UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
OR
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 001-12749
HARTFORD LIFE, INC.
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
06-1470915 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089
(Address of principal executive offices)
(860) 547-5000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
Yes o No þ
As of April 25, 2005 there were outstanding 1,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant, all of which were directly owned by Hartford Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
The registrant 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.
INDEX
Page | ||||||||
3 | ||||||||
4 | ||||||||
5 | ||||||||
6 | ||||||||
7 | ||||||||
8 | ||||||||
17 | ||||||||
34 | ||||||||
34 | ||||||||
35 | ||||||||
36 | ||||||||
37 | ||||||||
38 | ||||||||
EX-15.01: DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP LETTER OF AWARENESS | ||||||||
EX-31.01: CERTIFICATION | ||||||||
EX-31.02: CERTIFICATION | ||||||||
EX-32.01: CERTIFICATION | ||||||||
EX-32.02: CERTIFICATION |
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Hartford Life, Inc.
Hartford, Connecticut
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Hartford Life, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 31, 2005, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders equity, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 24, 2005 (which report includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Companys change in its method of accounting and reporting for certain nontraditional long-duration contracts and for separate accounts in 2004), we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
April 29, 2005
3
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Three Months | ||||||||
Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
(In millions) (Unaudited) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Fee income |
$ | 950 | $ | 825 | ||||
Earned premiums |
999 | 995 | ||||||
Net investment income |
950 | 1,162 | ||||||
Net realized capital gains (losses) |
81 | 76 | ||||||
Total revenues |
2,980 | 3,058 | ||||||
Benefits, claims and expenses |
||||||||
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses |
1,739 | 1,877 | ||||||
Insurance expenses and other |
559 | 514 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of
future profits |
280 | 233 | ||||||
Dividends to policyholders |
18 | 13 | ||||||
Interest expense |
20 | 35 | ||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
2,616 | 2,672 | ||||||
Income before income tax expense
and cumulative effect of
accounting change |
364 | 386 | ||||||
Income tax expense |
86 | 105 | ||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
278 | 281 | ||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax |
| (23 | ) | |||||
Net income |
$ | 278 | $ | 258 | ||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
March 31, | ||||||||
(In millions, except for share data) | 2005 | December 31, 2004 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Investments |
||||||||
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale,
at fair value (amortized cost of
$49,119 and $47,962) |
$ | 50,877 | $ | 50,531 | ||||
Equity securities,
available-for-sale, at fair value (cost of $645 and $506) |
662 | 525 | ||||||
Equity securities, held for trading, at fair value (cost of $14,605 and $12,514) |
15,855 | 13,634 | ||||||
Policy loans, at outstanding balance |
2,119 | 2,662 | ||||||
Other investments |
1,459 | 1,364 | ||||||
Total investments |
70,972 | 68,716 | ||||||
Cash |
1,198 | 933 | ||||||
Premiums receivable and agents balances |
386 | 391 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverables |
767 | 993 | ||||||
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits |
7,908 | 7,437 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(654 | ) | (747 | ) | ||||
Goodwill |
796 | 796 | ||||||
Other assets |
2,218 | 1,911 | ||||||
Separate account assets |
138,502 | 140,023 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 222,093 | $ | 220,453 | ||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Reserve for future policy benefits |
$ | 12,375 | $ | 12,250 | ||||
Other policyholder funds |
55,459 | 52,833 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
1,050 | 1,050 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
5,683 | 5,125 | ||||||
Separate account liabilities |
138,502 | 140,023 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
213,069 | 211,281 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, Note 6 |
| | ||||||
Stockholders Equity |
||||||||
Common Stock 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding;
par value $0.01 |
| | ||||||
Capital surplus |
3,094 | 3,094 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
||||||||
Net unrealized capital gains on securities, net of tax
|
772 | 1,178 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(4 | ) | 16 | |||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive income |
768 | 1,194 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
5,162 | 4,884 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
9,024 | 9,172 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 222,093 | $ | 220,453 | ||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Gain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Unrealized | (Loss) on | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital | Cash Flow | Foreign | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains on | Hedging | Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Capital | Securities, Net | Instruments, | Translation | Retained | Total Stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) (Unaudited) | Stock | Surplus | of Tax | Net of Tax | Adjustments | Earnings | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2004 |
$ | | $ | 3,094 | $ | 1,348 | $ | (170 | ) | $ | 16 | $ | 4,884 | $ | 9,172 | |||||||||||||
Comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
278 | 278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized capital losses
on securities (3) |
(370 | ) | (370 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss on cash flow hedging
instruments |
(36 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments |
(20 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
(426 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
(148 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2005 |
$ | | $ | 3,094 | $ | 978 | $ | (206 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 5,162 | $ | 9,024 | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Unrealized | Net Gain (Loss) on | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital | Cash Flow | Foreign | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains on | Hedging | Currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Capital | Securities, Net | Instruments, | Translation | Retained | Total Stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) (Unaudited) | Stock | Surplus | of Tax | Net of Tax | Adjustments | Earnings | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2003 |
$ | | $ | 2,489 | $ | 928 | $ | (25 | ) | $ | (43 | ) | $ | 3,710 | $ | 7,059 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
258 | 258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (1)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change (2) |
292 | 292 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized capital gains on
securities (3) |
422 | 422 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss on cash flow hedging
instruments |
52 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
765 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
1,023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared |
(74 | ) | (74 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contributions from parent |
505 | 505 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2004 |
$ | | $ | 2,994 | $ | 1,642 | $ | 27 | $ | (44 | ) | $ | 3,894 | $ | 8,513 | |||||||||||||
(1) | Net change in unrealized capital (loss) gain on securities is reflected net of tax provision of $(199) and $227 for the first quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net (loss) gain on cash flow hedging instruments is net of tax (benefit) provision of $(19) and $28 for the first quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. There is no tax effect on cumulative translation adjustments. | |
(2) | Represents the impact of the adoption of SOP 03-1. SOP 03-1 was effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2003. | |
(3) | There were reclassification adjustments for after-tax gains (losses) realized in net income of $42 for each of the first quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
(In millions) (Unaudited) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Operating Activities |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 278 | $ | 258 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |
||||||||
Net realized capital (gains) |
(81 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||
Cumulative effect of adoption of SOP 03-1 |
| 23 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future
profits |
280 | 233 | ||||||
Additions to deferred policy acquisition costs |
(556 | ) | (494 | ) | ||||
Amortization of sales inducements |
9 | 6 | ||||||
Additions to deferred sales inducements |
(21 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
15 | 24 | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable and agents balances |
5 | (3 | ) | |||||
Decrease (increase) in receivables |
49 | (249 | ) | |||||
Decrease in accrued liabilities and payables |
(58 | ) | (197 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities |
42 | (166 | ) | |||||
(Decrease) increase in accrued taxes |
(89 | ) | 16 | |||||
Change in deferred income taxes |
71 | 533 | ||||||
Increase in liabilities for future policy benefits |
125 | 256 | ||||||
Net increase in equity securities, held for trading |
(2,220 | ) | (1,611 | ) | ||||
Net receipts from investment contracts credited to policyholder accounts
associated with equity securities, held for trading |
2,367 | 1,915 | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables |
(18 | ) | 2 | |||||
Other, net |
14 | 270 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
212 | 707 | ||||||
Investing Activities |
||||||||
Purchases of fixed maturity and equity security investments, available-for-sale |
(7,593 | ) | (3,460 | ) | ||||
Sales of fixed maturity and equity security investments, available-for-sale |
6,619 | 2,476 | ||||||
Maturity of fixed maturity and equity security investments, available-for-sale |
515 | 749 | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets |
(17 | ) | 5 | |||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(476 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities |
||||||||
Capital contributions |
| 505 | ||||||
Repayment of short-term debt |
| (305 | ) | |||||
Repayment of company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trust holding solely parent junior subordinated debentures |
| (250 | ) | |||||
Dividends paid |
(24 | ) | (67 | ) | ||||
Net receipts (disbursements) from investment and universal life-type contracts
credited to policyholder accounts |
548 | (164 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities |
524 | (281 | ) | |||||
Net increase in cash |
260 | 196 | ||||||
Impact of foreign exchange |
5 | (1 | ) | |||||
Cash - beginning of period |
933 | 265 | ||||||
Cash - end of period |
$ | 1,198 | $ | 460 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information |
||||||||
Net cash paid during the period for |
||||||||
Income taxes |
$ | 57 | $ | 10 | ||||
Interest |
$ | 19 | $ | 28 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Hartford Life, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), together with its consolidated subsidiaries (Hartford Life or the Company), is a leading financial services and insurance organization which provides, primarily in the United States, investment, retirement, estate planning and group benefits products. Hartford Life, Inc. is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartford Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The Hartford).
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which differ materially from the accounting prescribed by various insurance regulatory authorities. The financial statements include the accounts of Hartford Life and its wholly-owned as well as controlled majority owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries in which the Company has at least 20% interest, but less than a majority ownership interest, are reported using the equity method. All intercompany transactions and balances between Hartford Life, its subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated.
The accompanying condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes as of March 31, 2005, and for the first quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited. These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. These condensed financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications. Specifically, the Company reclassified amounts assessed against certain contract holder balances during the first quarter of 2004 from net investment income to fee income.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The most significant estimates include those used in determining reserves for future policyholder benefits, deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, the valuation of investments and derivative instruments and the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments, and contingencies.
Significant Accounting Policies
For a description of accounting policies, see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Future Adoption of Accounting Standards
In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a final consensus on EITF Issue No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (EITF Issue No. 03-1). EITF Issue No. 03-1 was effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004 and adopts a three-step impairment model for securities within its scope. The three-step model must be applied on a security-by-security basis as follows:
Step 1:
|
Determine whether an investment is impaired. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost basis. | |
Step 2:
|
Evaluate whether an impairment is other-than-temporary. For debt securities that cannot be contractually prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the investor would not recover substantially all of its cost, an impairment is deemed other-than- |
8
temporary if the investor does not have the ability and intent to hold the investment until a forecasted market price recovery or it is probable that the investor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the debt security. | ||
Step 3:
|
If the impairment is other-than-temporary, recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the investments cost basis and its fair value. |
Subsequent to an other-than-temporary impairment loss, a debt security should be accounted for in accordance with SOP 03-3, Accounting for Certain Loans and Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer (SOP 03-3). SOP 03-3 requires that the amount of a securitys expected cash flows in excess of the investors initial cost or amortized cost investment be recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the life of the security. EITF Issue No. 03-1 does not replace the impairment guidance for investments accounted for under EITF Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairments on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (EITF Issue No. 99-20), however, it requires investors to determine if a security is other-than-temporarily impaired under EITF Issue No. 03-1 if the security is determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired under EITF Issue No. 99-20.
In September 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) staff issued clarifying guidance for comment in FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF Issue No. 03-1-a, Implementation Guidance for the Application of Paragraph 16 of EITF Issue No. 03-1 (FSP Issue No. 03-1-a) and subsequently voted to delay the implementation of the impairment measurement and recognition guidance contained in paragraphs 1020 of EITF Issue No. 03-1.
In April 2005, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) added a joint project to their agenda to converge impairment models for financial instruments. The FASB subsequently decided not to redeliberate EITF 03-1.
2. Segment Information
The Company has four reportable operating segments: Retail Products Group (Retail), Institutional Solutions Group (Institutional), Individual Life and Group Benefits. The Company evaluates performance based on revenues and net income. For a full discussion of each segment, please refer to Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Retail | Institutional | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Products | Solutions | Individual | Group | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2005 | Group | Group | Life | Benefits | Other[1] | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 837 | $ | 424 | $ | 262 | $ | 1,046 | $ | 411 | $ | 2,980 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
156 | 40 | 39 | 59 | (16 | ) | 278 | |||||||||||||||||
Retail | Institutional | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Products | Solutions | Individual | Group | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2004 | Group | Group | Life | Benefits | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 763 | $ | 442 | $ | 254 | $ | 1,004 | $ | 595 | $ | 3,058 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
107 | 28 | 33 | 47 | 43 | 258 | ||||||||||||||||||
[1] | The 2005 amount reflects the $66 provision for the regulatory investigations discussed in Note 6. |
9
3. Investments and Derivative Instruments
As of March 31, 2005 | As of December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bonds and Notes |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities (ABS) |
$ | 6,433 | $ | 63 | $ | (70 | ) | $ | 6,426 | $ | 6,346 | $ | 76 | $ | (64 | ) | $ | 6,358 | ||||||||||||||
Collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agency backed |
905 | 7 | (4 | ) | 908 | 1,036 | 11 | (3 | ) | 1,044 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency backed |
120 | | (1 | ) | 119 | 48 | | | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed
securities (CMBS) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agency backed |
72 | 2 | (1 | ) | 73 | 72 | 2 | (1 | ) | 73 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agency backed |
8,360 | 230 | (75 | ) | 8,515 | 8,384 | 368 | (19 | ) | 8,733 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate |
24,544 | 1,584 | (196 | ) | 25,932 | 23,645 | 1,957 | (70 | ) | 25,532 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Government/Government agencies |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign |
736 | 46 | (7 | ) | 775 | 723 | 67 | (2 | ) | 788 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
United States |
918 | 22 | (13 | ) | 927 | 884 | 19 | (5 | ) | 898 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agency backed |
2,262 | 9 | (21 | ) | 2,250 | 1,771 | 20 | (3 | ) | 1,788 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions |
2,885 | 192 | (9 | ) | 3,068 | 2,780 | 221 | (6 | ) | 2,995 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock |
12 | | | 12 | 12 | 1 | | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term investments |
1,872 | | | 1,872 | 2,261 | | | 2,261 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities |
$ | 49,119 | $ | 2,155 | $ | (397 | ) | $ | 50,877 | $ | 47,962 | $ | 2,742 | $ | (173 | ) | $ | 50,531 | ||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes a variety of derivative instruments, including swaps, caps, floors, forwards, futures and options designed to achieve one of four Company-approved objectives: to hedge risk arising from interest rate, price or currency exchange rate volatility; to manage liquidity; to control transaction costs; or to enter into replication transactions.
On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair value or cash flow hedge (foreign-currency hedge), (4) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge) or (5) held for other investment and risk management activities, which primarily involve managing asset or liability related risks that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
The Companys derivative transactions are permitted uses of derivatives under the derivatives use plan filed and/or approved, as applicable, by the State of Connecticut, the State of Illinois and the State of New York insurance departments. The Company does not make a market or trade in these instruments for the express purpose of earning short-term trading profits.
For a detailed discussion of the Companys use of derivative instruments, see Notes 2 and 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||
Liability | Liability | |||||||||||||||
Asset Values | Values | Asset Values | Values | |||||||||||||
Other investments |
$ | 207 | $ | | $ | 185 | $ | | ||||||||
Reinsurance recoverables |
| 70 | | 67 | ||||||||||||
Other policyholder funds and benefits payable |
136 | | 129 | | ||||||||||||
Fixed maturities |
| 1 | 4 | | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
| 507 | | 518 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 343 | $ | 578 | $ | 318 | $ | 585 | ||||||||
The following table summarizes the notional amount and fair value of derivatives by hedge designation as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not necessarily reflective of credit risk. The fair value amounts of derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis in the following table.
10
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||
Notional | Notional | |||||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Amount | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Cash flow hedge |
$ | 7,612 | $ | (418 | ) | $ | 7,168 | $ | (374 | ) | ||||||
Fair value hedge |
481 | (10 | ) | 363 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
Net investment hedge |
415 | 9 | 401 | (23 | ) | |||||||||||
Other investment and risk management activities |
49,893 | 184 | 45,931 | 134 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 58,401 | $ | (235 | ) | $ | 53,863 | $ | (267 | ) | ||||||
The increase in notional amount since December 31, 2004 is primarily due to an increase in embedded derivatives associated with guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) product sales and new hedging strategies. The increase in net fair value of derivative instruments since December 31, 2004 was primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar in comparison to foreign currencies and derivatives associated with the GMWB rider due to the decline in value of the equity markets and the increase in equity market volatility, partially offset by the rise in interest rates.
The Company offers certain variable annuity products with a GMWB rider which is accounted for as an embedded derivative. (For further discussion, refer to Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
During the first quarter of 2005, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional and fair value of $122 and $(2), respectively, to hedge the variability in certain variable rate investment contracts. These swaps convert the variable liability payment (e.g. based off of the Consumer Price Index) to a variable rate, London-Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), to better match the cash receipts earned from the supporting investment portfolio. Certain of these swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges and have a notional and fair value of $75 and $(1), respectively, as of March 31, 2005. In addition, swap agreements that do not receive hedge accounting have a notional and fair value of $47 and $(1), respectively, as of March 31, 2005.
During the first quarter of 2005, the Company entered into forward starting Standard and Poors (S&P) 500 put options, as well as S&P index futures and interest rate swap contracts to economically hedge the equity volatility risk exposure associated with anticipated future sales of the GMWB rider. As of March 31, 2005, the notional and fair value of these contracts was $882 and $39, respectively, and the net gain, after-tax, from these contracts was $3.
The total notional amount of derivative contracts purchased to hedge the in-force GMWB exposure, as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, was $4.0 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, and net fair value was $114 and $108, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, net realized capital gains and losses included the change in market value of both the embedded derivative related to the GMWB liability and the related derivative contracts that were purchased as economic hedges. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the net effect was a net gain of $5 and a net loss of $1, after-tax, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, gross gains and losses representing the total ineffectiveness of all fair value and net investment hedges were immaterial. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Companys net gain and loss representing hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges was $(2), after-tax. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Companys net gains and losses representing the total ineffectiveness of all cash flow, fair value and net investment hedges were immaterial.
The total change in value for other derivative-based strategies which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, including periodic net coupon settlements, are reported as net realized capital gains and losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized an after-tax net gain of $10 and $7, respectively, for derivative-based strategies, which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
As of March 31, 2005, the after-tax deferred net gains on derivative instruments accumulated in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are $3. This expectation is based on the anticipated interest payments on hedged investments in fixed maturity securities that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred net gains (losses) as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the investment cash flows. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows (for all forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on variable rate debt) is twenty-four months. For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the net reclassifications from AOCI to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges were immaterial.
11
4. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits was as follows:
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Balance, January 1 |
$ | 7,437 | $ | 6,623 | ||||
Capitalization |
556 | 494 | ||||||
Amortization Deferred Policy Acquisitions costs |
(272 | ) | (225 | ) | ||||
Amortization Present Value of Future Profits |
(8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
Amortization Realized Capital Gains/Losses |
(11 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to unrealized gains and losses on
securities available-for-sale and other |
245 | (251 | ) | |||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change [1] |
| (105 | ) | |||||
Effect of Currency Translation Adjustment |
(39 | ) | | |||||
Balance, March 31 |
$ | 7,908 | $ | 6,523 | ||||
[1] | For the three months ended March 31, 2004, represents the Companys adoption of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) 03-1, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts (SOP 03-1). |
5. Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features
Many of the variable annuity contracts issued by the Company offer various guaranteed minimum death, withdrawal and income benefits. Guaranteed minimum death and income benefits are offered in various forms as described in the footnotes to the table below. The Company currently reinsures a significant portion of the death benefit guarantees associated with its in-force block of business.
Changes in the gross U.S. guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) and Japan GMDB/guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB) liability balance sold with annuity products are as follows:
U.S. GMDB [1] | Japan GMDB/GMIB | |||||||
Liability balance as of January 1, 2005 |
$ | 174 | $ | 28 | ||||
Incurred |
32 | 7 | ||||||
Paid |
38 | | ||||||
Currency translation adjustment |
| (2 | ) | |||||
Liability balance as of March 31, 2005 |
$ | 168 | $ | 33 | ||||
[1] | The reinsurance recoverable asset, related to the U.S. GMDB was $55 as of March 31, 2005. |
U.S. GMDB [1] | Japan GMDB/GMIB | |||||||
Liability balance upon adoption as of
January 1, 2004 |
$ | 217 | $ | 8 | ||||
Incurred |
123 | 21 | ||||||
Paid |
166 | 1 | ||||||
Liability balance as of December 31, 2004 |
$ | 174 | $ | 28 | ||||
[1] | The reinsurance recoverable asset, related to the U.S. GMDB was $108 upon adoption of SOP 03-1 and $64 as of December 31, 2004. |
The net GMDB and GMIB liability is established by estimating the expected value of net reinsurance costs and death and income benefits in excess of the projected account balance. The excess death and income benefits and net reinsurance costs are recognized ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The GMDB and GMIB liabilities are recorded in Future Policy Benefits on the Companys balance sheet. Changes in the GMDB and GMIB liability are recorded in Benefits, Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses on the Companys statement of income. The Company regularly evaluates estimates used and adjusts the additional liability balances, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.
12
The following table provides details concerning GMDB and GMIB exposure as of March 31, 2005:
Breakdown of Variable Annuity Account Value by GMDB/GMIB Type
Retained Net | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||
Account | Net Amount | Amount | Attained Age of | |||||||||||
Value | at Risk | at Risk | Annuitant | |||||||||||
Maximum anniversary value (MAV) [1] |
||||||||||||||
MAV only |
$ | 58,807 | $ | 7,015 | $ | 804 | 63 | |||||||
With 5% rollup [2] |
4,025 | 642 | 121 | 62 | ||||||||||
With Earnings Protection Benefit Rider (EPB) [3] |
4,985 | 193 | 42 | 60 | ||||||||||
With 5% rollup & EPB |
1,442 | 122 | 21 | 61 | ||||||||||
Total MAV |
69,259 | 7,972 | 988 | 63 | ||||||||||
Asset Protection Benefit (APB) [4] |
18,885 | 71 | 41 | 61 | ||||||||||
Ratchet [5] (5 years) |
38 | 3 | | 66 | ||||||||||
Reset [6] (5-7 years) |
7,759 | 690 | 690 | 64 | ||||||||||
Return of Premium [7]/Other |
8,263 | 53 | 53 | 49 | ||||||||||
Subtotal U.S. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits |
104,204 | 8,789 | 1,772 | 62 | ||||||||||
Japan Guaranteed Minimum Death and Income Benefit [8] |
16,495 | 76 | 76 | 67 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 120,699 | $ | 8,865 | $ | 1,848 | ||||||||
[1] | MAV: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid and the highest account value on any anniversary before age 80 (adjusted for withdrawals). | |
[2] | Rollup: the death benefit is the greatest of the MAV, current account value, net premium paid and premiums (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at generally 5% simple interest up to the earlier of age 80 or 100% of adjusted premiums. | |
[3] | EPB: The death benefit is the greatest of the MAV, current account value, or contract value plus a percentage of the contracts growth. The contracts growth is account value less premiums net of withdrawals, subject to a cap of 200% of premiums net of withdrawals. | |
[4] | APB: the death benefit is the greater of current account value or MAV, not to exceed current account value plus 25% times the greater of net premiums and MAV (each adjusted for premiums in the past 12 months). | |
[5] | Ratchet: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid and the highest account value on any specified anniversary before age 85 (adjusted for withdrawals). | |
[6] | Reset: the death benefit is the greatest of current account value, net premiums paid and the most recent five to seven year anniversary account value before age 80 (adjusted for withdrawals). | |
[7] | Return of premium: the death benefit is the greater of current account value and net premiums paid. | |
[8] | Death benefits include a Return of Premium and MAV (before age 75) as described above and income benefits include a guarantee to return initial investment, adjusted for earnings liquidity, through a fixed annuity, after a minimum deferral period of 10, 15, or 20 years. The guaranteed remaining balance related to the Japan GMIB was $9.7 billion and $7.3 billion as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. |
The Company offers certain variable annuity products with a GMWB rider. The GMWB provides the policyholder with a guaranteed remaining balance (GRB) if the account value is reduced to zero through a combination of market declines and withdrawals. The GRB is generally equal to premiums less withdrawals. However, annual withdrawals that exceed a specified percentage of the premiums paid may reduce the GRB by an amount greater than the withdrawals and may also impact the guaranteed annual withdrawal amount that subsequently applies after the excess annual withdrawals occur. In certain contracts, the policyholder also has the option, after a specified time period, to reset the GRB to the then-current account value, if greater. The GMWB represents an embedded derivative liability in the variable annuity contract that is required to be reported separately from the host variable annuity contract. It is carried at fair value and reported in other policyholder funds. The fair value of the GMWB obligations are calculated based on actuarial assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges, over the lives of the contracts, incorporating expectations concerning policyholder behavior. Because of the dynamic and complex nature of these cash flows, stochastic techniques under a variety of market return scenarios and other best estimate assumptions are used. Estimating cash flows involves numerous estimates and subjective judgments including those regarding expected market rates of return, market volatility, correlations of market returns and discount rates.
As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the embedded derivative asset recorded for GMWB, before reinsurance or hedging, was $136 and $129, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the change in value of the GMWB, before reinsurance and hedging, reported in realized gains (losses) was $19 and $(27), respectively. There were no payments made for the GMWB during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.
As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, $11.4 billion, or 37%, and $11.7 billion, or 39%, respectively, of account value representing all of the contracts written before July 2003, with the GMWB feature was reinsured and $19.7 billion, or 63%, and $18.1 billion, or 61%, respectively, was unreinsured. In order to minimize the volatility associated with the unreinsured GMWB liabilities, the Company established a hedging-based risk management strategy. In 2003, the Company began hedging its unreinsured GMWB exposure using interest rate futures, and Standard and Poors (S&P) 500 and NASDAQ index options and futures contracts. During 2004, the Company began using Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index swaps to hedge GMWB exposure to international equity markets. The GRB as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $27.4 billion and $25.4 billion, respectively.
13
6 . Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (The Hartford) is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper sales practices in connection with the sale of life insurance and other investment products; and improper fee arrangements in connection with mutual funds. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of the Company. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Broker Compensation Litigation - On October 14, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office filed a civil complaint (the NYAG Complaint) against Marsh Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (collectively, Marsh) alleging, among other things, that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them. The Hartford was not joined as a defendant in the action, which has since settled. Since the filing of the NYAG Complaint, several private actions have been filed against The Hartford asserting claims arising from the allegations of the NYAG Complaint.
Two securities class actions, now consolidated, have been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut alleging claims against The Hartford and certain of its executive officers under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. The consolidated amended complaint alleges on behalf of a putative class of shareholders that The Hartford and the four named individual defendants, as control persons of The Hartford, failed to disclose to the investing public that The Hartfords business and growth was predicated on the unlawful activity alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is August 6, 2003 through October 13, 2004, the day before the NYAG Complaint was filed. The complaint seeks damages and attorneys fees. The Hartford and the individual defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
In addition, three putative class actions, now consolidated, have been filed in the same court on behalf of participants in The Hartfords 401(k) plan against The Hartford, Hartford Fire Insurance Company, The Hartfords Pension Fund Trust and Investment Committee, The Hartfords Pension Administration Committee, The Hartfords Chief Financial Officer, and John/Jane Does 1-15. The suits assert claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), alleging that The Hartford and the other named defendants breached their fiduciary duties to plan participants by, among other things, failing to inform them of the risk associated with investment in The Hartfords stock as a result of the activity alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is November 5, 2003 through the present. The complaints seek restitution of losses to the plan, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys fees. All defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Two corporate derivative actions, now consolidated, also have been filed in the same court. The consolidated amended complaint, brought by a shareholder on behalf of The Hartford against its directors and an executive officer, alleges that the defendants knew adverse non-public information about the activities alleged in the NYAG Complaint and concealed and misappropriated that information to make profitable stock trades, thereby breaching their fiduciary duties, abusing their control, committing gross mismanagement, wasting corporate assets, and unjustly enriching themselves. The complaint seeks damages, injunctive relief, disgorgement, and attorneys fees. All defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Ten putative class actions also have been filed by alleged policyholders in federal district courts against several brokers and insurers, including The Hartford. These actions assert, on behalf of a class of persons who purchased insurance through the broker defendants, claims under the Sherman Act and state law, and in some cases the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is 1994 through the date of class certification, which has not yet occurred. The complaints seek treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorneys fees. Pursuant to an order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, it is likely that the venue for all of these actions will be the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Putative class actions also have been filed in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois, Chancery Division and in the Circuit Court for Seminole County, Florida, Civil Division, on behalf of a class of all persons who purchased insurance from defendant insurers, including Hartford entities. These state court actions assert unjust enrichment claims and violations of state unfair trade practices acts arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint and seek remedies including restitution of premiums, and, in the Illinois action, imposition of a constructive trust, and declaratory and injunctive relief. The class period alleged is 1994 through the present. The Hartford has removed both actions to federal court, but the plaintiffs have moved to remand the actions to the respective state courts. The plaintiffs' motion to remand the Illinois action was denied; the remand motion in the Florida action has not been decided. The Hartford disputes the allegations in all of these actions and intends to defend the actions vigorously.
14
Additional complaints may be filed against The Hartford in various courts alleging claims under federal or state law arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The Hartfords ultimate liability, if any, in the pending and possible future suits is highly uncertain and subject to contingencies that are not yet known, such as how many suits will be filed, in which courts they will be lodged, what claims they will assert, what the outcome of investigations by the New York Attorney Generals Office and other regulatory agencies will be, the success of defenses that The Hartford may assert, and the amount of recoverable damages if liability is established. In the opinion of management, it is possible that an adverse outcome in one or more of these suits could have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Regulatory Developments
In June 2004, The Hartford received a subpoena from the New York Attorney Generals Office in connection with its inquiry into compensation arrangements between brokers and carriers. In mid-September 2004 and subsequently, The Hartford has received additional subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office, which relate more specifically to possible anti-competitive activity among brokers and insurers. Since the beginning of October 2004, The Hartford has received subpoenas or other information requests from Attorneys General and regulatory agencies in more than a dozen jurisdictions regarding broker compensation and possible anti-competitive activity. The Hartford may receive additional subpoenas and other information requests from Attorneys General or other regulatory agencies regarding similar issues. The Hartford also has received a subpoena from the New York Attorney Generals Office requesting information related to The Hartfords underwriting practices with respect to legal professional liability insurance. In addition, The Hartford has received a request for information from the New York Attorney Generals Office concerning The Hartfords compensation arrangements in connection with the administration of workers compensation plans. The Hartford intends to continue cooperating fully with these investigations, and is conducting an internal review, with the assistance of outside counsel, regarding broker compensation issues in its Property & Casualty and Group Benefits operations.
On October 14, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office filed a civil complaint against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., and Marsh, Inc. (collectively, Marsh). The complaint alleges, among other things, that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them. The Hartford was not joined as a defendant in the action, which has since settled. Although no regulatory action has been initiated against The Hartford in connection with the allegations described in the civil complaint, it is possible that the New York Attorney Generals Office or one or more other regulatory agencies may pursue action against The Hartford or one or more of its employees in the future. The potential timing of any such action is difficult to predict. If such an action is brought, it could have a material adverse effect on The Hartford.
On October 29, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office informed The Hartford that the Attorney General is conducting an investigation with respect to the timing of the previously disclosed sale by Thomas Marra, a director and executive officer of The Hartford, of 217,074 shares of The Hartfords common stock on September 21, 2004. The sale occurred shortly after the issuance of two additional subpoenas dated September 17, 2004 by the New York Attorney Generals Office. The Hartford has engaged outside counsel to review the circumstances related to the transaction and is fully cooperating with the New York Attorney Generals Office. On the basis of the review, The Hartford has determined that Mr. Marra complied with The Hartfords applicable internal trading procedures and has found no indication that Mr. Marra was aware of the additional subpoenas at the time of the sale.
There continues to be significant federal and state regulatory activity relating to financial services companies, particularly mutual funds companies. These regulatory inquiries have focused on a number of mutual fund issues, including market timing and late trading, revenue sharing and directed brokerage, fees, transfer agents and other fund service providers, and other mutual-fund related issues. The Hartford has received requests for information and subpoenas from the SEC, subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office, a subpoena from the Connecticut Attorney Generals Office, requests for information from the Connecticut Securities and Investments Division of the Department of Banking, and requests for information from the New York Department of Insurance, in each case requesting documentation and other information regarding various mutual fund regulatory issues.
The SECs Division of Enforcement and the New York Attorney Generals Office are investigating aspects of The Hartfords variable annuity and mutual fund operations related to market timing. The Hartfords mutual funds are available for purchase by the separate accounts of different variable universal life insurance policies, variable annuity products, and funding agreements, and they are offered directly to certain qualified retirement plans. Although existing products contain transfer restrictions between subaccounts, some products, particularly older variable annuity products, do not contain restrictions on the frequency of transfers. In addition, as a result of the settlement of litigation against The Hartford with respect to certain owners of older variable annuity products, The Hartfords ability to restrict transfers by these owners is limited. In February 2005, The Hartford agreed in principle with the Boards of Directors of the mutual funds to indemnify the mutual funds for any material harm caused to the funds from frequent trading by these owners. The specific terms of the indemnification have not been determined.
The SECs Division of Enforcement also is investigating aspects of The Hartfords variable annuity and mutual fund operations related to directed brokerage and revenue sharing. The Hartford discontinued the use of directed brokerage in recognition of mutual fund sales in late 2003. The Hartford also has received subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office and the Connecticut Attorney
15
Generals Office requesting information related to The Hartfords group annuity products. The Hartford continues to cooperate fully with the SEC, the New York Attorney Generals Office and other regulatory agencies.
To date, neither the SECs and New York Attorney Generals market timing investigation nor the SECs directed brokerage investigation has resulted in either regulator initiating any formal action against The Hartford. However, The Hartford believes that the SEC and the New York Attorney Generals Office are likely to take some action against The Hartford at the conclusion of the respective investigations. The potential timing of any such action is difficult to predict. Based on The Hartfords discussions with the SEC and the New York Attorney Generals Office and its own analysis, the Company recorded a charge of $66 to establish a reserve for these matters during the first quarter of 2005. This reserve is an estimate; in view of the uncertainties regarding the timing and outcome of any payments relating to these types of regulatory investigations, as well as the tax-deductibility, if any, and any potential deferred acquisition cost effects (though no deferred acquisition cost effects are included in this estimate) that may be applicable, it is possible that the ultimate cost to the Company of these matters may exceed or be below the reserve amount, perhaps by a significant amount.
7. Transactions with Affiliates
For a description of transactions with affiliates, see Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
16
Item 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in millions, unless otherwise stated)
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) addresses the financial condition of Hartford Life, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Hartford Life or the Company) as of March 31, 2005, compared with December 31, 2004, and its results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared with the equivalent period in 2004. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the MD&A in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty which are, in many instances, beyond the Companys control and have been made based upon managements expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with managements expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Actual results could differ materially from those expected by the Company, depending on the outcome of various factors. These factors include: the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks; the response of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect the Company against losses; changes in the stock markets, interest rates or other financial markets, including the potential effect on the Companys statutory capital levels; the inability to effectively mitigate the impact of equity market volatility on the Companys financial position and results of operations arising from obligations under annuity product guarantees; the difficulty in predicting the Companys potential exposure arising out of regulatory proceedings or private claims relating to incentive compensation or payments made to brokers or other producers and alleged anti-competitive conduct; the uncertain effect on the Company of regulatory and market-driven changes in practices relating to the payment of incentive compensation to brokers and other producers, including changes that have been announced and those which may occur in the future; the possibility of more unfavorable loss experience than anticipated; stronger than anticipated competitive activity; unfavorable judicial or legislative developments, including the possibility that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 is not extended beyond 2005; the potential effect of domestic and foreign regulatory developments, including those which could increase the Companys business costs and required capital levels; the possibility of general economic and business conditions that are less favorable than anticipated; the Companys ability to distribute its products through distribution channels, both current and future; the uncertain effects of emerging claim and coverage issues; the effect of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds; a downgrade in the Companys claims-paying, financial strength or credit ratings; the ability of the Companys subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company; and other factors described in such forward-looking statements.
INDEX
Overview
|
18 | |||
Critical Accounting Estimates
|
22 | |||
Consolidated Results of Operations Operating Summary
|
24 | |||
Retail Products Group
|
25 | |||
Institutional Solutions Group
|
26 | |||
Individual Life
|
27 | |||
Group Benefits
|
28 | |||
Investments
|
28 | |||
Investment Credit Risk
|
30 | |||
Capital Markets Risk Management
|
33 | |||
Capital Resources and Liquidity
|
33 | |||
Accounting Standards
|
34 |
17
OVERVIEW
The Company has four reportable operating segments: Retail Products Group, Institutional Solutions Group, Individual Life and Group Benefits. The Company provides investment and retirement products such as variable and fixed annuities, mutual funds and retirement plan services and other institutional investment products; structured settlements; private placement life insurance; individual life insurance products including variable universal life, universal life, interest sensitive whole life and term life; and group benefit products, such as group life and group disability insurance.
The Company derives its revenues principally from: (a) fee income, including asset management fees, on separate account and mutual fund assets and mortality and expense fees, as well as cost of insurance charges; (b) net investment income on general account assets; (c) fully insured premiums; and (d) certain other fees. Asset management fees and mortality and expense fees are primarily generated from separate account assets, which are deposited with the Company through the sale of variable annuity and variable universal life products and from mutual funds. Cost of insurance charges are assessed on the net amount at risk for investment-oriented life insurance products. Premium revenues are derived primarily from the sale of group life, group disability and individual term insurance products.
The Companys expenses essentially consist of interest credited to policyholders on general account liabilities, insurance benefits provided, amortization of the deferred policy acquisition costs, expenses related to the selling and servicing the various products offered by the Company, dividends to policyholders, and other general business expenses.
The Companys profitability in its variable annuity, mutual fund and to a lesser extent, variable universal life businesses depends largely on the amount of the contract holder account value or assets under management on which it earns fees and the level of fees charged. Changes in account value or assets under management are driven by two main factors: net flows, which measure the success of the Companys asset gathering and retention efforts and the market return of the funds, which is heavily influenced by the return on the equity markets. Net flows are comprised of new sales and other deposits less surrenders, death benefits, policy charges and annuitizations of investment type contracts, for instance, variable annuity contracts. In the mutual fund business, net flows are known as net sales. Net sales are comprised of new sales less redemptions of mutual fund customers. The Company uses the average daily value of the S&P 500 Index as an indicator for evaluating market returns of the underlying account portfolios in the United States. Relative profitability of variable products is highly correlated to the growth in account values or assets under management since these products generally earn fee income on a daily basis. Thus, a prolonged downturn in the financial markets could reduce revenues and potentially raise the possibility of a charge against deferred policy acquisition costs.
The profitability of the Companys fixed annuities and other spread based products depends largely on its ability to earn target spreads between earned investment rates on its general account assets and interest credited to policyholders. Profitability is also influenced by operating expense management including the benefits of economies of scale in the administration of its United States variable annuity businesses in particular. In addition, the size and persistency of gross profits from these businesses is an important driver of earnings as it affects the rate of amortization of the deferred policy acquisition costs.
The Companys profitability in its individual life insurance and group benefits businesses depends largely on the size of its in force block, the adequacy of product pricing and underwriting discipline, actual mortality and morbidity experience, and the efficiency of its claims and expense management.
Performance Measures
Fee Income
Fee income is largely driven from amounts collected as a result of contractually defined percentages of assets under management on investment type contracts. These fees are generally collected on a daily basis from the contract holders account. For individual life insurance products, fees are contractually defined percentages based on levels of insurance, age, premiums and deposits collected and contract holder account value. Life insurance fees are generally collected on a monthly basis. Therefore, the growth in assets under management either through positive net flows or net sales and favorable equity market performance will have a favorable impact on fee income. Conversely, negative net flows or net sales and unfavorable equity market performance will reduce fee income generated from investment type contracts.
18
As of and For the | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
Product/Key Indicator Information | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
United States Variable Annuities |
||||||||
Account value, beginning of period |
$ | 99,617 | $ | 86,501 | ||||
Net flows |
412 | 2,201 | ||||||
Change in market value |
(1,958 | ) | 1,684 | |||||
Account value, end of period |
$ | 98,071 | $ | 90,386 | ||||
Retail Mutual Funds |
||||||||
Assets under management, beginning of period |
$ | 25,240 | $ | 20,301 | ||||
Net sales |
381 | 1,055 | ||||||
Change in market value and other |
(672 | ) | 532 | |||||
Account value, end of period |
$ | 24,949 | $ | 21,888 | ||||
Individual Life Insurance |
||||||||
Variable universal life account value, end of period |
$ | 5,249 | $ | 4,797 | ||||
Total life insurance inforce |
141,739 | 132,482 | ||||||
S&P 500 Index |
||||||||
Period end closing value |
1,181 | 1,126 | ||||||
Daily average value |
1,192 | 1,132 | ||||||
Japan Annuities |
||||||||
Account value, end of period |
$ | 17,615 | $ | 8,119 |
| The increase in assets under management and average account values can be attributed to market appreciation and net flows over the past four quarters, with most of the growth occurring in the fourth quarter of 2004. | |||
| Net flows and net sales for the U.S. variable annuity and retail mutual fund businesses, respectively, have slowed due to lower sales levels and higher surrender levels. | |||
| The change in the market value will be volatile based on market conditions. | |||
| Japan annuity account values continue to grow as a result of new sales, which in the first quarter of 2005 were higher than the U.S. sales levels. |
Net Investment Income and Interest Credited
Certain investment type contracts such as fixed annuities and other spread-based contracts generate deposits that the Company collects and invests to earn investment income. In addition, insurance type contracts such as those sold by the Group Benefits segment collect premiums (discussed below) for protection from losses specified in the particular insurance contract. These deposits and premiums together comprise the majority of the assets of the general account that are invested to generate investment income for the Company. The investment type contracts use this investment income to credit the contract holder an amount of interest specified in the respective contract. As discussed in the overview, the amount of investment income earned in excess of the interest credited to the contract holder is the spread income earned by the Company. For insurance type contracts, net investment income earned during the time that premiums are invested prior to paying claims and expenses supports the profitability of these products.
| Net investment income and interested credited on general account assets in Other decreased due to the mark to market effects of trading account securities supporting the Japanese variable annuity business. |
Premiums
As discussed above, traditional insurance type products collect premiums from policyholders in exchange for financial protection of the policyholder from a specified insurable loss, such as death or disability. These premiums together with net investment income earned from the overall investment strategy are used to pay the contractual obligations under these insurance contracts. Sales impact premium growth and can increase or decrease in a given year based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, customer demand for the Companys product offerings, pricing competition, distribution channels and the Companys reputation and ratings. A majority of sales correspond with the open enrollment periods of employers benefit plans, typically January 1 or July 1.
19
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Group Benefits Segment |
||||||||
Earned premiums and other consideration |
$ | 948 | $ | 915 | ||||
Fully insured ongoing sales (excluding buyouts) |
376 | 341 | ||||||
| Earned premiums for the first quarter of 2005 included $25 in buyout premiums compared to $0 in the prior year comparable quarter |
Expenses
There are three major categories for expenses. The first category of expenses is benefits and claims. These include the costs of mortality and morbidity in the Group Benefits segment and mortality in the individual life businesses, as well as other contract holder benefits to policyholders. In addition, traditional insurance type products generally use a loss ratio which is expressed as the amount of benefits incurred during a particular period divided by earned premiums and other considerations, as a key indicator of underwriting performance. The Group Benefits segment occasionally buys a block of claims for a stated premium amount. The Company excludes this buyout from the loss ratio used for evaluating the underwriting results of the ongoing business as buyouts may distort the loss ratio.
The second major category is insurance operating costs and expenses, which is commonly expressed as a percentage of revenue. The third category is the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and the present value of future profits, which is typically expressed as a percentage of pretax income before the cost of this amortization. The individual annuity business within the Retail Products Group segment accounts for the majority of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits for the Company.
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Retail Products Group |
||||||||
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals |
$ | 206 | $ | 175 | ||||
Expense ratio, annualized (individual annuity) |
17.8 | bps | 18.5 | bps | ||||
DAC amortization ratio (individual annuity) |
50.0 | % | 51.4 | % | ||||
Individual Life |
||||||||
Death benefits |
$ | 66 | $ | 67 | ||||
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals |
$ | 40 | $ | 40 | ||||
Group Benefits |
||||||||
Total benefits and claims |
$ | 722 | $ | 684 | ||||
Loss ratio (excluding buyout premiums) |
75.5 | % | 74.8 | % | ||||
Insurance expenses, net of deferrals and amortization |
$ | 244 | $ | 257 | ||||
Expense ratio, annualized (excluding buyout premiums) |
26.4 | % | 28.1 | % | ||||
| Retail Products Groups expense ratios continue to benefit from the Companys economies of scale in the variable annuity business. | |||
| Group Benefits total benefits and claims include reserves related to the first quarter 2005 premium buyout. | |||
| The Group Benefits segment has a block of financial institution business that is experience rated. Under the terms of this business the loss experience will inversely affect the commission expenses incurred. |
Profitability
Management evaluates the rates of return various businesses can provide as a way of determining where additional capital is invested to increase net income and shareholder returns. Specifically, because of the importance of its individual annuity products, the Company uses the return on assets for the individual annuity business for evaluating profitability. In Group Benefits, after tax margin is a key indicator of overall profitability.
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Ratios |
||||||||
Retail Products Group |
||||||||
Individual annuity return on assets |
50.2 | bps | 36.9 | bps | ||||
Group Benefits |
||||||||
After-tax margin |
6.4 | % | 5.1 | % | ||||
20
| Return on assets increased from prior year due to higher income as a result of market appreciation and growth in the assets under management. | |||
| The improvement in the Group Benefits after-tax margin was primarily due to higher net investment income and a favorable expense ratio compared to 2004. |
Regulatory Developments
In June 2004, The Hartford received a subpoena from the New York Attorney Generals Office in connection with its inquiry into compensation arrangements between brokers and carriers. In mid-September 2004 and subsequently, The Hartford has received additional subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office, which relate more specifically to possible anti-competitive activity among brokers and insurers. Since the beginning of October 2004, The Hartford has received subpoenas or other information requests from Attorneys General and regulatory agencies in more than a dozen jurisdictions regarding broker compensation and possible anti-competitive activity. The Hartford may receive additional subpoenas and other information requests from Attorneys General or other regulatory agencies regarding similar issues. The Hartford also has received a subpoena from the New York Attorney Generals Office requesting information related to The Hartfords underwriting practices with respect to legal professional liability insurance. In addition, The Hartford has received a request for information from the New York Attorney Generals Office concerning The Hartfords compensation arrangements in connection with the administration of workers compensation plans. The Hartford intends to continue cooperating fully with these investigations, and is conducting an internal review, with the assistance of outside counsel, regarding broker compensation issues in its Property & Casualty and Group Benefits operations.
On October 14, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office filed a civil complaint against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., and Marsh, Inc. (collectively, Marsh). The complaint alleges, among other things, that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them. The Hartford was not joined as a defendant in the action, which has since settled. Although no regulatory action has been initiated against The Hartford in connection with the allegations described in the civil complaint, it is possible that the New York Attorney Generals Office or one or more other regulatory agencies may pursue action against The Hartford or one or more of its employees in the future. The potential timing of any such action is difficult to predict. If such an action is brought, it could have a material adverse effect on The Hartford.
On October 29, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office informed The Hartford that the Attorney General is conducting an investigation with respect to the timing of the previously disclosed sale by Thomas Marra, a director and executive officer of The Hartford, of 217,074 shares of The Hartfords common stock on September 21, 2004. The sale occurred shortly after the issuance of two additional subpoenas dated September 17, 2004 by the New York Attorney Generals Office. The Hartford has engaged outside counsel to review the circumstances related to the transaction and is fully cooperating with the New York Attorney Generals Office. On the basis of the review, The Hartford has determined that Mr. Marra complied with The Hartfords applicable internal trading procedures and has found no indication that Mr. Marra was aware of the additional subpoenas at the time of the sale.
There continues to be significant federal and state regulatory activity relating to financial services companies, particularly mutual funds companies. These regulatory inquiries have focused on a number of mutual fund issues, including market timing and late trading, revenue sharing and directed brokerage, fees, transfer agents and other fund service providers, and other mutual-fund related issues. The Hartford has received requests for information and subpoenas from the SEC, subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office, a subpoena from the Connecticut Attorney Generals Office, requests for information from the Connecticut Securities and Investments Division of the Department of Banking, and requests for information from the New York Department of Insurance, in each case requesting documentation and other information regarding various mutual fund regulatory issues.
The SECs Division of Enforcement and the New York Attorney Generals Office are investigating aspects of The Hartfords variable annuity and mutual fund operations related to market timing. The Hartfords mutual funds are available for purchase by the separate accounts of different variable universal life insurance policies, variable annuity products, and funding agreements, and they are offered directly to certain qualified retirement plans. Although existing products contain transfer restrictions between subaccounts, some products, particularly older variable annuity products, do not contain restrictions on the frequency of transfers. In addition, as a result of the settlement of litigation against The Hartford with respect to certain owners of older variable annuity products, The Hartfords ability to restrict transfers by these owners is limited. In February 2005, The Hartford agreed in principle with the Boards of Directors of the mutual funds to indemnify the mutual funds for any material harm caused to the funds from frequent trading by these owners. The specific terms of the indemnification have not been determined.
The SECs Division of Enforcement also is investigating aspects of The Hartfords variable annuity and mutual fund operations related to directed brokerage and revenue sharing. The Hartford discontinued the use of directed brokerage in recognition of mutual fund sales in late 2003. The Hartford also has received subpoenas from the New York Attorney Generals Office and the Connecticut Attorney Generals Office requesting information related to The Hartfords group annuity products. The Hartford continues to cooperate fully with the SEC, the New York Attorney Generals Office and other regulatory agencies.
To date, neither the SECs and New York Attorney Generals market timing investigation nor the SECs directed brokerage
21
investigation has resulted in either regulator initiating any formal action against The Hartford. However, The Hartford believes that the SEC and the New York Attorney Generals Office are likely to take some action against The Hartford at the conclusion of the respective investigations. The potential timing of any such action is difficult to predict. Based on The Hartfords discussions with the SEC and the New York Attorney Generals Office and its own analysis, the Company recorded a charge of $66 to establish a reserve for these matters during the first quarter of 2005. This reserve is an estimate; in view of the uncertainties regarding the timing and outcome of any payments relating to these types of regulatory investigations, as well as the tax-deductibility, if any, and any potential deferred acquisition cost effects (though no deferred acquisition cost effects are included in this estimate) that may be applicable, it is possible that the ultimate cost to the Company of these matters may exceed or be below the reserve amount, perhaps by a significant amount.
Broker Compensation
As The Hartford has disclosed previously, the Company pays brokers and independent agents commissions and other forms of incentive compensation in connection with the sale of many of the Companys insurance products. Since the New York Attorney Generals Office filed a civil complaint against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Marsh, Inc. (collectively, Marsh) on October 14, 2004, several of the largest national insurance brokers, including Marsh, Aon Corporation and Willis Group Holdings Limited, have announced that they have discontinued the use of contingent compensation arrangements. Other industry participants may make similar, or different, determinations in the future. In addition, legal, legislative, regulatory, business or other developments may require changes to industry practices relating to incentive compensation. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of these announced or potential changes on the Companys business or distribution strategies .
CRITICAL ACOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company has identified the following estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree
of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability; insurance reserves; deferred
policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits; the valuation of investments and
derivative instruments and the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments; and contingencies.
In developing these estimates management makes subjective and complex judgments that are inherently
uncertain and subject to material change as facts and circumstances develop. Although variability
is inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are appropriate based upon
the facts available upon compilation of the financial statements. For a discussion of each of these
critical accounting estimates, see Hartford Lifes 2004 Form
10-K Annual Report.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits
Policy acquisition costs include commissions and certain other expenses that vary with and are primarily associated with acquiring business. Present value of future profits is an intangible asset recorded upon applying purchase accounting in an acquisition of a life insurance company. Deferred policy acquisition costs and the present value of future profits intangible asset are amortized in the same way. Both are amortized over the estimated life of the contracts acquired, usually 20 years. Within the following discussion, deferred policy acquisition costs and the present value of future profits intangible asset will be referred to as DAC. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the carrying value of the Companys DAC was $7.9 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively. For statutory accounting purposes, such costs are expensed as incurred.
DAC related to traditional policies are amortized over the premium-paying period in proportion to the present value of annual expected premium income. DAC related to investment contracts and universal life-type contracts are deferred and amortized using the retrospective deposit method. Under the retrospective deposit method, acquisition costs are amortized in proportion to the present value of estimated gross profits (EGPs), arising principally from projected investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges. The attributable portion of the DAC amortization is allocated to realized gains and losses on investments. The DAC balance is also adjusted through other comprehensive income by an amount that represents the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have been required as a charge or credit to operations had unrealized gains and losses on investments been realized. Actual gross profits that vary from managements estimates result in increases or decreases in the rate of amortization, commonly referred to as a true-up, which are recorded in the current period.
The Company regularly evaluates its estimates of future gross profits combined with actual gross profits earned to date to determine if actual experience or other evidence suggests that those earlier estimates of future gross profits should be revised. In the event that the Company were to revise its EGPs, the cumulative DAC amortization would be adjusted to reflect such revised EGPs in the period the revision was determined to be necessary. Several assumptions considered to be significant in the development of EGPs include separate account fund performance, surrender and lapse rates, estimated interest spread and estimated mortality. The separate account fund performance assumption is critical to the development of the EGPs related to the Companys variable annuity and to a lesser extent, variable universal life insurance businesses. The average annual long-term rate of assumed separate account fund performance (before
22
mortality and expense charges) used in estimating gross profits for the variable annuity and variable universal life business was 9% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. For other products including fixed annuities and other universal life-type contracts, the average assumed investment yield ranged from 5.7% to 7.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.
The Company had developed models to evaluate its DAC asset, which allowed it to run a large number of stochastically determined scenarios of separate account fund performance. These scenarios were then utilized to calculate a statistically significant range of reasonable estimates of EGPs. This range was then compared to the present value of EGPs currently utilized in the DAC amortization model. As of March 31, 2005, the present value of the EGPs utilized in the DAC amortization model fall within a reasonable range of statistically calculated present value of EGPs. As a result, the Company does not believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest that a revision to the EGPs (and therefore, a revision to the DAC) as of March 31, 2005 is necessary; however, if in the future the EGPs utilized in the DAC amortization model were to fall outside of the margin of the reasonable range of statistically calculated EGPs, a revision could be necessary. Furthermore, the Company has estimated that the present value of the EGPs is likely to remain within a reasonable range if overall separate account returns decline by 18% or less over the next twelve months, and if certain other assumptions that are implicit in the computations of the EGPs are achieved.
Additionally, the Company continues to perform analyses with respect to the potential impact of a revision to future EGPs. If such a revision to EGPs were deemed necessary, the Company would adjust, as appropriate, all of its assumptions for products accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments, and reproject its future EGPs based on current account values at the end of the quarter in which a revision is deemed to be necessary. To illustrate the effects of this process, assume the Company had concluded that a revision of the Companys EGPs was required at March 31, 2005. If the Company assumed a 9% average long-term rate of growth from March 31, 2005 forward along with other appropriate assumption changes in determining the revised EGPs, the Company estimates the cumulative increase to amortization would be approximately $60-$65, after-tax. If, instead, the Company were to assume a long-term growth rate of 8% in determining the revised EGPs, the adjustment would be approximately $85-$95, after-tax. Any such adjustment would not affect statutory income or surplus, due to the prescribed accounting for such amounts that is discussed above.
Aside from absolute levels and timing of market performance assumptions, additional factors that will influence this determination include the degree of volatility in separate account fund performance and shifts in asset allocation within the separate account made by policyholders. The overall return generated by the separate account is dependent on several factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds as well as equity sector weightings. The Companys overall separate account fund performance has been reasonably correlated to the overall performance of the S&P 500 Index (which closed at 1,181 on March 31, 2005), although no assurance can be provided that this correlation will continue in the future.
The overall recoverability of the DAC asset is dependent on the future profitability of the business. The Company tests the aggregate recoverability of the DAC asset by comparing the amounts deferred to the present value of total EGPs. In addition, the Company routinely stress tests its DAC asset for recoverability against severe declines in its separate account assets, which could occur if the equity markets experienced another significant sell-off, as the majority of policyholders funds in the separate accounts is invested in the equity market. As of March 31, 2005, the Company believed variable annuity separate account assets could fall by at least 35% before portions of its DAC asset would be unrecoverable.
Other Critical Accounting Estimates
There have been no material changes to the Companys other critical accounting estimates since the filing of the Companys 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.
23
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | Change | ||||||||||
Fee income |
$ | 950 | $ | 825 | 15 | % | ||||||
Earned premiums |
999 | 995 | | |||||||||
Net investment income [1] |
950 | 1,162 | (18 | %) | ||||||||
Net realized capital gains |
81 | 76 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Total revenues |
2,980 | 3,058 | (3 | %) | ||||||||
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses [1] |
1,739 | 1,877 | (7 | %) | ||||||||
Insurance operating costs and other expenses |
559 | 514 | 9 | % | ||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
present value
of future profits |
280 | 233 | 20 | % | ||||||||
Interest expense |
20 | 35 | (43 | %) | ||||||||
Dividends to policyholders |
18 | 13 | 38 | % | ||||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
2,616 | 2,672 | (2 | %) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
accounting change |
364 | 386 | (6 | %) | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
86 | 105 | (18 | %) | ||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
278 | 281 | (1 | %) | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax [2] |
| (23 | ) | 100 | % | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 278 | $ | 258 | 8 | % | ||||||
[1] | Included impact of mark to market effects of trading securities supporting the Japanese variable annuity business, which are classified in net investment income and corresponding amounts credited to policyholders within benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses. | |
[2] | For the three months ended March 31, 2004, represents the cumulative impact of the Companys adoption of SOP 03-1. |
The Company defines NM as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%, or changes from a net gain to a net loss position, or vice versa.
The Companys net income increased due primarily to business growth in all of it segments. Net income in the Retail segment increased 46%, principally driven by higher fee income from growth in the variable annuity and mutual fund businesses as a result of increasing assets under management. The Institutional segment contributed higher earnings due to first quarter 2005 surrender activity in the leveraged block of the private placement life insurance business, as well as favorable mortality experience and higher investment spreads in the institutional business. Net income in the Group Benefits segment increased primarily due to higher net investment income and a favorable expense ratio compared to 2004. Additionally, net income was higher for Individual Life and the international operations. The increase in Individual Life earnings was primarily driven by growth in account values and life insurance inforce. Net income for the international operations, which is included in the other category, increased over the prior year primarily driven by the increase in assets under management of the Japan annuity business and net after-tax realized gains. Japans assets under management have grown to $17.6 billion at March 31, 2005 from $8.1 billion at March 31, 2004. The Company recorded a charge of $66, in Other, to establish a reserve for regulatory matters during the first quarter of 2005, which partially offset the increases in net income.
24
Retail Products Group
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | Change | ||||||||||
Fee income |
$ | 580 | $ | 506 | 15 | % | ||||||
Earned premiums |
(14 | ) | (14 | ) | | |||||||
Net investment income |
265 | 272 | (3 | %) | ||||||||
Net realized capital gains (losses) |
6 | (1 | ) | NM | ||||||||
Total revenues |
837 | 763 | 10 | % | ||||||||
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses |
247 | 257 | (4 | %) | ||||||||
Insurance operating costs and other expenses |
206 | 175 | 18 | % | ||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
present value
of future profits |
187 | 167 | 12 | % | ||||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
640 | 599 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
accounting change |
197 | 164 | 20 | % | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
41 | 38 | 8 | % | ||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
156 | 126 | 24 | % | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax [1] |
| (19 | ) | 100 | % | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 156 | $ | 107 | 46 | % | ||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||||||
Individual variable annuity account values |
$ | 98,071 | $ | 90,386 | 9 | % | ||||||
Individual fixed annuity and other account values |
10,946 | 11,312 | (3 | %) | ||||||||
Other retail products account values |
7,280 | 5,230 | 39 | % | ||||||||
Total account values [2] |
116,297 | 106,928 | 9 | % | ||||||||
Retail mutual fund assets under management |
24,949 | 21,888 | 14 | % | ||||||||
Other mutual fund assets under management |
1,461 | 1,089 | 34 | % | ||||||||
Total mutual fund assets under management |
26,410 | 22,977 | 15 | % | ||||||||
Total assets under management |
$ | 142,707 | $ | 129,905 | 10 | % | ||||||
[1] | For the three months ended March 31, 2004, represents the cumulative impact of the Companys adoption of SOP 03-1. | |
[2] | Includes policyholder balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts. |
Net income in the Retail segment increased, principally driven by higher fee income from growth in the assets under management in virtually all businesses of the segment and the cumulative effect of accounting change from the Companys adoption of SOP 03-1 recognized in the first quarter of 2004. Fee income generated by the variable annuity operation increased as average account values were higher in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the prior period. The increase in average account values can be attributed to market appreciation of $4.0 billion over the past four quarters, with most of the growth occurring in the fourth quarter of 2004, and approximately $3.7 billion of net flows over the past four quarters. Another contributing factor to the increase in fee income was the mutual fund and 401(k) businesses. Retail mutual fund assets under management increased 14% principally due to net sales of $1.8 billion and market appreciation of $1.3 billion during the past four quarters. In addition, 401(k) assets under management grew 37% to $7.1 billion as a result of favorable net flows and market conditions. In addition, the fixed annuity business contributed higher net income, excluding the cumulative effects of accounting change in 2004, due to improved investment spreads from the market value adjusted (MVA) products. A consequence of the positive earnings drivers discussed above was higher DAC amortization costs due to higher gross profits.
25
Institutional Solutions Group
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | Change | ||||||||||
Fee income |
$ | 67 | $ | 74 | (9 | %) | ||||||
Earned premiums |
84 | 109 | (23 | %) | ||||||||
Net investment income |
273 | 257 | 6 | % | ||||||||
Net realized capital gains |
| 2 | (100 | %) | ||||||||
Total revenues |
424 | 442 | (4 | %) | ||||||||
Benefits, claims and claims adjustment expenses |
316 | 355 | (11 | %) | ||||||||
Insurance operating costs and other expenses |
26 | 25 | 4 | % | ||||||||
Dividends to policyholders |
17 | 12 | 42 | % | ||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
present value
of future profits |
9 | 9 | | |||||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
368 | 401 | (8 | %) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
accounting change |
56 | 41 | 37 | % | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
16 | 12 | 33 | % | ||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
40 | 29 | 38 | % | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax [1] |
| (1 | ) | 100 | % | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 40 | $ | 28 | 43 | % | ||||||
Assets Under Management |
||||||||||||
Institutional account values |
$ | 15,497 | $ | 12,941 | 20 | % | ||||||
Governmental account values |
9,882 | 9,243 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Private Placement Life Insurance account values: |
||||||||||||
Variable Products |
22,641 | 21,305 | 6 | % | ||||||||
Leveraged COLI |
1,957 | 2,537 | (23 | %) | ||||||||
Total Private Placement Life Insurance account values [2] |
24,598 | 23,842 | 3 | % | ||||||||
Mutual fund assets under management |
1,553 | 1,246 | 25 | % | ||||||||
Total assets under management |
$ | 51,530 | $ | 47,272 | 9 | % | ||||||
[1] | For the three months ended March 31, 2004, represents the cumulative impact of the Companys adoption of SOP 03-1. | |
[2] | Includes policyholder balances for investment contracts and reserves for future policy benefits for insurance contracts. |
Net income in the Institutional segment increased, principally driven by higher earnings in the private placement life insurance business (PPLI) combined with a favorable after-tax mortality gain of $3 and improved investment spreads in the institutional business. The PPLI business contributed higher earnings due primarily to surrender activity of $572 in account value associated with the leveraged COLI product. This increase in surrenders resulted in the recognition of an after-tax deferred gain of $6 in the first quarter of 2005 that was recognized in benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses. In addition, PPLI reported higher earnings due to favorable mortality experience in the first quarter of 2005. The institutional business earned higher investment spreads due to the growth in average account values within the institutional businesses as a result of positive net flows that were largely attributable to increased sales levels for the funding agreement backed investor notes program. Partially offsetting these increases to net income was lower fee income due to the leveraged COLI product surrender activity discussed above.
26
Individual Life
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | Change | ||||||||||||
Fee income |
$ | 195 | $ | 186 | 5 | % | ||||||||
Earned premiums |
(8 | ) | (5 | ) | (60 | %) | ||||||||
Net investment income |
75 | 73 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
262 | 254 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses |
120 | 125 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||
Insurance operating costs and other expenses |
40 | 40 | | |||||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and present
value
of future profits |
45 | 39 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
205 | 204 | - | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
accounting change |
57 | 50 | 14 | % | ||||||||||
Income tax expense |
18 | 16 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change |
39 | 34 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax [1] |
| (1 | ) | 100 | % | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 39 | $ | 33 | 18 | % | ||||||||
Account Values |
||||||||||||||
Variable universal life insurance |
$ | 5,249 | $ | 4,797 | 9 | % | ||||||||
Universal life/interest sensitive whole life |
3,452 | 3,297 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
Modified guaranteed life and other |
728 | 742 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
Total account values |
$ | 9,429 | $ | 8,836 | 7 | % | ||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
Life Insurance Inforce |
||||||||||||||
Variable universal life insurance |
$ | 69,442 | $ | 67,101 | 3 | % | ||||||||
Universal life/interest sensitive whole life |
39,349 | 38,532 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
Modified guaranteed life and other |
32,948 | 26,849 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
Total life insurance inforce |
$ | 141,739 | $ | 132,482 | 7 | % | ||||||||
[1] | For the three months ended March 31, 2004, represents the cumulative impact of the Companys adoption of SOP 03-1. |
Net income in the Individual Life segment increased due to revenue growth from 7% increases in both life insurance inforce and account value, while claims and expenses remained stable. Fee income included increased cost of insurance charges of $4 and other fee income of $3. These were primarily driven by business growth and aging in the variable universal, universal, and interest sensitive whole life insurance inforce. Variable fee income, also a component of fee income, grew $2 as favorable equity markets and sales added 9% to the variable universal life account value. Investment income grew with the increase in general account assets from continued sales of general account products. Partially offsetting these positive earnings drivers was higher amortization of deferred acquisitions costs as a result of higher gross margins.
27
Group Benefits
Operating Summary
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | Change | ||||||||||
Earned premiums and other |
$ | 948 | $ | 915 | 4 | % | ||||||
Net investment income |
98 | 89 | 10 | % | ||||||||
Total revenues |
1,046 | 1,004 | 4 | % | ||||||||
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses |
722 | 684 | 6 | % | ||||||||
Insurance operating costs and other expenses |
237 | 252 | (6 | %) | ||||||||
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs and present value
of future profits |
7 | 5 | 40 | % | ||||||||
Total benefits, claims and expenses |
966 | 941 | 3 | % | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
80 | 63 | 27 | % | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
21 | 16 | 31 | % | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 59 | $ | 47 | 26 | % | ||||||
Earned Premiums and Other |
||||||||||||
Fully insured ongoing premiums |
$ | 912 | $ | 905 | 1 | % | ||||||
Buyout premiums |
25 | | | |||||||||
Other |
11 | 10 | 10 | % | ||||||||
Total earned premiums and other |
$ | 948 | $ | 915 | 4 | % | ||||||
Net income in the Group Benefits segment increased primarily due to higher net investment income and a favorable expense ratio compared to 2004. The segments ratio of insurance operating costs and other expenses to premiums and other considerations (excluding buyouts) decreased to 26%, from 28% in 2004, which contributed favorably to net income. The segment has a block of financial institution business that is experience rated. Under the terms of this business the loss experience will inversely effect the commission expenses incurred. The decrease in commissions for the quarter compared to the prior year period was primarily attributed to the experience rated financial institution business. The segments loss ratio (defined as benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses as a percentage of premiums and other considerations excluding buyouts) was 76%, up from 75% in first quarter 2004. This increase was due to an increase in the loss ratio of the experience rated financial institution business and less favorable disability morbidity.
INVESTMENTS
General
The investment portfolios are managed by Hartford Investment Management Company (HIM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford. HIM manages the portfolios to maximize economic value, while attempting to generate the income necessary to support the Companys various product obligations, within internally established objectives, guidelines and risk tolerances. (For a further discussion of how HIM manages the investment portfolios, see the Investments section of the MD&A under the General section in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report. Also, for a further discussion of how the investment portfolios credit and market risks are assessed and managed, see the Investment Credit Risk section that follows.)
Return on general account invested assets is an important element of Hartford Lifes financial results. Significant fluctuations in the fixed income or equity markets could weaken the Companys financial condition or its results of operations. Additionally, changes in market interest rates may impact the period of time over which certain investments, such as mortgage-backed securities, are repaid and whether certain investments are called by the issuers. Such changes may, in turn, impact the yield on these investments and also may result in reinvestment of funds received from calls and prepayments at rates below the average portfolio yield. Net investment income and net realized capital gains and losses accounted for approximately 35% and 40% of the Companys consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Fluctuations in interest rates affect the Companys return on, and the fair value of, general account fixed maturity investments, which comprised approximately 72% and 74% of the fair value of its invested assets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Other events beyond the Companys control could also adversely impact the fair value of these investments. Specifically, a downgrade of an issuers credit rating or default of payment by an issuer could reduce the Companys investment return.
A decrease in the fair value of any investment that is deemed other-than-temporary would result in the Companys recognition of a net realized capital loss in its financial results prior to the actual sale of the investment. (For a further discussion of the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A under Valuation of Investments and Derivative Instruments and Evaluation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments section in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report.)
28
The primary investment objective of the Companys general account is to maximize economic value consistent with acceptable risk parameters, including the management of the interest rate sensitivity of invested assets, while generating sufficient after-tax income to meet policyholder and corporate obligations.
The following table identifies the Companys invested assets by type as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
Composition of Invested Assets | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||
Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value |
$ | 50,877 | 71.7 | % | $ | 50,531 | 73.5 | % | ||||||||
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value |
662 | 0.9 | % | 525 | 0.8 | % | ||||||||||
Equity securities, held for trading, at fair value |
15,855 | 22.3 | % | 13,634 | 19.8 | % | ||||||||||
Policy loans, at outstanding balance |
2,119 | 3.0 | % | 2,662 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||
Mortgage loans, at cost |
979 | 1.4 | % | 923 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||
Limited partnerships, at fair value |
273 | 0.4 | % | 256 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||
Other investments |
207 | 0.3 | % | 185 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||
Total investments |
$ | 70,972 | 100.0 | % | $ | 68,716 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Fixed maturity investments increased $346 since December 31, 2004, primarily the result of positive operating cash flow, partially offset by a decrease in fair value due to an increase in interest rates. Equity securities held for trading increased $2,221 since December 31, 2004, due to positive cash flow primarily generated from sales and deposits related to variable annuity products sold in Japan and positive performance of the underlying investment funds supporting the Japanese variable annuity product. Policy loans decreased $543 since December 31, 2004, as a result of certain policy loan surrenders.
Investment Results
The following table summarizes the Companys investment results.
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
(before-tax) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Net investment income excluding income on policy loans and trading securities |
$ | 693 | $ | 661 | ||||
Policy loan income |
36 | 45 | ||||||
Trading securities income [1] |
221 | 456 | ||||||
Net investment income total |
$ | 950 | $ | 1,162 | ||||
Yield on average invested assets [2] |
5.6 | % | 5.7 | % | ||||
Gross gains on sale |
$ | 98 | $ | 100 | ||||
Gross losses on sale |
(48 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
Impairments |
(1 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
GMWB derivatives, net |
7 | (2 | ) | |||||
Other, net [3] |
25 | 4 | ||||||
Net realized capital gains |
$ | 81 | $ | 76 | ||||
[1] | Represents the change in value of securities classified as trading. | |
[2] | Represents annualized net investment income (excluding the change in fair value of trading securities) divided by the monthly weighted average invested assets at cost or amortized cost, as applicable, excluding trading securities, the collateral received associated with the securities lending program and consolidated variable interest entity minority interests. | |
[3] | Primarily consists of changes in fair value on non-qualifying derivatives and hedge ineffectiveness on qualifying derivative instruments, foreign currency transaction remeasurements, as well as the amortization of deferred acquisition costs related to realized capital gains. |
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, net investment income, excluding income on policy loans and trading securities, increased $32, or 5%, compared to the prior year period. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to income earned on a higher average invested assets base, as compared to the respective prior year period. The increase in the average invested assets base, as compared to the prior year period, was primarily due to positive operating cash flows, investment contract sales such as retail and institutional notes, and universal life-type product sales such as individual fixed annuity products sold in Japan. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the yield on average invested assets.
Net investment income on trading securities of $221 during the three months ended March 31, 2005, was primarily generated by positive performance of the underlying investment funds supporting the Japanese variable annuity product, partially offset by foreign currency depreciation. Net investment income on trading securities of $456 during the three months ended March 31, 2004, was primarily generated by the positive performance of the underlying investment funds supporting the Japanese variable annuity product, as well as, foreign currency appreciation in comparison to the U.S. Dollar. The decrease in the first quarter 2005 from the first quarter
29
2004 is due to the performance of the underlying funds and foreign currency movements.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the yield on average invested assets decreased slightly from the respective prior year period as a result of new investment purchases at rates below the average portfolio yield due to the continued low interest rate environment and decreased policy loan income. Since the Company invests primarily in long-term fixed rate debt securities, current period changes in long-term interest rates impact the yield on new asset purchases and, therefore, have a gradual impact on the overall portfolio yield. The weighted average yield on new invested asset purchases in the three months ended March 31, 2005 of approximately 5.1%, before-tax, continues to be below the average portfolio yield.
Net realized capital gains for the three months ended March 31, 2005 increased by $5 compared to the respective prior year period, primarily the result of higher net realized gains on non-qualifying foreign currency derivatives, foreign currency transaction remeasurement and GMWB derivatives, partially offset by lower net realized gains on fixed maturity and equity securities.
Gross gains on sales for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were primarily within fixed maturities and were concentrated in the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), foreign government and corporate sectors. The CMBS sales resulted from a decision to divest securities that were backed by a single asset due to the currently scheduled expiration of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) at the end of 2005. Gains on these sales were realized as a result of an improved credit environment and interest rate declines from the date of purchase. Foreign government securities were sold in the first quarter of 2005, primarily to reduce the foreign currency exposure in the portfolio due to the expected near term volatility of foreign exchange rates. Gains resulted from the depreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies and credit spread tightening. Certain lower quality corporate securities that had appreciated in value as a result of an improved corporate credit environment were sold in order to reposition the corporate holdings into higher quality securities.
Gross losses on sales for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were primarily within foreign and U.S. governments, corporate securities and CMBS, with no single security sold at a loss in excess of $5 and an average loss as a percentage of the fixed maturitys amortized cost of less than 2%, which, under the Companys current impairment policy, were deemed to be depressed only to a minor extent.
Gross gains on sales for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were primarily from sales of fixed maturity investments in the corporate, foreign government and asset-backed securities (ABS) sectors. The majority of the sales in the corporate and ABS sectors were the result of portfolio rebalancing that resulted in divesting securities that had appreciated in value due to a decline in interest rates and an improved corporate credit environment. Foreign government securities were sold in the first quarter of 2004 primarily to realize gains associated with the decline in value of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies.
Gross losses on sales for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were primarily within ABS and corporate securities, with no single security sold at a loss in excess of $5 and an average loss as a percentage of the fixed maturitys amortized cost of less than 4%.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, total other-than-temporary impairments were less than $1, as compared with $8 for the comparable period in 2004.
The Company believes the favorable other-than-temporary impairments trend will depend on continued strong economic fundamentals, continued positive issuer performance, political stability and collateral performance. Adverse issuer specific circumstances may result in future other-than-temporary impairments. (For further discussion of risk factors associated with portfolio sectors with significant unrealized loss positions, see the risk factor commentary under the Fixed Maturity by Type schedule in the Investment Credit Risk section that follows.)
INVESTMENT CREDIT RISK
Hartford Life has established investment credit policies that focus on the credit quality of obligors and counterparties, limit credit concentrations, encourage diversification and require frequent creditworthiness reviews. Investment activity, including setting of policy and defining acceptable risk levels, is subject to regular review and approval by senior management and by the Finance Committee of The Hartfords Board of Directors.
Refer to the Investment Credit Risk section of the MD&A in Hartford Lifes 2004 Form 10-K Annual Report for a description of the Companys objectives, policies and strategies, including the use of derivative instruments.
The Company invests primarily in securities that are rated investment grade, and has established exposure limits, diversification standards and review procedures for all credit risks including borrower, issuer and counterparty. Creditworthiness of specific obligors is determined by an internal credit evaluation supplemented by consideration of external determinants of creditworthiness, typically ratings assigned by nationally recognized ratings agencies. Obligor, asset sector and industry concentrations are subject to established limits and are monitored on a regular basis.
30
Hartford Life is not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10%
of the Companys stockholders equity other than certain U.S. government and government agencies.
Fixed Maturities by Type | |||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||
of Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | Fair | |||||||||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | Value | |||||||||||||||||
ABS
|
$ | 6,433 | $ | 63 | $ | (70 | ) | $ | 6,426 | 12.6 | % | ||||||||||
CMBS
|
8,432 | 232 | (76 | ) | 8,588 | 16.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs)
|
1,025 | 7 | (5 | ) | 1,027 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Corporate Basic industry
|
2,339 | 138 | (17 | ) | 2,460 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||
Capital goods
|
1,633 | 123 | (10 | ) | 1,746 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||||||
Consumer cyclical
|
2,590 | 97 | (43 | ) | 2,644 | 5.2 | % | ||||||||||||||
Consumer non-cyclical
|
2,540 | 171 | (17 | ) | 2,694 | 5.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
Energy
|
1,279 | 105 | (6 | ) | 1,378 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||||||
Financial services
|
6,778 | 401 | (44 | ) | 7,135 | 14.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Technology and communications
|
3,497 | 271 | (31 | ) | 3,737 | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||||||
Transportation
|
608 | 36 | (4 | ) | 640 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
Utilities
|
2,401 | 212 | (13 | ) | 2,600 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
Other
|
879 | 30 | (11 | ) | 898 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||
Government/ Government agencies Foreign
|
736 | 46 | (7 | ) | 775 | 1.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
United States
|
918 | 22 | (13 | ) | 927 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) agency
|
2,262 | 9 | (21 | ) | 2,250 | 4.4 | % | ||||||||||||||
Municipal Taxable
|
779 | 34 | (5 | ) | 808 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||||||
Tax-exempt
|
2,106 | 158 | (4 | ) | 2,260 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock
|
12 | | | 12 | | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term
|
1,872 | | | 1,872 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities
|
$ | 49,119 | $ | 2,155 | $ | (397 | ) | $ | 50,877 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
Fixed Maturities by Type | |||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||
of Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Faire | Fair | |||||||||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | Value | |||||||||||||||||
ABS
|
$ | 6,346 | $ | 76 | $ | (64 | ) | $ | 6,358 | 12.6% | |||||||||||
CMBS
|
8,456 | 370 | (20 | ) | 8,806 | 17.5% | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs)
|
1,084 | 11 | (3 | ) | 1,092 | 2.2% | |||||||||||||||
Corporate Basic industry
|
2,412 | 192 | (6 | ) | 2,598 | 5.1% | |||||||||||||||
Capital goods
|
1,554 | 126 | (6 | ) | 1,674 | 3.3% | |||||||||||||||
Consumer cyclical
|
2,426 | 163 | (8 | ) | 2,581 | 5.1% | |||||||||||||||
Consumer non-cyclical
|
2,506 | 207 | (6 | ) | 2,707 | 5.4% | |||||||||||||||
Energy
|
1,251 | 122 | (1 | ) | 1,372 | 2.7% | |||||||||||||||
Financial services
|
6,202 | 482 | (22 | ) | 6,662 | 13.2% | |||||||||||||||
Technology and communications
|
3,570 | 342 | (11 | ) | 3,901 | 7.7% | |||||||||||||||
Transportation
|
622 | 44 | (1 | ) | 665 | 1.3% | |||||||||||||||
Utilities
|
2,317 | 230 | (7 | ) | 2,540 | 5.0% | |||||||||||||||
Other
|
785 | 49 | (2 | ) | 832 | 1.6% | |||||||||||||||
Government/ Government agencies Foreign
|
723 | 67 | (2 | ) | 788 | 1.6% | |||||||||||||||
United States
|
884 | 19 | (5 | ) | 898 | 1.8% | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) agency
|
1,771 | 20 | (3 | ) | 1,788 | 3.5% | |||||||||||||||
Municipal Taxable
|
700 | 30 | (5 | ) | 725 | 1.4% | |||||||||||||||
Tax-exempt
|
2,080 | 191 | (1 | ) | 2,270 | 4.5% | |||||||||||||||
Redeemable preferred stock
|
12 | 1 | | 13 | | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term
|
2,261 | | | 2,261 | 4.5% | ||||||||||||||||
Total fixed maturities
|
$ | 47,962 | $ | 2,742 | $ | (173 | ) | $ | 50,531 | 100.0% | |||||||||||
31
32
CAPITAL MARKETS RISK MANAGEMENT
For a complete discussion on our capital markets risk management, please refer to the MD&A included in Hartford Lifes 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Liquidity Requirements
The liquidity requirements of Hartford Life have been and will continue to be met by funds from operations as well as the issuance of commercial paper, debt securities and borrowings from its credit facilities. The principal sources of operating funds for its insurance entities are fees, premiums and investment income as well as maturities and sales of invested assets. Hartford Life is a holding company which relies upon operating cash flow in the form of dividends from its subsidiaries, which enables it to service its debt, pay dividends to its parent, and pay certain business expenses. As a holding company, Hartford Life has no significant business operations of its own and, therefore, relies mainly on the dividends from its insurance company subsidiaries, which are primarily domiciled in Connecticut, as the principal source of cash to meet its obligations (predominantly debt obligations) and pay stockholder dividends.
The Companys Japanese life insurance operations are conducted through Hartford Insurance Life K.K. a wholly owned subsidiary of Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (HLA), one of the companys principal statutorily regulated operating subsidiaries. To date, the Company has funded the capital needs of its Japanese operations through investments in the common stock of Hartford Life Insurance K.K. by HLA, an investment that stood at $813 as of March 31, 2005. This arrangement has generally allowed some portion of the Companys investment in its Japanese operations to be included as part of the aggregate statutory capital (for the purposes of regulatory and rating agency capital adequacy measures) of HLA.
The Company is currently in the process of evaluating capital structures that it believes in the long-term could result in improved financial flexibility. Certain of these structures would no longer allow a portion of the capital invested in our Japanese operations to be included in the aggregate capital of HLA. This could reduce certain of the capital adequacy measures employed by regulators and rating agencies to assess the capital strength of The Hartfords domestic life insurance companies. At the current time, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to maintain capital adequacy levels consistent with all of its rating objectives.
Dividends to Hartford Life, Inc. from its direct subsidiary, HLA, are restricted. The payment of dividends by Connecticut-domiciled insurers is limited under the insurance holding company laws of Connecticut. Under these laws, the insurance subsidiaries may only make their dividend payments out of unassigned surplus. These laws require notice to and approval by the state insurance commissioner for the declaration or payment of any dividend, which, together with other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of the insurers policyholder surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or (ii) net income (or net gain from operations, if such company is a life insurance company) for the twelve-month period ending on the thirty-first day of December last preceding, in each case determined under statutory insurance accounting policies. In addition, if any dividend of a Connecticut-domiciled insurer exceeds the insurers earned surplus, it requires the prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner. HLA declared to the Company dividends of $122 in the first quarter of 2005. The statutory net gain was $111 in the first quarter of 2005. Statutory capital and surplus as of March 31, 2005 was $5.1 billion.
The insurance holding company laws of the jurisdictions in which Hartford Lifes insurance subsidiaries are incorporated (or deemed commercially domiciled) limit the payment of dividends.
The primary uses of funds are to pay claims, policy benefits, operating expenses and commissions, and to purchase new investments. In addition, Hartford Life has a policy of carrying a significant short-term investment positions and accordingly does not anticipate selling intermediate and long-term fixed maturity investments to meet any liquidity needs. (For a discussion of the Companys investment objectives and strategies, see the Investments and Capital Markets Risk Management sections.)
Ratings
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position in the insurance and financial services marketplace. There can be no assurance that the Companys ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be changed. In the event the Companys ratings are downgraded, the level of revenues or the persistency of the Companys business may be adversely impacted.
The following table summarizes Hartford Lifes significant United States member companies financial ratings from the major independent rating organizations as of April 29, 2005:
33
Standard | ||||||||||
A.M. Best | Fitch | & Poor's | Moody's | |||||||
Insurance Ratings |
||||||||||
Hartford Life Insurance Company |
A+ | AA | AA- | Aa3 | ||||||
Hartford Life and Accident |
A+ | AA | AA- | Aa3 | ||||||
Hartford Life Group Insurance Company |
A+ | AA | | | ||||||
Hartford Life and Annuity |
A+ | AA | AA- | Aa3 | ||||||
Hartford Life Insurance KK (Japan) |
| | AA- | | ||||||
Hartford Life Limited (Ireland) |
| | AA- | | ||||||
Other Ratings |
||||||||||
Hartford Life, Inc. |
||||||||||
Senior debt |
a- | A | A- | A3 | ||||||
Commercial paper |
| F1 | A-2 | P-2 | ||||||
Hartford Life, Inc. |
||||||||||
Capital II Trust preferred securities |
bbb | A- | BBB | Baa1 | ||||||
Hartford Life Insurance Company: |
||||||||||
Short Term Rating |
| | A-1+ | P-1 |
The agencies consider many factors in determining the final rating of an insurance company. One consideration is the relative level of statutory surplus necessary to support the business written. Statutory surplus represents the capital of the insurance company reported in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the applicable state insurance department.
Contingencies
Regulatory Developments For a discussion regarding contingencies related to regulatory developments that affect the Company, please see OverviewRegulatory Developments above.
On October 21, 2004, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), the Companys primary regulator in Japan, issued regulations concerning new reserving methodologies and Solvency Margin Ratio (SMR) standards for variable annuity contracts. The regulations allow a Standard methodology and an Alternative methodology to determine required reserve levels and SMR standards. On December 27, 2004, the FSA also issued administrative guidelines that describe the detailed requirements under the two methodologies. The regulations are scheduled to become effective on April 1, 2005.
The new reserve methodologies and SMR standards would only apply to capital requirements for Japanese regulatory purposes, and are not directly related to results under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. At this time, the Company has decided to adopt the Standard methodology. While management is still evaluating the impact of the regulations on the Companys Japanese operations, at this time, based on the Companys assessment, the Standard methodology would require $400 $650 of additional capital during 2005. This estimate assumes that the Company will successfully employ various capital management strategies within its discretion and control, which may include, but are not limited to, product re-filing. The Company also is currently evaluating certain reinsurance strategies which have the potential to reduce the additional capital required to $100. These reinsurance strategies would be subject to regulatory approval, which may not be granted.
For further information on other contingencies, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For a discussion of accounting standards, see Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information contained in the Capital Markets Risk Management section of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
The Companys principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of March 31, 2005.
34
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There was no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Companys first fiscal quarter of 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (The Hartford) is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative state and federal class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper sales practices in connection with the sale of life insurance and other investment products; and improper fee arrangements in connection with mutual funds. The Hartford also is involved in individual actions in which punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of the Company. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Broker Compensation Litigation On October 14, 2004, the New York Attorney Generals Office filed a civil complaint (the NYAG Complaint) against Marsh Inc. and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (collectively, Marsh) alleging, among other things, that certain insurance companies, including The Hartford, participated with Marsh in arrangements to submit inflated bids for business insurance and paid contingent commissions to ensure that Marsh would direct business to them. The Hartford was not joined as a defendant in the action, which has since settled. Since the filing of the NYAG Complaint, several private actions have been filed against The Hartford asserting claims arising from the allegations of the NYAG Complaint.
Two securities class actions, now consolidated, have been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut alleging claims against The Hartford and certain of its executive officers under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. The consolidated amended complaint alleges on behalf of a putative class of shareholders that The Hartford and the four named individual defendants, as control persons of The Hartford, failed to disclose to the investing public that The Hartfords business and growth was predicated on the unlawful activity alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is August 6, 2003 through October 13, 2004, the day before the NYAG Complaint was filed. The complaint seeks damages and attorneys fees. The Hartford and the individual defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
In addition, three putative class actions, now consolidated, have been filed in the same court on behalf of participants in The Hartfords 401(k) plan against The Hartford, Hartford Fire Insurance Company, The Hartfords Pension Fund Trust and Investment Committee, The Hartfords Pension Administration Committee, The Hartfords Chief Financial Officer, and John/Jane Does 1-15. The suits assert claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), alleging that The Hartford and the other named defendants breached their fiduciary duties to plan participants by, among other things, failing to inform them of the risk associated with investment in The Hartfords stock as a result of the activity alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is November 5, 2003 through the present. The complaints seek restitution of losses to the plan, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys fees. All defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Two corporate derivative actions, now consolidated, also have been filed in the same court. The consolidated amended complaint, brought by a shareholder on behalf of The Hartford against its directors and an executive officer, alleges that the defendants knew adverse non-public information about the activities alleged in the NYAG Complaint and concealed and misappropriated that information to make profitable stock trades, thereby breaching their fiduciary duties, abusing their control, committing gross mismanagement, wasting corporate assets, and unjustly enriching themselves. The complaint seeks damages, injunctive relief, disgorgement, and attorneys fees. All defendants dispute the allegations and intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Ten putative class actions also have been filed by alleged policyholders in federal district courts against several brokers and insurers, including The Hartford. These actions assert, on behalf of a class of persons who purchased insurance through the broker defendants, claims under the Sherman Act and state law, and in some cases the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The class period alleged is 1994 through the date of class certification, which has not yet occurred. The complaints seek treble damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorneys fees. Pursuant to an order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, it is likely that the venue for all of these actions will be the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Putative class actions also have been filed in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois, Chancery Division and in the Circuit Court for Seminole County, Florida, Civil Division, on behalf of a class of all persons who purchased
35
insurance from defendant insurers, including Hartford entities. These state court actions assert unjust enrichment claims and violations of state unfair trade practices acts arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint and seek remedies including restitution of premiums, and, in the Illinois action, imposition of a constructive trust, and declaratory and injunctive relief. The class period alleged is 1994 through the present. The Hartford has removed both actions to federal court, but the plaintiffs have moved to remand the actions to the respective state courts. The plaintiffs motion to remand the Illinois action was denied; the remand motion in the Florida action has not been decided. The Hartford disputes the allegations in all of these actions and intends to defend the actions vigorously.
Additional complaints may be filed against The Hartford in various courts alleging claims under federal or state law arising from the conduct alleged in the NYAG Complaint. The Hartfords ultimate liability, if any, in the pending and possible future suits is highly uncertain and subject to contingencies that are not yet known, such as how many suits will be filed, in which courts they will be lodged, what claims they will assert, what the outcome of investigations by the New York Attorney Generals Office and other regulatory agencies will be, the success of defenses that The Hartford may assert, and the amount of recoverable damages if liability is established. In the opinion of management, it is possible that an adverse outcome in one or more of these suits could have a material adverse effect on the Companys consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
See Exhibits Index on page 38.
36
SIGNATURE
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.
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. | ||
/s/ Ernest M. McNeill Jr. | ||
Ernest M. McNeill Jr. Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
May 2, 2005
37
HARTFORD LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2005
Exhibit #
15.01 | Deloitte & Touche LLP Letter of Awareness | |||
31.01 | Section 302 Certification of Thomas M. Marra | |||
31.02 | Section 302 Certification of Lizabeth H. Zlatkus | |||
32.01 | Section 906 Certification of Thomas M. Marra | |||
32.02 | Section 906 Certification of Lizabeth H. Zlatkus |
38