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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 1O-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended

Commission file number

December 31, 2004

333-42425

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY

INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Alabama

63-0761690

 

 

(State or other jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

 

of incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

2801 Highway 280 South

 

 

Birmingham, Alabama

35223

 

 

(Address of principal

(Zip Code)

 

executive offices)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (205) 268-1000

 


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 


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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    X   

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes ____ No    X    

 

 

Aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant: None

 

Number of shares of Common Stock, $10.00 Par Value, outstanding as of February 25, 2005: 250,000

 

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format pursuant to General Instruction I(2).

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

None, except Exhibits



 

 

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

 

Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“the Company”), a stock life insurance company, was founded in 1978. Since 1983, all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock have been owned by Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PL”. All outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock are owned by PLC. The Company is authorized to transact insurance business, as an insurance company or a reinsurance company, in 49 states, including New York.

 

PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services through the production, distribution, and administration of insurance and investment products. PLC, through its subsidiaries, operates several business segments each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is generally distinguished by products and/or channels of distribution. PLC periodically evaluates its operating segments in light of the segment reporting requirements prescribed by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” and makes adjustments to its segment reporting as needed. PLC’s operating segments are Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Stable Value Products, Annuities, and Asset Protection. The Company has an additional segment referred to as Corporate and Other.

 

The Company, since it is licensed in the State of New York, is the entity through which PLC markets, distributes, and services insurance and annuity products in New York. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was involved in the businesses of four of PLC’s operating segments: Life Marketing, Acquisitions, Asset Protection, and Annuities.

 

Protective has entered into an intercompany guaranty agreement, enforceable by the Company or its successors, whereby Protective has guaranteed the Company’s payment of claims made by the holders of Company policies according to the terms of such policies. The guarantee will remain in force until the earlier of (a) when the Company achieves a claims-paying rating equal to or better than Protective without the benefit of any intercompany guaranty agreement or (b) 90 days after the guaranty agreement is revoked by written instrument; provided, however, even after any revocation or termination by such notice, the guarantee shall remain effective as to policies issued during the existence of the guaranty agreement.

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

The Company has no properties. The Company has contracts with PLC and Protective under which it receives investment, legal, and data processing services on a fee basis and other managerial and administrative services on a shared cost basis.

 

Protective's administrative office building is located at 2801 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

To the knowledge and in the opinion of management, there are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company, to which the Company or any of its affiliates is a party or of which any of its affiliates’ properties is subject. For additional information regarding legal proceedings see Note 5 to the financial statements included herein.

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c).

 

 

1

 

 

 

PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Share-Owner Matters

 

The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Protective. All of the preferred stock issued by the Company is owned by PLC. Therefore, neither the Company’s common stock nor its preferred stock is publicly traded.

 

At December 31, 2004, $82.9 million of share-owners’ equity, excluding net unrealized gains and losses, represented net assets of the Company that cannot be transferred to Protective in the form of dividends, loans, or advances.

 

Insurers are subject to various state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the insurers' ability to pay dividends. In general, dividends up to specific levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to Protective by the Company in 2005 is estimated to be $19.6 million.

 

In 2004, the Company declared and paid a cash dividend on common stock of $17.0 million. In 2003, the Company declared and paid a cash dividend on common stock of $12.1 million. The Company expects to continue to be able to pay cash dividends, subject to its earnings, financial condition and other relevant factors.

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(a).

 

Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

In accordance with General Instruction I(2)(a), the Company includes the following analysis with the reduced disclosure format.

 

Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language

 

This report reviews the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Historical information is presented and discussed. Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements instead of historical facts, and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” and other words, phrases or expressions with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements, and the Company cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Company’s accounting policies inherently require the use of judgments relating to a variety of assumptions and estimates, in particular expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, and interest rates. Because of the inherent uncertainty when using the assumptions and estimates, the effect of certain accounting policies under different conditions or assumptions could be materially different from those reported in the financial statements. A discussion of the various critical accounting policies is presented below.

 

The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new insurance business. These costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business and coinsurance of blocks of policies, are deferred. The recovery of such costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies. The amount of future profit is dependent principally on investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency, and expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation. These factors enter into management’s estimates of future profits which generally are used to amortize certain of such costs. Revisions to estimates result in changes to the amounts expensed in the reporting period in which the revisions are made and could result in the impairment of the asset and a charge to income if estimated future profits are less than the unamortized deferred amounts. At December 31, 2004, the Company had a deferred acquisition cost asset of $93.1 million.

 

2

 

 

 

The Company has a deferred policy acquisition costs asset of approximately $0.7 million related to its variable annuity product lines with an account balance of $14.1 million at December 31, 2004. The Company monitors the rate of amortization of the deferred policy acquisition costs associated with its variable annuity product line. The Company’s monitoring methodologies employ varying assumptions about how much and how quickly the stock markets will appreciate. The primary assumptions used to project future profits as part of the recoverability analysis include: a long-term equity market growth rate of 9%, reversion to the mean methodology with a reversion to the mean cap rate of 14%, reversion to the mean period of 5 years, and an amortization period of 20 years. A recovery in equity markets, or the use of methodologies and assumptions that anticipate a recovery, result in lower amounts of amortization, and a worsening of equity markets results in higher amounts of amortization.

 

Establishing an adequate liability for the Company’s obligations to its policyholders requires the use of assumptions. Estimating liabilities for future policy benefits on life and health insurance products requires the use of assumptions relative to future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and other assumptions based on the Company’s historical experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. At December 31, 2004, the Company had total policy liabilities and accruals of $494.5 million.

 

Determining whether a decline in the current fair value of invested assets is an other-than-temporary decline in value can involve a variety of assumptions and estimates, particularly for investments that are not actively traded in established markets. For example, assessing the value of some investments requires the Company to perform an analysis of expected future cash flows or rates of prepayments. Other investments, such as collateralized mortgage or bond obligations, represent selected tranches of a structured transaction, supported overall by underlying investments in a wide variety of issuers. The Company’s specific accounting policies related to its invested assets are discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the Financial Statements. At December 31, 2004, the Company held $625.1 million of available-for-sale investments, including $63.7 million in investments with a gross unrealized loss of $2.8 million.

 

The assessment of potential obligations for tax, regulatory, and litigation matters inherently involve a variety of estimates of potential future outcomes. The Company makes such estimates after consultation with its advisors and a review of available facts.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Revenues

 

The following table sets forth revenues by source for the periods shown:

 

 

Year Ended

December 31

Percentage

Increase/(Decrease)

 

2004

2003

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

$24,090,797

$24,898,748

(3.2)%

Net investment income

40,379,954

41,295,486

(2.2)

Realized investment gains

530,433

3,347,309

(84.2)

Other income

47,463

156,495

(69.7)

 

$65,048,647

$69,698,038

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees, net of reinsurance (“premiums and policy fees”) decreased $0.8 million or 3.2% in 2004 as compared to 2003. Premiums and policy fees in the Life Marketing segment increased $0.2 million in 2004 as compared to 2003 due to growth of business in-force. Premiums and policy fees in the Acquisitions segment are expected to decline with time unless new acquisitions are made. There were no new acquisitions made in 2004 or 2003, resulting in a decrease in premiums of $0.9 million.

 

Net investment income for 2004 was $40.4 million, 2.2% lower than for the preceding year primarily due to lower amounts of invested assets for the year 2004 as compared to 2003. The percentage earned on average cash and investments was 6.0% in 2004 and 5.9% in 2003.

 

Realized investment gains in 2004 were approximately $0.5 million as compared to $3.3 million in 2003. The Company generally purchases its investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, the Company may sell any of its investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the Company has classified its fixed maturities and certain other securities as "available for sale."

 

 

3

 

 

The sales of investments that have occurred generally result from portfolio management decisions to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. During 2004, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments in its investments of $0.2 million, as compared to $0.3 million in 2003. Additional details on the Company’s investment performance and evaluation is provided in the section entitled “Investments” included herein.

 

Income Before Income Tax

 

In the following discussion, segment operating income is defined as income before income tax excluding net realized investment gains and losses and related amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC). Management believes that segment operating income provides relevant and useful information to investors, as it represents the basis on which the performance of the Company’s business is internally assessed. Although the items excluded from segment operating may be significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s overall financial performance, management believes that segment operating income enhances an investor’s understanding of the Company’s results of operations. Note that the Company’s segment operating income measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

The following table sets forth segment operating income (loss) and income (loss) before income tax by business segment for the periods shown:

 

Segment Operating Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Tax

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2004

2003

Segment Operating Income (Loss)(1)

 

 

Life Marketing

  $   856,955

$     771,259

Acquisitions

9,937,149

10,690,666

Annuities

(7,724)

(189,642)

Asset Protection

603,761

639,252

Corporate and Other

6,979,145

7,970,227

 

 

 

Realized Investment Gains

 

 

Annuities

274,035

262,490

Corporate and Other

256,398

3,084,819

Income Before Income Tax

 

 

Life Marketing

856,955

771,259

Acquisitions

9,937,149

10,690,666

Annuities

266,311

72,848

Asset Protection

603,761

639,252

Corporate and Other

7,235,543

11,055,046

Total income before income tax

$18,899,719

$23,229,071

(1)   Income before income tax excluding realized investment gains and related amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.

 

 

The Company became involved with PLC’s Life Marketing segment during 2002. Segment operating income in 2004 was relatively unchanged as the $0.2 million increase in net premiums was substantially offset by higher benefits expense and amortization of DAC. Income from the Acquisitions segment decreased $0.8 million in 2004 as compared to 2003, as no new acquisitions were made in 2004 or 2003. Earnings from the Acquisitions segment are normally expected to decline over time (due to the lapsing of policies resulting from deaths of insureds or terminations of coverage) unless new acquisitions are made. The Annuities segment 2004 operating income improved by $0.2 million primarily due to an increase in net investment income and a reduction in benefits expense. The Asset Protection segment’s 2004 income remained relatively unchanged as compared to 2003.

 

The Corporate and Other segment consists of net investment income and expenses not identified with the preceding business segments. Operating income in 2004 decreased $1.0 million as compared to 2003, primarily due to decreased net investment income on unallocated capital.

 

 

4

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

The following table sets forth the effective income tax rates for the periods shown:

 

Year Ended

December 31

 

Effective Income

Tax Rates

 

 

 

2004

 

35.2%

2003

 

34.9

 

 

Management's current estimate of the effective income tax rate for 2005 is 34.9%.

 

Net Income

 

The following table sets forth net income for the periods shown:

 

 

Net Income

Year Ended

December 31

Amount

Percentage

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

2004

$12,251,849

(19.0)%

2003

15,117,367

75.3

 

 

Net income for 2004 decreased compared to 2003, reflecting lower realized investment gains and lower operating earnings in Acquisitions, Asset Protection, and Corporate and Other, partially offset by improved operating earnings in the Life Marketing and Annuities segments.

 

INVESTMENTS

 

Portfolio Description

 

The Company’s investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed maturity securities. The Company generally purchases its investments with the intent to hold to maturity by purchasing investments that match future cash flow needs. However, the Company may sell any of its investments to maintain proper matching of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the Company has classified its fixed maturities and certain other securities as “available for sale.”

 

The Company’s investments in debt securities are reported at market value, and investments in mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s fixed maturity investments (bonds) had a market value of $625.1 million, which is 8.0% above amortized cost of $578.8 million. The Company had $1.2 million in mortgage loans at December 31, 2004. While the Company’s mortgage loans do not have quoted market values, at December 31, 2004, the Company estimates the market value of its mortgage loans to also be $1.2 million (using discounted cash flows from the next call date).

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company’s fixed maturity investments had a market value of $636.5 million, which was 6.3% above amortized cost of $598.9 million. The Company estimated the market value of its mortgage loans to be $1.4 million at December 31, 2003.

 

Market values for private, non-traded securities are determined as follows: 1) the Company obtains estimates from independent pricing services or 2) the Company estimates market value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics. The market value of private, non-traded securities was $80.5 million at December 31, 2004, representing 11.8% of the Company’s total invested assets.

 

 

5

 

 

 

Risk Management and Impairment Review

 

The Company monitors the overall credit quality of the Company’s portfolio within general guidelines. The approximate percentage distribution of the Company’s fixed maturity investments by quality rating at December 31 is as follows:

 

Rating

2004

2003

 

 

 

AAA

7.9%

9.7%

AA

8.8

6.7

A

36.9

38.4

BBB

40.3

40.0

BB or Less

6.1

5.2

 

100.0%

100.0%

 

 

The Company’s management considers a number of factors when determining the impairment status of individual securities. These include the economic condition of various industry segments and geographic locations and other areas of identified risks. Although it is possible for the impairment of one investment to affect other investments, the Company engages in ongoing risk management to safeguard against and limit any further risk to its investment portfolio. Special attention is given to correlative risks within specific industries, related parties and business markets.

 

The Company generally considers a number of factors in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance, collateral position and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered.

 

The Company generally considers a number of factors relating to the issuer in determining the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of an issuer. These include but are not limited to: available collateral, tangible and intangible assets that might be available to repay debt, operating cash flows, financial ratios, access to capital markets, quality of management, market position, exposure to litigation or product warranties, and the effect of general economic conditions on the issuer. Once management has determined that a particular investment has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.

 

There are certain risks and uncertainties associated with determining whether declines in market values are other-than-temporary. These include significant changes in general economic conditions and business markets, trends in certain industry segments, interest rate fluctuations, rating agency actions, changes in significant accounting estimates and assumptions, commission of fraud and legislative actions. The Company continuously monitors these factors as they relate to the investment portfolio in determining the status of each investment. Provided below are additional facts concerning the potential effect upon the Company’s earnings should circumstances lead management to conclude that some of the current declines in market value are other than temporary.

 

Unrealized Gains and Losses

 

The information presented below relates to investments at a certain point in time and is not necessarily indicative of the status of the portfolio at any time after December 31, 2004, the balance sheet date. Information about unrealized gains and losses is subject to rapidly changing conditions, including volatility of financial markets and changes in interest rates. As indicated above, the Company’s management considers a number of factors in determining if an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, including its ability and intent to hold the security until recovery. Furthermore, since the timing of recognizing realized gains and losses is largely based on management’s decisions as to the timing and selection of investments to be sold, the tables and information provided below should be considered within the context of the overall unrealized gain (loss) position of the portfolio. At December 31, 2004, the Company had an overall pretax net unrealized gain of $46.3 million.

 

 

6

 

 

 

For traded and private fixed maturity securities held by the Company that are in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004, the estimated market value, amortized cost, unrealized loss and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below.

 

 

Estimated

Market Value

% Market

Value

Amortized

Cost

% Amortized

Cost

Unrealized

Loss

% Unrealized

Loss

<= 90 days

$21,611,576

34.0%

$21,952,730

33.0%

$ (341,154)

12.3%

>90 days but <= 180 days

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

>180 days but <= 270 days

6,703,519

10.5

6,833,223

10.3

(129,704)

4.7

>270 days but <= 1 year

3,751,571

5.9

3,825,228

5.8

(73,657)

2.7

>1 year but <= 2 years

25,630,997

40.3

26,812,077

40.4

(1,181,080)

42.6

>2 years but <= 3 years

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

>3 years but <= 4 years

3,530,000

5.5

4,000,000

6.0

(470,000)

17.0

>4 years but <= 5 years

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

>5 years

2,445,000

3.8

3,016,754

4.5

(571,754)

20.7

Total

$63,672,663

100.0%

$66,440,012

100.0%

$(2,767,349)

100.0%

 

 

The Company has no material concentrations of issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities. The industry segment composition of all securities in an unrealized loss position held by the Company at December 31, 2004, is presented in the following table.

 

 

Estimated

Market Value

% Market

Value

Amortized

Cost

% Amortized

Cost

Unrealized

Loss

% Unrealized

Loss

Agency mortgages

$ 8,114,820

12.8%

$ 8,140,498

12.3%

$ (25,678)

0.9%

Basic industrial

6,833,520

10.7

6,999,233

10.5

(165,713)

6.0

Communications

6,033,080

9.5

6,934,067

10.4

(900,987)

32.5

Electric

15,986,213

25.1

16,929,939

25.5

(943,726)

34.1

Energy

1,926,408

3.0

1,998,444

3.0

(72,036)

2.6

Insurance

6,629,422

10.4

6,939,123

10.4

(309,701)

11.2

Natural gas

5,683,002

8.9

5,963,840

9.0

(280,838)

10.1

Non-agency mortgages

2,256,466

3.6

2,258,660

3.4

(2,194)

0.1

Other finance

642,553

1.0

644,293

1.0

(1,740)

0.1

Transportation

3,970,403

6.2

3,999,972

6.0

(29,569)

1.1

U.S. Government

5,596,776

8.8

5,631,943

8.5

(35,167)

1.3

Total

$63,672,663

100.0%

$66,440,012

100.0%

$(2,767,349)

100.0%

 

 

The range of maturity dates for securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004 varies, with 26.8% maturing in less than 5 years, 22.5% maturing between 5 and 10 years, and 50.7% maturing after 10 years. The following table shows the credit rating of securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004.

 

S&P or Equivalent

Designation

Estimated

Market Value

% Market

Value

Amortized

Cost

% Amortized

Cost

Unrealized

Loss

% Unrealized

Loss

AAA/AA/A

$45,196,261

71.0%

$46,473,592

69.9%

$(1,277,331)

46.2%

BBB

12,501,402

19.6

12,949,666

19.5

(448,264)

16.2

Investment grade

57,697,663

90.6

59,423,258

89.4

(1,725,595)

62.4

B

5,975,000

9.4

7,016,754

10.6

(1,041,754)

37.6

Below investment grade

5,975,000

9.4

7,016,754

10.6

(1,041,754)

37.6

Total

$63,672,663

100.0%

$66,440,012

100.0%

$(2,767,349)

100.0%

 

 

At December 31, 2004, securities in an unrealized loss position that were rated as below investment grade represented 9.4% of the total market value and 37.6% of the total unrealized loss. Unrealized losses related to below investment grade securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months were $1.0 million. The Company generally purchases its investments with the intent to hold to maturity. The Company does not consider these unrealized losses as other-than-temporary impairments.

 

 

7

 

 

 

The following table shows the estimated market value, amortized cost, unrealized loss and total time period that the security has been in an unrealized loss position for all below investment grade securities.

 

 

Estimated

Market Value

% Market Value

Amortized

Cost

% Amortized

Cost

Unrealized

Loss

% Unrealized

Loss

>3 years but <= 4 years

$3,530,000

59.1%

$4,000,000

57.0%

$ (470,000)

45.1%

>5 years

2,445,000

40.9

3,016,754

43.0

(571,754)

54.9

Total

$5,975,000

100.0%

$7,016,754

100.0%

$(1,041,754)

100.0%

 

 

Realized Losses

 

Realized losses are comprised of both write-downs on other-than-temporary impairments and actual sales of investments. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded pretax other-than-temporary impairments in its investments of $0.2 million as compared to $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

As discussed earlier, the Company’s management considers several factors when determining other-than-temporary impairments. Although the Company generally intends to hold securities until maturity, the Company may change its position as a result of a change in circumstances. Any such decision is consistent with the Company’s classification of its investment portfolio as available for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold securities in an unrealized loss position with a market value of $5.7 million resulting in a realized loss of less than $0.1 million. For such securities, the proceeds, realized loss and total time period that the security had been in an unrealized loss position are presented in the table below.

 

 

Proceeds

Realized

Loss

<=90 days

$5,964,600

$(34,492)

 

 

Market Risk Exposures

 

The Company’s financial position and earnings are subject to various market risks including changes in interest rates, changes in the yield curve, changes in spreads between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, and equity price risks. The Company analyzes and manages the risks arising from market exposures of financial instruments, as well as other risks, through an integrated asset/liability management process. The Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines; cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios; and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, risk, and cash flow characteristics.

 

The Company believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures and certain product features provide protection for the Company against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios. Additionally, the Company believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures provide sufficient liquidity to enable it to fulfill its obligation to pay benefits under its various insurance and deposit contracts. However, the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity and other factors, and the effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from those assumptions.

 

 

8

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the estimated market values of the Company’s fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans resulting from a hypothetical immediate 1 percentage point increase in interest rates from levels prevailing at December 31, and the percent change in market value the following estimated market values would represent.

 

At December 31

Amount

Percent Change

 

 

 

2004

 

 

Fixed maturities

$575,039,418

(8.0)%

Mortgage loans

1,191,084

(0.6)

 

 

 

2003

 

 

Fixed maturities

$588,314,990

(7.6)%

Mortgage loans

1,418,972

(0.7)

 

 

Estimated market values were derived from the durations of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans. Duration measures the relationship between changes in market value to changes in interest rates. While these estimated market values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the market values of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.

 

The Company’s annuity products tend to be more sensitive to market risks than the Company’s other products. As such, many of these products contain surrender charges and other features that reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of funds. Certain annuity contracts have market-value adjustments that protect the Company against investment losses if interest rates are higher at the time of surrender than at the time of issue.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company had $60.0 million of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $64.3 million (using surrender values). At December 31, 2003, the Company had $57.9 million of annuity account balances with an estimated fair value of $62.2 million.

 

The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of the Company’s annuity account balances resulting from a hypothetical immediate 1 percentage point decrease in interest rates from levels prevailing at December 31, and the percent change in fair value the following estimated fair values would represent.

 

At December 31

Amount

Percent Change

 

 

 

2004

 

 

Annuity account balances

$64,487,145

5.0%

 

 

 

2003

 

 

Annuity account balances

$64,959,635

4.5%

 

 

Estimated fair values were derived from the durations of the Company’s annuity account balances. While these estimated fair values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the fair values of the Company’s annuity account balances are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates.

 

Approximately 10% of the Company’s liabilities relate to products (primary whole life insurance) the profitability of which could be affected by changes in interest rates. The effect of such changes in any one year is not expected to be material.

 

 

9

 

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The information required by this item is included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Index to Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements are located in this report on the pages indicated.

 

Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

11

Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

12

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

13

Statements of Share-Owners’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

14

Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

15

Notes to Financial Statements

16

Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule III — Supplementary Insurance Information

Schedule IV — Reinsurance

29

30

All other schedules to the financial statements required by Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To the Directors and Share Owners of

Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

 

In our opinion, the financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Birmingham, Alabama

March 30, 2005

 

 

11

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

$ 61,713,352

$ 72,195,967

$ 51,293,397

Reinsurance ceded

(37,622,555)

(47,297,219)

(23,734,401)

Net of reinsurance ceded

24,090,797

24,898,748

27,558,996

Net investment income

40,379,954

41,295,486

36,245,837

Realized investment gains (losses)

530,433

3,347,309

(696,209)

Other income

47,463

156,495

11,087

 

65,048,647

69,698,038

63,119,711

 

 

 

 

Benefits and Expenses

 

 

 

Benefits and settlement expenses (net of reinsurance ceded: 2004 - $28,535,116;  2003 - $30,371,296; 2002 - $18,296,707)

31,579,558

30,776,253

33,299,046

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

6,950,982

7,890,345

8,639,183

Other operating expenses (net of reinsurance ceded: 2004 - $483,839;

2003 - $(1,700,478); 2002 - $31,857,142)

7,618,388

7,802,369

7,934,561

 

46,148,928

46,468,967

49,872,790

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

18,899,719

23,229,071

13,246,921

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

Current

5,258,677

702,883

0

Deferred

1,389,193

7,408,821

4,622,272

Total income tax expense

6,647,870

8,111,704

4,622,272

 

 

 

 

Net income

$ 12,251,849

$ 15,117,367

$ 8,624,649

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

December 31

 

2004

2003

ASSETS

 

 

Investments:

 

 

Fixed maturities, at market (amortized cost: 2004 - $578,812,588; 2003 - $598,941,913)

$625,095,231

$636,460,275

Mortgage loans

1,177,521

1,393,720

Policy loans

52,994,451

54,066,125

Short-term investments

10

1,200,413

Total investments

679,267,213

693,120,533

Cash

10,337,198

13,052,781

Accrued investment income

10,825,632

11,116,301

Accounts and premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible

amounts (2004 - $7,000; 2003 - $7,000)

396,654

530,133

Reinsurance receivables

43,363,998

61,159,477

Deferred policy acquisition costs

93,107,390

95,168,662

Other assets

13,027

14,897

Assets related to separate accounts

 

 

Variable annuity

10,629,080

10,987,259

Total assets

$847,940,192

$885,150,043

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

Policy liabilities and accruals:

 

 

Future policy benefits and claims

$486,995,573

$496,884,724

Unearned premiums

7,513,955

13,824,017

Total policy liabilities and accruals

494,509,528

510,708,741

Annuity account balances

59,989,579

57,894,232

Other policyholders’ funds

2,765,727

2,695,070

Funds held-coinsurance

25,713,359

46,762,354

Other liabilities

8,736,280

15,506,447

Accrued income taxes

(529,937)

702,883

Deferred income taxes

41,614,693

36,842,882

Liabilities related to separate accounts

 

 

Variable annuity

10,629,080

10,987,259

Total liabilities

643,428,309

682,099,868

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES – NOTE 5

 

 

 

 

 

SHARE-OWNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, shares

 

 

authorized, issued and outstanding: 2,000

2,000

2,000

Common Stock, $10.00 par value

 

 

Shares authorized: 2004 and 2003 – 500,000

 

 

Shares issued and outstanding: 2004 and 2003 – 250,000

2,500,000

2,500,000

Additional paid-in capital

171,386,324

171,386,324

Retained earnings

7,662,382

12,410,533

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investments

 

 

(net of income tax: 2004 - $12,363,711; 2003 - $9,019,940)

22,961,177

16,751,318

Total share-owners’ equity

204,511,883

203,050,175

 

$847,940,192

$885,150,043

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

13

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF SHARE-OWNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Preferred

Stock

Common

Stock

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

Retained

Earnings

Net Unrealized

Gains (Losses)

On

Investments

Total

Share-Owners’

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2001

$2,000

$2,500,000

$101,386,324

$ 15,468,517

$ 2,388,252

$121,745,093

Net income for 2002

 

 

 

8,624,649

 

8,624,649

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on

 

 

 

 

 

 

investments (net of income tax: $3,589,263)

 

 

 

 

6,665,774

6,665,774

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included

 

 

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of income tax: $243,673)

 

 

 

 

452,536

452,536

Comprehensive income for 2002

 

 

 

 

 

15,742,959

Common dividends ($58.80 per share)

 

 

 

(14,700,000)

 

(14,700,000)

Preferred dividends ($25.00 per share)

 

 

 

(50,000)

 

(50,000)

Capital contribution

 

 

70,000,000

 

 

70,000,000

Balance, December 31, 2002

2,000

2,500,000

171,386,324

9,343,166

9,506,562

192,738,052

Net income for 2003

 

 

 

15,117,367

 

15,117,367

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on

 

 

 

 

 

 

investments (net of income tax: $5,072,581)

 

 

 

 

9,420,507

9,420,507

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included

 

 

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of income tax: $(1,171,558))

 

 

 

 

(2,175,751)

(2,175,751)

Comprehensive income for 2003

 

 

 

 

 

22,362,123

Common dividends ($48.20 per share)

 

 

 

(12,050,000)

 

(12,050,000)

Balance, December 31, 2003

2,000

2,500,000

171,386,324

12,410,533

16,751,318

203,050,175

Net income for 2004

 

 

 

12,251,849

 

12,251,849

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on

 

 

 

 

 

 

investments (net of income tax: $3,529,422)

 

 

 

 

6,554,640

6,554,640

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included

 

 

 

 

 

 

in net income (net of income tax: $(185,652))

 

 

 

 

(344,781)

(344,781)

Comprehensive income for 2004

 

 

 

 

 

18,461,708

Common dividends ($68.00 per share)

 

 

 

(17,000,000)

 

(17,000,000)

Balance, December 31, 2004

$2,000

$2,500,000

$171,386,324

$ 7,662,382

$22,961,177

$204,511,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

14

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

Net income

$ 12,251,849

$ 15,117,367

$     8,624,649

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Realized investment (gains) losses

(530,433)

(3,347,309)

696,209

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

6,950,982

7,890,345

8,639,183

Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs

(4,081,194)

(2,813,504)

(2,161,267)

Deferred income taxes

1,389,193

7,408,821

4,622,272

Accrued income tax

(1,232,820)

0

0

Interest credited to universal life and investment products

20,737,779

21,321,965

29,693,764

Policy fees assessed on universal life and investment products

(33,214,101)

(33,916,456)

(34,641,740)

Change in accrued investment income and other receivables

18,219,627

28,158,814

(64,001,084)

Change in policy liabilities and other policyholders’ funds of traditional life and

health products

(18,694,411)

(40,194,549)

70,326,971

Change in funds held-coinsurance

(21,048,995)

(42,789,661)

86,607,188

Change in other liabilities

(6,770,167)

1,292,187

(231,372)

Other, net

654,508

7,058

(2,266)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

(25,368,183)

(41,864,922)

108,172,507

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

Investments available for sale, net of short-term investments

 

 

 

Maturities and principal reductions of investments

36,548,305

94,119,188

54,755,061

Sale of investments

36,032,255

81,324,718

80,524,090

Cost of investments acquired

(52,553,760)

(303,472,324)

(155,307,511)

Repayments of mortgage loans

216,199

399,870

923,905

Change in policy loans, net

1,071,674

741,026

(242,135)

Change in other long-term investments, net

0

572,818

(102,788)

Change in short-term investments, net

1,200,403

177,604,832

(166,805,245)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

22,515,076

51,290,128

(186,254,623)

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

Dividends to share owners

(17,000,000)

(12,050,000)

(14,750,000)

Capital contribution

0

0

70,000,000

Investment product deposits and change in universal life deposits

25,656,649

23,487,618

69,229,610

Investment product withdrawals

(8,519,125)

(9,479,575)

(49,012,219)

Net cash provided by financing activities

137,524

1,958,043

75,467,391

 

 

 

 

CHANGE IN CASH

(2,715,583)

11,383,249

(2,614,725)

CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

13,052,781

1,669,532

4,284,257

CASH AT END OF YEAR

$ 10,337,198

$   13,052,781

$     1,669,532

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was no cash paid during any of the periods presented related to interest on indebtedness or income taxes.

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

15

 

 

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying financial statements of Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“the Company”) are prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Such accounting principles differ from statutory reporting practices used by insurance companies in reporting to state regulatory authorities (see also Note 2).

 

The Company was founded in 1978 as American Foundation Life Insurance Company. Effective March 1, 1999, the Company’s name was changed to Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company. Since 1983, all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock have been owned by Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Protective Life Corporation (“PLC”), an insurance holding company domiciled in the state of Delaware. All outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock are owned by PLC.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make various estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company, since it is licensed in the State of New York, is the entity through which PLC markets, distributes, and services insurance and annuity products in New York. The operating results of companies in the insurance industry have historically been subject to significant fluctuations due to changing competition, economic conditions, interest rates, investment performance, insurance ratings, and other factors.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

On October 1, 2003, the Company adopted Derivatives Implementation Group Issue No. B36, “Embedded Derivatives: Modified Coinsurance Arrangements and Debt Instruments That Incorporate Credit Risk Exposures That Are Unrelated or Only Partially Related to the Creditworthiness of the Obligor under Those Instruments” (DIG B36). DIG B36 requires the bifurcation of embedded derivatives within certain modified coinsurance and funds withheld coinsurance arrangements that expose the creditor to credit risk of a company other than the debtor, even if the debtor owns as invested assets the third-party securities to which the creditor is exposed. The adoption did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In July 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP) 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts.” SOP 03-1 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2003. SOP 03-1 provides guidance related to the reporting and disclosure of certain insurance contracts and separate accounts, including the calculation of guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB). SOP 03-1 also addresses the capitalization and amortization of sales inducements to contract holders. The adoption of SOP 03-1 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

INVESTMENTS

 

The Company has classified all of its investments in fixed maturities and short-term investments as "available for sale."

 

Investments are reported on the following bases:

 

Fixed maturities (bonds) – at current market value. Where market values are unavailable, the Company obtains estimates from independent pricing services or estimates market value based upon a comparison to quoted issues of the same issuer or issues of other issuers with similar terms and risk characteristics.

 

 

16

 

 

 

Mortgage loans – at unpaid balances, adjusted for loan origination costs, net of fees, and amortization of premium or discount.

 

Policy loans – at unpaid balances.

 

Other long-term investments – at a variety of methods similar to those listed above, as deemed appropriate for the specific investment.

 

Short-term investments – at amortized cost, which approximates current market value.

 

Estimated market values were derived from the durations of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans. Duration measures the relationship between changes in market value to changes in interest rates. While these estimated market values generally provide an indication of how sensitive the market values of the Company’s fixed maturities and mortgage loans are to changes in interest rates, they do not represent management’s view of future market changes, and actual market results may differ from these estimates. Substantially all short-term investments have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.

 

The market values of fixed maturities increase or decrease as interest rates fall or rise. As prescribed by GAAP investments deemed as “available for sale” are recorded at their market values with the resulting unrealized gains and losses reduced by a related adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs, net of income tax, reported as a component of share-owners’ equity.

 

Investment securities are regularly reviewed for impairment. Unrealized losses that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are recognized in realized gains (losses). See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company’s policies regarding identification of other-than-temporary impairments. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income using the specific identification basis.

 

CASH

 

Cash includes all demand deposits reduced by the amount of outstanding checks and drafts. The Company has deposits with certain financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has reviewed the creditworthiness of these financial institutions and believes there is minimal risk of a material loss.

 

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

 

Commissions and other costs of acquiring traditional life and health insurance, credit insurance, universal life insurance, and investment products that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business, have been deferred. Traditional life and health insurance acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-payment period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to the present value of the total anticipated premium income. Credit insurance acquisition costs are being amortized in proportion to earned premium. Acquisition costs for universal life and investment products are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits before amortization. Under SFAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments,” the Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates (equal to the rate used to compute liabilities for future policy benefits; currently 2.6% to 9.4%) it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are to be best estimates and are to be periodically updated whenever actual experience and/or expectations for the future change from that assumed. Additionally, relating to SFAS No. 115, these costs have been adjusted by an amount equal to the amortization that would have been recorded if unrealized gains or losses on investments associated with the Company’s universal life and investment products had been realized.

 

The cost to acquire blocks of insurance representing the present value of future profits from such blocks of insurance is also included in deferred policy acquisition costs. The Company amortizes the present value of future profits over the premium payment period, including accrued interest of up to approximately 8%. The unamortized present value of future profits was approximately $95.0 million and $100.1 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During 2004, $5.1 million of present value of future profits was amortized. During 2003, $6.4 million of present value of future profits was amortized. No amounts were capitalized during 2004 or 2003.

 

 

17

 

 

 

The expected amortization of the present value of future profits for the next five years is as follows:

 

Year

Expected

Amortization

2005

$5,576,901

2006

5,698,837

2007

5,910,611

2008

6,155,289

2009

5,820,536

 

 

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

 

The assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in which the Company does not bear the investment risk are valued at market and reported separately as assets and liabilities related to separate accounts in the accompanying financial statements. Amounts assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and other services are included in premiums and policy fees in the accompanying statements of income.

 

REVENUES AND BENEFITS EXPENSE

 

Traditional Life, Health, and Credit Insurance Products:

 

Traditional life insurance products consist principally of those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and include whole life insurance policies, term and term-like life insurance policies, limited-payment life insurance policies, and certain annuities with life contingencies. Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Health and credit insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so that profits are recognized over the life of the contracts. This is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Gross premiums in excess of net premiums related to immediate annuities are deferred and recognized over the life of the policy.

 

Liabilities for future policy benefits on traditional life insurance products have been computed using a net level method including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, modified as necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible adverse deviation. Reserve investment yield assumptions on December 31, 2004 range from 6.6% to 7.0%. The liability for future policy benefits and claims on traditional life, health, and credit insurance products includes estimated unpaid claims that have been reported to the Company and claims incurred but not yet reported. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period in which the claims are incurred.

 

 

18

 

 

 

Activity in the liability for unpaid claims is summarized as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Balance beginning of year

$9,966,882

$ 7,834,114

$ 7,074,480

Less reinsurance

4,616,804

2,339,338

1,459,829

 

 

 

 

Net balance beginning of year

5,350,078

5,494,776

5,614,651

 

 

 

 

Incurred related to:

 

 

 

Current year

9,046,450

13,466,361

11,448,215

Prior year

228,614

776,513

181,838

Total incurred

9,275,064

14,242,874

11,630,053

 

 

 

 

Paid related to:

 

 

 

Current year

7,217,505

13,396,238

10,612,857

Prior year

1,966,999

991,334

1,137,071

Total paid

9,184,504

14,387,572

11,749,928

 

 

 

 

Net balance end of year

5,440,641

5,350,078

5,494,776

Plus reinsurance

2,904,719

4,616,804

2,339,338

Balance end of year

$8,345,360

$ 9,966,882

$ 7,834,114

 

 

Universal Life and Investment Products:

 

Universal life and investment products include universal life insurance, deferred annuities, and annuities without life contingencies. Premiums and policy fees for universal life and investment products consist of policy fees that have been assessed against policy account balances for the costs of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders. Such fees are recognized when assessed and earned. Benefit reserves for universal life and investment products represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges plus certain deferred policy initiation fees that are recognized in income over the term of the policies. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. Interest credit rates for universal life ranged from 4.6% to 6.0% and investment products ranged from 2.6% to 7.8% in 2004.

 

The Company’s accounting policies with respect to variable universal life and variable annuities are identical except that policy account balances (excluding account balances that earn a fixed rate) are valued at market and reported as components of assets and liabilities related to separate accounts.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Income tax provisions are generally based on income reported for financial statement purposes. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities determined for financial reporting purposes and the basis determined for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally related to the deferral of policy acquisition costs and the provision for future policy benefits and expenses.

 

RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income, total assets, or share-owners’ equity.

 

Note 2 —STATUTORY REPORTING PRACTICES

 

Financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP differ in some respects from the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. The most significant differences are as follows: (a) acquisition costs of obtaining new business are deferred and amortized over the approximate life of the policies rather than charged to operations as incurred; (b) benefit liabilities are computed using a net level method and are based on realistic estimates of expected mortality, interest, and withdrawals as adjusted to provide for possible unfavorable deviation from such assumptions; (c) deferred income taxes are not subject to statutory limitations as to amounts recognized and are recognized through earnings as opposed to being charged to share-

 

 

19

 

 

owners’ equity; (d) the Asset Valuation Reserve and Interest Maintenance Reserve are restored to share-owners’ equity; (e) agents' debit balances and prepaid expenses are reported as assets rather than being charged directly to surplus (referred to as nonadmitted items); (f) certain items of interest income, such as mortgage and bond discounts, are amortized differently; and (g) bonds are recorded at their market values instead of amortized cost.

 

The net income and share-owners’ equity prepared in conformity with statutory reporting practices as compared to that reported in the accompanying financial statements are as follows:

 

 

Net Income

 

Share-Owners’ Equity

 

2004

2003

2002

 

2004

2003

2002

In conformity with statutory

reporting practices

$14,668,506

$23,154,434

$10,879,132

 

$105,382,711

$108,738,317

$102,550,549

In conformity with GAAP

$12,251,849

$15,117,367

$ 8,624,649

 

$204,511,883

$203,050,175

$192,738,052

 

 

Note 3 — INVESTMENT OPERATIONS

 

Major categories of net investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$38,588,641

$38,891,316

$33,778,487

Mortgage loans

107,197

113,288

170,428

Policy loans

3,630,393

3,703,603

3,748,912

Other, principally short-term investments

218,724

460,662

312,989

 

42,544,955

43,168,869

38,010,816

Investment expenses

(2,165,001)

(1,873,383)

(1,764,979)

 

$40,379,954

$41,295,486

$36,245,837

 

 

Realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$530,433

$2,645,663

$(480,629)

Short-term investments

0

701,646

(215,580)

 

$530,433

$3,347,609

$(696,209)

 

 

In 2004, gross gains on the sale of investments available for sale (fixed maturities and short-term investments) were $0.7 million and gross losses were $0.2 million. In 2003, gross gains were $3.6 million and gross losses were $0.3 million. In 2002, gross gains were $2.1 million and gross losses were $2.8 million.

 

 

20

 

 

 

The amortized cost and estimated market values of the Company's investments classified as available for sale at December 31 are as follows:

 

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

 

Estimated

Market Value

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities

$ 30,473,593

 

$ 539,303

 

$ (27,872)

 

$ 30,985,024

US Government and authorities

7,648,875

 

67,288

 

(35,168)

 

7,680,995

Public utilities

117,289,471

 

8,067,338

 

(1,083,796)

 

124,273,013

All other corporate bonds

423,400,649

 

40,376,063

 

(1,620,513)

 

462,156,199

 

578,812,588

 

49,049,992

 

(2,767,349)

 

625,095,231

Short-term investments

10

 

0

 

0

 

10

 

$578,812,598

 

$49,049,992

 

$(2,767,349)

 

$625,095,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

 

Estimated

Market Value

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities

$ 42,286,991

 

$ 931,855

 

$ (130,262)

 

$ 43,088,584

US Government and authorities

7,702,497

 

155,328

 

(516)

 

7,857,309

Public utilities

123,694,171

 

6,064,624

 

(2,018,769)

 

127,740,026

All other corporate bonds

425,258,254

 

34,228,100

 

(1,711,998)

 

457,774,356

 

598,941,913

 

41,379,907

 

(3,861,545)

 

636,460,275

Short-term investments

1,200,413

 

0

 

0

 

1,200,413

 

$600,142,326

 

$41,379,907

 

$ (3,861,545)

 

$637,660,688

 

 

The amortized cost and estimated market value of fixed maturities at December 31, 2004, by expected maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities are derived from rates of prepayment that may differ from actual rates of prepayment.

 

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Estimated

Market

Values

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$ 27,211,620

 

$ 27,616,557

Due after one year through five years

77,040,962

 

81,048,206

Due after five years through ten years

153,802,505

 

165,163,942

Due after ten years

320,757,501

 

351,266,526

 

$578,812,588

 

$625,095,231

 

Each quarter the Company reviews investments with unrealized losses and tests for other-than-temporary impairments. The Company analyzes various factors to determine if any specific other than temporary asset impairments exist. These include, but are not limited to: 1) actions taken by rating agencies, 2) default by the issuer, 3) the significance of the decline, 4) the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment until recovery, 5) the time period during which the decline has occurred, 6) an economic analysis of the issuer’s industry, and 7) the financial strength, liquidity, and recoverability of the issuer. Management performs a security by security review each quarter in evaluating the need for any other-than-temporary impairments. Although no set formula is used in this process, the investment performance and continued viability of the issuer are significant measures considered. Once a determination has been made that a specific other-than-temporary impairment exists, a realized loss is incurred and the cost basis of the impaired asset is adjusted to its fair value. During 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments in its investments of $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $4.3 million, respectively.

 

 

21

 

 

 

The following table shows the Company’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, 2004.

 

 

Less Than 12 Months

 

12 Months or More

 

Total

 

Market

Value

Unrealized

Loss

 

Market

Value

Unrealized

Loss

 

Market

Value

Unrealized

Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities

$10,371,286

$ (27,872)

 

$               0

   $             0

 

$10,371,286

$ (27,872)

US Government

5,596,776

(35,168)

 

                 0

                  0

 

5,596,776

(35,168)

Public Utilities

988,133

(10,087)

 

 20,739,162

 (1,073,710)

 

21,727,295

(1,083,797)

Other Corporate bonds

15,110,471

(471,388)

 

10,866,835

(1,149,124)

 

25,977,306

(1,620,512)

 

$32,066,666

$(544,515)

 

$31,605,997

$(2,222,834)

 

$63,672,663

$(2,767,349)

 

 

The other corporate bonds and public utilities categories had gross unrealized losses in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months of $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004. The aggregate decline in market value of these securities was deemed temporary due to positive factors supporting the recoverability of the respective investments. Positive factors considered included credit ratings, the financial health of the investee, the continued access of the investee to capital markets, and other pertinent information, including the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities to recovery.

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had bonds which were rated less than investment grade of $38.4 million and $33.4 million, respectively, having an amortized cost of $35.4 million and $31.8 million, respectively. Approximately $80.5 million of bonds are not publicly traded.

 

The change in unrealized gains (losses), net of income tax, on fixed maturities for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

Fixed maturities

$5,696,783

$10,231,417

$12,109,764

 

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had no problem mortgage loans (over sixty days past due) or foreclosed properties. Since the Company’s mortgage loans are collateralized by real estate, any assessment of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the real estate. Based on the Company’s evaluation of its mortgage loan portfolio, the Company does not expect any material losses on its mortgage loans.

 

Policy loan interest rates generally range from 4.5% to 8.0%.

 

Note 4 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

The Company's effective income tax rate varied from the maximum federal income tax rate as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Statutory federal income tax rate applied to pretax income

35.0%

35.0%

35.0%

State taxes

0.3

0.0

0.0

Tax-exempt interest

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Effective income tax rate

35.2%

34.9%

34.9%

 

 

The provision for federal income tax differs from amounts currently payable due to certain items reported for financial statement purposes in periods which differ from those in which they are reported for income tax purposes.

 

 

22

 

 

 

The components of the Company’s income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 

Taxes estimated to be payable currently:

 

 

 

Federal

$5,154,776

$   702,883

$              0

State

103,901

0

0

Total current

$5,258,677

$   702,883

$              0

Taxes deferred:

 

 

 

Federal

$1,389,193

$7,408,821

$4,622,272

 

 

The components of the Company's net deferred income tax liability as of December 31 were as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

Policy and policyholder liability reserves

$   4,357,520

 

$  3,364,248

Unrealized (gains) losses on investments

(12,251,844)

 

(6,041,629)

 

(7,894,324)

 

(2,677,381)

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

33,866,477

 

34,322,937

Other

(146,108)

 

(157,436)

 

33,720,369

 

34,165,501

Net deferred income tax liability

$ 41,614,693

 

$36,842,882

 

 

The Company's income tax returns are included in the consolidated income tax returns of PLC. The allocation of income tax liabilities among affiliates is based upon separate income tax return calculations. At December 31, 2004, $529,937 was due from PLC for income tax liabilities. At December 31, 2003, $702,883 was payable to PLC for income tax liabilities.

 

Note 5 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Under insurance guaranty fund laws, in most states insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. The Company does not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts already provided for in the financial statements. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer's own financial strength.

 

A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers and other providers of financial services involving sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters. Increasingly these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive and non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very little appellate review. In addition, in some class action and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments. The Company, like other financial service companies, in the ordinary course of business, is involved in such litigation or, alternatively, in arbitration. Although the outcome of any such litigation or arbitration cannot be predicted, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.

 

Note 6 — SHARE-OWNERS’ EQUITY AND RESTRICTIONS

 

Dividends on common stock are noncumulative and are paid as determined by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2004, approximately $82.9 million of share-owners’ equity excluding net unrealized gains and losses represented net assets of the Company that cannot be transferred to Protective. In general, dividends up to specified levels are considered ordinary and may be paid thirty days after written notice to the insurance commissioner of the state of domicile unless such commissioner objects to the dividend prior to the expiration of such period. Dividends

 

 

23

 

 

in larger amounts are considered extraordinary and are subject to affirmative prior approval by such commissioner. The maximum amount that would qualify as ordinary dividends to Protective by the Company in 2005 is estimated to be $14.7 million.

 

Note 7 — PREFERRED STOCK

 

The Company’s preferred stock pays, when and if declared, noncumulative participating dividends to the extent the Company’s statutory earnings for the immediately preceding year exceeded $1.0 million. No preferred dividends were paid in 2004 or 2003. In 2002, the Company paid $50,000 of preferred dividends.

 

Note 8 — RELATED PARTY MATTERS

 

The Company purchases data processing, legal, investment, and other management services from PLC and other affiliates. The cost of such services was $10.2 million in 2004, $9.6 million in 2003, and $8.4 million in 2002.

 

Receivables from and payables to related parties consisted of receivables from and payables to affiliates under control of PLC in the amount of a $3.3 million payable at December 31, 2004 and a $7.5 million payable at December 31, 2003. The Company routinely receives from or pays to affiliates under the control of PLC reimbursements for expenses incurred on one another’s behalf. Receivables and payables among affiliates are generally settled monthly.

 

Protective and the Company entered into a guaranty agreement on October 27, 1993, whereby Protective guaranteed the payment of all insurance policy claims made by the holders or beneficiaries of any of the Company’s policies which were issued after the date of the guaranty agreement in accordance with the terms of said policies. Total liabilities for policies covered by this agreement were $108.8 million and $100.4 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Protective and the Company also entered into a guaranty agreement on December 31, 1995, whereby Protective guaranteed that the Company will perform all of the obligations of Protective pursuant to the terms and conditions of an indemnity coinsurance agreement between Protective and an unaffiliated life insurance company. Total liabilities related to this coinsurance agreement were $9.4 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Note 9 — OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

PLC, through its subsidiaries, operates several business segments each having a strategic focus. An operating segment is generally distinguished by products and/or channels of distribution. A brief description of each segment follows.

 

The Company became involved with PLC’s Life Marketing segment beginning in 2002. PLC’s Life Marketing segment markets level premium term and term-like insurance, universal life, variable universal life and “bank owned life insurance” (BOLI) products on a national basis primarily through networks of independent insurance agents and brokers, and in the BOLI market.

 

The Acquisitions segment focuses on acquiring, converting, and servicing policies acquired from other companies. The segment’s primary focus is on life insurance policies sold to individuals.

 

The Annuities segment manufactures, sells, and supports fixed annuity products. These products are primarily sold through stockbrokers, but are also sold through financial institutions and the Life Marketing segment’s sales force.

 

The Asset Protection segment markets extended service contracts and credit life and disability insurance to protect consumers’ investments in automobile and watercraft.

 

The Company has an additional segment herein referred to as Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment primarily consists of net investment income and expenses not attributable to the segments above (including net investment income on unallocated capital and interest on all debt).

 

The Company uses the same accounting policies and procedures to measure segment operating income and assets as it uses to measure its net income and assets. Segment operating income is generally income before income

 

 

24

 

 

tax, adjusted to exclude net realized investment gains and losses. Segment operating income represents the basis on which the performance of the Company’s business is assessed by management. Premiums and policy fees, other income, benefits and settlement expenses, and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs are attributed directly to each operating segment. Net investment income is allocated based on directly related assets required for transacting the business of that segment. Realized investment gains (losses) and other operating expenses are allocated to the segments in a manner which most appropriately reflects the operations of that segment.

 

Assets are allocated based on statutory policy liabilities and deferred policy acquisition costs directly attributable to each segment.

 

There are no significant intersegment transactions.

 

 

25

 

 

 

The following table sets forth segment operating income and assets for the periods shown. Asset adjustments represent the inclusion of assets related to discontinued operations.

 

 

Life

Marketing

Acquisitions

Asset

Protection

Annuities

Corporate

and Other

Adjustments

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

$ 6,890,124

$ 37,700,453

$ 16,805,378

$ 317,397

 

 

$ 61,713,352

Reinsurance ceded

(6,483,743)

(17,652,243)

(13,486,569)

 

 

 

(37,622,555)

Net of reinsurance ceded

406,381

20,048,210

3,318,809

317,397

 

 

24,090,797

Net investment income

23,957

28,894,424

502,922

3,814,727

$ 7,143,924

 

40,379,954

Realized investment gains

 

 

 

274,035

256,398

 

530,433

Other income

9,488

15

 

32,977

4,983

 

47,463

Total revenues

439,826

48,942,649

3,821,731

4,439,136

7,405,305

 

65,048,647

Benefits and settlement expenses

161,747

25,809,622

2,014,126

3,594,063

 

 

31,579,558

Amortization of deferred policy

acquisition costs

663,408

5,168,083

741,134

378,357

 

 

6,950,982

Other operating expenses

(1,242,284)

8,027,795

462,710

200,405

169,762

 

7,618,388

Total benefits and expenses

(417,129)

39,005,500

3,217,970

4,172,825

169,762

 

46,148,928

Income before income tax

856,955

9,937,149

603,761

266,311

7,235,543

 

18,899,719

Less: realized investment gains

 

 

 

274,035

256,398

 

 

Operating income (loss)

856,955

9,937,149

603,761

(7,724)

6,979,145

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

$6,647,870

6,647,870

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 12,251,849

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

$ 3,569,913

$ 39,619,941

$ 28,719,566

$ 286,547

 

 

$ 72,195,967

Reinsurance ceded

(3,351,825)

(18,675,274)

(25,270,120)

 

 

 

(47,297,219)

Net of reinsurance ceded

218,088

20,944,667

3,449,446

286,547

 

 

24,898,748

Net investment income

38,387

29,143,524

499,944

3,720,590

$ 7,893,041

 

41,295,486

Realized investment gains

 

 

 

262,490

3,084,819

 

3,347,309

Other income (loss)

 

(5,045)

 

24,909

136,631

 

156,495

Total revenues

256,475

50,083,146

3,949,390

4,294,536

11,114,491

 

69,698,038

Benefits and settlement expenses

(4,920)

24,672,248

2,374,123

3,734,802

 

 

30,776,253

Amortization of deferred policy

acquisition costs

335,099

6,461,913

778,226

315,107

 

 

7,890,345

Other operating expenses

(844,963)

8,258,319

157,789

171,779

59,445

 

7,802,369

Total benefits and expenses

(514,784)

39,392,480

3,310,138

4,221,688

59,445

 

46,468,967

Income before income tax

771,259

10,690,666

639,252

72,848

11,055,046

 

23,229,071

Less: realized investment gains

 

 

 

262,490

3,084,819

 

 

Operating income (loss)

771,259

10,690,666

639,252

(189,642)

7,970,227

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

$8,111,704

8,111,704

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 15,117,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees

$ 1,026,426

$ 43,313,961

$ 6,799,480

$ 153,530

 

 

$ 51,293,397

Reinsurance ceded

(883,972)

(19,505,909)

(3,344,520)

 

 

 

(23,734,401)

Net of reinsurance ceded

142,454

23,808,052

3,454,960

153,530

 

 

27,558,996

Net investment income

8,123

30,989,460

571,275

3,729,514

$    947,465

 

36,245,837

Realized investment gains

(losses)

 

 

 

79,719

(775,928)

 

(696,209)

Other income

 

5,072

 

6,015

 

 

11,087

Total revenues

150,577

54,802,584

4,026,235

3,968,778

171,537

 

63,119,711

Benefits and settlement expenses

186,800

27,513,318

2,087,070

3,511,858

 

 

33,299,046

Amortization of deferred policy

acquisition costs

76,132

7,225,750

669,620

667,681

 

 

8,639,183

Other operating expenses

(254,425)

8,330,634

(324,360)

246,104

(63,392)

 

7,934,561

Total benefits and expenses

8,507

43,069,702

2,432,330

4,425,643

(63,392)

 

49,872,790

Income before income tax

142,070

11,732,882

1,593,905

(456,865)

234,929

 

13,246,921

Less: realized investment gains

(losses)

 

 

 

79,719

(775,928)

 

 

Operating income (loss)

142,070

11,732,882

1,593,905

(536,584)

1,010,857

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

$4,622,272

4,622,272

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   8,624,649

 

 

26

 

 

 

Note 9 — OPERATING SEGMENTS (continued)

 

Operating Segment Assets

Life

Marketing

Acquisitions

Asset

Protection

Annuities

Corporate

and Other

Adjustments

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and other assets

$ 8,440,192

$558,422,751

$23,408,930

$59,057,983

$105,382,771

$120,175

$754,832,802

Deferred policy acquisition costs

4,094,472

85,663,856

1,258,756

2,090,306

 

 

93,107,390

Total assets

$12,534,664

$644,086,607

$24,667,686

$61,148,289

$105,382,771

$120,175

$847,940,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and other assets

$ 3,114,579

$580,346,285

$43,040,563

$57,121,591

$106,236,317

$122,046

$789,981,381

Deferred policy acquisition costs

2,114,680

89,265,855

1,495,557

2,292,570

 

 

95,168,662

Total assets

$ 5,229,259

$669,612,140

$44,536,120

$59,414,161

$106,236,317

$122,046

$885,150,043

 

 

Note 10 — REINSURANCE

 

The Company reinsures certain of its risks with, and assumes risks from, other insurers under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance agreements. Under yearly renewable term agreements, the Company generally pays specific premiums to the reinsurer and receives specific amounts from the reinsurer as reimbursement for certain expenses. Coinsurance agreements are accounted for by passing a portion of the risk to the reinsurer. Generally, the reinsurer receives a proportionate part of the premiums less commissions and is liable for a corresponding part of all benefit payments. Modified coinsurance is accounted for similarly to coinsurance except that the liability for future policy benefits is held by the original company, and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies. A substantial portion of the Company’s new life insurance and credit insurance sales is being reinsured. The Company regularly reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers.

 

The Company continues to monitor the consolidation of reinsurers and the concentration of credit risk the Company has with any reinsurer. At December 31, 2004, the Company had reinsured approximately 83.0% of the face value of its life insurance in force. Approximately 34% and 28% of the reinsurance receivable balances at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, relate to one unaffiliated insurance company rated “A+” (Superior) by the A. M. Best Company, an independent rating organization. Another $16.0 million or 37% and $34.7 million or 57% of the reinsurance receivable balances at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively relates to Protective.

 

The Company has reinsured approximately $7.8 billion, $7.0 billion, and $6.6 billion in face amount of life insurance risks with other insurers representing $30.9 million, $50.1 million, and $23.0 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 respectively. The Company has also reinsured accident and health risks representing $6.7 million, $(2.8) million, and $0.8 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In 2004 and 2003, policy and claim reserves relating to insurance ceded of $43.4 million and $61.2 million respectively are included in reinsurance receivables. Should any of the reinsurers be unable to meet its obligation at the time of the claim, obligation to pay such claim would remain with the Company. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had paid $2.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of ceded benefits which are recoverable from reinsurers.

 

The Company has assumed approximately $5.4 billion, $6.1 billion, and $7.2 billion in face amount of life insurance risks from other insurers representing $43.6 million, $66.0 million, and $42.2 million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 respectively. The Company has also assumed accident and health risks representing $6.7 million, $(3.4) million, and $(0.4) million of premium income for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

27

 

 

 

Note 11 — ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Carrying

Amounts

Fair Values

 

Carrying

Amounts

Fair Values

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets (see Notes 1 and 3):

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

$625,095,231

$625,095,231

 

$636,460,275

$636,460,275

Mortgage loans on real estate

1,177,521

1,197,430

 

1,393,720

1,428,543

Short-term investments

10

10

 

1,200,413

1,200,413

Cash

10,337,198

10,337,198

 

13,052,781

13,052,781

Liabilities (see Note 1):

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity account balances

59,989,579

64,292,109

 

57,894,232

62,162,330

 

 

Except as noted below, fair values were estimated using quoted market prices.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its mortgage loans using discounted cash flows from the next call date.

 

The Company believes the fair value of short-term investments approximates their book value due to their short-term nature.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of its annuities using surrender values.

 

The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the fair value of its policy loans since there is no stated maturity, and policy loans are often repaid by reductions to policy benefits.

 

28

 

 

 

SCHEDULE III — SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

 

COL. A

COL. B

COL. C

COL. D

COL. E

COL. F

COL. G

COL. H

COL. I

COL. J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment

Deferred

Policy

Acquisition

Costs

Future

Policy

Benefits

and Claims

Unearned

Premiums

Annuity

Account

Balances and

Other

Policyholders’

Funds

Net

Premiums

And

Policy Fees

Net

Investment

Income (1)

Benefits

And

Settlement

Expenses

Amortization

of Deferred

Policy

Acquisition

Costs

Other

Operating

Expenses (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

$    4,094,472

$    8,430,315

$             0

$       9,877

$    406,381

$      23,957

$    161,747

$  663,408

$(1,242,284)

Acquisitions

85,663,856

461,191,023

37,043

5,009,487

20,048,210

28,894,424

25,809,622

5,168,083

8,027,795

Asset Protection

1,258,756

15,326,387

7,476,912

605,631

3,318,809

502,922

2,014,126

741,134

462,710

Annuities

2,090,306

1,927,672

0

57,130,311

317,397

3,814,727

3,594,063

378,357

200,405

Corporate and Other

0

0

0

0

0

7,143,924

0

0

169,762

Adjustments(2)

0

120,176

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

TOTAL

$ 93,107,390

$486,995,573

$ 7,513,955

$62,755,306

$24,090,797

$40,379,954

$31,579,558

$6,950,982

$ 7,618,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

$    2,114,680

$    3,110,738

$              0

$       3,841

$    218,088

$      38,387

$      (4,920)

$   335,099

$  (844,963)

Acquisitions

89,265,855

462,928,399

39,188

4,931,676

20,944,667

29,143,524

24,672,248

6,461,913

8,258,319

Asset Protection

1,495,557

28,646,283

13,784,829

609,451

3,449,446

499,944

2,374,123

778,226

157,789

Annuities

2,292,570

2,077,258

0

55,044,334

286,547

3,720,590

3,734,802

315,107

171,779

Corporate and Other

0

0

0

0

0

7,893,041

0

0

59,445

Adjustments(2)

0

122,046

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

TOTAL

$ 95,168,662

$496,884,724

$13,824,017

$60,589,302

$24,898,748

$41,295,486

$30,776,253

$7,890,345

$ 7,802,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Marketing

$      583,131

$      689,662

$              0

$              0

$    142,454

$        8,123

$    186,800

$    76,132

$  (254,425)

Acquisitions

100,007,935

460,211,404

43,965

4,841,464

23,808,052

30,989,460

27,513,318

7,225,750

8,330,634

Asset Protection

1,607,207

54,415,603

26,305,063

614,369

3,454,960

571,275

2,087,070

669,620

(324,360)

Annuities

2,581,309

1,962,360

0

57,272,062

153,530

3,729,514

3,511,858

667,681

246,104

Corporate and Other

0

0

0

0

0

947,465

0

0

(63,392)

Adjustments(2)

0

345,835

0

3,377,253

0

0

0

0

0

TOTAL

$104,779,582

$517,624,864

$26,349,028

$66,105,148

$27,558,996

$36,245,837

$33,299,046

$8,639,183

$ 7,934,561

(1)     Allocations of net investment income and other operating expenses are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and results would change if different methods were applied.

(2)     Adjustments represent the inclusion of assets related to discontinued operations.

 

29

 

 

 

SCHEDULE IV — REINSURANCE

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

COL. A

COL. B

COL. C

COL. D

COL. E

COL. F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Amount

Ceded to

Other

Companies

Assumed

from Other

Companies

Net

Amount

Percentage

of Amount

Assumed

to Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in force (1)

$ 4,016,805

$ 7,805,845

$ 5,387,174

$ 1,598,134

337.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

$ 9,654,242

$30,940,183

$43,639,087

$22,353,146

195.2%

Accident and health insurance

1,760,110

6,682,372

6,659,913

1,737,651

383.3

TOTAL

$11,414,352

$37,622,555

$50,299,000

$24,090,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in force (1)

$ 2,448,523

$ 7,022,711

$ 6,147,583

$ 1,573,395

390.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

$ 7,116,906

$50,146,129

$66,002,444

$22,973,221

287.3%

Accident and health insurance

2,513,551

(2,848,910)

(3,436,934)

1,925,527

-

TOTAL

$ 9,630,457

$47,297,219

$62,565,510

$24,898,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance in force (1)

$ 1,045,749

$ 6,646,105

$ 7,207,124

$ 1,606,768

448.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and policy fees:

 

 

 

 

 

Life insurance

$ 6,379,102

$22,962,666

$42,221,864

$25,638,300

164.7%

Accident and health insurance

3,131,323

771,735

(438,892)

1,920,696

-

TOTAL

$ 9,510,425

$23,734,401

$41,782,972

$27,558,996

 

 

(1)     Dollars in thousands

 

 

30

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

(a)

Disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the direction of our President (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2004. It should be noted that any system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain judgments, including the costs and benefits of controls and the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

(b)

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

No significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting. Our internal controls exist within a dynamic environment and the Company continually strives to improve its internal controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

 

None

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c).

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c).

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Share Owner Matters

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c).

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Not required in accordance with General Instruction I(2)(c).

 

 

31

 

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table shows the aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for 2004 and 2003 with respect to various services provided to PLC and its subsidiaries.

 

 

2004

2003

Audit

$3.6 Million

$1.8 Million

Audit Related

0.2 Million

0.1 Million

Tax

0.5 Million

1.3 Million

All Other

0.0 Million

0.0 Million

Total

$4.3 Million

$3.2 Million

 

 

Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of PLC, including the attestation report on management’s assessment of PLC’s internal control over financial reporting, statutory audits of subsidiaries, issuance of comfort letters, consents, and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities.

 

Audit-Related fees were for assurance and related services related to employee benefit plan audits, due diligence and accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, internal control reviews, attest services that are not required by statute or regulation, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

 

Tax fees were for services related to tax compliance (including the preparation of tax returns and claims for refund), tax planning and tax advice, including assistance with tax audits and appeals, advice related to acquisitions, tax services for employee benefit plans, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities.

 

All Other fees include fees that are appropriately not included in the Audit, Audit Related, and Tax categories.

 

The engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to render audit and non-audit services for PLC and its subsidiaries for the period ended March 2006 was approved by the Audit Committee of PLC’s Board of Directors on March 7, 2005. The Audit Committee's policy is to pre-approve, generally for a twelve-month period, the audit, audit-related, tax and other services provided by the independent accountants. Under the pre-approval process, the Committee reviews and approves specific services and categories of services and the maximum aggregate fee for each service or service category. Performance of any additional services or categories of services, or of services that would result in fees in excess of the established maximum, requires the separate pre-approval of the Committee or a member of the Committee who has been delegated pre-approval authority.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

1.

Financial Statements (Item 8)

 

2.

Financial Statement Schedules (see index annexed)

 

 

32

 

 

 

3.

Exhibits:

 

The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index on page 35 of this Form 10-K are filed herewith or are incorporated herein by reference. No management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement is required to be filed as an exhibit to this form. The Registrant will furnish a copy of any of the exhibits listed upon the payment of $5.00 per exhibit to cover the cost of the Registrant in furnishing the exhibit.

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

PROTECTIVE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

 

By: /s/ WAYNE E. STUENKEL

President

March 30, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

Title

Date

 

(i)

Principal Executive Officer

 

 

/s/

WAYNE E. STUENKEL

President

 

 

Wayne E. Stuenkel

March 30, 2005

(ii)

Principal Financial Officer

 

 

/s/

ALLEN W. RITCHIE

Chief Financial Officer, Executive

 

 

Allen W. Ritchie

Vice President and Director

March 30, 2005

 

(iii)

Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

/s/

STEVEN G. WALKER

Senior Vice President, Controller

 

 

Steven G. Walker

and Chief Accounting Officer

March 30, 2005

(iv)

Board of Directors:

 

 

*

Director

March 30, 2005

John D. Johns

 

*

Director

March 30, 2005

Richard J. Bielen

 

*

Director

March 30, 2005

R. Stephen Briggs

 

*

Director

March 30, 2005

Deborah J. Long

 

*

Director

March 30, 2005

Allen W. Ritchie

 

 

*By: /s/

STEVEN G. WALKER

Steven G. Walker

Attorney-in-fact

 

 

33

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Item

Number

Document

 

 

*

3 (a) (1)

1998 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

 

 

*

3 (a) (2)

Articles of Amendment to 1998 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

 

*****

3(b)

Amended and Restated Bylaws Effective August 1, 2000

 

 

**

4(a)

Tax-Sheltered Annuity Endorsement

 

 

**

4(b)

Qualified Retirement Plan Endorsement

 

 

**

4(c)

Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement

 

 

***

4(d)

Group Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract

 

 

***

4(e)

Application for Group Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contract

 

 

***

4(f)

Individual Modified Guaranteed Annuity Certificate

 

 

****

10(a)

Guaranty Agreement from Protective Life Insurance Company

 

 

****

10(a) (1)

Amendment to Guaranty Agreement from Protective Life Insurance Company

 

******

10(b)

Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement By and Between Protective Life &

 

Annuity Insurance Company and First Fortis Life Insurance Company dated December 31, 2001

24

Power of Attorney

 

31(a)

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31(b)

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32(a)

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

 

32(b)

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

99

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

 

*

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

 

**

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-4 Registration Statement, Registration No. 333-41577, filed on December 5, 1997.

 

***

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, Registration No. 333-42425, filed on April 16, 1998.

 

****

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.

 

*****

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

******

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

 

34