FORM 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to             

 

Commission File Number : 001-31911

 

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Iowa

 

42-1447959

(State of Incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

5000 Westown Parkway, Suite 440

 

50266

West Des Moines, Iowa

 

(Zip Code)

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

(515) 221-0002

 

 

(Telephone)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $1

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $1

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes x     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes o     No x

 

APPLICABLE TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Shares of common stock outstanding at April 30, 2008: 54,604,272

 

 



 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2008 - $5,451,756; 2007- $5,120,268)

 

$

5,273,420

 

$

5,008,772

 

Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2008 - $5,226,351; 2007 - $5,212,815)

 

5,270,156

 

5,355,733

 

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2008 - $155,755; 2007 - $105,155)

 

135,667

 

87,412

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

2,046,836

 

1,953,894

 

Derivative instruments

 

80,707

 

204,657

 

Policy loans

 

446

 

427

 

Total investments

 

12,807,232

 

12,610,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

19,647

 

18,888

 

Coinsurance deposits

 

1,645,769

 

1,698,153

 

Accrued investment income

 

86,644

 

77,348

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

1,274,724

 

1,272,108

 

Deferred sales inducements

 

611,385

 

588,473

 

Deferred income taxes

 

49,824

 

75,806

 

Income taxes recoverable

 

35,819

 

24,990

 

Other assets

 

26,929

 

27,711

 

Total assets

 

$

16,557,973

 

$

16,394,372

 

 

2



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefit reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional life and accident and health insurance products

 

$

113,213

 

$

109,570

 

Annuity products

 

14,639,902

 

14,602,210

 

Other policy funds and contract claims

 

118,254

 

120,186

 

Notes payable

 

262,570

 

268,339

 

Subordinated debentures

 

268,351

 

268,330

 

Amounts due under repurchase agreements

 

439,614

 

257,225

 

Other liabilities

 

91,167

 

156,877

 

Total liabilities

 

15,933,071

 

15,782,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $1 per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2008 - 51,670,073 shares (excluding 5,276,124 treasury shares); 2007 - 53,556,002 shares (excluding 3,329,718 treasury shares)

 

51,670

 

53,556

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

373,374

 

387,302

 

Unallocated common stock held by ESOP; 2008 - 619,302 shares; 2007 - 629,565 shares

 

(6,670

)

(6,781

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(59,111

)

(38,929

)

Retained earnings

 

265,639

 

216,487

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

624,902

 

611,635

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

16,557,973

 

$

16,394,372

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums

 

$

3,316

 

$

3,057

 

Annuity product charges

 

12,098

 

8,994

 

Net investment income

 

195,488

 

169,358

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

(2,419

)

579

 

Change in fair value of derivatives

 

(157,365

)

(8,522

)

Total revenues

 

51,118

 

173,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits

 

2,609

 

1,933

 

Interest credited to account balances

 

54,176

 

115,953

 

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

 

31,912

 

4,361

 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

 

(218,614

)

(6,631

)

Interest expense on notes payable

 

4,129

 

4,082

 

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

 

5,231

 

5,589

 

Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements

 

2,972

 

4,018

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

80,690

 

17,569

 

Other operating costs and expenses

 

12,718

 

11,411

 

Total benefits and expenses

 

(24,177

)

158,285

 

Income before income taxes

 

75,295

 

15,181

 

Income tax expense

 

26,143

 

5,254

 

Net income

 

$

49,152

 

$

9,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.18

 

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution

 

$

0.85

 

$

0.17

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Unallocated
Common
Stock Held
by ESOP

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

$

53,501

 

$

389,644

 

$

 

$

(38,769

)

$

190,690

 

$

595,066

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income for period

 

 

 

 

 

9,927

 

9,927

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses

 

 

 

 

(80

)

 

(80

)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,847

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

1,338

 

 

 

 

1,338

 

Issuance of 7,000 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits

 

7

 

65

 

 

 

 

72

 

Conversion of $250 of subordinated debentures

 

31

 

219

 

 

 

 

250

 

Balance at March 31, 2007

 

$

53,539

 

$

391,266

 

$

 

$

(38,849

)

$

200,617

 

$

606,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2007

 

$

53,556

 

$

387,302

 

$

(6,781

)

$

(38,929

)

$

216,487

 

$

611,635

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income for period

 

 

 

 

 

49,152

 

49,152

 

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses

 

 

 

 

(20,182

)

 

(20,182

)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,970

 

Acquisition of 1,946,406 shares of common stock

 

(1,946

)

(14,681

)

 

 

 

(16,627

)

Allocation of 10,263 shares of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits

 

 

(15

)

111

 

 

 

96

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

761

 

 

 

 

761

 

Issuance of 59,244 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits

 

59

 

(2

)

 

 

 

57

 

Conversion of $10 of subordinated debentures

 

1

 

9

 

 

 

 

10

 

Balance at March 31, 2008

 

$

51,670

 

$

373,374

 

$

(6,670

)

$

(59,111

)

$

265,639

 

$

624,902

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

49,152

 

$

9,927

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments related to interest sensitive products:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited to account balances

 

54,176

 

115,953

 

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

 

31,912

 

4,361

 

Annuity product charges

 

(12,098

)

(8,994

)

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

 

(218,614

)

(6,631

)

Increase in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves

 

1,622

 

1,795

 

Policy acquisition costs deferred

 

(57,855

)

(49,007

)

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

80,690

 

17,569

 

Provision for depreciation and other amortization

 

658

 

311

 

Amortization of discount and premiums on investments

 

(62,250

)

(63,565

)

Realized losses (gains) on investments

 

2,419

 

(579

)

Change in fair value of derivatives

 

157,362

 

8,522

 

Deferred income taxes

 

36,849

 

3,648

 

Loss on retirement of debt

 

267

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

761

 

1,338

 

ESOP compensation

 

88

 

 

Change in accrued investment income

 

(9,296

)

(10,835

)

Change in income taxes recoverable

 

(10,829

)

(3,255

)

Change in other assets

 

299

 

604

 

Change in other policy funds and contract claims

 

(1,932

)

(3,831

)

Change in other liabilities

 

11,488

 

(54,762

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

54,869

 

(37,431

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available for sale

 

623,318

 

71,776

 

Fixed maturity securities - held for investment

 

150,474

 

 

Equity securities, available for sale

 

1,065

 

15,021

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

36,473

 

30,135

 

Derivative instruments

 

15,299

 

79,685

 

Acquisition of investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities - available for sale

 

(1,007,828

)

(48,679

)

Equity securities, available for sale

 

(51,695

)

(33,659

)

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

(129,415

)

(73,547

)

Derivative instruments

 

(65,769

)

(63,320

)

Policy loans

 

(19

)

(13

)

Purchases of property, furniture and equipment

 

(61

)

(502

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(428,158

)

(23,103

)

 

6



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Receipts credited to annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances

 

$

515,160

 

$

444,479

 

Coinsurance deposits

 

43,393

 

45,605

 

Return of annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances

 

(332,050

)

(304,801

)

Proceeds from notes payable

 

15,000

 

 

Repayments of notes payable

 

(20,766

)

(1,032

)

Increase (decrease) in amounts due under repurchase agreements

 

182,389

 

(154,139

)

Acquisition of common stock

 

(16,627

)

 

Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans

 

21

 

11

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

44

 

61

 

Checks in excess of cash balance

 

(12,516

)

28,880

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

374,048

 

59,064

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

759

 

(1,470

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

18,888

 

29,949

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

19,647

 

$

28,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

8,941

 

$

9,941

 

Income taxes

 

 

4,200

 

Non-cash operating activity:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferral of sales inducements

 

42,139

 

33,780

 

Non-cash financing activity:

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of subordinated debentures

 

10

 

250

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

7



 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, which are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2008.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The preparation of financial statements requires the use of management estimates.  For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand the Company’s financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2007 have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation for the period ended March 31, 2008.

 

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be reported at fair value.  There was no impact on the unaudited consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of SFAS 159 as the Company did not elect to report any assets or liabilities at fair value that were not currently reported at such.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 also provides guidance regarding the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings.  For assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition, the reporting entity shall disclose information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements.  For recurring fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, the reporting entity shall disclose the effect of the measurements on earnings for the period.  SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.  The adoption of SFAS 157 resulted in a change prospectively beginning on January 1, 2008 in the discount rates used in the calculation of the fair values of the embedded derivative component of the Company’s policy benefit reserves from risk-free rates to discount rates that include non performance risk related to those liabilities.  This change resulted in an increase in net income of $40.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an Amendment of FASB Statement 133 (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 enhances required disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities, including enhanced disclosures regarding how an entity uses derivative instruments and how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  Adoption of SFAS 161 as of January 1, 2009 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations as it impacts financial statement disclosure only.

 

8



 

2. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

SFAS 157 requires companies to expand disclosures associated with fair value measurements and to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  SFAS 157 provides a hierarchy for valuation inputs in which assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be disclosed.  Accordingly, the Company groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the following categories:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

 

Level 3 - Significant inputs that are unobservable for assets or liabilities.

 

The following valuation techniques were used by the Company in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

 

Fixed maturity and equity securities, available for sale: Quoted market prices from third parties for identical securities in active markets when available.  Quoted market prices from third parties for similar securities in active markets when identical security quotes are not available.  Quoted market prices from third parties for identical or similar securities in markets that are not active when active market prices are not available.

 

Derivative instruments: Quoted market prices from counterparties adjusted for credit risk of the counterparty as applicable.

 

Cash and cash equivalents: Amounts reported for these instruments are historical cost which approximates their fair value.

 

Embedded derivatives: Amounts reported are estimated by projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts.  The projections of the policy contract values are based on best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements.  Best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options that will be purchased in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary.  The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.  Increases or decreases in the fair value of embedded derivatives generally correspond to increases or decreases in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits and changes in the discount rates used to discount the excess of the projected policy contract values over the projected minimum guaranteed contract values.  The discount rates are based on risk-free rates adjusted for the non performance risk of the Company.

 

The Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:

 

 

 

Total
Fair Value

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity and equity securities, available for sale

 

$

5,409,087

 

$

242,817

 

$

5,166,270

 

$

 

Derivative instruments

 

80,707

 

 

80,707

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

19,647

 

19,647

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,509,441

 

$

262,464

 

$

5,246,977

 

$

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives

 

$

1,190,935

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,190,935

 

 

9



 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the Company’s Level 3 liabilities, consisting of embedded derivatives, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Embedded Derivatives

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

$

1,432,746

 

Premiums less benefits

 

42,913

 

Change in unrealized gains, net

 

(284,724

)

March 31, 2008

 

$

1,190,935

 

 

Change in unrealized gains, net of $284.7 million, are included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statement of income.

 

3. Contingencies

 

In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims.  The Company is currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales practices and similar claims as described below.  It is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty.  The lawsuits referred to below are in very preliminary stages and the Company does not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages nor has the court decided whether a class will be certified or the size of the class and class period.  The plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be estimated based on the information currently available.  The Company does not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  However, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

The Company is a defendant in two cases seeking class action status, including (i) Stephens v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et. al., in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, San Francisco, California (complaint filed November 29, 2004) (the “SLO Case”) and (ii) In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the “Los Angeles Case”).  The plaintiff in the SLO Case seeks to represent a national class of individuals who either purchased their annuity from the Company through a co-defendant marketing organization or who purchased one of a defined set of particular annuities issued by the Company.  The Company has filed its opposition to a motion to certify the class, and the hearing on the motion began on March  18, 2008 but was not completed.  The hearing is scheduled to resume on May 16, 2008.  The Company is vigorously defending both the issue of class action status of the lawsuit as well as the underlying allegations, which include misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of a state law regarding unfair competition and other claims.

 

The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals and is seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by the Company.  The allegations generally attach the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65.  The Company is vigorously defending against both class action status as well as the underlying claims which include misrepresentation and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, among others.

 

10



 

4. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share - assuming dilution:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except
per share data)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income - numerator for earnings per common share

 

$

49,152

 

$

9,927

 

Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit)

 

262

 

265

 

Numerator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution

 

$

49,414

 

$

10,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)

 

55,430,709

 

56,693,206

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible subordinated debentures

 

2,765,350

 

2,799,271

 

Stock options and deferred compensation agreements

 

25,344

 

666,603

 

Denominator for earnings per common share - assuming dilution

 

58,221,403

 

60,159,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.18

 

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution

 

$

0.85

 

$

0.17

 

 


(1) Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP.

 

Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows:

 

Period

 

Number of
Shares

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Three months ended March 31, 2008

 

1,226,287

 

$8.67 - $14.34

 

Three months ended March 31, 2007

 

6,500

 

$14.34

 

 

11



 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s discussion and analysis reviews our unaudited consolidated financial position at March 31, 2008, and the unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance.  This analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, and the audited consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and selected consolidated financial data appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report and elsewhere (such as in filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), press releases, presentations by us or our management or oral statements) relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things:

 

·                                    general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance which may affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated therewith, the fair value of our investments, which could result in other than temporary impairments, and certain liabilities, and the lapse rate and profitability of policies;

 

·                                    customer response to new products and marketing initiatives;

 

·                                    changes in Federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products;

 

·                                    increasing competition in the sale of annuities;

 

·                                    regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products; and

 

·                                    the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our private placement memorandums or filings with the SEC.

 

Overview

 

We specialize in the sale of individual annuities (primarily deferred annuities) and, to a lesser extent, we also sell life insurance policies.  Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), premium collections for deferred annuities are reported as deposit liabilities instead of as revenues.  Similarly, cash payments to policyholders are reported as decreases in the liabilities for policyholder account balances and not as expenses.  Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income, surrender charges deducted from the account balances of policyholders in connection with withdrawals, realized gains and losses on investments and changes in fair value of derivatives.  Components of expenses for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest credited to account balances, changes in fair value of embedded derivatives, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, other operating costs and expenses and income taxes.

 

12



 

Annuity deposits by product type collected during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Product Type

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Index annuities:

 

 

 

 

 

Index strategies

 

$

332,836

 

$

301,791

 

Fixed strategy

 

173,533

 

128,970

 

 

 

506,369

 

430,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate annuities:

 

 

 

 

 

Single-year rate guaranteed

 

7,233

 

11,786

 

Multi-year rate guaranteed

 

1,558

 

1,932

 

 

 

8,791

 

13,718

 

Total before coinsurance ceded

 

515,160

 

444,479

 

Coinsurance ceded

 

537

 

591

 

Net after coinsurance ceded

 

$

514,623

 

$

443,888

 

 

Net annuity deposits after coinsurance ceded increased 16% during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  We attribute this increase to several factors including: our continued strong position with our national marketing organizations and field force of licensed, independent insurance agents; the increased attractiveness of safe money products in volatile markets; declining interest rates on competing products such as bank certificates of deposit; and product enhancements including a new generation of guaranteed income withdrawal benefit riders.

 

Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the interest credited or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholder, or the “investment spread”.  Our investment spread is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Average yield on invested assets

 

6.14%

 

6.06%

 

Cost of money:

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

3.55%

 

3.43%

 

Cost of money for index annuities

 

3.58%

 

3.41%

 

Average crediting rate for fixed rate annuities:

 

 

 

 

 

Annually adjustable

 

3.26%

 

3.25%

 

Multi-year rate guaranteed

 

3.94%

 

4.28%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment spread:

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

2.59%

 

2.63%

 

Index annuities

 

2.56%

 

2.65%

 

Fixed rate annuities:

 

 

 

 

 

Annually adjustable

 

2.88%

 

2.81%

 

Multi-year rate guaranteed

 

2.20%

 

1.78%

 

 

The cost of money for index annuities and average crediting rates for fixed rate annuities are computed based upon policyholder account balances and do not include the impact of amortization of deferred sales inducements.  See Critical Accounting Policies - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  With respect to our index annuities, the cost of money includes the average crediting rate on amounts allocated to the fixed rate strategy, expenses we incur to fund the annual index credits and where applicable, minimum guaranteed interest credited.  Proceeds received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are recorded as part of the change in fair value of derivatives, and are largely offset by an expense for interest credited to annuity policyholder account balances.  See Critical Accounting Policies - Derivative Instruments - Index Products included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

13



 

Our profitability depends in large part upon the amount of assets under our management, investment spreads we earn on our policyholder account balances, our ability to manage our investment portfolio to maximize returns and minimize risks such as interest rate changes, defaults or impairment of assets, our ability to manage interest rates credited to policyholders and costs of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits on our index annuities, our ability to manage the costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions to agents and first year bonuses credited to policyholders) and our ability to manage our operating expenses.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

Net income increased 395% to $49.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2007 primarily attributable to the adoption of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”) as discussed below.  In general, net income has been increasing due to the growth in the volume of business in force and increases in the investment spread earned on our annuity liabilities.  Our investment spread measured on a percentage basis was lower in the first quarter of 2008 than in the first quarter of 2007 (2.59% compared to 2.63%) due to a higher average cost of money for index annuities.  This higher average cost of money generally resulted from increases in the cost of options purchased during 2007 to fund the index credits on index annuities which was attributable to increased equity market volatility.

 

The comparability of the amounts is impacted by (i) realized gains (losses) on investments and (ii) the impact of the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”) to our index annuity business and contingent convertible senior notes.  We estimate that these items increased (decreased) net income as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

$

(1,008

)

$

374

 

Application of SFAS 133 to index annuity business

 

33,155

 

(5,148

)

Application of SFAS 133 to contingent convertible senior notes

 

(444

)

(154

)

 

Realized gains and losses on investments fluctuate from year to year based upon changes in the interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments or the recognition of other than temporary impairments.  Amounts attributable to the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business fluctuate based upon changes in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits for index annuities and changes in the interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liability.  The significant increase in the impact from this item for the first quarter of 2008 is primarily attributable to the adoption of SFAS No. 157 which requires that the discount rates used in the calculation of the fair value of embedded derivatives for index annuities include non performance risk related to those liabilities.  The discount rates are based on risk-free rates adjusted for the non performance risk of the Company.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 157 the discount rates used were risk-free interest rates.  SFAS 157 was adopted prospectively on January 1, 2008 and the changes in discount rates resulted in an increase to net income of $40.7 million for the first quarter of 2008.  Changes in the amounts attributable to the application of SFAS 133 to our contingent convertible senior notes are discussed below under change in fair value of embedded derivatives and interest expense on notes payable.

 

Annuity product charges (surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals) increased 35% to $12.1 million for the first quarter of 2008 compared to $9.0 million for the same period in 2007.  The increase was principally due to increases in policy withdrawals subject to surrender charges due to growth in the volume and aging of the business in force.  Withdrawals from annuity and single premium universal life policies subject to surrender charges were $76.0 million and $62.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The average surrender charge collected on withdrawals subject to a surrender charge was 15.7% and 14.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Net investment income increased 15% to $195.5 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $169.4 million for the same period in 2007.  The increase was principally attributable to the growth in our annuity business and a corresponding increase in our invested assets and the average yield earned on investments.  Average invested assets excluding derivative instruments (on an amortized cost basis) increased 13% to $12.7 billion at March 31, 2008 compared to $11.2 billion at March 31, 2007, while the average yield earned on average invested assets was 6.14% and 6.06% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in the yield earned on average invested assets was attributable to higher yields on investments purchased subsequent to March 31, 2007.

 

14



 

Realized gains (losses) on investments include gains and losses on the sale of securities as well as losses recognized when the fair value of a security is written down through earnings in recognition of an other than temporary impairment.  Realized gains and losses on investments fluctuate from year to year due to changes in the interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments or the recognition of other than temporary impairments.  The components of realized gains (losses) on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are set forth in the table that follows.  See Financial Condition – Investments for additional discussion of write downs of the fair value of securities for other than temporary impairments.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Available for sale fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross realized gains

 

$

943

 

$

407

 

Gross realized losses

 

(113

)

 

Other than temporary impairments

 

(3,249

)

 

 

 

(2,419

)

407

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Gross realized gains

 

 

172

 

 

 

 

172

 

 

 

$

(2,419

)

$

579

 

 

Change in fair value of derivatives (principally call options purchased to fund annual index credits on index annuities) is affected by the performance of the indices upon which our options are based and the aggregate cost of options purchased.  The components of change in fair value of derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are set forth as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Call options:

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on option expiration or early termination

 

$

(46,503

)

$

31,236

 

Change in unrealized loss

 

(109,811

)

(39,512

)

Interest rate swaps

 

(1,051

)

(246

)

 

 

$

(157,365

)

$

(8,522

)

 

The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives between years are primarily due to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based.  A substantial portion of our call options are based upon the S&P 500 Index with the remainder based upon other equity and bond market indices.  The range of index appreciation for options expiring during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

 

 

 

Point-to-point strategy

 

0.0%

-

6.4%

 

6.9%

-

14.4%

 

Monthly average strategy

 

0.0%

-

2.6%

 

1.2%

-

4.9%

 

Monthly point-to-point strategy

 

0.0%

-

0.0%

 

4.4%

-

12.7%

 

Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate and U.S. Treasury indices

 

5.0%

-

12.0%

 

2.6%

-

6.4%

 

 

Actual amounts credited to policyholder account balances may be less than the index appreciation due to contractual features in the index annuity policies (participation rates, caps and asset fees) which allow us to manage the cost of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits.  The change in fair value of derivatives is also influenced by the aggregate costs of options purchased.  The aggregate cost of options has increased primarily due to an increased amount of index annuities in force.  The

 

15



 

aggregate cost of options is also influenced by the amount of policyholder funds allocated to the various indices and market volatility which affects option pricing.  The increases in market volatility experienced during 2007 resulted in increased option costs.  Option costs in the first quarter of 2008 have decreased due to adjustments to participation rates, caps and asset fees.  See Critical Accounting Policies - Derivative Instruments - Index Products included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Interest credited to account balances decreased 53% to $54.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $116.0 million for the same period in 2007.  The components of interest credited to account balances are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Index credits on index policies

 

$

16,410

 

$

77,121

 

Interest credited (including changes in minimum guaranteed interest for index annuities)

 

37,766

 

38,832

 

 

 

$

54,176

 

$

115,953

 

 

The changes in index credits were attributable to changes in the appreciation of the underlying indices (see discussion above under change in fair value of derivatives) and the amount of funds allocated by policyholders to the respective index options.  Total proceeds received upon expiration or gains recognized upon early termination of the call options purchased to fund the annual index credits were $13.8 million and $73.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The decrease in interest credited was due to reductions in the account balances receiving a fixed rate of interest and decreases in interest crediting rates on several of our products.  A significant factor in the reductions in interest credited on fixed rate annuities is the reduced interest on multi-year rate guarantee annuities.  The average amount of annuity liabilities outstanding (net of annuity liabilities ceded under coinsurance agreements) increased 15% during the three months ended March 31, 2008 to $12.9 billion from $11.2 billion during the same period in 2007.

 

Amortization of deferred sales inducements increased 625% to $31.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2007.  In general, amortization of deferred sales inducements has been increasing each period due to growth in our annuity business and the deferral of sales inducements incurred with respect to sales of premium and interest bonus annuity products.  Bonus products represented 91% and 83% of our total annuity deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business.  The application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business creates differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses from derivative instruments including the embedded derivative liabilities in our index annuity contracts.  The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of derivatives (purchased call options) because the purchased call options are one-year options while the options valued in the fair value of embedded derivatives cover the expected life of the contracts which typically exceed 10 years.  The gross profit adjustments resulting from the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business increased amortization by $21.5 million in the first quarter of 2008 and decreased amortization by $3.4 million for the same period in 2007.  Excluding these amounts, amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2008 would have been $10.6 million compared to $7.8 million for the same period in 2007.  See Critical Accounting Policies - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The comparison between periods is also affected by amortization associated with realized gains (losses) on investments.  The gross profit adjustments from net realized gains (losses) on investments decreased amortization by $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and had no effect on amortization for the same period in 2007.

 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives was a decrease of $218.6 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to a decrease of $6.6 million for the same period in 2007.  The changes related to the embedded derivatives within our index annuities resulted from (i) changes in the expected index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, which are related to the change in fair value of the call options acquired to fund these index credits discussed above in change in fair value of derivatives; (ii) changes in discount

 

16



rates used in estimating our liability for policy growth subsequent to the next policy anniversary; (iii) changes in estimates of expected costs of annual call options that will be purchased in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and (iv) the growth in the host component of the embedded derivative.  See Critical Accounting Policies - Derivative Instruments - Index Products included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The primary reasons for the decrease in fair value of the embedded derivatives in the first quarter of 2008 was increases in the discount rates used in estimating our liability for policy growth subsequent to the next policy anniversary and a decrease in the expected future cost of annual call options.  The increase in the discount rates upon the adoption of SFAS 157 as discussed above to reflect non performance risk of the Company and the decrease in expected future cost of annual options decreased the fair value of the embedded derivatives in the first quarter of 2008 by $150.6 million and $51.6 million, respectively.

 

Interest expense on subordinated debentures decreased 6% to $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2007.  This decrease was primarily due to decreases in the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding subordinated debentures which were 7.72% and 8.32% for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The weighted average interest rates have decreased because substantially all of the subordinated debentures issued during 2004 - 2006 have a floating rate of interest based upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin.  See Financial Condition - Liabilities included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements decreased 26% to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $4.0 million for the same period in 2007.  This decrease was primarily due to decreases in the weighted average interest rates on amounts borrowed, offset by increases in the borrowings outstanding.  Weighted average interest rates were 3.20% and 5.50% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and average borrowings outstanding were $374.1 million and $296.2 million for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased 359% to $80.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2007.  In general, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs has been increasing each period due to the growth in our annuity business and the deferral of policy acquisition costs incurred with respect to sales of annuity products.  The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business.  As discussed above, the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business creates differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses from derivative instruments including the embedded derivative liabilities in our index annuity contracts.  The gross profit adjustments resulting from the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business increased amortization by $51.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 and decreased amortization by $8.1 million for the same period in 2007.  Excluding these amounts, amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2008 would have been $29.6 million compared to $25.7 million for the same period in 2007.  The comparisons between years are also affected by amortization associated with realized gains (losses) on investments.  The gross profit adjustments from net realized gains (losses) on investments decreased amortization by $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and had no effect on amortization for the same period in 2007.

 

Other operating costs and expenses increased 11% to $12.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $11.4 million for the same period in 2007.  This increase was principally attributable to an increase in legal fees related to the defense of ongoing litigation of $1.1 million and an increase in salaries and benefits of $0.6 million, offset by a $0.2 million decrease in costs associated with the creation of a document database during 2007.

 

Income tax expense increased 398% to $26.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2007.  This increase was primarily due to the increase in income before income taxes.  The effective tax rates were 34.7% and 34.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The effective tax rates for 2008 and 2007 were less than the applicable statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to state income tax benefits attributable to losses in the non-life subgroup.

 

17



 

Financial Condition

 

Investments

 

Our investment strategy is to maintain a predominantly investment grade fixed income portfolio, provide adequate liquidity to meet our cash obligations to policyholders and others and maximize current income and total investment return through active investment management.  Consistent with this strategy, our investments principally consist of fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans on real estate and short-term investments.

 

Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our life subsidiaries are permitted to make and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment.  In light of these statutes and regulations and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in United States government and government-sponsored agency securities and corporate securities rated investment grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated and mortgage loans on real estate.

 

We have classified a portion of our fixed maturity investments as available for sale.  Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities (net of income taxes and certain adjustments for changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements) are included directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, thereby exposing stockholders’ equity to volatility for changes in the reported fair value of securities classified as available for sale.

 

The composition of our investment portfolio is summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government full faith and credit

 

$

20,865

 

0.2

%

$

19,882

 

0.2

%

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

7,833,179

 

61.2

%

8,208,909

 

65.1

%

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks

 

1,470,839

 

11.5

%

1,419,129

 

11.2

%

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government

 

74,505

 

0.6

%

75,353

 

0.6

%

Non-government

 

1,144,188

 

8.9

%

641,232

 

5.1

%

Total fixed maturity securities

 

10,543,576

 

82.4

%

10,364,505

 

82.2

%

Equity securities

 

135,667

 

1.0

%

87,412

 

0.7

%

Mortgage loans on real estate

 

2,046,836

 

16.0

%

1,953,894

 

15.5

%

Derivative instruments

 

80,707

 

0.6

%

204,657

 

1.6

%

Policy loans

 

446

 

 

427

 

 

 

 

$

12,807,232

 

100.0

%

$

12,610,895

 

100.0

%

 

The table below presents our fixed maturity securities by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) designation and the equivalent ratings of the nationally recognized securities rating organizations (dollars in thousands).

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

NAIC
Designation

 

Rating Agency
Equivalent

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

1

 

Aaa/Aa/A

 

$

9,504,023

 

90.1

%

$

9,361,755

 

90.3

%

2

 

Baa

 

956,233

 

9.1

%

915,259

 

8.8

%

3

 

Ba

 

54,501

 

0.5

%

53,784

 

0.5

%

4

 

B

 

17,376

 

0.2

%

20,310

 

0.3

%

5

 

Caa and lower

 

11,443

 

0.1

%

13,397

 

0.1

%

6

 

In or near default

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,543,576

 

100.0

%

$

10,364,505

 

100.0

%

 

18



 

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position were as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Positions

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government full faith and credit

 

1

 

$

18,715

 

$

(885

)

$

17,830

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

22

 

1,347,890

 

(22,639

)

1,325,251

 

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate

 

62

 

420,989

 

(58,002

)

362,987

 

Manufacturing, construction and mining

 

35

 

230,422

 

(20,258

)

210,164

 

Utilities and related sectors

 

36

 

212,091

 

(14,941

)

197,150

 

Wholesale/retail trade

 

12

 

74,869

 

(5,995

)

68,874

 

Services, media and other

 

29

 

152,349

 

(12,561

)

139,788

 

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

72

 

1,083,923

 

(65,152

)

1,018,771

 

 

 

269

 

$

3,541,248

 

$

(200,433

)

$

3,340,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, held for investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

23

 

$

1,760,723

 

$

(33,038

)

$

1,727,685

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

1

 

75,430

 

(14,651

)

60,779

 

 

 

24

 

$

1,836,153

 

$

(47,689

)

$

1,788,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, available for sale

 

33

 

$

141,476

 

$

(20,186

)

$

121,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government full faith and credit

 

1

 

$

18,695

 

$

(1,708

)

$

16,987

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

49

 

2,231,910

 

(30,090

)

2,201,820

 

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate

 

54

 

377,455

 

(36,507

)

340,949

 

Manufacturing, construction and mining

 

31

 

207,948

 

(12,659

)

195,289

 

Utilities and related sectors

 

32

 

181,665

 

(10,087

)

171,577

 

Wholesale/retail trade

 

17

 

82,492

 

(4,018

)

78,474

 

Services, media and other

 

22

 

115,664

 

(6,359

)

109,305

 

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

40

 

495,284

 

(24,746

)

470,538

 

 

 

246

 

$

3,711,113

 

$

(126,174

)

$

3,584,939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, held for investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

78

 

$

4,910,611

 

$

(133,206

)

$

4,777,405

 

Redeemable preferred stock

 

1

 

75,401

 

(10,138

)

65,263

 

 

 

79

 

$

4,986,012

 

$

(143,344

)

$

4,842,668

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, available for sale

 

27

 

$

90,812

 

$

(17,915

)

$

72,897

 

 

19



 

The following tables show our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or more

 

Total

 

 

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government full faith and credit

 

$

17,830

 

$

(885

)

$

 

$

 

$

17,830

 

$

(885

)

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

214,419

 

(581

)

1,110,832

 

(22,058

)

1,325,251

 

(22,639

)

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate

 

239,381

 

(24,889

)

123,607

 

(33,113

)

362,988

 

(58,002

)

Manufacturing, construction and mining

 

150,872

 

(9,387

)

59,292

 

(10,871

)

210,164

 

(20,258

)

Utilities and related sectors

 

148,057

 

(7,777

)

49,093

 

(7,164

)

197,150

 

(14,941

)

Wholesale/retail trade

 

47,781

 

(1,933

)

21,093

 

(4,062

)

68,874

 

(5,995

)

Services, media and other

 

113,073

 

(8,512

)

26,715

 

(4,049

)

139,788

 

(12,561

)

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

704,313

 

(33,142

)

314,457

 

(32,010

)

1,018,770

 

(65,152

)

 

 

$

1,635,726

 

$

(87,106

)

$

1,705,089

 

$

(113,327

)

$

3,340,815

 

$

(200,433

)

Held for investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

$

61,198

 

$

(162

)

$

1,666,487

 

$

(32,876

)

$

1,727,685

 

$

(33,038

)

Redeemable preferred stock

 

60,779

 

(14,651

)

 

 

60,779

 

(14,651

)

 

 

$

121,977

 

$

(14,813

)

$

1,666,487

 

$

(32,876

)

$

1,788,464

 

$

(47,689

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, available for sale

 

$

93,485

 

$

(14,318

)

$

27,805

 

$

(5,868

)

$

121,290

 

$

(20,186

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government full faith and credit

 

$

16,987

 

$

(1,708

)

$

 

$

 

$

16,987

 

$

(1,708

)

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

134,683

 

(317

)

2,067,137

 

(29,773

)

2,201,820

 

(30,090

)

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate

 

148,988

 

(15,387

)

191,961

 

(21,120

)

340,949

 

(36,507

)

Manufacturing, construction and mining

 

109,378

 

(2,877

)

85,911

 

(9,782

)

195,289

 

(12,659

)

Utilities and related sectors

 

83,552

 

(2,642

)

88,025

 

(7,445

)

171,577

 

(10,087

)

Wholesale/retail trade

 

24,027

 

(91

)

54,447

 

(3,927

)

78,474

 

(4,018

)

Services, media and other

 

76,233

 

(2,149

)

33,072

 

(4,210

)

109,305

 

(6,359

)

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

 

114,401

 

(1,336

)

356,137

 

(23,410

)

470,538

 

(24,746

)

 

 

$

708,249

 

$

(26,507

)

$

2,876,690

 

$

(99,667

)

$

3,584,939

 

$

(126,174

)

Held for investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Government sponsored agencies

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,777,405

 

$

(133,206

)

$

4,777,405

 

$

(133,206

)

Redeemable preferred stock

 

65,263

 

(10,138

)

 

 

65,263

 

(10,138

)

 

 

$

65,263

 

$

(10,138

)

$

4,777,405

 

$

(133,206

)

$

4,842,668

 

$

(143,344

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities, available for sale

 

$

72,897

 

$

(17,915

)

$

 

$

 

$

72,897

 

$

(17,915

)

 

20



 

The following is a description of the factors causing the unrealized losses by investment category as of March 31, 2008:

 

United States Government full faith and credit and United States Government sponsored agencies: These securities are relatively long in duration, making the value of such securities very sensitive to changes in market interest rates.  The unrealized losses on these securities at March 31, 2008 are due to changes in the general level of interest rates from the date of purchase.  The decrease in unrealized losses at March 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 is due to a decrease in the general level of interest rates.

 

Corporate securities, including redeemable preferred stocks:  The unrealized losses in finance, insurance and real estate are due to a decline in the housing market and issues related to subprime mortgages.  Securities that have significant exposure to subprime mortgages are experiencing larger price declines than other financial related securities.  Securities that have more exposure to subprime include investment banks, mono-line insurers and reinsurance companies.  Manufacturing, construction and mining is also suffering from the current distressed environment in the housing market related to issues surrounding subprime mortgages.

 

Mortgage and asset-backed securities: At March 31, 2008, we had no exposure to subprime mortgage-backed securities and limited exposure to “Alt-A” mortgage-backed securities.  All securities we own are in the highest rated tranche of the pool in which they are structured and are not subordinated to any other tranche in the pool.  Our “Alt-A” mortgage-backed securities are comprised of 30 securities with a total fair value of $511.6 million with agency ratings of Aaa, of which 85% is in Aaa super senior tranches and the remainder is in Aaa tranches.  The unrealized losses on mortgage and asset-backed securities are primarily due to changes in interest rates and spread widening.  While we do not have any exposure to subprime mortgage-backed securities, the subprime problem has caused spreads to widen across the mortgage-backed securities market.

 

Equity securities: The unrealized loss on equity securities, which includes exposure to REITS, investment banks and finance companies, is primarily due to the decline in the housing market and subprime mortgage problems.

 

Where the decline in market value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we have the intent and ability to hold these investments until a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity.  We do not consider securities to be other than temporarily impaired where the market decline is attributable to factors such as market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality where we anticipate a recovery of all amounts due within a reasonable period of time and have the intent and ability to hold until recovery or maturity.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, that were in an unrealized loss position are shown below.  Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  All of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as a separate line.

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

Held for investment

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due after one year through five years

 

$

114,548

 

$

107,209

 

$

 

$

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

630,659

 

582,909

 

 

 

Due after ten years through twenty years

 

538,276

 

521,365

 

552,182

 

537,965

 

Due after twenty years

 

1,173,842

 

1,110,561

 

1,283,971

 

1,250,499

 

 

 

2,457,325

 

2,322,044

 

1,836,153

 

1,788,464

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

1,083,923

 

1,018,771

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,541,248

 

$

3,340,815

 

$

1,836,153

 

$

1,788,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due after one year through five years

 

$

293,221

 

$

285,886

 

$

 

$

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

594,676

 

564,439

 

 

 

Due after ten years through twenty years

 

1,093,594

 

1,077,890

 

680,124

 

665,816

 

Due after twenty years

 

1,234,338

 

1,186,186

 

4,305,888

 

4,176,852

 

 

 

3,215,829

 

3,114,401

 

4,986,012

 

4,842,668

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

495,284

 

470,538

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,711,113

 

$

3,584,939

 

$

4,986,012

 

$

4,842,668

 

 

21



 

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities (excluding United States Government and United States Government sponsored agency securities) and equity securities that had unrealized losses greater than 20% and the number of months in an unrealized loss position greater than 20% were as follows:

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Carrying
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than six months

 

$

98,696

 

$

73,207

 

$

(25,489

)

Six months or more and less than twelve months

 

1,943

 

785

 

(1,158

)

Twelve months or greater

 

 

 

 

Total investment grade

 

100,639

 

73,992

 

(26,647

)

Below investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than six months

 

29,640

 

21,418

 

(8,222

)

Six months or more and less than twelve months

 

40,378

 

20,816

 

(19,562

)

Twelve months or greater

 

 

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

70,018

 

42,234

 

(27,784

)

 

 

$

170,657

 

$

116,226

 

$

(54,431

)

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than six months

 

$

94,463

 

$

69,988

 

$

(24,475

)

Six months or more and less than twelve months

 

 

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

 

 

Total investment grade

 

94,463

 

69,988

 

(24,475

)

Below investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than six months

 

39,131

 

28,091

 

(11,040

)

Six months or more and less than twelve months

 

12,650

 

10,478

 

(2,172

)

Twelve months or greater

 

 

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

51,781

 

38,569

 

(13,212

)

 

 

$

146,244

 

$

108,557

 

$

(37,687

)

 

At each balance sheet date, we identify invested assets which have characteristics (i.e. significant unrealized losses compared to amortized cost and industry trends) creating uncertainty as to our future assessment of an other than temporary impairment.  We include these securities on a list which is referred to as our watch list.  We exclude from this list securities with unrealized losses which are related to market movements in interest rates and which have no factors indicating that such unrealized losses may be other than temporary as we have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity or until a market recovery is realized.  At March 31, 2008, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities on the watch list are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

General Description

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Months Unrealized
Losses Greater
Than 20%

 

Corporate bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate companies

 

$

32,942

 

$

(16,894

)

$

16,048

 

2 - 8

 

Home builders

 

16,966

 

(3,993

)

12,973

 

1 - 9

 

Consumer staple company

 

9,693

 

(2,125

)

7,568

 

4

 

U.S. media company

 

5,750

 

(1,875

)

3,875

 

2

 

Common & preferred stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance, insurance and real estate companies

 

24,686

 

(10,361

)

14,325

 

1 - 9

 

 

 

$

90,037

 

$

(35,248

)

$

54,789

 

 

 

 

Our analysis of these securities and their credit performance at March 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

The decline in the finance, insurance and real estate company bonds is related to concerns over the mortgage industry and exposure to subprime mortgages.  We have determined that other than temporary impairments were not necessary at this time as each of these companies have strong liquidity positions.

 

22



 

Market conditions in the homebuilding industry remain challenging as an imbalance in housing supply and demand that has developed has created excess supply of unsold new and resale homes.  These homebuilders have responded to these conditions by implementing plans to reduce direct costs, overhead expenses and sales and marketing efforts to reduce their unsold home inventories to improve their liquidity positions.  We have determined that an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as the liquidity of these companies has improved and unsold home inventory has decreased.

 

Increases in the cost of commodity raw ingredients along with non-recurring write-offs related to the refinancing of debt and improper accounting treatments decreased this consumer staple company’s capital during 2007.  We have determined an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as the liquidity of this company has improved due to new credit facilities, proceeds from the sale of one plant used to pay down debt and the intended sale of another plant.

 

This media company was subject to a leveraged buyout which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2007 at which time we wrote the security down by $3.9 million due to the significant increase in leverage combined with declining circulation and advertising revenues.  This security has experienced additional decline in value subsequent to the write down primarily due to uncertainty of how the company will be operated post the leveraged buyout.  We have determined that recognizing an additional other than temporary impairment was not necessary as this company has good market position, strong portfolio of assets and good cash flow generation capability.

 

The decline in market value of these common and preferred stocks in the finance, insurance and commercial real estate industries is related to concerns over their access to capital to enable them to execute their business plans.  We have determined that other than temporary impairments were not necessary as continued actions by the Federal Reserve signal an improving credit environment that will support their business plans.

 

The securities on the watch list are current with respect to payments of principal and interest.  We concluded that we have the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and that there were no other than temporary impairments on these securities at March 31, 2008.

 

We recognized other than temporary impairments of $3.2 million during the first quarter of 2008 on two mortgage backed securities due to deterioration in value combined with expanded loss projections.  There were no other than temporary impairments during the first quarter of 2007.

 

At both March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we held $2.0 billion of mortgage loans on real estate with commitments outstanding of $130.8 million at March 31, 2008.  The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size.  Our mortgage lending policies include limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to reduce the risk of default.  As of March 31, 2008, there were no delinquencies or defaults in our commercial mortgage loan portfolio and no impaired loans requiring a valuation allowance.  The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Percent

 

Geographic distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East

 

$

497,036

 

24.3

%

$

458,418

 

23.5

%

Middle Atlantic

 

139,083

 

6.8

%

133,662

 

6.8

%

Mountain

 

320,428

 

15.7

%

310,244

 

15.9

%

New England

 

45,678

 

2.2

%

45,618

 

2.3

%

Pacific

 

140,220

 

6.9

%

141,264

 

7.2

%

South Atlantic

 

355,867

 

17.4

%

344,800

 

17.7

%

West North Central

 

379,594

 

18.5

%

356,334

 

18.2

%

West South Central

 

168,930

 

8.2

%

163,554

 

8.4

%

 

 

$

2,046,836

 

100.0

%

$

1,953,894

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property type distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office

 

$

590,980

 

28.9

%

$

586,109

 

30.0

%

Medical Office

 

130,583

 

6.4

%

108,667

 

5.6

%

Retail

 

469,640

 

22.9

%

438,214

 

22.4

%

Industrial/Warehouse

 

475,620

 

23.2

%

453,654

 

23.2

%

Hotel

 

123,940

 

6.1

%

115,758

 

5.9

%

Apartment

 

104,744

 

5.1

%

105,431

 

5.4

%

Mixed use/other

 

151,329

 

7.4

%

146,061

 

7.5

%

 

 

$

2,046,836

 

100.0

%

$

1,953,894

 

100.0

%

 

23



 

Liquidity

 

The statutory capital and surplus of our life insurance subsidiaries at March 31, 2008 was $958.2 million.  American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (“American Equity Life”) made surplus note interest payments to us of $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008.  For the remainder of 2008, up to approximately $99.1 million can be distributed by American Equity Life as dividends without prior regulatory approval.  Dividends may be made only out of earned surplus, and all surplus note payments are subject to prior approval by regulatory authorities.  American Equity Life had $126.4 million of statutory earned surplus at March 31, 2008.

 

The transfer of funds by American Equity Life is also restricted by a covenant in our revolving line of credit which requires American Equity Life to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio of 200%.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an Amendment of FASB Statement 133 “(SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 enhances required disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities, including enhanced disclosures regarding how an entity uses derivative instruments and how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  Adoption of SFAS 161 as of January 1, 2009 will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations as it impacts financial statement disclosure only.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We seek to invest our available funds in a manner that will maximize shareholder value and fund future obligations to policyholders and debtors, subject to appropriate risk considerations.  We seek to meet this objective through investments that: (i) consist predominately of investment grade fixed maturity securities; (ii) have projected returns which satisfy our spread targets; and (iii) have characteristics which support the underlying liabilities.  Many of our products incorporate surrender charges, market interest rate adjustments or other features to encourage persistency.

 

We seek to maximize the total return on our available for sale investments through active investment management.  Accordingly, we have determined that our available for sale portfolio of fixed maturity securities is available to be sold in response to: (i) changes in market interest rates; (ii) changes in relative values of individual securities and asset sectors; (iii) changes in prepayment risks; (iv) changes in credit quality outlook for certain securities; (v) liquidity needs: and (vi) other factors.  Sales of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position are subject to other than temporary impairment considerations including our stated intent to hold until recovery.  We have a portfolio of held for investment securities which consists principally of long duration bonds issued by U.S. government agencies.  These securities are purchased to secure long-term yields which meet our spread targets and support the underlying liabilities.

 

Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure.  Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of our products, the fair value of our investments, and the amount of interest we pay on our floating rate subordinated debentures.  Our floating rate trust preferred securities issued by Trust III, IV, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI (beginning on December 31, 2010) and XII bear interest at the three month LIBOR plus 3.50% - 4.00%.  Our outstanding balance of floating rate trust preferred securities was $144.5 million at March 31, 2008, of which $80 million had been swapped to fixed rates (see note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).  The profitability of most of our products depends on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities.  We have the ability to adjust crediting rates (participation rates, annual income caps or asset fee rates for index annuities) on substantially all of our annuity liabilities at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values).  In addition, substantially all of our annuity products have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned.  However, competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.

 

A major component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the investment portfolio with cash flow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our insurance liabilities.  We use computer models to simulate cash flows expected from our existing business under various interest rate scenarios.  These simulations enable us to measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expected cash flows from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our liabilities and to determine if it is necessary to lengthen or shorten the average life and

 

24



 

duration of our investment portfolio.  The “duration” of a security is the time weighted present value of the security’s expected cash flows and is used to measure a security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates.  When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities.

 

If interest rates were to increase 10% (43 basis points) from levels at March 31, 2008, we estimate that the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would decrease by approximately $281.4 million.  The impact on stockholders’ equity of such decrease (net of income taxes and certain adjustments for changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements) would be an increase of $49.6 million in the accumulated other comprehensive loss and a decrease to stockholders’ equity.  The computer models used to estimate the impact of a 10% change in market interest rates incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant estimates and assume an immediate and parallel change in interest rates without any management of the investment portfolio in reaction to such change.  Consequently, potential changes in value of our financial instruments indicated by the simulations will likely be different from the actual changes experienced under given interest rate scenarios, and the differences may be material.  Because we actively manage our investments and liabilities, our net exposure to interest rates can vary over time.  However, any such decreases in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities (unless related to credit concerns of the issuer requiring recognition of an other than temporary impairment) would generally be realized only if we were required to sell such securities at losses prior to their maturity to meet our liquidity needs, which we manage using the surrender and withdrawal provisions of our annuity contracts and through other means.  See Financial Condition - Liquidity for Insurance Operations included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

At March 31, 2008, 77% of our fixed income securities have call features and 15% were subject to call redemption.  Another 55% will become subject to call redemption through December 31, 2008.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we received $330.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively, in net redemption proceeds related to the exercise of such call options.  We have reinvestment risk related to these redemptions to the extent we cannot reinvest the net proceeds in assets with credit quality and yield characteristics similar to the redeemed bonds.  Such reinvestment risk typically occurs in a declining rate environment.  Should rates decline to levels which tighten the spread between our average portfolio yield and average cost of interest credited on annuity liabilities, we have the ability to reduce crediting rates (participation rates, annual income caps or asset fees for index annuities) on most of our annuity liabilities to maintain the spread at our targeted level.  At March 31, 2008, approximately 97% of our annuity liabilities were subject to annual adjustment of the applicable crediting rates at our discretion, limited by minimum guaranteed crediting rates specified in the policies.

 

With respect to our index annuities, we purchase call options on the applicable indices to fund the annual index credits on such annuities.  These options are primarily one-year instruments purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies.  Fair value changes associated with those investments are substantially offset by an increase or decrease in the amounts added to policyholder account balances for index products.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the annual index credits to policyholders on their anniversaries were $16.4 million and $77.1 million, respectively.  Proceeds received at expiration or gains recognized upon early termination of these options related to such credits were $13.8 million and $73.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The difference between proceeds received at expiration or gains recognized upon early termination of these options and index credits is primarily due to credits attributable to minimum guaranteed interest self funded by us.

 

Within our hedging process we purchase options out of the money to the extent of anticipated minimum guaranteed interest on index policies.  On the anniversary dates of the index policies, we purchase new one-year call options to fund the next annual index credits.  The risk associated with these prospective purchases is the uncertainty of the cost, which will determine whether we are able to earn our spread on our index business.  We manage this risk through the terms of our index annuities, which permit us to change annual participation rates, asset fees, and caps, subject to contractual features.  By modifying participation rates, asset fees or caps, we can limit option costs to budgeted amounts, except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.  Based upon actuarial testing which we conduct as a part of the design of our index products and on an ongoing basis, we believe the risk that contractual features would prevent us from controlling option costs is not material.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that due to the identification of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as described below, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective

 

25



 

as of March 31, 2008 in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

We determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that was identified as of December 31, 2007 existed at March 31, 2008 related to our accounting for policy benefit reserves for index annuities.  Specifically, as of March 31, 2008, our newly implemented controls to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data to calculate policy benefit reserves for index annuities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”), and policies to monitor the effectiveness of controls within the process for calculating policy benefit reserves for index annuities had not operated for a sufficient period of time to conclude as to their effectiveness.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff.  In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers.  During the fourth quarter of 2007, we received a formal request for information from the SEC concerning our acquisition of American Equity Investment Service Company on September 2, 2005.  The SEC advised us that the request should not be construed as an adverse reflection on American Equity or any other person, nor should it be interpreted as an indication that American Equity or any other person has violated any law.  We are cooperating with the SEC’s request for information.

 

In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims.  We are currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales practices and similar claims as described below.  It is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty.  The lawsuits referred to below are in very preliminary stages and we do not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages nor has the court decided whether a class will be certified or the size of the class and class period.  The plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be estimated based on the information currently available.  We do not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  However, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

We are a defendant in two cases seeking class action status, including (i) Stephens v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et. al., in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, San Francisco, California (complaint filed November 29, 2004) (the “SLO Case”) and (ii) In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the “Los Angeles Case”).  The plaintiff in the SLO Case seeks to represent a national class of individuals who either purchased their annuity from us through a co-defendant marketing organization or who purchased one of a defined set of particular annuities issued by us.  We have filed an opposition to a motion to certify the class, and the hearing on the motion began on March 18, 2008 but was not completed.  The hearing is scheduled to resume on May 16, 2008.  We are vigorously defending both the issue of class action status of the lawsuit as well as the underlying allegations, which include misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of a state law regarding unfair competition and other claims.

 

The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals and is seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us.  The allegations generally attach the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65.  We are vigorously defending against both class action status as well as the underlying claims which include misrepresentation and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, among others.

 

26



 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table sets forth issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

 

Period

 

(a) Total
Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased (1)

 

(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share (or
Unit) (1)

 

(c) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

 

(d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares (or
Units) that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs

 

January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008

 

709,800

 

$

7.80

 

709,800

 

9,265,106

 

February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008

 

669,000

 

8.74

 

669,000

 

8,596,106

 

March 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008

 

563,573

 

9.15

 

563,573

 

8,032,533

 

Total

 

1,942,373

 

$

8.52

 

1,942,373

 

 

 

 


(1) Activity in this table represents the following items:

 

We have a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust, which purchases our common shares to fund the amount of shares earned by our agents under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

We have a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock.  As of March 31, 2008, we have repurchased 2,241,925 shares of our common stock under this program.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a)

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

27



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

Date: May 12, 2008

 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE

 

 

HOLDING COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

     /s/ D.J. Noble

 

 

D.J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

    /s/ Wendy L. Carlson

 

 

Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

    /s/ Ted M. Johnson

 

 

Ted M. Johnson, Vice President - Accounting

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

28