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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
[ X ] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number: 001-31792
Conseco, Inc.
Delaware No. 75-3108137
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State of Incorporation IRS Employer Identification No.
11825 N. Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032 (317) 817-6100
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Address of principal executive offices Telephone
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Series A Warrants
Class B Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
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 check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ X ] No [ ]
At June 30, 2004, the last business day of the Registrant's most recently
completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Registrant's
common equity held by nonaffiliates was approximately $2,996,722,000.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 7, 2005: 151,057,863
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PART I
Item 1. Business of Conseco. 3
Item 2. Properties. 19
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. 20
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters. 21
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data. 22
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated
Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 23
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 79
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 80
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants and
Financial Disclosure. 162
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 162
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. 163
Item 11. Executive Compensation 167
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 174
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 175
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. 176
2
PART I
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS OF CONSECO.
Conseco, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CNO"), is the holding company for a
group of insurance companies operating throughout the United States that
develop, market and administer supplemental health insurance, annuity,
individual life insurance and other insurance products. CNO became the successor
to Conseco, Inc., an Indiana corporation ("Old Conseco"), in connection with our
bankruptcy reorganization. The terms "Conseco," the "Company," "we," "us," and
"our" as used in this report refer to CNO and its subsidiaries and, unless the
context requires otherwise, Old Conseco and its subsidiaries.
We focus on serving the senior and middle-income markets, which we believe
are attractive, high growth markets. We sell our products through three
distribution channels: career agents, professional independent producers (some
of whom sell one or more of our product lines exclusively) and direct marketing.
As of December 31, 2004, we had shareholders' equity of $3.9 billion and assets
of $30.8 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we had revenues of $4.3
billion and net income of $294.8 million.
We conduct our business operations through two primary operating segments,
which are defined on the basis of product distribution, and a third segment
comprised of businesses in run-off as follows:
o Bankers Life, which consists of the businesses of Bankers Life and
Casualty Company ("Bankers Life and Casualty") and Colonial Penn Life
Insurance Company ("Colonial Penn"). Bankers Life and Casualty markets
and distributes Medicare supplement insurance, life insurance,
long-term care insurance and annuities to the senior market through
approximately 4,600 exclusive career agents and sales managers.
Colonial Penn markets graded benefit and simplified issue life
insurance directly to consumers through television advertising, direct
mail, the internet and telemarketing. Both Bankers Life and Casualty
and Colonial Penn market their products under their own brand names.
o Conseco Insurance Group, which markets and distributes specified
disease insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and certain life and
annuity products to the senior and middle-income markets through over
450 independent marketing organizations ("IMOs") that represent over
6,200 producing independent agents. This segment markets its products
under the "Conseco" brand.
o Other Business in Run-off, which includes blocks of business that we
no longer market or underwrite and are managed separately from our
other businesses. This segment consists of long-term care insurance
sold through independent agents and major medical insurance.
We also have a corporate segment, which consists of holding company
activities and certain noninsurance company businesses. See the note to the
consolidated financial statement entitled "Business Segments".
OUR EMERGENCE FROM BANKRUPTCY
On December 17, 2002 (the "Petition Date"), Old Conseco and certain of its
non-insurance company subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy
Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of
Illinois, Eastern Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"). We emerged from bankruptcy
protection under the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"),
which was confirmed pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 9,
2003 (the "Confirmation Date"), and became effective on September 10, 2003 (the
"Effective Date"). Upon the confirmation of the Plan, we implemented fresh start
accounting in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7 "Financial Reporting by
Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" ("SOP 90-7"). References
to "Predecessor" refer to Old Conseco prior to August 31, 2003. References to
"Successor" refer to the Company on and after August 31, 2003, after the effects
of fresh start reporting. Our accounting and actuarial systems and procedures
are designed to produce financial information as of the end of a month.
Accordingly, for accounting convenience purposes, we applied the effects of
fresh start accounting on August 31, 2003. The activity of the Company for the
period from September 1, 2003 through September 10, 2003 was therefore included
in the Successor's statement of operations and excluded from the Predecessor's
statement of operations.
OTHER INFORMATION
As part of our Chapter 11 reorganization, we sold substantially all of the
assets of our Predecessor's finance business
3
and exited this line of business. Our finance business was conducted through our
Predecessor's indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Conseco Finance Corp. ("CFC").
We accounted for our finance business as a discontinued operation in 2002 once
we formalized our plans to sell it. On April 1, 2003, CFC and 22 of its direct
and indirect subsidiaries, which collectively comprised substantially all of our
finance business, filed liquidating plans of reorganization with the Bankruptcy
Court in order to facilitate the sale of this business. The sale of the finance
business was completed in the second quarter of 2003. We did not receive any
proceeds from this sale for our interest in CFC, nor did any creditors of our
Predecessor. As of March 31, 2003, we ceased to include the assets and
liabilities of CFC on our Predecessor's consolidated balance sheet.
During the third quarter of 2002, Conseco entered into an agreement to sell
Conseco Variable Insurance Company ("CVIC"), one of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries and the primary writer of its variable annuity products. The sale
was completed in October 2002. The operating results of CVIC have been reported
as a discontinued operation in all periods presented in the consolidated
statement of operations included in this Form 10-K. See the note to the
consolidated financial statements entitled "Financial Information Regarding
CVIC." Unless otherwise noted, the collected premium information provided in
Item 1 excludes amounts related to the business of CVIC that was sold.
During 2001, we stopped renewing a large portion of our major medical lines
of business. These lines of business are included in our Other Business in
Run-off Segment.
CNO is the Successor to Old Conseco. We emerged from bankruptcy on the
Effective Date. Old Conseco was organized in 1979 as an Indiana corporation and
commenced operations in 1982. Our executive offices are located at 11825 N.
Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032, and our telephone number is (317)
817-6100. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act are available
free of charge on our website at www.conseco.com as soon as reasonably
practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These filings are also available
on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public may read and copy
any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at 450 Fifth
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
In October 2004, we filed with the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") the
Annual CEO Certification regarding the Company's compliance with the NYSE's
Corporate Governance listing standards as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the
New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual. In addition, we have filed as
exhibits to this 2004 Form 10-K the applicable certifications of the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the Company's public disclosures.
Data in Item 1 are provided as of or for the year ended December 31, 2004,
(as the context implies), unless otherwise indicated.
OUR GOALS FOR 2005
Our fundamental goal for 2005 is to strengthen and improve our execution on
the basics of our business by:
o Increasing emphasis on sales and revenue growth.
- We intend to increase our distribution of products where we can
compete profitably today and which will serve as the foundation
for a family of products and distribution upon which we can
continue to build in the future.
o Further reducing operating expenses and improving efficiency of our
operations across all business functions by consolidating and
streamlining our back office and technology systems to reduce
complexity, lower costs and improve customer and agent service.
- We are implementing changes in an effort to achieve a
best-in-class operating platform that is low-cost,
customer-friendly and highly scalable. Our goal is to attain a
superior level of back office efficiency that can handle
additional premium without sacrificing quality or service. In
technology, we are consolidating and simplifying our data
processing and management systems in order to provide fast,
real-time access to our distribution partners and home office
management, reduce unnecessary costs, and eliminate impediments
to scale. We are also working to reduce expenses by aggressively
eliminating non-strategic costs and rationalizing organizational
redundancies.
4
o Continuing to build best practices in governance and compliance.
- We are leveraging the resources we have invested in
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and the strong governance practices we
have put in place by applying those best practices across our
organization.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
Insurance
Our insurance subsidiaries develop, market and administer supplemental
health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance and other insurance
products. We sell these products through three primary distribution channels:
career agents, professional independent producers (many of whom sell one or more
of our product lines exclusively) and direct marketing. We had premium and asset
accumulation product collections of $3.9 billion in 2004, $1.3 billion in the
four months ended December 31, 2003 and $2.9 billion in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003.
Our insurance subsidiaries collectively hold licenses to market our
insurance products in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and certain
protectorates of the United States. Sales to residents of the following states
accounted for at least 5 percent of our 2004 collected premiums: Florida (8.4
percent), California (6.9 percent), Texas (6.5 percent) and Illinois (5.1
percent).
We believe that most purchases of life insurance, accident and health
insurance and annuity products occur only after individuals are contacted and
solicited by an insurance agent. Accordingly, the success of our distribution
system is largely dependent on our ability to attract and retain experienced and
highly motivated agents. A description of our primary distribution channels is
as follows:
Career Agents. This agency force, which approximates 4,600 agents and sales
managers working from 158 branch offices, establishes one-on-one contact with
potential policyholders and promotes strong personal relationships with existing
policyholders. The career agents sell primarily Medicare supplement and
long-term care insurance policies, senior life insurance and annuities. In 2004,
this distribution channel accounted for $2,243.2 million, or 58 percent, of our
total collected premiums. These agents sell only Bankers Life and Casualty
policies and typically visit the prospective policyholder's home to conduct
personalized "kitchen-table" sales presentations. After the sale of an insurance
policy, the agent serves as a contact person for policyholder questions, claims
assistance and additional insurance needs.
Professional Independent Producers. Professional independent producers are
a diverse network of independent agents, insurance brokers and marketing
organizations. The general agency and insurance brokerage distribution system is
comprised of independent licensed agents doing business in all fifty states, the
District of Columbia, and certain protectorates of the United States. In 2004,
this distribution channel in our Conseco Insurance Group segment, collected
$923.6 million, or 24 percent, of our total premiums, and in our Other Business
in Run-off segment, collected $395.9 million, or 10 percent, of Conseco's total
collected premiums.
Marketing organizations typically recruit agents for the Conseco Insurance
Group segment by advertising our products and commission structure through
direct mail advertising or through seminars for agents and brokers. These
organizations bear most of the costs incurred in marketing our products. We
compensate the marketing organizations by paying them a percentage of the
commissions earned on new sales generated by agents recruited by such
organizations. Certain of these marketing organizations are specialty
organizations that have a marketing expertise or a distribution system related
to a particular product or market, such as educators. During 1999 and 2000, the
Conseco Insurance Group segment purchased four organizations that specialize in
marketing and distributing supplemental health products. One of these
organizations (which specialized in the sale of long-term care insurance through
independent agents) was sold in September 2003. In 2004, the remaining three
organizations accounted for $242.0 million, or 6.2 percent, of our total
collected premiums.
During the second quarter of 2003, we decided to emphasize the sale of
specified disease and Medicare supplement insurance policies through this
distribution channel. We also decided to de-emphasize annuity and life insurance
sales until such time as we achieve an "A" rating category from A.M. Best
Company ("A.M. Best") and eliminate long-term care insurance sales through this
channel of distribution. During 2005, we expect to increase our annuity sales
efforts and continue to emphasize the sales of specified disease and Medicare
supplement insurance products.
Direct Marketing. This distribution channel is engaged primarily in the
sale of graded benefit life insurance policies. In 2004, this channel accounted
for $76.7 million, or 2 percent, of our total collected premiums.
5
Products
The premium collection tables presented on pages 5, 6, 8 and 10 combine the
2003 premium collections of the Predecessor (for the eight months ended August
31, 2003) with the premium collections of the Successor (for the four months
ended December 31, 2003). This combining facilitates comparison of premium
collections which were not affected by fresh start accounting. Please refer to
"Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Premium and Asset Accumulation Product
Collections" for a summary of 2003 premium collections by the Predecessor and
Successor.
The following table summarizes premium collections by major category and
segment for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (dollars in
millions):
Total premium collections
Years ended
December 31,
------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
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Supplemental health:
Bankers Life............................................................ $1,188.5 $1,167.5 $1,159.4
Conseco Insurance Group................................................. 729.6 797.3 830.3
Other Business in Run-off............................................... 395.9 598.3 844.0
-------- -------- --------
Total supplemental health........................................... 2,314.0 2,563.1 2,833.7
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Annuities:
Bankers Life........................................................... 950.5 952.2 740.9
Conseco Insurance Group................................................. 63.7 92.1 351.9
-------- -------- --------
Total annuities..................................................... 1,014.2 1,044.3 1,092.8
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Life:
Bankers Life............................................................ 180.9 161.3 139.0
Conseco Insurance Group................................................. 372.3 412.2 498.0
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Total life........................................................... 553.2 573.5 637.0
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Total premium collections ................................................ $3,881.4 $4,180.9 $4,563.5
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6
Our insurance companies offer the following products:
Supplemental Health
Supplemental Health Premium Collections (dollars in millions)
Years ended
December 31,
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
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Medicare supplement:
Bankers Life................................................................. $ 640.0 $ 644.7 $ 663.9
Conseco Insurance Group...................................................... 351.7 384.6 369.9
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Total..................................................................... 991.7 1,029.3 1,033.8
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Long-term care:
Bankers Life ................................................................ 536.3 509.4 482.9
Conseco Insurance Group(a) .................................................. N/A N/A N/A
Other Business in Run-off ................................................... 380.1 402.6 434.5
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Total..................................................................... 916.4 912.0 917.4
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Specified disease products from
Conseco Insurance Group..................................................... 361.7 355.1 368.6
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Major medical business included in Other Business in
Run-off...................................................................... 15.8 195.7 409.5
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Other
Bankers Life ................................................................ 12.2 13.4 12.6
Conseco Insurance Group...................................................... 16.2 57.6 91.8
-------- -------- --------
Total..................................................................... 28.4 71.0 104.4
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Total -- supplemental health..................................................... $2,314.0 $2,563.1 $2,833.7
======== ======== ========
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(a) We have ceased writing long-term care and all major medical insurance
through Conseco Insurance Group. Accordingly, we classify the
associated collected premiums in "Other Business in Run-off."
The following describes our major supplemental health products:
Medicare Supplement. Medicare supplement collected premiums were $991.7
million during 2004 or 26 percent of our total collected premiums. Medicare is a
two-part federal health insurance program for disabled persons and senior
citizens (age 65 and older). Part A of the program provides protection against
the costs of hospitalization and related hospital and skilled nursing home care,
subject to an initial deductible, related coinsurance amounts and specified
maximum benefit levels. The deductible and coinsurance amounts are subject to
change each year by the federal government. Part B of Medicare covers doctor's
bills and a number of other medical costs not covered by Part A, subject to
deductible and coinsurance amounts for "approved" charges.
Medicare supplement policies provide coverage for many of the medical
expenses which the Medicare program does not cover, such as deductibles,
coinsurance costs (in which the insured and Medicare share the costs of medical
expenses) and specified losses which exceed the federal program's maximum
benefits. Our Medicare supplement plans automatically adjust coverage to reflect
changes in Medicare benefits. In marketing these products, we currently
concentrate on individuals who have recently become eligible for Medicare by
reaching the age of 65. We offer higher commissions in the early years to agents
for sales to these policyholders and competitive premium pricing for our
policyholders. Approximately 44 percent of new sales of Medicare supplement
policies in 2004 were to individuals who had recently reached the age of 65.
7
Both Bankers Life and Conseco Insurance Group sell Medicare supplement
insurance.
Long-Term Care. Long-term care collected premiums were $916.4 million
during 2004, or 24 percent of our total collected premiums. Long-term care
products provide coverage, within prescribed limits, for nursing homes, home
healthcare, or a combination of both. The long-term care plans are sold
primarily to retirees and, to a lesser degree, to older self-employed
individuals and others in middle-income levels.
Current nursing home care policies cover incurred and daily fixed-dollar
benefits with an elimination period (which, similar to a deductible, requires
the insured to pay for a certain number of days of nursing home care before the
insurance coverage begins), subject to a maximum benefit. Home healthcare
policies cover the usual and customary charges after a deductible or elimination
period and are subject to a daily or weekly maximum dollar amount, and an
overall benefit maximum. We monitor the loss experience on our long-term care
products and, when necessary, apply for rate increases in the jurisdictions in
which we sell such products. Regulatory approval is required to increase our
premiums on these products.
The long-term care insurance blocks of business sold through the
professional independent producer distribution channel were largely underwritten
by certain of our subsidiaries prior to their acquisitions by Conseco in 1996
and 1997. The performance of these blocks of business did not meet the
expectations we had when the blocks were acquired. As a result, we ceased
selling new long-term care policies through this distribution channel.
We continue to sell long-term care insurance through the career agent
distribution channel. The long-term care business sold through Bankers Life's
career agents is underwritten using stricter underwriting and pricing standards
than our acquired blocks of long-term care business included in the Other
Business in Run-off segment.
Specified Disease Products. Specified disease collected premiums were
$361.7 million during 2004, or 9 percent of our total collected premiums. These
policies generally provide fixed or limited benefits. Cancer insurance and
heart/stroke products are guaranteed renewable individual accident and health
insurance policies. Payments under cancer insurance policies are generally made
directly to, or at the direction of, the policyholder following diagnosis of, or
treatment for, a covered type of cancer. Heart/stroke policies provide for
payments directly to the policyholder for treatment of a covered heart disease,
heart attack or stroke. The benefits provided under the specified disease
policies do not necessarily reflect the actual cost incurred by the insured as a
result of the illness, and benefits are not reduced by any other medical
insurance payments made to or on behalf of the insured.
Approximately 77 percent of the total number of our specified disease
policies inforce were sold with return of premium or cash value riders. The
return of premium rider generally provides that, after a policy has been in
force for a specified number of years or upon the policyholder reaching a
specified age, we will pay to the policyholder, or a beneficiary under the
policy, the aggregate amount of all premiums paid under the policy, without
interest, less the aggregate amount of all claims incurred under the policy. The
cash value rider is similar to the return of premium rider, but also provides
for payment of a graded portion of the return of premium benefit if the policy
terminates before the return of premium benefit is earned.
Major Medical. Our major medical business is included in our Other Business
in Run-off segment. Sales of our major medical health insurance products were
targeted to self-employed individuals, small business owners, large employers
and early retirees. Various deductible and coinsurance options were available,
and most policies require certain utilization review procedures. The
profitability of this business depended largely on the overall persistency of
the business inforce, claim experience and expense management. During 2001, we
decided to discontinue a large block of major medical business by not renewing
these policies because this business was not profitable. During 2004, we
collected major medical premiums of $15.8 million.
8
Other Supplemental Health Products. Other supplemental health product
collected premiums were $28.4 million during 2004, or 1 percent of our total
collected premiums. These products include various other products such as
disability income insurance. We no longer actively market these products.
Annuities
Annuity premium collections (dollars in millions)
Years ended
December 31,
--------------------------
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
Equity-indexed annuity
Bankers Life ............................................................ $ 47.5 $ 15.1 $ 30.4
Conseco Insurance Group.................................................. 44.3 54.3 189.7
-------- -------- --------
Total equity-indexed annuity premium collections ..................... 91.8 69.4 220.1
-------- -------- --------
Other fixed annuity
Bankers Life ............................................................ 903.0 937.1 710.5
Conseco Insurance Group.................................................. 19.4 37.8 162.2
-------- -------- --------
Total fixed annuity premium collections .............................. 922.4 974.9 872.7
-------- -------- --------
Total annuity collections................................................... $1,014.2 $1,044.3 $1,092.8
======== ======== ========
During 2004, we collected annuity premiums of $1,014.2 million or 26
percent of our total premiums collected. Annuity products include equity-indexed
annuity, traditional fixed rate annuity and market value-adjusted annuity
products sold through both Bankers Life and Conseco Insurance Group. Annuities
offer a tax-deferred means of accumulating savings for retirement needs, and
provide a tax-efficient source of income in the payout period. Our major source
of income from annuities is the spread between the investment income earned on
the underlying general account assets and the interest credited to
contractholders' accounts.
Sales of many of our annuity products have been affected by the financial
strength ratings assigned to our insurance subsidiaries by independent rating
agencies. Many of our professional independent agents discontinued marketing our
annuity products after A.M. Best lowered the financial strength ratings assigned
to our insurance subsidiaries in 2002. In addition, the annuity business we were
selling through this distribution channel required more statutory capital and
surplus than our other insurance products. Accordingly, we took actions in our
Conseco Insurance Group segment to de-emphasize new sales of annuity products
sold through professional independent producers. Instead, we focused on the sale
of products that are less ratings sensitive and capital intensive. In 2005, we
expect to increase our annuity sales efforts in this segment. Career agents
selling annuity products in the Bankers Life segment are less sensitive in the
near-term to A.M. Best ratings, since these agents only sell our products.
Accordingly, in 2005, we plan to increase our sales efforts of annuities through
Bankers Life. In order to maintain Bankers Life's career agency distribution
force during the bankruptcy process, we provided certain sales inducements to
purchasers of annuities and sales incentives to our career agents.
The following describes the major annuity products:
Equity-Indexed Annuities. These products accounted for $91.8 million, or 2
percent, of our total premium collections during 2004. The account value (or
"accumulation value") of these annuities is credited with interest at an annual
minimum guaranteed average rate over the term of the contract of 3 percent (or,
including the effect of applicable sales loads, a 1.7 percent compound average
interest rate over the term of the contracts), but the annuities have
potentially higher returns based on a percentage (the "participation rate") of
the change in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500 Index") during each year
of their term. We have the discretionary ability to annually change the
participation rate, which ranged from 50 percent to 90 percent in 2004, and we
may include a first-year "bonus" participation rate, similar to the bonus
interest described below for traditional fixed rate annuity products, which
generally ranges from 10 percent to 30 percent. The minimum guaranteed values
are equal to:
o 90 percent of premiums collected for annuities for which premiums are
received in a single payment (single-premium deferred annuities, or
"SPDAs"), or either: (i) 75 percent of first year and 87.5 percent of
renewal premiums collected; or (ii) 87.5 percent of all premium
collections for annuities which allow for more than one payment
(flexible premium deferred annuities, or "FPDAs"); plus
9
o interest credited on such percentage of the premiums collected at an
annual rate of 3 percent.
The annuity provides for penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10 percent of
premiums in each year after the first year of the annuity's term. Other
withdrawals from SPDA products are generally subject to a surrender charge of 9
percent over the eight year contract term at the end of which the contract must
be renewed or withdrawn. Other withdrawals from FPDA products are subject to a
surrender charge of 12 percent to 20 percent in the first year, declining 1.2
percent to 1.3 percent each year, to zero over a 10 to 15 year period, depending
on issue age. We purchase S&P 500 Index Call Options ("S&P 500 Call Options") in
an effort to offset, or "hedge," potential increases to policyholder benefits
resulting from increases in the S&P 500 Index to which the product's return is
linked.
Other Fixed Rate Annuities. These products include fixed rate SPDAs, FPDAs
and single-premium immediate annuities ("SPIAs"). These products accounted for
$922.4 million, or 24 percent, of our total premium collections during 2004. Our
fixed rate SPDAs and FPDAs typically have an interest rate (the "crediting
rate") that is guaranteed by the Company for the first policy year, after which
we have the discretionary ability to change the crediting rate to any rate not
below a guaranteed minimum rate. The guaranteed rates on annuities written
recently range from 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent, and the rates, on all policies
inforce range from 2.0 percent to 6.0 percent. The initial crediting rate is
largely a function of:
o the interest rate we can earn on invested assets acquired with the new
annuity fund deposits;
o the costs related to marketing and maintaining the annuity products;
and
o the rates offered on similar products by our competitors.
For subsequent adjustments to crediting rates, we take into account current and
prospective yields on investments, annuity surrender assumptions, competitive
industry pricing and the crediting rate history for particular groups of annuity
policies with similar characteristics.
In 2004, substantially all of our new annuity sales were "bonus" products.
The initial crediting rate on these products specifies a bonus crediting rate
generally ranging from 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent of the annuity deposit for the
first policy year only. After the first year, the bonus interest portion of the
initial crediting rate is automatically discontinued, and the renewal crediting
rate is established. As of December 31, 2004, the average crediting rate,
excluding bonuses, on our outstanding traditional annuities was 3.9 percent.
The policyholder is typically permitted to withdraw all or part of the
premiums paid plus the accumulated interest credited to his or her accumulation
value, subject to a surrender charge for withdrawals in excess of specified
limits. Most of our traditional annuities allow for penalty-free withdrawals of
up to 10 percent of the accumulation value each year, subject to limitations.
Withdrawals in excess of the penalty-free amounts are assessed a surrender
charge during a penalty period which generally ranges from five to 12 years
after the date a policy is issued. The initial surrender charge generally ranges
from 6 percent to 12 percent of the accumulation value and generally decreases
by approximately 1 to 2 percentage points per year during the penalty period.
Surrender charges are set at levels intended to protect us from loss on early
terminations and to reduce the likelihood that policyholders will terminate
their policies during periods of increasing interest rates. This practice is
intended to lengthen the duration of policy liabilities and to enable us to
maintain profitability on such policies.
SPIAs accounted for $32.9 million, or .9 percent, of our total premiums
collected in 2004. SPIAs are designed to provide a series of periodic payments
for a fixed period of time or for life, according to the policyholder's choice
at the time of issuance. Once the payments begin, the amount, frequency and
length of time over which they are payable are fixed. SPIAs often are purchased
by persons at or near retirement age who desire a steady stream of payments over
a future period of years. The single premium is often the payout from a
terminated annuity contract. The implicit interest rate on SPIAs is based on
market conditions when the policy is issued. The implicit interest rate on our
outstanding SPIAs averaged 6.6 percent at December 31, 2004.
We also offered a multibucket annuity product which provides for different
rates of cash value growth based on the experience of a particular market
strategy. Earnings are credited to this product based on the market activity of
a given strategy, less management fees, and funds may be moved between cash
value strategies. Portfolios available include high-yield bond, investment-grade
bond, convertible bond and guaranteed-rate portfolios. During 2004, this product
accounted for $.6 million of our total premiums collected. Sales of this product
were discontinued in 2003.
In October 2002, we sold Conseco Variable Insurance Company, a company
engaged in the variable annuity business. In connection with that sale, we
agreed with the buyer not to engage in the variable annuity business for a
period of three years. We no longer offer variable annuity products.
10
Life Insurance
Life insurance premium collections (dollars in millions)
Years ended
December 31,
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
Interest-sensitive life products
Bankers Life............................................................... $ 35.0 $ 34.2 $ 34.2
Conseco Insurance Group.................................................... 225.6 266.5 339.1
------ ------ ------
Total interest-sensitive life premium collections....................... 260.6 300.7 373.3
------ ------ ------
Traditional life
Bankers Life............................................................... 145.9 127.1 104.8
Conseco Insurance Group.................................................... 146.7 145.7 158.9
------ ------ ------
Total traditional life premium collections.............................. 292.6 272.8 263.7
------ ------ ------
Total life insurance premium collections...................................... $553.2 $573.5 $637.0
====== ====== ======
Life products include traditional, interest-sensitive and other life
insurance products. These products are currently sold through both Bankers Life
and Conseco Insurance Group. During 2004, we collected life insurance premiums
of $553.2 million, or 14 percent, of our total collected premiums. In April
2003, we took actions to de-emphasize new sales of several of our life insurance
products through Conseco Insurance Group's professional independent producers.
Sales of life products are affected by the financial strength ratings assigned
to our insurance subsidiaries by independent rating agencies. See "Competition"
below.
Interest-Sensitive Life Products. These products include universal life and
other interest-sensitive life products that provide whole life insurance with
adjustable rates of return related to current interest rates. They accounted for
$260.6 million, or 7 percent of our total collected premiums in 2004. These
products are marketed by professional independent producers and, to a lesser
extent, career agents. The principal differences between universal life products
and other interest-sensitive life products are policy provisions affecting the
amount and timing of premium payments. Universal life policyholders may vary the
frequency and size of their premium payments, and policy benefits may also
fluctuate according to such payments. Premium payments under other
interest-sensitive policies may not be varied by the policyholders.
Traditional Life. These products accounted for $292.6 million, or 7
percent, of our total collected premiums in 2004. Traditional life policies,
including whole life, graded benefit life and term life products, are marketed
through professional independent producers, career agents and direct response
marketing. Under whole life policies, the policyholder generally pays a level
premium over an agreed period or the policyholder's lifetime. The annual premium
in a whole life policy is generally higher than the premium for comparable term
insurance coverage in the early years of the policy's life, but is generally
lower than the premium for comparable term insurance coverage in the later years
of the policy's life. These policies, which we continue to market on a limited
basis, combine insurance protection with a savings component that gradually
increases in amount over the life of the policy. The policyholder may borrow
against the savings component generally at a rate of interest lower than that
available from other lending sources. The policyholder may also choose to
surrender the policy and receive the accumulated cash value rather than
continuing the insurance protection. Term life products offer pure insurance
protection for a specified period of time -- typically five, 10 or 20 years. We
ceased most term life product sales through the professional independent
producer distribution channel during the second quarter of 2003.
Traditional life products also include graded benefit life insurance
products. Graded benefit life products accounted for $63.2 million, or 1.6
percent, of our total collected premiums in 2004. Graded benefit life insurance
products are offered on an individual basis primarily to persons age 50 to 80,
principally in face amounts of $350 to $10,000, without medical examination or
evidence of insurability. Premiums are paid as frequently as monthly. Benefits
paid are less than the face amount of the policy during the first two years,
except in cases of accidental death. Our Bankers Life segment markets graded
benefit life policies under the Colonial Penn brand name using direct response
marketing techniques. New policyholder leads are generated primarily from
television and print advertisements.
11
ACQUISITIONS
From 1982 to 1998, Old Conseco acquired 19 insurance and related businesses
and Green Tree Financial Corporation (renamed Conseco Finance Corp.) These
acquisitions were primarily responsible for the Company's historical growth.
INVESTMENTS
40|86 Advisors, Inc. ("40|86 Advisors"), a registered investment adviser
and wholly-owned subsidiary of Conseco, Inc., manages the investment portfolios
of our insurance subsidiaries. 40|86 Advisors had approximately $27.3 billion of
assets (at fair value) under management at December 31, 2004, of which $24.0
billion were assets of our subsidiaries and $3.3 billion were assets managed for
third parties. Our general account investment strategies are to maintain a
largely investment-grade diversified fixed-income portfolio, maximize the spread
between the investment income we earn and the yields we pay on investment
products within acceptable levels of risk, provide adequate liquidity, construct
our asset portfolio considering expected liability durations and other
requirements and maximize total return through active investment management.
During 2004, we recognized net realized investment gains of $40.6 million. In
the four months ended December 31, 2003, we recognized net realized investment
gains of $11.8 million and in the eight months ended August 31, 2003, we
recognized net realized investment losses of $5.4 million. During 2002, we
recognized net realized investment losses of $556.3 million. The net realized
investment losses during 2002 included: (i) $556.8 million of writedowns of
fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets as a
result of conditions which caused us to conclude a decline in fair value of the
investment was other than temporary; and (ii) $.5 million of net gains from the
sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities). During 2002, we recognized
other-than-temporary declines in value of several of our investments, including
K-Mart Corp., Amerco, Inc., Global Crossing, MCI Communications, Mississippi
Chemical, United Airlines and Worldcom, Inc.
Investment activities are an integral part of our business because
investment income is a significant component of our revenues. Profitability of
many of our insurance products is significantly affected by spreads between
interest yields on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities.
Although substantially all credited rates on SPDAs and FPDAs may be changed
annually (subject to minimum guaranteed rates), changes in crediting rates may
not be sufficient to maintain targeted investment spreads in all economic and
market environments. In addition, competition, minimum guaranteed rates and
other factors, including the impact of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our
ability to adjust or to maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid
narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. As of December 31, 2004,
the average yield, computed on the cost basis of our actively managed fixed
maturity portfolio, was 5.6 percent, and the average interest rate credited or
accruing to our total insurance liabilities was 4.7 percent.
We manage the equity-based risk component of our equity-indexed annuity
products by:
o purchasing S&P 500 Call Options in an effort to hedge such risk; and
o adjusting the participation rate to reflect the change in the cost of
such options (such cost varies based on market conditions).
Accordingly, we are able to focus on managing the interest rate spread component
of these products.
We seek to balance the interest rate risk inherent in our invested assets
with the interest rate characteristics of our insurance liabilities. We attempt
to minimize this exposure by managing the duration of our fixed maturity
investments and insurance liabilities. Duration measures the expected change in
the fair value of assets and liabilities for a given change in interest rates.
For example, if interest rates increase by 1 percent, the fair value of a fixed
maturity security with a duration of 5 years is expected to decrease in value by
approximately 5 percent. When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities
are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the
value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of
liabilities.
We calculate duration using our estimates of future asset and liability
cash flows. These cash flows are discounted using appropriate interest rates
based on the current yield curve and investment type. Duration is determined by
calculating the present value of the cash flows using different interest rates,
and estimating the change in value. At December 31, 2004, the duration of our
fixed maturity investments (as modified to reflect prepayments and potential
calls) was approximately 6.4 years and the duration of our insurance liabilities
was approximately 7.0 years. The difference between these durations indicates
that our investment portfolio had a shorter duration and, consequently, was less
sensitive to interest rate fluctuations than that of our liabilities at that
date. We generally seek to minimize the gap between asset and liability
durations.
12
For information regarding the composition and diversification of the
investment portfolio of our subsidiaries, see "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Investments."
COMPETITION
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Our current ratings
and our Predecessor's bankruptcy proceedings have had a material adverse impact
on our ability to compete in these markets. Compared to Conseco, many companies
in the financial services industry are larger, have greater capital,
technological and marketing resources, have better access to capital and other
sources of liquidity at a lower cost, broader and more diversified product lines
and have larger staffs. An expanding number of banks, securities brokerage firms
and other financial intermediaries also market insurance products or offer
competing products, such as mutual fund products, traditional bank investments
and other investment and retirement funding alternatives. We also compete with
many of these companies and others in providing services for fees. In most
areas, competition is based on a number of factors, including pricing, service
provided to distributors and policyholders and ratings. Conseco's subsidiaries
must also compete to attract and retain the allegiance of agents, insurance
brokers and marketing companies.
In the individual health insurance business, companies compete primarily on
the bases of marketing, service and price. Pursuant to federal regulations, the
Medicare supplement products offered by all companies have standardized policy
features. This increases the comparability of such policies and intensifies
competition based on other factors. See "Insurance Underwriting" and
"Governmental Regulation." In addition to competing with the products of other
insurance companies, commercial banks, thrifts, mutual funds and broker dealers,
our insurance products compete with health maintenance organizations, preferred
provider organizations and other health care-related institutions which provide
medical benefits based on contractual agreements.
An important competitive factor for life insurance companies is the ratings
they receive from nationally recognized rating organizations. Agents, insurance
brokers and marketing companies who market our products and prospective
purchasers of our products use the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries as one
factor in determining which insurer's products to market or purchase. Ratings
have the most impact on our annuity, interest-sensitive life insurance and
long-term care products. Insurance financial strength ratings are opinions
regarding an insurance company's financial capacity to meet the obligations of
its insurance policies in accordance with their terms. They are not directed
toward the protection of investors, and such ratings are not recommendations to
buy, sell or hold securities.
On June 25, 2004, A.M. Best upgraded the financial strength ratings of our
primary insurance subsidiaries from "B (Fair)" to "B++ (Very Good)", other than
Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company ("Conseco Senior") (the issuer of most
of our long-term care business in our Other Business in Run-off segment), whose
"B (Fair)" rating was affirmed by A.M. Best. According to A.M. Best, these
rating actions reflected the substantial recapitalization of our balance sheet,
improved absolute and risk-adjusted capital on a statutory basis and improving
operating fundamentals. The "B++" rating is assigned to companies that have a
good ability, in A.M. Best's opinion, to meet their ongoing obligations to
policyholders. The "B" rating is assigned to companies which have a fair ability
in A.M. Best's opinion to meet their current obligations to policyholders, but
are financially vulnerable to adverse changes in underwriting and economic
conditions. A.M. Best ratings for the industry currently range from "A++
(Superior)" to "F (In Liquidation)" and some companies are not rated. An "A++"
rating indicates a superior ability to meet ongoing obligations to
policyholders. A "B++" rating from A.M. Best is the fifth highest of sixteen
possible ratings, and a "B" rating from A.M. Best is the seventh highest of
sixteen possible ratings.
On May 27, 2004, Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") upgraded the
financial strength ratings of our primary insurance companies from "BB-" to
"BB+", other than Conseco Senior, which was assigned a "CCC" rating. S&P
financial strength ratings range from "AAA" to "R" and some companies are not
rated. Rating categories from "BB" to "CCC" are classified as "vulnerable", and
pluses and minuses show the relative standing within a category. In S&P's view,
an insurer rated "BB" has marginal financial security characteristics and
although positive attributes exist, adverse business conditions could lead to an
insufficient ability to meet financial commitments. In S&P's view, an insurer
rated "CCC" has very weak financial security characteristics and is dependent on
favorable business conditions to meet financial commitments. A "BB+" rating from
S&P is the eleventh highest of twenty-one possible ratings, and a "CCC" rating
from S&P is the eighteenth highest of twenty-one possible ratings.
On May 27, 2004, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") upgraded the
financial strength rating of our primary insurance companies from "Ba3" to "Ba2"
other than Conseco Senior, which was assigned a "Caa1" rating. On August 9,
2004, Moody's again upgraded the financial strength rating of our primary
insurance companies from "Ba2" to "Ba1" and reaffirmed the "Caa1" rating of
Conseco Senior. Moody's financial strength ratings range from "Aaa" to "C".
Rating categories from "Ba" to "C" are classified as "vulnerable" by Moody's,
and may be supplemented with numbers "1", "2", or "3" to show relative standing
within a category. In Moody's view, an insurer rated "Ba" offers questionable
financial
13
security and the ability of the insurer to meet policyholder obligations may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded in the future. In Moody's view,
an insurer rated "Caa" offers very poor financial security and may default on
its policyholder obligations or there may be elements of danger with respect to
punctual payment of policyholder obligations and claims. A "Ba1" rating from
Moody's is the eleventh highest of twenty-one possible ratings, and a "Caal"
rating from Moody's is the seventeenth highest of twenty-one possible ratings.
Our insurance companies' financial strength ratings were downgraded by all
of the major rating agencies beginning in July 2002 in connection with the
financial distress that ultimately led to our Predecessor's bankruptcy. The
lowered ratings assigned to our insurance subsidiaries were one of the primary
factors causing sales of our insurance products to decline and policyholder
redemptions and lapses to increase beginning in 2002. We also experienced
increased agent attrition, which in some cases led us to increase commissions or
sales incentives in an effort to retain them. These events have had a negative
effect on our ability to market our products and attract and retain agents,
which in turn negatively affected our financial results.
A.M. Best, S&P and Moody's review our ratings from time to time. We cannot
provide any assurance that the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries will remain
at their current levels or predict the impact of any downgrades on our business.
INSURANCE UNDERWRITING
Under regulations promulgated by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC") (an association of state regulators and their staffs) and
adopted as a result of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, we are
prohibited from underwriting our Medicare supplement policies for certain
first-time purchasers. If a person applies for insurance within six months after
becoming eligible by reason of age, or disability in certain limited
circumstances, the application may not be rejected due to medical conditions.
Some states prohibit underwriting of all Medicare supplement policies. For other
prospective Medicare supplement policyholders, such as senior citizens who are
transferring to our products, the underwriting procedures are relatively
limited, except for policies providing prescription drug coverage.
Before issuing long-term care products to individuals and groups, we
generally apply detailed underwriting procedures designed to assess and quantify
the insurance risks. We require medical examinations of applicants (including
blood and urine tests, where permitted) for certain health insurance products
and for life insurance products which exceed prescribed policy amounts. These
requirements vary according to the applicant's age and may vary by type of
policy or product. We also rely on medical records and the potential
policyholder's written application. In recent years, there have been significant
regulatory changes with respect to underwriting certain types of health
insurance. An increasing number of states prohibit underwriting and/or charging
higher premiums for substandard risks. We monitor changes in state regulation
that affect our products, and consider these regulatory developments in
determining the products we market and where we market them.
Most of our life insurance policies are underwritten individually, although
standardized underwriting procedures have been adopted for certain low
face-amount life insurance coverages. After initial processing, insurance
underwriters review each file and obtain the information needed to make an
underwriting decision (such as medical examinations, doctors' statements and
special medical tests). After collecting and reviewing the information, the
underwriter either:
o approves the policy as applied for, or with an extra premium charge
because of unfavorable factors; or
o rejects the application.
We underwrite group insurance policies based on the characteristics of the group
and its past claim experience. Graded benefit life insurance policies are issued
without medical examination or evidence of insurability. There is minimal
underwriting on annuities.
LIABILITIES FOR INSURANCE AND ACCUMULATION PRODUCTS
At December 31, 2004, the total balance of our liabilities for insurance
and asset accumulation products was $25.2 billion. These liabilities are often
payable over an extended period of time and the profitability of the related
products is dependent on pricing and other factors. Differences between our
expectations when we sold these products and our actual experience could result
in future losses.
We calculate and maintain reserves for the estimated future payment of
claims to our policyholders based on actuarial assumptions. For our supplemental
health insurance business, we establish an active life reserve, a liability for
due and unpaid claims, claims in the course of settlement and incurred but not
reported claims, and a reserve for the present value of amounts not yet due on
claims. Many factors can affect these reserves and liabilities, such as economic
and social conditions,
14
inflation, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, changes in doctrines of legal
liability and extra-contractual damage awards. Therefore, our reserves and
liabilities are necessarily based on extensive estimates, assumptions and
historical experience. Establishing reserves is an uncertain process, and it is
possible that actual claims will materially exceed our reserves and have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our financial results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual
claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our
reserves and pricing our products. If our assumptions with respect to future
claims are incorrect, and our reserves are insufficient to cover our actual
losses and expenses, we would be required to increase our liabilities, which
would negatively affect our operating results.
Liabilities for insurance products are calculated using management's best
judgments, based on our past experience and standard actuarial tables, of
mortality, morbidity, lapse rates, investment experience and expense levels.
REINSURANCE
Consistent with the general practice of the life insurance industry, our
subsidiaries enter into both facultative and treaty agreements of indemnity
reinsurance with other insurance companies in order to reinsure portions of the
coverage provided by our insurance products. Indemnity reinsurance agreements
are intended to limit a life insurer's maximum loss on a large or unusually
hazardous risk or to diversify its risk. Indemnity reinsurance does not
discharge the original insurer's primary liability to the insured. Our reinsured
business is ceded to numerous reinsurers. We believe the assuming companies are
able to honor all contractual commitments, based on our periodic review of their
financial statements, insurance industry reports and reports filed with state
insurance departments.
As of December 31, 2004, the policy risk retention limit was generally $.8
million or less on the policies of our subsidiaries. Reinsurance ceded by
Conseco represented 26 percent of gross combined life insurance inforce and
reinsurance assumed represented 2.1 percent of net combined life insurance
inforce. Our principal reinsurers at December 31, 2004 were as follows (dollars
in millions):
Ceded life A.M. Best
Name of Reinsurer insurance inforce rating
- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Swiss Re Life and Health America Inc.................................... $ 4,796.6 A+
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company............................... 4,463.5 A+
Reassure America Life Insurance Company................................. 3,156.8 A+
RGA Reinsurance Company................................................. 1,219.9 A+
Munich American Reassurance Company..................................... 1,104.3 A+
Lincoln National Life Insurance Company................................. 932.0 A+
Revios Reinsurance U.S. Inc............................................. 799.1 A-
All others.............................................................. 3,594.9(a)
--------
$20,067.1
=========
- ---------------------
(a) No other single reinsurer assumed greater than 3 percent of the total ceded
business inforce.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2004, we had approximately 4,350 employees, of which 4,250
were full time employees, including 1,900 employees supporting our Bankers Life
segment and 2,350 employees supporting our Conseco Insurance Group segment,
Other Business in Run-Off segment and corporate segment. None of our employees
are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we have good
relations with our employees.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
Our insurance businesses are subject to extensive regulation and
supervision by the insurance regulatory agencies of the jurisdictions in which
they operate. This regulation and supervision is primarily for the benefit and
protection of customers, and not for the benefit of investors or creditors.
State laws generally establish supervisory agencies that have broad regulatory
authority, including the power to:
o grant and revoke business licenses;
15
o regulate and supervise trade practices and market conduct;
o establish guaranty associations;
o license agents;
o approve policy forms;
o approve premium rates for some lines of business;
o establish reserve requirements;
o prescribe the form and content of required financial statements and
reports;
o determine the reasonableness and adequacy of statutory capital and
surplus;
o perform financial, market conduct and other examinations;
o define acceptable accounting principles;
o regulate the types and amounts of permitted investments; and
o limit the amounts of dividend and surplus debenture principal and
interest payments that can be paid without obtaining regulatory
approval.
In addition to the regulations described above, most states have also
enacted laws or regulations regarding the activities of insurance holding
company systems, including acquisitions, the payments of dividends by insurance
companies, the terms of surplus debentures, the terms of transactions between
insurance companies and their affiliates and other related matters. Various
notice and reporting requirements generally apply to transactions between
insurance companies and their affiliates within an insurance holding company
system, depending on the size and nature of the transactions. These requirements
may include prior regulatory approval or prior notice for certain material
transactions. Currently, the Company and its insurance subsidiaries are
registered as holding company systems pursuant to such laws and regulations in
the domiciliary states of the insurance subsidiaries, and they routinely report
to other jurisdictions.
The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to
state insurance department regulations and is based on the financial statements
of our insurance subsidiaries prepared in accordance with statutory accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities, which differ from
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These regulations generally
permit dividends to be paid from statutory earned surplus of the insurance
company for any 12-month period in amounts equal to the greater of, or in a few
states, the lesser of:
o statutory net gain from operations or statutory net income for the
prior year; or
o 10 percent of statutory capital and surplus at the end of the
preceding year.
Any dividends in excess of these levels require the approval of the
director or commissioner of the applicable state insurance department. Prior to
their release on November 19, 2003, we were subject to consent orders with the
Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Texas that, among other things,
limited the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to any
non-insurance company parent without prior approval.
Most states have also enacted legislation or adopted administrative
regulations that affect the acquisition (or sale) of control of insurance
companies. The nature and extent of such legislation and regulations vary from
state to state. Generally, these regulations require an acquirer of control to
file detailed information and the plan of acquisition, and to obtain
administrative approval prior to the acquisition of control. "Control" is
generally defined as the direct or indirect power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of a person and is rebuttably presumed
to exist if a person or group of affiliated persons directly or indirectly owns
or controls 10 percent or more of the voting securities of another person.
Using statutory statements filed with state regulators annually, the NAIC
calculates certain financial ratios to assist state regulators in monitoring the
financial condition of insurance companies. A "usual range" of results for each
ratio is used
16
as a benchmark. In the past, variances in certain ratios of our insurance
subsidiaries have resulted in inquiries from insurance departments, to which we
have responded. These inquiries have not led to any restrictions affecting our
operations.
In addition, the NAIC issues model laws and regulations, many of which have
been adopted by state insurance regulators, relating to:
o reserve requirements;
o Risk-based capital standards ("RBC");
o codification of insurance accounting principles;
o investment restrictions;
o restrictions on an insurance company's ability to pay dividends; and
o product illustrations.
The NAIC's Risk-Based Capital for Life and/or Health Insurers Model Act
(the "Model Act") provides a tool for insurance regulators to determine the
levels of statutory capital and surplus an insurer must maintain in relation to
its insurance and investment risks and the need for possible regulatory
attention. The Model Act provides four levels of regulatory attention, varying
with the ratio of the insurance company's total adjusted capital (defined as the
total of its statutory capital and surplus, asset valuation reserve ("AVR") and
certain other adjustments) to its RBC (as measured on December 31 of each year),
as follows:
o if a company's total adjusted capital is less than 100 percent but
greater than or equal to 75 percent of its RBC (the "Company Action
Level"), the company must submit a comprehensive plan to the
regulatory authority proposing corrective actions aimed at improving
its capital position;
o if a company's total adjusted capital is less than 75 percent but
greater than or equal to 50 percent of its RBC (the "Regulatory Action
Level"), the regulatory authority will perform a special examination
of the company and issue an order specifying the corrective actions
that must be taken;
o if a company's total adjusted capital is less than 50 percent but
greater than or equal to 35 percent of its RBC (the "Authorized
Control Level"), the regulatory authority may take any action it deems
necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control; and
o if a company's total adjusted capital is less than 35 percent of its
RBC (the "Mandatory Control Level"), the regulatory authority must
place the company under its control.
In addition, the Model Act provides for a trend test if a company's total
adjusted capital is between 100 percent and 125 percent of its RBC at the end of
the year. The trend test calculates the greater of the decrease in the margin of
total adjusted capital over RBC:
o between the current year and the prior year; and
o for the average of the last 3 years.
It assumes that such decrease could occur again in the coming year. Any
company whose trended total adjusted capital is less than 95 percent of its RBC
would trigger a requirement to submit a comprehensive plan as described above
for the Company Action Level.
Refer to the note entitled "Statutory Information" in our notes to
consolidated financial statements for more information on our RBC ratios.
The NAIC has adopted model long-term care policy language providing
nonforfeiture benefits and has proposed a rate stabilization standard for
long-term care policies. Various bills are introduced from time to time in the
U.S. Congress which propose for the implementation of certain minimum consumer
protection standards for inclusion in all long-term care policies, including
guaranteed renewability, protection against inflation and limitations on waiting
periods for pre-existing
17
conditions. Federal legislation permits premiums paid for qualified long-term
care insurance to be tax-deductible medical expenses and for benefits received
on such policies to be excluded from taxable income.
Our insurance subsidiaries are required, under guaranty fund laws of most
states, to pay assessments up to prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses
or liabilities of insolvent insurance companies. Assessments can be partially
recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in some states.
Most states mandate minimum benefit standards and loss ratios for accident
and health insurance policies. We are generally required to maintain, with
respect to our individual long-term care policies, minimum anticipated loss
ratios over the entire period of coverage of not less than 60 percent. With
respect to our Medicare supplement policies, we are generally required to attain
and maintain an actual loss ratio, after three years, of not less than 65
percent. We provide to the insurance departments of all states in which we
conduct business annual calculations that demonstrate compliance with required
minimum loss ratios for both long-term care and Medicare supplement insurance.
These calculations are prepared utilizing statutory lapse and interest rate
assumptions. In the event that we fail to maintain minimum mandated loss ratios,
our insurance subsidiaries could be required to provide retrospective refunds
and/or prospective rate reductions. We believe that our insurance subsidiaries
currently comply with all applicable mandated minimum loss ratios.
NAIC model regulations, adopted in substantially all states, created 10
standard Medicare supplement plans (Plans A through J). Plan A provides the
least coverage, while Plan J provides the most extensive coverage. Under NAIC
regulations, Medicare supplement insurers must offer Plan A, but may offer any
of the other plans at their option. Our insurance subsidiaries currently offer
nine of the model plans. We have declined to offer Plan J, due in part to its
high benefit levels and, consequently, high costs to the consumer.
The federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business.
However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas,
including pension regulation, age and sex discrimination, financial services
regulation, securities regulation, privacy laws and federal taxation, do affect
the insurance business. Legislation has been introduced from time to time in
Congress that could result in the federal government assuming some direct role
in the regulation of insurance.
Numerous proposals to reform the current health care system (including
Medicare) have been introduced in Congress and in various state legislatures.
Proposals have included, among other things, modifications to the existing
employer-based insurance system, a quasi-regulated system of "managed
competition" among health plans, and a single-payer, public program. Changes in
health care policy could significantly affect our business. For example, Federal
comprehensive major medical or long-term care programs, if proposed and
implemented, could partially or fully replace some of Conseco's current
products. Recent federal and state legislation and legislative proposals
relating to healthcare reform contain features that could severely limit or
eliminate our ability to vary our pricing terms or apply medical underwriting
standards, which could have the effect of increasing our loss ratios and
adversely affecting our financial results. Also, Medicare reform and legislation
concerning prescription drugs could affect our ability to price or sell our
products.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has issued
regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
("HIPAA") relating to standardized electronic transaction formats, code sets and
the privacy of member health information. These regulations, and any
corresponding state legislation, affect our administration of health insurance.
A number of states have passed or are considering legislation that would
limit the differentials in rates that insurers could charge for health care
coverages between new business and renewal business for similar demographic
groups. State legislation has also been adopted or is being considered that
would make health insurance available to all small groups by requiring coverage
of all employees and their dependents, by limiting the applicability of
pre-existing conditions exclusions, by requiring insurers to offer a basic plan
exempt from certain benefits as well as a standard plan, or by establishing a
mechanism to spread the risk of high risk employees to all small group insurers.
Congress and various state legislators have from time to time proposed changes
to the health care system that could affect the relationship between health
insurers and their customers, including external review. We cannot predict with
certainty the effect of any legislative proposals on our insurance businesses
and operation.
The asset management activities of 40|86 Advisors are subject to federal
and state securities, fiduciary (including the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended) and other laws and regulations. The SEC, the
National Association of Securities Dealers, state securities commissions and the
Department of Labor are the principal regulators of our asset management
operations.
18
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
Our annuity and life insurance products generally provide policyholders
with an income tax advantage, as compared to other savings investments such as
certificates of deposit and bonds, because taxes on the increase in value of the
products are deferred until received by policyholders. With other savings
investments, the increase in value is generally taxed as earned. Annuity
benefits and life insurance benefits, which accrue prior to the death of the
policyholder, are generally not taxable until paid. Life insurance death
benefits are generally exempt from income tax. Also, benefits received on
immediate annuities (other than structured settlements) are recognized as
taxable income ratably, as opposed to the methods used for some other
investments which tend to accelerate taxable income into earlier years. The tax
advantage for annuities and life insurance is provided in the Internal Revenue
Code (the "Code"), and is generally followed in all states and other United
States taxing jurisdictions.
Recently, Congress enacted legislation to lower marginal tax rates, reduce
the federal estate tax gradually over a ten-year period, with total elimination
of the federal estate tax in 2010, and increase contributions that may be made
to individual retirement accounts and 401(k) accounts. While these tax law
changes will sunset at the beginning of 2011 absent future congressional action,
they could in the interim diminish the appeal of our annuity and life insurance
products. Additionally, Congress has considered, from time to time, other
possible changes to the U.S. tax laws, including elimination of the tax deferral
on the accretion of value of certain annuities and life insurance products. It
is possible that further tax legislation will be enacted which would contain
provisions with possible adverse effects on our annuity and life insurance
products.
Our insurance company subsidiaries are taxed under the life insurance
company provisions of the Code. Provisions in the Code require a portion of the
expenses incurred in selling insurance products to be deducted over a period of
years, as opposed to immediate deduction in the year incurred. This provision
increases the tax for statutory accounting purposes, which reduces statutory
earnings and surplus and, accordingly, decreases the amount of cash dividends
that may be paid by the life insurance subsidiaries.
Our income tax expense includes deferred income taxes arising from
temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets
and liabilities, capital loss carryforwards and net operating loss carryforwards
("NOLs"). In evaluating our deferred income tax assets, we consider whether it
is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will be realized.
The ultimate realization of our deferred income tax assets depends upon
generating future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary
differences become deductible and before our NOLs expire. In addition, the use
of our NOLs is dependent, in part, on whether the IRS ultimately agrees with the
tax position we plan to take in our current and future tax returns. Accordingly,
with respect to our deferred tax assets, we assess the need for a valuation
allowance on an ongoing basis.
Based upon information existing at the time of our emergence from
bankruptcy, we established a valuation allowance equal to our entire balance of
net deferred income tax assets because, at that time, the realization of such
deferred tax assets in future periods was uncertain. As of December 31, 2004, we
no longer believed that a full valuation allowance was necessary. However, as
further discussed in the note to the consolidated financial statements entitled
"Income Taxes", we believe that it is still necessary to have a valuation
allowance on a portion of our deferred tax asset. This determination was made by
evaluating each component of the deferred tax asset and the effect of
limitations or issues that made it more likely than not that our deferred tax
asset would be fully recognized in the future.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Our headquarters and the administrative operations of our Conseco Insurance
Group segment are located on a Company-owned 142-acre corporate campus in
Carmel, Indiana, immediately north of Indianapolis. The ten buildings on the
campus contain approximately 854,500 square feet of space and house Conseco's
executive offices and certain administrative operations of its subsidiaries.
Management believes that Conseco's offices are adequate for its current needs.
Our Bankers Life segment is primarily administered from two facilities in
Chicago. Bankers Life has 149,000 square feet in downtown Chicago, Illinois,
leased under an agreement whereby 114,000 square feet are leased until 2018 and
35,000 square feet are leased until 2008. We leased approximately 130,000 square
feet of space in a second Chicago facility. This lease expired in October 2004,
at which time the operations of this facility were moved to a new location (with
approximately 222,000 square feet) in downtown Chicago under a lease that
expires in 2013. We own an office building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(127,000 square feet), which serves as the administrative center for the direct
marketing operation of our Bankers Life segment. We occupy approximately 60
percent of this space, with the remainder leased to tenants. We also lease 210
sales offices in various states totaling approximately 570,000 square feet.
These leases are short-term in length, with remaining lease terms expiring
between 2005 and 2010.
19
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Information required for Item 3 is incorporated by reference to the
discussion under the heading "Legal Proceedings" in note 9 "Commitments and
Contingencies" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of
this Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
20
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
MARKET INFORMATION
The following table sets forth the ranges of high and low sales prices per
share for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the period
after our emergence from bankruptcy. There have been no dividends paid or
declared on our common stock during this period.
Period Market price
- ------ ------------------
High Low
---- ---
2003:
September 11-30, 2003................................... $22.50 $17.70
Fourth Quarter.......................................... 22.18 18.05
2004:
First Quarter........................................... $23.89 $20.90
Second Quarter.......................................... 24.00 17.10
Third Quarter........................................... 20.06 15.43
Fourth Quarter.......................................... 20.15 16.17
As of February 25, 2005, there were approximately 70,200 holders of the
outstanding shares of common stock, including individual participants in
securities position listings.
DIVIDENDS
The Company does not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on its
common stock in the foreseeable future, and is currently prohibited from doing
so pursuant to our credit agreement.
EQUITY COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2004,
relating to our common stock that may be issued under the Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
Number of securities
remaining available for
Number of securities Weighted-average future issuance under
to be issued upon exercise exercise price of equity compensation
of outstanding options, outstanding options, plans (excluding securities
warrants or rights warrants or rights reflected in first column)
------------------ ------------------ --------------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders...... 3,447,900 $19.82 4,319,862
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders...... - - -
--------- ------ ---------
Total................................. 3,447,900 $19.82 4,319,862
========= ====== =========
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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Year Four months Eight months
ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, Years ended December 31,
------------------------
2004 2003 2003 2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA(a)
Insurance policy income......................... $2,949.3 $1,005.8 $2,204.3 $3,602.3 $3,992.7 $ 4,170.7
Net investment income........................... 1,318.6 474.6 969.0 1,334.3 1,550.0 1,578.1
Net realized investment gains (losses) ......... 40.6 11.8 (5.4) (556.3) (340.0) (304.8)
Total revenues.................................. 4,330.0 1,505.5 3,203.4 4,450.4 5,492.0 5,581.4
Interest expense on corporate notes payable and
investment borrowings (contractual interest:
$268.5 for the eight months ended August 31,
2003; and $345.3 for 2002).................... 79.5 36.8 202.5 341.9 400.0 454.3
Total benefits and expenses..................... 3,875.9 1,356.0 1,031.2 6,082.6 5,735.4 6,358.9
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority
interest, discontinued operations and cumulative
effect of accounting change................... 454.1 149.5 2,172.2 (1,632.2) (243.4) (777.5)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of
income tax.................................... - - - (2,949.2) - (55.3)
Net income (loss)............................... 294.8 96.3 2,201.7 (7,835.7) (405.9) (1,191.2)
Preferred stock dividends ...................... 65.5 27.8 - 2.1 12.8 11.0
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock.... 229.3 68.5 2,201.7 (7,837.8) (418.7) (1,202.2)
PER SHARE DATA
Net income, basic............................... $1.73 $.68
Net income, diluted............................. 1.63 .67
Book value per common share outstanding......... $21.41 $19.28
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic
earnings...................................... 132.3 100.1
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted
earnings...................................... 155.9 143.5
Shares outstanding at period-end................ 151.1 100.1
BALANCE SHEET DATA - AT PERIOD END
Total investments............................... $24,306.3 $22,796.7 $22,018.3 $21,783.7 $25,067.1 $25,017.6
Goodwill ...................................... - 952.2 99.4 100.0 3,695.4 3,800.8
Total assets.................................... 30,755.5 29,973.5 28,318.1 46,509.0 61,432.2 58,589.2
Corporate notes payable and commercial paper ... 758.9 1,300.0 - - 4,085.0 5,055.0
Liabilities subject to compromise............... - - 6,951.4 4,873.3 - -
Total liabilities............................... 26,853.3 27,155.9 30,519.5 46,637.9 54,764.7 51,810.9
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts.. - - - 1,921.5 1,914.5 2,403.9
Shareholders' equity (deficit).................. 3,902.2 2,817.6 (2,201.4) (2,050.4) 4,753.0 4,374.4
STATUTORY DATA(b) - AT PERIOD END
Statutory capital and surplus................... $1,510.0 $1,514.1 $ 1,064.4 $ 1,649.8 $ 1,881.8
Asset valuation reserve ("AVR")................. 117.0 40.9 11.6 105.1 266.8
Total statutory capital and surplus and AVR..... 1,627.0 1,555.0 1,076.0 1,754.9 2,148.6
- -------------
(a) Our financial condition and results of operations have been
significantly affected during the periods presented by the
discontinued finance operations. Please refer to the section of
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial
Condition and Results of Operations entitled "Financial Condition and
Results of Operations of CFC - Discontinued Finance Operations" for
additional information.
(b) We have derived the statutory data from statements filed by our
insurance subsidiaries with regulatory authorities and have prepared
the statutory data in accordance with statutory accounting principles,
which vary in certain respects from GAAP.
22
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
In this section, we review the consolidated financial condition of Conseco
at December 31, 2004, and the consolidated results of operations for: (i) the
year ended December 31, 2004; (ii) the four months ended December 31, 2003;
(iii) the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and (iv) the year ended December
31, 2002 and, where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial
performance. Please read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes included in this Form 10-K.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Our statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this
report and elsewhere (such as in filings by Conseco with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, press releases, presentations by Conseco or its management
or oral statements) relative to markets for Conseco's products and trends in
Conseco's operations or financial results, as well as other statements, contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws and
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
typically are identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "believe,"
"plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "may," "will," "would,"
"contemplate," "possible," "attempt," "seek," "should," "could," "goal,"
"target," "on track," "comfortable with," "optimistic" and similar words,
although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should
consider statements that contain these words carefully because they describe our
expectations, plans, strategies and goals and our beliefs concerning future
business conditions, our results of operations, financial position, and our
business outlook or they state other "forward-looking" information based on
currently available information. The "Risk Factors" section of this Item 7
provides examples of risks, uncertainties and events that could cause our actual
results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements. Assumptions and other important factors that could
cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our
forward-looking statements include, among other things:
o our ability to improve the financial strength ratings of our insurance
company subsidiaries and the impact of prior rating downgrades on our
business;
o the ultimate outcome of lawsuits filed against us and other legal and
regulatory proceedings to which we are subject; and
o our ability to obtain adequate and timely rate increases on our
supplemental health products, including our long-term care business;
o mortality, morbidity, usage of health care services, persistency and
other factors which may affect the profitability of our insurance
products;
o our ability to achieve anticipated expense reductions and levels of
operational efficiencies;
o the adverse impact of our Predecessor's bankruptcy proceedings on our
business operations, and relationships with our customers, employees,
regulators, distributors and agents;
o performance of our investments;
o customer response to new products, distribution channels and marketing
initiatives;
o the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
o general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing
interest rate levels, stock and credit market performance and health
care inflation, which may affect (among other things) our ability to
sell products and access capital on acceptable terms, the market value
of our investments, and the lapse rate and profitability of policies;
o changes in the Federal income tax laws and regulations which may
affect or eliminate the relative tax advantages of some of our
products; and
o regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation
of the financial affairs of our insurance companies, including the
payment of dividends to us, regulation of financial services affecting
(among other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance
products, regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of
products, and
23
health care regulation affecting health insurance products.
Other factors and assumptions not identified above are also relevant to the
forward-looking statements, and if they prove incorrect, could also cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected.
All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statement. Our
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We assume no
obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any
of the forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, future events or
developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the
forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
We are a holding company for a group of insurance companies operating
throughout the United States that develop, market and administer supplemental
health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance and other insurance
products. We focus on serving the senior and middle-income markets, which we
believe are attractive, high growth markets. We sell our products through three
distribution channels: career agents, professional independent producers (some
of whom sell one or more of our product lines exclusively) and direct marketing.
We conduct our business operations through two primary operating segments,
based primarily on method of product distribution, and a third segment comprised
of businesses in run-off. Prior to September 30, 2003, we conducted our
insurance operations through one segment. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we
implemented changes contemplated in our restructuring plan to conduct our
business through the following segments:
o Bankers Life, which consists of the businesses of Bankers Life and
Casualty and Colonial Penn. Bankers Life and Casualty markets and
distributes Medicare supplement insurance, life insurance, long-term
care insurance and annuities to the senior market through
approximately 4,600 exclusive career agents and sales managers.
Colonial Penn markets graded benefit and simplified issue life
insurance directly to consumers through television advertising, direct
mail, the internet and telemarketing. Both Bankers Life and Casualty
and Colonial Penn market their products under their own brand names.
o Conseco Insurance Group, which markets and distributes specified
disease insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and certain life and
annuity products to the senior and middle-income markets through over
450 IMOs that represent over 6,200 producing independent agents. This
segment markets its products under the "Conseco" brand.
o Other Business in Run-off, which includes blocks of business that we
no longer market or underwrite and are managed separately from our
other businesses. This segment consists of long-term care insurance
sold through independent agents and major medical insurance.
We also have a corporate segment, which consists of holding company
activities and certain noninsurance company businesses that are not related to
our operating segments.
We have restated all historical periods presented in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" to
reflect our new segments.
We emerged from bankruptcy protection under our Plan, which was confirmed
pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 9, 2003, and became
effective on September 10, 2003. Upon the confirmation of the Plan, we
implemented fresh start accounting in accordance with SOP 90-7. Our accounting
and actuarial systems and procedures are designed to produce financial
information as of the end of a month. Accordingly, for accounting convenience
purposes, we applied the effects of fresh start accounting on August 31, 2003.
The activity of the Company for the period September 1, 2003 through September
10, 2003 is therefore included in the Successor's statement of operations and
excluded from the Predecessor's statement of operations. We believe the net
income impact of the use of the convenience date is immaterial.
In accordance with SOP 90-7, we restated all of our assets and liabilities
to their current estimated value, reestablished shareholders' equity at the
reorganization value determined in connection with our Plan and recorded the
portion of the reorganization value which could not be attributed to specific
tangible or identified intangible assets as goodwill. As a result, our financial
statements for periods following August 31, 2003, are not comparable with those
prepared before that date.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, net income after dividends on our
preferred stock totaled $229.3 million, or
24
$1.63 per diluted share. Results for 2004 included net after-tax gains of $17.7
million from net realized investment gains.
Despite low ratings and our decisions to discontinue or curtail sales in
certain products in order to conserve capital coming out of bankruptcy,
collected premiums in our core products have been relatively stable in the post
bankruptcy period.
We continue to focus on the factors that we believe are most important to
achieving our number one business objective - improved ratings for our insurance
subsidiaries. Our major goals for 2005 are to strengthen our balance sheet and
improve our execution on the basics of our business by:
o Increasing emphasis on sales and revenue growth.
o Further reducing operating expenses and improving the efficiency of
our operations across all business functions.
o Consolidating and streamlining our back-office systems to reduce
complexity, lower our costs and improve customer service.
o Continuing to build best practices in governance and compliance.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Management has made estimates in the past
that we believed to be appropriate but were subsequently revised to reflect
actual experience. If our future experience differs materially from these
estimates and assumptions, our results of operations and financial condition
could be affected.
We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that
we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We continually evaluate the
information used to make these estimates as our business and the economic
environment change. The use of estimates is pervasive throughout our financial
statements. The accounting policies and estimates we consider most critical are
summarized below. Additional information on our accounting policies is included
in the note to our consolidated financial statements entitled "Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies".
Critical Accounting Policies Related to our Continuing Business
Investments
At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of our investment portfolio was
$24.3 billion. The accounting risks associated with these assets relate to the
recognition of income, our determination of other-than-temporary impairments and
our estimation of fair values.
We defer any fees received or costs incurred when we originate investments.
We amortize fees, costs, discounts and premiums as yield adjustments over the
contractual lives of the investments. We consider anticipated prepayments on
structured securities in determining estimated yields on such securities.
Adjustments to yields as a result of actual prepayments being different than
anticipated are recognized as investment income (loss).
We regularly evaluate all of our investments for possible impairment based
on current economic conditions, credit loss experience and other
investee-specific developments. If there is a decline in a security's net
realizable value that is other than temporary, the decline is recognized as a
realized loss and the cost basis of the security is reduced to its estimated
fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we recorded $18.1 million
of writedowns of fixed maturities, equity securities and other invested assets
as a result of conditions that caused us to conclude a decline in the fair value
of the investments was other than temporary.
Our evaluation of investments for impairment requires significant judgments
to be made including: (i) the identification of potentially impaired securities;
(ii) the determination of their estimated fair value; and (iii) assessment of
whether any decline in estimated fair value is other than temporary. If new
information becomes available or the financial condition of the investee
changes, our judgments may change resulting in the recognition of a realized
investment loss at that time.
Our periodic assessment of whether unrealized losses are "other than
temporary" requires significant judgment.
25
Factors considered include: (i) the extent to which market value is less than
the cost basis; (ii) the length of time that the market value has been less than
cost; (iii) whether the unrealized loss is event-driven, credit-driven or a
result of changes in market interest rates; (iv) the near-term prospects for
improvement in the issuer and/or its industry; (v) whether the investment is
investment-grade and our view of the investment's rating and whether the
investment has been downgraded since its purchase; (vi) whether the issuer is
current on all payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the
investment and is expected to meet all of its obligations under the terms of the
investment; (vii) our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of
time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery; and (viii) the underlying
current and prospective asset and enterprise values of the issuer and the extent
to which our investment may be affected by changes in values. At December 31,
2004, our net accumulated other comprehensive income included gross unrealized
losses on investments of $39.4 million; we consider all such declines in
estimated fair value to be temporary.
If a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary and the cost
basis of the security is written down to fair value, we review the circumstances
which caused us to believe that the decline was other than temporary with
respect to other investments in our portfolio. If such circumstances exist with
respect to other investments, those investments are also written down to fair
value. Future events may occur, or additional or updated information may become
available, which may necessitate future realized losses of securities in our
portfolio. Significant losses in the carrying value of our investments could
have a material adverse effect on our earnings in future periods.
Estimated fair values for our investments are determined based on estimates
from nationally recognized pricing services, broker-dealer market makers and
internally developed methods. Our internally developed methods require us to
make judgments about the security's credit quality, liquidity and market spread.
Below-investment grade securities have different characteristics than
investment grade corporate debt securities. Risk of loss upon default by the
borrower is significantly greater with respect to below-investment grade
securities than with other corporate debt securities. Below-investment grade
securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors
of the issuer. Also, issuers of below-investment grade securities usually have
higher levels of debt and are more sensitive to adverse economic conditions,
such as recession or increasing interest rates, than are investment grade
issuers. The Company attempts to reduce the overall risk related to its
investment in below-investment grade securities, as in all investments, through
careful credit analysis, strict investment policy guidelines, and
diversification by issuer and/or guarantor and by industry.
During 2004, we sold over $6.2 billion of our fixed maturity investments
which resulted in net realized investment gains of $56.6 million. Our fixed
maturity investments are generally purchased in the context of a long-term
strategy to fund insurance liabilities, so we do not typically generate gains
and losses by selling such securities. In certain circumstances, when securities
are selling at prices which exceed our view of their current fair value, and it
is possible to reinvest the proceeds to meet our long-term asset-liability
objectives, we may sell certain securities. Of those fixed maturity investments
sold in 2004, $2.6 billion resulted in gross realized investment losses (before
income taxes) of $46.2 million. Securities sold at a loss are sold for a number
of reasons including but not limited to: (i) changes in the investment
environment; (ii) expectation that the market value could deteriorate further;
(iii) desire to reduce our exposure to an issuer or an industry; (iv) changes in
credit quality; (v) identification of a superior investment alternative; and
(vi) our analysis indicating there is a high probability that the security is
other-than-temporarily impaired.
We seek to balance the duration of our invested assets with the estimated
duration of benefit payments arising from contract liabilities. Our efforts to
match these durations may cause us to sell investments before their maturity
date and could result in the realization of net realized investment gains
(losses). When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities are similar,
exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the value of
assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. A
mismatch of the durations of invested assets and insurance liabilities could
have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position.
See "-- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks" for
additional discussion of the duration of our invested assets and insurance
liabilities.
For more information on our investment portfolio and our critical
accounting policies related to investments, see the note to our consolidated
financial statements entitled "Investments".
Value of Policies Inforce at the Effective Date and Cost of Policies
Produced
In conjunction with the implementation of fresh start accounting, we
eliminated the historical balances of Old Conseco's cost of policies purchased
and cost of policies produced as of the Effective Date and replaced them with
the value of policies inforce at the Effective Date.
The cost assigned to the right to receive future cash flows from contracts
existing at August 31, 2003 is referred to as
26
the cost of policies inforce at the Effective Date. We also defer renewal
commissions paid in excess of ultimate commission levels related to the existing
policies in this account. The balance of this account is amortized, evaluated
for recovery, and adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains (losses) in the
same manner as the cost of policies produced described below. We expect to
amortize approximately 11 percent of the December 31, 2004 balance of value of
policies inforce in 2005, 10 percent in 2006, 9 percent in 2007, 8 percent in
2008 and 7 percent in 2009.
The cost of policies produced are those costs that vary with, and are
primarily related to, producing new insurance business in the period after
August 31, 2003. We amortized these costs (using the interest rate credited to
the underlying policy for universal life or investment-type products and the
projected investment earnings rate for other products): (i) in relation to the
estimated gross profits for universal life-type and investment-type products; or
(ii) in relation to future anticipated premium revenue for other products.
When we realize a gain or loss on investments backing our universal life or
investment-type products, we adjust the amortization to reflect the change in
estimated gross profits from the products due to the gain or loss realized and
the effect of the event on future investment yields. We also adjust the cost of
policies produced for the change in amortization that would have been recorded
if actively managed fixed maturity securities had been sold at their stated
aggregate fair value and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. We include
the impact of this adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
within shareholders' equity.
At December 31, 2004, the combined balance of the value of policies inforce
and cost of policies produced was $3.0 billion. The recovery of these costs is
dependent on the future profitability of the related business.
Each year, we evaluate the recoverability of the unamortized balance of the
value of policies inforce and the cost of policies produced. We consider
estimated future gross profits or future premiums, expected mortality or
morbidity, interest earned and credited rates, persistency and expenses in
determining whether the balance is recoverable. If we determine a portion of the
unamortized balance is not recoverable, it is charged to amortization expense.
The assumptions we use to amortize and evaluate the recoverability of the
value of policies inforce and the cost of policies produced involve significant
judgment. A revision to these assumptions could have a significant adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial position.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense includes deferred income taxes arising from
temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets
and liabilities, capital loss carryforwards and net operating loss
carryforwards. In assessing the realization of deferred income tax assets, we
consider whether it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets
will be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred income tax assets
depends upon generating future taxable income during the periods in which our
temporary differences become deductible and before our capital loss
carryforwards and net operating loss carryforwards expire. In addition, the use
of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards is dependent, in part, on
whether the IRS ultimately agrees with the tax position we have taken and plan
to take in our current and future tax returns. With respect to the deferred
income tax assets, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on an ongoing
basis.
Based upon information existing at the time of our emergence from
bankruptcy, we established a valuation allowance against our entire balance of
net deferred income tax assets as we believed that the realization of such net
deferred income tax assets in future periods was uncertain. As of December 31,
2004, we no longer believe that a full valuation allowance is necessary.
However, as further discussed in the note to the consolidated financial
statements entitled "Income Taxes", we believe that it is still necessary to
have a valuation allowance on a portion of our deferred tax asset. This
determination was made by evaluating each component of the deferred tax asset
and the effect of limitations or issues that made it more likely than not that
our deferred tax asset would be fully recognized in the future based on
objective evidence.
27
As of December 31, 2004, we had $4.4 billion of net operating loss
carryforwards and $1.1 billion of capital loss carryforwards (after taking into
account the reduction in tax attributes described in the paragraph which follows
and the loss resulting from the worthlessness of CFC discussed below), which
expire as follows (dollars in millions):
Operating loss carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Year of expiration Subject to ss.382 Not subject to ss.382 Subject to ss.382 Not subject to ss.382
------------------ ----------------- --------------------- ----------------- ---------------------
2005........................... $ .2 $ - $ 2.7 $ -
2006........................... .1 - 5.5 -
2007........................... 5.8 - 484.4 -
2008 .......................... .1 - 583.7 -
2009........................... 10.5 - - 34.1
2010........................... 3.5 - - -
2011........................... .5 - - -
2016........................... 29.2 - - -
2017........................... 51.1 - - -
2018........................... 53.9 4,182.3 (a) - -
2019........................... .7 - - -
2020........................... 2.5 - - -
2022........................... .6 - - -
2023........................... 84.0 - - -
2024........................... - 10.0 - -
------ -------- -------- -----
Total.......................... $242.7 $4,192.3 $1,076.3 $34.1
====== ======== ======== =====
- -------------
(a) We have taken the position in our tax returns that the $4.1 billion tax
loss on the worthlessness of CFC included in this amount, will not be
subject to Section 382 of the Code. Although we believe our position is
consistent with the Code, it is subject to interpretation and remains an
uncertainty with respect to the future utilization of this operating loss
carryforward. If the IRS disagrees with our position, the $4.1 billion tax
loss would be subject to Section 382 of the Code and the maximum
carryforward that could be utilized would be $2.7 billion (subject to our
ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in the relevant
carryforward period). See additional discussion below.
The timing and manner in which we will utilize the net operating loss
carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards in any year or in total may be
limited by various provisions of the Code (and interpretation thereof) and our
ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in the relevant
carryforward period.
The Code provides that any income realized as a result of the cancellation
of indebtedness (cancellation of debt income or "CODI") in bankruptcy, will
reduce certain tax attributes including net operating loss carryforwards. We
realized an estimated $2.5 billion of CODI when we emerged from bankruptcy.
Accordingly, our net operating loss carryforwards were reduced by $2.5 billion
as of December 31, 2003.
At the fresh-start date, we were required to estimate our tax basis in CFC
in order to determine the tax loss carryforward related to the worthlessness of
CFC. The determination of this amount and how the loss is recognized was subject
to varied interpretations of various tax laws and regulations. During the third
quarter of 2004, the Company and the IRS entered into a closing agreement which
determined that the tax loss recognized on the worthlessness of CFC was $6.7
billion, instead of our original estimate of $5.4 billion. This determination
resulted in $500.1 million of additional deferred tax assets being recognized.
We also recognized a $500.1 million valuation allowance, as we had deemed it
more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized. As this
increase relates to the period prior to our emergence from bankruptcy, any
additional reductions of the deferred income tax valuation allowance will be
accounted for as additions to paid-in capital pursuant to SOP 90-7.
The closing agreement with the IRS also determined that the loss recognized
on the worthlessness of CFC is an ordinary loss for tax purposes and not a
capital loss.
The following paragraphs summarize some of the unresolved limitations and
contingencies which exist with respect to the future utilization of the net
operating loss carryforwards which will cause a reassessment of the need for a
major portion of the valuation allowance when resolved.
28
The Code limits the extent to which losses realized by a non-life entity
(or entities) may offset income from a life insurance company (or companies) to
the lesser of: (i) 35 percent of the income of the life insurance company; or
(ii) 35 percent of the total loss of the non-life entities. There is no
limitation with respect to the ability to utilize net operating losses generated
by a life insurance company. Subsequent to our emergence from bankruptcy, we
reorganized certain of our subsidiaries to improve their capital position. As a
result of the reorganization, the loss related to CFC was realized by a life
insurance company. Accordingly, we believe the loss should be treated as a life
insurance loss and would not be subject to the limitations described above.
However, if the IRS were to disagree with our conclusion and such determination
ultimately prevailed, the loss related to CFC would be subject to the limitation
described in the first sentence of this paragraph. The IRS has informed the
Company that it will address this matter during its examination of our tax
returns for calendar years 2002-2003.
The timing and manner in which the Company will be able to utilize some or
all of its net operating loss carryforward may be limited by Section 382 of the
Code. Section 382 imposes limitations on a corporation's ability to use its net
operating losses if the company undergoes an ownership change. Because the
Company underwent an ownership change pursuant to its reorganization, we have
determined that this limitation applies to the Company. In order to determine
the amount of this limitation we must determine how much of our net operating
loss carryforward relates to the period prior to our emergence from bankruptcy
(such amount will be subject to the 382 limitation) and how much relates to the
period after emergence (such amount will not be subject to the 382 limitation).
When the Company filed its 2003 federal income tax return, it elected to
specifically identify transactions in each period and record it in the period it
actually occurred. We believe this election will result in the loss related to
CFC being treated as post emergence and therefore not subject to the Section 382
limitation. Any losses that are subject to the Section 382 limitation will only
be utilized by the Company up to approximately $140 million per year with any
unused amounts carried forward to the following year. The IRS has informed the
Company that it will address this matter during its examination of our tax
returns for calendar years 2002-2003.
During 2004, the reduction in our deferred income tax valuation allowance
was accounted for pursuant to SOP 90-7, as follows: (i) first, to eliminate
goodwill; (ii) second, to eliminate other intangible assets; and (iii) last, as
an addition to paid-in capital. The reduction of any remaining portion of our
deferred income tax valuation allowance will be accounted for as an addition to
paid-in capital pursuant to SOP 90-7. Changes in our valuation allowance are
summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2003............................................. $2,362.1
Realization of deferred income taxes recognized
in the current period(a)............................................ (168.6)
Release of tax valuation reserve related to unrealized
gains during the period(a).......................................... (65.4)
Recovery of amounts related to our bankruptcy and
state taxes(a)...................................................... (4.1)
Increase in deferred tax assets related to the worthlessness
of CFC.............................................................. 500.1
Release of valuation allowance(a)...................................... (947.0)
Deferred tax assets not realizable..................................... (47.5)
--------
Balance at December 31, 2004............................................. $1,629.6
========
- --------------
(a) There is a corresponding increase (decrease) for these items in the
following accounts: (i) goodwill - ($952.2) million; (ii) other intangible
assets - $(171.1) million; and (iii) additional paid-in capital - $61.8
million.
Liabilities for Insurance Products
At December 31, 2004, the total balance of our liabilities for insurance
and asset accumulation products was $25.1 billion. These liabilities are often
payable over an extended period of time and the profitability of the related
products is dependent on the pricing of the products and other factors.
Differences between our expectations when we sold these products and our actual
experience could result in future losses.
We calculate and maintain reserves for the estimated future payment of
claims to our policyholders based on actuarial assumptions. For our supplemental
health insurance business, we establish an active life reserve plus a liability
for due and unpaid claims, claims in the course of settlement and incurred but
not reported claims, as well as a reserve for the present value of amounts not
yet due on claims. Many factors can affect these reserves and liabilities, such
as economic and social conditions, inflation, hospital and pharmaceutical costs,
changes in doctrines of legal liability and extra-contractual damage
29
awards. Therefore, the reserves and liabilities we establish are necessarily
based on extensive estimates, assumptions and historical experience.
Establishing reserves is an uncertain process, and it is possible that actual
claims will materially exceed our reserves and have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations and financial condition. Our financial results depend
significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is
consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our reserves and pricing
our products. If our assumptions with respect to future claims are incorrect,
and our reserves are insufficient to cover our actual losses and expenses, we
would be required to increase our liabilities, which would negatively affect our
operating results.
Liabilities for insurance products are calculated using management's best
judgments of mortality, morbidity, lapse rates, investment experience and
expense levels that are based on our past experience and standard actuarial
tables.
In accordance with SOP 90-7, the Successor established insurance
liabilities and an asset for the value of policies inforce at the Effective Date
using current assumptions. Adjustments to the Predecessor's liabilities for
insurance and asset accumulation products as of August 31, 2003 are summarized
below (dollars in millions):
Predecessor Fresh start Successor
balance sheet adjustments balance sheet
------------- ----------- -------------
Liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products:
Traditional and limited payment products:
Traditional life insurance products............................... $ 1,885.3 $ 320.3 $ 2,205.6
Limited pay annuities............................................. 880.0 140.0 1,020.0
Individual accident and health ................................... 5,245.8 1,887.9 7,133.7
Group life and health............................................. 692.0 136.7 828.7
Unearned premiums................................................. 3.3 - 3.3
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for traditional and limited payment products. 8,706.4 2,484.9 11,191.3
--------- -------- ---------
Interest-sensitive products:
Investment contracts ............................................. 8,489.8 132.9 8,622.7
Universal life-type products ..................................... 3,994.6 (15.4) 3,979.2
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for interest-sensitive products.............. 12,484.4 117.5 12,601.9
--------- -------- ---------
Other liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products:
Separate accounts and investment trusts .......................... 87.7 - 87.7
Claims payable and other policyholder funds ...................... 897.1 (10.3) 886.8
--------- -------- ---------
Total other liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation
products................................................... 984.8 (10.3) 974.5
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products......... $22,175.6 $2,592.1 $24,767.7
========= ======== =========
The following provides explanations for the fresh-start adjustment to
insurance liabilities related to our insurance inforce at the Effective Date.
Traditional insurance and limited pay products
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 60,
"Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises" and Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 97, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises
for certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the
Sale of Investments" ("SFAS 97"), the Predecessor used the original actuarial
assumptions determined when traditional long-duration and limited payment
insurance contracts were issued in determining liability calculations through
the fresh start date, provided the resulting liabilities were adequate to
provide for future benefits and expenses under the related contracts. This
accounting principle is referred to as the "lock in" principle and is only
applicable to traditional insurance and limited pay products. The use of
assumptions that are locked in at the time of issue means that absent loss
recognition, the same assumptions are used in accounting for a particular block
of business unless the block is subject to purchase or fresh start accounting.
At the Effective Date, the Successor established insurance liabilities at
the present value of future benefits and expenses less future premiums
associated with the policies, by using current best-estimate assumptions with
provisions for
30
adverse deviation. Such assumptions include estimates as to investment yields,
mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, lapses and maintenance expenses. The current
best-estimate assumptions for these blocks of business differ from the original
actuarial assumptions determined when the business was acquired or issued as
further described in the following paragraphs.
Due to the current interest rate environment and the requirement to mark
the value of the investment portfolio to market, we changed our assumptions
related to future investment earnings. The weighted average expected yield on
our investment portfolio decreased to approximately 5.6 percent at the Effective
Date from 6.7 percent at December 31, 2002. Approximately $.9 billion of the
fresh-start increase to insurance liabilities is the result of changes in future
expected investment earnings.
The performance of our long-term care business (especially the acquired
block originally sold through independent agents) has generally been unfavorable
relative to the Predecessor's assumptions established when these blocks of
business were acquired. For example, variance in actual versus estimated
morbidity, lapses and expenses have been unfavorable to original assumptions.
Approximately $1.4 billion of the increase to insurance liabilities is the
result of changes in non-interest assumptions for our long-term care policies.
Our assumption changes for long-term care business included: (i) changes in
morbidity assumptions from estimates made when the business was acquired to
recent Company experience; (ii) changes in mortality assumptions related to
certain blocks of this business from the 1958 and 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality table to the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality table; and (iii)
changes in ultimate lapse ratios from a range of approximately 3 percent to 5.5
percent prior to the adoption of fresh start accounting to a range of 2 percent
to 3.5 percent.
Interest-sensitive products subject to requirements of SFAS 97
The insurance liability for asset accumulation products (such as deferred
annuities and universal life products) is generally equal to current
policyholder account balances. These balances generally do not change as a
result of the adoption of fresh start accounting. The fresh-start adjustment to
insurance liabilities for interest-sensitive products primarily results from:
(i) the adoption of SOP 03-01 as of the Effective Date; and (ii) certain
Predecessor insurance liabilities that were different from the present value of
estimated future benefits as of August 31, 2003.
The adoption of SOP 03-01 as of the Effective Date required a change in
methodology regarding persistency bonuses provided to policyholders who continue
to keep their policies inforce for a stated period of time. The Predecessor
recognized the cost of this benefit over the period prior to the time the
benefit would be credited in proportion to estimated gross profits and assumed a
certain number of policies would terminate before the benefit was credited.
Under SOP 03-01, the cost for such benefits is recognized ratably over the
period prior to the time the benefit is credited without assuming policy
terminations. Insurance liabilities increased by approximately $.1 billion as a
result of the adoption of SOP 03-01.
In addition, the insurance liabilities for certain Predecessor insurance
liabilities were different than the present value of estimated future benefits
as of the Effective Date.
The Predecessor had previously established an insurance liability related
to certain business, to recognize the future loss expected to be recognized for
the former practice of reducing the cost of insurance charges to amounts below
the level permitted under the provisions of the policy. The Predecessor
amortized this liability into income in proportion to estimated gross profits on
the business, consistent with SFAS 97 requirements for unearned revenues. The
Predecessor had previously decided to discontinue the practice of providing this
nonguaranteed benefit. Accordingly, the remaining insurance liability
established for this benefit was no longer required at August 31, 2003,
resulting in a $.1 billion reduction to reserves in conjunction with our
adoption of fresh-start accounting.
The liabilities established for our equity-indexed annuity products
(including the value of options attributable to policyholders for the estimated
life of the annuity contract and accounted for as embedded derivatives) are
established pursuant to different accounting rules than other interest-sensitive
products. At the Effective Date, the present value of estimated future benefits
for our equity-indexed products exceeded the value of the Predecessor's
liabilities by $.2 billion, resulting in a fresh-start adjustment.
Liabilities for Loss Contingencies Related to Lawsuits and Our Guarantees
of Bank Loans and Related Interest Loans
We are involved on an ongoing basis in lawsuits, including purported class
actions, relating to our operations, including with respect to sales practices,
and we and current and former officers and directors are defendants in a pending
class action lawsuit asserting claims under the securities laws. The ultimate
outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty. We recognize an
estimated loss from these loss contingencies when we believe it is probable that
a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
However, it is difficult to measure the actual loss that
31
might be incurred related to litigation. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits
could have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial
position.
In conjunction with the Plan, $481.3 million principal amount of bank loans
made to certain former directors and employees to enable them to purchase common
stock of Old Conseco were transferred to the Company. These loans had been
guaranteed by Old Conseco. We received all rights to collect the balances due
pursuant to the original terms of these loans. In addition, we hold loans to
participants for interest on the loans which exceed $265 million. The former
bank loans and the interest loans are collectively referred to as the "D&O
loans." We regularly evaluate the collectibility of these loans in light of the
collateral we hold, the creditworthiness of the participants and the current
status of various legal actions we have taken to collect the D&O loans. At
December 31, 2004, we have estimated that approximately $46 million of the D&O
balance (which is included in other assets) is collectible (net of the cost of
collection). An allowance has been established to reduce the recorded balance of
the D&O loans to this balance.
Pursuant to the settlement that was reached with the Official Committee of
the Trust Originated Preferred Securities ("TOPrS") Holders and the Official
Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Plan, the former holders of TOPrS
(issued by Old Conseco's subsidiary trusts and eliminated in our reorganization)
who did not opt out of the bankruptcy settlement, will be entitled to receive 45
percent of any proceeds from the collection of certain D&O loans in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $30 million. We have established a liability of $19 million
(which is included in other liabilities), representing our estimate of the
amount which will be paid to the former holders of TOPrS pursuant to the
settlement.
RISK FACTORS
Conseco and its businesses are subject to a number of risks including
general business and financial risk factors. Any or all of such factors, which
are set forth below, could have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or results of operations of Conseco. In addition, please
refer to the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" above.
Certain purported class action lawsuits could harm our financial strength
and reduce our profitability.
Our subsidiary, Conseco Life Insurance Company, has been named as a
defendant in multiple recently filed purported class actions and individual
cases alleging, among other things, breach of contract regarding a change made
in the way monthly deductions are calculated for insurance coverage. Conseco
Life Insurance Company is also a defendant in a purported nationwide class
action lawsuit which seeks unspecified damages in Florida federal court for
alleged fraudulent sales practices. Our former subsidiary, Manhattan National
Life Insurance Company, is a defendant in a purported nationwide class action
lawsuit which seeks unspecified damages in New Mexico state court for alleged
fraud by non-disclosure of additional charges to policyholders who desired to
pay premiums on other than an annual basis. Four of our subsidiaries have also
been named in purported nationwide class action lawsuits which seek unspecified
damages in Colorado state court for alleged claims similar to those
aforementioned in the New Mexico suit. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits
cannot be predicted with certainty, and although we do not presently believe
that any of these lawsuits, individually, are material, they could, in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and it is
possible that an adverse determination in pending litigation could, from time to
time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations
or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Because our insurance
subsidiaries were not part of our bankruptcy proceedings, those proceedings did
not result in the discharge of any claims, including claims asserted in
litigation, against our insurance subsidiaries.
Our 2002 bankruptcy disrupted our operations and damaged the "Conseco"
brand. As a result, we may continue to experience lower sales, increased
agent attrition and policyholder lapses and redemptions.
The announcement of our intention to seek a restructuring of our capital in
August 2002 and our subsequent filing of bankruptcy petitions in December 2002
caused significant disruptions in our operations. We believe that adverse
publicity in national and local media concerning our distressed financial
condition and our disputes with former members of management caused sales of our
insurance products to decline and policyholder lapses and redemptions to
increase. For example, our total premium collections decreased by 7.2 percent to
$3,881.4 million and 8.4 percent to $4,180.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, compared to the prior year. In
addition, withdrawals from annuities and other investment-type products exceeded
deposits by $147.4 million and $615.4 million during the years ended December
31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
We also experienced increased agent attrition, which, in some cases, led us
to increase agents' commissions or sales incentives in order to retain agents.
For example, the number of producing agents selling products through the Conseco
Insurance Group segment decreased by approximately 29 percent to 6,200 at
December 31, 2004, compared to December 31,
32
2003. The number of career agents selling products through the Bankers Life
segment remained at approximately 4,600 throughout 2004. We implemented sales
incentive programs for our agents to retain them during the period when the
Company experienced much negative publicity, lower ratings and increased
activity from competitor agents. The total cost for the agent incentive programs
during 2003 and 2002 was $17 million.
While we cannot precisely quantify the damage to the Conseco brand caused
by the negative publicity of our distressed financial condition, we believe
these events contributed significantly to the trends indicated above. The
successful completion of the bankruptcy and capital restructuring in 2003 and
2004, respectively, have begun to reverse some of these trends; however, we do
not expect our sales to return to pre-bankruptcy levels in the near-term.
A failure to improve the financial strength ratings of our insurance
subsidiaries could cause us to experience decreased sales, increased agent
attrition and increased policyholder lapses and redemptions.
An important competitive factor for our insurance subsidiaries is the
ratings they receive from nationally recognized rating organizations. Agents,
insurance brokers and marketing companies who market our products, and
prospective policyholders view ratings as an important factor in evaluating an
insurers' products. This is especially true for annuity, interest-sensitive life
insurance and long-term care products. Our insurance companies' financial
strength ratings were downgraded by all of the major rating agencies beginning
in July 2002 in connection with the financial distress that ultimately led to
our Predecessor's bankruptcy. This ratings decline was a primary factor in the
decreased sales of our insurance products and the increased policyholder
redemptions and lapses beginning in 2002. We also experienced increased agent
attrition, which, in some cases, led us to increase commissions or sales
incentives in an effort to retain them. These events have hindered our ability
to market our products and to recruit and retain agents, which, in turn, has
negatively impacted our financial results. The financial strength ratings of our
primary insurance subsidiaries (other than Conseco Senior) were upgraded in the
second quarter of 2004 by A.M. Best, S&P and Moody's and again in the third
quarter of 2004 by Moody's. The current financial strength ratings of our
primary insurance subsidiaries (other than Conseco Senior) from A.M. Best, S&P
and Moody's are "B++ (Very Good)," "BB+" and "Bal", respectively. The ratings of
Conseco Senior from A.M. Best, S&P and Moody's are "B (Fair)," "CCC" and "Caa1,"
respectively. The "B++" rating and the "B" rating from A.M. Best are the fifth
and seventh highest, respectively, of sixteen possible ratings. The "BB+" rating
and the "CCC" rating from S&P are the eleventh and eighteenth highest,
respectively, of twenty-one possible ratings. The "Ba1" rating and the "Caa1"
rating from Moody's are the eleventh and seventeenth highest of twenty-one
possible ratings. Most of our competitors have higher financial strength ratings
and we believe it is critical for us to continue to improve our ratings to be
competitive.
Based on recent discussions with A.M. Best, they will review our insurance
subsidiaries no sooner than June 2005. The decision to upgrade is subjective and
will only be made when A.M. Best believes it is warranted. If we fail to achieve
and maintain an "A" category rating from A.M. Best, we may continue to
experience declining sales of our insurance products, additional defections of
our independent and career sales force, and increased policies being redeemed or
allowed to lapse. These events would adversely affect our financial results,
which could then lead to further downgrades.
Our results of operations may be negatively impacted if we are unable to
achieve the goals of our initiatives to restructure our principal insurance
businesses.
Our Conseco Insurance Group segment has experienced declining sales as well
as expense levels that exceed product pricing. We have implemented several
initiatives to improve operating results, including: (i) focusing sales efforts
on higher margin products, such as our specified disease products; (ii) reducing
operating expenses by eliminating or reducing marketing costs of certain
products; (iii) streamlining administrative procedures and reducing personnel;
(iv) increasing retention rates on our more profitable blocks of inforce
business; and (v) stabilizing the profitability of the long-term care block of
business in run-off sold through independent agents through premium rate
increases, improved claim adjudication procedures and other actions. Many of our
initiatives address issues resulting from the substantial number of acquisitions
of our Predecessor. Between 1982 and 1997, our Predecessor completed 19
transactions involving the acquisitions of 44 separate insurance companies. Our
efforts involve improvements to our policy administration procedures and
significant systems conversions, such as the elimination of duplicate processing
systems for similar business. These initiatives may result in unforeseen
expenses, complications or delays, and may be inadequate to address all issues.
Conversions to new processing systems can result in valuation differences
between the prior system and the new system. These differences have not been
material to the Company in the past. Our planned conversions could result in
such valuation adjustments, and there can be no assurance that the adjustments
would not be material to future earnings. Further, some of these initiatives
have only recently begun to be executed, and may not ultimately be successfully
accomplished. We expect to spend over $15 million on capital expenditures in
2005 (including amounts related to these initiatives). While our future
operating performance depends greatly on the success of these efforts, even if
we successfully implement these measures, they alone may not sufficiently
improve our results of operations.
33
The results of operations of our insurance business will decline if our
premium rates are not adequate or if we are unable to obtain regulatory
approval to increase rates.
We set the premium rates on our health insurance policies based on facts
and circumstances known at the time we issue the policies and on assumptions
about numerous variables, including the actuarial probability of a policyholder
incurring a claim, the probable size of the claim, maintenance costs to
administer the policies and the interest rate earned on our investment of
premiums. In setting premium rates, we consider historical claims information,
industry statistics, the rates of our competitors and other factors, but we
cannot predict with certainty the future actual claims on our products. If our
actual claims experience proves to be less favorable than we assumed and we are
unable to raise our premium rates, our financial results may be adversely
affected.
Most of our supplemental health policies allow us to increase premium rates
when warranted by our actual claims experience. These rate increases must be
approved by the applicable state insurance departments, and we are required to
submit actuarial claims data to support the need for such rate increases. The
re-rate application and approval process on supplemental health products is a
normal recurring part of our business operations and reasonable rate increases
are typically approved by the state departments as long as they are supported by
actual claims experience and are not unusually large in either dollar amount or
percentage increase. For policy types on which rate increases are a normal
recurring event, our estimates of insurance liabilities assume we will be able
to raise rates if the blocks warrant such increases in the future.
The loss ratio for our long-term care products, included in the other
business in run-off segment, has increased in recent periods and was 103 percent
during the year ended December 31, 2004. We will have to raise rates or take
other actions with respect to some of these policies or our financial results
will be adversely affected. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, we received approvals
for rate increases totaling $48 million, $37 million and $44 million,
respectively, relating to this long-term care business, which had approximately
$380 million of collected premiums in 2004.
We review the adequacy of our premium rates regularly and file proposed
rate increases on our products when we believe existing premium rates are too
low. It is possible that we will not be able to obtain approval for premium rate
increases from currently pending requests or from future requests. If we are
unable to raise our premium rates because we fail to obtain approval in one or
more states, our net income may decrease. Moreover, in some instances, our
ability to exit unprofitable lines of business is limited by the guaranteed
renewal feature of the policy. Due to this feature, we cannot exit such business
without regulatory approval, and accordingly, we may be required to continue to
service those products at a loss for an extended period of time. Most of our
long-term care business is guaranteed renewable, and, if necessary rate
increases were not approved, we would be required to recognize a loss and
establish a premium deficiency reserve.
If, however, we were successful in obtaining regulatory approval to raise
premium rates, the increased premium rates may reduce the volume of our new
sales and cause existing policyholders to allow their policies to lapse. This
could result in a significantly higher ratio of claim costs to premiums if
healthier policyholders who get coverage elsewhere allow their policies to
lapse, while policies of less healthy policyholders continue in force. This
would reduce our premium income and profitability in future periods.
On home health care policies issued in some areas of Florida and other
states, payments made for the benefit of policyholders have exceeded premiums
received by a significant margin. Substantially all of these policies were
issued through independent agents by certain of our subsidiaries prior to their
acquisitions by Conseco in 1996 and 1997. On April 20, 2004, the Florida Office
of Insurance Regulation issued an order to our subsidiary, Conseco Senior, which
affects approximately 11,000 home health care policies issued in Florida by
Conseco Senior and its predecessor companies. Pursuant to the order, Conseco
Senior must offer the following three alternatives to holders of these policies:
o retention of their current policy with a rate increase of 50 percent
in the first year and actuarially justified increases in subsequent
years;
o receipt of a replacement policy with reduced benefits and a rate
increase in the first year of 25 percent and no more than 15 percent
in subsequent years;
o receipt of a paid up policy, allowing the holder to file future claims
up to 100 percent of the amount of premiums paid since the inception
of the policy.
On July 1, 2004, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued a
similar order impacting approximately 4,500 home health care policies that are
the obligations of one of our other insurance subsidiaries, Washington National
Insurance Company ("Washington National"). The orders also require Conseco
Senior and Washington National to pursue a similar
34
course of action with respect to approximately 24,000 home health care policies
issued in other states, subject to consideration and approval by other state
insurance departments. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining rate increases or
other forms of relief in other states, or if the policy changes approved by the
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation prove inadequate, our future results of
operations could be adversely affected.
We are also aggressively seeking rate increases on other long-term care
policies in our other business in run-off segment. If we are unable to obtain
these rate increases, the profitability of these policies and the performance of
this block of business could be adversely affected.
The limited historical claims experience on our long-term care products
could negatively impact our operations if our estimates prove wrong and we
have not adequately set premium rates.
In setting premium rates, we consider historical claims information and
other factors, but we cannot predict future claims with certainty. This is
particularly applicable to our long-term care insurance products, for which we
have relatively limited historical claims experience. Long-term care products
tend to have fewer claims than other health products such as Medicare
supplement, but when claims are incurred, they tend to be much higher in dollar
amount. Also, long-term care products have a much longer tail, meaning that
claims are incurred much later in the life of the policy than most other
supplemental health products. As a result of these traits, longer historical
experience is necessary to appropriately price products.
Our Bankers Life segment has offered long-term care insurance since 1985.
Bankers Life's claims experience on its long-term care blocks has generally been
lower than its pricing expectations. However, the lapses on these policies have
been lower than our pricing expectations and this is expected to result in
higher loss ratios in the future.
The blocks of long-term care insurance included in the other business in
run-off segment were acquired through acquisitions completed in 1996 and 1997.
The majority of such business was written between 1990 and 1997. The experience
on these acquired blocks has generally been worse than the acquired companies'
original pricing expectations. We have received necessary regulatory approvals
for numerous premium rate increases in recent years pertaining to these blocks.
Even with these rate increases, these blocks experienced loss ratios of 103
percent in the year ended December 31, 2004, 103 percent in the four months
ended December 31, 2003, 170 percent in the eight months ended August 31, 2003,
and 139 percent in 2002. If future claims experience proves to be worse than
anticipated as our long-term care blocks continue to age, our financial results
could be adversely affected.
Our reserves for future insurance policy benefits and claims may prove to
be inadequate, requiring us to increase liabilities and resulting in
reduced net income and shareholders' equity.
We calculate and maintain reserves for the estimated future payment of
claims to our policyholders primarily based on assumptions made by our
actuaries. For our life insurance business, our limit of risk retention for each
policy is generally $.8 million or less because amounts above $.8 million are
ceded to reinsurers. For our health insurance business, we establish an active
life reserve, a liability for due and unpaid claims, claims in the course of
settlement, and incurred but not reported claims, and a reserve for the present
value of amounts on claims not yet due. We establish reserves based on
assumptions and estimates of factors either established at the fresh-start date
for business inforce then or considered when we set premium rates for business
written after that date.
Many factors can affect these reserves and liabilities, such as economic
and social conditions, inflation, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, regulatory
actions, changes in doctrines of legal liability and extra-contractual damage
awards. Therefore, the reserves and liabilities we establish are necessarily
based on estimates, assumptions and prior years' statistics. It is possible that
actual claims will materially exceed our reserves and have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We have incurred
significant losses beyond our estimates as a result of actual claim costs and
persistency of our long-term care business included in the other business in
run-off segment. For example, we increased claim reserves by $130 million during
2002 and $85 million during the eight months ended August 31, 2003, as a result
of adverse developments and changes in our estimates of ultimate claims for
these products. Our financial performance depends significantly upon the extent
to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used
in setting our reserves. If our assumptions with respect to future claims are
incorrect, and our reserves prove to be insufficient to cover our actual losses
and expenses, we would be required to increase our liabilities, and our
financial results could be adversely affected.
Our ability to meet our obligations may be constrained by our subsidiaries'
ability to distribute cash to us.
Conseco, Inc. and CDOC, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary and a guarantor
under the Credit Facility, are holding
35
companies with no business operations of their own. As a result, they depend on
their operating subsidiaries for cash to make principal and interest payments on
debt, and to pay administrative expenses and income taxes. The cash they receive
from insurance subsidiaries consists of dividends and distributions, principal
and interest payments on surplus debentures, fees for services, tax-sharing
payments, and from our non-insurance subsidiaries, loans and advances. A
deterioration in the financial condition, earnings or cash flow of the
significant subsidiaries of Conseco or CDOC for any reason could limit their
ability to pay cash dividends or other disbursements to Conseco and CDOC. In
addition, we may need to contribute additional capital to improve the risk based
capital ratios of certain insurance subsidiaries and this could affect the
ability of our top tier insurance subsidiary to pay dividends. Accordingly, this
would limit the ability of Conseco and CDOC to meet debt service requirements
and satisfy other financial obligations.
The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to
state insurance department regulations and is based on the financial statements
of our insurance subsidiaries prepared in accordance with statutory accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities, which differ from
GAAP. These regulations generally permit dividends to be paid from statutory
earned surplus of the insurance company for any 12-month period in amounts equal
to the greater of, or in a few states, the lesser of:
o statutory net gain from operations or statutory net income for the
prior year; or
o 10 percent of statutory capital and surplus at the end of the
preceding year.
Any dividends in excess of these levels, as well as principal and interest
payments on surplus debentures, require the approval of the director or
commissioner of the applicable state insurance department. Prior to their
release on November 19, 2003, we were subject to consent orders with the
Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Texas that, among other things,
limited the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay any dividends to any
non-insurance company parent without prior approval. The following table sets
forth the aggregate amount of dividends and other distributions that our
insurance subsidiaries paid to us in each of the last two fiscal years (dollars
in millions):
2004 2003
---- ----
Dividends........................................................... $ 45.8 $4.5
Surplus debenture interest, including $148.0 million related
to prior years.................................................... 192.1 -
------ ----
Total paid ..................................................... $237.9 $4.5
====== ====
In 2005, our insurance subsidiaries may pay dividends to us of $150.8
million without prior regulatory approval.
Our Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants and required
financial ratios that limit our operating flexibility.
As of December 31, 2004, we had $768.0 million of debt under our Credit
Facility. The Credit Facility imposes a number of covenants and financial ratios
that we must meet or maintain, including required earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the Credit Facility, of
greater than or equal to: $725.0 million for each rolling four quarters ending
during the period July 1, 2004, through December 31, 2005; $775.0 million for
each rolling four quarters ending during the period January 1, 2006, through
December 31, 2006; and $825.0 million for each rolling four quarters thereafter.
Our required earnings, as defined in the Credit Facility, exceeded $990 million
for the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, and therefore was in compliance.
Although our forecasts indicate we will meet and/or maintain all of the Credit
facility's covenants and financial ratios, our ability to do so may be affected
by events beyond our control.
Our Credit Facility also imposes restrictions that limit our flexibility to
plan for and react to changes in the economy and industry, thereby increasing
our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions. These
restrictions include limitations on our ability to: (i) incur additional
indebtedness; (ii) transfer or sell assets; (iii) enter into mergers or other
business combinations; (iv) pay cash dividends or repurchase stock; and (v) make
investments and capital expenditures.
S&P and Moody's have assigned ratings on our senior secured debt of "BB-
(Marginal)" and "B2 (Poor)", respectively. In S&P's view, an obligation rated
"BB-" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues, but the
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its obligation. S&P has a total of
twenty-two separate categories rating senior debt, ranging from "AAA (Extremely
Strong)" to "D (Payment Default)". A "BB-" rating is the thirteenth highest
rating. In Moody's view, an obligation rated "B" generally lacks characteristics
of a desirable investment, and any assurance of interest or principal payments
or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
may be small. Moody's
36
has a total of twenty-one separate categories in which to rate senior debt,
ranging from "Aaa (Exceptional)" to "C (Lowest Rated)". A "B2" rating is the
fifteenth highest rating. If we were to require additional capital, either to
refinance our existing indebtedness or to help fund future growth, our current
senior debt ratings could restrict our access to such capital.
Our net income and revenues will suffer if policyholder surrender levels
differ significantly from our assumptions.
Surrenders of our annuities and life insurance products can result in
losses and decreased revenues if surrender levels differ significantly from
assumed levels. At December 31, 2004, approximately 18 percent of our total
insurance liabilities, or approximately $4.4 billion, could be surrendered by
the policyholder without penalty. The surrender charges that are imposed on our
fixed rate annuities typically decline during a penalty period, which ranges
from five to twelve years after the date the policy is issued. Surrenders and
redemptions could require us to dispose of assets earlier than we had planned,
possibly at a loss. Moreover, surrenders and redemptions require faster
amortization of either the acquisition costs or the commissions associated with
the original sale of a product, thus reducing our net income. We believe
policyholders are generally more likely to surrender their policies if they
believe the issuer is having financial difficulties, or if they are able to
reinvest the policy's value at a higher rate of return in an alternative
insurance or investment product.
For example, policyholder redemptions of annuity and, to a lesser extent,
life products increased after the downgrade of our A.M. Best financial strength
rating to "B (Fair)" in August of 2002. When redemptions exceed our previous
assumptions, we are required to accelerate the amortization of the value of
policies inforce at the Effective Date, and the cost of policies produced (such
amortization is collectively referred to as "amortization of insurance
acquisition costs") to write off the balance associated with the redeemed
policies. We recorded additional amortization related to higher redemptions and
changes to our lapse assumptions of $203.2 million in 2002. Such additional
amortization was not significant in 2003 or 2004.
Recently enacted and future legislation could adversely affect the
financial performance of our insurance operations.
During recent years, the health insurance industry has experienced
substantial changes, including those caused by healthcare legislation. Recent
federal and state legislation and pending legislative proposals concerning
healthcare reform contain features that could severely limit, or eliminate, our
ability to vary pricing terms or apply medical underwriting standards to
individuals, thereby potentially increasing our loss ratios and adversely
impacting our financial results. In particular, Medicare reform could affect our
ability to price or sell our products or profitably maintain our blocks in
force. For example, the Medical Advantage program provides incentives for health
plans to offer managed care plans to seniors. The growth of managed care plans
under this program could decrease sales of the traditional Medicare supplement
products we sell.
Proposals currently pending in Congress and some state legislatures may
also affect our financial results. These proposals include the implementation of
minimum consumer protection standards in all long-term care policies, including:
guaranteed premium rates; protection against inflation; limitations on waiting
periods for pre-existing conditions; setting standards for sales practices for
long-term care insurance; and guaranteed consumer access to information about
insurers, including information regarding lapse and replacement rates for
policies and the percentage of claims denied. Enactment of any proposal that
would limit the amount we can charge for our products, such as guaranteed
premium rates, or that would increase the benefits we must pay, such as
limitations on waiting periods, or that would otherwise increase the costs of
our business, could adversely affect our financial results.
Tax law changes could adversely affect our insurance product sales and
profitability.
We sell deferred annuities and some forms of life insurance that are
attractive, in part, because policyholders generally are not subject to United
States Federal income tax on increases in policy values until some form of
distribution is made. Recently, Congress enacted legislation to lower marginal
tax rates, to reduce the federal estate tax gradually over a ten-year period
(with total elimination of the federal estate tax in 2010) and to increase
contributions that may be made to individual retirement accounts and 401(k)
accounts. While these tax law changes will expire at the beginning of 2011
absent future congressional action, they could in the interim diminish the
appeal of our annuity and life insurance products because the benefit of tax
deferral is lessened when tax rates are lower and because fewer people may
purchase these products when they can contribute more to individual retirement
accounts and 401(k) accounts. Additionally, Congress has considered, from time
to time, other possible changes to U.S. tax laws, including elimination of the
tax deferral on the accretion of value within certain annuities and life
insurance products. Such a change would make these products less attractive to
prospective purchasers and therefore would be likely to reduce our sales of
these products.
37
Our investment portfolio is subject to several risks that may diminish the
value of our invested assets and negatively impact our profitability.
The value of our investment portfolio is subject to numerous factors, which
are difficult to predict, and are, in many instances, beyond our control. These
factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
o Changes in interest rates can reduce the value of our investments.
Actively managed fixed maturity investments comprised 89 percent of
our total investments as of December 31, 2004. An increase in interest
rates of 10 percent could reduce the value of our actively managed
fixed maturity investments and short-term investments, net of
corresponding changes in insurance acquisition costs, by approximately
$630 million, in the absence of other factors.
o Our actively managed fixed maturity investments are subject to a risk
regarding the ability of the issuers to make timely repayments of the
securities. This risk is significantly greater with respect to
below-investment grade securities, which comprised 3.9 percent of our
actively managed fixed maturity investments as of December 31, 2004.
We have sustained substantial credit-related investment losses in
recent periods when a number of large, highly leveraged issuers
experienced significant financial difficulties. For example, we have
recognized other-than-temporary declines in value on several of our
investments, including K-Mart Corp., Amerco, Inc., Global Crossing,
MCI Communications, Mississippi Chemical, United Airlines and
Worldcom, Inc. We have recorded writedowns of fixed maturity
investments, equity securities and other invested assets as a result
of conditions which caused us to conclude a decline in the fair value
of the investment was other than temporary as follows: $18.1 million
in 2004; $9.6 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003;
$51.3 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $556.8
million in 2002.
In order to reduce our exposure to similar credit losses, we have taken a
number of specific steps, including:
o reducing the percentage of below-investment grade fixed maturity
investments from 5.9 percent at December 31, 2001, to 3.9 percent at
December 31, 2004;
o implementing conservative portfolio compliance guidelines which
generally limit our exposure to single issuer risks; and
o expanding our portfolio reporting procedures to proactively identify
changes in value related to credit risk in a more timely manner.
Our structured security investments, which comprised 26 percent of our
actively managed fixed maturity investments at December 31, 2004, are subject to
risks relating to variable prepayment and default on the assets underlying such
securities, such as mortgage loans. To the extent that structured security
investments prepay faster than the expected rate of repayment, refinancing or
default on the underlying assets, such investments, which have a cost basis in
excess of par, may be redeemed at par, thus resulting in a loss.
Our need for liquidity to fund substantial product surrenders or policy
claims may require that we maintain highly liquid, and therefore lower-yielding,
assets, or that we sell assets at a loss, thereby further eroding the
performance of our portfolio.
We have sustained substantial investment losses in the past and may again
in the future. Because a substantial portion of our net income is derived from
returns on our investment portfolio, significant losses in the portfolio may
have a direct and materially adverse impact on our results of operations. In
addition, losses on our investment portfolio could reduce the investment returns
that we are able to credit to our customers of certain products, thereby
impacting our sales and further eroding our financial performance.
Changing interest rates may adversely affect our results of operations.
Our profitability is directly affected by fluctuating interest rates. While
we monitor the interest rate environment and have previously employed hedging
strategies to mitigate such impact, our financial results could be adversely
affected by changes in interest rates. Our spread-based insurance and annuity
business is subject to several inherent risks arising from movements in interest
rates, especially if we fail to anticipate or respond to such movements. First,
interest rate changes can cause compression of our net spread between interest
earned on investments and interest credited to customer deposits. Our ability to
adjust for such a compression is limited by the guaranteed minimum rates that we
must credit to policyholders on
38
certain products, as well as the terms on most of our other products that limit
reductions in the crediting rates to pre-established intervals. As of December
31, 2004, approximately 41 percent of our insurance liabilities were subject to
interest rates that may be reset annually; 46 percent had a fixed explicit
interest rate for the duration of the contract; 9 percent had credited rates
that approximate the income we earn; and the remainder had no explicit interest
rates. Second, if interest rate changes produce an unanticipated increase in
surrenders of our spread-based products, we may be forced to sell invested
assets at a loss in order to fund such surrenders. Thirdly, the profits from
many non-spread-based insurance products, such as long-term care policies, are
also adversely affected when interest rates decline because we may be unable to
reinvest the cash from premiums received at the interest rates anticipated when
we sold the policies. Finally, changes in interest rates can have significant
effects on the performance of our structured securities portfolio, including
collateralized mortgage obligations, as a result of changes in the prepayment
rate of the loans underlying such securities. We follow asset/liability
strategies that are designed to mitigate the effects of interest rate changes on
our profitability but do not currently employ derivative instruments for this
purpose. We may not be successful in implementing these strategies and achieving
adequate investment spreads.
We use computer models to simulate our cash flows expected from existing
business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations help us
measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest-sensitive
financial instruments. With such estimates, we seek to manage the relationship
between the duration of our assets and the expected duration of our liabilities.
When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to
interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the value of assets should
be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. At December 31, 2004,
the duration of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments was
approximately 6.4 years, and the duration of our insurance liabilities was
approximately 7.0 years. We estimate that our fixed maturity securities and
short-term investments, net of corresponding changes in insurance acquisition
costs, would decline in fair value by approximately $630 million if interest
rates were to increase by 10 percent from rates as of December 31, 2004. This
compares to a decline in fair value of $625 million based on amounts and rates
at December 31, 2003. The calculations involved in our computer simulations
incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant estimates and assume an
immediate change in interest rates without any management reaction to such
change. Consequently, potential changes in the values of our financial
instruments indicated by the simulations will likely be different from the
actual changes experienced under given interest rate scenarios, and the
differences may be material. Because we actively manage our investments and
liabilities, our net exposure to interest rates can vary over time.
Volatility in the securities markets, and other economic factors, may
adversely affect our business, particularly our sales of certain life
insurance products and annuities.
Fluctuations in the securities markets and other economic factors may
adversely affect sales and/or policy surrenders of our annuities and life
insurance policies. For example, volatility in the equity markets may deter
potential purchasers from investing in equity-indexed annuities and may cause
current policyholders to surrender their policies for the cash value or to
reduce their investments. For example, our sales of these products decreased
significantly in 2001 and 2002 during periods of significant declines in the
equity markets. Sales of equity-indexed annuities totaled $220.1 million in 2002
as compared to $380.9 million in 2001. In addition, significant or unusual
volatility in the general level of interest rates could negatively impact sales
and/or lapse rates on certain types of insurance products.
We are subject to further risk of loss notwithstanding our reinsurance
agreements.
We transfer exposure to certain risks to others through reinsurance
arrangements. Under these arrangements, other insurers assume a portion of our
losses and expenses associated with reported and unreported claims in exchange
for a portion of policy premiums. The availability, amount and cost of
reinsurance depend on general market conditions and may vary significantly. As
of December 31, 2004, our reinsurance receivables totaled $975.7 million. Our
ceded life insurance in force totaled $20.1 billion. Our seven largest
reinsurers accounted for 82 percent of our ceded life insurance in force. We
face credit risk with respect to reinsurance. When we obtain reinsurance, we are
still liable for those transferred risks if the reinsurer cannot meet its
obligations. Therefore, the inability of our reinsurers to meet their financial
obligations may require us to increase liabilities, thereby reducing our net
income and shareholders' equity.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation, which limits our operating
flexibility and could result in our insurance subsidiaries being placed
under regulatory control or otherwise negatively impact our financial
results.
Our insurance business is subject to extensive regulation and supervision
in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject
to state insurance laws that establish supervisory agencies. Such agencies have
broad administrative powers including: granting and revoking licenses to
transact business; regulating sales and other practices; approving premium rate
increases; licensing agents; approving policy forms; setting reserve and
solvency requirements; determining the form and content of required statutory
financial statements; limiting dividends; and prescribing the type and
39
amount of investments insurers can make.
During our bankruptcy period and throughout most of 2003, we operated under
heightened scrutiny from state insurance regulators and under certain consent
orders, thereby restricting the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay any
dividends or other amounts to any non-insurance company parent without prior
approval. The successful completions of the bankruptcy in 2003 and capital
restructuring in 2004 reduced the level of scrutiny from our state insurance
regulators; however, we cannot be assured that regulators will not seek to
assert greater supervision and control over our insurance subsidiaries'
businesses and financial affairs in the future. If our financial condition were
to deteriorate, we may be required to enter into similar orders in the future.
Our insurance subsidiaries are also subject to risk-based capital
requirements. These requirements were designed to evaluate the adequacy of
statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks
associated with asset quality, mortality and morbidity, asset and liability
matching and other business factors. The requirements are used by states as an
early warning tool to discover potentially weakly-capitalized companies for the
purpose of initiating regulatory action. Generally, if an insurer's risk-based
capital falls below specified levels, the insurer would be subject to different
degrees of regulatory action depending upon the magnitude of the deficiency. The
2004 statutory annual statements filed with the state insurance regulators of
each of our insurance subsidiaries reflected total adjusted capital in excess of
the levels subjecting the subsidiaries to any regulatory action. However, as a
result of losses on the long-term care business within the Other Business in
Run-off segment, the risk-based capital ratio of Conseco Senior, which issued
most of the long-term care business in our Other Business in Run-off segment,
was near the Company Action Level.
Our insurance subsidiaries may be required to pay assessments to fund
policyholder losses or liabilities and this may negatively impact our
financial results.
The solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which an insurance company
does business may require that company to pay assessments up to certain
prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities of other insurance
companies that become insolvent. Insolvencies of insurance companies increase
the possibility that these assessments may be required. These assessments may be
deferred or forgiven under most guaranty laws if they would threaten an
insurer's financial strength and, in certain instances, may be offset against
future premium taxes. We cannot estimate the likelihood and amount of future
assessments. Although past assessments have not been material, if there were a
number of large insolvencies, future assessments could be material and could
have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial position.
Litigation and regulatory investigations are inherent in our business and
may harm our financial strength and reduce our profitability.
Insurance companies historically have been subject to substantial
litigation resulting from claims, disputes and other matters. In addition to the
traditional policy claims associated with their businesses, insurance companies
typically face policyholder suits and class action suits. The class action and
policyholder suits are often in connection with insurance sales practices,
policy and claims administration practices and other market conduct issues.
State insurance departments focus on sales practices and product issues in their
market conduct examinations. Negotiated settlements of class action and other
lawsuits have had a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition
and results of operations of insurance companies. We are, in the ordinary course
of our business, a plaintiff or defendant in actions arising out of our
insurance business, including class actions and reinsurance disputes, and, from
time to time, we are also involved in various governmental and administrative
proceedings and investigations. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits, however,
cannot be predicted with certainty, and although we do not presently believe
that any of these lawsuits, individually, are material, they could, in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Because
our insurance subsidiaries were not part of our bankruptcy proceedings, the
bankruptcy proceedings did not result in the discharge of any claims, including
claims asserted in litigation, against our insurance subsidiaries.
Competition from companies that have greater market share, higher ratings
and greater financial resources may impair our ability to retain existing
customers and sales representatives, attract new customers and sales
representatives and maintain or improve our financial results.
The supplemental health insurance, annuity and individual life insurance
markets are highly competitive. Competitors include other life and accident and
health insurers, commercial banks, thrifts, mutual funds and broker-dealers.
Our principal competitors vary by product line. Our main competitors for
agent sold long-term care insurance products include Genworth Financial, John
Hancock Financial Services, Lincoln Benefit Life, MetLife and Unum Provident.
Our main competitors for agent sold Medicare supplement insurance products
include Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Physicians
Mutual and Standard Life and Accident.
40
In some of our product lines, such as life insurance and fixed annuities,
we have a relatively small market share. Even in some of the lines in which we
are one of the top five writers, our market share is relatively small. For
example, while our Bankers Life segment ranked fourth in annualized premiums of
individual long-term care insurance in 2004 with a market share of approximately
9 percent, the top three writers of individual long-term care insurance had
annualized premiums with a combined market share of approximately 51 percent
during the period. In addition, while our Bankers Life segment was ranked third
in annualized premiums of individual Medicare supplement insurance in 2004 with
a market share of approximately 14 percent, the top two writers of individual
Medicare supplement insurance had annualized premiums with a combined market
share of approximately 68 percent during the period.
Virtually all of our major competitors have higher financial strength
ratings than we do. Many of our competitors are larger companies that have
greater capital, technological and marketing resources and have access to
capital at a lower cost. Recent industry consolidation, including business
combinations among insurance and other financial services companies, has
resulted in larger competitors with even greater financial resources.
Furthermore, changes in federal law have narrowed the historical separation
between banks and insurance companies, enabling traditional banking institutions
to enter the insurance and annuity markets and further increase competition.
This increased competition may harm our ability to maintain or improve our
profitability.
In addition, because the actual cost of products is unknown when they are
sold, we are subject to competitors who may sell a product at a price that does
not cover its actual cost. Accordingly, if we do not also lower our prices for
similar products, we may lose market share to these competitors. If we lower our
prices to maintain market share, our profitability will decline.
We must attract and retain sales representatives to sell our insurance and
annuity products. Strong competition exists among insurance and financial
services companies for sales representatives. We compete for sales
representatives primarily on the basis of our financial position, financial
strength ratings, support services, compensation and product features. Our
competitiveness for such agents also depends upon the relationships we develop
with these agents. If we are unable to attract and retain sufficient numbers of
sales representatives to sell our products, our ability to compete and our
revenues and profitability would suffer.
41
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Due to the application of fresh start accounting, the reported historical
financial statements of our Predecessor for periods prior to August 31, 2003
generally are not comparable to our financial statements for periods after that
date. Therefore, our results of operations have not been combined with those of
our Predecessor. Please read this discussion in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Form 10-K.
After our emergence from bankruptcy, we began to manage our business
through the following: two primary operating segments, Bankers Life and Conseco
Insurance Group, which are defined on the basis of product distribution; a third
segment comprised of other business in run-off; and corporate operations, which
consists of holding company activities and certain noninsurance businesses.
Prior to its disposition effective March 31, 2003, we also had a finance
segment. The following tables and narratives summarize the operating results of
our segments as we currently manage them (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Income (losses) before taxes:
Bankers Life ..................................... $ 241.6 $ 85.5 $ 159.6 $ 136.5
Conseco Insurance Group........................... 270.5 94.3 299.9 (211.5)
Other Business in Run-off......................... 70.3 12.8 (171.3) (216.8)
Corporate operations.............................. (128.3) (43.1) 1,884.0 (1,340.4)
------- ------ -------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority
interest, discontinued operations and
cumulative effect of accounting change......... $454.1 $149.5 $2,172.2 $(1,632.2)
====== ====== ======== =========
General: Conseco is the top tier holding company for a group of insurance
companies operating throughout the United States that develop, market and
administer supplemental health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance and
other insurance products. We distribute these products through our Bankers Life
segment, which utilizes a career agency force and direct response marketing and
through our Conseco Insurance Group segment, which utilizes professional
independent producers. Our Other Business in Run-off segment consists of: (i)
long-term care products written in prior years through independent agents; (ii)
small group and individual major medical business which we began to nonrenew in
2001; and (iii) other group major medical business which we no longer actively
market. Most of the long-term care business in run-off relates to business
written by certain subsidiaries prior to their acquisitions by Conseco in 1996
and 1997.
42
Bankers Life (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premium and asset accumulation product collections:
Annuities.......................................... $ 950.5 $ 253.8 $ 698.4 $ 740.9
Supplemental health................................ 1,188.5 407.9 759.6 1,159.4
Life............................................... 180.9 58.6 102.7 139.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total collections................................ $2,319.9 $ 720.3 $1,560.7 $2,039.3
======== ======== ======== ========
Average liabilities for insurance products:
Annuities:
Mortality based................................ $ 356.5 $ 331.8 $ 286.5 $ 271.7
Equity-linked.................................. 276.5 262.9 264.8 301.0
Deposit based.................................. 3,506.7 3,150.1 2,847.7 2,248.4
Health........................................... 2,803.1 2,620.8 1,916.3 1,712.0
Life:
Interest sensitive............................. 335.4 333.0 324.4 311.6
Non-interest sensitive......................... 749.3 747.3 652.4 654.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total average liabilities for insurance
products, net of reinsurance ceded........... $8,027.5 $7,445.9 $6,292.1 $5,498.7
======== ======== ======== ========
Revenues:
Insurance policy income............................ $1,405.1 $ 456.8 $ 892.7 $1,300.1
Net investment income:
General account invested assets.................. 422.6 128.9 253.4 382.2
Equity-indexed products based on the change
in value of the S&P 500 Call Options........... 2.6 6.6 4.8 (14.8)
Trading account income related to policyholder
and reinsurer accounts......................... 3.7 5.2 - -
Change in value of embedded derivatives related
to modified coinsurance agreements............. (3.7) (5.2) - -
Net realized investment gains (losses)........... 17.4 3.4 5.5 (128.7)
Fee revenue and other income....................... 1.9 .5 .9 1.3
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues................................. 1,849.6 596.2 1,157.3 1,540.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Expenses:
Insurance policy benefits.......................... 1,099.9 336.4 692.4 973.4
Amounts added to policyholder account balances:
Annuity products and interest-sensitive life
products other than those listed below......... 149.5 50.6 89.5 116.9
Equity-indexed products based on S&P 500 Index... 8.6 8.8 13.2 .6
Amortization related to operations................. 182.6 62.3 113.4 171.9
Amortization related to net realized investment
gains (losses)................................... 4.7 - .5 (3.2)
Interest expense on investment borrowings.......... 2.6 .8 3.4 4.6
Other operating costs and expenses................. 160.1 51.8 85.3 94.4
Special charges...................................... - - - 45.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses................................. 1,608.0 510.7 997.7 1,403.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes, minority interest,
discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change.................................. $ 241.6 $ 85.5 $ 159.6 $ 136.5
======== ======== ======== ========
(continued)
43
(continued from previous page)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Health loss ratios:
All health lines:
Insurance policy benefits........................ $929.2 $283.7 $578.5 $840.9
Loss ratio (a)................................... 78.02% 73.11% 75.30% 74.06%
Medicare Supplement:
Insurance policy benefits........................ $443.3 $133.3 $283.3 $437.6
Loss ratio (a)................................... 68.94% 62.79% 66.39% 67.15%
Long-Term Care:
Insurance policy benefits........................ $477.5 $148.0 $287.2 $394.3
Loss ratio (a)................................... 89.31% 86.06% 86.08% 83.69%
Interest-adjusted loss ratio (b)................. 62.34% 60.04% 69.26% 67.95%
Other:
Insurance policy benefits........................ $8.4 $2.4 $8.0 $9.0
Loss ratio (a)................................... 63.38% 63.79% 101.05% 71.21%
- ----------------
(a) We calculate loss ratios by dividing the related product's insurance policy
benefits by insurance policy income.
(b) We calculate the interest-adjusted loss ratio (a non-GAAP measure) for
Bankers Life's long-term care products by dividing such product's insurance
policy benefits less interest income on the accumulated assets backing the
insurance liabilities by insurance policy income. Interest income is an
important factor in measuring the performance of this product. The net cash
flows from long-term care products generally cause an accumulation of
amounts in the early years of a policy (accounted for as reserve increases)
which will be paid out as benefits in later policy years (accounted for as
reserve decreases). Accordingly, as the policies age, the loss ratio will
typically increase, but the increase in the change in reserve will be
partially offset by interest income earned on the accumulated assets. The
interest-adjusted loss ratio reflects the effects of the interest income
offset. Since interest income is an important factor in measuring the
performance of this product, management believes a loss ratio which
includes the effect of interest income is useful in analyzing product
performance. The investment income earned on the accumulated assets backing
Bankers Life's long-term care reserves was $144.2 million in 2004; $44.7
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $56.1 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $74.2 million in 2002.
Total premium collections were $2,319.9 million in 2004; $720.3 million in
the four months ended December 31, 2003; $1,560.7 million in the eight months
ended August 31, 2003; and $2,039.3 million in 2002. Bankers Life's annuity
premium collections in 2003 were positively impacted by sales inducements
provided to such purchasers and sales incentives provided to our career agents.
These programs ended at various times during the second quarter of 2003. Sales
of annuity products in 2004 were favorably impacted by attractive minimum
guaranteed crediting rates. See "Premium and Asset Accumulation Product
Collections" for further analysis of Bankers Life's premium collections.
Average liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products, net of
reinsurance ceded, were $8.0 billion in 2004; $7.4 billion in the four months
ended December 31, 2003; $6.3 billion in the eight months ended August 31, 2003;
and $5.5 billion in 2002. The increase in such liabilities through August 31,
2003, was primarily due to annuity reserve increases. As discussed above under
"Total premium collections", annuity premium collections in our Bankers Life
segment were positively impacted during 2003 by sales inducements and
incentives. The increase in such liabilities for the four months ended December
31, 2003, was primarily due to the adoption of fresh start accounting and its
effects on the reserves for our health insurance.
Insurance policy income is comprised of: (i) premiums earned on policies
which provide mortality or morbidity coverage; and (ii) fees and other charges
made against other policies. See "Premium and Asset Accumulation Product
Collections" for further analysis.
44
Net investment income on general account invested assets (which excludes
income on policyholder and reinsurer accounts) was $422.6 million in 2004;
$128.9 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $253.4 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $382.2 million in 2002. The average
balance of general account invested assets was $7.7 billion in 2004; $7.0
billion in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $6.6 billion in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $6.1 billion in 2002. The yield on these
assets was 5.5 percent in 2004; 5.5 percent in the four months ended December
31, 2003; 5.7 percent in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 6.3 percent
in 2002. The decreases in yields in 2004 and for the four months ended December
31, 2003, reflected the adoption of fresh start accounting which reset the
yields to market rates at August 31, 2003. In addition, this segment's net
investment income in 2004 included $4.7 million of income related to prepayments
of securities (including prepayment penalties on mortgages, call premiums on
fixed maturities and accelerated amortization of discount, net of premium) and
income from non-traditional investments (including securities that were
previously in default). The decrease in yield in the eight months ended August
31, 2003, reflected the lower interest rate environment prevailing during the
period and the resulting lower rates earned on invested assets.
Net investment income related to equity-indexed products based on the
change in value of the S&P 500 Call Options represents the change in the
estimated fair value of Bankers Life's S&P 500 Index Call Options which are
purchased in an effort to cover certain benefits accruing to the policyholders
of our equity-indexed products. Our equity-indexed products are designed so that
the investment income spread earned on the related insurance liabilities is more
than adequate to cover the cost of the S&P 500 Call Options and other costs
related to these policies. Option costs attributable to benefits provided were
$7.1 million in 2004; $2.9 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003;
$7.7 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $15.2 million in
2002. These costs are reflected in net investment income. Investment income
related to equity-indexed products before those costs was $9.7 million in 2004;
$9.5 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $12.5 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $.4 million in 2002. Such amounts are
generally offset by the corresponding charge (credit) to amounts added to
policyholder account balances for equity-indexed products based on S&P 500
Index. Such income and related charges fluctuate based on the value of options
embedded in the segment's equity-indexed annuity policyholder account balances
subject to this benefit and to the performance of the S&P 500 Index to which the
returns on such products are linked.
Trading account income related to policyholder and reinsurer accounts
represents the income on trading security accounts established on August 31,
2003, which are designed to act as a hedge for embedded derivatives related to
certain modified coinsurance agreements. The income on our trading account
securities is designed to be substantially offset by the change in value of
embedded derivatives related to modified coinsurance agreements described below.
Change in value of embedded derivatives related to modified coinsurance
agreements is described in the note to our consolidated financial statements for
the period ended December 31, 2004, entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies - Accounting for Derivatives." We have transferred the specific block
of investments related to these agreements to our trading securities account,
which we carry at estimated fair value with changes in such value recognized as
trading account income. We expect the change in the value of the embedded
derivatives largely to be offset by the change in value of the trading
securities.
Net realized investment gains (losses) fluctuated each period. During 2004,
net realized investment gains in this segment included $21.5 million of net
gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $4.1
million of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the four months ended December 31, 2003, net
realized investment gains in this segment included $8.6 million of net gains
from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $5.2 million
of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the first eight months of 2003, net investment
gains of $5.5 million included $20.5 million of net gains from the sales of
investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $15.0 million of writedowns of
fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets
resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were other than
temporary. During 2002, this segment recognized net realized investment losses
of $128.7 million, which included $138.5 million of writedowns to certain
securities to fair value due to other-than-temporary declines in value
(including issuers who have faced significant problems: K-Mart Corp., Amerco,
Inc., Global Crossing, MCI Communications, Mississippi Chemical, United Airlines
and Worldcom, Inc.) and $9.8 million of net gains from the sales of investments
(primarily fixed maturities).
Insurance policy benefits fluctuated as a result of the factors summarized
below for loss ratios. Loss ratios are calculated by dividing the related
insurance product's insurance policy benefits by insurance policy income.
The loss ratio on Bankers Life's Medicare supplement business increased in
2004. Our loss experience in the four months ended December 31, 2003 was
favorably impacted by positive developments of $5.8 million from insurance
liabilities established in prior periods. In 2004, we recognized $1.5 million of
positive developments from reserves
45
established in prior periods. The Medicare supplement business consists of both
individual and group policies. Government regulations generally require us to
attain and maintain a ratio of total benefits incurred to total premiums earned
(as calculated based on amounts reported for statutory accounting purposes),
after three years, of not less than 65 percent on individual products and not
less than 75 percent on group products. The loss ratio experienced in 2004 is
within these requirements and consistent with our expectations given the mix of
individual and group business.
The net cash flows from our long-term care products generally cause an
accumulation of amounts in the early years of a policy (accounted for as reserve
increases) which will be paid out as benefits in later policy years (accounted
for as reserve decreases). Accordingly, as the policies age, the loss ratio
typically increases, but the increase in the change in reserve is partially
offset by investment income earned on the accumulated assets. The loss ratio on
this business increased in 2004, consistent with the aging of this block. We
have recently been experiencing lower than expected lapses on this business,
which has also caused the loss ratio to increase. The interest-adjusted loss
ratio for long-term care products is calculated by dividing the insurance
product's insurance policy benefits less interest income on the accumulated
assets backing the insurance liabilities by insurance policy income. The
decrease in the interest-adjusted loss ratio for the four months ended December
31, 2003, was primarily due to the adoption of fresh start accounting which
increased the assets backing such insurance liabilities.
The loss ratios on our other products are subject to fluctuations due to
the smaller size of these blocks of business. However, the loss ratios during
2004 and the four months ended December 31, 2003, have been relatively stable
despite the fluctuations experienced in the prior periods.
Amounts added to policyholder account balances for annuity products and
interest-sensitive life products were $149.5 million in 2004; $50.6 million in
the four months ended December 31, 2003; $89.5 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $116.9 million in 2002. The increases were primarily due to
increases in annuity reserves partially offset by decreases in average crediting
rates. The weighted average crediting rates for these products were 3.9 percent
in 2004; 4.4 percent for the four months ended December 31, 2003; 4.2 percent
for the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 4.6 percent in 2002.
Amounts added to equity-indexed products based on S&P 500 Index correspond
to the related investment income accounts described above.
Amortization related to operations includes amortization of insurance
acquisition costs. Insurance acquisition costs are amortized either: (i) in
relation to the estimated gross profits of universal life-type and
investment-type products; or (ii) in relation to future anticipated premium
revenue of other products. Bankers Life's amortization expense in 2004 was not
comparable to prior periods due to the application of fresh start accounting
effective August 31, 2003. Bankers Life's amortization expense in 2004 and the
four months ended December 31, 2003 was generally consistent with the related
premium revenue and gross profits for such periods and the assumptions we made
when we established our insurance acquisition costs as of August 31, 2003.
Amortization related to net realized investment gains (losses) represents
the increases or decreases in amortization which result from realized investment
gains or losses. When we sell securities at a gain (loss) and reinvest the
proceeds at a different yield, we increase (reduce) the amortization of
insurance acquisition costs in order to reflect the change in future expected
yields. Sales of fixed maturity investments resulted in an increase (decrease)
in the amortization of insurance acquisition costs of $4.7 million in 2004; nil
in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $.5 million in the eight months
ended August 31, 2003; and $(3.2) million in 2002.
Interest expense on investment borrowings fluctuates with our investment
borrowing activities and the interest rates thereon. Average investment
borrowings in our Bankers Life segment were $180.1 million during 2004; $173.6
million during the four months ended December 31, 2003; $263.7 million during
the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $452.2 million during 2002. The
weighted average interest rates on such borrowings were 1.5 percent during 2004;
1.4 percent during the four months ended December 31, 2003; 1.9 percent during
the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 1.0 percent during 2002.
Other operating costs and expenses in our Bankers Life segment were $160.1
million in 2004; $51.8 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $85.3
million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $94.4 million in 2002.
These expenses increased in 2004 due primarily to higher sales and career agency
infrastructure costs and lower reinsurance expense allowances. Expenses in 2003
included increases in policy acquisition costs which were non-deferrable.
Special charges in 2002 included: (i) a loss of $39.0 million on a
reinsurance transaction entered into as part of our cash raising initiatives;
and (ii) other items totaling $6.0 million primarily related to severance
benefits and costs incurred
46
with the transfer of certain customer service and backroom operations to our
former India subsidiary.
Conseco Insurance Group (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premium and asset accumulation product collections:
Annuities............................................ $ 63.7 $ 18.1 $ 74.0 $ 351.9
Supplemental health.................................. 729.6 272.0 525.3 830.3
Life................................................. 372.3 131.5 280.7 498.0
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total collections.................................. $ 1,165.6 $ 421.6 $ 880.0 $ 1,680.2
========= ========= ========= =========
Average liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation
products:
Annuities:
Mortality based...................................... $ 245.2 $ 243.5 $ 171.0 $ 175.0
Equity-linked...................................... 1,485.5 1,561.4 1,514.7 1,983.1
Deposit based...................................... 3,790.4 4,027.8 4,245.4 5,352.1
Separate accounts and investment trust liabilities. 33.9 50.1 401.3 672.6
Health............................................... 2,331.6 2,286.3 2,045.4 1,981.6
Life:
Interest sensitive................................. 3,249.1 3,349.8 3,407.8 3,798.7
Non-interest sensitive............................. 1,446.2 1,485.3 1,495.3 1,327.6
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total average liabilities for insurance and asset
accumulation products.......................... $12,581.9 $13,004.2 $13,280.9 $15,290.7
========= ========= ========= =========
Revenues:
Insurance policy income.............................. $ 1,148.4 $ 398.5 $ 892.8 $ 1,454.9
Net investment income:
General account invested assets.................... 702.3 242.2 557.3 982.0
Equity-indexed products based on the change in
value of the S&P 500 Call Options................ 11.1 35.6 25.3 (85.7)
Trading account income related to policyholder and
reinsurer accounts............................... 11.6 11.9 - -
Change in value of embedded derivatives related to
modified coinsurance agreements.................. (1.2) (1.0) - -
Net realized investment gains (losses)............. 21.5 9.5 (17.1) (368.1)
Fee revenue and other income......................... 4.8 .5 17.0 25.4
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues..................................... 1,898.5 697.2 1,475.3 2,008.5
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Expenses:
Insurance policy benefits............................ 851.0 290.7 456.4 998.2
Amounts added to policyholder account balances:
Annuity products and interest-sensitive life
products other than those listed below........... 260.9 94.9 218.4 379.7
Equity-indexed products based on S&P 500 Index..... 39.2 35.8 71.5 (.9)
Amortization related to operations................... 156.7 63.2 202.7 566.0
Amortization related to net investment gains (losses) 8.7 1.1 (.9) (24.6)
Interest expense on investment borrowings............ 5.2 1.6 4.7 10.2
Other operating costs and expenses................... 306.3 115.6 222.6 292.1
Special charges...................................... - - - (.7)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total expenses..................................... 1,628.0 602.9 1,175.4 2,220.0
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest,
discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change.................................... $ 270.5 $ 94.3 $ 299.9 $ (211.5)
========= ========= ========= =========
(continued)
47
(continued from previous page)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Health loss ratios:
All health lines:
Insurance policy benefits...................... $492.9 $171.4 $381.3 $550.7
Loss ratio (a)................................. 67.03% 64.92% 70.95% 66.36%
Medicare Supplement:
Insurance policy benefits...................... $225.5 $86.5 $167.2 $217.6
Loss ratio (a)................................. 63.15% 66.57% 65.49% 61.28%
Specified Disease:
Insurance policy benefits...................... $256.9 $74.5 $184.7 $259.5
Loss ratio (a)................................. 70.98% 61.61% 75.77% 69.61%
Interest-adjusted loss ratio (b)............... 40.91% 30.64% 46.33% 42.10%
Other:
Insurance policy benefits...................... $10.5 $10.4 $29.4 $73.6
Loss ratio (a)................................. 64.64% 79.11% 76.66% 72.22%
- -------------
(a) We calculate loss ratios by dividing the related product's insurance policy
benefits by insurance policy income.
(b) We calculate the interest-adjusted loss ratio (a non-GAAP measure) for
Conseco Insurance Group's specified disease products by dividing such
product's insurance policy benefits less interest income on the accumulated
assets backing the insurance liabilities by policy income. Interest income
is an important factor in measuring the performance of this product. The
net cash flows from specified disease products generally cause an
accumulation of amounts in the early years of a policy (accounted for as
reserve increases) which will be paid out as benefits in later policy years
(accounted for as reserve decreases). Accordingly, as the policies age, the
loss ratio will typically increase, but the increase in the change in
reserve will be partially offset by interest income earned on the
accumulated assets. The interest-adjusted loss ratio reflects the effects
of the interest income offset. Since interest income is an important factor
in measuring the performance of this product, management believes a loss
ratio which includes the effect of interest income is useful in analyzing
product performance. The investment income earned on the accumulated assets
backing the specified disease reserves was $108.8 million in 2004; $37.4
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $71.8 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $102.5 million in 2002.
Collections on insurance products were $1,165.6 million in 2004; $421.6
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $880.0 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $1,680.2 million in 2002. Premium collections
by the independent agents in this segment were negatively impacted by the A.M.
Best financial strength rating downgrade to "B (Fair)"in August 2002 and our
decision to de-emphasize the sale of certain products. During 2005, we expect to
increase our annuity sales efforts and to continue to emphasize the sale of
specified disease and Medicare supplement insurance products. See "Premium and
Asset Accumulation Product Collections" for further analysis.
Average liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products, net of
reinsurance ceded were $12.6 billion in 2004; $13.0 billion in the four months
ended December 31, 2003; $13.3 billion in the eight months ended August 31,
2003; and $15.3 billion in 2002. The decrease in such liabilities was due
primarily to increases in policyholder redemptions and lapses following the
downgrade of our A.M. Best financial strength rating to "B (Fair)" in August
2002. The liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products in this
segment were not significantly affected by the adoption of fresh start
accounting. See "Liquidity for insurance operations" for additional discussion
of the A.M. Best rating downgrade.
Insurance policy income is comprised of: (i) premiums earned on policies
which provide mortality or morbidity coverage; and (ii) fees and other charges
made against other policies. See "Premium and Asset Accumulation Product
Collections" for further analysis.
Net investment income on general account invested assets (which excludes
income on policyholder and reinsurer accounts) was $702.3 million in 2004;
$242.2 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $557.3 million in the
48
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $982.0 million in 2002. The average
balance of general account invested assets was $12.5 billion in 2004; $12.7
billion in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $13.7 billion in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $15.0 billion in 2002. The yield on these
assets was 5.6 percent in 2004; 5.7 percent in the four months ended December
31, 2003; 6.1 percent in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 6.5 percent
in 2002. The decreases in yields in 2004 and for the four months ended December
31, 2003, reflected the adoption of fresh start accounting which effectively
reset the yields to market rates at August 31, 2003. In addition, this segment's
net investment income in 2004 included $5.0 million of income related to
prepayments of securities (including prepayment penalties on mortgages, call
premiums on fixed maturities and accelerated amortization of discount, net of
premium) and income from non-traditional investments (including securities that
were previously in default). The decrease in yield in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003, reflected the lower prevailing interest rate environment and
the resulting lower rates earned on invested assets.
Net investment income related to equity-indexed products based on the
change in value of the S&P 500 Call Options represents the change in the
estimated fair value of Conseco Insurance Group's S&P 500 Index Call Options
which are purchased in an effort to cover certain benefits accruing to the
policyholders of our equity-indexed products. Our equity-indexed products are
designed so that the investment income spread earned on the related insurance
liabilities is more than adequate to cover the cost of the S&P 500 Call Options
and other costs related to these policies. Option costs that are attributable to
benefits provided were $37.7 million in 2004; $16.2 million in the four months
ended December 31, 2003; $45.8 million in the eight months ended August 31,
2003; and $82.3 million in 2002. These costs are reflected in net investment
income. Net investment income (loss) related to equity-indexed products before
these costs was $48.8 million in 2004; $51.8 million in the four months ended
December 31, 2003; $71.1 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and
$(3.4) million in 2002. Such amounts were partially offset by the corresponding
charge (credit) to amounts added to policyholder account balances for
equity-indexed products based on S&P 500 Index. Such income and related charges
fluctuate based on the value of options embedded in the segment's equity-indexed
annuity policyholder account balances subject to this benefit and to the
performance of the S&P 500 Index to which the returns on such products are
linked.
Trading account income related to policyholder and reinsurer accounts
represents the income on trading security accounts established on August 31,
2003, which are designed to act as a hedge for embedded derivatives related to:
(i) Conseco Insurance Group's equity-indexed products; and (ii) certain modified
coinsurance agreements. In addition, such income includes the income on
investments backing the market strategies of certain annuity products which
provide for different rates of cash value growth based on the experience of a
particular market strategy. The income on our trading account securities is
designed to substantially offset: (i) the change in value of embedded
derivatives related to modified coinsurance agreements described below; and (ii)
certain amounts included in insurance policy benefits.
Change in value of embedded derivatives related to modified coinsurance
agreements is described in the note to our consolidated financial statements
entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounting for
Derivatives." We have transferred the specific block of investments related to
these agreements to our trading securities account, which we carry at estimated
fair value with changes in such value recognized as trading account income. The
change in the value of the embedded derivatives has largely been offset by the
change in value of the trading securities.
Net realized investment gains (losses) fluctuated each period. During 2004,
net realized investment gains in this segment included $32.1 million of net
gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $10.6
million of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the four months ended December 31, 2003, net
realized investment gains in this segment included $13.4 million of net gains
from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $3.9 million
of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the first eight months of 2003, net realized
investment losses of $17.1 million, included $16.8 million of net gains from the
sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $33.9 million of
writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested
assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were other than
temporary. During 2002, we recognized net realized investment losses of $368.1
million, which included $365.2 million of writedowns to certain securities to
fair value due to other-than-temporary declines in value (including issuers who
have faced significant problems: K-Mart Corp., Amerco, Inc., Global Crossing,
MCI Communications, Mississippi Chemical, United Airlines and Worldcom, Inc.)
and $2.9 million of net losses from the sales of investments (primarily fixed
maturities).
Fee revenue and other income in the eight months ended August 31, 2003 and
2002 included $15.6 million and $23.7 million, respectively, of income earned by
a subsidiary that earned fees for marketing insurance products of other
companies. This subsidiary (which specialized in the sale of long-term care
insurance through independent agents) was sold in September 2003, resulting in
decreased fee revenue in subsequent periods.
Insurance policy benefits fluctuated as a result of the factors summarized
below for loss ratios and, in the eight
49
months ended August 31, 2003, as a result of a change in estimate of future
losses on certain policies, as discussed below. Loss ratios are calculated by
dividing the related insurance product's insurance policy benefits by insurance
policy income.
The loss ratio on Conseco Insurance Group's Medicare supplement products in
2004 was impacted by rate increases. Such rate increases were implemented
earlier in 2004 than in prior years, resulting in a lower loss ratio in 2004. In
addition, the higher rates increased policyholders' lapses. The release of the
policy benefit reserve related to the lapsed business also contributed to the
lower loss ratio in 2004. Government regulations generally require us to attain
and maintain a ratio of total benefits incurred to total premiums earned (as
calculated based on amounts reported for statutory accounting purposes), after
three years, of not less than 65 percent on these products. The loss ratio in
2002 reflected favorable reserve developments in this line of business and was
not consistent with our current and past experience.
Conseco Insurance Group's specified disease products generally provide
fixed or limited benefits. For example, payments under cancer insurance policies
are generally made directly to, or at the direction of, the policyholder
following diagnosis of, or treatment for, a covered type of cancer.
Approximately 77 percent of our specified disease policies inforce (based on
policy count) are sold with return of premium or cash value riders. The return
of premium rider generally provides that after a policy has been inforce for a
specified number of years or upon the policyholder reaching a specified age, we
will pay to the policyholder, or a beneficiary under the policy, the aggregate
amount of all premiums paid under the policy, without interest, less the
aggregate amount of all claims incurred under the policy. The cash value rider
is similar to the return of premium rider, but also provides for payment of a
graded portion of the return of premium benefit if the policy terminates before
the return of premium benefit is earned. Accordingly, the net cash flows from
these products generally result in the accumulation of amounts in the early
years of a policy (accounted for as reserve increases) which will be paid out as
benefits in later policy years (accounted for as reserve decreases).
Accordingly, as the policies age, the loss ratio will typically increase, but
the increase in the change in reserve will be partially offset by investment
income earned on the accumulated assets. The interest-adjusted loss ratio for
specified disease products is calculated by dividing the insurance product's
insurance policy benefits less interest income on the accumulated assets backing
the insurance liabilities by insurance policy income. The loss ratio in this
block of business is affected by the number of policies which surrender in a
period. When policies surrender before reaching the specified age when the
return of premium is payable, the reserve established for such benefit through
the surrender date is released, resulting in lower insurance policy benefits for
the period. In the third quarter of 2004, we changed the criteria pursuant to
which we consider a specified disease policy to be lapsed. Although our
specified disease policies generally may be lapsed for non-payment of premiums
after being delinquent for 90 days, policyholders are permitted to reinstate
their coverage by paying past due premiums prior to our final lapse notice. In
addition, timing differences and delays in billing, receipt and processing of
premiums can affect whether a policy has, in fact, lapsed. We revised our
previous methodology of determining lapsed policies to consider these
circumstances. These changes resulted in an increase to reserves of
approximately $6 million. The effect of variances in lapse rates from our
expectations were partially offset by reduced amortization of insurance
acquisition costs of $2.2 million. We had favorable claims experience in the
four months ended December 31, 2003. We experienced higher than expected
incurred claims on certain cancer insurance policies during the first eight
months of 2003.
The loss ratios on Conseco Insurance Group's other products are subject to
fluctuations due to the smaller size of these blocks of business. The loss ratio
on this business during 2004 reflected improved experience, but given the
variability of this ratio in the past, we expect continued fluctuations in the
future.
From time-to-time, we experience higher (or lower) than expected death
claims in the life business of the Conseco Insurance Group segment. For example,
during the first quarter of 2004, we experienced adverse life mortality of
approximately $4.4 million. During the remainder of 2004, our life mortality
experience generally returned to levels comparable to previous periods. While we
have no reason to believe the first quarter 2004 experience is indicative of a
trend, our earnings are affected when we experience fluctuations in death
claims.
In August 2003, we decided to change a non-guaranteed element of certain
Conseco Insurance Group policies that was not required by the policy. This
change eliminated the former practice of reducing the cost of insurance charges
below the levels permitted under the policies. As a result, our estimates of
future expected gross profits on these products, which is used as a basis for
amortizing insurance acquisition costs, and our estimate of insurance
liabilities changed. We adjusted the total amortization and reserve charges
which we had recorded since the acquisition of these policies as a result of
these changes in earlier estimates in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 97, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises
of Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the
Sale of Investments." The changes in estimate resulted in a $220.2 million
reduction to insurance policy benefits and a $39.8 million reduction to
amortization recorded in the eight months ended August 31, 2003.
Amounts added to policyholder account balances for annuity products and
interest-sensitive life products were $260.9 million in 2004; $94.9 million in
the four months ended December 31, 2003; $218.4 million in the eight months
50
ended August 31, 2003; and $379.7 million in 2002. The decreases were primarily
due to a smaller block of annuity business inforce and changes in the weighted
average crediting rates. The weighted average crediting rates for these products
were 3.8 percent in 2004; 4.0 percent for the four months ended December 31,
2003; 4.4 percent for the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 4.3 percent in
2002.
Amounts added to equity-indexed products based on S&P 500 Index correspond
to the related investment income accounts described above.
Amortization related to operations includes amortization of insurance
acquisition costs. We are required to amortize the value of policies inforce in
relation to estimated gross profits for universal life-type and investment-type
products. We are also required to regularly evaluate the expected gross profits
which are used as a basis for determining amortization and adjust the total
amortization recorded to date through the statement of operations, if actual
experience or other evidence suggests that earlier estimates should be revised.
Accordingly, the amount of insurance acquisition costs on our universal
life-type and investment-type products that we amortize is dependent on the
profits realized during the period and our expectations of future profits. For
other products, we amortize insurance acquisition costs in relationship to
actual and expected premium revenue, and amortization is only adjusted when our
expectations regarding premium revenue change (or if we determine the insurance
acquisition cost balance is not recoverable from future profits). As described
below, changes in our assumptions used to estimate future profits or premiums
have resulted in changes in the amount of amortization we recognized during
2004, 2003 and 2002.
During 2004, we evaluated certain amortization assumptions used to estimate
gross profits for universal life and investment-type products by comparing them
to our actual experience. We revised previous assumptions related to investment
income to match the actual experience and our estimates of future assumptions.
The changes we made did not affect our expectations for the total estimated
profits to be earned on this business, but did affect how we expect the profits
to emerge over time. These new assumptions resulted in a retroactive reduction
to the amortization of insurance acquisition costs of $7.7 million. The rate
increases implemented in early 2004 on our Medicare supplement products resulted
in higher lapses than we anticipated. We recognized additional amortization
expense of approximately $4.4 million as a result of the unexpected lapses (and
the resulting impact on our estimates of future expected premium income). The
assumptions we use to estimate our future gross profits and premiums involve
significant judgment. A revision to our current assumptions could result in
increases or decreases to amortization expense in future periods.
Conseco Insurance Group's amortization recorded in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003, was affected by the change in estimates of future losses on
certain policies described above under "insurance policy benefits." Policyholder
redemptions of annuity and, to a lesser extent, life products increased
following the downgrade of our A.M. Best financial strength rating to "B (Fair)"
in August of 2002. When redemptions exceed our previous assumptions, we are
required to accelerate the amortization of insurance acquisition costs to write
off the balance associated with the redeemed policies. Amortization of insurance
acquisition costs increased in 2002 as a result of such acceleration associated
with policy redemptions and for changes in future lapse assumptions of the
policies inforce. In 2002, we changed the lapse assumptions used to determine
the amortization of insurance acquisition costs related to certain universal
life products and our annuities to reflect then current estimates of future
lapses. For certain universal life products, we changed the ultimate lapse
assumption from: (i) a range of 6 percent to 7 percent to; (ii) a tiered
assumption based on the level of funding of the policy with a range of 2 percent
to 10 percent. We recorded additional amortization related to higher redemptions
and changes to our lapse assumptions of $203.2 million in 2002.
Amortization related to net realized investment gains (losses) represents
the increases or decreases in amortization which result from realized investment
gains or losses. When we sell securities at a gain (loss) and reinvest the
proceeds at a different yield, we increase (reduce) the amortization of
insurance acquisition costs in order to reflect the change in future expected
yields. Sales of fixed maturity investments resulted in an increase (decrease)
in the amortization of insurance acquisition costs of $8.7 million in 2004; $1.1
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $(.9) million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $(24.6) million in 2002.
Interest expense on investment borrowings fluctuated along with Conseco
Insurance Group's investment borrowing activities and the interest rates
thereon. Average investment borrowings were $333.2 million during 2004; $304.2
million during the four months ended December 31, 2003; $403.4 million during
the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $639.1 million during 2002. The
weighted average interest rates on such borrowings were 1.5 percent during 2004;
1.6 percent during the four months ended December 31, 2003; 1.7 percent during
the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 1.6 percent during 2002.
Other operating costs and expenses were $306.3 million in 2004; $115.6
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $222.6 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $292.1 million in 2002. Operating expenses in
51
2004 reflected a $7.9 million reduction related to an actuarial gain from
changes made to a post-retirement health plan of an insurance subsidiary and an
$11.3 million reduction related to expense recoveries associated with the
Predecessor's bankruptcy. In addition, expenses decreased in 2004 due to lower:
(i) compensation costs; and (ii) marketing and agency related expenses. The
increase in these expenses in the 2003 periods was primarily related to
increased policy acquisition costs which were non-deferrable.
Special charges in 2002 included: (i) a gain of $4.0 million on asset sale
transactions entered into as part of our cash raising initiatives; and (ii)
other expenses totaling $3.3 million primarily related to severance benefits and
costs incurred with the transfer of certain customer service and backroom
operations to our former India subsidiary.
Other Business in Run-Off (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premium and asset accumulation product collections:
Long-term care........................................ $ 380.1 $ 134.6 $ 268.0 $ 434.5
Major medical........................................ 15.8 39.3 156.4 409.5
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total collections................................ $ 395.9 $ 173.9 $ 424.4 $ 844.0
======== ======== ======== ========
Average liabilities for other business in run-off:
Long-term care........................................ $3,281.8 $3,296.2 $1,977.9 $1,768.7
Major medical......................................... 73.4 103.8 120.0 225.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total average liabilities for other business in
run-off, net of reinsurance ceded $3,355.2 $3,400.0 $2,097.9 $1,993.9
======== ======== ======== ========
Revenues:
Insurance policy income............................... $ 395.8 $ 150.5 $ 418.8 $ 847.3
Net investment income on general account
invested assets..................................... 167.5 55.3 101.5 155.8
Net realized investment gains (losses)................ 4.5 (.7) 6.3 (58.2)
Fee revenue and other income.......................... .8 .9 .5 .8
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues.................................... 568.6 206.0 527.1 945.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
Expenses:
Insurance policy benefits............................. 386.1 150.7 595.0 864.6
Amortization related to operations.................... 18.5 6.3 28.0 112.2
Interest expense on investment borrowings............. .2 - .2 .6
Other operating costs and expenses.................... 93.5 36.2 75.2 185.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses.................................... 498.3 193.2 698.4 1,162.5
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority
interest, discontinued operations and cumulative
effect of accounting change..................... $ 70.3 $ 12.8 $ (171.3) $ (216.8)
======== ======== ======== ========
Health loss ratios:
Insurance policy benefits........................... $386.1 $150.7 $595.0 $864.6
Loss ratio (a)...................................... 97.52% 100.22% 142.06% 102.05%
Interest-adjusted loss ratio (b).................... 56.22% 67.20% 119.40% 87.43%
- -----------
(a) We calculate loss ratios by dividing the related product's insurance policy
benefits by insurance policy income.
(b) We calculate the interest-adjusted loss ratio (a non-GAAP measure) for
long-term care products by dividing such product's insurance policy
benefits less interest income on the accumulated assets backing the
insurance liabilities by
52
insurance policy income. Interest income is an important factor in
measuring the performance of this product. The net cash flows from
long-term care products generally cause an accumulation of amounts in the
early years of a policy (accounted for as reserve increases) which will be
paid out as benefits in later policy years (accounted for as reserve
decreases). Accordingly, as the policies age, the loss ratio will typically
increase, but the increase in the change in reserve will be partially
offset by interest income earned on the accumulated assets. The
interest-adjusted loss ratio reflects the effects of the interest income
offset. Since interest income is an important factor in measuring the
performance of this product, management believes a loss ratio which
includes the effect of interest income is useful in analyzing product
performance. The investment income earned on the accumulated assets backing
long-term care reserves in our Other Business in Run-off segment was $163.5
million in 2004; $49.7 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003;
$94.9 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $123.9 million
in 2002.
Total premium collections in this segment were $395.9 million in 2004;
$173.9 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $424.4 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $844.0 million in 2002. We have ceased
marketing the long-term care business included in this segment. Accordingly,
collected premiums will decrease over time. Changes in long-term care premium
collections are the result of policy lapses, partially offset by premium rate
increases. We have ceased marketing and have not renewed our major medical
business, which has resulted in the significant reduction in major medical
collected premiums. See "Premium and Asset Accumulation Product Collections" for
further analysis.
Average liabilities for other business in run-off, net of reinsurance ceded
were $3.4 billion in 2004; $3.4 billion in the four months ended December 31,
2003; $2.1 billion in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $2.0 billion
in 2002. The increase in 2003 reflected the adoption of fresh start accounting
as further discussed under "Critical Accounting Policies -- Liabilities for
Insurance Products."
Insurance policy income is comprised of premiums earned on the segment's
long-term care and major medical policies. See "Premium and Asset Accumulation
Product Collections" for further analysis.
Net investment income on general account invested assets was $167.5 million
in 2004; $55.3 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $101.5
million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $155.8 million in 2002.
The average balance of general account invested assets was $3.0 billion in 2004;
$2.8 billion in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $2.5 billion in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $2.4 billion in 2002. The yield on these
assets was 5.6 percent in 2004; 5.8 percent in the four months ended December
31, 2003; 6.1 percent in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and 6.6 percent
in 2002. The decrease in yield in 2004 reflected the lower interest rate
environment prevailing in 2004. The proceeds from investment maturities and
prepayments were reinvested at lower prevailing interest rates, reducing the
overall portfolio yield. The decrease in yield for the four months ended
December 31, 2003 reflected the adoption of fresh start accounting which
effectively reset the yields to market rates at August 31, 2003.
Net realized investment gains (losses) fluctuated each period. During 2004,
net realized investment gains in this segment included $5.1 million of net gains
from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities), net of $.6 million
of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the four months ended December 31, 2003, net
realized investment losses in this segment included $.2 million of net losses
from the sales of investments and $.5 million of writedowns of investments
resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were other than
temporary. During the first eight months of 2003, net realized investment gains
of $6.3 million included $8.7 million of net gains from the sales of investments
(primarily fixed maturities), net of $2.4 million of writedowns of fixed
maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets resulting from
declines in fair values that we concluded were other than temporary. During
2002, we recognized net realized investment losses in this segment of $58.2
million which included $51.8 million to writedown certain securities to fair
value due to an other-than-temporary decline in value (including issuers who
have faced significant problems: K-Mart Corp., Amerco, Inc., Global Crossing,
MCI Communications, Mississippi Chemical, United Airlines and Worldcom, Inc.)
and $6.4 million of net losses from the sales of investments (primarily fixed
maturities).
Insurance policy benefits fluctuated primarily as a result of the factors
summarized below related to loss ratios in the blocks of long-term care business
included in this segment. Loss ratios are calculated by dividing the product's
insurance policy benefits by insurance policy income.
This segment includes long-term care insurance inforce, substantially all
of which was issued through independent agents by certain subsidiaries prior to
their acquisitions by Conseco in 1996 and 1997. The loss experience on these
products has been worse than we originally expected. Although we anticipated a
higher level of benefits to be paid out on these products as the policies age,
the paid claims have exceeded our expectations. We have experienced adverse
developments on home health care policies issued in certain areas of Florida and
other states. This adverse experience is reflected in the higher loss ratios. We
have been aggressively seeking rate increases and pursuing other actions on such
long-term care policies. In addition, during 2004, we have been actively
managing our long-term care cases and claim adjudication processes. On April 20,
2004, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued an order to our
subsidiary, Conseco Senior, that affected approximately 11,000 home health care
policies issued in Florida by Conseco Senior and its predecessor companies. The
order provides for Conseco Senior to offer the following three alternatives to
holders of these policies:
o retention of their current policy with a rate increase of 50 percent
in the first year and actuarially justified increases in subsequent
years;
o receipt of a replacement policy with reduced benefits and a rate
increase in the first year of 25 percent and no more than 15 percent
in subsequent years;
o receipt of a paid up policy, allowing the holder to file future claims
up to 100 percent of the amount of premiums paid since the inception
of the policy.
We expect to complete the process of notifying our home health care
policyholders of these choices in 2005. We should know which option each
policyholder selects by September 30, 2005.
On July 1, 2004, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued a
similar order impacting approximately 4,500 home health care policies which are
obligations of Washington National. The orders also require Conseco Senior and
Washington National to pursue a similar course of action with respect to
approximately 24,000 home health care policies in other states, subject to
consideration and approval by the other state insurance departments. If we are
unsuccessful in obtaining rate increases or other forms of relief in those
states, or if the policy changes approved by the Florida Office of Insurance
Regulation prove inadequate, our future results of operations could be adversely
affected.
The loss ratios on this business in periods after August 31, 2003 are
generally not comparable to prior periods due to the adoption of fresh start
accounting which increased the reserves on this block of business. We believe
our actions to seek rate increases and to improve our claims adjudication
processes are resulting in improved loss ratios on this business. In addition,
our 2004 loss ratio reflected $13.2 million of favorable developments from
insurance liabilities established in prior periods for our discontinued major
medical business.
The losses we have experienced since August 31, 2003 have generally been
consistent with the revised assumptions resulting from the actuarial studies
completed in 2003. However, as described below, estimating losses on long-term
care products involves significant judgment and our prior estimates have not
always been accurate.
During 2002 and the first eight months of 2003, we conducted various
actuarial studies to evaluate this segment's long-term care reserves given our
recent adverse experience and claim reserve deficiencies. We engaged a
consulting actuarial firm to assist us with the examination. The performance of
this business had been generally unfavorable relative to the assumptions
established when these blocks of business were acquired. Although we considered
historical claim experience and recent trends in establishing our reserves, we
had relatively limited historical claim experience. In addition, these products
tend to have fewer claims than other products such as Medicare supplement, but
when claims are incurred, they tend to be much higher in dollar amount. Also,
long-term care product claims are incurred much later in the life of the policy
than most other supplemental health products. These factors make it more
difficult to estimate claim reserves for this product.
As a result of the studies completed in 2003 and 2002, we modified our
claim continuance tables. Our prior estimates for long-term care reserves were
based on claim continuance tables using experience for the period from January
1, 1990 through September 30, 1999. These tables were used to estimate, the
length of time an insured will receive covered long-term care for an incurred
event. To improve our estimates, we completed studies which indicated that the
average length of time an insured will receive covered care had increased in
recent periods. In addition, we had experienced significant fluctuations in
claim inventories for these products. Accordingly, our actuaries and a
consulting actuarial firm concluded that estimates of future claim payments
should reflect the longer covered care time being experienced.
The change in estimates resulting from the actuarial studies increased our
claim reserves and loss ratios in the eight months ended August 31, 2003 and the
year ended December 31, 2002. The changes in 2003 resulted in an increase to
claim reserves of $130 million and an increase to the loss ratio of 15 percent.
The changes in 2002 resulted in an increase to claim reserves of $85 million and
an increase to the loss ratio of 20 percent.
The net cash flows from long-term care products generally cause an
accumulation of amounts in the early years of a policy (accounted for as reserve
increases) which will be paid out as benefits in later policy years (accounted
for as reserve
54
decreases). Accordingly, as the policies age, the loss ratio will typically
increase, but the increase in the change in reserve will be partially offset by
investment income earned on the assets which have accumulated. The
interest-adjusted loss ratio for long-term care products is calculated by
dividing the insurance product's insurance policy benefits less interest income
on the accumulated assets backing the insurance liabilities by insurance policy
income.
Amortization related to operations includes amortization of insurance
acquisition costs. The decrease in amortization expense in 2004 and for the four
months ended December 31, 2003 reflected the adoption of fresh start accounting,
and also reflected the relatively small amount of value of policies inforce
associated with the business comprising this segment.
Interest expense on investment borrowings fluctuated with our investment
borrowing activities which are not significant in this segment.
Other operating costs and expenses were $93.5 million in 2004; $36.2
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $75.2 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $185.1 million in 2002. The decreases in
expenses were due primarily to expense reductions in the major medical
operations.
Corporate Operations (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Corporate operations:
Interest expense on corporate debt.................. $ (71.5) $(34.4) $ (194.2) $ (325.5)
Investment income .................................. 2.1 .6 16.2 14.1
Provision for losses related to stock purchase plan. - - (55.6) (240.0)
Venture capital income (loss) related to investment
in AT&T Wireless Service, Inc. ("AWE"), net
of related expenses............................... - (5.5) 10.5 (99.3)
Fee revenue and other income........................ 14.0 11.4 17.1 59.1
Net realized investment losses...................... (2.8) (.4) (.1) (1.3)
Other operating costs and expenses.................. (72.9) (14.8) (40.4) (182.7)
Special charges..................................... - - - (52.2)
Gain on extinguishment of debt...................... 2.8 - - 1.8
Goodwill impairment................................. - - - (500.0)
Reorganization items................................ - - 2,130.5 (14.4)
------- ------ -------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest.............................. $(128.3) $(43.1) $1,884.0 $(1,340.4)
======= ====== ======== =========
Interest expense on corporate debt in 2004 included interest expense on the
Credit Facility and Previous Credit Facility, including a credit agreement
charge of $3.8 million. Interest expense in the four months ended December 31,
2003 included interest expense on the Previous Credit Facility. Interest expense
decreased in the eight months ended August 31, 2003, primarily as a result of
our ceasing to accrue interest on notes payable (excluding certain indebtedness
of our Predecessor). Interest expense in 2002 reflected interest on notes
payable of the Predecessor. The average interest rate on our debt was 6.8
percent in 2004 and 7.8 percent in the four months ended December 31, 2003.
Investment income primarily included income earned on short-term
investments held by the corporate segment and miscellaneous other income. The
corporate segment held fewer invested assets in 2004 compared to 2003 and 2002.
Provision for losses and expense related to stock purchase plan represents
the non-cash provision for our Predecessor's guarantees of the bank loans of
approximately 155 current and former directors, officers and key employees and
the related loans for interest. The funds from the bank loans were used by the
participants to purchase approximately 18.0 million shares of our Predecessor's
common stock. In the first eight months of 2003 and in 2002, our Predecessor
established provisions of $55.6 million and $240.0 million, respectively, in
connection with these guarantees and loans. Our Predecessor determined the
reserve based upon the value of the collateral held by the banks. The
outstanding principal balance on the bank loans was $481.3 million. In addition,
our Predecessor provided loans to participants for interest on such bank loans
totaling $179.2 million. During 2002, our Predecessor purchased $55.5 million of
loans from the banks utilizing cash held in a segregated cash account as
collateral for our guarantee of the bank loans. Including accrued interest, the
balance on these
55
loans was $56.7 million at December 31, 2002.
In conjunction with the Plan, the principal amount of the bank loans of
$481.3 million was transferred to the Company. We received all rights to collect
the balances due pursuant to the original terms of these loans. In addition, we
hold loans to participants for interest on the bank loans which exceeded $265
million at December 31, 2004. The former bank loans and the interest loans are
collectively referred to as the "D&O loans." We regularly evaluate the
collectibility of these loans in light of the collateral we hold and the
creditworthiness of the participants. At December 31, 2004, we estimated that
approximately $46 million of the D&O balance (which is included in other assets)
is collectible (net of the cost of collection). An allowance has been
established to reduce the recorded balance of the D&O loans to this balance.
Venture capital income (loss) related to our investment in AWE, a company
in the wireless communication business. Our investment in AWE was carried at
estimated fair value, with changes in fair value recognized as investment income
(loss). We sold all of our holdings in AWE during the fourth quarter of 2003.
Fee revenue and other income includes: (i) revenues we receive for managing
investments for other companies; and (ii) fees received for marketing insurance
products of other companies. In 2002, this amount included $16.7 million of
affiliated fee revenue earned by our subsidiary in India. Such revenue is
eliminated in consolidation. Excluding such affiliated income, fee revenue and
other income decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the market value
of investments managed for others, upon which these fees are based. We sold our
India subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2002 and have substantially eliminated
the customer service and other operations conducted there. Fee revenue and other
income in the four months ended December 31, 2003, included $5.6 million of
interest received on a Federal income tax refund.
Net realized investment losses often fluctuate each period. In 2004 and
2002, we recognized writedowns of $2.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively,
due to other-than-temporary declines in value on certain securities.
Other operating costs and expenses include general corporate expenses, net
of amounts charged to subsidiaries for services provided by the corporate
operations. In 2004, we incurred expenses of $13.2 million related to our
executive transition as further discussed in the notes to consolidated financial
statements entitled "Other Disclosures" under the captions "Executive
Termination" and "Executive Hiring". In addition, general corporate expenses in
2004 included other severance expense of $8.3 million related to the
restructuring of our businesses. During the first eight months of 2003, disputes
with our insurance carriers were resolved and a liability of $40 million
previously established in 2002 was released. This was substantially offset by
increases to various litigation reserves of $30 million. This amount also
includes expenses in 2002 related to our subsidiary in India, which was sold in
the fourth quarter of 2002.
Special charges in the Corporate segment in 2002 included: (i) a loss of
$20.0 million from the sale of our India subsidiary; (ii) $17.7 million related
to debt modification and refinancing transactions; (iii) other items totaling
$22.0 million; partially offset by (iv) net gains of $7.5 million related to the
sale of certain non-core assets.
Gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.8 million in 2004 resulted from the
repayment of our Previous Credit Facility as further described in the notes to
the consolidated financial statements entitled "Note Payable - Direct Corporate
Obligations". The gain resulted from the release of a $6.3 million accrual for a
fee that would have been required to be paid under the Previous Credit Facility,
partially offset by the write-off of unamortized amendment fees.
During 2002, we recognized a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $1.8
million when we repurchased $77.4 million par value of our Predecessor's notes
payable.
In 2002, we recognized a goodwill impairment of $500.0 million as discussed
in greater detail in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Reorganization items in the eight months ended August 31, 2003 included:
(i) $3,151.4 million related to the gain on the discharge of prepetition
liabilities; (ii) $(950.0) million related to fresh start adjustments; and (iii)
$(70.9) million related to professional fees associated with our bankruptcy
proceedings which are expensed as incurred in accordance with SOP 90-7. In 2002,
we incurred reorganization items of $14.4 million related to professional fees
associated with our bankruptcy proceedings.
56
PREMIUM AND ASSET ACCUMULATION PRODUCT COLLECTIONS
In accordance with GAAP, insurance policy income as shown in our
consolidated statement of operations consists of premiums earned for policies
that have life contingencies or morbidity features. For annuity and universal
life contracts without such features, premiums collected are not reported as
revenues, but as deposits to insurance liabilities. We recognize revenues for
these products over time in the form of investment income and surrender or other
charges.
Agents, insurance brokers and marketing companies who market our products
and prospective purchasers of our products use the financial strength ratings of
our insurance subsidiaries as an important factor in determining whether to
market or purchase. Ratings have the most impact on our annuity and
interest-sensitive life insurance products. Our insurance companies' financial
strength ratings were downgraded by all of the major rating agencies beginning
in July 2002, in connection with the financial distress that ultimately led to
our Predecessor's bankruptcy. In the second quarter of 2004, such ratings of our
primary insurance subsidiaries (other than Conseco Senior) were upgraded by A.M.
Best, S&P and Moody's. In the third quarter of 2004, Moody's again upgraded the
ratings of our primary insurance subsidiaries (other than Conseco Senior). The
current financial strength ratings of our primary insurance subsidiaries (other
than Conseco Senior) from A.M. Best, S&P and Moody's are "B++ (Very Good)",
"BB+" and "Ba1", respectively. The current financial strength ratings of Conseco
Senior from A.M. Best, S&P and Moody's are "B (Fair)", "CCC" and "Caa1",
respectively. For a description of these ratings and additional information on
our ratings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Liquidity for Insurance Operations." Many of our
competitors have higher financial strength ratings and we believe it is critical
for us to continue to improve our ratings to be competitive. Our lowered ratings
were one of the primary reasons our insurance product sales declined and
policyholder redemptions and lapses increased during 2002 and 2003. We also
experienced increased agent attrition, which, in some cases, led us to increase
agent's commissions or sales incentives in order to retain them.
We set premium rates on our health insurance policies based on facts and
circumstances known at the time we issue the policies and on assumptions about
numerous variables, including the actuarial probability of a policyholder
incurring a claim, the probable size of the claim, and the interest rate earned
on our investment of premiums. In setting premium rates, we consider historical
claims information, industry statistics, the rates of our competitors and other
factors. If our actual claims experience is less favorable than we assumed and
we are unable to raise our premium rates, our financial results may be adversely
affected. Our estimates of insurance liabilities assume we will be able to raise
rates if future experience results in blocks of our health insurance business
becoming unprofitable. We generally cannot raise our health insurance premiums
in any state until we obtain the approval of the insurance regulator in that
state. We review the adequacy of our premium rates regularly and file rate
increases on our products when we believe such rates are too low. It is possible
that we will not be able to obtain approval for premium rate increases from
currently pending requests or requests filed in the future. If such requests are
denied in one or more states, our net income may decrease. If such requests are
approved, increased premium rates may reduce the volume of our new sales and may
cause existing policyholders to allow their policies to lapse. If the healthier
policyholders allow their policies to lapse, this would reduce our premium
income and profitability in future periods. Increased lapse rates also could
require us to expense all or a portion of the insurance acquisition costs
relating to such lapsed policies, adversely affecting our financial results in
that period.
Our insurance segments sell products through three primary distribution
channels -- career agents and direct marketing (our Bankers Life segment) and
independent producers (our Conseco Insurance Group segment). Our career agency
force in the Bankers Life segment sells primarily Medicare supplement and
long-term care insurance policies, senior life insurance and annuities. These
agents visit the customer's home, which permits one-on-one contact with
potential policyholders and promotes strong personal relationships with existing
policyholders. Bankers Life's direct marketing distribution channel is engaged
primarily in the sale of "graded benefit life" insurance policies which are sold
directly to the policyholder. Our independent producer distribution channel in
the Conseco Insurance Group segment consists of a general agency and insurance
brokerage distribution system comprised of independent licensed agents doing
business in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and certain
protectorates of the United States. Independent producers are a diverse network
of independent agents, insurance brokers and marketing organizations.
57
Total premiums and accumulation product collections were as follows:
Bankers Life (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premiums collected by product:
Annuities:
Equity-indexed (first-year).......................... $ 47.5 $ 5.1 $ 10.0 $ 30.4
-------- ------ -------- --------
Other fixed (first-year)............................. 901.2 247.7 685.4 707.1
Other fixed (renewal)................................ 1.8 1.0 3.0 3.4
-------- ------ -------- --------
Subtotal - other fixed annuities................... 903.0 248.7 688.4 710.5
-------- ------ -------- --------
Total annuities.................................... 950.5 253.8 698.4 740.9
-------- ------ -------- --------
Supplemental health:
Medicare supplement (first-year)..................... 69.7 20.5 37.6 75.8
Medicare supplement (renewal)........................ 570.3 205.1 381.5 588.1
-------- ------ -------- --------
Subtotal - Medicare supplement..................... 640.0 225.6 419.1 663.9
-------- ------ -------- --------
Long-term care (first-year).......................... 69.1 24.6 48.7 87.7
Long-term care (renewal)............................. 467.2 153.3 282.8 395.2
-------- ------ -------- --------
Subtotal - long-term care.......................... 536.3 177.9 331.5 482.9
-------- ------ -------- --------
Other health (first-year)............................ .9 .3 .8 1.0
Other health (renewal)............................... 11.3 4.1 8.2 11.6
-------- ------ -------- --------
Subtotal - other health............................ 12.2 4.4 9.0 12.6
-------- ------ -------- --------
Total supplemental health.......................... 1,188.5 407.9 759.6 1,159.4
-------- ------ -------- --------
Life insurance:
First-year........................................... 50.1 15.3 25.1 37.5
Renewal.............................................. 130.8 43.3 77.6 101.5
-------- ------ -------- --------
Total life insurance............................... 180.9 58.6 102.7 139.0
-------- ------ -------- --------
Collections on insurance products:
Total first-year premium collections on insurance
products.......................................... 1,138.5 313.5 807.6 939.5
Total renewal premium collections on insurance
products........................................... 1,181.4 406.8 753.1 1,099.8
-------- ------ -------- --------
Total collections on insurance products............ $2,319.9 $720.3 $1,560.7 $2,039.3
======== ====== ======== ========
Annuities in this segment include equity-indexed and other fixed annuities
sold to the senior market through our career agents. In order to retain our
career agents and managers during the parent company's Chapter 11 reorganization
process, we provided certain sales inducements to purchasers of annuities and
sales incentives to our career agents and managers. These programs ended at
various times during the second quarter of 2003. Annuity collections from career
agents totaled $950.5 million in 2004; $253.8 million in the four months ended
December 31, 2003; $698.4 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and
$740.9 million in 2002. Annuity premium collections in 2003 were favorably
impacted by our sales inducements and incentives. In addition, during 2003 and
2004, the minimum guaranteed crediting rates on certain of our annuity products
were very attractive. Such rates ranged from 3.25 percent to 4.0 percent for
annuities sold in 2003 and was 3.25 percent during most of 2004. These rates
were higher than the minimum guaranteed crediting rates of most of our
competitors during 2003 and 2004. In 2005, we plan to increase our sales efforts
of annuities through our career agents.
58
Supplemental health products in the Bankers Life segment include Medicare
supplement, long-term care and other insurance products distributed through our
career agency force. Our profits on supplemental health policies depend on the
overall level of sales, the length of time the business remains inforce,
investment yields, claims experience and expense management.
Collected premiums on Medicare supplement policies in the Bankers Life
segment totaled $640.0 million in 2004; $225.6 million in the four months ended
December 31, 2003; $419.1 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and
$663.9 million in 2002. Collected premiums in 2003 declined from 2002 as a
result of a decrease in new sales. New sales in 2004 were favorably impacted by
improved group policy sales.
Premiums collected on Bankers Life's long-term care policies totaled $536.3
million in 2004; $177.9 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003;
$331.5 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $482.9 million in
2002. New sales of long-term care policies have declined since our ratings
downgrades, as reflected in the declines in first-year collected premiums in
2004 and 2003.
Other health products include various products which we no longer actively
market. Premiums collected totaled $12.2 million in 2004; $4.4 million in the
four months ended December 31, 2003; $9.0 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $12.6 million in 2002.
Life products in the Bankers Life segment are sold primarily to the senior
market through our career agents and our direct response distribution channel.
Life premiums collected in this segment totaled $180.9 million in 2004; $58.6
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $102.7 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $139.0 million in 2002. Collected premiums
have been impacted by increases in new sales.
59
Conseco Insurance Group (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premiums collected by product:
Annuities:
Equity-indexed (first-year)...................... $ 31.8 $ 5.2 $ 32.8 $ 162.6
Equity-indexed (renewal)......................... 12.5 4.2 12.1 27.1
-------- ------ ------ --------
Subtotal - equity-indexed annuities............ 44.3 9.4 44.9 189.7
-------- ------ ------ --------
Other fixed (first-year)......................... 7.2 1.6 14.3 134.9
Other fixed (renewal)............................ 12.2 7.1 14.8 27.3
-------- ------ ------ --------
Subtotal - other fixed annuities............... 19.4 8.7 29.1 162.2
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total annuities................................ 63.7 18.1 74.0 351.9
-------- ------ ------ --------
Supplemental health:
Medicare supplement (first-year)................. 21.9 16.0 36.5 90.8
Medicare supplement (renewal).................... 329.8 118.2 213.9 279.1
-------- ------ ------ --------
Subtotal - Medicare supplement................. 351.7 134.2 250.4 369.9
-------- ------ ------ --------
Specified disease (first-year)................... 32.9 10.0 19.7 36.8
Specified disease (renewal)...................... 328.8 108.7 216.7 331.8
-------- ------ ------ --------
Subtotal - specified disease................... 361.7 118.7 236.4 368.6
-------- ------ ------ --------
Other health (first-year)........................ .1 4.3 9.7 12.9
Other health (renewal)........................... 16.1 14.8 28.8 78.9
-------- ------ ------ --------
Subtotal - other health........................ 16.2 19.1 38.5 91.8
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total supplemental health...................... 729.6 272.0 525.3 830.3
-------- ------ ------ --------
Life insurance:
First-year....................................... 18.4 9.0 20.6 59.2
Renewal.......................................... 353.9 122.5 260.1 438.8
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total life insurance........................... 372.3 131.5 280.7 498.0
-------- ------ ------ --------
Collections on insurance products:
Total first-year premium collections on
insurance products............................ 112.3 46.1 133.6 497.2
Total renewal premium collections on
insurance products............................. 1,053.3 375.5 746.4 1,183.0
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total collections on insurance products........ $1,165.6 $421.6 $880.0 $1,680.2
======== ====== ====== ========
Annuities in this segment include equity-indexed and other fixed annuities
sold through professional independent producers, many of whom discontinued
marketing our products after A.M. Best lowered our financial strength ratings.
Accordingly, we took actions to reduce our marketing expenses related to these
products and began to focus instead on selling products that were less ratings
sensitive (such as specified disease and Medicare supplement products). During
2005, we expect to increase our annuity sales efforts in this segment. Total
annuity collected premiums in this segment were $63.7 million in 2004; $18.1
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $74.0 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $351.9 million in 2002.
We introduced our first equity-indexed annuity product in 1996. The
accumulation value of these annuities is credited interest at an annual
guaranteed minimum rate of 3 percent (or, including the effect of applicable
sales loads, a 1.7 percent compound average interest rate over the term of the
contracts). These annuities provide for potentially higher returns based on a
percentage of the change in the S&P 500 Index during each year of their term. We
purchase S&P 500 Call Options in an
60
effort to hedge increases to policyholder benefits resulting from increases in
the S&P 500 Index. Total collected premiums for this product were $44.3 million
in 2004; $9.4 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $44.9 million
in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $189.7 million in 2002. The
decreases are attributed to: (i) the general stock market performance in recent
years which has made other investment products more attractive to certain
customers; and (ii) the effect of the A.M. Best ratings downgrade in 2002.
Other fixed rate annuity products include SPDAs, FPDAs and SPIAs, which are
credited with a declared rate. SPDA and FPDA policies typically have an interest
rate that is guaranteed for the first policy year, after which we have the
discretionary ability to change the crediting rate to any rate not below a
guaranteed minimum rate. The interest rate credited on SPIAs is based on market
conditions existing when a policy is issued and remains unchanged over the life
of the SPIA. Annuity premiums on these products were $19.4 million in 2004; $8.7
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $29.1 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $162.2 million in 2002. The decreases are
attributed to our emphasis on the sales of other products that are less ratings
sensitive and the effect of the A.M. Best ratings downgrade in 2002.
Supplemental health products in the Conseco Insurance Group segment include
Medicare supplement, specified disease and other insurance products distributed
through professional independent producers. Our profits on supplemental health
policies depend on the overall level of sales, the length of time the business
remains inforce, investment yields, claim experience and expense management.
Collected premiums on Medicare supplement policies in the Conseco Insurance
Group segment were $351.7 million in 2004; $134.2 million in the four months
ended December 31, 2003; $250.4 million in the eight months ended August 31,
2003; and $369.9 million in 2002. New Medicare supplement sales have been
affected by increases in premium rates and our A. M. Best ratings downgrade in
2002.
Premiums collected on specified disease products totaled $361.7 million in
2004; $118.7 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $236.4 million
in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $368.6 million in 2002. Collected
premiums have been comparable from period to period.
Other health products include disability income, dental and various other
health insurance products, many of which we no longer actively market. Premiums
collected totaled $16.2 million in 2004; $19.1 million in the four months ended
December 31, 2003; $38.5 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and
$91.8 million in 2002.
Life products in the Conseco Insurance Group segment are sold through
professional independent producers. Life premiums collected totaled $372.3
million in 2004; $131.5 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003;
$280.7 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $498.0 million in
2002. Our A.M. Best rating has negatively affected our sales of life products.
We stopped actively marketing many of our life insurance products through the
professional independent producer channel in the second quarter of 2003.
61
Other Business in Run-Off (dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Premiums collected by product:
Long-term care:
First-year......................................... $ .3 $ .6 $ 3.2 $ 10.0
Renewal............................................ 379.8 134.0 264.8 424.5
------ ------ ------ ------
Subtotal - long-term care........................ 380.1 134.6 268.0 434.5
------ ------ ------ ------
Major medical:
Group (first-year)................................. - - - .5
Group (renewal).................................... 12.6 36.7 152.4 315.1
------ ------ ------ ------
Subtotal - group major medical................... 12.6 36.7 152.4 315.6
------ ------ ------ ------
Individual (first-year)............................ - - - 15.6
Individual (renewal)............................... 3.2 2.6 4.0 78.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Subtotal - individual major medical.............. 3.2 2.6 4.0 93.9
------ ------ ------ ------
Total major medical.............................. 15.8 39.3 156.4 409.5
------ ------ ------ ------
Collections on insurance products:
Total first-year premium collections on
insurance products............................... .3 .6 3.2 26.1
Total renewal premium collections on
insurance products............................... 395.6 173.3 421.2 817.9
------ ------ ------ ------
Total collections on insurance products.......... $395.9 $173.9 $424.4 $844.0
====== ====== ====== ======
As described elsewhere, the Other Business in Run-off segment includes: (i)
long-term care products written in prior years through independent agents; and
(ii) group and individual major medical business in run-off.
Long-term care premiums collected in this segment totaled $380.1 million in
2004; $134.6 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $268.0 million
in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $434.5 million in 2002. Most of
the long-term care premiums in this segment relate to business written by
certain subsidiaries prior to their acquisitions by Conseco in 1996 and 1997. We
ceased selling new long-term care policies through professional independent
producers in the second quarter of 2003. We expect this segment's long-term care
premiums to reflect additional policy lapses in the future, partially offset by
premium rate increases. See "Results of Operations - Other Business in Run-Off"
for additional discussion related to orders issued by the Florida Office of
Insurance Regulation regarding certain blocks of our long-term care business.
Group major medical premiums totaled $12.6 million in 2004; $36.7 million
in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $152.4 million in the eight months
ended August 31, 2003; and $315.6 million in 2002. In early 2002, we decided to
stop renewing all inforce small group business and we discontinued new sales.
Individual major medical premiums collected were $3.2 million in 2004; $2.6
million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $4.0 million in the eight
months ended August 31, 2003; and $93.9 million in 2002. In early 2002, we
decided to stop renewing all inforce individual major medical business and we
discontinued new sales.
INVESTMENTS
Our investment strategy is to: (i) maintain a predominately
investment-grade fixed income portfolio; (ii) provide adequate liquidity to meet
our cash obligations to policyholders and others; and (iii) maximize current
investment income and total investment return through active investment
management. Consistent with this strategy, investments in fixed maturity
62
securities, mortgage loans and policy loans made up 95 percent of our $24.3
billion investment portfolio at December 31, 2004. The remainder of the invested
assets were trading securities, equity securities and other invested assets.
The following table summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio
as of December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Carrying Percent of
value total investments
----- -----------------
Actively managed fixed maturities............................................... $21,599.0 89%
Equity securities............................................................... 68.3 -
Mortgage loans.................................................................. 1,123.8 5
Policy loans.................................................................... 448.5 2
Trading securities.............................................................. 902.3 4
Partnership investments......................................................... 88.5 -
Other invested assets........................................................... 75.9 -
--------- ---
Total investments............................................................ $24,306.3 100%
========= ===
Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our insurance
subsidiaries are permitted to make and limit the amount of funds that may be
used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations
and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in United
States government and government-agency securities and corporate securities
rated investment grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations
or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated.
The following table summarizes the carrying values of our fixed maturity
securities by industry category as of December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Percent of
Carrying value fixed maturities
-------------- ----------------
Structured securities................................................................ $ 5,533.7 25.6%
Services............................................................................. 2,755.9 12.8
Manufacturing........................................................................ 2,386.9 11.1
Bank and finance..................................................................... 2,213.0 10.2
U.S. Government...................................................................... 1,596.7 7.4
Utilities............................................................................ 1,386.6 6.4
Communications....................................................................... 1,136.0 5.3
States and political subdivisions.................................................... 866.0 4.0
Agriculture, forestry and mining..................................................... 812.2 3.8
Asset-backed securities.............................................................. 802.2 3.7
Retail and wholesale................................................................. 655.9 3.0
Transportation....................................................................... 604.8 2.8
Other................................................................................ 849.1 3.9
---------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities................................................... $21,599.0 100.0%
========= =====
Our fixed maturity securities consist predominantly of publicly traded
securities. We classify securities issued in the Rule 144A market as publicly
traded. Our privately traded securities comprise less than one percent of our
total fixed maturity securities portfolio and consist almost entirely of
mortgage-backed securities.
The following table sets forth fixed maturity investments at December 31,
2004, classified by rating categories. The category assigned is the highest
rating by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, as to
$459.8 million fair value of fixed maturities not rated by such firms, the
rating assigned by the NAIC. For purposes of the table, NAIC Class 1 is included
in the "A" rating; Class 2, "BBB-"; Class 3, "BB-"; and Classes 4-6, "B+ and
below" (dollars in millions).
63
Estimated fair value
--------------------------
Percent of
Amortized fixed
Investment rating cost Amount maturities
- ----------------- ---- ------ -----------
AAA...................................................................... $ 7,439.7 $ 7,553.7 35%
AA....................................................................... 1,585.4 1,614.6 8
A........................................................................ 5,535.6 5,706.7 26
BBB+..................................................................... 2,166.4 2,268.7 11
BBB...................................................................... 2,582.9 2,686.0 12
BBB-..................................................................... 877.5 917.5 4
--------- --------- ---
Investment grade..................................................... 20,187.5 20,747.2 96
--------- --------- ---
BB+ ..................................................................... 250.1 261.6 1
BB ..................................................................... 210.9 225.1 1
BB- ..................................................................... 111.7 119.3 1
B+ and below............................................................. 225.6 245.8 1
--------- --------- ---
Below investment grade............................................... 798.3 851.8 4
--------- --------- ---
Total fixed maturity securities................................... $20,985.8 $21,599.0 100%
========= ========= ===
The following table summarizes investment yields earned over the past three
years on the general account invested assets of our insurance subsidiaries.
General account investments exclude our venture capital investment in AWE, the
value of S&P 500 Call Options and the investments held by CFC (dollars in
millions).
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- --------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Weighted average general account invested assets
as defined:
As reported ................................... $23,586.4 $23,045.4 $23,311.5 $23,407.2
Excluding unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) (a)........................... 23,136.6 22,501.0 22,777.3 23,481.0
Net investment income on general account
invested assets.................................... 1,292.4 426.4 912.2 1,520.0
Yields earned:
As reported.................................... 5.5% 5.6% 5.9% 6.5%
Excluding unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) (a) .......................... 5.6% 5.7% 6.0% 6.5%
- ----------------------
(a) Excludes the effect of reporting fixed maturities at fair value as
described in the note to our consolidated financial statements entitled
"Investments".
Although investment income is a significant component of total revenues,
the profitability of certain of our insurance products is determined primarily
by the spreads between the interest rates we earn and the rates we credit or
accrue to our insurance liabilities. At both December 31, 2004 and 2003, the
average yield, computed on the cost basis of our actively managed fixed maturity
portfolio, was 5.6 percent, and the average interest rate credited or accruing
to our total insurance liabilities (excluding interest rate bonuses for the
first policy year only and excluding the effect of credited rates attributable
to variable or equity-indexed products) was 4.7 percent.
Actively Managed Fixed Maturities
Our actively managed fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2004,
included primarily debt securities of the United States government, public
utilities and other corporations, and structured securities. Structured
securities included mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs"), asset-
64
backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities.
At December 31, 2004, our fixed maturity portfolio had $652.4 million of
unrealized gains and $39.2 million of unrealized losses, for a net unrealized
gain of $613.2 million. Estimated fair values of fixed maturity investments were
determined based on estimates from: (i) nationally recognized pricing services
(94 percent of the portfolio); (ii) broker-dealer market makers (5 percent of
the portfolio); and (iii) internally developed methods (1 percent of the
portfolio).
At December 31, 2004, approximately 3.5 percent of our invested assets (3.9
percent of fixed maturity investments) were fixed maturities rated
below-investment grade by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
(or, if not rated by such firms, with ratings below Class 2 assigned by the
NAIC). We currently plan to maintain our present level of investments in
below-investment-grade fixed maturities, although this plan could change if
market conditions change. These securities generally have greater risks than
other corporate debt investments, including risk of loss upon default by the
borrower, and are often unsecured and subordinated to other creditors.
Below-investment-grade issuers usually have higher levels of indebtedness and
are more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, such as recession or
increasing interest rates, than investment-grade issuers. We are aware of these
risks and monitor our below-investment-grade securities closely. At December 31,
2004, our below-investment-grade fixed maturity investments had an amortized
cost of $798.3 million and an estimated fair value of $851.8 million.
We continually evaluate the creditworthiness of each issuer whose
securities we hold. We pay special attention to those securities whose market
values have declined materially for reasons other than changes in interest rates
or other general market conditions. We evaluate the realizable value of the
investment, the specific condition of the issuer and the issuer's ability to
comply with the material terms of the security. We review the recent operational
results and financial position of the issuer, information about its industry,
information about factors affecting the issuer's performance and other
information. 40|86 Advisors employs a staff of experienced securities analysts
in a variety of specialty areas who compile and review such data. If evidence
does not exist to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the
carrying value of the investment, and such decline in market value is determined
to be other than temporary, we reduce the carrying amount to its fair value,
which becomes the new cost basis. We report the amount of the reduction as a
realized loss. We recognize any recovery of such reductions as investment income
over the remaining life of the investment (but only to the extent our current
valuations indicate such amounts will ultimately be collected), or upon the
sale, repayment or other disposition of the investment. We recorded writedowns
of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets
totaling $18.1 million in 2004. Our investment portfolio is subject to the risks
of further declines in realizable value. However, we attempt to mitigate this
risk through the diversification and active management of our portfolio.
Our investment strategy is to maximize, over a sustained period and within
acceptable parameters of risk, investment income and total investment return
through active investment management. Accordingly, we may sell securities at a
gain or a loss to enhance the total return of the portfolio as market
opportunities change or to better match certain characteristics of our
investment portfolio with the corresponding characteristics of our insurance
liabilities. While we have both the ability and intent to hold securities with
unrealized losses until they mature or recover in value, we may sell securities
at a loss in the future because of actual or expected changes in our view of the
particular investment, its industry, its type or the general investment
environment. As described in the note to our consolidated financial statements
entitled "Recently Issued Accounting Standards", certain guidance related to
determining when an impairment of an investment is other than temporary is being
considered by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). Depending on
the ultimate guidance issued, including guidance regarding management's
assertion about intent and ability to hold actively managed fixed maturities for
a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery, the Company's
practice of selling securities at a loss could result in a requirement to report
unrealized losses in a different manner, including reflecting unrealized losses
in the income statement as other-than-temporary impairments.
As of December 31, 2004, our fixed maturity investments in substantive
default (i.e., in default due to nonpayment of interest or principal) or
technical default (i.e., in default, but not as to the payment of interest or
principal) had an amortized cost of $4.7 million and a carrying value of $6.8
million. 40|86 Advisors employs a staff of experienced professionals to manage
non-performing and impaired investments. There were no other fixed maturity
investments about which we had serious doubts as to the ability of the issuer to
comply with the material terms of the instrument on a timely basis.
When a security defaults, our policy is to discontinue the accrual of
interest and eliminate all previous interest accruals, if we determine that such
amounts will not be ultimately realized in full. Investment income forgone due
to defaulted securities was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004;
$5.3 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $12.1 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $60.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002.
65
At December 31, 2004, fixed maturity investments included $5.5 billion of
structured securities (or 26 percent of all fixed maturity securities). CMOs are
backed by pools of mortgages that are segregated into sections or "tranches"
that provide for reprioritizing of principal retirement. Pass-through securities
receive principal and interest payments through their regular pro rata share of
the payments on the underlying mortgages backing the securities. The yield
characteristics of structured securities differ in some respects from those of
traditional fixed-income securities. For example, interest and principal
payments for mortgage-backed securities occur more frequently, often monthly. In
addition, mortgage-backed securities are subject to risks associated with
variable prepayments. Prepayment rates are influenced by a number of factors
that cannot be predicted with certainty, including: the relative sensitivity of
the underlying mortgages backing the assets to changes in interest rates; a
variety of economic, geographic and other factors; and the repayment priority of
the securities in the overall securitization structure.
In general, prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans and the securities
backed by these loans increase when prevailing interest rates decline
significantly in absolute terms and also relative to the interest rates on such
loans. The yields on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount to par
will increase when the underlying mortgages prepay faster than expected. The
yields on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium will decrease when
the underlying mortgages prepay faster than expected. When interest rates
decline, the proceeds from the prepayment of mortgage-backed securities may be
reinvested at lower rates than we were earning on the prepaid securities. When
interest rates increase, prepayments on mortgage-backed securities decrease, as
fewer underlying mortgages are refinanced. When this occurs, the average
maturity and duration of the mortgage-backed securities increase, which
decreases the yield on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount,
because the discount is realized as income at a slower rate, and increases the
yield on those purchased at a premium as a result of a decrease in the annual
amortization of the premium.
Pursuant to fresh start reporting, we were required to mark all of our
investments to market value. The current interest rate environment is much lower
than when most of our investments were purchased. Accordingly, the fresh start
values of our investments generally exceed the par values and the actual costs
of such investments. The amount of value exceeding par is referred to as a
"purchase premium", which is amortized against future income. If prepayments in
any period are higher than expected, purchase premium amortization is increased.
In periods of unexpectedly high prepayment activity, the increased amortization
will reduce net investment income.
The following table sets forth the par value, amortized cost and estimated
fair value of structured securities, summarized by interest rates on the
underlying collateral at December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Par Amortized Estimated
value cost fair value
----- ---- ----------
Below 4 percent.............................................................. $ 195.3 $ 196.7 $ 198.9
4 percent - 5 percent........................................................ 1,407.5 1,356.1 1,376.9
5 percent - 6 percent........................................................ 1,883.2 1,869.6 1,896.1
6 percent - 7 percent........................................................ 1,625.8 1,684.0 1,710.6
7 percent - 8 percent........................................................ 289.7 303.7 308.5
8 percent and above.......................................................... 39.0 41.4 42.7
-------- -------- --------
Total structured securities (a).................................... $5,440.5 $5,451.5 $5,533.7
======== ======== ========
- --------------------
(a) Includes below-investment grade structured securities with an amortized
cost and estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $2.4 million,
respectively.
66
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of structured securities at
December 31, 2004, summarized by type of security, were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Estimated Fair Value
-----------------------
Percent of
Amortized fixed
Type Cost Amount maturities
- ---- ---- ------ ----------
Pass-throughs and sequential and targeted amortization classes............... $3,244.5 $3,286.8 15%
Planned amortization classes and accretion-directed bonds.................... 768.8 781.6 4
Commercial mortgage-backed securities........................................ 1,427.6 1,454.6 7
Subordinated classes and mezzanine tranches.................................. 10.0 10.1 -
Other........................................................................ .6 .6 -
-------- -------- --
Total structured securities (a)........................................... $5,451.5 $5,533.7 26%
======== ======== ==
- --------------------
(a) Includes below-investment grade structured securities with an amortized
cost and estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $2.4 million,
respectively.
Pass-throughs and sequential and targeted amortization classes have similar
prepayment variability. Pass-through securities are used frequently in the
dollar roll market and can be used as the collateral for collateralized mortgage
obligations. Sequential classes are a series of tranches that return principal
to the various tranche holders sequentially. Targeted amortization classes offer
slightly better structure in return of principal than sequentials when
prepayment speeds are close to the speed anticipated when created.
Planned amortization classes and accretion-directed bonds adhere to fixed
schedules of principal payments as long as the underlying mortgages experience
prepayments within a certain range. Changes in prepayment rates are first
absorbed by support or companion classes. This insulates planned amortization
classes from the consequences of both faster prepayments (average life
shortening) and slower prepayments (average life extension).
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") are bonds secured by
commercial real estate mortgages. Commercial real estate encompasses income
producing properties that are managed for profit. Property types include
multi-family dwellings including apartments, retail centers, hotels,
restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, warehouses, and office buildings. The
CMBS market generally offers higher yields than similar-rated corporate bonds.
Most CMBS have call protection features whereby underlying borrowers may not
prepay their mortgages for stated periods of time or have prepayment penalties.
Subordinated and mezzanine tranches are classes that provide credit
enhancement to senior tranches. The rating agencies require that this credit
enhancement not deteriorate due to prepayments for a period of time, usually
five years of complete lockout, followed by another period of time where
prepayments are shared pro rata with senior tranches. Subordinated and mezzanine
tranches bear a majority of the risk of loss due to property owner defaults.
Subordinated bonds are generally rated "AA" or lower; we typically do not hold
structured securities rated lower than "BB".
During 2004, we sold $2.6 billion of fixed maturity investments which
resulted in gross investment losses (before income taxes) of $46.2 million.
Securities sold at a loss are sold for a number of reasons including but not
limited to: (i) changes in the investment environment; (ii) expectation that the
market value could deteriorate further; (iii) desire to reduce our exposure to
an issuer or an industry; (iv) changes in credit quality; (v) identification of
a superior investment alternative; and (vi) our analysis indicating a high
probability that the security is other-than-temporarily impaired. As discussed
in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, the realization of gains
and losses affects the timing of the amortization of the cost of policies
produced and the cost of policies purchased related to universal life and
investment products.
Venture Capital Investment in AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.
Our venture capital investment in AWE was made by our subsidiary which
engaged in venture capital investment activity. AWE is a company in the wireless
communication business. In December 2003, we sold our remaining 4.1 million
shares of AWE common stock. In 2002, we sold 10.3 million shares of AWE common
stock which generated proceeds of $75.7 million. At December 31, 2002, we held
4.1 million shares of AWE common stock with a value of $25.0 million. We
recognized venture capital investment income (losses) related to this investment
of $(5.5) million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $10.5 million in
the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $(99.3) million in 2002.
67
Other Investments
At December 31, 2004, we held mortgage loan investments with a carrying
value of $1,123.8 million (or 5.2 percent of total invested assets) and a fair
value of $1,167.2 million. Mortgage loans were substantially comprised of
commercial loans. Noncurrent mortgage loans were insignificant at December 31,
2004. Realized losses on mortgage loans were not significant in any of the past
three years. Our allowance for loss on mortgage loans was $2.4 million at
December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2003, we had no allowance for losses on
mortgage loans (mortgage loans were recorded at market values at August 31,
2003, in conjunction with our adoption of fresh start accounting). Approximately
9 percent, 7 percent, 6 percent, 6 percent and 6 percent of the mortgage loan
balance were on properties located in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York,
Pennsylvania and Florida, respectively. No other state accounted for more than 5
percent of the mortgage loan balance.
The following table shows the distribution of our mortgage loan portfolio
by property type as of December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Number of Carrying
loans value
----- -----
Retail.......................................................................... 369 $ 810.6
Office building................................................................. 55 231.4
Industrial...................................................................... 25 47.3
Multi-family.................................................................... 10 19.4
Other........................................................................... 40 15.1
--- --------
Total mortgage loans......................................................... 499 $1,123.8
=== ========
The following table shows our mortgage loan portfolio by loan size (dollars
in millions):
Number Principal
of loans balance
-------- -------
Under $5 million................................................................ 442 $ 664.5
$5 million but less than $10 million............................................ 44 300.9
$10 million but less than $20 million........................................... 13 171.0
--- --------
Total mortgage loans......................................................... 499 $1,136.4
=== ========
The following table summarizes the distribution of maturities of our
mortgage loans (dollars in millions):
Number Principal
of loans balance
-------- -------
2005............................................................................ 12 $ 6.7
2006............................................................................ 8 1.1
2007............................................................................ 22 7.1
2008............................................................................ 18 33.1
2009............................................................................ 37 107.4
after 2009...................................................................... 402 981.0
--- --------
Total mortgage loans......................................................... 499 $1,136.4
=== ========
At December 31, 2004, we held $902.3 million of trading securities. We
carry trading securities at estimated fair value; changes in fair value are
reflected in the statement of operations. At August 31, 2003, we established
trading security accounts which are designed to act as hedges for embedded
derivatives related to our equity-indexed annuity products and certain modified
coinsurance agreements. See the note to the consolidated financial statements
entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounting for
Derivatives" for further discussion regarding the embedded derivatives and the
trading accounts. In addition, the trading account includes investments backing
the market strategies of our multibucket annuity products.
68
Other invested assets also include S&P 500 Call Options and certain
nontraditional investments, including investments in limited partnerships and
promissory notes.
As part of our investment strategy, we enter into reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar-roll transactions to increase our return on investments
and improve our liquidity. Reverse repurchase agreements involve a sale of
securities and an agreement to repurchase the same securities at a later date at
an agreed-upon price. Dollar rolls are similar to reverse repurchase agreements
except that the repurchase involves securities that are only substantially the
same as the securities sold. We enhance our investment yield by investing the
proceeds from the sales in short-term securities pending the contractual
repurchase of the securities at discounted prices in the forward market. In many
cases, such transactions arise from the market demand for mortgage-backed
securities to form CMOs. At December 31, 2004, we had investment borrowings of
$433.9 million. Such investment borrowings averaged approximately $522.6 million
during 2004 and were collateralized by investment securities with fair values
approximately equal to the loan values. The weighted average interest rate on
such borrowings was 1.5 percent during 2004. The primary risk associated with
short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty might be unable to
perform under the terms of the contract. Our exposure is limited to the excess
of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term
investments (which was not material at December 31, 2004). We believe that the
counterparties to our reverse repurchase and dollar-roll agreements are
financially responsible and that counterparty risk is minimal.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION
Changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Changes in our consolidated balance sheet between December 31, 2004 and
December 31, 2003, reflect: (i) the issuances of common and preferred stock and
the use of proceeds from such offerings, as further described in the note to the
consolidated financial statements entitled "Shareholders' Equity"; (ii) the
refinancing of our Previous Credit Facility, as further described in the note to
the consolidated financial statements entitled "Notes Payable - Direct Corporate
Obligations"; (iii) our net income for 2004; (iv) reduction of our deferred
income tax valuation allowance; and (v) changes in the fair value of actively
managed fixed maturity securities.
In accordance with GAAP, we record our actively managed fixed maturity
investments, equity securities and certain other invested assets at estimated
fair value with any unrealized gain or loss (excluding impairment losses, which
are recognized through earnings), net of tax and related adjustments, recorded
as a component of shareholders' equity. At December 31, 2004, we increased the
carrying value of such investments by $621.6 million as a result of this fair
value adjustment.
Our capital structure as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, is as follows
(dollars in millions):
Successor
------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Total capital:
Corporate notes payable ...................................... $ 758.9 $1,300.0
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock ........................................... 667.8 887.5
Common stock............................................... 1.5 1.0
Additional paid-in-capital................................. 2,597.8 1,641.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income..................... 337.3 218.7
Retained earnings.......................................... 297.8 68.5
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity............................. 3,902.2 2,817.6
-------- --------
Total capital.......................................... $4,661.1 $4,117.6
======== ========
69
The following table summarizes certain financial ratios as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2004 and as of and for the four months ended December
31, 2003:
Successor
----------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Book value per common share................................................................... $21.41 $19.28
Book value per common share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (a)............. 19.18 17.09
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............................................................ 1.90x 1.79x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends.................................... 1.58x 1.46x
Debt to total capital ratios:
Corporate debt to total capital............................................................... 16% 32%
Corporate debt to total capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (a)......... 18% 33%
Corporate debt and preferred stock to total capital........................................... 31% 53%
Corporate debt and preferred stock to total capital, excluding accumulated other
comprehensive income (a).................................................................... 33% 56%
- --------------------
(a) This non-GAAP measure differs from the corresponding GAAP measure presented
immediately above, because accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
has been excluded from the value of capital used to determine this measure.
Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful, because it removes the
volatility from changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in
the value of capital. Such volatility is often caused by changes in the
estimated fair value of our investment portfolio resulting from changes in
general market interest rates rather than the business decisions made by
management. However, this measure does not replace the corresponding GAAP
measure.
Contractual Obligations
The Company's significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004,
were as follows (dollars in millions):
Payment due in
-------------------------------------------------------
Total 2005 2006-2007 2008-2009 Thereafter
----- ---- --------- --------- ----------
Insurance liabilities (a)............ $56,349.8 $3,818.7 $7,453.2 $6,541.0 $38,536.9
Notes payable (b).................... 1,013.1 55.0 106.2 104.3 747.6
Investment borrowings (c)............ 433.9 433.9 - - -
Postretirement plans (d)............. 156.3 4.4 9.8 10.5 131.6
Operating leases and certain other
contractual commitments (e)...... 269.3 37.9 50.9 42.5 138.0
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Total............................ $58,222.4 $4,349.9 $7,620.1 $6,698.3 $39,554.1
========= ======== ======== ======== =========
- -------------
(a) These cash flows represent our estimates of the payments we expect to make
to our policyholders, without consideration of future premiums or
reinsurance recoveries. The estimation of these amounts are subject to
numerous assumptions (depending on the product-type) including assumptions
related to mortality, morbidity, lapses, withdrawals, future premiums,
future deposits, interest rates on investments, credited rates, expenses
and other assumptions which affect our estimates of future payments. The
average interest rate we assumed would be credited to our total insurance
liabilities (excluding interest rate bonuses for the first policy year only
and excluding the effect of credited rates attributable to variable or
equity-indexed products) over the term of the contracts was 4.7 percent.
The following describes the methods we used to estimate these cash flows
for certain product types.
For products like immediate annuities and structured settlement annuities
without life contingencies, the payment
70
obligation is fixed and determinable based on the terms of the policy.
For products such as universal life, ordinary life, long-term care,
specified disease and fixed rate annuities, the future payments are not due
until the occurrence of an insurable event (such as death or disability) or
a triggering event (such as a surrender or partial withdrawal). We estimate
these payments using actuarial models based on historical experience and
our expectation of the future payment patterns.
For short-term insurance products such as Medicare supplement insurance,
the future payments only relate to amounts necessary to settle all
outstanding claims, including those that have been incurred but not
reported as of the balance sheet date. We have estimated these payments
based on our historical experience and our expectation of future payment
patterns.
The timing and amount of the payments summarized for insurance liabilities
are based on numerous assumptions and the actual payments may vary
significantly from the amounts shown.
The cash flows presented are undiscounted for interest. As a result, the
sum of the outflows shown for all years, exceeds the corresponding
liabilities of $25,162.2 million included in our consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2004.
(b) Includes projected interest payments, based on market rates as of December
31, 2004. Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements
entitled "Notes Payable - Direct Corporate Obligations" for additional
information on notes payable.
(c) These borrowings are collateralized with marketable securities. We hold
short-term investments with maturities that correspond to the terms of the
borrowings.
(d) Includes benefits expected to be paid pursuant to our deferred compensation
plan and postretirement plans based on numerous actuarial assumptions and
interest credited at 5.75 percent.
(e) Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements entitled
"Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information on operating
leases and certain other contractual commitments.
It is possible that the ultimate outcome of various uncertainties could
affect our liquidity in future periods. For example, the following events could
have a material adverse effect on our cash flows:
o An adverse determination in pending or future litigation.
o An inability to obtain rate increases on certain of our insurance
products.
o Worse than anticipated claims experience.
o Lower than expected dividends and/or surplus debenture interest
payments from our insurance subsidiaries (resulting from inadequate
earnings or capital or regulatory requirements).
o An inability to meet and/or maintain the covenants in our Credit
Facility.
o A significant increase in policy surrender levels.
o A significant increase in investment defaults.
o An inability of our reinsurers to meet their financial obligations.
While we seek to balance the duration of our invested assets with the
estimated duration of benefit payments arising from contract liabilities, there
could be significant variations in the timing of such cash flows. The claim
experience on our long-term care business in the Other Business in Run-off
segment has been worse than our original pricing expectations. Although we
believe our current estimates properly project future claim experience, if these
estimates prove to be wrong, and our experience would further worsen (as it did
in some prior periods) our future liquidity could be adversely affected.
71
Liquidity for Insurance Operations
Our insurance operating companies generally receive adequate cash flow from
premium collections and investment income to meet their obligations. Life
insurance and annuity liabilities are generally long-term in nature.
Policyholders may, however, withdraw funds or surrender their policies, subject
to any applicable penalty provisions. We seek to balance the duration of our
invested assets with the estimated duration of benefit payments arising from
contract liabilities.
On June 25, 2004, A.M. Best upgraded the financial strength ratings of
our primary insurance subsidiaries from "B (Fair)" to "B++ (Very Good)", other
than Conseco Senior (the issuer of most of our long-term care business in our
Other Business in Run-off segment), whose "B (Fair)" rating was affirmed by A.M.
Best. According to A.M. Best, these rating actions reflected the substantial
recapitalization of our balance sheet, improved absolute and risk-adjusted
capital on a statutory basis and improving operating fundamentals. The "B++"
rating is assigned to companies that have a good ability, in A.M. Best's
opinion, to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. The "B" rating is
assigned to companies which have a fair ability in A.M. Best's opinion to meet
their current obligations to policyholders, but are financially vulnerable to
adverse changes in underwriting and economic conditions. A.M. Best ratings for
the industry currently range from "A++ (Superior)" to "F (In Liquidation)" and
some companies are not rated. An "A++" rating indicates a superior ability to
meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. A "B++" rating from A.M. Best is the
fifth highest of sixteen possible ratings, and a "B" rating from A.M. Best is
the seventh highest of sixteen possible ratings.
On May 27, 2004, S&P upgraded the financial strength ratings of our primary
insurance companies from "BB-" to "BB+", other than Conseco Senior, which was
assigned a "CCC" rating. S&P financial strength ratings range from "AAA" to "R"
and some companies are not rated. Rating categories from "BB" to "CCC" are
classified as "vulnerable", and pluses and minuses show the relative standing
within a category. In S&P's view, an insurer rated "BB" has marginal financial
security characteristics and although positive attributes exist, adverse
business conditions could lead to an insufficient ability to meet financial
commitments. In S&P's view, an insurer rated "CCC" has very weak financial
security characteristics and is dependent on favorable business conditions to
meet financial commitments. A "BB+" rating from S&P is the eleventh highest of
twenty-one possible ratings, and a "CCC" rating from S&P is the eighteenth
highest of twenty-one possible ratings.
On May 27, 2004, Moody's upgraded the financial strength rating of our
primary insurance companies from "Ba3" to "Ba2", other than Conseco Senior,
which was assigned a "Caa1" rating. On August 9, 2004, Moody's again upgraded
the financial strength rating of our primary insurance companies from "Ba2" to
"Ba1" and reaffirmed the "Caa1" rating of Conseco Senior. Moody's financial
strength ratings range from "Aaa" to "C". Rating categories from "Ba" to "C" are
considered "vulnerable" by Moody's, and may be supplemented with numbers "1",
"2", or "3" to show relative standing within a category. In Moody's view, an
insurer rated "Ba" offers questionable financial security and the ability of the
insurer to meet policyholder obligations may be very moderate and thereby not
well safeguarded in the future. In Moody's view, an insurer rated "Caa" offers
very poor financial security and may default on its policyholder obligations or
there may be elements of danger with respect to punctual payment of policyholder
obligations and claims. A "Ba1" rating from Moody's is the eleventh highest of
twenty-one possible ratings, and a "Caal" rating from Moody's is the seventeenth
highest of twenty-one possible ratings.
Our insurance companies' financial strength ratings were downgraded by all
of the major rating agencies beginning in July 2002 in connection with the
financial distress that ultimately led to our Predecessor's bankruptcy. The
lowered ratings assigned to our insurance subsidiaries were one of the primary
factors causing sales of our insurance products to decline and policyholder
redemptions and lapses to increase beginning in 2002. We also experienced
increased agent attrition, which in some cases led us to increase commissions or
sales incentives in an effort to retain them. These events have had a negative
effect on our ability to market our products and attract and retain agents,
which in turn negatively affected our financial results.
We have adopted several initiatives designed to reduce the expense levels
that exceed product pricing in our Conseco Insurance Group segment. These
initiatives include system conversions which will eliminate duplicate processing
systems. We expect to spend over $15 million on capital expenditures in 2005
(including amounts related to these initiatives). We believe we have adequate
cash flows from operations to fund these initiatives.
As more fully described in the note to our consolidated financial
statements entitled "Statutory Information", our two insurance subsidiaries
domiciled in Texas entered into consent orders with the Texas Department of
Insurance, which were formally released on November 19, 2003. The consent orders
applied to all of our insurance subsidiaries and, among other things, restricted
the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay any dividends or other amounts
to any non-insurance company parent without prior approval. State laws generally
give state insurance regulatory agencies broad authority to protect
policyholders in their jurisdictions. Accordingly, we cannot be assured that the
regulators will not seek to assert
72
greater supervision and control over our insurance subsidiaries' businesses and
financial affairs.
Liquidity of the Holding Companies
On June 22, 2004, we entered into the Credit Facility with a principal
balance of $800.0 million. The Credit Facility is a six-year term loan, the
proceeds of which were used: (i) to refinance in full all indebtedness,
including accrued interest, under the Previous Credit Facility; (ii) to
repurchase $106.6 million of certain affiliated preferred stock; and (iii) for
other general corporate purposes. We are required to make quarterly principal
payments of $2.0 million commencing September 30, 2004, and continuing until
March 31, 2010. The remaining principal balance is due on June 22, 2010. The
Company made an optional prepayment of $28.0 million in December 2004 and is
also required to make an additional mandatory prepayment of $1.2 million (after
consideration of the $28.0 million prepayment) by March 31, 2005, based on the
Company's excess cash flows at December 31, 2004, as defined in the Credit
Facility. See the note to the consolidated financial statements entitled "Notes
Payable - Direct Corporate Obligations" for further discussion related to the
Credit Facility.
At December 31, 2004, Conseco Inc. and CDOC held unrestricted cash of $28.3
million. In addition, our other non-life insurance companies held unrestricted
cash of approximately $37.3 million which could be upstreamed to the parent
companies if needed.
Conseco Inc. and CDOC are holding companies with no business operations of
their own; they depend on their operating subsidiaries for cash to make
principal and interest payments on debt, and to pay administrative expenses and
income taxes. Conseco and CDOC receive cash from insurance subsidiaries,
consisting of dividends and distributions, principal and interest payments on
surplus debentures, fees for services and tax-sharing payments, as well as cash
from non-insurance subsidiaries consisting of loans and advances. A further
deterioration in the financial condition, earnings or cash flow of the material
subsidiaries of Conseco or CDOC for any reason could hinder such subsidiaries'
ability to pay cash dividends or other disbursements to Conseco and/or CDOC,
which, in turn, would limit Conseco's and/or CDOC's ability to meet debt service
requirements and satisfy other financial obligations. In addition, we may need
to contribute additional capital to improve the RBC ratios of certain insurance
subsidiaries and this could affect the ability of our top tier insurance
subsidiary to pay dividends.
The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to
state insurance department regulations and is based on the financial statements
of our insurance subsidiaries prepared in accordance with statutory accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities, which differ from
GAAP. These regulations generally permit dividends to be paid from statutory
earned surplus of the insurance company for any 12-month period in amounts equal
to the greater of (or in a few states, the lesser of): (i) statutory net gain
from operations or net income for the prior year; or (ii) 10 percent of
statutory capital and surplus as of the end of the preceding year. Any dividends
in excess of these levels require the approval of the director or commissioner
of the applicable state insurance department.
Our cash flow may be affected by a variety of factors, many of which are
outside of our control, including insurance and banking regulatory issues,
competition, financial markets and other general business conditions. We cannot
provide assurance that we will possess sufficient income and liquidity to meet
all of our liquidity requirements and other obligations.
If an insurance company subsidiary was to be liquidated, that liquidation
would be conducted under the insurance law of its state of domicile by such
state's insurance regulator as the receiver for such insurer's property and
business. In the event of a default on our debt or our insolvency, liquidation
or other reorganization, our creditors and stockholders will have no right to
proceed against the assets of our insurance subsidiaries or to cause their
liquidation under federal and state bankruptcy laws.
Under our Credit Facility, we have agreed to a number of covenants and
other provisions that restrict our ability to engage in various financing
transactions and pursue certain operating activities without the prior consent
of the lenders. We have also agreed to meet or maintain various financial
ratios. These requirements represent significant restrictions on the manner in
which we may operate our business and our ability to meet these financial
covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. If we default under any
of these requirements (subject to certain remedies), the lenders could declare
all outstanding borrowings, accrued interest and fees to be immediately due and
payable. If that were to occur, we cannot provide assurance that we would have
sufficient liquidity to repay or refinance this indebtedness.
MARKET-SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Our spread-based insurance business is subject to several inherent risks
arising from movements in interest rates, especially if we fail to anticipate or
respond to such movements. First, interest rate changes can cause compression of
our net
73
spread between interest earned on investments and interest credited on customer
deposits, thereby adversely affecting our results. Second, if interest rate
changes produce an unanticipated increase in surrenders of our spread-based
products, we may be forced to sell investment assets at a loss in order to fund
such surrenders. At December 31, 2004, approximately 18 percent of our total
insurance liabilities (or approximately $4.4 billion) could be surrendered by
the policyholder without penalty. Finally, changes in interest rates can have
significant effects on the performance of our structured securities portfolio,
including collateralized mortgage obligations, as a result of changes in the
prepayment rate of the loans underlying such securities. We follow
asset/liability strategies that are designed to mitigate the effect of interest
rate changes on our profitability. However, there can be no assurance that
management will be successful in implementing such strategies and achieving
adequate investment spreads.
We seek to invest our available funds in a manner that will fund future
obligations to policyholders, subject to appropriate risk considerations. We
seek to meet this objective through investments that: (i) have similar cash flow
characteristics with the liabilities they support; (ii) are diversified among
industries, issuers and geographic locations; and (iii) are predominantly
investment-grade fixed maturity securities. Many of our products include
surrender charges, market interest rate adjustments or other features to
encourage persistency.
Our investment strategy is to maximize, over a sustained period and within
acceptable parameters of risk, investment income and total investment return
through active investment management. Accordingly, our entire portfolio of fixed
maturity securities is available to be sold in response to: (i) changes in
market interest rates; (ii) changes in relative values of individual securities
and asset sectors; (iii) changes in prepayment risks; (iv) changes in credit
quality outlook for certain securities; (v) liquidity needs; and (vi) other
factors. From time to time, we invest in securities for trading purposes,
although such investments are a relatively small portion of our total portfolio.
The profitability of many of our products depends on the spreads between
the interest earned on investments and the rates credited on our insurance
liabilities. In addition, changes in competition and other factors, including
the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or to
maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under
certain market conditions. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 41 percent of
our insurance liabilities were subject to interest rates that may be reset
annually; 46 percent have a fixed explicit interest rate for the duration of the
contract; 9 percent have credited rates which approximate the income earned by
the Company; and the remainder have no explicit interest rates. At December 31,
2004, the average yield, computed on the cost basis of our actively managed
fixed maturity portfolio, was 5.6 percent, and the average interest rate
credited or accruing to our total insurance liabilities (excluding interest rate
bonuses for the first policy year only and excluding the effect of credited
rates attributable to variable or equity-indexed products) was 4.7 percent.
We use computer models to simulate the cash flows expected from our
existing insurance business under various interest rate scenarios. These
simulations help us to measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our
interest rate-sensitive financial instruments and to manage the relationship
between the duration of our assets and the expected duration of our liabilities.
When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to
interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the value of assets should
be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. At December 31, 2004,
the adjusted modified duration of our fixed maturity securities and short-term
investments was approximately 6.4 years and the duration of our insurance
liabilities was approximately 7.0 years. We estimate that our fixed maturity
securities and short-term investments (net of corresponding changes in insurance
acquisition costs) would decline in fair value by approximately $630 million if
interest rates were to increase by 10 percent from their levels at December 31,
2004. This compares to a decline in fair value of $625 million based on amounts
and rates at December 31, 2003. The calculations involved in our computer
simulations incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant estimates and
assume an immediate change in interest rates without any management of the
investment portfolio in reaction to such change. Consequently, potential changes
in value of our financial instruments indicated by the simulations will likely
be different from the actual changes experienced under given interest rate
scenarios, and the differences may be material. Because we actively manage our
investments and liabilities, our net exposure to interest rates can vary over
time.
We are subject to the risk that our investments will decline in value. This
has occurred in the past and may occur again. During 2004, we recognized net
realized investment gains of $40.6 million, which were comprised of $58.7
million of net gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities)
with proceeds of $12.7 billion net of $18.1 million of writedowns of fixed
maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets resulting from
declines in fair values that we concluded were other than temporary. During the
four months ended December 31, 2003, we recognized net realized investment gains
of $11.8 million, which were comprised of $21.4 million of net gains from the
sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities) with proceeds of $4.7 billion
net of $9.6 million of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity
securities and other invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that
we concluded were other than temporary. During the first eight months of 2003,
we recognized net realized investment losses of $5.4 million, which were
comprised of $45.9 million of net gains from the sales of investments (primarily
fixed maturities) with proceeds of $5.4 billion net of
74
$51.3 million of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and
other invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded
were other than temporary. During 2002, we recognized net realized investment
losses of $556.3 million, which were comprised of $556.8 million of writedowns
of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets
resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were other than
temporary net of $.5 million of net gains from the sales of investments
(primarily fixed maturities) with proceeds of $19.5 billion. During 2002, we
recognized other-than-temporary declines in value of several investments
including K-Mart Corp., Amerco, Inc., Global Crossing, MCI Communications,
Mississippi Chemical, United Airlines and Worldcom, Inc.
The operations of the Company are subject to risk resulting from
fluctuations in market prices of our equity securities and venture-capital
investments. In general, these investments have more year-to-year price
variability than our fixed maturity investments. However, returns over longer
time frames have been consistently higher. We manage this risk by limiting our
equity securities and venture-capital investments to a relatively small portion
of our total investments.
Our investment in S&P 500 Call Options is closely matched with our
obligation to equity-indexed annuity holders. Market value changes associated
with that investment are substantially offset by an increase or decrease in the
amounts added to policyholder account balances for equity-indexed products.
Inflation
Inflation rates may impact the financial statements and operating results
in several areas. Inflation influences interest rates, which in turn impact the
market value of the investment portfolio and yields on new investments.
Inflation also impacts a portion of our insurance policy benefits affected by
increased medical coverage costs. Operating expenses, including payrolls, are
impacted to a certain degree by the inflation rate.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CFC - DISCONTINUED FINANCE
OPERATIONS
As part of our Chapter 11 reorganization, we sold substantially all of the
assets of our Predecessor's finance business and exited from this line of
business. Our finance business was conducted through our Predecessor's indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary, CFC. We accounted for our finance business as a
discontinued operation in 2002 after we formalized our plans to sell it. On
April 1, 2003, CFC and 22 of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which
collectively comprised substantially all of the finance business, filed
liquidating plans of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court in order to
facilitate the sale of this business. The sale of the finance business was
completed in the second quarter of 2003. We did not receive any proceeds from
this sale, nor did any creditors of our Predecessor. The consolidated statement
of operations reflects the operations of the discontinued finance business in
the caption "Discontinued operations" for all periods. The following tables and
narratives discuss CFC's results of operations during the periods presented in
our consolidated financial statements.
75
Operating Results of the Discontinued Finance Operations (dollars in millions)
2002
----
Contract originations:
Manufactured housing...................................................................... $ 1,026.7
Mortgage services......................................................................... 2,535.9
Retail credit............................................................................. 3,237.9
Consumer finance - closed-end............................................................. 37.1
Other lines (discontinued in early 2002 or previous periods).............................. 476.8
----------
Total................................................................................... $ 7,314.4
==========
Sales of finance receivables:
Manufactured housing...................................................................... $ 398.8
Mortgage services......................................................................... 1,738.7
Consumer finance - closed-end............................................................. 3.3
Other lines (discontinued in early 2002 or previous periods).............................. 462.9
----------
Total................................................................................... $ 2,603.7
==========
Revenues:
Net investment income:
Finance receivables and other........................................................... $ 2,074.2
Retained interest....................................................................... 75.0
Loss on sale of finance receivables....................................................... (49.5)
Impairment charges........................................................................ (1,449.9)
Fee revenue and other income.............................................................. 273.8
----------
Total revenues.......................................................................... 923.6
----------
Expenses:
Provision for losses...................................................................... 950.0
Finance interest expense.................................................................. 1,130.0
Gain on extinguishment of debt............................................................ (6.3)
Other operating costs and expenses........................................................ 616.0
Special charges........................................................................... 121.9
Reorganization items...................................................................... 17.3
----------
Total expenses.......................................................................... 2,828.9
----------
Loss before income taxes................................................................ $ (1,905.3)
==========
General: CFC had historically provided financing for manufactured housing,
home equity, home improvements, consumer products and equipment, and consumer
and commercial revolving credit. CFC's finance products included both fixed-term
and revolving loans and leases. CFC also marketed physical damage and other
credit protection relating to the loans it serviced. CFC's primary source of
capital to provide such financing was from securitization transactions. For
securitization transactions structured prior to September 8, 1999, CFC accounted
for the transfer of finance receivables as sales and recognized gains on such
sales based on the difference between the proceeds (net of related costs) and
the carrying value of the portion of the finance receivables sold. CFC
determined such value by allocating the carrying value of the total finance
receivables between the portion sold and the interests retained based on each
portion's fair value on the date of the sale. Subsequent to September 8, 1999,
CFC structured its securitizations in a manner that required them to be
accounted for as financing transactions, whereby the finance receivables and
securitization debt remained on CFC's balance sheet.
Loan originations in 2002 were $7.3 billion. Given CFC's limited liquidity
and inability to access the securitization market, CFC discontinued originating
certain types of loans. CFC also limited future originations primarily to loans
that could be sold at a profit in whole-loan sale transactions. CFC discontinued
originating manufactured housing loans in November 2002. These decisions and
continued constraints on liquidity resulted in origination volume which was
significantly lower than in prior periods.
76
Sales of finance receivables in 2002 included the sale of $2.1 billion of
finance receivables, on which CFC recognized a loss of $17.1 million. These
sales are further explained below under "Gain on sale of finance receivables".
CFC also sold $.5 billion of certain other finance receivables in 2002, as part
of CFC's cash raising arrangements.
Net investment income on finance receivables and other consisted of: (i)
interest earned on finance receivables; and (ii) interest income on short-term
and other investments. Such income decreased by 4.4 percent, to $2,074.2
million, in 2002 consistent with the changes in average on-balance sheet finance
receivables. The weighted average yield earned on finance receivables and other
investments was 11.5 percent during 2002. The average yields decreased due to
the declining interest rate environment, change in product mix of the portfolio
and rising delinquencies primarily in CFC's manufactured housing business.
Net investment income on retained interests was the income recognized on
the retained interests in securitizations CFC retained after it sold finance
receivables. Such income decreased by 40 percent, to $75.0 million, in 2002. The
decrease was consistent with the change in the average balance of retained
interests. The weighted average yield earned on retained interests was 12.3
percent during 2002. As a result of the change in the structure of CFC's
securitizations, securitization transactions were accounted for as secured
borrowings and CFC did not recognize gain-on-sale revenue or additions to
retained interests from such transactions. In addition, the balance of the
retained interests was reduced by $1,077.2 million in 2002 due to impairment
charges. Impairment charges are further explained below. The weighted average
yield was also adversely affected by the decline in guarantee payments received
on certain lower-rated securities in the fourth quarter of 2002.
Gain (loss) on sales of finance receivables resulted from various loan sale
transactions in 2002. During 2002, CFC sold $2.1 billion of finance receivables
which generated net losses of $17.1 million. In 2002, CFC also recognized a
$32.4 million loss to reduce the value of unsecuritized finance receivables,
which were being held for eventual sale and had market values below their cost
basis.
Fee revenue and other income included servicing income, commissions earned
on insurance policies written in conjunction with financing transactions and
other income from late fees. Such income decreased by 18 percent, to $273.8
million, in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in commission
income as a result of reduced origination activities and the termination of
sales of single premium credit life insurance. In addition, as a result of the
change in the structure of CFC's securitizations, CFC no longer recorded an
asset for servicing rights at the time of its securitizations, nor did CFC
record servicing fee revenue; instead, the entire amount of interest income was
recorded as investment income. The amount of servicing income (which is net of
the amortization of servicing assets and liabilities) was $83.9 million in 2002.
Provision for losses related to finance operations increased by 77 percent,
to $950.0 million, in 2002. These amounts related to CFC's on-balance sheet
finance receivables. CFC's credit losses as a percentage of related loan
balances for the on-balance sheet portfolio consistently increased during 2002
to 3.74 percent at December 31, 2002. The increases to the provision and CFC's
credit losses were due to many factors including: (i) CFC's inability to finance
the sale of repossessed assets, resulting in CFC's use of wholesale markets
through which recovery rates were significantly lower; (ii) the natural increase
in delinquencies in some of CFC's products as they aged into periods in which
CFC had historically experienced higher delinquencies; (iii) the increase in
retail credit receivables which typically experienced higher credit losses; (iv)
economic factors which had increased defaults; and (v) a decrease in the
manufactured housing recovery rates when repossessed properties were sold. At
December 31, 2002, the 60-days-and-over delinquencies as a percentage of
on-balance sheet finance receivables were 3.21 percent. Under the portfolio
method, CFC estimated an allowance for credit losses based upon its assessment
of current and historical loss experience, loan portfolio trends, the value of
collateral, prevailing economic and business conditions, and other relevant
factors. Increases in CFC's allowance for credit losses were expensed based on
CFC's assessments of such factors. For loans previously recorded as sales, the
anticipated discounted credit losses over the expected life of the loans were
reflected through a reduction in the gain-on-sale revenue recorded at the time
of securitization or through impairment charges when assessments of estimated
losses had changed.
At December 31, 2002, CFC had a total of 20,918 unsold manufactured housing
properties (11,939 of which related to off-balance sheet securitizations) in
repossession, compared to 15,057 properties (10,814 of which related to
off-balance sheet securitizations) at December 31, 2001. CFC reduced the value
of repossessed property to its estimate of net realizable value upon
repossession. CFC liquidated 25,017 managed manufactured housing units at an
average loss severity rate (the ratio of the loss realized to the principal
balance of the foreclosed loan) of 65 percent in 2002. The loss severity rate
related to the on-balance sheet manufactured housing portfolio was 59 percent in
2002. The higher industry levels of repossessed manufactured homes which existed
in the marketplace in 2002, adversely affected recovery rates, specifically
wholesale severity. Additionally, such higher levels of repossessed inventory
made it more difficult for CFC to liquidate its inventory at rates it had
recovered in the past. CFC also believed the higher average severity rate in
2002 for the on-balance sheet
77
manufactured housing portfolio was partially due to the increased age of such
portfolio.
CFC believed that its historical loss experience had been favorably
affected by various loss mitigation policies. Under one such policy, CFC worked
with the defaulting obligor and its dealer network to find a new buyer who met
CFC's underwriting standards and was willing to assume the defaulting obligor's
loan. Under other loss mitigation policies, CFC permitted qualifying obligors to
defer scheduled payments or CFC reduced the interest rate on the loan, in an
effort to avoid loan defaults.
Due to the prevailing economic conditions in 2002, CFC increased the use of
the aforementioned mitigation policies. Based on past experience, CFC believed
these policies would reduce ultimate losses. If CFC applied loss mitigation
policies, CFC generally reflected the customer's delinquency status as not being
past due. Accordingly, the loss mitigation policies favorably impacted CFC's
delinquency ratios. CFC attempted to appropriately reserve for the effects of
these loss mitigation policies when establishing loan loss reserves. These
policies were also considered when CFC determined the value of its retained
interests in securitization trusts. Loss mitigation policies were applied to
10.7 percent of average managed accounts in 2002. Due to CFC's liquidity
limitations, many loss mitigation policies were curtailed in the fourth quarter
of 2002.
Finance interest expense decreased by 8.5 percent, to $1,130.0 million, in
2002. Such decrease was primarily the result of lower average borrowing rates
and reduced borrowings to fund the decreased finance receivables. CFC's average
borrowing rate was 6.1 percent during 2002. The decrease in the average
borrowing rate in 2002 was primarily due to the decrease in the general interest
rate environment and the repurchase and retirement of some of CFC's public debt.
Other operating costs and expenses included the costs associated with
servicing CFC's managed receivables, non-deferrable costs related to originating
new loans and other operating costs. Such expense decreased by 4.1 percent, to
$616.0 million, in 2002. In 2002, CFC accrued $26.8 million pursuant to
judgments issued in two arbitration proceedings. Excluding the litigation
accrual, such costs had decreased due to the realization of the benefits from
cost saving initiatives and a decrease in origination volume.
Special charges in 2002 included: (i) the loss of $96.0 million related to
the sales of certain finance receivables totaling $463 million and an additional
$1.6 million loss related to receivables required to be repurchased from the
purchaser of the vendor services receivables; (ii) a $39.4 million charge for
costs associated with various modifications to financing arrangements and
recognition of deferred expenses for terminated warehouse facilities; (iii) a
$16.3 million charge for the abandonment of computer processing systems; (iv) a
$38.1 million benefit due to the reduction in the value of the warrant held by
Lehman to purchase five percent of CFC, which was expected to have no value due
to CFC's bankruptcy proceedings; and (v) restructuring and other charges of $6.7
million. These charges are described in greater detail in the note to Conseco's
consolidated financial statements entitled "Financial Information Regarding
CFC."
Reorganization items were professional fees associated with CFC's
bankruptcy proceedings which were expensed as incurred in accordance with SOP
90-7.
Impairment charges represented losses related to reductions in the value of
CFC's retained interests in securitization trusts (including interest-only
securities and servicing rights). CFC carried interest-only securities at
estimated fair value and servicing rights at the lower of cost or fair value.
Fair value was determined by discounting the projected cash flows over the
expected life of the receivables sold using current prepayment, default, loss,
interest rate and servicing cost assumptions. CFC included any potential
payments related to the guarantees of certain lower-rated securities issued by
the securitization trusts in such projected cash flows. When
other-than-temporary declines in value occurred, CFC reduced the amortized cost
to estimated fair value and recognized a loss. The assumptions used to determine
new values were based on the internal evaluations of CFC's management. Under
accounting rules (pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 99-20,
"Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained
Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets" ("EITF 99-20")) which were
adopted on July 1, 2000, declines in the value of CFC's retained interests were
recognized when: (i) the fair value of the security was less than its carrying
value; and (ii) the timing and/or amount of cash expected to be received from
the security had changed adversely from the previous valuation which determined
the carrying value of the security. When both occurred, the security was written
down to fair value. The assumptions used to determine new values for CFC's
retained interests were based on internal evaluations.
The determination of the value of CFC's retained interests in
securitization trusts required significant judgment. CFC recognized significant
charges when the retained interests did not perform as well as anticipated. In
securitizations to which these retained interests related, CFC had retained
certain contingent risks in the form of guarantees of certain lower-rated
securities issued by the securitization trusts. As of December 31, 2002, the
total amount of these guarantees was approximately $1.4 billion. CFC considered
any potential payments related to these guarantees in the projected cash flows
used to determine the value of its retained interests.
78
During 2002, CFC's ability to access the securitization markets was
eliminated. The securitization markets had been CFC's main source of funding for
loans made to purchasers of repossessed manufactured homes. CFC believed that
its loss severity rates historically had been positively impacted when it used
retail channels to dispose of repossessed inventory (where the repossessed units
were sold through company-owned sales lots or CFC's dealer network). Since CFC
was no longer able to fund the loans made on repossessed homes, sales through
these channels ceased and CFC relied on the wholesale channel to dispose of
repossessed manufactured housing units, through which recovery rates were
significantly lower. Accordingly, CFC changed the loss severity assumptions used
to value its retained interests to reflect the higher loss severity CFC expected
to experience in the future. In addition, CFC increased the default assumptions
used to value its retained interests to reflect CFC's future expectations based
on then current default rates.
CFC's access to liquidity was further limited during the fourth quarter of
2002. CFC was unable to access alternative funding sources to replace the
financing it previously obtained through the securitization markets. Further,
CFC continued to experience high levels of delinquencies and foreclosures. As a
result of the inability to obtain financing, CFC was required to suspend all
originations of manufactured housing loans, including the financing of
repossessed manufactured housing units, in the fourth quarter of 2002. In
addition, CFC discontinued the use of some of its loss mitigation strategies
including its inventory loan assumption program. Prices of used manufactured
housing units in the wholesale channels were at historical lows due to the high
levels of repossessed manufactured housing inventories available in the market.
Accordingly, CFC increased the loss severity and default assumptions used to
value its retained interests to reflect CFC's future expectations based on
current experience. During 2002, CFC increased the assumption for the expected
rates of loss severity (the expected weighted average ratio of losses realized
to the principal balance of the foreclosed loans) from 65.4 percent to 89.5
percent. CFC increased the assumption for the expected rates of default (the
expected weighted average constant ratio of defaulting loans to the balance of
all loans sold) from 2.34 percent to 2.97 percent.
As a result of the requirements of EITF 99-20 and the assumption changes
described above, CFC recognized an impairment charge of $1,077.2 million in 2002
for the retained interests. CFC also recognized a $336.5 million increase in the
valuation allowance related to its servicing rights as a result of changes in
the expected future costs of servicing the finance receivables. Such servicing
costs increased due to higher levels of delinquent and defaulting loans. These
assumptions reflected the subordination of the servicing fees to other cash
flows in certain securitization transactions. In addition, CFC recognized
impairment charges of: (i) $29.3 million to establish a valuation allowance for
advances CFC was required to make to the securitization trusts which were
estimated to be uncollectible; and (ii) $6.9 million to establish a liability of
guarantee payments due to certain holders of lower-rated securities issued by
the securitization trusts which CFC was unable to pay.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The information included under the caption "Market-Sensitive Instruments
and Risk Management" in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is incorporated
herein by reference.
79
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Successor periods........................................... 81
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Predecessor periods......................................... 83
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004
and December 31, 2003 (Successor)................................................................................. 84
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2004, the
four months ended December 31, 2003 (Successor), the eight months ended
August 31, 2003, and the year ended December 31, 2002 (Predecessor)............................................... 86
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the year ended December 31,
2004, the four months ended December 31, 2003 (Successor), the eight months
ended August 31, 2003, and the year ended December 31, 2002 (Predecessor)......................................... 88
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, the
four months ended December 31, 2003 (Successor), the eight months ended
August 31, 2003, and the year ended December 31, 2002 (Predecessor)............................................... 91
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................................ 92
80
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
-------------------------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Conseco, Inc.:
We have completed an integrated audit of Conseco, Inc.'s (Successor Company)
2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and an audit of its consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2003 and for the period from September
1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 in accordance with the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our
audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying
index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Conseco, Inc. and subsidiaries (Successor Company) at December 31, 2004 and
2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period
ended December 31, 2004 and for the period from September 1, 2003 through
December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements 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 of financial statements
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.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division
confirmed the Company's Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan")
on September 9, 2003. The provisions of the Plan are described in detail in Note
1. The Plan was substantially consummated on September 10, 2003 and the Company
emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the
Company adopted fresh start accounting as of August 31, 2003.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the
Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those
criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
issued by the COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining
effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our
responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based
on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial
reporting 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 effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other
procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
81
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 15, 2005
82
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
-------------------------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Conseco, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the results of their operations and their cash flows of Conseco, Inc.
and subsidiaries (Predecessor Company) for the period from January 1, 2003
through August 31, 2003, and for the year ended December 31, 2002 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
filed a petition on December 17, 2002 with the United States Bankruptcy Court
for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division for reorganization under
the provisions of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Company's Sixth Amended
Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") was substantially consummated on
September 10, 2003 and the Company emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with
its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company adopted fresh start accounting.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 10, 2004
83
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Dollars in millions)
ASSETS
Successor
-----------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Investments:
Actively managed fixed maturities at fair value (amortized cost:
2004 - $20,985.8; 2003 - $19,470.7)............................................... $21,599.0 $19,840.1
Equity securities at fair value (cost: 2004 - $62.3; 2003 - $71.8).................. 68.3 74.5
Mortgage loans...................................................................... 1,123.8 1,139.5
Policy loans........................................................................ 448.5 503.4
Trading securities.................................................................. 902.3 915.1
Other invested assets .............................................................. 164.4 324.1
--------- ---------
Total investments................................................................. 24,306.3 22,796.7
Cash and cash equivalents:
Unrestricted........................................................................ 776.6 1,228.7
Restricted.......................................................................... 18.9 31.9
Accrued investment income................................................................ 308.4 315.5
Value of policies in force at the Effective Date......................................... 2,629.6 2,949.5
Cost of policies produced................................................................ 409.1 101.8
Reinsurance receivables.................................................................. 975.7 983.9
Income tax assets........................................................................ 967.2 24.6
Goodwill................................................................................. - 952.2
Other intangible assets.................................................................. - 182.7
Assets held in separate accounts......................................................... 32.9 37.7
Other assets............................................................................. 330.8 368.3
--------- ---------
Total assets...................................................................... $30,755.5 $29,973.5
========= =========
(continued on next page)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
84
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Dollars in millions)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Successor
----------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Liabilities:
Liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products:
Interest-sensitive products........................................................ $12,508.2 $12,480.4
Traditional products............................................................... 11,679.0 11,485.2
Claims payable and other policyholder funds........................................ 942.1 892.3
Liabilities related to separate accounts........................................... 32.9 37.7
Other liabilities.................................................................... 498.3 573.0
Investment borrowings................................................................ 433.9 387.3
Notes payable - direct corporate obligations......................................... 758.9 1,300.0
--------- ---------
Total liabilities................................................................ 26,853.3 27,155.9
--------- ---------
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock...................................................................... 667.8 887.5
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 8,000,000,000 shares authorized,
shares issued and outstanding: 2004 - 151,057,863; 2003 - 100,115,772)............ 1.5 1.0
Additional paid-in capital........................................................... 2,597.8 1,641.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income............................................... 337.3 218.7
Retained earnings.................................................................... 297.8 68.5
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity....................................................... 3,902.2 2,817.6
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity....................................... $30,755.5 $29,973.5
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
85
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Insurance policy income............................... $2,949.3 $1,005.8 $ 2,204.3 $ 3,602.3
Net investment income:
General account assets............................. 1,294.5 427.0 928.4 1,534.1
Policyholder and reinsurer accounts................ 24.1 53.1 30.1 (100.5)
Venture capital income (loss) related to investment
in AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.................. - (5.5) 10.5 (99.3)
Net realized investment gains (losses) ............... 40.6 11.8 (5.4) (556.3)
Fee revenue and other income.......................... 21.5 13.3 35.5 70.1
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Total revenues..................................... 4,330.0 1,505.5 3,203.4 4,450.4
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits............................. 2,795.2 967.9 2,136.4 3,332.5
Provision for losses.................................. - - 55.6 240.0
Interest expense (contractual interest: $268.5 for the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $345.3
for 2002).......................................... 79.5 36.8 202.5 341.9
Amortization.......................................... 371.2 132.9 343.7 822.9
Other operating costs and expenses.................... 632.8 218.4 423.5 736.2
Goodwill impairment................................... - - - 500.0
Special charges....................................... - - - 96.5
Gain on extinguishment of debt........................ (2.8) - - (1.8)
Reorganization items.................................. - - (2,130.5) 14.4
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Total benefits and expenses........................ 3,875.9 1,356.0 1,031.2 6,082.6
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority
interest, discontinued operations and
cumulative effect of accounting change........... 454.1 149.5 2,172.2 (1,632.2)
Income tax expense (benefit):
Tax expense (benefit) on period income (loss)...... 159.3 53.2 (13.5) 53.1
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets........ - - - 811.2
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before minority interest,
discontinued operations and cumulative
effect of accounting change...................... 294.8 96.3 2,185.7 (2,496.5)
Minority interest:
Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts, net of income taxes........................ - - - 173.2
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before discontinued operations and
cumulative effect of accounting change .......... 294.8 96.3 2,185.7 (2,669.7)
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes.............. - - 16.0 (2,216.8)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of
income taxes.......................................... - - - (2,949.2)
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss).................................. 294.8 96.3 2,201.7 (7,835.7)
Preferred stock dividends (contractual
distributions for 2002 of $2.1)....................... 65.5 27.8 - 2.1
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock....... $ 229.3 $ 68.5 $ 2,201.7 $(7,837.8)
======== ======== ========= =========
(continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
86
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Successor
--------------------------------
Year Four months
ended ended
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding...................... 132,280,000 100,110,000
=========== ===========
Net income............................................... $1.73 $.68
===== ====
Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding...................... 155,930,000 143,486,000
=========== ===========
Net income............................................... $1.63 $.67
===== ====
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
87
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Dollars in millions)
Common stock Accumulated other
Preferred and additional comprehensive Retained
Total stock paid-in capital income (loss) earnings (deficit)
----- ----- --------------- ------------ ------------------
Predecessor balance, December 31, 2001............ $ 4,753.0 $499.6 $3,484.3 $(439.0) $ 1,208.1
Comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Net loss..................................... (7,835.7) - - - (7,835.7)
Change in unrealized depreciation
of investments and other (net of
applicable income tax expense of nil)...... 1,019.6 - - 1,019.6 -
---------
Total comprehensive loss................. (6,816.1)
Issuance of shares for stock options and for
employee benefit plans....................... 12.7 - 12.7 - -
Payment-in-kind dividends on convertible
preferred stock.............................. 2.1 2.1 - - -
Dividends on preferred stock................... (2.1) - - - (2.1)
--------- ------ -------- ------- ---------
Predecessor balance, December 31, 2002............ $(2,050.4) $501.7 $3,497.0 $ 580.6 $(6,629.7)
(continued on following page)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
88
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Continued)
(Dollars in millions)
Common stock Accumulated other
Preferred and additional comprehensive Retained
Total stock paid-in capital income (loss) earnings (deficit)
----- ----- --------------- ------------ ------------------
Predecessor balance, December 31, 2002
(carried forward from prior page).............. $(2,050.4) $501.7 $3,497.0 $ 580.6 $(6,629.7)
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income................................... 2,201.7 - - - 2,201.7
Change in unrealized appreciation
of investments (net of applicable
income tax benefit of nil)................. (151.6) - - (151.6) -
---------
Total comprehensive income............... 2,050.1
Change in shares for employee benefit plans.... .3 - .3 - -
--------- ------ -------- ------- ---------
Predecessor balance, August 31, 2003.............. - 501.7 3,497.3 429.0 (4,428.0)
Elimination of Predecessor's
equity securities.............................. (3,999.0) (501.7) (3,497.3) - -
Issuance of Successor's
equity securities.............................. 2,500.0 859.7 1,640.3 - -
Fresh start adjustments........................... 3,999.0 - - (429.0) 4,428.0
--------- ------ -------- ------- ---------
Successor balance, August 31, 2003................ 2,500.0 859.7 1,640.3 - -
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income................................... 96.3 - - - 96.3
Change in unrealized appreciation
of investments (net of applicable
income tax expense of $123.0).............. 218.7 - - 218.7 -
---------
Total comprehensive income............... 315.0
Issuance of shares for stock options and for
employee benefit plans..................... 2.6 - 2.6 - -
Payment-in-kind dividends on convertible
exchangeable preferred stock............... 27.8 27.8 - - -
Dividends on preferred stock................. (27.8) - - - (27.8)
--------- ------ -------- ------- ---------
Successor balance, December 31, 2003.............. $ 2,817.6 $887.5 $1,642.9 $ 218.7 $ 68.5
(continued on following page)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
89
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
(Dollars in millions)
Common stock Accumulated other
Preferred and additional comprehensive Retained
Total stock paid-in capital income earnings
----- ----- --------------- ------ --------
Successor balance, December 31, 2003
(carried forward from prior page)................. $2,817.6 $887.5 $1,642.9 $218.7 $ 68.5
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income...................................... 294.8 - - - 294.8
Change in unrealized appreciation of
investments (net of applicable income tax
expense of $65.4)............................. 118.6 - - 118.6 -
--------
Total comprehensive income.................. 413.4
Issuance of shares for stock options and
for employee benefit plans, net............... 12.4 - 12.4 - -
Issuance of mandatorily convertible
preferred stock, net.......................... 667.8 667.8 - - -
Redemption of cumulative convertible
exchangeable preferred stock.................. (928.9) (928.9) - - -
Issuance of common stock, net................... 882.2 - 882.2 - -
Reduction of deferred income tax valuation
allowance..................................... 61.8 - 61.8 - -
Payment-in-kind dividends on convertible
exchangeable preferred stock.................. 41.4 41.4 - - -
Dividends on preferred stock.................... (65.5) - - - (65.5)
-------- ------ -------- ------ ------
Successor balance, December 31, 2004................. $3,902.2 $667.8 $2,599.3 $337.3 $297.8
======== ====== ======== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
90
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Insurance policy income................................. $ 2,567.5 $ 876.3 $ 1,876.2 $ 3,041.3
Net investment income................................... 1,494.9 433.4 928.6 3,323.9
Fee revenue and other income............................ 21.5 14.5 35.5 307.1
Net sales of trading securities......................... 21.1 49.0 - -
Insurance policy benefits............................... (2,058.9) (569.9) (1,461.2) (1,996.9)
Interest expense........................................ (72.2) (25.5) - (1,279.6)
Policy acquisition costs................................ (364.4) (111.6) (287.5) (509.2)
Special charges......................................... - - - (47.2)
Reorganization items.................................... - - (26.5) (31.7)
Other operating costs................................... (579.5) (255.9) (362.0) (1,406.1)
Taxes................................................... 17.6 77.8 44.2 (105.9)
--------- -------- ---------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........... 1,047.6 488.1 747.3 1,295.7
--------- -------- ---------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of investments.................................... 12,707.9 4,662.5 5,378.9 19,465.4
Maturities and redemptions of investments............... 1,882.3 1,003.2 1,854.7 1,623.9
Purchases of investments................................ (16,000.9) (5,141.1) (7,385.9) (19,879.4)
Cash received from the sale of finance receivables,
net of expenses....................................... - - - 2,372.9
Finance receivables originated.......................... - - - (7,877.9)
Principal payments received on finance receivables...... - - - 8,294.0
Cash held by Conseco Finance Corp. and classified
as assets held by discontinued operations............. - - - (562.3)
Change in restricted cash............................... 13.0 (6.8) 26.2 3.4
Other................................................... (57.6) 1.4 (19.6) (27.6)
--------- -------- ---------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities ... (1,455.3) 519.2 (145.7) 3,412.4
--------- -------- ---------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of notes payable, net........................... 790.2 - - 6,671.9
Issuance of preferred stock, net......................... 667.8 - - -
Issuance of common stock, net............................ 882.2 - - -
Payments on notes payable................................ (1,332.0) - - (10,481.3)
Redemption of preferred stock............................ (928.9) - - -
Amounts received for deposit products.................... 1,648.3 479.6 1,272.7 4,584.8
Withdrawals from deposit products........................ (1,795.7) (583.5) (1,784.2) (5,682.8)
Ceding commission received on reinsurance
transaction............................................ - - - 83.0
Change in cash held in restricted accounts for
settlement of borrowings............................... - - - (13.0)
Investment borrowings.................................... 46.6 (837.1) (145.3) (1,573.0)
Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts... - - - (86.2)
Dividends paid on preferred stock........................ (19.3) - - -
Other.................................................... (3.6) - - -
--------- -------- --------- ---------
Net cash used by financing activities................ (44.4) (941.0) (656.8) (6,496.6)
--------- -------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. (452.1) 66.3 (55.2) (1,788.5)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period.......... 1,228.7 1,162.4 1,217.6 3,006.1
--------- -------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period................ $ 776.6 $1,228.7 $ 1,162.4 $ 1,217.6
========= ======== ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
91
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND OUR EMERGENCE FROM BANKRUPTCY IN 2003
Conseco, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CNO"), is a holding company for a
group of insurance companies operating throughout the United States that
develop, market and administer supplemental health insurance, annuity,
individual life insurance and other insurance products. CNO became the successor
to Conseco, Inc., an Indiana corporation ("Old Conseco"), in connection with our
bankruptcy reorganization. The terms "Conseco", the "Company", "we", "us", and
"our" as used in this report refer to CNO and its subsidiaries and, unless the
context requires otherwise, Old Conseco and its subsidiaries. We focus on
serving the senior and middle-income markets, which we believe are attractive,
high growth markets. We sell our products through three distribution channels:
career agents, professional independent producers (some of whom sell one or more
of our product lines exclusively) and direct marketing.
Prior to September 30, 2003, we conducted our insurance operations through
one segment. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we implemented changes contemplated
in our restructuring plan to conduct our business through two operating
segments, which are defined on the basis of product distribution, and a third
segment comprised of business in run-off, as follows:
o Bankers Life, which consists of the businesses of Bankers Life and
Casualty Company ("Bankers Life and Casualty") and Colonial Penn Life
Insurance Company ("Colonial Penn"). Bankers Life and Casualty markets
and distributes Medicare supplement insurance, life insurance,
long-term care insurance and annuities to the senior market through
approximately 4,600 exclusive career agents and sales managers.
Colonial Penn markets graded benefit and simplified issue life
insurance directly to consumers through television advertising, direct
mail, the internet and telemarketing. Both Bankers Life and Casualty
and Colonial Penn market their products under their own brand names.
o Conseco Insurance Group, which markets and distributes specified
disease insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and certain life and
annuity products to the senior and middle-income markets through over
450 independent marketing organizations ("IMOs") that represent over
6,200 producing independent agents. This segment markets its products
under the "Conseco" brand.
o Other Business in Run-off, which includes blocks of business that we
no longer market or underwrite and are managed separately from our
other businesses. This segment consists of long-term care insurance
sold through independent agents and major medical insurance.
We also have a corporate segment, which consists of holding company
activities and certain noninsurance businesses that are unrelated to our
operating segments.
On December 17, 2002 (the "Petition Date"), Old Conseco and certain of its
non-insurance company subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy
Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of
Illinois, Eastern Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"). We emerged from bankruptcy
protection under the Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"),
which was confirmed pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 9,
2003 (the "Confirmation Date"), and became effective on September 10, 2003 (the
"Effective Date"). Upon the confirmation of the Plan, we implemented fresh start
accounting in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7 "Financial Reporting by
Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" ("SOP 90-7"). References
in these consolidated financial statements to "Predecessor" refer to Old Conseco
prior to August 31, 2003. References to "Successor" refer to the Company on and
after August 31, 2003, after the effects of fresh start reporting. Our
accounting and actuarial systems and procedures are designed to produce
financial information as of the end of a month. Accordingly, for accounting
convenience purposes, we applied the effects of fresh start accounting on August
31, 2003. The activity of the Company for the period from September 1, 2003
through September 10, 2003 was therefore included in the Successor's statement
of operations and excluded from the Predecessor's statement of operations. We
believe the net income impact of the use of a convenience date is immaterial.
The Plan generally provided for the full payment or reinstatement of
allowed administrative claims, priority claims, fully secured claims and certain
intercompany claims, and the distribution of new equity securities (including
warrants) to partially secured and unsecured creditors of our Predecessor.
Holders of claims arising under our Predecessor's $1.5 billion senior bank
credit facility also received a pro rata interest in our $1.3 billion credit
agreement. Holders of our Predecessor's common stock and preferred stock did not
receive any distribution under the Plan, and these securities, together with all
other
92
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
prepetition securities and the $1.5 billion senior bank credit facility of our
Predecessor, were cancelled on the Effective Date.
On the Effective Date, under the terms of the Plan, we emerged from the
bankruptcy proceedings with a capital structure consisting of:
o our $1.3 billion credit agreement;
o approximately 34.4 million shares of Class A Preferred Stock with an
initial aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $859.7
million;
o 100.0 million shares of common stock, excluding shares issued to our
chairman upon his appointment and shares issued or to be issued to
directors, officers or employees under a new equity incentive plan;
and
o warrants to purchase 6.0 million shares of our common stock (the
"Series A Warrants").
Under the terms of the Plan, we distributed the equity securities to the
creditors of our Predecessor as outlined below:
o lenders under our Predecessor's senior bank credit facility and
director and officer loan program received approximately 34.4 million
shares of our Class A Preferred Stock, with an initial aggregate
liquidation preference of $859.7 million;
o holders of our Predecessor's senior notes received approximately 32.3
million shares of our common stock;
o holders of our Predecessor's guaranteed senior notes received
approximately 60.6 million shares of our common stock;
o holders of our Predecessor's general unsecured claims received
approximately 3.8 million shares of our common stock; and
o holders of trust preferred securities issued by our Predecessor's
subsidiary trusts received approximately 1.5 million shares of our
common stock and Series A Warrants to purchase 6.0 million shares of
our common stock at an exercise price of $27.60 per share.
The distribution of our common stock summarized above represented
approximately 98 percent of all of the shares of common stock to be distributed
under the Plan. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 1.8 million of our
outstanding shares of common stock were reserved for distribution under the Plan
for unresolved disputed claims. During 2004, .6 million of these reserved shares
were distributed due to the resolution of disputed claims. If reserved shares
remain after resolution of pending disputed claims, such shares will be
reallocated to other general unsecured creditors of our Predecessor as provided
for under the Plan.
As part of our Chapter 11 reorganization, we sold substantially all of the
assets of our Predecessor's finance business and exited this line of business.
Our finance business was conducted through our Predecessor's indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary, Conseco Finance Corp. ("CFC"). We accounted for our
finance business as a discontinued operation in 2002 once we formalized our
plans to sell it. On April 1, 2003, CFC and 22 of its direct and indirect
subsidiaries, which collectively comprised substantially all of our finance
business, filed liquidating plans of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court in
order to facilitate the sale of this business. The sale of the finance business
was completed in the second quarter of 2003. We did not receive any proceeds
from this sale for our interest in CFC, nor did any creditors of our
Predecessor. As of March 31, 2003, we ceased to include the assets and
liabilities of CFC on our Predecessor's consolidated balance sheet. See the note
to the consolidated financial statements entitled "Financial Information
Regarding CFC" for information regarding this discontinued operation.
93
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Upon our emergence from bankruptcy, we implemented fresh start reporting in
accordance with SOP 90-7. These rules required the Company to revalue its assets
and liabilities to current estimated fair value, re-establish shareholders'
equity at the reorganization value determined in connection with the Plan, and
record the excess of the reorganization value over specific tangible or
identified intangible assets as goodwill. As a result, the Company's financial
statements for periods following August 31, 2003, are not comparable with those
of Old Conseco prepared before that date.
Pursuant to SOP 90-7, professional fees associated with Chapter 11 cases
are expensed as incurred and reported as reorganization items. Interest expense
was reported only to the extent that it was paid during the Chapter 11 cases.
The Company recognized expenses of $70.9 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003, and $14.4 million in 2002 for fees payable to professionals who
assisted with the Chapter 11 cases.
During the third quarter of 2002, Old Conseco entered into an agreement to
sell Conseco Variable Insurance Company ("CVIC"), its wholly owned subsidiary
and the primary writer of its variable annuity products. The sale was completed
in October 2002. The operating results of CVIC have been reported as
discontinued operations in all periods presented in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations. See the note to the consolidated financial
statements entitled "Financial Information Regarding CVIC."
In November 2002, Old Conseco completed the sale of ExlServices.com, Inc.
("Exl"), a firm that specialized in customer service and backroom outsourcing
with operations in India. Old Conseco recognized a loss of $20.0 million on the
transaction. Old Conseco had previously written off a significant portion of the
value of this investment in conjunction with the impairment charge related to
goodwill pursuant to the Company's adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142") described
below under "Recently Issued Accounting Standards".
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all of its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries. Our consolidated financial
statements exclude the results of material transactions between us and our
consolidated affiliates, or among our consolidated affiliates. We reclassified
certain amounts in our 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements and notes
to conform with the 2004 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on
net income (loss) or shareholders' equity.
3. FRESH START REPORTING
Upon the confirmation of the Plan on September 9, 2003, we implemented
fresh start reporting in accordance with SOP 90-7. However, for accounting
convenience purposes, we have reported the effects of fresh start accounting as
if they occurred on August 31, 2003. We engaged an independent financial advisor
to assist in the determination of our reorganization value as defined in SOP
90-7. We determined a reorganization value, together with our financial advisor,
using various valuation methods, including: (i) selected comparable companies
analysis; and (ii) actuarial valuation analysis. These analyses are necessarily
based on a variety of estimates and assumptions which, though considered
reasonable by management, may not be realized, and are inherently subject to
significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies,
many of which are beyond our control. Changes in these estimates and assumptions
may have had a significant effect on the determination of our reorganization
value. The estimated reorganization value of the Company was calculated to be
approximately $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion. We selected the midpoint of the
range, $3.8 billion, as the reorganization value. Such value was confirmed by
the Bankruptcy Court on the Confirmation Date.
94
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Under fresh start reporting, a new reporting entity was considered to be
created and the Company was required to revalue its assets and liabilities to
current estimated fair value, re-establish shareholders' equity at the
reorganization value determined in connection with the Plan, and record the
excess of the reorganization value over specific tangible or identified
intangible assets as goodwill. In addition, all accounting standards that were
required to be adopted in the financial statements within twelve months
following the adoption of fresh start accounting were adopted as of August 31,
2003. Adjustments to the Predecessor's consolidated balance sheet as of August
31, 2003, to reflect the discharge of debt, change in capital structure and the
fair value of our assets and liabilities are presented in the following table
(dollars in millions):
Debt Fresh
Predecessor discharge and start Successor
balance sheet(a) reorganization (b) adjustments balance sheet
---------------- ------------------ ----------- -------------
Assets:
Investments .............................................. $22,018.3 $ - $1,043.5 (c) $23,101.3
39.5 (d)
Cash and cash equivalents................................. 1,187.5 - 28.4 (c) 1,215.9
Accrued investment income................................. 304.6 - - 304.6
Value of policies in force at the Effective Date.......... - - 3,102.6 (e) 3,102.6
Cost of policies purchased................................ 1,099.2 - (1,099.2) (e) -
Cost of policies produced................................. 2,019.5 - (2,019.5) (e) -
Reinsurance receivables................................... 878.3 - 44.3 (f) 922.6
Goodwill.................................................. 99.4 - 1,042.2 (f) 1,141.6
Other intangible assets................................... 22.6 - 164.3 (f) 186.9
Income tax assets......................................... 88.0 - - 88.0
Assets held in separate accounts and investment trust..... 87.7 - - 87.7
Other assets.............................................. 513.0 - 3.6 (f) 516.6
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Total assets......................................... $28,318.1 $ - $2,349.7 $30,667.8
========= =========== ======== =========
Liabilities:
Liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products. $22,175.6 $ - $2,592.1 (g) $24,767.7
Other liabilities......................................... 868.1 - (23.2) (f) 875.7
30.8 (c)
Investment borrowings..................................... 524.4 - 700.0 (c) 1,224.4
Notes payable - direct corporate obligations.............. - 1,300.0 - 1,300.0
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities not subject to compromise.......... 23,568.1 1,300.0 3,299.7 28,167.8
Liabilities subject to compromise......................... 6,951.4 (6,951.4) - -
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities ................................... 30,519.5 (5,651.4) 3,299.7 28,167.8
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Convertible preferred stock............................... 501.7 - (501.7) -
Convertible exchangeable preferred stock.................. - 859.7 - 859.7
Common stock and additional paid-in capital............... 3,497.3 1,640.3 (3,497.3) 1,640.3
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)................... (6,629.4) 3,151.4 3,478.0 -
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... 429.0 - (429.0) -
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity (deficit)................. (2,201.4) 5,651.4 (950.0) 2,500.0
--------- ----------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit). $28,318.1 $ - $2,349.7 $30,667.8
========= =========== ======== =========
95
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
- -----------------
(a) Predecessor balance sheet as of August 31, 2003, prior to the
recording of the discharge of prepetition liabilities and the effects
of the fresh start adjustments.
(b) These adjustments to the fresh start balance sheet reflected the
reorganization value of Conseco of $3,800.0 million. After deducting
from Conseco's reorganization value the long-term indebtedness of
Conseco at the Effective Date, consisting of $1,300.0 million under
the senior secured bank credit facility, the total equity of Conseco
was $2,500.0 million. After deducting from Conseco's total equity the
value of the new preferred stock of $859.7 million, the value of the
new common stock was $1,640.3 million. These adjustments also
reflected the gain on the discharge of prepetition liabilities.
(c) In accordance with a new accounting pronouncement, the Company was
required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of the partnership
which owned the General Motors building into its balance sheet. As a
result of the consolidation and the adoption of fresh start
accounting, we increased our investment in the General Motors building
by $1,043.5 million and recognized the following other assets and
liabilities held by the partnership which owns the General Motors
building: (i) cash of $28.4 million; (ii) other liabilities of $30.8
million; and (iii) a note payable of $700 million. We sold the General
Motors building in September 2003 at a value that was approximately
equal to the fresh start value. The note payable of the partnership
was paid in full and the net proceeds from the sale were distributed
to the partners.
(d) The values of our mortgage loans, policy loans and other invested
assets were adjusted to market value at the Effective Date. In
addition, the cost basis of our actively managed fixed maturities was
increased to the market value at the Effective Date.
(e) The Company's historical cost of policies purchased and cost of
policies produced were eliminated and replaced with the value of
policies in force at the Effective Date. The value of policies in
force reflected the estimated fair value of the Company's business in
force and represents the value of the right to receive future cash
flows from the policies in force on the Effective Date.
The value of policies in force was determined using a discount rate of
12 percent, which was the rate of return that our management (with
assistance from a consulting actuarial firm) believed would be
required by a purchaser of the business, based on conditions existing
as of the Effective Date. In determining such rate of return, the
following factors, among others, were considered:
o The magnitude of the risks associated with each of the
actuarial assumptions used in determining the expected cash
flows;
o Market rates of interest that would be applicable to an
acquisition of the business;
o The perceived likelihood of changes in insurance regulations
and tax laws;
o The complexity of the business; and
o Prices paid for similar blocks of business.
(f) Assets and liabilities were adjusted to reflect their estimated fair
market value. The portion of the reorganization value that could not
be attributed to specific tangible or identified intangible assets was
recorded as goodwill.
(g) The Company establishes reserves for insurance policy benefits based
on assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, morbidity,
withdrawals and lapses. These reserves include amounts for estimated
future payment of claims based on actuarial assumptions. Many factors
can affect these reserves, such as economic conditions, inflation,
hospital and pharmaceutical costs, changes in doctrines of legal
liability and extra contractual damage awards. The fresh-start balance
was based on the Company's best estimate (with assistance from a
consulting actuarial firm) of the future performance of this business,
given recent and expected changes in experience. Adjustments to the
Predecessor's liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation
products are further discussed in the note to the consolidated
financial statements entitled "Liabilities for Insurance and Asset
Accumulation Products".
96
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following summary explains the significant accounting policies we use
to prepare our financial statements. We prepare our financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). We follow the
accounting standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB"), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") and
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Investments
We classify our fixed maturity securities into three categories: (i)
"actively managed" (which we carry at estimated fair value with any unrealized
gain or loss, net of tax and related adjustments, recorded as a component of
shareholders' equity); (ii) "trading" (which we carry at estimated fair value
with changes in such value recognized as trading income); and (iii) "held to
maturity" (which we carry at amortized cost). We had no fixed maturity
securities classified as held to maturity during the periods presented in these
financial statements.
At August 31, 2003, we established trading security accounts which are
designed to act as hedges for embedded derivatives related to our equity-indexed
annuity products and certain modified coinsurance agreements. See the note
entitled "Accounting for Derivatives" for further discussion regarding embedded
derivatives and trading accounts. In addition, the trading account includes
investments backing the market strategies of our multibucket annuity products.
The change in market value of these securities is substantially offset by the
change in insurance policy benefits for these products. Our trading securities
totaled $902.3 million and $915.1 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. The change in the market value of these securities is recognized
currently in investment income (classified as income from policyholder and
reinsurer accounts).
Equity securities include investments in common stock and non-redeemable
preferred stock. We carry these investments at estimated fair value. We record
any unrealized gain or loss, net of tax and related adjustments, as a component
of shareholders' equity. When declines in value considered to be other than
temporary occur, we reduce the amortized cost to estimated fair value and
recognize a loss in the statement of operations.
Mortgage loans held in our investment portfolio are carried at amortized
unpaid balances, net of provisions for estimated losses.
Policy loans are stated at current unpaid principal balances.
Venture capital investment in AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. ("AWE") was
carried at fair value, with changes in such value recognized as investment
income (loss). In December 2003, we sold our remaining 4.1 million shares of AWE
common stock. In 2002, we sold 10.3 million shares of AWE common stock for
proceeds of $75.7 million. We recognized venture capital investment income
(losses) of $(5.5) million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $10.5
million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $(99.3) million in 2002,
related to this investment.
Other invested assets include: (i) Standard & Poor's 500 Index Call Options
("S&P 500 Call Options"); and (ii) certain non-traditional investments. We carry
the S&P 500 Call Options at estimated fair value as further described below
under "Accounting for Derivatives". Non-traditional investments include
investments in certain limited partnerships, which are accounted for using the
equity method, and promissory notes, which are accounted for using the cost
method.
We defer any fees received or costs incurred when we originate investments.
We amortize fees, costs, discounts and premiums as yield adjustments over the
contractual lives of the investments. We consider anticipated prepayments on
mortgage-backed securities in determining estimated future yields on such
securities.
When we sell a security (other than trading securities or venture capital
investments), we report the difference between the sale proceeds and amortized
cost (determined based on specific identification) as a realized investment gain
or loss.
We regularly evaluate all of our investments based on current economic
conditions, credit loss experience and other investee-specific developments.
When we conclude there is a decline in a security's fair value that is other
than temporary, we treat it as a realized investment loss and reduce the cost
basis of the security to its estimated fair value.
97
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include commercial paper, invested cash and other
investments purchased with original maturities of less than three months. We
carry them at amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value.
Provision for Losses
During 2003 and 2002, we established additional provisions for losses
related to our guarantees of the bank loans and related interest loans to
approximately 155 current and former directors, officers and key employees for
the purchase of the common stock of Old Conseco (see the note to the
consolidated financial statements entitled "Commitments and Contingencies" for
additional information).
Cost of Policies Produced
Upon the implementation of fresh start accounting, we eliminated the
historical balance of Old Conseco's cost of policies produced as of August 31,
2003, and replaced it with the value of policies inforce as of the Effective
Date.
The costs that vary with, and are primarily related to, producing new
insurance business subsequent to August 31, 2003 are referred to as cost of
policies produced. For universal life or investment products, we amortize these
costs using the interest rate credited to the underlying policies in relation to
the established gross profits. For other products, we amortize these costs using
the projected investment earnings rate in relation to future anticipated premium
revenue.
When we realize a gain or loss on investments backing our universal life or
investment-type products, we adjust the amortization to reflect the change in
estimated gross profits from the products due to the gain or loss realized and
the effect of the event on future investment yields. We also adjust the cost of
policies produced for the change in amortization that would have been recorded
if actively managed fixed maturity securities had been sold at their stated
aggregate fair value and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. We included
the impact of this adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
within shareholders' equity.
When we replace an existing insurance contract with another insurance
contract with substantially different terms, all unamortized cost of policies
produced for such replaced contract is immediately expensed. When we replace an
existing insurance contract with another insurance contract with substantially
similar terms, we continue to defer the cost of policies produced associated
with the replaced contract. Such costs which continue to be deferred related to
replaced contracts were nil in both 2004 and the four months ended December 31,
2003; $2.9 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $7.6 million
in 2002.
We regularly evaluate the recoverability of the unamortized balance of the
cost of policies produced. We consider estimated future gross profits or future
premiums, expected mortality or morbidity, interest earned and credited rates,
persistency and expenses in determining whether the balance is recoverable. If
we determine a portion of the unamortized balance is not recoverable, it is
charged to amortization expense.
Value of Policies Inforce at the Effective Date
Upon the implementation of fresh start accounting, we eliminated the
historical balances of Old Conseco's cost of policies purchased and cost of
policies produced as of August 31, 2003, and replaced them with the value of
policies inforce as of the Effective Date.
The value assigned to the right to receive future cash flows from contracts
existing at August 31, 2003 is referred to as the value of policies inforce as
of the Effective Date. We also defer renewal commissions paid in excess of
ultimate commission levels related to the existing policies in this account. The
balance of this account is amortized, evaluated for recovery, and adjusted for
the impact of unrealized gains (losses) in the same manner as described above
for the cost of policies produced.
The discount rate we used to determine the value of the value of policies
inforce as of the Effective Date was 12 percent. See note entitled "Fresh Start
Reporting", for further explanation of this rate.
98
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The Company expects to amortize the balance of the value of policies
inforce at the Effective Date as of December 31, 2004 as follows: 11 percent in
2005, 10 percent in 2006, 9 percent in 2007, 8 percent in 2008 and 7 percent in
2009.
Goodwill
Pursuant to SOP 90-7, any reduction of the deferred income tax valuation
allowance established at the emergence date is accounted for as a reduction of
goodwill until goodwill is eliminated. As further described in the note entitled
"Income Taxes", the reduction of our deferred income tax valuation allowance
resulted in the elimination of our goodwill in 2004.
The goodwill recognized upon our emergence from bankruptcy resulted from
the revaluation of our balance sheet accounts. We revalued our assets and
liabilities to current estimated fair value and established our capital accounts
at the reorganization value determined in connection with the Plan. We recorded
goodwill of $1,141.6 million representing the excess of the reorganization value
over specific tangible or identified intangible assets. The goodwill balance was
not amortized pursuant to current accounting rules (which became effective
January 1, 2002).
The changes in goodwill were as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor
--------------------------------
Year Four months
ended ended
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Goodwill balance, beginning of period................................ $ 952.2 $1,141.6
Reduction of tax valuation allowance established at the
Effective Date.................................................. (952.2) (189.4)
------- --------
Goodwill balance, end of period...................................... $ - $ 952.2
======= ========
Reorganization Items
Reorganization items represent amounts the Predecessor incurred as a result
of its Chapter 11 reorganization, and are presented separately in the
consolidated statement of operations. These items consisted of the following
(dollars in millions):
Eight months Year
ended ended
August 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
--------------- -----------------
Gain on discharge of prepetition liabilities.................. $ 3,151.4 $ -
Fresh start adjustments (a)................................... (950.0) -
Professional fees............................................. (70.9) (14.4)
--------- ------
Total reorganization items................................ $ 2,130.5 $(14.4)
========= ======
99
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
- -------------
(a) We implemented fresh start accounting on August 31, 2003 in accordance
with SOP 90-7. These rules required the Company to revalue its assets
and liabilities to current estimated fair value, re-establish
shareholders' equity at the reorganization value determined in
connection with our Plan and record the excess of the reorganization
value over tangible or identified intangible assets as goodwill. Fresh
start adjustments are the adjustments made to the Predecessor's
balance sheet to reflect the revaluation. The total fresh start
adjustments of $950 million corresponded to the net of the total
adjustments to the assets and liabilities on the Predecessor balance
sheet as of August 31, 2003, as summarized in the note entitled "Fresh
Start Reporting".
Other Intangible Assets
Pursuant to SOP 90-7, the reduction of the deferred income tax valuation
allowance established at the emergence date is first accounted for as a
reduction of goodwill, and second as a reduction of other intangible assets. As
further described in the note entitled "Income Taxes", the reduction of a
portion of our deferred income tax valuation allowance resulted in the
elimination of our other intangible assets in 2004.
The other intangible assets identified at the emergence date were valued
with assistance from a consulting valuation firm. In accordance with SFAS 142,
other intangible assets with indefinite lives were not amortized and other
intangible assets with finite useful lives were amortized over their estimated
useful lives. We amortized the value of our career agency force and our
independent agency force over their estimated useful lives of 15 years using the
straight line method.
The following summarizes other identifiable intangible assets as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in millions):
Successor
----------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Indefinite lived other intangible assets:
Trademarks and tradenames...................................... $ 25.1 $ 25.1
State licenses and charters.................................... 17.0 17.0
-------- ------
Total indefinite lived other intangible assets............. 42.1 42.1
-------- ------
Finite lived other intangible assets:
Career agency force............................................ 64.7 64.7
Independent agency force....................................... 49.8 49.8
Intangible assets associated with insurance agencies........... 29.1 29.1
Other.......................................................... 1.2 1.2
Less accumulated amortization.................................. (15.8) (4.2)
-------- ------
Total finite lived other intangible assets................. 129.0 140.6
Reduction of deferred income tax valuation allowance........... (171.1) -
-------- ------
Total other intangible assets.............................. $ - $182.7
======== ======
Assets Held in Separate Accounts and Investment Trust
Separate accounts are funds on which investment income and gains or losses
accrue directly to certain policyholders. The assets of these accounts are
legally segregated. They are not subject to the claims that may arise out of any
other business of Conseco. We report separate account assets at market value;
the underlying investment risks are assumed by the contractholders. We record
the related liabilities at amounts equal to the separate account assets. We
record the fees earned for administrative and contractholder services performed
for the separate accounts in insurance policy income.
In addition, prior to its liquidation in the third quarter of 2003, we held
investments in a trust for the benefit of the purchasers of certain products of
our asset management subsidiary. Because we held the residual interests in the
cash flows
100
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
from the trust and actively managed its investments, we were required to include
the accounts of the trust in our consolidated financial statements. We recorded
the fees earned for investment management and other services provided to the
trust as fee revenue. See the caption "Brickyard Trust" in the note to the
consolidated financial statements entitled "Investments in Variable Interest
Entities" for further information on these investments.
Recognition of Insurance Policy Income and Related Benefits and Expenses on
Insurance Contracts
For investment and universal life-type contracts that do not involve
significant mortality or morbidity risk, the amounts collected from
policyholders are considered deposits and are not included in revenue. Revenues
for these contracts consist of charges for policy administration, cost of
insurance charges and surrender charges assessed against policyholders' account
balances. Such revenues are recognized when the service or coverage is provided,
or when the policy is surrendered.
Traditional life and the majority of our accident and health products
(including long-term care, Medicare supplement and specified disease products)
are long duration insurance contracts. Premiums on these products are recognized
as revenues when due from the policyholders.
We also have a small block of short duration accident and health products.
Premiums on these products are recognized as revenue over the premium paying
period.
We establish liabilities for investment and universal life-type products
equal to the accumulated policy account values, which include an accumulation of
deposit payments plus credited interest, less withdrawals and the amounts
assessed against the policyholder through the end of the period. Sales
inducements provided to the policyholders of these products are recognized as
liabilities over the period that the contract must remain in force to qualify
for the inducement. The options attributed to the policyholder related to our
equity-indexed annuity products are accounted for as embedded derivatives as
described in the section of this note entitled "Accounting for Derivatives".
We establish liabilities for traditional life, accident and health
insurance, and life contingent payment annuity products using morbidity and
mortality tables in general use in the United States, which are modified to
reflect the Company's actual experience when appropriate. These reserves are
computed at amounts that, with additions from estimated future premiums received
and with interest on such reserves at estimated future rates, are expected to be
sufficient to meet our obligations under the terms of the policy. Liabilities
for future policy benefits are computed on a net-level premium method based upon
assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, policy
dividends and maintenance expenses determined when the policies were issued (or
with respect to policies inforce at August 31, 2003, the Company's best estimate
of such assumptions on the fresh-start date). Once established, assumptions on
these products are generally not changed. We make an additional provision to
allow for potential adverse deviation for some of our assumptions.
We establish claim reserves based on our estimate of the loss to be
incurred on reported claims plus estimates of incurred but unreported claims
based on our past experience.
Reinsurance
In the first quarter of 2002, we completed a reinsurance agreement pursuant
to which we ceded 80 percent of the inforce traditional life business of our
subsidiary, Bankers Life and Casualty, to Reassure America Life Insurance
Company (rated A+ by A.M. Best Company, or "A.M. Best"). The total insurance
liabilities ceded pursuant to the contract were approximately $400 million. The
reinsurance agreement and the related dividends of $110.5 million were approved
by the appropriate state insurance departments and the dividends were paid to
Old Conseco. The ceding commission approximated the amount of the cost of
policies purchased and cost of policies produced related to the ceded business.
On June 28, 2002, we completed a reinsurance transaction pursuant to which
we ceded 100 percent of the traditional life and interest-sensitive life
insurance business of our subsidiary, CVIC, to Protective Life Insurance Company
(rated A+ by A.M. Best). The total insurance liabilities ceded pursuant to the
contract were approximately $470 million. Our insurance subsidiary received a
ceding commission of $49.5 million.
During the second quarter of 2002, one of our subsidiaries, Colonial Penn,
ceded a block of graded benefit life insurance policies to an unaffiliated
company pursuant to a modified coinsurance agreement. Our subsidiary received a
ceding commission of $83.0 million. The cost of policies purchased and the cost
of policies produced were reduced by
101
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
$123.0 million and we recognized a loss of $39.0 million related to the
transaction.
In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our loss exposure on any
single insured or to certain groups of policies by ceding reinsurance to other
insurance enterprises. We currently retain no more than $.8 million of mortality
risk on any one policy. We diversify the risk of reinsurance loss by using a
number of reinsurers that have strong claims-paying ratings. In each case, the
ceding Conseco subsidiary is contingently liable for claims reinsured if the
assuming company is unable to pay. The likelihood of a material loss being
incurred as a result of the failure of one of our reinsurers is considered
remote. The cost of reinsurance is recognized over the life of the reinsured
policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the
underlying policy. The cost of reinsurance ceded totaled $255.2 million in 2004;
$92.1 million in the four months ended December 31, 2003; $196.4 million in the
eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $327.8 million in 2002. We deduct this
cost from insurance policy income. Reinsurance recoveries netted against
insurance policy benefits totaled $281.8 million in 2004; $94.3 million in the
four months ended December 31, 2003; $199.2 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $323.6 million in 2002.
From time-to-time, we assume insurance from other companies. Any costs
associated with the assumption of insurance are amortized consistent with the
method used to amortize the cost of policies produced described above.
Reinsurance premiums assumed totaled $70.2 million in 2004; $31.9 million in the
four months ended December 31, 2003; $57.3 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $78.7 million in 2002.
See "Accounting for Derivatives" for a discussion of the derivative
embedded in the payable related to certain modified coinsurance agreements.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense includes deferred income taxes arising from
temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets
and liabilities, capital loss carryforwards and net operating loss
carryforwards. The net deferred tax assets totaled $2.6 billion at December 31,
2004. In evaluating our deferred income tax assets, we consider whether it is
more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The
ultimate realization of our deferred income tax assets depends upon generating
future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary differences
become deductible and before our capital loss carryforwards and net operating
loss carryforwards expire. In addition, the use of the Company's net ordinary
loss carryforwards is dependent, in part, on whether the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") ultimately agrees with the tax position we have taken and plan
to take in our current and future tax returns. We evaluate the realizability of
our deferred income tax assets and assess the need for a valuation allowance on
an ongoing basis. Based upon information existing at the Effective Date, we
established a valuation allowance equal to our entire balance of net deferred
income tax assets because, at that time, the realization of such net deferred
income tax assets in future periods was uncertain. As of December 31, 2004, we
no longer believed that a full valuation allowance was necessary. However, as
further discussed in the note entitled "Income Taxes", we believed that it was
necessary to have a valuation allowance on a portion of our deferred tax assets.
This determination was made by evaluating each component of the deferred tax
assets and assessing the effects of limitations or issues on such component's
ability to be fully recognized in the future.
Investment Borrowings
As part of our investment strategy, we may enter into reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar-roll transactions to increase our investment return or to
improve our liquidity. We account for these transactions as collateralized
borrowings, where the amount borrowed is equal to the sales price of the
underlying securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve a sale of
securities and an agreement to repurchase the same securities at a later date at
an agreed-upon price. Dollar rolls are similar to reverse repurchase agreements
except that, with dollar rolls, the repurchase involves securities that are
substantially the same as the securities sold (rather than being the same
security). Such borrowings averaged $522.6 million during 2004; $488.9 million
during the four months ended December 31, 2003; and $689.1 million during the
eight months ended August 31, 2003. These borrowings were collateralized by
investment securities with fair values approximately equal to the loan value.
The weighted average interest rates on such borrowings were 1.5 percent during
2004; 1.5 percent during the four months ended December 31, 2003; and 1.8
percent during the eight months ended August 31, 2003. The primary risk
associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that a counterparty will
be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. Our exposure is limited to
the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the
short-term investments (such excess was not material at December 31, 2004). We
believe the counterparties to our reverse repurchase and dollar-roll agreements
are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal.
102
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Use of Estimates
When we prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are
required to make estimates and assumptions that significantly affect various
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. For example, we use significant estimates
and assumptions in calculating values for the cost of policies produced, the
value of policies inforce at the Effective Date, certain investments, assets and
liabilities related to income taxes, goodwill, liabilities for insurance and
asset accumulation products, liabilities related to litigation, guaranty fund
assessment accruals and amounts recoverable from loans to certain former
directors and former employees. If our future experience differs from these
estimates and assumptions, our financial statements would be materially
affected.
Accounting for Derivatives
Our equity-indexed annuity products provide a guaranteed base rate of
return and a higher potential return linked to the performance of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index ("S&P 500 Index") based on a percentage (the "participation
rate") over an annual period. At the beginning of each policy year, a new index
period begins. We are able to change the participation rate at the beginning of
each index period, subject to contractual minimums. We buy S&P 500 Call Options
in an effort to hedge potential increases to policyholder benefits resulting
from increases in the S&P 500 Index to which the product's return is linked. We
include the cost of the S&P 500 Call Options in the pricing of these products.
Policyholder account balances for these annuities fluctuate in relation to
changes in the values of these options. We reflect changes in the estimated
market value of these options in net investment income (classified as investment
income from policyholder accounts). Option costs that are attributable to
benefits provided were $44.8 million during 2004; $19.1 million during the four
months ended December 31, 2003; $53.5 million during the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $97.5 million during 2002. These costs are reflected in the
change in market value of the S&P 500 Call Options included in investment
income. Net investment income (loss) related to equity-indexed products before
this expense was $58.5 million in 2004; $61.3 million in the four months ended
December 31, 2003; $83.6 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and
$(3.0) million in 2002. These amounts were substantially offset by the
corresponding charge to insurance policy benefits. The estimated fair value of
the S&P 500 Call Options was $50.4 million and $119.6 million at December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively. We classify these instruments as other invested
assets.
The Company accounts for the options attributed to the policyholder for the
estimated life of the annuity contract as embedded derivatives as defined by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 137, "Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement
No. 133" and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, "Accounting
for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" (collectively
referred to as "SFAS 138"). We record the changes in the fair values of the
embedded derivatives in current earnings as a component of policyholder
benefits. The fair value of these derivatives, which are classified as
"liabilities for interest-sensitive products", was $236.7 million and $214.7
million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. We have transferred a
specified block of investments which are equal to the balance of these
liabilities to our trading securities account, which we carry at estimated fair
value with changes in such value recognized as investment income (classified as
investment income from policyholder accounts). The change in value of these
trading securities should largely offset the portion of the change in the value
of the embedded derivative that is caused by interest rate fluctuations.
In October 2001, we entered into new interest rate swap agreements to
replace the terminated agreements and, in doing so, converted the fixed rate on
our 10.75% senior notes to a variable rate based on LIBOR plus 5.7525 percent.
Such interest rate swap agreements were terminated in April 2002 generating cash
proceeds of $3.5 million. Such amount represented $11.9 million of cash due to
the Company pursuant to the terms of the swaps, net of $8.4 million which
represented the fair value of the interest rate swaps on the date of
termination. The $8.4 million was amortized as additional interest expense over
the remaining lives of our senior notes until such notes were discharged in
accordance with the Plan.
The Company entered into a forward sale contract related to a portion of
its venture capital investment in AWE. Such contract was carried at market
value, with the change in value being recognized as venture capital income
(loss). The value of the derivative fluctuated in relation to the AWE common
stock. In the third quarter of 2002, we agreed with the counterparties to unwind
the forward sale contract, which resulted in a small gain.
103
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
If the counterparties for the derivatives we hold fail to meet their
obligations, we may have to recognize a loss. We limit our exposure to such a
loss by diversifying among several counterparties believed to be strong and
creditworthy. At December 31, 2004, all of our counterparties were rated "A" or
higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
The FASB's Derivative Implementation Group issued SFAS No. 133
Implementation 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
of Those Instruments" ("DIG B36") in April 2003. DIG B36 addresses specific
circumstances under which bifurcation of an instrument into a host contract and
an embedded derivative is required. DIG B36 requires the bifurcation of a
derivative from the receivable or payable related to a modified coinsurance
agreement, where the yield on the receivable and payable is based on a return of
a specified block of assets rather than the creditworthiness of the ceding
company. We implemented this guidance on August 31, 2003, in conjunction with
our adoption of fresh start accounting. We have determined that certain of our
reinsurance payable balances contain embedded derivatives. Such derivatives had
an estimated fair value of $32.1 million and $27.2 million at December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively. We record the change in the fair value of these
derivatives as a component of investment income (classified as investment income
from policyholder and reinsurer accounts). We have transferred the specific
block of investments related to these agreements to our trading securities
account, which we carry at estimated fair value with changes in such value
recognized as investment income (also classified as investment income from
reinsurer accounts). The change in value of these trading securities should
largely offset the change in value of the embedded derivatives.
Multibucket Annuity Product
The Company's multibucket annuity is a fixed annuity product that credits
interest based on the experience of a particular market strategy. Policyholders
allocate their annuity premium payments to several different market strategies
based on different asset classes within the Company's investment portfolio.
Interest is credited to this product based on the market return of the given
strategy, less management fees, and funds may be moved between different
strategies. The Company guarantees a minimum return of premium plus
approximately 3 percent per annum over the life of the contract. The investments
backing the market strategies of these products are designated by the Company as
trading securities. The change in the fair value of these securities is
recognized currently in investment income (classified as income from
policyholder and reinsurer accounts), which is substantially offset by the
change in insurance policy benefits for these products.
Accounting for Stock Options
In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and
Disclosure", an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 ("SFAS 148"), which provides
three alternative methods for transition to the fair value method of accounting
for stock options. SFAS 148 also amends the disclosure requirements of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS 123").
104
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
We apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" and related interpretations ("APB 25") in accounting for
our stock option plans. If compensation cost had been determined based on the
fair value at the grant dates for awards granted after January 1, 1995,
consistent with the method of SFAS 123, the Company's pro forma net income
(loss) and pro forma earnings per share would have been as follows (dollars in
millions, except per share amounts):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Net income (loss), as reported .................. $294.8 $96.3 $2,201.7 $(7,835.7)
Less stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under the fair value
method for all awards, net of income
taxes....................................... 4.1 .4 7.2 12.4
------ ----- -------- ---------
Pro forma net income (loss)...................... $290.7 $95.9 $2,194.5 $(7,848.1)
====== ===== ======== =========
Earnings per share:
Basic, as reported.......................... $1.73 $.68
===== ====
Basic, pro forma............................ $1.70 $.68
===== ====
Diluted, as reported........................ $1.63 $.67
===== ====
Diluted, pro forma.......................... $1.60 $.67
===== ====
To determine the pro forma amounts summarized above, we estimated the fair
value of each option grant by using the Black-Scholes option valuation model
with the following weighted average assumptions:
Successor Predecessor
--------------------------------- -------------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 Grants 2003 Grants 2003 Grants 2002 Grants
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average risk-free interest rates.. 4.2% 3.7% - 4.7%
Weighted average dividend yields........... 0.0% 0.0% - 0.0%
Volatility factors......................... 30% 35% - 40%
Weighted average expected life............. 5.9 years 6.1 years - 6.4 years
Weighted average fair value per share...... $6.41 $7.71 - $1.73
The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2004 whose exercise
price is equal to the market price of our stock on the grant date was $6.67 per
share. The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2004 whose exercise
price exceeds the market price of our stock on the grant date was $6.29 per
share.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
We use the following methods and assumptions to determine the estimated
fair values of financial instruments:
Investment securities. For fixed maturity securities (including redeemable
preferred stocks) and for equity and trading securities, we use quotes from
independent pricing services, where available. For investment securities
for which such quotes are not available, we use values obtained from
broker-dealer market makers or by discounting expected future cash flows
using a current market rate appropriate for the yield, credit quality, and,
for fixed maturity securities, the maturity of the investment being priced.
105
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount for these instruments
approximates their estimated fair value.
Mortgage loans and policy loans. We discount future expected cash flows for
loans included in our investment portfolio based on interest rates
currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit
ratings. We aggregate loans with similar characteristics in our
calculations. The market value of policy loans approximates their carrying
value.
Other invested assets. We use quoted market prices, where available. When
quotes are not available, we estimate the fair value based on discounted
future expected cash flows or independent transactions which establish a
value for our investment. When we are unable to estimate a fair value, we
assume a market value equal to carrying value.
Insurance liabilities for interest-sensitive products. We discount future
expected cash flows based on interest rates currently being offered for
similar contracts with similar maturities.
Investment borrowings and notes payable. For publicly traded debt, we use
current market values. For other notes, we use discounted cash flow
analyses based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types
of borrowing arrangements.
The estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2004
and 2003, were as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor
-------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
Financial assets:
Actively managed fixed maturities............................... $21,599.0 $21,599.0 $19,840.1 $19,840.1
Equity securities .............................................. 68.3 68.3 74.5 74.5
Mortgage loans.................................................. 1,123.8 1,167.2 1,139.5 1,174.1
Policy loans.................................................... 448.5 448.5 503.4 503.4
Trading securities.............................................. 902.3 902.3 915.1 915.1
Other invested assets........................................... 164.4 164.4 324.1 324.1
Cash and cash equivalents....................................... 795.5 795.5 1,260.6 1,260.6
Financial liabilities:
Insurance liabilities for interest-sensitive
products (a).................................................. $12,508.2 $12,508.2 $12,480.4 $12,480.4
Investment borrowings........................................... 433.9 433.9 387.3 387.3
Notes payable - direct corporate obligations.................... 758.9 758.9 1,300.0 1,300.0
- --------------------
(a) The estimated fair value of insurance liabilities for
interest-sensitive products was approximately equal to its carrying
value at December 31, 2004 and 2003. This was because interest rates
credited on the vast majority of account balances approximate current
rates paid on similar products and because these rates are not
generally guaranteed beyond one year.
Predecessor's Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change and Goodwill
Impairment
The FASB issued SFAS 142 in June 2001. Under the new rule, intangible
assets with an indefinite life are no longer amortized in periods subsequent to
December 31, 2001, but are subject to annual impairment tests (or more frequent
under certain circumstances), effective January 1, 2002. The Company determined
that all of its goodwill had an indefinite life and was therefore subject to the
new rules. The Company adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002.
Pursuant to the transitional rules of SFAS 142, we completed an initial
two-step impairment test as of January 1, 2002, which resulted in a cumulative
effect of accounting change for goodwill impairment of $2,949.2 million. The
significant factors used to determine the amount of the initial impairment
included analyses of industry market valuations, historical and projected
performance of our insurance segment, discounted cash flow analyses and the
market value of our capital. The valuation utilized the best available
information, including assumptions and projections we considered reasonable and
106
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
supportable. The assumptions we used to determine the discounted cash flows
involve significant judgments regarding the best estimate of future premiums,
expected mortality and morbidity, interest earned and credited rates,
persistency and expenses. The discount rate used was based on an analysis of the
weighted average cost of capital for several insurance companies and considered
the specific risk factors related to Conseco. Under SFAS 142, quoted market
prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and should be used
when available.
On August 14, 2002, our insurance subsidiaries' financial strength ratings
were downgraded by A.M. Best to "B (fair)" and on September 8, 2002, the Company
defaulted on its public debt. These developments caused sales of our insurance
products to fall and policyholder redemptions and lapses to increase. This
adverse impact on our insurance subsidiaries required that an additional
impairment test be performed as of September 30, 2002, in accordance with SFAS
142.
In connection with the preparation of the Plan, we retained a consulting
actuarial firm to assist in valuing our insurance subsidiaries. That valuation
work and our internal evaluation were used in performing the additional
impairment tests that resulted in an impairment charge to goodwill of $500.0
million. The charge was classified with operating expenses in our consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. The most
significant changes made to the January 1, 2002 valuation were: (i) reduced
estimates of projected future sales of insurance products; (ii) increased
estimates of future policyholder redemptions and lapses; and (iii) a higher
discount rate to reflect the current rates used by the market to value life
insurance companies. Management believes that the assumptions and estimates used
were reasonable given all available facts and circumstances at that time.
Changes in the carrying amount of Predecessor's goodwill for the eight
months ended August 31, 2003, and the year ended December 31, 2002, were as
follows (dollars in millions):
Predecessor
--------------------------------
Eight months Year
ended ended
August 31, December 31,
2003 2002
---- ----
Goodwill balance, beginning of period....................................... $100.0 $ 3,695.4
Cumulative effect of accounting change...................................... - (2,949.2)
Impairment charge........................................................... - (500.0)
Reduction of tax valuation contingencies established at acquisition date
for acquired companies.................................................. (.6) (146.2)
------ ---------
Goodwill balance, end of period............................................. $ 99.4 $ 100.0
====== =========
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123R") in December 2004. SFAS 123R
revises SFAS 123 and supersedes APB 25. SFAS 123R provides additional guidance
on accounting for share-based payments and will require all such awards to be
measured at fair value with the related compensation cost recognized in the
statement of operations over the related service period. SFAS 123R is effective
for all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled in the interim period
beginning after June 15, 2005 and requires the recognition of compensation cost
over the remaining vesting period for the portion of outstanding awards that are
not vested as of the effective date. SFAS 123R also requires the benefits of tax
deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a
financing cash flow rather than as an operating cash flow, as currently
required. The Company's net income would have been reduced by $4.1 million in
2004 if we had recognized stock-based employee compensation as determined under
the fair value method, net of income taxes.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 153,
"Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29" ("SFAS
153") in December 2004. SFAS 153 amends prior guidance to eliminate the
exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it
with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have
commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the
future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result
of the exchange. The provisions of SFAS 153 are effective for nonmonetary asset
exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and shall be
applied prospectively. SFAS 153 is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated financial statements at the
107
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
date of adoption.
The FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 106-2, "Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement
and Modernization Act of 2003" ("FSP FAS 106-2") in May 2004. FSP FAS 106-2
provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Modernization Act"). The
Modernization Act provides, among other things, a federal subsidy to plan
sponsors who maintain postretirement health care plans that provide prescription
drug benefits and meet certain equivalency criteria. FSP FAS 106-2 superseded
FSP FAS 106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003". The adoption of
FSP FAS 106-2 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued Emerging Issues Task
Force Topic No. 03-01, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its
Application to Certain Investments" ("EITF 03-01"). EITF 03-01 provides
additional guidance for determining whether an impairment of an investment is
other than temporary. EITF 03-01 also includes guidance for accounting for an
investment subsequent to an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain
disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as
other-than-temporary impairments. Certain guidance in EITF 03-01 was effective
for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The guidance effective for the quarter
ended September 30, 2004 did not significantly change our procedures for
evaluating impairments, although additional disclosures have been added to the
notes to the consolidated financial statements. The FASB is currently
considering additional guidance, which we will evaluate when finalized.
The FASB's Derivative Implementation Group issued DIG B36 in April 2003.
DIG B36 addresses specific circumstances under which bifurcation of an
instrument into a host contract and an embedded derivative is required. DIG B36
requires the bifurcation of a derivative from the receivable or payable related
to a modified coinsurance agreement, where the yield on the receivable and
payable is based on a return of a specified block of assets rather than the
creditworthiness of the ceding company. We implemented this guidance on August
31, 2003, in conjunction with our adoption of fresh start accounting. See the
note entitled "Accounting for Derivatives" for a discussion of the impact of
implementing this guidance.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149
"Amendment of SFAS No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
("SFAS 149") in April 2003. SFAS 149 amended and clarified accounting for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, and for hedging activities under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." Except for certain implementation guidance included in SFAS 149
which was already effective, the new guidance was effective for: (i) contracts
entered into or modified after June 30, 2003; and (ii) hedging relationships
designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150,
"Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both
Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150") in May 2003. SFAS 150 established standards
for classifying and measuring certain financial instruments that embody
obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and
equity. For example, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock is required to be
classified as a liability pursuant to SFAS 150. SFAS 150 was effective
immediately for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31,
2003, and for all other financial instruments beginning with the third quarter
of 2003. Effective July 1, 2003, Old Conseco's Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts, with an aggregate carrying
value of $1,921.5 million, were reclassified to liabilities pursuant to the
provisions of SFAS 150. Such securities were not outstanding after the Effective
Date. We followed the guidance of SFAS 150 to properly classify the Class B
mandatorily convertible preferred stock issued in the second quarter of 2004 as
a component of shareholders' equity.
The Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 03-01 "Accounting and
Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration
Contracts and for Separate Accounts" ("SOP 03-01") in July 2003. SOP 03-01
provides guidance on several insurance company disclosure and accounting matters
including the appropriate accounting for: (i) separate accounts; (ii) additional
interest (for example, persistency bonus) accruing to the investment contract
holder; (iii) the liability for contracts where the amounts assessed against the
contract holder each period are expected to result in profits in earlier years
and losses in subsequent years; (iv) potential benefits to annuity holders in
addition to their account balance; (v) sales inducements to contract holders;
and (vi) other provisions. The Company sold most of its separate account
business in 2002. Accordingly,
108
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
the new guidance related to separate accounts had no impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As a
result of our adoption of fresh start accounting, we were required to revalue
our insurance product liabilities and record them at their estimated fair market
value. In calculating the value of the liabilities for insurance and asset
accumulation products, we followed the guidance of SOP 03-01. We have changed
the way we classify the costs related to sales inducements in accordance with
the new guidance. However, such change was not material. Our reserve for
persistency bonus benefits was $313.2 million and $282.8 million at December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively. Our annuity products include contracts that offered
enhanced crediting rates or bonus payments. These enhanced rates are considered
sales inducements under SOP 03-01. Such amounts are deferred and amortized in
the same manner as the cost of policies produced. Sales inducements deferred
totaled $14.3 million in 2004 and $4.8 million in the four months ended December
31, 2003, and amounts amortized totaled $2.9 million in 2004 and $.4 million in
the four months ended December 31, 2003. The unamortized balance of deferred
sales inducements at December 31, 2004 and 2003, was $15.8 million and $4.4
million, respectively.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, which required expanded
disclosures for and, in some cases, consolidation of significant investments in
variable interest entities ("VIE"). A VIE is an entity in which the equity
investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest,
or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its
activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.
Under FIN 46, a company is required to consolidate a VIE if it is the primary
beneficiary of the VIE. FIN 46 defines primary beneficiary as the party which
will absorb a majority of the VIE's expected losses or receive a majority of the
VIE's expected residual returns, or both.
The Company has investments in various types of VIEs, some of which
required additional disclosure under FIN 46, and several of which required
consolidation under FIN 46. As further discussed in the note to the consolidated
financial statements entitled "Investments in Variable Interest Entities", we
consolidated all of our investments in VIEs for which we are the primary
beneficiary. Such consolidation requirements did not have a material impact on
our financial condition or results of operations. The note entitled "Investments
in Variable Interest Entities" includes the expanded disclosures required by FIN
46.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146,
"Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities" ("SFAS 146") in June 2002. SFAS 146
addressed financial accounting and reporting for costs that are associated with
exit and disposal activities and supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No.
94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other
Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)"
("EITF 94-3"). SFAS 146 is required to be used to account for exit or disposal
activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 requires
companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when
they are incurred rather than at the date of commitment to an exit or disposal
plan. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 on January 1, 2003, and
such adoption did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial
statements.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145,
"Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No.
13, and Technical Corrections" ("SFAS 145") in April 2002. Under previous
guidance all gains and losses resulting from the extinguishment of debt were
required to be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item,
net of related income tax effect. SFAS 145 rescinds that guidance and requires
that gains and losses from extinguishments of debt be classified as
extraordinary items only if they are both unusual and infrequent in occurrence.
SFAS 145 also amends previous guidance to require certain lease modifications
that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions to be
accounted for in the same manner as sale-leaseback transactions. The Company
adopted SFAS 145 on January 1, 2003, and prior period amounts related to
extraordinary gains on the extinguishment of debt have been reclassified
accordingly.
The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS 144") in August
2001. This standard addresses the measurement and reporting for impairment of
all long-lived assets. It also broadens the definition of what may be presented
as a discontinued operation in the consolidated statement of operations to
include components of a company's business segments. SFAS 144 requires that
long-lived assets currently in use be written down to fair value when considered
impaired. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are written down to the lower of
cost or fair value less the estimated cost to sell. The Company adopted this
standard on January 1, 2002. We followed this standard in determining when to
recognize impairments on assets we decided to sell as part of our cash raising
efforts. We also followed this standard in presenting our variable annuity
business line and CFC as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial
statements (see the note to the consolidated financial statements entitled
"Discontinued Operations").
109
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
5. INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 2004, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of
actively managed fixed maturities and equity securities were as follows (dollars
in millions):
Successor
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized unrealized unrealized fair
cost gains losses value
---- ----- ------ -----
Investment grade:
Corporate securities.......................................... $12,181.8 $464.4 $20.5 $12,625.7
United States Treasury securities and obligations of
United States government corporations and agencies.......... 1,579.9 19.6 2.8 1,596.7
States and political subdivisions............................. 853.6 17.6 5.2 866.0
Debt securities issued by foreign governments................. 122.4 5.3 .2 127.5
Structured securities ........................................ 5,449.8 89.3 7.8 5,531.3
Below-investment grade (primarily corporate securities).......... 798.3 56.2 2.7 851.8
--------- ------ ----- ---------
Total actively managed fixed maturities..................... $20,985.8 $652.4 $39.2 $21,599.0
========= ====== ===== =========
Equity securities................................................ $62.3 $6.2 $.2 $68.3
===== ==== === =====
At December 31, 2003, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of
actively managed fixed maturities and equity securities were as follows (dollars
in millions):
Successor
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized unrealized unrealized fair
cost gains losses value
---- ----- ------ -----
Investment grade:
Corporate securities.......................................... $11,169.7 $279.8 $13.7 $11,435.8
United States Treasury securities and obligations of
United States government corporations and agencies.......... 1,068.9 14.1 1.7 1,081.3
States and political subdivisions............................. 608.4 5.9 2.4 611.9
Debt securities issued by foreign governments................. 84.6 1.6 - 86.2
Structured securities ........................................ 5,804.6 59.2 14.9 5,848.9
Below-investment grade (primarily corporate securities).......... 734.5 43.2 1.7 776.0
--------- ------ ----- ---------
Total actively managed fixed maturities..................... $19,470.7 $403.8 $34.4 $19,840.1
========= ====== ===== =========
Equity securities................................................ $ 71.8 $ 2.8 $ .1 $ 74.5
====== ===== ==== ======
Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of the net effect of
unrealized appreciation on our investments. These amounts, included in
shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, were as follows (dollars
in millions):
Successor
-------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Net unrealized appreciation on investments........................................... $ 621.6 $ 375.2
Adjustment to value of policies inforce at the Effective Date........................ (85.7) (33.5)
Adjustments to cost of policies produced............................................. (10.2) -
Deferred income tax liability........................................................ (188.4) (123.0)
------- -------
Accumulated other comprehensive income........................................ $ 337.3 $ 218.7
======= =======
110
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Concentration of Actively Managed Fixed Maturity Securities
The following table summarizes the carrying values of our actively managed
fixed maturity securities by industry category as of December 31, 2004 (dollars
in millions):
Percent of
Carrying value fixed maturities
-------------- ----------------
Structured securities................................................................ $ 5,533.7 25.6%
Services............................................................................. 2,755.9 12.8
Manufacturing........................................................................ 2,386.9 11.1
Bank and finance..................................................................... 2,213.0 10.2
U.S. Government...................................................................... 1,596.7 7.4
Utilities............................................................................ 1,386.6 6.4
Communications....................................................................... 1,136.0 5.3
States and political subdivisions.................................................... 866.0 4.0
Agriculture, forestry and mining..................................................... 812.2 3.8
Asset-backed securities.............................................................. 802.2 3.7
Retail and wholesale................................................................. 655.9 3.0
Transportation....................................................................... 604.8 2.8
Other................................................................................ 849.1 3.9
--------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities................................................... $21,599.0 100.0%
========= =====
Below-Investment Grade Securities
At December 31, 2004, the amortized cost of the Company's below-investment
grade fixed maturity securities was $798.3 million, or 3.8 percent of the
Company's fixed maturity portfolio. The estimated fair value of our
below-investment grade securities was $851.8 million, or 107 percent of the
amortized cost. The value of these securities varies based on the economic terms
of the securities, structural considerations and the creditworthiness of the
issuer of the securities.
Below-investment grade securities have different characteristics than
investment grade corporate debt securities. Risk of loss upon default by the
borrower is significantly greater for below-investment grade securities.
Below-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often
subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. Also, issuers of below-investment
grade securities usually have higher levels of debt and are more sensitive to
adverse economic conditions, such as recession or increasing interest rates,
than are investment grade issuers. The Company attempts to reduce the overall
risk related to its investment in below-investment grade securities, as in all
investments, through careful credit analysis, strict investment policy
guidelines, and diversification by issuer and/or guarantor and by industry.
111
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Contractual Maturity
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value
of actively managed fixed maturities at December 31, 2004, by contractual
maturity. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call
or prepayment penalties. Most of the structured securities shown below provide
for periodic payments throughout their lives (dollars in millions).
Estimated
Amortized fair
cost value
---- -----
Due in one year or less...................................................................... $ 93.9 $ 94.0
Due after one year through five years........................................................ 1,532.0 1,554.7
Due after five years through ten years....................................................... 6,624.2 6,783.5
Due after ten years.......................................................................... 7,284.2 7,633.1
--------- ---------
Subtotal................................................................................. 15,534.3 16,065.3
Structured securities (a).................................................................... 5,451.5 5,533.7
--------- ---------
Total actively managed fixed maturities ............................................. $20,985.8 $21,599.0
========= =========
- --------------------
(a) Includes below-investment grade structured securities with an
amortized cost and estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $2.4
million, respectively.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Fixed maturities...................................... $1,176.9 $382.9 $815.9 $1,380.0
Venture capital investment income (loss).............. - (5.5) 10.5 (99.3)
Trading income related to policyholder and ...........
reinsurer accounts................................. 10.4 10.9 - -
Equity securities..................................... 3.9 1.8 8.9 13.2
Mortgage loans........................................ 90.2 31.5 66.9 99.0
Policy loans.......................................... 27.7 10.7 23.0 32.6
Change in value of S&P 500 Call Options
related to equity-indexed products................. 13.7 42.2 30.1 (100.5)
Other invested assets................................. 9.0 6.7 20.4 10.9
Cash and cash equivalents............................. 13.8 4.2 11.5 27.6
-------- ------ ------ --------
Gross investment income............................ 1,345.6 485.4 987.2 1,363.5
Less investment expenses.............................. 27.0 10.8 18.2 29.2
-------- ------ ------ --------
Net investment income.............................. $1,318.6 $474.6 $969.0 $1,334.3
======== ====== ====== ========
The carrying value of fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans not
accruing investment income totaled $7.2 million, $50.7 million and $169.6
million at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
112
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized investment gains (losses) were included in revenue as follows
(dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains......................................... $102.4 $27.6 $129.0 $ 260.8
Gross losses........................................ (45.8) (7.3) (62.4) (251.8)
Other-than-temporary declines in fair value......... (6.2) (3.7) (44.7) (500.6)
------ ----- ------ -------
Net realized investment gains (losses)
from fixed maturities........................ 50.4 16.6 21.9 (491.6)
Equity securities....................................... (3.5) - (3.4) (7.5)
Mortgages............................................... 2.0 - (15.6) (1.4)
Other-than-temporary declines in fair value of
equity securities and other invested assets......... (11.9) (5.9) (6.6) (56.2)
Other .................................................. 3.6 1.1 (1.7) .4
------ ----- ------ -------
Net realized investment gains (losses)......... $ 40.6 $11.8 $ (5.4) $(556.3)
====== ===== ====== =======
During 2004, we recognized net realized investment gains of $40.6 million,
which were comprised of $58.7 million of net gains from the sales of investments
(primarily fixed maturities) with proceeds of $12.7 billion net of $18.1 million
of writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other
invested assets resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were
other than temporary. During the four months ended December 31, 2003, we
recognized net realized investment gains of $11.8 million, which were comprised
of $21.4 million of net gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed
maturities) with proceeds of $4.7 billion net of $9.6 million of writedowns of
fixed maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets
resulting from declines in fair values that we concluded were other than
temporary. During the first eight months of 2003, we recognized net realized
investment losses of $5.4 million, which were comprised of $45.9 million of net
gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities) with proceeds
of $5.4 billion net of $51.3 million of writedowns of fixed maturity
investments, equity securities and other invested assets resulting from declines
in fair values that we concluded were other than temporary. Net realized
investment losses during 2002 included $556.8 million of writedowns of fixed
maturity investments, equity securities and other invested assets resulting from
declines in fair values that we concluded were other than temporary net of $.5
million of net gains from the sales of investments (primarily fixed maturities)
with proceeds of $19.5 billion. At December 31, 2004, fixed maturity securities
in default as to the payment of principal or interest had an aggregate amortized
cost of $4.7 million and a carrying value of $6.8 million.
During 2004, we sold $2.6 billion of fixed maturity investments which
resulted in gross investment losses (before income taxes) of $46.2 million. We
sell securities at a loss for a number of reasons including, but not limited to;
(i) changes in the investment environment; (ii) expectation that the market
value could deteriorate further; (iii) desire to reduce our exposure to an
issuer or an industry; (iv) changes in credit quality; (v) identification of a
superior investment alternative; or (vi) our analysis indicates there is a high
probability that the security is other-than-temporarily impaired.
113
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following summarizes the investments sold at a loss during 2004 which
had been continuously in an unrealized loss position exceeding 20 percent of the
amortized cost basis for the period indicated prior to the sale (dollars in
millions):
At date of sale
-----------------------------
Number of Amortized Estimated Fair
Period prior to sale: issuers cost value
------- ---- -----
Less than 6 months........................................ 2 $2.5 $1.5
6 to 12 months............................................ 1 4.1 3.1
Investments with Other-Than-Temporary Losses
During 2004, we recorded writedowns of fixed maturity investments, equity
securities and other invested assets totaling $18.1 million, which included a
loss of $3.4 million related to an issuer in the airline industry rated
Caa/CCC-. Although this investment is in a major airline, this company remains
highly leveraged and the entire industry is currently facing a difficult
operating environment including rising fuel prices. Accordingly, we concluded
that the decline in fair value was other than temporary. In addition to the
specific investment discussed above, we recorded $14.7 million of writedowns
related to various other investments, of which no single issuer exceeded $3.0
million.
Recognition of Losses
We regularly evaluate all of our investments for possible impairment based
on current economic conditions, credit loss experience and other
investee-specific developments. If there is a decline in a security's net
realizable value that is other than temporary, the decline is recognized as a
realized loss and the cost basis of the security is reduced to its estimated
fair value.
Our assessment of whether unrealized losses are "other than temporary"
requires significant judgment. Factors considered include: (i) the extent to
which market value is less than the cost basis; (ii) the length of time that the
market value has been less than cost; (iii) whether the unrealized loss is event
driven, credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates; (iv) the
near-term prospects for improvement in the issuer and/or its industry; (v) our
view of the investment's rating and whether the investment is investment-grade
and/or has been downgraded since its purchase; (vi) whether the issuer is
current on all payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the
investment and is expected to meet all of its obligations under the terms of the
investment; (vii) our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of
time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery; and (viii) the underlying
current and prospective asset and enterprise values of the issuer and the extent
to which our investment may be affected by changes in such values.
When a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary and the
cost basis of the security is written down to fair value, we review the
circumstances of that particular investment in relation to other investments in
our portfolio. If such circumstances exist with respect to other investments,
those investments are also written down to fair value. Future events may occur,
or additional or updated information may become available, which may necessitate
future realized losses of securities in our portfolio. Significant losses in the
carrying value of our investments could have a material adverse effect on our
earnings in future periods.
114
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value
of those actively managed fixed maturities with unrealized losses at December
31, 2004, by contractual maturity. Actual maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Most of the structured
securities shown below provide for periodic payments throughout their lives
(dollars in millions).
Estimated
Amortized fair
cost value
-------------- --------------
Due in one year or less................................................................... $ 52.7 $ 52.6
Due after one year through five years..................................................... 468.2 464.1
Due after five years through ten years.................................................... 908.0 898.7
Due after ten years....................................................................... 1,053.3 1,035.4
-------- --------
Subtotal............................................................................... 2,482.2 2,450.8
Structured securities..................................................................... 854.4 846.6
-------- --------
Total.................................................................................. $3,336.6 $3,297.4
======== ========
At December 31, 2004, we had no investments in fixed maturities rated
below-investment grade or classified as equity-type securities in an unrealized
loss position exceeding 20 percent of the cost basis.
Our investment strategy is to maximize, over a sustained period and within
acceptable parameters of risk, investment income and total investment return
through active investment management. Accordingly, we may sell securities at a
gain or a loss to enhance the total return of the portfolio as market
opportunities change or to better match certain characteristics of our
investment portfolio with the corresponding characteristics of our insurance
liabilities. While we have both the ability and intent to hold securities with
unrealized losses until they mature or recover in value, we may sell securities
at a loss in the future because of actual or expected changes in our view of the
particular investment, its industry, its type or the general investment
environment. As described in the note to our consolidated financial statements
entitled "Recently Issued Accounting Standards", certain guidance related to
determining when an impairment of an investment is other than temporary is being
considered by the Emerging Issues Task Force. Depending on the ultimate guidance
issued, including guidance regarding management's assertion about intent and
ability to hold actively managed fixed maturities for a period of time
sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery, the Company's practice of
selling securities at a loss could result in a requirement to report unrealized
losses in a different manner, including reflecting unrealized losses in the
income statement as other-than-temporary impairments.
115
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair values
of our investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be
other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of
time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at
December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Less than 12 months 12 months or greater Total
---------------------- ----------------------- -------------------
Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized
Description of securities value losses value losses value losses
------------------------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------
United States Treasury securities
and obligations of United
States government
corporations and agencies........ $ 276.7 $ (2.6) $ 2.4 $ (.2) $ 279.1 $ (2.8)
States and political subdivisions... 224.1 (3.6) 34.7 (1.6) 258.8 (5.2)
Debt securities issued by
foreign governments.............. 7.9 (.2) - - 7.9 (.2)
Corporate securities................ 1,862.3 (21.8) 42.7 (1.4) 1,905.0 (23.2)
Structured securities............... 817.3 (7.3) 29.3 (.5) 846.6 (7.8)
-------- ------ ------ ----- -------- ------
Total actively managed
fixed maturities................. $3,188.3 $(35.5) $109.1 $(3.7) $3,297.4 $(39.2)
======== ====== ====== ===== ======== ======
Equity securities................... $2.6 $(.2) $ - $ - $2.6 $(.2)
==== ==== ===== ===== ==== ====
We implemented fresh start reporting on August 31, 2003, in accordance with
SOP 90-7, which required us to revalue our actively managed fixed maturities to
current estimated fair value. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2003, none of the
actively managed fixed maturities, with gross unrealized losses of $34.4
million, had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or
greater.
Based on management's current assessment of investments with unrealized
losses at December 31, 2004, the Company believes the issuers of the securities
will continue to meet their obligations (or with respect to equity-type
securities, the investment value will recover to its cost basis). The Company
has no current plans to sell these securities and has the ability to hold them
to maturity. If the Company concludes in future periods that the unrealized loss
is other than temporary, a charge to earnings would be recognized.
Investment in General Motors Building
During the summer of 2003, we successfully enforced our contractual right
to buy out our 50 percent equity partner in the GM building, a landmark 50-story
office tower in New York City. After obtaining an award in arbitration, and
confirming that award in the New York court system, we settled our differences
with our equity partner, thus permitting us to put the building up for sale. On
September 26, 2003, we sold our investment in the GM building. We received cash
of $636.8 million, which was approximately equal to the value established upon
the adoption of fresh start accounting.
Our investment in the GM building was made through a partnership which
acquired the building in 1998 for $878 million. The initial capital structure of
the partnership consisted of: (i) a $700 million senior mortgage; (ii) $200
million of subordinated debt with a stated fixed return of 12.7 percent
payable-in-kind, and the opportunity to earn an additional residual return; and
(iii) $30 million of partnership equity, owned 50 percent by Conseco and 50
percent by an affiliate of Donald Trump. A Trump affiliate also served as
general manager of the acquired building. We owned 100 percent of the
subordinated debt.
The $30 million of partnership equity represented less than 10 percent of
the total capital of the partnership. In addition, the subordinated debt was
intended to absorb virtually all expected losses and receive a significant
portion of
116
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
expected residual returns. Based on our 100 percent ownership of the
subordinated debt, we were the primary beneficiary of the GM building. The
partnership was consolidated in our financial statements effective August 31,
2003, in accordance with the requirements of FIN 46, which was implemented in
conjunction with fresh start accounting. The August 31, 2003 fresh start balance
sheet reflected the following balances of the partnership: the GM building at
$1,336.3 million; cash of $28.4 million; and a non-recourse loan of $700
million. Net investment income for the four months ended December 31, 2003,
reflected $2.9 million related to this investment (representing our equity
interest in the income from the building for the 26 days prior to the sale).
Structured Securities
At December 31, 2004, fixed maturity investments included $5.5 billion of
structured securities (or 26 percent of all fixed maturity securities).
Structured securities include mortgage-backed securities, collateralized
mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed
securities. The yield characteristics of structured securities differ in some
respects from those of traditional fixed-income securities. For example,
interest and principal payments on mortgage-backed securities occur more
frequently, often monthly. In addition, mortgage-backed securities are subject
to risks associated with variable prepayments. Prepayment rates are influenced
by a number of factors that cannot be predicted with certainty, including: the
relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages backing the assets to changes
in interest rates; a variety of economic, geographic and other factors; and the
repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structures.
In general, prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans and the securities
backed by these loans increase when prevailing interest rates decline
significantly in absolute terms and also relative to the interest rates on such
loans. The yields on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount to par
will increase when the underlying mortgages prepay faster than expected. The
yields on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium will decrease when
the underlying mortgages prepay faster than expected. When interest rates
decline, the proceeds from the prepayment of mortgage-backed securities may be
reinvested at lower rates than we were earning on the prepaid securities. When
interest rates increase, prepayments on mortgage-backed securities decrease as
fewer underlying mortgages are refinanced. When this occurs, the average
maturity and duration of the mortgage-backed securities increase, which
decreases the yield on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount,
because the discount is realized as income at a slower rate, and increases the
yield on those purchased at a premium as a result of a decrease in the annual
amortization of the premium.
The following table sets forth the par value, amortized cost and estimated
fair value of structured securities, summarized by interest rates on the
underlying collateral, at December 31, 2004 (dollars in millions):
Par Amortized Estimated
value cost fair value
----- ---- ----------
Below 4 percent..................................................................... $ 195.3 $ 196.7 $ 198.9
4 percent - 5 percent............................................................... 1,407.5 1,356.1 1,376.9
5 percent - 6 percent............................................................... 1,883.2 1,869.6 1,896.1
6 percent - 7 percent............................................................... 1,625.8 1,684.0 1,710.6
7 percent - 8 percent............................................................... 289.7 303.7 308.5
8 percent and above................................................................. 39.0 41.4 42.7
-------- -------- --------
Total structured securities (a).............................................. $5,440.5 $5,451.5 $5,533.7
======== ======== ========
- ------------
(a) Includes below-investment grade structured securities with an
amortized cost and estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $2.4
million, respectively.
117
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of structured securities at
December 31, 2004, summarized by type of security, were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Estimated fair value
-----------------------
Percent
Amortized of fixed
Type cost Amount maturities
- ---- ---- ------ ----------
Pass-throughs and sequential and targeted amortization classes.......... $3,244.5 $3,286.8 15%
Planned amortization classes and accretion-directed bonds............... 768.8 781.6 4
Commercial mortgage-backed securities................................... 1,427.6 1,454.6 7
Subordinated classes and mezzanine tranches............................. 10.0 10.1 -
Other................................................................... .6 .6 -
-------- -------- --
Total structured securities (a).................................. $5,451.5 $5,533.7 26%
======== ======== ==
- -------------------------
(a) Includes below-investment grade structured securities with an
amortized cost and estimated fair value of $1.7 million and $2.4
million, respectively.
Pass-throughs and sequential and targeted amortization classes have similar
prepayment variability. Pass-through securities are used frequently in the
dollar roll market and can be used as collateral for collateralized mortgage
obligations. Sequential classes are a series of tranches that return principal
to the tranche holders sequentially. Targeted amortization classes offer
slightly better structure in return of principal than sequentials when
prepayment speeds are close to the speed anticipated when created.
Planned amortization classes and accretion-directed bonds adhere to fixed
schedules of principal payments as long as the underlying mortgages experience
prepayments within a certain range. Changes in prepayment rates are first
absorbed by support or companion classes. This insulates planned amortization
classes from the consequences of both faster prepayments (average life
shortening) and slower prepayments (average life extension).
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") are bonds secured by
commercial real estate mortgages. Commercial real estate encompasses income
producing properties that are managed for profit. Property types include
multi-family dwellings including apartments, retail centers, hotels,
restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, warehouses, and office buildings. The
CMBS market generally offers higher yields, than similar-rated corporate bonds.
Most CMBS have call protection features whereby underlying borrowers may not
prepay their mortgages for stated periods of time or have prepayment penalties.
Subordinated and mezzanine tranches are classes that provide credit
enhancement to senior tranches. The rating agencies require that this credit
enhancement not deteriorate due to prepayments for a period of time, usually
five years of complete lockout, followed by another period of time where
prepayments are shared pro rata with senior tranches. Subordinated and mezzanine
tranches bear a majority of the risk of loss due to property owner defaults.
Subordinated bonds are generally rated "AA" or lower; we typically do not hold
such securities rated lower than "BB".
Mortgage Loans
At December 31, 2004, the mortgage loan balance was primarily comprised of
commercial loans. Approximately 9 percent, 7 percent, 6 percent, 6 percent and 6
percent of the mortgage loan balance were on properties located in Ohio,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, respectively. No other state
comprised greater than 5 percent of the mortgage loan balance. Less than one
percent of the mortgage loan balance was noncurrent at December 31, 2004. Our
allowance for loss on mortgage loans was $2.4 million at December 31, 2004. At
December 31, 2003, we had no allowance for losses on mortgage loans (mortgage
loans were recorded at market values at August 31, 2003, in conjunction with our
adoption of fresh start accounting).
118
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Investment Borrowings
Our investment borrowings averaged approximately $522.6 million during the
year ended December 31, 2004; $488.9 million during the four months ended
December 31, 2003; and $689.1 million during the eight months ended August 31,
2003 and were collateralized by investment securities with fair values
approximately equal to the loan value. The weighted average interest rates on
such borrowings were 1.5 percent during the year ended December 31, 2004; 1.5
percent during the four months ended December 31, 2003; and 1.8 percent during
the eight months ended August 31, 2003.
Other Investment Disclosures
Life insurance companies are required to maintain certain investments on
deposit with state regulatory authorities. Such assets had aggregate carrying
values of $142.2 million and $127.3 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Conseco had one investment in excess of 10 percent of shareholders' equity
at December 31, 2004 and three investments in excess of 10 percent of
shareholders' equity at December 31, 2003 (other than investments issued or
guaranteed by the United States government or a United States government
agency), which are summarized below (dollars in millions):
2004 2003
--------------------------- -------------------------
Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated
Issuer cost fair value cost fair value
------ ---- ---------- ---- ----------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation.......................... $884.0 $894.5 $355.6 $364.5
Federal Home Loan Bank................. (a) (a) 312.3 314.9
Investors Guaranty Assurance........... (a) (a) 283.7 283.7
- -----------
(a) The investments held at December 31, 2004 were less than 10 percent of
shareholders' equity.
119
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
6. LIABILITIES FOR INSURANCE AND ASSET ACCUMULATION PRODUCTS
These liabilities consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
Successor
------------------------------------------
Interest
Withdrawal Mortality rate December 31, December 31,
assumption assumption assumption 2004 2003
---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ----
Future policy benefits:
Interest-sensitive products:
Investment contracts.................... N/A N/A (c) $ 8,766.1 $ 8,552.0
Universal life-type contracts........... N/A N/A N/A 3,742.1 3,928.4
--------- ---------
Total interest-sensitive products..... 12,508.2 12,480.4
--------- ---------
Traditional products:
Traditional life insurance contracts.... Company (a) 5% 2,306.0 2,312.4
experience
Limited-payment annuities............... Company (b) 6% 1,053.9 1,003.7
experience,
if applicable
Individual and group accident and
health ............................... Company Company 6% 8,319.1 8,169.1
experience experience --------- ---------
Total traditional products............ 11,679.0 11,485.2
--------- ---------
Claims payable and other
policyholder funds ....................... N/A N/A N/A 942.1 892.3
Liabilities related to separate
accounts and investment trust............. N/A N/A N/A 32.9 37.7
--------- ---------
Total................................. $25,162.2 $24,895.6
========= =========
- --------------------
(a) Principally, modifications of the 1965 - 70 and 1975 - 80 Basic,
Select and Ultimate Tables.
(b) Principally, the 1984 United States Population Table and the NAIC 1983
Individual Annuitant Mortality Table.
(c) In 2004 and 2003, all of this liability represented account balances
where future benefits are not guaranteed.
The Company establishes reserves for insurance policy benefits based on
assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, lapses
and maintenance expenses. These reserves include amounts for estimated future
payment of claims based on actuarial assumptions. The balance is based on the
Company's best estimate of the future policyholder benefits to be incurred on
this business, given recent and expected future changes in experience.
120
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
In accordance with SOP 90-7, the Successor established insurance
liabilities and an asset for the value of policies inforce at the Effective Date
using current assumptions. Adjustments to the Predecessor's liabilities for
insurance and asset accumulation products as of August 31, 2003 are summarized
below (dollars in millions):
Predecessor Fresh start Successor
balance sheet adjustments balance sheet
------------- ----------- -------------
Liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products: Traditional and
limited payment products:
Traditional life insurance products .............................. $ 1,885.3 $ 320.3 $ 2,205.6
Limited pay annuities............................................. 880.0 140.0 1,020.0
Individual accident and health ................................... 5,245.8 1,887.9 7,133.7
Group life and health ............................................ 692.0 136.7 828.7
Unearned premiums ................................................ 3.3 - 3.3
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for traditional and limited payment products. 8,706.4 2,484.9 11,191.3
--------- -------- ---------
Interest-sensitive products:
Investment contracts ............................................. 8,489.8 132.9 8,622.7
Universal life-type products ................................. 3,994.6 (15.4) 3,979.2
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for interest-sensitive products.............. 12,484.4 117.5 12,601.9
--------- -------- ---------
Other liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products:
Separate accounts and investment trusts .......................... 87.7 - 87.7
Claims payable and other policyholder funds ...................... 897.1 (10.3) 886.8
--------- -------- ---------
Total other liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation
products................................................... 984.8 (10.3) 974.5
--------- -------- ---------
Total liabilities for insurance and asset accumulation products $22,175.6 $2,592.1 $24,767.7
========= ======== =========
The following provides explanations for the fresh-start adjustment to
insurance liabilities related to our insurance inforce at the Effective Date.
Traditional insurance and limited pay products
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 60,
"Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises" and Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 97, "Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises
for certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the
Sale of Investments" ("SFAS 97"), the Predecessor used the original actuarial
assumptions determined when the traditional long-duration and limited payment
insurance contracts were issued in determining liability calculations as of the
fresh start date, provided the resulting liabilities were adequate to provide
for future benefits and expenses under the related contracts. This accounting
principle is referred to as the "lock in" principle and is only applicable to
traditional insurance and limited pay products. The use of assumptions that are
locked in at the time of issue means that, absent loss recognition, the same
assumptions are used in accounting for a particular block of business unless the
block is subject to purchase or fresh start accounting.
At the Effective Date, the Successor established insurance liabilities at
the present value of future benefits and expenses less future premiums
associated with the policies, by using current best-estimate assumptions with
provisions for adverse deviation. Such assumptions included estimates as to
investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals, lapses and maintenance
expenses. The current best-estimate assumptions for these blocks of business
differed from the original actuarial assumptions determined when the business
was acquired or issued as further described in the following paragraphs.
Due to the current interest rate environment and the requirement to mark
the value of the investment portfolio to
121
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
market, we changed our assumptions related to future investment earnings. The
weighted average expected yield on our investment portfolio decreased to
approximately 5.6 percent at the Effective Date from 6.7 percent at December 31,
2002. Approximately $.9 billion of the fresh-start increase to insurance
liabilities was the result of changes in future expected investment earnings.
The performance of our long-term care business (especially the acquired
block originally sold through independent agents) has generally been unfavorable
relative to the Predecessor's assumptions established when these blocks of
business were acquired. For example, variances in actual morbidity, lapses and
expenses have been unfavorable compared to original estimates. Approximately
$1.4 billion of the increase to insurance liabilities was the result of changes
in non-interest assumptions for our long-term care policies. Our assumption
changes for long-term care business included: (i) changes in morbidity
assumptions from estimates made when the business was acquired to recent Company
experience; (ii) changes in mortality assumptions related to certain blocks of
this business from the 1958 and 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality
table to the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality table; and (iii) changes in ultimate
lapse ratios from a range of approximately 3 percent to 5.5 percent prior to the
adoption of fresh start accounting to a range of 2 percent to 3.5 percent.
Interest-sensitive products subject to requirements of SFAS 97
The insurance liability for asset accumulation products (such as deferred
annuities and universal life products) is generally equal to current
policyholder account balances. These balances generally do not change as a
result of the adoption of fresh start accounting. The fresh-start adjustment to
insurance liabilities for interest-sensitive products primarily resulted from:
(i) the adoption of SOP 03-01 as of the Effective Date; and (ii) certain
Predecessor insurance liabilities that were different from the present value of
estimated future benefits as of August 31, 2003.
The adoption of SOP 03-01 as of the Effective Date required a change in
methodology regarding persistency bonuses provided to policyholders who continue
to keep their policies inforce for a stated period of time. The Predecessor
recognized the cost of this benefit over the period prior to the time the
benefit would be credited in proportion to estimated gross profits and assumed a
certain number of policies would terminate before the benefit was credited.
Under SOP 03-01, the cost for such benefits is recognized ratably over the
period prior to the time the benefit is credited without assuming policy
terminations. Insurance liabilities increased by approximately $.1 billion as a
result of the adoption of SOP 03-01.
In addition, the insurance liabilities for certain Predecessor insurance
liabilities were different than the present value of estimated future benefits
as of the Effective Date.
The Predecessor had previously established an insurance liability related
to certain business, to recognize the future loss expected to be recognized for
the former practice of reducing the cost of insurance charges to amounts below
the level permitted under the provisions of the policy. The Predecessor
amortized this liability into income in proportion to estimated gross profits on
the business, consistent with SFAS 97 requirements for unearned revenues. The
Predecessor had previously decided to discontinue the practice of providing this
nonguaranteed benefit. Accordingly, the remaining insurance liability
established for this benefit was no longer required at August 31, 2003,
resulting in a $.1 billion reduction to reserves in conjunction with our
adoption of fresh-start accounting.
The liabilities established for our equity-indexed annuity products
(including the value of options attributable to policyholders for the estimated
life of the annuity contract and accounted for as embedded derivatives) were
established pursuant to different accounting rules than other interest-sensitive
products. At the Effective Date, the present value of estimated future benefits
for our equity-indexed products exceeded the value of the Predecessor's
liabilities by $.2 billion, resulting in a fresh-start adjustment.
122
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Changes in the unpaid claims reserve (included in claims payable) and
disabled life reserves related to accident and health insurance (included in
individual and group accident and health liabilities) were as follows (dollars
in millions):
December 31,
--------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- -----
Balance, beginning of the year....................................... $1,528.5 $1,461.3 $1,360.4
Incurred claims (net of reinsurance) related to:
Current year...................................................... 1,585.6 1,718.5 1,945.1
Prior years (a)................................................... .5 22.4 13.7
-------- -------- --------
Total incurred................................................. 1,586.1 1,740.9 1,958.8
-------- -------- --------
Interest on claim reserves........................................... 71.2 68.7 71.5
-------- -------- --------
Paid claims (net of reinsurance) related to:
Current year...................................................... 840.6 978.2 1,171.2
Prior year........................................................ 733.9 743.2 706.9
-------- -------- --------
Total paid..................................................... 1,574.5 1,721.4 1,878.1
Net change in balance for reinsurance assumed and ceded (b).......... (34.4) (21.0) (51.3)
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of the year............................................. $1,576.9 $1,528.5 $1,461.3
======== ======== ========
- -------------
(a) Such amounts fluctuate based upon our ability to estimate unpaid
losses (including losses that have been incurred but have not yet been
reported to us). Our estimates are the result of ongoing analysis
related to recent loss development trends.
(b) Such amounts reflect our decision to discontinue the sale of certain
accident and health products (a portion of which risk had been ceded
to other insurance companies) during these periods.
123
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
7. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Current tax provision (benefit)........................... $ (9.3) $(14.4) $(13.5) $ 53.1
Deferred tax provision.................................... 168.6 67.6 - -
------ ------ ------ ------
Income tax expense (benefit) on period income.... 159.3 53.2 (13.5) 53.1
Valuation allowance....................................... - - - 811.2
------ ------ ------ ------
Total income tax expense (benefit)............... $159.3 $ 53.2 $(13.5) $864.3
====== ====== ====== ======
The income tax expense recorded in 2002 was allocated entirely to
continuing operations before the following items: minority interest,
discontinued operations, cumulative effect of accounting change and other
comprehensive income. This accounting treatment was required because the
calculation of income tax expense was the same, both "with and without" the
items other than continuing operations discussed above.
A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate to the effective
rate reflected in the consolidated statement of operations is as follows:
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
U.S. statutory corporate rate.............................. 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% (35.0)%
Valuation allowance........................................ - - 25.8 49.6
Gain on debt restructuring................................. - - (39.7) -
Subsidiary stock basis adjustment.......................... - - (21.8) -
Net deferred benefits not recognized in the current period. - - - 27.7
Nondeductible goodwill amortization and impairment......... - - - 10.9
Other nondeductible expenses............................... .1 .8 (.1) (.1)
State taxes................................................ - .7 .2 (.2)
Provision for tax issues and other......................... - (.9) - -
---- ---- ---- -----
Effective tax rate................................ 35.1% 35.6% (.6)% 52.9%
==== ==== ==== =====
124
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The components of the Company's income tax assets and liabilities were as
follows (dollars in millions):
Successor
------------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards:
Portion attributable to worthless investment in CFC............................ $ 1,452.4 $ 1,183.0
Other.......................................................................... 99.9 84.2
Capital loss carryforwards........................................................ 388.6 411.2
Deductible temporary differences:
Insurance liabilities.......................................................... 1,598.0 1,688.0
Reserve for loss on loan guarantees............................................ 207.3 217.2
--------- ---------
Gross deferred tax assets.................................................... 3,746.2 3,583.6
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Actively managed fixed maturities.............................................. (79.7) (80.9)
Value of policies in force and cost of policies produced....................... (732.1) (716.3)
Unrealized appreciation of investments......................................... (188.4) (123.0)
Other.......................................................................... (169.4) (301.3)
--------- ---------
Gross deferred tax liabilities............................................... (1,169.6) (1,221.5)
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance........................... 2,576.6 2,362.1
Valuation allowance................................................................... (1,629.6) (2,362.1)
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets...................................................... 947.0 -
Current income taxes prepaid.......................................................... 20.2 24.6
--------- ---------
Net income tax assets........................................................ $ 967.2 $ 24.6
========= =========
In 2004, the IRS completed its examination of the Company for tax years
ending December 31, 1999 through December 31, 2001, and there were no
significant adjustments. Conseco and its affiliates are currently under
examination by the IRS for tax years ending December 31, 2002 through December
31, 2003. The outcome of this examination is not expected to result in material
adverse deficiencies, but may result in utilization or adjustment of the income
tax loss carryforwards reported below, and is expected to resolve the Section
382 limitation and the life insurance limitation issues more fully discussed
below.
Our income tax expense includes deferred income taxes arising from
temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets
and liabilities, capital loss carryforwards and net operating loss
carryforwards. The net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance totaled
$2.6 billion at December 31, 2004. In evaluating our deferred income tax assets,
we consider whether it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax
assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred income tax
assets depends upon generating future taxable income during the periods in which
our temporary differences become deductible and before our capital loss
carryforwards and net operating loss carryforwards expire. In addition, the use
of the Company's net ordinary loss carryforwards is dependent, in part, on
whether the IRS ultimately agrees with the tax position we have taken and plan
to take in our current and future tax returns. We evaluate the realizability of
our deferred income tax assets and assess the need for a valuation allowance on
an ongoing basis. Based upon information existing at the Effective Date, we
established a valuation allowance equal to our entire balance of net deferred
income tax assets because, at that time, the realization of such net deferred
income tax assets in future periods was uncertain. As of December 31, 2004, we
no longer believed that a full valuation allowance was necessary. However, as
further discussed below, we believed that it was necessary to have a valuation
allowance on a portion of our deferred tax assets. This determination was made
by evaluating each component of the deferred tax assets and assessing the
effects of limitations or issues on such component's ability to be fully
recognized in the future. Two significant issues include whether section 382 of
125
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") applies to limit the net operating losses
related to Conseco Finance, and whether such net operating losses are eligible
to offset life insurance income without limitation. We intend to maintain a
sufficient valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets until objective
evidence exists to further reduce or eliminate it.
We also evaluated the likelihood that we would have sufficient taxable
income to offset the available deferred tax assets. This assessment required
significant judgment. Over the past three years, the Company sustained a
cumulative total net loss primarily due to the losses incurred by the Company's
Predecessor in 2002. Based upon our estimates of future income (based on
projections completed in early 2005), we believe that we will more likely than
not recover $947.0 million of our deferred tax assets through reductions of our
tax liabilities in future periods. However, recovery is dependent on achieving
our projections of future taxable income, and failure to do so would result in
an increase in the valuation allowance in a future period. Any future increase
in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense and
reduce shareholders' equity, and such an increase could have a significant
impact upon our earnings in the future.
During 2004, the reduction in our deferred income tax valuation allowance
was accounted for pursuant to SOP 90-7, as follows: (i) first, to eliminate
goodwill; (ii) second, to eliminate other intangible assets; and (iii) last, as
an addition to paid-in capital. The reduction of any remaining portion of our
deferred income tax valuation allowance will be accounted for as an addition to
paid-in capital pursuant to SOP 90-7. Changes in our valuation allowance are
summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2003............................................. $2,362.1
Realization of deferred income taxes recognized
in the current period (a)........................................... (168.6)
Release of tax valuation allowance related to unrealized
gains during the period (a)......................................... (65.4)
Recovery of amounts related to our bankruptcy and
state taxes and other (a)........................................... (4.1)
Increase in deferred tax assets related to the worthlessness
of CFC as further discussed below................................... 500.1
Release of valuation allowance (a)..................................... (947.0)
Deferred tax assets not realizable..................................... (47.5)
--------
Balance at December 31, 2004............................................. $1,629.6
========
- --------------
(a) There was a corresponding increase (decrease) for these items in the
following accounts: (i) goodwill - ($952.2) million; (ii) other
intangible assets - $(171.1) million; and (iii) additional paid-in
capital - $61.8 million.
126
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
As of December 31, 2004, we had $4.4 billion of net operating loss
carryforwards and $1.1 billion of capital loss carryforwards (after taking into
account the reduction in tax attributes described in the paragraph which follows
and the loss resulting from the worthlessness of CFC discussed below), which
expire as follows (dollars in millions):
Operating loss carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Year of expiration Subject to ss.382 Not subject to ss.382 Subject to ss.382 Not subject to ss.382
------------------ ----------------- --------------------- ----------------- ---------------------
2005........................... $ .2 $ - $ 2.7 $ -
2006........................... .1 - 5.5 -
2007........................... 5.8 - 484.4 -
2008 .......................... .1 - 583.7 -
2009........................... 10.5 - - 34.1
2010........................... 3.5 - - -
2011........................... .5 - - -
2016........................... 29.2 - - -
2017........................... 51.1 - - -
2018........................... 53.9 4,182.3 (a) - -
2019........................... .7 - - -
2020........................... 2.5 - - -
2022........................... .6 - - -
2023........................... 84.0 - - -
2024........................... - 10.0 - -
------ -------- -------- -----
Total.......................... $242.7 $4,192.3 $1,076.3 $34.1
====== ======== ======== =====
- -------------
(a) We have taken the position in our tax returns that the $4.1 billion
tax loss on the worthlessness of CFC included in this amount will not
be subject to Section 382 of the Code. Although we believe our
position is consistent with the Code, it is subject to interpretation
and remains an uncertainty with respect to the future utilization of
this operating loss carryforward. If the IRS disagrees with our
position, the $4.1 billion tax loss would be subject to Section 382 of
the Code and the maximum carryforward that could be utilized would be
$2.7 billion (subject to our ability to generate sufficient future
taxable income in the relevant carryforward period). See additional
discussion below.
The timing and manner in which we will utilize the net operating loss
carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards in any year or in total may be
limited by various provisions of the Code (and interpretation thereof) and our
ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in the relevant
carryforward period.
The Code provides that any income realized as a result of the cancellation
of indebtedness (cancellation of debt income or "CODI") in bankruptcy, will
reduce certain tax attributes including net operating loss carryforwards. We
realized an estimated $2.5 billion of CODI when we emerged from bankruptcy.
Accordingly, our net operating loss carryforwards were reduced by $2.5 billion
as of December 31, 2003.
At the fresh-start date, we were required to estimate our tax basis in CFC
in order to determine the tax loss carryforward related to the worthlessness of
CFC. The determination of this amount and how the loss was recognized were
subject to interpretation of various tax laws and regulations. During the third
quarter of 2004, the Company and the IRS entered into a closing agreement which
determined that the tax loss on the worthlessness of CFC was $6.7 billion,
instead of our original estimate of $5.4 billion. This determination resulted in
$500.1 million of additional deferred tax assets. We also recognized a $500.1
million valuation allowance, as we had deemed it more likely than not that such
deferred tax asset would not be realized. As this increase related to the period
prior to the Effective Date, a reduction of any portion of the deferred income
tax valuation allowance will be accounted for as additions to paid-in capital
pursuant to SOP 90-7.
The closing agreement with the IRS also determined that the loss recognized
on the worthlessness of CFC was an ordinary loss for tax purposes and not a
capital loss.
The following paragraphs summarize some of the unresolved limitations and
contingencies which exist with respect to the future utilization of our net
operating loss carryforwards which will cause a reassessment of the need for a
major portion of the valuation allowance when resolved.
127
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The Code limits the extent to which losses realized by a non-life entity
(or entities) may offset income from a life insurance company (or companies) to
the lesser of: (i) 35 percent of the income of the life insurance company; or
(ii) 35 percent of the total loss of the non-life entities. There is no
limitation on the ability to utilize net operating losses generated by a life
insurance company. Subsequent to our emergence from bankruptcy, we reorganized
certain of our subsidiaries to improve their capital position. As a result of
the reorganization, the loss related to CFC was realized by a life insurance
company. Accordingly, we believe the loss should be treated as a life insurance
loss and would not be subject to the Code limitations described above. However,
if the IRS were to disagree with our conclusion and such determination
ultimately prevailed, the loss related to CFC would be subject to such
limitation. The IRS has informed the Company that it will address this matter
during its examination of our tax returns for calendar years 2002-2003.
The timing and manner in which the Company will be able to utilize some or
all of its net operating loss carryforwards may be limited by Section 382 of the
Code. Section 382 imposes limitations on a corporation's ability to use its net
operating loss carryforwards when the company undergoes an ownership change.
Because the Company underwent an ownership change pursuant to its
reorganization, this limitation applies to the Company. In order to determine
the amount of this limitation, we must determine the amount of our net operating
loss carryforwards related to the period prior to our emergence from bankruptcy
(such amount will be subject to the 382 limitation) and the amount related to
the period after emergence (such amount will not be subject to the 382
limitation). When the Company filed its 2003 federal income tax return, it
elected to specifically identify transactions in each period and record them in
the period they actually occurred. As a result, we believe the loss related to
CFC will be treated as post emergence and therefore not subject to the Section
382 limitation. Any losses that are subject to the Section 382 limitation will
only be utilized by the Company up to approximately $140 million per year with
any unused amounts carried forward to the following year. The IRS has informed
the Company that it will address this matter during its examination of our tax
returns for calendar years 2002-2003.
Prior to January 1, 1984, certain life insurance subsidiaries of the
Company were entitled to exclude certain amounts from taxable income and
accumulate such amounts in a "Policyholders Surplus Account". Pursuant to the
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "2004 Act"), the affected subsidiaries
can reduce the Policyholders Surplus Account in 2005 and 2006 without incurring
any tax liability. The aggregate balance in this account at December 31, 2004
was $258.3 million, which prior to the 2004 Act would have resulted in federal
income taxes payable of $90.4 million if such amounts had been distributed or
deemed distributed from the Policyholders Surplus Account. No provision for
taxes has ever been made for this item since the affected subsidiaries had no
intention of distributing such amounts. The affected subsidiaries expect to
utilize this provision, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing this
potential tax liability.
8. NOTES PAYABLE - DIRECT CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS
The following notes payable were direct corporate obligations of the
Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in millions):
Successor
------------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
$800.0 million secured credit agreement ("Credit Facility")............................. $768.0 $ -
$1.3 billion credit agreement ("Previous Credit Facility").............................. - 1,300.0
Unamortized issuance costs.............................................................. (9.1) -
------ --------
Direct corporate obligations....................................................... $758.9 $1,300.0
====== ========
Pursuant to the Plan, we entered into a senior secured bank credit facility
with a principal balance of $1.3 billion. The Previous Credit Facility consisted
of two tranches: Tranche A - $1.0 billion; and Tranche B - $.3 billion.
In the second quarter of 2004, our Previous Credit Facility was repaid as
follows: (i) $620.0 million from the proceeds from our issuance of common and
preferred stock as further discussed in the note entitled "Shareholders'
Equity"; (ii) $674.3 million from amounts borrowed under our Credit Facility as
further described below; and (iii) a $5.7 million required prepayment made
pursuant to a provision in the Previous Credit Facility. The repayment of the
Previous Credit Facility resulted in a gain from the extinguishment of debt
totaling $2.8 million. The gain resulted from the release of a $6.3 million
accrual for a fee that would have been required to be paid under the Previous
Credit Facility, partially offset by the write-off
128
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
of unamortized amendment fees.
In January 2004, our Previous Credit Facility was amended to remove the
requirement that our insurance subsidiaries maintain minimum A.M. Best financial
strength ratings. In March 2004, the Previous Credit Facility was further
amended to change the definition of a financial ratio we were required to
maintain and clarify how the ratio was calculated. The fees incurred to obtain
these amendments totaled $3.6 million, which were amortized as interest expense
until the Previous Credit Facility was repaid in full.
On June 22, 2004, we entered into the Credit Facility with a principal
balance of $800.0 million. The Credit Facility is a six-year term loan, the
proceeds of which were used: (i) to refinance in full all indebtedness,
including accrued interest, under the Previous Credit Facility; (ii) to
repurchase $106.6 million of certain affiliated preferred stock; and (iii) for
other general corporate purposes.
We are required to make quarterly principal payments of $2.0 million
commencing September 30, 2004, and continuing until March 31, 2010. The
remaining principal balance is due on June 22, 2010. The Company made an
optional prepayment of $28.0 million in December 2004. The Company is required
to make an additional mandatory prepayment of $1.2 million (after consideration
of the $28.0 million prepayment) by March 31, 2005, based on the Company's
excess cash flows at December 31, 2004, as defined in the Credit Facility. The
borrowing bears interest, payable at least quarterly, based on either a
eurodollar rate or a base rate. The eurodollar rate is equal to LIBOR plus 4
percent. The base rate is equal to 3 percent plus the greater of: (i) the
Federal funds rate plus .50 percent; or (ii) Bank of America's prime rate. The
margins on the eurodollar rate and the base rate were each reduced by .5 percent
during the third quarter of 2004 because the Company's senior secured long-term
debt was rated at least B2 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and
BB- by S&P, in each case with a stable outlook. On December 31, 2004, the
interest rate on our Credit Facility was 5.9 percent.
Pursuant to the Credit Facility, as long as the interest coverage ratio (as
defined in the Credit Facility) is less than 4.0:1.0, the Company is required to
make mandatory prepayments with all or a portion of the proceeds from the
following transactions or events including: (i) the issuance of certain
indebtedness; (ii) equity issuances; (iii) certain asset sales or casualty
events; and (iv) excess cash flows as defined in the Credit Facility. The
Company may make optional prepayments at any time in minimum amounts of $3.0
million. In the event that the Company refinances or otherwise repays in full
the Credit Facility prior to June 22, 2005, we will incur a one percent
prepayment fee on the remaining principal balance of the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain various financial
ratios and balances, as defined in the agreement, including: (i) a debt to total
capitalization ratio of not more than 25 percent at all times (such ratio was 18
percent at December 31, 2004); (ii) an interest coverage ratio greater than or
equal to 2.0:1.0 for each rolling four quarters ending (or, if less, the number
of full quarters commencing after June 22, 2004) during the period October 1,
2004 through June 30, 2007, and 2.5:1.0 for the four quarters ending September
30, 2007 and for each rolling four quarters thereafter (such ratio exceeded
2.5:1.0 for the two quarters ending December 31, 2004); (iii) EBITDA, as defined
in the Credit Facility, greater than or equal to $725.0 million for each rolling
four quarters ending during the period July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005,
$775.0 million for each rolling four quarters ending during the period January
1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, and $825.0 million for each rolling four
quarters thereafter (such amount was greater than $990 million for the four
quarters ended December 31, 2004); (iv) an aggregate risk-based capital ratio,
as defined in the Credit Facility, greater than or equal to 240 percent for each
quarter ending during the period from December 31, 2004 through March 31, 2005,
245 percent for each quarter ending during the period June 30, 2005 through
March 31, 2006, and 250 percent for each quarter ending thereafter (such ratio
was 318 percent at December 31, 2004); (v) a combined statutory capital and
surplus level, as defined in the Credit Facility of greater than $1,270.0
million (combined statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2004 exceeded
such requirement); and (vi) specified investment portfolio requirements (such
investment portfolio requirements were met at December 31, 2004).
The Credit Facility prohibits or restricts, among other things: (i) the
payment of cash dividends on the Company's common stock; (ii) the repurchase of
our common stock; (iii) the issuance of additional debt or capital stock; (iv)
liens; (v) asset dispositions; (vi) affiliate transactions; (vii) certain
investment activities; (viii) change in business; and (ix) prepayment of
indebtedness (other than the Credit Facility). The obligations under our Credit
Facility are guaranteed by Conseco's current and future domestic subsidiaries,
other than: (i) its insurance companies; (ii) subsidiaries of the insurance
companies; or (iii) certain immaterial subsidiaries as defined in the Credit
Facility. This guarantee was secured by granting liens on substantially all the
assets of the guarantors, including the capital stock of our top tier insurance
company, Conseco Life
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CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Insurance Company of Texas.
During 2002, we repurchased $77.4 million par value of our Predecessor's
notes payable resulting in a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal actions in
the normal course of business, in which claims for compensatory and punitive
damages are asserted, some for substantial amounts. Some of the pending matters
have been filed as purported class actions and some actions have been filed in
certain jurisdictions that permit punitive damage awards that are
disproportionate to the actual damages incurred. Although there can be no
assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the
ultimate liability arising from either pending or threatened legal actions,
after consideration of provisions made for losses, will have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition, operating results or cash flows of the
Company. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain
of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is
possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time,
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of
operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
In the cases described below we have set out any specific dollar amounts
sought in the complaints. In our experience, monetary demands in complaints bear
little relation to the ultimate loss, if any, to the Company. However, for the
reasons stated above, it is not possible to make meaningful estimates of the
amount or range of loss that could result from some of these matters at this
time. The Company reviews these matters on an ongoing basis and follows the
provisions of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, "Accounting
for Contingencies", when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing
reasonably possible and probable outcomes, the Company bases its decisions on
its assessment of the ultimate outcome following all appeals.
Securities Litigation
Since we announced our intention to restructure our capital on August 9,
2002, a total of eight purported securities fraud class action lawsuits have
been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Indiana. The complaints name us as a defendant, along with certain of our
current and former officers. These lawsuits were filed on behalf of persons or
entities who purchased our Predecessor's common stock on various dates between
October 24, 2001 and August 9, 2002. In each case the plaintiffs allege claims
under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act") and allege material omissions and dissemination of
materially misleading statements regarding, among other things, the liquidity of
Conseco and alleged problems in CFC's manufactured housing division, allegedly
resulting in the artificial inflation of our Predecessor's stock price. On March
13, 2003, all of these cases were consolidated into one case in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, captioned Franz
Schleicher, et al. v. Conseco, Inc., Gary Wendt, William Shea, Charles Chokel
and James Adams, Case No. 02-CV-1332 DFH-TAB. The complaint seeks an unspecified
amount of damages. The stay was lifted on October 15, 2003. The plaintiffs have
filed a consolidated class action complaint with respect to the individual
defendants. Our liability with respect to this lawsuit was discharged in the
Plan and our obligation to indemnify individual defendants who were not serving
as one of our officers or directors on the Effective Date of the Plan is limited
to $3 million in the aggregate under the Plan. Our liability to indemnify
individual defendants who were serving as an officer or director on the
Effective Date, of which there is one such defendant, is not limited by the
Plan. A motion to dismiss was filed on behalf of defendants Shea, Wendt and
Chokel. The motion was heard on November 19, 2004 and we await a ruling on same.
We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. Our
current estimate of the maximum loss that we could reasonably incur on this case
is approximately $3.0 million (based on our obligation to indemnify individual
defendants under the Plan). We do not believe that the potential loss related to
the individual defendant who served as an officer on the Effective Date is
material. However, the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit cannot be predicted with
certainty.
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CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Other Litigation
The Company and certain subsidiaries including principally Conseco Life
Insurance Company, have been named in numerous purported class actions and
individual lawsuits alleging, among other things, breach of contract, fraud and
misrepresentation with regard to a change made in the way monthly deductions are
calculated for insurance coverage. These cases relate to life insurance policies
sold primarily under the names "Lifestyle" and "Lifetime". Approximately 86,500
policies were subject to the change. Many of these nationwide purported class
action lawsuits were filed in Federal courts across the United States. The
Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated these lawsuits into the
case now referred to as In Re Conseco Life Insurance Co. Cost of Insurance
Litigation, Cause No. MDL 1610 (Central District, California). The complaint
seeks unspecified compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages and specifically
alleges, among other things, that the change made in the way monthly deductions
are calculated for insurance coverage enabled Conseco, Inc. to add $360 million
to its balance sheet. A class certification hearing was held on March 7, 2005
and the Judge has not yet issued a ruling. Other cases now pending include
purported nationwide class actions in Indiana and California state courts. Those
cases filed in Indiana state courts have been consolidated into the case now
referred to as Alene P. Mangelson, et al. v. Conseco Life Insurance Company,
Cause No. 29D01-0403-PL-211 (Superior Court, Hamilton County, Indiana). Those
cases filed in California state courts have been consolidated and are being
coordinated under the new caption Cost of Insurance Cases, Judicial Council
Coordination Proceeding No. 4384 (Judicial Council of California). On January
13, 2005, a multi-plaintiff federal action was filed in Hawaii. Clifford Arakaki
et al. v. Conseco Life Insurance Company and Does 1-100, Case
No.CV05-00026SPKLEK (District of Hawaii) seeks a minimum of $5 million. This
case has been conditionally transferred to In Re Conseco Life Insurance Co. Cost
of Insurance Litigation. On January 25, 2005 an Amended Complaint making similar
allegations was filed in the case captioned William Schwartz v. Jeffrey
Landerman, Diann P. Urbanek, Metro Insurance, Inc., Samuels Jacky Insurance
Agency, Conseco Life Insurance Company, Successor to Philadelphia Life Insurance
Company, Case no. GD 00-011432 (Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania). Additionally, Schwartz filed a purported nationwide class action
captioned William Schwartz and Rebecca R. Frankel, Trustee of the Robert M.
Frankel Irrevocable Insurance Trust v. Conseco Life Ins. Co. et al., Case No. GD
05-3742 (Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania). We believe
these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously. The
ultimate outcome of the lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty.
In October 2002, Roderick Russell, on behalf of himself and purportedly on
behalf of a class of persons similarly situated, and on behalf of the
ConsecoSave Plan, filed an action in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Indiana against our Predecessor, Conseco Services and
certain of our current and former officers, Roderick Russell, et al. v. Conseco,
Inc., et al., Case No. 1:02-CV-1639 LJM. The complaint seeks an unspecified
amount of damages. The purported class action consists of all individuals whose
401(k) accounts held common stock of our Predecessor at any time since April 28,
1999. The complaint alleges, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties
under ERISA by continuing to permit employees to invest in our Predecessor's
common stock without full disclosure of the Company's true financial condition.
We reached a tentative settlement with the Russell plaintiffs for $10 million in
February 2005, subject to the negotiation of a final settlement agreement. The
proposed class action settlement must also be approved by the district court
after a fairness hearing is conducted. We have established a liability of $10
million for the cost of the tentative settlement.
The Company will pursue recovery of any settlement in the Russell matter,
from its fiduciary insurance carrier, RLI Insurance Company ("RLI"). However, on
February 13, 2004, RLI filed a declaratory judgment action asking the court to
find no liability under its policy for the claims made in the Russell matter due
to certain releases provided to them pursuant to RLI's agreement to settle a
case involving the Predecessor related to a different policy coverage, RLI
Insurance Company v. Conseco, Inc., Stephen Hilbert, et al., Case No.
1:04-CV-0310DFH-TAB (Southern District, Indiana). On March 15, 2004, RLI filed
an amended complaint adding Conseco Services as an additional defendant. On
March 30, 2004, RLI filed a second amended complaint adding certain individual
plan fiduciaries as defendants. On May 24, 2004, we filed our answer to the
second amended complaint and counterclaims for declaratory judgment and breach
of contract. On September 2, 2004, RLI filed a motion for judgment on all
counterclaims. The court has stayed this matter until the Russell matter is
resolved. We believe RLI's position is without merit because the previous
release is not applicable to the Russell matter. We plan to vigorously defend
all claims against the Company and to vigorously pursue all claims against RLI,
but the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit cannot be predicted with certainty. We
expect to ultimately recover a substantial portion of the $10 million we expect
to pay in settlement of the Russell matter from RLI.
On July 9, 1999 a complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, County of New York, PRG Planning & Development, LLC v. LateNite Magic,
Inc., Daurio & Russo & Sons Construction Co., Inc., Specialized Audio
131
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Visual, Inc., Farmore Realty, Inc. f/k/a Sweetheart Theatres, Inc., The City of
New York and the State of New York Cause No: 114077/99. The complaint seeks
damages in the amount of $3.9 million with interest thereon from January 20,
1998. This is a lien foreclosure suit that is the result of an April 1996 lease
agreement entered into by LateNite Magic and Farmore Realty, Inc. to develop a
theme restaurant based on the magic of David Copperfield. CVIC and Conseco
Annuity Assurance Company (now known as Conseco Insurance Company) purchased
preferred stock of LateNite and acquired the right to an assignment of the April
1996 lease. An amended complaint was filed on December 2, 1999 naming CVIC and
Conseco Annuity Assurance Company as co-defendants. The trial in this case
commenced on March 10, 2005. We retained liability for CVIC's involvement in
this litigation in connection with the sale of CVIC. Conseco believes the
lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously. The ultimate
outcome of the lawsuit cannot be predicted with certainty.
On February 7, 2003, the Company's subsidiary, Conseco Life Insurance
Company, was named in a purported Texas statewide class action seeking
unspecified damages in the County Court of Cameron County, Texas, Lawrence
Onderdonk and Yolanda Carrizales v. Conseco Life Insurance Company, and Pete
Ramirez, III Cause No. 2003-CCL-102-C. On February 12, 2004, the complaint was
amended to allege a purported nationwide class and to name Conseco Services as
an additional defendant. On March 5, 2004, the complaint was amended a second
time naming additional plaintiffs. The purported class consists of all former
Massachusetts General Flexible Premium Adjustable Life Insurance Policy
policyholders who were converted to Conseco Life Flexible Premium Adjustable
Life Insurance Policies and whose accumulated values in the Massachusetts
General policies were applied to first year premiums on the Conseco Life
policies. The complaint alleged, among other things, civil conspiracy to convert
the accumulated cash values of the plaintiffs and the class, and the violation
of insurance laws nationwide. The parties have reached a settlement agreement on
a class wide basis which requires a payment which had been accrued at December
31, 2004. On October 14, 2004, the judge signed an order preliminarily approving
the settlement. The hearing for final approval was held January 31, 2005 and we
expect a final order approving class settlement to become effective by March 31,
2005.
On December 10, 2004, an arbitration award was issued by the American
Arbitration Association finding for American Worldwide Insurance, Inc. ("AWI")
and Todd Green ("Green"), individually, and against Conseco Life Insurance
Company ("Conseco Life"). The arbitrated dispute arises from a marketing
agreement initially entered into in 1994. AWI and Green alleged breach of
contract and bad faith and sought $4.3 million actual damages and unspecified
punitive damages. The award resulted in total actual damages of $2.1 million, as
well as future payments of $.9 million due on September 9, 2005, $.8 million due
on September 9, 2006, and $.6 million due on September 9, 2007. The panel also
found that AWI and Green failed to prove that either Conseco Life or Conseco
Marketing, LLC acted in bad faith and refused an award of punitive damages. We
have filed an application in Federal court in the case captioned, Conseco Life
Insurance Company and Conseco Marketing, LLC v. American Worldwide Insurance,
Inc. and Todd Green, Cause No. 1:04-CV-2035-DFH-TAB (Southern District, Indiana)
requesting, among other things, to vacate the arbitration award because it is
contrary to applicable law and order a new arbitration proceeding. AWI and Green
have filed a motion in opposition and a motion to confirm the arbitration award.
The issues are to be fully briefed by April 4, 2005. Our estimate of the
ultimate loss we may incur in this matter is between $1 million and $4.3
million.
On September 21, 1999, Conseco Health Insurance Company ("Conseco Health"),
Conseco Services, Performance Matters Associates (one of our subsidiaries), and
a subsidiary officer were named in an action seeking unspecified compensatory,
punitive, consequential and treble damages in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Alabama, Danny McFarlin; Tennessee Capitol
Associates, Inc.; Neal Nielsen; Group Marketing Services, Inc.; Eleanor D.
Newman; Dick Manley; Commonwealth General Group, Inc.; Robert E. Taylor;
Benefits of America Limited, Inc.; and Daniel Smith v. Conseco, Inc.; Conseco
Services, LLC.; Conseco Health Insurance f/k/a Capitol American Life Insurance
Company; Consolidated Marketing Group; Suncoast Fringe Benefits, Inc.;
Performance Matters Associates, Inc.; Christopher L. Weaver; Jim Hobbs, Mike
Foster and David King; Cause No: 99-CV-2282-S, alleging among other things
fraud, tortious interference with business and contractual relations,
conspiracy, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, extortion and interstate
travel in aid of extortion under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
Organization Act ("RICO") and mail/wire fraud under RICO. The case concerns the
consolidation of plaintiffs' independent marketing organizations under a wholly
owned subsidiary of Conseco. This matter was settled in January 2005 for an
amount which had been accrued at December 31, 2004.
On June 27, 2001, two suits against the Company's subsidiary, Conseco Life
Insurance Company, both purported nationwide class actions seeking unspecified
compensatory and punitive damages, were consolidated in the U.S. District Court,
Middle District of Florida, In Re PLI Sales Litigation, Cause No. 01-MDL-1404.
The complaint alleges, among other things, fraudulent sales and a "vanishing
premium" scheme. Conseco Life filed a motion for summary judgment against both
132
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
named plaintiffs, which motion was granted in June 2002. Plaintiffs appealed to
the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The 11th Circuit, in July 2003, affirmed in
part and reversed in part, allowing two fraud counts with respect to one
plaintiff to survive. The plaintiffs' request for a rehearing with respect to
this decision has been denied. Conseco Life filed a summary judgment motion with
respect to the remaining claims. This summary judgment was denied in February
2004. In March 2004, the remaining plaintiff filed a motion to substitute
plaintiff, to which Conseco Life has objected. The motion to substitute
plaintiff has been denied. On April 23, 2004, a similar case was filed. Harold
R. Arthur, individually and as Trustee of the Harold A. Arthur Revocable Living
Trust, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Conseco Life
Insurance Company, Case no. 6:04-CV-587-ORL-31KRS (U.S. District Court, Middle
District of Florida). The case was consolidated with the PLI Sales Practices
Litigation in May 2004. Conseco Life filed a motion for summary judgment on all
of Plaintiff Arthur's claims and the court took that motion under advisement on
February 10, 2005. Briefing continues on class certification. If no class is
certified and if Plaintiff Arthur's claims are not summarily adjudicated, trial
on the individual claims of both plaintiffs will be set during the June 2005
trial term. Given the uncertainties regarding the outcome of these proceedings,
we are unable to estimate the possible range of loss that may result from this
pending litigation.
On September 27, 2004, Conseco Life was named in a purported nationwide
class action seeking unspecified compensatory damages in the District Court of
Clark County, Nevada, Emma Gilbertson individually and on behalf of others
similarly situated v. Conseco Life Insurance Company f/k/a Philadelphia Life
Insurance Company, Cause No. A492738, alleging breach of contract pertaining to
notice of premium increases. Conseco Life believes these lawsuits are without
merit and intends to defend them vigorously. Given the uncertainties regarding
the outcome of these proceedings, we are unable to estimate the possible range
of loss that may result from this pending litigation.
On December 1, 2000, the Company's former subsidiary, Manhattan National
Life Insurance Company, was named in a purported nationwide class action seeking
unspecified damages in the First Judicial District Court of Santa Fe, New
Mexico, Robert Atencio and Theresa Atencio, for themselves and all other
similarly situated v. Manhattan National Life Insurance Company, an Ohio
corporation, Cause No. D-0101-CV-2000-2817, alleging among other things fraud by
non-disclosure of additional charges for those policyholders paying via premium
modes other than annual. We retained liability for this litigation in connection
with the sale of Manhattan National Life in June 2002. We believe this lawsuit
is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. Given the uncertainties
regarding the outcome of these proceedings, we are unable to estimate the
possible range of loss that may result from this pending litigation.
On December 19, 2001, four of the Company's subsidiaries were named in a
purported nationwide class action seeking unspecified damages in the District
Court of Adams County, Colorado, Jose Medina and others similarly situated v.
Conseco Annuity Assurance Company, Conseco Life Insurance Company, Bankers
National Life Insurance Company and Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Cause No.
01-CV-2465, alleging among other things breach of contract regarding alleged
non-disclosure of additional charges for those policyholders paying via premium
modes other than annual. On November 10, 2003, the court denied the plaintiff's
motion for class certification. On January 26, 2004, the plaintiff appealed the
trial court's ruling denying class certification. All further proceedings have
been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. The defendants believe this
lawsuit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. Given the
uncertainties regarding the outcome of these proceedings, we are unable to
estimate the possible range of loss that may result from this pending
litigation.
Collection efforts by the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Conseco
Services, LLC ("Conseco Services"), related to the 1996-1999 director and
officer loan programs have been commenced against various past board members and
executives with outstanding loan balances. In addition, certain former officers
and directors have sued the companies for declaratory relief concerning their
liability for the loans. Currently, we are involved in litigation with Stephen
C. Hilbert, James D. Massey, Dennis E. Murray, Sr., James S. Adams, Maxwell E.
Bublitz, Ngaire E. Cuneo and David R. Decatur. The specific lawsuits now pending
include: Hilbert v. Conseco, Case No. 03CH 15330 (Circuit Court, Cook County,
Illinois); Conseco Services v. Hilbert, Case No. 29C01-0310-MF-1296 (Circuit
Court, Hamilton County, Indiana); Murray and Massey v. Conseco, Case No.
1:03-CV-1701-LJM-VSS (Southern District, Indiana); Stephen C. Hilbert v.
Conseco, Inc. and Kroll Inc., Case No. 29D02-0312-PL-1026 (Superior Court,
Hamilton County, Indiana); Conseco Services v. Adams, Case No.
29D02-0404-CC-000376 (Superior Court, Hamilton County, Indiana); Conseco
Services v. Bublitz, Case No. 29D02-0404-CC-377 (Superior Court, Hamilton
County, Indiana); Conseco Services v. Cuneo, et al., Case No.
1:04-CV-0929-DFH-WTL (Southern District, Indiana); Conseco Services v. Murray.,
Case No. 29D02-0404-CC-381 (Superior Court, Hamilton County, Indiana); Conseco
Services v. Massey, Case No. 29D01-0406-CC-477 (Superior Court, Hamilton County,
Indiana); Conseco Inc. v. Cuneo, et al., Case No. 04 CV 09113 (Southern
District, New York); Conseco Inc. v. Adams, et al. Case No. 603870/04 (New York
Supreme Court); Conseco Inc. v. Adams, et al., Case No. 04 L 012974 (Circuit
Court, Cook County,
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CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Illinois); Conseco Inc. v. Cuneo, et al., Case No. 04 C 7469 (Northern District,
Illinois). David Decatur filed for bankruptcy on May 12, 2004, Case No.
04-08772-JKC-11 (Southern District, Indiana).
On October 20, 2004, the judge in the Conseco Services v. Hilbert case
granted partial final summary judgment in favor of Conseco Services in the
amount of $62.7 million plus interest. Mr. Hilbert has filed a notice of appeal.
We filed an objection to Decatur's bankruptcy on December 9, 2004. The Company
and Conseco Services believe that all amounts due under the director and officer
loan programs, including all applicable interest, are valid obligations owed to
the companies. As part of the Plan, we have agreed to pay 45 percent of any net
proceeds recovered in connection with these lawsuits, in an aggregate amount not
to exceed $30 million, to former holders of our Predecessor's trust preferred
securities that did not opt out of a settlement reached with the committee
representing holders of these securities. We intend to prosecute these claims to
obtain the maximum recovery possible. Further, with regard to the various claims
brought against the Company and Conseco Services by certain former directors and
officers, we believe that these claims are without merit and intend to defend
them vigorously. The ultimate outcome of the lawsuits cannot be predicted with
certainty. At December 31, 2004, we have estimated that approximately $46
million, net of collection costs, of the remaining amounts due under the loan
program will be collected and that $19 million will be paid to the former
holders of our Predecessor's trust preferred securities.
In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved on an ongoing
basis in other arbitrations and lawsuits, including purported class actions,
related to their operations. The ultimate outcome of all of these other legal
matters pending against the Company or its subsidiaries cannot be predicted,
and, although such lawsuits are not expected individually to have a material
adverse effect on the Company, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, cash
flows or results of operations.
Other Proceedings
In August 2004, the Company entered into a settlement with the SEC and the
New York Attorney General (the "NYAG") concerning their joint investigation into
market timing in variable annuities issued by a former subsidiary of Old
Conseco. Without admitting or denying the alleged findings of the investigation,
the Company consented to the entry of a cease and desist order requiring its
future compliance with securities laws. The settlement called for the payment of
$5.0 million and for the SEC and NYAG to file a claim for an additional $10.0
million against the bankruptcy estate of a subsidiary of Old Conseco. Old
Conseco sold its variable annuity subsidiary to an unrelated third party before
filing for bankruptcy in December 2002, and no Conseco affiliates have issued
any new variable annuity policies since the divestiture.
On September 18, 2003, the Company received a grand jury subpoena from the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in connection with a
Department of Justice investigation requiring production of documents relating
to the valuation of interest-only securities held by CFC, our Predecessor's
former finance subsidiary, contemporaneous earnings estimates for the
Predecessor, certain personnel records and other accounting and financial
disclosure records for the period June 1, 1998 to June 30, 2000. The Company has
subsequently received follow-up grand jury document subpoenas concerning other
matters. All of these follow-up requests have been limited to the time period
prior to the December 17, 2002 bankruptcy filing. The Company has been advised
by the Department of Justice that neither it nor any of its current directors or
employees are subjects or targets of this investigation. The Company was
informed by the Department of Justice in December 2004 that the Department has
decided not to seek any indictments from the grand jury as a result of the
investigation.
Guaranty Fund Assessments
The balance sheet at December 31, 2004, included: (i) accruals of $10.3
million, representing our estimate of all known assessments that will be levied
against the Company's insurance subsidiaries by various state guaranty
associations based on premiums written through December 31, 2004; and (ii)
receivables of $7.8 million that we estimate will be recovered through a
reduction in future premium taxes as a result of such assessments. At December
31, 2003, such guaranty fund assessment accruals were $11.5 million and such
receivables were $5.8 million. These estimates are subject to change when the
associations determine more precisely the losses that have occurred and how such
losses will be allocated among the insurance companies. We recognized expense
(benefit) for such assessments of $(.6) million in 2004; $1.2 million in the
four months ended December 31, 2003; $4.1 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $(1.7) million in 2002.
134
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Guarantees
In conjunction with the Plan, bank loans made to certain former directors
and employees to enable them to purchase common stock of Old Conseco, were
transferred to the Company. These loans with a principal amount of $481.3
million had been guaranteed by Old Conseco. We received all rights to collect
the balances due pursuant to the original terms of these loans. In addition, we
hold loans to participants for interest on the bank loans which exceed $265
million. The former bank loans and the interest loans are collectively referred
to as the "D&O loans." We regularly evaluate the collectibility of these loans
in light of the collateral we hold, the credit worthiness of the participants
and the current status of various legal actions we have taken to collect the D&O
loans. At December 31, 2004, we have estimated that approximately $46 million of
the D&O balance (which is included in other assets) is collectible (net of the
cost of collection). An allowance has been established to reduce the recorded
balance of the D&O loans to this balance.
Pursuant to the settlement that was reached with the Official Committee of
the Trust Originated Preferred Securities ("TOPrS") Holders and the Official
Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Plan, the former holders of TOPrS
(issued by Old Conseco's subsidiary trusts and eliminated in our reorganization)
who did not opt out of the bankruptcy settlement, will be entitled to receive 45
percent of any proceeds from the collection of certain D&O loans in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $30 million. We have established a liability of $19 million
(which is included in other liabilities), representing our estimate of the
amount which will be paid to the former holders of TOPrS pursuant to the
settlement.
In accordance with the terms of the employment agreements of two of the
Company's former chief executive officers, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of
the Company are the guarantors of the former executives' nonqualified
supplemental retirement benefits. The liability for such benefits at December
31, 2004 and 2003, was $22.0 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and is
included in the caption "Other liabilities" in the liability section of the
consolidated balance sheet.
Leases and Certain Other Long-Term Commitments
The Company rents office space, equipment and computer software under
noncancellable operating leases. In addition, the Company has entered into
certain sponsorship agreements which require future payments. Total expense
pursuant to these agreements was $44.1 million in 2004; $20.3 million in the
four months ended December 31, 2003; $29.0 million in the eight months ended
August 31, 2003; and $45.0 million in 2002. Future required minimum payments as
of December 31, 2004, were as follows (dollars in millions):
2005 ........................................................................... $ 37.9
2006 ........................................................................... 27.2
2007 ........................................................................... 23.7
2008 ........................................................................... 22.3
2009 ........................................................................... 20.2
Thereafter........................................................................ 138.0
------
Total..................................................................... $269.3
======
135
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
10. OTHER DISCLOSURES
Deferred Compensation Plan and Postretirement Plans
For our deferred compensation plan and postretirement plans, in periods
subsequent to the Effective Date, it is our policy to immediately recognize
changes in the actuarial benefit obligation resulting from either actual
experience being different than expected or changes in actuarial assumptions
(which differs from the method used by our Predecessor, whereby, such gains
(losses) were recognized over the expected service lives of the participants).
One of our insurance subsidiaries has a noncontributory, unfunded deferred
compensation plan for qualifying members of its career agency force. Benefits
are based on years of service and career earnings. The liability recognized in
the consolidated balance sheet for the agents' deferred compensation plan was
$70.8 million and $64.7 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Substantially all of this liability represented vested benefits. Costs incurred
on this plan were $8.9 million (including the recognition of losses of $2.7
million resulting from actual experience being different than expected or
changes in actuarial assumptions) during 2004; $1.5 million in the four months
ended December 31, 2003; $4.0 million in the eight months ended August 31, 2003;
and $5.1 million during 2002.
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for
certain eligible retired employees under partially funded and unfunded plans in
existence at the date on which certain subsidiaries were acquired. Certain
postretirement benefit plans are contributory, with participants' contributions
adjusted annually. Actuarial measurement dates of September 30 and December 31
are used for our postretirement benefit plans. The costs incurred on these plans
during 2004 were reduced by $7.9 million related to the recognition of changes
in the actuarial benefit obligation resulting either from actual experience
being different than expected or changes in actuarial assumptions. Amounts
related to the postretirement benefit plans were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Successor
-----------------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Benefit obligation, beginning of year....................... $22.6 $24.6
Interest cost........................................... 1.3 1.4
Plan participants' contributions........................ .4 .4
Actuarial loss (gain)................................... (7.9) (1.1)
Benefits paid........................................... (2.6) (2.7)
----- -----
Benefit obligation, end of year............................. $13.8 $22.6
===== =====
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year................ $ - $ 1.1
Employer contributions.................................. - 1.6
Benefits paid........................................... - (2.7)
----- -----
Fair value of plan assets, end of year...................... $ - $ -
===== =====
Funded status - accrued benefit cost........................ $13.8 $22.6
===== =====
136
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
We used the following weighted average assumptions to calculate:
2004 2003
---- ----
Benefit obligations:
Discount rate.............................................. 5.75% 6.2%
Net periodic cost:
Discount rate.............................................. 6.2% 6.5%
Expected return on plan assets............................. N/A 4.6%
The following assumed health care cost trend rates were used to determine
our postretirement benefit obligation:
2004 2003
---- ----
Initial healthcare cost trend rate............................. 10.0% 10.0%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate........................... 6.0% 6.0%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate.................. 2015 2014
A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate
would have the following effects (dollars in millions):
One Percentage Point
------------------------------
Increase Decrease
-------- --------
Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation................ $.8 $(.7)
Effect on the net periodic post retirement benefit cost........ .1 (.1)
Components of the cost we recognized related to postretirement plans were
as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Cost of postretirement benefits:
Interest cost..................................... $ 1.3 $ .5 $ .9 $1.6
Expected return of plan assets.................... - - - (.1)
Amortization of prior service cost................ - - (.1) (.2)
Recognized net actuarial gain..................... (7.9) (.3) (.5) (.5)
----- ---- ---- ----
Net periodic cost (benefit).................... $(6.6) $ .2 $ .3 $ .8
===== ==== ==== ====
The Company does not expect to make any contributions to our postretirement
benefit plans in 2005. The benefits expected to be paid pursuant to our deferred
compensation plan and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2004 were
as follows (dollars in millions):
2005........................................... $4.4
2006........................................... 4.7
2007........................................... 5.1
2008........................................... 5.2
2009........................................... 5.3
2010 - 2014.................................... 30.2
The Company has qualified defined contribution plans for which
substantially all employees are eligible. Company
137
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
contributions, which match certain voluntary employee contributions to the plan,
totaled $4.1 million in 2004 and $6.6 million in 2002. No employer contributions
were made during the 2003 periods. For the first nine months of 2002, employer
matching contributions were made in cash. In September 2002, the plans were
amended to make future employer matching contributions discretionary. Effective
January 1, 2004, the Company resumed making matching contributions in cash.
Trust Preferred Securities
Prior to 2003, certain wholly-owned subsidiary trusts had issued preferred
securities in public offerings. The trusts used the proceeds from these
offerings to purchase subordinated debentures from Conseco. The terms of the
preferred securities were parallel to the terms of the debentures, which
accounted for substantially all trust assets. The preferred securities were to
be redeemed on a pro rata basis, to the same extent as the debentures were
repaid. Under certain circumstances involving a change in law or legal
interpretation, the debentures could be distributed to the holders of the
preferred securities. Our obligations under the debentures and related
agreements, taken together, provided a full and unconditional guarantee of
payments due on the preferred securities. The debentures issued to the
subsidiary trusts and the common securities purchased by Conseco from the
subsidiary trusts were eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The
Trust Preferred Securities guaranteed by Old Conseco prior to our emergence from
bankruptcy were discharged in accordance with the Plan. Such Trust Preferred
Securities had a par value of $1,930.0 million and a weighted average
distribution rate of 8.9 percent.
Reclassification Adjustments Included in Comprehensive Income
The changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in
comprehensive income are net of reclassification adjustments for after-tax net
gains (losses) from the sale of investments included in net income (loss) of
approximately $75 million and $545 million for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2002, respectively. Such changes for the 2003 periods were not significant.
Executive Termination
In the third quarter of 2004, the Company terminated the employment of
William J. Shea, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to Mr.
Shea's employment agreement dated May 27, 2003 and other compensation
arrangements, Mr. Shea received or is entitled to the following amounts or
benefits:
(i) A $6.25 million cash severance payment.
(ii) Immediate vesting in 240,753 shares of restricted stock and 240,753
stock options with an exercise price of $16.40 per share. Such
options were exercised on November 9, 2004. The Company withheld
309,500 shares to cover the exercise price of the stock options and
the federal and state taxes owed by Mr. Shea on the restricted stock
and stock options. The shares withheld were then cancelled. The
following changes to common stock and additional paid-in capital
resulted from the above transactions: (i) an increase of $5.9 million
related to the exercise price of the stock options and vesting of the
restricted stock; (ii) a decrease of $5.5 million related to shares
withheld for the exercise price and for federal and state taxes owed
by Mr. Shea; and (iii) a decrease of $.1 million related to the tax
liability recognized by the Company on the exercise of non-qualified
stock options and vesting of restricted stock. We recognized
compensation expense of $2.0 million during the third quarter of 2004
related to the vesting of the aforementioned restricted shares and
stock options. Additional stock options or restricted stock granted
to Mr. Shea did not vest and were cancelled.
(iii) A pro rata portion of his 2004 bonus which is estimated to be $.3
million.
(iv) Certain supplemental retirement, insurance and other benefits for
which we recognized expenses of $2.4 million during the third quarter
of 2004.
Executive Hiring
In the third quarter of 2004, the Company hired William S. Kirsch as its
President and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the terms of his employment
agreement, Mr. Kirsch received a payment of $1.7 million and was granted options
to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Conseco common stock at a price of
$16.20 per share (the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the date
of the grant). The options vest over four years with one-fourth vesting on each
anniversary of the grant date. The options expire on August 17, 2014. The
Company also issued 400,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Kirsch with
one-half vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date and an additional
one-fourth vesting on the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date,
respectively. The value of the restricted shares ($6.5 million) will be
138
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
recognized as an expense to the Company over the four year vesting period. The
Company also incurred $.6 million of professional fees and other expenses
related to the executive transition.
11. SPECIAL CHARGES
The following table summarizes the special charges incurred by the Company
during 2002, which are further described in the paragraphs which follow (dollars
in millions):
Loss related to reinsurance transactions and businesses sold to raise cash..... $47.5
Costs related to debt modification and refinancing transactions................ 17.7
Expenses related to the termination of the former chief financial officer...... 6.5
Other items.................................................................... 24.8
-----
Special charges before income tax benefit.................................. $96.5
=====
Loss related to debt modification and reinsurance transactions and
businesses sold to raise cash
We completed various asset sales and reinsurance transactions in order to
raise cash, which resulted in net losses of $47.5 million in 2002. These amounts
included: (i) a loss of $39.0 million related to the reinsurance of a portion of
our life insurance business; (ii) a loss of $20.0 million associated with the
sale of our subsidiary in India; partially offset by (iii) asset sales resulting
in a net gain of $11.5 million.
Costs related to debt modification and refinancing transactions
In conjunction with the various modifications to borrowing arrangements
(including the debt exchange offer completed in April 2002) entered into in
2002, we incurred costs of $17.7 million which are not permitted to be deferred
pursuant to GAAP.
Expenses related to termination of the former chief financial officer
The employment of Old Conseco's chief financial officer was terminated in
the first quarter of 2002. As a result, the vesting provisions associated with
the restricted stock issued to the chief financial officer pursuant to his
employment agreement were accelerated. We recognized a charge of $5.1 million
related to the immediate vesting of such restricted stock in the first quarter
of 2002. In addition, we recognized severance benefits of $1.4 million
associated with the termination.
Other items
Other items included expenses incurred: (i) in conjunction with the
transfer of certain customer service and backroom operations to our India
subsidiary; (ii) for severance benefits related to the transfer of such
operations; and (iii) for other items which are not individually significant.
The Company sold its India subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2002 and has
significantly reduced the customer service and backroom operations conducted
there.
12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Pursuant to the Plan, CNO issued 34.4 million shares of class A convertible
exchangeable preferred stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of
approximately $859.7 million. The preferred stock had a par value of $.01 per
share and a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Dividends were payable
semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 at a rate equal to 10.5 percent of the
liquidation preference per share. These dividends were payable in additional
shares of class A preferred stock until the later of: (i) September 10, 2005; or
(ii) the beginning of the first fiscal quarter after which our primary insurance
companies have received a financial strength rating of at least "A-" by A.M.
Best. The class A convertible exchangeable preferred stock was convertible, at
the option of the holder, into common stock of CNO at any time on or after
September 30, 2005. The conversion rate was equal to the total liquidation
preference plus cumulative unpaid dividends thereon divided by $20.35, which was
the average price of CNO's common stock, as defined, for each of the trading
days in the 60 calendar day period immediately preceding January 8, 2004. The
class A preferred stock was redeemed in the second quarter of 2004, as further
discussed below.
139
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
In the second quarter of 2004, we completed the public offerings, including
underwriter over-allotments, of 50.6 million shares of our common stock at an
offering price of $18.25 per share and 27.6 million shares of our 5.5 percent
Class B mandatorily convertible preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") at an
offering price of $25 per share. Proceeds from the offerings, net of issuance
costs of $63.4 million, totaled $1,550.1 million. Such proceeds were used as
follows:
o $928.9 million to redeem all outstanding shares of our class A
preferred stock.
o $620.7 million to repay indebtedness under our Previous Credit
Facility, including accrued interest of $.7 million.
o $.5 million for general corporate purposes.
The Preferred Stock has a par value of $.01 per share and a liquidation
preference of $25 per share. Dividends are payable in cash at a rate of 5.5
percent of the liquidation preference per share, payable quarterly on February
15, May 15, August 15 and November 15.
The Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into common stock of Conseco
on May 15, 2007. The conversion rate for each share of Preferred Stock will
range from 1.1228 to 1.3699 shares of Conseco common stock, depending on the
applicable market value of our common stock, as defined in the certificate of
designations, on the mandatory conversion date. At any time prior to May 15,
2007, the holders of the Preferred Stock may convert such shares at the minimum
conversion rate of 1.1228 shares of our common stock for each share of Preferred
Stock. If at any time prior to May 15, 2007, the closing price of our common
stock exceeds 150 percent of the threshold appreciation price of $22.27, subject
to adjustment under certain circumstances, the Company, at its option for a
certain period of time, may elect to convert all outstanding Preferred Stock at
the minimum conversion rate of 1.1228 shares of our common stock for each share
of Preferred Stock. In addition, if the Company elects such conversion, it must
pay the holders of the Preferred Stock, in cash, an amount equal to the present
value of all remaining unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock through and
including May 15, 2007.
If the Company is involved in a merger prior to May 15, 2007, in which at
least 30 percent of the consideration for our common stock consists of cash or
cash equivalents, then the holders of the Preferred Stock have the right to
convert their shares into shares of our common stock at the conversion rate in
effect immediately prior to such merger.
Holders of the Preferred Stock are only entitled to voting rights in
limited circumstances as further described in the certificate of designations.
Pursuant to the Plan, we issued 6.0 million Series A Warrants entitling the
holders to purchase shares of CNO common stock at a price of $27.60 per share.
The Series A Warrants expire on September 10, 2008. The exercise price and
number of common shares issuable are subject to adjustment based on the
occurrence of certain events, including: (i) stock dividends; (ii) stock splits;
and (iii) the issuance of instruments or securities which are exercisable for or
convertible into shares of common stock entitling the holders to purchase shares
of common stock at a price per share that is less than the market price on the
date of issuance.
On the Effective Date, the Successor adopted a new long-term incentive
plan, which permits the grant of CNO incentive or non-qualified stock options
and restricted stock awards to certain directors, officers and employees of CNO
and certain other individuals who perform services for the Company. A maximum of
10 million shares may be issued under the plan. Restricted share grants are
limited to 3.3 million shares. During September 2003, the Company granted
options to purchase 500,000 shares of CNO common stock at $16.40 per share and
500,000 restricted shares of CNO common stock to a former Chief Executive
Officer in accordance with his employment agreement. The employment of such
Chief Executive Officer was terminated in 2004. The amounts and benefits that
our former Chief Executive Officer was entitled to receive are discussed in the
note to the consolidated financial statements entitled "Other Disclosures" under
the caption "Executive Termination". In addition, the Company granted options to
purchase 500,000 shares of CNO common stock at $19.61 per share and 500,000
restricted shares of CNO common stock to the Chairman of the Board of Directors
in accordance with his agreement. These options and restricted shares vest over
the next three years. During 2004, the Company granted 2.0 million restricted
shares of CNO common stock to certain directors, officers and employees of the
Company. The fair value of such grants totaled $37.1 million. Such amount is
recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the restricted
stock. The vesting period ranges from immediate vesting to a period of four
years. We recognized compensation expense of $13.7 million and $1.8 million in
2004 and the four months ended December 31, 2003, respectively, related to the
vesting of restricted stock, net of forfeitures. At December 31, 2004, the
unrecognized compensation expense totaled $27.2 million.
140
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Changes in the number of shares of common stock outstanding were as follows
(shares in thousands):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Balance, beginning of period............................ 100,116 - 346,007 344,743
Issuance of shares pursuant to Plan................. - 100,000 - -
Stock options exercised............................. - (a) - - 6
Issuance of shares.................................. 50,600 - - -
Shares issued under employee benefit
compensation plans............................... 342 (a) 116 - 1,258
Cancelled pursuant to the Plan...................... - - (346,007) -
------- ------- -------- -------
Balance, end of period.................................. 151,058 100,116 - 346,007
======= ======= ======== =======
- -------------
(a) Such amounts have been reduced by an aggregate of 310 thousand shares
which were withheld for the payment of the exercise price of the stock
options and federal and state taxes owed by a former executive. See
the note to our consolidated financial statements entitled "Other
Disclosures" under the caption "Executive Termination" for additional
information related to the shares withheld.
The Predecessor's 1994 Stock and Incentive Plan authorized the granting of
options to employees and directors of the Company to purchase up to 24 million
shares of Old Conseco common stock at a price not less than its market value on
the date the option was granted. In 1997, the Company adopted the 1997
Non-qualified Stock Option Plan, which authorized the granting of non-qualified
options to employees of the Company to purchase shares of Old Conseco common
stock.
141
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information is
presented below (shares in thousands):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average average
exercise exercise exercise exercise
Shares price Shares price Shares price Shares price
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Outstanding at the beginning of
the period........................... 1,000 $18.01 - $ - 23,520 $15.95 40,292 $15.01
Options granted......................... 3,506 19.95 1,000 18.01 - - 2,572 3.57
Exercised............................... (241) 16.40 - - - - (6) 1.51
Cancelled pursuant to the Plan.......... - - - - (17,438) 18.29 - -
Forfeited or terminated................. (817) 19.16 - - (6,082) 9.26 (19,338) 12.35
----- ----- ------- -------
Outstanding at the end of the year...... 3,448 19.82 1,000 18.01 - 23,520 15.95
===== ===== ======= =======
Options exercisable at the end of
the period........................... 699 - - 13,593
=== ===== ======= ======
Available for future grant.............. 4,320 7,982 - 52,668
===== ===== ======= ======
All outstanding stock options of the Predecessor were cancelled pursuant to
the Plan.
142
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 2004 (shares in thousands):
Options outstanding Options exercisable
-------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Number Remaining Average exercise Number Average exercise
Range of exercise prices outstanding life (in years) price exercisable price
- ------------------------ ----------- --------------- ----- ----------- -----
$16.20 - $19.61................... 1,493 9.3 $18.26 167 $19.61
$21.00............................ 1,955 9.1 21.00 532 21.00
------ ---
3,448 699
===== ===
A reconciliation of net income (loss) and shares used to calculate basic
and diluted earnings per share is as follows (dollars in millions and shares in
thousands):
Successor Predecessor
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Net income (loss)................................. $294.8 $ 96.3 $2,201.7 $(7,835.7)
Preferred stock dividends......................... (65.5) (27.8) - (2.1)
------ ------ -------- ---------
Net income (loss) applicable to common
stock for basic earnings per share......... 229.3 68.5 2,201.7 (7,837.8)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Preferred stock dividends.................... 24.2 27.8 - -
------ ------ -------- ---------
Net income (loss) applicable to common
stock and assumed conversions for
diluted earnings per share................. $253.5 $ 96.3 $2,201.7 $(7,837.8)
====== ====== ======== =========
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic
earnings per share........................... 132,280 100,110
------- -------
Effect of dilutive securities on weighted average shares:
Class B Mandatorily convertible preferred
stock...................................... 23,145 -
Class A convertible exchangeable
preferred stock............................ - 43,257
Stock options and employee benefit plans..... 505 119
------- -------
Dilutive potential common shares............. 23,650 43,376
------- -------
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted
earnings per share......................... 155,930 143,486
======= =======
During 2004, equivalent common shares of 19.9 million related to the
assumed conversion of Class A convertible exchangeable preferred stock were not
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because doing so would
have been antidilutive.
143
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income applicable
to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for
the period. Restricted shares are not included in basic earnings per share until
vested. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could
occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and restricted stock was
vested. The dilution from options and restricted shares are calculated using the
treasury stock method. Under this method we assume the proceeds from the
exercise of the options (or the unrecognized compensation expense with respect
to restricted stock) will be used to purchase shares of our common stock at the
average market price during the period, reducing the dilutive effect of the
exercise of the options (or the vesting of the restricted stock).
13. OTHER OPERATING STATEMENT DATA
Insurance policy income consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
------------------------------- ----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Traditional products:
Direct premiums collected..................... $ 4,400.2 $1,477.9 $ 3,264.3 $5,100.2
Reinsurance assumed........................... 70.2 31.9 57.3 78.7
Reinsurance ceded............................. (255.2) (92.1) (196.4) (327.8)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Premiums collected, net of reinsurance.. 4,215.2 1,417.7 3,125.2 4,851.1
Change in unearned premiums................... 1.6 (15.4) 13.5 (19.7)
Less premiums on universal life and products
without mortality and morbidity risk which
are recorded as additions to insurance
liabilities ............................... (1,648.3) (528.2) (1,266.4) (1,792.7)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Premiums on traditional products with
mortality or morbidity risk.......... 2,568.5 874.1 1,872.3 3,038.7
Fees and surrender charges on interest-sensitive
products ..................................... 380.8 131.7 332.0 563.6
--------- -------- --------- --------
Insurance policy income................. $ 2,949.3 $1,005.8 $ 2,204.3 $3,602.3
========= ======== ========= ========
The four states with the largest shares of 2004 collected premiums were
Florida (8.4 percent), California (6.9 percent), Texas (6.5 percent) and
Illinois (5.1 percent). No other state accounted for more than 5 percent of
total collected premiums.
Other operating costs and expenses were as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
------------------------------- ----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Commission expense................................ $171.4 $ 66.4 $117.9 $195.1
Salaries and wages................................ 195.5 70.5 136.3 215.1
Other............................................. 265.9 81.5 169.3 326.0
------ ------ ------ ------
Total other operating costs and expenses... $632.8 $218.4 $423.5 $736.2
====== ====== ====== ======
144
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Changes in the value of policies inforce at the Effective Date were as
follows (dollars in millions):
Successor
------------------------------
Year Four months
ended ended
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Balance, beginning of period........................................................ $2,949.5 $3,102.6
Additional acquisition expense.................................................. 3.4 2.4
Amortization.................................................................... (320.0) (122.0)
Balance sheet reclassifications................................................. 48.9 -
Amounts related to fair value adjustment of actively managed fixed maturities... (52.2) (33.5)
-------- --------
Balance, end of period.............................................................. $2,629.6 $2,949.5
======== ========
Based on current conditions and assumptions as to future events on all
policies inforce, the Company expects to amortize approximately 11 percent of
the December 31, 2004 balance of the value of policies inforce at the Effective
Date in 2005, 10 percent in 2006, 9 percent in 2007, 8 percent in 2008 and 7
percent in 2009. The discount rate used to determine the amortization of the
value of policies inforce at the Effective Date averaged 5 percent in both the
year ended December 31, 2004, and the four months ended December 31, 2003.
Changes in the cost of policies purchased were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Predecessor
-------------------------------
Eight months Year
ended ended
August 31, December 31,
2003 2002
---- ----
Balance, beginning of period.......................................................... $1,170.0 $1,657.8
Additional acquisition expense on acquired policies............................... 7.4 11.3
Amortization...................................................................... (74.1) (215.5)
Amounts related to fair value adjustment of actively managed fixed maturities..... 4.7 (81.9)
Reinsurance transactions.......................................................... - (73.4)
Net amounts related to discontinued operations ................................... - (66.6)
Amounts related to sales of subsidiaries.......................................... - (60.0)
Other ............................................................................ (8.8) (1.7)
Elimination of Predecessor balance................................................ (1,099.2) -
-------- --------
Balance, end of period................................................................ $ - $1,170.0
======== ========
The discount rates used to determine the amortization of the cost of
policies purchased averaged 7 percent in the eight months ended August 31, 2003,
and 7 percent in 2002.
145
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Changes in the cost of policies produced were as follows (dollars in
millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Balance, beginning of period............................ $101.8 $ - $2,014.4 $ 2,570.2
Additions............................................ 361.0 110.1 280.1 486.0
Amortization......................................... (43.5) (8.3) (252.8) (544.3)
Amounts related to fair value adjustment of actively
managed fixed maturities........................... (10.2) - (20.5) (121.0)
Reinsurance transactions............................. - - - (134.6)
Net amounts related to discontinued operations....... - - - (103.3)
Amounts related to sales of subsidiaries............. - - - (140.8)
Other................................................ - - (1.7) 2.2
Elimination of Predecessor balance................... - - (2,019.5) -
------ ------ -------- ---------
Balance, end of period.................................. $409.1 $101.8 $ - $ 2,014.4
====== ====== ======== =========
In accordance with SFAS 97, we are required to amortize the value of
policies inforce in relation to estimated gross profits for universal life-type
products and investment-type products. SFAS 97 also requires that estimates of
expected gross profits used as a basis for amortization be evaluated regularly,
and that the total amortization recorded to date be adjusted by a charge or
credit to the statement of operations, if actual experience or other evidence
suggests that earlier estimates should be revised.
During the second quarter of 2004, we evaluated certain amortization
assumptions used to estimate gross profits for universal life-type products and
investment-type products by comparing them to our actual experience. We made
refinements to the previous assumptions related to investment income to match
actual experience and our estimates for future assumptions. The changes we made
did not affect our expectations for the total estimated profits to be earned on
this business, but did affect how we expect the profits to emerge over time.
These new assumptions resulted in a retroactive reduction to the amortization of
the value of policies inforce at the Effective Date of $7.7 million in the
second quarter of 2004.
Policyholder redemptions of annuity and, to a lesser extent, life products
increased in 2002. We experienced additional redemptions following the downgrade
of our A.M. Best financial strength rating to "B (fair)" in August of 2002. When
redemptions are greater than our previous assumptions, we are required to
accelerate the amortization of our cost of policies produced and cost of
policies purchased to write off the balance associated with the redeemed
policies. Accordingly, amortization expense was increased. In 2002, we changed
the lapse assumptions used to determine the amortization of the cost of policies
produced and the cost of policies purchased related to certain universal life
products and our annuities to reflect our then current estimates of future
lapses. For certain universal life products, we changed the ultimate lapse
assumption from: (i) a range of 6 percent to 7 percent; to (ii) a tiered
assumption based on the level of funding of the policy with a range of 2 percent
to 10 percent. We recorded additional amortization of the cost of policies
produced and the cost of policies purchased related to higher redemptions and
changes to our lapse assumptions of $203.2 million in 2002.
146
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
14. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
The following disclosures supplement our consolidated statement of cash
flows (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Non-cash items not reflected in the investing and
financing activities section of the consolidated
statement of cash flows:
Issuance of common stock under stock option and
employee benefit plans.......................... $12.4 $ 2.6 $ - $12.7
Issuance of convertible preferred shares.......... 41.4 27.8 5.3 2.1
The effect on our consolidated balance sheet of implementing fresh start
accounting is discussed in the note to the consolidated financial statements
entitled "Fresh Start Reporting". Such non-cash adjustments are not reflected in
our consolidated statement of cash flows.
147
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following reconciles net income (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- --------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss).................................... $ 294.8 $ 96.3 $ 2,201.7 $(7,835.7)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest-only securities investment income....... - - - (10.6)
Cash received from interest-only securities, net. - - - (73.3)
Servicing income................................. - - - (83.9)
Cash received from servicing activities.......... - - - 46.9
Provision for losses............................. - - 55.6 1,160.8
Loss on sale of finance receivables.............. - - - 49.5
Amortization and depreciation.................... 397.6 144.7 372.1 1,017.8
Income taxes..................................... 176.9 131.0 31.4 758.3
Insurance liabilities............................ 354.5 207.2 263.5 509.5
Accrual and amortization of investment income.... 176.3 20.1 43.2 227.9
Deferral of cost of policies produced and
purchased...................................... (364.4) (111.6) (287.5) (509.2)
Impairment charges............................... - - - 1,514.4
Goodwill impairment.............................. - - - 500.0
Special charges.................................. - - - 171.2
Reorganization items............................. - - (2,157.0) -
Cumulative effect of accounting change........... - - - 2,949.2
Minority interest................................ - - - 173.2
Net realized investment (gains) losses........... (40.6) (11.8) 5.4 673.7
Discontinued operations.......................... - - (16.7) 93.1
Gain on extinguishment of debt................... (2.8) - - (8.1)
Net sales (purchases) of trading securities...... 21.1 49.0 - -
Other............................................ 34.2 (36.8) 235.6 (29.0)
-------- ------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities...... $1,047.6 $ 488.1 $ 747.3 $ 1,295.7
======== ======= ========= =========
At December 31, 2004, restricted cash consisted of: (i) $15.1 million held
in an escrow account pursuant to a settlement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the New York Attorney General concerning their joint
investigation into market timing in variable annuities issued by a former
subsidiary of Old Conseco; (ii) $3.6 million held in trust for the payment of
bankruptcy-related professional fees; and (iii) $.2 million of segregated cash
held for the benefit of the former holders of TOPrS.
At December 31, 2003, restricted cash consisted of: (i) $17.3 million held
in trust for the payment of bankruptcy-related professional fees; and (ii) $14.6
million held by three investment trusts (which are further described in the note
to the consolidated financial statements entitled "Investments in Variable
Interest Entities").
148
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
15. STATUTORY INFORMATION (BASED ON NON-GAAP MEASURES)
Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
authorities for the Company's insurance subsidiaries differ from GAAP. The
Company's insurance subsidiaries reported the following amounts to regulatory
agencies, after appropriate elimination of intercompany accounts among such
subsidiaries (dollars in millions):
December 31,
------------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Statutory capital and surplus.................................................................... $1,510.0 $1,514.1
Asset valuation reserve.......................................................................... 117.0 40.9
Interest maintenance reserve..................................................................... 245.6 217.4
-------- --------
Total...................................................................................... $1,872.6 $1,772.4
======== ========
Statutory capital and surplus included investments in upstream affiliates
of $52.4 million and $159.0 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively,
all of which were eliminated in the consolidated financial statements prepared
in accordance with GAAP. In the second quarter of 2004, $106.6 million of
affiliated preferred stock held by our insurance subsidiaries was redeemed by
the parent using the proceeds from the refinancing of our Previous Credit
Facility.
Statutory earnings build the capital adequacy required by ratings agencies
and regulators. Statutory earnings, fees and interest paid by the insurance
companies to the parent company create the "cash flow capacity" the parent
company needs to meet its obligations, including debt service. The consolidated
statutory net income (loss) (a non-GAAP measure) of our insurance subsidiaries
was $(3.3) million, $286.1 million and $(465.0) million in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Included in such net income (loss) were net realized capital gains
(losses), net of income taxes, of $(17.7) million, $32.8 million and $(516.1)
million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In addition, such net income
(loss) included amounts for fees and interest to Conseco or its non-life
subsidiaries totaling $283.1 million (including $148 million related to prior
years), $85.8 million and $112.4 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to
state insurance department regulations. In addition, we may need to contribute
additional capital to improve the RBC ratios of certain insurance subsidiaries
and this could affect the ability of our top tier insurance subsidiary to pay
dividends. Insurance regulations generally permit dividends to be paid from
statutory earned surplus of the insurance company for any 12-month period in
amounts equal to the greater of (or in a few states, the lesser of): (i)
statutory net gain from operations or statutory net income for the prior year;
or (ii) 10 percent of statutory capital and surplus as of the end of the
preceding year. Any dividends in excess of these levels require the approval of
the director or commissioner of the applicable state insurance department. In
2004, a non-cash dividend of $45.8 million representing affiliated preferred
stock was paid to CDOC. In 2003, a non-cash dividend of $4.5 million
representing affiliated common stock was paid to CDOC. In 2005, our insurance
subsidiaries may pay dividends of $150.8 million to its non-insurance company
parent without prior regulatory approval.
On October 30, 2002, Bankers National Life Insurance Company and Conseco
Life Insurance Company of Texas, our insurance subsidiaries domiciled in Texas,
each entered into consent orders with the Commissioner of Insurance for the
State of Texas (on behalf of all Conseco insurance subsidiaries), whereby they
agreed: (i) not to request to pay any dividends or other distributions before
January 1, 2003 and, thereafter, not to pay any dividends or other distributions
to non-insurance companies without the prior approval of the Texas Insurance
Commissioner; (ii) to continue to maintain sufficient capitalization and
reserves as required by the Texas Insurance Code; (iii) to request approval from
the Texas Insurance Commissioner before making any disbursements not in the
ordinary course of business; (iv) to complete any pending transactions
previously reported to the proper insurance regulatory officials prior to and
during Conseco's restructuring, unless not approved by the Texas Insurance
Commissioner; (v) to obtain a commitment from Conseco to maintain their
infrastructure, employees, systems and physical facilities prior to and during
Conseco's restructuring; and (vi) to continue to permit the Texas Insurance
Commissioner to examine its books, papers, accounts, records and affairs. The
consent orders were formally released on November 19, 2003.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Risk-Based Capital
("RBC") for Life and/or Health Insurers Model Act (the "Model Act") provides a
tool for insurance regulators to determine the levels of statutory capital and
surplus
149
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
an insurer must maintain in relation to its insurance and investment risks and
the need for possible regulatory attention. The Model Act provides four levels
of regulatory attention, varying with the ratio of the insurance company's total
adjusted capital (defined as the total of its statutory capital and surplus, AVR
and certain other adjustments) to its RBC as follows: (i) if a company's total
adjusted capital is less than 100 percent but greater than or equal to 75
percent of its RBC (the "Company Action Level"), the company must submit a
comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority proposing corrective actions
aimed at improving its capital position; (ii) if a company's total adjusted
capital is less than 75 percent but greater than or equal to 50 percent of its
RBC (the "Regulatory Action Level"), the regulatory authority will perform a
special examination of the company and issue an order specifying the corrective
actions that must be taken; (iii) if a company's total adjusted capital is less
than 50 percent but greater than or equal to 35 percent of its RBC (the
"Authorized Control Level"), the regulatory authority may take any action it
deems necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control; and
(iv) if a company's total adjusted capital is less than 35 percent of its RBC
(the "Mandatory Control Level"), the regulatory authority must place the company
under its control. In addition, the Model Act provides for a trend test if a
company's total adjusted capital is between 100 percent and 125 percent of its
RBC at the end of the year. The trend test calculates the greater of the
decrease in the margin of total adjusted capital over RBC: (i) between the
current year and the prior year; and (ii) for the average of the last 3 years.
It assumes that such decrease could occur again in the coming year. Any company
whose trended total adjusted capital is less than 95 percent of its RBC would
trigger a requirement to submit a comprehensive plan as described above for the
Company Action Level.
The 2004 statutory annual statements filed with the state insurance
regulators of each of our insurance subsidiaries reflected total adjusted
capital in excess of the levels subjecting the subsidiaries to any regulatory
action. However, as a result of losses on the long-term care business within the
Other Business in Run-off segment, the RBC ratio of Conseco Senior was near the
Company Action Level. See "-- Other Business in Run-off" for additional
discussion related to an order issued by the Florida Office of Insurance
Regulation regarding certain blocks of Conseco Senior's long-term care business.
At December 31, 2004, the consolidated RBC ratio of our insurance
subsidiaries exceeded the minimum risk-based capital requirement included in our
Credit Facility. See the note to the consolidated financial statements entitled
"Notes Payable - Direct Corporate Obligations" for further discussion of various
financial ratios and balances we are required to maintain. We calculate the
consolidated RBC ratio by assuming all of the assets, liabilities, capital and
surplus and other aspects of the business of our insurance subsidiaries are
combined together in one insurance subsidiary, with appropriate intercompany
eliminations.
16. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We manage our business through the following: two primary operating
segments, Bankers Life and Conseco Insurance Group, which are defined on the
basis of product distribution; a third segment comprised of other business in
run-off; and corporate operations, which consists of holding company activities
and certain noninsurance businesses. Prior to its disposition effective March
31, 2003, we also had a finance segment (which is reflected in our discontinued
operations in the consolidated statement of operations). Prior period segment
data has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
150
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Operating information by segment was as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Bankers Life:
Insurance policy income:
Annuities.................................. $ 52.7 $ 17.3 $ 32.9 $ 39.6
Supplemental health........................ 1,177.7 384.2 760.4 1,122.8
Life....................................... 161.5 51.5 91.5 125.1
Other...................................... 13.2 3.8 7.9 12.6
Net investment income (a)....................... 425.2 135.5 258.2 367.4
Fee revenue and other income (a)................ 1.9 .5 .9 1.3
Net realized investment gains (losses) (a)...... 17.4 3.4 5.5 (128.7)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Bankers Life revenues............ 1,849.6 596.2 1,157.3 1,540.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Conseco Insurance Group:
Insurance policy income:
Annuities.................................. 22.1 8.7 51.6 121.3
Supplemental health........................ 719.1 250.9 499.0 727.9
Life....................................... 390.9 125.8 303.9 503.8
Other...................................... 16.3 13.1 38.3 101.9
Net investment income (a)....................... 723.8 288.7 582.6 896.3
Fee revenue and other income (a)................ 4.8 .5 17.0 25.4
Net realized investment gains (losses) (a)...... 21.5 9.5 (17.1) (368.1)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Conseco Insurance Group
revenues........................... 1,898.5 697.2 1,475.3 2,008.5
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other Business in Run-Off:
Insurance policy income - supplemental health... 395.8 150.5 418.8 847.3
Net investment income (a)....................... 167.5 55.3 101.5 155.8
Fee revenue and other income (a)................ .8 .9 .5 .8
Net realized investment gains (losses) (a)...... 4.5 (.7) 6.3 (58.2)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Other Business in Run-Off
revenues........................... 568.6 206.0 527.1 945.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
Corporate:
Net investment income (a)....................... 2.1 .6 16.2 14.1
Venture capital gain (loss) related to
investment in AWE............................. - (5.5) 10.5 (99.3)
Net realized investment losses (a).............. (2.8) (.4) (.1) (1.3)
Fee and other income............................ 14.0 11.4 17.1 59.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total corporate revenues............... 13.3 6.1 43.7 (27.4)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Eliminations....................................... - - - (16.5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues......................... 4,330.0 1,505.5 3,203.4 4,450.4
-------- -------- -------- --------
(continued on next page)
151
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
(continued from previous page)
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Expenses:
Bankers Life:
Insurance policy benefits.......................... 1,258.0 395.8 795.1 1,090.9
Amortization....................................... 187.3 62.3 113.9 168.7
Interest expense on investment borrowings.......... 2.6 .8 3.4 4.6
Other operating costs and expenses................. 160.1 51.8 85.3 94.4
Special charges.................................... - - - 45.0
--------- -------- -------- --------
Total Bankers Life expenses................... 1,608.0 510.7 997.7 1,403.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Conseco Insurance Group:
Insurance policy benefits.......................... 1,151.1 421.4 746.3 1,377.0
Amortization....................................... 165.4 64.3 201.8 541.4
Interest expense on investment borrowings.......... 5.2 1.6 4.7 10.2
Other operating costs and expenses................. 306.3 115.6 222.6 292.1
Special charges.................................... - - - (.7)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Conseco Insurance Group
expenses.................................... 1,628.0 602.9 1,175.4 2,220.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other Business in Run-Off:
Insurance policy benefits.......................... 386.1 150.7 595.0 864.6
Amortization....................................... 18.5 6.3 28.0 112.2
Interest expense on investment borrowings.......... .2 - .2 .6
Other operating costs and expenses................. 93.5 36.2 75.2 185.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Other Business in Run-Off
expenses.................................... 498.3 193.2 698.4 1,162.5
-------- -------- -------- --------
Corporate:
Interest expense on corporate debt................. 71.5 34.4 194.2 325.5
Provision for losses and interest expense related to
stock purchase plan........................... - - 55.6 240.0
Amortization related to operations................. - - - .6
Interest expense on investment borrowings.......... - - - 1.0
Other operating costs and expenses................. 72.9 14.8 40.4 181.1
Goodwill impairment................................ - - - 500.0
Gain on extinguishment of debt..................... (2.8) - - (1.8)
Reorganization items............................... - - (2,130.5) 14.4
Special charges.................................... - - - 52.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total corporate expenses...................... 141.6 49.2 (1,840.3) 1,313.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Eliminations.......................................... - - - (16.5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses................................ 3,875.9 1,356.0 1,031.2 6,082.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest,
discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change:
Bankers Life.................................. 241.6 85.5 159.6 136.5
Conseco Insurance Group....................... 270.5 94.3 299.9 (211.5)
Other Business in Run-Off..................... 70.3 12.8 (171.3) (216.8)
Corporate operations.......................... (128.3) (43.1) 1,884.0 (1,340.4)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
minority interest, discontinued
operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change...................... $ 454.1 $ 149.5 $2,172.2 $(1,632.2)
======== ======== ======== =========
152
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
- -------------------
(a) It is not practicable to provide additional components of revenue by
product or services.
Segment balance sheet information was as follows (dollars in millions):
Successor
-----------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Assets:
Bankers Life......................................................................... $11,111.0 $ 9,826.2
Conseco Insurance Group.............................................................. 15,763.7 16,396.4
Other Business in Run-Off............................................................ 3,679.3 3,511.2
Corporate............................................................................ 201.5 239.7
--------- ---------
Total assets.................................................................... $30,755.5 $29,973.5
========= =========
Liabilities:
Bankers Life......................................................................... $ 9,302.9 $ 8,338.1
Conseco Insurance Group.............................................................. 13,133.3 13,828.3
Other Business in Run-Off............................................................ 3,515.0 3,511.2
Corporate............................................................................ 902.1 1,478.3
--------- ---------
Total liabilities............................................................... $26,853.3 $27,155.9
========= =========
The following table presents selected financial information of our segments
(dollars in millions):
Value of
policies
inforce
at the Cost of
Effective policies Insurance
Segment Date produced liabilities Goodwill
- ------- ---- -------- ----------- --------
2004
- ----
Bankers Life................................ $1,179.7 $338.6 $ 8,988.4 $ -
Conseco Insurance Group..................... 1,238.3 70.5 12,675.9 -
Other Business in Run-off................... 211.6 - 3,497.9 -
-------- ------ ---------- ------
Total.................................... $2,629.6 $409.1 $25,162.2 $ -
======== ====== ========= ======
2003
- ----
Bankers Life................................ $1,328.5 $ 83.3 $ 8,092.5 $172.5
Conseco Insurance Group..................... 1,394.0 18.5 13,304.5 779.7
Other Business in Run-off................... 227.0 - 3,498.6 -
-------- ------ --------- ------
Total.................................... $2,949.5 $101.8 $24,895.6 $952.2
======== ====== ========= ======
153
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
We compute earnings per common share for each quarter independently of
earnings per share for the year. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may
not equal the earnings per share for the year because of: (i) transactions
affecting the weighted average number of shares outstanding in each quarter; and
(ii) the uneven distribution of earnings during the year. Quarterly financial
data (unaudited) was as follows (dollars in millions, except per share data).
Successor
----------------------------------------------
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr.
-------- -------- -------- --------
2004
- ----
Revenues.............................................................. $1,110.6 $1,039.5 $1,068.9 $1,111.0
Income before income taxes............................................ 112.4 106.8 104.9 130.0
Net income............................................................ 72.8 68.3 67.3 86.4
Income per common share:
Basic:
Net income........................................................ $.50 $.35 $.38 $.51
Diluted:
Net income........................................................ $.50 $.34 $.36 $.46
Predecessor Successor
------------------------------ ---------------------
Two months One month
ended ended
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. August 31 September 30 4th Qtr.
-------- -------- --------- ------------ --------
2003
- ----
Revenues..................................................... $1,237.2 $1,230.1 $ 736.1 $366.3 $1,139.2
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued
operations................................................. (47.5) (39.3) 2,259.0 37.8 111.7
Net income (loss) before discontinued operations............. (32.9) (22.7) 2,241.3 24.2 72.1
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes................. 13.9 2.1 - - -
Net income (loss)............................................ (19.0) (20.6) 2,241.3 24.2 72.1
Income per common share:
Basic:
Net income............................................ $.19 $.50
Diluted:
Net income............................................ $.17 $.49
18. INVESTMENTS IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company has investments in various types of special purpose entities
and other entities, some of which are VIEs under FIN 46, as described in the
note to the consolidated financial statements entitled "Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies". The following are descriptions of our significant
investments in VIEs:
Brickyard Trust
Brickyard Loan Trust ("Brickyard") was a collateralized debt obligation
trust which participated in an underlying pool of commercial loans. The trust
was formed by the Predecessor and was fully liquidated in the third quarter of
2003. The initial capital structure of Brickyard consisted of $575 million of
senior financing provided by unrelated third party investors and $127 million of
notes and subordinated certificates owned by the Company and others. As a result
of our 85 percent ownership
154
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
interest in the subordinated certificates, we were the primary beneficiary of
Brickyard. In accordance with ARB 51 "Consolidated Financial Statements",
Brickyard was consolidated in our financial statements because our investment
management subsidiary, 40|86 Advisors, Inc., was the investment manager and we
owned a significant interest in the subordinated certificates.
In the fourth quarter of 2002, the trust began to liquidate its portfolio
of commercial loans. The trust planned to use the proceeds to repay the senior
debt and distribute residual proceeds to the subordinated certificate holders.
As a result of the trust's intent to sell the commercial loans, we determined
the decline in value of certain commercial loans was other than temporary.
Accordingly, we recognized the decline in value of $45.5 million in 2002 as a
realized loss and the cost basis of the commercial loans was reduced to
estimated fair value. We included the $410.2 million carrying value of the
underlying commercial loans in "assets held in separate accounts and investment
trust" at December 31, 2002. Such carrying value approximated the estimated fair
value of the trust's assets. The liabilities and minority interest of the trust
totaled $392 million at December 31, 2002, and included: (i) $384 million due to
the holders of the senior note obligations (including principal amount due plus
accrued interest less $92 million held in a cash reserve account for the benefit
of the senior note holders); and (ii) $8 million representing the interests of
the minority holders of the subordinated certificates. These amounts were
included in "liabilities related to separate accounts and investment trust". The
senior note obligations of the trust had no recourse to the general credit of
the Company.
The trust sold all of the commercial loans, repaid the senior notes and
distributed its remaining assets to the subordinated certificate holders by the
third quarter of 2003. We recognized an impairment loss of $11.1 million during
the second quarter of 2003 to record an other-than-temporary decline in the
value of certain of the trust's commercial loans. No additional gain or loss was
recognized upon the ultimate disposition of Brickyard.
Other Investment Trusts
In December 1998, Old Conseco formed three investment trusts which invested
in various fixed maturity, limited partnership and other types of investments.
The trusts were formed by our Predecessor and were fully liquidated in early
2004. The initial capital structure of each of the trusts consisted of: (i)
principal-protected senior notes; (ii) subordinated junior notes; and (iii)
equity. The senior principal-protected notes were collateralized by zero coupon
treasury notes with par values and maturities matching the par values and
maturities of the principal-protected senior notes. Conseco's life insurance
subsidiaries owned 100 percent of the senior principal-protected notes. Certain
of Conseco's non-life insurance subsidiaries owned all of the subordinated
junior notes, which had a preferred return equal to the total return on the
trusts' assets in excess of principal and interest on the senior notes. The
equity of the trusts was owned by unrelated third parties.
The three investment trusts were VIEs under FIN 46 because the trusts'
equity represented significantly less than 10 percent of total capital and the
subordinated junior notes were intended to absorb expected losses and receive
virtually all residual returns. Based on our 100 percent ownership of the
subordinated junior notes, we were the primary beneficiary of the investment
trusts. All three trusts were consolidated in our financial statements at
December 31, 2003. The carrying value of the total invested assets in the three
trusts was approximately $228 million at December 31, 2003, which also
represented Conseco's maximum exposure to loss as a result of our ownership
interests in the trusts. The trusts had no obligations or debt to outside
parties.
19. FINANCIAL INFORMATION REGARDING CFC
As part of our Chapter 11 reorganization, we sold substantially all of the
assets of our Predecessor's finance business and exited from this line of
business. Our finance business was conducted through our Predecessor's indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary, CFC. We accounted for our finance business as a
discontinued operation in 2002 after we formalized our plans to sell it. On
April 1, 2003, CFC and 22 of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which
collectively comprised substantially all of the finance business, filed
liquidating plans of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court in order to
facilitate the sale of this business. The sale of the finance business was
completed in the second quarter of 2003. We did not receive any proceeds from
this sale, nor did any creditors of our Predecessor. As of March 31, 2003, we
ceased to include the assets and liabilities of CFC on our Predecessor's
consolidated balance sheet. The consolidated statement of operations reflects
the operations of the discontinued finance business in the caption "Discontinued
operations" for the year ended December 31, 2002.
155
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following summarizes selected statement of operations information of
CFC for the year ended December 31, 2002:
CFC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION (a)
for the year ended December 31, 2002
(Dollars in millions)
Revenues:
Net investment income:
Finance receivables and other...................................................... $ 2,062.4
Retained interests................................................................. 75.0
Affiliated (b)..................................................................... 11.8
Gain (loss) on sale of finance receivables........................................... (49.5)
Servicing income..................................................................... 83.9
Impairment charges................................................................... (1,449.9)
Fee revenue and other income......................................................... 189.9
---------
Total revenues................................................................. 923.6
---------
Expenses:
Provision for losses................................................................. 950.0
Interest expense - affiliated (b).................................................... 10.3
Interest expense..................................................................... 1,119.7
Other operating costs and expenses................................................... 608.0
Other operating costs and expenses - affiliated (b).................................. 8.0
Gain on extinguishment of debt....................................................... (6.3)
Special charges...................................................................... 121.9
Reorganization items................................................................. 17.3
---------
Total expenses................................................................. 2,828.9
---------
Loss before income taxes....................................................... (1,905.3)
Income tax expense:
Tax expense on period income......................................................... 36.8
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.......................................... 245.3
---------
Net loss....................................................................... (2,187.4)
Preferred stock dividends payable to Conseco (b)........................................ 67.5
---------
Net loss applicable to common stock............................................ $(2,254.9)
=========
156
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
- ----------------
(a) CFC's statement of operations information has been presented as a
discontinued operation in Conseco's consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2002.
(b) Intercompany accounts were eliminated when consolidated with Conseco
and its other wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The following table reconciles CFC's net loss as presented on the previous
page to the amount of discontinued operations included in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations (dollars in millions):
2002
----
Net loss.................................................................. $(2,187.4)
Income taxes(a)........................................................... 282.1
Net expenses eliminated in consolidation, net of
income tax............................................................. 6.5
Impairment charge related to investment in CFC............................ (64.5)
---------
Loss recognized as discontinued operations................................ $(1,963.3)
=========
- -------------
(a) Amount is considered in determining the income tax expense in the
consolidated statement of operations.
Summary of Accounting Policies Relevant to CFC
The following accounting policies were relevant to CFC but not to the
continuing operations of Conseco. Accordingly, these accounting policies were
not described in the note entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies".
CFC had provided financing for manufactured housing, home equity, home
improvements, consumer products and equipment and consumer and commercial
revolving credit. CFC's primary source of capital to provide such financing was
from securitization transactions. For securitization transactions structured
prior to September 8, 1999, CFC accounted for the transfer of finance
receivables as sales and recognized gains on such sales based on the difference
between the proceeds (net of related costs) and the carrying value of the
portion of the finance receivables sold. CFC determined such value by allocating
the carrying value of the total finance receivables between the portion sold and
the interests retained based on each portion's fair value on the date of the
sale. The interests retained by CFC included interest-only securities, servicing
rights and, in some instances, other subordinated securities. Such retained
interests were subordinate to the interests of others and their values were very
sensitive to changes in the credit, prepayment or interest rate risk of the
underlying finance receivables in the securitization structure. When the
management of CFC determined that a decline in fair value of its retained
interest was other than temporary, the carrying value was reduced and a loss was
recognized in the statement of operations.
CFC amortized retained servicing rights in proportion to, and over the
estimated period of, net servicing income.
Subsequent to September 8, 1999, CFC structured its securitizations in a
manner that required them to be accounted for as financing transactions, whereby
the finance receivables and securitization debt remained on CFC's balance sheet.
CFC carried finance receivables at amortized cost, net of an allowance for
credit losses. CFC deferred fees received and costs incurred in originating
finance receivables, then amortized such deferred fees, costs, discounts and
premiums over the estimated lives of the receivables.
Finance Receivables and Retained Interests in Securitization Trusts
During 2002, CFC completed six securitization transactions, securitizing
$2.7 billion of finance receivables. These securitizations were structured in a
manner that required them to be accounted for as secured borrowings pursuant to
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, "Accounting for the
Transfer and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities".
CFC classified the finance receivables transferred to the securitization trusts
and held as
157
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
collateral for the notes issued to investors as assets and the notes issued to
investors in the securitization trusts as liabilities.
During 2002, CFC completed various loan sale transactions. CFC sold $2.1
billion of finance receivables, which generated net losses of $49.5 million. CFC
also recognized a loss of $96.0 million related to the sale of $.5 billion of
certain finance receivables sold as part of its cash raising initiatives. During
2002, CFC recognized no gain on sale related to securitized transactions.
In securitizations related to certain retained interests, CFC retained
certain contingent risks in the form of guarantees of certain lower-rated
securities issued by the securitization trusts. During 2002, interest and
principal payments related to such guarantees totaled $45.5 million. CFC
suspended guarantee payments in the fourth quarter of 2002.
During 2002, CFC's ability to access the securitization markets was
eliminated. The securitization markets were CFC's main source of funding for
loans made to purchasers of repossessed manufactured homes. Since CFC was no
longer able to fund the loans made on repossessed homes through these channels,
CFC had to use the wholesale channel to dispose of repossessed manufactured
housing units, through which recovery rates were significantly lower.
Accordingly, CFC changed its loss severity assumptions used to value its
retained interests to reflect the higher loss severity expected in the future.
As a result of these assumption changes, CFC recognized an impairment charge of
$1,077.2 million in 2002 for the retained beneficial interests. CFC also
recognized a $336.5 million increase in the valuation allowance as a result of
changes to the expected future cost of servicing the finance receivables. The
levels of delinquent and defaulting loans caused servicing costs to increase.
CFC increased the default assumptions it used to value its retained interests to
reflect its future expectations. CFC's home equity/home improvement assumptions
were adjusted to reflect recent default experience as well as CFC's future
expectations.
The following table summarizes certain cash flows received from and paid to
the securitization trusts during 2002 (dollars in millions):
Servicing fees received......................................................... $ 46.9
Cash flows from retained interests, net of guarantee payments................... 22.3
Servicing advances paid......................................................... (275.9)
Repayment of servicing advances................................................. 257.1
Income Taxes
CFC's income tax expense included deferred income taxes arising from
temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets
and liabilities.
Income tax expense was as follows (dollars in millions):
2002
----
Current tax provision............................................................... $ 36.8
Deferred tax benefit................................................................ -
------
Income tax expense.......................................................... 36.8
Valuation allowance................................................................. 245.3
------
Net income tax expense...................................................... $282.1
======
158
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The income tax benefit differed from that computed at the applicable
federal statutory rate (35 percent) for the following reasons (dollars in
millions):
2002
----
Tax benefit on loss before income taxes at statutory rate........................... $(666.8)
Valuation allowance................................................................. 245.3
Net deferred benefits not recognized in the current period.......................... 761.0
State taxes, net.................................................................... (57.4)
-------
Income tax expense........................................................... $ 282.1
=======
Pension Plan of CFC
CFC provided certain pension benefits for certain eligible retired
employees under a partially funded plan.
Components of the cost CFC recognized related to its pension plan were as
follows (dollars in millions):
2002
----
Interest cost....................................................................... $ .9
Expected return of plan assets...................................................... (1.1)
Settlement loss..................................................................... 2.2
Recognized net actuarial loss....................................................... .6
-----
Net periodic cost............................................................ $ 2.6
=====
Notes Payable, Representing Direct Finance Obligations (Excluding Notes
Payable Related to Securitized Finance Receivables Structured as
Collateralized Borrowings)
During 2002, CFC repurchased $46.9 million par value of its senior
subordinated notes and medium term notes resulting in a gain on the
extinguishment of debt of $6.3 million. In March 2002, CFC completed a tender
offer pursuant to which it purchased $75.8 million par value of its senior
subordinated notes due June 2002. The purchase price was equal to 100 percent of
the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest. The remaining principal
amount outstanding of $58.5 million (including $23.7 million held by Conseco) of
the senior subordinated notes was retired at maturity on June 3, 2002.
In April 2002, CFC completed a tender offer pursuant to which it purchased
$158.5 million par value of its medium term notes due September 2002 and $3.7
million par value of its medium term notes due April 2003. The purchase price
was equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued
interest. In June 2002, CFC tendered for the remaining $8.2 million par value of
its medium term notes due September 2002. Pursuant to the tender offer, $5.5
million par value of the notes was tendered in July. The purchase price was
equal to 101 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest.
The remaining principal amount outstanding of the medium term notes, after
giving effect to both tender offers and other debt repurchases completed prior
to the tender offers of $2.7 million, was retired at maturity on September 26,
2002.
Special Charges
The following table summarizes the special charges incurred by CFC during
2002, which are further described in the paragraphs which follow (dollars in
millions):
Loss related to assets sold to raise cash...................................... $ 97.6
Costs related to debt modification and refinancing transactions................ 39.4
Reduction in value of Lehman warrant........................................... (38.1)
Abandonment of computer processing system...................................... 16.3
Other items.................................................................... 6.7
------
Special charges before income tax benefit.................................. $121.9
======
159
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
Loss related to assets sold to raise cash
CFC completed various asset sales which resulted in net losses of $97.6
million in 2002. Such amounts included the loss of $96.0 million related to the
sales of $463 million of certain finance receivables and $1.6 million of
additional loss related to receivables required to be repurchased from the
purchaser of the vendor services receivables, pursuant to the repurchase clauses
in the agreements.
Costs related to debt modification and refinancing transactions
In conjunction with the various modifications to borrowing arrangements and
refinancing transactions and the recognition of deferred expenses for terminated
financing arrangements, CFC incurred costs of $39.4 million in 2002 which were
not permitted to be deferred pursuant to GAAP.
Reduction in value of Lehman warrant
As partial consideration for a financing transaction, CFC issued a warrant
to Lehman which permitted the holder to purchase 5 percent of CFC at a nominal
price. Lehman and CFC each had the ability to cause the warrant, and any stock
issued upon its exercise, to be purchased for cash at an appraised value in May
2003. Since the warrant permitted cash settlement at fair value at the option of
the holder of the warrant, it was included in other liabilities and was measured
at fair value, with changes in its value reported in earnings. The estimated
fair value of the warrant at December 31, 2002 was nil based on current
valuations of CFC. Accordingly, CFC recorded a $38.1 million reduction in the
value of the warrant during 2002.
Abandonment of computer processing systems
In 2002, CFC incurred a $16.3 million charge for the abandonment of certain
computer processing systems. CFC was abandoning such systems as a result of
recent changes to its business and its decision to no longer originate certain
types of loans.
20. FINANCIAL INFORMATION REGARDING CVIC
In October 2002, Conseco Life Insurance Company of Texas (a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company) completed the sale of CVIC to Inviva, Inc.
("Inviva"). CVIC marketed tax qualified annuities and certain employee
benefit-related insurance products through professional independent agents.
Pursuant to SFAS 144, CVIC is accounted for as a discontinued operation in our
consolidated statement of operations for all periods. The consideration received
from Inviva at closing (subject to adjustment based upon the adjusted statutory
balance sheet of CVIC at September 30, 2002) totaled $83.7 million, of which
$35.0 million was in the form of Series D Preferred Shares (the "Preferred
Shares") issued by Inviva and the remainder was in cash. The purchase price was
finalized in July 2003, which reduced the amount of Preferred Shares received by
$10.5 million. In addition, Conseco Life Insurance Company of Texas received a
dividend of approximately $75 million from CVIC immediately prior to the
closing. We recognized a loss on the sale of $93.1 million. There was no income
tax benefit recognized on the transaction. As part of the CVIC sale, Conseco
agreed that it would not engage in the variable annuity or variable insurance
business for a period of three years after the closing.
The Preferred Shares accrued dividends (in-kind) at an annual rate of 19
percent through October 15, 2003, but no dividends accrued after that date. In
October 2003, $10.0 million of the Preferred Shares were redeemed by Inviva. Our
insurance subsidiary that holds these shares may elect to exchange the Preferred
Shares for non-voting common stock of JNF Holding Company, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Inviva, ("JNF") that now owns all of the stock of CVIC. After the
exchange has occurred, such JNF common stock may be repurchased by JNF at any
time at 115 percent of the stated value of the Preferred Shares plus accrued and
unpaid dividends thereon immediately prior to the exchange.
160
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
--------------------------
The following summarizes selected financial information of CVIC (dollars in
millions):
Year ended
December 31,
2002
----
Insurance policy income.................................................................... $ 30.5
Net investment income...................................................................... (217.3)
Net realized investment losses............................................................. (76.7)
Total revenues............................................................................. (263.3)
Insurance policy benefits.................................................................. (234.7)
Amortization............................................................................... 117.4
Total expenses............................................................................. (102.9)
Pre-tax loss............................................................................... (160.4)
Net loss................................................................................... $(101.6)
Income taxes............................................................................... (58.8)(a)
Loss on sale of CVIC....................................................................... (93.1)
-------
Loss recognized in discontinued operations............................................. $(253.5)
=======
- ---------------
(a) Amount was considered in determining the income tax expense in the
consolidated statement of operations.
161
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Conseco's management,
under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer
and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of Conseco's
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on this
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that, as of December 31, 2004, Conseco's disclosure controls and procedures were
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Conseco in
reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over
financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Conseco's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this
assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework. Based on our assessment we have concluded, as of December 31, 2004,
the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective based on
those criteria.
Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as
stated in their report which is included herein.
Changes to Internal Controls and Procedures for Financial Reporting. There
were no significant changes in Conseco's internal controls over financial
reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2004, that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Conseco's
internal controls over financial reporting.
162
PART III
--------
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Executive Officers
Our executive officers are as follows:
Name Age Position with Conseco
---- --- ---------------------
Eugene M. Bullis............................... 59 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
R. Glenn Hilliard.............................. 62 Executive Chairman
James E. Hohmann............................... 49 Executive Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer
Eric R. Johnson................................ 44 President, 40|86 Advisors, Inc.
William S. Kirsch.............................. 48 Director, President and Chief Executive
Officer
John R. Kline.................................. 47 Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting
Officer
Eugene M. Bullis has been executive vice president and chief financial
officer since November 2002. From 2000 until 2002, Mr. Bullis served as chief
financial officer of Managed Ops.Com, Inc. From 1999 until 2000 he was executive
vice president and chief financial officer of Manufacturers Services, Ltd. and
from 1998 to 1999 he served as senior vice president and chief financial officer
of Physicians Quality Care.
R. Glenn Hilliard became the non-executive chairman of our board of
directors in September 2003 and became executive chairman in August 2004. Mr.
Hilliard has been Chairman and CEO of Hilliard Group, LLC, an investment and
consulting firm, since June 2003. From 1999 until his retirement in April 2003,
Mr. Hilliard served as chairman and CEO of ING Americas. From 1994 to 1999 he
was chairman and CEO of ING North America. Mr. Hilliard is a director of ALEA
Group Holdings (Bermuda), LTD. and Trustee of Nations Funds Trust.
James E. Hohmann has been executive vice president and chief administrative
officer since December 2004. Prior to joining Conseco, Mr. Hohmann served as
President and CEO of XL Life and Annuity from 2001 until December 2004. From
1998 until 2001, he served as president, financial institutions for Zurich
Kemper Life Insurance Company and before that he was the managing partner of the
Tillinghast Life Insurance Practice in Chicago for Towers Perrin.
Eric R. Johnson has been president and chief executive officer of 40|86
Advisors, Inc. (formerly Conseco Capital Management, Inc.), Conseco's
wholly-owned registered investment advisor, since September 2003 and has held
various positions since joining Conseco Capital Management, Inc. in 1997.
William S. Kirsch has been president and chief executive officer and
director since August 2004. From September 2003 until August 2004, he served as
our executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. Mr. Kirsch was with
Kirkland & Ellis LLP from 1981 to 2004.
John R. Kline has been senior vice president and chief accounting officer
since July 2002. Mr. Kline has served in various accounting and finance
capacities with Conseco since 1990.
Messrs. Bullis and Kline served as officers of our Predecessor company,
which filed a bankruptcy petition on December 17, 2002. Mr. Bullis also served
as a director and/or officer of several subsidiaries of our Predecessor that
also filed bankruptcy petitions on December 17, 2002.
163
Directors
Our directors are as follows:
Name Age Position with Conseco
---- --- ---------------------
R. Glenn Hilliard(5) .............................. 62 Executive Chairman
William S. Kirsch(4)(5) ........................... 48 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Debra J. Perry(1)(2)............................... 53 Director
Philip R. Roberts(1)(4) ........................... 63 Director
Neal C. Schneider(1)(4) ........................... 60 Director
Michael S. Shannon(2)(3) .......................... 46 Director
Michael T. Tokarz(2)(3)............................ 55 Director
John G. Turner(1)(3)(5) ........................... 65 Director
- -------------
(1) Member of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee
(2) Member of the Governance and Strategy Committee
(3) Member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee
(4) Member of the Investment Committee
(5) Member of the Executive Committee
Debra J. Perry joined our board of directors in June 2004. From 1992 until
2004, Ms. Perry served in various capacities with Moody's Investors Service,
including senior managing director of global ratings and research. She is also a
director of MBIA Inc.
Philip R. Roberts joined our board of directors in September 2003. Since
2000, Mr. Roberts has been principal of Roberts Ventures L.L.C., consultant for
merger and acquisition and product development for investment management firms.
From 1996 until 2000, Mr. Roberts served as chief investment officer of trust
business for Mellon Financial Corporation and headed its institutional asset
management businesses from 1990 to 1996.
Neal Schneider joined our board of directors in September 2003. Between
June 2002 and June 2003, Mr. Schneider was a partner of Smart and Associates,
LLP, a business advisory and accounting firm. Between August 2000 and June 2002,
he was an independent consultant. Until his retirement in August 2000, Mr.
Schneider spent 34 years with Arthur Andersen & Co., including service as
partner in charge of the Worldwide Insurance Industry Practice and the North
American Financial Service Practice. Mr. Schneider has been Chairman of the
Board of PMA Capital Corporation since November 2002.
Michael S. Shannon joined our board of directors in September 2003. Mr.
Shannon has served as president and chief executive officer of KSL II Management
Operations, LLC, dba KSL Resorts (manager of golf courses and destination
resorts in the U.S.) since 2004. He was co-founder of KSL Recreation Corporation
and from 1992 to 2004 served as its president and chief executive officer. Mr.
Shannon was lead director of ING Americas before joining our board. Mr. Shannon
is also a director of ING Direct.
Michael T. Tokarz joined our board of directors in September 2003. Mr.
Tokarz is the Chairman of MVC Capital, Inc. (a registered investment company).
In addition, he has been a managing member of the Tokarz Group, LLC (venture
capital investments) since 2002. He was a general partner with Kohlberg Kravis
Roberts & Co. from 1985 until he retired in 2002. Mr. Tokarz is also a director
of Walter Industries, Inc., Idex Corporation, Dakota Growers Pasta Companies,
Inc., Vitality Foodservice, Inc., Nexstar Financial Corp., United Fixtures
Company and Stonewater Control Systems, Inc.
John G. Turner joined our board of directors in September 2003. Mr. Turner
has been chairman of Hillcrest Capital Partners, a private equity investment
firm since 2002. Mr. Turner served as chairman and CEO of ReliaStar Financial
Corp. from 1991 until it was acquired by ING in 2000. After the acquisition he
became vice chairman and a member of the executive committee for ING Americas
until his retirement in 2002. Mr. Turner is a director of Hormel Foods
Corporation, Shopko Stores, Inc. and ING Funds.
164
Board of Directors
Our board of directors is currently comprised of eight members, divided
into two classes as follows: Ms. Perry and Messrs. Kirsch, Roberts and Tokarz
are Class I directors, and Messrs. Hilliard, Schneider, Shannon and Turner are
Class II directors. The terms of office of the Class I directors and the Class
II directors expire at our 2005 annual meeting of stockholders at which time
they each will be nominated to serve annual terms. Other than the two-year term
of office of the initial Class II directors, the Class I directors and Class II
directors are identical. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors to
replace those of a class or classes whose terms expire at such annual meeting
will be elected to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting and
until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.
With the exception of Mr. Kirsch and Mr. Hilliard, our board of directors
has determined that all of our directors meet the independence requirements of
the New York Stock Exchange.
Board Committees
Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee. The Audit and Enterprise Risk
Committee's functions, among others, are to appoint the independent
accountants; review the arrangements for and scope of the audit by independent
accountants; review the independence of the independent accountants; consider
the adequacy of the system of internal accounting controls and review any
proposed corrective actions; review and monitor the Company's compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements; and discuss with management and the
independent accountants our annual and quarterly financial statements and key
accounting and/or reporting matters. The audit committee currently consists of
Ms. Perry and Messrs. Schneider, Roberts and Turner, with Mr. Schneider serving
as chairman of the committee and as "audit committee financial expert," as
defined under SEC rules promulgated under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. All current
members of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee are "independent" within the
meaning of the regulations adopted by the SEC and the listing requirements
adopted by the New York Stock Exchange regarding audit committee membership. A
copy of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee's charter is available on our
website at www.conseco.com.
Governance and Strategy Committee. The Governance and Strategy Committee is
responsible for, among other things, establishing criteria for board membership;
considering, recommending and recruiting candidates to fill new positions on the
board; reviewing candidates recommended by shareholders; considering questions
of possible conflicts of interest involving board members, executive officers
and key employees. It is also responsible for developing principles of corporate
governance and recommending them to the board for its approval and adoption,
reviewing periodically these principles of corporate governance to insure that
they remain relevant and are being complied with. The Governance and Strategy
Committee currently consists of Ms. Perry and Messrs. Tokarz and Shannon, with
Mr. Tokarz serving as chairman of the committee. All current members of the
Governance and Strategy Committee are "independent" within the meaning of the
listing requirements adopted by the New York Stock Exchange regarding nominating
committee membership. A copy of the Governance and Strategy Committee's charter
is available on our website at www.conseco.com. The Governance and Strategy
Committee does not have a written policy regarding stockholder nominations for
director candidates. The Governance and Strategy Committee will, however,
consider candidates for director nominees put forward by stockholders. Our
bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to certain matters,
including stockholder nominations for directors, to be brought before a meeting
of stockholders at which directors are to be elected. In the case of an annual
meeting, notice must be received by the Secretary of the Company not less than
60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding
year's annual meeting. In the case of a special meeting of stockholders at which
directors are to be elected, notice of a stockholder nomination must be received
by the Secretary of the Company no later than the close of business on the 10th
day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting
was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting was made. A nomination will not
be considered if it does not comply with these notice procedures and any
additional requirements set forth in our bylaws. Please note that these
requirements are separate from the SEC's requirements to have a stockholder
nomination or other proposal included in our proxy statement.
Human Resources and Compensation Committee. The Human Resources and
Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, approving overall
compensation policy; recommending to the board the compensation of the Chief
Executive Officer and other senior officers; and reviewing and administering our
incentive compensation and equity award plans. The Human Resources and
Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Turner, Tokarz and Shannon,
with Mr. Shannon serving as chairman of the committee. All current members of
the Human Resources and Compensation Committee are "independent" within the
meaning of the listing requirements adopted by the New York Stock Exchange
regarding compensation committee membership. A copy of the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee's charter is available on our website at www.conseco.com.
165
Investment Committee. The Investment Committee is responsible for, among
other things, reviewing investment policies, strategies and programs; reviewing
the procedures which the Company utilizes in determining that funds are invested
in accordance with policies and limits approved by the Investment Committee; and
reviewing the quality and performance of our investment portfolios and the
alignment of asset duration to liabilities. The Investment Committee currently
consists of Messrs. Kirsch, Schneider and Roberts, with Mr. Roberts serving as
chairman of the committee. A copy of the Investment Committee's charter is
available on our website at www.conseco.com.
Executive Committee. Subject to the requirements of applicable law,
including our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Executive Committee
is responsible for exercising, as necessary, the authority of the board of
directors in the management of our business affairs during intervals between
board meetings. The Executive Committee currently consists of Messrs. Hilliard,
Kirsch and Turner, with Mr. Turner serving as chairman of the committee. A copy
of the Executive Committee's charter is available on our website at
www.conseco.com.
Compensation Committee Interlocks
None of the members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee is or
has been an officer or employee of our Company. None of our executive officers
serves, or served during 2004, as a member of the board of directors or
compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers
serving on our board of directors or Human Resources and Compensation Committee.
Director Compensation
Our non-employee directors receive an annual cash retainer of $70,000. The
chairman of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee receives an additional
annual cash fee of $30,000, and directors who serve as chairman of one of our
other board committees receive an additional annual cash fee of $20,000. Each
member of the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee also receives an annual cash
retainer of $15,000. Directors are also entitled to receive $70,000 in annual
equity awards under the Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
Directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
the performance of their responsibilities as directors. See "Executive Chairman
Agreement" below for a description of the compensation paid to our chairman.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Conseco's directors and
executive officers, and each person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10
percent of any class of Conseco's outstanding equity securities, to file with
the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of
common stock and other equity securities of Conseco. Specific due dates for
these reports have been established by the SEC, and Conseco is required to
disclose any failure by such persons to file such reports for fiscal year 2004
by the prescribed dates. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent
beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish Conseco with copies
of all reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
To Conseco's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of reports
furnished to Conseco and written representations that no other reports were
required, all filings required pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
applicable to Conseco's officers, directors and greater than 10 percent
beneficial owners were timely made by each such person during the year ended
December 31, 2004.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all
officers, directors and employees regarding their obligations in the conduct of
the Company's affairs. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is
available free of charge on our website at www.conseco.com.
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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the cash compensation
and certain other compensation paid to each person who served as chief executive
officer and the other five most highly compensated individuals who served as
executive officers of Conseco in 2004 (collectively, the "named executive
officers") for services rendered during 2004.
Long-Term Compensation
Awards
------------------------
Number of
Securities
Annual Compensation Restricted Underlying
---------------------------- Stock Options/SARs All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus(1) Other(2) Awards(3) (in shares)(4) Compensation(5)
- --------------------------- ---- ------ -------- -------- --------- -------------- ---------------
William S. Kirsch (6)(7)............. 2004 $296,923 $2,900,071 $6,480,000 400,000 $ 68
President and Chief Executive
Officer
William J. Shea (8).................. 2004 671,154 307,500 $103,974 1,707,840 296,000 6,252,951
Former President and Chief 2003 1,026,122 2,000,000 13,569,000 500,000 68,379
Executive Officer 2002 774,038 1,100,000 87,625 - - 3,677
Eugene M. Bullis (9)................. 2004 600,000 1,140,073 242,556 - 250,000 774
Executive Vice President and 2003 609,135 2,400,000 5,467,500 - 162,090
Chief Financial Officer 2002 243,590 600,000 - - -
R. Glenn Hilliard (7)(10)............ 2004 1,000,000 1,500,070 4,556,850 255,000 297
Chairman of the Board
James E. Hohmann (7)(11)............. 2004 8,654 600,000 1,940,000 200,000 -
Executive Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer
Eric R. Johnson (7)(12).............. 2004 500,000 925,071 - 150,000 180
President, 40|86 Advisors, Inc. 2003 505,961 1,600,000 1,640,250 - 180
John R. Kline........................ 2004 275,000 404,602 - 100,000 270
Senior Vice President and 2003 275,000 171,875 1,093,500 - 270
Chief Accounting Officer 2002 214,571 1,052,500 - - 6,310
- --------------
(1) Bonus amounts shown for 2003 include payments approved by the Bankruptcy
Court.
(2) Includes for Mr. Shea $92,333 and for Mr. Bullis $242,556, which
represents, in each case, the difference between the amount paid by the
executive for use of the Company's leased airplane in 2004 pursuant to the
IRS stated rate for airplane usage and the estimated cost of such usage to
the Company. The Company terminated its airplane lease in February 2005.
Also includes for Mr. Shea $68,541 relating to his personal use of Company
aircraft in 2002.
(3) The amounts shown in this column represent the value of the award of shares
of restricted stock based on the closing price of the common stock on the
dates of grant. All restricted stock awards in this column to current
executive officers are subject to future vesting and are subject to
forfeiture if the officer's employment is terminated prior to vesting.
(4) No stock appreciation rights have been granted.
(5) For 2004, the amounts reported in this column represent the following
amounts paid for the named executive officers: (i) severance payment (Mr.
Shea, $6,250,000); (ii) individual life insurance premiums (Mr. Shea,
$2,435); and (iii)
167
group life insurance premiums (Mr. Kirsch, $68, Mr. Shea, $516, Mr. Bullis,
$774, Mr. Hilliard, $297; Mr. Johnson, $180 and Mr. Kline, $270).
(6) Mr. Kirsch was elected as President and Chief Executive Officer in August
2004. His bonus for 2004 included a $1,700,000 signing bonus.
(7) No compensation information is reported for years prior to the year in
which the named executive officer became an executive officer of the
Company.
(8) Mr. Shea's employment terminated in August 2004. All of the options and
restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Shea in 2004 were cancelled prior to
vesting. Of the options and restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Shea in
2003, approximately 52% were cancelled prior to vesting.
(9) Mr. Bullis' employment commenced in July 2002.
(10) Mr. Hilliard became an executive officer and an employee in August 2004.
The amounts shown include payments he received for the period from January
- August 2004 when he served as Non-Executive Chairman.
(11) Mr. Hohmann became an executive officer in December 2004.
(12) Mr. Johnson became an executive officer in September 2003.
Executive Chairman Agreement
On June 18, 2003, our Predecessor entered into an agreement with R. Glenn
Hilliard pursuant to which Mr. Hilliard provided consulting services to our
Predecessor during the pendency of the Chapter 11 cases and agreed to serve as
our non-executive chairman for an initial term of four years following our
emergence from bankruptcy. This agreement, which became effective upon our
emergence from bankruptcy, was negotiated with our Predecessor's creditors
committee and was approved by the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the
approval of the Plan. The agreement provided for (i) an annual director's fee of
$1,000,000 for the first two years of the term, and director's fees similar to
those paid to similarly situated non-executive chairmen for the latter two years
of the term; (ii) a signing bonus of 98,119 shares of common stock, which were
issued shortly after our emergence from bankruptcy; (iii) a retention bonus of
$1,500,000, which was paid following the first anniversary of our emergence from
bankruptcy, and (iv) a retention bonus of $750,000, payable following the second
anniversary of our emergence from bankruptcy. Under the agreement, we also
issued Mr. Hilliard options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock and
500,000 shares of restricted stock, all of which are subject to vesting,
pursuant to the Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
In August 2004, Mr. Hilliard was elected Executive Chairman, and he entered
into a revised agreement with Conseco pursuant to which he agreed to serve as
Executive Chairman through September 10, 2005 and for an additional six-month
period after that if mutually agreed by the board and Mr. Hilliard. The
financial terms of Mr. Hilliard's agreement with the Company did not change
materially after he was elected Executive Chairman. The revised agreement
provides for Mr. Hilliard to receive an annual salary of $1,000,000 and to
receive retention bonuses of $1,500,000 in September 2004 and $750,000 in
September 2005, as had been provided in his original agreement. At such time as
he ceases to be Executive Chairman, Mr. Hilliard will again become Non-Executive
Chairman and shall receive director's fees comparable to those paid to similarly
situated non-executive chairs of other corporations as determined by the board.
Mr. Hilliard received an award of 255,000 shares of restricted stock and options
to purchase 255,000 shares of common stock, all of which are subject to vesting.
Under the agreement, Mr. Hilliard is entitled to a gross-up for excise tax
payments under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. If Mr. Hilliard's
service as chairman ends as a result of his death, disability, removal other
than for cause or failure to be re-elected (each a "qualifying termination")
before September 10, 2005, he is entitled to receive the prorated portion of his
second-year retention bonus of $750,000. In addition, upon a qualifying
termination, vesting of previously granted options and restricted stock will
occur as if Mr. Hilliard continued to serve through the next anniversary of our
emergence from bankruptcy following his separation. Mr. Hilliard has agreed not
to commence full-time employment with any other company during the period in
which he is serving as Executive Chairman, and Mr. Hilliard is subject to a
non-solicitation and non-competition clause throughout the term of the agreement
and for one year thereafter.
Employment Agreements
Chief Executive Officer. We have entered into an employment agreement with
William S. Kirsch, effective August 12, 2004, pursuant to which he would serve
as our president and chief executive officer for a term of five years. The
168
agreement provides for an annual base salary of $800,000, an annual
performance-based bonus with a target of 100% of base salary and a maximum of
200 percent of base salary, a signing bonus of $1,700,000 and a minimum bonus
for 2004 equal to 150% of his base salary. Under the agreement, we provided Mr.
Kirsch with an initial equity award comprised of options to purchase 400,000
shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to fair market value on the
date of grant and 400,000 shares of restricted stock, all of which are subject
to vesting, pursuant to the Conseco 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. We
agreed to provide Mr. Kirsch with a life insurance policy with a face amount of
$800,000. If Mr. Kirsch is terminated by the Company without just cause or if he
resigns for good reason (other than in connection with a change of control
termination), he is entitled to receive his target bonus (prorated for the
partial year period ending on the date of termination), a cash payment equal to
two times his annual base salary (subject to reduction if termination occurs
prior to the first anniversary of the effective date of the agreement) and a
cash payment equal to two times his target bonus. Any options or shares of
restricted stock Mr. Kirsch holds on the date of termination shall vest only
through such date according to the normal vesting schedule applicable to such
options or restricted stock, provided that Mr. Kirsch shall receive additional
vesting credit with respect to his initial grant of 400,000 shares of restricted
stock and options to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock as if he had
remained employed by the Company until the next succeeding anniversary of the
date of grant, with the restricted stock being deemed to vest on the same dates
as are applicable to the options. If Mr. Kirsch is terminated by the Company
(other than for just cause) or if he resigns with good reason within six months
in anticipation of or within two years following a change of control of the
Company, he is entitled to receive his target bonus (prorated for the partial
year period ending on the date of termination), a cash payment equal to three
times his annual base salary and a cash payment equal to three times his target
bonus. In addition, the initial grant of options and restricted stock granted
under the agreement shall fully vest in connection with the change of control
or, if later, the date of termination. Under the agreement, Mr. Kirsch is
entitled to a gross-up for excise tax payments under Section 280G of the
internal revenue code. Mr. Kirsch is also subject to a one-year non-solicitation
and non-competition period after his employment with the Company has ended. In
the agreement, we recognized that the agreement was an interim agreement and
agreed to conduct good-faith negotiations to replace the agreement by the spring
of 2005, with a goal of adjusting Mr. Kirsch's compensation and other employment
terms to make them competitive with those applicable to chief executive officers
of companies of like size and type.
Former Chief Executive Officer. On May 27, 2003, our Predecessor entered
into an employment agreement with William J. Shea pursuant to which he would
serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of three
years. This agreement, which became effective upon our emergence from
bankruptcy, was negotiated with our Predecessor's creditors committee and was
approved by the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the approval of the Plan.
The agreement provided for an annual base salary of $1,000,000, an annual
performance-based bonus with a target of 100% of base salary, and an emergence
bonus of $1,000,000, which was paid shortly after our emergence from bankruptcy.
Under the agreement, we issued Mr. Shea options to purchase 500,000 shares of
common stock and 500,000 shares of restricted stock, all of which were subject
to vesting, pursuant to the Conseco 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. The
agreement also provided that Mr. Shea will receive a retirement benefit of
$500,000 per year. Mr. Shea's retirement benefit is guaranteed by our
subsidiaries, Conseco Services LLC and Conseco Life Insurance Company of Texas.
The agreement also provided that if Mr. Shea was terminated by Conseco without
just cause, he would be entitled to a payment of $6,250,000 and a pro rata
portion of the greater of (i) his annual bonus for the year in which the
separation occurs or (ii) $500,000. Mr. Shea is subject to a non-competition
clause under the agreement until August 2005.
Chief Financial Officer. We have entered into an employment agreement,
effective September 10, 2003, with Eugene M. Bullis pursuant to which he would
serve as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for a term of
three years. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $600,000, an
annual performance-based bonus with a target of 100% of base salary and an
emergence bonus of $1,200,000, which was paid shortly after our emergence from
bankruptcy. Mr. Bullis is also entitled to a future success bonus of $1,200,000
to be paid on the third anniversary of the agreement, subject to acceleration
triggers under which one-third of the $1,200,000 future success bonus would be
paid upon the occurrence of each of: (i) the first refinancing of our Class A
Preferred Stock and Senior Credit Facility, (ii) our obtaining a financial
strength rating from A.M. Best of "A-" or higher, and (iii) achievement of
agreed upon expense reductions. Mr. Bullis has earned acceleration of $600,000
of the $1,200,000 future success bonus thus far. Under the agreement, we
provided Mr. Bullis with an initial equity award comprised of options to
purchase 250,000 shares of common stock and 250,000 shares of restricted stock,
all of which are subject to vesting, pursuant to the Conseco 2003 Long-Term
Equity Incentive Plan. The agreement also provides that Mr. Bullis will receive
a supplemental retirement benefit of $250,000 per year, one-third of which will
vest each anniversary of the agreement. We have provided Mr. Bullis a life
insurance policy with a face amount of $600,000 and agreed to cover the cost of
certain relocation expenses. If Mr. Bullis is terminated by the Company without
just cause, the unpaid amount of his supplemental retirement benefit will vest
and any unpaid portion of the $1,200,000 future success bonus will become due
and payable. In addition, vesting of previously granted options and restricted
stock will occur as if Mr. Bullis were employed through the next anniversary of
our emergence from bankruptcy following his separation. In the event of a change
of control of the Company, all previously granted options and restricted stock
will vest. In the event that Mr. Bullis' employment is terminated 6 months prior
to or within 2 years after a change of
169
control, the unvested amount of his supplemental retirement benefit will vest
and any unpaid portion of the $1,200,000 future success bonus will become due
and payable. In addition, if Mr. Bullis' employment is terminated 6 months prior
to a change of control, all of his unvested options and restricted stock will
vest, retroactive to the date of termination, upon the occurrence of the change
of control. Mr. Bullis is subject to a non-competition clause under the
agreement in the event his service with Conseco terminates prior to the end of
the term.
Chief Administrative Officer. Effective November 29, 2004, we entered into
an employment agreement with James E. Hohmann, pursuant to which he would serve
as our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for an initial
term ending December 31, 2008, subject to automatic renewals for successive
one-year terms unless we or Mr. Hohmann provide written notice of non-renewal at
least 90 days prior to the commencement of a renewal term. The agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $450,000, an annual performance-based
bonus with a target of 100 percent of base salary and a maximum of 200 percent
of base salary (with a minimum bonus of $450,000 for 2005) and bonuses
aggregating $600,000 that were paid in December 2004 and January 2005. Under the
agreement, we provided Mr. Hohmann with an initial equity award comprised of
options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price equal
to the fair market value on the date of grant and 100,000 shares of restricted
stock, all of which are subject to vesting, pursuant to the Conseco 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. In the event of a change of control of the
Company, all unvested options and shares of restricted stock held by Mr. Hohmann
will vest. We also agreed to reimburse Mr. Hohmann for up to $5,000 per year for
premiums on term life insurance policies in effect on his life, in lieu of any
other life insurance benefit. If Mr. Hohmann is terminated by the Company
without just cause or if he resigns with reason, he is entitled to receive his
base salary plus target bonus (in the form of salary continuation on a pro rata
basis) for the 12-month period following his termination and a lump sum payment
equal to the pro rata portion of his target bonus for the year in which the date
of termination occurs. Any options or shares of restricted stock Mr. Hohmann
holds on the date of termination shall vest only through such date according to
the normal vesting schedule applicable to such options or restricted stock,
provided that Mr. Hohmann shall receive additional vesting credit with respect
to his initial grant of options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock as if
he had remained employed by the Company until the next succeeding anniversary of
the date of grant and if Mr. Hohmann is not vested in any portion of such grant,
25,000 shares of his initial restricted stock grant shall vest. If Mr. Hohmann
is terminated by the Company for any reason within six months in anticipation of
or within two years following a change of control of the Company, he is entitled
to receive his base salary and target bonus (in the form of salary continuation
on a pro rata basis) for the 24-month period following his termination and a
lump sum payment equal to the pro rata portion of his target bonus for the year
in which the date of termination occurs. To the extent Mr. Hohmann is terminated
in anticipation of a change of control, any options or shares of restricted
stock he holds shall fully vest, retroactive to the date of termination, upon
the occurrence of the change of control. Mr. Hohmann is subject to a two-year
non-solicitation period and one-year non-competition period after his employment
with the Company has ended.
Chief Accounting Officer. Effective July 15, 2004, we entered into an
employment agreement with John R. Kline pursuant to which he would serve as our
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for a term of three years.
The agreement provides for an annual salary of at least $275,000 and an annual
performance-based bonus with a target of 75% of base salary. Under the
agreement, we provided Mr. Kline with an initial equity award comprised of
options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock and 50,000 shares of
restricted stock, all of which are subject to vesting, pursuant to the Conseco
2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. In the event of a change of control of the
Company, all previously granted options and restricted stock will vest. We also
agreed to provide Mr. Kline with a life insurance policy with a face amount of
$275,000. If Mr. Kline is terminated by the Company without just cause, he is
entitled to receive his base salary and target bonus (in the form of salary
continuation on a pro rata basis) for the 12-month period following his
termination and a lump sum payment equal to the pro rata portion of his target
bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs. Any options or
shares of restricted stock Mr. Kline holds on the date of termination shall vest
only through such date according to the normal vesting schedule applicable to
such options or restricted stock, and Mr. Kline shall not receive any
accelerated or additional vesting of such options or restricted stock on or
after the date of termination. If Mr. Kline is terminated by the Company for any
reason within six months in anticipation of or within two years following a
change of control of the Company, he is entitled to receive his base salary and
target bonus (in the form of salary continuation on a pro rata basis) for the
12-month period following his termination and a lump sum payment equal to the
pro rata portion of his target bonus for the year in which the date of
termination occurs. To the extent Mr. Kline is terminated in anticipation of a
change of control, any options or shares of restricted stock he holds shall
fully vest, retroactive to the date of termination, upon the occurrence of the
change of control.
President, 40|86 Advisors, Inc. 40|86 Advisors, Inc., a wholly-owned
investment management subsidiary of Conseco, Inc. that manages the investment
portfolios of our insurance subsidiaries, has entered into an employment
agreement, effective September 10, 2003, with Eric R. Johnson pursuant to which
he would serve as 40|86 Advisors' President for a term of three years. The
agreement provides for an annual base salary of $500,000, an annual
performance-based bonus with a target of 100% of base salary and a bonus of
$950,000 that was paid in January 2004. Mr. Johnson is also entitled to a future
170
success bonus of $950,000 to be paid on the third anniversary of the agreement,
subject to acceleration triggers under which one-third of the $950,000 future
success bonus would be paid upon the occurrence of each of: (i) the first
refinancing of our Class A Preferred Stock and Senior Credit Facility, (ii) our
obtaining a financial strength rating from A.M. Best of "A-" or higher, and
(iii) the achievement of mutually agreed-upon improvements in investment return
and quality. Mr. Johnson has earned acceleration of $475,000 of the $950,000
future success bonus thus far. Under the agreement, we provided Mr. Johnson with
an initial equity award comprised of options to purchase 150,000 shares of
common stock and 75,000 shares of restricted stock, all of which are subject to
vesting, pursuant to the Conseco 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan. We also
agreed to provide Mr. Johnson a life insurance policy with a face amount of
$500,000. If Mr. Johnson is terminated by 40|86 Advisors without just cause, any
unvested portion of the $950,000 future success bonus will become due and
payable. In the event of a change of control of the Company, all previously
granted options and restricted stock will vest. In the event that Mr. Johnson's
employment is terminated 6 months prior to or within 2 years after a change of
control, any unvested portion of the $950,000 future success bonus will become
due and payable. In addition, if Mr. Johnson's employment is terminated 6 months
prior to a change of control, all of his unvested options and restricted stock
will vest, retroactive to the date of termination, upon the occurrence of the
change of control. Mr. Johnson is subject to a non-competition clause under the
agreement in the event his service with 40|86 Advisors terminates prior to the
end of the term.
171
Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
Overview. As of the effective date of the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court,
pursuant to the confirmation order approving the Plan, approved, and our board
of directors adopted, the Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
The purpose of the plan is to promote our long-term growth and profitability by
providing selected directors, officers and employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries, as well as other persons who provide services to us, with
incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our
success, and enable us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons
for positions of responsibility.
Types of awards. The plan provides for the grant of stock options and
restricted stock to eligible participants.
Eligibility. Directors, officers and employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries, as well as other individuals performing significant services for
us, or to whom we have extended an offer of employment, will be eligible to
receive awards under the plan. In each case, the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee of the board of directors will select the actual
participants and determine the amounts and terms of their awards.
Share reserve/limitations. 10,000,000 shares of our common stock are
available for issuance under the plan. Of these 10,000,000 shares, only
3,333,333 may be granted in the form of restricted stock.
Administration. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of our board
of directors administers the plan. Our board of directors also has the authority
to administer the plan and to take all actions that the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee is otherwise authorized to take under the plan.
Terms of Awards. The exercise price of an option issued under the plan may
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date
the option is granted. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee
determines, in connection with each grant under the plan, when options become
exercisable and when they expire. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee
also determines the vesting periods of restricted stock granted under the plan.
Change in Control. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee may
provide, in award agreements, for appropriate adjustments to option and
restricted stock awards, including the acceleration of vesting, if a change in
control of the Company occurs.
Amendment and Termination. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee
or our board of directors may amend or terminate the plan at any time, as long
as the amendment or termination does not negatively affect any options or
restricted stock that have been previously granted under the plan without the
consent of the holders, but cannot increase the number of shares available for
issuance under the plan, materially modify the requirements for eligibility
under the plan, or materially increase the benefits to participants under the
plan without the approval of stockholders. Unless earlier terminated, the plan
will terminate on September 10, 2013.
172
Stock Options
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the exercise
in 2004 of options to purchase common stock by the named executive officers and
the unexercised options to purchase common stock held by such individuals as of
December 31, 2004.
Aggregated Option Exercises in 2004 and Year-End Option Values
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Options (in shares) at In-the-Money Options at
Number of December 31, 2004 December 31, 2004(1)
Shares Acquired Value --------------------------- ------------------------------
Name on Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
William S. Kirsch............. - - - 400,000 - $1,500,000
William J. Shea............... 240,753 $445,393 - - - -
Eugene M. Bullis.............. - - 62,500 187,500 - -
R. Glenn Hilliard............. - - 166,666 588,334 $56,666 643,734
James E. Hohmann.............. - - - 200,000 - 110,000
Eric R. Johnson............... - - 37,500 112,500 - -
John R. Kline................. - - 25,000 75,000 - -
- -----------------
(1) The value is calculated based on the aggregate amount of the excess (if
any) of $19.95 (the last sale prices of the common stock as reported by the
New York Stock Exchange for the last business day of 2004) over the
relevant exercise prices.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning options to
purchase common stock granted in 2004 to the named executive officers. Except as
noted, the exercise price of the options shown in the table was equal to the
closing sales price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the
date of grant.
Option Grants in 2004
Individual Grants
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of
% of Total Stock Price Appreciation for
Number of Options Granted Per Share Options Term
Securities Underlying to Employees in Exercise Expiration ---------------------------
Name Options Granted 2004 Price Date 5% 10%
- ---- -------------------- ---------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
William S. Kirsch (1)........ 400,000 11.4% $16.20 8/17/14 $4,075,237 $10,327,451
William J. Shea.............. 200,000 5.7 21.00 (2) - -
96,000 2.7 17.79 (2) - -
Eugene M. Bullis(3).......... 250,000 7.1 21.00 6/1/14 2,422,094 6,966,527
R. Glenn Hilliard(4)......... 255,000 7.3 17.87 9/17/14 2,865,778 7,262,445
James E. Hohmann(5).......... 200,000 5.7 19.40 12/20/14 2,440,111 6,183,721
Eric R. Johnson(3)........... 150,000 4.3 21.00 6/1/14 1,453,256 4,179,916
John R. Kline(3)............. 100,000 2.9 21.00 6/1/14 968,837 2,786,611
- ------------
(1) These are non-qualified stock options which vest in four equal annual
installments beginning August 12, 2005.
(2) These options were cancelled as a result of the termination of Mr. Shea's
employment.
(3) These are non-qualified stock options which vest in four equal annual
installments beginning October 28, 2004. The last sales price of the common
stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant was $18.84.
(4) These are non-qualified stock options which vest in three equal annual
installments beginning September 10, 2005.
(5) These are non-qualified stock options which vest in four equal annual
installments beginning December 20, 2005.
173
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 1, 2005 by each person
known to us who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our
common stock, each of our directors, each of our named executive officers and
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Title Shares
of Beneficially Owned
Class Name and Address Number Percentage
----- ---------------- ------ ----------
Common stock Massachusetts Financial Services Company (1). .................... 9,672,070 6.4%
Common stock Lord, Abbett & Co., LLC(2)....................................... 9,093,975 6.0
Common stock UBS AG (3) ...................................................... 8,261,801 5.3
Common stock FMR Corp. (4)..................................................... 7,724,616 5.1
Common stock R. Glenn Hilliard (5)............................................. 853,119 *
Common stock William S. Kirsch................................................. 400,000 *
Common stock Neal C. Schneider................................................. 7,543 *
Common stock Debra J. Perry.................................................... 4,017 *
Common stock Philip R. Roberts................................................. 7,543 *
Common stock John G. Turner.................................................... 8,543 *
Common stock Michael T. Tokarz ................................................ 7,543 *
Common stock Michael S. Shannon ............................................... 17,543 *
Preferred stock, Class B 8,000 *
Common stock Eugene M. Bullis.................................................. 250,000 *
Common stock James E. Hohmann.................................................. 100,000 *
Common stock Eric R. Johnson................................................... 75,000 *
Common stock John R. Kline .................................................... 50,000 *
Common stock All directors and executive officers as a group
(12 persons) (6)............................................... 1,780,851 1.2
- --------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2005 by
Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Includes 336,840 shares resulting
from the assumed conversion of shares of our Class B convertible preferred
stock. The business address for Massachusetts Financial Services Company is
500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.
(2) Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2005 by
Lord Abbett & Co., LLC. The business address for Lord Abbett & Co., LLC is
90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
(3) Based solely on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on October 27, 2004 by
UBS AG. The business address for UBS AG is 299 Park Avenue, New York, NY
10171.
(4) Based solely on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
February 14, 2004 by FMR Corp. on behalf of a group. Includes 905,916
shares resulting from the assumed conversion of shares of our class B
convertible preferred stock. The Schedule 13G states that FMR Corp.
beneficially owns 7,724,616 shares of our common stock, of which it has
sole voting power with respect to 7,300 shares and sole dispositive power
with respect to all the shares. As described in the Schedule 13G, various
other persons, including Edward C. Johnson 3d, Abigail P. Johnson and
Fidelity Management & Research Company, among others, have sole voting
and/or dispositive power over varying amounts of our common stock. The
business address for FMR Corp. is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109.
(5) Includes 98,119 shares held by a charitable foundation, of which Mr.
Hilliard is a trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(6) Includes 1,484,101 shares of restricted stock held by directors and
executive officers which has not yet vested.
174
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2004,
relating to our common stock that may be issued under the Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
Number of securities
remaining available for
Number of securities Weighted-average future issuance under
to be issued upon exercise exercise price of equity compensation
of outstanding options, outstanding options, plans (excluding securities
warrants or rights warrants or rights reflected in first column)
------------------ ------------------ --------------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders...... 3,447,900 $19.82 4,319,862
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders...... - - -
--------- ------ ---------
Total................................. 3,447,900 $19.82 4,319,862
========= ====== =========
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Aggregate fees billed to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were as follows (dollars in millions):
Years ended
December 31,
-------------
2004 2003
---- ----
Audit fees (a)........................................................ $5.1 $5.0
Audit-related fees (b)................................................ .9 .3
Tax fees (c).......................................................... .2 2.2
All other fees (d).................................................... - .1
---- ----
Total.............................................................. $6.2 $7.6
==== ====
- --------------------
(a) Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of
Conseco's consolidated financial statements, statutory and subsidiary
audits, issuance of comfort letters, consents, and assistance with review
of documents filed with the SEC.
(b) Audit-related fees primarily include services provided for advisory
services for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, employee benefit plan audits, and
other assurance related services.
(c) Tax fees primarily include services provided for tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning.
(d) Other fees relate to software licensing fees.
The Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee has adopted a policy requiring
pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the
independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related
services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee of the
Predecessor adopted a policy for pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit
services provided by the independent auditors in December 2002.
In 2003 and 2004, all new engagements of the independent registered public
accounting firm were pre-approved by the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committee for
all audit, audit-related, tax and other services.
175
PART IV
-------
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) 1. Financial Statements. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
on page 80 for a list of financial statements included in this Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules. The following financial statement
schedules are included as part of this Report immediately following
the signature page:
Schedule II -- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent
Company)
Schedule IV -- Reinsurance
All other schedules are omitted, either because they are not applicable,
not required, or because the information they contain is included elsewhere in
the consolidated financial statements or notes.
3. Exhibits. See Exhibit Index immediately preceding the Exhibits filed
with this report.
176
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 15th day of March, 2005.
CONSECO, INC.
By: /s/ William S. Kirsch
----------------------
William S. Kirsch
President and Chief Executive Officer
177
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
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature Title (Capacity) Date
- --------- ---------------- ----
/s / WILLIAM S. KIRSCH President, Chief Executive Officer March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------ and Director
William S. Kirsch (Principal Executive Officer)
/s / EUGENE M. BULLIS Executive Vice President March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------ and Chief Financial Officer
Eugene M. Bullis (Principal Financial Officer)
/s / JOHN R. KLINE Senior Vice President March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------ and Chief Accounting Officer
John R. Kline (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s / R. GLENN HILLIARD Chairman of the Board March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
R. Glenn Hilliard
/s / NEAL SCHNEIDER Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
Neal Schneider
/s / PHILIP R. ROBERTS Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
Philip R. Roberts
/s / JOHN G. TURNER Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
John G. Turner
/s / MICHAEL T. TOKARZ Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
Michael T. Tokarz
/s / MICHAEL S. SHANNON Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
Michael S. Shannon
/s / DEBRA J. PERRY Director March 15, 2005
- ------------------------------------
Debra J. Perry
178
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm on Financial Statement Schedules
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Conseco, Inc.:
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management's assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Conseco, Inc. and
subsidiaries (Successor Company) referred to in our report dated March 15, 2005
appearing under Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included an audit of the financial
statement schedules at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and for the period from September 1, 2003 through December 31,
2003 listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial
statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information
set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated
financial statements.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division
confirmed the Company's Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan")
on September 9, 2003. The provisions of the Plan are described in detail in Note
1. The Plan was substantially consummated on September 10, 2003 and the Company
emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the
Company adopted fresh start accounting as of August 31, 2003.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 15, 2005
179
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Financial Statement Schedules
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Conseco, Inc.:
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Conseco, Inc. and
subsidiaries (Predecessor Company) referred to in our report dated March 10,
2004 appearing under Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included an audit of the
financial statement schedules for the period from January 1, 2003 through August
31, 2003 and for the year ended December 31, 2002 listed in Item 15(a)(2) of
this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
filed a petition on December 17, 2002 with the United States Bankruptcy Court
for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division for reorganization under
the provisions of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Company's Sixth Amended
Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") was substantially consummated on
September 10, 2003 and the Company emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with
its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company adopted fresh start accounting.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 10, 2004
180
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company)
Balance Sheet
(Dollars in millions)
ASSETS
Successor
-----------------------------
December 31, December 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Cash and cash equivalents:
Unrestricted.......................................................................... $ 27.8 $ 11.1
Restricted............................................................................ 3.9 17.3
Other invested assets..................................................................... .1 .1
Investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)..................... 4,826.4 4,150.2
Receivable from subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)................................ - .6
Income tax assets......................................................................... 59.4 1.7
Other assets.............................................................................. 57.8 67.0
-------- --------
Total assets.................................................................... $4,975.4 $4,248.0
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Notes payable......................................................................... $ 758.9 $1,300.0
Payable to subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)................................. 251.9 45.4
Other liabilities..................................................................... 62.4 85.0
-------- --------
Total liabilities............................................................... 1,073.2 1,430.4
-------- --------
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock....................................................................... 667.8 887.5
Common stock and additional paid-in capital ($.01 par value, 8,000,000,000
shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding: 2004 - 151,057,863;
2003 - 100,115,772) ............................................................... 2,599.3 1,642.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income................................................ 337.3 218.7
Retained earnings..................................................................... 297.8 68.5
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity...................................................... 3,902.2 2,817.6
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity...................................... $4,975.4 $4,248.0
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed financial information.
181
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company)
Statement of Operations
(Dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
--------------------------- -------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Net investment income.......................................... $ .2 $ .1 $ 3.7 $ 2.4
Fee and interest income from subsidiaries (eliminated in
consolidation)............................................... - - .2 27.2
Net investment losses.......................................... - - (1.9) -
Other income................................................... - 5.6 .2 1.5
------- ------ -------- --------
Total revenues............................................. .2 5.7 2.2 31.1
------- ------ -------- --------
Expenses:
Interest expense on notes payable (contractual interest: $268.5
for the eight months ended August 31, 2003; and $345.3
for 2002).................................................... 71.4 34.3 194.0 325.3
Provision for loss............................................. - - 15.9 147.2
Intercompany expenses (eliminated in consolidation)............ 1.3 .1 6.7 1.2
Operating costs and expenses................................... 48.2 14.6 (5.6) 94.1
Special charges................................................ - - - 25.7
Gain on extinguishment of debt................................. (2.8) - - (1.8)
Reorganization items, net...................................... - - (2,133.8) 14.4
------- ------ -------- --------
Total expenses............................................. 118.1 49.0 (1,922.8) 606.1
------- ------ -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in undistributed
earnings of subsidiaries, distributions on company-obligated
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change........................................ (117.9) (43.3) 1,925.0 (575.0)
Income tax expense (benefit):
Tax expense (benefit) on period income......................... (36.1) (6.1) 8.5 (108.2)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.................... - - - 753.9
------- ------ -------- --------
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of
subsidiaries, distributions on Company-obligated
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change........................................ (81.8) (37.2) 1,916.5 (1,220.7)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries before discontinued
operations, and cumulative effect of accounting change
(eliminated in consolidation).................................. 376.6 133.5 269.2 (1,275.8)
------- ------ -------- --------
Income (loss) before distributions on Company-obligated
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts, discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
accounting change........................................ 294.8 96.3 2,185.7 (2,496.5)
Distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts (contractual
distributions for 2002 of $179.8).............................. - - - 173.2
------- ------ -------- -------
Income (loss) before discontinued operations,
and cumulative effect of accounting change............... 294.8 96.3 2,185.7 (2,669.7)
Discontinued operations of subsidiaries, net of income taxes...... - - 16.0 (2,216.8)
Cumulative effect of accounting change of subsidiaries, net
of income taxes................................................ - - - (2,949.2)
------- ------ -------- --------
Net income (loss).......................................... 294.8 96.3 2,201.7 (7,835.7)
Preferred stock dividends (contractual distributions for 2002
of $2.1)....................................................... 65.5 27.8 - 2.1
------- ------ -------- --------
Income (loss) applicable to common stock................... $ 229.3 $ 68.5 $2,201.7 $(7,837.8)
======= ====== ======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed financial information.
182
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company)
Statement of Cash Flows
(Dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
--------------------------- ------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Cash flows used by operating activities.......................... $ (128.9) $ (8.9) $(8.1) $ (188.9)
--------- ------- ----- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales and maturities of investments........................... - - - 16.0
Investments and advances to consolidated subsidiaries*........ (110.2) - (3.5) (121.3)
Purchases of investments...................................... - - - (56.7)
Change in restricted cash..................................... 13.4 (17.3) - -
Payments from subsidiaries*................................... - .8 5.5 414.0
--------- ------- ----- --------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities........ (96.8) (16.5) 2.0 252.0
--------- ------- ----- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of notes payable, net................................ 790.2 - - -
Issuance of preferred stock, net.............................. 667.8 - - -
Issuance of common stock, net................................. 882.2 - - -
Payments on notes payable..................................... (1,332.0) - - (75.5)
Redemption of preferred stock................................. (928.9) - - -
Issuance of notes payable to affiliates*...................... 298.0 27.0 - -
Payments on notes payable to affiliates*...................... (112.0) - - -
Dividends paid on preferred stock............................. (19.3) - - -
Dividends to subsidiaries*.................................... - - - (36.0)
Dividends and distributions on Company-obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts........ - - - (86.2)
Other......................................................... (3.6) - - -
--------- ------- ----- --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities........ 242.4 27.0 - (197.7)
--------- ------- ----- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.... 16.7 1.6 (6.1) (134.6)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period............ 11.1 9.5 15.6 150.2
--------- ------- ----- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period.................. $ 27.8 $ 11.1 $ 9.5 $ 15.6
========= ======= ===== ========
* Eliminated in consolidation
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed financial information.
183
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
Notes to Condensed Financial Information
1. Basis of Presentation
The condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of Conseco, Inc. The condensed financial
information includes the accounts and activity of the parent company.
184
CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV
Reinsurance
(Dollars in millions)
Successor Predecessor
--------------------- ------------
December 31,
--------------------- December 31,
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
Life insurance inforce:
Direct............................................. $75,343.7 $85,830.2 $ 94,098.3
Assumed............................................ 1,164.1 1,753.8 3,380.7
Ceded ............................................. (20,067.1) (23,431.2) (26,368.9)
--------- ---------- ----------
Net insurance inforce........................ $56,440.7 $64,152.8 $ 71,110.1
========= ========= ==========
Percentage of assumed to net................. 2.1% 2.7% 4.8%
=== === ===
Successor Predecessor
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Year Four months Eight months Year
ended ended ended ended
December 31, December 31, August 31, December 31,
2004 2003 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Insurance policy income:
Direct........................................... $2,753.5 $ 934.3 $2,011.4 $ 3,287.8
Assumed.......................................... 70.2 31.9 57.3 78.7
Ceded............................................ (255.2) (92.1) (196.4) (327.8)
-------- --------- -------- ---------
Net premiums................................. $2,568.5 $ 874.1 $1,872.3 $ 3,038.7
======== ========= ======== =========
Percentage of assumed to net................. 2.7% 3.6% 3.1% 2.6%
=== === === ===
185
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No. Description
--- -----------
2.1 Sixth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Conseco, Inc. and
affiliated Debtors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2003.
2.2 Order Confirming Reorganizing Debtors' Sixth Amended Joint Plan of
Reorganization, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2003.
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Conseco, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form
8-K filed September 15, 2003.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Conseco, Inc. dated as of August 24,
2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on
Form 8-K filed August 26, 2004.
4.2 Series A Warrant Agreement between Conseco, Inc. and Wachovia Bank,
N.A., as Warrant Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2003.
4.3 Certificate of Designations relating to 5.50% Mandatorily Convertible
Preferred Stock, Class B, of Conseco, Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2004.
10.1 Credit Agreement dated as of June 22, 2004 among Conseco, Inc., Bank of
America, N.A., as Agent, and other financial institutions, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
June 23, 2004.
10.4 Guarantee and Security Agreement dated as of June 22, 2004 among
Conseco, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors Party Thereto and Bank of
America, N.A., as Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of
our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 23, 2004.
10.7 Employment Agreement dated as of May 27, 2003 between Conseco, Inc. and
William J. Shea, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
10.8 Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 between Conseco, Inc. and R. Glenn
Hilliard, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2004.
10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of August 12, 2004 between Conseco, Inc.
and William S. Kirsch, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2004.
10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003 between Conseco,
Inc. and Eugene M. Bullis, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of
our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed January 29, 2004 (No.
333-112312).
10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of July 15, 2004 between Conseco Services,
LLC and John R. Kline, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
10.12 Employment Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003 between 40|86
Advisors, Inc. and Eric R. Johnson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed January 29, 2004
(No. 333-112312).
10.13 Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 of our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No.
333-108835).
10.14 Form of executive stock option agreement under Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
10.15 Form of executive restricted stock agreement under Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
10.16 Form of Indemnification Agreement among Conseco, Inc., CDOC, Inc.,
Conseco Services, LLC and each director of Conseco, Inc., incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Amendment No. 3 to our Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-112312).
10.17 Form of Limited Undertaking among Conseco Life Insurance Company of
Texas, Conseco, Inc. and each director of Conseco, Inc., incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Amendment No. 3 to our Registration
Statement of Form S-1 (No. 333-112312).
10.18 Closing Agreement on Final Determination Covering Specific Matters,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of our Current Report on Form
8-K filed September 14, 2004.
10.19 Employment Agreement dated as of November 29, 2004 between Conseco, Inc.
and James E. Hohmann, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2004.
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, Preferred Dividends
and Distributions on Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred
Securities of Subsidiary Trusts.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
31.1 Certification Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rule
13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
COMPENSATION PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS
10.7 Employment Agreement dated as of May 27, 2003 between Conseco, Inc. and
William J. Shea, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
10.8 Agreement dated as of August 20, 2004 between Conseco, Inc. and R. Glenn
Hilliard, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2004.
10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of August 12, 2004 between Conseco, Inc.
and William S. Kirsch, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2004.
10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003 between Conseco,
Inc. and Eugene M. Bullis, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of
our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed January 29, 2004 (No.
333-112312).
10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of July 15, 2004 between Conseco Services,
LLC and John R. Kline, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
10.12 Employment Agreement dated as of September 10, 2003 between 40|86
Advisors, Inc. and Eric R. Johnson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed January 29, 2004
(No. 333-112312).
10.13 Conseco, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4 of our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No.
333-108835).
10.14 Form of executive stock option agreement under Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
10.15 Form of executive restricted stock agreement under Conseco, Inc. 2003
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
10.19 Employment Agreement dated as of November 29, 2004 between Conseco, Inc.
and James E. Hohmann, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2004.