UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 30 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 AND SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003
or
[ ] 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 2-23772
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 41-6009975
- --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
52 AXP Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55474
- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (612) 671-3131
-----------------------------
None
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Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ___X___ No _______
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes _______ No ___X___
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of July 31, 2003
150,000 Common Shares
American Express Certificate Company ("the Company") is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation (Parent), which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Company, and the Company meets the
conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is
therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information:
Item 1. Financial Statements
Statements of Income - Three months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 1
Statements of Income - Six months ended June
30, 2003 and 2002 2
Balance Sheets - June 30, 2003 and December 31,
2002 3
Statements of Cash Flows - Six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 4
Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 5
Statements of Comprehensive Income - Six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 6
Notes to Financial Statements 7-9
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10-13
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 13
Part II. Other Information 15
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 15
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 15
Signatures 16
Exhibit Index E-1
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
-----------------------------------
2003 2002
--------------- ----------------
Investment income $ 71,878 $ 41,602
Investment expenses (10,911) (10,805)
-------------- --------------
Net investment income before provision for
certificate reserves and income tax expense 60,967 30,797
Provision for certificate reserves (43,016) (10,977)
-------------- --------------
Net investment income before income tax expense 17,951 19,820
Income tax expense (5,953) (6,330)
-------------- --------------
Net investment income 11,998 13,490
-------------- --------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 2,379 (1)
Income tax expense (833) -
-------------- --------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 1,546 (1)
-------------- --------------
Net income $ 13,544 $ 13,489
============== ==============
See notes to financial statements.
-1-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
-----------------------------------
2003 2002
--------------- ----------------
Investment income $ 131,181 $ 99,714
Investment expenses (21,451) (21,593)
---------------- ----------------
Net investment income before provision for
certificate reserves and income tax expense 109,730 78,121
Provision for certificate reserves (68,344) (41,714)
---------------- ----------------
Net investment income before income tax expense 41,386 36,407
Income tax expense (13,761) (11,383)
---------------- ----------------
Net investment income 27,625 25,024
--------------- ----------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 3,925 (558)
Income tax (expense) benefit (1,374) 195
---------------- ----------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 2,551 (363)
---------------- ----------------
Net income $ 30,176 $ 24,661
================ ================
See notes to financial statements.
-2-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands)
June 30, December 31,
2003 2002
------------------ -------------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Qualified Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 600 $ 224,363
Investments in unaffiliated issuers 5,070,744 4,860,253
Equity index options 87,928 34,403
Receivables 47,167 58,284
------------------ -------------------
Total qualified assets 5,206,439 5,177,303
------------------ -------------------
Deferred distribution fees and other 5,329 5,979
------------------ -------------------
Total assets $ 5,211,768 $ 5,183,282
================== ===================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Liabilities:
Certificate reserves $ 4,646,006 $ 4,493,372
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 176,244 330,521
------------------ -------------------
Total liabilities 4,822,250 4,823,893
------------------ -------------------
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock 1,500 1,500
Additional paid-in-capital 373,844 373,844
Accumulated deficit (69,140) (99,316)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 83,314 83,361
------------------ -------------------
Total shareholder's equity 389,518 359,389
------------------ -------------------
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity $ 5,211,768 $ 5,183,282
================== ===================
See notes to financial statements.
-3-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
--------------------------------------
2003 2002
----------------- -----------------
Operating Activities:
Net income $ 30,176 $ 24,661
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest added to certificate loans (324) (369)
Net amortization of premiums (accretion of discounts) 4,753 (1,771)
Deferred taxes (22,186) 6,648
Deferred distribution fees 645 1,094
Net realized (gain) loss on equity index options (9,895) 29,485
Net realized (gain) loss on investments (3,925) 558
Dividends and interest receivable (890) (172)
Other assets and liabilities, net 14,516 (40,108)
----------------- -----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 12,870 20,026
----------------- -----------------
Investing Activities:
Available-for-Sale investments:
Sales 1,100,696 384,096
Maturities and redemptions 684,785 505,680
Purchases (1,991,221) (841,799)
Other investments:
Sales 7,899 49,274
Maturities and redemptions 54,073 27,600
Purchases (76,539) (193,850)
Certificate loans:
Payments 1,649 1,565
Fundings (712) (912)
Changes in amounts due to and from brokers, net (236,027) 183,294
----------------- -----------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (455,397) 114,948
----------------- -----------------
Financing Activities:
Payments from certificate owners 1,124,124 951,423
Interest credited on certificates 68,344 39,906
Certificate maturities and cash surrenders (1,026,062) (888,950)
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements 137,300 -
Payments on reverse repurchase agreements (84,942) -
----------------- -----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 218,764 102,379
----------------- -----------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (223,763) 237,353
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period 224,363 72,817
----------------- -----------------
Cash and cash equivalents end of period $ 600 $ 310,170
================= =================
See notes to financial statements.
-4-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
---------------------------------------
2003 2002
------------------ -----------------
Net income $ 13,544 $ 13,489
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period 25,975 58,340
Income tax expense (9,091) (20,419)
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period 16,884 37,921
------------------ -----------------
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in
net income (3,694) (368)
Income tax expense 1,293 129
------------------ -----------------
Net reclassification adjustment for gains included
in net income (2,401) (239)
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities 14,483 37,682
------------------ -----------------
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized losses arising during the period (1,946) (1,264)
Income tax benefit 680 442
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized holding losses arising during period (1,266) (822)
------------------ -----------------
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in
net income 1,271 2,756
Income tax benefit (444) (965)
------------------ -----------------
Net reclassification adjustment for losses included
in net income 827 1,791
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps (439) 969
------------------ -----------------
Net other comprehensive income 14,044 38,651
------------------ -----------------
Total comprehensive income $ 27,588 $ 52,140
================== =================
See notes to financial statements.
-5-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
---------------------------------------
2003 2002
------------------ -----------------
Net income $ 30,176 $ 24,661
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period 7,903 27,189
Income tax expense (2,766) (9,516)
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period 5,137 17,673
------------------ -----------------
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in
net income (6,231) (398)
Income tax expense 2,181 139
------------------ -----------------
Net reclassification adjustment for gains included
in net income (4,050) (259)
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities 1,087 17,414
------------------ -----------------
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized losses arising during the period (4,035) (1,326)
Income tax benefit 1,412 464
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized holding losses arising during period (2,623) (862)
------------------ -----------------
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in
net income 2,290 6,327
Income tax benefit (801) (2,215)
------------------ -----------------
Net reclassification adjustment for losses included
in net income 1,489 4,112
------------------ -----------------
Net unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps (1,134) 3,250
------------------ -----------------
Net other comprehensive (loss) income (47) 20,664
------------------ -----------------
Total comprehensive income $ 30,129 $ 45,325
================== =================
See notes to financial statements.
-6-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American
Express Certificate Company (AECC) for the year ended December 31, 2002.
Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform
to the current presentation.
The interim financial information in this report has not been audited. In
the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the
interim periods have been made. All adjustments made were of a normal,
recurring nature. Results of operations reported for interim periods are
not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities" (FIN 46), which addresses consolidation by
business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The accounting
provisions and expanded disclosure requirements for VIEs are effective at
inception for VIEs created after January 31, 2003, and are effective for
reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2003 for VIEs created prior to
February 1, 2003. An entity is subject to consolidation according to the
provisions of FIN 46, if, by design, either (i) the total equity investment
at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities
without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or
(ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack: (a)
direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity's activities;
(b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity if they
occur; or (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the
entity if they occur. In general, FIN 46 will require a VIE to be
consolidated when an enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a
majority of the VIE's expected losses or receive a majority of the VIE's
expected residual return.
Implementation had no effect on the results of operations for the first six
months of 2003, however, it is likely that AECC will disclose additional
information about VIEs when FIN 46 becomes fully effective in the third
quarter of 2003. The entity primarily impacted by FIN 46 relates to a
secured loan trust (SLT) for which AECC has a 33% ownership interest. The
SLT provides returns to investors primarily based on the performance of an
underlying portfolio of high-yield loans. The aggregate fair value of loans
related to AECC's pro rata share of this structure approximates $102.1
million. Over the life of this structure through its maturity, AECC's
maximum cumulative exposure to pre-tax loss as a result of its investment
is represented by the carrying value, which was $26.7 million at June 30,
2003. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material impact on
the Company's financial statements. However, the Company continues to
evaluate all relationships and interests in entities that may be considered
VIEs as detailed interpretations of FIN 46 continue to emerge.
-7-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
Board (SFAS) No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities". The Statement amends and clarifies accounting for
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging
activities under SFAS No. 133. The Statement is effective for contracts
entered into or modified and hedging relationships designated after June
30, 2003, and to certain preexisting contracts. The adoption of this
Statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
financial statements.
2. Investments in Unaffiliated Issuers
The following is a summary of investments in unaffiliated issuers at June
30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (in thousands):
June 30, December 31,
2003 2002
---------------------- ----------------------
Available-for-Sale securities, at fair value
(cost: 2003, $4,461,390; 2002, $4,254,388) $ 4,598,071 $ 4,389,396
First mortgage loans on real estate and other loans, at cost
(fair value: 2003, $486,439; 2002, $477,748) 455,785 452,243
Certificate loans - secured by certificate reserves, at cost,
which approximates fair value 16,888 18,614
---------------------- ----------------------
Total $ 5,070,744 $ 4,860,253
====================== ======================
Gross realized gains on sales of securities classified as
Available-for-Sale, using the specific identification method, were $5.2
million and $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Gross realized losses on sales of securities classified as
Available-for-Sale were ($1.5 million) and ($8 million) for the three
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Gross realized gains on sales of securities classified as
Available-for-Sale, using the specific identification method, were $41.6
million and $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Gross realized losses on sales of securities classified as
Available-for-Sale were ($2.5 million) and ($10.1 million) for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. AECC also recognized
other-than-temporary impairment losses on Available-for-Sale securities of
($32.9 million) and ($0.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2003
and 2002, respectively.
3. Taxes and Certificate Maturities and Surrenders through Loan Reductions
Net income taxes paid during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
were approximately $40 million and $43.2 million, respectively. Certificate
maturities and surrenders through loan reductions during the six months
ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 were approximately $1.1 million and $1.6
million, respectively.
-8-
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
4. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as the aggregate change in shareholder's
equity, excluding changes in ownership interests. It is the sum of net
income and changes in unrealized gains or losses on Available-for-Sale
securities and unrealized gains or losses on derivatives. The components of
comprehensive income net of related tax for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2003 and 2002 are reflected in the accompanying Statements of
Comprehensive Income.
5. Commitments and Contingencies
At June 30, 2003 and 2002, commitments for fundings of first mortgage loans
on real estate, at market interest rates, aggregated $7.8 million and $16.8
million, respectively. AECC holds the mortgage document, which gives it the
right to take possession of the property if the borrower fails to perform
according to the terms of the agreements. AECC employs policies and
procedures to ensure the creditworthiness of the borrowers and that funds
will be available on the funding date. AECC's first mortgage loans on real
estate fundings are restricted to 80% or less of the market value of the
real estate at the time of the loan funding. Management believes there is
no fair value for these commitments.
AECC is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary
course of its business. The outcome of any litigation or threatened
litigation cannot be predicted with any certainty. However, in the
aggregate, AECC does not consider any lawsuits in which it is named as a
defendant to have a material impact on AECC's financial position or
operating results.
-9-
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
American Express Certificate Company (AECC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
American Express Financial Corporation (AEFC or Parent), which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of American Express Company. AECC is registered as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the 1940 Act") and is in the
business of issuing face-amount investment certificates. Face-amount
certificates issued by AECC entitle the certificate owner to receive at maturity
a stated amount of money and interest or credits declared from time to time by
AECC, at its discretion. The certificates issued by AECC are not insured by any
government agency. AECC's certificates are sold primarily by American Express
Financial Advisor Inc.'s (AEFA, an affiliate) field force operating in 50
states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Parent acts as investment
advisor for AECC.
AECC follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(GAAP).
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 and
2002
AECC's net income was $13.5 million for both the three month period ended June
30, 2003 and June 30, 2002 as, during the 2003 period, higher net investment
income and net realized gains on investments were substantially offset by higher
provision expense for certificate reserves.
Net investment income was $61 million and $30.8 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This increase was primarily due to a
$36 million increase in net gains on equity index options, partially offset by
lower yields on investments. The increase in net gains on equity index options
was due to the effect of appreciation in the S&P 500 on the value of options
economically hedging stock market certificates.
The favorable impact on net investment income from the equity index options is
largely offset by the increase in provision for the certificate reserves, where
the stock market certificate provision is included. Provision for certificate
reserves for the three month period ended June 30, 2003 increased by $32 million
to $43 million as the effect on the stock market certificates of appreciation in
the S&P 500 this year versus depreciation last year, were partially offset by
lower crediting rates on the interest rate sensitive portion of AECC's
certificate portfolio.
Gross realized gains on sales of securities classified as Available-for-Sale,
using the specific identification method, were $5.2 million and $8 million for
the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Gross realized
losses on sales of securities classified as Available-for-Sale were ($1.5
million) and ($8 million) for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. AECC also reserved ($1.3 million) for potential losses on first
mortgage and other loans for the three months ended June 30, 2003.
-10-
Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
AECC's net income increased 22% to $30.2 million for the six month period ended
June 30, 2003 compared to a year ago, as higher net investment income and net
realized investment gains were partially offset by higher provision expense for
certificate reserves.
Net investment income was $109.7 million and $78.1 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This increase was primarily due to a
$37.6 million increase in net gains on equity index options, partially offset by
lower yields on investments. The increase in net gains on equity index options
was due to the effect of appreciation in the S&P 500 on the value of options
economically hedging stock market certificates.
The favorable impact on net investment income from the equity index options is
largely offset by the increase in provision for the certificate reserves, where
the stock market certificate provision is included. Provision for certificate
reserves for the six month period ended June 30, 2003 increased by $26.6 million
to $68.3 million as the effect on the stock market certificates of appreciation
in the S&P 500 this year versus depreciation last year, were partially offset by
lower crediting rates on the interest rate sensitive portion of AECC's
certificate portfolio.
Gross realized gains on sales of securities classified as Available-for-Sale,
using the specific identification method, were $41.6 million and $10.3 million
for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Gross realized
losses on sales of securities classified as Available-for-Sale were ($2.5
million) and ($10.1 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. AECC also recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses on
Available-for-Sale securities of ($32.9 million) and ($0.3 million) for the six
months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Gross realized gains were $0.4 million on other investments for the six months
ended June 30, 2002. AECC also reserved ($2.3 million) and ($0.9 million) for
potential losses on first mortgage and other loans for the six months ended June
30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
At June 30, 2003 and based on amortized cost, approximately 2.8% of AECC's
Available-for-Sale securities were classified below-investment-grade compared to
4% at June 30, 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
AECC's principal sources of cash are receipts from sales of face amount
certificates and net cash flows from investments. AECC's principal uses of cash
are payments to certificate owners for matured and surrendered certificates,
purchases of investments and dividend payments to AEFC.
Cash received from sales of certificates totaled $1.1 billion during the first
six months of 2003 compared to $951 million during the first six months of 2002.
Certificate maturities and cash surrenders totaled $1 billion during the first
six months of 2003, compared to $889 million during the first six months of
2002.
AECC, as an issuer of face-amount certificates, is impacted whenever there is a
significant change in interest rates as certificate crediting rates are reset at
shorter intervals than the change in the yield on AECC's investments. In view of
the continued uncertainty in the investment markets and due to the short-term
repricing nature of certificate reserve liabilities, AECC continues to invest in
securities that
-11-
provide for more immediate, periodic interest and principal payments, resulting
in improved liquidity. To accomplish this, AECC continues to invest much of its
cash flow in intermediate-term bonds and mortgage-backed securities. In
addition, AECC enters into interest rate swap contracts that effectively
lengthen the rate reset interval on customer's certificates. Also, on three
series of AECC's certificates, interest is credited to the certificate owners'
accounts based upon the relative change in a major stock market index between
the beginning and end of the certificates' terms. To meet the obligations
related to the provisions of these certain certificates, AECC purchases and
writes index call options on a major stock market index and, from time to time,
enters into futures contracts.
AECC's investment program is designed to maintain an investment portfolio that
will produce the highest possible after-tax yield within acceptable risk and
liquidity parameters. The program considers investment securities as investments
acquired to meet anticipated certificate owner obligations.
Debt securities, as well as all marketable equity securities, are classified as
Available-for-Sale and are carried at fair value. The Available-for-Sale
classification does not mean that AECC expects to sell these securities, but
that these securities are available to meet possible liquidity needs should
there be significant changes in market interest rates or certificate owner
redemptions.
AECC's investing activities resulted in cash outflows of $455 million during the
first six months of 2003 compared to cash inflows of $115 million during the
first six months of 2002. This change was primarily due to an increase in
purchases of Available-for-Sale securities and other investments, partially
offset by an increase in sales and maturities of such securities.
AECC's financing activities resulted in cash inflows of $219 million and $102
million during the first six months of 2003 and 2002, respectively. This
increase primarily resulted from net certificate inflows of $65 million coupled
with $52 million of net proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements.
Impact of recent market-volatility on results of operations
AECC is exposed to risk associated with fluctuating interest payments from
certain certificate products tied to the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR)
as the certificate product crediting rates reset at shorter intervals than the
changes in the investment portfolio yield related to new investments and
reinvestments. Therefore, AECC's spreads may be negatively impacted by increases
in the general level of interest rates. AECC hedges the risk of rising interest
rates by entering into pay-fixed, receive-variable (LIBOR-based) interest rate
swaps that convert fluctuating crediting rate payments to fixed payments,
effectively protecting AECC from unfavorable interest rate movements. The
interest rate swaps are treated as cash flow hedges per Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133. At June 30, 2003, AECC has $900 million
notional of interest rate swaps outstanding that expire at various dates from
January 2004 through March 2005.
AECC is also exposed to risk associated with fluctuations in the stock market
from three series of its certificate products. Such amounts credited to the
certificate owners' accounts is tied to the relative change in a major stock
market index between the beginning and end of the certificates' terms. AECC
purchases and writes equity index call options on a major stock market index in
order to meet such obligations. The recent appreciation in the S&P 500 caused a
relatively substantial increase in AECC's provision for certificate reserves,
which was effectively offset by an increase in net gains on equity index
options.
-12-
The ratio of shareholder's equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) net of tax, to total assets less certificate loans and net
unrealized holding gains and losses on investment securities (the
Capital-to-Assets-Ratio) was 6.1% and 5.5% at June 30, 2003 and December 31,
2002, respectively. In accordance with an informal agreement established with
the Commissioner of Commerce for the State of Minnesota, AECC has agreed to
maintain, at all times, a minimum Capital-to-Assets Ratio of 5.0%.
OTHER REPORTING MATTERS
Accounting Developments
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (FIN 46),
which addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest
entities (VIEs). Certain disclosures are required for financial statements
issued after January 31, 2003 and are addressed in Note 1 to the Financial
Statements. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material impact on
the Company's financial statements. However, the Company continues to evaluate
all relationships and interests in entities that may be considered VIEs as
detailed interpretations of FIN 46 continue to emerge.
In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities". This Statement amends and clarifies accounting for
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities
under SFAS No. 133. The Statement is effective for contracts entered into or
modified and hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003, and to
certain preexisting contracts. The adoption of this Statement is not expected to
have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
AECC's management, with the participation of AECC's Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of AECC's
disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this
report. Based on such evaluation, AECC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, AECC's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There have not been any changes in AECC's internal control over financial
reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under
the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, AECC's internal control over financial reporting.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "optimistic,"
"intend," "plan," "aim," "will," "should," "could," "likely," and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date on which they are made. AECC undertakes no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to: AECC's ability to successfully implement a
business model that allows for significant earnings growth based on revenue
growth that is lower than historical levels, including the ability to improve
its operating expense to revenue ratio both in the short-term and over time,
which will depend in part on the effectiveness of reengineering and other cost
control initiatives, as well as factors impacting AECC's revenues; AECC's
ability to grow its business, over time, which will depend on AECC's ability to
manage its capital needs and the effect of business mix; the ability to increase
investment spending, which will depend in part on the equity markets and other
factors affecting revenues, and the ability to capitalize on such investments to
improve business metrics; the accuracy of certain critical accounting estimates,
including the fair value of the assets in AECC's investment portfolio (including
those investments that are not readily marketable), fluctuation in the equity
and fixed income markets, which can affect the amount and types of certificate
products sold by AECC, potential deterioration in AECC's high-yield and other
investments, which could result in further losses in AECC's investment
portfolio; the ability of AECC to sell certain high-yield investments at
expected values and within anticipated timeframes and to maintain its high-yield
portfolio at certain levels in the future; and spreads in the certificate
businesses; credit trends and the rate of bankruptcies, which can affect returns
on AECC's investment portfolios; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
rates, which could affect commercial activities, among other businesses, or
restrictions on convertibility of certain currencies; changes in laws or
government regulations, including tax laws affecting AECC's businesses or that
may affect the sales of the products and services that it offers, and regulatory
activity in the areas of customer privacy, consumer protection, business
continuity and data protection; the adoption of recently issued accounting rules
related to the consolidation of variable interest entities, including those
involving collateralized debt obligations and secured loan trusts, that AECC
invests in, which could affect both AECC's balance sheet and results of
operations; and outcomes and costs associated with litigation and compliance and
regulatory matters. A further description of these and other risks and
uncertainties can be found in AECC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2002, and its other reports filed with the SEC.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
AECC is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the
ordinary course of its business. The outcome of any litigation or
threatened litigation cannot be predicted with any certainty. However,
in the aggregate, AECC does not consider any lawsuits in which it is
named as a defendant to have a material impact on AECC's financial
position or operating results.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index on page E-1 hereof.
(b) Form 8-K, filed April 21, 2003, Item 5, reporting that on April
15, 2003 American Express Certificate Company (the "Company")
appointed Jeryl A. Millner, Vice President and Controller. Ms.
Millner will act as the Company's Principal Accounting Officer.
She succeeds Philip C. Wentzel, who was recently appointed Vice
President, Business Planning & Analysis for the Company's parent.
On April 17, 2003 John T. Sweeney was appointed Vice
President-Finance for the Company. Mr. Sweeney will act as the
Company's Principal and Chief Financial Officer.
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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.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CERTIFICATE COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: August 13, 2003 By /s/ Paula R. Meyer
--------------------
Paula R. Meyer
Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 13, 2003 By /s/ John T. Sweeney
--------------------
John T. Sweeney
Principal and Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:
Exhibit Description
31.1 Certification of Paula R. Meyer pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.
31.2 Certification of John T. Sweeney pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.
32.1 Certification of Paula R. Meyer 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 John T. Sweeney pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
E-1