generates revenues and incurs expenses with affiliated entities. The agreements are as follows: Resources and services are provided to Security Life of Denver Insurance Company ("SLDIC) and Southland Life Insurance Company ("SLIC"). For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 revenues for these services, which reduced general expenses incurred, were $4.8 million, $4.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively for SLDIC and $1.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively for SLIC. Underwriting and distribution agreement with Directed Services, Inc. ("DSI"), for the variable insurance products issued by the Company. DSI is authorized to enter into agreements with broker/dealers to distribute the Company's' variable products and appoint representatives of the broker/dealers as agents. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 commission expenses were incurred in the amounts of $253.8 million, $282.9 million and $229.7 million, respectively. Asset management agreement with ING Investment Management LLC ("IIM"), in which IIM provides asset management and accounting services. The Company records a fee, which is paid quarterly, based on the value of 48 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- the assets under management. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 expenses were incurred in the amounts of $20.8 million, $11.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively. Service agreement with Equitable Life in which administrative and financial related services are provided. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 expenses were incurred in the amounts of $2.4 million, $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Managerial and supervisory services to DSI. The fee paid by DSI for these services is calculated as a percentage of average assets in the variable separate accounts. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 revenue for these services was $26.0 million, $23.7 million and $23.1 million, respectively. Advisory, computer, and other resources and services are provided to Equitable Life and United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("ULAIC"). For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 revenues for these services, which reduced general expenses incurred, totaled $10.8 million, $9.8 million and $8.2 million, respectively for Equitable Life and $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively for ULAIC. Expense sharing agreements with ING AIH for administrative, management, financial, and information technology services, which were approved in 2001. For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, ING USA incurred expenses of $30.2 million and $41.0 million, respectively. Guaranty agreement with Equitable Life. In consideration of an annual fee, payable June 30, Equitable Life guarantees that it will make funds available, if needed, to pay the contractual claims made under the provisions of ING USA's life insurance and annuity contracts. The agreement is not, and nothing contained therein or done pursuant thereto by Equitable Life shall be deemed to constitute, a direct or indirect guaranty by Equitable Life of the payment of any debt or other obligation, indebtedness, or liability, of any kind or character whatsoever, of ING USA. The agreement does not guarantee the value of the underlying assets held in separate accounts in which funds of variable life insurance and variable annuity policies have been invested. The calculation of the annual fee is based on risk based capital. No amounts were payable under this agreement as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Reinsurance Agreements ING USA participates in a modified coinsurance agreement with Equitable Life, covering a considerable portion of ING USA's variable annuities issued on or after January 1, 2000, excluding those with an interest rate guarantee. The financial statements are presented net of the effects of the agreement. Under this agreement, ING USA received a net reimbursement of expenses and charges of $132.5 million, $100.9 million and $224.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. This was offset by a decrease in policy acquisition costs deferred of $182.1 million, $143.5 million and $257.5 million, respectively, for the same periods. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, ING USA also had a payable to Equitable Life of $34.5 million, $7.1 million, and $22.6 million, respectively, due to the 49 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- overpayment by Equitable Life of the cash settlement for the modified coinsurance agreement. ING USA entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security Life of Denver International, Ltd. ("SLDI"), an affiliate, covering variable annuity minimum guaranteed death benefits and minimum guaranteed living benefits of variable annuities issued after January 1, 2000. In March 2003, the Company amended its reinsurance agreement with SLDI. Under this amendment, the Company terminated the reinsurance agreement for all inforce and new business and recaptured all inforce business reinsured under the reinsurance agreement between the Company and SLDI retroactive to January 1, 2003 and the Company reduced its reinsurance recoverable related to these liabilities by $150.1 million. On March 28, 2003, SLDI transferred assets to the Company in the amount of $185.6 million. The difference in amounts transferred on March 28, 2003 and the reduction of the reinsurance recoverables as of January 1, 2003 reflects adjustments on the investment of the reinsurance recoverable as of January 1, 2003 reflects adjustments on the investment income on the assets and letter of credit costs between January 1, 2003 and the date of the asset transfer. It also encompasses the net effect of a recapture fee paid in the amount of $5.0 million offset by the receipt of a $24.1 million negative ceding commission. The net impact of which was deferred in policy acquisition costs and is being amortized over the period of estimated future profits. Reciprocal Loan Agreement ING USA maintains a reciprocal loan agreement with ING AIH, a Delaware corporation and affiliate, to facilitate the handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Under this agreement, which expires December 31, 2007, ING USA and ING AIH can borrow up to $40.0 million from one another. Prior to lending funds to ING AIH, ING USA must obtain the approval from the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware. Interest on any ING USA borrowings is charged at the rate of ING AIH's cost of funds for the interest period plus 0.15%. Interest on any ING AIH borrowings is charged at a rate based on the prevailing interest rate of U.S. commercial paper available for purchase with a similar duration. Under this agreement, ING USA incurred interest expense of $66,087, $33,000, and $26,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, ING USA did not have any borrowings or receivables from ING AIH under this agreement. Surplus Notes ING USA issued multiple 30-year surplus notes (see below table). Payment of the notes and related accrued interest is subordinate to payments due to policyholders, claimant and beneficiary claims, as well as debts owed to all other classes of debtors, other than surplus note holders, of ING USA. Any payment of principal and/or interest made is subject to the prior 50 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- approval of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. Interest expense for the years ended December 31: (Millions) Surplus Maturity Note Amount Affiliate Date 2003 2002 2001 8.2% 50.0 *Equitable Life 12/29/2029 - 2.0 4.1 8.0% 35.0 Security Life of Denver 12/7/2029 2.8 2.8 2.8 7.8% 75.0 Equitable Life 9/29/2029 5.8 5.8 5.8 7.3% 60.0 Equitable Life 12/29/2028 4.4 4.4 4.4 8.3% 25.0 *Equitable Life 12/17/2026 - 1.0 2.1 *Surplus notes redeemed June 28, 2002. Capital Transactions During 2003, 2002 and 2001, ING USA received capital contributions of $230.0 million, $356.3 million and $196.8 million respectively. 11. Reinsurance At December 31, 2003, ING USA had reinsurance treaties with four unaffiliated reinsurers and two affiliated reinsurers covering a significant portion of the mortality risks and guaranteed death and living benefits under its variable contracts. ING USA remains liable to the extent its reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance ceded in force for life mortality risks were $79.3 million and $90.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had net receivables of $13.0 million and $196.9 million, respectively for reinsurance claims, reserve credits, or other receivables from these reinsurers. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, these net receivables were comprised of the following: $15.0 million and $36.7 million for claims recoverable from reinsurers; $5.8 million and $6.3 million payable for reinsurance premiums; $(20.2) million and $137.2 million for reserve credits; and $21.1 million and $24.0 million for reinsured surrenders and allowances due from an unaffiliated reinsurer. Included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, excluding the modified coinsurance agreements, are net considerations to reinsurers of $8.9 million, $50.8 million and $30.3 million and net policy benefits recoveries of $34.1 million, $49.5 million and $21.8 million for the years ended December 21, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. ING USA participates in a modified coinsurance agreement with an unaffiliated reinsurer. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented net of the effects of the treaty which increased (decreased) income by $(1.9) million, $(2.9) million and $(0.5) million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 51 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Leases For the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 rent expense for leases was $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The future net minimum payments under noncancelable leases for the years ended December 31, 2004 through 2008 are estimated to be $2.2 million, $2.3 million, $2.4 million, $2.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and $3.4 million, thereafter. The Company pays substantially all expenses associated with its leased and subleased office properties. Expenses not paid directly by the Company are paid for by an affiliate and allocated back to the Company. Commitments Through the normal course of investment operations, the Company commits to either purchase or sell securities, commercial mortgage loans or money market instruments at a specified future date and at a specified price or yield. The inability of counterparties to honor these commitments may result in either higher or lower replacement cost. Also, there is likely to be a change in the value of the securities underlying the commitments. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had off-balance sheet commitments to purchase investments equal to their fair value of $25.2 million and $77.0 million, respectively. Litigation The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of such lawsuits, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position. Other Regulatory Matters Like many financial services companies, certain U.S. affiliates of ING Groep N.V. have received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING has cooperated fully with each request. In addition to responding to regulatory requests, ING management initiated an internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. The goal of this review has been to identify whether there have 52 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- been any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. This internal review is being conducted by independent special counsel and auditors. Additionally, ING reviewed its controls and procedures in a continuing effort to deter improper frequent trading in ING products. ING's internal reviews related to mutual fund trading are continuing. The internal review has identified several arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within our variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. Most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question. In each arrangement identified, ING has terminated the inappropriate trading, taken steps to discipline or terminate employees who were involved, and modified policies and procedures to deter inappropriate activity. While the review is not completed, management believes the activity identified does not represent a systemic problem in the businesses involved. These instances included agreements (initiated in 1998) that permitted one variable life insurance customer of Reliastar Life Insurance Company ("Reliastar") to engage in frequent trading, and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time, instead of 4pm Eastern Time. Reliastar was acquired by ING in 2000. The late trading arrangement was immediately terminated when current senior management became aware of it in 2002. ING believes that no profits were realized by the customer from the late trading aspect of the arrangement. In addition, the review has identified five arrangements that allowed frequent trading of funds within variable insurance products issued by Reliastar and by ING USA; and in certain ING Funds. ING entities did not receive special benefits in return for any of these arrangements, which have all been terminated. The internal review also identified two investment professionals who engaged in improper frequent trading in ING Funds. ING will reimburse any ING Fund or its shareholders affected by inappropriate trading for any profits that accrued to any person who engaged in improper frequent trading for which ING is responsible. Management believes that the total amount of such reimbursements will not be material to ING or its U.S. business. 13. Subsequent Event On January 1, 2004, Equitable Life, USG, and ULA, merged with and into the Company. Also on January 1, 2004, immediately after the merger, the Company changed its name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. As of the merger date, the Merger Companies ceased to exist and were succeeded by ING USA. The merger was accounted for based on the pooling-of-interests method. FAS 141, excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control, and notes that certain provisions under APB 16, provide a source of guidance for such transactions. 53 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prior to the merger date, the Merger Companies were affiliated companies of ING USA and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING. Equitable Life was domiciled in Iowa and offered various insurance products, including deferred and immediate annuities, variable annuities, and interest sensitive and traditional life insurance. ULA was also domiciled in Iowa and primarily offered annuity related insurance products, as well as life and health insurance that was ceded to other insurers. USG was domiciled in Oklahoma and offered various insurance products, including deferred fixed annuities, immediate annuities, and interest-sensitive life insurance. A Form 8-K for ING USA describing the merger, was filed on January 4, 2004 and includes unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information as of, and for the periods ended, September 30, 2003 and 2002, and December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000. Revenue and net income for the period ended December 31, 2003, had the pooling been consummated at the date of the financial statements, is $1,509.5 million and $57.3 million, respectively (unaudited). 54 QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (Millions) 2003 First Second Third Fourth - ---- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Total revenue $ 173.1 $ 150.3 $ 159.8 $ 130.9 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) before income taxes (12.4) 60.3* (1.0) 17.0 Income tax expense (benefit) (4.3) 19.4 (7.8) (4.8) --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net income (loss) $ (8.1) 40.9 $ 6.8 $ 21.8 =============== =============== ================ ================ (Millions) 2002 First Second Third Fourth - ---- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Total revenue previously reported $ 69.4 $ 89.2 $ 141.4 $ 109.4 Adjustment (see Note 1) 12.6 12.6 11.1 5.6 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Total revenue restated 82.0 101.8 152.5 115.0 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) before income taxes (3.2) (16.0) (60.2) 37.2 Income tax expense (benefit) (1.0) (5.5) (19.2) 13.2 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (2.2) (10.5) (41.0) 24.0 --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (135.3) - - - --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net income (loss) $ (137.5) $ (10.5) $ (41.0) $ 24.0 =============== =============== ================ ================ * The Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A was filed with respect to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2003. The amendment No. 1 reflected an adjustment to the Company's net income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and did not impact results for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The adjustment for the six months ended June 30, 2003 related to a transposition error in the line item "Policy acquisition costs deferred," with a corresponding tax effect in the line item "Income tax expense (Benefit)" in Part 1, Item I, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Consequently, Part I, Item 2, Management's Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations and Financial Condition, was updated to reflect these adjustments. Additionally, in accordance with Regulation S-X, the Certifications required by Section 302 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 were attached as exhibits to the 10-Q/A in Part II, Item 6, Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. The Amendment No. 1 did not contain updates to reflect any events occurring after the original August 12, 2003 filing of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003. All information contained in the Amendment No. 1 was subject to updating and supplementing as provided in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as may be amended, for periods subsequent to the date of the original filing of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003. 55 GE> Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures a) Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed in the Company's periodic SEC filings is made known to them in a timely manner. b) There have not been any significant changes in the internal controls of the Company or other factors that could significantly affect these internal controls subsequent to the date the Company carried out its evaluation. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K, except with respect to compliance with Sections 406 and 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002: a) Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals ------------------------------------------ The Company has approved and adopted a Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals (attached as Exhibit 14), pursuant to the requirements of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Any waiver of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed by the Company by way of a Form 8-K filing. b) Designation of Board Financial ------------------------------ Expert The Company has designated David A. Wheat, Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as its Board Financial Expert, pursuant to the requirements of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Because the Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion, it does not have any outside directors. 56 Item 11. Executive Compensation Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. 57 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Financial statements. See Item 8 on Page 18. 2. Financial statement schedules. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules on Page 62. Exhibits 1.(a) Underwriting Agreement between Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden American" or "Registrant") and Directed Services, Inc., incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 9 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on or about February 17, 1998 (File No. 333-87272). 2.(a) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 25, 2003, by and between USG Annuity & Life Company, United Life & Annuity Insurance Company, Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa and Golden American, incorporated by reference in Exhibit 99-8 in the Company's Form 8K filed with the SEC on January 2, 2004 (File No. 333-87270). 3.(a)(i) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws Articles of Incorporation of Golden American, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(a) to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on June 30, 2000 (File No. 333-40596). (ii) Restated Articles of Incorporation of Golden American dated June 25, 2003, providing for the redomestication of the Company to Iowa, effective January 1, 2004. (iii) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Golden American to change the Company's name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company dated November 11, 2003, effective January 1, 2004. (b)(i) By-laws of Golden American, as amended, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(b)(ii) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on June 30, 2000 (File No. 333-40596). (ii) Certificate of Amendment of the By-laws of MB Variable Life Insurance Company, as amended, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(b)(iii) to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on June 30, 2000 (File No. 333-40596). 58 (iii) Restated By-laws of Golden American dated June 25, 2003, providing for redomestication to Iowa, effective January 1, 2004. (iv) Amendment to By-laws of Golden American dated June 25, 2003 to change the Company's name to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, effective January 1, 2004. 4.(a) Single Premium Deferred Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract, incorporated herein by reference to the initial Registration Statement for Golden American filed with the SEC on April 15, 2003 on Form S-2 (File No. 333-104547). (b) Single Premium Deferred Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract, incorporated herein by reference to the initial Registration Statement for Golden American filed with the SEC on April 15, 2003 on Form S-2 (File No. 333-104548). (c) Interest in Fixed Account I under Variable Annuity Contracts, incorporated herein by reference to the initial Registration Statement for Golden American filed with the SEC on April 15, 2003 on Form S-2 (File No. 333-104539). (d) Interests in Fixed Account II under Variable Annuity Contracts, incorporated herein by reference to the initial Registration Statement for Golden American filed with the SEC on April 15, 2003 on Form S-2 (File No. 333-104546). (e) Interest in the Guaranteed Account under Variable Annuity Contracts, incorporated herein by reference to the initial Registration Statement for Golden American filed with the SEC on April 15, 2003 on Form S-2 (File No. 333-57212). 10.A Material Contracts (a) Service Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1994, between Golden American and Directed Services, Inc., incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(b) to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on April 29, 1998 (File No. 333-51353). (b) Asset Management Agreement, dated January 20, 1998, between Golden American and ING Investment Management LLC, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(f) to Golden American's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 1998 (File No. 33-87272). 59 (c) Reciprocal Loan Agreement, dated January 1, 1998, as amended March 20, 1998, between Golden American and ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc., incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(g) to Golden American's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 1998 (File No. 33-87272). (d) Surplus Note, dated December 8, 1999, between Golden American and First Columbine Life Insurance Company, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(g) to Amendment No. 7 to a Registration Statement for Golden American on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on or about January 27, 2000 (File No. 333-28765). (e) Reinsurance Agreement, dated June 30, 2000, between Golden American and Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(s) to Golden American's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 11, 2000 (File No. 33-87272). (f) Services Agreement between Golden American and the affiliated companies listed on Exhibit B to that Agreement, effective January 1, 2001. (g) Services Agreement between Golden American and ING North American Insurance Corporation, Inc., effective January 1, 2001. (h) Form of Shared Services Center Services Agreement by and among ING North America Insurance Corporation ("Service Provider") and Ameribest Life Insurance Company, a Georgia corporation; Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, an Iowa corporation; USG Annuity & Life Company, an Oklahoma corporation; Golden American, a Delaware corporation; First Columbine Life Insurance Company, a Colorado corporation; Life Insurance Company of Georgia, a Georgia corporation; Southland Life Insurance Company, a Texas corporation; Security Life of Denver Insurance Company, a Colorado corporation; Midwestern United Life Insurance Company, an Indiana corporation; and United Life & Annuity Insurance Company, a Texas corporation, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(r) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by Registrant with the SEC on or about December 11, 2001 (File No. 333-70602) (i) Tax Sharing Agreement between Golden American, Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa and USG Annuity and Life Company, effective January 1, 2001. (j) Tax Sharing Agreement between Golden American, ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. and affiliated companies, effective January 1, 2001. (k) Amendment to Services Agreement between Golden American and affiliated companies listed in Exhibit B to that Agreement, effective January 1, 2002. 60 (l) Amendment to Asset Management Agreement between Golden American and ING Investment Management LLC, effective January 1, 2003. (m) Administrative Services Agreement between Golden American, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York and affiliated companies listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement, effective March 1, 2003. (n) Third Amendment to the Asset Management Agreement, between Golden American and ING Investment Management LLC, effective August 18, 2003. (o) Lease Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1998, by and between Golden American and Dunwoody Associates. (p) First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated November 4, 1998, between Golden American and Dunwoody Associates. (q) Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated June 1, 2000, between Golden American and Dunwoody Associates. 10.B. Reports on Form 8K Form 8K Report filed January 2, 2004, to disclose the redomestication, merger and name change of Golden American, effective January 1, 2004, incorporated by reference (File No. 033-87270). 14. ING Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals. 31.1 Certificate of David A. Wheat pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certificate of Keith Gubbay pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certificate of David A. Wheat pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certificate of Keith Gubbay pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 61 Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules Page Report of Independent Auditors 63 I. Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Affiliates as of December 31, 2003 64 IV. Reinsurance as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 65 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required or not applicable. Report of Independent Auditors The Board of Directors ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company We have audited the consolidated financial statements of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company) and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, and have issued our report thereon dated March 22, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15. These schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 22, 2004 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Schedule I Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Affiliates As of December 31, 2003 (Millions) Amount Shown on Type of Investments Cost Value* Balance Sheet --------------- --------------- ---------------- Fixed maturities: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 23.8 $ 23.9 $ 23.9 State, municipalities and political subdivisions 5.0 4.6 4.6 Public utilities securities 482.1 514.1 514.1 Other U.S. corporate securities 2,630.8 2,747.4 2,747.4 Foreign securities (1) 628.2 653.0 653.0 Mortgage-backed securities 790.0 791.4 791.4 Other asset-backed securities 487.1 488.9 488.9 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Total fixed maturities 5,047.0 5,223.3 5,223.3 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Total equity securities 5.3 5.6 5.6 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Short term investments 17.7 17.7 17.7 Mortgage loans 847.6 878.1 847.6 Policy loans 17.5 17.5 17.5 --------------- --------------- ---------------- Total other investments $ 882.8 $ 913.3 $ 882.8 =============== =============== ================ * See Notes 2 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (1) The term "foreign" includes foreign governments, foreign political subdivisions, foreign public utilities and all other bonds of foreign issuers. Substantially all of the Company's foreign securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. 64 ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, formerly Golden American Life Insurance Company (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc.) Schedule IV Reinsurance Inforamtion As of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (Millions) Percentage of (Millions) Gross Ceded Assumed Net assumed to net ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------- Year ended December 31, 2003 Life insurance in force $ 154.0 $ 79.3 $ - $ 74.7 0.0% Year ended December 31, 2002 Life insurance in force $ 158.7 $ 90.7 $ - $ 68.0 0.0% Year ended December 31, 2001 Life insurance in force $ 169.3 $ 94.8 $ - $ 74.5 0.0% 65 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. ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (Registrant) March 25, 2004 By /s/ David A. Wheat - --------------- ----------------------------------------- (Date) David A. Wheat Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) 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 indicated on or before March 25, 2004. Signatures Title /s/ David A. Wheat Director, Senior Vice President and -------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer David A. Wheat /s/ Keith Gubbay Director and President - --------------------------------------- Keith Gubbay /s/ Thomas J. McInerney Director and Chairman - --------------------------------------- Thomas J. McInerney /s/ Jacques de Vaucleroy Director - --------------------------------------- Jacques de Vaucleroy /s/ Kathleen A. Murphy Director - --------------------------------------- Kathleen A. Murphy EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION I, David A. Wheat, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and Subsidiary; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 25, 2004 By /s/ David A. Wheat ---------------------------------------------------- David A. Wheat Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, Keith Gubbay, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and Subsidiary; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 25, 2004 By /s/ Keith Gubbay ---------------------------------------- Keith Gubbay Director and President (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Officer) EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, the undersigned officer of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (the "Company") hereby certifies that, to the officer's knowledge, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. March 25, 2004 By /s/ David A. Wheat - --------------- ------------------------------------------ (Date) David A. Wheat Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, the undersigned officer of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (the "Company") hereby certifies that, to the officer's knowledge, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. March 25, 2004 By /s/ Keith Gubbay - --------------- ------------------------------------------- (Date) Keith Gubbay Director and President Financial Statements and Exhibits (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired Included are the financial statements of ELIC (the survivor to the merger with Ameribest Life Insurance Company, an affiliate, on January 1, 2003), USG, and ULA, prepared in conformity with statutory accounting principles ("SAP") (financial statements for these entities were not historically prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP")). These statements include audited statutory basis financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. See (c) Exhibits for financial statements. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information in Accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2003 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2003, and for the periods ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is based on the historical financial statements of ING USA, ELIC, USG, and ULA, and has been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger of ELIC, USG, and ULA, with and into Golden. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is presented for illustration purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the merger had been consummated, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position of the consolidated company. 1 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pro Forma Pro Forma (Millions) ING USA ELIC USG ULA Adjustments Consolidated ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value $ 5,223.3 $ 3,873.7 $ 6,406.5 $ 594.4 $ - $16,097.9 Equity securities, at fair value: Common stock 5.6 18.1 - - - 23.7 Preferred stock - 0.4 1.3 - - 1.7 Investment in mutual funds - 94.9 - - - 94.9 Investment in subsidiaries - 1,799.0 - - (1,799.0)(1) - Mortgage loans on real estate 847.6 1,027.2 1,477.0 36.8 - 3,388.6 Real estate - 1.8 2.7 - - 4.5 Policy loans 17.5 126.5 32.2 0.9 - 177.1 Short-term investments 17.7 - 0.3 - - 18.0 Other investments - 237.9 (72.3) 7.7 (135.0)(2) 38.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total investments 6,111.7 7,179.5 7,847.7 639.8 (1,934.0) 19,844.7 Cash and cash equivalents 17.9 32.3 34.0 3.7 - 87.9 Accrued investment income 65.4 44.1 68.6 7.6 - 185.7 Reinsurance recoverable 13.0 2.1 0.3 - - 15.4 Receivable for securities sold 10.2 0.1 0.3 - - 10.6 Deferred policy acquisition costs 835.3 825.1 162.9 3.4 - 1,826.7 Value of business acquired 8.5 64.3 34.4 4.3 - 111.5 Due from affiliates 4.2 - - - - 4.2 Other assets 14.7 8.0 (2.4) 0.9 - 21.2 Assets held in separate accounts 17,112.6 1,044.4 - 63.2 - 18,220.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $ 24,193.5 $ 9,199.9 $ 8,145.8 $ 722.9 $(1,934.0) $ 40,328.1 =============================================================================== Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity Policy liabilities and accruals: Future policy benefits and claims reserves $ 5,277.3 $ 5,644.7 $ 7,298.2 $ 560.8 $ - $ 18,781.0 Notes to affiliates 170.0 - - - (135.0)(2) 35.0 Due to affiliates - (54.4) 0.2 1.4 - (52.8) Payables for securities purchased - - - - - - Borrowed money 120.1 177.0 309.8 - - 606.9 Current income taxes 3.9 18.4 (2.3) (0.6) - 19.4 Deferred income taxes 126.0 (54.8) 10.6 (2.8) - 79.0 Other liabilities 31.0 94.4 82.9 1.8 - 210.1 Liabilities related to separate accounts 17,112.6 1,044.4 - 63.2 - 18,220.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 22,840.9 6,869.7 7,699.4 623.8 (135.0) 37,898.8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholder's equity Common stock 2.5 5.0 2.5 8.4 (15.9)(1)(3) 2.5 Additional paid-in capital 1,358.4 3,600.3 1,468.2 188.7 (2,815.7)(1)(3) 3,799.9 Accumulated other comprehensive income 64.2 138.6 48.2 5.4 (112.4)(1) 144.0 Retained deficit (72.5) (1,413.7) (1,072.5) (103.4) 1,145.0 (1) (1,517.1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholder's equity 1,352.6 2,330.2 446.4 99.1 (1,799.0) 2,429.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and shareholder's equity $ 24,193.5 $ 9,199.9 $ 8,145.8 $ 722.9 $(1,934.0) $ 40,328.1 =============================================================================== 2 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pro Forma Pro Forma (Millions) ING USA ELIC USG ULA Adjustments Consolidated -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Revenue: Premiums $ - $ 26.7 $ 0.8 $ - $ - $ 27.5 Fee income 330.2 47.8 16.0 2.2 - 396.2 Net investment income 320.3 314.3 452.5 34.0 (10.2)(2) 1,110.9 Net realized capital gains (losses) (36.2) (0.5) (3.7) 11.0 - (29.4) Other income (loss) (0.2) 4.5 (1.1) 0.6 - 3.8 -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Total revenue 614.1 392.8 464.5 47.8 (10.2) 1,509.0 -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Benefits, losses and expenses: Benefits: Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 320.1 306.6 370.7 23.7 - 1,021.1 Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses: General expenses 123.8 58.2 37.6 3.3 - 222.9 Commissions 250.3 37.2 48.1 0.5 - 336.1 Policy acquisition costs deferred (210.8) (219.5) (61.4) (0.4) - (492.1) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 184.7 99.4 57.8 6.1 - 348.0 Other: Expense and charges reimbursed under modified coinsurance agreements (131.6) 132.5 - - - 0.9 Interest expense 13.7 6.5 5.7 - (10.2)(2) 15.7 -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Total benefits, losses and expenses 550.2 420.9 458.5 33.2 (10.2) 1,452.6 -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) before income taxes 63.9 (28.1) 6.0 14.6 - 56.4 Income tax expense (benefit) 2.5 (10.5) 2.1 5.1 - (0.8) Equity in subsidiaries - 65.3 - - (65.3)(4) - -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income (loss) $ 61.4 $ 47.7 $ 3.9 $ 9.5 $ (65.3) $ 57.2 ============== ============= ============== ============== ============== ============== 3 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pro Forma Pro Forma (Millions) ING USA ELIC USG ULA Adjustments Consolidated ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Revenue: Premiums $ - $ 30.2 $ 1.1 $ - $ - $ 31.3 Fee income 204.0 54.0 20.0 3.7 - 281.7 Net investment income 197.7 249.7 416.6 44.1 (12.2)(2) 895.9 Net realized capital gains (losses) 4.2 (43.7) (65.7) 2.1 - (103.1) Other income (loss) 3.5 10.3 2.4 0.1 - 16.3 ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Total revenue 409.4 300.5 374.4 50.0 (12.2) 1,122.1 ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Benefits, losses and expenses: Benefits: Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 276.5 246.0 370.5 26.8 - 919.8 Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses: General expenses 139.7 46.5 33.0 1.0 - 220.2 Commissions 288.7 41.5 71.7 0.6 - 402.5 Policy acquisition costs deferred (292.2) (186.6) (80.2) - - (559.0) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 127.8 126.0 44.5 3.8 - 302.1 Other: Expense and charges reimbursed under modified coinsurance agreements (104.9) 100.9 - - - (4.0) Interest expense 16.0 6.9 6.1 - (12.2)(2) 16.8 ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Total benefits, losses and expenses 451.6 381.2 445.6 32.2 (12.2) 1,298.4 ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Income (loss) before income taxes (42.2) (80.7) (71.2) 17.8 - (176.3) Income tax expense (benefit) (12.5) (29.0) (24.9) 6.2 - (60.2) Equity in subsidiaries - (76.0) - - 76.0(4) - ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ (29.7) $ (127.7) $ (46.3) $ 11.6 $ 76.0 $ (116.1) ============ ============= ============ ============ ============== ============== 4 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pro Forma Pro Forma (Millions) ING USA ELIC USG ULA Adjustments Consolidated -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Revenue: Premiums $ - $ 33.2 $ 1.1 $ - $ - $ 34.3 Fee income 188.9 56.7 23.9 4.8 - 274.3 Net investment income 94.4 234.7 481.0 54.1 (14.3)(2) 849.9 Net realized capital gains (losses) (6.5) (32.7) (55.5) 1.3 - (93.4) Other income (loss) - 9.4 1.4 - - 10.8 -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Total revenue 276.8 301.3 451.9 60.2 (14.3) 1,075.9 -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Benefits, losses and expenses: Benefits: Interest credited and other benefits to policyholders 209.0 179.2 356.1 38.9 - 783.2 Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses: General expenses 119.9 94.7 23.3 3.3 - 241.2 Commissions 232.4 51.0 35.4 0.7 - 319.5 Policy acquisition costs deferred (128.2) (312.6) (47.1) (0.6) - (488.5) Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 49.6 55.6 65.3 4.4 - 174.9 Goodwill 4.2 13.0 19.1 1.1 - 37.4 Other: Expense and charges reimbursed under modified coinsurance agreements (225.6) 224.6 - - - (1.0) Interest expense 19.4 7.3 10.8 0.3 (14.3)(2) 23.5 -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Total benefits, losses and expenses 280.7 312.8 462.9 48.1 (14.3) 1,090.2 -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) before income taxes (3.9) (11.5) (11.0) 12.1 - (14.3) Income tax expense (benefit) 0.1 0.5 2.8 4.6 - 8.0 Equity in subsidiaries - (17.8) - - 17.8(4) - -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income (loss) $ (4.0) $ (29.8) $ (13.8) $ 7.5 $ 17.8 $ (22.3) ============== ============== ============= ============== ============== ============== 5 1. Pro Forma Consolidation Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations ("FAS 141"), excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control, and notes that certain provisions under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations ("APB 16"), provide a source of guidance for such transactions. In accordance with APB 16, financial information of the combined entity is presented as if the entities had been combined for the full year, and all comparative financial statements are restated and presented as if the entities had previously been combined, in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests, in accordance with the provisions of APB 16 in order to present the condensed financial position and results of operations of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company ("ING USA"), Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("ELIC"), United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("ULA"), and USG Annuity & Life Company ("USG"), as if the entities had previously been combined. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet and income statements give effect to the consolidation transaction as if it had occurred on December 31, 2003 and January 1, 2000, respectively. Following is a description of the pro forma adjustments that have been made to the financial statements. All pro forma adjustments are elimination entries related to intercompany transactions between the entities, as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. There were no other pro forma adjustments. (1) Prior to the merger, ING USA and USG were wholly owned subsidiaries of ELIC. The pro forma adjustment eliminates the ELIC investment in ING USA and USG subsidiaries. (2) Prior to the merger, ING USA had an outstanding surplus note payable to ELIC. The pro forma adjustment eliminates the surplus note and related interest between ING USA and ELIC. (3) All of the shares of capital stock of ELIC, USG, and ULA, will be canceled and retired, and ceased to exist, as of the merger with ING USA. (4) Prior to the merger, ING USA and USG were wholly owned subsidiaries of ELIC. The pro forma adjustment eliminates the ELIC equity in ING USA and USG income. 6 2. Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets The cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statements for the year ended December 31, 2002, reflects the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, ("FAS 142"). During 2002, ING USA and the Merger Companies adopted FAS 142. The adoption of this standard resulted in an impairment loss of $1,298.5 million in 2002. This impairment loss represented the entire carrying amount of goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, and is recorded as a change in accounting principle for year ended December 31, 2002. Effective January 1, 2002, ING USA and the Merger Companies applied the non-amortization provision (net of tax) of the new standard, which resulted in an increase in net income of $37.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002. Had ING USA and the Merger Companies been accounting for goodwill under FAS 142 for all periods presented, the Company's net income (loss) would have been as follows: Year ended December 31, (Millions) 2001 -------------- Pro forma consolidated net income (loss) $ (22.3) Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax 37.0 -------------- Adjusted pro forma consolidated net income $ 14.7 ============== 3. Statutory Merger On January 1, 2003, Ameribest Life Insurance Company ("AMB"), an affiliated life insurance company domiciled in Georgia, was merged with ELIC. As FAS 141 excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control, the merger was based on certain provisions under APB 16, which provide a source of guidance for such transactions. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests, in accordance with the provisions of APB 16, in order to present the condensed results of operations of ELIC and AMB as if the entities had previously been combined. The pro forma condensed consolidated income statements give effect to the consolidation transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 2001. (c) Exhibits Reference Number Page Exhibit Description 99.1 1-40 Audited statutory basis financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, for Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, including Report of Independent Auditors. 99.2 1-33 Audited statutory basis financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, for USG Annuity & Life Company, including Report of Independent Auditors. 99.3 1-32 Audited statutory basis financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, for United Life & Annuity Insurance Company, including Report of Independent Auditors. Exhibit 99.1 Report of Independent Auditors Board of Directors and Stockholder ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company We have audited the accompanying statutory basis balance sheets of Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("the Company" which, effective January 1, 2004, merged with an affiliate ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc.) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statutory basis statements of operations, changes in capital and surplus, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company presents its financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Division of Regulatory Agencies of the State of Iowa, Iowa Insurance Division, which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The variances between such practices and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are described in Note 1. The effects on the financial statements of these variances are not reasonably determinable but are presumed to be material. In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter described in the preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the financial position of Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa at December 31, 2003 and 2002 or the results of its operations or its cash flows for the years then ended. 1 However, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Insurance Division. /s/ Ernst & Young March 22, 2004 2 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 ----------------------------------- (In Thousands) Admitted assets Cash and invested assets: Bonds $ 3,758,375 $ 3,207,349 Preferred stocks 441 441 Common stocks 112,959 120,285 Subsidiaries 1,073,826 811,079 Mortgage loans 1,024,031 864,597 Real estate, less accumulated depreciation (2003-$0; 2002-$339) 1,800 3,651 Contract loans 126,488 130,790 Other invested assets 247,753 180,120 Cash and short-term investments 136,325 28,002 ----------------------------------- Total cash and invested assets 6,481,998 5,346,314 Deferred and uncollected premiums, less loading (2003- $801, 2002- $785) 63,386 64,607 Accrued investment income 44,056 47,007 Reinsurance balances recoverable 1,805 785 Data processing equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2003-$6,791; 2002-$5,459) 58 186 Indebtedness from related parties 5,015 108,320 Federal income tax recoverable (including $20,472 and $571 net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively) 20,472 53,912 Separate account assets 1,044,925 959,377 Other assets 442,871 303,168 ----------------------------------- Total admitted assets $ 8,104,586 $ 6,883,676 =================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 ---------------------------------- (In Thousands, except share amounts) Liabilities and capital surplus Liabilities: Policy and contract liabilities: Life and annuity reserves $ 4,818,747 $ 4,294,323 Deposit type contracts 620,717 190,201 Policyholders' funds 252 310 Dividends payable 16,905 23,795 Unpaid claims 1,195 2,227 ---------------------------------- Total policy and contract liabilities 5,457,816 4,510,856 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 36,740 31,714 Indebtedness to related parties 133,258 66,265 Asset valuation reserve 38,410 26,123 Interest maintenance reserve 29,987 15,472 Federal income taxes payable 18,417 - Borrowed money, net 176,983 148,996 Other liabilities (13,244) (19,337) Separate account liabilities 1,044,925 959,377 ---------------------------------- Total liabilities 6,923,292 5,739,466 Capital and surplus: Common stock: $1.00 par value; authorized 7,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,000,300 shares 5,000 5,000 Paid in and contributed surplus 1,236,632 1,236,632 Unassigned deficit (60,338) (97,422) ---------------------------------- Total capital and surplus 1,181,294 1,144,210 ---------------------------------- Total liabilities and capital and surplus $ 8,104,586 $ 6,883,676 ================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Statements of Operations - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------------------------- (In Thousands) Premiums and other revenues: Life, annuity, and accident and health premiums $ 2,133,311 $ 1,839,818 Policy proceeds and dividends left on deposit 2,026 1,840 Net investment income 307,296 247,193 Amortization of interest maintenance reserve (2,855) (1,930) Commissions, expenses paid and other miscellaneous expenses 86 179 Other income 17,534 23,058 ---------------------------------- Total premiums and other revenues 2,457,398 2,110,158 Benefits paid or provided: Death benefits 41,587 44,630 Annuity benefits 114,717 124,590 Surrender benefits 683,949 692,942 Interest on policy or contract funds 10,524 5,440 Other benefits 6,398 7,943 Increase in life, annuity, and accident and health reserves 1,433,202 1,201,144 Net transfers from separate accounts (121,443) (135,686) ---------------------------------- Total benefits paid or provided 2,168,934 1,941,003 Insurance expenses: Commissions 206,214 158,533 General expenses 54,442 44,751 Insurance taxes, licenses and fees, excluding federal income taxes 2,581 3,824 Other deductions 2,281 756 ---------------------------------- Total insurance expenses 265,518 207,864 ---------------------------------- Gain (loss) from operations before policyholder dividends, federal income taxes and net realized capital gains (losses) 22,946 (38,709) Dividends to policyholders 13,683 23,406 ---------------------------------- Gain (loss) from operations before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains (losses) 9,263 (62,115) Federal income taxes 26,865 37,810 ---------------------------------- Loss from operations before net realized capital gains (losses) (17,602) (99,925) Net realized capital gains (losses) net of income tax expense (benefit) 2003 - $(9,263) and 2002 - $(10,546); and excluding net transfers to the interest maintenance reserve 2003 - $11,660 and 2002 - $3,157 2,597 (22,521) ---------------------------------- Net loss $ (15,005) $ (122,446) ================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Statements of Changes in Capital and Surplus - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Common stock: Balance at beginning and end of year $ 5,000 $ 5,000 ------------- ------------- Paid-in and contributed surplus: Balance at beginning of year 1,236,632 721,632 Capital contributions - 515,000 ------------- ------------- Balance at end of year 1,236,632 1,236,632 ------------- ------------- Unassigned deficit: Balance at beginning of year (97,422) 329,096 Net loss (15,005) (122,446) Change in net unrealized capital gains or losses 40,085 (307,450) Change in nonadmitted assets 7,194 (58,896) Change in asset valuation reserve (12,287) 670 Change in net deferred income tax 17,097 61,604 ------------- ------------- Balance at end of year (60,338) (97,422) ------------- ------------- Total capital and surplus $ 1,181,294 $ 1,144,210 ============= ============= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Statements of Cash Flows - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Operations Premiums, policy proceeds, and other considerations received, net of reinsurance paid $ 2,134,739 $ 1,780,915 Net investment income received 375,667 293,438 Commissions, expenses paid and miscellaneous expenses (1,130,672) (920,278) Benefits paid (990,503) (875,116) Net transfers from separate accounts 125,168 148,848 Dividends paid to policyholders (20,097) (23,568) Federal income taxes received (paid) 54,155 (47,836) Other revenues 19,771 24,690 ------------- --------------- Net cash provided by operations 568,228 381,093 Investment activities Proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments: Bonds 4,136,759 3,714,591 Preferred and common stocks 28,835 357 Mortgage loans 164,802 103,567 Real estate 1,550 2,241 Other invested assets 970 51,647 Net (losses) gains on cash and short term investments (312) 3 Miscellaneous proceeds 139 84,645 ------------- -------------- Net proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments 4,332,743 3,957,051 Cost of investments acquired: Bonds 4,739,924 4,117,843 Preferred and common stocks 246,024 556,492 Mortgage loans 324,206 121,122 Other invested assets 509 844 Miscellaneous applications 71,432 106,949 ------------- -------------- Total cost of investments acquired 5,382,095 4,903,250 Net change in contract loans 4,302 9,638 ------------- -------------- Net cash used in investment activities (1,045,050) (936,561) Financing and miscellaneous activities Cash provided: Capital and surplus paid-in - 506,300 Borrowed money 27,987 13,008 Net deposits on deposit-type contract funds 412,265 21,616 Other uses 144,893 (42,858) ------------- -------------- Net cash provided by financing and miscellaneous activities 585,145 498,066 ------------- -------------- Net change in cash and short-term investments 108,323 (57,402) Cash and short-term investments: Beginning of year 28,002 85,404 ------------- -------------- End of year $ 136,325 $ 28,002 ============= ============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa (the Company) is domiciled in Iowa and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING AIH"). Effective January 1, 2004, the Company merged into an affiliate, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc. The Company offers various insurance products including deferred and immediate annuities, variable annuities, and interest sensitive and traditional life insurance. These products are marketed by the Company's career agency force, independent insurance agents, broker/dealers, and financial institutions. The Company's primary customers are individuals. The Company is presently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The preparation of financial statements of insurance companies requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein. On December 12, 2002, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan of merger with an affiliate of the Company, Ameribest Life Insurance Company, a Georgia domiciled company, effective January 1, 2003. The Company was the surviving corporation of the transaction. The 1,666,666.67 issued and outstanding shares of Ameribest Life Insurance Company were retired and canceled upon the effective time and date of the merger. The Georgia Department of Insurance approved the merger on December 18, 2002 and the Iowa Department of Insurance approved the merger on December 27, 2002, with the effective date of the merger being January 1, 2003. The accompanying financial statements have been restated as though the merger took place prior to all periods presented. Pre-merger separate company revenue, net loss and other capital and surplus adjustments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002, were $2,082,573,000, $(119,795,000) and $210,415,000 respectively for the Company and $27,585,000, $(2,651,000) and $513,000 respectively for Ameribest. Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Iowa (Iowa Insurance Division), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The most significant variances from GAAP are as follows: 8 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments: Investments in bonds and mandatorily redeemable preferred stocks are reported at amortized cost or market value based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") rating; for GAAP, such fixed maturity investments are designated at purchase as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity investments are reported at amortized cost, and the remaining fixed maturity investments are reported at fair value with unrealized capital gains and losses reported in operations for those designated as trading and as a separate component of other comprehensive income in stockholder's equity for those designated as available-for-sale. For structured securities, when a negative yield results from a revaluation based on new prepayment assumptions (i.e., undiscounted cash flows are less than current book value), an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and the asset is written down to the value of the undiscounted cash flows. For GAAP, assets are re-evaluated based on the discounted cash flows using a current market rate. Impairments are recognized when there has been an adverse change in cash flows and the fair value is less than book. The asset is then written down to fair value. Investments in real estate are reported net of related obligations rather than on a gross basis. Real estate owned and occupied by the Company is included in investments rather than reported as an operating asset as under GAAP, and investment income and operating expenses include rent for the Company's occupancy of those properties. Changes between depreciated cost and admitted asset investment amounts are credited or charged directly to unassigned surplus rather than income as would be required under GAAP. SSAP 31 applies to derivative transactions prior to January 1, 2003. The Company also follows the newly adopted hedge accounting guidance in SSAP 86 for derivative transactions entered into or modified on or after January 1, 2003. Under this guidance, derivatives that are deemed effective hedges are accounted for in a manner which is consistent with the underlying hedged item. Derivatives used in hedging transactions that do not meet the requirements of SSAP 86 as an effective hedge are carried at fair value with the change in value recorded in surplus as unrealized gains or losses. Embedded derivatives are not accounted for separately from the host contract. Under GAAP, the effective and ineffective portions of a single hedge are accounted for separately. An embedded derivative within a contract that is not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risk of the host contract is accounted for separately from the host contract and valued and reported at fair value, and the change in fair value for cash flow hedges is credited or charged directly to a separate component of shareholders' equity rather than to income as required for fair value hedges. Valuation Reserves: The asset valuation reserve ("AVR") is determined by an NAIC-prescribed formula and is reported as a liability rather than as a valuation allowance or an appropriation of surplus. The change in AVR is reported directly to unassigned surplus. Under a formula prescribed by the NAIC, the Company defers the portion of realized gains and losses on sales of fixed-income investments, principally bonds and mortgage loans, attributable to changes in the general level of interest rates and amortizes those deferrals over the remaining period to maturity based on groupings of individual securities sold in five-year bands. The net deferral is reported as the interest maintenance reserve (IMR) in the accompanying balance sheets. 9 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Realized gains and losses on investments are reported in operations net of federal income tax and transfers to the IMR. Under GAAP, realized capital gains and losses are reported in the statements of operations on a pretax basis in the period that the asset giving rise to the gain or loss is sold and valuation allowances are provided when there has been a decline in value deemed other than temporary, in which case the provision for such declines is charged to income. Valuation allowances, if necessary, are established for mortgage loans based on the difference between the net value of the collateral, determined as the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to obtain and sell, and the recorded investment in the mortgage loan. Under GAAP, such allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, if foreclosure is probable, on the estimated fair value of the collateral. The initial valuation allowance and subsequent changes in the allowance for mortgage loans as a result of a temporary impairment are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus, rather than being included as a component of earnings as would be required under GAAP. Policy Acquisition Costs: The costs of acquiring and renewing business are expensed when incurred. Under GAAP, acquisition costs related to traditional life insurance, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues, are deferred and amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves. For universal life insurance and investment products, to the extent recoverable from future gross profits, acquisition costs are amortized generally in proportion to the present value of expected gross margins from surrender charges and investment, mortality, and expense margins. Premiums: Life premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Premiums for annuity policies with mortality and morbidity risk, except for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts, are also recognized as revenue when due. Premiums received for annuity policies without mortality or morbidity risk and for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts are recorded using deposit accounting. 10 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under GAAP, premiums for traditional life insurance products, which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance policies, are recognized as revenue when due. Group insurance premiums are recognized as premium revenue over the time period to which the premiums relate. Revenues for universal life, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed during the period. Benefit and Contract Reserves: Life policy and contract reserves under statutory accounting practices are calculated based upon both the net level premium and Commissioners' Reserve Valuation methods using statutory rates for mortality and interest. GAAP requires that policy reserves for traditional products be based upon the net level premium method utilizing reasonably conservative estimates of mortality, interest, and withdrawals prevailing when the policies were sold. For interest-sensitive products, the GAAP policy reserve is equal to the policy fund balance plus an unearned revenue reserve which reflects the unamortized balance of early year policy loads over renewal year policy loads. Reinsurance: For business ceded to unauthorized reinsurers, statutory accounting practices require that reinsurance credits permitted by the treaty be recorded as an offsetting liability and charged against unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, an allowance for amounts deemed uncollectible would be established through a charge to earnings. Statutory income recognized on certain reinsurance treaties representing financing arrangements is not recognized on a GAAP basis. Policy and contract liabilities ceded to reinsurers have been reported as reductions of the related reserves rather than as assets as required under GAAP. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded are reported as income when received rather than being deferred and amortized with deferred policy acquisition costs as required under GAAP. Subsidiaries: The accounts and operations of the Company's subsidiaries are not consolidated with the accounts and operations of the Company as would be required under GAAP. Nonadmitted Assets: Certain assets designated as "nonadmitted," principally deferred federal income tax assets, disallowed interest maintenance reserves, non-operating software, past-due agents' balances, furniture and equipment, intangible assets, and other assets not specifically identified as an admitted asset within the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual are excluded from the accompanying balance sheets and are charged directly to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, such assets are included in the balance sheet. Employee Benefits: For purposes of calculating the Company's postretirement benefit obligation, only vested participants and current retirees are included in the valuation. Under GAAP, active participants not currently vested are also included. 11 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Universal Life and Annuity Policies: Revenues for universal life and annuity policies consist of the entire premium received and benefits incurred represent the total of death benefits paid and the change in policy reserves. Under GAAP, premiums received in excess of policy charges would not be recognized as premium revenue and benefits would represent the excess of benefits paid over the policy account value and interest credited to the account values. Policyholder Dividends: Policyholder dividends are recognized when declared rather than over the term of the related policies. Deferred Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets are provided for and admitted to an amount determined under a standard formula. This formula considers the amount of differences that will reverse in the subsequent year, taxes paid in prior years that could be recovered through carrybacks, surplus limits and the amount of deferred tax liabilities available for offset. Any deferred tax assets not covered under the formula are non-admitted. Deferred taxes do not include any amounts for state taxes. Under GAAP, a deferred tax asset is recorded for the amount of gross deferred tax assets that are expected to be realized in future years and a valuation allowance is established for the portion that is not realizable. Surplus Notes: Surplus notes are reported as a component of surplus. Under statutory accounting practices, no interest is recorded on the surplus notes until payment has been approved by the Iowa Division of Insurance. Under GAAP, surplus notes are reported as liabilities and the related interest is reported as a charge to earnings over the term of the note. Statements of Cash Flows: Cash and short-term investments in the statements of cash flows represent cash balances and investments with initial maturities of one year or less. Under GAAP, the corresponding caption of cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and investments with initial maturities of three months or less. The effects of the preceding variances from GAAP on the accompanying statutory basis financial statements have not been determined, but are presumed to be material. Other significant accounting practices are as follows: Investments Investments are stated at values prescribed by the NAIC, as follows: Bonds not backed by other loans are principally stated at amortized cost using the interest method. 12 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Single class and multi-class mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities are valued at amortized cost using the interest method including anticipated prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are obtained from dealer surveys or internal estimates and are based on the current interest rate and economic environment. The retrospective adjustment method is used to value all such securities except for higher-risk asset backed securities, which are valued using the prospective method. Redeemable preferred stocks rated as high quality or better are reported at cost or amortized cost. All other redeemable preferred stocks are reported at the lower of cost, amortized cost, or market value. Nonredeemable preferred stocks are reported at market value or the lower of cost or market value as determined by the Securities Valuation Office of the NAIC ("SVO"). Common stocks are reported at market value as determined by the SVO and the related unrealized capital gains/(losses) are reported in unassigned surplus along with adjustment for federal income taxes. The Company analyzes the general account investments to determine whether there has been an other than temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Management considers the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; future economic conditions and market forecasts; and the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in market value. If it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a debt security will not be collected, an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. The Company uses derivatives such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors and options as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy for certain life insurance and annuity products. As the Company only uses derivatives for hedging purposes, the Company values all derivative instruments on a consistent basis with the hedged item. Upon termination, gains and losses on those instruments are included in the carrying values of the underlying hedged items and are amortized over the remaining lives of the hedged items as adjustments to investment income or benefits from the hedged items. Any unamortized gains or losses are recognized when the underlying hedged items are sold. Interest rate swap contracts are used to convert the interest rate characteristics (fixed or variable) of certain investments to match those of the related insurance liabilities that the investments are supporting. The net interest effect of such swap transactions is reported as an adjustment of interest income from the hedged items as incurred. Interest rate caps and floors are used to limit the effects of changing interest rates on yields of variable rate or short-term assets or liabilities. The initial cost of any such agreement is amortized to net investment income over the life of the agreement. Periodic payments that are receivable as a result of the agreements are accrued as an adjustment of interest income or benefits from the hedged items. 13 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The derivatives are reported in a manner that is consistent with the hedged asset or liability. All derivatives are reported at amortized cost with the exception of the S&P Options. The S&P Options are reported at fair value since the liabilities that are being hedged are reported at fair value. The unrealized gains or losses from the S&P Options are reported in investment income. Upon termination of a derivative that qualified for hedge accounting, the gain or loss is deferred in IMR or adjusts the basis of the hedged item. The Company's insurance subsidiaries are reported at their underlying statutory basis net assets plus the admitted portion of goodwill. Dividends from subsidiaries are included in net investment income. The remaining net change in the subsidiaries' equity is included in the change in net unrealized capital gains or losses. Mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost, less allowance for impairments. Contract loans are reported at unpaid principal balances. Land is reported at cost. Real estate occupied by the company is reported at depreciated cost; other real estate is reported at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties. For reverse repurchase agreements, Company policies require a minimum of 95% of the fair value of securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements to be maintained as collateral. Cash collateral received is invested in short-term investments and the offsetting collateral liability is included in miscellaneous liabilities. Reverse dollar repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateral borrowings, where the amount borrowed is equal to the sales price of the underlying securities. Short-term investments are reported at amortized cost. Short-term investments include investments with maturities of less than one year at the date of acquisition. Partnership agreements, which are included in other invested assets, are reported at the underlying audited GAAP equity of the investee. Residual collateralized mortgage obligations, which are included in other invested assets, are reported at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Realized capital gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method. Cash on hand includes cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity date of three months or less. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. 14 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aggregate Reserve for Life Policies and Contracts Life, annuity, and accident and health reserves are developed by actuarial methods and are determined based on published tables using statutorily specified interest rates and valuation methods that will provide, in the aggregate, reserves that are greater than or equal to the minimum or guaranteed policy cash value or the amounts required by law. Interest rates range from 2.25% to 10%. The Company waives the deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon the death of the insured. It is the Company's practice to return a pro rata portion of any premium paid beyond the policy month of death, although it is not contractually required to do so for certain issues. The methods used in valuation of substandard policies are as follows: For life, endowment and term policies issued substandard, the standard reserve during the premium-paying period is increased by 50% of the gross annual extra premium. Standard reserves are held on Paid-Up Limited Pay contracts. For reinsurance accepted with table rating, the reserve established is a multiple of the standard reserve corresponding to the table rating. For reinsurance with flat extra premiums, the standard reserve is increased by 50% of the flat extra. The amount of insurance in force for which the gross premiums are less than the net premiums, according to the standard of valuation required by the State of Iowa is $239,161,000 at December 31, 2003. The amount of reserves for policies on which gross premiums are less than the net premiums deficiency reserves is $1,514,000 at December 31, 2003. The tabular interest has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of policy reserves for all direct ordinary life insurance and for the portion of group life insurance classified as group Section 79. The tabular interest of funds not involving life contingencies is calculated as the current year reserves, plus payments, less prior year reserves, less funds added. Reinsurance Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reserves are based on the terms of the reinsurance contract and are consistent with the risks assumed. Premiums and benefits ceded to other companies have been reported as a reduction of premium revenue and benefits expense. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for reserves and unpaid claim liabilities have been reported as reductions of these items, and expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been reflected in operations. 15 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Processing Equipment Electronic data processing equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for major classes of assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Participating Insurance Participating business approximates less than 12% of the Company's ordinary life insurance in force and less than 1% of premium income. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined annually by the Board of Directors. Amounts allocable to participating policyholders are based on published dividend projections or expected dividend scales. Dividends of $13,683,000 and $23,406,000 were incurred 2003 and 2002, respectively. Pension Plans The Company provides noncontributory retirement plans for substantially all employees and certain agents. Pension costs are charged to operations as contributions are made to the plan. The Company also provides a contributory retirement plan for substantially all employees. Nonadmitted Assets Nonadmitted assets are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Deferred federal income taxes $ 154,178 $ 160,490 Agents' debt balances 376 267 Furniture and equipment 2,668 4,337 Leasehold improvements 902 1,033 Deferred and uncollected premium 145 426 Commuted commission 829 1,108 Suspense debts 4,264 3,586 Other 922 231 ---------------- --------------- Total nonadmitted assets $ 164,284 $ 171,478 ================ =============== Changes in nonadmitted assets are generally reported directly in surplus as an increase or decrease in nonadmitted assets. Certain changes are reported directly in surplus as a change in unrealized capital gains or losses. 16 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Flow Information Cash and short-term investments include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term fixed maturity instruments (with a maturity of less than one year at date of acquisition). The Company borrowed $665,500,000 and repaid $698,900,000 in 2003, and borrowed $1,267,535,000 and repaid $1,267,535,000 in 2002. These borrowings were on a short-term basis at an interest rate that approximated current money market rates and exclude borrowings from reverse dollar repurchase transactions. Interest paid on borrowed money was $61,876 and $206,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively. Separate Accounts Separate account assets and liabilities held by the Company represent funds held for the benefit of the Company's variable annuity policy and contract holders who bear all of the investment risk associated with the policies. Such policies are of a non-guaranteed nature. All net investment experience, positive or negative, is attributed to the policy and contract holders' account values. The assets and liabilities of these accounts are carried at fair value. Reserves related to the Company's mortality risk associated with these policies are included in life and annuity reserves. The operations of the separate accounts are not included in the accompanying statements of operations. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts in the Company's statutory basis financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 financial statement presentation. 2. Permitted Statutory Basis Accounting Practices The financial statements of the Company are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Iowa. The Iowa State Insurance Division recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Iowa for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company, for determining its solvency in under the Iowa Insurance Laws. NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by the State of Iowa. The Commissioner of Insurance has the right to permit other specific practices that deviate from prescribed practices. The Company is required to identify those significant accounting practices that are permitted, and obtain written approval of the practices from the Iowa Division of Insurance. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no such permitted accounting practices. 17 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Investments The amortized cost and fair value of bonds and equity securities are as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- (In Thousands) At December 31, 2003: U.S. Treasury securities $ 63,442 $ 746 $ 41 $ 64,147 obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 15,248 12 1,208 14,052 Foreign government 95,347 9,942 525 104,764 Public utilities securities 358,013 18,034 2,097 373,950 Corporate securities 1,767,783 96,572 12,490 1,851,865 Mortgage-backed securities 947,342 17,669 16,982 948,029 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 172,654 11,602 584 183,672 Other structured securities 339,186 5,674 11,660 333,200 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total fixed maturities 3,759,015 160,251 45,587 3,873,679 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Preferred stocks 441 - - 441 Common stocks 108,680 4,304 25 112,959 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total equity securities 109,121 4,304 25 113,400 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total $3,868,136 $ 164,555 $ 45,612 $3,987,079 =========== ========== =========== ========== December 31, 2002: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 23,522 $ 1,617 $ - $ 25,139 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 248 11 - 259 Foreign government 172,130 12,466 4,538 180,058 Public utilities securities 213,753 10,027 3,722 220,058 Corporate securities 1,508,444 97,591 12,406 1,593,629 Mortgage-backed securities 911,369 41,639 20,820 932,188 Other structured securities 378,523 23,113 19,667 381,969 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total fixed maturities 3,207,989 186,464 61,153 3,333,300 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Preferred stocks 441 - - 441 Common stocks 120,051 234 - 120,285 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total equity securities 120,492 234 - 120,726 ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Total $3,328,481 $ 186,698 $ 61,153 $3,454,026 =========== ========== =========== ========== 18 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate fair value of debt securities with unrealized losses and the time period that cost exceeded fair value are as follows: More than 6 months and less Less than 6 than 12 months More than 12 months below cost below cost months below cost Total ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------ (In Thousands) Fair value $ 521,371 $ 315,592 $ 53,556 $ 890,519 Unrealized loss 4,839 21,102 19,646 45,587 Of the unrealized losses more than 6 months and less than 12 months in duration of $21,102,000, there were $4,481,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. Business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining unrealized losses of $16,621,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: $9,004,000 of unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed and structure securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP No. 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $118,777,000. $4,324,000 of unrealized losses related to the energy/utility industry, for which the fair value was $75,347,000. During 2003, the energy sector recovered due to a gradually improving economic picture. Current analysis indicates the debt will be serviced in accordance with the contractual terms. $1,895,000 of unrealized losses relating to non-domestic issues, with no unrealized loss exposure per country in excess of $1,858,000 for which the fair value was $11,796,000. Credit exposures are in the beverage industry in Italy and Great Britain. $1,398,000 of unrealized losses related to the telecommunications/cable/media industry, for which the fair value was $26,033,000. During 2003, the sector recovered somewhat due to a gradually improving economy. Credit exposure is primarily focused in what management believes to be the largest and most financially secure companies in the sector. 19 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of the unrealized losses more than 12 months in duration of $19,645,000, there were $197,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. Business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining losses of $19,448,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: $17,930,000 of unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed and structured securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP No. 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $31,213,000. $654,000 of unrealized losses related to the airline industry, for which the fair value was $10,725,000. During 2003, the airline industry continued to suffer from decreased passenger volumes partially offset by a gradually improving economy. The majority of the airline investments are comprised of Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates for which the specific collateral is represented by newer models that are expected to be retained as individual airlines reduce their fleets. The remaining unrealized losses totaling $864,000 relate to a fair value of $9,161,000. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in bonds at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Amortized Fair Cost Value ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Maturity: Due in 1 year or less $ 23,004 $ 23,270 Due after 1 year through 5 years 948,836 997,266 Due after 5 years through 10 years 950,055 997,168 Due after 10 years 377,938 391,074 ---------------- ---------------- 2,299,833 2,408,778 Mortgage-backed securities 947,342 948,029 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 172,654 183,672 Other structured securities 339,186 333,200 ---------------- ---------------- Total $ 3,759,015 $ 3,873,679 ================ ================ At December 31, 2003, investments in certificates of deposit and bonds, with an admitted asset value of $2,434,000, were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory requirements. 20 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reconciliation of bonds from amortized cost to carrying value as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 is as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Amortized cost $ 3,759,015 $ 3,207,989 Less nonadmitted bonds (640) (640) ---------------- ---------------- Carrying value $ 3,758,375 $ 3,207,349 ================ ================ Proceeds from the sales of investments in bonds and other fixed maturity interest securities were $2,329,158,000 and $2,334,028,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Gross gains of $48,928,000 and $43,441,000 and gross losses of $11,521,000 and $37,946,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively, were realized on those sales. A portion of the gains realized in 2003 and 2002 has been deferred to future periods in the interest maintenance reserve. Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Equity securities - affiliated $ 5,349 $ 35 Equity securities - unaffiliated 215 - Bonds 222,611 249,688 Mortgage loans 67,158 66,004 Contract loans 6,464 7,840 Real estate 367 757 Other 26,435 (58,291) ---------------- ---------------- Total investment income 328,599 266,033 Investment expenses (21,303) (18,840) ---------------- ---------------- Net investment income $ 307,296 $ 247,193 ================ ================ As part of its overall investment strategy, the Company has entered into agreements to purchase securities as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Investment purchase commitments $ 37,678 $ 47,317 21 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company entered into reverse dollar repurchase transactions to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. Reverse dollar repurchases involve a sale of securities and an agreement to repurchase substantially the same securities as those sold. The reverse dollar repurchases are accounted for as short term collateralized financing and the repurchase obligation is reported in borrowed money. The repurchase obligation totaled $126,983,000 and $95,972,777 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The securities underlying these agreements are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $126,317,000 and $95,936,000 and a fair value of $127,423,000 and $97,433,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The securities have a weighted average coupon of 5.4% and have maturities ranging from December 2018 through December 2033. The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty may be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company's exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments, which was not material at December 31, 2003. The Company believes the counterparties to the reverse dollar repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal. The Company participates in reverse repurchase transactions. Such transactions include the sale of corporate securities to a major securities dealer and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same security in the near term. The proceeds are invested in new securities of intermediate durations. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the amounts outstanding on these agreements were $0 and $3,000,000, respectively. The securities underlying these agreements are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $0 and $3,135,000 and a fair value of $0 and $3,163,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The maximum and minimum lending rates for new long-term commercial mortgage loans during 2003 were 6.20% and 2.78%. Fire insurance is required on all properties covered by mortgage loans and must at least equal the excess of the loan over the maximum loan which would be permitted by law on the land without the buildings. The maximum percentage of any loan to the value of collateral at the time of the loan, exclusive of insured or guaranteed or purchase money mortgages, was 89.7% on commercial properties. As of December 31, 2003, the Company held no mortgages with interest more than 180 days overdue. Total interest due on mortgages as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $54,000 and $23,000, respectively. 4. Derivative Financial Instruments Held for Purposes Other than Trading The Company enters into interest rate and currency contracts, including swaps, caps, floors, and options, to reduce and manage risks, which include the risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flows, exchange rates or quantity of, or a degree of exposure with respect to, assets, liabilities, or future cash flows, which the Company has acquired or incurred. Hedge accounting practices are supported by cash flow matching, scenario testing and duration matching. 22 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest payments over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. Currency swap agreements generally involve the exchange of local and foreign currency payments over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. Interest rate cap and interest rate floor agreements owned entitle the Company to receive payments to the extent reference interest rates exceed or fall below strike levels in the contracts based on the notional amounts. The Company uses S&P Options to hedge against an increase in the S&P Index. Such increase results in increased reserve liabilities, and the options offset this increased expense. The options are accounted for in a consistent manner with the underlying reserve liabilities, both of which are carried at far value with the change in value running through the income statement. If the options mature in the money, the amount received is recorded in income to offset the increased expense for the reserve liabilities. Premiums paid for the purchase of interest rate contracts are included in other invested assets and are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining terms of the contracts or in a manner consistent with the financial instruments being hedged. Amounts paid or received, if any, from such contracts are included in interest expense or income. Accrued amounts payable to or receivable from counterparties are included in other liabilities or other invested assets. Gains or losses realized as a result of early terminations of interest rate contracts are amortized to investment income over the remaining term of the items being hedged to the extent the hedge is considered to be effective; otherwise, they are recognized upon termination. Interest rate contracts that are matched or otherwise designated to be associated with other financial instruments are recorded at fair value if the related financial instruments mature, are sold, or are otherwise terminated or if the interest rate contracts cease to be effective hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as investment income. The Company manages the potential credit exposure from interest rate contracts through careful evaluation of the counterparties' credit standing, collateral agreements, and master netting agreements. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on derivative contracts; however, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties. The amount of such exposure is generally the unrealized gains in such contracts. 23 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The table below summarizes the Company's interest rate contracts included in other invested assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002: Notional Carrying Fair Amount Value Value ---------- ---------- --------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Interest rate contracts: Swaps $ 316,584 $ - $ (9,103) Caps owned 595,000 1,231 10 Options owned 1,287,802 100,942 100,942 ---------- ---------- --------- Total derivatives $2,199,386 $ 102,173 $ 91,849 ========== ========== ========= December 31, 2002 Interest rate contracts: Swaps $ 266,098 $ - $ (4,428) Caps owned 743,000 2,508 908 Options owned 856,438 30,325 30,325 ---------- ---------- --------- Total derivatives $1,865,536 $ 32,833 $ 26,805 ========== ========== ========= 5. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company held less-than-investment-grade corporate bonds with an aggregate book value of $244,590,000 and $215,967,000 and with an aggregate market value of $256,968,000 and $201,208,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Those holdings amounted to 6.5% of the Company's investments in bonds and 3.5% of total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. The holdings of less-than-investment-grade bonds are widely diversified and of satisfactory quality based on the Company's investment policies and credit standards. The Company held unrated bonds of $96,917,000 and $73,548,000 with an aggregate NAIC market value of $99,937,000 and $79,056,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The carrying value of these holdings amounted to 2.5% of the Company's investment in bonds and 1.4% of the Company's total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company's commercial mortgages involved a concentration of properties located in California (18.74%) and Texas (9.18%). The remaining commercial mortgages relate to properties located in 38 other states. The portfolio is well diversified; covering many different types of income-producing properties on which the Company has first mortgage liens. The maximum mortgage outstanding on any individual property is $29,000,000. 24 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Annuity Reserves At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company's annuity reserves, including those held in separate accounts and deposit fund liabilities that are subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustment, subject to discretionary withdrawal without adjustment, and not subject to discretionary withdrawal provisions are summarized as follows: Amount Percent ------------- ---------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 2,005,225 34.0% At book value less surrender charge 1,270,988 21.5 At fair value 1,020,807 17.3 ------------- ---------- Subtotal 4,297,020 72.8 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 716,305 12.1 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 885,463 15.1 ------------- ---------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance 5,898,788 100.0% ========== Less reinsurance ceded 556,052 ------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 5,342,736 ============= December 31, 2002 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 1,813,570 37.2% At book value less surrender charge 864,057 17.7 At fair value 1,079,649 22.2 ------------- ---------- Subtotal 3,757,276 77.1 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 447,961 9.2 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 669,775 13.7 ------------- ---------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance 4,875,012 100.0% ========== Less reinsurance ceded 576,980 ------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 4,298,032 ============= 25 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Employee Benefit Plans Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Effective December 31, 2001, the qualified noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans of the Company, along with certain other US subsidiaries of ING AIH, were merged into one plan, which is recognized in ING AIH's financial statements. As a result of this plan merger, the Company transferred its qualified pension asset to ING North America Insurance Corporation, an affiliate. In addition, the Company maintains a nonqualified unfunded Supplemental Employees Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The Company also provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. A summary of assets, obligations and assumptions of the Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits ----------------------- ---------------------- 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- (In Thousands) Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 8,115 $ 13,015 $ 6,694 $ 5,383 Service cost - 546 676 210 Interest cost 540 1,008 410 400 Contribution by plan participants - - 2,048 376 Actuarial gain (loss) 2,103 (6,153) (1,471) 373 Benefits paid (415) (301) (2,667) (847) Plan amendments - - - 799 ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Benefit obligation at end of year $ 10,343 $ 8,115 $ 5,690 $ 6,694 ========== =========== ========== ========== Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ - $ - $ - Actual return on plan assets - - - - Employer contribution 415 301 619 471 Plan participants' contributions - - 2,048 376 Benefits paid (415) (301) (2,667) (847) ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ - $ - $ - ========== =========== ========== ========== 26 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension Benefits Other Benefits ------------------------- ------------------------ 2003 2002 2003 2002 ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- (In Thousands) Funded status $ (10,343) $ (8,115) $ (5,690) $ (6,694) Unamortized prior service credit (290) (318) (648) (746) Unrecognized net (gain) or loss (1,276) (3,715) (1,917) 2,566 Remaining net obligation 28 31 2,733 - ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Net amount recognized $ (11,881) $(12,117) $ (5,522) $ (4,874) =========== ============ ============ =========== Components of net periodic benefit cost Service cost $ - $ 546 $ 676 $ 210 Interest cost 540 1,008 410 400 Expected return on plan assets - - - - Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation or transition assets 2 2 304 304 Amount of recognized gains and losses (336) 100 (25) (42) Amount of prior service cost recognized (28) (28) (98) 701 Amount of gain or loss recognized due to a settlement or curtailment - - - - ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- Total net periodic benefit cost $ 178 $ 1,628 $ 1,267 $ 1,573 ============ ============ ============ =========== In addition, the Company has a pension benefit obligation and an other benefit obligation for non-vested employees as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 in the amount of $623,000 and $682,000, and $3,665,000 and $2,633,000 (OPEB obligation), respectively. Assumptions used in determining the accounting for the defined benefit plans and other post-retirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows: 2003 2002 ---------------- ----------------- Weighted-average discount rate 6.25 % 6.75 % Rate of increase in compensation level 3.75 % 3.75 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.75 % 9.00 % The annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) for the medical plan is 10.0% graded to 5.0% thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the medical plan as of December 31, 2003 by $48,000. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the medical plan as of December 31, 2003 by $46,000. 27 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 401(k) Plan The ING Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan, which is available to substantially all employees. Participants may make contributions to the plan through salary reductions up to a maximum of $12,000 for 2003 and $11,000 for 2002. Such contributions are not currently taxable to the participants. The Company matches up to 6% of pre-tax eligible pay at 100%. Company matching contributions were $569,000 and $681,000 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. 8. Separate Accounts Separate account assets and liabilities represent funds segregated by the Company for the benefit of certain policy and contract holders who bear the investment risk. All such policies are of a nonguaranteed return nature. Revenues and expenses on the separate account assets and related liabilities equal the benefits paid to the separate account policy and contract holders. 28 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The general nature and characteristics of the separate accounts business follows: Nonguaranteed Separate Accounts -------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Premium, consideration or deposits for year ended December 31, 2003 $ 23,144 ============== Reserves for accounts with assets at: Market value $ 1,020,807 Amortized cost - -------------- Total reserves $ 1,020,807 ============== Reserves for separate accounts by withdrawal characteristics: Subject to discretionary withdrawal: With market value adjustment $ - At book value without market value adjustment less current surrender charge of 5% or more - At market value 1,020,807 At book value without market value adjustment less current surrender charge of less than 5% - -------------- Subtotal 1,020,807 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal - -------------- Total separate account reserves $ 1,020,807 ============== December 31, 2002 Premium, consideration or deposits for year ended December 31, 2002 $ 33,970 ============== Reserves for accounts with assets at: Market value $ 931,533 Amortized cost - -------------- Total reserves $ 931,533 ============== Reserves for separate accounts by withdrawal characteristics: Subject to descretionary withdrawal: With market value adjustment $ - At book value without market value adjustment less current surrender charge of 5% or more - At market value 931,533 At book value without market value adjustment less current surrender charge of less than 5% - -------------- Subtotal 931,533 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal - -------------- Total separate account reserves $ 931,533 ============== 29 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A reconciliation of the amounts transferred to and from the separate accounts is presented below: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Transfers as reported in the Summary of Operations of the Separate Accounts Statement: Transfers to separate accounts $ 23,144 $ 33,970 Transfers from separate accounts 144,588 169,689 ---------------- ---------------- Net transfers from separate accounts (121,444) (135,719) Reconciling adjustments: Other transfers 1 33 ---------------- ---------------- Transfers as reported in the Statement of Operations $ (121,443) $ (135,686) ================ ================ 9. Reinsurance The Company is involved in both ceded and assumed reinsurance with other companies for the purpose of diversifying risk and limiting exposure on larger risks. To the extent that the assuming companies become unable to meet their obligations under these treaties, the Company remains contingently liable to its policyholders for the portion reinsured. To minimize its exposure to significant losses from retrocessionaire insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of the retrocessionaire and monitors concentrations of credit risk. Assumed premiums amounted to $1,912,796,000 and $1,299,151,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company's ceded reinsurance arrangements reduced certain items in the accompanying financial statements by the following amounts: December 31 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- (In Thousands) Premiums $ 5,107 $ 5,223 Benefits paid or provided 7,356 8,481 Policy and contract liabilities at year end 585,318 604,861 During 2003 and 2002, the Company had ceded blocks of insurance under reinsurance treaties to provide funds for financing and other purposes. These reinsurance transactions, generally known as "financial reinsurance," represent financing arrangements. Financial reinsurance has the effect of increasing current statutory surplus while reducing future statutory surplus as the reinsurers recapture amounts. 30 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Federal Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. The method of tax allocation is governed by a written tax sharing agreement. The tax sharing agreement provides that each member of the consolidated return shall reimburse the Company for its respective share of the consolidated federal income tax liability and shall receive a benefit for its losses at the statutory rate. The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) at December 31 are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ------------- ------------ (In Thousands) Total gross deferred tax assets $ 180,746 $ 166,200 Total deferred tax liabilities (6,096) (5,139) ------------- ------------ Net deferred tax asset 174,650 161,061 Deferred tax asset nonadmitted (154,178) (160,490) ------------- ------------ Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 20,472 $ 571 ============= ============ Decrease (increase) in nonadmitted asset $ 6,312 $ (63,007) ============= ============ Significant components of income taxes incurred as of December 31 are: Current income taxes incurred consisted of the following major components: December 31 2003 2002 ------------- ------------ (In Thousands) Federal taxes on stand alone operations $ 26,865 $ (18,201) Federal taxes paid to affiliates under tax sharing agreement - 67,278 Consolidated operations loss carryback utilized - (11,267) ------------- ------------ Total taxes on operations 26,865 37,810 ------------- ------------ Federal taxes on capital gains (9,263) (1,301) Federal taxes paid to affiliates under tax sharing agreement - 3,896 Consolidated operations loss carryback utilized - (12,625) ------------- ------------ Total taxes on capital gains (9,263) (10,030) ------------- ------------ Total taxes incurred $ 17,602 $ 27,780 ============= ============ 31 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 -------------- -------------- (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets resulting from book/tax differences in: Deferred acquisition costs $ 25,293 $ 31,238 Insurance reserves 21,429 21,250 Investments 18,791 19,753 Policyholder dividends 5,917 8,328 Nonadmitted assets 3,484 3,700 Unrealized loss on investments - 704 Goodwill 799 880 Operations loss carryforwards 92,808 72,890 AMT carryforward 4,000 - Other 8,225 7,457 -------------- -------------- Total deferred tax assets 180,746 166,200 Deferred tax assets nonadmitted (154,178) (160,490) -------------- -------------- Admitted deferred tax assets 26,568 5,710 -------------- -------------- Deferred tax liabilities resulting from book/tax differences in: Fixed assets 62 2,164 Investments 746 132 Due & deferred premiums 2,196 2,488 Unrealized gains on investments 3,092 - Other - 355 -------------- -------------- Total deferred tax liabilities 6,096 5,139 -------------- -------------- Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 20,472 $ 571 ============== ============== The change in net deferred income taxes is comprised of the following: December 31 2003 2002 Change ---------- ---------- ---------- (In Thousands) Total deferred tax asset $ 180,746 $ 166,199 $ 14,547 Total deferred tax liabilities 6,096 5,139 957 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net deferred tax asset $ 174,650 $ 161,060 $ 13,590 ========== ========== Remove current year change in unrealized gains 3,507 ---------- Change in net deferred income tax 17,097 Remove other items in surplus: Current year change in non-admitted assets 216 Other 289 --------- $ 17,602 ========= 32 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The provision for federal income taxes incurred and change in deferred taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income, (including capital items) before income taxes. The significant items causing this difference are: Year Ended December 31, 2003 ----------------- (In Thousands) Ordinary income $ 9,263 Capital gains (losses) 4,994 ----------------- Total pre-tax income $ 14,257 ================= Provision computed at statutory rate $ 4,990 Refinement of deferred tax balances (4,529) Interest maintenance reserve 999 Dividends received deduction (1,483) Other 23 ----------------- Total $ - ================= Federal income taxes incurred $ 17,602 Change in net deferred income taxes (17,602) ----------------- Total statutory income taxes $ - ================= The Company has operations loss carryforwards of $265,165,000, which expire in 2017. The Company had a payable to the United States Treasury of $15,723,000 and a receivable from the United States Treasury of $55,341,000 for federal income taxes as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In addition, under the inter-company tax sharing agreement, the Company has a net payable of $11,526,000 and a net receivable of $28,301,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for federal income taxes with its subsidiaries. Prior to 1984, the Company was allowed certain special deductions for federal income tax reporting purposes that were required to be accumulated in a "policyholders' surplus account" (PSA). In the event those amounts are distributed to shareholders, or the balance of the account exceeds certain limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, the excess amounts would be subject to income tax at current rates. Income taxes also would be payable at current rates if the Company ceases to qualify as a life insurance company for tax reporting purposes, or if the income tax deferral status of the PSA is modified by future tax legislation. Management does not intend to take any actions nor does management expect any events to occur that would cause income taxes to become payable on the PSA balance. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued income taxes on the PSA balance of $14,388,000 at December 31, 2003. However, if such taxes were assessed, the amount of the taxes payable would be $5,036,000. No deferred tax liabilities are recognized related to the PSA. 33 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Investment in and Advances to Subsidiaries Amounts invested in and advanced to the Company's subsidiaries are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Common stock $ 1,073,826 $ 811,079 (Payable to) receivable from subsidiaries (94,524) 2,102 Summarized financial information for these subsidiaries is as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Revenues $ 5,835,610 $ 7,929,991 Income (loss) before net realized gains on investments 113,648 (235,729) Net loss 39,172 (277,136) Admitted assets 31,161,112 24,301,380 Liabilities 30,087,287 23,490,301 12. Capital and Surplus Under Iowa insurance regulations, the Company is required to maintain a minimum total capital and surplus which is the lower of $5,000,000 or risk based capital. Additionally, the amount of dividends which can be paid by the Company to its stockholder without prior approval of the Iowa Division of Insurance is limited to the greater of the statutory net gain from operations or ten percent of surplus at December 31 of the preceding year. In 2004, the Company can pay dividends of $118,000,000 without prior approved from the Iowa Division of Insurance. Life and health insurance companies are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a life and health insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. At December 31, 2003, the Company met the RBC requirements. 34 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Life insurance liabilities that contain mortality risk and all nonfinancial instruments have been excluded from the disclosure requirements. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company's overall management of interest rate risk, such that the Company's exposure to changing interest rates is minimized through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ------------------------ ------------------------ Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- (In Thousands) Assets: Bonds $ 3,758,375 $ 3,873,679 $ 3,207,349 $ 3,333,300 Preferred stocks 441 441 441 441 Unaffiliated common stocks 108,680 112,959 285 285 Mortgage loans 1,024,031 1,086,163 864,597 948,750 Contract loans 126,488 126,488 130,790 130,790 Derivative securities 102,173 91,849 32,833 26,805 Short-term investments 104,000 104,000 22,821 22,821 Cash 32,325 32,325 5,181 5,181 Investment in surplus notes 135,000 167,805 135,000 191,228 Indebtedness from related parties 5,015 5,015 108,320 108,319 Separate account assets 1,044,925 1,044,925 959,377 959,377 Receivable for securities 176 176 210 210 Liabilities: Individual and group annuities 3,701,212 3,591,686 3,131,561 3,052,911 Guaranteed investment contracts 425,401 425,449 - - Deposit type contract 195,316 195,316 190,201 191,677 Policyholder funds 18,351 18,351 26,333 26,333 Indebtedness to related parties 133,258 133,258 66,265 66,265 Separate account liabilities 1,044,925 1,044,925 959,377 959,377 The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments in the accompanying financial statements and notes thereto: Cash and short-term investments: The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values. 35 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed maturities and equity securities: The fair values for bonds, preferred stocks and common stocks, reported herein, are based on quoted market prices, where available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of private placements, collateralized mortgage obligations and other mortgage derivative investments, are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows. The discount rates used vary as a function of factors such as yield, credit quality, and maturity, which fall within a range between 2% and 11% over the total portfolio. Fair values determined on this basis can differ from values published by the NAIC Securities Valuation Office. Fair value as determined by the NAIC as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 is $4,968,378,000 and $4,232,177,000, respectively. Mortgage loans: Estimated fair values for commercial real estate loans were generated using a discounted cash flow approach. Loans in good standing are discounted using interest rates determined by U.S. Treasury yields on December 31 and spreads applied on new loans with similar characteristics. The amortizing features of all loans are incorporated in the valuation. Where data on option features is available, option values are determined using a binomial valuation method, and are incorporated into the mortgage valuation. Restructured loans are valued in the same manner; however, these loans were discounted at a greater spread to reflect increased risk. All residential loans are valued at their outstanding principal balances, which approximate their fair values. Derivative financial instruments: Fair values for on-balance-sheet derivative financial instruments (caps, options and floors) and off-balance-sheet derivative financial instruments (swaps) are based on broker/dealer valuations or on internal discounted cash flow pricing models taking into account current cash flow assumptions and the counterparties' credit standing. Investment in surplus notes: Estimated fair values for investment in surplus notes are generated using a discounted cash flow approach. Cash flows were discounted using interest rates determined by U.S. Treasury yields on December 31 and spreads applied on surplus notes with similar characteristics. Guaranteed investment contracts: The fair values of the Company's guaranteed investment contracts are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations, based on interest rates currently being offered for similar contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued. Other investment-type insurance contracts: The fair values of the Company's deferred annuity contracts are estimated based on the cash surrender values. The carrying values of other policyholder liabilities, including immediate annuities, dividend accumulations, supplementary contracts without life contingencies, and premium deposits, approximate their fair values. The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates their fair value. 36 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14. Commitments and Contingencies Subsidiary Guarantees The Company guarantees contractual policy claims of its subsidiaries, Golden American Life Insurance Company and USG Annuity & Life Company. In the unlikely event that Golden American Life Insurance Company and USG Annuity & Life Company were unable to fulfill their obligations to policyholders, the Company would be obligated to assume the guaranteed policy obligations, but any ultimate contingent losses in connection with such guarantees will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's future operations or financial position. The Company leases its home office space and certain other equipment under operating leases that expire through 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, rent expense totaled $5,528,000 and $4,951,000, respectively. At December 31, 2003, minimum rental payments due under all non-cancelable operating leases are: 2004 - $5,326,000, 2005 - $5,324,000, 2006 - $5,324,000, 2007 - $5,135,000 and 2008 - $4,948,000 and $42,466,000 thereafter. Litigation The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of pending lawsuits, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position. Other Matters Like many financial services companies, certain U.S. affiliates of ING Groep N.V. ("ING"), the Company's ultimate parent, ave received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING has cooperated fully with each request. In addition to reporting to regulatory requests, ING management initiated an internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. The goal of this review has been to identify whether there have been any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. This internal review is being conducted by independent special counsel and auditors. Additionally, ING reviewed its controls and procedures in a continuing effort to deter improper frequent trading in ING products. ING's internal reviews related to mutual fund trading are continuing. 37 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The internal review has identified several arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within our variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. Most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question. In each arrangement identified, ING has terminated the inappropriate trading, taken steps to discipline or terminate employees who were involved, and modified policies and procedures to deter inappropriate activity. While the review is not completed, management believes the activity identified does not represent a systemic problem in the businesses involved. These instances included agreements (initiated in 1998) that permitted on variable life insurance customer or ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar"), an affiliate of the Company, to engage in frequent trading, and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time, instead of 4pm Eastern Time. ReliaStar was acquired by ING in 2000. The late trading arrangement was immediately terminated when current senior management became aware of it in 2002. ING believes that no profits were realized by the customer from the late trading aspect of the arrangement. ING will reimburse any ING Fund or its shareholders affected by inappropriate trading for any profits that accrued to any person who engaged in improper frequent trading for which ING is responsible. Management believes that the total amount of such reimbursements will not be material to ING or its U.S. business. 15. Financing Agreements The Company maintains a revolving loan agreement with SunTrust Bank, Atlanta (the "Bank"). Under this agreement, which expires July 30, 2004, the Company can borrow up to $100,000,000 from the Bank. Interest on any borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: (1) the cost of funds for the Bank for the period applicable for the advance plus 0.225% or (2) a rate quoted by the Bank to the Company for the borrowing. Under the agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $0 and $171,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had $0 payable to the Bank. The Company also maintains a revolving loan agreement with Bank of New York, New York (the "BONY"). Under this agreement, the Company can borrow up to $100,000,000 from BONY. Interest on any of the Company borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: (1) the cost of funds for BONY for the period applicable for the advance plus 0.35% or (2) a rate quoted by BONY to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $0 and $16,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had $0 payable to BONY. 38 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16. Related Party Transactions Affiliates Management and service contracts and all cost sharing arrangements with other affiliated ING United States Life Insurance Companies are allocated among companies in accordance with normal, generally accepted expense and cost allocation methods. Investment Management: The Company has entered into an investment advisory agreement and an administrative services agreement with ING Investment Management, LLC ("IIM") under which IIM provides the Company with investment management and asset liability management services. Total fees under the agreement were approximately $14,461,000 and $11,118,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Inter-insurer Services Agreement: The Company has entered into a services agreement with certain of its affiliated insurance companies in the United States ("affiliated insurers") whereby the affiliated insurers provide certain administrative, management, professional, advisory, consulting and other services to each other. Net amounts received under these agreements were $15,551,000 and $3,029,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Reciprocal Loan Agreement: The Company maintains a reciprocal loan agreement with ING AIH, to facilitate the handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Under this agreement, which expires December 31, 2007, the Company and ING AIH can borrow up to $104,000,000 from one another. Interest on any Company borrowing is charged at the rate of ING AIH's cost of funds for the interest period plus 0.15%. Interest on any ING AIH borrowings is charged at a rate based on the prevailing interest rate of U.S. commercial paper available for purchase with a similar duration. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $61,000 and interest income of $730,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had $0 payable to ING AIH and $104,000,000 receivable from ING AIH, which is reported on the balance sheets in cash and short-term investments. Promissory note: The Company has a promissory note in the amount of $50,000,000 payable to Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc. The note was issued on April 15, 1997. Interest is charged at an annual rate of 8.75%, and the face amount is due on April 1, 2007. The Company incurred interest expense of $4,375,000 on this note for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There are no collateral requirements on this promissory note. This note is reported on the balance sheets in borrowed money. Tax Sharing Agreements: The Company has entered into federal tax sharing agreements with a member of an affiliated group as defined in Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The agreement provides for the manner of calculation and the amounts/timing of the payments between the parties as well as other related matters in connection with the filing of consolidated federal income tax returns. The Company has also entered into a state tax sharing agreement with ING AIH and each of the specific subsidiaries that are parties to the agreement. The state tax agreement applies to situations in which ING AIH and all or some of the subsidiaries join in the filing of a state or local franchise, income tax or other tax return on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis. 39 Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Services Agreement with ING Financial Adviser, LLC: The Company has entered into a services agreement with ING Financial Advisors, LLC ("ING FA") to provide certain administrative, management, professional advisory, consulting and other services to the Company for the benefit of its customers. Charges for these services are to be determined in accordance with fair and reasonable standards with neither party realizing a profit nor incurring a loss as a result of the services provided to the Company. The Company will reimburse ING FA for direct and indirect costs incurred on behalf of the Company. Subsidiaries The Company owned, as of December 31, 2003, 100% of the capital stock, valued on the equity basis of, USG Annuity and Life Insurance Company (an Oklahoma domestic insurer) and Golden American Life Insurance Company (a Delaware domestic insurer). Assets and liabilities along with related revenues and expenses recorded as a result of transactions and agreements with affiliates may not be the same as those recorded if the Company was not a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent. 17. Guaranty Fund Assessments Insurance companies are assessed the costs of funding the insolvencies of other insurance companies by the various state guaranty associations, generally based on the amount of premiums companies collect in that state. The Company accrues the cost of future guaranty fund assessments based on estimates of insurance company insolvencies provided by the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations and the amount of premiums written in each state. The Company has estimated this liability to be $3,492,000 and $3,494,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and has recorded a liability. The Company has also recorded an asset of $81,000 and $473,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for future credits to premium taxes for assessments already paid. 18. Subsequent Events Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden"), requested that the Delaware Insurance Department approve the redomestication of Golden from Delaware to Iowa effective January 1, 2004. The Company, United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("ULA"), and USG Annuity and Life Company ("USG") requested the Iowa Division of Insurance (for the Company and ULA) and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance (for USG) approve the merger of the affiliated life insurance company operations of the Company, ULA, Golden, and USG with Golden being the survivor. The sequence of events, effective January 1, 2004, is as follows: redomestication of Golden to Iowa, merger of the four affiliated insurers with Golden being the survivor, and the renaming of Golden to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company ("ING USA"). The Delaware Insurance Department provided a "no objection letter" for the redomestication of Golden to Iowa on August 25, 2003. The Iowa Division of Insurance approved the merger on July 21, 2003 and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance on August 11, 2003. 40 Exhibit 99.2 Report of Independent Auditors Board of Directors and Stockholder ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company We have audited the accompanying statutory basis balance sheets of United Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("the Company" which, effective January 1, 2004, merged into an affiliate, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc.) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statutory basis statements of operations, changes in capital and surplus, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company presents its financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of Iowa ("Iowa Insurance Department"), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The variances between such practices and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are described in Note 1. The effects on the financial statements of these variances are not reasonably determinable but are presumed to be material. In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter described in the preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the financial position of United Life & Annuity Insurance Company at December 31, 2003 and 2002 or the results of its operations or its cash flows for the years then ended. 1 However, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Life & Annuity Insurance Company at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Insurance Department. /s/ Ernst and Young March 22, 2004 2 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Admitted assets Cash and invested assets: Bonds $ 580,896 $ 608,870 Common stocks 2 10 Subsidiary 25 25 Mortgage loans 36,853 34,829 Policy loans 880 933 Other invested assets 6,739 13,908 Cash and short-term investments 3,700 14,741 --------------- --------------- Total cash and invested assets 629,095 673,316 Deferred and uncollected premiums, less loading (2003 - $0; 2002 - $0) (30) (30) Accrued investment income 7,614 8,523 Reinsurance balances recoverable 45 112 Federal income tax recoverable (including $2,639 and $5,385 net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively) 3,246 6,791 Separate account assets 63,193 64,410 Other assets 784 375 --------------- --------------- Total admitted assets $ 703,947 $ 753,497 =============== =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) except share amounts) Liabilities and capital and surplus Liabilities: Policy and contract liabilities: Life and annuity reserves $ 540,198 $ 586,755 Deposit type contracts 13,869 14,926 Unpaid claims - 25 ---------------- --------------- Total policy and contract liabilities 554,067 601,706 Interest maintenance reserve 4,800 188 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,657 1,243 Indebtedness to related parties 1,293 1,634 Asset valuation reserve 5,966 5,743 Other liabilities (2,878) (2,633) Separate account liabilities 63,193 64,410 ---------------- --------------- Total liabilities 629,098 672,291 Capital and surplus: Common stock, authorized 4,200,528 shares of $2.00 par value, 4,200,528 issued and outstanding 8,401 8,401 Paid-in and contributed surplus 41,241 41,241 Unassigned surplus 25,207 31,564 ---------------- --------------- Total capital and surplus 74,849 81,206 ---------------- --------------- Total liabilities and capital and surplus $ 703,947 $ 753,497 ================ =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Statements of Operations - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Premiums and other revenues: Life, annuity, and accident and health premiums $ 1,629 $ 1,228 Policy proceeds and dividends left on deposit 491 205 Net investment income 34,743 44,256 Amortization of interest maintenance reserve 1,075 1,656 Commissions, expense allowances and reserve adjustments on reinsurance ceded 383 502 Other income 1,599 1,598 ---------------- ---------------- Total premiums and other revenues 39,920 49,445 Benefits paid or provided: Annuity benefits 19,306 20,309 Surrender benefits 67,727 100,443 Interest on policy or contract funds 231 598 Other benefits (25) 25 Life contract withdrawals 1,712 1,170 Decrease in life, annuity, and accident and health reserves (46,557) (69,041) Net transfers from separate accounts (12,060) (17,382) ---------------- ---------------- Total benefits paid or provided 30,334 36,122 Insurance expenses: Commissions 529 611 General expenses 3,478 1,877 Insurance taxes, licenses and fees, excluding federal income taxes 464 (536) Other - 4 ---------------- ---------------- Total insurance expenses 4,471 1,956 ---------------- ---------------- Gain from operations before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains (losses) 5,115 11,367 Federal income tax benefit (1,413) (5,786) ---------------- ---------------- Gain from operations before net realized capital gains (losses) 6,528 17,153 Net realized capital gains (losses) net of income tax expense (benefit): 2003 - $0; 2002 - $(3,926) and excluding net transfers to the interest maintenance reserve 2003- $5,687; 2002- $(2,310) 2,501 (5,602) ---------------- ---------------- Net income $ 9,029 $ 11,551 ================ ================ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Statements of Operations - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Common stock: Balance at beginning and end of year $ 8,401 $ 8,401 ---------------- ---------------- Paid-in and contributed surplus Balance at beginning and end of year 41,241 41,241 ---------------- ---------------- Unassigned surplus: Balance at beginning of year 31,564 16,997 Net income 9,029 11,551 Change in net unrealized capital gains or losses 86 (1,396) Change in nonadmitted assets 2,016 (5,406) Change in asset valuation reserve (223) 2,909 Change in surplus as a result of reinsurance (359) (475) Change in net deferred income tax (4,506) 7,388 Dividends to stockholder (12,400) - Other adjustments - (4) ---------------- ---------------- Balance at end of year 25,207 31,564 ---------------- ---------------- Total capital and surplus $ 74,849 $ 81,206 ================ ================ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Statements of Cash Flows - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Operations Premiums, policy proceeds, and other considerations received, net of reinsurance paid $ 1,627 $ 1,219 Net investment income received 36,628 47,009 Commissions, expenses paid and miscellaneous expenses (2,790) (2,766) Benefits paid (89,793) (125,136) Net transfers to separate accounts 12,010 19,650 Federal income taxes received 2,210 1,697 Other revenues 1,989 1,637 ---------------- -------------- Net cash used in operations (38,119) (56,690) Investment activities Proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments: Bonds 997,840 697,696 Mortgage loans 2,456 3,117 Other invested assets 308 82 Net losses on cash and short-term investments - (262) Miscellaneous proceeds 7,923 660 ---------------- -------------- Net proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments 1,008,527 701,293 Cost of investments acquired: Bonds 962,486 632,726 Mortgage loans 4,480 7,078 Other invested assets 396 229 Miscellaneous applications 690 9,273 ---------------- -------------- Total cost of investments acquired 968,052 649,306 Net change in contract loans (53) (95) ---------------- -------------- Net cash provided by investment activities 40,528 52,082 Financing and miscellaneous activities Cash provided: Borrowed money, net (4) - Net deposits on deposit-type contract funds 117 (2,938) Dividends to stockholder (12,400) - Other sources (1,163) 3,988 ---------------- -------------- Net cash (used) provided by financing and miscellaneous activities (13,450) 1,050 ---------------- -------------- Net decrease in cash and short-term investments (11,041) (3,558) Cash and short-term investments: Beginning of year 14,741 18,299 ---------------- -------------- End of year $ 3,700 $ 14,741 ================ ============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies United Life & Annuity Insurance Company (the "Company") is domiciled in Iowa and is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc., which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING AIH"). Effective January 1, 2004, the Company merged into an affiliate, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc. The primary insurance products offered by the Company are annuity related. The Company also offers life and health insurance products, however all life and health business is ceded to other insurers. The Company is presently licensed in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The preparation of financial statements of insurance companies requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein. Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of Iowa ("Iowa Insurance Department"), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The most significant variances from GAAP are as follows: Investments: Investments in bonds and mandatorily redeemable preferred stocks are reported at amortized cost or market value based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") rating; for GAAP, such fixed maturity investments are designated at purchase as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity investments are reported at amortized cost, and the remaining fixed maturity investments are reported at fair value with unrealized capital gains and losses reported in operations for those designated as trading and as a separate component of other comprehensive income in stockholder's equity for those designated as available-for-sale. For structured securities, when a negative yield results from a revaluation based on new prepayment assumptions (i.e., undiscounted cash flows are less than current book value), an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and the asset is written down to the value of the undiscounted cash flows. For GAAP, assets are re-evaluated based on the discounted cash flows using a current market rate. Impairments are recognized when there has been an adverse change in cash flows and the fair value is less than book value. The asset is then written down to fair value. 8 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common stocks are reported at market value as determined by the Securities Valuation Office of the NAIC ("SVO") and the related unrealized capital gains/losses are reported in unassigned surplus along with adjustment for federal income taxes. Valuation Reserves: The asset valuation reserve ("AVR") is determined by an NAIC-prescribed formula and is reported as a liability rather than as a valuation allowance or an appropriation of surplus. The change in AVR is reported directly to unassigned surplus. Under a formula prescribed by the NAIC, the Company defers the portion of realized gains and losses on sales of fixed-income investments, principally bonds and mortgage loans, attributable to changes in the general level of interest rates, and amortizes those deferrals over the remaining period to maturity based on groupings of individual securities sold in five-year bands. The net deferral or interest maintenance reserve ("IMR") is reported as a component of other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Realized gains and losses on investments are reported in operations net of federal income tax and transfers to the IMR. Under GAAP, realized capital gains and losses are reported in the statements of operations on a pretax basis in the period that the asset giving rise to the gain or loss is sold and valuation allowances are provided when there has been a decline in value deemed other than temporary, in which case the provision for such declines is charged to income. Valuation allowances, if necessary, are established for mortgage loans based on the difference between the net value of the collateral, determined as the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to obtain and sell, and the recorded investment in the mortgage loan. Under GAAP, such allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, if foreclosure is probable, on the estimated fair value of the collateral. The initial valuation allowance and subsequent changes in the allowance for mortgage loans as a result of a temporary impairment are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus, rather than being included as a component of earnings as would be required under GAAP. Policy Acquisition Costs: The costs of acquiring and renewing business are expensed when incurred. Under GAAP, acquisition costs related to traditional life insurance, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues, are deferred and amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves. For universal life insurance and investment products, to the extent recoverable from future gross profits, acquisition costs are amortized generally in proportion to the present value of expected gross margins from surrender charges and investment, mortality, and expense margins. 9 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Premiums: Life premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Premiums for annuity policies with mortality and morbidity risk, except for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts, are also recognized as revenue when due. Premiums received for annuity policies without mortality or morbidity risk and for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts are recorded using deposit accounting. Under GAAP, premiums for traditional life insurance products, which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance policies, are recognized as revenue when due. Group insurance premiums are recognized as premium revenue over the time period to which the premiums relate. Revenues for universal life, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed during the period. Benefit and Contract Reserves: Life policy and contract reserves under statutory accounting practices are calculated based upon both the net level premium and Commissioners' Reserve Valuation methods using statutory rates for mortality and interest. GAAP requires that policy reserves for traditional products be based upon the net level premium method utilizing reasonably conservative estimates of mortality, interest, and withdrawals prevailing when the policies were sold. For interest-sensitive products, the GAAP policy reserve is equal to the policy fund balance plus an unearned revenue reserve which reflects the unamortized balance of early year policy loads over renewal year policy loads. Reinsurance: For business ceded to unauthorized reinsurers, statutory accounting practices require that reinsurance credits permitted by the treaty be recorded as an offsetting liability and charged against unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, an allowance for amounts deemed uncollectible would be established through a charge to earnings. Statutory income recognized on certain reinsurance treaties representing financing arrangements is not recognized on a GAAP basis. Policy and contract liabilities ceded to reinsurers have been reported as reductions of the related reserves rather than as assets as required under GAAP. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded are reported as income when received rather than being deferred and amortized with deferred policy acquisition costs as required under GAAP. Subsidiary: The accounts and operations of the Company's subsidiary are not consolidated with the accounts and operations of the Company as would be required under GAAP. 10 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nonadmitted Assets: Certain assets designated as "nonadmitted," principally deferred federal income tax assets, disallowed interest maintenance reserves, non-operating software, past-due agents' balances, furniture and equipment, intangible assets, and other assets not specifically identified as an admitted asset within the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual are excluded from the accompanying balance sheets and are charged directly to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, such assets are included in the balance sheets. Universal Life and Annuity Policies: Revenues for universal life and annuity policies consist of the entire premium received and benefits incurred represent the total of death benefits paid and the change in policy reserves. Under GAAP, premiums received in excess of policy charges would not be recognized as premium revenue and benefits would represent the excess of benefits paid over the policy account value and interest credited to the account values. Deferred Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets are provided for and admitted to an amount determined under a standard formula. This formula considers the amount of differences that will reverse in the subsequent year, taxes paid in prior years that could be recovered through carrybacks, surplus limits, and the amount of deferred tax liabilities available for offset. Any deferred tax assets not covered under the formula are non-admitted. Deferred taxes do not include any amounts for state taxes. Under GAAP, a deferred tax asset is recorded for the amount of gross deferred tax assets that are expected to be realized in future years and a valuation allowance is established for the portion that is not realizable. Statements of Cash Flows: Cash and short-term investments in the statements of cash flows represent cash balances and investments with initial maturities of one year or less. Under GAAP, the corresponding caption of cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and investments with initial maturities of three months or less. Reconciliation to GAAP The effects of the preceding variances from GAAP on the accompanying statutory basis financial statements have not been determined, but are presumed to be material. Other significant accounting practices are as follows: Investments Investments are stated at values prescribed by the NAIC, as follows: Bonds not backed by other loans are principally stated at amortized cost using the interest method. 11 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Single class and multi-class mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities are valued at amortized cost using the interest method including anticipated prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are obtained from dealer surveys or internal estimates and are based on the current interest rate and economic environment. The retrospective adjustment method is used to value all such securities except for higher-risk asset backed securities, which are valued using the prospective method. Common stocks are reported at market value as determined by the SVO and the related unrealized capital gains/losses are reported in unassigned surplus with adjustment for federal income taxes. The Company analyzes the general account investments to determine whether there has been an other than temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Management considers the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, future economic conditions and market forecasts, and the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in market value. If it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a debt security will not be collected, an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. The Company's noninsurance subsidiary is carried at cost. Mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost, less allowance for impairments. Contract loans are reported at unpaid principal balances. Short-term investments are reported at amortized cost. Short-term investments include investments with maturities of less than one year at the date of acquisition. Partnership interests, which are included in other invested assets, are reported at the underlying GAAP equity of the investee. Realized capital gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method. Cash on hand includes cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity date of three months or less. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. 12 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aggregate Reserve for Life Policies and Contracts Life, annuity, and accident and health reserves are developed by actuarial methods and are determined based on published tables using statutorily specified interest rates and valuation methods that will provide, in the aggregate, reserves that are greater than or equal to the minimum or guaranteed policy cash value or the amounts required by law. Interest rates range from 3% to 10%. The Company waives the deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon the death of the insured. It is the Company's practice to return a pro rata portion of any premium paid beyond the policy month of death, although it is not contractually required to do so for certain issues. The methods used in valuation of substandard policies are as follows: For life, endowment and term policies issued substandard, the standard reserve during the premium-paying period is increased by 50% of the gross annual extra premium. Standard reserves are held on Paid-Up Limited Pay contracts. For reinsurance accepted with table rating, the reserve established is a multiple of the standard reserve corresponding to the table rating. For reinsurance with flat extra premiums, the standard reserve is increased by 50% of the flat extra. The tabular interest has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of policy reserves for all direct ordinary life insurance and for the portion of group life insurance classified as group Section 79. The tabular interest of funds not involving life contingencies is calculated as the current year reserves, plus payments, less prior year reserves, less funds added. Reinsurance Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reserves are based on the terms of the reinsurance contract and are consistent with the risks assumed. Premiums and benefits ceded to other companies have been reported as a reduction of premium revenue and benefits expense. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for reserves and unpaid claim liabilities have been reported as reductions of these items, and expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been reflected in operations. 13 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nonadmitted Assets Nonadmitted assets are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Deferred federal income taxes $ 10,369 $ 12,175 Agents' debit balances (7) 22 Other - 181 ---------------- --------------- Total nonadmitted assets $ 10,362 $ 12,378 ================ =============== Changes in nonadmitted assets are generally reported directly in unassigned surplus as an increase or decrease in nonadmitted assets. Certain changes are reported directly in unassigned surplus as a change in unrealized capital gains or losses. Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses Claims expenses represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported claims incurred through December 31, 2003. The Company does not discount claims and claims adjustment expense reserves. Such estimates are based on actuarial projections applied to historical claims payment data. Such liabilities are considered to be reasonable and adequate to discharge the Company's obligations for claims incurred but unpaid as of December 31, 2003. Cash Flow Information Cash and short-term investments include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term fixed maturity instruments with a maturity of less than one year at date of acquisition. The Company borrowed $123,000,000 and repaid $123,000,000 in 2003 and borrowed $91,220,000 and repaid $91,220,000 in 2002. These borrowings were on a short-term basis, at an interest rate that approximated current money market rates and exclude borrowings from reverse dollar repurchase transactions. Interest paid on borrowed money was $17,000 and $13,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively. Separate Accounts Separate account assets and liabilities held by the Company represent funds held for the benefit of the Company's variable annuity policy and contract holders who bear all of the investment risk associated with the policies. Such policies are of a non-guaranteed nature. All net investment experience, positive or negative, is attributed to the policy and contract holders' account values. The assets and liabilities of these accounts are carried at fair value. 14 Reserves related to the Company's mortality risk associated with these policies are included in annuity reserves. The operations of the separate accounts are not included in the accompanying statements of operations. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts in the Company's statutory basis financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 financial statement presentation. 2. Permitted Statutory Basis Accounting Practices The financial statements of the Company are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Insurance Department. The Iowa Insurance Department recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Iowa for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company for determining its solvency under the Iowa Insurance Laws. The NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by the State of Iowa. The Commissioner of Insurance has the right to permit other specific practices that deviate from prescribed practices. The Company is required to identify those significant accounting practices that are permitted, and obtain written approval of the practices from the Iowa Department of Insurance. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no such permitted accounting practices. 15 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Investments The amortized cost and fair value of bonds and equity securities are as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- (In Thousands) At December 31, 2003: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations $ 48,426 $ 798 $ 69 $ 49,155 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 418 29 - 447 Foreign government 30,752 113 75 30,790 Public utilities securities 30,435 1,509 83 31,861 Corporate securities 322,331 13,447 2,135 333,643 Mortgage-backed securities 80,500 739 1,778 79,461 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 27,892 1,563 130 29,325 Other asset-backed securities 40,142 420 824 39,738 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total fixed maturities 580,896 18,618 5,094 594,420 Common stocks - 2 - 2 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total equity securities - 2 - 2 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total $ 580,896 $ 18,620 $ 5,094 $ 594,422 ============= ============ ============ ============= At December 31, 2002: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations $ 112,154 $ 3,593 $ - $ 115,747 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 452 39 - 491 Public utilities securities 22,776 853 780 22,849 Corporate securities 288,160 12,781 1,452 299,489 Mortgage-backed securities 128,750 6,063 1,149 133,664 Commerical mortgage-backed securities 24,221 1,465 62 25,624 Other asset-backed securities 32,357 330 6,202 26,485 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total fixed maturities 608,870 25,124 9,645 624,349 Common stocks 20 8 18 10 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total equity securities 20 8 18 10 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total $ 608,890 $ 25,132 $ 9,663 $ 624,359 ============= ============ ============ ============= 16 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate fair value of debt securities with unrealized losses and the time period that cost exceeded fair value are as follows: More than 6 Less than 6 months and less More than 12 months below than 12 months months below cost below cost cost Total ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ (In Thousands) Fair value $ 77,073 $ 86,922 $ 13,324 $ 177,389 Unrealized loss 497 2,725 1,872 5,094 Of the unrealized losses more than 6 months and less than 12 months in duration of $2,725,000, there were $958,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. Business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining unrealized losses of $1,767,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: $1,258,000 of unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed and structured securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $35,618,000. $384,000 of unrealized losses related to the energy/utility industry, for which the fair value was $12,734,000. During 2003, the energy sector recovered due to a gradually improving economic picture and the lack of any material accounting irregularities similar to those experienced in the prior two years. Current analysis indicates that the debt will be serviced in accordance with the contractual terms. The remaining unrealized losses totaling $125,000 relate to a fair value of $4,754,000. Of the unrealized losses more than 12 months in duration of $1,872,000, there were $1,413,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to mortgage-backed and structured securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $8,574,000. The remaining unrealized losses of $459,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following: $446,000 of unrealized losses related to the airline industry, for which the fair value was $3,265,000. During 2003, the airline industry continued to suffer from decreased passenger volumes offset by a gradually improving economy. The majority of the airline investments are comprised of Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates ("EETC"). Current analysis indicates the specific collateral backing EETC investments is predominantly represented by newer models that are expected to be retained as individual airlines reduce their fleets. 17 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The amortized cost and fair value of investments in bonds at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Amortized Fair Cost Value -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Maturity: Due in 1 year or less $ 19,841 $ 20,040 Due after 1 year through 5 years 227,329 232,957 Due after 5 years through 10 years 122,529 127,444 Due after 10 years 62,663 65,455 -------------- --------------- Total maturities 432,362 445,896 Mortgage-backed securities 80,500 79,461 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 27,892 29,325 Other asset-backed securities 40,142 39,738 -------------- --------------- Total $ 580,896 $ 594,420 ============== =============== At December 31, 2003, investments in certificates of deposit and bonds, with an admitted asset value of $11,377,000, were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory requirements. Proceeds from the sales of investments in bonds and other fixed maturity interest securities were $890,061,000 and $600,173,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Gross gains of $12,342,000 and $15,128,000 and gross losses of $2,375,000 and $13,017,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively, were realized on those sales. A portion of the gains realized in 2003 and 2002 has been deferred to future periods in the interest maintenance reserve. Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows: Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Income: Bonds $ 33,926 $ 42,754 Mortgage loans 2,568 2,617 Contract loans 72 27 Other 309 635 ---------------- ---------------- Total investment income 36,875 46,033 Investment expenses 2,132 1,777 ---------------- ---------------- Net investment income $ 34,743 $ 44,256 ================ ================ 18 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As part of its overall investment strategy, the Company has entered into agreements to purchase securities as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Investment purchase commitments $ 165 $ 558 The lending rate for long-term mortgage loans during 2003 was 4.21%. Fire insurance is required on all properties covered by mortgage loans and must at least equal the excess of the loan over the maximum loan which would be permitted by law on the land without the buildings. The maximum percentage of any loan to the value of collateral at the time of the loan, exclusive of insured or guaranteed or purchase money mortgages, was 62.1% on commercial properties. As of December 31, 2003, the Company held no mortgages with interest more than 180 days overdue. 4. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company held less-than-investment-grade bonds with an aggregate book value of $49,623,000 and $40,723,000 and with an aggregate market value of $51,584,000 and $40,582,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Those holdings amounted to 8.5% of the Company's investments in bonds and 7.7% of total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. The holdings of less-than-investment-grade bonds are widely diversified and of satisfactory quality based on the Company's investment policies and credit standards. The Company held unrated bonds of $2,480,000 and $17,624,000 with an aggregate NAIC market value of $1,951,000 and $17,726,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The carrying value of these holdings amounted to 0.43% of the Company's investment in bonds and 0.35% of the Company's total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company's commercial mortgages involved a concentration of properties located in California (46.0%) and Pennsylvania (13.5%). The remaining commercial mortgages relate to properties located in 18 other states. The portfolio is well diversified covering many different types of income-producing properties on which the Company has first mortgage liens. The maximum mortgage outstanding on any individual property is $6,290,000. 19 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Annuity Reserves At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company's annuity reserves, including those held in separate accounts and deposit fund liabilities that are subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustment, subject to discretionary withdrawal without adjustment, and not subject to discretionary withdrawal provisions are summarized as follows: Amount Percent ---------------- -------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 1,124 0.2% At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more 44,238 7.2 At fair value 60,233 9.7 ---------------- -------------- Subtotal 105,595 17.1 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 490,524 79.4 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 21,806 3.5 ---------------- -------------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance 617,925 100.0% ============= Less reinsurance ceded 5,739 ---------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 612,186 ================ December 31, 2002 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 889 0.1% At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more 94,326 14.2 At fair value 61,500 9.3 ---------------- -------------- Subtotal 156,715 23.6 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 482,267 72.6 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 25,543 3.8 ---------------- -------------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance 664,525 100.0% ============== Less reinsurance ceded 1,925 ---------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 662,600 ================ 20 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Separate Accounts Separate account assets and liabilities held by the Company represent funds held for the benefit of the Company's variable annuity policy and contract holders who bear all the investment risk associated with the policies. Such policies are of a non-guaranteed nature. All net investment experience, positive or negative, is attributed to the policy and contract holders' account values. The assets of these accounts are carried at fair value. Premiums, deposits, and other considerations received for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were $201,000 and $408,000, respectively. The general nature and characteristics of the Company's nonguaranteed separate accounts business follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Premium, consideration or deposits $ 201 $ 408 ================ ================ Reserves for accounts with assets at: Market value $ 60,233 $ 61,500 Amortized cost - - ---------------- ---------------- Total reserves $ 60,233 $ 61,500 ================ ================ Reserves for separate accounts by withdrawal characteristics: Subject to descretionary withdrawal: With market value adjustment $ - $ - At book value without market value adjustments and with current surrender charge of 5% or more - - At market value 60,233 61,500 At book value without market value adjustments and with current surrender charge of less than 5% - - ---------------- ---------------- Subtotal 60,233 61,500 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal - - ---------------- ---------------- Total separate account aggregate reserves $ 60,233 $ 61,500 ================ ================ 21 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A reconciliation of the amounts transferred to and from the separate accounts is presented below: Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Transfers as reported in the Summary of Operations of the Separate Accounts Statement: Transfers to separate accounts $ 201 $ 408 Transfers from separate accounts (12,261) (17,790) ---------------- ---------------- Transfers as reported in the Statement of Operations $ (12,060) $ (17,382) ================ ================ 7. Reinsurance The Company is involved in ceded reinsurance with other companies for the purpose of diversifying risk and limiting exposure on larger risks. To the extent that the assuming companies become unable to meet their obligations under these treaties, the Company remains contingently liable to its policyholders for the portion reinsured. To minimize its exposure to significant losses from retrocessionaire insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of the retrocessionaire and monitors concentrations of credit risk. The Company's ceded reinsurance arrangements reduced certain items in the accompanying financial statements by the following amounts: December 31 2003 2002 -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Premiums $ 2,550 $ 2,832 Benefits paid or provided 11,049 6,101 Policy and contract liabilities at year end 83,857 91,095 22 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Federal Income Taxes The components of the net deferred tax asset/(liability) are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Total deferred tax assets $ 13,725 $ 18,420 Total deferred tax liabilities (717) (859) ---------------- ---------------- Net deferred tax assets 13,008 17,561 Deferred tax asset nonadmitted (10,369) (12,176) ---------------- ---------------- Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 2,639 $ 5,385 ================ ================ Decrease (increase) in nonadmitted asset $ 1,807 $ (6,537) ================ ================ Current income taxes incurred consisted of the following major components: Year ended December 31 2003 2002 --------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Federal taxes on operations $ (1,413) $ (5,786) Federal taxes on capital gains 2,925 3,926 Capital loss on carryovers utilized (2,925) (675) --------------- ---------------- Total current taxes incurred $ (1,413) $ (2,535) =============== ================ 23 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 --------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets resulting from book/tax differences in: Present value of insurance in force $ 7,291 $ 8,751 Capital loss carryovers 705 3,446 Investments 3,155 3,270 Deferred acquisition costs 924 1,096 Unrealized loss on investments 972 1,019 Insurance reserves 185 113 Other 493 725 --------------- ---------------- Total deferred tax assets 13,725 18,420 Deferred tax assets nonadmitted 10,369 12,176 --------------- ---------------- Admitted deferred tax assets 3,356 6,244 --------------- ---------------- Deferred tax liabilities resulting from book/tax differences in: Investments 633 725 Other 84 134 --------------- ---------------- Total deferred tax liabilities 717 859 --------------- ---------------- Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 2,639 $ 5,385 =============== ================ The change in net deferred income taxes is comprised of the following: December 31 2003 2002 Change -------------- -------------- -------------- (In Thousands) Total deferred tax assets $ 13,725 $ 18,420 $ (4,695) Total deferred tax liabilities 717 859 (142) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net deferred tax asset $ 13,008 $ 17,561 (4,553) ============== ============== Remove current year change in unrealized gains 47 -------------- Change in net deferred income tax (4,506) Remove other items in surplus: Current year change in non-admitted assets 74 -------------- Change in deferred taxes for rate reconciliation $ (4,432) ============== 24 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The provision for federal income taxes incurred and change in deferred taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income (including capital items) before income taxes. The significant items causing this difference are: Year Ended December 31, 2003 --------------------- (In Thousands) Ordinary income $ 5,115 Capital gains 8,188 --------------------- Total pre-tax book income $ 13,303 ===================== Provision computed at statutory rate $ 4,656 Refinement of deferred tax balances (455) Interest maintenance reserve (376) Nondeductible general expenses 2 Amortization of reinsurance gain (764) Other (44) --------------------- Total $ 3,019 ===================== Federal income taxes incurred $ (1,413) Change in net deferred income taxes 4,432 --------------------- Total statutory income taxes $ 3,019 ===================== The amount of federal income taxes incurred that will be available for recoupment in the event of future net losses is $0 and $738,000 from 2003 and 2002 respectively. The Company has a recoverable of $607,000 at December 31, 2003 and $1,406,000 at December 31, 2002 from the United States Treasury for federal income taxes. The Company has gross capital loss carry forwards, which expire as follows: Expiration Year Amount ---------------------- -------------------- (In Thousands) 2005 $ 2,014 9. Investment in and Advances to Subsidiaries The Company has one wholly owned noninsurance subsidiary at December 31, 2003, United Variable Services, Inc. 25 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amounts invested in and advanced to the Company's subsidiary is summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Common stock (cost $25,000 in 2003 and in 2002) $ 25 $ 25 10. Capital and Surplus Under Iowa insurance regulations, the Company is required to maintain a minimum total capital and surplus of $7,806,000. Additionally, the amount of dividends that can be paid by the Company to its stockholder without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Department is limited to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or the statutory net gain from operations of the preceding year. Life and health insurance companies are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a life and health insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. At December 31, 2003, the Company meets the RBC requirements. 26 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Life insurance liabilities that contain mortality risk and all nonfinancial instruments have been excluded from the disclosure requirements. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company's overall management of interest rate risk, such that the Company's exposure to changing interest rates is minimized through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ----------------------------- ------------------------------ Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- (In Thousands) Assets: Bonds $ 580,896 $ 594,420 $ 608,870 $ 624,349 Unaffiliated common stocks 2 2 10 10 Mortgage loans 36,853 40,955 34,829 39,729 Policy loans 880 880 933 933 Short-term investments 3,450 3,450 14,450 14,450 Cash 250 250 291 291 Separate account assets 63,193 63,193 64,410 64,410 Receivable for securities 1,081 1,081 8,308 8,308 Liabilities: Individual and group annuities 530,146 529,848 578,170 575,913 Deposit type contract 13,869 13,882 14,926 14,939 Indebtedness to related parties 1,293 1,293 1,634 1,634 Separate account liabilities 63,193 63,193 64,410 64,410 The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments in the accompanying financial statements and notes thereto: Cash and short-term investments: The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values. 27 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed maturities and equity securities: The fair values for bonds and common stocks reported herein are based on quoted market prices, where available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of private placements, are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows. The discount rates used vary as a function of factors such as yield, credit quality, and maturity, which fall within a range between 3% and 8% over the total portfolio. Fair values determined on this basis can differ from values published by the SVO. Fair value as determined by the SVO as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 is $584,169,000 and $611,948,000, respectively. Mortgage loans: Estimated market values for commercial real estate loans were generated using a discounted cash flow approach. Loans in good standing are discounted using interest rates determined by U.S. Treasury yields on December 31 and spreads applied on new loans with similar characteristics. The amortizing features of all loans are incorporated in the valuation. Where data on option features is available, option values are determined using a binomial valuation method, and are incorporated into the mortgage valuation. Restructured loans are valued in the same manner; however, these loans were discounted at a greater spread to reflect increased risk. All residential loans are valued at their outstanding principal balances, which approximate their fair values. Other investment-type insurance contracts: The fair values of the Company's deferred annuity contracts are estimated based on the cash surrender values. The carrying values of other policyholder liabilities, including immediate annuities, dividend accumulations, supplementary contracts without life contingencies, and premium deposits, approximate their fair values. The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates their fair value. 12. Commitments and Contingencies The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of pending lawsuits, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position. 28 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matters Like many financial services companies, certain U.S. affiliates of ING Groep N.V. ("ING"), the Company's ultimate parent, have received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING has cooperated fully with each request. In addition to responding to regulatory requests, ING management initiated an internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. The goal of this review has been to identify whether there have been any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. This internal review is being conducted by independent special counsel and auditors. Additionally, ING reviewed its controls and procedures in a continuing effort to deter improper frequent trading in ING products. ING's internal reviews related to mutual fund trading are continuing. The internal review has identified several arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within the Company's variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. Most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question. In each arrangement identified, ING has terminated the inappropriate trading, taken steps to discipline or terminate employees who were involved, and modified policies and procedures to deter inappropriate activity. While the review is not completed, management believes the activity identified does not represent a systemic problem in the businesses involved. These instances included agreements (initiated in 1998) that permitted one variable life insurance customer of Reliastar Life Insurance Company ("Reliastar"), an affiliate of the Company, to engage in frequent trading, and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time, instead of 4pm Eastern Time. Reliastar was acquired by ING in 2000. The late trading arrangement was immediately terminated when current senior management became aware of it in 2002. ING believes that no profits were realized by the customer from the late trading aspect of the arrangement. In addition, the review has identified five arrangements that allowed frequent trading of funds within variable insurance products issued by Reliastar and by ING USA Annuity & Life Insurance Company and in certain ING Funds. ING entities did not receive special benefits in return for any of these arrangements, which have all been terminated. The internal review also identified two investment professionals who engaged in improper frequent trading in ING Funds. ING will reimburse any ING Fund or its shareholders affected by inappropriate trading for any profits that accrued to any person who engaged in improper frequent trading for which ING is responsible. Management believes that the total amount of such reimbursements will not be material to ING or its U.S. business. 29 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Financing Agreements The Company maintains a revolving loan agreement with SunTrust Bank, Atlanta (the "Bank"). Under this agreement, which expires July 31, 2004, the Company can borrow up to $25,000,000 from the Bank. Interest on any Company borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: (1) the cost of funds for the Bank for the period applicable for the advance plus 0.225% or (2) a rate quoted by the Bank to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $182 for the year ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no amounts payable to the Bank. The Company also maintains a revolving loan agreement with Bank of New York, New York ("BONY"). Under this agreement, the Company can borrow up to $50,000,000 from BONY. Interest on any Company borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: (1) the cost of funds for BONY for the period applicable for the advance plus 0.35% or (2) a rate quoted by BONY to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred no interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no amounts payable to BONY. 14. Related Party Transactions Affiliates Management and service contracts and all cost sharing arrangements with other affiliated ING U.S. life insurance companies are allocated among companies in accordance with normal, generally accepted expense and cost allocation methods. Investment Management: The Company has entered into an investment advisory agreement and an administrative services agreement with ING Investment Management, LLC ("IIM") under which IIM provides the Company with investment management and asset liability management services. Total fees under this agreement were approximately $1,871,000 and $1,617,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Inter-insurer Services Agreement: The Company has entered into a services agreement with certain of its affiliated insurance companies in the United States ("affiliated insurers") whereby the affiliated insurers provide certain administrative, management, professional, advisory, consulting and other services to each other. Net amounts paid under these agreements were $2,304,000 and $384,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. 30 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reciprocal Loan Agreement: The Company maintains a reciprocal loan agreement with ING AIH to facilitate the handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Under this agreement, which expires April 1, 2011, the Company and ING AIH can borrow up to $22,400,000 from one another. Interest on any borrowing is charged at the rate of ING AIH's cost of funds for the interest period plus 0.15%. Interest on any ING AIH borrowings is charged at the rate based on the prevailing interest rate of U.S. commercial paper available for purchase with a similar duration. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $17,000 and interest income of $36,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no amounts payable to or receivable from ING AIH. Assets and liabilities, along with related revenues and expenses, recorded as a result of transactions and agreements with affiliates may not be the same as those recorded if the Company was not a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent. 15. Guaranty Fund Assessments Insurance companies are assessed the costs of funding the insolvencies of other insurance companies by the various state guaranty associations, generally based on the amount of premiums companies collect in that state. The Company accrues the cost of future guaranty fund assessments based on estimates of insurance company insolvencies provided by the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations ("NOLHGA") and the amount of premiums written in each state. The Company has recorded $490,000 and $474,000 for this liability as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company has also recorded an asset of $26,000 and $351,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for future credits to premium taxes for assessments already paid. 16. Subsequent Events Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden") requested that the Delaware Insurance Department approve the redomestication of Golden from Delaware to Iowa effective January 1, 2004. Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("Equitable"), the Company, and USG Annuity and Life Company ("USG") requested the Iowa Department of Insurance (for Equitable and the Company) and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance (for USG) to approve the merger of the affiliated life insurance company operations of Equitable, the Company, Golden, and USG with Golden being the survivor. The sequence of events, effective January 1, 2004, is as follows: redomestication of Golden to Iowa, merger of the four affiliated insurers with Golden being the survivor, and the renaming of Golden to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company ("ING USA"). 31 United Life & Annuity Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Basis - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Delaware Insurance Department provided a "no objection letter" for the redomestication of Golden to Iowa on August 25, 2003. The Iowa Department of Insurance approved the merger on July 21, 2003 and the Oklahoma Department of Insurance approved it on August 11, 2003. 17. Reconciliation to the Annual Statement During 2002, the Company recorded prior year adjustments in its summary of operations in the 2002 Annual Statement. As a result, the differences below exist between the 2002 Annual Statement and the accompanying statutory basis financial statements: Capital and Net Income Surplus -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Amounts as reported in the 2002 Annual Statement $ 8,817 $ 82,852 Capital gains tax (1,935) - Mortgage loan income 198 - Federal income taxes 4,471 - Asset valuation reserve - (1,646) -------------- --------------- $ 11,551 $ 81,206 ============== =============== 32 Exhibit 99.3 Report of Independent Auditors Board of Directors and Stockholder ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company We have audited the accompanying statutory basis balance sheets of USG Annuity & Life Company ("the Company" which, effective January 1, 2004, merged into an affiliate, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc.) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statutory basis statements of operations, changes in capital and surplus, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company presents its financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Oklahoma ("Oklahoma Insurance Department"), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The variances between such practices and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are described in Note 1. The effects on the financial statements of these variances are not reasonably determinable but are presumed to be material. In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter described in the preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the financial position of USG Annuity & Life Company at December 31, 2003 and 2002 or the results of its operations or its cash flows for the years then ended. 1 However, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of USG Annuity & Life Company at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. /s/ Ernst & Young March 22, 2004 USG Annuity & Life Company Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Admitted assets Cash and invested assets: Bonds $ 6,231,961 $ 6,116,495 Preferred stocks 1,273 1,088 Mortgage loans 1,471,607 1,483,855 Real estate, less accumulated depreciation (2003-$29, 2002-$304) 2,679 1,477 Contract loans 32,247 32,454 Other invested assets 41,017 47,704 Cash and short-term investments 27,739 9,116 --------------- --------------- Total cash and invested assets 7,808,523 7,692,189 Deferred and uncollected premiums, less loading (2003-$12, 2002-$58) 284 386 Accrued investment income 68,590 77,674 Reinsurance balances recoverable 252 335 Indebtedness from related parties 19,597 25 Federal income tax recoverable (including $18,475 and $15,601 net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively) 20,761 22,163 Other assets 33 2,451 --------------- --------------- Total admitted assets $ 7,918,040 $ 7,795,223 =============== =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 USG Annuity & Life Company Balance Sheets - Statutory Basis December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) except share amounts) Liabilities and capital and surplus Liabilities: Policy and contract liabilities: Life and annuity reserves $ 6,918,897 $ 6,859,914 Deposit type contracts 224,767 246,501 Policyholders' funds 16 53 Unpaid claims 3,064 3,622 --------------- --------------- Total policy and contract liabilities 7,146,744 7,110,090 Interest maintenance reserve 41,337 11,799 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 17,684 13,807 Indebtedness to related parties 16,587 22,147 Asset valuation reserve 51,181 50,634 Borrowed money 286,886 184,450 Other liabilities 17,667 16,110 --------------- --------------- Total liabilities 7,578,086 7,409,037 Capital and surplus: Common stock: authorized 1,000 shares of $3,000 par value, 833 issued and outstanding 2,500 2,500 Paid-in and contributed surplus 316,963 316,963 Unassigned surplus 20,491 66,723 --------------- --------------- Total capital and surplus 339,954 386,186 --------------- --------------- Total liabilities and capital and surplus $ 7,918,040 $ 7,795,223 =============== =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 USG Annuity & Life Company Statements of Operations - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Premiums and other revenues: Life, annuity, and accident and health premiums $ 423,362 $ 1,285,640 Policy proceeds and dividends left on deposit 7,710 9,267 Net investment income 452,278 536,206 Amortization of interest maintenance reserve (6,647) (7,446) Commissions, expense allowances and reserve adjustments on reinsurance ceded 42,615 14,159 Other income - 1,619 --------------- --------------- Total premiums and other revenues 919,318 1,839,445 Benefits paid or provided: Death benefits 5,182 112,299 Annuity benefits 250,745 250,411 Surrender benefits 522,262 582,708 Interest on policy or contract funds 6,384 8,033 Other benefits 11 - Life contract withdrawals 9,827 8,968 Increase in life, annuity, and accident and health reserves 58,983 648,698 --------------- --------------- Total benefits paid or provided 853,394 1,611,117 Insurance expenses: Commissions 71,151 86,074 General expenses 32,567 33,272 Insurance taxes, licenses and fees, excluding federal income taxes 3,748 (231) Other 1,287 856 --------------- --------------- Total insurance expenses 108,753 119,971 --------------- --------------- (Loss) gain from operations before federal income taxes and net realized capital losses (42,829) 108,357 Federal income tax (benefit) expense (27,668) 41,015 --------------- --------------- (Loss) gain from operations before net realized capital losses (15,161) 67,342 Net realized capital losses; net of income tax (benefit) expense: 2003 - $18,494 and 2002 - ($6,049); and excluding net transfers to the interest maintenance reserve 2003- $22,891 and 2002- ($638) (31,599) (41,467) --------------- --------------- Net (loss) income $ (46,760) $ 25,875 =============== =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 USG Annuity & Life Company Statements of Changes and Surplus - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Common stock: Balance at beginning and end of year $ 2,500 $ 2,500 --------------- --------------- Paid-in and contributed surplus: Balance at beginning of year 316,963 286,963 Capital contribution - 30,000 --------------- --------------- Balance at end of year 316,963 316,963 --------------- --------------- Unassigned surplus: Balance at beginning of year 66,723 19,994 Net (loss) income (46,760) 25,875 Change in net unrealized capital losses (395) (7,240) Change in nonadmitted assets (742) 3,284 Change in asset valuation reserve (547) 20,987 Change in net deferred income tax 2,212 3,480 Other - 343 --------------- --------------- Balance at end of year 20,491 66,723 --------------- --------------- Total capital and surplus $ 339,954 $ 386,186 =============== =============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 USG Annuity & Life Company Statements of Cash Flows - Statutory Basis Year ended December 31 2003 2002 --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Operations Premiums, policy proceeds, and other considerations received, net of reinsurance paid $ 423,582 $ 1,295,738 Net investment income received 620,710 647,957 Commission and expense allowances received on reinsurance ceded - 14,159 Benefits paid (821,273) (998,100) Insurance expenses paid (109,625) (122,791) Federal income taxes received (paid) 13,451 (53,696) Net other revenue 37,575 89 ------------------ ------------------ Net cash provided by operations 164,420 783,356 Investment activities Proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments: Bonds 8,021,572 8,709,883 Stocks - 357 Mortgage loans 329,751 275,949 Real estate 1,450 - Other invested assets 4,156 6,856 ------------------ ------------------ Net proceeds from sales, maturities, or repayments of investments 8,356,929 8,993,045 Cost of investments acquired: Bonds 8,253,561 9,713,052 Stocks 185 1,230 Mortgage loans 317,467 100,251 Real estate 2,708 - Other invested assets 10,530 14,594 ------------------ ------------------ Total cost of investments acquired 8,584,451 9,829,127 Change in contract loans (207) (279) ------------------ ------------------ Net cash used in investment activities (227,315) (835,803) Financing and miscellaneous activities Cash provided: Capital and surplus paid-in - 30,000 Borrowed money, net 102,436 1,102 Net deposits on deposit-type contract funds (21,734) (8) Other sources (uses) 816 (72,379) ------------------ ------------------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing and miscellaneous activities 81,518 (41,285) ------------------ ------------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments 18,623 (93,732) Cash and short-term investments: Beginning of year 9,116 102,848 ------------------ ------------------ End of year $ 27,739 $ 9,116 ================== ================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies USG Annuity & Life Company (the "Company") is domiciled in Oklahoma and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa ("Equitable"), an Iowa domiciled insurance company. Equitable is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc., which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ING America Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("ING AIH"). Effective January 1, 2004, the Company merged into an affiliate, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings, Inc. The Company offers various insurance products, including deferred fixed annuities, immediate annuities, and interest-sensitive life insurance. These products are primarily marketed to individuals by independent insurance broker/dealers, financial institutions, and a career agency force. The Company is licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The preparation of financial statements of insurance companies requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein. Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Oklahoma ("Oklahoma Insurance Department"), which practices differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The most significant variances from GAAP are as follows: Investments: Investments in bonds and mandatorily redeemable preferred stocks are reported at amortized cost or market value based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") rating; for GAAP, such fixed maturity investments are designated at purchase as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity investments are reported at amortized cost, and the remaining fixed maturity investments are reported at fair value with unrealized capital gains and losses reported in operations for those designated as trading and as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholder's equity for those designated as available-for-sale. Investments in real estate are reported net of related obligations rather than on a gross basis. Changes between depreciated cost and admitted asset investment amounts are credited or charged directly to unassigned surplus rather than income as would be required under GAAP. 7 8 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSAP 31 applies to derivative transactions prior to January 1, 2003. The Company also follows the newly adopted hedge accounting guidance in SSAP 86 for derivative transactions entered into or modified on or after January 1, 2003. Under this guidance, derivatives that are deemed effective hedges are accounted for in a manner which is consistent with the underlying hedged item. Derivatives used in hedging transactions that do not meet the requirements of SSAP 86 as an effective hedge are carried at fair value with the change in value recorded in surplus as unrealized gains or losses. Embedded derivatives are not accounted for separately from the host contract. Under GAAP, the effective and ineffective portions of a single hedge are accounted for separately, an embedded derivative within a contract that is not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risk of the host contract is accounted for separately from the host contract and valued and reported at fair value, and the change in fair value for cash flow hedges is credited or charged directly to a separate component of shareholder's equity rather than to income as required for fair value hedges. The Company invests in structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities/collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. For these structured securities, management compares the undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value. An other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred when the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value. When a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the individual security is written down to fair value and the loss accounted for as a realized loss. Valuation Reserves: The asset valuation reserve ("AVR") is determined by an NAIC-prescribed formula and is reported as a liability rather than as a valuation allowance or an appropriation of surplus. The change in AVR is reported directly to unassigned surplus. Under a formula prescribed by the NAIC, the Company defers the portion of realized gains and losses on sales of fixed-income investments, principally bonds and mortgage loans, attributable to changes in the general level of interest rates, and amortizes those deferrals over the remaining period to maturity based on groupings of individual securities sold in five-year bands. The net deferral is reported as the interest maintenance reserve ("IMR") in the accompanying balance sheets. Realized gains and losses on investments are reported in operations net of federal income tax and transfers to the IMR. Under GAAP, realized capital gains and losses are reported in the statements of operations on a pretax basis in the period that the asset giving rise to the gain or loss is sold and valuation allowances are provided when there has been a decline in value deemed other than temporary, in which case the provision for such declines is charged to income. 9 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Valuation allowances, if necessary, are established for mortgage loans based on the difference between the net value of the collateral, determined as the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to obtain and sell, and the recorded investment in the mortgage loan. Under GAAP, such allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan,s effective interest rate or, if foreclosure is probable, on the estimated fair value of the collateral. The initial valuation allowance and subsequent changes in the allowance for mortgage loans as a result of a temporary impairment are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus, rather than being included as a component of earnings as would be required under GAAP. Policy Acquisition Costs: The costs of acquiring and renewing business are expensed when incurred. Under GAAP, acquisition costs related to traditional life insurance, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues, are deferred and amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves. For universal life insurance and investment products, to the extent recoverable from future gross profits, acquisition costs are amortized generally in proportion to the present value of expected gross margins from surrender charges and investment, mortality, and expense margins. Premiums: Life premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Premiums for annuity policies with mortality and morbidity risk, except for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts, are also recognized as revenue when due. Premiums received for annuity policies without mortality or morbidity risk and for guaranteed interest and group annuity contracts are recorded using deposit accounting. Under GAAP, premiums for traditional life insurance products, which include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance policies, are recognized as revenue when due. Group insurance premiums are recognized as premium revenue over the time period to which the premiums relate. Revenues for universal life, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration charges, amortization of policy initiation fees and surrender charges assessed during the period. Benefit and Contract Reserves: Life policy and contract reserves under statutory accounting practices are calculated based upon both the net level premium and Commissioners' Reserve Valuation methods using statutory rates for mortality and interest. GAAP requires that policy reserves for traditional products be based upon the net level premium method utilizing reasonably conservative estimates of mortality, interest, and withdrawals prevailing when the policies were sold. For interest-sensitive products, the GAAP policy reserve is equal to the policy fund balance plus an unearned revenue reserve which reflects the unamortized balance of early year policy loads over renewal year policy loads. 10 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reinsurance: For business ceded to unauthorized reinsurers, statutory accounting practices require that reinsurance credits permitted by the treaty be recorded as an offsetting liability and charged against unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, an allowance for amounts deemed uncollectible would be established through a charge to earnings. Statutory income recognized on certain reinsurance treaties representing financing arrangements is not recognized on a GAAP basis. Policy and contract liabilities ceded to reinsurers have been reported as reductions of the related reserves rather than as assets as required under GAAP. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded are reported as income when received rather than being deferred and amortized with deferred policy acquisition costs as required under GAAP. Nonadmitted Assets: Certain assets designated as "nonadmitted," principally deferred federal income tax assets, disallowed interest maintenance reserves, non-operating software, past-due agents' balances, furniture and equipment, intangible assets, and other assets not specifically identified as an admitted asset within the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual are excluded from the accompanying balance sheets and are charged directly to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, such assets are included in the balance sheets. Universal Life and Annuity Policies: Revenues for universal life and annuity policies consist of the entire premium received and benefits incurred represent the total of death benefits paid and the change in policy reserves. Under GAAP, premiums received in excess of policy charges would not be recognized as premium revenue and benefits would represent the excess of benefits paid over the policy account value and interest credited to the account values. Deferred Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets are provided for and admitted to an amount determined under a standard formula. This formula considers the amount of differences that will reverse in the subsequent year, taxes paid in prior years that could be recovered through carrybacks, surplus limits, and the amount of deferred tax liabilities available for offset. Any deferred tax assets not covered under the formula are non-admitted. Deferred taxes do not include any amounts for state taxes. Under GAAP, a deferred tax asset is recorded for the amount of gross deferred tax assets that are expected to be realized in future years and a valuation allowance is established for the portion that is not realizable. Statements of Cash Flows: Cash and short-term investments in the statements of cash flows represent cash balances and investments with initial maturities of one year or less. Under GAAP, the corresponding caption of cash and cash equivalents includes cash balances and investments with initial maturities of three months or less. 11 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reconciliation to GAAP The effects of the preceding variances from GAAP on the accompanying statutory basis financial statements have not been determined, but are presumed to be material. Other significant accounting practices are as follows: Investments Investments are stated at values prescribed by the NAIC, as follows: Bonds not backed by other loans are principally stated at amortized cost using the interest method. Single class and multi-class mortgage-backed/asset-backed securities are valued at amortized cost using the interest method including anticipated prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are obtained from dealer surveys or internal estimates and are based on the current interest rate and economic environment. The retrospective adjustment method is used to value all such securities except for higher-risk asset backed securities, which are valued using the prospective method. The Company has elected to use the book value as of January 1, 1994, as the cost for applying the retrospective method to securities purchased prior to that date where historical cash flows are not readily available. Redeemable preferred stocks rated as high quality or better are reported at cost or amortized cost. All other redeemable preferred stocks are reported at the lower of cost, amortized cost, or market value and nonredeemable preferred stocks are reported at market value or the lower of cost or market value as determined by the Securities Valuation Office of the NAIC ("SVO"). The Company analyzes the general account investments to determine whether there has been an other than temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Management considers the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, future economic conditions and market forecasts, and the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in market value. If it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a debt security will not be collected, an other than temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. 12 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company uses derivatives such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors, and options as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy for certain life insurance and annuity products. As the Company only uses derivatives for hedging purposes, the Company values all derivative instruments on a consistent basis with the hedged item. Upon termination, gains and losses on those instruments are included in the carrying values of the underlying hedged items and are amortized over the remaining lives of the hedged items as adjustments to investment income or benefits from the hedged items. Any unamortized gains or losses are recognized when the underlying hedged items are sold. Interest rate swap contracts are used to convert the interest rate characteristics (fixed or variable) of certain investments to match those of the related insurance liabilities that the investments are supporting. The net interest effect of such swap transactions is reported as an adjustment of interest income from the hedged items as incurred. Interest rate caps and floors are used to limit the effects of changing interest rates on yields of variable rate or short-term assets or liabilities. The initial cost of any such agreement is amortized to net investment income over the life of the agreement. Periodic payments that are receivable as a result of the agreements are accrued as an adjustment of interest income or benefits from the hedged items. The derivatives are reported in a manner that is consistent with the hedged asset or liability. All derivatives are reported at amortized cost. Upon termination of a derivative that qualified for hedge accounting, the gain or loss is deferred in IMR or adjusts the basis of the hedged item. Mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost, less allowance for impairments. Contract loans are reported at unpaid principal balances. Land is reported at cost. Real estate is reported at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the properties. For reverse repurchase agreements, Company policies require a minimum of 95% of the fair value of securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements to be maintained as collateral. Cash collateral received is invested in short-term investments and the offsetting collateral liability is included in miscellaneous liabilities. 13 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reverse dollar repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateral borrowings, where the amount borrowed is equal to the sales price of the underlying securities. The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain domestic bonds from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. Collateral, primarily cash, which is in excess of the market value of the loaned securities, is deposited by the borrower with a lending agent, and retained and invested by the lending agent to generate additional income for the Company. The Company does not have access to the collateral. The Company's policy requires a minimum of 102% of the fair value of securities loaned to be maintained as collateral. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value fluctuates. Short-term investments are reported at amortized cost. Short-term investments include investments with maturities of less than one year at the date of acquisition. Partnership interests, which are included in other invested assets, are reported at the underlying audited GAAP equity of the investee. Residual collateralized mortgage obligations, which are included in other invested assets, are reported at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Realized capital gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method. Cash on hand includes cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity date of three months or less. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Aggregate Reserve for Life Policies and Contracts Life, annuity, and accident and health reserves are developed by actuarial methods and are determined based on published tables using statutorily specified interest rates and valuation methods that will provide, in the aggregate, reserves that are greater than or equal to the minimum or guaranteed policy cash value or the amounts required by law. Interest rates range from 3.00% to 8.75%. The Company waives the deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon the death of the insured. It is the Company's practice to return a pro rata portion of any premium paid beyond the policy month of death, although it is not contractually required to do so for certain issues. 14 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The methods used in valuation of substandard policies are as follows: For life, endowment and term policies issued substandard, the standard reserve during the premium-paying period is increased by 50% of the gross annual extra premium. Standard reserves are held on Paid-Up Limited Pay contracts. For reinsurance accepted with table rating, the reserve established is a multiple of the standard reserve corresponding to the table rating. For reinsurance with flat extra premiums, the standard reserve is increased by 50% of the flat extra. The tabular interest has been determined from the basic data for the calculation of policy reserves for all direct ordinary life insurance and for the portion of group life insurance classified as group Section 79. The tabular interest of funds not involving life contingencies is calculated as the current year reserves, plus payments, less prior year reserves, less funds added. Reinsurance Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reserves are based on the terms of the reinsurance contract and are consistent with the risks assumed. Premiums and benefits ceded to other companies have been reported as a reduction of premium revenue and benefits expense. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for reserves and unpaid claim liabilities have been reported as reductions of these items, and expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been reflected in operations. Nonadmitted Assets Nonadmitted assets are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Deferred federal income taxes $ 55,372 $ 54,496 Agents' debit balances 603 519 Deferred and uncollected premium 35 119 Other 751 885 ---------------- ---------------- Total nonadmitted assets $ 56,761 $ 56,019 ================ ================ 15 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in nonadmitted assets are generally reported directly in unassigned surplus as an increase or decrease in nonadmitted assets. Changes in nonadmitted invested assets are reported directly in unassigned surplus as a component of the change in unrealized capital gains or losses. Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses Claims expenses represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported claims incurred through December 31, 2003. The Company does not discount claims and claims adjustment expense reserves. Such estimates are based on actuarial projections applied to historical claims payment data. Such liabilities are considered to be reasonable and adequate to discharge the Company's obligations for claims incurred but unpaid as of December 31, 2003. Cash Flow Information Cash and short-term investments include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term fixed maturity instruments with a maturity of less than one year at date of acquisition. The Company borrowed $1,342,670,000 and repaid $1,342,670,000 in 2003 and borrowed $1,021,035,000 and repaid $1,021,035,000 in 2002. These borrowings were on a short-term basis, at an interest rate that approximated current money market rates and exclude borrowings from reverse dollar repurchase transactions. Interest paid on borrowed money was $140,000 and $109,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts in the Company's statutory basis financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 financial statement presentation. 2. Permitted Statutory Basis Accounting Practices The financial statements of the Company are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. The Oklahoma Insurance Department recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Oklahoma for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company for determining its solvency under the Oklahoma Insurance Laws. The NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by the state of Oklahoma. The Commissioner of Insurance has the right to permit other specific practices that deviate from prescribed practices. The Company is required to identify those significant accounting practices that are permitted, and obtain written approval of the practices from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no such permitted accounting practices. 16 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Investments The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities are as follows: Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- (In Thousands) At December 31, 2003: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 59,838 $ 363 $ 27 $ 60,174 States, municipalities, and political subdivisions 11,000 - 886 10,114 Foreign government 292,529 10,584 2,314 300,799 Public utilities securities 468,119 31,654 2,243 497,530 Corporate securities 3,263,827 157,736 26,919 3,394,644 Mortgage-backed securities 1,447,813 40,896 40,369 1,448,340 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 249,580 13,801 429 262,952 Other structured securities 443,419 5,181 16,690 431,910 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total fixed maturities 6,236,125 260,215 89,877 6,406,463 Preferred stocks 1,273 - - 1,273 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total equity securities 1,273 - - 1,273 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total $ 6,237,398 $ 260,215 $ 89,877 $ 6,407,736 ============= ============ ============ ============= At December 31, 2002: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 285,347 $ 4,998 $ 36 $ 290,309 Foreign government 120,649 4,200 2,385 122,464 Public utilities securities 270,390 14,526 4,008 280,908 Corporate securities 3,244,826 182,420 34,973 3,392,273 Mortgage-backed securities 1,668,901 90,300 46,006 1,713,195 Other structured securities 320,274 9,786 28,080 301,980 Commerical mortgage-backed securities 217,028 18,254 76 235,206 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total fixed maturities 6,127,415 324,484 115,564 6,336,335 Preferred stocks 1,088 - - 1,088 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total equity securities 1,088 - - 1,088 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Total $ 6,128,503 $ 324,484 $ 115,564 $ 6,337,423 ============= ============ ============ ============= 17 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate market values of debt securities with unrealized losses and the time period that cost exceeded market value are as follows: More than 6 Less than 6 months and less More than 12 months below that 12 months months below cost below cost cost Total ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ (In Thousands) Fair value $ 912,922 $ 781,315 $ 99,880 $ 1,794,117 Unrealized loss 13,888 40,720 35,269 89,877 Of the unrealized losses more than 6 months and less than 12 months in duration of $40,720,000, there were $8,509,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. For these securities business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining unrealized losses of $32,211,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: $18,193,000 of unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed and structured securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $257,131,000. $3,265,000 of unrealized losses related to the energy/utility industry, for which the fair value was $66,629,000. During 2003, the energy sector recovered due to a gradually improving economic picture and the lack of any material accounting irregularities similar to those experienced in the prior two years. Current analysis indicates that the debt will be serviced in accordance with the contractual terms. $8,488,000 of unrealized losses related to non-domestic issues, with no unrealized loss exposure per country in excess of $2,036,000 for which the fair value was $194,288,000. Credit exposures are primarily in the construction industry in Italy. The remaining unrealized losses totaling $2,265,000 related to a fair value of $31,760,000. Of the unrealized losses more than 12 months in duration of $35,269,000, there were $449,000 in unrealized losses that are primarily related to interest rate movement or spread widening for other than credit-related reasons. Business and operating fundamentals are performing as expected. The remaining losses of $34,820,000 as of December 31, 2003 included the following significant items: 18 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $32,683,000 of unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed and structured securities reviewed for impairment under the guidance prescribed by SSAP 43 Loan-backed and Structured Securities. This category includes U.S. government-backed securities, principal protected securities and structured securities which did not have an adverse change in cash flows for which the fair value was $81,284,000. $1,453,000 of unrealized losses related to the energy/utility industry, for which the fair value was $9,278,000. During 2003, the energy sector recovered due to a gradually improving economic picture and the lack of any material accounting irregularities similar to those experienced in the prior two years. Current analysis indicates that the debt will be serviced in accordance with the contractual terms. $679,000 of unrealized losses related to the airline industries, for which the fair value was $4,075,000. During 2003, the airline industry continued to suffer from decreased passenger volumes offset by a gradually improving economy. The majority of the airline investments are comprised of Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates ("EETC"). Current analysis indicates the specific collateral backing the EETC investments is predominantly represented by newer models that are expected to be retained as individual airlines reduce their fleets. The remaining unrealized losses totaling $5,000 relate to a fair value of $245,000. The amortized cost and fair value of investments in bonds at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Amortized Fair Cost Value -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Maturity: Due in 1 year or less $ 57,631 $ 58,607 Due after 1 year through 5 years 1,320,691 1,382,661 Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,804,228 1,882,506 Due after 10 years 912,763 939,487 -------------- --------------- 4,095,313 4,263,261 Mortgage-backed securities 1,447,813 1,448,340 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 249,580 262,952 Other structured securities 443,419 431,910 -------------- --------------- Total $ 6,236,125 $ 6,406,463 ============== =============== 19 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At December 31, 2003, investments in certificates of deposit and bonds, with an admitted asset value of $3,310,000, were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy regulatory requirements. Reconciliation of bonds from amortized cost to carrying value is as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Amortized cost $ 6,236,125 $ 6,127,415 Less nonadmitted bonds 4,164 10,920 ---------------- ---------------- Carrying value $ 6,231,961 $ 6,116,495 ================ ================ Proceeds from the sales of investments in bonds and other fixed maturity interest securities were $4,610,345,000 and $5,811,132,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Gross gains of $107,661,000 and $125,255,000 and gross losses of $25,138,000 and $103,039,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively, were realized on those sales. A portion of the gains realized in 2003 and 2002 has been deferred to future periods in the interest maintenance reserve. Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows: Year ended December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Income: Bonds $ 404,578 $ 459,813 Mortgage loans 112,905 128,230 Contract loans 1,522 1,091 Company-occupied property 244 376 Other (34,857) (26,548) ---------------- ---------------- Total investment income 484,392 562,962 Investment expenses (32,114) (26,756) ---------------- ---------------- Net investment income $ 452,278 $ 536,206 ================ ================ As part of its overall investment strategy, the Company has entered into agreements to purchase securities as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Investment purchase commitments $ 90,956 $ 87,963 20 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company entered into reverse dollar repurchase transactions to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. Reverse dollar repurchases involve a sale of securities and an agreement to repurchase substantially the same securities as those sold. The reverse dollar repurchases are accounted for as short term collateralized financing and the repurchase obligation is reported in borrowed money. The repurchase obligation totaled $286,886,000 and $173,448,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The securities underlying these agreements are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $285,832,000 and $173,246,000 and fair value of $288,285,000 and $176,504,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The securities have a weighted average coupon rate of 5.8% and have maturities ranging from December 2018 through December 2033. The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty may be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company's exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments, which was not material at December 31, 2003. The Company believes the counterparties to the reverse dollar repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal. The Company participates in reverse repurchase transactions. Such transactions include the sale of corporate securities to a major securities dealer and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the same security in the near term. The proceeds are invested in new securities of intermediate durations. As of December 31, 2003, there were no outstanding amounts on these agreements. The securities underlying these agreements are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $11,394,000 and fair value of $11,520,000 at December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had loaned securities (which are reflected as invested assets on the balance sheet) with a market value of approximately $22,330,000 and $32,662,000, respectively. The maximum and minimum lending rates for long-term mortgage loans during 2003 were 6.07% and 3.40%. Fire insurance is required on all properties covered by mortgage loans and must at least equal the excess of the loan over the maximum loan which would be permitted by law on the land without the buildings. The maximum percentage of any loan to the value of collateral at the time of the loan, exclusive of insured or guaranteed or purchase money mortgages, was 74.7% on commercial properties. As of December 31, 2003, the Company held no mortgages with interest more than 180 days overdue. Total interest due, as of December 31, 2003 is $9,000. In the course of the Company's asset management, securities are sold and reacquired within 30 days of the sale date to enhance the Company's return on the investment portfolio or to manage interest rate risk. 21 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The details by NAIC designation 3 or below of securities sold during 2003 and reacquired within 30 days of the sale date are: Cost of Number of Securities Transactions Book Value Repurchased Gain --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- (In Thousands) NAIC 3 2 $ 4,730 $ 6,948 $ 1,095 4. Derivative Financial Instruments Held for Purposes Other than Trading The Company enters into derivatives such as swaps caps and floors, to reduce and manage risks, which include the risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flows, exchange rates or quantity of, or a degree of exposure with respect to, assets, liabilities, or future cash flows, which the Company has acquired or incurred. Hedge accounting practices are supported by cash flow matching, scenario testing and duration matching. The Company uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest payments over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. Interest rate cap and interest rate floor agreements owned entitle the Company to receive payments to the extent reference interest rates exceed or fall below strike levels in the contracts based on the notional amounts. Premiums paid for the purchase of interest rate contracts are included in other invested assets and are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining terms of the contracts or in a manner consistent with the financial instruments being hedged. Amounts paid or received, if any, from such contracts are included in interest expense or income. Accrued amounts payable to or receivable from counterparties are included in other liabilities or other invested assets. Gains or losses realized as a result of early terminations of interest rate contracts are amortized to investment income over the remaining term of the items being hedged to the extent the hedge is considered to be effective; otherwise, they are recognized upon termination. 22 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest rate contracts that are matched or otherwise designated to be associated with other financial instruments are recorded at fair value if the related financial instruments mature, are sold, or are otherwise terminated, or if the interest rate contracts cease to be effective hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as investment income. The Company manages the potential credit exposure from interest rate contracts through careful evaluation of the counterparties' credit standing, collateral agreements, and master netting agreements. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on interest rate contracts; however, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties. The amount of such exposure is generally the unrealized gains in such contracts. The table below summarizes the Company's interest rate contracts included in other invested assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002: Notional Carrying Fair Amount Value Value --------------- -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Swaps $ 828,066 $ - $ (124,226) Caps and floors 441,243 1,554 7 --------------- -------------- --------------- Total derivatives $ 1,269,309 $ 1,554 $ (124,219) =============== ============== =============== December 31, 2002 Swaps $ 1,146,498 $ - $ (138,473) Caps and floors 548,465 3,393 1,296 --------------- -------------- --------------- Total derivatives $ 1,694,963 $ 3,393 $ (137,177) =============== ============== =============== 5. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company held less-than-investment-grade bonds with an aggregate book value of $479,259,000 and $435,061,000 and with an aggregate market value of $497,620,000 and $413,437,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These holdings amounted to 7.7% of the Company's investments in bonds and 6.1% of total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. The holdings of less-than-investment-grade bonds are widely diversified and of satisfactory quality based on the Company's investment policies and credit standards. The Company held unrated bonds of $159,686,000 and $204,268,000 with an aggregate NAIC market value of $161,201,000 and $208,297,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The carrying value of these holdings amounted to 2.0% of the Company's investment in bonds and 2.0% of the Company's total admitted assets at December 31, 2003. 23 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At December 31, 2003, the Company's commercial mortgages involved a concentration of properties located in California (14.06%) and Pennsylvania (9.05%). The remaining commercial mortgages relate to properties located in 37 other states. The portfolio is well diversified; covering many different types of income-producing properties on which the Company has first mortgage liens. The maximum mortgage outstanding on any individual property is $30,000,000. 6. Annuity Reserves At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company's annuity reserves, including those held in deposit fund liabilities that are subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustment, subject to discretionary withdrawal without adjustment, and not subject to discretionary withdrawal provisions are summarized as follows: Amount Percent ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) December 31, 2003 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 4,536,520 54.0 % At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more 1,995,432 23.7 ---------------- -------------- Subtotal $ 6,531,952 77.7 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 1,258,530 15.0 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 614,236 7.3 ---------------- -------------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance $ 8,404,718 100.0 % ============== Less reinsurance ceded 1,346,600 ---------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 7,058,118 ================ December 31, 2002 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment): With market value adjustment $ 4,447,295 56.2 % At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more 1,635,038 20.6 ---------------- -------------- Subtotal 6,082,333 76.8 Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment): At book value with minimal or no charge or adjustment 1,194,281 15.1 Not subject to discretionary withdrawal 641,496 8.1 ---------------- -------------- Total annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities before reinsurance $ 7,918,110 100.0 % ============== Less reinsurance ceded 895,734 ---------------- Net annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities $ 7,022,376 ================ 24 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Reinsurance The Company is involved in both ceded and assumed reinsurance with other companies for the purpose of diversifying risk and limiting exposure on larger risks. To the extent that the assuming companies become unable to meet their obligations under these treaties, the Company remains contingently liable to its policyholders for the portion reinsured. To minimize its exposure to significant losses from retrocessionaire insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of the retrocessionaire and monitors concentrations of credit risk. Assumed premiums amounted to $7,000 and $136,400,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company's ceded reinsurance arrangements reduced certain items in the accompanying financial statements by the following amounts: December 31 2003 2002 -------------- --------------- (In Thousands) Premiums $ 561,792 $ 260,544 Benefits paid or provided 13,168 9,447 Policy and contract liabilities at year end 1,347,473 896,762 8. Federal Income Taxes The Company joins in filing a consolidated federal income tax return with its parent, Equitable, and other affiliates. The method of tax allocation is governed by a written tax sharing agreement. The tax sharing agreement provides that each member of the consolidated return shall reimburse Equitable for its respective share of the consolidated federal income tax liability and shall receive a benefit for its losses at the statutory rate. The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Total deferred tax assets $ 75,954 $ 70,328 Total deferred tax liabilities (2,107) (231) ---------------- ---------------- Net deferred tax asset 73,847 70,097 Deferred tax asset nonadmitted (55,372) (54,496) ---------------- ---------------- Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 18,475 $ 15,601 ================ ================ (Increase) decrease in nonadmitted asset $ (876) $ 1,337 ================ ================ 25 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current income taxes incurred consist of the following major components: Year ended December 31 2003 2002 --------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Federal tax (benefit) expense on operations $ (27,668) $ 41,015 Federal tax expense (benefit) on capital gains 18,494 (6,049) --------------- ---------------- Total current tax (benefit) expense incurred $ (9,174) $ 34,966 =============== ================ The main components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ---------------- ---------------- (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets resulting from book/tax differences in: Deferred acquisition costs $ 24,803 $ 23,431 Insurance reserves 10,751 8,423 Investments 29,808 32,290 Guaranty assessments 4,348 4,339 Unrealized loss on investments 5,346 499 Other 898 1,346 ---------------- ---------------- Total deferred tax assets 75,954 70,328 Deferred tax assets nonadmitted (55,372) (54,496) ---------------- ---------------- Admitted deferred tax assets 20,582 15,832 ---------------- ---------------- Deferred tax liabilities resulting from book/tax differences in: Due and deferred premiums $ 150 231 Investments 1,951 - Other 6 - ---------------- ---------------- Total deferred tax liabilities 2,107 231 ---------------- ---------------- Net admitted deferred tax asset $ 18,475 $ 15,601 ================ ================ 26 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The change in net deferred income taxes is comprised of the following: December 31 2003 2002 Change -------------- -------------- -------------- (In Thousands) Total deferred tax assets $ 75,954 $ 70,328 $ 5,626 Total deferred tax liabilities 2,107 231 1,876 -------------- -------------- -------------- Net deferred tax asset $ 73,847 $ 70,097 $ 3,750 ============== ============== Remove current year change in unrealized gains (1,538) -------------- Change in net deferred income tax 2,212 Remove other items in surplus: Current year change in non-admitted assets 44 Other (3,310) -------------- Change in deferred taxes for rate reconciliation $ (1,054) ============== The provision for federal income taxes incurred and change in deferred taxes is different from that which would be obtained by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (including capital items) before income taxes. The significant items causing this difference are: Year Ended December 31, 2003 ----------------- (In Thousands) Ordinary loss $ (42,829) Capital gains 9,786 ------------------ Total pre-tax book loss (33,043) ================== Provision (benefit) computed at statutory rate (11,565) Refinement of deferred tax balances 1,116 Interest maintenance reserve 2,326 Other 2 ------------------ Total $ (8,121) ================== Federal income tax incurred $ (9,175) Change in net deferred income tax 1,054 ------------------ Total statutory income tax benefit $ (8,121) ================== There are no federal income taxes incurred that will be available for recoupment in the event of future net losses for 2003 and 2002. The Company had receivables of $2,285,000 and $6,562,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for federal income taxes under the intercompany tax sharing agreement 27 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Capital and Surplus Under Oklahoma insurance regulations, the Company is required to maintain a minimum total capital and surplus of $750,000. Additionally, the amount of dividends that can be paid by the Company to its stockholder without prior approval of the Oklahoma Insurance Department is limited to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or the statutory net gain from operations. Life and health insurance companies are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a life and health insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. At December 31, 2003, the Company meets the RBC requirements. 10. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Life insurance liabilities that contain mortality risk and all nonfinancial instruments have been excluded from the disclosure requirements. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company's overall management of interest rate risk, such that the Company's exposure to changing interest rates is minimized through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are summarized as follows: December 31 2003 2002 ----------------------------- ------------------------------ Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- (In Thousands) Assets: Bonds $ 6,231,961 $ 6,406,763 $ 6,116,495 $ 6,336,335 Preferred stocks 1,273 1,273 1,088 1,088 Mortgage loans 1,471,607 1,576,183 1,483,855 1,632,720 Contract loans 32,247 32,247 32,454 32,454 Derivative securities 1,554 (124,219) 3,393 (137,177) Short-term investments 16,651 16,651 5,650 5,650 Cash 11,088 11,088 3,466 3,466 Receivable for securities 341 341 2,873 2,873 Liabilities: Individual and group annuities 6,833,372 6,645,174 6,775,875 6,621,753 Deposit type contract 224,767 235,291 246,501 258,945 The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments in the accompanying financial statements and notes thereto: 28 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and short-term investments: The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values. Fixed maturities: The fair values for bonds and preferred stocks reported herein are based on quoted market prices, where available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of private placements, collateralized mortgage obligations and other mortgage derivative investments, are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows. The discount rates used vary as a function of factors such as yield, credit quality, and maturity, which fall within a range between 2% and 12% over the total portfolio. Fair values determined on this basis can differ from values published by the SVO. Market value as determined by the SVO as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 is $6,263,837,000 and $6,154,770,000, respectively. Mortgage loans: Estimated market values for commercial real estate loans were generated using a discounted cash flow approach. Loans in good standing are discounted using interest rates determined by U.S. Treasury yields on December 31 and spreads applied on new loans with similar characteristics. The amortizing features of all loans are incorporated in the valuation. Where data on option features is available, option values are determined using a binomial valuation method, and are incorporated into the mortgage valuation. Restructured loans are valued in the same manner; however, these loans were discounted at a greater spread to reflect increased risk. All residential loans are valued at their outstanding principal balances, which approximate their fair values. Derivative financial instruments: Fair values for on-balance-sheet derivative financial instruments (caps and floors) and off-balance-sheet derivative financial instruments (swaps) are based on broker/dealer valuations or on internal discounted cash flow pricing models taking into account current cash flow assumptions and the counterparties' credit standing. Other investment-type insurance contracts: The fair values of the Company's deferred annuity contracts are estimated based on the cash surrender values. The carrying values of other policyholder liabilities, including immediate annuities, dividend accumulations, supplementary contracts without life contingencies, and premium deposits, approximate their fair values. The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates their fair value. 1. 29 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Commitments and Contingencies The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of pending lawsuits, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position. The Company has committed to provide additional capital contributions of $31,599,000 in partnership investments at December 31, 2003. 12. Financing Agreements The Company maintains a revolving loan agreement with SunTrust Bank, Atlanta (the "Bank"). Under this agreement, which expires July 30, 2004, the Company can borrow up to $75,000,000 from the Bank. Interest on any borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: the cost of funds for the Bank for the period applicable for the advance plus 0.225%, or a rate quoted by the Bank to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $9,000 and $20,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no amounts payable to the Bank. The Company also maintains a revolving loan agreement with Bank of New York, New York (the "BONY"). Under this agreement, the Company can borrow up to $100,000,000 from BONY. Interest on any of the Company borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to: the cost of funds for BONY for the period applicable for the advance plus .35% or a rate quoted by BONY to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $4,000 and $31,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had no amounts payable to BONY. 13. Related Party Transactions Affiliates Management and service contracts and all cost sharing arrangements with other affiliated ING U.S. life insurance companies are allocated among companies in accordance with normal, generally accepted expense and cost allocation methods. 31 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company maintains a reciprocal loan agreement with ING AIH to facilitate the handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Under this agreement, which expires April 1, 2007, the companies can borrow up to $95,800,000 from one another. Interest on any Company borrowings is charged at the rate of ING AIH's cost of funds for the interest period plus 0.15%. Interest on any ING AIH borrowings is charged at a rate based on the prevailing interest rate of U.S. commercial paper available for purchase with a similar duration. Under this agreement, the Company incurred interest expense of $125,000 and interest income of $275,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no amounts payable to ING AIH and $16,400,000 receivable from ING AIH. Investment Management: The Company has entered into an investment advisory agreement and an administrative services agreement with ING Investment Management, LLC ("IIM") under which IIM provides the Company with investment management and asset liability management services. Total fees under the agreement were approximately $25,272,000 and $19,698,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Inter-insurer Services Agreement: The Company has entered into a services agreement with certain of its affiliated insurance companies in the United States ("affiliated insurers") whereby the affiliated insurers provide certain administrative, management, professional, advisory, consulting and other services to each other. Net amounts received under these agreements were $30,727,000 and $31,437,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Tax Sharing Agreements: The Company has entered into federal tax sharing agreements with members of an affiliated group as defined in Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The agreement provides for the manner of calculation and the amounts/timing of the payments between the parties as well as other related matters in connection with the filing of consolidated federal income tax returns. The Company has also entered into a state tax sharing agreement with ING AIH and each of the specific subsidiaries that are parties to the agreement. The state tax agreement applies to situations in which ING AIH and all or some of the subsidiaries join in the filing of a state or local franchise, income tax or other tax return on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis. Services Agreement with ING Financial Advisors, LLC: The Company has entered into a services agreement with Services Agreement with ING Financial Advisors, LLC ("ING FA") to provide certain administrative, management, professional advisory, consulting and other services to the Company for the benefit of its customers. Charges for these services are to be determined in accordance with fair and reasonable standards with neither party realizing a profit nor incurring a loss as a result of the services provided to the Company. The Company will reimburse ING FA for direct and indirect costs incurred on behalf of the Company. 32 USG ANNUITY & LIFE COMPANY Notes to Financial Statements - Statutory Policies - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets and liabilities along with related revenues and expenses recorded as a result of transactions and agreements with affiliates may not be the same as those recorded if the Company was not a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent. 14. Guaranty Fund Assessments Insurance companies are assessed the costs of funding the insolvencies of other insurance companies by the various state guaranty associations, generally based on the amount of premiums companies collect in that state. The Company accrues the cost of future guaranty fund assessments based on estimates of insurance company insolvencies provided by the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations ("NOLHGA") and the amount of premiums written in each state. The Company has estimated this liability to be $12,422,000 and $12,397,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively and has recorded a reserve. The Company has also recorded an asset of $34,000 and $2,451,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for future credits to premium taxes for assessments already paid. 15. Subsequent Events Effective January 1, 2004, the Company was a party to a merger with its parent, Equitable, and two other affiliated companies, United Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("ULA") and Golden American Life Insurance Company ("Golden"). Golden requested that the Delaware Insurance Department approve the redomestication of Golden from Delaware to Iowa effective January 1, 2004. Equitable, ULA, and the Company requested the Iowa Department of Insurance (for Equitable and ULA) and the Oklahoma Insurance Department (for the Company) approve the merger of the affiliated life insurance company operations of Equitable, ULA, Golden, and the Company with Golden being the survivor. The sequence of events, effective January 1, 2004, was as follows: redomestication of Golden to Iowa, merger of the four affiliated insurers with Golden being the survivor, and the renaming of Golden to ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. The Delaware Insurance Department provided a "no objection letter" for the redomestication of Golden to Iowa on August 25, 2003. The Iowa Department of Insurance approved the merger on July 21, 2003 and the Oklahoma Insurance Department approved it on August 11, 2003. 33 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION Not Applicable ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (ING USA) shall indemnify (including therein the prepayment of expenses) any person who is or was a director, officer or employee, or who is or was serving at the request of ING USA as a director, officer or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise for expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him with respect to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceedings against him by reason of the fact that he is or was such a director, officer or employee to the extent and in the manner permitted by law. ING USA may also, to the extent permitted by law, indemnify any other person who is or was serving ING USA in any capacity. The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to determine who may be indemnified under this paragraph and to what extent (not to exceed the extent provided in the above paragraph) any such person may be indemnified. ING Groep N.V. maintains an umbrella insurance policy with an international insurer. The policy covers ING Groep N.V. and any company in which ING Groep N.V. has an ownership control of over 50%. This would encompass the principal underwriter as well as the depositor. The policy provides for the following types of coverage; errors and ommissions, directors and officers, employment practices, fiduciary and fidelity. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant, as provided above or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification by the Depositor is against public policy, as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and therefore may be unenforceable. In the event that a claim of such indemnification (except insofar as it provides for the payment by the Depositor of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Depositor by such director, officer or controlling person and the SEC is still of the same opinion, the Depositor or Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by the Depositor is against public policy as expressed by the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS Exhibits (3)(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, dated (01/01/04). (3) (b) Amended and Restated By-Laws of ING USA annuity and Life Insurance Company, dated (01/01/04). (3) (c) Resolution of Board of Directors for Powers of Attorney. (04/23/99) (4) (d) Articles of Merger and Agreement and Plan of Merger of USGALC, ULAIC, ELICI into GALIC and renamed ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, dated (06/25/03). (3) (4) Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders: (a) Variable Annuity Group Master Contract (1) (b) Variable Annuity Contract (1) (c) Variable Annuity Certificate (1) (d) Individual Retirement Annuity Rider (2) (e) Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Rider (2) (f) Simple Retirement Account Rider (2) (g) 403(b) Rider (2) (h) Company Address and Name Change Endorsement (3) (5) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (10) Material contracts are listed under Item 14(a)10 in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File Nos. 333-57212, 333-104539, 333-104546, 333-104547, 333-104548), as filed with the Commission on March 29, 2004. Each of the Exhibits so listed is incorporated by reference as indicated in the Form 10-K. (13) (a) ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. (b) Unaudited pro forma financial statements for the merged company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. (c) Audited Statutory financials for Equitable Life Insurance Company, United Life and Annuity Insurance Company and USG Annuity & Life Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. (23) (a) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors (c) Consent of Legal Counsel (included in Exhibit (5) above) (24) Powers of Attorney (5) Exhibits other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable. - ------------------------- (1) Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to a Registration Statement on Form S-2 for Registrant's Separate Account B Filed June 29, 2001 (File No. 333-57212). (2) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to a Registration Statement on Form N-4 for Golden American Life Insurance Company Separate Account B filed on April 15, 2003 (File Nos. 033-23351, 811-5626). (3) Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to a Registration Statement on Form N-4 for ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company Separate Account B filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2004 (File Nos. 333-28679, 811-5626). (4) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 5 to a Registration Statement for Golden American Life Insurance Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 1999 (File No. 333-28765). (5) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-2 of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company (File No. 333-104456), as filed on April 5, 2004. Item 17. Undertakings - ----------------------- The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, pursuant to Item 512 of Regulation S-K: (a) Rule 415 offerings: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales of the registered securities are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and (iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material changes to such information in the registration statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. (h) Request for Acceleration of Effective Date: Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES Not Applicable SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-2 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of West Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on this 8th day of April, 2004. By: ING USA ANNUITY AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY By: -------------------- Keith Gubbay* President (principle executive officer) By: /s/ Linda E. Senker ------------------------ Linda E. Senker Counsel As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on April 8, 2004. Signature Title - --------- ----- President and Director - -------------------- (principle executive officer) Keith Gubbay* DIRECTORS - ---------------------- David A. Wheat* Chief Financial Officer (principle accounting officer) - ---------------------- Thomas J. McInerney* - ---------------------- Kathleen A. Murphy* - ---------------------- Jacques de Vaucleroy* By: /s/ Linda E. Senker ------------------------ Linda E. Senker Counsel of Depositor *Executed by Linda E. Senker on behalf of those indicated pursuant to Power of Attorney. EXHIBIT INDEX ITEM EXHIBIT PAGE # - ---- ------- ------ 5 Opinion and Consent of Kimberly J. Smith EX-5 13(a) ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company Form 10-K * for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. 13(b) Unaudited pro forma financial statements for the ** merged company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. 13(c) Audited Statutory financials for ELIC, ULA and USG *** for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. 23(a) Consent of Independent Auditors EX-23.A 23(b) Consent of Legal Counsel **** - ----------------------------- * See Module No. INGUSA10K123103 ** See Module No. INGUSAPROFORMA *** See Module No. ELI_ULA_USG **** Included in Exhibit 5 above