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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

[x]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003

OR

[  ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from          to         

Commission File Number 000-30898

AMERUS GROUP CO.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
IOWA   42-1458424
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

699 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3948

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (515) 362-3600

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   [x]     No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes [x]      No [  ]

The number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock on May 5, 2003 was as follows:

     
Common Stock   39,077,142 shares

Exhibit index - Page 39
Page 1 of 41

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATIONS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Form of Supplemental Benefit Agreement
Tax Allocation and Indemnification Agreement
Statement Re: Computation of Earnings Per Share
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges


Table of Contents

INDEX

             
        Page No.
       
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION     4  
Item 1.   Financial Statements     4  
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2003 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2002
    4  
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
    6  
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
    7  
    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 (Unaudited) and
the Year Ended December 31, 2002
    8  
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
    9  
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
    11  
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operation
    20  
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     33  
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures     34  
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION     35  
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     35  
Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K     35  
Signatures     36  
Certifications     37  
Index to Exhibits     39  

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Table of Contents

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

     All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (a) general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and bond market performance, which may affect our ability to sell our products, the market value of our investments and the lapse rate and profitability of policies; (b) our ability to achieve anticipated levels of operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives and to meet cash requirements based upon projected liquidity sources; (c) customer response to new products, distribution channels and marketing initiatives; (d) mortality, morbidity, and other factors which may affect the profitability of our insurance products; (e) our ability to develop and maintain effective risk management policies and procedures and to maintain adequate reserves for future policy benefits and claims; (f) changes in the federal income tax and other federal laws, regulations, and interpretations, including currently proposed federal measures that may significantly affect the insurance business including limitations on antitrust immunity, minimum solvency requirements, and changes to the tax advantages of life insurance and annuity products or programs with which they are used; (g) increasing competition in the sale of insurance and annuities and the recruitment of sales representatives; (h) regulatory changes, interpretations or pronouncements, including those relating to the regulation of insurance companies and the regulation and sale of their products; (i) our ratings and those of our subsidiaries by independent rating organizations which we believe are particularly important to the sale of our products; (j) the performance of our investment portfolios; (k) the impact of changes in standards of accounting; (l) our ability to integrate the business and operations of acquired entities; (m) expected protection products and accumulation products margins; (n) the impact of anticipated investment transactions; and (o) unanticipated litigation or regulatory investigations or examinations.

     There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by us will not materially and adversely affect our results of operations. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

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Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.         Financial Statements

AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)

                       
          March 31,   December 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
          (unaudited)        
Assets
               
Investments:
               
 
Securities available-for-sale at fair value:
               
   
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 13,432,473     $ 13,328,902  
   
Equity securities
    64,042       63,345  
   
Short-term investments
    20,741       32,318  
 
Securities held for trading purposes at fair value:
               
   
Fixed maturity securities
    1,760,274       1,843,868  
 
Mortgage loans
    888,323       883,034  
 
Real estate
    475       476  
 
Policy loans
    493,086       496,753  
 
Other investments
    430,359       283,794  
   
 
   
     
 
Total investments
    17,089,773       16,932,490  
Cash and cash equivalents
    921,054       102,612  
Accrued investment income
    187,672       185,660  
Premiums, fees and other receivables
    43,252       13,082  
Reinsurance receivables
    1,004,194       865,930  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    871,646       884,239  
Value of business acquired
    450,210       454,159  
Goodwill
    224,075       218,995  
Property and equipment
    73,908       74,188  
Other assets
    309,371       326,397  
Separate account assets
    219,801       235,913  
   
 
   
     
 
Total assets
  $ 21,394,956     $ 20,293,665  
   
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)

                         
            March 31,   December 31,
            2003   2002
           
 
            (unaudited)        
       
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
 
Policy reserves and policyowner funds:
               
   
Future life and annuity policy benefits
  $ 16,453,162     $ 16,244,016  
   
Policyowner funds
    1,483,713       1,335,144  
   
 
   
     
 
 
    17,936,875       17,579,160  
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    942,819       283,836  
 
Dividends payable to policyowners
    327,054       303,062  
 
Policy and contract claims
    39,237       39,569  
 
Income taxes payable
    51,899       61,325  
 
Deferred income taxes
    32,812       16,499  
 
Notes payable
    533,593       511,353  
 
Separate account liabilities
    219,801       235,913  
   
 
   
     
 
     
Total liabilities
    20,084,090       19,030,717  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
Preferred Stock, no par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
 
Common Stock, no par value, 230,000,000 shares authorized; 43,695,889 shares issued and 39,051,187 shares outstanding in 2003; 43,656,280 shares issued and 39,011,578 shares outstanding in 2002
    43,696       43,656  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    1,180,736       1,179,646  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    99,886       88,522  
 
Unearned compensation
    (860 )     (458 )
 
Unallocated ESOP shares
    (1,406 )     (1,443 )
 
Retained earnings
    145,306       109,517  
 
Treasury stock, at cost (4,644,702 shares in 2003 and 2002)
    (156,492 )     (156,492 )
   
 
   
     
 
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,310,866       1,262,948  
   
 
   
     
 
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 21,394,956     $ 20,293,665  
   
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
($ in thousands, except share data)

                   
      For The Three Months Ended March 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
      (unaudited)
Revenues:
               
 
Insurance premiums
  $ 81,605     $ 90,458  
 
Universal life and annuity product charges
    44,107       37,128  
 
Net investment income
    253,217       239,770  
 
Realized/unrealized gains (losses) on investments
    7,855       (24,712 )
 
Other income
    17,168       12,468  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    403,952       355,112  
 
 
   
     
 
Benefits and expenses:
               
 
Policyowner benefits
    218,055       206,163  
 
Underwriting, acquisition and other expenses
    37,719       36,251  
 
Demutualization costs
          285  
 
Restructuring costs
    3,193       1,795  
 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
    50,397       39,842  
 
Dividends to policyowners
    34,574       28,403  
 
 
   
     
 
 
    343,938       312,739  
 
 
   
     
 
Income before interest and income tax expense
    60,014       42,373  
Interest expense
    6,799       6,027  
 
 
   
     
 
Income before income tax expense
    53,215       36,346  
Income tax expense
    17,426       11,432  
 
 
   
     
 
Net income
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
 
 
   
     
 
Net income per common share:
               
 
Basic
  $ 0.92     $ 0.60  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Diluted
  $ 0.91     $ 0.59  
 
 
   
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
 
Basic
    38,984,807       41,349,785  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Diluted
    39,217,951       41,968,570  
 
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in thousands)

                     
        For The Three Months Ended March 3
        2003   2002
       
 
        (unaudited)
Net income
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
               
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
               
   
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
    29,859       (59,584 )
   
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income
    12,376       (3,764 )
 
   
     
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
    17,483       (55,820 )
 
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income
    (6,119 )     19,537  
 
   
     
 
 
    11,364       (36,283 )
 
   
     
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 47,153     $ (11,369 )
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and the Year Ended December 31, 2002
($ in thousands)

                                   
                      Accumulated        
              Additional   Other        
              Paid-In   Comprehensive   Unearned
      Common Stock   Capital   Income (Loss)   Compensation
     
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001
  $ 43,506     $ 1,177,688     $ 12,669     $ (727 )
2002:
                               
 
Net income
                       
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                73,646        
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
                3,434        
 
Stock issued under various incentive plans, net of forfeitures
    150       5,730             269  
 
Stock issued under exercise of warrants
          (3,802 )            
 
Purchase of treasury stock
                       
 
Dividends declared on common stock
                       
 
Allocation of shares in leveraged ESOP
          30              
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment
                (1,227 )      
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
    43,656       1,179,646       88,522       (458 )
2003 (unaudited):
                               
 
Net income
                       
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                10,443        
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
                921        
 
Stock issued under various incentive plans, net of forfeitures
    40       1,090             (402 )
 
Allocation of shares in leveraged ESOP
                       
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at March 31, 2003
  $ 43,696     $ 1,180,736     $ 99,886     $ (860 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                   
      Unallocated                   Total
      ESOP   Retained   Treasury   Stockholders’
      Shares   Earnings   Stock   Equity
     
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001
  $ (224 )   $ 62,187     $ (56,582 )   $ 1,238,517  
2002:
                               
 
Net income
          62,866             62,866  
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                      73,646  
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
                      3,434  
 
Stock issued under various incentive plans, net of forfeitures
                1       6,150  
 
Stock issued under exercise of warrants
                12,205       8,403  
 
Purchase of treasury stock
    (2,522 )           (112,116 )     (114,638 )
 
Dividends declared on common stock
          (15,536 )           (15,536 )
 
Allocation of shares in leveraged ESOP
    1,303                   1,333  
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment
                      (1,227 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
    (1,443 )     109,517       (156,492 )     1,262,948  
2003 (unaudited):
                               
 
Net income
          35,789             35,789  
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities
                      10,443  
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
                      921  
 
Stock issued under various incentive plans, net of forfeitures
                      728  
 
Allocation of shares in leveraged ESOP
    37                   37  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at March 31, 2003
  $ (1,406 )   $ 145,306     $ (156,492 )   $ 1,310,866  
 
   
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)

                         
            For The Three Months Ended
            March 31,
            2003   2002
           
 
            (unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities
               
 
Net income
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   
Product charges on universal life and annuity products
    (54,225 )     (37,148 )
   
Interest credited to policyowner account balances
    126,940       110,617  
   
Change in option value of equity-indexed products and market value adjustments on total return strategy annuities
    (8,602 )     (15,131 )
   
Realized/unrealized (gains) losses on investments
    (7,855 )     24,712  
   
DAC and VOBA amortization
    50,397       39,842  
   
Change in:
               
     
Accrued investment income
    (2,012 )     (10,099 )
     
Reinsurance receivables
    (61,190 )     (28,561 )
     
Securities held for trading purposes:
               
       
Fixed maturities
    83,691       97,218  
       
Equity securities
          (4,633 )
       
Short-term investments
    (2,779 )     10  
     
DAC and VOBA
    (91,769 )     (89,473 )
     
Liabilities for future policy benefits
    4,693       148,373  
     
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    97,185       (20,465 )
     
Policy and contract claims and other policyowner funds
    17,692       17,853  
     
Income taxes:
               
       
Current
    (1,687 )     (28,366 )
       
Deferred
    (3,580 )     35,100  
   
Other, net
    12,873       (31,041 )
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    195,561       233,722  
 
 
   
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
Purchase of fixed maturities available-for-sale
    (2,073,313 )     (1,542,411 )
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities available-for-sale
    2,093,786       912,604  
 
Maturities, calls and principal reductions of fixed maturities available-for-sale
    448,308       195,649  
 
Purchase of equity securities
    (9,258 )     (1,003 )
 
Proceeds from sale of equity securities
    9,498        
 
Change in short-term investments, net
    14,267       (2,447 )
 
Purchase of mortgage loans
    (26,717 )     (12,411 )

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Table of Contents

AMERUS GROUP CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)
($ in thousands)

                     
        For The Three Months Ended
        March 31,
        2003   2002
       
 
        (unaudited)
 
Proceeds from repayment and sale of mortgage loans
    22,696       28,214  
 
Purchase of real estate and other invested assets
    (83,562 )     (17,020 )
 
Proceeds from sale of real estate and other invested assets
    11,998       64,749  
 
Change in policy loans, net
    3,668       5,221  
 
Other assets, net
    (6,251 )     (3,506 )
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    405,120       (372,361 )
 
 
   
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
Deposits to policyowner account balances
    508,643       487,999  
 
Withdrawals from policyowner account balances
    (313,947 )     (409,046 )
 
Change in debt, net
    22,240       (119,998 )
 
Stock issued under various incentive plans, net of forfeitures
    728       9,759  
 
Purchase of treasury stock
          (59,326 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of OCEANs
          179,239  
 
Retirement of company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital securities
          (20,150 )
 
Adoption and allocation of shares in leveraged ESOP
    37        
 
Other, net
    60        
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net cash provided by financing activities
    217,761       68,477  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    818,442       (70,162 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    102,612       179,376  
 
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 921,054     $ 109,214  
 
 
   
     
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash activities:
               
 
Interest paid
  $ 9,332     $ 4,664  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Income taxes paid
  $ 13,602     $ 16,905  
 
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERUS GROUP CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

(1)   CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All adjustments were of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise noted in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information and for capitalized terms not defined in this Form 10-Q, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, principally AmerUs Life Insurance Company (ALIC), AmerUs Annuity Group Co. (AAG), AmerUs Capital Management Group, Inc. (ACM), and ILICO Holdings, Inc., the holding company of Indianapolis Life Insurance Company (ILIC) and its subsidiaries (ILICO). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The Company has certain stock-based employee compensation plans which are accounted for under the recognition and measurement principals of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The plans are stock option plans for which no stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation ($ in thousands):

                   
      For The Three Months Ended March 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (1,098 )     (1,134 )
 
   
     
 
Pro forma net income
  $ 34,691     $ 23,780  
 
   
     
 
Earnings per share:
               
 
Basic - as reported
  $ 0.92     $ 0.60  
 
   
     
 
 
Basic - pro forma
  $ 0.89     $ 0.58  
 
   
     
 
 
Diluted - - as reported
  $ 0.91     $ 0.59  
 
   
     
 
 
Diluted - pro forma
  $ 0.88     $ 0.57  
 
   
     
 

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     Certain amounts in the 2002 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 financial statement presentation.

(2)   EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common shares applicable to stock options and warrants calculated using the treasury stock method. In addition, diluted earnings per share applicable to the Company’s Optionally Convertible Equity-linked Accreting Notes (OCEANsSM) are determined using the if-converted method for the number of days in the period in which the common stock price conversion condition is met. The common stock price conversion condition was not met for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2003. No undistributed net income has been allocated to the convertible securities holders since their participation in dividends with common stockholders is limited to the amount of the annual regular dividend.

(3)   CLOSED BLOCK

     The Company has established two closed blocks, which we refer to as the Closed Block. The first was established on June 30, 1996 in connection with the reorganization of ALIC from a mutual company to a stock company. The second was established as of March 31, 2000 in connection with the reorganization of ILIC from a mutual company to a stock company. Insurance policies which had a dividend scale in effect as of each Closed Block establishment date were included in the Closed Block. The Closed Block was designed to provide reasonable assurance to owners of insurance policies included therein that, after the reorganization of ALIC and ILIC, assets would be available to maintain the dividend scales and interest credits in effect prior to the reorganization if the experience underlying such scales and credits continues.

     Summarized financial information of the Closed Block as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

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      March 31,   December 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
      ($ in thousands)
Liabilities:
               
Future life and annuity policy benefits
  $ 2,845,683     $ 2,840,041  
Policyowner funds
    9,106       4,400  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    19,548       44,295  
Dividends payable to policyowners
    174,520       147,177  
Policy and contract claims
    9,993       10,390  
Policyowner dividend obligation
    140,243       118,623  
 
   
     
 
 
Total Liabilities
    3,199,093       3,164,926  
 
   
     
 
Assets:
               
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at fair value
    1,963,825       1,970,659  
Mortgage loans
    86,647       90,872  
Policy loans
    350,957       354,784  
Other investments
    19,297       1,047  
Cash and cash equivalents
    21,679       6,178  
Accrued investment income
    31,704       30,726  
Premiums and fees receivable
    13,231       16,999  
Other assets
    27,426       23,917  
 
   
     
 
 
Total Assets
    2,514,766       2,495,182  
 
   
     
 
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from assets and liabilities of the Closed Block
  $ 684,327     $ 669,744  
 
   
     
 
                 
    For The Three Months Ended March 31,
   
    2003   2002
   
 
    ($ in thousands)
Operations:
               
Insurance premiums
  $ 62,808     $ 65,788  
Universal life and annuity product charges
    3,538       2,897  
Net investment income
    39,739       38,043  
Realized gains (losses) on investments
    7,069       4,624  
Policyowner benefits
    (71,829 )     (72,115 )
Underwriting, acquisition and other expenses
    (1,131 )     (1,254 )
Dividends to policyowners
    (29,912 )     (26,335 )
 
 
     
 
Contribution from the Closed Block before income taxes
  $ 10,282     $ 11,648  
 
 
     
 

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(4)   DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

     The Company accounts for derivatives as provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS 138, which requires that all derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be reported on the balance sheet at fair value. Accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in the values of derivatives is dependent upon the use of the derivative and its qualification for special hedge accounting.

     During the first three months of 2003 and 2002, realized/unrealized gains (losses) on investments included an unrealized loss of $9.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively, from the change in fair value on call options used as a natural hedge of embedded options within equity-indexed products. Additionally, the first three months of 2003 and 2002 included an unrealized gain of $2.3 million and an unrealized loss of $12.6 million, respectively, from the change in fair value on the trading securities backing the total return strategy products. Policyowner benefits included an offsetting adjustment to reduce contract liabilities for fair value changes in options embedded within the equity-indexed products and fair value changes on total return strategy annuity contracts of $8.6 million and $15.1 million for the first three months of 2003 and 2002, respectively. AOCI included an unrealized gain of $0.9 million and $1.6 million from the fair value change in interest rate swaps used to hedge the floating rate funding agreement liability during the first three months of 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2002, the Company undesignated a cash flow hedge and is now amortizing the amount in AOCI to earnings over the remaining life of the swap, which amounted to $1.4 million in expense in the first three months of 2003. The Company estimates that $2.0 million of after-tax derivative losses, included in AOCI will be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months.

     The following table summarizes the income (loss) impact of the market value adjustments on trading securities and derivatives and the cash flow hedge amortization for the first three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002:

                   
      For The Three Months Ended March 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
      ($ in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities held for trading
  $ 2,319     $ (12,638 )
Options on equity-indexed products
    (9,612 )     (6,820 )
Equity-indexed and total return strategy liabilities
    8,602       15,131  
Cash flow hedge amortization
    (1,412 )      
DAC amortization impact of net adjustments above
    78       (3,861 )
 
   
     
 
 
Pre-tax total
    (25 )     (8,188 )
Income taxes
    9       2,866  
 
   
     
 
 
After-tax total
  $ (16 )   $ (5,322 )
 
   
     
 

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(5)   FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

     The effective income tax rate for the three-months ending March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, varied from the prevailing corporate rate primarily as a result of tax-exempt income in 2003 and non-deductible demutualization costs, low income housing and rehabilitation credits, and tax-exempt income in 2002.

(6)   RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

     During the third quarter of 2001, the Company began consolidating various functions in connection with a restructuring of its protection products and accumulation products operations and investment activities. The objective of the restructuring plan is to eliminate duplicative functions for all business units and to reduce ongoing costs. Corporate administrative functions are being transitioned so they are performed primarily in Des Moines, Iowa. Protection products administrative processes are being transitioned so they are performed primarily in Des Moines; Woodbury, New York; or outsourced. Accumulation products functions have been transitioned so they are primarily performed in Topeka, Kansas. Investment activities have been restructured to eliminate certain real estate management services which have been outsourced.

     The Company adopted SFAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” effective for activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 provides for costs to exit an activity or dispose of long-lived assets to be recorded when they are incurred and are to be measured at fair value. Under previous accounting guidance, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of the commitment to an exit plan. The adoption of SFAS 146 had no impact on net income or stockholders’ equity.

     Restructuring charges have been included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of income and include severance and termination benefits for additional benefits provided to previously terminated individuals during the first three months of 2003 and benefits associated with the elimination of ten positions for the three months ended March 31, 2002. The other costs primarily related to systems conversion and relocation of employees. A summary of the pre-tax restructuring charges are as follows ($ in thousands):

                                         
    Accrual at                           Accrual at
    December 31,   2003   Other   Cash   March 31,
    2002   Charge   Adjustments   Payments   2003
   
 
 
 
 
Severance and termination benefits
  $ 5,133     $     $ 731     $ (1,769 )   $ 4,095  
Other costs
    1,012       2,462             (2,667 )     807  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 6,145     $ 2,462     $ 731     $ (4,436 )   $ 4,902  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
    Accrual at                           Accrual at
    December 31,   2002   Other   Cash   March 31,
    2001   Charge   Adjustments   Payments   2002
   
 
 
 
 
Severance and termination benefits
  $ 2,065     $ 370     $     $ (1,977 )   $ 458  
Other costs
    36       1,425             (657 )     804  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 2,101     $ 1,795     $     $ (2,634 )   $ 1,262  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

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     Additional charges will be incurred for continuing restructuring activities primarily involving severance or relocation benefits for affected employees; various administrative, financial, and actuarial system conversion costs; and building disposition costs. Expenditures for all restructuring activities are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2003.

(7)   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     In recent years, the life insurance industry, including the Company and its subsidiaries, have been subject to an increase in litigation pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products. The Company is involved in litigation, including class actions, reinsurance claims and regulatory proceedings, arising in the ordinary course of its business. Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages. Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, the Company believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these claims and legal actions, would have no material effect on its results of operations and financial position.

     As previously disclosed, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, IL Annuity, has had a dispute with the reinsurer of a block of its annuity business. In December of 2002, the reinsurer began arbitration proceedings against IL Annuity claiming approximately $11.3 million and other appropriate relief related to investment charges in connection with a reinsurance agreement between the reinsurer and IL Annuity. The arbitration process is in its preliminary stages. Although predicting the outcome is not feasible, the Company believes it has strong defenses against the claims, and based upon currently available information, that any liability arising from these claims would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

(8)   OPERATING SEGMENTS

     The Company has two operating segments: Protection Products and Accumulation Products. Products generally distinguish a segment. A brief description of each segment follows:

     Protection Products. The primary product offerings consist of interest-sensitive whole life, term life, universal life and equity-indexed life insurance policies. These products are marketed on a national basis primarily through a Preferred Producer agency system, a Personal Producing General Agent (PPGA) distribution system and Independent Marketing Organizations (IMOs).

     Accumulation Products. The primary product offerings consist of individual deferred fixed annuities and equity-indexed annuities, marketed on a national basis primarily through IMOs and independent brokers, and insurance contracts issued through funding agreements.

     The Company uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure operating segment income and assets as it uses to measure its consolidated income from operations and assets with the exception of the elimination of certain items which management believes are not necessarily indicative of overall operating trends. These items are shown between adjusted pre-tax operating income and income from continuing operations on the following operating segment tables and are as follows:

  1)   Realized gains and losses on open block investments.
 
  2)   Market value changes and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with the application of SFAS 133, such as:

    Unrealized gains and losses on open block options and securities held for trading.

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    Change in option value of equity-indexed products and market value adjustments on total return strategy annuities.
 
    Cash flow hedge amortization.

  3)   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) and value of business acquired (VOBA) related to the realized gains and losses on the open block investments and the SFAS 133 adjustments.
 
  4)   Demutualization costs.
 
  5)   Restructuring costs.
 
  6)   Other income from non-insurance operations.

     These items will fluctuate from period to period depending on the prevailing interest rate and economic environment, or are not continuing in nature, or are not part of the core insurance operations. As a result, management believes they do not reflect the Company’s ongoing earnings capacity of its operating segments.

     Premiums, product charges, policyowner benefits, insurance expenses, amortization of DAC and VOBA and dividends to policyowners are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income and closed block realized gains and losses on investments are allocated based on directly-related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Other revenues and benefits and expenses which are deemed not to be associated with any specific segment are grouped together in the All Other category. These items primarily consist of holding company revenues and expenses and the operations of the Company’s real estate management subsidiary.

     Assets are segmented based on policy liabilities directly attributable to each segment. There are no significant intersegment transactions. Depreciation and amortization, excluding amortization of DAC and VOBA as previously discussed, are not significant. There have been no material changes in segment assets since December 31, 2002.

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Operating Segment Income
($ in thousands)

                                     
        Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
       
        Protection   Accumulation           Total
        Products   Products   All Other   Consolidated
       
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
Insurance premiums
  $ 80,161     $ 1,183     $ 261     $ 81,605  
 
Universal life and annuity product charges
    33,701       10,406             44,107  
 
Net investment income
    83,746       167,777       1,694       253,217  
 
Realized gains (losses) on closed block investments
    7,069                   7,069  
 
Other income
    1,053       14,766       140       15,959  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    205,730       194,132       2,095       401,957  
Benefits and expenses:
                               
 
Policyowner benefits
    100,668       124,557       20       225,245  
 
Underwriting, acquisition, and other expenses
    17,804       15,935       3,980       37,719  
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA, net of open block gain adjustment of $6,545
    19,565       24,287             43,852  
 
Dividends to policyowners
    34,574                   34,574  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    172,611       164,779       4,000       341,390  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Adjusted pre-tax operating income
  $ 33,119     $ 29,353     $ (1,905 )     60,567  
 
   
     
     
         
 
Realized gains (losses) on open block investments
                            8,079  
 
Unealized gains (losses) on open block options and trading investments
                            (7,293 )
 
Change in option value of equity-indexed annuity products and market value adjustments on total return strategy annuities
                            8,602  
 
Cash flow hedge amortization
                            (1,412 )
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA due to open block gains
                            (6,545 )
 
Restructuring costs
                            (3,193 )
 
Other income from non-insurance operations
                            1,209  
 
                           
 
Income from continuing operations
                            60,014  
Interest (expense)
                            (6,799 )
Income tax (expense)
                            (17,426 )
 
                           
 
   
Net income
                          $ 35,789  
 
                           
 

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Operating Segment Income
($ in thousands)
(unaudited)

                                     
        Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
       
        Protection   Accumulation           Total
        Products   Products   All Other   Consolidated
       
 
 
 
Revenues:
                               
 
Insurance premiums
  $ 88,535     $ 1,302     $ 621     $ 90,458  
 
Universal life and annuity product charges
    27,113       10,015             37,128  
 
Net investment income
    80,425       158,343       1,002       239,770  
 
Realized gains (losses) on closed block investments
    4,624                   4,624  
 
Other income
    953       10,545       514       12,012  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    201,650       180,205       2,137       383,992  
Benefits and expenses:
                               
 
Policyowner benefits
    103,808       116,690       796       221,294  
 
Underwriting, acquisition, and other expenses
    19,642       12,997       3,612       36,251  
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA, net of open block gain adjustment of $1,556
    14,333       23,953             38,286  
 
Dividends to policyowners
    28,403                   28,403  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    166,186       153,640       4,408       324,234  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Adjusted pre-tax operating income
  $ 35,464     $ 26,565     $ (2,271 )     59,758  
 
   
     
     
         
 
Realized gains (losses) on open block investments
                            (9,878 )
 
Unealized gains (losses) on open block options and trading investments
                            (19,458 )
 
Change in option value of equity-indexed annuity products and market value adjustments on total return strategy annuities
                            15,131  
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA due to open block gains
                            (1,556 )
 
Demutualization costs
                            (285 )
 
Restructuring costs
                            (1,795 )
 
Other income from non-insurance operations
                            456  
 
                           
 
Income from continuing operations
                            42,373  
Interest (expense)
                            (6,027 )
Income tax (expense)
                            (11,432 )
 
                           
 
   
Net income
                          $ 24,914  
 
                           
 

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Item 2.         Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

     The following analysis of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of AmerUs Group Co. should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     We are a holding company whose subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the business of marketing, underwriting and distributing a broad range of individual life, annuity and insurance deposit products to individuals and businesses in 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have two reportable operating segments: protection products and accumulation products. The primary offerings of the protection products segment are interest-sensitive whole life, term life, universal life and equity-indexed life insurance policies. The primary offerings of the accumulation products segment are individual fixed annuities and funding agreements.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     Our financial highlights are as follows:

                     
        For The Three Months Ended March 31,
        2003   2002
       
 
        ($ in thousands, except per share data)
Segment pre-tax operating income:
               
 
Protection Products
  $ 33,119     $ 35,464  
 
Accumulation Products
    29,353       26,565  
 
Other operations
    (1,905 )     (2,271 )
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total segment pre-tax operating income
    60,567       59,758  
Non-segment expense, net (A)
    24,778       34,844  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
 
 
   
     
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.91     $ 0.59  
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2003   2002
   
 
Total assets
  $ 21,394,956     $ 20,293,665  
Stockholders’ equity (without AOCI)
  $ 1,210,980     $ 1,174,426  

(A)   Non-segment expense, net consists primarily of open block gains and losses, SFAS 133 related market value adjustments, non-insurance operations, interest expense, and income taxes.

     Operating segment income decreased for the protection products segment and increased for the accumulation products segment in the first quarter of 2003 as compared to the comparable period in 2002. The decrease in our

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protection products pre-tax operating segment income was primarily attributable to increased DAC and VOBA amortization, partially offset by lower operating expenses and higher margins. Our accumulation products pre-tax operating segment income increased primarily due to higher assets under management.

     Net income increased in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002 primarily as a result of the growth in our accumulation products segment, increased realized gains on open block investments and lower net unrealized losses from SFAS 133 related market value adjustments on trading securities, derivatives and certain annuity contracts. The increase in net income was partially offset by slightly lower protection products segment income.

     Total assets increased $1.1 billion during the first quarter of 2003 primarily as a result of the utilization of securities lending arrangements and dollar-roll repurchase investment transactions which increased assets and liabilities approximately $630 million. Assets also increased due to higher reinsurance receivables as more business is subject to reinsurance coverages as a result of additional treaties entered into in the fourth quarter of 2002.

     Stockholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, increased $36.6 million for the first quarter of 2003 primarily as a result of year-to-date net income of $35.8 million.

PROTECTION PRODUCTS

     Our protection products segment primarily consists of interest-sensitive whole life, term life, universal life and equity-indexed life insurance policies. These products are marketed on a national basis primarily through a Preferred Producer agency system, PPGA distribution system and IMOs. Included in protection products is the closed block of ALIC and the closed block of ILIC established when the companies reorganized from mutual companies to stock companies. When protection products are sold, we invest the premiums we receive in our investment portfolio and establish a liability representing our commitment to the policyholder. We manage investment spread by seeking to maximize the return on these invested assets, consistent with our asset/liability and credit quality needs. We enter into reinsurance arrangements in order to reduce the effects of mortality risk and the statutory capital strain from writing new business. All income statement line items are presented net of reinsurance amounts. Protection products in force totaled $82.6 billion at March 31, 2003 and $80.6 billion at December 31, 2002. Protection products in force is a non-GAAP financial measure utilized by investors, analysts and the Company to asses the Company’s position in the industry. We do not believe there is a comparable GAAP financial measure. A summary of our protection products segment operations follows:

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        For The Three Months Ended March 31,
        2003   2002
       
 
        ($ in thousands)
Revenues:
               
 
Insurance premiums
  $ 80,161     $ 88,535  
 
Universal life product charges
    33,701       27,113  
 
Net investment income
    83,746       80,425  
 
Realized gains (losses) on closed block investments
    7,069       4,624  
 
Other income
    1,053       953  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total revenues
    205,730       201,650  
 
 
   
     
 
Benefits and expenses:
               
 
Policyowner benefits
    100,668       103,808  
 
Underwriting, acquisition and other expenses
    17,804       19,642  
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA, net of open block gain/loss adjustment
    19,565       14,333  
 
Dividends to policyowners
    34,574       28,403  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total benefits and expenses
    172,611       166,186  
 
 
   
     
 
Adjusted pre-tax operating income - Protection Products segment
  $ 33,119     $ 35,464  
 
 
   
     
 

     Adjusted pre-tax operating income from our protection products decreased 6.6% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. The decrease in income was due to higher DAC and VOBA amortization, partially offset by lower operating expenses and increased margins. The key drivers of our protection products business include sales, persistency, net investment income, mortality and expenses.

     Sales. Sales are presented as annualized premium, which is in accordance with industry practice, and represent the amount of new business sold during the period. Sales are a non-GAAP financial measure for an insurance company for which there is no comparable GAAP financial measure. We use sales to measure the productivity of our distribution network and for compensation of sales and marketing employees and agents. Sales are also a leading indicator of future revenue trends. However, revenues are driven by prior period sales as well as current period sales and therefore, a reconciliation of sales to revenues would not be meaningful or determinable. The following table summarizes annualized premium by life insurance product:

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      Sales Activity by Product
      For The Three Months Ended March 31
      2003   2002
     
 
      ($ in thousands)
Traditional life insurance:
               
 
Whole life
  $ 203     $ 1,120  
 
Interest-sensitive whole life
    7,020       10,204  
 
Term life
    3,712       2,548  
Universal life
    6,940       8,326  
Equity-indexed life
    13,477       8,665  
 
 
   
     
 
Direct first year annualized premiums
    31,352       30,863  
Private label term life premiums
    1,937       3,596  
 
 
   
     
 
 
Total
  $ 33,289     $ 34,459  
 
 
   
     
 

     Direct first year annualized premiums increased 2% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. We continue to focus our marketing efforts on equity-indexed life products. In the first three months of 2003, sales of equity-indexed life products were $13.5 million as compared to $8.7 million for 2002. We are a leading writer of equity-indexed life products in the United States.

     Premiums and Product charges. We recognize premiums on traditional life insurance policies as revenues when the premiums are due. Amounts received as payments for universal life and equity-indexed life insurance policies are not recorded as premium revenue, but are instead recorded as a policyholder liability. Revenues from the universal life and equity-indexed life policies consist of product charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration and policy surrender and are included on the line item “universal life product charges.” All revenue is reported net of reinsurance ceded.

     Insurance premium revenue was lower in the first quarter of 2003 as compared to the first quarter of 2002 primarily due to lower sales of traditional products and from new reinsurance agreements in place. Product charge revenue was higher in 2003 as compared to 2002 due to the growth in the equity-indexed life block of business.

     Persistency. Annualized lapse rates were 8.0% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 8.3% in the first quarter of 2002. Our persistency experience remained within our pricing assumptions. Our lapse rate for the first quarter of 2003 as compared to 2002 decreased as expected due to the completion of ILICO’s demutualization payout in July 2001. Lapses tend to decline in anticipation of a demutualization transaction as policyholders want to remain policyholders so they will be eligible for the demutualization payout. Following a demutualization, lapses tend to increase for a period before they return to a more normal level.

     Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased for the first three months of 2003 as compared to the same period a year ago. The increase for the quarter was primarily due to growth in assets, partially offset by lower effective yields as compared to 2002. The effective yield of the investment portfolio was 6.98% compared to 7.03% a year ago.

     Mortality and Benefit Expense. We experienced favorable open block mortality in the first quarter of 2003 as compared to the same period a year ago. In addition, due to the additional reinsurance arrangements we have in place for mortality, policyowner benefits declined in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002.

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     Underwriting, Acquisition and Other Expenses. Expenses decreased for the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002 primarily due to increased reimbursement from reinsurers of commission and expense allowances as more policies are subject to reinsurance and from expense changes resulting from the restructuring activities.

     Amortization of DAC and VOBA. The amortization of DAC and VOBA increased for the first three months of 2003 as compared to the same period a year ago. DAC and VOBA are generally amortized in proportion to gross margins, which increased in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002.

     Dividends to Policyowners. Dividend expense primarily increased due to the maturing of the closed block and realized investment gains of the closed block. Dividend expense includes increases or decreases to the closed block policyholder dividend obligation liability carried on the consolidated balance sheet. To the extent cumulative actual earnings of the closed block exceed the cumulative expected earnings based on the actuarial calculation at the time of formation of the closed block (which we refer to as the closed block glide path), a policyholder dividend obligation is recorded. The higher realized gains in the first quarter of 2003 increased closed block earnings, which in turn were added to the policyholder dividend obligation liability. As a result of this accounting treatment, operating earnings only include the predetermined closed block glide path.

     Outlook. We expect to continue to increase sales through our multiple distribution channels and to continue to shift to higher return products, in particular the equity-indexed life products. We also expect to continue to realize operating efficiencies created by the restructuring of the protection products operations and centralization of our administrative functions.

ACCUMULATION PRODUCTS

     Our accumulation products segment primary offerings consist of individual fixed annuities and funding agreements. The fixed annuities are marketed on a national basis primarily through IMOs and independent brokers. Similar to our protection products segment, we invest the premiums we receive from accumulation product deposits in our investment portfolio and establish a liability representing our commitment to our policyholder. We manage investment spread by seeking to maximize the return on our invested assets consistent with our asset/liability management and credit quality needs. When appropriate, we periodically reset the interest rates credited to our policyholder liability. Accumulation products in force totaled $11.3 billion at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Accumulation products in force is a non-GAAP financial measure utilized by investors, analysts and the Company to assess the Company’s position in the industry. We do not believe there is a comparable GAAP financial measure. A summary of our accumulation products segment operations follows:

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        For The Three Months Ended March 31,
        2003   2002
       
 
        ($ in thousands)
Revenues:
               
 
Immediate annuity and supplementary contract premiums
  $ 1,183     $ 1,302  
 
Annuity product charges
    10,406       10,015  
 
Net investment income
    167,777       158,343  
 
Other income
    3,075       2,847  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total revenues
    182,441       172,507  
 
 
   
     
 
Benefits and expenses:
               
 
Policyowner benefits
    124,557       116,690  
 
Underwriting, acquisition and other expenses
    6,469       7,553  
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA, net of open block gain/loss adjustment
    24,287       23,953  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Total benefits and expenses
    155,313       148,196  
 
 
   
     
 
IMO Operations:
               
 
Other income
    11,691       7,698  
 
Other expenses
    9,466       5,444  
 
 
   
     
 
   
Net IMO operating income
    2,225       2,254  
 
 
   
     
 
Adjusted pre-tax operating income - Accumulation Products segment
  $ 29,353     $ 26,565  
 
 
   
     
 

     Adjusted pre-tax operating income from our accumulation products operations increased 10% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to higher assets under management. The drivers of profitability in our accumulation products business are deposits, persistency, investment spread, expenses and IMO operations.

     Deposits. Deposits are presented as collected premiums, which is in accordance with industry practice, and represent the amount of new business sold during the period. Deposits are a non-GAAP financial measure for an insurance company for which there is no comparable GAAP financial measure. We use deposits to measure the productivity of our distribution network and for compensation of sales and marketing employees and agents. The following table summarizes our accumulation products segment deposits:

                     
        Deposits by Product
        For The Three Months Ended March 31,
        2003   2002
       
 
        ($ in thousands)
Annuities
               
 
Fixed annuities:
               
   
Deferred fixed annuities
  $ 142,662     $ 224,455  
   
Equity-indexed annuities
    233,190       169,506  
 
Variable annuities
    987       2,663  
   
 
   
     
 
 
Total Annuities
    376,839       396,624  
Funding agreements
          275,000  
   
 
   
     
 
   
Total
    376,839       671,624  
Reinsurance assumed
           
Reinsurance ceded
    (8,068 )     (1,477 )
   
 
   
     
 
Total deposits, net of reinsurance
  $ 368,771     $ 670,147  
   
 
   
     
 

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     Direct annuity deposits decreased 5% for the first quarter of 2003 compared to the same quarter a year ago. The decline was expected as we slowed 2003 annuity production due to the low interest rate environment. We also have focused on shifting our product mix towards our higher returning equity-indexed annuities.

     We placed fixed rate funding agreements totaling $275 million in the first quarter of 2002. Funding agreements are insurance contracts for which we receive deposit funds and for which we agree to repay the deposit and a contractual return for the duration of the contract. Total funding agreements as of March 31, 2003 amounted to $1.125 billion.

     Reinsurance ceded increased in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002 as we entered into a new modified coinsurance reinsurance agreement in the third quarter of 2002 to cede 25% of certain equity-indexed annuity products.

     Product Charges. The deposits we receive on accumulation products are not recorded as revenue but instead as a policyholder liability. Surrender charges are recorded as revenue as an annuity product charge. Annuity product charges increased in the first quarter of 2003 as compared to 2002 due to the growth in the business.

     Persistency. Withdrawals represent funds taken out of accumulation products by policyowners not including those due to the death of policyowners. Annuity withdrawal rates both with and without internal replacements continued to improve in 2003. Annualized annuity withdrawal rates and annuity withdrawals were as follows:

                   
      For The Three Months Ended March 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
Annuity withdrawal rates:
               
 
Including internal replacements
    10.64 %     11.69 %
 
Excluding internal replacements
    10.20 %     11.06 %
Annuity withdrawals ($ in millions)
  $ 350.2     $ 387.8  

     Our withdrawal experience remained within our pricing assumptions. Withdrawal rates declined for the first quarter of 2003 as compared to 2002 as our annuity products provide a favorable investment return in this current low interest rate and declining equity market environment.

     Investment Spread. Investment results and interest crediting rates were as follows for deferred fixed annuities:

                   
      For The Three Months Ended March 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
Investment yield
    6.14 %     6.68 %
Average crediting rate
    4.26 %     4.73 %
 
   
     
 
 
Investment spread
    1.88 %     1.95 %
 
   
     
 

     The investment spread on deferred fixed annuities decreased seven basis points to 188 basis points in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002. Crediting rates were lowered throughout 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 to correspond with the decline in investment yields caused by lower rates on new and reinvested funds.

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In addition, during the first quarter of 2003 we held cash in anticipation of better investment opportunities in future periods. This increased the decline in our investment yield in the first quarter. This cash is now fully deployed and is expected to have a favorable impact on investment yields in the second quarter. At March 31, 2003, the account value of deferred fixed annuities totaled $7.1 billion of which $1.8 billion did not have a differential between the credited rate and minimum guarantee rate and as such, could not be lowered. Additionally, deferred fixed annuities with account values totaling $1.2 billion have multi-year interest rate guarantees for which the credited rate cannot be decreased until the end of the multi-year period. At the end of the multi-year guarantee period, we will have the ability to lower the crediting rate to the minimum guaranteed rate by an average of approximately 200 basis points. Also, at March 31, 2003, account values of equity-indexed annuities totaled $3.6 billion, which provide guaranteed rates based on a cumulative floor over the term of the product. Due to these limitations on the ability to lower interest crediting rates and the potential for additional credit defaults and lower reinvestment rates on investments, we could experience spread compression in future periods.

     The level of margins on funding agreements increased $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily due to the $875 million of the agreements placed throughout 2002.

     IMO Operations. IMOs have contractual arrangements to promote our insurance products to their networks of agents and brokers. Additionally, they also contract with third party insurance companies. We own five such IMOs. The income from IMO operations primarily represents annuity commissions received by our IMOs from those third party insurance companies. Net IMO operating income was comparable between the first quarter of 2003 and the first quarter of 2002.

     Outlook. We anticipate increased product sales from our IMOs but decreased product sales from other distribution channels as we manage our sales in this current low interest rate environment. We also expect to continue the shift of our product mix to higher return products, in particular the equity-indexed annuity products. In addition, we will continue to manage our spreads as we strive for our desired profitability in this economic environment.

OTHER

     The other segment primarily consists of holding company revenues and expenses and operations of our real estate management subsidiary. The adjusted pre-tax operating loss in the first quarter of 2003 was comparable with the first quarter of 2002.

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INCOME STATEMENT RECONCILIATION

     A reconciliation of our segment pre-tax operating income to net income as shown in our consolidated statements of income follows:

                       
          For The Three Months Ended March 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
Segment pre-tax operating income:
               
 
Protection Products
  $ 33,119     $ 35,464  
 
Accumulation Products
    29,353       26,565  
 
Other operations
    (1,905 )     (2,271 )
 
 
   
     
 
     
Total segment pre-tax operating income
    60,567       59,758  
Non-segment items - increases (decreases) to income:
               
 
Realized and unrealized losses on assets and liabilities:
               
   
Realized gains (losses) on open block investments
    8,079       (9,878 )
   
Unrealized gains (losses) on open block options and trading investments
    (7,293 )     (19,458 )
   
Change in option value of equity-indexed annuity products and market value adjustments on total return strategy annuities
    8,602       15,131  
   
Cash flow hedge amortization
    (1,412 )      
   
Amortization of DAC & VOBA due to open block realized gains
    (6,545 )     (1,556 )
 
Non-recurring expenses:
               
   
Demutualization costs
          (285 )
   
Restructuring costs
    (3,193 )     (1,795 )
 
Other income from non-insurance operations
    1,209       456  
 
 
   
     
 
     
Income from continuing operations
    60,014       42,373  
Interest expense
    (6,799 )     (6,027 )
Income tax expense
    (17,426 )     (11,432 )
 
 
   
     
 
     
Net income
  $ 35,789     $ 24,914  
 
 
   
     
 

     Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Assets and Liabilities. Realized gains (losses) on open block investments will fluctuate from period to period depending on the prevailing interest rate, the economic environment and the timing of investment sales.

     Unrealized losses on open block investments are generated from our options and trading securities. We use options to hedge our equity-indexed products. In accordance with SFAS 133, we adjusted our options to market value, which, due to the economic environment and stock market conditions, resulted in an unrealized loss of $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2003 and $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2002. In addition, we also have trading securities that back our total return strategy fixed annuity products. The market value adjustment on the trading securities resulted in a gain of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2003 and a loss of $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2002. Most of the unrealized gains and losses on the options and trading securities are offset by similar adjustments to the option portion of the equity-indexed product reserves and to the total return strategy annuity reserves. The reserve adjustments are

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reflected in policyowner benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income and are included in the fair value change of $8.6 million in the first quarter of 2003 and $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2002 explained in the following paragraph.

     The fair value change in options embedded within our equity-indexed products and the fair value changes on our total return strategy fixed annuity contracts are being recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 133. As previously discussed, these fair value changes are offset by similar adjustments to unrealized gains (losses) on investments related to the fair value changes on the options that hedge the equity-indexed products and on the trading securities that back the total return strategy products.

     Non-recurring Expenses. Restructuring costs relate to our consolidation of various functions in connection with a restructuring of our protection products and accumulation products operations and investment activities which began in the third quarter of 2001. The objective of the restructuring plan is to eliminate duplicative functions for all business units and to reduce on-going operating costs. Corporate administrative functions are being transitioned so they are performed primarily in Des Moines, Iowa. Protection products administration processes are being transitioned so they are performed in Des Moines; Woodbury, New York; or outsourced. Accumulation products functions have been transitioned to Topeka, Kansas. Investment activities have been restructured to eliminate certain real estate management services which have been outsourced.

     The Company adopted SFAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” effective for activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 provides for costs to exit an activity or dispose of long-lived assets to be recorded when they are incurred and are to be measured at fair value. Under previous accounting guidance, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of the commitment to an exit plan. The adoption of SFAS 146 had no impact on net income or stockholders’ equity.

     The restructuring charges expensed in the first quarter of 2003 included pre-tax severance and termination benefits of $0.7 million for severance accrual adjustments and other pre-tax costs of $2.5 million primarily related to systems conversion and relocation of employees. For the first quarter of 2002, restructuring charges included pre-tax severance and termination benefits of $0.4 million for the elimination of approximately ten positions and other pre-tax costs of $1.4 million. An accrual for severance and termination benefits not yet paid amounted to $4.1 million at March 31, 2003. Additional charges will be incurred for continuing restructuring activities primarily involving severance or relocation benefits for affected employees; various administrative, financial and actuarial system conversion costs; and building disposition costs. Expenditures for all restructuring activities are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2003.

Liquidity And Capital Resources

AmerUs Group Co.

     As a holding company, AmerUs Group Co.’s cash flows from operations consist of dividends from subsidiaries, if declared and paid, interest from income on loans and advances to subsidiaries (including a surplus note issued to us by ALIC), investment income on our assets and fees which we charge our subsidiaries, offset by the expenses incurred for debt service, salaries and other expenses.

     We intend to rely primarily on dividends, interest income and fees from our insurance subsidiaries in order to make dividend payments to our shareholders. The payment of dividends by our insurance subsidiaries is regulated under various state laws. Generally, under the various state statutes, our insurance subsidiaries’ dividends may be paid only from the earned surplus arising from their respective businesses and must receive the prior approval of the respective state regulators to pay any dividend that would exceed certain statutory limitations. The current statutes generally limit any dividend, together with dividends paid out within the preceding 12 months, to the greater of (i) 10% of the respective company’s policyowners’ statutory surplus as of the preceding year end or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations for the previous calendar year. Generally, the various state laws give the state regulators discretion to

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approve or disapprove requests for dividends in excess of these limits. Based on these limitations and 2002 results, our life insurance subsidiaries could pay us an estimated $82.3 million in dividends in 2003 without obtaining regulatory approval. Our subsidiaries paid us $46.6 million in the first quarter of 2003. We also consider risk-based capital levels, capital and liquidity operating needs, and other factors prior to paying dividends from the insurance subsidiaries.

     We have a $175 million revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders (which we refer to as the Revolving Credit Agreement). As of March 31, 2003, there was a $135 million outstanding loan balance under the facility. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for typical events of default and covenants with respect to the conduct of business and requires the maintenance of various financial levels and ratios. Among other covenants, we (a) cannot have a leverage ratio greater than 0.35:1.0, (b) cannot have an interest coverage ratio less than 2.50:1.0, (c) are prohibited from paying cash dividends on common stock in excess of an amount equal to 3% of consolidated net worth as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year, and (d) must cause our insurance subsidiaries to maintain certain levels of risk-based capital. We closely monitor all of these covenants to ensure continued compliance.

     Our Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program effective August 9, 2002, under which we may purchase up to three million shares of our common stock at such times and under such conditions, as we deem advisable. The purchases may be made in the open market or by such other means as we determine to be appropriate, including privately negotiated purchases. The purchase program supercedes all prior purchase programs. Approximately 2.3 million shares remain available for repurchase under this program. We consider a variety of factors such as liquidity needs, capital levels and stock price in determining whether to repurchase shares. We do not anticipate any purchases of our common stock in 2003.

     We establish internal targeted capital and surplus levels for our insurance subsidiaries, which are in excess of regulatory requirements. As a result of high annuity product sales and related regulatory requirements on statutory capital and surplus, additional capital contributions were provided for at the end of 2002 to certain of our insurance subsidiaries to maintain these levels. Approximately $50 million was drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility to fund these capital contributions during the first quarter of 2003.

     We manage liquidity on a continuing basis. One way is to minimize our need for capital. We accomplish this by attempting to use our capital as efficiently as possible and by developing capital-efficient products in our insurance subsidiaries. We also manage our mix of sales by focusing on the more capital-efficient products. In addition, we use reinsurance agreements, where cost-effective, to reduce capital strain in the insurance subsidiaries. We also focus on optimizing the consolidated capital structure to properly balance the levels and sources of borrowing and the issuance of equity securities. We are currently exploring additional alternatives for increasing liquidity.

Insurance Subsidiaries

     The cash flows of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of premium income, deposits to policyowner account balances, income from investments, sales, maturities and calls of investments and repayments of investment principal. Cash outflows are primarily related to withdrawals of policyowner account balances, investment purchases, payment of policy acquisition costs, payment of policyowner benefits, payment of debt, income taxes and current operating expenses. Insurance companies generally produce a positive cash flow from operations, as measured by the amount by which cash flows are adequate to meet benefit obligations to policyowners and normal operating expenses as they are incurred. The remaining cash flow is generally used to increase the asset base to provide funds to meet the need for future policy benefit payments and for writing new business.

     Management believes that the current level of cash and available-for-sale and short-term securities, combined with expected net cash inflows from operations, maturities of fixed maturity investments, principal payments on mortgage-backed securities and its insurance products, will be adequate to meet the anticipated short-term cash obligations of the life insurance subsidiaries.

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     Matching the investment portfolio maturities to the cash flow demands of the type of insurance being provided is an important consideration for each type of protection product and accumulation product. We continuously monitor benefits and surrenders to provide projections of future cash requirements. As part of this monitoring process, we perform cash flow testing of assets and liabilities under various scenarios to evaluate the adequacy of reserves. In developing our investment strategy, we establish a level of cash and securities which, combined with expected net cash inflows from operations, maturities of fixed maturity investments and principal payments on mortgage-backed securities, are believed adequate to meet anticipated short-term and long-term benefit and expense payment obligations. There can be no assurance that future experience regarding benefits and surrenders will be similar to historic experience since withdrawal and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment and general economic conditions and the claims-paying and financial strength ratings of the insurance subsidiaries.

     We take into account asset/liability management considerations in the product development and design process. Contract terms for the interest-sensitive products include surrender and withdrawal provisions which mitigate the risk of losses due to early withdrawals. These provisions generally do one or more of the following: limit the amount of penalty-free withdrawals, limit the circumstances under which withdrawals are permitted, or assess a surrender charge or market value adjustment relating to the underlying assets. The following table summarizes statutory liabilities for interest-sensitive life products and annuities by their contractual withdrawal provisions at March 31, 2003 (including liabilities in the closed blocks and the general account):

           
      ($ in millions)
     
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal
  $ 495  
Subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustments:
       
 
Specified surrender charges (A)
    7,701  
 
Market value adjustments
    2,979  
 
   
 
 
Subtotal
    10,680  
 
   
 
Subject to discretionary withdrawal without adjustments
    2,109  
 
   
 
Total
  $ 13,284  
 
   
 

(A)   Includes $1,186 million of statutory liabilities with a contractual surrender charge of less than five percent of the account balance.

     In addition to the interest-sensitive products, an insurance subsidiary is party to a $250 million fixed rate funding agreement. Under the agreement, a five-year floating rate insurance contract was issued to a commercial paper conduit which was swapped to a fixed-rate. During 2002, our insurance subsidiaries placed additional funding agreements totaling $875 million in six to ten year fixed rate insurance contracts. The assets backing the funding agreements are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the insurance subsidiaries. The funding agreements are further backed by the general account assets of the insurance subsidiaries. The segregated assets and liabilities are included with general account assets in the financial statements. The funding agreements may not be cancelled unless there is a default under the agreement, but the insurance subsidiaries may terminate the agreement at any time.

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     We also have variable separate account assets and liabilities representing funds that are separately administered, principally for variable annuity contracts, and for which the contractholder bears the investment risk. Separate account assets and liabilities are reported at fair value and amounted to $219.8 million at March 31, 2003. Separate account contractholders have no claim against the assets of the general account. The operations of the separate accounts are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

     Through their respective memberships in the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB) of Des Moines and Topeka, ALIC and American are eligible to borrow under variable-rate short term fed funds arrangements to provide additional liquidity. These borrowings are secured and interest is payable at the current rate at the time of each advance. There were no borrowings under these arrangements outstanding at March 31, 2003. In addition, ALIC has long-term fixed rate advances from FHLB outstanding of $13.7 million at March 31, 2003.

     The insurance subsidiaries may also obtain liquidity through sales of investments. The investment portfolio as of March 31, 2003 had a carrying value of $17.1 billion, including closed block investments.

     The level of capital in the insurance companies is regulated by risk-based capital formulas and is monitored by rating agencies. In order to maintain appropriate capital levels, it may be necessary from time to time for AmerUs Group Co. to provide additional capital to the insurance companies.

     In the current economic environment, including the declines in interest rates and in the bond and equity markets, insurance regulators are closely monitoring the capital and liquidity position of insurance companies in their periodic financial examinations. IL Annuity and Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ILIC which is no longer writing business, is now undergoing its periodic financial examination and is involved in discussions with state examiners concerning its capital position. The Company believes that these discussions will be concluded without any material effect upon the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations, but that some contribution of capital to that subsidiary may be appropriate. We are planning to merge IL Annuity and Insurance Company into ILIC. The merger is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed within the next few months.

     The Company participates in dollar-roll repurchase agreement transactions. Such transactions involve the lending of a mortgage-backed security to a holding institution and a simultaneous agreement to purchase a substantially similar security for forward settlement at a lower dollar price. The proceeds are invested in short-term investments at a positive spread until the settlement date of the similar security. During this same time period, the Company will reflect the mortgage-backed security sold to the holding institution as a fixed maturity security, the cash received for such security as cash and short-term investments, and the Company’s repurchase obligation as an other liability. The amount outstanding to repurchase securities under dollar-roll repurchase agreements was $190.5 million at March 31, 2003.

     The Company also participates in a securities lending program whereby certain fixed maturity securities from the investment portfolio are loaned to other institutions for a short period of time. The Company receives a fee in exchange for the loan of securities and requires initial collateral equal to 102 percent of the market value of the loaned securities to be separately maintained. Securities with a market value of approximately $443.1 million were on loan under the program and the Company was liable for cash collateral under its control of approximately $449.5 million at March 31, 2003.

     At March 31, 2003, the statutory surplus of the insurance subsidiaries was approximately $745 million. Management believes that each life insurance company has statutory capital which provides adequate risk based capital that exceeds required levels.

     In the future, in addition to cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity, the insurance subsidiaries may obtain their required capital from AmerUs Group Co.

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Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     The main objectives in managing our investment portfolios and our insurance subsidiaries are to maximize investment income and total investment returns while minimizing credit risks in order to provide maximum support to the insurance underwriting operations. Investment strategies are developed based on many factors including asset liability management, regulatory requirements, fluctuations in interest rates and consideration of other market risks. Investment decisions are centrally managed by investment professionals based on guidelines established by management and approved by the boards of directors.

     Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The market risks related to our financial instruments primarily relate to the investment portfolio, which exposes us to risks related to interest rates, credit quality and prepayment variation. Analytical tools and monitoring systems are in place to assess each of these elements of market risk.

     Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. Management views these potential changes in price within the overall context of asset and liability management. Actuarial professionals estimate the payout pattern of our liabilities, primarily lapses, to determine duration, which is the present value of the fixed income investment portfolios after consideration of the duration of these liabilities and other factors, which management believes mitigates the overall effect of interest rate risk.

     For variable and equity-indexed products, profitability on the portion of the policyholder’s account balance invested in the fixed general account option, if any, is also affected by the spreads between interest yields on investments and rates credited to the policies. For the variable products, the policyholder assumes essentially all the investment earnings risk for the portion of the account balance invested in the separate accounts. For the equity-indexed products, we purchase call options that are designed to match the return owed to contract holders who elect to participate in one or more market indices. Profitability on the portion of the equity-indexed products tied to market indices is significantly impacted by the spread on interest earned on investments and the sum of (1) the cost of underlying call options purchased to match the returns owed to contract holders and (2) the minimum interest guarantees owed to the contract holder, if any. Profitability on the equity-indexed products is also impacted by changes in the fair value of the embedded option which provides the contract holder the right to participate in market index returns after the next anniversary date of the contract. This impacts profitability as we only purchase one-year call options to fund the returns owed to the contract holders at the inception of each contract year. This practice matches with the contract holders’ rights to switch to different indices on each anniversary date. The value of the forward starting options embedded in the equity-indexed products can fluctuate with changes in assumptions as to future volatility of the market indices, risk free interest rates, market returns and the lives of the contracts.

     The following table provides information about our fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans for both our trading and other than trading portfolios at March 31, 2003. The table presents amortized cost and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The amortized cost approximates the cash flows of principal amounts in each of the periods. The cash flows are based on the earlier of the call date or the maturity date or, for mortgage-backed securities, expected payment patterns. Actual cash flows could differ from the expected amounts.

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    Expected Cash Flows
    9 months                                                   Amortized        
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   2008   Thereafter   Cost   Fair Value
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    ($ in millions)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
  $ 1,392     $ 1,390     $ 1,282     $ 1,168     $ 1,129     $ 1,114     $ 5,414     $ 12,889     $ 13,432  
Average interest rate
    5.7 %     6.2 %     6.9 %     6.4 %     6.9 %     6.1 %     5.9 %                
Fixed maturity securities held for trading purposes
  $ 137     $ 180     $ 201     $ 148     $ 175     $ 139     $ 780     $ 1,760     $ 1,760  
Average interest rate
    3.4 %     2.7 %     3.6 %     2.9 %     3.0 %     4.8 %     4.2 %                
Mortgage loans
  $ 38     $ 63     $ 65     $ 64     $ 62     $ 65     $ 531     $ 888     $ 981  
Average interest rate
    8.0 %     8.0 %     7.9 %     7.9 %     7.9 %     7.8 %     7.7 %                
Total
  $ 1,567     $ 1,633     $ 1,548     $ 1,380     $ 1,366     $ 1,318     $ 6,725     $ 15,537     $ 16,173  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

     In accordance with our strategy of minimizing credit quality risk, we consistently invest in high quality marketable securities. Fixed maturity securities are comprised of U.S. Treasury, government agency, mortgage-backed and corporate securities. Approximately 68% of fixed maturity securities are issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies or are rated A or better by Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or the NAIC. Less than 7.5 % of the bond portfolio is below investment grade. Fixed maturity securities have an average maturity of approximately 6.97 years.

     Prepayment risk refers to the changes in prepayment patterns that can either shorten or lengthen the expected timing of the principal repayments and thus the average life and the effective yield of a security. Such risk exists primarily within the portfolio of mortgage-backed securities. Management monitors such risk regularly. We invest primarily in those classes of mortgage-backed securities that have average or lower prepayment risk.

     Our use of derivatives is generally limited to hedging purposes and has principally consisted of using interest rate swaps and options. These instruments, viewed separately, subject us to varying degrees of market and credit risk. However when used for hedging, the expectation is that these instruments would reduce overall market risk. Credit risk arises from the possibility that counterparties may fail to perform under the terms of the contracts.

     Equity price risk is the potential loss arising from changes in the value of equity securities. In general, equities have more year-to-year price variability than intermediate term grade bonds. However, returns over longer time frames have been consistently higher. Our equity securities are readily marketable.

     All of the above risks are monitored on an ongoing basis. A combination of in-house systems and proprietary models and externally licensed software are used to analyze individual securities as well as each portfolio. These tools provide the portfolio managers with information to assist them in the evaluation of the market risks of the portfolio.

Item 4.         Controls and Procedures

(a)        Based upon their evaluation within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are effective for recording, processing, summarizing and reporting the information we are required to disclose in our reports filed under such act.

(b)      There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation referred to above.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings

     In recent years, the life insurance industry, including the Company and its subsidiaries, have been subject to an increase in litigation pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products. The Company is involved in litigation, including class actions, reinsurance claims and regulatory proceedings, arising in the ordinary course of its business. Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages. Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, the Company believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these claims and legal actions, would have no material effect on its results of operations and financial position.

Item 6.         Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)   Exhibits

     A list of exhibits included as part of this report is set forth in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes such exhibits and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

  (b)   The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended March 31, 2003:
 
      Form 8-K dated February 7, 2003 announcing the release of fourth quarter 2002 earnings. Supplemental financial information of AmerUs Group Co. was attached.
 
      Form 8-K dated March 14, 2003 providing Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

         
DATED:    May 15, 2003   AMERUS GROUP CO.
         
    By /s/ Melinda S. Urion
     
        Executive Vice President,
        Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
        (Principal Financial Officer)
         
    By /s/ Brenda J. Cushing
     
        Senior Vice President and Controller
        (Principal Accounting Officer)

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CERTIFICATIONS

I, Roger K. Brooks, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AmerUs Group Co., certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AmerUs Group Co.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Dated: May 15, 2003

                 
By   /s/   Roger K. Brooks        
   
       
        Roger K. Brooks        
        Chairman, President and        
        Chief Executive Officer        
        AmerUs Group Co.        

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I, Melinda S. Urion, Chief Financial Officer of AmerUs Group Co., certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AmerUs Group Co.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Dated: May 15, 2003

                 
By   /s/   Melinda S. Urion        
   
       
        Melinda S. Urion        
        Executive Vice President,        
        Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer        
        AmerUs Group Co.        

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AMERUS GROUP CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

       
Exhibit    
No.   Description

 
  2.1   Plan of Reorganization dated October 27, 1995, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. on Form S-1, Registration Number 333-12239, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.2   Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 19, 1997 and as amended and restated as of October 8, 1997, by and among AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., AFC Corp. and AmVestors Financial Corporation (“AmVestors”), filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. on Form S-4, Registration Number 333-40065 is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.3   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 13, 1997 and as amended as of September 5, 1997, among AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and Delta Life Corporation, filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. dated October 8, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.4   Combination and Investment Agreement, dated February 18, 2000, among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., Indianapolis Life Insurance Company and The Indianapolis Life Group of Companies, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.1 to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s report on Form 8-K/A on March 6, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.5   Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2000, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.5 on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.6   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 17, 1999, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.6 on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.7   Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 18, 2000, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.7 on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.8   Letter Agreement, dated December 17, 1999, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.8 on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.9   Notification Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2000, by and among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, filed as Exhibit 2.9 on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.10   Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 3, 2000, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.10 on Form 10-Q, dated May 15, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.11   Amendment No. 1 to the Purchase Agreement, dated April 3, 2000, by and between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.11 on Form 10-Q, dated May 15, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.12   Amendment to Combination and Investment Agreement dated February 18, 2000 among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., Indianapolis Life Insurance Company and The Indianapolis Life Group of Companies, Inc., dated September 18, 2000, filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K12G3 of the Registrant dated September 21, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  2.13   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, by and among AmerUs Annuity Group Co., and the Stockholders of Family First Advanced Estate Planning and Family First Insurance Services, filed as Exhibit 2.13 on Form 10-Q dated August 12, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 3.1 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000 is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, filed as Exhibit 3.2 on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.

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Exhibit    
No.   Description

 
  4.1   Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of February 3, 1997 among AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, as property trustee, and the administrative trustees named therein (AmerUs Capital I business trust), filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the registration statement of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and AmerUs Capital I on Form S-1, Registration Number 333-13713, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.2   Indenture dated as of February 3, 1997 between AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company relating to the Company’s 8.85% Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the registration statement of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and AmerUs Capital I on Form S-1, Registration Number, 333-13713, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.3   Guaranty Agreement dated as of February 3, 1997 between AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the 8.85% Capital Securities, Series A, issued by AmerUs Capital I, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the registration statement on Form S-1, Registration Number, 333-13713, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.4   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of AmerUs Capital II, dated as of July 27, 1998, among AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., First Union Trust Company and the administrative trustees named therein, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES Units, filed as Exhibit 4.5 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.5   Certificate of Trust of AmerUs Capital III filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the registration statement of AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., AmerUs Capital II and AmerUs Capital III, on Form S-3 (No. 333-50249), is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.6   Common Trust Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of July 27, 1998, by AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES Units, filed as Exhibit 4.7 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.7   QUIPS Guarantee Agreement, dated as of July 27, 1998, by AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES Units, filed as Exhibit 4.8 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.8   Master Unit Agreement, dated as of July 27, 1998, between AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and First Union National Bank relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES Units, filed as Exhibit 4.9 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.9   Senior Indenture, dated as of June 16, 1998, by and between AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Indenture Trustee, relating to the AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 6.95% Senior Notes, filed as Exhibit 4.14 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.10   Subordinated Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998, by and between AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Indenture Trustee, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 6.86% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, filed as Exhibit 4.15 on Form 10-Q, dated August 13, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.11   First Supplement to Indenture dated February 3, 1997 among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company as Trustee, relating to the Company’s 8.85% Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A, dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.14 on Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.12   Assignment and Assumption Agreement to Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated February 3, 1997 between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.15 on Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.13   Assignment and Assumption to Guaranty Agreement, dated February 3, 1997 between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.16 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.14   First Supplement to Subordinated Indenture, dated July 27, 1998, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 6.86% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Indenture Trustee, dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.17 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.15   First Supplement to Master Unit Agreement dated July 27, 1998, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES units, between American Mutual Holding Company and First Union National Bank, as Unit

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Exhibit    
No.   Description

 
      Agent, dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.18 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.16   Assignment and Assumption Agreement to the QUIPS Guarantee Agreement dated July 27, 1998, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES units, between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.19 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.17   Assignment and Assumption Agreement to the Common Trust Securities Guarantee Agreement dated July 27, 1998, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 7.0% ACES units, between American Mutual Holding Company and AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc., dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.20 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.18   First Supplement to Purchase Contracts between American Mutual Holding Company and Holders, as specified, dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.21on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.19   First Supplement to Senior Indenture dated June 16, 1998, relating to AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc.’s 6.95% Senior Notes, among American Mutual Holding Company, AmerUs Life Holdings, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Trustee, dated September 20, 2000, filed as Exhibit 4.23 on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2000, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.20   Indenture dated as of March 6, 2002 between AmerUs Group Co. and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 on form 8-K/A, dated February 28, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  4.21   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 6, 2002 between AmerUs Group Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, filed as Exhibit 4.2 on Form 8-K/A, dated February 28, 2002, is hereby incorporated by reference.
       
  10.1*   Form of Supplemental Benefit Agreement, dated February 3, 2003, among AmerUs Group Co. and Roger K. Brooks, Brian J. Clark, Victor N. Daley, Thomas C. Godlasky, Mark V. Heitz, Gary R. McPhail and Melinda S. Urion.
       
  10.2*   Tax Allocation and Indemnification Agreement dated as of July 1, 2000.
       
  11*   Statement Re: Computation of Earnings Per Share.
       
  12*   Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

* Included herein

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