Item 1. Business
Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company (“TALIC”, “Registrant”, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON USA, LLC (“AUSA”). AUSA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON N.V., a limited liability share company organized under Dutch law. AEGON N.V. and its subsidiaries and joint ventures have life insurance and pension operations in over twenty countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia and are also active in savings and investment operations, accident and health insurance, general insurance and limited banking operations in a number of these countries. Prior to December 28, 2007, the Company was an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML&Co”).
The Registrant is a life insurance company, who conducts its business primarily in the annuity markets and to a lesser extent in the life insurance markets of the financial services industry. The Registrant was incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington on January 27, 1986 and redomesticated to the State of Arkansas on August 31, 1991. The Registrant is currently subject to primary regulation by the Arkansas Insurance Department.
The Registrant is currently licensed to conduct business in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. During 2012, life insurance and/or annuity deposits on existing policies were made in all states the Registrant was licensed in, with the largest concentration in Florida, 28%, Texas, 13%, California, 9%, Illinois, 9%, and New Jersey, 5%. Currently, the Company is not issuing new life insurance, variable annuity and market value adjusted annuity products. In 2012, the Company began selling a fixed contingent annuity (also sometimes referred to as a contingent deferred annuity (“CDA”)) that includes a stand-alone living benefit (“SALB”). A SALB is essentially a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit which exists independently and is applied to mutual funds and exchange traded funds.
Information pertaining to contract owner deposits, contract owner account balances, and capital contributions can be found in the Registrant’s Financial Statements which are contained herein.
The Registrant makes available, free of charge, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. This information is available through About Us section under Financial Strength of the Transamerica website at www.transamerica.com. These reports are available through the website as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registrant electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risk Factors that Could Affect Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company
In the course of conducting its business operations, the Company could be exposed to a variety of risks that are inherent to the insurance industry. A summary of some of the significant risks that could affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is included below. Some of these risks are managed in accordance with established risk management policies and procedures. Other factors besides those discussed below or elsewhere in this Form 10-K also could adversely affect our business and operations, and the following risk factors should not be considered a complete list of potential risks that may affect the Company.
Our operating environment remains uncertain about the timing and strength of a recovery in the U.S. and global economy. The steps we have taken to realign our business and strengthen our capital position may not be adequate to mitigate the financial and other risks associated with our operating environment which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition
Uncertainty about the timing and strength of a recovery in the U.S. and global economy continued to affect our operating environment. Our results, financial condition and statutory capital remain sensitive to equity market volatility and performance,
and expectations are that market conditions will continue to pressure returns in our investment portfolio. Concerns over the European debt crisis, the ability of the U.S Government to manage the U.S. deficit, prolonged high unemployment and a stagnant U.S. real estate market have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the market going forward. These events may have an adverse effect on us given our equity market exposure and our revenues may decline in such circumstances. In addition, we may experience an elevated instance of claims and lapses or surrenders of our policies. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We maintain a level of cash and securities which, combined with expected cash inflows from investments and operations, is believed adequate to meet anticipated short-term and long-term benefit obligations. However, withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, such as changes in economic conditions. In addition, disruptions, uncertainty, or volatility in the capital and credit markets may limit our access to capital required to operate our business. Such market conditions may limit our ability to satisfy statutory capital requirements, fund redemption requests, and generate fee income and market related revenue to meet liquidity needs. As such, we may be forced to utilize available internal resources or bear an unattractive cost of capital, which could decrease our profitability and significantly reduce our financial flexibility and liquidity.
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, and equity prices that may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risks including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, market volatility, performance of the economy, in general, the performance of the specific obligors included in our portfolio and other factors outside our control. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates will increase the net unrealized loss position of our investment portfolio and sustained increases in interest rates may result in policyholders surrendering their contracts which may require us to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. Tax planning strategies can also be adversely affected by a rise in interest rates by limiting the ability to recognize tax benefits associated with operating and capital loss carryforwards. Conversely, due to the long-term nature of some of our liabilities, sustained declines in interest rates may subject us to reinvestment risk, increased hedging costs, spread compression and capital volatility.
The exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price variability and reinvestment risk associated with changes in credit spreads. If issuer credit spreads widen or increase significantly over an extended period of time, it would likely result in additional other-than-temporary impairments and increases in net unrealized loss position in our investment portfolio will likely result. If credit spreads tighten significantly, net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturities may be reduced. Credit spread tightening may also cause an increase in the reported value of certain liabilities that are valued using a discount rate that reflects our own credit spread. In addition, market volatility may make it difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period-to-period changes from market volatility, which could have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
The exposure to equity risks relates to the potential for lower earnings associated with our equity-based Separate Accounts, where fee income is earned based upon account values. The significant fluctuations in equity markets over the last several years have significantly impacted the account values and related fee income during those years. In addition, certain of our products offer guaranteed benefits which increase our potential benefit exposure and statutory capital exposure should equity markets decline. Sustained declines in equity markets may result in the need to devote significant additional capital to support these products.
The insurance industry is heavily regulated and changes in regulation, including the enactment of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), may adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity
The insurance industry is subject to comprehensive state regulation and supervision. We are also impacted by federal legislation and administrative policies in areas such as financial services regulations and federal taxation. The primary purpose of state regulation of the insurance business is to protect policyholders. The laws of the various states establish insurance departments with broad powers to regulate such matters as: licensing companies to transact business, admitting statutory assets, regulating unfair trade and claims practices, establishing statutory reserve requirements and solvency standards, restricting various transactions between affiliates and regulating the types, amounts and valuation of investments. State insurance regulators, federal regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) continually reexamine existing laws and regulations, and may impose changes in the future.
State insurance guaranty associations have the right to assess insurance companies doing business in their state for funds to help pay the obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. As the amount and timing of an assessment is beyond our control, the liabilities established for these potential assessments may not be adequate.
Recently, there has been an increase in potential federal initiatives that would affect the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in July 2010, provides for comprehensive changes to the regulation of the financial services industry by granting existing government agencies and newly created government agencies and bodies (e.g., the Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Federal Insurance Office) authority to promulgate new financial regulations applicable to financial institutions. These new regulations may subject our parent to a number of requirements, including, among others, stress tests and stricter prudential standards, such as stricter requirements and limitations relating to liquidity, credit exposure and risk management. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the Federal Insurance Office, which does not have general authority over the business of insurance, to make recommendations to the Financial Stability Oversight Council that certain insurers be subject to more stringent regulation. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Insurance Office to conduct a study on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States. Many of the provisions of this legislation require substantial rulemaking across numerous agencies within the federal government. Although this process began in the second half of 2010, it is proceeding substantially slower than the aggressive schedule contemplated at the time of enactment. Consequently, the ultimate impact of any of these provisions on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources is currently indeterminable.
Potential changes in federal or state tax laws, including changes impacting the availability of the Separate Accounts dividend received deduction, may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition
Changes in federal and state tax laws could make certain products the Company has sold less attractive to consumers. For example, enacted reductions in the federal income tax that individual investors are required to pay on dividends and capital gains on stocks and mutual funds provide an incentive for some customers and potential customers to shift assets into mutual funds, and away from variable annuity products. These enacted tax rate reductions may impact the relative attractiveness of annuities as compared to stocks and mutual funds. In addition, the Company benefits from certain tax benefits, such as dividends received deductions and tax credits.
Due in large part to the recent financial crisis that has affected many governments, there is an increasing risk that federal and/or state tax legislation could be enacted that would result in higher taxes on insurance companies and/or their policyholders. Although the specific form of any such potential legislation is uncertain, it may include lessening or eliminating some or all of the tax advantages currently benefiting the Company or its policyholders. This could occur in the context of deficit reduction or other tax reforms. The effects of any such changes could result in lapses of policies currently held and/or the incurrence of higher corporate taxes which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in equity markets and other factors may significantly affect our financial results
The fee revenue that is earned on equity-based Separate Accounts assets is generally based upon account values. As strong equity markets result in higher account values, strong equity markets positively affect our results of operations through increased policy charge revenue and decreased benefit exposure. Increased fee revenue resulting from strong equity markets increases the expected gross profits (“EGPs”) from variable insurance products as do lower-than-expected lapses, mortality rates, and expenses. As a result, the higher EGPs may improve margins through lower amortized costs related to deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), and value of business acquired (“VOBA”). Correspondingly, a decrease in the equity markets as well as increases in lapses, mortality rates, and expenses depending upon their significance, may reduce margins through higher net amortized costs associated with DAC, DSI, and VOBA and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and capital resources. For more information on DAC, DSI, and VOBA amortization, see “Item 7 - Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies” below.
Changes in equity markets and interest rates affects the profitability of our products with guaranteed benefits, therefore, such changes may have a material adverse effect on our financial results
The valuation of liabilities related to the guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) for variable annuities is tied to the difference between the value of the underlying accounts and the guaranteed death or income benefit, calculated using a benefit ratio approach. The GMDB and GMIB liability valuations take into account the present value of total expected GMDB and GMIB payments and the present value of total expected assessments over the life of the contract and claims and assessments to date. Both the level of expected GMDB and GMIB payments and expected total assessments used in calculating the benefit ratio are affected by the equity markets. Accordingly, a decrease in the equity markets will increase the net amount at risk under the GMDB and the GMIB benefits we offer as part of our variable annuity products, which has the effect of increasing the value of GMDB and GMIB liabilities we must record.
The value of liabilities related to the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) for variable annuities are based on the fair value of the underlying benefit. The liabilities related to GMWB benefits valued at fair value are impacted by changes in equity markets, volatility and interest rates. Accordingly, strong equity markets and increases in interest rates will generally decrease the value of GMWB liabilities. Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets, along with a decrease in interest rates, will result in an increase in the value of GMWB liabilities we must record.
The value of contra liabilities related to the reinsurance of guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB reinsurance”) for variable annuities is based on the fair value of the underlying benefit. The contra liabilities related to the GMIB reinsurance benefits valued at fair value are affected by changes in equity markets, volatility and interest rates. Accordingly, strong equity markets and increases in interest rates will generally decrease the value of the GMIB reinsurance contra liability. Conversely, a decrease in the equity markets, along with a decrease in interest rates, will generally result in an increase in the GMIB reinsurance contra liabilities we must record. Changes in the values of guaranteed benefits would result in a charge to earnings in the quarter in which the liabilities are increased or decreased.
A customized dynamic hedge program is maintained to mitigate the risks associated with income volatility around the change in reserves on GMWB. However, the hedge positions may not be effective to exactly offset the changes in the carrying value of the guarantees due to, among other things, the time lag between changes in their values and corresponding changes in the hedge positions, high levels of volatility in the equity markets and derivatives, extreme swings in interest rates, contract holder behavior that is different than expected, and divergence between the performing of the underlying funds and hedging indices. In addition, a separate hedge program is maintained to mitigate the net equity risk associated with variable annuities and variable universal life products. The program does not hedge any specific product group, but rather provides protection against a portion of the total remaining equity tail risk after existing hedge programs across all products in extreme market decline scenarios.
Our valuations of many of our financial instruments include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Fixed maturity, equity, trading securities, free standing and embedded derivatives and Separate Account assets are reported at estimated fair value on our Balance Sheets. The determination of estimated fair value is made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
During periods of market disruption, including periods of rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the financial environment. In such cases, securities may require more subjectivity and management judgment in determining their fair values and those fair values may differ materially from the value at which the investments may be ultimately sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities and period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Defaults in our bonds, private placements and mortgage loan portfolios may adversely affect profitability and shareholder’s equity
For general account products, we typically bear the risk for investment performance (return of principal and interest). We are exposed to credit risk on our fixed income portfolio (e.g. bonds, mortgages, private placements). Some issuers have defaulted on their financial obligations for various reasons, including bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, downturns in the economy, downturns in the real estate values, operational failure, and fraud. Any event reducing the value of the fixed income portfolio other than on a temporary basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Changes in market interest rates may adversely affect our financial results
The profitability of our fixed life and annuity products depends in part on interest rate spreads, therefore, interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect our financial results. Some of our fixed products have interest rate guarantees that expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce our “spread” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts and the amounts we are able to earn on our general account investments intended to support our obligations under the contracts. Declines in our spread or instances where the returns on our general account investments are not enough to support the interest rate guarantees on these products could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
In periods of increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace the assets in our general account with higher yielding assets needed to fund the higher crediting rates. We therefore may have to accept a lower spread and thus lower profitability or face a decline in sales and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In periods of declining interest rates, we have to reinvest the cash we receive as interest or return of principal on our investments in lower yielding instruments then available. Moreover, borrowers may prepay fixed income securities in our general account in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk. As we are entitled to reset the interest rates on our fixed rate annuities only at limited, pre-established intervals, and since many of our policies have guaranteed minimum interest or crediting rates, our spreads could decrease and potentially become negative.
Increases in interest rates may cause increased surrenders and withdrawals of insurance products. In periods of increasing interest rates, policy loans and surrenders and withdrawals of life insurance policies and annuity contracts may increase as policyholders seek products with perceived higher returns. This process may lead to cash outflows of our existing block of business. These outflows may require investment assets to be sold at a time when the prices of those assets are lower because of the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. A sudden demand among policyholders to change product types or withdraw funds could lead us to sell assets at a loss to meet funding demands.
Business and financial results may be adversely affected by an inability to sell assets to meet maturing obligations
We could be exposed to liquidity risk, which is the risk that we cannot quickly convert invested assets to cash without incurring significant losses. Our liquidity may be impaired due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as general market disruptions or an operational problem. Our ability to sell assets may also be impaired if other market participants are seeking to sell similar assets at the same time. The inability to sell assets to meet maturing obligations, a negative change in its credit ratings, or regulatory capital restrictions, may have an adverse effect on financial results.
Our participation in a securities lending program subjects us to potential liquidity and other risks
We participate in a securities lending program whereby fixed income securities are loaned by our agent bank to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms and commercial banks. The borrowers of our securities provide us with collateral, typically in cash, which we separately maintain. We invest such cash collateral in other securities, primarily in commercial paper and money market or other short-term funds.
Almost all securities on loan under the program can be returned to us by the borrower at any time. Returns of loaned securities would require us to return the cash collateral associated with such loaned securities. In addition, in some cases, the maturity of the securities held as invested collateral (e.g. securities that we have purchased with cash received from third parties) may exceed the term of the related securities on loan and/or the market value of these securities may fall below the amount of cash we are obligated to return to the borrower of our loaned securities. If we are required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and we are forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, we may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than we otherwise would have been able to realize under normal market conditions, or both. In addition, under stressful capital market and economic conditions, such as those conditions we have experienced recently, liquidity broadly deteriorates, which may further restrict our ability to sell securities.
Differences between actual claims experience and underwriting and reserving assumptions may require liabilities to be increased, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial results
Our earnings depend upon the extent to which actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions used in setting the prices for products and establishing the technical provisions and liabilities for claims. To the extent that actual claims experience is less favorable than the underlying assumptions used in establishing such liabilities, earnings would be reduced. Furthermore, if these higher claims were part of a trend, we may be required to increase our liabilities, which may also reduce income. In addition, certain acquisition costs related to the sale of new policies and the purchase of policies already in force have been recorded as assets on the balance sheet and are being amortized into earnings over time. If the assumptions relating to the future profitability of these policies (such as future claims, investment income, and expenses) are not realized, the amortization of these costs may be accelerated and may require write-offs due to unrecoverability. This may have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Environmental liability exposure from our commercial mortgage loan portfolio may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Liability under environmental protection laws resulting from our commercial mortgage loan portfolio may adversely affect our results of operation. Under the laws of several states, contamination of a property may give rise to a lien on the property to secure recovery of the costs of cleanup. In some states, this kind of lien has priority over the lien of an existing mortgage against the property, which would impair our ability to foreclose on the property should the related loan be in default. In addition, we may be liable for costs of addressing releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that require remedy at a property securing a mortgage loan held by us, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
A pandemic, terrorist attack or other catastrophic event may adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity
Our mortality experience may be adversely impacted by a catastrophic event. In addition, a severe catastrophic event may cause significant volatility in global financial markets, disruptions to commerce, and reduced economic activity. The resulting macroeconomic conditions may adversely affect our cash flows as well as the value and liquidity of our invested assets. We may also experience operational disruptions if our employees are unable or unwilling to come to work due to a pandemic or other catastrophe.
A computer system failure, cyber attack or security breach may disrupt our business, damage our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows
We use computer systems to store, retrieve, evaluate and utilize customer and company data and information. Our business is highly dependent on our ability to access these systems to perform necessary business functions such as providing customer support, administering variable products, making changes to existing policies, filing and paying claims, managing our investment portfolios, and producing financial statements. While we have policies, procedures, automation and backup plans designed to prevent or limit the effect of failure, our computer systems may be vulnerable to disruptions or breaches as a result of natural disasters, man-made disasters, criminal activity, pandemics, data and identity theft, or other events beyond our control. The failure of our computer systems for any reason could disrupt our operations, result in loss of customer business and may adversely affect our profitability.
We retain confidential information on our computer systems, including customer information and proprietary business information. Any compromise of the security of our computer systems that results in the disclosure of personally identifiable customer information could damage our reputation, expose us to litigation, increase regulatory scrutiny and require us to incur significant technical, legal, and other expenses.
Changes in accounting standards may adversely affect our financial statements
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). From time to time, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards or guidance. It is possible that future accounting standards we are required to adopt could change the current accounting treatment that we apply to our financial statements and that such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The FASB is working closely with the International Accounting Standards Board on several projects, which could result in significant changes as GAAP converges with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Furthermore, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is considering whether and how to incorporate IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system. The accounting changes being proposed by the FASB will be a complete change to how we account for and report significant areas of our business. The effective dates and transition methods are not known; however, we may be required to or may choose to adopt the new standards retrospectively. In this case, we will report results under the new accounting method as of the effective date, as well as for all periods presented.
Litigation and regulatory investigations may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition
In recent years, the insurance industry has increasingly been the subject of litigation, investigation, and regulatory activity by various governmental and enforcement authorities concerning common industry practices such as the disclosure of contingent commissions and suitability of sales. We cannot predict at this time the effect this current trend towards litigation and investigation will have on the insurance industry or to our business. Lawsuits, including class actions and regulatory actions, may be difficult to assess or quantify, may seek recovery of very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, and their existence and magnitude may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. A substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We have received regulatory inquiries and examinations from certain state insurance regulators and other officials relating to compliance with unclaimed property laws and the use of data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (or a similar database) to identify instances where benefits under life insurance policies, annuities and retained asset accounts are payable. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar inquiries and that such inquiries may result in payments to beneficiaries, escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws and changes to procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims
We may be subject to costly litigation in the event that another party alleges our operations or activities infringe upon another party’s intellectual property rights. Third parties may have, or may eventually be issued, patents that could be infringed by our products, methods, processes or services. Any party that holds such a patent could make a claim of infringement against us. We may also be subject to claims by third parties for breach of copyright, trademark, trade secret or license usage rights. Any such claims and any resulting litigation could result in significant liability for damages. If we were found to have infringed a third-party patent or other intellectual property rights, we could incur substantial liability, and in some circumstances could be enjoined from providing certain products or services to our customers or utilizing and benefiting from certain methods, processes, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or licenses, or alternatively could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Growth in revenues is dependent on sales of potential new products, if any, along with the market performance of the assets underlying the policies and the policy and rider fees received on the declining number of life insurance, variable annuity and market value adjusted annuity policies in force
The economic environment in recent years presented significant challenges to the Company’s ability to issue certain products at competitive returns leading to the Company’s election to discontinue new sales of life insurance, variable annuity and market value adjusted products. In 2012, the Company launched a new fixed contingent annuity (also sometimes referred to as a CDA) that includes a SALB rider. There is a risk that state regulators could determine that CDAs are not life insurance products but rather financial guarantee insurance or existing actuarial or financial standards are inadequate when applied to CDAs and therefore require more stringent regulations, both of which could impact the Company’s ability to issue such products, potentially making growth of future revenues limited and uncertain.
The uncertainty of the performance of the securities markets would also mean that where the Company’s revenues are dependent on fees or charges based on market value of investments underlying the policies, the Company’s revenues would also be uncertain. Further, as policyholders surrender their policies and the number of policies in force is reduced, and as policyholders die or otherwise withdraw value from their policies, the revenues that the Company receives for policy and rider administration, and for mortality and expense risks will likely decline over time. However, there remain a significant number of annuity and life insurance policies in force that will continue to be serviced and are expected to continue to generate revenues for the foreseeable future.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Registrant’s home office is located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Personnel performing services for the Registrant operate in AUSA office space in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and St. Petersburg, Florida. An allocable share of the cost of each of the above mentioned premises was paid by the Registrant through the common cost allocation service agreement.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company, like other life insurance companies, is involved from time to time in litigation, regulatory audits and examination activity, and regulatory inquiries from state insurance regulators and other officials.
The industry currently is reviewing its unclaimed property practices in light of evolving standards introduced by the regulators. Some insurers have been named in class actions and other litigation, regulatory audits and examinations involving, among other things, unclaimed property where substantial damages have been sought and/or material settlement payments have been made.
Although the outcome of any litigation, regulatory audit or examination cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits, regulatory audits or examinations that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse impact on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(a) The Registrant is a wholly owned subsidiary of AUSA. There is no public trading market for the Registrant’s common stock.
During 2012 and 2011, the Registrant did not pay any dividends to AUSA nor did it receive any capital contributions from AUSA. No other cash or stock dividends have been declared on Registrant’s common stock at any time during the two most recent fiscal years. Under laws applicable to insurance companies domiciled in the State of Arkansas, the Registrant’s ability to pay extraordinary dividends on its common stock is restricted. See Note 7 to the Registrant’s Financial Statements.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Information called for by this item is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I. of Form 10-K.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations
This Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements included herein.
Forward Looking Statements
The statements contained in this Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, should, would, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to our Company. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:
•
Changes in general economic conditions;
•
Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:
¡
The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in our fixed income investment portfolios; and
¡
The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities we hold;
•
The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
•
Changes affecting mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of our insurance products;
•
Changes affecting interest rate levels and continuing low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
•
Increasing levels of competition;
•
Changes in laws and regulations, particularly those affecting our operations, the products we sell, and the attractiveness of certain products to our customers;
•
Regulatory changes relating to the insurance industry in the jurisdictions in which we operate;
•
Lowering of one or more of the financial strength ratings and the adverse impact such action may have on the premium writings, policy retention, profitability and liquidity;
•
Acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics;
•
Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
•
Litigation or regulatory actions that could require us to pay significant damages or change the way we do business;
•
Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
•
Competitive, legal, regulatory or tax changes that affect the distribution cost of or demand for our products;
•
The impact of product withdrawals, restructurings and other unusual items; and
•
Our failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies as well as other cost saving initiatives.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect Company expectations at the time of the writing. Actual results may differ materially from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. The reader should, however, consult any further disclosures TALIC may make in future filings of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Business Overview
Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company (“TALIC”, “Registrant”, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON USA, LLC (“AUSA”). AUSA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON N.V., a limited liability share company organized under Dutch law. The Company is domiciled in Arkansas.
TALIC conducts its business primarily in the annuity markets and to a lesser extent in the life insurance markets of the financial services industry. The Company offered the following guaranteed benefits within its variable annuity product suite: guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”), guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”). In addition, the Company sells a fixed contingent annuity (also sometimes referred to as a contingent deferred annuity (“CDA”)), which includes a stand-alone living benefit (“SALB”).
The Company’s gross earnings are principally derived from two sources:
•
the charges imposed on variable annuity, CDA and variable life insurance contracts, and
•
the net earnings from investment of fixed rate life insurance and annuity contract owner deposits less interest credited to contract owners, commonly known as interest spread.
The costs associated with acquiring contract owner deposits (deferred policy acquisition costs) are amortized over the period in which the Company anticipates holding those funds, as noted in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section below. Insurance expenses and taxes reported in the Statements of Income are net of amounts deferred. In addition, the Company incurs expenses associated with the maintenance of in force contracts.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Therefore, actual results could differ and could have a material impact on the financial statements, and it is possible that such changes could occur in the near term.
The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed below. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding accounting policies.
Valuation of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
The Company’s investments consist principally of fixed maturity and equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) which are reported at estimated fair value. In addition, the Company held fixed maturity securities which contain a conversion to equity feature, which is considered an embedded derivative. These fixed maturity securities have been classified as trading and are reported at estimated fair value. During 2012, the last of these securities converted so the Company no longer holds any of these securities as of December 31, 2012. The fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities are determined by management after taking into consideration several sources of data. When available, the Company uses quoted market prices in active markets to determine the fair value of its investments. The Company’s valuation policy utilizes a pricing hierarchy which dictates that publicly available prices are initially sought from indices and third-party pricing services. In the event that pricing is not available from these sources, those securities are submitted to brokers to obtain quotes. If broker quotes are not available, then securities are priced using internal cash flow modeling techniques. These valuation methodologies commonly use reported trades, bids, offers, issuer spreads, benchmark yields, estimated prepayment speeds, and/or estimated cash flows.
To understand the valuation methodologies used by third-party pricing services, the Company reviews and monitors their applicable methodology documents. Any changes to their methodologies are noted and reviewed for reasonableness. In addition, the Company performs in-depth reviews of prices received from third-party pricing services on a sample basis. The objective for such reviews is to demonstrate that the Company can corroborate detailed information such as assumptions, inputs and methodologies used in pricing individual securities against documented pricing methodologies. Only third-party pricing services and brokers with a substantial presence in the market and with appropriate experience and expertise are used.
Each month, the Company performs an analysis of the information obtained from third-party services and brokers to ensure that the information is reasonable and produces a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors as part of this analysis, including but not limited to, recent transactional activity for similar fixed maturities, review of pricing statistics and trends, and consideration of recent relevant market events. Other controls and procedures over pricing received from indices, third-party pricing services, or brokers include validation checks such as exception reports which highlight significant price changes, stale prices or un-priced securities. In addition, the Company performs back testing on a sample basis. Back testing involves selecting a sample of securities trades and comparing the prices in those transactions to prices used for financial reporting. Significant variances between the price used for financial reporting and the transaction price are investigated to explain the cause of the difference.
The Company’s portfolio of private placement securities is valued using a matrix pricing methodology. The pricing methodology is obtained from a third party service and indicates current spreads for securities based on weighted average life, credit rating and industry sector. Monthly the Company reviews the matrix to ensure the spreads are reasonable by comparing them to observed spreads for similar securities traded in the market. In order to account for the illiquid nature of these securities, illiquidity premiums are included in the valuation and are determined based upon the pricing of recent transactions in the private placement market as well as comparing the value of the privately offered security to a similar public security. The impact of the illiquidity premium to the overall valuation is less than 1% of the value. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, approximately $63.6 million (or 4%) and $56.7 million (or 3%), respectively, of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities portfolio consisted of private placement securities.
Changes in the fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities deemed AFS are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes on the Balance Sheets and are not reflected in the Statements of Income until a sale transaction occurs or when credit-related declines in estimated fair value are deemed other-than-temporary. Changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities deemed trading are reported as a component of net investment income.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”) Losses on Investments
The Company regularly reviews each investment in its fixed maturity and equity AFS securities portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. Management makes this determination through a series of discussions with the Company’s portfolio managers and credit analysts, and information obtained from external sources (i.e.; company announcements, ratings agency announcements, or news wire services). For fixed maturity AFS securities, the Company also considers whether it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The factors that may give rise to a potential OTTI include, but are not limited to, i) certain credit-related events such as default of principal or interest payments by the issuer, ii) bankruptcy of issuer, iii) certain security restructurings, and iv) fair market value less than cost or amortized cost for an extended period of time. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated fair value on these securities represents management’s best estimate and is based on comparable securities and other assumptions as appropriate. Management bases this determination on the most recent information available.
For equity securities, once management determines a decline in the value of an AFS security is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the equity security is reduced to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings.
For fixed maturity AFS securities, an OTTI must be recognized in earnings when an entity either: a) has the intent to sell the debt security or b) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the Company meets either of these criteria, the OTTI is recognized in earnings in an amount equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For fixed maturity AFS securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet these criteria, the Company must analyze its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recorded. The OTTI is separated into two pieces: an amount representing the credit loss, where the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, and an amount related to all other factors (referred to as the non credit portion). The credit loss is recognized in earnings and the non credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), net of applicable taxes and value of business acquired. Management records subsequent changes in the estimated fair value (positive and negative) of fixed maturity AFS securities for which non credit OTTI was previously recognized in OCI in OCI-OTTI.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $0.3 million, net of value of business acquired amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $1.2 million, with no associated value of business acquired amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $1.6 million, net of value of business acquired amortization.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are net of valuation allowances and generic reserves. The fair value for mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and/or similar remaining maturities. Interest income is accrued on the principal balance of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method over the life of the loan. Interest income and amortization of premiums and discounts are reported in net investment income along with mortgage loan fees, which are recorded as they are incurred.
Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When the Company determines that a loan is impaired, a valuation allowance is established for the excess carrying value of the loan over its estimated collateral value. Changing economic conditions impact the valuation of mortgage loans. Changing vacancies and rents are incorporated into the discounted cash flow analysis that the Company performs for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) an allowance for losses. In addition, the Company continues to monitor the entire commercial mortgage loan portfolio to identify risk. Areas of emphasis are properties that have deteriorating credits or have experienced debt coverage reduction. Where warranted, the Company has established or increased loss reserves based upon this analysis. The Company does not accrue interest on loans ninety days past due. The Company also establishes a generic reserve which is calculated by applying a percentage, based on risk rating and maturity, to the outstanding loan balance.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was $52.6 million and $55.7 million, respectively, in mortgage loans on real estate recorded on the Balance Sheets. The estimated fair value of the mortgage loans on real estate at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $59.5 million and $61.8 million, respectively. There were no impaired mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 or 2011. The general reserve at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was less than $0.1 million. The change in the valuation allowance and the general reserve is reflected in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding OTTI losses on securities in the Statements of Income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no mortgage loans that were two or more payments delinquent. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Derivative Instruments
Derivatives are financial instruments in which the value changes in response to an underlying variable, that require little or no net initial investment and are settled at a future date. The Company has entered into exchange traded derivatives, such as futures, options and variance swaps to hedge minimum guarantees on variable annuity contracts.
Futures contracts are used to hedge the liability risk associated with products providing the policyholder a return based on various global equity market indices. Net settlements on the futures occur daily.
Put and call options have been utilized by the Company to create equity collars designed to have a zero cost at issue, which serve to hedge the risk of equity market declines by selling a portion of market upside above the Company’s long-term expected return. This program does not hedge any specific product group, but rather provides protection against a portion of the total remaining equity tail risk after existing hedge programs across all products in extreme market decline scenarios.
The Company has entered into variance swaps to hedge the costs of the volatility of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (“S&P”) market. These variance swaps are similar to volatility options where the underlying index provides for the market value movements. Variance swaps do not accrue interest, and typically, no cash is exchanged at initiation.
All derivatives recognized on the Balance Sheets are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Statements of Income. The Company does not seek hedge accounting on these hedges because, in most cases, the derivatives’ change in value will create a natural offset in the Statements of Income with the change in reserves. The fair value for exchange traded derivatives, such as futures, are calculated net of the interest accrued to date and is based on quoted market prices. Fair value for the equity collar’s put and call options is calculated using the Black-Scholes model using market observable inputs for the underlying market price and volatility surface. The fair value of variance swaps is calculated as the difference between the estimated volatility of the underlying S&P index at maturity to the actual volatility of the underlying S&P index at initiation (i.e.; strike) multiplied by the notional value of the swap. At termination, the final fair value is recorded as a realized investment gain (loss) in the Statements of Income.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had 412 and 630 outstanding short futures contracts with a notional amount of $145.7 million and $197.3 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had variance swaps with a notional value of $11 thousand and $5 thousand, respectively, and a net fair value of ($1.9) million and ($1.3) million, respectively, which is presented as a liability on the Balance Sheets. The Company recognized $0.6 million and $1.0 million of losses from the change in fair value of the variance swaps in net investment income in the Statements of Income during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
At December 31, 2012, the Company had equity collars with a notional value of $1.5 billion and a net fair value of ($9.8) million. These collars were acquired in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the Company recognized $9.8 million of losses from the change in fair value of these derivatives during the year ended December 31, 2012, which was recorded as a component of net investment income.
The Company can also receive or pledge collateral related to derivative transactions. The credit support agreement contains a fair value threshold of $1.0 million over which collateral needs to be pledged by the Company or its counterparty. At December 31, 2012, the Company has pledged securities in the amount of $4.9 million to counterparties. At December 31, 2011, there was no cash collateral pledged or received on derivative transactions in accordance with the credit support agreement.
In addition, in order to trade futures, the Company is required to post collateral to an exchange (sometimes referred to as margin). The fair value of collateral posted in relation to the futures margin was $9.9 million and $16.9 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Securities Lending
Financial assets that are lent to a third party or that are transferred subject to a repurchase agreement at a fixed price are not derecognized as the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of asset ownership. The lent securities are included in fixed maturity AFS securities in the Balance Sheets. A liability is recognized for cash collateral received, required initially at 102%, on which interest is accrued. If the fair value of the collateral is at any time less than 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities, the counterparty is mandated to deliver additional collateral, the fair value of which, together with the collateral already held in connection with the lending transaction, is at least equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the payable for collateral under securities loaned was $216.3 million and $244.0 million, respectively.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Company enters into dollar roll repurchase agreement transactions whereby the Company takes delivery of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) pools and sells them to a counterparty along with an agreement to repurchase substantially the same pools at some point in the future, typically one month forward. These transactions are accounted for as collateralized borrowings, and the repurchase agreement liability is included in the Balance Sheet in payables for collateral under securities loaned and reverse repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2012, the payable for reverse repurchase agreements was $26.4 million. At December 31, 2012 the estimated fair value and amortized cost of the securities that were pledged to the counterparty to support the initial dollar roll was $26.2 million and $26.0 million, respectively. There were no reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, 2011.
Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”), Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DAC”), and Deferred Sales Inducements (“DSI”)
VOBA
VOBA represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the insurance and annuity contracts in force at the acquisition date. VOBA is based on actuarially determined projections, for each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality, policyholder behavior, Separate Account performance, operating expenses, investment returns, and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. Revisions in estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future gross profits are less than the unamortized balance. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s VOBA asset was $271.3 million and $309.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the favorable (unfavorable) impact to pre-tax income related to VOBA unlocking was $4.3 million, ($11.6) million, and $24.6 million, respectively. There were no impairment charges in 2012, 2011, and 2010. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
DAC
The costs of acquiring business, principally commissions, certain expenses related to policy issuance, and certain variable sales expenses that relate to and vary with the production of new and renewal business are deferred and amortized based on the estimated future gross profits for a group of contracts. DAC are subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issuance and loss recognition testing at the end of each reporting period. At December 31, 2012, and 2011, variable annuities accounted for the Company’s entire DAC asset of $44.7 million and $45.0 million, respectively.
DAC for variable annuities is amortized with interest over the anticipated lives of the insurance contracts in relation to the present values of estimated future gross profits from asset-based fees, guaranteed benefit rider fees, contract fees, and surrender charges, less a provision for guaranteed death and living benefit expenses, policy maintenance expenses, and non-capitalized commissions. Future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic evaluation with necessary revisions applied against amortization to date. The impact of revisions and assumptions to estimates on cumulative amortization is recorded as a charge or credit to current operations, commonly referred to as “unlocking”. Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on the amount of DAC reported and the related amortization patterns. In general, increases in the estimated Separate Accounts return and decreases in surrender or mortality assumptions increase the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may lower the rate of DAC amortization. Conversely, decreases in the estimated Separate Accounts returns and increases in surrender or mortality assumptions reduce the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may increase the rate of DAC amortization. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, there was a favorable (unfavorable) impact to pre-tax income related to DAC unlocking of $1.8 million, ($3.0) million, and $1.1 million, respectively. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
DSI
The Company offers a sales inducement whereby the contract owner receives a bonus which increases the initial account balance by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the contract owner’s deposit. This amount may be subject to recapture under certain circumstances. Consistent with DAC, sales inducements for variable annuity contracts are deferred and amortized based on the estimated future gross profits for each group of contracts. These future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic evaluation by the Company, with necessary revisions applied against amortization to date. The impact of these revisions on cumulative amortization is recorded as a charge or credit to current operations, commonly referred to as “unlocking”. It is reasonably possible that estimates of future gross profits could be reduced in the future, resulting in a material reduction in the carrying amount of the deferred sales inducement asset.
The expense and the subsequent capitalization and amortization (accretion) are recorded as a component of policy benefits in the Statements of Income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, variable annuities accounted for the Company’s entire DSI asset of $10.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, there was a favorable (unfavorable) impact to pre-tax income related to unlocking of $0.5 million, ($0.6) million, and $0.3 million, respectively. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
The long-term and short term growth rate assumption for the amortization of VOBA, DAC and DSI was 9% at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests conducted at least annually. Impairment testing is to be performed using the fair value approach, which requires the use of estimates and judgment, at the “reporting unit” level. A reporting unit represents the operating segment which is the level at which the financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management. The entire asset amount has been allocated to annuities. Goodwill is reviewed for indications of value impairment, with consideration given to financial performance and other relevant factors. In addition, certain events including a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, or unanticipated competition would cause the Company to review the carrying amounts of goodwill for impairment. When considered impaired, the carrying amounts are written down to fair value based primarily on discounted cash flows. The Company performed tests of goodwill at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 and determined there was no impairment of goodwill.
Policyholder Account Balances
The Company’s liability for policyholder account balances represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of policyholders at the Balance Sheet date. The liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits plus interest credited less policyholders’ withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balance. Policyholder account balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
Future Policy Benefits
Future policy benefits are actuarially determined liabilities, which are calculated to meet future obligations and are generally payable over an extended period of time. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of liabilities for future policy benefits are mortality, surrender rates, policy expenses, equity returns, interest rates, and inflation. These estimates and assumptions are influenced by historical experience, current developments and anticipated market trends. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, future policy benefits were $418.7 million and $475.9 million, respectively.
Included within future policy benefits are liabilities for GMDB and GMIB provisions contained in the variable products that the Company issues.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, GMDB and GMIB liabilities included within future policy benefits were as follows:
The Company regularly evaluates the assumptions used to establish these liabilities, as well as actual experience and adjusts GMDB and GMIB liabilities with a related charge or credit to earnings (“unlocking”), if actual experience or evidence suggests that the assumptions should be revised. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the favorable (unfavorable) impact to pre-tax income related to GMDB and GMIB unlocking was $36.2 million, ($70.0) million, and $41.0 million, respectively.
Future policy benefits also include liabilities, which can be either positive or negative, for contracts containing GMWB and SALB provisions and for the reinsurance of GMIB provisions (“GMIB reinsurance”) for contracts based on the fair value of the underlying benefit. GMWB and GMIB reinsurance are treated as embedded derivatives and are required to be reported separately from the host contract. The fair value of these guarantees are calculated as the present value of future expected payments to policyholders less the present value of assessed fees attributable to the guarantees. Given the complexity and long-term nature of these guarantees, which are unlike instruments available in financial markets, their fair values are determined using stochastic techniques under a variety of market return scenarios. A variety of factors are considered, including expected market rates of return, equity and interest rate volatility, credit spread, correlations of market returns, discount rates and actuarial assumptions. Currently, the Company does not hedge the risks associated with the SALB.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, GMWB liability and GMIB reinsurance asset included within future policy benefits were as follows:
At December 31, 2012, the future policy benefits for the SALB liability was less than $0.1 million.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method in providing income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in the financial statements. The asset and liability method requires that deferred taxes be adjusted to reflect the tax rates at which future taxable amounts will be settled or realized. The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts it believes it will ultimately owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the realization of certain tax deductions and credits.
Specific estimates include the realization of dividend-received deductions (“DRD”) and foreign tax credits (“FTC”). A portion of the Company’s investment income related to Separate Accounts business qualifies for the DRD and FTC. Information necessary to calculate these tax adjustments is typically not available until the following year. However, within the current year’s provision, management makes estimates regarding the future tax deductibility of these items. These estimates are primarily based on recent historic experience. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
At December 31, 2012, the Company did not have a tax valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 was $90.4 million. The valuation allowance is related to a net operating loss carryforward and other deferred tax assets that, in the judgment of management, is not more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that all or some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making the assessment.
The Company files a return in the U.S. federal tax jurisdiction and various state tax jurisdictions.
Recent Accounting Guidance
The following outlines the adoption of recent accounting guidance in 2012. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
•
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 944, Financial Services-Insurance - Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts - modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts - adopted January 1, 2012.
•
ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing - ASU 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements - modifies the criteria for determining when a repurchase transaction should be accounted for as a secured borrowing or as a sale - adopted January 1, 2012.
•
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures - ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS - amends current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) - adopted January 1, 2012.
•
ASC 220, Comprehensive Income
ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income - requires an entity to report components of comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements - adopted January 1, 2012.
ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 - defers the amendments in ASU 2011-05 that relate to presentation of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income - adopted January 1, 2012.
•
ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other - ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment - gives entities the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test - adopted January 1, 2012.
The following outlines the adoption of recent accounting guidance in 2011. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
•
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure - Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurement - requires separate presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs - adopted January 1, 2011.
•
ASC 944, Financial Services-Insurance - ASU 2010-15, How Investments Held Through Separate Accounts Affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments - clarifies that an insurance entity should not consider any separate account interest held for the benefit of policyholders in an investment to be the insurer’s interest and should not combine those interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation - adopted January 1, 2011.
•
ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other - ASU 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts - requires entities with a zero or negative carrying value to perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists - adopted January 1, 2011.
•
ASC 310, Receivables - ASU 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring - clarifies when a loan modification or restructuring is considered a troubled debt restructuring - adopted April 1, 2011, applied retrospectively to January 1, 2011.
In addition, the following is accounting guidance that will be adopted in the future. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for a further discussion.
•
ASC 210, Balance Sheet - ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities - enhances disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement - will be adopted January 1, 2013.
•
ASC 220, Comprehensive Income - ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, requires an entity to provide information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component - will be adopted January 1, 2013.
Deposits
Total direct deposits (including internal exchanges) were $35.3 million, $33.5 million, and $46.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Deposits are currently limited to additions to existing policies which will result in fluctuations period over period. Internal exchanges during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $6.5 million, $5.9 million, and $5.2 million, respectively.
Financial Condition
At December 31, 2012, the Company’s assets were $10.5 billion or $18.9 million higher than the $10.5 billion in assets at December 31, 2011. Assets excluding Separate Accounts assets increased $57.5 million. Separate Accounts assets, which represent 66% of total assets, decreased $38.7 million to $7.0 billion. Changes in Separate Accounts assets were as follows:
During 2012, 2011 and 2010, fixed contract owner deposits were $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, fixed contract owner withdrawals were $104.7 million, $114.2 million, and $114.8 million, respectively.
Investments
The Company maintains a general account investment portfolio comprised primarily of investment grade fixed maturity securities, policy loans, cash and cash equivalents and mortgage loans on real estate.
The following schedule identifies the Company’s general account invested assets by type at December 31:
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
The amortized cost/cost and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
The Company monitors industry sectors and individual debt securities for evidence of impairment. This evidence may include one or more of the following: 1) deteriorating market to book ratio, 2) increasing industry risk factors, 3) deteriorating financial condition of the issuer, 4) covenant violations of the issuer, 5) high probability of bankruptcy of the issuer, 6) nationally recognized credit rating agency downgrades, and/or 7) intent or requirement to sell before a debt security’s anticipated recovery. Additionally, for structured securities (asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)), cash flow trends and underlying levels of collateral are monitored. A security is impaired if there is objective evidence that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset that has a negative impact on the estimated future cash flows. A specific security is considered to be impaired when it is determined that it is probable that not all amounts due (both principal and interest) will be collected as scheduled. For debt securities, an OTTI must be recognized in earnings when an entity either a) has the intent to sell the debt security or b) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the Company meets either of these criteria, the OTTI is recognized in earnings in an amount equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For debt securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet these criteria, the Company must analyze its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The Company has evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss, and unless otherwise noted, does not consider these investments to be impaired at December 31, 2012.
Eight issuers represent more than 5% of the total unrealized loss position, comprised of three subprime ABS housing holdings, one RMBS holding, and four corporate non-convertible bonds. The three subprime ABS holdings have been impaired to discounted cash flows and have a remaining unrealized loss in OCI-OTTI of $1.4 million. These subprime mortgage ABS holdings are below investment grade deals whereby the collateral is comprised of 2006-2007 fixed rate, first lien subprime mortgages. The unrealized
loss on one RMBS holding of $0.3 million relates to a securitized portfolio of prime 2005 hybrid mortgages that contain fixed income positions where our holding is rated below investment grade and was previously impaired to discounted cash flows. The company owns four investment grade corporate non-convertible securities with an unrealized loss of $0.9 million.
Financial Services Sector
The Company’s $0.3 million of gross unrealized losses within the financial services sector has a fair value of $18.5 million. The majority of the unrealized loss in the financial services sector relates to the banking sub-sector which has $0.3 million of gross unrealized losses on securities with a fair value of $15.4 million. Companies within the Company’s financial services sector are high in credit quality and, as a whole, represent a large portion of the corporate debt market. In spite of weak global economic growth, market sentiment improved in the second half of 2012 following important steps towards addressing the European Sovereign Debt Crisis coupled with large-scale interventions by central banks. Beginning with the EU Summit in June, EU leaders have committed to decisive steps to strengthen the common currency, including steps to create a stronger Banking Union and Fiscal Union for the euro area. The creation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and a Single Supervisory Mechanism to regulate banks in the Eurozone has helped calm concerns that the euro currency is not strong enough to survive a funding crisis or banking crisis in a member state. Furthermore the European Central Bank has committed to stabilize the common currency by purchasing government bonds under its new Outright Monetary Purchase (OMT) program. In the U.S. economic conditions appear to be improving, the Federal Reserve has committed to ongoing quantitative easing until labor market conditions improve, and the Fiscal Cliff agreement provided near-term relief.
Banking
The overall exposure to the banking sub-sector in the Company’s portfolio is of high quality. The unrealized losses in the banking sub-sector primarily reflect the size of our holdings, low floating rate coupons on some securities, and credit spread widening in the sector due to the European Sovereign Debt Crisis as well as residual impact from both the U.S. financial crisis and concerns over the U.S. Fiscal Cliff. As a whole, the sub-sector improved in the second half of 2012, following a volatile first half. Decisive steps by EU leaders and world central banks to stabilize the euro and improve funding conditions calmed investor concerns that a euro breakup was imminent. Credit spreads continue to reflect some uncertainty over new efforts by regulators to impose “burden sharing” on creditors in order to quickly stabilize or wind up troubled banks. While these measures have made securities more volatile in the near-term, new, more stringent global legislation on bank capital and liquidity requirements is intended to reduce overall risk in the sector going forward and decouple troubled banks from the Sovereign. Furthermore, central banks appear committed to providing liquidity to the market, while asset write-downs and credit losses have diminished substantially in all but the most troubled countries.
Included in the Company’s banking exposure are hybrid securities, which typically have an original maturity of more than 30 years, may be perpetual and were designed to receive enhanced equity credit from rating agencies. In addition, they have other features that may not be consistent across issues such as a cumulative or non-cumulative coupon, capital replacement language and an alternative payment mechanism. The Company’s exposure to hybrid securities in an unrealized loss is all rated investment grade and there is little risk of payment interruption. The Company evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and does not consider those investments to be impaired at December 31, 2012.
There are no individual issuers rated below investment grade in this sub-sector which have an unrealized loss position greater than $2.5 million.
ABS- housing related
ABS - housing related securities are secured by pools of residential mortgage loans primarily those which are categorized as subprime. The unrealized loss is primarily due to decreased liquidity and increased credit spreads in the market combined with significant increases in expected losses on loans within the underlying pools. The Company’s $1.4 million of gross unrealized losses within the ABS - housing sector has a fair value of $22.4 million.
The Company does not currently invest in or originate whole loan residential mortgages. The Company categorizes asset backed securities issued by a securitization trust as having subprime mortgage exposure when the average credit score of the underlying mortgage borrowers in a securitization trust is below 660 at issuance. The Company also categorizes ABS issued by a securitization trust with second lien mortgages as subprime mortgage exposure, even though a significant percentage of second lien mortgage borrowers may not necessarily have credit scores below 660 at issuance.
All ABS - housing related securities are monitored and reviewed on a monthly basis. Detailed cash flow models using the current collateral pool and capital structure on the portfolio are updated and reviewed quarterly. Model output is generated under base and several stress-case scenarios. Our internal ABS - housing related asset specialists utilize widely recognized industry modeling
software to perform a loan-by-loan, bottom-up approach to modeling. Key assumptions used in the models are projected defaults, loss severities, and prepayments. Each of these key assumptions varies greatly based on the significantly diverse characteristics of the current collateral pool for each security. Loan-to-value, loan size, and borrower credit history are some of the key characteristics used to determine the level of assumption that is utilized. Defaults were estimated by identifying the loans that are in various delinquency buckets and defaulting a certain percentage of them over the near-term and long-term. Assumed defaults on delinquent loans are dependent on the specific security’s collateral attributes and historical performance.
Loss severity assumptions were determined by observing historical rates from broader market data while being adjusted for specific pool performance, collateral type, mortgage insurance and estimated loan modifications. Prepayments were estimated by examining historical averages of prepayment activity on the underlying collateral. Once the entire pool is modeled, the results are closely analyzed by our internal asset specialists to determine whether or not our particular tranche or holding is at risk for not collecting all contractual cash flows taking into account the seniority and other terms of the tranches held. The unrealized loss is primarily due to decreased liquidity, increased credit spreads in the market, slower prepayments, and increased expected losses on loans within the underlying pools. Expected losses within the underlying pools are generally higher than original expectations, which have led to some rating downgrades in these securities.
There are no individual issuers rated below investment grade in the ABS - housing related sector which have unrealized loss positions greater than $2.5 million.
Securities are impaired to the net present value of projected future cash flows where holdings are not projected to pay principal and interest in full. As the remaining unrealized losses in the ABS - housing related portfolio relate to holdings where the Company expects to receive full principal and interest, the Company does not consider the underlying investments to be impaired at December 31, 2012.
RMBS
RMBS are securitizations of underlying pools of non-commercial mortgages on real estate. The underlying residential mortgages have varying credit ratings and are pooled together and sold in tranches. The Company’s RMBS includes government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) guaranteed passthroughs, whole loan passthroughs and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”), as well as negative amortization mortgage-backed securities.
RMBS of the Company are monitored and reviewed on a monthly basis. Detailed cash flow models using the current collateral pool and capital structure on the portfolio are updated and reviewed quarterly. Model output is generated under base and stress-case scenarios. Our RMBS asset specialists utilize widely recognized industry modeling software to perform a loan-by-loan, bottom-up approach to modeling. Key assumptions used in the models are projected defaults, loss severities, and prepayments. Each of these key assumptions varies greatly based on the significantly diverse characteristics of the current collateral pool for each security. Loan-to value, loan size, and borrower credit history are some of the key characteristics used to determine the level of assumption that is utilized. Defaults were estimated by identifying the loans that are in various delinquency buckets and defaulting a certain percentage of them over the near-term and long-term. Assumed defaults on delinquent loans are dependent on the specific security’s collateral attributes and historical performance.
Loss severity assumptions were determined by obtaining historical rates from broader market data and by adjusting those rates for vintage, specific pool performance, collateral type, mortgage insurance and estimated loan modifications. Prepayments were estimated by examining historical averages of prepayment activity on the underlying collateral. Once the entire pool is modeled, the results are closely analyzed by our asset specialists to determine whether or not our particular tranche or holding is at risk for not collecting all contractual cash flows taking into account the seniority and other terms of the tranches held.
The Company’s $0.2 million of gross unrealized losses within the RMBS sector has a fair value of $10.7 million. The unrealized loss in the sector is primarily a result of the housing downturn the United States has experienced since 2007. Even with the stabilization over the past two years, fundamentals in RMBS continue to be weak, which impacts the magnitude of the unrealized loss. Delinquencies and severities in property liquidations remain at an elevated level, while prepayments remain at historically low levels. Due to the weak fundamental situation, reduced liquidity, and the requirement for higher yields due to market uncertainty, credit spreads remain elevated across the asset class.
There are no individual issues rated below investment grade in the RMBS sector which have unrealized loss positions greater than $2.5 million.
Securities are impaired to the net present value of projected future cash flows where holdings are not projected to pay principal and interest in full. As the remaining unrealized losses in the RMBS portfolio relate to holdings where the Company expects to receive full principal and interest, the Company does not consider the underlying investments to be impaired as of December 31, 2012.
Equity Securities
The Company’s $1.3 million of gross unrealized losses classified as equity have a fair value of $34.2 million. All of the unrealized loss relates to preferred non-convertible holdings in the banking sub-sector. Objective evidence of impairment of an investment in an equity instrument classified as available-for-sale includes information about significant changes with an adverse effect that have taken place in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the issuer operates, and indicates that the cost of the investment in the equity instrument may not be recovered. As part of an ongoing process, the equity analysts actively monitor earnings releases, company fundamentals, new developments and industry trends for any signs of possible impairment. If an available-for-sale equity security is impaired based upon the Company’s qualitative or quantitative impairment criteria, any further declines in the fair value at subsequent reporting dates are recognized as impairments. Therefore, at each reporting period, for an equity security that is determined to be impaired based upon the Company’s impairment criteria, an impairment is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the original cost basis, less any previously recognized impairments.
These factors typically require significant management judgment. The impairment review process has resulted in no other than temporary impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2012 for the Company.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 by rating agency equivalent were:
The Company defines investment grade securities as unsecured debt obligations that have a rating equivalent to S&P’s BBB- or higher (or similar rating agency). At December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $96.1 million (or 5%) and $61.8 million (or 3%), respectively, of fixed maturity securities were rated BBB-, which is the lowest investment grade rating given by S&P. Below investment grade securities are speculative and are subject to significantly greater risks related to the creditworthiness of the issuers and the liquidity of the market for such securities. The Company closely monitors such investments.
Unrealized gains (losses) incurred during 2012 and 2011 were primarily due to price fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates and credit spreads. If the Company has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost, securities are written down to fair value. If cash flow models indicate a credit event will impact future cash flows, the security is impaired to discounted cash flows. As the remaining unrealized losses in the portfolio relate to holdings where the Company expects to receive full principal and interest, the Company does not consider the underlying investments to be impaired.
Details underlying securities in a continuous gross unrealized loss and OTTI position for AFS investment grade securities were as follows:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
Details underlying securities in a continuous gross unrealized loss and OTTI position for below investment grade AFS securities were as follows:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
Gross unrealized losses and OTTI on below investment grade AFS securities represented 83% and 68% of total gross unrealized losses and OTTI on all AFS securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Generally, below investment grade securities are more likely than investment grade securities to develop credit concerns. The ratios of estimated fair value to amortized cost reflected in the table below were not necessarily indicative of the market value to amortized cost relationships for the securities throughout the entire time that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position nor are they necessarily indicative of these ratios subsequent to December 31, 2012.
Details underlying AFS securities below investment grade and in an unrealized loss and OTTI position were as follows:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
The asset depressed over 20% and greater than one year at December 31, 2012 is related to a preferred stock (ABN AMRO) with exposure to the banking sector. The drop in price for the ABN AMRO preferred stock was primarily due to high illiquidity in the markets in general due to the European debt crisis. There were no assets depressed over 40% at December 31, 2012.
During 2012, 2011 and 2010, there was $0.1 million, $0.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, of investment income on fixed maturity trading securities recorded in net investment income in the Statements of Income. During 2012, 2011, and 2010 there was $1.1 million, $0.4 million, and ($1.5) million, respectively, of income (loss) recognized from the change in the fair value on fixed maturity trading securities recorded in net investment income in the Statements of Income. The Company recognized losses of $0.9 million and $0.1 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively on the conversion of fixed maturity trading securities to preferred stock. There were no conversions of fixed maturity trading securities to preferred stock in 2010.
Subprime Mortgage Investments
Subprime mortgages are loans to homebuyers who have weak or impaired credit histories. Through 2008, the market for these loans had expanded rapidly. During that time, however, lending practices and credit assessment standards grew steadily weaker. As a result, the market experienced a sharp increase in the number of loan defaults. Investors in subprime mortgage assets include not only mortgage lenders, but also brokers, hedge funds, and insurance companies. The Company does not currently invest in or originate whole loan residential mortgages. The Company categorizes ABS issued by a securitization trust as having subprime mortgage exposure when the average credit score of the underlying mortgage borrowers in a securitization trust is below 660 at issuance. The Company also categorizes ABS issued by a securitization trust with second lien mortgages as subprime mortgage exposure, even though a significant percentage of second lien mortgage borrowers may not necessarily have credit scores below 660 at issuance.
The following tables provide the ABS subprime mortgage exposure by rating and estimated fair value by vintage at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
(a) Second lien collateral primarily composed of loans to prime and Alt A borrowers.
OTTI
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $0.3 million, net of associated value of business acquired amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $1.2 million, with no associated value of business acquired amortization. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded an OTTI in income of $1.6 million, net of associated value of business acquired amortization.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
The following summarizes key information on mortgage loans on real estate:
The fair value for mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and/or similar remaining maturities. The estimated fair value of the mortgage loans on real estate at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $59.5 million and $61.8 million, respectively.
All mortgage loans that are impaired have an established allowance for loss. Changing economic conditions impact our valuation of mortgage loans. Changing vacancies and rents are incorporated into the discounted cash flow analysis that the Company performs for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) an allowance for losses. In addition, the Company continues to monitor the entire commercial mortgage loan portfolio to identify risk. Areas of emphasis are properties that have deteriorating credits or have experienced debt coverage reduction. Where warranted, the Company has established or increased loss reserves based upon this analysis. There were no impaired mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no commercial mortgage loans that were two or more payments delinquent. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Business Environment
The Company’s financial position and/or results of operations are primarily impacted by the following economic factors: equity market performance, fluctuations in medium term interest rates, and the corporate credit environment via credit quality and fluctuations in credit spreads. The following discusses the impact of each economic factor.
Equity Market Performance
The investment performance of the underlying U.S. equity-based mutual funds supporting the Company’s variable products do not replicate the returns of any specific U.S. equity market index. However, investment performance will generally increase or decrease with corresponding increases or decreases of the overall U.S. equity market. There are several standard indices published on a daily basis that measure performance of selected components of the U.S. equity market. Examples include the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“Dow”), the NASDAQ Composite Index (“NASDAQ”) and the S&P. The Dow, NASDAQ and S&P ended 2012 with increases of 7%, 16% and 13%, respectively, from 2011. The Dow, NASDAQ and S&P ended 2011 with increases (decreases) of 6%, (2%) and less than (0.1%), respectively, from 2010.
Changes in the U.S. equity market directly affect the values of the underlying U.S. equity-based mutual funds supporting Separate Accounts assets and, accordingly, the values of variable contract owner account balances. Approximately 70% of Separate Accounts assets were invested in equity-based mutual funds at December 31, 2012. Since asset-based fees collected on in force variable contracts represent a significant source of revenue, the Company’s financial condition will be impacted by fluctuations in investment performance of equity-based Separate Accounts assets. During 2012, average variable account balances decreased $0.6 billion (or 7%) to $7.1 billion as compared to the same period in 2011.
Fluctuations in the U.S. equity market also directly impact the Company’s exposure to guaranteed benefit provisions contained in the variable contracts it manufactures. Minimal or negative investment performance generally results in greater exposure to guarantee provisions. Prolonged periods of minimal or negative investment performance will result in greater guaranteed benefit costs as compared to assumptions. If the Company determines that it needs to increase its estimated long term cost of guaranteed benefits, it will result in establishing greater guaranteed benefit liabilities as compared to current practice.
Medium Term Interest Rates, Corporate Credit and Credit Spreads
Changes in interest rates affect the value of investments, primarily fixed maturity securities and preferred equity securities, as well as interest-sensitive liabilities. Changes in interest rates have an inverse relationship to the value of investments and interest-sensitive liabilities. Also, since the Company has certain fixed products that contain guaranteed minimum crediting rates, decreases in interest rates can decrease the amount of interest spread earned.
Changes in the corporate credit environment directly impact the value of the Company’s investments, primarily fixed maturity securities. The Company primarily invests in investment-grade corporate debt to support its fixed rate product liabilities.
Credit spreads represent the credit risk premiums required by market participants for a given credit quality, i.e., the additional yield that a debt instrument issued by an AA-rated entity must produce over a risk-free alternative (e.g., U.S. Treasury instruments). Changes in credit spreads have an inverse relationship to the value of interest sensitive investments.
The impact of changes in medium term interest rates, corporate credit and credit spreads on market valuations were as follows:
(a) The Company defines medium term interest rates as the average interest rate on U.S. Treasury securities with terms of one to five years.
(b) The Company defines credit spreads according to the Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Bond Index for BBB-A Rated bonds with three to five year maturities.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had 11,855 and 12,939 life insurance and annuity contracts inforce with interest rate guarantees, respectively. The estimated average rate of interest credited on behalf of contract owners was 3.68% and 3.74% during 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total invested assets supporting these liabilities with interest rate guarantees had an estimated average effective yield of 5.4% and 5.2% during 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
The Company’s liquidity requirements include the payment of sales commissions and other underwriting expenses and the funding of its contractual obligations for the life insurance and annuity contracts it has in force. The Company has developed and utilizes a cash flow projection system and regularly performs asset/liability duration matching in the management of its asset and liability portfolios. The Company anticipates funding its cash requirements utilizing cash from operations, normal investment maturities and anticipated calls and repayments, consistent with prior years. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s assets included $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, of cash, short-term investments and investment grade publicly traded AFS securities that could be liquidated if funds were required.
Capital Resources
During 2012 and 2011, the Company did not receive a capital contribution from AUSA nor did the Company pay a dividend to AUSA.
Statutory Principles and Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”)
In order to continue to issue annuity products, the Company must meet or exceed the statutory capital and surplus requirements of the insurance departments of the states in which it conducts business. Statutory accounting principles differ from GAAP in two major respects. First, under statutory accounting principles, the acquisition costs of new business are charged to expense, while under GAAP they are amortized over a period of time. Second, under statutory accounting principles, the required additions to statutory reserves are calculated under different rules than under GAAP.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners utilizes the RBC adequacy monitoring system. The RBC calculates the amount of adjusted capital that a life insurance company should have based upon that company’s risk profile. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, based on the RBC formula, the Company’s total adjusted capital levels were well in excess of the minimum amount of capital required to avoid regulatory action.
Ratings
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position in the insurance and financial services marketplace. Rating agencies rate insurance companies based on financial strength and the ability to pay claims, factors more relevant to contract holders than investors.
The financial strength rating scales of S&P, A.M. Best, and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) are characterized as follows:
•
S&P - AAA to R
•
A.M. Best - A++ to S
•
Fitch - AAA to C
On September 21, 2012, Fitch reduced the Company’s outlook from stable to negative. The Company’s financial strength rating remained the same.
The following table summarizes the Company’s ratings at March 28, 2013:
S&P
AA-
(4th out of 21)
A.M. Best
A +
(2nd out of 16)
Fitch
AA-
(4th out of 19)
A downgrade of our financial strength rating could affect our competitive position in the insurance industry as customers may select companies with higher financial strength ratings. These ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any of the Company’s securities and they may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the rating organization.
Commitments and Contingencies
The following table summarizes the Company’s policyholders’ obligations at December 31, 2012:
(a) The policyholder liabilities include benefit and claim liabilities of which a significant portion represents policies and contracts that do not have a stated contractual maturity. The projected cash benefit payments in the table above are based on management’s best estimates of the expected gross benefits and expenses, partially offset by the expected gross premiums, fees and charges relating to the existing business in force. Estimated cash benefit payments are based on mortality and lapse assumptions comparable with the Company’s historical experience, modified for recently observed trends. Actual payment obligations may differ if experience varies from these assumptions. The cash benefit payments are presented on an undiscounted basis and are before deduction of tax and before reinsurance. The liability amounts in the Company’s financial statements reflect the discounting for interest as well as adjustments for the timing of other factors as described above. As a result, the sum of the cash benefit payments shown for all years in the table above exceeds the corresponding policyholder liability amounts.
The Company has utilized public information to estimate the future assessments it will incur as a result of life insurance company insolvencies. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s estimated liability for future guaranty fund assessments was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. In addition, the Company has a receivable for future premium tax deductions of $4.0 million and $3.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company regularly monitors public information regarding insurer insolvencies and adjusts its estimated liability as appropriate.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and assessments. Management believes the settlement of these matters would not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
Results of Operations
The Company’s gross earnings are principally derived from two sources:
•
the charges imposed on variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, and
•
the net earnings from investment of fixed rate life insurance and annuity contract owner deposits less interest credited to contract owners, commonly known as interest spread
The costs associated with acquiring contract owner deposits (DAC) are amortized based on the estimated gross profits for a group of contracts, as noted in the Critical Accounting Policies section above. Insurance expenses and taxes reported in the Statements of Income are net of amounts deferred. In addition, the Company incurs expenses associated with the maintenance of in force contracts.
2012 compared to 2011
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded net income of $165.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively. The increase in income during 2012 as compared to 2011 was primarily due to higher income tax benefit, specifically the elimination of a tax valuation allowance in first quarter 2012 and negative annuity benefit unlocking from separate accounts outperforming expectations in 2012.
Policy charge revenue decreased $14.5 million to $187.7 million during 2012, as compared to $202.2 million in 2011. The following table provides the changes in policy charge revenue by type for each respective period:
(a) The change in equity related losses principally relates to the increase in net losses on futures contracts during 2012 as compared to 2011. Short futures contracts fluctuate relative to the volatility in the S&P.
Policy benefits decreased $163.7 million during 2012 as compared to 2011. The following table provides the changes in policy benefits by type:
(a) See the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section above for further discussion of annuity benefit unlocking.
(b) The decrease in annuity benefit expense was primarily due to the increase in risk neutral rates and higher equity market performance which resulted in a decrease in the fair value reserves in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Amortization (accretion) of DAC was $0.8 million and ($13.1) million for 2012 and 2011, respectively, which included favorable (unfavorable) unlocking of $1.9 million and ($3.0) million, respectively. The change in 2012 as compared to 2011 was principally driven by favorable equity markets resulting in amortization and favorable unlocking.
Amortization of VOBA was $19.9 million and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which included favorable (unfavorable) unlocking of $4.3 million and ($11.6) million. 2012 was impacted by favorable equity markets and positive gross profits in the fourth quarter as compared to 2011.
Insurance expenses and taxes increased $0.5 million (or 1%) in 2012 as compared to 2011. The following table provides the changes in insurance expenses and taxes for each respective period:
(a) Decrease in Commissions in 2012 due to lower trail commissions as a direct result of a declining block of business.
(b) The increase in general insurance expense is primarily related to a change in guaranty fund assessments when compared to 2011.
2011 compared to 2010
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded net income of $18.7 million and $137.9 million, respectively. The decrease in income during 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily due to higher policy benefits and a lower income tax benefit, partially offset by a decrease in VOBA and DAC amortization, a decrease in insurance expenses and taxes and lower net realized investment losses.
Policy charge revenue decreased $2.4 million to $202.2 million during 2011, as compared to $204.6 million in 2010. The following table provides the changes in policy charge revenue by type for each respective period:
(a) Asset-based policy charge revenue for 2011 was negatively impacted by the decrease in average variable account balances.
(b) The increase in non-asset based policy charge revenue is primarily due to the recapture of an indemnity reinsurance agreement in 2011.
(a) The change in credit related losses as compared to 2010 is primarily due to a decrease in OTTI impairments.
(b) The change in equity related gains (losses) principally relates to the decrease in net losses on futures contracts during 2011 as compared to 2010. Short futures contracts fluctuate relative to the volatility in the S&P.
(a) See the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section above for further discussion of annuity benefit unlocking.
(b) The increase in annuity benefit expense was primarily due to the reduction in risk neutral rates and lower equity market performance which resulted in an increase in guaranteed benefits in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Accretion of DAC was $13.1 million and $3.7 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included favorable (unfavorable) unlocking of ($3.0) million and $1.1 million, respectively. The increase in DAC in 2011 as compared to 2010 was principally driven by unfavorable equity markets and the long-term interest rate assumption change resulting in an increase in accretion and unfavorable unlocking.
Amortization of VOBA was $12.2 million and $20.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included favorable (unfavorable) unlocking of ($11.6) million and $24.6 million. 2011 was impacted by unfavorable equity markets and long term interest rate assumption changes during the third quarter resulting in lower amortization and unfavorable unlocking as compared to 2010.
Insurance expenses and taxes decreased $4.8 million (or 9%) in 2011 as compared to 2010. The following table provides the changes in insurance expenses and taxes for each respective period:
(a) The decline in general insurance expenses is primarily due to a reduction in the future guaranty fund assessment liability and lower transition and system conversion related expenses in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Segment Information
The Company’s operating results are categorized into two business segments: Annuity and Life Insurance. The Company’s Annuity segment consists of variable annuity and interest-sensitive annuity contracts. The Company’s Life Insurance segment consists of variable life insurance and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. All revenue and expense transactions are recorded at the contract level and accumulated at the business segment level for review by management.
Select financial information by segment for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
(a) Management considers interest credited to policyholder liabilities in evaluating net revenues.
The Company is not dependent upon any single customer, and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of its revenues during 2012, 2011, or 2010.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
As an insurance company, the Company is in the “risk” business and as a result is exposed to a variety of risks. A description of our risk management and control systems is given below on the basis of significant identified risks for us. Our largest exposures are to changes in the financial markets (e.g; interest rate, credit and equity market risks) that affect the value of the investments, liabilities from products that we sold, deferred expenses, and value of business acquired.
Results of the Company’s sensitivity analyses are presented to show the estimated sensitivity of net income to various scenarios. For each type of market risk, the analysis shows how net income would have been affected by changes in the relevant risk variables that were reasonably possible at the reporting date. For each sensitivity test, the impact of a reasonably possible change in a single factor (or shock) is shown. The analysis considers the interdependency between interest rates and lapse behavior for products sold where there is clear evidence of dynamic lapse behavior. Management action is taken into account to the extent that it is part of the Company’s regular policies and procedures. However, incidental management actions that would require a change in policies and procedures are not considered.
Each sensitivity analysis reflects the extent to which the shock tested would affect management’s critical accounting estimates and judgment in applying the Company’s accounting policies (See Note 1 of the Financial Statements for a description of the critical accounting estimates and judgments). The shock may affect the measurement of assets and liabilities based on assumptions that are not observable in the market as well as market consistent assumptions. For example, a shock in interest rates may lead to changes in the amortization schedule of deferred policy acquisition costs or to increased impairment losses on equity investments. Although management’s short-term assumption may change if there is a reasonable change in a risk factor, long-term assumptions will generally not be revised unless there is evidence that the movement is permanent. This fact is reflected in the sensitivity analyses provided below.
The sensitivities do not reflect what the net income for the period would have been if risk variables had been different because the analysis is based on the exposures in existence at the reporting date rather than on those that actually occurred during the year. Nor are the results of the sensitivities intended to be an accurate prediction of the Company’s future income. The analysis does not consider all methods available to management to respond to changes in the financial environment, such as changing investment portfolio allocations or adjusting crediting rates. Furthermore, the results of the analyses cannot be extrapolated for wider variations since effects do not tend to be linear. No risk management process can clearly predict future results.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments, primarily fixed maturity securities and preferred equity securities. Changes in interest rates have an inverse relationship to the value of investments. The Company manages interest rate risk as part of its asset/liability management strategy. For each portfolio, management monitors the expected changes in assets and liabilities, as produced by the Company’s model, resulting from various interest rate scenarios. Based on these results, management closely matches the duration of insurance liabilities to the duration of assets supporting those liabilities.
The table below shows the interest rates at the end of the last five years:
The sensitivity analysis in the table below shows an estimate of the effect of a parallel shift in the yield curve on net income and equity. Increases in interest rates have a negative effect on GAAP equity and net income in the current year because it results in unrealized losses on investments that are carried at fair value. The offsetting economic gain on the insurance contracts is however, not fully reflected in the sensitivities because many of these liabilities are not measured at fair value. Over time, the short-term reduction in net income due to rising interest rates would be offset by higher net income in later years, all else being equal.
The sensitivity analysis above reflects the assets and liabilities held at year-end. This does not necessarily reflect the risk exposure during the year as significant events do not necessarily occur on January 1. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase or decrease in interest rates is a hypothetical rate scenario used to demonstrate potential risk. While a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase does not represent the Company’s view of future market changes, it is a near term reasonably possible hypothetical change that illustrates the potential impact of such events. While the income and equity impacts provide a presentation of interest rate sensitivity, they are based on the portfolio exposures at a point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio transactions in response to management’s assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities.
Credit Risk
Credit risk represents the loss that the Company would incur if an issuer fails to perform its contractual obligations and the value of the security held has been impaired or is deemed worthless. The Company manages its credit risk by setting investment policy guidelines that assure diversification with respect to investment, issuer, geographic location and credit quality. Management regularly monitors compliance of each investment portfolio’s status with the investment policy guidelines, including timely updates of credit-related securities.
Equity Market Risk
Fluctuations in the equity markets have affected the Company’s profitability, capital position and sales of equity related products in the past and may continue to do so. Exposure to equity markets exists in both assets and liabilities. Asset exposure exists through direct equity investment, where the Company bears all or most of the volatility in returns and investment performance risk. Equity market exposure is also present in insurance contracts for account of policyholders where funds are invested in equities such as variable annuities and life insurance. Although most of the risk remains with the policyholder, lower investment returns can reduce the asset management fee earned by the Company on the asset balance in these products. In addition, some of this business has minimum guarantees.
The table that follows sets forth the closing levels of certain major indices at the end of the last five years:
The sensitivity analysis of net income to change in equity prices is presented in the table below. The sensitivity of net income to changes in equity markets reflects changes in the market value of the Company’s portfolio, changes in DAC amortization and the strengthening of the guaranteed minimum benefits, where applicable. The results of equity sensitivity tests are non-linear. The main reason for this is due to equity options sold to clients that are embedded in some of these products and the more severe scenarios could cause accelerated DAC amortization and guaranteed minimum benefits provisioning, while moderate scenarios may not. The higher losses in the 2012 increase scenarios and the lower losses in the decrease scenarios are the result of the equity collars acquired in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The selection of a 10% and 20% change in the equity markets should not be construed as a prediction of future market events, but rather as an illustration of the potential impact of such an event. The Company’s exposure can change as a result of changes in the Company’s mix of business.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is inherent in much of the Company businesses. Each asset purchased and liability sold has liquidity characteristics that are unique. Some liabilities are surrenderable while some assets, such as private placements, mortgages loans and limited partnerships have low liquidity. If the Company requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements, the Company may have difficulty selling these investments at attractive prices, in a timely manner or both.
Underwriting Risk
The Company’s earnings depend significantly upon the extent to which actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions used in setting the prices for products and establishing the technical liabilities and liabilities for claims. To the extent that actual claims experience is less favorable than the underlying assumptions used in establishing such liabilities, income would be reduced. Furthermore, if these higher claims were part of a permanent trend, the Company may be required to increase liabilities, which could reduce income. In addition, certain acquisition costs related to the sale of new policies and the purchase of policies already in force have been recorded as assets on the balance sheet and are being amortized into income over time. If the assumptions relating to the future profitability of these policies (such as future claims, investment income and expenses) are not realized, the amortization of these costs could be accelerated and may even require write offs due to unrecoverability. This could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Sources of underwriting risk include policy lapses and policy claims such as mortality and expenses. In general, the Company is at risk if policy lapses increase as sometimes the Company is unable to fully recover up front expenses in selling a product despite the presence of commission recoveries or surrender charges and fees. Within variable annuity contracts with certain guarantee benefits, the Company is at risk if policy lapses decrease, as more contracts would remain in force until guaranteed payments are made. For mortality risk, the Company sells certain types of policies that are at risk if mortality increases, such as term life insurance or guaranteed minimum death benefits, and sells certain types of policies that are at risk if mortality decreases (longevity risk) such as certain annuity products. The Company is also at risk if expenses are higher than assumed by management.
The Company monitors and manages its underwriting risk by underwriting risk type. Attribution analysis is performed on earnings and reserve movements in order to understand the source of any material variation in actual results from what was expected. The Company’s units also perform experience studies for underwriting risk assumptions, comparing the Company’s experience to industry experience as well as combining the Company’s experience and industry experience based on the depth of the history of each source to the Company’s underwriting assumptions. The Company also has the ability to reduce expense levels over time, thus mitigating unfavorable expense variation.
Sensitivity analysis of net income to various underwriting risks is shown in the table that follows. The sensitivities represent an increase or decrease of mortality rates over 2012. Increases in mortality rates lead to an increase in the level of benefits and claims on most business. The impact on net income of sales transactions of investments required to meet the higher cash outflow from lapses or deaths are reflected in the sensitivities.
A shock in mortality rates will generally not lead to a change in the assumptions underlying the measurement of the insurance liabilities as management will recognize that the shock is temporary. Life insurers are also exposed to longevity risk.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financials statements of Registrant are set forth in Part IV hereof and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
No information is required to be disclosed under this item.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
The term “disclosure controls and procedures” (defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) generally refers to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by TALIC in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to TALIC’s management, including TALIC’s principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. TALIC’s management, with the participation of the President and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of TALIC’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, TALIC’s President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
b) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
The term “internal control over financial reporting” (defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) generally refers to the process of a company that is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
TALIC’s management, with the participation of the President and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. TALIC’s management, with the participation of the President and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of TALIC’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 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 that evaluation, TALIC’s management concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of TALIC’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting because TALIC is a non-accelerated filer.
c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012, there have been no changes in TALIC’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, TALIC’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
No information is required to be disclosed under this item.
PART III
Information called for by items 10 through 13 of this part is omitted pursuant to General instruction I. of form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Account Fees and Services
Fees Paid to the Registrant’s Independent Auditor
The aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) for the audit of TALIC’s Financial Statements in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were:
(a) Audit fees consist of fees for the annual financial statement audit (including required quarterly reviews) and other procedures required to be performed by the independent auditor to be able to form an opinion on TALIC’s financial statements. These other procedures include information systems and procedural reviews and testing performed in order to understand and place reliance on the systems of internal control, and consultations relating the audit or quarterly review. They also include fees billed for other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor reasonably can provide, and include statutory audits, comfort letters, services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC.
Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
TALIC’s Audit Committee is responsible, among other matters, for the oversight of the external auditor. Consistent with SEC rules regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditors (the “Pre-approval Policy”).
Under the Pre-approval Policy, proposed services either:
(i) may be pre-approved by the Audit Committee without consideration of specific case-by-case services (“general pre-approval”); or
(ii) require the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee (“specific pre-approval”). Appendices to the Pre-approval Policy (that are adopted each year) set out the audit, audit-related, tax, and other services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. All other audit, audit-related, tax and other services must receive specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee.
During 2012, all services provided to TALIC by E&Y were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Pre-approval policy.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Financial Statements and Exhibits
(1) The following financial statements of the Registrant are filed as part of this report
a. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Report dated March 28, 2013 (Ernst & Young LLP).
b. Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
c. Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
d. Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
e. Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
f. Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
g. Notes to Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for TALIC to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of internal control over financial reporting effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Management assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment.
Based on the assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[Ernst & Young LLP]
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
March 28, 2013
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
BALANCE SHEETS - Continued
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued
(1) Included in net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents is interest received (2012 - $0; 2011 - $94; 2010 - $109); interest paid (2012 - $7; 2011 - $18; 2010 - $36); federal income taxes paid (2012 - $10,000; 2011 - $500; 2010 - $3,200); and federal income taxes received (2012 - $0; 2011 - $0; 2010 - $3,589)
See Notes to Financial Statements
TRANSAMERICA ADVISORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AEGON USA, LLC)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company (“TALIC” or the “Company”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON USA, LLC (“AUSA”). AUSA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AEGON N.V., a limited liability share company organized under Dutch law. AEGON N.V. and its subsidiaries and joint ventures have life insurance and pension operations in over twenty countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia and are also active in savings and investment operations, accident and health insurance, general insurance and limited banking operations in a number of these countries. Prior to December 28, 2007, the Company was an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML&Co”).
The Company is a life insurance company, who conducts its business primarily in the annuity markets and to a lesser extent in the life insurance markets of the financial services industry. The Company is domiciled in the State of Arkansas and is currently licensed to sell insurance and annuities in forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Currently, the Company is not issuing new life insurance, variable annuity and market value adjusted annuity products. In 2012, the Company began selling a fixed contingent annuity (also sometimes referred to as a contingent deferred annuity (“CDA”)) that includes a stand-alone living benefit (“SALB”). A SALB is essentially a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit which exists independently and is applied to mutual funds and exchange traded funds.
Basis of Reporting
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company also submits financial statements to insurance industry regulatory authorities, which are prepared on the basis of statutory accounting principles (“SAP”). The significant accounting policies and related judgments underlying the Company’s financial statements are summarized below.
Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior period financial statements, where appropriate, to conform to the current period presentation. In particular, in the Statements of Cash Flows, changes in the fair value of derivatives have been reclassified from Investing Activities into Operating Activities. These reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholder’s equity.
Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates. Included among the material (or potentially material) reported amounts and disclosures that require extensive use of estimates are: fair value of certain invested assets, asset valuation allowances, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired, policyholder liabilities, income taxes, and potential effects of unresolved litigated matters.
Investments
Fixed maturity and equity securities
The Company’s investments consist principally of fixed maturity and equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) which are reported at estimated fair value. In addition, the Company held fixed maturity securities which contain a conversion to equity feature, which is considered an embedded derivative. These fixed maturity securities have been classified as trading and are reported at estimated fair value. During 2012, the last of these securities converted so the Company no longer holds any of these securities as of December 31, 2012. The fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities are determined by management after taking into consideration several sources of data. When available, the Company uses quoted market prices in active markets to determine the fair value of its investments. The Company’s valuation policy utilizes a pricing hierarchy which dictates that publicly available prices are initially sought from indices and third-party pricing services. In the event that pricing is not available from these sources, those securities are submitted to brokers to obtain quotes. If broker quotes are not available, then securities are priced using internal cash
flow modeling techniques. These valuation methodologies commonly use reported trades, bids, offers, issuer spreads, benchmark yields, estimated prepayment speeds, and/or estimated cash flows.
To understand the valuation methodologies used by third-party pricing services, the Company reviews and monitors their applicable methodology documents. Any changes to their methodologies are noted and reviewed for reasonableness. In addition, the Company performs in-depth reviews of prices received from third-party pricing services on a sample basis. The objective for such reviews is to demonstrate that the Company can corroborate detailed information such as assumptions, inputs and methodologies used in pricing individual securities against documented pricing methodologies. Only third-party pricing services and brokers with a substantial presence in the market and with appropriate experience and expertise are used.
Each month, the Company performs an analysis of the information obtained from third-party services and brokers to ensure that the information is reasonable and produces a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors as part of this analysis, including but not limited to, recent transactional activity for similar fixed maturities, review of pricing statistics and trends, and consideration of recent relevant market events. Other controls and procedures over pricing received from indices, third-party pricing services, or brokers include validation checks such as exception reports which highlight significant price changes, stale prices or un-priced securities. Additionally, the Company performs back testing on a sample basis. Back testing involves selecting a sample of securities trades and comparing the prices in those transactions to prices used for financial reporting. Significant variances between the price used for financial reporting and the transaction price are investigated to explain the cause of the difference.
The Company’s portfolio of private placement securities is valued using a matrix pricing methodology. The pricing methodology is obtained from a third party service and indicates current spreads for securities based on weighted average life, credit rating and industry sector. Monthly, the Company reviews the matrix to ensure the spreads are reasonable by comparing them to observed spreads for similar securities traded in the market. In order to account for the illiquid nature of these securities, illiquidity premiums are included in the valuation and are determined based upon the pricing of recent transactions in the private placement market, as well as comparing the value of the privately offered security to a similar public security. The impact of the illiquidity premium to the overall valuation is less than 1% of the fair value.
For fixed maturity securities, premiums are amortized to the earlier of the call or maturity date, discounts are accreted to the maturity date, and interest income is accrued daily. For equity securities, dividends are recognized on the ex-dividend date. Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.
Changes in the fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities deemed AFS are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes on the Balance Sheets and are not reflected in the Statements of Income until a sale transaction occurs or when credit-related declines in estimated fair value are deemed other-than-temporary. Changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities deemed trading are reported as a component of net investment income.
Other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”)
The Company regularly reviews each investment in its fixed maturity and equity AFS securities portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. Management makes this determination through a series of discussions with the Company’s portfolio managers and credit analysts, and information obtained from external sources (i.e., company announcements, ratings agency announcements, or news wire services). For fixed maturity AFS securities, the Company also considers whether it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The factors that may give rise to a potential OTTI include, but are not limited to, i) certain credit-related events such as default of principal or interest payments by the issuer, ii) bankruptcy of issuer, iii) certain security restructurings, and iv) fair market value less than cost or amortized cost for an extended period of time. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated fair value on these securities represents management’s best estimate and is based on comparable securities and other assumptions as appropriate. Management bases this determination on the most recent information available.
For equity securities, once management determines a decline in the value of an AFS security is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the equity security is reduced to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings.
For fixed maturity AFS securities, an OTTI must be recognized in earnings when an entity either a) has the intent to sell the debt security or b) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If the Company meets either of these criteria, the OTTI is recognized in earnings in an amount equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For AFS fixed maturity securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet these criteria, the Company must analyze its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recorded. The OTTI is separated into two pieces: an amount representing the credit loss, where the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, and an amount related to all other factors (referred to as the non credit portion). The credit loss is recognized in earnings and the non credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), net of applicable taxes and value of business acquired. Management records subsequent changes in the estimated fair value (positive and negative) of AFS fixed maturity securities for which non credit OTTI was previously recognized in OCI in OCI-OTTI.
Limited partnerships
At December 31, 2012 the Company had an investment in one limited partnership that was not publicly traded. This partnership is carried at estimated fair value which is derived from management’s review of the underlying financial statements that were prepared on a GAAP basis. At December 31, 2011, the Company had investments in two limited partnerships that are not publicly traded. One of the partnerships was carried at estimated fair value while the remaining partnership was carried at cost until it was disposed of in 2012.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and are net of valuation allowances and general reserves. The fair value for mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and/or similar remaining maturities. Interest income is accrued on the principal balance of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective yield method over the life of the loan. Interest income and amortization of premiums and discounts are reported in net investment income along with mortgage loan fees, which are recorded as they are incurred.
Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When the Company determines that a loan is impaired, a valuation allowance is established for the excess carrying value of the loan over its estimated collateral value. Changing economic conditions impact the Company’s valuation of mortgage loans. Changing vacancies and rents are incorporated into the discounted cash flow analysis that the Company performs for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) an allowance for losses. In addition, the Company continues to monitor the entire commercial mortgage loan portfolio to identify risk. Areas of emphasis are properties that have deteriorating credits or have experienced debt coverage reduction. Where warranted, the Company has established or increased loss reserves based upon this analysis. The Company does not accrue interest on loans ninety days past due. The Company also establishes a general reserve which is calculated by applying a percentage, based on risk rating and maturity, to the outstanding loan balance
Policy loans
Policy loans on insurance contracts are stated at unpaid principal balances. The Company estimates the fair value of policy loans as equal to the book value of the loans. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the account value of the associated insurance contracts, and the spread between the policy loan interest rate and the interest rate credited to the account value held as collateral is fixed.
Derivative Instruments
Derivatives are financial instruments in which the value changes in response to an underlying variable, that require little or no net initial investment and are settled at a future date. The Company has entered into exchange traded derivatives, such as futures, options, and variance swaps to hedge the costs of the volatility of the S&P market.
Futures contracts are used to hedge the liability risk associated with products providing the policyholder a return based on various global equity market indices. Futures are marked to market on a daily basis whereby a cash payment is made or received by the Company. These payments are recognized as realized investment gains (losses) in the Statements of Income.
Equity collars, which are a combination of put and call options, have been entered into by the Company to hedge the equity risk associated with variable annuities and variable universal life products. The collars do not accrue interest and had an initial net cost of zero. A single receipt or payment occurs at maturity or termination.
Variance swaps are used to hedge the gamma risk created when delta hedging the minimum guarantee benefit riders associated with variable annuity products. These variance swaps are similar to volatility options where the underlying index provides for the market value movements. Variance swaps do not accrue interest, and typically, no cash is exchanged at initiation.
All derivatives, recognized on the Balance Sheet, are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Statements of Income. The Company does not seek hedge accounting on these hedges because, in most cases, the derivatives’ change in value will create a natural offset in the Statements of Income with the change in reserves. At termination, the final fair value of the variance swaps or equity collars is recorded as a realized investment gain (loss) in the Statements of Income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Securities Lending
Financial assets that are lent to a third party or that are transferred subject to a repurchase agreement at a fixed price are not derecognized as the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of asset ownership. The lent securities are included in fixed maturity AFS securities in the Balance Sheets. A liability is recognized for cash collateral received, required initially at 102%, on which interest is accrued. If the fair value of the collateral is at any time less than 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities, the counterparty is mandated to deliver additional collateral, the fair value of which, together with the collateral already held in connection with the lending transaction, is at least equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Company enters into dollar roll repurchase agreement transactions whereby the Company takes delivery of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) pools and sells them to a counterparty along with an agreement to repurchase substantially the same pools at some point in the future, typically one month forward. These transactions are accounted for as collateralized borrowings and the repurchase agreement liability is included in the Balance Sheets in payables for collateral under securities loaned and reverse repurchase agreements.
Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”), Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DAC”) and Deferred Sales Inducements (“DSI”)
VOBA
VOBA represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the insurance and annuity contracts in force at the acquisition date. VOBA is based on actuarially determined projections, for each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality, policyholder behavior, Separate Account performance, operating expenses, investment returns, and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. Revisions in estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future gross profits are less than the unamortized balance. See Note 4 to the financial statements for further discussion.
DAC
The costs of acquiring business, principally commissions, certain expenses related to policy issuance, and certain variable sales expenses that relate to and vary with the production of new and renewal business are deferred and amortized based on the estimated future gross profits for a group of contracts. DAC are subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issuance and loss recognition testing at the end of each reporting period.
DAC for variable annuities is amortized with interest over the anticipated lives of the insurance contracts in relation to the present values of estimated future gross profits from asset-based fees, guaranteed benefit rider fees, contract fees, and surrender charges, less a provision for guaranteed death and living benefit expenses, policy maintenance expenses, and non-capitalized commissions.
Future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic evaluation with necessary revisions applied against amortization to date. The impact of revisions and assumptions to estimates on cumulative amortization is recorded as a charge or credit to current operations, commonly referred to as “unlocking”. Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on the amount of DAC reported and the related amortization patterns. In general, increases in the estimated Separate Accounts return and decreases in surrender or mortality assumptions increase the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may lower the rate of DAC amortization. Conversely, decreases in the estimated Separate Accounts returns and increases in surrender or mortality assumptions reduce the expected future profitability of the underlying business and may increase the rate of DAC amortization.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, variable annuities accounted for the Company’s entire DAC asset. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
DSI
The Company offers a sales inducement whereby the contract owner receives a bonus which increases the initial account balance by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the contract owner’s deposit. This amount may be subject to recapture under certain circumstances. Consistent with DAC, sales inducements for variable annuity contracts are deferred and amortized based on the estimated future gross profits for each group of contracts. These future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic evaluation by the Company, with necessary revisions applied against amortization to date. The impact of these revisions on cumulative amortization is recorded as a charge or credit to current operations, commonly referred to as “unlocking”. It is reasonably possible that estimates of future gross profits could be reduced in the future, resulting in a material reduction in the carrying amount of the deferred sales inducement asset.
The expense and the subsequent capitalization and amortization are recorded as a component of policy benefits in the Statements of Income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, variable annuities accounted for the Company’s entire DSI asset. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests conducted at least annually. Impairment testing is to be performed using the fair value approach, which requires the use of estimates and judgment, at the “reporting unit” level. A reporting unit represents the operating segment which is the level at which the financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management. The entire asset amount has been allocated to annuities. Goodwill is reviewed for indications of value impairment, with consideration given to financial performance and other relevant factors. In addition, certain events including a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, or unanticipated competition would cause the Company to review the carrying amounts of goodwill for impairment. The Company performed tests of goodwill at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 and determined there was no impairment of goodwill.
Separate Accounts
The Company’s Separate Accounts consist of variable annuities and variable life insurance contracts, of which the assets and liabilities are legally segregated and reported as separate captions in the Balance Sheets. Separate Accounts are established in conformity with Arkansas State Insurance Law and are generally not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of
the Company. Separate Accounts assets may be subject to claims of the Company only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds Separate Accounts liabilities. The assets of the Separate Accounts are carried at the daily net asset value of the mutual funds in which they invest.
Absent any contract provision wherein the Company guarantees either a minimum return or account value upon death or annuitization, the net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses attributable to Separate Accounts assets supporting variable annuities and variable life contracts accrue directly to the contract owner and are not reported as revenue in the Statements of Income. Mortality, guaranteed benefit fees, policy administration, maintenance, and withdrawal charges associated with Separate Accounts products are included in policy charge revenue in the Statements of Income.
Policyholder Account Balances
The Company’s liability for policyholder account balances represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the Balance Sheet dates. The liability is generally equal to the accumulated account deposits plus interest credited less policyholders’ withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balance. Interest-crediting rates for the Company’s fixed rate products are as follows:
These rates may be changed at the option of the Company after initial guaranteed rates expire, unless contracts are subject to minimum interest rate guarantees.
Future Policy Benefits
The Company’s liability for future policy benefits consists of liabilities for immediate annuities and liabilities for certain guaranteed benefits contained in the variable insurance products the Company manufactures. Liabilities for immediate annuities are equal to the present value of estimated future payments to or on behalf of policyholders, where the timing and amount of payment generally depends on policyholder mortality. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities were in the range of 2.55% to 5.75% during 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues for variable annuity contracts consist of policy charges for i) mortality and expense risks, ii) certain guaranteed benefits selected by the contract owner, iii) administration fees, iv) annual contract maintenance charges, and v) withdrawal charges assessed on contracts surrendered during the withdrawal charge period. Revenues for variable annuity contracts are recognized when policy charges are assessed or earned.
Revenues for variable life insurance contracts consist of policy charges for i) mortality and expense risks, ii) cost of insurance fees, iii) amortization of front-end and deferred sales charges, and iv) withdrawal charges assessed on contracts surrendered during the withdrawal charge period. Revenues for variable life insurance contracts are recognized when policy charges are assessed or earned.
Revenues for interest-sensitive annuity contracts (market value adjusted annuities, immediate annuities, and single premium deferred annuities) and interest-sensitive life insurance contracts (single premium whole life insurance) consist of i) investment income, ii) gains (losses) on the sale of invested assets, and iii) withdrawal charges assessed on contracts surrendered during the withdrawal charge period. Revenues for interest-sensitive annuity and life insurance contracts are recognized when investment income and investment sales are earned while revenues for contract charges are recognized when assessed or earned.
Claims and Claims Settlement Expenses
Liabilities for claims and claims settlement expenses equal the death benefit (plus accrued interest) for claims that have been reported to the Company but have not settled and an estimate, based upon prior experience, for unreported claims.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company provides for income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in the financial statements in accordance with GAAP guidance. Accordingly, deferred taxes are adjusted to reflect the tax rates at which future taxable amounts will likely be settled or realized. The effects of tax rate changes on future deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as other changes in income tax laws, are recognized in net income (loss) in the year during which such changes are enacted.
The Company filed a separate federal income tax return for the years 2008 through 2012. Beginning in 2013 and assuming no changes in ownership, the Company will join the affiliated consolidated tax group. A tax return has been filed for 2012, 2011 and 2010, but no examination by the Internal Revenue Service has commenced.
The Company is subject to taxes on premiums and is exempt from state income taxes in most states.
Subsequent Events
The financial statements are adjusted to reflect events that occurred between the balance sheet date and the date when the financial statements are issued, provided they give evidence of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date.
Events that are indicative of conditions that arose after the balance sheet date are disclosed, but do not result in an adjustment of the financial statements themselves.
Recent Accounting Guidance
Current Adoption of Recent Accounting Guidance
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 944, Financial Services-Insurance
In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts, which modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts. An insurance entity may only capitalize incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, the portion of employees’ compensation directly related to time spent performing specified acquisition activities for a contract that has actually been acquired, other costs related directly to specified activities that would not have been incurred had the acquisition contract transaction not occurred, and advertising costs that meet capitalization criteria in other GAAP guidance. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance prospectively on January 1, 2012. The only acquisition costs being capitalized are renewal commissions; therefore there was no change to the current practice of deferring costs. As a result, the adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements, which modifies the criteria for determining whether a repurchase transaction should be accounted for as a secured borrowing or as a sale. The amendments in this ASU remove from the assessment of effective control 1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and 2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2012. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which amends current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Some of the amendments represent clarifications of existing requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2012. The adoption affected disclosures but did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
ASC 220, Comprehensive Income
•
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to report components of comprehensive income in either a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. Under the two statement approach, the first statement would include components of net income and the second statement would include components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
Regardless of format, an entity is required to present items that are reclassified from OCI to net income in both net income and OCI. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2012. The adoption affected disclosures but did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
•
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. This guidance defers the portion of ASU 2011-05 that requires an entity to present reclassification adjustments and the effect of those reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented, by component of net income, and on the face of the financial statements where OCI is presented, by component of OCI. The deferral is effective at the same time as ASU 2011-05, for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.
ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which gives entities the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If, after assessing qualitative factors, a company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the company does not need to perform further testing. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the company would have to perform the two step goodwill impairment test. The option is unconditional so it may be skipped in any reporting period and an entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2012. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2011
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted guidance (ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements) requiring separate presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs. The adoption affected disclosures but did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
ASC 944, Financial Services-Insurance
On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted guidance (ASU 2010-15, How Investments Held Through Separate Accounts Affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments) clarifying that an insurance entity should not consider any separate account interest held for the benefit of policyholders in an investment to be the insurer’s interest and should not combine those interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other
On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted guidance (ASU 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts), which requires entities with a zero or negative carrying value to assess, considering qualitative factors, whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. If an entity concludes that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, the entity must perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
ASC 310, Receivables
On April 1, 2011, the Company early adopted guidance, retrospectively to January 1, 2011, (ASU 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring), which provides clarification to help creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. Additionally, the Company provided the previously deferred qualitative and quantitative disclosures about troubled debt restructurings in accordance with ASU 2010-20, including how financing receivables were modified and the financial effects of the modifications. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Future Adoption of Accounting Guidance
ASC 210, Balance Sheet
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which enhances disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Entities are required to provide both net and gross information for these assets and liabilities in order to enhance comparability between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The disclosures required by this guidance should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2013, which affects disclosures and therefore will not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
ASC 220, Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02), which requires an entity to provide information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2013, which affects disclosures and therefore will not impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Note 2. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company has categorized its financial instruments into a three level hierarchy which is based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:
Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
Level 2. Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:
a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets
b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets
c) Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable
d) Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means
Level 3. Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. They reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company recognizes transfers between levels at the beginning of the quarter.
The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(a) Securities are classified as Level 1 if the fair value is determined by observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 securities primarily include highly liquid U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities. Securities are classified as Level 2 if the fair value is determined by observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or prices for similar assets. Securities are classified as Level 3 if the valuations are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable. Level 3 consists principally of fixed maturity securities whose fair value is estimated based on non-binding broker quotes and internal models. These internal models primarily use projected cash flows discounted using relevant risk spreads and market interest rate curves. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, less than 0.5% of fixed maturity AFS securities were valued using internal models.
(b) Cash equivalents are primarily valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Operating cash is not included in the abovementioned table.
(c) The Company has an investment in a limited partnership for which the fair value was derived from management’s review of the underlying financial statements that were prepared on a GAAP basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
(d) Separate Accounts assets are carried at the net asset value provided by the fund managers.
(e) The Company issued contracts containing guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit riders (“GMWB”) and obtained reinsurance on guaranteed minimum income benefit riders (“GMIB reinsurance”). GMWB and GMIB reinsurance are treated as embedded derivatives and are required to be reported separately from the host contract. In addition, the Company issues SALB contracts which are required to be reported at fair value. The fair value of these guarantees is calculated as the present value of future expected payments to policyholders less the present value of assessed fees attributable to the guarantees. Given the complexity and long-term nature of these guarantees, their fair values are determined using stochastic techniques under a variety of market
return, discount rates and actuarial assumptions. Since many of the assumptions are unobservable and are considered to be significant inputs to the liability valuation, the liability included in future policy benefits has been reflected within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
(f) Derivative liabilities are classified as Level 1 if the fair value is determined by observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Derivatives are classified as Level 2 if the fair value is determined by observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the identical asset or prices for similar assets. Derivatives are classified as Level 3 if the valuations are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable. Level 2 derivatives include variance swaps and equity collars for which the Company utilized readily accessible quoted index levels and broker quotes. The fair value for the variance swaps is calculated as the difference between the estimated volatility of the underlying S&P index at maturity to the actual volatility of the underlying S&P index at initiation (i.e., strike) multiplied by the notional value of the swap. Fair value for the equity collar’s put and call options is calculated using the Black-Scholes model using market observable inputs for the underlying market price and volatility surface.
During 2012 and 2011, there were no transfers between level 1 and 2, respectively.
The following table provides a summary of the change in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
(a) Recorded as a component of limited partnerships and fixed maturity AFS securities in the Balance Sheets.
(b) Recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).
(c) Recorded as a component of net investment income in the Statements of Income.
(d) Recorded as a component of net realized investment gains (losses) for fixed maturity and net investment income for limited partnerships in the Statements of Income.
In certain circumstances, the Company will obtain non-binding broker quotes from brokers to assist in the determination of fair value. If those quotes can be corroborated by other market observable data, the investments will be classified as Level 2 investments. If not, the investments are classified as Level 3 due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. The decrease in Level 3 fixed maturity AFS securities at December 31, 2012 was due to sales and a bond that transferred out of Level 3 due to the availability of market observable data (Level 2) from an external pricing source. The decrease in Level 3 fixed maturity AFS securities at December 31, 2011 was primarily due to sales and availability of market observable data (Level 2).
The Company’s Level 3 liabilities (assets) consist of provisions for GMWB, SALB and GMIB reinsurance. The fair value of these guarantees is calculated as the present value of future expected payments to policyholders less the present value of assessed fees attributable to the guarantees. Given the complexity and long-term nature of these guarantees which are unlike instruments available in financial markets, their fair values are determined using stochastic techniques under a variety of market return scenarios. A variety of factors are considered, including expected market rates of return, equity and interest rate volatility, credit spread, correlations of
market returns, discount rates and actuarial assumptions. For GMWB and SALB, an increase (decrease) in credit spread in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement and increases (decreases) in volatility in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Changes in the Company’s credit spread and volatility assumption have an inverse reaction for GMIB reinsurance, due to this reserve being an asset.
The expected returns are based on risk-free rates, such as the current London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) forward curve. The credit spread is set by using the credit default swap (“CDS”) spreads of a reference portfolio of life insurance companies, adjusted to reflect the subordination of senior debt holders at the holding company level to the position of policyholders at the operating company level (who have priority in payments to other creditors). The credit spread was 80 basis points (“bps”) and 135 bps at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
For equity volatility, the Company uses a term structure assumption with market-based implied volatility inputs for the first five years and a long-term forward rate assumption of 25% thereafter. The volume of observable option trading from which volatilities are derived generally declines as the contracts’ term increases, therefore, the volatility curve grades from implied volatilities for five years to the ultimate rate. The resulting volatility assumption in year 20 for the S&P 500 index (expressed as a spot rate) was 24.4% at December 31, 2012 and 25.7% at December 31, 2011. Correlations of market returns across underlying indices are based on historical market returns and their inter-relationships over a number of years preceding the valuation date. Assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, such as lapses, included in the models are derived in the same way as the assumptions used to measure insurance liabilities. These assumptions are reviewed at each valuation date and updated based on historical experience and observable market data as required.
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities (assets) at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
(a) Recorded as a component of policy benefits in the Statements of Income.
(b) Recorded as a component of future policy benefits in the Balance Sheets.
During 2012, the change in GMWB and GMIB reinsurance reserves was primarily driven by updated policyholder behavior assumptions, decrease in risk neutral rates, change in volatility and favorable equity market performance. The SALB reserve was $43 due to low sales volume during 2012. During 2011, the change in GMWB and GMIB reinsurance reserves was primarily driven by the reduction in risk neutral rates and lower equity market performance.
The Level 3 asset at December 31, 2012 consists of a residential mortgage-backed security (“RMBS”) that is valued using a discounted cash flow approach. This approach utilizes assumptions that are typically developed based upon assumptions observed for similar securities, to the extent possible, with reviews performed on any significant changes in measurements from one period to the next. The primary unobservable assumptions used in the fair value measurement of these securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity in the event of default. Increases (decreases) in any of those inputs would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Typically, changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default and loss severity move in the same direction, while changes in the assumption used for prepayment rates would move in the opposite direction.
The following table provides a summary of the quantitative inputs and assumptions of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities at December 31, 2012:
(1) The Company has an investment in a limited partnership for which the fair value is derived from management’s review of the underlying financial statements that were prepared on a GAAP basis. Management did not make any adjustments to the valuation from the underlying financial statements. As a result, inputs are not developed by management to determine the fair value measurement for this investment.
The following table provides the estimated fair value of the Company’s assets not carried at fair value on the Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
(a) The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and/or remaining maturities.
(b) Policy Loans are stated at unpaid principal balance. Fair value is estimated as equal to the book value of the loan.
Note 3. Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
The amortized cost/cost and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturity and equity AFS securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporary (“OTTI”) securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
Excluding investments in U.S. government and government agencies, the Company is not exposed to any significant concentration of credit risk in its fixed maturity securities portfolio.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities by investment grade at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were:
At December 31, 2012 and 2011 the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities rated BBB- were $96,136 and $61,750, respectively, which is the lowest investment grade rating given by S&P. Below investment grade securities are speculative and are subject to significantly greater risks related to the creditworthiness of the issuers and the liquidity of the market for such securities. The Company closely monitors such investments.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity AFS securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 by contractual maturities were:
In the preceding table fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been included in the year of final maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
During 2012, 2011 and 2010, there was $101, $612, and $1,675, respectively, of investment income on fixed maturity trading securities recorded in net investment income in the Statements of Income. During 2012, 2011, and 2010 there was $1,069, $394, and ($1,462), respectively, of income (loss) recognized from the change in the fair value on fixed maturity trading securities recorded in net investment income in the Statements of Income. The Company recognized losses of $960 and $98 during 2012 and 2011, respectively, on the conversion of fixed maturity trading securities to preferred stock. There were no conversions of fixed maturity trading securities to preferred stock in 2010.
The Company had investment securities with an estimated fair value of $22,121 and $20,291 that were deposited with insurance regulatory authorities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
The Company’s investments in fixed maturity and equity securities classified as AFS are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in stockholder’s equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes.
The estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses and OTTI of fixed maturity and equity AFS securities aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
The total number of securities in an unrealized loss position was 52 and 68 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The estimated fair value, gross unrealized losses, OTTI and number of securities where the fair value had declined below amortized cost by greater than 20% at December 31, 2012, and the estimated fair value, gross unrealized losses, OTTI and number of securities where the fair value had declined below amortized cost by greater than 20% and greater than 40% at December 31, 2011 were as follows:
(1) Subsequent unrealized gains (losses) on OTTI securities are included in OCI-OTTI.
Unrealized gains (losses) incurred during 2012 and 2011 were primarily due to price fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates and credit spreads. If the Company has the intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost, securities are written down to fair value. If cash flow models indicate a credit event will impact future cash flows, the security is impaired to discounted cash flows. As the remaining unrealized losses in the portfolio relate to holdings where the Company expects to receive full principal and interest, the Company does not consider the underlying investments to be impaired.
The components of net unrealized gains (losses) and OTTI included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
The Company records certain adjustments to policyholder account balances in conjunction with the unrealized holding gains or losses on investments classified as available-for-sale. The Company adjusts a portion of these liabilities as if the unrealized holding gains or losses had actually been realized, with corresponding credits or charges reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Mortgage loans on real estate consist entirely of mortgages on commercial real estate. Prepayment premiums are collected when borrowers elect to prepay their debt prior to the stated maturity. There were no prepayment premiums for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2010. There was $75 of prepayment premiums collected for the year ended December 31, 2011. Prepayment premiums are included in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding OTTI on securities in the Statements of Income.
The fair value for mortgage loans on real estate is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and/or similar remaining maturities. The estimated fair value of the mortgages on commercial real estate at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $59,548 and $61,833, respectively.
Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A valuation allowance is established when a loan is impaired for the excess carrying value of the loan over its estimated collateral value. In addition to the valuation allowance for specific loans, a general reserve is estimated based on a percent of the outstanding loan balance. The general reserve at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $25 and $28, respectively. The change in the reserve is reflected in net realized investment gains (losses), excluding OTTI on securities in the Statements of Income. There were no impaired mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 or 2011. The change in the credit loss allowances on mortgage loans by type of property for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
The commercial mortgages are geographically diversified throughout the United States with the largest concentrations in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, Ohio, and California which account for approximately 76% of mortgage loans at December 31, 2012.
The credit quality of mortgage loans by type of property for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
The credit quality for the commercial mortgage loans was determined based on an internal credit rating model which assigns a letter rating to each mortgage loan in the portfolio as an indicator of the quality of the mortgage loan. The internal credit rating model was designed based on rating agency methodology, then modified for credit risk associated with the Company’s mortgage lending process, taking into account such factors as projected future cash flows, net operating income, and collateral value. The model produces a rating score and an associated letter rating which is intended to align with S&P ratings as closely as possible. Information supporting the risk rating process is updated at least annually. While mortgage loans with a lower rating carry a higher risk of loss, adequate reserves for loan losses have been established to cover those risks.
Policy Loans
Policy loans on insurance contracts are stated at unpaid principal balances. The Company estimates the fair value of policy loans as equal to the book value of the loans. The estimated fair value of the policy loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $752,437 and $792,602, respectively. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the account value of the associated insurance contracts, and the spread between the policy loan interest rate and the interest rate credited to the account value held as collateral is fixed.
Securities Lending
The Company loans securities under securities lending agreements. The amortized cost of securities out on loan at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $187,240 and $205,909, respectively. The estimated fair value of securities out on loan at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $206,241 and $239,207, respectively.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Company enters into dollar roll repurchase agreement transactions whereby the Company takes delivery of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) pools and sells them to a counterparty along with an agreement to repurchase substantially the same pools at some point in the future, typically one month forward. These transactions are accounted for as collateralized borrowings, and the repurchase agreement liability is included in the Balance Sheet in payables for collateral under securities loaned and reverse repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2012, the payable for reverse repurchase agreements was $26,355. At December 31, 2012, the estimated fair value and amortized cost of the securities that were pledged to the counterparty to support the initial dollar roll was $26,222 and $25,986, respectively. There were no reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, 2011.
Derivatives
The Company uses several types of derivatives to manage the capital market risk associated with the GMWB.
S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index futures contracts are used to hedge the equity risk associated with these types of variable guaranteed products, in particular the claim and/or revenue risks of the liability portfolio. Net settlements on the futures occur daily. At December 31, 2012, the Company had 412 outstanding short futures contracts with a notional value of $145,702. At December 31, 2011, the Company had 630 outstanding short futures contracts with a notional value of $197,285.
The Company uses variance swaps to hedge equity risk. At December 31, 2012, the Company had variance swaps with a notional value of $11 and a net fair value of ($1,910). The Company recognized $569 of realized losses from the change in fair value of the variance swaps in net investment income in the Statements of Income during the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, the Company had variance swaps with a notional value of $5 and a net fair value of ($1,341). The Company recognized $988 of realized losses from the change in fair value of the variance swaps in net investment income in the Statements of Income during the year ended December 31, 2011.
The Company also uses equity collars to hedge equity risk. These derivatives were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2012 as part of a hedging program which, with a zero cost at issue, hedges a portion of equity market decline by selling a portion of market upside above the Company’s long-term expected return. At December 31, 2012, the Company had equity collars with a notional value of $1,525 million and a net fair value of ($9,800).
The Company will not seek hedge accounting on these hedges because, in most cases, the derivatives’ change in value will create a natural offset in the Statements of Income with the change in reserves.
The Company can also receive or pledge collateral related to derivative transactions. The credit support agreement contains a fair value threshold of $1,000 over which collateral needs to be pledged by the Company or its counterparty. At December 31, 2012, the Company has pledged securities in the amount of $4,949 to counterparties. At December 31, 2011, there was no cash collateral pledged or received on derivative transactions in accordance with the credit support agreement.
In addition, in order to trade futures, the Company is required to post collateral to an exchange (sometimes referred to as margin). The fair value of collateral posted in relation to the futures margin was $9,921 and $16,892 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income by source for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
The Company considers fair value at the date of sale to be equal to proceeds received. Proceeds and gross realized investment gains (losses) from the sale of AFS securities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Net realized investment losses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
In 2012 and 2011 there were no impaired limited partnerships. During 2010, the Company recorded a limited partnership impairment of $3,828 due to the decline in fair value of the fund being deemed to be other-than-temporary with the recovery in value from the remaining underlying investments in the fund not anticipated.
There were no impaired mortgage loans in 2012 and 2011. During 2010, the Company established a valuation allowance of $634 for an impaired mortgage loan. A valuation allowance is established when the excess carrying value of the mortgage loan exceeds the estimated collateral value. In addition, mortgage loan losses include a loss of $654 at December 31, 2010, for a mortgage loan which was impaired and sold during the fourth quarter 2010.
OTTI
If management determines that a decline in the value of an AFS equity security is other-than-temporary, the cost basis is adjusted to estimated fair value and the decline in value is recorded as a net realized investment loss. For debt securities, the manner in which an OTTI is recorded depends on whether management intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before its anticipated recovery. If management intends to sell or more likely than not will be
required to sell the debt security before recovery, the OTTI is recognized in earnings for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If these criteria are not met, the OTTI is bifurcated into two pieces: a credit loss is recognized in earnings at an amount equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and the present value of the security’s anticipated cash flows, and a non credit loss is recognized in OCI for any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date.
The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts for the years ended December 31:
The components of OTTI reflected in the Statements of Income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
During 2012, the Company impaired is holding on a corporate non-convertible bond for $66 as part of a pre-packaged bankruptcy. The Company impaired its holding in a 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $42, a previously OCI impaired holding of a 2005 vintage RMBS for $44, a 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $148 and a previously OCI impaired 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $59 due to an adverse change in cash flows.
During 2011, the Company impaired its holdings of 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $712 due to an adverse change in cash flows, a 2006 vintage subprime RMBS for $63, a corporate bond for $258 due to adverse changes in cash flows and a corporate non-convertible security for $142 due to a pre-packaged bankruptcy.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the gross impairment losses recognized in the Statements of Income were primarily driven by the impairment of a 2005 vintage RMBS for $722 and a 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $272 due to adverse changes in cash flows. A corporate bond was also impaired for $397 due to the intent to sell or being more likely than not required to sell. In addition, the Company impaired its holding of a 2007 vintage subprime RMBS for $423.
Note 4. VOBA, DAC, and DSI
VOBA
VOBA reflects the estimated fair value of in force contracts acquired and represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from the life insurance and annuity contracts in force at the acquisition date. VOBA is based on actuarially determined projections, for each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality, Separate Accounts performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. If estimated gross profits or premiums differ from expectations, the amortization of VOBA is adjusted to reflect actual experience. The long-term and short-term growth rate assumption for the amortization of VOBA, DAC and DSI was 9% at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
The change in the carrying amount of VOBA for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
2012 was impacted by higher gross profits, principally driven by favorable equity market performance resulting in amortization and favorable unlocking as compared to 2011.
The estimated future amortization of VOBA from 2013 to 2017 is as follows:
DAC and DSI
The change in the carrying amount of DAC and DSI for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
The decrease in DAC and DSI in 2012 as compared to 2011 was principally driven by favorable equity market performance resulting in amortization and favorable unlocking as compared to 2011.
Note 5. Variable Contracts Containing Guaranteed Benefits
Variable Annuity Contracts Containing Guaranteed Benefits
Prior to 2009, the Company issued variable annuity contracts in which the Company may have contractually guaranteed to the contract owner a guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) and/or an optional guaranteed living benefit provision. The living benefit provisions offered by the Company included a guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) and a GMWB. Information regarding the general characteristics of each guaranteed benefit type is provided below:
•
In general, contracts containing GMDB provisions provide a death benefit equal to the greater of the GMDB or the contract value. Depending on the type of contract, the GMDB may equal: i) contract deposits accumulated at a specified interest rate, ii) the contract value on specified contract anniversaries, iii) return of contract deposits, or iv) some combination of these benefits. Each benefit type is reduced for contract withdrawals.
•
In general, contracts containing GMIB provisions provide the option to receive a guaranteed future income stream upon annuitization. There is a waiting period of ten years from contract issue that must elapse before the GMIB provision can be exercised.
•
Contracts containing GMWB provisions provide the contract owner the ability to withdraw minimum annual payments regardless of the impact of market performance on the contract owner’s account value. In general, withdrawal percentages are based on the contract owner’s age at the time of the first withdrawal.
The Company had the following variable annuity contracts containing guaranteed benefits at December 31:
(a) Net amount at risk for GMDB is defined as the current GMDB in excess of the contract owners’ account balance at the Balance Sheet date. Net amount at risk for GMIB is defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuity payments available to the contract owner in excess of the contract owners’ account balance at the Balance Sheet date. Net amount at risk for GMWB is defined as the difference between the maximum amount payable under the guarantee and the contract owners’ account balance at the Balance Sheet date.
The Company records liabilities for contracts containing GMDB and GMIB as a component of future policy benefits in the Balance Sheets and changes in the liabilities are included as a component of policy benefits in the Statements of Income. The GMDB and GMIB liabilities are determined by projecting future expected guaranteed benefits under multiple scenarios for returns on Separate Accounts assets. The Company uses estimates for mortality and policyholder behavior assumptions based on actual and projected experience for each contract type. These estimates are consistent with the estimates used in the calculation of DAC. The Company regularly evaluates the estimates used and adjusts the GMDB and/or GMIB liability balances with a related charge or credit to earnings (“unlocking”), if actual experience or evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.
The changes in the variable annuity GMDB and GMIB liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
The change in reserve was primarily driven by more favorable than expected separate account returns and policy holder behavior assumption unlocking decreased GMIB reserves compared to 2011.
At December 31, contract owners’ account balances by mutual fund class by guaranteed benefit provisions were comprised as follows:
Variable Life Contracts Containing Guaranteed Benefits
The Company has issued variable life contracts in which the Company contractually guarantees to the contract owner a GMDB. In general, contracts containing GMDB provisions provide a death benefit equal to the amount specified in the contract regardless of the level of the contract’s account value.
At December 31, contract owners’ account balances by mutual fund class for contracts containing GMDB provisions were distributed as follows:
Note 6. Federal Income Taxes
The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes based on income (loss) before federal income taxes, computed using the federal statutory rate versus the reported provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31:
The effective tax rate was not meaningful for December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. Differences between the effective rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35% principally were the result of Separate Accounts dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the valuation allowance on net operating loss carryforward.
The Company provides for deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences that arise from recording certain transactions in different years for income tax reporting purposes than for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
At December 31, 2012, the Company did not have a tax valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 was $90,402. At March 31, 2012, management determined that deferred tax assets on the net operating loss carryforward and other assets are more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2011 the valuation allowance was related to deferred tax assets on a net operating loss carryforward and other assets that, in the judgment of
management, were not more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that all or some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making the assessment.
The Company has analyzed all material tax positions under the guidance of ASC 740, Income Taxes, related to the accounting for uncertainty in income tax, and determined there were tax benefits of $2,648 (gross $7,566) and $2,522 (gross $7,205) that should not be recognized at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which primarily relate to uncertainty regarding the sustainability of certain deductions taken on the 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 U.S. Federal income tax returns. To the extent these unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, they will not impact the effective tax rate in a future period. It is not anticipated that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase within twelve months of the reporting date.
The components of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had an operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $426,083 (net of the ASC 740 reduction of $7,566) and $518,325 (net of the ASC 740 reduction of $7,205), respectively, with a carryforward period of fifteen years that expire at various dates up to 2026. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not have a capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had a foreign tax credit carryforward of $7,907 and $5,956, respectively, with a carryforward period of ten years that will expire at various dates up to 2022. Also, the Company has an Alternative Minimum Tax tax credit carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $4,274 and $2,488, at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, with an indefinite carryforward period.
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to income taxes as interest expense and penalty expense, respectively. The Company did not recognize any penalties in its financial statements at December 31, 2012. The Company has recognized $5 in penalties in its financial statements at December 31, 2011. The Company recognized interest (income) expense of ($30) and $30 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The Company files a separate federal income tax return for the years 2008 through 2012. Beginning in 2013 and assuming no changes in ownership, the Company will join the affiliated consolidated tax group. A tax return has been filed for 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, but no examination by the Internal Revenue Service has commenced.
Note 7. Stockholder’s Equity and Statutory Accounting Principles
The Company’s statutory financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of Arkansas. The State of Arkansas has adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (“NAIC”) statutory accounting principles as the basis of its statutory accounting principles.
The Company’s statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $178,189, ($340,218), and $181,242, respectively.
Statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $636,158 and $438,047, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $215,556 and $43,805, respectively, of stockholder’s equity was available for dividend distribution that would not require approval by the Arkansas Insurance Department, subject to the availability of unassigned surplus. During 2012 and 2011, the Company did not pay any dividends to AUSA or receive any capital contributions from AUSA.
The NAIC utilizes the Risk Based Capital (“RBC”) adequacy monitoring system. The RBC calculates the amount of adjusted capital that a life insurance company should hold based upon that company’s risk profile. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, based on the RBC formula, the Company’s total adjusted capital level was above the minimum amount of capital required to avoid regulatory action.
A financial exam of the Company has been performed by the state, for the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2009, and was completed on February 7, 2011. The Examination Report, as of December 31, 2009, was adopted by the Insurance Department of the State of Arkansas on May 13, 2011. There were no changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the exam.
Note 8. Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured life and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding mortality risk to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under indemnity reinsurance agreements, primarily quota share coverage and coinsurance agreements. The maximum amount of mortality risk retained by the Company is approximately $1,000 on single and joint life policies.
Indemnity reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company from its obligations to contract owners. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers so as to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, net reinsurance receivables were $2,186 and $2,439 respectively. The Company had no assumed reinsurance reserve at December 31, 2012. The Company had a reinsurance reserve on a portion of the recapture of the life reinsurance of $383 at December 31, 2011.
Effective October 1, 2011, the Company recaptured an indemnity reinsurance agreement with an unaffiliated insurer whereby the Company coinsured, on a modified coinsurance basis, 50% of the unaffiliated insurer’s variable annuity contracts sold from January 1, 1997 to June 30, 2001.
At December 31, 2012, the Company had the following life insurance inforce:
In addition, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to guaranteed benefit features contained in certain variable annuity contracts. Specifically, the Company reinsures certain GMIB and GMDB provisions to the extent reinsurance capacity is available in the marketplace. At December 31, 2012, 39% and 6% of the account value for variable annuity contracts containing GMIB and GMDB provisions, respectively, were reinsured. At December 31, 2011, 41% and 6% of the account value for variable annuity contracts containing GMIB and GMDB provisions, respectively, were reinsured.
Note 9. Related Party Transactions
At December 31, 2012, the Company had the following related party agreements in effect:
The Company is party to a common cost allocation service agreement between AUSA companies in which various affiliated companies may perform specified administrative functions in connection with the operation of the Company, in consideration of reimbursement of actual costs of services rendered. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $11,514, $8,417, and $10,040, respectively, in expenses under this agreement. Charges attributable to this agreement are included in insurance expenses and taxes, net of amounts capitalized.
The Company is party to intercompany short-term note receivable arrangements with its parent and affiliates at various times during the year. On March 30, 2011, the Company entered into an intercompany short-term note receivable of $50,000 with an interest rate of 0.25% that was paid off in December 2011. On April 29, 2010, the Company entered into an intercompany short-term note receivable of $40,000 with an interest rate of 0.21% that was paid off in December 2010. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company accrued and/or received $0, $94, and $134 of interest, respectively. Interest related to these arrangements is included in net investment income.
AEGON USA Realty Advisors, LLC acts as the manager and administrator for the Company’s mortgage loans on real estate under an administrative and advisory agreement with the Company. Charges attributable to this agreement are included in net investment income. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $86, $130, and $151, respectively, under this agreement. There were no mortgage loan origination fees during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Mortgage loan origination fees are amortized into net investment income over the life of the mortgage loans.
AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC acts as a discretionary investment manager under an investment management agreement with the Company. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $1,625, $2,212, and $2,136, respectively, in expenses under this agreement. Charges attributable to this agreement are included in net investment income.
Transamerica Capital, Inc. provides underwriting and distribution services for the Company under an underwriting agreement. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $32,546, $37,642, $33,844, respectively, in expenses under this agreement. Charges attributable to this agreement are included in insurance expenses and taxes, net of amounts capitalized.
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. acts as the investment advisor for certain related party funds in the Company’s Separate Accounts under multiple service agreements. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $405, $423 and $69 respectively, in expenses under this agreement. Charges attributed to these agreements are included in insurance expenses and taxes, net of amounts capitalized.
The Company has a participation agreement with Transamerica Series Trust to offer certain funds in the Company’s Separate Accounts. Transamerica Capital, Inc. acts as the distributor for said related party funds. The Company has entered into a distribution and shareholder services agreement for certain of the said funds. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company received $1,737, $1,852, and $191, respectively, in revenue under these agreements. Revenue attributable to this agreement is included in policy charge revenue.
The Company has a reinsurance agreement with Transamerica Life Insurance Company. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company incurred $35, $22, and $50, respectively, in reinsurance premium ceded expense under this agreement and there were no reinsurance recoveries on death claims incurred.
The Company is party to the purchasing and selling of investments between various affiliated companies. The investments are purchased and sold at fair value and are included in fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate in the Balance Sheets. During 2012, the Company sold $9,714 fixed maturity AFS securities to affiliated companies. During 2011, the Company sold $2,800 of mortgage loans on real estate to affiliated companies. During 2010, the Company sold $48,177 and $3,909 of fixed maturity AFS securities and mortgage loans on real estate, respectively, to affiliated companies.
While management believes that the service agreements referenced above are calculated on a reasonable basis, they may not necessarily be indicative of the costs that would have been incurred with an unrelated third party. Affiliated agreements generally contain reciprocal indemnity provisions pertaining to each party’s representations and contractual obligations thereunder.
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
State insurance laws generally require that all life insurers who are licensed to transact business within a state become members of the state’s life insurance guaranty association. These associations have been established for the protection of contract owners from loss (within specified limits) as a result of the insolvency of an insurer. At the time an insolvency occurs, the guaranty association assesses the remaining members of the association an amount sufficient to satisfy the insolvent insurer’s contract owner obligations (within specified limits). The Company has utilized public information to estimate what future assessments it will incur as a result of insolvencies. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s estimated liability for future guaranty fund assessments was $631 and $624, respectively. In addition, the Company has a receivable for future premium tax deductions of $3,991 and $3,778 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. If future insolvencies occur, the Company’s estimated liability may not be sufficient to fund these insolvencies and the estimated liability may need to be adjusted. The Company regularly monitors public information regarding insurer insolvencies and adjusts its estimated liability appropriately.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and assessments. Management believes the settlement of these matters would not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
Note 11. Segment Information
In reporting to management, the Company’s operating results are categorized into two business segments: Annuity and Life Insurance. The Company’s Annuity segment consists of variable annuities and interest-sensitive annuities. The Company’s Life Insurance segment consists of variable life insurance products and interest-sensitive life insurance products. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those for the Company’s financial statements included herein. All revenue and expense transactions are recorded at the product level and accumulated at the business segment level for review by management. The following tables summarize each business segment’s contribution to select Statements of Income information for the years ended December 31:
(a) Net revenues include total revenues net of interest credited to policyholder liabilities.
The following tables represent select Balance Sheet information at December 31:
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.
Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company
(Registrant)
Date: March 28, 2013
By:
*
Eric J. Martin
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Treasurer, and 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 capacities and on the dates indicated.
*By: Darin D. Smith - Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT.
No annual report covering the Registrant’s last fiscal year or proxy materials has been or will be sent to Registrant’s security holder.
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT INDEX