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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I (1)(a) and
(b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure
format.
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 333-111553
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEBRASKA 47-0221457
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2940 SOUTH 84TH STREET
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68506
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: 800-525-9287
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934: NONE
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF THE REGISTRANT IS A WELL-KNOWN SEASONED ISSUER, AS
DEFINED IN RULE 405 OF THE SECURITIES ACT. YES |_| NO |X|
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF THE REGISTRANT IS NOT REQUIRED TO FILE REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT. YES |_| NO |X|
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS, 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 THE REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION
STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY
AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K. |X|
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT IS A LARGE ACCELERATED FILER, AN
ACCELERATED FILER, A NON-ACCELERATED FILER OR A SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY. SEE
THE DEFINITIONS OF "LARGE ACCELERATED FILER", "ACCELERATED FILER" AND "SMALLER
REPORTING COMPANY" IN RULE 12b-2 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT. (CHECK ONE):
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<Caption>
LARGE ACCELERATED FILER ACCELERATED FILER NON-ACCELERATED FILER SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY
|_| |_| |X| |_|
(DO NOT CHECK IF A SMALLER REPORTING COMPANY)
</Table>
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT IS A SHELL COMPANY (AS DEFINED IN
RULE 12b-2 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT). YES |_| NO |X|
NONE OF THE COMMON EQUITY OF THE REGISTRANT IS HELD BY NON-AFFILIATES.
THEREFORE, THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF COMMON EQUITY HELD BY NON-AFFILIATES OF
THE REGISTRANT IS ZERO.
AS OF MARCH 14, 2008, THE REGISTRANT HAD 25,000 COMMON SHARES, $100 PAR VALUE,
OUTSTANDING, ALL OF WHICH ARE HELD BY ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 2
Item 2. Properties 6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 6
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders * N/A
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 7
Item 6. Selected Financial Data * N/A
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 8
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 19
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 20
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure 46
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 46
Item 9B. Other Information 46
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance * N/A
Item 11. Executive Compensation* N/A
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters * N/A
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence * N/A
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 47
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 48
Signatures 52
Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed
Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities
Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 53
Financial Statement Schedules S-1
* Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Lincoln Benefit Life Company ("Lincoln Benefit", "we", "our" or "us") was
incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska in 1938. Lincoln Benefit is
a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life Insurance Company ("ALIC"), a stock
life insurance company incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois.
ALIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Insurance Company ("AIC"), a stock
property-liability insurance company organized under the laws of the State of
Illinois. All of the outstanding capital stock of Allstate Insurance Company is
owned by The Allstate Corporation (the "Corporation" or "Allstate"), a publicly
owned holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
Allstate Corporation is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer in the
United States. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)"
slogan, Allstate provides insurance products to more than 17 million households
through a distribution network that utilizes a total of 14,900 exclusive
agencies and exclusive financial specialists in the United States and Canada.
Allstate is the second-largest personal property and casualty insurer in the
United States on the basis of 2006 statutory premiums earned. In addition,
according to A.M. Best, it is the nation's 12th largest issuer of life insurance
business on the basis of 2006 ordinary life insurance in force and 16th largest
on the basis of 2006 statutory admitted assets.
In this annual report on Form 10-K, we occasionally refer to statutory
financial information that has been prepared in accordance with the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners Accounting Practices and Procedure Manual
("Manual"). All domestic United States insurance companies are required to
prepare statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with the Manual. As a
result, industry data is available that enables comparisons between insurance
companies, including competitors that are not subject to the requirement to
prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"). We frequently use industry publications
containing statutory financial information to assess our competitive position.
The Company sells life insurance, retirement and investment products in all
states except New York, as well as in the District of Columbia, Guam and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. Our principal products are fixed annuities, including
deferred and immediate; interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life
insurance; and accident and health insurance. We sell products through multiple
intermediary distribution channels, including Allstate exclusive agencies,
independent agents (including master brokerage agencies), and broker-dealers.
We compete principally on the basis of the scope of our distribution
systems, the breadth of our product offerings, the recognition of our brands,
our financial strength and ratings, our differentiated product features and
prices, and the level of customer service that we provide. In addition, with
respect to variable life insurance products in particular, we compete on the
basis of the variety of fund managers and choices of funds for our separate
accounts and the management and performance of those funds within our separate
accounts.
The market for life insurance, retirement and investment products continues
to be highly fragmented and competitive. As of December 31, 2007, there were
approximately 720 groups of life insurance companies in the United States, most
of which offered one or more similar products. In addition, because many of
these products include a savings or investment component, our competition
includes domestic and foreign securities firms, investment advisors, mutual
funds, banks, and other financial institutions. Competitive pressure continues
to grow due to several factors, including cross marketing alliances between
unaffiliated businesses, as well as consolidation activity in the financial
services industry.
We cede the mortality risk on certain life policies, depending upon the
issue year and product, to a pool of twelve non-affiliated reinsurers. Under
agreements with ALIC, all business not reinsured to non-affiliated reinsurers is
ceded to ALIC. Premiums, contract charges, interest credited to contractholder
funds, contract benefits and substantially all expenses are reinsured by ALIC.
Assets that support general account product liabilities are owned and managed by
ALIC. We continue to have primary liability as the direct insurer for risks
reinsured as ALIC's obligations under the reinsurance agreements are to us and
not the contractholder.
Separate accounts liabilities related to variable annuity and life
contracts are ceded to ALIC via a 100% modified coinsurance agreement whereby
assets are maintained in our legally segregated separate accounts. Contract
charges assessed against the separate accounts assets and contract benefits are
ceded to ALIC.
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Lincoln Benefit is subject to extensive regulation, primarily at the state
level. The method, extent and substance of such regulation varies by state but
generally has its source in statutes that establish standards and requirements
for conducting the business of insurance and that delegate regulatory authority
to a state regulatory agency. In general, such regulation is intended for the
protection of those who purchase or use insurance products. These rules have a
substantial effect on our business and relate to a wide variety of matters
including insurance company licensing and examination, agent and adjuster
licensing, price setting, trade practices, policy forms, accounting methods, the
nature and amount of investments, claims practices, participation in guaranty
funds, reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, transactions with affiliates, the
payment of dividends, and underwriting standards. For a discussion of statutory
financial information, see Note 10 of the Financial Statements. For a discussion
of regulatory contingencies, see Note 8 of the Financial Statements. Notes 8 and
10 are incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
In recent years the state insurance regulatory framework has come under
increased federal scrutiny. Legislation that would provide for federal
chartering of insurance companies has been proposed. In addition, state
legislators and insurance regulators continue to examine the appropriate nature
and scope of state insurance regulation. We cannot predict whether any specific
state or federal measures will be adopted to change the nature or scope of the
regulation of the insurance business or what effect any such measures would have
on Lincoln Benefit.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
This document contains "forward-looking statements" that anticipate results
based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty.
These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We assume no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or
developments.
These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or
current facts and may be identified by their use of words like "plans," "seeks,"
"expects," "will," "should," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "believes,"
"likely," "targets" and other words with similar meanings. These statements may
address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development,
regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation
and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on reasonable
estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or
plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other
risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those
communicated in these forward-looking statements.
In addition to the normal risks of business, we are subject to significant
risks and uncertainties, including those listed below, which apply to us as an
insurer and a provider of other financial services. These risks constitute our
cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and readers should carefully review such cautionary statements as they identify
certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those in the forward-looking statements and historical trends. These
cautionary statements are not exclusive and are in addition to other factors
discussed elsewhere in this document, in our filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") or in materials incorporated therein by reference.
Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are
not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our
operations.
CHANGES IN UNDERWRITING AND ACTUAL EXPERIENCE COULD MATERIALLY AFFECT
PROFITABILITY OF BUSINESS CEDED TO ALIC
Our product pricing includes long-term assumptions regarding investment
returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency and operating costs and expenses of
the Company, which are ceded to ALIC. Management establishes target returns for
each product based upon these factors and the average amount of capital that the
company must hold to support in-force contracts, satisfy rating agencies and
meet regulatory requirements. We monitor and manage our pricing and overall
sales mix to achieve target returns on a portfolio basis, which could result in
the discontinuation of products or distribution relationships and a decline in
sales. Profitability from new business emerges over a period of years depending
on the nature and life of the product and is subject to variability as actual
results may differ from pricing assumptions.
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ALIC's profitability depends on the adequacy of investment spreads, the
management of market and credit risks associated with investments, the
sufficiency of premiums and contract charges to cover mortality and morbidity
benefits, the persistency of policies to ensure recovery of acquisition
expenses, and the management of operating costs and expenses within anticipated
pricing allowances. Legislation and regulation of the insurance marketplace and
products could also affect the profitability of our business ceded to ALIC.
CHANGES IN RESERVE ESTIMATES MAY REDUCE PROFITABILITY OF BUSINESS CEDED TO ALIC
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits is computed on the basis of
long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality,
morbidity, policy terminations and expenses. We periodically review the adequacy
of these reserves on an aggregate basis and if future experience differs
significantly from assumptions, adjustments to reserves may be required which
could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial
condition ceded to ALIC.
CHANGES IN MARKET INTEREST RATES MAY LEAD TO A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE SALES
AND PROFITABILITY OF SPREAD-BASED PRODUCTS CEDED TO ALIC
Our ability to manage our spread-based products, such as fixed annuities,
is dependent upon maintaining profitable spreads between investment yields and
interest crediting rates on business ceded to ALIC. When market interest rates
decrease or remain at relatively low levels, proceeds from investments that have
matured or have been prepaid or sold may be reinvested at lower yields, reducing
investment spread. Lowering interest crediting rates in such an environment can
offset decreases in investment yield on some products. However, these changes
could be limited by market conditions, regulatory or contractual minimum rate
guarantees on many contracts and may not match the timing or magnitude of
changes in asset yields. Decreases in the rates offered on products could make
those products less attractive, leading to lower sales and/or changes in the
level of policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals and accelerating maturities of
institutional products. Non-parallel shifts in interest rates, such as increases
in short-term rates without accompanying increases in medium- and long-term
rates, can influence customer demand for fixed annuities, which could impact the
level and profitability of new customer deposits. Increases in market interest
rates can also have negative effects on the business ceded to ALIC, for example
by increasing the attractiveness of other investments to our customers, which
can lead to higher surrenders at a time when fixed income investment asset
values are lower as a result of the increase in interest rates. For certain
products, principally fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life products, the
earned rate on assets could lag behind rising market yields. We may react to
market conditions by increasing crediting rates, which could narrow spreads and
reduce profitability. Unanticipated surrenders could result in accelerated
amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") or affect the
recoverability of DAC and thereby increase expenses and reduce the profitability
of ALIC.
A LOSS OF KEY PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION RELATIONSHIPS COULD MATERIALLY AFFECT SALES
Certain products are distributed under agreements with other members of the
financial services industry that are not affiliated with us. Termination of one
or more of these agreements due to, for example, a change in control of one of
these distributors, could have a detrimental effect on sales.
CHANGES IN TAX LAWS MAY DECREASE SALES AND PROFITABILITY OF PRODUCTS CEDED TO
ALIC
Under current federal and state income tax law, certain products we offer,
primarily life insurance and annuities, receive favorable tax treatment. This
favorable treatment may give certain of our products a competitive advantage
over noninsurance products. Congress from time to time considers legislation
that would reduce or eliminate the favorable policyholder tax treatment
currently applicable to life insurance and annuities. Congress also considers
proposals to reduce the taxation of certain products or investments that may
compete with life insurance and annuities. Legislation that increases the
taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products
could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for certain of our products
making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted, could have a material
adverse effect on ALIC's financial position or our ability to sell such products
and could result in the surrender of some existing contracts and policies. In
addition, changes in the federal estate tax laws could negatively affect the
demand for the types of life insurance used in estate planning.
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RISKS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS
WE ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISK AND DECLINES IN CREDIT QUALITY
We are subject to the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes
in interest rates and equity prices. In addition, we are subject to potential
declines in credit quality, either related to issues specific to certain
industries or to a weakening in the economy in general. For additional
information on market risk, see the "Market Risk" section of Management's
Discussion and Analysis.
A decline in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on our
investment income as we invest cash in new investments that may yield less than
the portfolio's average rate. In a declining interest rate environment,
borrowers may repay or redeem securities more quickly than expected as they seek
to refinance at lower rates. A decline could also lead us to purchase
longer-term or otherwise riskier assets in order to obtain adequate investment
yields. An increase in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on the
value of our investment portfolio by decreasing the fair values of the fixed
income securities that comprise a substantial majority of our investment
portfolio. A decline in the quality of our investment portfolio as a result of
adverse economic conditions or otherwise could cause additional realized losses
on securities.
CONCENTRATION OF OUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IN ANY PARTICULAR SEGMENT OF THE
ECONOMY MAY HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry,
group of related industries or geographic sector could have an adverse effect on
our investment portfolio and consequently on our results of operations and
financial position. While we seek to mitigate this risk by having a broadly
diversified portfolio, events or developments that have a negative impact on any
particular industry, group of related industries or geographic region may have a
greater adverse effect on the investment portfolio to the extent that the
portfolio is concentrated rather than diversified.
RISKS RELATING TO THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY
OUR FUTURE RESULTS ARE DEPENDENT IN PART ON OUR ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY OPERATE
IN AN INSURANCE INDUSTRY THAT IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
The insurance industry is highly competitive. Our competitors include other
insurers and, because many of our products include a savings or investment
component, securities firms, investment advisers, mutual funds, banks and other
financial institutions. Many of our competitors have well-established national
reputations and market similar products. Because of the competitive nature of
the insurance industry, including competition for producers such as exclusive
and independent agents, there can be no assurance that we will continue to
effectively compete with our industry rivals, or that competitive pressures will
not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or
financial condition. Furthermore, certain competitors operate using a mutual
insurance company structure and therefore, may have dissimilar profitability and
return targets. Our ability to successfully operate may also be impaired if we
are not effective in filling critical leadership positions, in developing the
talent and skills of our human resources, in assimilating new executive talent
into our organization, or in deploying human resource talent consistently with
our business goals.
WE MAY SUFFER LOSSES FROM LITIGATION
As is typical for a large company, the Allstate Group is involved in a
substantial amount of litigation, including class action litigation challenging
a range of company practices and coverage provided by its insurance products. In
the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters, the
ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently reserved and may be
material to our operating results or cash flows ceded to ALIC for a particular
quarter or annual period. For a description of our current legal proceedings,
see Note 8 of the financial statements.
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WE ARE SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE REGULATION AND POTENTIAL FURTHER RESTRICTIVE
REGULATION MAY INCREASE OUR OPERATING COSTS AND LIMIT OUR GROWTH
As an insurance company with separate accounts that are regulated as
investment companies, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations. These
laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Moreover, they are
administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities,
including state insurance regulators, state securities administrators, the
SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the U.S. Department of Justice,
and state attorneys general, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive
latitude. Consequently, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any
particular regulator's or enforcement authority's interpretation of a legal
issue may not result in compliance with another's interpretation of the same
issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. In addition,
there is risk that any particular regulator's or enforcement authority's
interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment, or
that changes in the overall legal environment may, even absent any particular
regulator's or enforcement authority's interpretation of a legal issue
changing, cause us to change our views regarding the actions we need to take
from a legal risk management perspective, thus necessitating changes to our
practices that may, in some cases, limit our ability to grow and improve the
profitability of our business ceded to ALIC. Furthermore, in some cases,
these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests
of a specific constituency rather than a range of constituencies. For
example, state insurance laws and regulations are generally intended to
protect or benefit purchasers or users of insurance products. In many
respects, these laws and regulations limit our ability to grow and improve
the profitability of our business ceded to ALIC.
In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under
public scrutiny and members of Congress have discussed proposals to provide for
optional federal chartering of insurance companies. We can make no assurances
regarding the potential impact of state or federal measures that may change the
nature or scope of insurance regulation.
REINSURANCE MAY BE UNAVAILABLE AT CURRENT LEVELS AND PRICES, WHICH MAY LIMIT OUR
ABILITY TO WRITE NEW BUSINESS
Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of
the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be made that reinsurance will
remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and
rates as are currently available. If we were unable to maintain our current
level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we
consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, either ALIC would
have to accept an increase in exposure risk, or we would have to reduce our
insurance writings, or develop or seek other alternatives.
REINSURANCE SUBJECTS US TO THE CREDIT RISK OF OUR REINSURERS AND MAY NOT BE
ADEQUATE TO PROTECT US AGAINST LOSSES ARISING FROM CEDED INSURANCE
The collectibility of reinsurance recoverables is subject to uncertainty
arising from a number of factors, including whether insured losses meet the
qualifying conditions of the reinsurance contract and whether reinsurers, or
their affiliates, have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments
under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Our inability to collect a
material recovery from a reinsurer could have a material adverse effect on
operating results ceded to ALIC.
THE CONTINUED THREAT OF TERRORISM AND ONGOING MILITARY ACTIONS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE LEVEL OF CLAIM LOSSES WE INCUR AND CEDE TO ALIC AND THE VALUE OF OUR
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The continued threat of terrorism, both within the United States and
abroad, and ongoing military and other actions and heightened security measures
in response to these types of threats, may cause significant volatility and
losses from declines in the equity markets and from interest rate changes in the
United States, Europe and elsewhere, and result in loss of life, disruptions to
commerce and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment
portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the equity markets and
reduced economic activity caused by the continued threat of terrorism. We seek
to mitigate the potential impact of terrorism on our commercial mortgage
portfolio by limiting geographical concentrations in key metropolitan areas and
by requiring terrorism insurance to the extent that it is commercially
available. Additionally, in the event that terrorist acts occur, we could be
adversely affected, depending on the nature of the event.
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ANY DECREASE IN OUR FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR
COMPETITIVE POSITION
Financial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the
competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an
insurance company's business. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies review the
financial performance and condition of insurers and could downgrade or change
the outlook on an insurer's ratings due to, for example, a change in an
insurer's statutory capital; a change in a rating agency's determination of the
amount of risk-adjusted capital required to maintain a particular rating; an
increase in the perceived risk of an insurer's investment portfolio; a reduced
confidence in management or a host of other considerations that may or may not
be under the insurer's control. The insurance financial strength ratings of both
AIC, ALIC and the Company are A+, AA and Aa2 from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's
and Moody's, respectively. Because all of these ratings are subject to
continuous review, the retention of these ratings cannot be assured. A multiple
level downgrade in any of these ratings could have a material adverse effect on
our sales, our competitiveness, the marketability of our product offerings, and
our liquidity and operating results ceded to ALIC.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
BOARD ("FASB") OR OTHER STANDARD-SETTING BODIES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally
accepted accounting principles, which are periodically revised and/or expanded.
Accordingly, we are required to adopt new guidance or interpretations, or could
be subject to existing guidance as we enter into new transactions, which may
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial
condition that is either unexpected or has a greater impact than expected. For a
description of changes in accounting standards that are currently pending and,
if known, our estimates of their expected impact, see Note 2 of the financial
statements.
THE CHANGE IN OUR UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFIT DURING THE NEXT 12 MONTHS IS SUBJECT
TO UNCERTAINTY
As required by FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes", which was adopted as of January 1, 2007, we have disclosed our
estimate of net unrecognized tax benefits and the reasonably possible increase
or decrease in its balance during the next 12 months. However, actual results
may differ from our estimate for reasons such as changes in our position on
specific issues, developments with respect to the governments' interpretation of
income tax laws or change in judgment resulting from new information obtained in
audits or the appeals process.
THE OCCURRENCE OF EVENTS UNANTICIPATED IN OUR DISASTER RECOVERY SYSTEMS AND
MANAGEMENT CONTINUITY PLANNING COULD IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS
EFFECTIVELY
In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, an industrial
accident, a terrorist attack or war, events unanticipated in our disaster
recovery systems could have an adverse impact on our ability to conduct business
and on our results of operations ceded to ALIC and financial condition,
particularly if those events affect our computer-based data processing,
transmission, storage and retrieval systems. In the event that a significant
number of our managers could be unavailable in the event of a disaster, our
ability to effectively conduct our business could be severely compromised.
CHANGING CLIMATE CONDITIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION,
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR CASH FLOWS CEDED TO ALIC
Allstate recognizes the scientific view that the world is getting warmer.
Climate change, to the extent it produces rising temperatures and changes in
weather patterns, could impact the frequency or severity of extreme weather
events and wildfires. To the extent that climate change impacts mortality rates
and those changes do not match the long-term mortality assumptions in our
product pricing, the business we cede would be impacted.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We occupy office space in Lincoln, Nebraska and Northbrook, Illinois that
is owned by AIC. Expenses associated with these facilities are allocated to us
on a direct basis. We also lease office space in Lincoln for general operations,
file storage and information technology support.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information for Item 3 is incorporated by reference to the discussion under
the heading "Regulation" and under the heading "Legal and regulatory proceedings
and inquiries" in Note 8 of the financial statements.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
No established public trading market exists for our common stock. All of
our outstanding common stock is owned by our parent, ALIC. All of ALIC's
outstanding common stock is owned by AIC. All of the outstanding common stock of
AIC is owned by The Allstate Corporation. Within the past three years, we have
not sold or repurchased any of our equity securities.
In 2007 and 2006, we paid no dividends on our common stock to ALIC.
For additional information on dividends, including restrictions on the
payment of dividends, see the discussion under the heading "Dividends" in Note
10 of our financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion highlights significant factors influencing the
financial position and results of operations of Lincoln Benefit Life Company
(referred to in this document as "we", "Lincoln Benefit", "our", "us" or the
"Company"). It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes found under Part II Item 8 contained herein. We operate as a
single segment entity, based on the manner in which we use financial information
to evaluate performance and determine the allocation of resources.
The most important factors that we monitor to evaluate the financial
condition and performance of our company include:
- For operations: premiums and deposits ceded to ALIC, and invested
assets;
- For investments: credit quality/experience, stability of long-term
returns, cash flows and asset duration;
- For financial condition: our financial strength ratings and capital
positions; and
- For product distribution: profitably growing distribution partner
relationships and Allstate exclusive agencies sales of all products
and services, which we cede to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance
agreements.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires
management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that
affect amounts reported in the financial statements. The most critical estimates
include those used in determining:
- Investment Fair Valuation and Impairment
- Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits Estimation
In applying these policies, management makes subjective and complex
judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently
uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in
the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the
Company's businesses and operations. It is reasonably likely that changes in
these estimates could occur from period to period and result in a material
impact on our financial statements.
A brief summary of each of these critical accounting estimates follows. For
a more detailed discussion of the effect of these estimates on our financial
statements, and the judgments and assumptions related to these estimates, see
the referenced sections of this document. For a complete summary of our
significant accounting policies, see Note 2 of the financial statements.
INVESTMENT FAIR VALUE AND IMPAIRMENT The fair value of our investments in fixed
income securities is based on observable market quotations, other market
observable data, or is derived from such quotations and market observable data.
We utilize third party pricing services, brokers and internal valuation models
to determine fair value. We gain assurance of the overall reasonableness and
consistent application of the assumptions and methodologies and compliance with
accounting standards for fair value determination through our ongoing monitoring
of the fair values received or derived internally. Our exposure to changes in
market conditions is discussed more fully in the Market Risk section of the
MD&A.
We are responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting
assumptions and methodologies. We employ independent third party pricing
servicers to gather, analyze, and interpret market information and derive fair
values based upon relevant assumptions and methodologies for each applicable
security. In situations where sufficient market observable information is not
available for a particular security through the sources as agreed to with us, no
quote is provided by the service providers. For these securities, fair value is
determined either by requesting brokers who are knowledgeable about these
securities to provide a quote or we internally determine fair values employing
widely accepted pricing valuation models. Changing market conditions in the
fourth quarter of 2007 were incorporated into valuation assumptions and
reflected in the fair values which were validated by calibration and other
analytical techniques to available market observable data.
8
<Page>
Third party pricing servicers consolidate market transactions and other key
valuation model inputs from multiple sources and provide pricing information in
the form of a single fair value for each security for which a fair value request
is agreed. Fair values provided are derived from their proprietary pricing
models. The sources used by these servicers include, but are not limited to,
market prices from recently completed transactions and transactions of
comparable securities, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, currency
rates, and other market-observable information as applicable, as well as widely
accepted valuation models developed on a proprietary basis. Their proprietary
pricing models are based on discounted cashflow methodology and they may take
into account, among other things, market observable information as of the
measurement date from the sources described above; and the specific attributes
of the security being valued including its term, interest rate and credit rating
(consistent with those we use to report our holdings by credit rating); industry
sector, and where applicable, collateral quality and other issue or issuer
specific information. To operate these models effectively requires seasoned
professional judgment and experience. In cases where market transactions or
other market observable data is limited, the degree of judgment varies with the
availability of market observable information.
The fair value of securities, such as privately-placed securities, where
our pricing servicers or brokers cannot provide fair value determinations, is
determined using widely accepted valuation methods and models. These internally
developed models are appropriate for each class of security, involve some degree
of judgment, and include inputs that may not be market observable.
Our models are based on discounted cash flow methodology and calculate a
single best estimate of fair value for each security. Our internally developed
pricing models, use credit ratings and liquidity risk associated with
privately-placed securities, which are difficult to independently observe and
verify. Inputs used in these fair value estimates include specific attributes of
the security being valued including; coupon rate, weighted average life, an
internal credit rating assigned by us, (which is generally consistent with any
external ratings and those we use to report our holdings by credit rating),
sector of the issuer, and call provisions. Our assumptions incorporate market
information as of the measurement date that represents what we believe
independent third parties would use to determine fair value, which include:
interest rate yield curves, quoted market prices of comparable securities,
credit spreads, estimated liquidity premiums and other applicable market data.
Our assumption for liquidity risk associated with privately-placed securities
reduces the value of these securities to reflect their reduced liquidity as
compared to similar securities that are publicly traded. Additionally, no
assumption is included in the valuation of privately placed securities for an
increase to the value to reflect the generally enhanced structural features of
the securities, such as covenants or change of control protection. However,
judgment is required in developing these estimates and, as a result, the
estimated fair value of these securities may differ from amounts that would be
realized upon an orderly sale of the securities at the measurement date. The use
of different assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair
values.
We employ control processes to determine the reasonableness of the fair
value of our fixed income securities. Our processes are designed to assure the
values provided are accurately recorded and that the data and the valuation
method utilized is appropriate and consistently applied and that the assumptions
are reasonable and representative of fair value. For example, we may validate
the reasonableness of prices by comparing the information obtained from our
pricing vendors to other third party pricing sources for certain securities. Our
control processes also include reviews, when fair value determinations are
expected to be more variable, by management with relevant expertise and
management who are independent of those charged with executing investing
transactions, of these fair value determinations to validate their
reasonableness.
9
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The following table identifies those investments carried at fair value as
of December 31, 2007 by method of determination:
INVESTMENTS
-------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) CARRYING PERCENT
VALUE TO TOTAL
-------- --------
Fair value based on internal sources $ 1,500 0.5%
Fair value based on external sources 271,644 90.2
-------- -----
Total fixed income 273,144 90.7
Short-term investments valued at amortized cost 28,057 9.3
-------- -----
Total $301,201 100.0%
======== =====
For fixed income securities classified as available for sale, the
difference between fair value and amortized cost, net of deferred income taxes
(as disclosed in Note 4), is reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income on the Statements of Financial Position and is not
reflected in the operating results of any period until reclassified to net
income upon the consummation of a transaction with an unrelated third party or
when declines in fair values are deemed other-than-temporary. The assessment of
other-than-temporary impairment of a security's fair value is performed on a
portfolio review as well as a case-by-case basis considering a wide range of
factors.
For our portfolio review evaluations, we ascertain whether there are any
approved programs involving the disposition of investments such as changes in
duration, revisions to strategic asset allocations and liquidity actions, as
well as any dispositions anticipated by the portfolio managers. In these
instances, we recognize impairments on securities designated as subject to these
approved anticipated actions if the security is in an unrealized loss position.
There are a number of assumptions and estimates inherent in evaluating
impairments and determining if they are other-than-temporary, including: 1) our
ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to
allow for an anticipated recovery in value; 2) the expected recoverability of
principal and interest; 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value
has been less than amortized cost; 4) the financial condition, near-term and
long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry
conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering
prices; and 5) the specific reasons that a security is in a significant
unrealized loss position, including market conditions which could affect
liquidity. Additionally, once assumptions and estimates are made, any number of
changes in facts and circumstances could cause us to subsequently determine that
an impairment is other-than-temporary, including: 1) general economic conditions
that are worse than previously forecasted or that have a greater adverse effect
on a particular issuer or industry sector than originally estimated; 2) changes
in the facts and circumstances related to a particular issue or issuer's ability
to meet all of its contractual obligations; and 3) changes in facts and
circumstances or new information obtained which causes a change in our ability
or intent to hold a security to maturity or until it recovers in value. Changes
in assumptions, facts and circumstances could result in additional charges to
earnings in future periods to the extent that losses are realized. The charge to
earnings, while potentially significant to net income, would not have a
significant effect on shareholder's equity since the majority of our portfolio
is designated as available-for-sale and carried at fair value and as a result,
any related net unrealized loss would already be reflected as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholder's equity.
The determination of the amount of impairment is an inherently subjective
process based on periodic evaluation of the factors described above. Such
evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information
becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect changes in
impairments in results of operations as such evaluations are revised. The use of
different methodologies and assumptions as to the determination of the fair
value of investments and the timing and amount of impairments may have a
material effect on the amounts presented within the financial statements.
For a more detailed discussion of the risks relating to changes in
investment values and levels of investment impairment as well as the potential
causes of such changes, see Note 4 of the financial statements and the
Investments, Market Risk, and Forward-looking Statements and Risk Factors
sections of this document.
10
<Page>
RESERVE FOR LIFE-CONTINGENT CONTRACT BENEFITS ESTIMATION Benefits for these
contracts are payable over many years; accordingly, the reserves are calculated
as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid, reduced by the
present value of future expected net premiums. Long-term actuarial assumptions
of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and
expenses are used when establishing the reserve for life-contingent contract
benefits payable under insurance policies including traditional life insurance,
life-contingent annuities and health insurance products. These assumptions,
which for life-contingent annuities and traditional life insurance are applied
using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and
generally vary by such characteristics as type of annuity benefit or coverage,
year of issue and policy duration. Future investment yield assumptions are
determined based upon prevailing investment yields as well as estimated
reinvestment yields. Mortality, morbidity and policy termination assumptions are
based on our experience and industry experience. Expense assumptions include the
estimated effects of inflation and expenses to be incurred beyond the
premium-paying period. These assumptions are established at the time the policy
is issued and are generally not changed during the policy coverage period.
However, if actual experience emerges in a manner that is significantly adverse
relative to the original assumptions, adjustments to reserves may be required
resulting in a charge to earnings which could have a material adverse effect on
our operating results ceded to ALIC. We periodically review the adequacy of
these reserves for these contracts on an aggregate basis using actual
experience. The effects of changes in reserve estimates are reported in the
results of operations and ceded to ALIC in the period in which the changes are
determined. The company has not recognized a charge of this nature in the three
years ended December 31, 2007. We anticipate that mortality, investment and
reinvestment yields, and policy terminations are the factors that would be most
likely to require adjustment to these reserves.
For further discussion of these policies see Note 6 of the financial
statements and the Forward-looking Statements and Risk Factors sections of this
document.
OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW AND STRATEGY We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life
Insurance Company ("ALIC"), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate
Insurance Company ("AIC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation
(the "Corporation"). Lincoln Benefit provides life insurance, retirement and
investment products to individual customers. Our mission is to reinvent
retirement and protection for the middle market consumer.
We plan to continue offering a suite of products that provides financial
protection primarily to middle market consumers and help them better prepare for
retirement. Our products include fixed annuities including deferred, immediate
and indexed; and interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance.
These products are sold through several distribution channels including Allstate
exclusive agencies, which include exclusive financial specialists, independent
agents (including master brokerage agencies), and broker-dealers.
NET INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
Net investment income $14,257 $13,948 $13,632
Realized capital gains and losses (417) (1,255) (174)
Income tax expense (4,835) (4,433) (4,671)
------- ------- -------
Net income $ 9,005 $ 8,260 $ 8,787
======= ======= =======
We have reinsurance agreements whereby premiums, contract charges, interest
credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and substantially all
expenses are ceded to ALIC and other non-affiliated reinsurers, and are
reflected net of such reinsurance in the Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income. Our results of operations include net investment income
and realized capital gains and losses recognized in connection with the assets
that are not transferred under the reinsurance agreements.
On June 1, 2006, ALIC, its subsidiary, Allstate Life Insurance Company of
New York, and The Allstate Corporation completed the disposal of substantially
all of their variable annuity business pursuant to a definitive agreement with
Prudential Financial, Inc. and its subsidiary, The Prudential Insurance Company
of America ("collectively Prudential"). The disposal was effected through a
combination of coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreements. The
Company is not a direct participant in this agreement and its reinsurance
agreements with ALIC remain unchanged.
11
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NET INCOME increased 9.0% in 2007 compared to 2006 and decreased 6.0% in 2006
compared to 2005. The increase in 2007 was due to lower net realized capital
losses as well as higher net investment income, partially offset by higher
income tax expense. The decrease in 2006 was due to higher net realized capital
losses, partially offset by higher net investment income and lower income tax
expense
NET INVESTMENT INCOME increased 2.2% in 2007 compared to 2006 and 2.3% in 2006
compared to 2005. The increase in 2007 was primarily due to higher average
short-term investment balances in 2007 compared to 2006 and, to a lesser extent,
higher investment yields on fixed income securities. The increase in 2006 was
primarily due to higher average invested assets and higher short-term market
interest rates.
NET REALIZED CAPITAL LOSSES were $417 thousand, $1.3 million and $174 thousand
in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The realized capital gains and losses for
2007, 2006 and 2005 were attributable to dispositions of fixed income
securities. For further discussion of realized capital gains and losses see the
Realized Capital Gains and Losses section of the MD&A.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE increased 9.1% in 2007 compared to 2006 and decreased 5.1% in
2006 compared to 2005. These changes were due to the proportional change in the
income on which the income tax expense is determined.
FINANCIAL POSITION
($ IN THOUSANDS)
2007 2006
----------- -----------
Fixed income securities (1) $ 273,144 $ 268,058
Short-term 28,057 8,264
----------- -----------
Total investments $ 301,201 $ 276,322
=========== ===========
Cash $ 18,612 $ 23,352
Reinsurance recoverable from ALIC 18,777,851 19,131,870
Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates 1,422,931 1,203,864
Contractholder funds 17,820,885 18,195,622
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits 2,348,116 2,126,455
Separate accounts assets and liabilities 3,067,127 3,097,550
- ----------
(1) Fixed income securities are carried at fair value. Amortized cost for these
securities was $266.8 million and $268.3 million at December 31, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
Total investments increased to $301.2 million at December 31, 2007 from
$276.3 million at December 31, 2006, primarily due to purchases of short-term
investments and to a lesser extent, net unrealized capital gains on fixed income
securities at December 31, 2007 compared to net unrealized capital losses at
December 31, 2006.
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES See Note 4 of the financial statements for a table
showing the amortized cost, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair value
for each type of fixed income security for the years ended December 31, 2007 and
2006.
The following table shows fixed income securities by type at December 31,
($ IN THOUSAND) FAIR VALUE
-------------------
2007 2006
-------- --------
U.S. government and agencies $115,820 $117,963
Municipal 531 533
Corporate 84,812 73,381
Mortgage-backed securities 27,905 29,244
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 32,601 32,415
Asset-backed securities 11,475 14,522
-------- --------
Total fixed income securities $273,144 $268,058
======== ========
12
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U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCIES comprised 42.4% of the fixed income
securities portfolio and totaled $115.8 million at December 31, 2007, all of
which were rated investment grade.
MUNICIPAL BONDS, including tax-exempt and taxable securities, totaled $531
thousand, all of which were rated investment grade at December 31, 2007. The
municipal bond portfolio was insured by one bond insurer and accordingly has a
Moody's equivalent rating of Aaa.
CORPORATE BONDS totaled $84.8 million, all of which were rated investment
grade at December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, corporate bonds included
privately placed securities totaling $3.2 million from a single issuer. As of
December 31, 2006, the portfolio did not contain any privately placed
securities.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES ("MBS") totaled $27.9 million, all of which were
investment grade at December 31, 2007. The credit risk associated with MBS is
mitigated due to the fact that 95.1% of the portfolio consists of securities
that were issued by, or have underlying collateral that is guaranteed by U.S.
government agencies or U.S. government sponsored entities ("U.S. Agency"). The
MBS portfolio is subject to interest rate risk since price volatility and the
ultimate realized yield are affected by the rate of prepayment of the underlying
mortgages.
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES ("CMBS") totaled $32.6 million at
December 31, 2007. All of the CMBS investments are pools of commercial
mortgages, broadly diversified across property types and geographical area. The
CMBS portfolio is subject to credit risk, but unlike other structured products,
is generally not subject to prepayment risk due to protections within the
underlying commercial mortgages, whereby borrowers are effectively restricted
from prepaying their mortgages due to changes in interest rates. Credit defaults
can result in credit directed prepayments. All securities in the CMBS portfolio
had a Moody's rating of Aaa or a Standard & Poor's rating of AAA, the highest
rating category, at December 31, 2007.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES ("ABS") totaled $11.5 million at December 31, 2007.
Credit risk is managed by monitoring the performance of the collateral. In
addition, many of the securities in the ABS portfolio are credit enhanced with
features such as over-collateralization, subordinated structures, reserve funds,
guarantees and/or insurance. A portion of the ABS portfolio is subject to credit
and interest rate risk since, for example, price volatility and ultimate
realized yields are affected by the rate of prepayment of the underlying assets.
All securities in the ABS portfolio had a Moody's rating of Aaa or a Standard &
Poor's or Fitch rating of AAA, the highest rating category.
The following table summarizes the credit quality of the fixed income
securities portfolio at December 31, 2007.
($ IN THOUSANDS)
NAIC FAIR PERCENT OF
RATINGS MOODY'S EQUIVALENT VALUE TOTAL
- ------- ------------------ ---------- ----------
1 Aaa/Aa/A $264,190 96.7%
2 Baa 8,954 3.3
-------- -----
$273,144 100.0%
======== =====
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS Our short-term investment portfolio was $28.1 million and
$8.3 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We invest available
cash balances primarily in taxable short-term securities having a final maturity
date or redemption date of less than one year.
UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES See Note 4 of the financial statements for further
disclosures regarding unrealized losses on fixed income securities and factors
considered in determining whether securities are other-than-temporarily
impaired. The unrealized net capital gains on fixed income securities at
December 31, 2007 totaled $6.4 million, compared to unrealized net capital
losses of $273 thousand at December 31, 2006. Gross unrealized gains and losses
on fixed income securities by type and sector are provided in the table below.
13
<Page>
GROSS UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED ---------------- FAIR
($ IN THOUSANDS) COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ------ ------- --------
AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
Corporate:
Financial services $ 21,272 $ 560 $ (22) $ 21,810
Capital goods 17,296 17 (288) 17,025
Consumer goods 17,139 165 (149) 17,155
Banking 13,119 167 (85) 13,201
Transportation 7,878 -- (203) 7,675
Utilities 4,106 -- (104) 4,002
Basic industry 2,994 6 (52) 2,948
Energy 994 2 -- 996
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total corporate fixed income portfolio 84,798 917 (903) 84,812
U.S. government and agencies 110,214 5,642 (36) 115,820
Municipal 501 30 -- 531
Asset-backed securities 11,034 453 (12) 11,475
Mortgage-backed securities 28,114 94 (303) 27,905
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 32,131 579 (109) 32,601
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total fixed income securities $266,792 $7,715 $(1,363) $273,144
======== ====== ======= ========
The capital goods, transportation and consumer goods sectors had the
highest concentration of gross unrealized losses in our corporate fixed income
securities portfolio at December 31, 2007. The gross unrealized losses in these
sectors were primarily company specific and the result of widening credit
spreads. Credit spreads are the additional yield on fixed income securities
above the risk-free rate (typically defined as the yield on U.S. treasury
securities) that market participants require to compensate them for assuming
credit, liquidity and or repayment risks for fixed income securities with
consistent terms. Credit spreads vary with the market's perception of risk and
liquidity in specific fixed income markets. Credit spreads can widen (increase)
or tighten (decrease) and may offset or add to the effects of risk-free interest
rate changes in the valuation of fixed income securities from period to period.
All securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2007 were
included in our portfolio monitoring process for determining whether declines in
value are other-than-temporary.
The following table shows the composition by credit quality of fixed income
securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2007.
($ IN THOUSANDS)
NAIC UNREALIZED PERCENT FAIR PERCENT
RATING MOODY'S EQUIVALENT LOSS OF TOTAL VALUE OF TOTAL
- ------ ------------------ ---------- -------- ------- --------
1 Aaa/Aa/A $(1,151) 84.4% $76,551 91.3%
2 Baa (212) 15.6 7,249 8.7
------- ----- ------- -----
Total $(1,363) 100.0% $83,800 100.0%
======= ===== ======= =====
At December 31, 2007, all of the gross unrealized losses were related to
investment grade fixed income securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade
securities principally relate to changes in interest rates or changes in credit
spreads, which reflect liquidity conditions of the related markets, since the
securities were acquired.
The scheduled maturity dates for fixed income securities in an unrealized
loss position at December 31, 2007 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ
from those scheduled as a result of prepayments by the issuers.
14
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<Table>
<Caption>
UNREALIZED PERCENT FAIR PERCENT
($ IN THOUSANDS) LOSS OF TOTAL VALUE OF TOTAL
---------- -------- ------- --------
Due in one year or less $ (6) 0.4% $ 5,993 7.2%
Due after one year through five years (197) 14.5 14,092 16.8
Due after five years through ten years (736) 54.0 26,146 31.2
Due after ten years (109) 8.0 15,000 17.9
Mortgage- and asset- backed securities (1) (315) 23.1 22,569 26.9
------- ----- ------- -----
Total $(1,363) 100.0% $83,800 100.0%
======= ===== ======= =====
</Table>
- ----------
(1) Because of the potential for prepayment, mortgage- and asset-backed
securities are not categorized based on their contractual maturities.
PORTFOLIO MONITORING We have a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to
identify and evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, fixed income securities whose
carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired. The process includes a
quarterly review of all securities using a screening process to identify
situations where the fair value, compared to amortized cost, is below
established thresholds for certain time periods, or which are identified through
other monitoring criteria such as ratings downgrades or payment defaults. The
securities identified, in addition to other securities for which we may have a
concern, are evaluated based on facts and circumstances for inclusion on our
watch-list. We also conduct a portfolio review to recognize impairment on
securities in an unrealized loss position for which we do not have the intent
and ability to hold until recovery as a result of approved programs involving
the disposition of investments such as changes in duration, revisions to
strategic asset allocations and liquidity actions, as well as certain
dispositions anticipated by portfolio managers. All investments in an unrealized
loss position at December 31, 2007 were included in our portfolio monitoring
process for determining whether declines in value were other-than-temporary.
We monitor the quality of our fixed income portfolio by categorizing
certain investments as "problem", "restructured" or "potential problem". Problem
fixed income securities are in default with respect to principal or interest
and/or are investments issued by companies that have gone into bankruptcy
subsequent to our acquisition or loan. Restructured fixed income securities have
rates and terms that are not consistent with market rates or terms prevailing at
the time of the restructuring. Potential problem fixed income securities are
current with respect to contractual principal and/or interest, but because of
other facts and circumstances, we have concerns regarding the borrower's ability
to pay future principal and interest, which causes us to believe these
investments may be classified as problem or restructured in the future.
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we did not have any fixed income
securities categorized as problem, restructured or potential problem.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME The following table presents net investment income for the
years ended December 31.
(IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
-------- -------- --------
Fixed income securities $ 13,533 $ 13,495 $ 13,190
Short-term investments 1,117 762 689
-------- -------- --------
Investment income, before expense 14,650 14,257 13,879
Investment expense (393) (309) (247)
-------- -------- --------
Net investment income $ 14,257 $ 13,948 $ 13,632
======== ======== ========
NET REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES The following table presents realized
capital gains and the related tax effect for the years ended December 31.
(IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
Realized capital gains and losses, pretax $ (417) $(1,255) $ (174)
Income tax benefit 146 438 60
------- ------- -------
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax $ (271) $ (817) $ (114)
======= ======= =======
Realized capital gains and losses in the above table include sales, losses
recognized in anticipation of dispositions and other transactions such as calls
and prepayments. We may sell impaired fixed income securities
15
<Page>
that were in an unrealized loss position at the previous reporting date, or
other investments where the fair value has declined below the carrying value, in
situations where new factors such as negative developments, subsequent credit
deterioration, liquidity needs, and newly identified market opportunities cause
a change in our previous intent to hold a security to recovery or maturity.
CASH At December 31, 2007, our cash balance was $18.6 million compared to $23.4
million at December 31, 2006. Fluctuations in our cash position generally result
from differences in the timing of reinsurance payments to and from ALIC.
REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE, CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS AND RESERVE FOR LIFE-CONTINGENT
CONTRACT BENEFITS Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America ("GAAP"), when reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding
company of legal liability to contractholders, the ceding company is required to
report reinsurance recoverables arising from these contracts separately as
assets. The liabilities for the contracts are reported as contractholder funds,
reserve for life-contingent contract benefits, or separate accounts liabilities
depending on the characteristics of the contracts. We reinsure all reserve
liabilities with ALIC or other non-affiliated reinsurers. Reinsurance
recoverables and the related reserve for life-contingent contract benefits and
contractholder funds are reported separately in the Statements of Financial
Position, while the assets which support the separate accounts liabilities are
reflected as separate accounts assets.
At December 31, 2007, contractholder funds decreased to $17.82 billion from
$18.20 billion at December 31, 2006 as a result of new and additional deposits
on fixed and variable annuities and interest-sensitive life policies as well as
interest credited to contractholder funds being more than offset by surrenders,
withdrawals and benefit payments. The reserve for life-contingent contract
benefits increased to $2.35 billion at December 31, 2007 from $2.13 billion as
of December 31, 2006 resulting primarily from sales of traditional life
insurance products, partially offset by benefits paid and policy lapses.
Reinsurance recoverables from ALIC and reinsurance recoverables from
non-affiliates decreased by $354.0 million and increased by $219.1 million,
respectively.
We purchase reinsurance after evaluating the financial condition of the
reinsurer, as well as the terms and price of coverage. We reinsure certain of
our risks to non-affiliated reinsurers under yearly renewable term and
coinsurance agreements. Yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements result
in a passing of the agreed-upon portion of risk to the reinsurer in exchange for
negotiated reinsurance premium payments.
At December 31, 2007, approximately 96% of reinsurance recoverables due
from non-affiliated companies were reinsured under uncollateralized reinsurance
agreements with companies that had a financial strength rating of A- or above,
as measured by Standard and Poor's. In certain cases, these ratings refer to the
financial strength of the affiliated group or parent company of the reinsurer.
We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of reinsurers in order to
determine our risk of recoverability on an individual and aggregate basis and a
provision for uncollectible reinsurance is recorded if needed. No amounts have
been deemed unrecoverable in the three years ended December 31, 2007.
MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in
interest rates or equity prices. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes
in interest rates, although we also have certain exposures to changes in equity
prices in our equity-indexed annuities and separate accounts liabilities. This
risk is transferred to ALIC in accordance with our reinsurance agreements.
OVERVIEW Investment policies define the overall framework for managing market
and other investment risks, including accountability and controls over risk
management activities. These investment activities follow policies that have
been approved by our board of directors. These investment policies specify the
investment limits and strategies that are appropriate given our liquidity,
surplus, product profile, and regulatory requirements. Executive oversight of
investment activities is conducted primarily through our board of directors.
We manage our exposure to market risk through the use of asset allocation
and duration limits and, as appropriate, through the use of stress tests. We
have asset allocation limits that place restrictions on the total funds that may
be invested within an asset class. We have duration limits on our investment
portfolio, and, as appropriate, on individual components of the portfolio. These
duration limits place restrictions on the amount of interest rate risk that may
be taken. Comprehensive day-to-day management of market risk within defined
tolerance ranges occurs as portfolio managers buy and sell within their
respective markets based upon the acceptable boundaries established by
investment policies.
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INTEREST RATE RISK is the risk that we will incur loss due to adverse changes in
interest rates relative to the interest rate characteristics of interest bearing
assets. This risk arises from our investment in interest-sensitive assets.
Interest rate risk includes risks related to changes in U.S. Treasury yields and
other key benchmarks as well as changes in interest rates resulting from
widening credit spreads.
One of the measures used to quantify interest rate exposure is duration.
Duration measures the price sensitivity of assets to changes in interest rates.
For example, if interest rates increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of
an asset exhibiting a duration of 5 is expected to decrease in value by
approximately 5%. Our asset duration was approximately 4.1 and 4.4 at December
31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
To calculate duration, we project asset cash flows and calculate their net
present value using a risk-free market interest rate adjusted for credit
quality, sector attributes, liquidity and other specific risks. Duration is
calculated by revaluing these cash flows at alternative interest rates and
determining the percentage change in aggregate fair value. The projections
include assumptions (based upon historical market experience and our experience)
that reflect the effect of changing interest rates on the prepayment, lapse,
leverage and/or option features of instruments, where applicable. The proceeding
assumptions relate primarily to mortgage-backed securities, collateralized
mortgage obligations, and municipal and corporate obligations.
Based upon the information and assumptions used in the duration
calculation, and interest rates in effect at December 31, 2007, we estimate that
a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase in interest rates ("rate shock")
would decrease the net fair value of the assets by approximately $11.1 million,
compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2006. The selection of a 100 basis
point immediate parallel change in interest rates should not be construed as our
prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential
effect of such an event.
To the extent that conditions differ from the assumptions we used in these
calculations, duration and rate shock measures could be significantly impacted.
Additionally, our calculations assume that the current relationship between
short-term and long-term interest rates (the term structure of interest rates)
will remain constant over time. As a result, these calculations may not fully
capture the effect of non-parallel changes in the term structure of interest
rates and/or large changes in interest rates.
EQUITY PRICE RISK is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes
in the general levels of the equity markets. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we
had separate account assets related to variable annuities and variable life
contracts with account values totaling $3.07 billion and $3.10 billion,
respectively. Equity risk exists for contract charges based on separate account
balances and guarantees for death and/or income benefits provided by our
variable products. All variable life and annuity contract charges and fees,
liabilities and benefits, including guarantees for death and/or income are ceded
to ALIC in accordance with the reinsurance agreements, thereby limiting our
equity risk exposure. In 2006, ALIC disposed of substantially all of its
variable annuity business through a reinsurance agreement with Prudential, and
therefore mitigated this aspect of ALIC's risk. The Company was not a direct
participant of this agreement and its reinsurance agreements with ALIC remain
unchanged.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
CAPITAL RESOURCES consist of shareholder's equity. The following table
summarizes our capital resources at December 31.
(IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
-------- -------- --------
Common stock, additional capital paid-in and
retained income $285,809 $276,804 $268,544
Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,129 (178) 707
-------- -------- --------
Total shareholder's equity $289,938 $276,626 $269,251
======== ======== ========
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY increased $13.3 million 2007, due to net income of $9.0
million and a favorable change in unrealized capital gains and losses on fixed
income securities totaling $4.3 million. Shareholder's equity increased $7.4
million during the year ended December 31, 2006 when compared to December 31,
2005, due to net income of $8.3 million partially offset by an unfavorable
change in unrealized capital gains and losses on fixed income securities
totaling $885 thousand.
FINANCIAL RATINGS AND STRENGTH We share the insurance financial strength ratings
of our parent, ALIC, because our business is reinsured to ALIC. Our insurance
financial strength was rated Aa2, AA, and A+ by Moody's,
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Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, respectively, at December 31, 2007. There were
no changes to these ratings during 2007.
Our ratings are influenced by many factors including our operating and
financial performance, asset quality, liquidity, asset/liability management,
overall portfolio mix, financial leverage (i.e., debt), exposure to risks,
operating leverage, ALIC's ratings and other factors.
State laws specify regulatory actions if an insurer's risk-based capital
("RBC"), a measure of an insurer's solvency, falls below certain levels. The
NAIC has a standard formula for annually assessing RBC. The formula for
calculating RBC for life insurance companies takes into account factors relating
to insurance, business, asset and interest rate risks. At December 31, 2007, our
RBC was above levels that would require regulatory actions.
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial relationships or tests known
as the Insurance Regulatory Information System to assist state regulators in
monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies and identifying
companies that require special attention or actions by insurance regulatory
authorities. The NAIC analyzes financial data provided by insurance companies
using prescribed ratios, each with defined "usual ranges." Generally, regulators
will begin to monitor an insurance company if its ratios fall outside the usual
ranges for four or more of the ratios. If an insurance company has insufficient
capital, regulators may act to reduce the amount of insurance it can issue. Our
ratios are within these ranges.
LIQUIDITY SOURCES AND USES Our potential sources of funds principally include
the activities as follows.
- Receipt of insurance premiums
- Contractholder fund deposits
- Reinsurance recoveries
- Receipts of principal and interest on investments
- Sales of investments
- Inter-company loans
- Capital contributions from parent
Our potential uses of funds principally include the activities as follows.
- Payment of contract benefits, surrenders and withdrawals
- Reinsurance cessions and payments
- Operating costs and expenses
- Purchase of investments
- Repayment of inter-company loans
- Tax payments/settlements
- Dividends to parent
As reflected in our Statements of Cash Flows, net cash provided by
operating activities was $14.0 million, $23.0 million and $11.6 million in 2007,
2006 and 2005, respectively. Fluctuations in net cash provided by operating
activities primarily occur as a result of changes in net investment income and
differences in the timing of reinsurance payments to and from ALIC.
Under the terms of reinsurance agreements, all premiums and deposits,
excluding variable annuity and life contract deposits allocated to separate
accounts and those reinsured to non-affiliated reinsurers, are transferred to
ALIC, which maintains the investment portfolios or reinsurance recoverables
supporting our products. Payments of contractholder claims, benefits (including
guaranteed minimum death benefits, guaranteed minimum income benefits,
guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal
benefits), contract maturities, contract surrenders and withdrawals and certain
operating costs (excluding investment-related expenses), are reimbursed by ALIC,
under the terms of the reinsurance agreements. We continue to have primary
liability as a direct insurer for risks reinsured. Our ability to meet liquidity
demands is dependent on ALIC's and other reinsurers' ability to meet those
obligations under the reinsurance programs.
Our ability to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income,
cash requirements and other relevant factors. The payment of shareholder
dividends without the prior approval of the state insurance regulator is limited
by Nebraska law to formula amounts based on statutory surplus and statutory net
income, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding
twelve months. The maximum amount of dividends that we can distribute during
2008 without prior approval of the Nebraska Department of Insurance is $28.3
million.
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We have an intercompany loan agreement with The Allstate Corporation. The
amount of intercompany loans available to us is at the discretion of The
Allstate Corporation. The maximum amount of loans The Allstate Corporation will
have outstanding to all its eligible subsidiaries at any given point in time is
limited to $1.00 billion. We had no amounts outstanding under the intercompany
loan agreement at December 31, 2007 or 2006. The Corporation uses commercial
paper borrowings and bank lines of credit to fund intercompany borrowings.
Certain remote events and circumstances could constrain The Allstate
Corporation's liquidity. Those events and circumstances include, for example, a
catastrophe resulting in extraordinary losses, a downgrade in the Allstate
Corporation's long-term debt rating of A1, A+ and a (from Moody's, Standard &
Poor's and A.M. Best, respectively) to below Baa3/BBB-/bb, a downgrade in AIC's
financial strength rating from Aa2, AA and A+ (from Moody's, Standard & Poor's
and A.M. Best, respectively) to below Baa/BBB/A-, or a downgrade in ALIC's or
our financial strength ratings from Aa2, AA and A+ (from Moody's, Standard &
Poor's and A.M. Best, respectively) to below Aa3/AA-/A-. The rating agencies
also consider the interdependence of The Allstate Corporation's individually
rated entities, therefore, a rating change in one entity could potentially
affect the ratings of other related entities.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Due to the reinsurance agreements that we have in place, our contractual
obligations are ceded to ALIC and other non-affiliated reinsurers.
REGULATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to extensive regulation and we are involved in various legal
and regulatory actions, all of which have an effect on specific aspects of our
business. For a detailed discussion of the legal and regulatory actions in which
we are involved, see Note 8 of the financial statements.
PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
There are several pending accounting standards that we have not implemented
either because the standard has not been finalized or the implementation date
has not yet occurred. For a discussion of these pending standards, see Note 2 of
the financial statements.
The effect of implementing certain accounting standards on our financial
results and financial condition is often based in part on market conditions at
the time of implementation of the standard and other factors we are unable to
determine prior to implementation. For this reason, we are sometimes unable to
estimate the effect of certain pending accounting standards until the relevant
authoritative body finalizes these standards or until we implement them.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Information required for Item 7A is incorporated by reference to the
material under the caption "Market Risk" in Part II, Item 7 of this report.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
REVENUES
Net investment income $14,257 $13,948 $13,632
Realized capital gains and losses (417) (1,255) (174)
------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE 13,840 12,693 13,458
Income tax expense 4,835 4,433 4,671
------- ------- -------
NET INCOME 9,005 8,260 8,787
------- ------- -------
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), AFTER-TAX
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses 4,307 (885) (4,772)
------- ------- -------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $13,312 $ 7,375 $ 4,015
======= ======= =======
See notes to financial statements.
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LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE DATA) DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
2007 2006
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost
$266,792 and $268,331) $ 273,144 $ 268,058
Short-term 28,057 8,264
----------- -----------
Total investments 301,201 276,322
Cash 18,612 23,352
Reinsurance recoverable from Allstate Life Insurance Company 18,777,851 19,131,870
Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates 1,422,931 1,203,864
Receivable from affiliates, net -- 24,990
Other assets 112,285 104,971
Separate accounts 3,067,127 3,097,550
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $23,700,007 $23,862,919
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES
Contractholder funds $17,820,885 $18,195,622
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits 2,348,116 2,126,455
Unearned premiums 25,819 25,935
Deferred income taxes 2,479 135
Payable to affiliates, net 21,912 --
Current income taxes payable 4,815 4,412
Other liabilities and accrued expenses 118,916 136,184
Separate accounts 3,067,127 3,097,550
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 23,410,069 23,586,293
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (NOTE 8)
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $100 par value, 30 thousand shares authorized,
25 thousand shares issued and outstanding 2,500 2,500
Additional capital paid-in 180,000 180,000
Retained income 103,309 94,304
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized net capital gains and losses 4,129 (178)
----------- -----------
Total accumulated other comprehensive income 4,129 (178)
----------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 289,938 276,626
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY $23,700,007 $23,862,919
=========== ===========
</Table>
See notes to financial statements.
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LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
-------- -------- --------
COMMON STOCK $ 2,500 $ 2,500 $ 2,500
-------- -------- --------
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL PAID-IN 180,000 180,000 180,000
-------- -------- --------
RETAINED INCOME
Balance, beginning of year 94,304 86,044 77,257
Net income 9,005 8,260 8,787
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of year 103,309 94,304 86,044
-------- -------- --------
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Balance, beginning of year (178) 707 5,479
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses 4,307 (885) (4,772)
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of year 4,129 (178) 707
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY $289,938 $276,626 $269,251
======== ======== ========
</Table>
See notes to financial statements.
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<Page>
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 9,005 $ 8,260 $ 8,787
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Amortization and other non-cash items 25 424 466
Realized capital gains and losses 417 1,255 174
Changes in:
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits and
contractholder funds, net of reinsurance recoverables (18,124) 2,878 3,041
Income taxes 428 (337) 4,709
Receivable/payable to affiliates, net 46,902 (14,596) 17,055
Other operating assets and liabilities (24,698) 25,112 (22,674)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 13,955 22,996 11,558
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed income securities:
Proceeds from sales 5,176 20,104 5,066
Investment collections 13,732 15,244 22,557
Investments purchases (17,982) (38,901) (67,948)
Change in short-term investments (19,621) (4,440) 26,584
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (18,695) (7,993) (13,741)
-------- -------- --------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH (4,740) 15,003 (2,183)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 23,352 8,349 10,532
-------- -------- --------
CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 18,612 $ 23,352 $ 8,349
======== ======== ========
</Table>
See notes to financial statements.
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LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln
Benefit Life Company (the "Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life
Insurance Company ("ALIC"), which is wholly owned by Allstate Insurance Company
("AIC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation (the
"Corporation"). These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
("GAAP").
To conform to the current year presentation, certain amounts in the prior
years' financial statements and notes have been reclassified.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company sells life insurance, retirement and investment products to
individual customers. The principal products are fixed annuities, and
interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance, and accident and
health insurance.
The Company is authorized to sell life insurance, retirement and investment
products in all states except New York, as well as in the District of Columbia,
Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For 2007, the top geographic locations for
statutory premiums and annuity considerations were California, Florida, Texas
and Pennsylvania. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of statutory
premiums and annuity considerations. All statutory premiums and annuity
considerations are ceded under reinsurance agreements.
The Company distributes its products through multiple distribution
channels, including Allstate exclusive agencies, which include exclusive
financial specialists, independent agents (including master brokerage agencies
and workplace enrolling agents), and financial services firms, such as banks and
broker-dealers.
The Company monitors economic and regulatory developments that have the
potential to impact its business. The ability of banks to affiliate with
insurers may have a material adverse effect on all of the Company's product
lines by substantially increasing the number, size and financial strength of
potential competitors. The Company currently benefits from agreements with
financial services entities that market and distribute its products; change in
control of these non-affiliated entities could negatively impact the Company's
sales. Furthermore, federal and state laws and regulations affect the taxation
of insurance companies and life insurance and annuity products. Congress and
various state legislatures have considered proposals that, if enacted, could
impose a greater tax burden on the Company or could have an adverse impact on
the tax treatment of some insurance products offered by the Company, including
favorable policyholder tax treatment currently applicable to life insurance and
annuities. Legislation that reduced the federal income tax rates applicable to
certain dividends and capital gains realized by individuals, or other proposals,
if adopted, that reduce the taxation or permit the establishment, of certain
products or investments that may compete with life insurance or annuities could
have an adverse effect on the Company's and ALIC's financial position or ability
to sell such products and could result in the surrender of some existing
contracts and policies. In addition, changes in the federal estate tax laws
could negatively affect the demand for the types of life insurance used in
estate planning.
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<Page>
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
INVESTMENTS
Fixed income securities include bonds, commercial mortgage-backed
securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Fixed income
securities may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as
available for sale and are carried at fair value. The fair value of fixed income
securities is based upon observable market quotations, other market observable
data or is derived from such quotations and market observable data. The fair
value of privately placed fixed income securities is generally based on widely
accepted pricing valuation models, which are developed internally. The valuation
models use security specific information such as the credit rating of the
issuer, industry sector of the issuer, maturity, estimated duration, call
provisions, sinking fund requirements, coupon rate, quoted market prices of
comparable securities and estimated liquidity premiums to determine security
specific credit spreads. These spreads are then adjusted for illiquidity based
on historical analysis and broker surveys. The difference between amortized cost
and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls, principal
payments and make-whole payments is reflected as a component of proceeds from
sales and cash received from maturities and pay-downs is reflected as a
component of investment collections within the Statements of Cash Flows.
Short-term investments are carried at cost or amortized cost, which
approximates fair value.
Investment income consists of interest and is recognized on an accrual
basis using the effective yield method. Interest income on asset-backed
securities, mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities
is determined considering estimated principal repayments obtained from widely
accepted third party data sources and internal estimates. Accrual of income is
suspended for fixed income securities that are in default or when the receipt of
interest payments is in doubt.
Realized capital gains and losses may include gains and losses on
investment dispositions and write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary
declines in fair value. Dispositions may include sales, losses recognized in
anticipation of dispositions and other transactions such as calls and
prepayments. Realized capital gains and losses on investment dispositions are
determined on a specific identification basis.
The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed
income securities when the decline in fair value is deemed other-than-temporary
(see Note 4).
RECOGNITION OF PREMIUM REVENUES AND CONTRACT CHARGES, AND RELATED BENEFITS AND
INTEREST CREDITED
The Company has reinsurance agreements whereby all premiums, contract
charges, interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and
substantially all expenses are ceded to ALIC and non-affiliated reinsurers (see
Notes 3 and 7). Amounts reflected in the Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income are presented net of reinsurance.
Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with
fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life
insurance products. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when
due from policyholders. Benefits are reflected in life and annuity contract
benefits and recognized in relation to premiums so that profits are recognized
over the life of the policy.
Immediate annuities with life contingencies provide insurance protection
over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are
collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received
at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in
relation to premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the
contract.
Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life, single premium
life and equity-indexed life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed
and guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the
contractholder, interest credited to the contractholder account balance and
contract charges assessed against the contractholder account balance. Premiums
from these contracts are reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract
charges consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for
cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and early surrender.
These contract charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the
contractholder account balance. Life and annuity contract benefits include
life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the contractholder account
balance.
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<Page>
Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from
mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities,
including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and
immediate annuities without life contingencies are considered investment
contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as
contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges for investment contracts consist
of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance,
administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified
dates, and are recognized when assessed against the contractholder account
balance. Certain variable annuity contracts include embedded derivatives that
are separated from the host instrument and accounted for as derivative financial
instruments ("subject to bifurcation"). The change in the fair value of
derivatives embedded in liabilities and subject to bifurcation is reported in
contract benefits or interest credited to contractholder funds and is ceded to
ALIC under the reinsurance agreements.
Interest credited to contractholder funds represents interest accrued or
paid on interest-sensitive life contracts and investment contracts. Crediting
rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are
adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions
subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates.
Contract charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of
fees assessed against the contractholder account values for contract
maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and early surrender. Contract
benefits incurred include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and
accumulation benefits.
REINSURANCE
The Company has reinsurance agreements whereby all premiums, contract
charges, interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and
substantially all expenses are ceded to ALIC and non-affiliated reinsurers (see
Notes 3 and 7). Reinsurance recoverables and the related reserve for
life-contingent contract benefits and contractholder funds are reported
separately in the Statements of Financial Position. We continuously monitor the
creditworthiness of reinsurers in order to determine our risk of recoverability
on an individual and aggregate basis and a provision for uncollectible
reinsurance is recorded if needed. No amounts have been deemed unrecoverable in
the three years ended December 31, 2007. The Company continues to have primary
liability as the direct insurer for the risks reinsured.
Investment income earned on the assets that support contractholder funds
and the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits is not included in the
Company's financial statements as those assets are owned and managed by ALIC
under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision is calculated under the liability method. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the
financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax
rates. The principal assets and liabilities giving rise to such differences are
unrealized capital gains and losses on fixed income securities and differences
in tax basis of investments. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is
established when there is uncertainty that such assets would be realized (see
Note 9).
RESERVE FOR LIFE-CONTINGENT CONTRACT BENEFITS
The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance
policies including, traditional life insurance, life-contingent fixed annuities
and voluntary health products, is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial
assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy
terminations and expenses (see Note 6). These assumptions, which for traditional
life insurance, life-contingent fixed annuities and voluntary health products
are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse
deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year
of issue and policy duration.
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<Page>
CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS
Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from
the sale of products, such as interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities, and
variable annuity and life deposits allocated to fixed accounts. Contractholder
funds are comprised primarily of deposits received and interest credited to the
benefit of the contractholder less surrenders and withdrawals, mortality charges
and administrative expenses (see Note 6). Contractholder funds also include
reserves for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and
certain fixed annuity contracts.
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Separate accounts assets are carried at fair value. Separate accounts
liabilities are carried at the account values, which are equal to the carrying
value of the corresponding assets. The assets of the separate accounts are
legally segregated and available only to settle separate account contract
obligations. Separate accounts liabilities represent the contractholders' claims
to the related assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses
of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore,
are not included in the Company's Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Income. Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the separate accounts
are reflected in separate accounts liabilities and are not included in cash
flows. Revenues to the Company from the separate accounts consist of contract
charges for maintenance, administration, cost of insurance and surrender of the
contract prior to the contractually specified date and are ceded to ALIC.
Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee,
variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment
risk that the separate accounts' funds may not meet their stated investment
objectives. The risk and associated cost of these contract guarantees are ceded
to ALIC in accordance with the reinsurance agreements.
ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
STATEMENT OF POSITION 05-1, ACCOUNTING BY INSURANCE ENTERPRISES FOR DEFERRED
ACQUISITION COSTS IN CONNECTION WITH MODIFICATIONS OR EXCHANGES OF INSURANCE
CONTRACTS ("SOP 05-1")
In October 2005, the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants
("AICPA") issued SOP 05-1. SOP 05-1 provides accounting guidance for deferred
policy acquisition costs associated with internal replacements of insurance and
investment contracts other than those set forth in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 97, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance
Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and
Losses from the Sale of Investments". SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement
as a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs
through the exchange of an existing contract for a new contract, or by
amendment, endorsement or rider to an existing contract, or by the election of a
feature or coverage within an existing contract. The Company adopted the
provisions of SOP 05-1 on January 1, 2007, for internal replacements occurring
in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of SOP 05-1 did
not have any effect on the results of operations or financial position of the
Company.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD ("FASB") INTERPRETATION NO. 48, ACCOUNTING
FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES -AN INTERPRETATION OF FASB STATEMENT NO. 109 AND
FASB STAFF POSITION NO. FIN 48-1, DEFINITION OF SETTLEMENT IN FASB
INTERPRETATION NO. 48 ("FIN 48")
The FASB issued the interpretation in July 2006 and the staff position in
May 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
recognized in an entity's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes". FIN 48 requires an entity to recognize the tax
benefit of uncertain tax positions only when it is more likely than not, based
on the position's technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon
examination by the respective taxing authorities. The tax benefit is measured as
the largest benefit that is more than fifty-percent likely of being realized
upon final settlement with the respective taxing authorities. On January 1,
2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, which were effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. No cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle or adjustment to the liability for unrecognized tax
benefits was recognized as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. Accordingly, the
adoption of FIN 48 did not have an effect on the results of operations or
financial position of the Company (see Note 9).
27
<Page>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ("SEC") STAFF ACCOUNTING BULLETIN NO. 108,
CONSIDERING THE EFFECTS OF PRIOR YEAR MISSTATEMENTS WHEN QUANTIFYING
MISSTATEMENTS IN CURRENT YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ("SAB 108")
In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108 to eliminate the diversity of
practice in the way misstatements are quantified for purposes of assessing their
materiality in the financial statements. SAB 108 was intended to eliminate the
potential for the build up of improper amounts on the balance sheet due to the
limitations of certain methods of assessing materiality previously utilized by
some reporting entities. SAB 108 established a single quantification framework
wherein the significance determination is based on the effects of the
misstatements on each of the financial statements as well as the related
financial statement disclosures. On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the
provisions of SAB 108 which were effective for the first fiscal year ending
after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 did not have any effect on the
results of operations or financial position of the Company.
FASB STAFF POSITION NO. FAS 115-1, THE MEANING OF OTHER-THAN-TEMPORARY
IMPAIRMENT AND ITS APPLICATION TO CERTAIN INVESTMENTS ("FSP FAS 115-1")
FSP FAS 115-1 nullified the guidance in paragraphs 10-18 of Emerging Issues
Task Force Issue 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its
Application to Certain Investments" and references existing other-than-temporary
impairment guidance. FSP FAS 115-1 clarifies that an investor should recognize
an impairment loss no later than when the impairment is deemed
other-than-temporary, even if a decision to sell the security has not been made,
and also provides guidance on the subsequent income recognition for impaired
debt securities. The Company adopted FSP FAS 115-1 as of January 1, 2006 on a
prospective basis. The effect of adoption did not have a material effect on the
results of operations or financial position of the Company.
SFAS NO. 154, ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND ERROR CORRECTIONS - A REPLACEMENT OF APB
OPINION NO. 20 AND FASB STATEMENT NO. 3 ("SFAS NO. 154")
SFAS No. 154 replaced Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 20,
"Accounting Changes", and SFAS No. 3, "Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim
Financial Statements". SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior
periods' financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless
determination of either the period specific effects or the cumulative effect of
the change is impracticable or otherwise not required. The Company adopted SFAS
No. 154 on January 1, 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 did not have any effect
on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.
PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
SFAS NO. 157, FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ("SFAS NO. 157")
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which redefines fair value
as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Specifically, SFAS No. 157
establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the
nature of the inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. SFAS No. 157
applies where other accounting pronouncements require or permit fair value
measurements. Additional disclosures and modifications to current fair value
disclosures will be required upon adoption of SFAS No. 157. SFAS No. 157 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008,
the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement
No. 157", which permits the deferral of the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and
liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the
financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company plans to utilize the
deferral for non-financial assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 157
is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations
or financial position.
28
<Page>
SFAS NO. 159, THE FAIR VALUE OPTION FOR FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL
LIABILITIES - INCLUDING AN AMENDMENT OF FASB STATEMENT NO. 115 ("SFAS NO. 159")
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 which provides reporting
entities an option to report selected financial assets, including investment
securities designated as available for sale, and financial liabilities,
including most insurance contracts, at fair value. SFAS No. 159 establishes
presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons
between companies that choose different measurement alternatives for similar
types of financial assets and liabilities. The standard also requires additional
information to aid financial statement users' understanding of the impacts of a
reporting entity's decision to use fair value on its earnings and requires
entities to display, on the face of the statement of financial position, the
fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the reporting entity has
chosen to measure at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning
of a reporting entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The
Company does not expect to apply the fair value option to any existing financial
assets or liabilities as of January 1, 2008. Consequently, the initial adoption
of SFAS No. 159 is expected to have no impact on the Company's results of
operations or financial position.
SOP 07-1, CLARIFICATION OF THE SCOPE OF THE AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING GUIDE,
INVESTMENT COMPANIES ("THE GUIDE") AND ACCOUNTING BY PARENT COMPANIES AND EQUITY
METHOD INVESTORS FOR INVESTMENTS IN INVESTMENT COMPANIES ("SOP 07- 1")
In June 2007, the AICPA issued SOP 07-1 which provides guidance for
determining whether an entity falls within the scope of the Guide and whether
investment company accounting should be retained by a parent company upon
consolidation of an investment company subsidiary or by an equity method
investor in an investment company. SOP 07-1 was to be effective for fiscal years
beginning on or after December 15, 2007, however in February 2008, the FASB
issued FASB Staff Position No. SOP 07-1-1, "Effective Date of AICPA Statement of
Position 07-1", which amends SOP 07-1 to (1) delay indefinitely the effective
date of the SOP and (2) prohibit adoption of the SOP for an entity that did not
early adopt the SOP before December 15, 2007. The Company did not early adopt
SOP 07-1. Consequently, the standard is expected to have no impact on the
Company's results of operations or financial position.
FASB STAFF POSITION NO. FIN 39-1, AMENDMENT OF FASB INTERPRETATION NO. 39 ("FSP
FIN 39-1")
In April 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 39-1, which amends FASB
Interpretation No. 39, "Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts". FSP
FIN 39-1 replaces the terms "conditional contracts" and "exchange contracts"
with the term "derivative instruments" and requires a reporting entity to offset
fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the
obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for
derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master
netting arrangement that have been offset in the statement of financial
position. FSP FIN 39-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November
15, 2007, with early adoption permitted. The effects of applying FSP FIN 39-1,
if any, are to be recorded as a change in accounting principle through
retrospective application unless such application is determined to be
impractical. The adoption of FSP FIN 39-1 is not expected to have a material
impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position based on the
current level of derivative activity.
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Company uses services provided by its affiliates, AIC, ALIC and
Allstate Investments LLC, and business facilities owned or leased and operated
by AIC in conducting its business activities. In addition, the Company shares
the services of employees with AIC. The Company reimburses its affiliates for
the operating expenses incurred on behalf of the Company. The Company is charged
for the cost of these operating expenses based on the level of services
provided. Operating expenses, including compensation, retirement and other
benefit programs allocated to the Company were $202.2 million, $192.3 million
and $158.7 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Of these costs, the
Company retains investment related expenses on the invested assets of the
Company. All other costs are ceded to ALIC under the reinsurance agreements.
29
<Page>
BROKER-DEALER SERVICES
The Company has a service agreement with Allstate Distributors, LLC
("ADLLC"), a broker-dealer affiliate of the Company, whereby ADLLC promotes and
markets the fixed and variable annuities sold by the Company to unaffiliated
financial services firms. In addition, ADLLC acts as the underwriter of variable
annuities sold by the Company. In return for these services, the Company
recorded commission expense of $3.4 million, $1.1 million and $659 thousand for
the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, that was ceded
to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
The Company receives distribution services from Allstate Financial
Services, LLC ("AFS"), an affiliated broker-dealer company, for certain
variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts sold by Allstate
exclusive agencies. For these services, the Company incurred $25.5 million,
$42.7 million and $44.6 million of commission and other distribution expenses
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, that were
ceded to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
The Company has a wholesaling and marketing support agreement with ALFS,
Inc. ("ALFS"), an affiliated broker-dealer company, whereby ALFS underwrites and
promotes the offer, sale and servicing of variable annuities issued by the
Company and sold by AFS. In return for these services, the Company incurred
commission expense of $333.5 thousand and $1.5 million for 2007 and 2006,
respectively. This expense was ceded to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance
agreements.
REINSURANCE
The following table summarizes amounts that were ceded to ALIC and reported
net in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income under the
reinsurance agreements:
($ IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ----------
Premiums and contract charges $ 623,102 $ 546,554 $ 461,496
Interest credited to contractholder
funds, contract benefits and expenses 1,421,831 1,487,799 1,483,707
Reinsurance recoverables due from ALIC totaled $18.78 billion and $19.13
billion as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
INCOME TAXES
The Company is a party to a federal income tax allocation agreement with
the Corporation (see Note 9).
DEBT
The Company has an intercompany loan agreement with the Corporation. The
amount of intercompany loans available to the Company is at the discretion of
the Corporation. The maximum amount of loans the Corporation will have
outstanding to all its eligible subsidiaries at any given point in time is
limited to $1.00 billion. The Company had no amounts outstanding under the
intercompany loan agreement at December 31, 2007 and 2006. The Corporation uses
commercial paper borrowings, bank lines of credit and repurchase agreements to
fund intercompany borrowings.
30
<Page>
4. INVESTMENTS
FAIR VALUES
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value for
fixed income securities are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
GROSS UNREALIZED
($ IN THOUSANDS) AMORTIZED ---------------- FAIR
AT DECEMBER 31, 2007 COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ------ ------- --------
U.S. government and agencies $110,214 $5,642 $ (36) $115,820
Corporate 84,798 917 (903) 84,812
Municipal 501 30 -- 531
Mortgage-backed securities 28,114 94 (303) 27,905
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 32,131 579 (109) 32,601
Asset-backed securities 11,034 453 (12) 11,475
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total fixed income securities $266,792 $7,715 $(1,363) $273,144
======== ====== ======= ========
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006
U.S. government and agencies $116,821 $2,609 $(1,467) $117,963
Corporate 74,755 613 (1,987) 73,381
Municipal 502 31 -- 533
Mortgage-backed securities 29,963 98 (817) 29,244
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 32,095 635 (315) 32,415
Asset-backed securities 14,195 366 (39) 14,522
-------- ------ ------- --------
Total fixed income securities $268,331 $4,352 $(4,625) $268,058
======== ====== ======= ========
</Table>
SCHEDULED MATURITIES
The scheduled maturities for fixed income securities are as follows at
December 31, 2007:
AMORTIZED FAIR
($ IN THOUSANDS) COST VALUE
--------- --------
Due in one year or less $ 5,999 $ 5,993
Due after one year through five years 108,836 111,555
Due after five years through ten years 75,110 76,697
Due after ten years 37,699 39,519
-------- --------
227,644 233,764
Mortgage and asset-backed securities 39,148 39,380
-------- --------
Total $266,792 $273,144
======== ========
Actual maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of
prepayments by the issuers. Because of the potential for prepayment on mortgage-
and asset-backed securities, they are not categorized by contractual maturity.
The commercial mortgage-backed securities are categorized by contractual
maturity because they generally are not subject to prepayment risk.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Net investment income for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
Fixed income securities $13,533 $13,495 $13,190
Short-term investments 1,117 762 689
------- ------- -------
Investment income, before expense 14,650 14,257 13,879
Investment expense (393) (309) (247)
------- ------- -------
Net investment income $14,257 $13,948 $13,632
======= ======= =======
31
<Page>
REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES, AFTER-TAX
Realized capital gains and losses for the years ended December 31 are as
follows.
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
----- ------- -----
Realized capital gains and losses, pretax $(417) $(1,255) $(174)
Income tax benefit 146 438 60
----- ------- -----
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax $(271) $ (817) $(114)
===== ======= =====
Gross losses of $32 thousand, $1.3 million and $174 thousand were
realized on sales of fixed income securities during 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. There were no gross gains realized on sales of fixed income
securities during 2007, 2006 or 2005.
UNREALIZED NET CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES
Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in accumulated other
comprehensive income are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
GROSS UNREALIZED
($ IN THOUSANDS) FAIR ---------------- UNREALIZED
AT DECEMBER 31, 2007 VALUE GAINS LOSSES NET GAINS
-------- ------ ------- ----------
Fixed income securities $273,144 $7,715 $(1,363) $ 6,352
Deferred income taxes (2,223)
-------
Unrealized net capital gains and losses $ 4,129
=======
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
GROSS UNREALIZED
($ IN THOUSANDS) FAIR ---------------- UNREALIZED
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006 VALUE GAINS LOSSES NET GAINS
-------- ------ ------- ----------
Fixed income securities $268,058 $4,352 $(4,625) $ (273)
Deferred income taxes 95
-------
Unrealized net capital gains and losses $ (178)
=======
</Table>
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED NET CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES
The change in unrealized net capital gains and losses for the years ended
December 31 is as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
Fixed income securities $ 6,625 $(1,361) $(7,340)
Deferred income taxes (2,318) 476 2,568
------- ------- -------
Decrease in unrealized net capital gains and losses $ 4,307 $ (885) $(4,772)
======= ======= =======
</Table>
PORTFOLIO MONITORING
Inherent in the Company's evaluation of a particular security are
assumptions and estimates about the financial condition of the issuer and its
future earnings potential. Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether
a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary are: 1) the Company's ability
and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for
an anticipated recovery in value; 2) the recoverability of principal and
interest; 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less
than amortized cost; 4) the financial condition, near-term and long-term
prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry conditions and
trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; and 5)
the specific reasons that a security is in a significant unrealized loss
position, including market conditions which could affect access to liquidity.
32
<Page>
The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value
of fixed income securities by the length of time that individual securities have
been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
<Table>
<Caption>
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS 12 MONTHS OR MORE
-------------------------------- --------------------------------- TOTAL
($ IN THOUSANDS) NUMBER FAIR UNREALIZED NUMBER FAIR UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
AT DECEMBER 31, 2007 OF ISSUES VALUE LOSSES OF ISSUES VALUE LOSSES LOSSES
--------- ------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Fixed income securities
U.S. Government and
agencies 1 $ 4,095 $ (7) 1 $ 2,984 $ (29) $ (36)
Corporate 3 6,065 (76) 16 33,087 (827) (903)
Mortgage-backed
securities 1 5,595 (44) 8 15,983 (259) (303)
Commercial mortgage-
backed securities 1 1,946 (59) 6 13,054 (50) (109)
Asset-backed securities -- -- -- 1 991 (12) (12)
--- ------- ----- --- -------- ------- -------
Total 6 $17,701 $(186) 32 $ 66,099 $(1,177) $(1,363)
=== ======= ===== === ======== ======= =======
Investment grade fixed
income securities 6 $17,701 $(186) 32 $ 66,099 $(1,177) $(1,363)
Below investment
grade fixed income
securities -- -- -- -- -- -- --
--- ------- ----- --- -------- ------- -------
Total fixed income
securities 6 $17,701 $(186) 32 $ 66,099 $(1,177) $(1,363)
=== ======= ===== === ======== ======= =======
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006
Fixed income securities
U.S. Government and
agencies 4 $26,597 $(153) 10 $ 44,123 $(1,314) $(1,467)
Corporate 2 1,985 (18) 24 46,462 (1,969) (1,987)
Mortgage-backed
securities 1 1 -- 10 25,880 (817) (817)
Commercial mortgage-
backed securities 1 2,483 (9) 6 12,813 (306) (315)
Asset-backed securities -- -- -- 1 968 (39) (39)
--- ------- ----- --- -------- ------- -------
Total 8 $31,066 $(180) 51 $130,246 $(4,445) $(4,625)
=== ======= ===== === ======== ======= =======
Investment grade fixed
income securities 8 $31,066 $(180) 51 $130,246 $(4,445) $(4,625)
Below investment
grade fixed income
securities -- -- -- -- -- -- --
--- ------- ----- --- -------- ------- -------
Total fixed income
securities 8 $31,066 $(180) 51 $130,246 $(4,445) $(4,625)
=== ======= ===== === ======== ======= =======
</Table>
At December 31, 2007, all unrealized losses are related to fixed income
securities with an unrealized loss position less than 20% of amortized cost, the
degree of which suggests that these securities do not pose a high risk of being
other-than-temporarily impaired. All of the unrealized losses are related to
investment grade fixed income securities. Investment grade is defined as a
security having a rating from the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC") of 1 or 2; a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody's or
a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from Standard & Poor's, Fitch or Dominion; or
aaa, aa, a or bbb from A.M. Best; or a comparable internal rating if an
externally provided rating is not available. Unrealized losses on investment
grade securities are principally related to rising interest rates or changes in
credit spreads since the securities were acquired.
Unrealized losses on mortgage-backed, asset-backed and commercial
mortgage-backed holdings were evaluated based on credit ratings, as well as the
performance of the underlying collateral relative to the securities' positions
in the securities' respective capital structure. The unrealized losses on
asset-backed securities that had credit enhancements from bond insurers were
evaluated on the quality of the underlying security. These investments were
determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had the intent and ability to hold the
fixed income securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient
for them to recover.
OTHER INVESTMENT INFORMATION
At December 31, 2007, fixed income securities and short-term investments
with a carrying value of $9.8 million were on deposit with regulatory
authorities as required by law.
33
<Page>
5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Company invests in various financial
assets and incurs various financial liabilities. The fair value estimates of
financial instruments presented below are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts the Company might pay or receive in actual market transactions.
Potential taxes and other transaction costs have not been considered in
estimating fair value. The disclosures that follow do not reflect the fair value
of the Company as a whole since certain reinsurance recoverables, reserve for
life-contingent contract benefits and deferred income taxes are not included in
accordance with SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments". Other assets and liabilities considered financial instruments,
such as accrued investment income and cash, are generally of a short-term
nature. Their carrying values are deemed to approximate fair value.
FINANCIAL ASSETS
<Table>
<Caption>
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
------------------------- -------------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
($ IN THOUSANDS) VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Fixed income securities $ 273,144 $ 273,144 $ 268,058 $ 268,058
Short-term investments 28,057 28,057 8,264 8,264
Reinsurance recoverables on investment
contracts 14,585,478 13,880,704 15,965,432 15,120,781
Separate accounts 3,067,127 3,067,127 3,097,550 3,097,550
</Table>
The fair values of fixed income securities are based upon observable market
quotations, observable market data or are derived from such quotations and
observable market data. The fair value of privately placed fixed income
securities is generally based on widely accepted pricing valuation models, which
are developed internally. Short-term investments are highly liquid investments
with maturities of one year or less whose carrying values are deemed to
approximate fair value. The fair value of reinsurance recoverables on investment
contracts is based on the fair value of the underlying annuity contract account
liabilities, adjusted for credit risk. Separate accounts assets are carried in
the Statements of Financial Position at fair value based on observable market
prices.
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
<Table>
<Caption>
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
------------------------- -------------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
($ IN THOUSANDS) VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Contractholder funds on investment contracts $14,574,593 $13,883,714 $15,334,580 $14,498,948
Separate accounts 3,067,127 3,067,127 3,097,550 3,097,550
</Table>
Contractholder funds include interest-sensitive life insurance contracts
and investment contracts. Interest-sensitive life insurance contracts are not
considered financial instruments subject to fair value disclosure requirements.
The fair value of investment contracts is based on the terms of the underlying
contracts. Fixed annuities are valued at the account balance less surrender
charges. Immediate annuities without life contingencies are valued at the
present value of future benefits using current interest rates. Market value
adjusted annuities' fair value is estimated to be the market adjusted surrender
value. Equity-indexed annuity contracts' fair value approximates carrying value
since the embedded equity options are carried at fair value in the financial
statements. Separate accounts liabilities are carried at the account values,
which are equal to the carrying value of the corresponding assets.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments include embedded derivative financial
instruments. Derivatives that are embedded in certain variable annuity contracts
and equity-indexed annuity contracts are required to be separated from the host
instrument and accounted for as derivative financial instruments ("subject to
bifurcation"). Embedded derivative financial instruments are accounted for on a
fair value basis. Embedded derivative financial instruments subject to
bifurcation are reflected as a component of contractholder funds in the
Statements of Financial Position. Changes in the fair value of embedded
derivative financial instruments are ceded to ALIC. Reinsurance agreements that
cede the value of
34
<Page>
embedded derivative financial instruments are reflected as a component of
reinsurance recoverables in the Statements of Financial Position.
The following table summarizes the notional amount, fair value and carrying
value of the Company's embedded derivative financial instruments.
<Table>
<Caption>
CARRYING CARRYING
NOTIONAL FAIR VALUE VALUE
($ IN THOUSANDS) AMOUNT VALUE ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
---------- --------- -------- -------------
AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
- --------------------
Equity-indexed and forward starting
options in life and annuity
product contracts $3,611,546 $(102,858) $-- $(102,858)
Guaranteed accumulation benefits 331,597 (306) -- (306)
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits 61,994 50 -- 50
Other embedded derivative financial
instruments 3,775 (5) -- (5)
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
CARRYING CARRYING
NOTIONAL FAIR VALUE VALUE
($ IN THOUSANDS) AMOUNT VALUE ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
---------- --------- -------- -------------
AT DECEMBER 31, 2006
- --------------------
Equity-indexed and forward starting
options in life and annuity
product contracts $3,016,132 $(167,707) $-- $(167,707)
Guaranteed accumulation benefits 340,157 1,381 -- 1,381
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits 62,736 43 -- 43
Other embedded derivative financial
instruments 3,775 (5) -- (5)
</Table>
The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate the
exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not
representative of the potential for gain or loss on these agreements.
Fair value, which is equal to the carrying value, is the estimated amount
that the Company would receive (pay) to terminate the derivative contracts at
the reporting date. The fair values are determined using widely accepted
valuation models and other appropriate valuation methods.
Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse
changes in market rates and prices. Market risk exists for all of the derivative
financial instruments the Company currently holds, as these instruments may
become less valuable due to adverse changes in market conditions.
OFF-BALANCE-SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
There were no off-balance-sheet financial instruments at December 31, 2007
or 2006.
35
<Page>
6. RESERVE FOR LIFE-CONTINGENT CONTRACT BENEFITS AND CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS
At December 31, the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits consists
of the following:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006
---------- ----------
Immediate annuities $ 709,195 $ 722,539
Traditional life 1,045,153 932,866
Other 593,768 471,050
---------- ----------
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $2,348,116 $2,126,455
========== ==========
The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in
calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:
<Table>
<Caption>
PRODUCT MORTALITY INTEREST RATE ESTIMATION METHOD
- ------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Immediate annuities 1983 individual annuity Interest rate Present value of
mortality table assumptions range from expected future benefits
1983-a annuity mortality 3.0% to 8.8% based on historical
table experience
Annuity 2000 mortality
table
Traditional life Actual company experience Interest rate Net level premium
plus loading assumptions range from reserve method using the
4.0% to 8.0% Company's withdrawal
experience rates
Other:
Variable annuity 90% of 1994 group annuity Interest rate Projected benefit ratio
guaranteed minimum death mortality table with assumptions range from applied to cumulative
benefits internal modifications 6.5% to 7.0% assessments
Accident & health Actual company experience Unearned premium;
plus loading additional contract
reserves for traditional
life
</Table>
At December 31, contractholder funds consists of the following:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006
----------- -----------
Interest-sensitive life $ 3,217,074 $ 2,841,433
Investment contracts:
Immediate annuities 457,683 480,602
Fixed annuities 14,089,197 14,822,531
Other 56,931 51,056
----------- -----------
Total contractholder funds $17,820,885 $18,195,622
=========== ===========
36
<Page>
The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating to
contractholder funds:
<Table>
<Caption>
PRODUCT INTEREST RATE WITHDRAWAL/SURRENDER CHARGES
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------------------
Interest-sensitive life insurance Interest rates credited Either a percentage of account
range from 3.5% to 6.0% balance or dollar amount grading
off generally over 20 years
Fixed annuities Interest rates credited Either a declining or a level
range from 2.2% to 8.8% percentage charge generally over
for immediate annuities nine years or less. Additionally,
and 1.7% to 16.0% for approximately 27.9% of fixed
fixed annuities annuities are subject to market
value adjustment for discretionary
withdrawals.
Other investment contracts:
Variable guaranteed minimum income Interest rates used in Withdrawal and surrender charges
benefit and secondary guarantees establishing reserves are based on the terms of the
on interest-sensitive life and fixed range from 1.8% to 10.3% related interest-sensitive life or
annuities fixed annuity contract.
</Table>
Contractholder funds activity for the years ended December 31 is as
follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006
----------- -----------
Balance, beginning of year $18,195,622 $17,462,104
Deposits 1,966,374 2,668,782
Interest credited 762,956 865,479
Benefits (572,506) (512,353)
Surrenders and partial withdrawals (2,236,168) (1,962,149)
Net transfers to separate accounts 2,834 (58,681)
Contract charges (303,528) (255,710)
Other adjustments 5,301 (11,850)
----------- -----------
Balance, end of year $17,820,885 $18,195,622
=========== ===========
37
<Page>
The table below presents information regarding the Company's variable
annuity contracts with guarantees. The Company's variable annuity contracts may
offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the sum of
amounts listed exceeds the total account balances of variable annuity contracts'
separate accounts with guarantees.
<Table>
<Caption>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
($ IN MILLIONS) 2007 2006
--------- ---------
IN THE EVENT OF DEATH
Separate account value $ 2,220.4 $ 2,333.2
Net amount at risk (1) $ 86.2 $ 108.5
Average attained age of contractholders 60 years 59 years
AT ANNUITIZATION
Separate account value $ 390.5 $ 388.4
Net amount at risk (2) $ 1.0 $ 0.6
Weighted average waiting period until
annuitization options available 3 years 3 years
FOR CUMULATIVE PERIODIC WITHDRAWALS
Separate account value $ 61.9 $ 61.8
Net amount at risk (3) $ -- $ --
ACCUMULATION AT SPECIFIED DATES
Separate account value $ 331.5 $ 337.3
Net amount at risk (4) $ -- $ --
Weighted average waiting period until
guarantee date 13 years 13 years
</Table>
- ----------
(1) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess
of the current account balance at the balance sheet date.
(2) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum annuity
payments in excess of the current account balance.
(3) Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum withdrawal balance
(initial deposit) in excess of the current account balance at the balance
sheet date.
(4) Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum
accumulation balance in excess of the current account balance.
As of December 31, 2007, reserves for variable annuity contracts and
secondary guarantee liabilities related to death, income, accumulation and
withdrawal benefits were $40 million, $27 million, $306 thousand and $(50)
thousand, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, reserves for variable annuity
contracts and secondary guarantee liabilities related to death, income,
accumulation and withdrawal benefits were $28 million, $33 million, $(1)
thousand and $(43) thousand, respectively.
7. REINSURANCE
The Company has reinsurance agreements under which it reinsures all of its
business to ALIC or other non-affiliated reinsurers. Under the agreements,
premiums, contract charges, interest credited to contractholder funds, contract
benefits and substantially all expenses are reinsured. The Company purchases
reinsurance to limit aggregate and single losses on large risks. The Company
cedes a portion of the mortality risk on certain life policies with a pool of
twelve non-affiliated reinsurers. The Company continues to have primary
liability as the direct insurer for risks reinsured.
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated based upon assumptions
consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the
underlying reinsured contracts. At December 31, 2007, 93.0% of the total
reinsurance recoverables were related to ALIC and 7.0% were related to
non-affiliated reinsurers. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately 96% of
the Company's non-affiliated reinsurance recoverables are due from companies
rated A or better by Standard & Poor's.
38
<Page>
The effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges for the years
ended December 31 are as follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
---------- --------- ---------
PREMIUMS AND CONTRACT CHARGES
Direct $1,038,671 $ 944,823 $ 840,691
Assumed 9,132 10,238 6,572
Ceded:
Affiliate (623,102) (546,554) (461,496)
Non-affiliate (424,701) (408,507) (385,767)
---------- --------- ---------
Premiums and contract charges,
net of reinsurance $ -- $ -- $ --
========== ========= =========
The effects of reinsurance on interest credited to contractholder funds,
contract benefits and expenses for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
----------- ----------- -----------
INTEREST CREDITED TO
CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS, CONTRACT
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Direct $ 1,964,326 $ 1,972,975 $ 1,959,229
Assumed 10,473 9,762 7,658
Ceded:
Affiliate (1,421,831) (1,487,799) (1,483,707)
Non-affiliate (552,968) (494,938) (483,180)
----------- ----------- -----------
Interest credited to
contractholder funds, contract
benefits and expenses,
net of reinsurance $ -- $ -- $ --
=========== =========== ===========
8. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
LEASES
The Company leases certain office equipment. Total rent expense for all
leases was $51 thousand, $57 thousand and $59 thousand in 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and was ceded to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance
agreements.
Minimum rental commitments under operating leases with an initial or
remaining term of more than one year as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:
OPERATING
($ IN THOUSANDS) LEASES
---------
2008 $ 3
2009 --
Thereafter --
---
$ 3
===
GUARANTEES
In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard
indemnifications to counterparties in contracts in connection with numerous
transactions, including acquisitions and divestures. The types of
indemnifications typically provided include indemnifications for breach of
representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as
third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual
terms and are entered into in the normal course of business based on an
assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the
indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum
obligation is not explicitly stated and the contingencies triggering the
obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur.
Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications
is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material
payments pursuant to these obligations.
The aggregate liability balance related to all guarantees, ceded to ALIC,
was not material as of December 31, 2007.
39
<Page>
REGULATION
The Company is subject to changing social, economic and regulatory
conditions. From time to time regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek
to impose additional regulations regarding agent and broker compensation and
otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance
industry. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these initiatives on the
Company's business, if any, are uncertain.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS AND INQUIRIES
BACKGROUND
The Company and certain affiliates are involved in a number of lawsuits,
regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings arising out of various aspects
of its business. As background to the "Proceedings" subsection below, please
note the following:
- These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues
and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including the
underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations
between jurisdictions in which matters are being litigated, heard or
investigated; differences in applicable laws and judicial
interpretations; the length of time before many of these matters might
be resolved by settlement, through litigation or otherwise; the fact
that some of the lawsuits are putative class actions in which a class
has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be
clearly defined; the fact that some of the lawsuits involve
multi-state class actions in which the applicable law(s) for the
claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear; and the current
challenging legal environment faced by large corporations and
insurance companies.
- The outcome on these matters may also be affected by decisions,
verdicts, and settlements, and the timing of such decisions, verdicts,
and settlements, in other individual and class action lawsuits that
involve the Company, other insurers, or other entities and by other
legal, governmental, and regulatory actions that involve the Company,
other insurers, or other entities.
- In the lawsuits, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies including
equitable relief in the form of injunctive and other remedies and
monetary relief in the form of contractual and extra-contractual
damages. In some cases, the monetary damages sought include punitive
damages. Often specific information about the relief sought, such as
the amount of damages, is not available because plaintiffs have not
requested specific relief in their pleadings. In our experience, when
specific monetary demands are made in pleadings, they bear little
relation to the ultimate loss, if any, to the Company.
- In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government
authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties,
restitution and changes in business practices. The Company may not be
advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final
stages of the examination or proceeding.
- For the reasons specified above, it is often not possible to make
meaningful estimates of the amount or range of loss that could result
from the matters described below in the "Proceedings" subsection. The
Company reviews these matters on an ongoing basis and follows the
provisions of SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies" when making
accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible
and probable outcomes, the Company bases its decisions on its
assessment of the ultimate outcome following all appeals.
- Due to the complexity and scope of the matters disclosed in the
"Proceedings" subsection below and the many uncertainties that exist,
the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be reasonably predicted.
In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these
matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently
reserved and may be material to the Company's operating results or
cash flows for a particular quarterly or annual period. However, based
on information currently known to it, management believes that the
ultimate outcome of all matters described below as they are resolved
over time is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the
financial position of the Company.
40
<Page>
PROCEEDINGS
Legal proceedings involving Allstate agencies and AIC may impact the
Company, even when the Company is not directly involved, because the Company
sells its products through a variety of distribution channels including Allstate
agencies. Consequently, information about the more significant of these
proceedings is provided in the following paragraph.
AIC is defending certain matters relating to its agency program
reorganization announced in 1999. These matters are in various stages of
development.
- These matters include a lawsuit filed in 2001 by the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging retaliation under
federal civil rights laws (the "EEOC I" suit) and a class action filed
in 2001 by former employee agents alleging retaliation and age
discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
("ADEA"), breach of contract and ERISA violations (the "Romero I"
suit). In 2004, in the consolidated EEOC I and Romero I litigation,
the trial court issued a memorandum and order that, among other
things, certified classes of agents, including a mandatory class of
agents who had signed a release, for purposes of effecting the court's
declaratory judgment that the release is voidable at the option of the
release signer. The court also ordered that an agent who voids the
release must return to AIC "any and all benefits received by the
[agent] in exchange for signing the release." The court also stated
that, "on the undisputed facts of record, there is no basis for claims
of age discrimination." The EEOC and plaintiffs have asked the court
to clarify and/or reconsider its memorandum and order and in January
2007, the judge denied their request. In June 2007, the court granted
AIC's motions for summary judgment. Following plaintiffs' filing of a
notice of appeal, the Third Circuit issued an order in December 2007
stating that the notice of appeal was not taken from a final order
within the meaning of the federal law and thus not appealable at this
time. Responses to the order were filed in mid-December.
- The EEOC also filed another lawsuit in 2004 alleging age
discrimination with respect to a policy limiting the rehire of agents
affected by the agency program reorganization (the "EEOC II" suit). In
EEOC II, in 2006, the court granted partial summary judgment to the
EEOC. Although the court did not determine that AIC was liable for age
discrimination under the ADEA, it determined that the rehire policy
resulted in a disparate impact, reserving for trial the determination
on whether AIC had reasonable factors other than age to support the
rehire policy. AIC's interlocutory appeal of the trial court's summary
judgment order is now pending in the United States Court of Appeals
for the Eighth Circuit.
- AIC is also defending a certified class action filed by former
employee agents who terminated their employment prior to the agency
program reorganization. These plaintiffs have asserted breach of
contract and ERISA claims. The court approved the form of class notice
which was sent to approximately 1,800 potential class members in
November 2007. Fifteen individuals opted out. AIC has moved for
judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment.
- A putative nationwide class action has also been filed by former
employee agents alleging various violations of ERISA, including a
worker classification issue. These plaintiffs are challenging certain
amendments to the Agents Pension Plan and are seeking to have
exclusive agent independent contractors treated as employees for
benefit purposes. This matter was dismissed with prejudice by the
trial court, was the subject of further proceedings on appeal, and was
reversed and remanded to the trial court in 2005. In June 2007, the
court granted AIC's motion to dismiss the case. Following plaintiffs'
filing of a notice of appeal, the Third Circuit issued an order in
December 2007 stating that the notice of appeal was not taken from a
final order within the meaning of the federal law and thus not
appealable at this time. Responses to the order were filed in
mid-December.
In all of these various matters, plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive
damages, and equitable relief. AIC has been vigorously defending these lawsuits
and other matters related to its agency program reorganization.
41
<Page>
OTHER MATTERS
Various other legal, governmental, and regulatory actions, including state
market conduct exams, and other governmental and regulatory inquiries are
currently pending that involve the Company and specific aspects of its conduct
of business. Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is the
target of a number of lawsuits and proceedings, some of which involve claims for
substantial or indeterminate amounts. These actions are based on a variety of
issues and target a range of the Company's practices. The outcome of these
disputes is currently unpredictable. However, based on information currently
known to it and the existence of the reinsurance agreements with ALIC,
management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described in this
"Other Matters" subsection in excess of amounts currently reserved, as they are
resolved over time is not likely to have a material effect on the operating
results, cash flows or financial position of the Company.
9. INCOME TAXES
The Company joins the Corporation and its other eligible domestic
subsidiaries (the "Allstate Group") in the filing of a consolidated federal
income tax return and is party to a federal income tax allocation agreement (the
"Allstate Tax Sharing Agreement"). Under the Allstate Tax Sharing Agreement, the
Company pays to or receives from the Corporation the amount, if any, by which
the Allstate Group's federal income tax liability is affected by virtue of
inclusion of the Company in the consolidated federal income tax return. The
Company also has a supplemental tax sharing agreement with respect to
reinsurance ceded to ALIC to allocate the tax benefits and costs related to such
reinsurance. Effectively, these agreements result in the Company's annual income
tax provision being computed, with adjustments, as if the Company filed a
separate return, adjusted for the reinsurance ceded to ALIC.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") is currently examining the
Corporation's 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns. The IRS has completed
its examination of the Corporation's federal income tax returns through 2004 and
the statute of limitations has expired on years prior to 2003.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The
Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 or
December 31, 2007, and believes it is reasonably possible that the liability
balance will not significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve
months. No amounts have been accrued for interest or penalties.
The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at
December 31 are as follows:
2007 2006
------- -----
($ IN THOUSANDS)
DEFERRED ASSETS
Unrealized net capital losses $ -- $ 95
DEFERRED LIABILITIES
Unrealized net capital gains (2,223) --
Difference in tax bases of investments (254) (229)
Other liabilities (2) (1)
------- -----
Total deferred liabilities (2,479) (230)
------- -----
Net deferred liabilities $(2,479) $(135)
======= =====
The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are as
follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS) 2007 2006 2005
------ ------ ------
Current $4,810 $4,412 $4,769
Deferred 25 21 (98)
------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense $4,835 $4,433 $4,671
====== ====== ======
42
<Page>
The Company paid income taxes of $4.4 million and $4.8 million in 2007 and
2006, respectively, and received an income tax refund of $38 thousand in 2005.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective
income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31 is as
follows:
2007 2006 2005
----- ----- -----
Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Other (0.1) (0.1) (0.3)
----- ----- -----
Effective income tax rate 34.9% 34.9% 34.7%
===== ===== =====
10. STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company prepares its statutory-basis financial statements in conformity
with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Nebraska. The
State of Nebraska requires insurance companies to prepare statutory-basis
financial statements in conformity with the NAIC Accounting Practices and
Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the
State of Nebraska insurance commissioner. Prescribed statutory accounting
practices include a variety of publications of the NAIC, as well as state laws,
regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting
practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
Statutory accounting practices primarily differ from GAAP since they
require charging policy acquisition and certain sales inducement costs to
expense as incurred, establishing life insurance reserves based on different
actuarial assumptions, and valuing investments and establishing deferred taxes
on a different basis.
Statutory net income for 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $9.1 million, $9.1
million and $8.8 million, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was $282.9
million and $274.4 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
DIVIDENDS
The ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent on business
conditions, income, cash requirements of the Company and other relevant factors.
The payment of shareholder dividends by the Company without the prior approval
of the state insurance regulator is limited to formula amounts based on net
income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory
accounting practices, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the
preceding twelve months. The maximum amount of dividends that the Company can
distribute during 2008 without prior approval of the Nebraska Department of
Insurance is $28.3 million. In the twelve-month period beginning January 1,
2007, the Company did not pay any dividends.
43
<Page>
11. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of other comprehensive loss on a pre-tax and after-tax basis
for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ IN THOUSANDS)
2007
-------------------------
Pre- After-
tax Tax tax
------ ------- ------
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period $6,211 $(2,173) $4,038
Less: reclassification adjustments (414) 145 (269)
------ ------- ------
Unrealized net capital gains and losses 6,625 (2,318) 4,307
------ ------- ------
Other comprehensive income $6,625 $(2,318) $4,307
====== ======= ======
2006
------------------------
Pre- After-
tax Tax tax
------- ---- -------
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period $(2,601) $910 $(1,691)
Less: reclassification adjustments (1,240) 434 (806)
------- ---- -------
Unrealized net capital gains and losses (1,361) 476 (885)
------- ---- -------
Other comprehensive loss $(1,361) $476 $ (885)
======= ==== =======
2005
--------------------------
Pre- After-
tax Tax tax
------- ------ -------
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period $(7,514) $2,628 $(4,886)
Less: reclassification adjustments (174) 60 (114)
------- ------ -------
Unrealized net capital gains and losses (7,340) 2,568 (4,772)
------- ------ -------
Other comprehensive loss $(7,340) $2,568 $(4,772)
======= ====== =======
44
<Page>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDER OF
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY:
We have audited the accompanying Statements of Financial Position of Lincoln
Benefit Life Company (the "Company", an affiliate of The Allstate Corporation)
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income, Shareholder's Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial
statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Lincoln Benefit Life Company as of December
31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also,
in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, 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/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 13, 2008
45
<Page>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure
controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of
our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by
this report. Based upon this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the
principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material
information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
by the Securities Exchange Act and made known to management, including the
principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on the criteria related to
internal control over financial reporting described in "Internal Control -
Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's
registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial
reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's
registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's
report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal
quarter ended December 31, 2007, there have been no changes in our internal
control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
On March 11, 2008, the Registrant executed the First Amendment to Service
Agreement with Allstate Assignment Company ("AACO"), effective December 1, 2007.
The Registrant and AACO are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Allstate Life Insurance
Company. In the underlying service agreement, the Registrant provides personnel,
equipment and facilities to AACO to assist AACO in its conduct of the business
of an assignment company, and AACO agrees to pay the Registrant for such
services. The amendment to the agreement specifies dates for payment. The
Registrant has determined that both the First Amendment to Service Agreement,
attached hereto as Exhibit 10.23, and the form of the underlying service
agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.22, are material definitive agreements
and accordingly are being filed as such.
46
<Page>
PART III
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
(1), (2), (3) and (4) Disclosure of fees -
The following fees have been, or are anticipated to be billed by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective
affiliates, for professional services rendered to us for the fiscal years ending
December 31, 2007 and 2006.
2007 2006
-------- --------
Audit fees (a) $247,157 $216,500
-------- --------
TOTAL FEES $247,157 $216,500
======== ========
(a) Fees for audits of annual financial statements including financial
statements for the separate accounts, reviews of quarterly financial
statements, statutory audits, attest services, comfort letters, consents
and review of documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These fees are ceded to ALIC under the Company's reinsurance agreements.
(5)(i) and (ii) Audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures -
The Audit Committee of The Allstate Corporation has established
pre-approval policies and procedures for itself and its consolidated
subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit. Those policies and procedures are
incorporated into this Item 14 (5) by reference to Exhibit 99 - The Allstate
Corporation Policy Regarding Pre-Approval of Independent Auditors' Services (the
"Pre-Approval Policy"). In addition, in 2005 the Audit Committee of Allstate
Life adopted the Pre-Approval Policy, as it may be amended from time to time by
the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors of the Corporation, as its own
policy, provided that the Designated Member referred to in such policy need not
be independent because the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance
standards do not apply to Allstate Life. The Board of Directors of Lincoln
Benefit has delegated to the Audit Committee of ALIC the authority to approve
services to be provided by Lincoln Benefit's independent auditor. All of the
services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP to Lincoln Benefit in 2007 and 2006
were pre-approved by The Allstate Corporation and Allstate Life Audit
Committees.
47
<Page>
PART IV
ITEM 15. (A) (1) EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following financial statements, notes thereto and related information of
Lincoln Benefit are included in Item 8.
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Statements of Financial Position
Statements of Shareholder's Equity
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
ITEM 15. (A) (2)
The following additional financial statement schedules are furnished
herewith pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K.
<Table>
<Caption>
Lincoln Benefit Life Company Page
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Schedules required to be filed under provisions of Regulation S-X Article 7:
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties S-1
Schedule IV - Reinsurance S-2
</Table>
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or
required or because the required information is included in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
Item 15. (a)(3) The following is a list of the exhibits filed as part of this
Form 10-K. The SEC file number for the exhibits incorporated by reference is
333-111553 except as otherwise noted.
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
3(i) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit
Life Company dated September 26, 2000. Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2002.
3(ii) Amended and Restated By-Laws of Lincoln Benefit Life Company
effective March 10, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
10.1 Form of Investment Management Agreement among Allstate
Investments, LLC, Allstate Insurance Company, The Allstate
Corporation and certain affiliates effective January 1, 2007.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Allstate
Life Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007.
(SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.2 Form of Tax Sharing Agreement among The Allstate Corporation and
certain affiliates dated as of November 12, 1996. Incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Allstate Life Insurance
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007. (SEC File No.
000-31248)
48
<Page>
10.3 Cash Management Services Master Agreement between Allstate
Insurance Company and Allstate Bank (aka Allstate Federal Savings
Bank) dated March 16, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2002.
10.4 Amendment No.1 to Cash Management Services Master Agreement
effective January 5, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2002.
10.5 Amendment No. 2 entered into November 8, 2002 to the Cash
Management Services Master Agreement between Allstate Insurance
Company, Allstate Bank and Allstate Motor Club, Inc. dated March
16, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to
Allstate Life Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
for 2007. (SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.6 Premium Depository Service Supplement dated as of September 30,
2005 to Cash Management Services Master Agreement between Allstate
Insurance Company, Allstate Bank, Allstate Motor Club, Inc. and
certain other parties. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.20 to Allstate Life Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K filed for 2007. (SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.7 Variable Annuity Service Supplement dated November 10, 2005 to
Cash Management Services Agreement between Allstate Bank, Allstate
Life Insurance Company of New York and certain other parties.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Allstate Life
Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for 2007.
(SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.8 Sweep Agreement Service Supplement dated as of October 11, 2006 to
Cash Management Services Master Agreement between Allstate Life
Insurance Company, Allstate Bank, Allstate Motor Club, Inc. and
certain other companies. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.22 to Allstate Life Insurance Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed for 2007. (SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.9 Form of Amended and Restated Service and Expense Agreement between
Allstate Insurance Company, The Allstate Corporation and certain
affiliates effective January 1, 2004. Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Allstate Life Insurance Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007. (SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.10 Administrative Services Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life
Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company effective June 1,
2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2006.
10.11 Administrative Services Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance
Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company dated October 1, 1996.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter
ended June 30, 2002.
10.12 First Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement between
Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company
effective December 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed February 4, 2008.
49
<Page>
10.13 Administrative Services Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance
Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective September 1,
1998 and as amended effective June 19, 2000. Incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.14 Second Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement between
Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company
effective December 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed February 1, 2008.
10.15 Principal Underwriting Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life
Company and ALFS, Inc., effective November 25, 1998. (Variable
Universal Life Account). Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.16 Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement between
Lincoln Benefit Life Company and ALFS, Inc. effective June 1,
2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December
20, 2007.
10.17 Selling Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company, ALFS, Inc.
(f/k/a Allstate Financial Services, Inc.) and Allstate Financial
Services, LLC (f/k/a LSA Securities, Inc.) effective August 2,
1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Allstate
Life Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003. (SEC
File No. 000-31248)
10.18 Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and
Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31, 2001.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter
ended June 30, 2002.
10.19 Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance
Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31,
2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter
ended June 30, 2002.
10.20 Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance
Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31,
2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter
ended June 30, 2002.
10.21 Intercompany Loan Agreement among The Allstate Corporation,
Allstate Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Benefit Life Company and
other certain subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation dated
February 1, 1996. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.24 of Allstate Life Insurance Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for 2006. (SEC File No. 000-31248)
10.22 Form of Service Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and
Allstate Assignment Company effective June 25, 2001.
10.23 First Amendment to Service Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life
Company and Allstate Assignment Company effective December 1,
2007.
10.24 Agreement for the Settlement of State and Local Tax Credits among
Allstate Insurance Company and certain affiliates effective
January 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to Lincoln Benefit Life Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
February 21, 2008.
50
<Page>
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1 Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2 Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32 Section 1350 Certifications
99 The Allstate Corporation Policy Regarding Pre-Approval of
Independent Auditor's Services effective November 10, 2003.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99(ii) to Lincoln
Benefit Life Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004.
ITEM 15. (b)
The exhibits are listed in Item 15. (a) (3) above.
ITEM 15. (c)
The financial statement schedules are listed in Item 15. (a) (2) above.
51
<Page>
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.
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
(Registrant)
March 14, 2008 /s/ Samuel H. Pilch
----------------------------------------
Samuel H. Pilch
(Controller)
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 capacity and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ----------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------
/s/ James E. Hohmann Chairman of the Board and March 14, 2008
- ----------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
James E. Hohmann (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ John C. Pintozzi Vice President, Chief Financial March 14, 2008
- ----------------------------- Officer and a Director
John C. Pintozzi (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Lawrence W. Dahl President, Chief Operating March 14, 2008
- ----------------------------- Officer and a Director
Lawrence W. Dahl
/s/ John C. Lounds Director March 14, 2008
- -----------------------------
John C. Lounds
/s/ Kevin R. Slawin Director March 14, 2008
- -----------------------------
Kevin R. Slawin
/s/ Michael J.Velotta Director March 14, 2008
- -----------------------------
Michael J. Velotta
/s/ Douglas B. Welch Director March 14, 2008
- -----------------------------
Douglas B.Welch
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED
52
<Page>
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
All of the outstanding common stock of the Company is owned by Allstate
Life Insurance Company. The Company has not provided any of the following items
to security holders:
(1) annual reports to security holders covering the registrant's last
fiscal year; or
(2) proxy statements, forms of proxy or other proxy soliciting materials.
53
<Page>
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
DECEMBER 31, 2007
<Table>
<Caption>
AMOUNTS AT
WHICH SHOWN
ON BALANCE
($ IN THOUSANDS) COST FAIR VALUE SHEET
-------- ---------- -----------
Type of investment
Fixed maturities:
Bonds:
United States government, government agencies and authorities $110,214 $115,820 $115,820
States, municipalities and political subdivisions 501 531 531
Public utilities 4,107 4,003 4,003
All other corporate bonds 80,691 80,809 80,809
Mortgage-backed securities 28,114 27,905 27,905
Asset-backed securities 11,034 11,475 11,475
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 32,131 32,601 32,601
-------- -------- --------
Total fixed maturities 266,792 $273,144 273,144
-------- ======== --------
Short-term investments 28,057 28,057
-------- --------
Total investments $294,849 $301,201
======== ========
</Table>
S-1
<Page>
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY
SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE
($ IN THOUSANDS)
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENTAGE
OF AMOUNT
GROSS NET ASSUMED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 AMOUNT CEDED (1) ASSUMED AMOUNT TO NET
------------ ------------ ---------- ------ ----------
Life insurance in force $315,111,039 $322,635,416 $7,524,377 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
Premiums and contract charges:
Life and annuities $ 922,355 $ 931,487 $ 9,132 $-- --
Accident and health 116,316 116,316 -- -- --
------------ ------------ ---------- ---
$ 1,038,671 $ 1,047,803 $ 9,132 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
Life insurance in force $283,305,442 $290,974,479 $7,669,037 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
Premiums and contract charges:
Life and annuities $ 822,872 $ 833,110 $ 10,238 $-- --
Accident and health 121,951 121,951 -- -- --
------------ ------------ ---------- ---
$ 944,823 $ 955,061 $ 10,238 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
Life insurance in force $244,866,423 $250,002,951 $5,136,528 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
Premiums and contract charges:
Life and annuities $ 729,320 $ 735,892 $ 6,572 $-- --
Accident and health 111,371 111,371 -- -- --
------------ ------------ ---------- ---
$ 840,691 $ 847,263 $ 6,572 $-- --
============ ============ ========== ===
</Table>
(1) No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premiums ceded in
2007, 2006 and 2005.
S-2