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EX-32.A - EXHIBIT 32.A - KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COkcli-ex32a_20150930x10q.htm
EX-31.B - EXHIBIT 31.B - KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COkcli-ex31b_20150930x10q.htm
EX-31.A - EXHIBIT 31.A - KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COkcli-ex31a_20150930x10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015 or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                          to                         
Commission file number 1-33348
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Missouri
44-0308260
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
3520 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
64111-2565
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
816-753-7000
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x
No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x
No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o
No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock: $1.25 par
 
10,608,899 shares
 
 
 
Class
 
Outstanding September 30, 2015



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2


Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Amounts in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value
$
2,697,443

 
$
2,726,731

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value
24,758

 
24,881

Mortgage loans
568,952

 
541,180

Real estate
163,030

 
181,082

Policy loans
81,748

 
83,553

Short-term investments
23,071

 
39,107

Other investments
265

 
462

Total investments
3,559,267

 
3,596,996

 
 
 
 
Cash
9,699

 
11,011

Accrued investment income
35,775

 
33,078

Deferred acquisition costs
262,805

 
249,195

Reinsurance recoverables
200,498

 
194,425

Property and equipment
16,722

 
17,527

Other assets
53,670

 
63,134

Separate account assets
364,621

 
406,501

Total assets
$
4,503,057

 
$
4,571,867

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
930,478

 
$
930,761

Policyholder account balances
2,060,954

 
2,072,041

Policy and contract claims
46,405

 
37,452

Other policyholder funds
173,229

 
165,062

Other liabilities
197,530

 
217,291

Separate account liabilities
364,621

 
406,501

Total liabilities
3,773,217

 
3,829,108

 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share
 
 
 
Authorized 36,000,000 shares, issued 18,496,680 shares
23,121

 
23,121

Additional paid in capital
41,025

 
41,007

Retained earnings
852,941

 
838,508

Accumulated other comprehensive income
5,554

 
23,040

Treasury stock, at cost (2015 - 7,887,781 shares; 2014 - 7,671,475 shares)
(192,801
)
 
(182,917
)
Total stockholders’ equity
729,840

 
742,759

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
4,503,057

 
$
4,571,867

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
39,378

 
$
42,480

 
$
120,196

 
$
125,601

Contract charges
28,632

 
29,541

 
83,467

 
89,173

Total insurance revenues
68,010

 
72,021

 
203,663

 
214,774

Investment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
38,277

 
40,608

 
118,175

 
122,650

Net realized investment gains, excluding
other-than-temporary impairment losses
4,475

 
981

 
6,724

 
3,430

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(419
)
 
(765
)
 
(2,189
)
 
(1,221
)
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
other comprehensive income (loss)
(9
)
 
433

 
(171
)
 
620

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
recognized in earnings
(428
)
 
(332
)
 
(2,360
)
 
(601
)
Total investment revenues
42,324

 
41,257

 
122,539

 
125,479

Other revenues
1,927

 
2,385

 
5,737

 
7,061

Total revenues
112,261

 
115,663

 
331,939

 
347,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits
51,553

 
49,675

 
149,699

 
152,582

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
18,597

 
18,999

 
55,626

 
57,205

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
9,244

 
9,797

 
19,586

 
31,154

Operating expenses
24,707

 
25,588

 
73,790

 
74,321

Total benefits and expenses
104,101

 
104,059

 
298,701

 
315,262

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense
8,160

 
11,604

 
33,238

 
32,052

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
2,725

 
3,644

 
10,126

 
9,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
$
5,435

 
$
7,960

 
$
23,112

 
$
22,257

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
NET OF TAXES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains on securities
available for sale, net of DAC and VOBA
$
(1,783
)
 
$
(9,096
)
 
$
(18,941
)
 
$
29,177

Change in future policy benefits
139

 
623

 
1,289

 
(5,939
)
Change in policyholder account balances
17

 
41

 
166

 
(203
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,627
)
 
(8,432
)
 
(17,486
)
 
23,035

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
$
3,808

 
$
(472
)
 
$
5,626

 
$
45,292

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.52

 
$
0.73

 
$
2.16

 
$
2.03

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
COMMON STOCK, beginning and end of period
$
23,121

 
 
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
 
Beginning of year
41,007

Excess of proceeds over cost of treasury stock sold
18

 
 
End of period
41,025

 
 
RETAINED EARNINGS
 
Beginning of year
838,508

Net income
23,112

Stockholder dividends of $0.81 per share
(8,679
)
 
 
End of period
852,941

 
 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Beginning of year
23,040

Other comprehensive loss
(17,486
)
 
 
End of period
5,554

 
 
TREASURY STOCK, at cost
 
Beginning of year
(182,917
)
Cost of 216,866 shares acquired
(9,892
)
Cost of 560 shares sold
8

 
 
End of period
(192,801
)
 
 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
729,840

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
23,112

 
$
22,257

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization of investment premium and discount
3,193

 
3,299

Depreciation
4,083

 
3,474

Acquisition costs capitalized
(27,639
)
 
(26,539
)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
19,586

 
31,154

Realized investment gains
(4,364
)
 
(2,829
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Reinsurance recoverables
(6,073
)
 
(1,064
)
Future policy benefits
1,699

 
7,944

Policyholder account balances
(16,205
)
 
(14,493
)
Income taxes payable and deferred
4,126

 
545

Other, net
8,507

 
(3,522
)
Net cash provided
10,025

 
20,226

 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Purchases:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
(202,067
)
 
(239,616
)
Equity securities
(38
)
 
(89
)
Mortgage loans
(100,370
)
 
(23,349
)
Real estate
(1,845
)
 
(5,182
)
Policy loans
(6,867
)
 
(8,181
)
Other investments
(134
)
 

Sales or maturities, calls, and principal paydowns:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
193,174

 
151,877

Equity securities
33

 
15

Mortgage loans
72,007

 
80,268

Real estate
19,905

 
2,538

Policy loans
8,674

 
8,446

Other investments
387

 
5,000

Net sales of short-term investments
16,036

 
20,905

Acquisition of property and equipment
(426
)
 
(1,388
)
Net cash used
(1,531
)
 
(8,756
)

6

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings
$
1,000

 
$

Repayment of borrowings
(1,000
)
 

Deposits on policyholder account balances
167,009

 
187,724

Withdrawals from policyholder account balances
(169,090
)
 
(194,432
)
Net transfers from separate accounts
7,345

 
5,157

Change in other deposits
3,475

 
2,814

Cash dividends to stockholders
(8,679
)
 
(8,883
)
Net change in treasury stock
(9,866
)
 
(3,641
)
Net cash used
(9,806
)
 
(11,261
)
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash
(1,312
)
 
209

Cash at beginning of year
11,011

 
8,197

Cash at end of period
$
9,699

 
$
8,406

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes
$
6,000

 
$
9,250

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes include the accounts of the consolidated entity (the Company), which primarily consists of three life insurance companies. Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) is the parent company. Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) are wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company also has several non-insurance subsidiaries that individually and collectively are not material.
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, along with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulations S-K, S-X, and other applicable regulations. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the Company's operating results for a full year. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to prior period results to conform with the current period's presentation.
The preparation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from these estimates.
Significant Accounting Policies
Please refer to the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended, for a full discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies. No significant updates or changes to these policies occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Issued, Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance regarding accounting for revenue recognition that identifies the accounting treatment for an entity’s contracts with customers.  Certain contracts, including insurance contracts, are specifically excluded from this guidance.  However, certain other types of contracts may impact the financial statements of insurance providers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this guidance for public entities to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance.
In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance that requires management to evaluate whether there are concerns or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. Disclosures are required when certain criteria are met. This guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Under this guidance, previous consolidation conclusions may change and additional disclosures may be required. This guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding a customer's accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement and whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, a customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, a customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a customer's accounting for service contracts. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance targeted to improve disclosures related to short-duration contracts. Additional disclosures will be required about insurance liabilities to provide information regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of future

8

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

cash flows related to insurance liabilities and the effect of those cash flows on the statement of comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding employee benefit accounting. The guidance is divided into three parts. First, the guidance requires a pension plan to use contract value as the only required measure for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Second, the guidance simplifies and increases the effectiveness of the investment disclosure requirements for employee benefit plans. Third, the guidance provides benefit plans with a measurement date practical expedient. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but it does not believe that there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
All other new accounting standards and updates of existing standards issued through the date of this filing were considered by management and did not relate to accounting policies and procedures pertinent to the Company at this time or were not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
3. Prior Year Adoption of Accounting Principle
On December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. Under ASU No. 2014-01, the Company elected to use the proportional amortization method, which requires an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and to recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). As a result of the retrospective adoption, results previously reported in the Company's September 30, 2014 10-Q have been adjusted as follows. Income tax expense decreased $0.2 million, net income increased $0.2 million, and net income per share increased $0.02 for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Income tax expense decreased $0.5 million, net income increased $0.5 million, and net income per share increased $0.05 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The adoption did not impact net cash provided by operating activities for the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2014.

9

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

4. Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available for Sale
Securities by Asset Class
The following table provides amortized cost and fair value of securities by asset class at September 30, 2015.
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
$
149,268

 
$
10,099

 
$
10

 
$
159,357

Federal agencies 1
19,778

 
1,709

 

 
21,487

Federal agency issued residential
      mortgage-backed securities 1
36,437

 
3,828

 
1

 
40,264

Subtotal
205,483

 
15,636

 
11

 
221,108

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
541,757

 
28,077

 
6,219

 
563,615

Energy
234,347

 
10,912

 
6,016

 
239,243

Communications and technology
245,259

 
13,591

 
1,220

 
257,630

Financial
223,185

 
15,808

 
986

 
238,007

Consumer
552,741

 
24,585

 
2,188

 
575,138

Public utilities
230,391

 
20,946

 
277

 
251,060

Subtotal
2,027,680

 
113,919

 
16,906

 
2,124,693

Corporate private-labeled residential
mortgage-backed securities
75,671

 
3,688

 
20

 
79,339

Municipal securities
134,110

 
20,052

 
50

 
154,112

Other
99,429

 
3,668

 
2,381

 
100,716

Redeemable preferred stocks
17,446

 
367

 
338

 
17,475

Fixed maturity securities
2,559,819

 
157,330

 
19,706

 
2,697,443

Equity securities
23,486

 
1,475

 
203

 
24,758

Total
$
2,583,305

 
$
158,805

 
$
19,909

 
$
2,722,201

 1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

10

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table provides amortized cost and fair value of securities by asset class at December 31, 2014.
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
     obligations of U.S. Government
$
154,937

 
$
9,939

 
$
83

 
$
164,793

Federal agencies 1
19,769

 
2,182

 

 
21,951

Federal agency issued residential
      mortgage-backed securities 1
44,287

 
4,457

 
2

 
48,742

Subtotal
218,993

 
16,578

 
85

 
235,486

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
527,269

 
33,400

 
1,292

 
559,377

Energy
219,518

 
14,147

 
3,575

 
230,090

Communications and technology
226,442

 
16,705

 
242

 
242,905

Financial
276,586

 
18,826

 
1,083

 
294,329

Consumer
517,050

 
28,290

 
1,261

 
544,079

Public utilities
225,375

 
24,932

 
228

 
250,079

Subtotal
1,992,240

 
136,300

 
7,681

 
2,120,859

Corporate private-labeled residential
mortgage-backed securities
90,819

 
4,463

 

 
95,282

Municipal securities
135,518

 
22,974

 

 
158,492

Other
98,373

 
3,818

 
2,718

 
99,473

Redeemable preferred stocks
17,473

 
379

 
713

 
17,139

Fixed maturity securities
2,553,416

 
184,512

 
11,197

 
2,726,731

Equity securities
23,576

 
1,895

 
590

 
24,881

Total
$
2,576,992

 
$
186,407

 
$
11,787

 
$
2,751,612

 1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Contractual Maturities
The following table provides the distribution of maturities for fixed maturity securities available for sale. Expected maturities may differ from these contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less
$
122,991

 
$
124,970

 
$
165,955

 
$
168,913

Due after one year through five years
737,969

 
794,247

 
694,809

 
757,397

Due after five years through ten years
1,142,609

 
1,171,345

 
1,045,557

 
1,087,891

Due after ten years
379,505

 
418,472

 
438,719

 
490,976

Securities with variable principal payments
159,299

 
170,934

 
190,903

 
204,415

Redeemable preferred stocks
17,446

 
17,475

 
17,473

 
17,139

Total
$
2,559,819

 
$
2,697,443

 
2,553,416

 
2,726,731

No material derivative financial instruments were held during the first nine months of 2015 or 2014.

11

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

Unrealized Losses on Investments
At the end of each quarter, all securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments exist and whether other-than-temporary impairments should be recorded. This quarterly process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio. Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost. The Company prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments where fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost for six months or more and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost. For additional information on the Company's process and considerations, as well as related accounting when other-than-temporary impairments are identified, please refer to Note 4 - Investments of the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.
The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale with unrealized losses by length of time at September 30, 2015.
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
$
2,200

 
$
10

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,200

 
$
10

Federal agency issued residential
      mortgage-backed securities 1
32

 

 
313

 
1

 
345

 
1

Subtotal
2,232

 
10

 
313

 
1

 
2,545

 
11

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
111,287

 
5,093

 
4,910

 
1,126

 
116,197

 
6,219

Energy
55,148

 
3,000

 
35,052

 
3,016

 
90,200

 
6,016

Communications and technology
56,751

 
1,220

 

 

 
56,751

 
1,220

Financial
11,846

 
148

 
5,044

 
838

 
16,890

 
986

Consumer
84,097

 
1,802

 
8,143

 
386

 
92,240

 
2,188

Public utilities
8,895

 
158

 
3,878

 
119

 
12,773

 
277

Subtotal
328,024

 
11,421

 
57,027

 
5,485

 
385,051

 
16,906

Corporate private-labeled residential
mortgage-backed securities
3,896

 
20

 

 

 
3,896

 
20

Municipal securities
3,146

 
50

 

 

 
3,146

 
50

Other
11,929

 
113

 
30,231

 
2,268

 
42,160

 
2,381

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

 
6,689

 
338

 
6,689

 
338

Fixed maturity securities
349,227

 
11,614

 
94,260

 
8,092

 
443,487

 
19,706

Equity securities
3,084

 
76

 
4,902

 
127

 
7,986

 
203

Total
$
352,311

 
$
11,690

 
$
99,162

 
$
8,219

 
$
451,473

 
$
19,909

 1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

12

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale with unrealized losses by length of time at December 31, 2014.
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
$
468

 
$

 
$
4,944

 
$
83

 
$
5,412

 
$
83

Federal agency issued residential
      mortgage-backed securities 1
60

 
2

 
281

 

 
341

 
2

Subtotal
528

 
2

 
5,225

 
83

 
5,753

 
85

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
15,289

 
184

 
42,830

 
1,108

 
58,119

 
1,292

Energy
40,493

 
1,962

 
36,789

 
1,613

 
77,282

 
3,575

Communications and technology
5,061

 
33

 
9,676

 
209

 
14,737

 
242

Financial
14,831

 
165

 
4,963

 
918

 
19,794

 
1,083

Consumer
10,991

 
165

 
40,185

 
1,096

 
51,176

 
1,261

Public utilities

 

 
6,768

 
228

 
6,768

 
228

Subtotal
86,665

 
2,509

 
141,211

 
5,172

 
227,876

 
7,681

Other
12,567

 
396

 
30,210

 
2,322

 
42,777

 
2,718

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

 
9,404

 
713

 
9,404

 
713

Fixed maturity securities
99,760

 
2,907

 
186,050

 
8,290

 
285,810

 
11,197

Equity securities

 

 
11,515

 
590

 
11,515

 
590

Total
$
99,760

 
$
2,907

 
$
197,565

 
$
8,880

 
$
297,325

 
$
11,787

 1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had 152 issues in its investment portfolio of fixed maturity and equity securities with unrealized losses. Included in this total, 123 security issues were below cost for less than one year; 23 security issues were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and six security issues were below cost for three years or more. At December 31, 2014, the Company had 96 issues in its investment portfolio of fixed maturity and equity securities with unrealized losses. Included in this total, 40 security issues were below cost for less than one year; 50 security issues were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and six security issues were below cost for three years or more.

13

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale with unrealized losses at September 30, 2015.
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Securities owned without realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
$
429,069

 
$
415,866

 
$
13,203

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
20,973

 
18,275

 
2,698

Subtotal
450,042

 
434,141

 
15,901

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
7,051

 
5,266

 
1,785

Twelve months or greater
908

 
594

 
314

Total investment grade
7,959

 
5,860

 
2,099

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
5,274

 
3,476

 
1,798

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade
5,274

 
3,476

 
1,798

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
13,233

 
9,336

 
3,897

Subtotal
463,275

 
443,477

 
19,798

 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
7,997

 
7,938

 
59

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%

 

 

Subtotal
7,997

 
7,938

 
59

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
110

 
58

 
52

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total investment grade
110

 
58

 
52

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
110

 
58

 
52

Subtotal
8,107

 
7,996

 
111

Total
$
471,382

 
$
451,473

 
$
19,909


14

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in securities available for sale with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014.
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Securities owned without realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
$
295,543

 
$
286,130

 
$
9,413

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
8,973

 
7,874

 
1,099

Subtotal
304,516

 
294,004

 
10,512

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater
908

 
663

 
245

Total investment grade
908

 
663

 
245

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
908

 
663

 
245

Subtotal
305,424

 
294,667

 
10,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less

 

 

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%

 

 

Subtotal

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total investment grade
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Subtotal
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Total
$
309,112

 
$
297,325

 
$
11,787


15

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by actual or equivalent Standard & Poor’s rating at September 30, 2015.
 
Fair
Value
 
%
of Total
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
%
of Total
AAA
$
9,872

 
2
%
 
$
125

 
1
%
AA
62,534

 
14
%
 
2,205

 
10
%
A
129,666

 
29
%
 
2,769

 
14
%
BBB
214,393

 
49
%
 
11,737

 
60
%
Total investment grade
416,465

 
94
%
 
16,836

 
85
%
BB
17,519

 
4
%
 
2,755

 
14
%
B and below
9,503

 
2
%
 
115

 
1
%
Total below investment grade
27,022

 
6
%
 
2,870

 
15
%
 
$
443,487

 
100
%
 
$
19,706

 
100
%
The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by actual or equivalent Standard & Poor’s rating at December 31, 2014.
 
Fair
Value
 
%
of Total
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
%
of Total
AAA
$
7,953

 
3
%
 
$
47

 
%
AA
37,702

 
13
%
 
1,670

 
15
%
A
91,299

 
32
%
 
2,840

 
26
%
BBB
132,230

 
46
%
 
4,580

 
41
%
Total investment grade
269,184

 
94
%
 
9,137

 
82
%
BB
13,969

 
5
%
 
1,031

 
9
%
B and below
2,657

 
1
%
 
1,029

 
9
%
Total below investment grade
16,626

 
6
%
 
2,060

 
18
%
 
$
285,810

 
100
%
 
$
11,197

 
100
%
The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities that were rated below investment grade were 41% of the total at September 30, 2015 and 40% of the total at December 31, 2014.

16

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table provides the distribution of maturities for fixed maturity securities available for sale with unrealized losses. Expected maturities may differ from these contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
$

 
$

 
$
5,052

 
$
115

Due after one year through five years
26,401

 
306

 
21,033

 
960

Due after five years through ten years
350,169

 
15,595

 
202,240

 
5,772

Due after ten years
55,981

 
3,446

 
47,740

 
3,635

Total
432,551

 
19,347

 
276,065

 
10,482

Securities with variable principal payments
4,247

 
21

 
341

 
2

Redeemable preferred stocks
6,689

 
338

 
9,404

 
713

Total
$
443,487

 
$
19,706

 
$
285,810

 
$
11,197

The Company does not consider these unrealized losses to be credit-related. The unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 primarily relate to changes in interest rates and market spreads subsequent to purchase. A substantial portion of investment securities that have unrealized losses are either corporate debt issued with investment grade credit ratings or other investment securities. Other investment securities include residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. The discounted future cash flow calculation typically becomes the primary determinant of whether any portion and to what extent an unrealized loss is due to credit on loan-backed and similar asset-backed securities with significant indications of potential other-than-temporary impairment. Such indications typically include below investment grade ratings and significant unrealized losses for an extended period of time, among other factors. The Company identified 21 and 22 non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities that were determined to have such indications at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. A discounted future cash flow analysis was performed for each of these securities to determine if any portion of the impairment was due to credit and deemed to be other-than-temporary. This amount is recognized as a realized loss in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the carrying value of the security is written down by the same amount. The portion of an impairment that is determined not to be due to credit is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The discount rate used in calculating the present value of future cash flows was the investment yield at the time of purchase for each security. The initial default rates were assumed to remain constant or grade down over time, reflecting the Company's estimate of stabilized collateral performance in the future for such securities.

17

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following tables present the range of significant assumptions used in projecting the future cash flows of the Company's residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. The Company believes that the assumptions below are reasonable and they are based largely upon the actual historical results of the underlying security collateral.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Initial Default Rate
 
Initial Severity Rate
 
Prepayment Speed
Vintage
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
2003
 
0.8
%
 
1.0
%
 
30
%
 
35
%
 
12.0
%
 
16.0
%
2004
 
0.8
%
 
7.6
%
 
35
%
 
73
%
 
10.0
%
 
16.0
%
2005
 
3.5
%
 
10.6
%
 
35
%
 
71
%
 
6.0
%
 
20.0
%
2006
 
8.8
%
 
8.8
%
 
85
%
 
85
%
 
8.0
%
 
8.0
%
2007
 
10.4
%
 
10.4
%
 
62
%
 
62
%
 
10.0
%
 
10.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Initial Default Rate
 
Initial Severity Rate
 
Prepayment Speed
Vintage
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
2003
 
0.8
%
 
1.0
%
 
30
%
 
35
%
 
12.0
%
 
16.0
%
2004
 
0.8
%
 
7.0
%
 
35
%
 
65
%
 
8.0
%
 
18.0
%
2005
 
4.8
%
 
12.6
%
 
35
%
 
71
%
 
6.0
%
 
18.0
%
2006
 
5.7
%
 
8.4
%
 
35
%
 
85
%
 
8.0
%
 
16.0
%
2007
 
11.0
%
 
11.0
%
 
59
%
 
59
%
 
8.0
%
 
8.0
%
Significant unrealized losses on securities can continue for extended periods of time, particularly for certain individual securities. While this can be an indication of potential credit impairments, it can also be an indication of illiquidity in a particular sector or security. In addition, the fair value of an individual security can be heavily influenced by the complexities of varying market sentiment or uncertainty regarding the prospects for an individual security. Based upon the process described above, the Company is best able to determine if and to what extent credit impairment may exist in these securities by performing present value calculations of projected future cash flows at the conclusion of each reporting period. By reviewing the most recent data available regarding the security and other relevant industry and market factors, the Company can modify assumptions used in the cash flow projections and determine the best estimate of the portion of any impairment that is due to credit at the conclusion of each period.
The Company closely monitors its investments in securities classified as subprime. Less than 1% of the Company's total investments were in these types of investments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company also monitors structured securities through a combination of an analysis of vintage, credit ratings, and other factors. Structured securities include asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed securities, along with collateralized debt obligations, and other collateralized obligations.

18

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following tables divide these investment types among vintage and credit ratings.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
Residential & non-agency MBS: 1
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
$
4,563

 
$
4,400

 
$
163

2004
5,645

 
5,402

 
243

2005
2,841

 
2,830

 
11

Total investment grade
13,049

 
12,632

 
417

Below Investment Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
2,248

 
2,150

 
98

2004
24,179

 
23,109

 
1,070

2005
44,679

 
42,812

 
1,867

2006
1,971

 
947

 
1,024

2007
2,994

 
2,798

 
196

Total below investment grade
76,071

 
71,816

 
4,255

Other structured securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
60,005

 
59,749

 
256

Below investment grade
14,716

 
15,666

 
(950
)
Total other
74,721

 
75,415

 
(694
)
Total structured securities
$
163,841

 
$
159,863

 
$
3,978

1 This table accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
Residential & non-agency MBS: 1
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
$
8,249

 
$
7,910

 
$
339

2004
6,459

 
6,177

 
282

Total investment grade
14,708

 
14,087

 
621

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
2004
29,647

 
28,080

 
1,567

2005
55,806

 
53,741

 
2,065

2006
3,528

 
2,406

 
1,122

2007
3,386

 
3,164

 
222

Total below investment grade
92,367

 
87,391

 
4,976

Other structured securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
57,672

 
57,658

 
14

Below investment grade
14,728

 
16,073

 
(1,345
)
Total other
72,400

 
73,731

 
(1,331
)
Total structured securities
$
179,475

 
$
175,209

 
$
4,266

1 This table accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.

19

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The Company recognized other-than-temporary impairments on corporate private-labeled residential mortgage-backed and other securities of $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the third quarters and $2.4 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities held by the Company for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Credit losses on securities held at beginning of the period
$
19,811

 
$
16,634

 
$
17,889

 
$
16,375

Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in
other-than-temporary impairment

 
20

 

 
24

Additions (reductions) for increases in the credit loss for which
an other-than-temporary impairment was previously
recognized when there was no intent to sell the security
before recovery of its amortized cost basis
428

 
312

 
2,360

 
577

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be
collected that are recognized over the remaining
life of the security
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(15
)
 
(14
)
Credit losses on securities held at the end of the period
$
20,234

 
$
16,962

 
$
20,234

 
$
16,962

The Company reviews and evaluates information on securities previously impaired and still owned. The identification of additional information or further deteriorations could result in additional impairments in future periods.

20

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

Realized Gains (Losses)
The following table provides detail concerning realized investment gains and losses.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Gross gains resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of investment securities
$
223

 
$
61

 
$
259

 
$
672

Investment securities called and other
288

 
179

 
2,875

 
1,841

Real estate
4,212

 
495

 
4,215

 
834

Total gross gains
4,723

 
735

 
7,349

 
3,347

Gross losses resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of investment securities

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
Investment securities called and other
(114
)
 
(46
)
 
(227
)
 
(357
)
Sale of real estate and joint venture

 
(60
)
 

 
(60
)
Mortgage loans
(64
)
 
(266
)
 
(269
)
 
(356
)
Total gross losses
(178
)
 
(387
)
 
(496
)
 
(788
)
Change in allowance for loan losses
(64
)
 
630

 
(102
)
 
926

Amortization of DAC and VOBA
(6
)
 
3

 
(27
)
 
(55
)
Net realized investment gains, excluding
other-than-temporary impairment losses
4,475

 
981

 
6,724

 
3,430

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed
maturity and equity securities
(419
)
 
(765
)
 
(2,189
)
 
(1,221
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive
income (loss)
(9
)
 
433

 
(171
)
 
620

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
recognized in earnings
(428
)
 
(332
)
 
(2,360
)
 
(601
)
Net realized investment gains
$
4,047

 
$
649

 
$
4,364

 
$
2,829

Proceeds From Sales of Investment Securities
The table below details proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity and equity securities, excluding maturities and calls.
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Proceeds
$
6,248

 
$
9,492

 
$
7,287

 
$
22,135

Mortgage Loans
The Company invests in commercial mortgage loans that are secured by commercial real estate and are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less an allowance for loan losses. This allowance is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb estimated credit losses and was $2.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. The Company had 16% of its total investments in commercial mortgage loans at September 30, 2015, which is an increase from 15% at December 31, 2014. In addition to the subject collateral underlying the mortgage, the Company typically requires some amount of recourse from borrowers as another potential source of repayment. The recourse requirement is determined as part of the underwriting requirements of each loan. The average loan to value ratio for the overall portfolio was 47% at September 30, 2015 and 46% at December 31, 2014. These ratios are based upon the current balance of loans relative to the appraisal of value at the time the loan was originated or acquired.

21

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table identifies the gross mortgage loan principal outstanding and the allowance for loan losses.
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
$
543,094

Allowance for loan losses
(2,016
)
 
(1,914
)
Carrying value
$
568,952

 
$
541,180

The following table summarizes the amount of mortgage loans held by the Company, segregated by year of origination. Purchased loans are shown in the year acquired by the Company, although the individual loans may have been initially originated in prior years.
 
September 30
2015
 
%
of Total
 
December 31
2014
 
%
of Total
Prior to 2006
$
32,317

 
6
%
 
$
47,843

 
9
%
2006
12,923

 
2
%
 
16,280

 
3
%
2007
18,023

 
3
%
 
19,991

 
4
%
2008
21,826

 
4
%
 
22,938

 
4
%
2009
11,682

 
2
%
 
20,754

 
4
%
2010
38,576

 
7
%
 
51,205

 
9
%
2011
85,628

 
15
%
 
91,943

 
17
%
2012
110,896

 
19
%
 
133,912

 
25
%
2013
67,450

 
12
%
 
77,784

 
14
%
2014
58,245

 
10
%
 
60,444

 
11
%
2015
113,402

 
20
%
 

 
%
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
100
%
 
$
543,094

 
100
%
The following table identifies mortgage loans by geographic location.
 
September 30
2015
 
%
of Total
 
December 31
2014
 
%
of Total
Pacific
$
126,181

 
22
%
 
$
131,109

 
25
%
West south central
106,430

 
19
%
 
94,122

 
17
%
West north central
77,990

 
14
%
 
78,027

 
14
%
Mountain
64,888

 
11
%
 
68,961

 
13
%
East north central
70,519

 
12
%
 
64,013

 
12
%
South Atlantic
74,707

 
13
%
 
60,557

 
11
%
Middle Atlantic
29,039

 
5
%
 
21,877

 
4
%
East south central
21,214

 
4
%
 
24,428

 
4
%
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
100
%
 
$
543,094

 
100
%

22

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table identifies the concentration of mortgage loans by state greater than 5% of total.
 
September 30
2015
 
%
of Total
 
December 31
2014
 
%
of Total
California
$
105,894

 
19
%
 
$
108,683

 
20
%
Texas
102,387

 
18
%
 
89,923

 
16
%
Minnesota
57,908

 
10
%
 
55,916

 
10
%
Ohio
38,422

 
7
%
 
30,432

 
6
%
Florida
31,055

 
5
%
 
26,452

 
5
%
All others
235,302

 
41
%
 
231,688

 
43
%
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
100
%
 
$
543,094

 
100
%
The following table identifies mortgage loans by property type. The Other category consists principally of apartments and retail properties.
 
September 30
2015
 
%
of Total
 
December 31
2014
 
%
of Total
Industrial
$
306,885

 
53
%
 
$
281,671

 
51
%
Office
169,303

 
30
%
 
165,859

 
31
%
Medical
28,418

 
5
%
 
25,617

 
5
%
Other
66,362

 
12
%
 
69,947

 
13
%
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
100
%
 
$
543,094

 
100
%
The table below identifies mortgage loans by maturity.
 
September 30
2015
 
%
of Total
 
December 31
2014
 
%
of Total
Due in one year or less
$
27,039

 
5
%
 
$
27,607

 
5
%
Due after one year through five years
106,669

 
19
%
 
145,530

 
27
%
Due after five years through ten years
133,805

 
23
%
 
143,382

 
26
%
Due after ten years
303,455

 
53
%
 
226,575

 
42
%
Principal outstanding
$
570,968

 
100
%
 
$
543,094

 
100
%
The Company may refinance commercial mortgage loans prior to contractual maturity as a means of originating new loans that meet the Company's underwriting and pricing parameters. The Company refinanced seven loans with outstanding balances totaling $19.3 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and four loans with outstanding balances totaling $7.8 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The Company refinanced 13 loans with outstanding balances of $26.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and nine loans with outstanding balances totaling $14.4 million during the nine months ended and September 30, 2014.
In the normal course of business, the Company generally commits to fund commercial mortgage loans up to 120 days in advance. These commitments typically have fixed expiration dates. A small percentage of commitments expire due to the borrower's failure to deliver the requirements of the commitment by the expiration date. In these cases, the Company retains the commitment fee. For additional information, please see Note 16 - Commitments.

23

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

5. Fair Value Measurements
Under GAAP, fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is the Company’s practice to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.
The Company categorizes its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the inputs and assumptions used to determine the fair value. These levels are as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2 - Valuations are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services or inputs that are observable or derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Valuations are generated from techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company's assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include the use of discounted cash flow models, spread-based models, and similar techniques, using the best information available in the circumstances.
Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed.
Assets
Securities Available for Sale
Fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon unadjusted quoted prices, if available, except as described in the subsequent paragraphs.
Cash and Short-Term Investments
Cash and short-term investments include cash and highly-liquid investments in institutional money market funds. The carrying value of cash and short-term investments approximates the fair value and are categorized as Level 1. Fair value is provided for disclosure purposes only.
Loans
The Company does not record loans at fair value. As such, valuation techniques discussed herein for loans are primarily for estimating fair value for purpose of disclosure.
Fair values of mortgage loans on real estate properties are calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, using discount rates based on current industry pricing or the Company’s estimate of an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate for loans of similar size, type, remaining maturity, likelihood of prepayment, and repricing characteristics. Mortgage loans are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company also has loans made to policyholders. These loans cannot exceed the cash surrender value of the policy. Carrying value of policy loans approximates fair value. Policy loans are categorized as Level 3.
Separate Accounts
The separate account assets and liabilities, which are equal, are recorded at fair value based upon net asset value (NAV) of the underlying investment holdings as derived from closing prices on a national exchange or as provided by the issuer. This is the value at which a policyholder could transact with the issuer on the date. Separate accounts are categorized as Level 2.
Liabilities
Investment-Type Liabilities Included in Policyholder Account Balances and Other Policyholder Funds
The fair values of supplementary contracts and annuities without life contingencies are estimated to be the present value of payments at a market yield. The fair values of deposits with no stated maturity are estimated to be the amount payable on demand at the measurement date. These liabilities are categorized as Level 3. The Company has not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts. Insurance contracts are excluded from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value.

24

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) Included in Other Policyholder Funds
The Company offers a GMWB rider that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts. The rider provides an enhanced withdrawal benefit that guarantees a stream of payments to an owner or annuitant, regardless of the contract account value. Fair value for GMWB rider contracts is a Level 3 valuation, as it is based on models which utilize significant unobservable inputs. These models require actuarial and financial market assumptions, which reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the contract, including adjustments for volatility, risk, and issuer non-performance.
Determination of Fair Value
The Company utilizes external third-party pricing services to determine the majority of its fair values on investment securities available for sale. At September 30, 2015, approximately 98% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services, 1% was from brokers, and 1% was derived from internal matrices and calculations. At December 31, 2014, approximately 97% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services, 1% was from brokers, and 2% was derived from internal matrices and calculations. In the event that the primary pricing service does not provide a price, the Company utilizes the price provided by a second pricing service. The Company reviews prices received from service providers for reasonableness and unusual fluctuations but generally accepts the price identified from the primary pricing service. In the event a price is not available from either third-party pricing service, the Company pursues external pricing from brokers. Generally, the Company pursues and utilizes only one broker quote per security. In doing so, the Company solicits only brokers which have previously demonstrated knowledge and experience of the subject security. If a broker price is not available, the Company determines a fair value through various valuation techniques that may include discounted cash flows, spread-based models, or similar techniques, depending upon the specific security to be priced. These techniques are primarily applied to private placement securities. The Company utilizes available market information, wherever possible, to identify inputs into the fair value determination, primarily prices and spreads on comparable securities.
Each quarter, the Company evaluates the prices received from third-party security pricing services and independent brokers to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value within the macro-economic environment, sector factors, and overall pricing trends and expectations. The Company corroborates and validates the primary pricing sources through a variety of procedures that include but are not limited to comparison to additional third-party pricing services or brokers, where possible; back testing; in-depth specific analytics on randomly selected issues; and comparison of prices to actual trades for specific securities where observable data exists. In addition, the Company analyzes the primary third-party pricing service's methodologies and related inputs and also evaluates the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy. Finally, the Company also performs additional evaluations when individual prices fall outside tolerance levels when comparing prices received from third-party pricing services.
Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated using the Company’s own estimates and are categorized as Level 3. These estimates are based on current interest rates, credit spreads, liquidity premium or discount, the economic and competitive environment, unique characteristics of the asset or liability, and other pertinent factors. Therefore, these estimates cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any valuation technique. Further, changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
The Company’s own estimates of fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities may be derived in a number of ways, including but not limited to: 1) pricing provided by brokers, where the price indicates reliability as to value; 2) fair values of comparable securities, incorporating a spread adjustment for maturity differences, collateralization, credit quality, liquidity, and other items, if applicable; 3) discounted cash flow models and margin spreads; 4) bond yield curves; 5) observable market prices and exchange transaction information not provided by external pricing services; and 6) statement values provided to the Company by fund managers.
The fair value of the GMWB embedded derivative is calculated using a discounted cash flow valuation model that projects future cash flows under multiple risk neutral stochastic equity scenarios. The risk neutral scenarios are generated using the current swap curve and projected equity volatilities and correlations. The equity correlations are based on historical price observations. For policyholder behavior assumptions, expected lapse and utilization assumptions are used and updated for actual experience. The mortality assumption uses the 2000 US Annuity Basic Mortality Table. The present value of cash flows is determined using the discount rate curve, based upon London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a credit spread. The fair value of the GMWB embedded derivative was not material during the first nine months of 2015 or 2014.

25

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

Categories Reported at Fair Value
The following tables present categories reported at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
$
12,238

 
$
147,119

 
$

 
$
159,357

Federal agencies 1

 
21,487

 

 
21,487

Federal agency issued residential
     mortgage-backed securities 1

 
40,264

 

 
40,264

Subtotal
12,238

 
208,870

 

 
221,108

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial

 
563,615

 

 
563,615

Energy

 
239,243

 

 
239,243

Communications and technology

 
257,630

 

 
257,630

Financial

 
238,007

 

 
238,007

Consumer

 
575,138

 

 
575,138

Public utilities

 
251,060

 

 
251,060

Subtotal

 
2,124,693

 

 
2,124,693

Corporate private-labeled residential
mortgage-backed securities

 
79,339

 

 
79,339

Municipal securities

 
154,112

 

 
154,112

Other

 
100,044

 
672

 
100,716

Redeemable preferred stocks

 
17,475

 

 
17,475

Fixed maturity securities
12,238

 
2,684,533

 
672

 
2,697,443

Equity securities
5,133

 
19,625

 

 
24,758

Total
$
17,371

 
$
2,704,158

 
$
672

 
$
2,722,201

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total
1
%
 
99
%
 
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholder funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits
$

 
$

 
$
(2,685
)
 
$
(2,685
)
Total
$

 
$

 
$
(2,685
)
 
$
(2,685
)
1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

26

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
     obligations of U.S. Government
$
12,247

 
$
152,546

 
$

 
$
164,793

Federal agencies 1

 
21,951

 

 
21,951

Federal agency issued residential
     mortgage-backed securities 1

 
48,742

 

 
48,742

Subtotal
12,247

 
223,239

 

 
235,486

Corporate obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial

 
559,377

 

 
559,377

Energy

 
230,090

 

 
230,090

Communications and technology

 
242,905

 

 
242,905

Financial

 
294,329

 

 
294,329

Consumer

 
544,079

 

 
544,079

Public utilities

 
250,079

 

 
250,079

Subtotal

 
2,120,859

 

 
2,120,859

Corporate private-labeled residential
mortgage-backed securities

 
95,282

 

 
95,282

Municipal securities

 
158,492

 

 
158,492

Other

 
98,714

 
759

 
99,473

Redeemable preferred stocks

 
17,139

 

 
17,139

Fixed maturity securities
12,247

 
2,713,725

 
759

 
2,726,731

Equity securities
5,347

 
19,534

 

 
24,881

Total
$
17,594

 
$
2,733,259

 
$
759

 
$
2,751,612

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total
1
%
 
99
%
 
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other policyholder funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits
$

 
$

 
$
(1,094
)
 
$
(1,094
)
Total
$

 
$

 
$
(1,094
)
 
$
(1,094
)
1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

27

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturity
securities available
for sale
 
GMWB
Beginning balance
$
616

 
$
(4,558
)
Included in earnings
(1
)
 
1,906

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
57

 

Purchases, issuances, sales and other dispositions:
 
 
 
Purchases

 

Issuances

 
104

Sales

 

Other dispositions

 
(137
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

Ending balance
$
672

 
$
(2,685
)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturity
securities available
for sale
 
GMWB
Beginning balance
$
759

 
$
(1,094
)
Included in earnings
1

 
(1,409
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
126

 

Purchases, issuances, sales and other dispositions:
 
 
 
Purchases

 

Issuances

 
294

Sales

 

Other dispositions
(214
)
 
(476
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

Ending balance
$
672

 
$
(2,685
)

28

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fixed maturity
securities available
for sale
 
GMWB
Beginning balance
$
1,433

 
$
(4,703
)
Included in earnings
(12
)
 
3,145

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
(421
)
 

Purchases, issuances, sales and other dispositions:
 
 
 
Purchases

 

Issuances

 
592

Sales

 

Other dispositions
(241
)
 
(128
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

Ending balance
$
759

 
$
(1,094
)
Depending upon the availability of Level 1 or Level 2 pricing, specific securities may transfer into or out of Level 3. The Company did not have any transfers between any levels at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
The Company's primary category of assets using Level 3 fair values is fixed maturity securities, totaling $0.7 million at September 30, 2015. These assets are valued using discounted cash flow models for which the significant assumptions are not observable in the market.

29

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments at September 30, 2015.
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
Embedded Derivative - GMWB
$
(2,685
)
 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
80% of US Annuity Basic Table (2000)
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0%-16% depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Utilization
 
0%-80% depending on age/duration/funded status of guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperformance Risk
 
0.75%-1.80%
The following table presents the valuation method for material financial instruments included in Level 3, as well as the unobservable inputs used in the valuation of those financial instruments at December 31, 2014.
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
Embedded Derivative - GMWB
$
(1,094
)
 
Actuarial cash flow model
 
Mortality
 
80% of US Annuity Basic Table (2000)
 
 
 
 
 
Lapse
 
0%-16% depending on product/duration/funded status of guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Utilization
 
0%-80% depending on age/duration/funded status of guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperformance Risk
 
0.73%-1.35%
The GMWB liability is sensitive to changes in observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs include risk-free rates, index returns, volatilities, and correlations. Increases in risk-free rates and equity returns reduce the liability, while increases in volatilities increase the liability. The Company's mortality, lapse, benefit utilization and nonperformance risk adjustment are unobservable. Increases in mortality, lapses and credit spreads used for nonperformance risk reduce the liability, while increases in benefit utilization increase the liability.
The Company estimates that the impact of unobservable inputs at September 30, 2015 is as follows: a 10% increase in the mortality assumption would reduce the liability $0.1 million; a 10% decrease in the lapse assumption would increase the liability less than $0.2 million; a 10% increase in the benefit utilization would increase the liability $0.8 million; and a 10 basis point increase in the credit spreads used for non-performance would decrease the liability $0.3 million.
The Company estimates that the impact of unobservable inputs at December 31, 2014 is as follows: a 10% increase in the mortality assumption would reduce the liability less than $0.1 million; a 10% decrease in the lapse assumption would increase the liability $0.3 million; a 10% increase in the benefit utilization would increase the liability $0.9 million; and a 10 basis point increase in the credit spreads used for non-performance would decrease the liability $0.4 million.

30

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following tables present a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments. The Company has not included assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments in this disclosure. The total of the fair value calculations presented below may not be indicative of the value that can be obtained.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale
$
2,697,443

 
$
2,697,443

 
$
2,726,731

 
$
2,726,731

Equity securities available for sale
24,758

 
24,758

 
24,881

 
24,881

Mortgage loans
568,952

 
597,822

 
541,180

 
567,435

Policy loans
81,748

 
81,748

 
83,553

 
83,553

Cash and short-term investments
32,770

 
32,770

 
50,118

 
50,118

Separate account assets
364,621

 
364,621

 
406,501

 
406,501

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual and group annuities
$
1,077,896

 
$
1,059,243

 
$
1,080,322

 
$
1,061,067

Supplementary contracts and annuities
without life contingencies
54,019

 
52,783

 
54,949

 
53,744

Separate account liabilities
364,621

 
364,621

 
406,501

 
406,501

Other policyholder funds - GMWB
(2,685
)
 
(2,685
)
 
(1,094
)
 
(1,094
)

31

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

6. Financing Receivables
The Company has financing receivables that have both a specific maturity date, either on demand or on a fixed or determinable date, and are recognized as assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The table below identifies the Company’s financing receivables by classification amount.
 
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
Receivables:
 
 
 
Agent receivables, net
(allowance $1,095; 2014 - $2,003)
$
1,721

 
$
1,727

Investment-related financing receivables:
 
 
 
Mortgage loans, net
(allowance $2,016; 2014 - $1,914)
568,952

 
541,180

Total financing receivables
$
570,673

 
$
542,907

The following table details the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts on agent receivables. Any recoveries are included as deductions.
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
Beginning of year
$
2,003

 
$
2,245

Additions
19

 
306

Deductions
(927
)
 
(548
)
End of period
$
1,095

 
$
2,003

The following table details the mortgage loan portfolio as collectively or individually evaluated for impairment.
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
Mortgage loans collectively evaluated
for impairment
$
563,462

 
$
535,398

Mortgage loans individually evaluated
for impairment
7,506

 
7,696

Allowance for loan losses
(2,016
)
 
(1,914
)
Carrying value
$
568,952

 
$
541,180

The following table details the activity of the allowance for mortgage loan losses. Any recoveries are included as deductions.
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
Beginning of year
$
1,914

 
$
3,251

Provision
102

 

Deductions

 
(1,337
)
End of period
$
2,016

 
$
1,914


32

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

Agent Receivables
The Company has agent receivables that are classified as financing receivables and are reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. These trade receivables from agents are long-term in nature and are specifically assessed as to the collectability of each receivable. The Company's gross agent receivables totaled $2.8 million at September 30, 2015 with an allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $1.1 million. Gross agent receivables totaled $3.7 million with an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.0 million at December 31, 2014. The Company has two types of agent receivables including:
Agent specific loans. At both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these loans totaled $1.0 million and the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.3 million.
Other agent receivables. Gross agent receivables in this category totaled $1.8 million, and the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.8 million at September 30, 2015. Gross agent receivables in this category totaled $2.7 million, and the allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.7 million at December 31, 2014.
Mortgage Loans
The Company considers its mortgage loan portfolio to be long-term financing receivables. Mortgage loans are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less an allowance for loan losses. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection. Loans in foreclosure, loans considered impaired, or loans past due 90 days or more are placed on non-accrual status. Payments received on loans on non-accrual status for these reasons are applied first to interest income not collected while on non-accrual status, followed by fees, accrued and past-due interest, and principal.
If a mortgage loan is determined to be on non-accrual status, the Company does not accrue interest income into its financial statements. The loan is independently monitored and evaluated as to potential impairment or foreclosure. This evaluation includes assessing the probability of receiving future cash flows, along with consideration of many of the factors described below. If delinquent payments are made and the loan is brought current, then the Company returns the loan to active status and accrues income accordingly.
Generally, the Company considers its mortgage loans to be a portfolio segment. The Company considers its primary class to be property type. The Company primarily uses loan-to-value as its credit risk quality indicator but also monitors additional secondary risk factors, such as geographic distribution both on a regional and specific state basis. The mortgage loan portfolio segment is presented by property type in a table in Note 4 - Investments, as are geographic distributions by both region and state. These measures are also supplemented with various other analytics to provide additional information concerning potential impairment of mortgage loans and management's assessment of financing receivables.
The following tables present an aging schedule for delinquent payments for both principal and interest by property type.
 
 
 
Amount of Payments Past Due
 
Book Value
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
> 90 Days
 
Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Office
1,759

 
14

 

 

 
14

Medical

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Total
$
1,759

 
$
14

 
$

 
$

 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Office

 

 

 

 

Medical

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Total
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


33

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

As of September 30, 2015, there was one mortgage loan that was over 30 days or more past due. Payment was subsequently received on this delinquent loan. As of December 31, 2014, there were no mortgage loans that were past due or were in the process of foreclosure.
Management's periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, historical and industry data, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. The Company assesses the amount it maintains in the mortgage loan allowance through an assessment of what the Company believes are relevant factors at both the macro-environmental level and specific loan basis. A loan is considered impaired if it is probable that contractual amounts due will not be collected. For information regarding management's periodic evaluation and assessment of mortgage loans and the allowance for loan losses, please refer to Note 6 - Financing Receivables in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.
7. Variable Interest Entities
The Company invests in certain affordable housing and real estate joint ventures which are considered to be variable interest entities (VIEs) and are included in Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets held in affordable housing real estate joint venture VIEs are primarily residential real estate properties that are restricted to provide affordable housing under federal or state programs for varying periods of time. The restrictions primarily apply to the rents that may be paid by tenants residing in the properties during the term of an agreement to remain in the affordable housing program. Investments in affordable housing real estate joint ventures are equity interests in partnerships or limited liability companies that may or may not participate in profits or residual value. The Company's investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. The Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as a component of income tax expense. The tax credits are recognized as a reduction of tax expense. The Company realized federal income tax credits related to these investments of $0.7 million for the third quarters and $2.1 million for the nine months ended both September 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company also recognized $0.2 million and $0.4 million of amortization related to these investments for the third quarters and $1.0 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company's investments in other real estate VIEs are recorded using the equity method. Cash distributions from the VIE and cash contributions to the VIE are recorded as decreases or increases, respectively, in the carrying value of the VIE. Certain other equity investments in VIEs, where permitted, are recorded on an amortized cost basis. The operating performance of investments in the VIE is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as investment income or as a component of income tax expense, depending upon the nature and primary design of the investment. The Company evaluates the carrying value of VIEs for impairment on an ongoing basis to assess whether the carrying value is expected to be realized during the anticipated life of the investment. In certain cases, the Company may issue fixed-rate senior mortgage loan investments secured by properties controlled by VIEs. These investments are classified as mortgage loans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the income received from such investments is recorded as investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Investments in the affordable housing and real estate joint ventures are interests that will absorb portions of the VIE's expected losses or receive portions of expected residual returns of the VIE's net assets exclusive of variable interests. The Company makes an assessment of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time of the initial investment and on an ongoing basis thereafter. The Company considers many factors when making this determination based upon a review of the underlying investment agreement and other information related to the specific investment. The first factor is whether the Company has the ability to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance. The power to direct the activities of the VIE is generally vested in the managing general partner or managing member of the VIE, which is not the position held by the Company in these investments. Other factors include the entity's equity investment at risk, decision-making abilities, obligations to absorb economic risks, the right to receive economic rewards of the entity, and the extent to which the Company shares in the VIE's expected losses and residual returns.

34

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table presents the carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs for which the Company holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary, and which had not been consolidated at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The table includes investments in five real estate joint ventures and 23 affordable housing real estate joint ventures at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
September 30
2015
 
December 31
2014
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss
Real estate joint ventures
$
21,286

 
$
21,286

 
$
21,415

 
$
21,415

Affordable housing real estate joint ventures
11,923

 
53,701

 
13,153

 
54,028

Total
$
33,209

 
$
74,987

 
$
34,568

 
$
75,443

The maximum exposure to loss relating to the real estate joint ventures and affordable housing real estate joint ventures, as shown in the table above, is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded equity commitments, exposure to potential recapture of tax credits, guarantees of debt, or other obligations of the VIE with recourse to the Company. Unfunded equity and loan commitments typically require financial or operating performance by other parties and have not yet become due or payable but which may become due in the future.
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had no mortgage loan or equity commitments outstanding to the real estate joint venture VIEs. The Company has contingent commitments to fund additional equity contributions for operating support to certain real estate joint venture VIEs, which could result in additional exposure to loss. However, the Company is not able to quantify the amount of these contingent commitments.
In addition, the maximum exposure to loss on affordable housing joint ventures at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $29.9 million and $27.7 million, respectively, of losses which could be realized if the tax credits received by the VIEs were recaptured. Recapture events would cause the Company to reverse some or all of the benefit previously recognized by the Company or third parties to whom the tax credit interests were transferred. A recapture event can occur at any time during a 15-year required compliance period. The principal causes of recapture include financial default and non-compliance with affordable housing program requirements by the properties controlled by the VIE. The potential exposure due to recapture may be mitigated by guarantees from the managing member or managing partner in the VIE, insurance contracts, or changes in the residual value accruing to the Company's interests in the VIEs.
8. Separate Accounts
Separate account assets and liabilities arise from the sale of variable universal life insurance and variable annuity products. The separate account represents funds segregated for the benefit of certain policyholders who bear the investment risk. The assets are legally segregated and are not subject to claims which may arise from any other business of the Company. The separate account assets and liabilities, which are equal, are recorded at fair value based upon NAV of the underlying investment holdings as derived from closing prices on a national exchange or as provided by the issuer. Policyholder account deposits and withdrawals, investment income, and realized investment gains and losses are excluded from the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Revenues to the Company from separate accounts consist principally of contract charges, which include maintenance charges, administrative fees, and mortality and expense charges.
The Company has a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) rider that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts. The value of the separate accounts with the GMWB rider is recorded at fair value of $115.8 million at September 30, 2015 (December 31, 2014 - $132.3 million). The GMWB guarantee liability was $(2.7) million at September 30, 2015 (December 31, 2014 - $(1.1) million). The change in this value is included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider is recorded in separate account liabilities, and the value of the rider is included in other policyholder funds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has two blocks of variable universal life policies and variable annuity contracts from which the Company receives fees. The fees are based upon both specific transactions and the fund value of the blocks of policies. The Company has a direct block of ongoing business identified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as separate account assets, totaling $364.6 million at September 30, 2015 and $406.5 million at December 31, 2014, and corresponding separate account liabilities of an equal amount. In addition, the Company has an assumed closed block of business that is recorded in the Company's financial statements in accordance with modified coinsurance accounting for variable insurance business. This block of separate account fund balances

35

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

totaled $279.6 million at September 30, 2015 and $318.1 million at December 31, 2014. The Company also records separate accounts invested in the general account for the direct block of business. In addition, in accordance with coinsurance reinsurance transaction accounting, the Company also records the assumed block of fixed accounts under its general account. The future policy benefits for the direct block approximated $0.5 million and $0.4 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The future policy benefits for the assumed block approximated $0.6 million at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
9. Notes Payable
The Company had no notes payable outstanding at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) with a capital investment of $4.9 million at September 30, 2015, the Company has the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis from the FHLB. The Company received an insignificant amount of dividends on the capital investment in both the third quarters and nine months of 2015 and 2014.
The Company had unsecured revolving lines of credit of $70.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The lines of credit are at variable interest rates based upon short-term indices, and will mature in June of 2016. The Company anticipates renewing these lines of credit as they come due.
10. Income Taxes
The following table provides a reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Federal income tax rate
35
 %
 
35
 %
 
35
 %
 
35
 %
Tax credits, net of equity adjustment
(4
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(3
)%
 
(3
)%
Permanent differences
2
 %
 
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(1
)%
Effective income tax rate
33
 %
 
31
 %
 
30
 %
 
31
 %
The Company had uncertain tax positions of $0.1 million at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had a current tax liability of $0.7 million and a $66.4 million net deferred tax liability, compared to a $2.3 million current tax asset and a $75.9 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014.
11. Pensions and Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB)
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost.
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
OPEB
 
Quarter Ended
 
Quarter Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
172

 
$
153

Interest cost
1,356

 
1,551

 
350

 
375

Expected return on plan assets
(2,480
)
 
(2,582
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized actuarial net loss
600

 
430

 
117

 
22

Unrecognized prior service credit

 

 
(285
)
 
(287
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
(524
)
 
$
(601
)
 
$
354

 
$
263


36

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

 
Pension Benefits
 
OPEB
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
514

 
$
459

Interest cost
4,068

 
4,652

 
1,052

 
1,124

Expected return on plan assets
(7,440
)
 
(7,743
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized actuarial net loss
1,801

 
1,289

 
353

 
65

Unrecognized prior service credit

 

 
(859
)
 
(860
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
(1,571
)
 
$
(1,802
)
 
$
1,060

 
$
788

12. Share-Based Payment
The Company has a long-term incentive plan for senior management that provides a cash award to participants for the increase in the share price of the Company's common stock through units (phantom shares) assigned by the Board of Directors. The cash award is calculated over a three-year interval on a calendar year basis. At the conclusion of each three-year interval, participants will receive a cash award based on the increase in the share price during a defined measurement period, multiplied by the number of units attributable to each participant. The increase in the share price is determined based on the change in the share price from the beginning to the end of the three-year interval. Amounts representing dividends are accrued and paid at the end of each three-year interval to the extent that they exceed negative stock price appreciation. Plan payments are contingent on the continued employment of the participant unless termination is due to a qualifying event such as death, disability, or retirement. In addition, all payments are lump sum with no deferrals allowed. The plan does not make any payments in shares, warrants, or options.
During the first nine months of both 2015 and 2014, the plan made cash payments totaling $3.8 million. No payments were made during the third quarters of 2015 or 2014.
At each reporting period, an estimate of the share-based compensation expense is accrued, utilizing the share price at the period end. The cost of share-based compensation accrued as an operating expense in the third quarters of 2015 and 2014 was $0.4 million and $0.6 million, net of tax, respectively. The cost of share-based compensation accrued as an operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was $0.4 million and $0.7 million, net of tax, respectively.
13. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the unrealized investment gains or losses on securities available for sale (net of reclassifications for realized investment gains or losses) net of adjustments to deferred acquisition costs (DAC) and value of business acquired (VOBA), future policy benefits, and policyholder account balances (including deferred revenue liability). In addition, other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in the liability for benefit plan obligations. Other comprehensive income (loss) reflects these items net of tax.

37

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The tables below provide information about comprehensive income (loss).
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
 
Pre-Tax
Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
(3,452
)
 
$
(1,207
)
 
$
(2,245
)
Equity securities
(5
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Less reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment
losses
432

 
151

 
281

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in
earnings
(428
)
 
(150
)
 
(278
)
Net unrealized losses excluding impairment losses
(3,461
)
 
(1,210
)
 
(2,251
)
Effect on DAC and VOBA
719

 
251

 
468

Future policy benefits
213

 
74

 
139

Policyholder account balances
26

 
9

 
17

Other comprehensive loss
$
(2,503
)
 
$
(876
)
 
(1,627
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
5,435

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
3,808

 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Pre-Tax
Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
(18,222
)
 
$
(6,378
)
 
$
(11,844
)
Equity securities
41

 
14

 
27

Less reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment
losses
178

 
62

 
116

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in
earnings
(332
)
 
(116
)
 
(216
)
Net unrealized losses excluding impairment losses
(18,027
)
 
(6,310
)
 
(11,717
)
Effect on DAC and VOBA
4,033

 
1,412

 
2,621

Future policy benefits
959

 
336

 
623

Policyholder account balances
63

 
22

 
41

Other comprehensive loss
$
(12,972
)
 
$
(4,540
)
 
(8,432
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
7,960

Comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
$
(472
)

38

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Pre-Tax
Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
(35,166
)
 
$
(12,308
)
 
$
(22,858
)
Equity securities
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(21
)
Less reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment
losses
2,886

 
1,010

 
1,876

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in
earnings
(2,360
)
 
(826
)
 
(1,534
)
Net unrealized losses excluding impairment losses
(35,724
)
 
(12,503
)
 
(23,221
)
Effect on DAC and VOBA
6,584

 
2,304

 
4,280

Future policy benefits
1,983

 
694

 
1,289

Policyholder account balances
255

 
89

 
166

Other comprehensive loss
$
(26,902
)
 
$
(9,416
)
 
(17,486
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
23,112

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
5,626

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Pre-Tax
Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
$
47,352

 
$
16,573

 
$
30,779

Equity securities
1,635

 
572

 
1,063

Less reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment
losses
1,683

 
589

 
1,094

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in
earnings
(601
)
 
(210
)
 
(391
)
Net unrealized gains excluding impairment losses
47,905

 
16,766

 
31,139

Effect on DAC and VOBA
(3,018
)
 
(1,056
)
 
(1,962
)
Future policy benefits
(9,137
)
 
(3,198
)
 
(5,939
)
Policyholder account balances
(312
)
 
(109
)
 
(203
)
Other comprehensive income
$
35,438

 
$
12,403

 
23,035

Net income
 
 
 
 
22,257

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
45,292


39

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The following table provides accumulated balances related to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2015, net of tax.
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Non-Impaired
Securities
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Impaired
Securities
 
Benefit
Plan
Obligations
 
DAC/
VOBA
Impact
 
Future Policy Benefits
 
Policyholder
Account
Balances
 
Total
Beginning of year
$
110,362

 
$
3,141

 
$
(53,964
)
 
$
(18,521
)
 
$
(17,406
)
 
$
(572
)
 
$
23,040

Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
(25,216
)
 
1,653

 

 
4,298

 
1,289

 
166

 
(17,810
)
Amounts reclassified
from accumulated other
comprehensive income
1,876

 
(1,534
)
 

 
(18
)
 

 

 
324

Net current-period other
comprehensive income
     (loss)
(23,340
)
 
119

 

 
4,280

 
1,289

 
166

 
(17,486
)
End of period
$
87,022

 
$
3,260

 
$
(53,964
)
 
$
(14,241
)
 
$
(16,117
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
5,554

The following table presents the pre-tax and the related income tax benefit (expense) components of the amounts reclassified from the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Reclassification adjustments related to unrealized gains (losses)
on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Having impairments recognized in the Consolidated Statements
    of Comprehensive Income 1
$
432

 
$
178

 
$
2,886

 
$
1,683

Income tax expense 2
(151
)
 
(62
)
 
(1,010
)
 
(589
)
Net of taxes
281

 
116

 
1,876

 
1,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Having no impairments recognized in the Consolidated
    Statements of Comprehensive Income 1
(428
)
 
(332
)
 
(2,360
)
 
(601
)
Income tax benefit 2
150

 
116

 
826

 
210

Net of taxes
(278
)
 
(216
)
 
(1,534
)
 
(391
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment related to DAC and VOBA 1
(6
)
 
3

 
(27
)
 
(55
)
Income tax benefit (expense) 2
2

 
(1
)
 
9

 
19

Net of taxes
(4
)
 
2

 
(18
)
 
(36
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pre-tax reclassifications
(2
)
 
(151
)
 
499

 
1,027

Total income tax benefit (expense)
1

 
53

 
(175
)
 
(360
)
Total reclassification, net taxes
$
(1
)
 
$
(98
)
 
$
324

 
$
667

 1 (Increases) decreases net realized investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 2 (Increases) decreases income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

40

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

14. Earnings Per Share
Due to the Company’s capital structure and the absence of other potentially dilutive securities, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per common share for any of the periods reported. The average number of shares outstanding for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 10,615,142 and 10,941,544, respectively. The average number of shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 10,711,102 and 10,957,546, respectively. The number of shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 10,608,899 and 10,825,205 respectively.
15. Segment Information
The following schedule provides the financial performance of each of the three reportable operating segments of the Company.
 
 
 
Individual
 
Group
 
Old
 
Intercompany
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
 
Insurance
 
American
 
Eliminations1
 
Consolidated
Insurance revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter:
2015
 
$
33,892

 
$
14,229

 
$
19,992

 
$
(103
)
 
$
68,010

 
2014
 
38,205

 
14,735

 
19,182

 
(101
)
 
72,021

Nine months:
2015
 
103,314

 
41,417

 
59,242

 
(310
)
 
203,663

 
2014
 
115,196

 
43,362

 
56,520

 
(304
)
 
214,774

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter:
2015
 
$
35,491

 
$
67

 
$
2,719

 
$

 
$
38,277

 
2014
 
37,697

 
132

 
2,779

 

 
40,608

Nine months:
2015
 
109,693

 
267

 
8,215

 

 
118,175

 
2014
 
113,753

 
392

 
8,505

 

 
122,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter:
2015
 
$
70,224

 
$
13,285

 
$
20,695

 
$
(103
)
 
$
104,101

 
2014
 
69,309

 
14,461

 
20,390

 
(101
)
 
104,059

Nine months:
2015
 
193,350

 
40,986

 
64,675

 
(310
)
 
298,701

 
2014
 
209,636

 
43,486

 
62,444

 
(304
)
 
315,262

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter:
2015
 
$
3,434

 
$
687

 
$
1,314

 
$

 
$
5,435

 
2014
 
6,655

 
296

 
1,009

 

 
7,960

Nine months:
2015
 
20,634

 
545

 
1,933

 

 
23,112

 
2014
 
20,080

 
273

 
1,904

 

 
22,257

1 Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance that the Company purchases for its employees were as follows: insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment and operating expenses from the Individual Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
16. Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Company has open purchase and sale commitments. At September 30, 2015, the Company had purchase commitments to fund mortgage loans and real estate of $39.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
Subsequent to September 30, 2015 the Company entered into commitments to fund additional mortgage loans of $8.4 million.
17. Contingent Liabilities
The Company and its subsidiaries are, from time to time, involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The life insurance industry, including the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years. Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, often questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products.

41

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

The Company's subsidiary broker-dealer previously operated as a retail broker-dealer/investment advisor, a business that operates with a substantial risk of liability. Legal and other proceedings involving financial services firms, including the Company's subsidiary, continue to have a significant impact on the industry. Significant matters over the last few years have included registered representative activity and certain types of securities products (particularly private placements and real estate investment products). The Company’s subsidiary broker-dealer retains certain risks related to legal and other proceedings related to its prior operations.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to regular reviews and inspections by state and federal regulatory authorities. State insurance examiners - or independent audit firms engaged by such examiners - may, from time to time, conduct examinations or investigations into industry practices and into customer complaints. A regulatory violation discovered during a review, inspection, or investigation could result in a wide range of remedies that could include the imposition of sanctions against the Company, its subsidiaries, or its employees, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
Certain policies, contracts, and annuities offered by the Company and certain products offered by its broker-dealer/investment advisor subsidiary are subject to regulation under federal and state securities laws. Federal securities laws contain regulatory restrictions and criminal, administrative, and private remedial provisions. From time to time, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), or a state securities regulator examine or investigate the activities of broker-dealers and/or investment advisors, including the Company's affiliated broker-dealer/ investment advisor subsidiary. It is possible that the results of any examination may lead to changes in systems or procedures, payments of fines and penalties, payments to customers, or a combination thereof, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
The life insurance industry has been the subject of significant regulatory and legal activities regarding the use of the U.S. Social Security Administration's Death Master File (“Death Master File”) in the claims process. The focus of the activity has related to the industry's compliance with state unclaimed property and escheatment laws. Certain states have proposed, and many other states are considering, new legislation and regulations related to unclaimed life insurance benefits and the use of the Death Master File in the claims process. It is possible that audits and/or the enactment of new state laws could result in identifying payments to beneficiaries more quickly than under the current legislative and regulatory standards established for life insurance claims or may provide for additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws. The audits could also result in administrative penalties. Given the legal and regulatory uncertainty in this area, it is also possible that life insurers, including the Company, may be subject to claims concerning their business practices. Based on its analysis to date, the Company believes that it has sufficiently reviewed its existing business and has adequately reserved for contingencies from a change in statute or regulation. Additional costs that cannot be reasonably estimated as of the date of this filing are possible as a result of ongoing regulatory developments and other future requirements related to this matter. Any resulting additional payments or costs could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
In addition to the specific items above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in, or subject to, other claims or legal actions related to insurance and investment products. Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages.
Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these regulatory matters, legal actions, and other claims would not have a material effect on the Company's business, results of operations, or financial position.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, the Company establishes an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter develops, it is evaluated on an ongoing basis, often in conjunction with outside counsel, as to whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure. If and when a loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, the Company establishes an accrued liability. This accrued liability is then monitored for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.
While the Company makes every effort to appropriately accrue liability for litigation and other legal proceedings, the outcome of such matters (including any amount of settlement, judgment, or fine) is inherently difficult to predict. This difficulty arises from the need to gather all relevant facts (which may or may not be available) and to apply those facts to complex legal principles. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that any litigation, proceeding or other matter to which it is a party or otherwise involved will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, the results of its operations, or its cash flows. However, an adverse development or an increase in associated legal fees could be material in a particular period depending, in part, on the Company's operating results in that period.

42

Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements–(Continued) (Unaudited)

18. Guarantees and Indemnifications
The Company is subject to various indemnification obligations issued in conjunction with certain transactions, primarily assumption reinsurance agreements, stock purchase agreements, mortgage servicing agreements, tax credit assignment agreements, construction and lease guarantees, and borrowing agreements whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. Generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated. Therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under the indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company is unable to estimate with certainty the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to these indemnifications. The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that material payments would be required under such indemnifications and therefore such indemnifications would not result in a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations.
19. Reverse/Forward Stock Split Transaction
On July 27, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized, subject to stockholder approval, amendments to the Company's Articles of Incorporation that would effect a proposed reverse/forward stock split transaction (the "reverse/forward stock split"), consisting of a 1-for-250 reverse stock split of its capital stock, par value $1.25 per share (the "common stock”) followed immediately by a 250 -for-1 forward stock split of each one share of its common stock (including each fractional share of such class of stock in excess of one share).
Subject to stockholder approval of the proposed amendments to our Articles of Incorporation, the Company anticipates that the reverse/forward stock split would enable it to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) as well as its periodic reporting obligations with the SEC, if, after the reverse stock split, there are fewer than 300 record holders of each class of its stock and it makes the necessary filings with the SEC. The Company anticipates that this would enable it to eliminate many of the expenses related to the disclosure, reporting, and compliance requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and related federal securities laws and regulations.
A special meeting of the Company's stockholders is tentatively scheduled to be held on December 15, 2015, at which time it intends to submit the proposed amendments to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the reverse/forward stock split to its stockholders for their consideration and approval. If the reverse/forward stock split is approved by stockholders, the Company anticipates that the effective date of the reverse/forward stock split would occur soon after the stockholder meeting at which it is considered, subject to final action by the Board of Directors, and presently anticipate that it would become effective on or about December 17, 2015.
20. Subsequent Events
On October 26, 2015, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that will be paid on November 11, 2015 to stockholders of record on November 5, 2015.

43


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Amounts are stated in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide in narrative form the perspective of the management of Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the Company) on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect its future results. The following is a discussion and analysis of the results of operations for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and the financial condition of the Company at September 30, 2015. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this document, as well as the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.
Overview
Kansas City Life Insurance Company is a financial services company that is predominantly focused on the underwriting, sales, and administration of life insurance and annuity products. The consolidated entity (the Company) primarily consists of three life insurance companies. Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) is the parent company. Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) are wholly-owned subsidiaries. For additional information, please refer to the Overview included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.
State Regulation
The Company’s life insurance entities are subject to periodic examinations by state regulatory authorities. Financial statements are prepared and examined on a basis other than GAAP, namely statutory accounting principles. The most recently completed examination performed by the State of Missouri occurred as of December 31, 2009 for Kansas City Life, Sunset Life, and Old American. There were no adjustments recommended to any of the insurance companies as a result of that examination. The State of Missouri is currently conducting a scheduled examination based upon the year ended December 31, 2014 for the three life insurance companies.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
This report reviews the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and historical information is presented and discussed. Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” that fall within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements rather than historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” and other words, phrases, or expressions with similar meaning.
Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors listed in Item 1A. Risk Factors as filed in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.

44


Consolidated Results of Operations
Summary of Results
The Company earned net income of $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $8.0 million in the third quarter of 2014. Net income per share was $0.52 in the third quarter of 2015 versus $0.73 in the same period in the prior year. Net income for the first nine months of 2015 was $23.1 million compared to $22.3 million in the prior year. Net income per share for the first nine months of 2015 was $2.16 versus $2.03 one year earlier.
The following table presents variances between the results for the third quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance and other revenues
$
69,937

 
$
74,406

 
$
(4,469
)
 
$
209,400

 
$
221,835

 
$
(12,435
)
Net investment income
38,277

 
40,608

 
(2,331
)
 
118,175

 
122,650

 
(4,475
)
Net realized investment gains
4,047

 
649

 
3,398

 
4,364

 
2,829

 
1,535

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and interest credited
to policyholder account balances
70,150

 
68,674

 
(1,476
)
 
205,325

 
209,787

 
4,462

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
9,244

 
9,797

 
553

 
19,586

 
31,154

 
11,568

Operating expenses
24,707

 
25,588

 
881

 
73,790

 
74,321

 
531

Income tax expense
2,725

 
3,644

 
919

 
10,126

 
9,795

 
(331
)
Net income
$
5,435

 
$
7,960

 
$
(2,525
)
 
$
23,112

 
$
22,257

 
$
855

Information on these items is presented below.
Sales
The Company's marketing plan for individual products focuses on three main aspects: providing financial security with respect to life insurance, the accumulation of long-term value, and future retirement income needs. The primary emphasis is on the growth of individual life insurance business, including new premiums for individual life products and new deposits for universal life and variable universal life products. These deposits can be recurring in nature, as policyholders can choose to make regular deposits into these products. However, policyholders can also choose to make one-time deposits. Consumer preferences and customer choices are very hard to predict and significantly influence life and annuity insurance purchases. These changing preferences and choices can result in large fluctuations period to period. The Company attempts to provide a varied portfolio of products that support consumer needs and is constantly assessing new products and opportunities. The Company also offers a portfolio of group products.
Sales of the Company's products are primarily made through the Company's existing sales force. The Company emphasizes growth of the sales force with the addition of new general agents and agents. The Company believes that increased sales will result through both the number and productivity of general agents and agents. The Company also places an emphasis on training and direct support to the field force to assist new agents in their start-up phase. In addition, the Company provides support to existing agents to help them stay abreast of the ever-changing regulatory environment and to introduce agents to new products and enhanced features of existing products. The Company also selectively utilizes third-party marketing arrangements to enhance its sales objectives. This allows the Company the flexibility to identify niches or pursue unique opportunities in existing markets and to react quickly to take advantage of opportunities when they occur.
The Company recognizes conversions of policies and contracts on interest sensitive products to traditional life and annuity products as new premiums at the time of conversion. Most notably, the Company has fixed deferred annuities that may convert to immediate annuities. Deferred annuity contracts typically provide for such conversions as one of several settlement options, and the volume of such contracts can vary based upon the individual needs and decisions of contract owners. In addition, the timing of these conversions can result in large fluctuations period to period.
The Group Insurance segment primarily uses two marketing approaches. The first is to market business using Kansas City Life's internal sales representatives and an independent general agent and agent field force. This business is administered internally. The second is through selectively identified independent third-party arrangements that support this segment's marketing and product

45


portfolio. Generally, business sold through these arrangements is administered by the third parties or through specifically identified reinsurance arrangements.
The Old American segment focuses on the recruitment and development of new agencies and agents in assigned territories. The intent of these activities is to generate improved production from existing agencies and agents, including the expansion or opening of territories believed to offer additional growth opportunities. Further, this segment also focuses on servicing its policyholders and creating and maintaining products that are designed and priced to be competitive in the senior markets.
The following tables present gross premiums by new and renewal business, less reinsurance ceded. New premiums are also detailed by product.
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional life insurance
$
4,667

 
4
 %
 
$
4,482

 
9
 %
Immediate annuities
4,462

 
(39
)%
 
7,282

 
(35
)%
Group life insurance
596

 
(33
)%
 
891

 
20
 %
Group accident and health insurance
3,077

 
(12
)%
 
3,497

 
(3
)%
Total new premiums
12,802

 
(21
)%
 
16,152

 
(18
)%
Renewal premiums
40,636

 
1
 %
 
40,324

 
5
 %
Total premiums
53,438

 
(5
)%
 
56,476

 
(3
)%
Reinsurance ceded
(14,060
)
 
 %
 
(13,996
)
 
(2
)%
Net premiums
$
39,378

 
(7
)%
 
$
42,480

 
(3
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional life insurance
$
13,694

 
4
 %
 
$
13,175

 
2
 %
Immediate annuities
16,583

 
(24
)%
 
21,765

 
(51
)%
Group life insurance
1,706

 
(36
)%
 
2,646

 
19
 %
Group accident and health insurance
8,159

 
(28
)%
 
11,374

 
10
 %
Total new premiums
40,142

 
(18
)%
 
48,960

 
(30
)%
Renewal premiums
121,276

 
2
 %
 
118,716

 
4
 %
Total premiums
161,418

 
(4
)%
 
167,676

 
(9
)%
Reinsurance ceded
(41,222
)
 
(2
)%
 
(42,075
)
 
(1
)%
Net premiums
$
120,196

 
(4
)%
 
$
125,601

 
(11
)%
Consolidated total premiums decreased $3.0 million or 5% in the third quarter of 2015 versus the prior year, as a $3.4 million decrease in total new premiums was partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in total renewal premiums. The decrease in new premiums largely resulted from a $2.8 million decrease in new immediate annuity premiums. Immediate annuity receipts can have sizeable fluctuations, as receipts from policyholders largely result from one-time premiums rather than recurring premiums. In addition, the conversions from fixed deferred annuities are based upon the individual needs and decisions of contract owners. Conversions from fixed deferred annuities totaled $2.6 million during the third quarter of 2015, down from $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. Excluding the conversions from fixed deferred annuities, new immediate annuity premiums were essentially flat in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the prior year. The increase in renewal premiums was largely due to a $0.5 million increase in renewal traditional life premiums, principally from the Old American segment. In addition, an increase in group life renewal premiums was offset by a decrease in group accident and health renewal premiums.
Consolidated total premiums decreased $6.3 million or 4% in the first nine months of 2015 versus the prior year, as an $8.8 million decrease in total new premiums was partially offset by a $2.6 million increase in total renewal premiums. The decrease in new premiums resulted from a $5.2 million decrease in new immediate annuity premiums and a $3.2 million decline in new group accident and health premiums, principally in the dental and disability lines. Conversions from fixed deferred annuities totaled

46


$11.4 million during the first nine months of 2015, down from $14.4 million in the first nine months of 2014. Excluding the conversions from fixed deferred annuities, new immediate annuity premiums decreased $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The increase in renewal premiums reflected a $1.8 million increase in traditional life renewal premiums, principally from the Old American segment. In addition, renewal premiums in the group life product line increased $0.8 million versus the prior year.
The following tables reconcile deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provide detail by new and renewal deposits. New deposits are also detailed by product.
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance
$
2,891

 
23
 %
 
$
2,356

 
(42
)%
Variable universal life insurance
66

 
(49
)%
 
130

 
(4
)%
Fixed annuities
11,089

 
17
 %
 
9,440

 
(13
)%
Variable annuities
5,063

 
(46
)%
 
9,383

 
56
 %
Total new deposits
19,109

 
(10
)%
 
21,309

 
1
 %
Renewal deposits
33,867

 
(7
)%
 
36,562

 
(8
)%
Total deposits
$
52,976

 
(8
)%
 
$
57,871

 
(5
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance
$
10,175

 
27
 %
 
$
8,041

 
(43
)%
Variable universal life insurance
231

 
(64
)%
 
642

 
(49
)%
Fixed annuities
31,421

 
(10
)%
 
34,994

 
8
 %
Variable annuities
15,009

 
(46
)%
 
27,640

 
77
 %
Total new deposits
56,836

 
(20
)%
 
71,317

 
12
 %
Renewal deposits
110,173

 
(5
)%
 
116,407

 
2
 %
Total deposits
$
167,009

 
(11
)%
 
$
187,724

 
6
 %
Total new deposits declined $2.2 million or 10% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the third quarter of 2014. This decline resulted from a $4.3 million or 46% decrease in new variable annuity deposits. Partially offsetting this were increases of $1.6 million or 17% in new fixed annuity deposits and $0.5 million or 23% in new universal life deposits. Total renewal deposits decreased $2.7 million or 7% in the third quarter of 2015 versus the prior year, reflecting a $1.4 million or 25% decrease in fixed annuity renewal deposits and a $0.7 million or 10% decline in variable universal life renewal deposits. Based upon changes in financial conditions, alternative and competitive products, and consumer preferences, universal life and fixed annuity deposits can have sizeable fluctuations period-to-period.
Total new deposits declined $14.5 million or 20% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the prior year. This decline resulted from a $12.6 million or 46% decrease in new variable annuity deposits and a $3.6 million or 10% decrease in new fixed annuity deposits. Partially offsetting these was a $2.1 million or 27% increase in new universal life deposits. Total renewal deposits decreased $6.2 million or 5% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the prior year, as an increase in universal life renewal deposits was offset by a decrease in variable universal life and fixed annuity renewal deposits.
Insurance Revenues
Insurance revenues consist of premiums, net of reinsurance, and contract charges. Insurance revenues are affected by the level of new sales, the type of products sold, the persistency of policies, general economic conditions, and competitive forces.
Contract charges consist of cost of insurance, expense loads, amortization of unearned revenues, and surrender charges on policyholder account balances. Certain contract charges are not recognized in income immediately but are deferred and are amortized into income in proportion to the expected future gross profits of the business, in a manner similar to deferred acquisition costs (DAC). Profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins, and policy and premium persistency experience. At least annually, a review is performed of the assumptions related to profit

47


expectations. If it is determined the assumptions should be revised, the impact is recorded as a change in the revenue reported in the current period as an unlocking adjustment.
Total contract charges decreased $0.9 million or 3% in the third quarter of 2015 and $5.7 million or 6% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decline in the third quarter primarily reflected the runoff of closed blocks of business. The decline in the nine months reflected lower amortization of deferred revenue, primarily resulting from unlocking effects on the deferred revenue liability. An unlocking adjustment decreased the amortization of deferred revenue $2.3 million during the second quarter of 2015, which compares to an unlocking adjustment that increased deferred revenue amortization $1.8 million during the second quarter of 2014. In addition, surrender charges declined in both the third quarter and nine months, reflecting reduced surrenders on policyholder account balances.
Contract charges are impacted by the sales of new products and the persistency of both existing and closed blocks of business. The closed blocks of business reflect products and entities that have been purchased but to which the Company is not actively pursuing marketing efforts to generate new sales. The Company services these policies to meet long-term profit objectives. Total contract charges on closed blocks equaled 41% and 42% of total consolidated contract charges in the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, and 43% and 42% in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total contract charges on closed blocks decreased 6% in the third quarter and 4% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year, reflecting the runoff of the business as well as reduced surrender charges on acquired variable universal life and variable annuity products. Total contract charges on open, or ongoing, blocks of business decreased 1% in the third quarter and 8% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. These changes largely reflected the lower amortization of deferred revenue resulting from unlocking effects on the deferred revenue liability.
Investment Revenues
Gross investment income is largely composed of interest, dividends, and other earnings on fixed maturity securities, equity securities, short-term investments, mortgage loans, real estate, and policy loans. Gross investment income declined $1.3 million or 3% in the third quarter and $2.1 million or 2% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods in 2014. These declines primarily reflected lower average invested assets and lower overall yields earned and available on certain investments. In addition, investment expenses rose $1.0 million or 34% in the third quarter and $2.3 million or 25% in the first nine months compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in real estate expenses from real estate purchases made during 2014.
Fixed maturity securities provided a majority of the Company's investment income during the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Income on these investments declined $1.5 million or 5% in the third quarter and $2.8 million or 3% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to one year earlier, as an increase in average invested assets was more than offset by lower yields earned.
Investment income from commercial mortgage loans decreased $0.3 million or 4% in the third quarter and $2.9 million or 11% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. These declines were primarily due to a lower average mortgage loan portfolio balance and lower yields earned on new loans compared to the prior year, primarily from maturities and principal paydowns that have exceeded new mortgage loan originations.
The Company realizes investment gains and losses from several sources, including write-downs of investment securities and mortgage loans, sales of investment securities, and real estate. Many securities purchased by the Company contain call provisions, which allow the issuer to redeem the securities at a particular price on or at a particular date or within a particular time frame. Depending upon the terms of the call provision and price at which the security was purchased, a gain or loss may be realized.
The Company recorded a net realized investment gain of $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2015, compared with a net realized investment gain of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2014. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $4.7 million in gains, largely from the sale of real estate properties and from certain securities being called. Net realized investment gains for the first nine months totaled $4.4 million in 2015 compared to $2.8 million in 2014. Gains due to investment securities called and other were $2.9 million and $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Partially offsetting these gains, investment losses of $2.4 million and $0.6 million were recorded due to write-downs of investment securities that were considered other-than-temporarily impaired in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Company's analysis of securities for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 resulted in the determination that one fixed maturity security had an other-than-temporary impairment of $0.4 million. This issuer is in the oil exploration and drilling industry and has announced a restructuring plan. In addition, the Company determined that a mortgage-backed security had other-than-temporary impairments totaling less than $0.1 million in the third quarter. The total fair value of the affected securities after the write-downs were $4.7 million.

48


Other Revenues
Other revenues consist primarily of supplementary contract considerations; policyholder dividends left with the Company to accumulate; and certain income received from subsidiaries of the Company. Other revenues decreased $0.5 million or 19% in the third quarter and $1.3 million or 19% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decline in other revenues during 2015 reflects the revenue decrease from the divestiture of certain non-proprietary agent relationships related to Sunset Financial Services in the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, lower revenue was earned by the Company's subsidiary that invests in affordable housing real estate, due to lower amounts of tax credits transferred or sold in 2015 compared to 2014.
Policyholder Benefits
Policyholder benefits consist of death benefits, immediate annuity benefits, accident and health benefits, surrenders, interest, other benefits, and the associated increase or decrease in reserves for future policy benefits. The largest component of policyholder benefits was death benefits for the periods presented. Death benefits reflect mortality results, after consideration of the impact of reinsurance. Mortality will fluctuate from period to period.
Policyholder benefits increased $1.9 million or 4% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period one year earlier. The largest factor in this change was a $2.0 million increase in death benefits, net of reinsurance. This change was primarily the result of increased claims in the third quarter in the Individual segment versus the prior year.
Policyholder benefits decreased $2.9 million or 2% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period one year earlier. The largest factor in this change was a decrease in benefit and contract reserves. Several factors contributed to the change in reserves. Changes in the fair value of the GMWB rider resulted in a $3.8 million decrease in benefit and contract reserves. Approximately $1.5 million of this favorable change was due to the movement of variable annuity investments associated with the GMWB rider into funds managed with the objective of lower volatility. Also contributing to the reserve change was a decrease in immediate annuity premiums. Policyholder reserves for immediate annuity premiums are established on an approximately equal and offsetting basis, and a decrease in premiums results in a decrease to reserves on a comparative basis. Partially offsetting these declines, death benefits, net of reinsurance, increased in the first nine months of 2015, reflecting increased death benefits in both the Individual Insurance and Old American segments.
The Company has a GMWB rider for variable annuity contracts that is considered to be a financial derivative and, as such, is accounted for at fair value. The Company determines the fair value of the GMWB rider using a risk-neutral valuation method. The value of the riders will fluctuate depending on market conditions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the fair value of the liability decreased $1.6 million compared to the fair value at December 31, 2014. This fluctuation can be primarily attributed to decreases in risk-free swap rates, decreased capital market returns, and the movement of variable annuity investments into funds managed with the objective of lower volatility.
Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances
Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts for universal life, fixed deferred annuities, and other investment-type products. There are minimum levels of interest crediting stipulated in certain policies or contracts, as well as allowances for adjustments to be made to reflect current market conditions in certain policies or contracts. Accordingly, the Company reviews and adjusts crediting rates as necessary and appropriate. Amounts credited are a function of account balances and current period crediting rates. As account balances fluctuate, so will the amount of interest credited to policyholder account balances. Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.4 million or 2% in the third quarter and $1.6 million or 3% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods one year earlier. This decline was due to lower average crediting rates as well as a decrease in policyholder account balances compared to one year earlier.
Amortization of DAC
Total amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased $0.6 million or 6% in the third quarter and $11.6 million or 37% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year. Changes in expense assumptions on new business contributed to the declines in both the third quarter and nine months of 2015. In addition, the decline in the nine months was also due to an unlocking adjustment that decreased DAC amortization $6.4 million in the second quarter of 2015, compared to an unlocking adjustment that increased DAC amortization $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2014. The unlocking in 2015 was associated with favorable adjustments for mortality and expenses, partially offset by adjustments related to interest rates. The unlocking in 2014 was associated with adjustments related to interest rates that were mostly offset by adjustments for mortality.
Unlocking and Refinements in Estimates
At least annually, a review is performed of the models and the assumptions used to develop expected gross profits for interest sensitive and variable insurance products based upon management’s current view of future events. The Company may also consider refinements in estimates due to improved capabilities resulting from administrative or actuarial system enhancements. No unlocking occurred in the third quarter of either 2015 or 2014.

49


The following tables summarize the effects of the refinements in estimates on all products and unlocking of assumptions on interest sensitive products in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
DAC
 
VOBA
 
DRL
 
Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$
6,380

 
$
(862
)
 
$
(2,344
)
 
$
3,174

Refinement in estimate

 

 

 

 
$
6,380

 
$
(862
)
 
$
(2,344
)
 
$
3,174

 
DAC
 
VOBA
 
DRL
 
Total
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$
(1,723
)
 
$
1,486

 
$
1,764

 
$
1,527

Refinement in estimate
(1,566
)
 

 

 
(1,566
)
 
$
(3,289
)
 
$
1,486

 
$
1,764

 
$
(39
)
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of incurred commission expense from the sale of insurance products, net of the deferral of certain commissions and certain expenses directly associated with the successful acquisition of new business, expenses from the Company's operations, the amortization of VOBA, and other expenses. Operating expenses decreased $0.9 million or 3% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period one year earlier. This decrease reflected lower commissions and capitalized commissions, as well as a decline in VOBA amortization, as discussed below. Operating expenses decreased $0.5 million or 1% in the first nine months of 2015, primarily due to lower commissions and capitalized commissions. Partially offsetting this were increases in VOBA amortization, salary and employee benefit costs, and legal costs.
VOBA is evaluated on an ongoing basis for unlocking adjustments. If necessary, adjustments are made to the current period VOBA amortization. The amortization of VOBA decreased $0.4 million in the third quarter and increased $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The decrease in the third quarter reflected higher mortality experience. The increase in the nine months was largely due to an unlocking adjustment, which increased VOBA amortization $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2015. This compares to an unlocking adjustment that decreased VOBA amortization $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The unlocking in both 2015 and 2014 was associated with interest and expense margins.
Income Taxes
The third quarter income tax expense was $2.7 million or 33% of income before tax for 2015, versus $3.6 million or 31% of income before tax for the prior year period. The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $10.1 million or 30% of income before tax, versus $9.8 million or 31% of income before tax for the prior year.
The effective income tax rate was lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% in the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, primarily due to permanent differences, including the dividends-received deduction, and investments in affordable housing tax credits. Permanent differences resulted in an expense of approximately 2% of income before tax in the third quarter of 2015, versus a benefit of approximately 2% of income before tax in the third quarter of 2014. Investments in affordable housing resulted in a benefit of approximately 4% of income before tax in the third quarters of 2015 versus a benefit of approximately 2% of income before tax in the third quarter of 2014.
The effective income tax rate was lower than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Permanent differences, including the dividends-received deduction, resulted in a benefit of approximately 2% of income before tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. This compares to a benefit of approximately 1% of income before tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Investments in affordable housing resulted in a benefit of approximately 3% of income before tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

50


Operating Results by Segment
The Company has three reportable business segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered: Individual Insurance, Group Insurance, and Old American. The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life. In addition, the acquired blocks are included with the Individual Insurance segment. The Individual Insurance segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements. The Group Insurance segment consists of sales of group life, group disability, dental, and vision products. This segment uses internal sales representatives to market through a nationwide sales force of general agents, agents, and independent brokers, and also markets products through third-party providers that market directly or through independent brokers. Old American consists of individual insurance products designed largely as final expense products. These products are marketed through a nationwide general agency sales force with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads. For more information, refer to Note 15 - Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Individual Insurance
The following table presents financial data of the Individual Insurance business segment.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Insurance revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
5,260

 
$
8,664

 
$
19,847

 
$
26,023

Contract charges
28,632

 
29,541

 
83,467

 
89,173

Total insurance revenues
33,892

 
38,205

 
103,314

 
115,196

Investment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
35,491

 
37,697

 
109,693

 
113,753

Net realized investment gains, excluding
other-than-temporary impairment losses
4,457

 
935

 
6,520

 
3,077

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(419
)
 
(765
)
 
(2,189
)
 
(1,221
)
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
other comprehensive income (loss)
(8
)
 
433

 
(168
)
 
621

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
recognized in earnings
(427
)
 
(332
)
 
(2,357
)
 
(600
)
Total investment revenues
39,521

 
38,300

 
113,856

 
116,230

Other revenues
1,880

 
2,334

 
5,595

 
6,891

Total revenues
75,293

 
78,839

 
222,765

 
238,317

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits
30,834

 
28,669

 
83,984

 
88,996

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
18,597

 
18,999

 
55,626

 
57,205

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
5,765

 
5,592

 
8,632

 
18,558

Operating expenses
15,028

 
16,049

 
45,108

 
44,877

Total benefits and expenses
70,224

 
69,309

 
193,350

 
209,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense
5,069

 
9,530

 
29,415

 
28,681

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
1,635

 
2,875

 
8,781

 
8,601

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,434

 
$
6,655

 
$
20,634

 
$
20,080

The net income for this segment in the third quarter of 2015 was $3.4 million compared to $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2014. Factors contributing to this decline were decreases in insurance revenues and net investment income, along with an increase in policyholder benefits. Partially offsetting these were an increase in net realized investment gains and lower operating expenses.

51


The net income for this segment was $20.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $20.1 million in the same period in 2014. The increase in the current year reflected decreases in policyholder benefits, interest credited to policyholder account balances, and amortization of deferred acquisition costs, along with an increase in net realized investment gains. Partially offsetting these were decreases in insurance revenues, net investment income, and other revenues.
Total insurance revenues decreased $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting a $3.4 million or 39% decrease in net premiums and a $0.9 million or 3% decrease in contract charges. Total insurance revenues decreased $11.9 million in the first nine months of 2015, reflecting a $6.2 million or 24% decrease in net premiums and a $5.7 million or 6% decrease in contract charges.
The following tables present gross premiums by new and renewal business, less reinsurance ceded. New premiums are also detailed by product.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional life insurance
$
1,115

 
(10
)%
 
$
1,242

 
(2
)%
Immediate annuities
4,462

 
(39
)%
 
7,281

 
(35
)%
Total new premiums
5,577

 
(35
)%
 
8,523

 
(32
)%
Renewal premiums
10,772

 
 %
 
10,765

 
1
 %
Total premiums
16,349

 
(15
)%
 
19,288

 
(16
)%
Reinsurance ceded
(11,089
)
 
4
 %
 
(10,624
)
 
1
 %
Net premiums
$
5,260

 
(39
)%
 
$
8,664

 
(31
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional life insurance
$
3,220

 
(13
)%
 
$
3,710

 
3
 %
Immediate annuities
16,583

 
(24
)%
 
21,765

 
(51
)%
Total new premiums
19,803

 
(22
)%
 
25,475

 
(47
)%
Renewal premiums
32,187

 
1
 %
 
31,963

 
1
 %
Total premiums
51,990

 
(9
)%
 
57,438

 
(28
)%
Reinsurance ceded
(32,143
)
 
2
 %
 
(31,415
)
 
1
 %
Net premiums
$
19,847

 
(24
)%
 
$
26,023

 
(46
)%
Total new premiums for this segment decreased $2.9 million or 35% and total renewal premiums were essentially flat in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period one year earlier. The decrease in new premiums resulted from a $2.8 million or 39% decrease in immediate annuity premiums. Immediate annuity receipts can have sizeable fluctuations, as receipts from policyholders largely result from one-time premiums rather than recurring premiums. In addition, the conversions from fixed deferred annuities are based upon the individual needs and decisions of contract owners. Conversions from fixed deferred annuities totaled $2.6 million during the third quarter of 2015, down from $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Total new premiums for this segment decreased $5.7 million or 22% and total renewal premiums increased $0.2 million or 1% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The decrease in new premiums reflected a $5.2 million or 24% decrease in immediate annuity premiums and a $0.5 million or 13% decrease in traditional life premiums. Conversions from fixed deferred annuities totaled $11.4 million during the first nine months of 2015, down from $14.4 million in the first nine months of 2014. The increase in renewal premiums was due to improved traditional life renewal premiums.

52


The following tables provide detail by new and renewal deposits. New deposits are also detailed by product.
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance
$
2,891

 
23
 %
 
$
2,356

 
(42
)%
Variable universal life insurance
66

 
(49
)%
 
130

 
(4
)%
Fixed annuities
11,089

 
17
 %
 
9,440

 
(13
)%
Variable annuities
5,063

 
(46
)%
 
9,383

 
56
 %
Total new deposits
19,109

 
(10
)%
 
21,309

 
1
 %
Renewal deposits
33,867

 
(7
)%
 
36,562

 
(8
)%
Total deposits
$
52,976

 
(8
)%
 
$
57,871

 
(5
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance
$
10,175

 
27
 %
 
$
8,041

 
(43
)%
Variable universal life insurance
231

 
(64
)%
 
642

 
(49
)%
Fixed annuities
31,421

 
(10
)%
 
34,994

 
8
 %
Variable annuities
15,009

 
(46
)%
 
27,640

 
77
 %
Total new deposits
56,836

 
(20
)%
 
71,317

 
12
 %
Renewal deposits
110,173

 
(5
)%
 
116,407

 
2
 %
Total deposits
$
167,009

 
(11
)%
 
$
187,724

 
6
 %
Total new deposits decreased $2.2 million or 10% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the previous year, resulting from a $4.3 million or 46% decline in new variable annuity deposits. Partially offsetting this were increases of $1.6 million or 17% in new fixed annuity deposits and $0.5 million or 23% in new universal life deposits. Total renewal deposits declined $2.7 million or 7% in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting a $1.4 million or 25% decrease in fixed annuity renewal deposits and a $0.7 million or 10% decline in variable universal life renewal deposits. Universal life and fixed annuity deposits can have sizeable fluctuations period-to-period based upon changes in financial conditions, alternative and competitive products, and consumer preferences.
Total new deposits decreased $14.5 million or 20% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the previous year, resulting from a $12.6 million or 46% decline in new variable annuity deposits and a $3.6 million or 10% decline in new fixed annuity deposits. These were partially offset by a $2.1 million or 27% increase in new universal life deposits. Total renewal deposits declined $6.2 million or 5% in the first nine months of 2015, as an increase in universal life renewal deposits was offset by a decrease in variable universal life and fixed annuity renewal deposits.
Total contract charges on all blocks of business declined $0.9 million or 3% in the third quarter and $5.7 million or 6% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods one year earlier. The decline in the third quarter primarily reflected the runoff of closed blocks of business. The declines in the nine months was primarily due to lower amortization of deferred revenue. An unlocking adjustment decreased the amortization of deferred revenue $2.3 million during the second quarter of 2015 compared to an unlocking adjustment that increased deferred revenue amortization $1.8 million during the second quarter of 2014. In addition, contract charges decreased due to lower surrenders on policyholder account balances in both the third quarter and nine months.
Total contract charges on closed blocks declined 6% in the third quarter and 4% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. These declines reflect the general runoff of the closed blocks of business as well as reduced surrender charges on acquired variable universal life and variable annuity products. Total contract charges on open blocks of business, where there is ongoing marketing for new sales, decreased 1% in the third quarter and 8% in the first nine months of 2015. These changes largely reflected the lower amortization of deferred revenue resulting from unlocking effects on the deferred revenue liability.
Gross investment income decreased $1.2 million or 3% in the third quarter and $1.7 million or 1% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year. These declines primarily reflected lower average invested assets and lower overall yields earned and available on certain investments. In addition, investment expenses rose $1.0 million or 35% in the third quarter

53


and $2.3 million or 26% in the first nine months compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in real estate expenses from real estate purchases made in 2014.
Policyholder benefits increased $2.2 million or 8% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the prior year. This was largely due to an increase in death benefits, net of reinsurance that was partially offset by a decrease in benefit and contract reserves. Contributing to the decline in benefit and contract reserves was a decrease in immediate annuity premiums. Partially offsetting this was the change in the fair value of the GMWB rider that resulted in a $0.8 million increase in benefit and contract reserves.
Policyholder benefits decreased $5.0 million or 6% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The largest factor in this change was a decrease in benefit and contract reserves. Several factors contributed to the change in reserves. Changes in the fair value of the GMWB rider resulted in a $3.8 million decrease in benefit and contract reserves. Approximately $1.5 million of this favorable change was due to the movement of variable annuity investments associated with the GMWB rider into funds managed with the objective of lower volatility. Also contributing to the reserve change was a decrease in immediate annuity premiums. Partially offsetting these declines, death benefits, net of reinsurance, increased in the first nine months of 2015.
Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.4 million or 2% in the third quarter and $1.6 million or 3% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to one year earlier. These declines were due to lower average crediting rates, as well as a decrease in total policyholder account balances.
The amortization of DAC increased $0.2 million or 3% in the third quarter and decreased $9.9 million or 54% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The increase in the third quarter was largely due to decreased separate account values on variable products. The decline in the nine months was largely due to an unlocking adjustment that decreased DAC amortization $6.4 million in the second quarter of 2015, compared to an unlocking adjustment that increased DAC amortization $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2014. The unlocking in 2015 was associated with favorable adjustments for mortality and expenses, partially offset by adjustments related to interest rates. The unlocking in 2014 was associated with adjustments related to interest rates that were mostly offset by adjustments for mortality.
Operating expenses decreased $1.0 million or 6% in the third quarter and increased $0.2 million or 1% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with one year earlier. The decrease in the third quarter was due to lower salary and employee benefit costs and to a decline in VOBA amortization, as discussed below. These declines were partially offset by increased legal costs. The increase in the nine months reflected higher VOBA amortization that was partially offset by an increase of capitalized commissions and higher legal costs.
VOBA is evaluated on an ongoing basis for unlocking adjustments. If necessary, adjustments are made in the current period VOBA amortization. The amortization of VOBA decreased $0.4 million in the third quarter and increased $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the prior year. The decrease in the third quarter reflected higher mortality experience. The increase in the nine months was largely due to an unlocking adjustment, which increased VOBA amortization $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2015. This compares to an unlocking adjustment that decreased VOBA amortization $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2014.

54


Group Insurance
The following table presents financial data of the Group Insurance business segment.
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Insurance revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
14,229

 
$
14,735

 
$
41,417

 
$
43,362

Total insurance revenues
14,229

 
14,735

 
41,417

 
43,362

Investment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
67

 
132

 
267

 
392

Other revenues
47

 
50

 
141

 
152

Total revenues
14,343

 
14,917

 
41,825

 
43,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits
7,438

 
8,303

 
23,717

 
25,302

Operating expenses
5,847

 
6,158

 
17,269

 
18,184

Total benefits and expenses
13,285

 
14,461

 
40,986

 
43,486

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense
1,058

 
456

 
839

 
420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
371

 
160

 
294

 
147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
687

 
$
296

 
$
545

 
$
273

This segment had net income of $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2015, compared to net income of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. The net income for this segment in the first nine months of 2015 was $0.5 million, an increase of $0.3 million compared with prior year. The increases in both periods were primarily the result of decreases in policyholder benefits and operating expenses. Partially offsetting these was a decrease in net premiums.
Sales from internal sales representatives through independent general agents and agents accounted for approximately 74% of this segment's total premiums during the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, while sales from third-party providers made up the remaining portion of sales. No one third-party provider accounts for a majority of this segment's sales.
The following tables present gross premiums by new and renewal business, less reinsurance ceded. New premiums are also detailed by product.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group life insurance
$
596

 
(33
)%
 
$
893

 
19
 %
Group dental insurance
1,497

 
(20
)%
 
1,882

 
(11
)%
Group disability insurance
1,580

 
(2
)%
 
1,613

 
9
 %
Total new premiums
3,673

 
(16
)%
 
4,388

 
1
 %
Renewal premiums
13,193

 
(1
)%
 
13,337

 
10
 %
Total premiums
16,866

 
(5
)%
 
17,725

 
8
 %
Reinsurance ceded
(2,637
)
 
(12
)%
 
(2,990
)
 
(8
)%
Net premiums
$
14,229

 
(3
)%
 
$
14,735

 
11
 %

55


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New premiums:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group life insurance
$
1,706

 
(36
)%
 
$
2,652

 
18
 %
Group dental insurance
4,294

 
(36
)%
 
6,715

 
19
 %
Group disability insurance
3,865

 
(17
)%
 
4,653

 
(1
)%
Total new premiums
9,865

 
(30
)%
 
14,020

 
11
 %
Renewal premiums
39,676

 
2
 %
 
38,794

 
7
 %
Total premiums
49,541

 
(6
)%
 
52,814

 
8
 %
Reinsurance ceded
(8,124
)
 
(14
)%
 
(9,452
)
 
(6
)%
Net premiums
$
41,417

 
(4
)%
 
$
43,362

 
12
 %
New group direct premiums decreased $0.7 million or 16% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014. This decrease was principally from group life and dental premiums, which decreased $0.3 million or 33% and $0.4 million or 20%, respectively, versus the third quarter of 2014. The short-term disability product also experienced a decrease in the third quarter of 2015. New group direct premiums decreased $4.2 million or 30% for the first nine months of 2015, compared to the same period one year earlier. This decrease was largely from the dental and group life product lines, which decreased $2.4 million or 36% and $0.9 million or 36%, respectively, versus the prior year. The short-term disability product also experienced a decrease in the first nine months of 2015. Dental sales are being impacted by the uncertainty that exists for employers concerning the costs, legal requirements, and complexities associated with Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance. As a result, many employers have been reluctant to engage in new plans or modify existing benefits for employees.
Renewal premiums increased $0.1 million or 1% in the third quarter of 2015 versus the same quarter of 2014. Group life renewal premiums for the third quarter of 2015 increased $0.3 million or 11% versus the same period one year earlier. This improvement was offset by a $0.4 million or 16% decline in short-term disability premiums.
Renewal premiums for the first nine months of 2015 for this segment increased $0.9 million or 2% versus the same period one year earlier. Group dental renewal premiums increased $1.3 million or 7% and group life premiums increased $0.8 million or 10% for the first nine months, while the short-term disability premiums declined $1.2 million or 18% during this period. The overall increase in renewal premiums was the result of improved retention on existing business.
This segment uses targeted reinsurance in its life and disability product lines to help mitigate risk and allow for a higher level and volume of sales and profitability. Reinsurance ceded premiums decreased $0.4 million for the third quarter and $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same respective periods in 2014.
Total policyholder benefits for this segment consist of claim payments, net of reinsurance, and increases or decreases in reserves for future policy benefits. Total policyholder benefits for this segment decreased $0.9 million or 10% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014. This resulted from a $0.5 million or 32% decrease in group life benefits and a $0.6 million or 11% decrease in group dental benefits. Total policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance, decreased $1.6 million or 6% for the first nine months of 2015 compared with prior year. This decrease was largely from the group dental product, where benefit costs decreased $1.4 million or 8% compared with the prior year.
This segment identifies and tracks a policyholder benefit ratio, which is derived by dividing policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance, by total group insurance revenues. This ratio allows for a measure of the comparability of product and marketing changes over time. Generally, within each product line, a lower ratio reflects improved results. This ratio was 52% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to 56% for the third quarter of 2014. The ratio was 57% for the first nine months of 2015 compared to 58% in the same period one year earlier. The decrease in this ratio in the third quarter and nine months was most notable in the life and dental product lines.
Operating expenses consist of commissions, fees to third-party marketing and administrative organizations, and expenses from the Company's internal operations. Operating expenses for this segment decreased $0.3 million or 5% in the third quarter and $0.9 million or 5% for the nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods in the prior year. These results primarily reflect decreased commissions, resulting from lower new sales volume, that were partially offset by increases in third-party administration charges and administrative expenses from internal operations.

56


Old American
The following table presents financial data of the Old American business segment.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Insurance revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums
$
19,992

 
$
19,182

 
$
59,242

 
$
56,520

Total insurance revenues
19,992

 
19,182

 
59,242

 
56,520

Investment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
2,719

 
2,779

 
8,215

 
8,505

Net realized investment gains, excluding
other-than-temporary impairment losses
18

 
46

 
204

 
353

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

 

 

Portion of impairment losses recognized in
other comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
recognized in earnings
(1
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Total investment revenues
2,736

 
2,825

 
8,416

 
8,857

Other revenues

 
1

 
1

 
18

Total revenues
22,728

 
22,008

 
67,659

 
65,395

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits
13,281

 
12,703

 
41,998

 
38,284

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
3,479

 
4,205

 
10,954

 
12,596

Operating expenses
3,935

 
3,482

 
11,723

 
11,564

Total benefits and expenses
20,695

 
20,390

 
64,675

 
62,444

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense
2,033

 
1,618

 
2,984

 
2,951

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
719

 
609

 
1,051

 
1,047

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,314

 
$
1,009

 
$
1,933

 
$
1,904

Net income for the Old American segment was $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2015, compared with net income of $1.0 million in the prior year's third quarter. Total insurance revenues increased $0.8 million compared with the prior year but were partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in policyholder benefits. Total investment revenue decreased slightly, while amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased $0.7 million and operating expenses increased $0.5 million.
Net income for this segment was $1.9 million for the first nine months of both 2015 and 2014. Policyholder benefits increased $3.7 million for the first nine months. Partially offsetting this increase, life insurance premiums increased $2.5 million and amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased $1.6 million.
The following tables present gross premiums by new and renewal business, less reinsurance ceded.
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New individual life premiums
$
3,552

 
10
 %
 
$
3,240

 
14
 %
Renewal premiums
16,774

 
3
 %
 
16,324

 
4
 %
Total premiums
20,326

 
4
 %
 
19,564

 
6
 %
Reinsurance ceded
(334
)
 
(13
)%
 
(382
)
 
(10
)%
Net premiums
$
19,992

 
4
 %
 
$
19,182

 
6
 %

57


 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2014
 
% Change
New individual life premiums
$
10,474

 
11
 %
 
$
9,465

 
2
 %
Renewal premiums
49,723

 
3
 %
 
48,263

 
4
 %
Total premiums
60,197

 
4
 %
 
57,728

 
4
 %
Reinsurance ceded
(955
)
 
(21
)%
 
(1,208
)
 
(11
)%
Net premiums
$
59,242

 
5
 %
 
$
56,520

 
4
 %
Total new premiums increased $0.3 million or 10% in the third quarter of 2015, while total renewal premiums increased $0.5 million or 3% compared to the same period one year earlier. Total new premiums increased $1.0 million or 11% in the first nine months of 2015, while total renewal premiums increased $1.5 million or 3%. This segment continues to have favorable experience with its renewal premiums, which are largely the result of growth in new sales in prior periods and favorable retention of business.
Net investment income decreased $0.1 million or 2% in the third quarter and decreased $0.3 million or 3% in the first nine months of 2015 versus the same periods in the prior year. These decreases were largely due to lower overall yields earned and available on certain investments. In addition, net realized investment gains decreased less than $0.1 million in the third quarter and decreased $0.2 million in first nine months of 2015 versus the same periods in 2014.
Policyholder benefits increased $0.6 million in the third quarter and $3.7 million in the first nine months versus the same periods in the prior year. These increases were largely due to an increase in reserves of $1.1 million in the third quarter and $1.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods one year earlier, in part due to growth in sales and business retention.
The amortization of DAC decreased $0.7 million or 17% in the third quarter and $1.6 million or 13% in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods one year earlier. These decreases were largely due to changes in expense assumptions on new business.
Operating expenses increased $0.5 million during the third quarter and $0.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared with the same periods one year earlier. The increase in the third quarter was primarily the result of increases in agent meeting costs and salary and employee benefit costs.

58


Analysis of Investments
The Company seeks to protect policyholders’ benefits and achieve a desired level of organizational profitability by optimizing risk and return on an ongoing basis through managing asset and liability cash flows, monitoring credit risk, avoiding high levels of investments that may be redeemed by the issuer, maintaining sufficiently liquid investments and avoiding undue asset concentrations through diversification, among other things.
The primary sources of investment risk to which the Company is exposed include credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk. The Company’s ability to manage these risks is essential to the success of the organization. In particular, the Company devotes considerable resources to both the credit analysis of each new investment and to ongoing credit positions. A default by an issuer usually involves some loss of principal to the investor. Losses can be mitigated by timely sales of affected securities or by active involvement in a restructuring process. However, there can be no assurance that the efforts of an investor will lead to favorable outcomes in a bankruptcy or restructuring. Credit risk is managed primarily through industry, issuer, and structure diversification.
For additional information regarding the Company’s asset/liability management program, please see the Asset/Liability Management section within Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.
The fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities with unrealized losses was $451.5 million at September 30, 2015, compared with $297.3 million at December 31, 2014. The increase primarily reflected the increase in market spreads during the first nine months of 2015, particularly among securities impacted by the recent reduced values of oil and other commodities. At September 30, 2015, 94% of security investments with an unrealized loss were investment grade and accounted for 85% of the total unrealized losses. At December 31, 2014, 94% of securities with an unrealized loss were investment grade and accounted for 82% of the total unrealized losses. At September 30, 2015, the Company had gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities of $19.9 million that were offset by $158.8 million in gross unrealized gains. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $11.8 million in gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities, offset by $186.4 million in gross unrealized gains. At September 30, 2015, 83% of the fixed maturity and equity securities portfolio had unrealized gains, a decrease from 89% at December 31, 2014. The decrease in unrealized gains at September 30, 2015 largely reflects an overall increase in market spreads during the first nine months of 2015. Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities for less than 12 months accounted for $11.7 million or 59% of total unrealized losses and 78% of the value of the securities in a gross unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015. Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments of 12 months or longer decreased from $8.9 million at December 31, 2014 to $8.2 million at September 30, 2015.

59


The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale with unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 and should be considered in conjunction with information in Note 4.
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Securities owned without realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
$
429,069

 
$
415,866

 
$
13,203

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
20,973

 
18,275

 
2,698

Subtotal
450,042

 
434,141

 
15,901

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
7,051

 
5,266

 
1,785

Twelve months or greater
908

 
594

 
314

Total investment grade
7,959

 
5,860

 
2,099

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
5,274

 
3,476

 
1,798

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade
5,274

 
3,476

 
1,798

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
13,233

 
9,336

 
3,897

Subtotal
463,275

 
443,477

 
19,798

 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
7,997

 
7,938

 
59

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%

 

 

Subtotal
7,997

 
7,938

 
59

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
110

 
58

 
52

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total investment grade
110

 
58

 
52

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
110

 
58

 
52

Subtotal
8,107

 
7,996

 
111

Total
$
471,382

 
$
451,473

 
$
19,909


60


The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in securities available for sale with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and should be considered in conjunction with information in Note 4.
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Securities owned without realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
$
295,543

 
$
286,130

 
$
9,413

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
8,973

 
7,874

 
1,099

Subtotal
304,516

 
294,004

 
10,512

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater
908

 
663

 
245

Total investment grade
908

 
663

 
245

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
908

 
663

 
245

Subtotal
305,424

 
294,667

 
10,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses of 10% or less

 

 

Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%

 

 

Subtotal

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total investment grade
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Less than twelve months

 

 

Twelve months or greater

 

 

Total below investment grade

 

 

Unrealized losses greater than 20%
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Subtotal
3,688

 
2,658

 
1,030

Total
$
309,112

 
$
297,325

 
$
11,787

The three categories of investments with the largest amount of unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 were from the industrial sector, the energy sector, and other securities. The unrealized losses in the industrial and energy sectors primarily relate to changes in interest rates and market spreads subsequent to purchase. The other securities category is largely composed of asset-backed securities. The Company performs present value calculations of future cash flow projections for many of the asset-backed securities to evaluate the potential for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company continues to monitor these investments as described in Note 4. Please refer to that note for further information.

61


The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by actual or equivalent Standard & Poor’s rating at September 30, 2015.
 
Fair
Value
 
%
of Total
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
%
of Total
AAA
$
9,872

 
2
%
 
$
125

 
1
%
AA
62,534

 
14
%
 
2,205

 
10
%
A
129,666

 
29
%
 
2,769

 
14
%
BBB
214,393

 
49
%
 
11,737

 
60
%
Total investment grade
416,465

 
94
%
 
16,836

 
85
%
BB
17,519

 
4
%
 
2,755

 
14
%
B and below
9,503

 
2
%
 
115

 
1
%
Total below investment grade
27,022

 
6
%
 
2,870

 
15
%
 
$
443,487

 
100
%
 
$
19,706

 
100
%
 
Fair
Value
 
%
of Total
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
%
of Total
AAA
$
7,953

 
3
%
 
$
47

 
%
AA
37,702

 
13
%
 
1,670

 
15
%
A
91,299

 
32
%
 
2,840

 
26
%
BBB
132,230

 
46
%
 
4,580

 
41
%
Total investment grade
269,184

 
94
%
 
9,137

 
82
%
BB
13,969

 
5
%
 
1,031

 
9
%
B and below
2,657

 
1
%
 
1,029

 
9
%
Total below investment grade
16,626

 
6
%
 
2,060

 
18
%
 
$
285,810

 
100
%
 
$
11,197

 
100
%
The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities that were rated below investment grade were 41% of the total at September 30, 2015 and 40% of the total at December 31, 2014.
The Company does not consider these unrealized losses to be credit-related. The unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 primarily relate to changes in interest rates and market spreads subsequent to purchase. A substantial portion of investment securities that have unrealized losses are either corporate debt issued with investment grade credit ratings or other investment securities. Other investment securities include residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. The discounted future cash flow calculation typically becomes the primary determinant of whether any portion and to what extent an unrealized loss is due to credit on loan-backed and similar asset-backed securities with significant indications of potential other-than-temporary impairment. Such indications typically include below investment grade ratings and significant unrealized losses for an extended period of time, among other factors. The Company identified 21 and 22 non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities that were determined to have such indications at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. A discounted future cash flow analysis was performed for each of these securities to determine if any portion of the impairment was due to credit and deemed to be other-than-temporary. This amount is recognized as a realized loss in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the carrying value of the security is written down by the same amount. The portion of an impairment that is determined not to be due to credit is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The discount rate used in calculating the present value of future cash flows was the investment yield at the time of purchase for each security. The initial default rates were assumed to remain constant or grade down over time, reflecting the Company's estimate of stabilized collateral performance in the future for such securities.

62


The following tables present the range of significant assumptions used in projecting the future cash flows of the Company's residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. The Company believes that the assumptions below are reasonable and they are based largely upon the actual historical results of the underlying security collateral.
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Initial Default Rate
 
Initial Severity Rate
 
Prepayment Speed
Vintage
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
2003
 
0.8
%
 
1.0
%
 
30
%
 
35
%
 
12.0
%
 
16.0
%
2004
 
0.8
%
 
7.6
%
 
35
%
 
73
%
 
10.0
%
 
16.0
%
2005
 
3.5
%
 
10.6
%
 
35
%
 
71
%
 
6.0
%
 
20.0
%
2006
 
8.8
%
 
8.8
%
 
85
%
 
85
%
 
8.0
%
 
8.0
%
2007
 
10.4
%
 
10.4
%
 
62
%
 
62
%
 
10.0
%
 
10.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Initial Default Rate
 
Initial Severity Rate
 
Prepayment Speed
Vintage
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
2003
 
0.8
%
 
1.0
%
 
30
%
 
35
%
 
12.0
%
 
16.0
%
2004
 
0.8
%
 
7.0
%
 
35
%
 
65
%
 
8.0
%
 
18.0
%
2005
 
4.8
%
 
12.6
%
 
35
%
 
71
%
 
6.0
%
 
18.0
%
2006
 
5.7
%
 
8.4
%
 
35
%
 
85
%
 
8.0
%
 
16.0
%
2007
 
11.0
%
 
11.0
%
 
59
%
 
59
%
 
8.0
%
 
8.0
%
Significant unrealized losses on securities can continue for extended periods of time, particularly for certain individual securities. While this can be an indication of potential credit impairments, it can also be an indication of illiquidity in a particular sector or security. In addition, the fair value of an individual security can be heavily influenced by the complexities of varying market sentiment or uncertainty regarding the prospects for an individual security. Based upon the process described above, the Company is best able to determine if and to what extent credit impairment may exist in these securities by performing present value calculations of projected future cash flows at the conclusion of each reporting period. By reviewing the most recent data available regarding the security and other relevant industry and market factors, the Company can modify assumptions used in the cash flow projections and determine the best estimate of the portion of any impairment that is due to credit at the conclusion of each period.
The Company closely monitors its investments in securities classified as subprime. Less than 1% of the Company's total investments were in these types of investments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company also monitors structured securities through a combination of an analysis of vintage, credit ratings, and other factors. Structured securities include asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed securities, along with collateralized debt obligations, and other collateralized obligations.

63


The following tables divide these investment types among vintage and credit ratings.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
Residential & non-agency MBS: 1
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
$
4,563

 
$
4,400

 
$
163

2004
5,645

 
5,402

 
243

2005
2,841

 
2,830

 
11

Total investment grade
13,049

 
12,632

 
417

Below Investment Grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
2,248

 
2,150

 
98

2004
24,179

 
23,109

 
1,070

2005
44,679

 
42,812

 
1,867

2006
1,971

 
947

 
1,024

2007
2,994

 
2,798

 
196

Total below investment grade
76,071

 
71,816

 
4,255

Other structured securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
60,005

 
59,749

 
256

Below investment grade
14,716

 
15,666

 
(950
)
Total other
74,721

 
75,415

 
(694
)
Total structured securities
$
163,841

 
$
159,863

 
$
3,978

1 This table accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
Residential & non-agency MBS: 1
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
$
8,249

 
$
7,910

 
$
339

2004
6,459

 
6,177

 
282

Total investment grade
14,708

 
14,087

 
621

Below investment grade:
 
 
 
 
 
2004
29,647

 
28,080

 
1,567

2005
55,806

 
53,741

 
2,065

2006
3,528

 
2,406

 
1,122

2007
3,386

 
3,164

 
222

Total below investment grade
92,367

 
87,391

 
4,976

Other structured securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
57,672

 
57,658

 
14

Below investment grade
14,728

 
16,073

 
(1,345
)
Total other
72,400

 
73,731

 
(1,331
)
Total structured securities
$
179,475

 
$
175,209

 
$
4,266

1 This table accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.

64


Total net unrealized gains on investments in non-U.S. Agency structured securities totaled $4.0 million at September 30, 2015, compared to a net unrealized gain of $4.3 million at December 31, 2014. Total net unrealized gains on these securities as a percent of total amortized cost totaled 2% at September 30, 2015.
The Company has written down certain investments in previous periods. Fixed maturity securities written down and continuing to be owned at September 30, 2015 had a fair value of $86.6 million with net unrealized gains of $4.9 million, which compares to the December 31, 2014 fair value of $105.3 million and net unrealized gains of $4.8 million. The identification of additional information or further deteriorations could result in additional impairments in future periods.
The Company evaluated the current status of all investments previously written down to determine whether the Company continues to believe that these investments were still credit-impaired to the extent previously recorded. The Company's evaluation process is similar to its impairment evaluation process. If evidence exists that the Company believes that it will receive its contractual cash flows from securities previously written down, the accretion of income is adjusted. The Company did not change its evaluation of any investments under this process during the first nine months of 2015 or 2014.
The Company maintains a diversified investment portfolio, including 4% of its investment portfolio in municipal bond securities and 8% in bond securities from foreign issuers at September 30, 2015. Approximately 60% of the Company's foreign securities were from issuers in Canada, Australia, and Great Britain at September 30, 2015. The Company has no holdings in European sovereign debt and all of these investments are denominated in U.S. dollars. The fair value of the Company's securities from foreign issuers at September 30, 2015 was $267.4 million with a net unrealized gain of $2.4 million. This compares to a fair value of $266.6 million with a net unrealized gain of $9.3 million at December 31, 2014.
The Company did not have any material direct exposure to financial guarantors at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The Company's indirect exposure to financial guarantors totaled $24.1 million, which was less than 1% of the Company's investment assets at September 30, 2015. The unrealized gain on these investments totaled $2.8 million at September 30, 2015. The Company's indirect exposure to financial guarantors at December 31, 2014 totaled $24.8 million, which was 1% of the Company's total investments. Total net unrealized gains on these investments totaled $2.9 million at December 31, 2014.
The Company’s investment portfolio also includes mortgage loans, real estate, policy loans, and short-term investments. Mortgage loans comprised 16% of total investments at September 30, 2015 and 15% at December 31, 2014. Real estate investments were 5% of total investments at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Policy loans and short-term investments comprised 3% of total invested assets at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Investments in mortgage loans totaled $569.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $541.2 million at December 31, 2014. The Company's mortgage loans are mostly secured by commercial real estate and are stated at the outstanding principal balance, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less an allowance for loan losses. This allowance is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb estimated credit losses and was $2.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. The Company evaluates the macro-environmental risk on an ongoing basis using multiple considerations. For additional information on the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio, please see Note 4.
Investments in real estate totaled $163.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $181.1 million at December 31, 2014. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company sold a developed property that resulted in a realized gain of $4.2 million before applicable income taxes.

65


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Statements made in the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended, remain pertinent, as the Company's liquidity position is materially unchanged from year-end 2014.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $10.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The primary sources of cash from operating activities in the first nine months of 2015 were premium receipts and net investment income. The primary uses of cash from operating activities in the first nine months of 2015 were for the payment of policyholder benefits and operating expenses. Net cash used in investing activities was $1.5 million, driven mainly by purchases of investments totaling $311.3 million. The purchases were mostly offset by sales, maturities, calls, and principal paydowns of investments totaling $294.2 million and net sales of short-term investments of $16.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $9.8 million, primarily due to a net change in treasury stock of $9.9 million, the payment of stockholder dividends of $8.7 million, and withdrawals net of deposits on policyholder accounts totaling $2.1 million. Partially offsetting these were net transfers from separate accounts of $7.3 million and a change in other deposits of $3.5 million.
Debt and Short-Term Borrowing
The Company and certain subsidiaries have access to borrowing capacity through their membership affiliation with the FHLB. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding balances with the FHLB. The Company has access to unsecured revolving lines of credit of $70.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding. These lines of credit will mature in June of 2016. The Company anticipates renewing these lines of credit as they come due.
Capital Resources
The Company considers existing capital resources to be adequate to support the current level of business activities. In addition, the Company's statutory equity exceeds the minimum capital deemed necessary to support its insurance business, as determined by the risk-based capital calculations and guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Company believes these statutory limitations impose no practical restrictions on its dividend payment plans.
The following table shows the capital adequacy for the Company.
 
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
2015
 
2014
Total assets, excluding separate accounts
$
4,138,436

 
$
4,165,366

Total stockholders' equity
729,840

 
742,759

Ratio of stockholders' equity to assets, excluding separate accounts
18
%
 
18
%
The ratio of equity to assets less separate accounts was 18% at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Stockholders' equity decreased $12.9 million from year-end 2014. The decrease in the nine months was largely due to other comprehensive loss, primarily resulting from a decrease in net unrealized gains on securities. This was partially offset by an increase in retained earnings due to net income.
The stock repurchase program was extended by the Board of Directors through January 2016 to permit the purchase of up to one million of the Company's shares on the open market. During the first nine months of 2015, the Company purchased 215,548 shares under the stock repurchase program, which contributed to reduced total stockholders' equity in the amount of $9.8 million. During the first nine months of 2014, the Company purchased 78,908 shares under the stock repurchase program, which contributed to reduced total stockholders' equity in the amount of $3.6 million. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company announced that it has suspended repurchasing shares on the open market until completion, withdrawal, or termination of the proposed reverse/forward stock split transaction, which was announced during the third quarter.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased 418 shares and sold 400 shares of treasury stock from the Company's employee stock ownership plan for a net increase in treasury stock of less than $0.1 million. The employee stock ownership plan held 23,045 shares of the Company's stock at September 30, 2015. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company announced the termination of its employee stock ownership plan.  The final valuation date for the assets held by the plan was September 30, 2015, and distribution of the plan’s assets occurred early in the fourth quarter of 2015.  As part of the termination of the employee stock ownership plan, the Company repurchased 14,670 of the plan’s 23,045 shares during the fourth quarter of 2015 to satisfy those participants who requested cash distributions from the plan.  The remaining shares were distributed to plan participants.

66


On October 26, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, unchanged from the prior year. The dividend will be paid November 11, 2015 to stockholders of record as of November 5, 2015. Total stockholder dividends paid were $8.7 million and $8.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Periods of volatility and market uncertainty represent a heightened risk for all financial institutions. Such events could negatively affect the Company and policyholder activity, such as a reduction in sales, increased policy surrenders, increased policy loans, and reduced earnings. The Company has factored these risks into its risk management processes and its disclosures of financial condition.
Please refer to the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended, for a more complete discussion of quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company's internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this report materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.

67


Part II: Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The life insurance industry, including the Company and its subsidiaries, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years. Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, often questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products.
In addition to the above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in, or subject to, other claims or legal actions related to insurance and investment products. Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages.
Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these other claims and legal actions would not have a material effect on the Company's business, results of operations, or financial position.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The operating results of life insurance companies have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company's future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the known trends and uncertainties which are discussed more fully in the Company's Risk Factors included in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's 2014 Form 10-K, as amended.

68


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Open Market/Benefit Plans
 
Average
Purchase Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
as a Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the
Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1/1/15 - 1/31/15
 
9,119

1 
$
47.77

 
9,119

 
990,881

 
 
353

2 
48.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2/1/15 - 2/28/15
 

1 

 

 
990,881

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3/1/15 - 3/31/15
 
35,848

1 
46.07

 
35,848

 
955,033

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4/1/15 - 4/30/15
 
47,977

1 
45.96

 
47,977

 
907,056

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5/1/15 - 5/31/15
 
46,565

1 
44.63

 
46,565

 
860,491

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6/1/15 - 6/30/15
 
50,872

1 
45.38

 
50,872

 
809,619

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7/1/15- 7/31/15
 
25,167

1 
45.82

 
25,167

 
784,452

 
 
65

2 
45.71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8/1/15 - 8/31/15
 

1 

 

 
784,452

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9/1/15 - 9/30/15
 

1 

 

 
784,452

 
 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
215,966

 
 
 
215,548

 
 
1 On January 26, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock through January 25, 2016.
2 Included in this column are the total shares purchased from the employee stock ownership (ESOP) plan sponsored by the Company during the consecutive months of January through September 2015.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

69


Item 5. Other Information
3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111
Contact:
 
Tracy W. Knapp, Chief Financial Officer,
(816) 753-7299, Ext. 8216
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2015 press release reporting financial results for the third quarter of 2015.
Kansas City Life Announces Third Quarter 2015 Results
Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $5.4 million or $0.52 per share in the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $2.5 million or $0.21 per share relative to the same quarter in the prior year. The decline in earnings for the quarter was primarily due to increased policyholder benefits, including increased death benefits. Net income totaled $23.1 million or $2.16 per share in the first nine months of 2015, an increase of $0.9 million or $0.13 per share relative to the same period one year earlier. The results for both periods reflected reductions in amortization of deferred acquisition costs, interest credited to policyholder account balances, and operating expenses. In addition, net realized investment gains increased in both periods, primarily resulting from a gain on the sale of real estate during the third quarter of 2015. Partially offsetting these favorable factors in both periods were decreases in insurance revenues, primarily from reduced contract charges and lower premiums from annuity and accident and health products, and decreases in net investment income. The decline in net investment income reflects the continuing low interest rate environment.
On October 26, 2015, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that will be paid on November 11, 2015 to stockholders of record on November 5, 2015.
Kansas City Life Insurance Company (NASDAQ: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company's revenues were $465.0 million in 2014, and assets and life insurance in force were $4.6 billion and $32.0 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please see the Company’s Year End Form 10-K, as amended, or please visit www.kclife.com.
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
Quarter Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30
 
 
September 30
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
$
112,261

 
$
115,663

 
 
$
331,939

 
$
347,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
5,435

 
$
7,960

 
 
$
23,112

 
$
22,257

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share, basic and diluted
$
0.52

 
$
0.73

 
 
$
2.16

 
$
2.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid
$
0.27

 
$
0.27

 
 
$
0.81

 
$
0.81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of shares outstanding
10,615,142

 
10,941,544

 
 
10,711,102

 
10,957,546


70


Item 6. Exhibits
(a)Exhibits
Exhibit
Number:
 
 
 
 
31(a)
 
Section 302 Certification.
 
 
31(b)
 
Section 302 Certification.
 
 
32(a)
 
Section 1350 Certification.
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

71


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
(Registrant)
/s/ R. Philip Bixby
R. Philip Bixby
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
 
 
 
/s/ Tracy W. Knapp
Tracy W. Knapp
Senior Vice President, Finance
 
 
 
Date: October 27, 2015

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