Attached files

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EX-10.19 - FORM OF AMENDMENT TO RETENTION, SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex1019.htm
EX-5.(G) - OPINION AND CONSENT OF COUNSEL REGARDING LEGALITY - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex5g.htm
EX-99 - EXPERTS - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex99.htm
EX-24 - POWERS OF ATTORNEY - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex24.htm
EX-23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex23.htm
EX-10.18 - FORM OF RETENTION, SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex1018.htm
EX-10.17 - FORM OF SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT - LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COd372900dex1017.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2018

File No. 333-

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant)

 

 

 

Nebraska   6300   470221457

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1221 N Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

(800) 525-9287

(Address and Phone Number of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office)

 

 

ROBYN WYATT

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

1221 N Street, Suite 200

Lincoln, NE 68508

1-800-525-9287

(Name of Agent for Service)

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the Public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

  

Accelerated filed

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

☒  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

 

    

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

Table of Contents

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of securities

being registered

 

Amount

to be

registered

 

Proposed

maximum

offering price

per unit (1)

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate
offering price

 

Amount of

registration fee (2)

Deferred annuity interests and participating interests therein

  $19,531,323   $1.00   $0   $0

 

 

(1) The Contract does not provide for a predetermined amount or number of units.
(2) This filing is being made under the Securities Act of 1933 to register $19,531,323 of deferred annuity interests and participating interests therein. The interests being registered herein are carried over, as unsold securities, from an existing Form S-1 registration statement of the same issuer (333-203375) filed on April 13, 2015. Because a filing fee of $2,270 previously was paid with respect to those securities, there is no filing fee under this registration statement. In accordance with Rule 415 (a)(6), the offering of securities on the earlier registration statement will be deemed terminated as of the effective date of this registration statement.

This Registration Statement contains a combined prospectus under Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933 which relates to the Form S-1 registration statement (File No. 333-203375), initially filed on April 13, 2015, by Lincoln Benefit Life Company. Upon effectiveness, this Registration Statement, which is a new Registration Statement, will also act as a post-effective amendment to such earlier registration statement.

 

 

Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any State securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Allstate Distributors, L.L.C. (“ADLLC”) serves as distributor of the securities registered herein. The securities offered herein are sold on a continuous basis, and there is no specific end date for the offering. ADLLC is a registered broker dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ADLLC is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of securities, but will use its best efforts to sell the securities offered. Commissions earned by ADLLC are described in the notes to the insurer financial statements, under the heading “Broker-Dealer Agreements.” The prospectuses, dated as of the date indicated therein, by which the securities registered in this Form S-1 are described, are included in this registration statement.

 

 

 


LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

Supplement Dated April 30, 2018

To the following Prospectuses, as supplemented

CONSULTANT SOLUTIONS (CLASSIC, PLUS, ELITE, SELECT) PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 30, 2018

CONSULTANT I PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 30, 2018

LBL ADVANTAGE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004

CONSULTANT II PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004

PREMIER PLANNER PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004

The following information supplements the prospectus for your variable annuity contract issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

INDEX

 

         Page  

Item 3(c)

 

Risk Factors

     1  

Item 11(a)

 

Description of Business

     13  

Item 11(b)

 

Description of Property

     14  

Item 11(c)

 

Legal Proceedings

     14  

Item 11(e)

 

Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements

     15  

Item 11(f)

 

Selected Financial Data

     63  

Item 11(h)

 

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

     63  

Item 11(i)

 

Changes in or Disagreements with Accountants

     85  

Item 11(j)

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     85  

Item 11(k)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

     85  

Item 11(l)

 

Executive Compensation

     87  

Item 11(m)

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     95  

Item 11(n)

 

Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

     97  

Other Information

     98  

 

Item 3(c). Risk Factors

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE RISK FACTORS

This document contains “forward-looking statements” that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. These statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, investment results, regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements.

 

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In addition to the normal risks of business, we are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those listed below, which apply to us as an insurer. These risks constitute our cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and readers should carefully review such cautionary statements as they identify certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and historical trends. These cautionary statements are not exclusive and are in addition to other factors discussed elsewhere in this document, in our filings with the SEC or in materials incorporated therein by reference.

Changes in actual experience could materially affect the profitability of our business.

Our liability pricing includes long-term assumptions regarding investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency and operating costs and expenses of our business. We establish target returns based upon these factors and the average amount of capital that we must hold to support in-force contracts taking into account rating agencies and regulatory requirements. Profitability emerges over a period of years depending on the nature and life of the product and is subject to variability as actual results may differ from pricing assumptions. Additionally, many of our products have fixed or guaranteed terms that limit our ability to increase revenues or reduce benefits, including credited interest, once the product has been issued.

Our profitability depends on the adequacy of investment spreads, the management of market and credit risks associated with investments, the sufficiency of premiums and contract charges to cover mortality and morbidity benefits, the persistency of policies, and the management of operating costs and expenses within anticipated pricing allowances. For example, continued activity in the viatical, stranger-owned, and/or life settlement industry could cause the Company’s level of lapses to differ from its assumptions about persistency and lapses, which could negatively impact the Company’s performance. Assumptions and estimates involve judgment, and by their nature are imprecise and subject to changes and revisions over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, from time to time, by actual results differing from assumptions by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing new systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates. Legislation and regulation of the insurance marketplace and products could also affect the profitability of our business.

Changes in reserve estimates may adversely affect our operating results.

We establish and hold reserves to pay future policy benefits and claims. The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and expenses. Our reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but rather are actuarial or statistical estimates based on data and models that include many assumptions and projections, which are inherently uncertain and involve the exercise of significant judgment. We periodically review the adequacy of these reserves and the underlying assumptions. We cannot, however, determine with precision the amounts that we will pay for, or the timing of payment of, actual benefits, claims and expenses or whether the assets supporting our policy liabilities, together with future premiums, will grow to the level assumed prior to the payment of benefits or claims. If actual experience differs significantly from assumptions or estimates, reserves may not be adequate. If we conclude that our reserves, together with future premiums, are insufficient to cover future policy benefits and claims, we would be required to increase our reserves and incur income statement charges for the period in which we make the determination, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.    

Changes in market interest rates and/or credit spreads may lead to a significant decrease in the profitability of our spread-based products and may adversely impact investment income.

We are subject to the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in interest rates or credit spreads. Adverse changes to these rates and spreads may occur due to changes in fiscal policy and the economic climate, the liquidity of a market or market segment, insolvency or financial distress of key market makers or participants,

 

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or changes in market perceptions of credit worthiness and/or risk tolerance. We are subject to risks associated with potential declines in credit quality related to specific issuers or specific industries and a general weakening in the economy, which are typically reflected through credit spreads. Credit spread is the additional yield on fixed income securities above the risk-free rate (typically referenced as the yield on U.S. Treasury securities) that market participants require to compensate them for assuming credit, liquidity and/or prepayment risks. Credit spreads vary (i.e., increase or decrease) in response to the market’s perception of risk and liquidity in a specific issuer or specific sector and are influenced by the credit ratings, and the reliability of those ratings, published by external rating agencies. A decline in the quality of our investment portfolio as a result of adverse economic conditions or otherwise could cause additional realized and unrealized losses on securities. Similarly, a ratings downgrade affecting a security we hold could indicate the credit quality of that security has deteriorated and could increase the capital we must hold to support that security to maintain our risk-based capital levels. Levels of writedowns and impairments are impacted by intent to sell, or our assessment of the likelihood that we will be required to sell fixed maturity securities. Realized losses or impairments on these securities may have a material adverse effect on our net income in a particular period.

Our ability to manage our fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life products is dependent upon maintaining profitable spreads between investment yields and interest crediting rates. When market interest rates decrease or remain at relatively low levels, cash flows from renewal premium, investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold may be reinvested at lower yields, reducing investment spread. Lowering interest crediting rates on some products in such an environment can partially offset decreases in investment yield. However, these changes could be limited by market conditions, regulatory minimum rates or contractual minimum rate guarantees on many contracts and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in investment yields. Decreases in the interest crediting rates offered on products could make those products less attractive, leading to changes in the level of policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals. This process may lead to a flow of cash out of our business. These outflows may require investment assets to be sold at a time when the prices of those assets are lower because of the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. For certain products, principally fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life products, the earned rate on assets could lag behind rising market yields. We may react to market conditions by increasing crediting rates, which could narrow spreads and reduce profitability on our business. Additionally, an increase in market interest rates or credit spreads could have an adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio by decreasing the fair values of the fixed income securities that comprise a substantial majority of our investment portfolio.

Changes in estimates of profitability on interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment products may adversely affect our profitability and financial condition through the amortization of Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”).

VOBA related to interest-sensitive life, fixed annuities and other investment contracts is amortized in proportion to actual historical gross profits and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) over the estimated lives of the contracts. The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are mortality, persistency, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges. Updates to these assumptions (commonly referred to as “VOBA unlocking”) could adversely affect our profitability and financial condition.

Guarantees within certain of our products may decrease our earnings, increase the volatility of our results, result in higher risk management costs and expose us to increased counterparty risk.

Certain of our products include guaranteed benefits. These guarantees are designed to protect contractholders against significant downturns in equity markets and interest rates. Any such periods of significant and sustained downturns in equity markets, increased equity volatility, or reduced interest rates could result in an increase in the valuation of our liabilities associated with those products. An increase in these liabilities would result in a decrease in our net income. We use hedging and risk management strategies to mitigate the liability exposure and the volatility of net income associated with these liabilities. These strategies involve the use of

 

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reinsurance and derivatives, which may not be completely effective. In addition, hedging instruments may not effectively offset the costs of guarantees or may otherwise be insufficient in relation to our obligations. Furthermore, we are subject to the risk that changes in contractholder behavior or mortality, combined with adverse market events, produce economic losses not addressed by the risk management techniques employed. These, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, including net income, financial condition or liquidity.

We may not be able to mitigate the capital impact associated with statutory reinsurance reserving requirements, potentially adversely impacting the profitability of our business.

To support statutory reserves for certain term and universal life insurance products with secondary guarantees, we currently utilize reinsurance and capital markets solutions for financing a portion of our statutory reserve requirements deemed to be non-economic. If we are not able to maintain sufficient financing as a result of market conditions or otherwise, this could potentially adversely impact the profitability of our business.

Changes in tax laws and interpretations may decrease the profitability of our products and could adversely affect the Company.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into legislation, which made significant changes to federal income tax laws for life insurance companies. The issuance of further administrative rulings or court decisions could further increase our effective tax rate, make our current contractholders’ products less desirable and lower our net income on both a statutory accounting and GAAP basis. We continue to closely monitor developments related to potential changes in the tax law and assess, when possible, the potential impact to both our earnings and our products in runoff.

Department of Labor (“DOL”) regulation defining fiduciary could cause some changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services, as well as changes in nature and amount of compensation and fees.

On April 8, 2016, the DOL released the DOL “Fiduciary Rule”, which, when effective, will substantially expand the range of activities that would be considered to be fiduciary investment advice under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. In November 2017, the DOL extended the transition period to July 1, 2019. Industry continues its efforts to overturn the rule in court actions and Congress continues to consider related legislation but the success or failure of the efforts cannot be predicted. However, state regulatory action is also a possibility, which may lead to additional changes to the DOL fiduciary rule and/or further delays to the dates. Assuming the rule is not overturned and the requirements of the exemptions were to be fully implemented, the impact on the financial services industry generally and on the Company and its business is difficult to assess. Under the DOL Fiduciary Rule, the investment-related information and support that our advisors and employees may provide to plan sponsors, participants and IRA holders on a non-fiduciary basis will be limited beyond what is allowed under the current law. As a result, changes to the methods that we use to deliver services may be required. As a closed block of annuity business, without a large concentration of qualified retirement plans, the Fiduciary Rule as currently drafted should not cause material changes to the manner in which we deliver products and services, or pay commissions and fees. Compliance with prohibited transactions exemptions when fully phased in would likely require additional supervision and increase litigation risk, all of which could adversely impact our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.

The Company is dependent on the performance of others.

The Company’s results may be affected by the performance of others because the Company has entered into various arrangements in support of our business operations involving third parties. Certain of these third parties may act on behalf of the Company or represent the Company in various capacities, including but not limited to the administration of our contractholders’ activities or the management of our invested assets on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the Company’s operations are dependent on various technologies, some of which are

 

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provided and/or maintained by third parties. Any of the third parties that the Company depends upon may default on their services or obligations to the Company due to bankruptcy, insolvency, lack of liquidity, adverse economic conditions, operational failure, fraud, or other reasons. Further, the Company may be held responsible for obligations that arise from the acts or omissions of these third parties. Such defaults could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

If our internal controls are ineffective, our operating results could be adversely affected.

Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.

If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our operating results could be adversely affected.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our operating results may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our operating results to fall below the expectations of investors, regulators and rating agencies.

The sale of LBL HoldCo, Inc., Lincoln Benefit’s indirect parent, may be disruptive to the Company’s operations.

On October 1, 2017, the indirect parents of the registrant (Lincoln Benefit), Resolution Life L.P. and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership, entered into an agreement with SNH Acquisition, LLC and Southland National Holdings, Inc. to sell LBL HoldCo, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit, to SNH Acquisition, LLC (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals. Subject to the receipt of such regulatory approvals, the Transaction is targeted to close in the second quarter of 2018. The risks and uncertainties related to this transaction include, but are not limited to:

 

    unanticipated difficulties and expenditures resulting from the Transaction;

 

    disruption of current plans and operations caused by the closing of the Transaction and the Transition to or integration with new management and service providers over time;

 

    diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to addressing transaction integration challenges; and

 

    the response of customers, agents, competitors and regulators to the closing of the Transaction.

While we anticipate the Transaction to close, there is risk of future delays and/or failure to gain regulatory approval. Lincoln Benefit’s failure to address these risks could cause us to incur unanticipated liabilities, impose harmful disruptions to our customer service operations and harm our business generally.

We may be unable to retain our highly qualified employees.

Our business depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and often highly specialized technical, actuarial, managerial and executive personnel, and there is no assurance that we will be

 

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able to do so. We compete with other financial services companies for employees primarily on the basis of compensation and financial position. Our reputation, operations, and internal controls could be materially adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in retaining highly qualified employees. LBL HoldCo II, Inc.’s inability to recruit or our failure to retain a sufficient number of qualified individuals in the future may impair our efficiency and effectiveness to service contractholders and provide sound operational controls for our overall enterprise, including the accurate and timely preparation of required regulatory filings.

Risks Relating to Investments

The determination of the fair value of our fixed income securities is subjective and could materially impact our operating results and financial condition.

In determining fair values, we principally use the market approach which utilizes market transaction data for the same or similar instruments. The degree of management judgment involved in determining fair values is inversely related to the availability of market observable information. The fair value of assets may differ from the actual amount received upon sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Moreover, the use of different valuation assumptions may have a material effect on the assets’ fair values. The difference between amortized cost or cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, certain VOBA, and certain reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholder’s equity. Changing market conditions could materially affect the determination of the fair value of securities and unrealized net capital gains and losses could vary significantly.

Concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular segment of the economy may have adverse effects on our operating results and financial condition.

The concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry, collateral type, group of related industries, geographic sector or risk type could have an adverse effect on our investment portfolio and consequently on our results of operations and financial condition. Events or developments that have a negative impact on any particular industry, group of related industries or geographic region may have a greater adverse effect on the investment portfolio to the extent that the portfolio is concentrated, rather than diversified.

The determination of the amount of realized capital losses recorded for impairments of our investments is subjective and could materially impact our operating results and financial condition.

The determination of the amount of realized capital losses recorded for impairments varies by investment type and is based on our ongoing evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect changes in other-than-temporary impairments in our results of operations. The assessment of whether other-than-temporary impairments have occurred is based on our case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value. We define fair value generally as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability. Our conclusions on such assessments are judgmental and include assumptions and projections of future cash flows which may ultimately prove to be incorrect as assumptions, facts and circumstances change. Furthermore, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments and additional impairments may need to be recorded in the future.

Defaults or deteriorating credit of securities collateralized by residential and commercial mortgage loans, and collateralized corporate loans may lead to write-downs and impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in residential or commercial mortgage delinquencies, loss severities or recovery rates, declining residential or commercial real estate prices, corporate loan delinquencies or recovery rates, changes in credit or bond insurer strength ratings and the quality of service provided by service providers on securities in our portfolio could lead us to determine that write-downs are necessary in the future.

 

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Our investment strategies may be adversely affected by developments in the financial markets.

Our investment management strategies may be adversely affected by unexpected developments in the financial markets. Slowing of global growth, tightening monetary policy in the U.S. and increasing political uncertainty remain key challenges for markets. There may be a limited market for certain investments we hold in our investment portfolio, making them relatively illiquid. These include corporate bonds, privately-placed fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and policy loans. If we were forced to sell certain of our investments during periods of market volatility or disruption, market prices may be lower than our carrying value in such investments. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.

Risks Relating to the Insurance Industry

Difficult conditions in the global economy and capital markets generally could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and certain of our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. Market factors, including interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate markets, consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, deflation and inflation, all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior. Financial markets have also been affected periodically by concerns over U.S. fiscal policy. These issues could, on their own, or combined with the possible slowing of the global economy generally, have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere.

General economic conditions could adversely affect us in the form of consumer behavior and pressure investment results. Holders of some of our interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level of discretionary withdrawals of contractholder funds. Our contractholders may choose to defer paying insurance premium or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Our investment results could be adversely affected as deteriorating financial and business conditions affect the issuers of the securities in our investment portfolio.

Losses from legal and regulatory actions may be material to our operating results or cash flows and may result in harm to our reputation.

We are involved in various legal actions, some of which involve claims for substantial amounts. We are also subject to various regulatory actions and inquiries, such as information requests, market conduct examinations, books and record examinations, from state and federal regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us, as well as regulatory inquiries or investigations could harm our reputation, result in material fines or penalties, result in significant legal costs and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory actions or investigation, our ability to retain our current contractholders and recruit and retain employees could be materially and adversely impacted.

We are subject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation may increase our operating costs.

As an insurance company, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations. In some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specific constituency rather than a range of

 

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constituencies. For example, state insurance laws and regulations are generally intended to protect or benefit purchasers or users of insurance products. In many respects, these laws and regulations can limit our ability to maintain the profitability of our business.

The extent of regulation varies, but generally the Company is governed by state statutes. These statutes delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to state insurance departments. This system of supervision and regulation covers, among other things, standards of minimum capital requirements and solvency, including risk-based capital measurements, restrictions on certain transactions, licensing status, reserving, payment of policy benefits, etc. State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, sometimes lead to additional expense for the insurer and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Although we endeavor to maintain all required licenses and approvals, we may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations, which may change from time to time. Also, regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or impose substantial fines. Further, insurance regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to issue orders of supervision, which permit such authorities to supervise the business and operations of an insurance company. As of December 31, 2017, no state insurance regulatory authority had imposed on us any material fines or revoked or suspended any licenses to conduct insurance business in any state or issued an order of supervision with respect to the Company, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

As an insurance company with separate accounts that are regulated as investment companies, we are also subject to laws and regulations administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude, including state insurance regulators, state securities administrators, state attorneys general, and federal agencies including the SEC, the FINRA and the U.S. Department of Justice. Consequently, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may not result in compliance with another’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. In addition, there is risk that any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment, or that changes in the overall legal environment may, even absent any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue, impact the profitability of our business.

Regulatory reforms, and the more stringent application of existing regulations, may make it more expensive for us to conduct our business and increase our capital requirements.

The federal government has enacted comprehensive regulatory reforms for financial services entities. As part of a larger effort to strengthen the regulation of the financial services market, certain reforms are applicable to the insurance industry, including the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) established within the Treasury Department.

In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under public scrutiny, members of Congress have discussed proposals to provide for federal chartering of insurance companies, and the FIO and Financial Stability Oversight Council were established. We can make no assurances regarding the potential impact of state or federal measures that may change the nature or scope of insurance and financial regulation. These regulatory reforms and any additional legislative change or regulatory requirements imposed upon us in connection with the federal government’s regulatory reform of the financial services industry, and any more stringent enforcement of existing regulations by federal authorities, may make it more expensive for us to conduct our business, or limit our ability to grow.

 

8


The Company is subject to insurance guaranty fund laws, rules and regulations that could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies doing business therein can be assessed up to prescribed limits for contractholder losses incurred by insolvent companies. From time to time, companies may be asked to contribute amounts beyond prescribed limits. It is possible that the Company could be assessed with respect to product lines not offered by the Company. In addition, legislation may be introduced in various states with respect to guaranty fund assessment laws related to insurance products, including long term care insurance and other specialty products, that alters future premium tax offsets received in connection with guaranty fund assessments. The Company cannot predict the amount, nature or timing of any future assessments or legislation, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices.

Market conditions beyond our control impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance. No assurances can be made that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as is currently available. We review retention limits for continued appropriateness and they may be changed in the future. Prolonged or severe adverse mortality or morbidity experience could result in increased reinsurance costs or, ultimately, reinsurers unwilling to offer coverage. If we were unable to renew or purchase reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, we may have to accept an increase in risk exposure, seek other alternatives, or accept reduced profitability.

Reinsurance subjects us to the credit risk of our reinsurers and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded insurance, which could have a material effect on our operating results.

The collectability of reinsurance recoverables is subject to uncertainty arising from a number of factors, including changes in market conditions, whether insured losses meet the qualifying conditions of the reinsurance contract and whether reinsurers, or their affiliates, have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Our inability to collect a material recovery from a reinsurer could have a material effect on our operating results.

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms.

In periods of extreme volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets, liquidity and credit capacity may be severely restricted. In such circumstances, our ability to obtain capital to fund operating expenses, financing costs, satisfy statutory capital requirements and meet liquidity needs may be limited. Our access to additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as lenders’ perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. If a combination of these factors were to occur, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and statutory capital position could be materially adversely affected by disruptions in the capital markets.

A downgrade or a potential downgrade in our financial strength or credit rating could result in a loss of business and materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Financial strength ratings are published by various Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) and similar entities not formally recognized as NRSROs. They indicate the NRSROs’ opinion regarding an insurance company’s ability to meet contractholder obligations, and are important to maintaining public confidence in our products and our competitive position.

 

9


In view of the difficulties experienced by many financial institutions as a result of the financial crisis and ensuing global recession, including our competitors in the insurance industry, NRSROs continue to implement changes to their internal models that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital we must hold in order to maintain our current ratings. Our ratings could be downgraded at any time and without notice by any NRSRO. In addition, these regulatory reforms may also increase our minimum capital requirements.

Downgrades in our financial strength ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including materially increasing the number or amount of policy surrenders and withdrawals by contractholders and adversely affecting our ability to obtain reinsurance at reasonable prices or at all.

The occurrence of a catastrophe, including a large scale pandemic, the continued threat of terrorism or military actions may have an adverse effect on the level of claim losses we incur, the value of our investment portfolio, our competitive position, liquidity, operating results and attractiveness of product offering.

Any catastrophic event, such as a large scale pandemic, the continued threat of terrorism, within the United States and abroad, or military and other actions, and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats, may cause significant volatility and losses in our investment portfolio from interest rate changes, and result in loss of life, disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by reduced economic activity caused by a large scale pandemic or the continued threat of terrorism. Additionally, a large scale pandemic or terrorist act could have a material effect on renewal premium, profitability, competitiveness, liquidity, operating results and attractiveness of product offering.

Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are periodically revised, interpreted and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new guidance or interpretations, or could be subject to existing guidance as we enter into new transactions, which may have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition that is either unexpected or has a greater impact than expected.

Specifically, the FASB is working on a project that could result in significant changes to how we account for and report our insurance contracts and VOBA. Depending on the magnitude of the changes ultimately adopted by the FASB, the proposed changes to generally accepted accounting principles may impose special demands on issuers in the areas of employee training, internal controls and disclosure and may affect how we manage our business. The effective dates and transition methods are not known; however, issuers may be required to or may choose to adopt the new standards retrospectively. In this case, the issuer will report results under the new accounting method as of the effective date, as well as for all periods presented.

As an insurance company, we are also subject to statutory accounting principles (“SAP”). Any changes in the method of calculating reserves for our life insurance and annuity products under SAP may result in increased or decreased reserve requirements. The NAIC has announced focused industry inquiries on certain matters that could have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Such inquiries concern, for example, examination of statutory accounting disclosures for separate accounts, insurer use of captive reinsurance companies, variable annuity reserves and capital treatment, reinsurance, cybersecurity practices, and risk-based capital calculations. In addition, the NAIC continues to consider various initiatives to change and modernize its financial and solvency requirements and regulations. It has adopted principles-based reserving methodologies for life insurance and annuity reserves, but additional formulas and/or guidance relevant to the

 

10


new standard are being developed. The NAIC is also considering changes to accounting regulations, governance practices of insurers, collateral pledged to support FHLB advances, and other items. The Company cannot currently estimate what impact these more focused inquiries or proposed changes, if they occur, will have on reserve and capital requirements, financial condition or results of operations.

For a description of changes in accounting standards that are currently pending and, if known, our estimates of their expected impact, see Note 2 of the financial statements.

The failure in cyber or other information security systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems, management continuity planning or a support failure from external providers, could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information, damage to our reputation and impairment of our ability to conduct business effectively.

We depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. We rely on these systems throughout our business for a variety of functions, including processing claims, providing information to customers and distributors, performing actuarial analyses and maintaining financial records. We also retain confidential and proprietary information on our computer systems and we rely on sophisticated technologies and our third party vendors to maintain the security of that information. Our computer systems have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access, cyber-attacks or other computer-related penetrations. While, to date, we have not experienced a material breach of cybersecurity, administrative and technical controls and other preventive actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber-incidents and protect our information technology may be insufficient to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks or other security breaches to our computer systems. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in damage to our reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs, regulatory penalties and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss.

The occurrence of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, epidemic, industrial accident, blackout, computer virus, terrorist attack or war, cyber-attack, events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems, or a support failure from external providers, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those events affect our computer-based data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems or destroy data. If a significant number of our third party service providers were rendered unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conduct our business could be severely compromised. These interruptions also may interfere with our third party service providers’s ability to provide services and our employees’ ability to perform their job responsibilities.

The failure of our computer systems and/or our disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in our operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to our customers. Such a failure could harm our reputation, subject us to regulatory sanctions and legal claims, lead to a loss of customers and revenues and otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.

Although we conduct due diligence, negotiate contractual provisions and, in most cases, conduct periodic reviews of our vendors, distributors, and other third parties that provide operational or information technology services to us to confirm compliance with the Company’s information security standards, the failure of such third parties’ computer systems and/or their disaster recovery plans for any reason might cause significant interruptions in our operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to our customers. Such a failure could harm our reputation, subject us to regulatory sanctions and legal claims, lead to a loss of contractholders and revenues and otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results. While we maintain cyber liability insurance, our insurance may not be sufficient to protect us against all losses.

 

11


We are subject to data security and privacy risks that could negatively affect our results, operations or reputation.

Hackers and data thieves are increasingly sophisticated and operate large-scale and complex automated attacks. Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems, it is possible that we may not be able to anticipate and implement effective preventative or detective measures against security breaches of all types because the techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until launched and because cyber-attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources or parties. Those parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, contractholders or other users of our system to deliberately or inadvertently disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of our contractholders. Any breach of our network may result in the loss of valuable business data, misappropriation of our consumers’ or employees’ personal information or a disruption of our business, which could give rise to unwanted media attention, materially damage our customer relationships and reputation and result in lost sales, fines or lawsuits.

In addition, we must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data. Cyber threats and related legal and regulatory standards applicable to our business are rapidly evolving and may subject the Company to heightened legal standards, new theories of liability and material claims and penalties that we cannot currently predict or anticipate. As cyber threats and applicable legal standards continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures and computer systems, and to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. If the Company experiences security events or other technological failures, it may be subject to regulatory inquiries or proceedings, litigation or reputational damage or be required to pay claims, fines or penalties.

Failure of a vendor to protect personal information of our customers, claimants or employees could affect our operations.

We outsource certain information technology, policy administration, investment management and actuarial functions to third party service providers. In the event that one or more of our vendors fails to protect personal information of our customers, claimants or employees, we may suffer operational impairments and financial losses.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims.

We rely on a combination of contractual rights and copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws to establish and protect our intellectual property. Although we use a broad range of measures to protect our intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe or misappropriate our intellectual property. We may have to litigate to enforce and protect our intellectual property and to determine its scope, validity or enforceability, which could divert significant resources and prove unsuccessful. An inability to protect our intellectual property could have a material effect on our business.

We may be subject to claims by third parties for patent, trademark or copyright infringement or breach of usage rights. Any such claims and any resulting litigation could result in significant expense and liability. If our third party providers or we are found to have infringed a third-party intellectual property right, either of us could be enjoined from providing certain products or services or from utilizing and benefiting from certain methods, processes, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or licenses. Alternatively, we could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties or implement a costly work around. Any of these scenarios could have a material effect on our business and results of our operations.

Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business.

We have devoted significant resources to develop and periodically update our risk management policies and procedures to reflect ongoing review of our risks and expect to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, our

 

12


policies and procedures may not be comprehensive and may not identify every risk to which we are exposed. Many of our methods for managing risk and exposures are based upon the use of observed historical market behavior or statistics based on historical models. As a result, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which can be significantly greater than our historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, catastrophe occurrence or other matters that is publicly available or otherwise accessible to us. This information may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. In addition, more extensive and perhaps different risk management policies and procedures might have to be implemented under pending regulations.

Our associates may take risks not in accordance with our risk management policies which could negatively affect our financial condition and business.

As an insurance enterprise, we are in the business of accepting certain risks. The associates who conduct our business, including executive officers and other members of management, investment professionals, sales agents, and other associates, do so in part by making decisions and choices that involve exposing us to risk. These include decisions such as pricing, determining what assets to purchase for investment and when to sell them, which business opportunities to pursue, and other decisions. We endeavor, in the design and implementation of our compensation programs and practices, to avoid giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks; however, associates may take such risks regardless of the structure of our compensation programs and practices. Similarly, although we employ controls and procedures designed to monitor associates’ business decisions and prevent us from taking excessive risks, and to prevent employee misconduct, these controls and procedures may not be effective. In such instances, the impact of those risks could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.

 

Item 11(a). Description of Business

Lincoln Benefit Life Company (referred to in this document as “we,” “Lincoln Benefit,” “our,” “us” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska in 1938. Lincoln Benefit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo, Inc. (“HoldCo Parent”). HoldCo Parent is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolution Life L.P. (the “Limited Partnership”), a Bermuda limited partnership, and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership, a Bermuda-based partnership.

Prior to July 18, 2013, we sold interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance, and fixed annuities including deferred and immediate through independent master brokerage agencies and the Allstate exclusive agency channel. In July 2013, we ceased soliciting and selling new policies through our independent agent channel. However, we continued to sell new policies provided through the Allstate exclusive agency channel through 2017.

In 2015, the administration of our deferred annuity and life business was outsourced to unaffiliated third-party service providers, SE2, LLC and Alliance–One Services, Inc. Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) continues to reinsure and administer business sold through the Allstate exclusive agency channel and certain immediate and payout annuity contracts.

Lincoln Benefit’s variable annuity business is reinsured by ALIC under an existing reinsurance agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC. In 2006, ALIC disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. and therefore mitigated this aspect of ALIC’s risk. The Company was not a direct participant of this agreement and its reinsurance agreement with ALIC remains unchanged.

In our reports, we occasionally refer to statutory financial information. All domestic United States insurance companies are required to prepare statutory-basis financial statements. As a result, industry data is available that

 

13


enables comparisons between insurance companies, including competitors that are not subject to the requirement to prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We frequently use industry publications containing statutory financial information to assess our competitive position.

Lincoln Benefit is subject to extensive regulation, primarily at the state level. The method, extent and substance of such regulation varies by state but generally has its source in statutes that establish standards and requirements for conducting the business of insurance and that delegate regulatory authority to a state agency. These rules have a substantial effect on our business and relate to a wide variety of matters, including insurer solvency, reserve adequacy, insurance company licensing and examination, agent licensing, policy forms, rate setting, the nature and amount of investments, claims practices, participation in guaranty funds, transactions with affiliates, the payment of dividends, underwriting standards, statutory accounting methods, trade practices and corporate governance.

 

Item 11(b). Description of Property

Lincoln Benefit occupies leased office space in Lincoln, Nebraska and Rosemont, Illinois.

 

Item 11(c). Legal Proceedings

Lincoln Benefit is engaged in routine lawsuits, which, in management’s judgment, are not of material importance to its total assets or business prospects.

 

14


Item 11(e) Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements

Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Index

December 31, 2017

 

     Page(s)  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     16  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     17  

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     18  

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity

     19  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     20  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     21  

Schedule I – Summary of Investments – Other than Investments in Related Parties

     61  

Schedule IV – Reinsurance

     62  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Lincoln Benefit Life Company:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lincoln Benefit Life Company and its subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), of shareholder’s equity, and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes and schedule of summary of investments – other than investments in related parties as of December 31, 2017 and schedule of reinsurance for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 listed in the index appearing under Item 11(e) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

April 2, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

 

16


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

($ in thousands, except par value data and share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 

ASSETS

    

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost $8,161,592 and $8,284,148)

   $ 8,414,961     $ 8,198,125  

Fair value option and trading securities, at estimated fair value

     109,914       14,615  

Common stocks, at estimated fair value

     8,152       5,100  

Commercial mortgage loans

     1,043,187       1,455,156  

Policy loans

     178,437       178,890  

Short-term investments

     190,376       129,660  

Other invested assets

     21,183       19,406  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 9,966,210     $ 10,000,952  

Cash and cash equivalents

     78,801       3,388  

Accrued investment income

     96,354       92,997  

Reinsurance recoverables

     6,501,700       6,280,337  

Valuation of business acquired

     135,031       186,701  

Deposit receivable

     1,111,571       1,199,537  

Other assets

     714,007       682,654  

Current income tax

     197       2,051  

Deferred tax asset, net

     —         3,686  

Separate account assets

     1,460,380       1,342,220  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 20,064,251     $ 19,794,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities

     5,510,050       5,111,791  

Policyholders’ account balances

     10,676,911       10,935,372  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     94,543       104,120  

Modified coinsurance payable

     1,111,571       1,199,537  

Other long-term debt - affiliate

     695,000       659,000  

Deferred tax liability, net

     24,585       —    

Separate account liabilities

     1,460,380       1,342,220  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 19,573,040     $ 19,352,040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12)

    

SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

    

Common stock, $100 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding

     2,500       2,500  

Additional paid-in capital

     593,558       593,558  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     72,816       (36,168

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (177,663     (117,407
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s Equity

   $ 491,211     $ 442,483  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

   $ 20,064,251     $ 19,794,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

17


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

($ in thousands)

 

     2017     2016     2015  

Revenues

      

Premiums earned

   $ 3,156     $ 16,592     $ 8,841  

Fee income from policyholders

     346,180       346,027       353,932  

Net investment income

     401,113       397,083       398,931  

Realized investment gains, net

     38,123       73,720       113,538  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 788,572     $ 833,422     $ 875,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

      

Policyholders’ benefits

     439,910       449,118       351,744  

Return credited to policyholders’ account balances

     277,077       269,488       301,079  

Operating and acquisition expenses

     77,654       68,716       93,671  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 794,641     $ 787,322     $ 746,494  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before federal income tax

   $ (6,069   $ 46,100     $ 128,748  

Federal income tax expense (benefit)

      

Current

     6,853       17,121       22,528  

Deferred

     (22,666     (2,474     23,566  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

     (15,813     14,647       46,094  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 9,744     $ 31,453     $ 82,654  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax

      

Net unrealized investment gains (losses):

      

Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period

   $ 153,920     $ 100,439     $ (290,511

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

     (6,001     (81,920     79,023  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     159,921       182,359       (369,534
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax

      

Less: Income tax (benefit) related to:

      

Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period

     48,837       35,156       (101,679

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

     2,100       28,672       (27,658
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     50,937       63,828       (129,337
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     108,984       118,531       (240,197
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 118,728     $ 149,984     $ (157,543
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

18


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

($ in thousands, except par value data and share amounts)

 

     Common Stock      Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated Other
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Shareholder’s

Equity
 
     Shares      Amount                            

Balance, December 31, 2014

     25,000      $ 2,500      $ 593,558      $ (2,514   $ 85,498     $ 679,042  

Dividends to shareholder

     —          —          —          (187,000     —         (187,000

Comprehensive income (loss)

               

Net income (loss)

     —          —          —          82,654       —         82,654  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     —          —          —          —         (240,197     (240,197
               

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                  (157,543
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

     25,000      $ 2,500      $ 593,558      $ (106,860   $ (154,699   $ 334,499  

Dividends to shareholder

     —          —          —          (42,000     —         (42,000

Comprehensive income (loss)

               

Net income (loss)

     —          —          —          31,453       —         31,453  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     —          —          —          —         118,531       118,531  
               

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                  149,984  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

     25,000      $ 2,500      $ 593,558      $ (117,407   $ (36,168   $ 442,483  

Dividends to shareholder

     —          —          —          (70,000     —         (70,000

Comprehensive income (loss)

               

Net income (loss)

     —          —          —          9,744       —         9,744  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     —          —          —          —         108,984       108,984  
               

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                  118,728  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

     25,000      $ 2,500      $ 593,558      $ (177,663   $ 72,816     $ 491,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

19


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

($ in thousands)

 

     2017     2016     2015  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 9,744     $ 31,453     $ 82,654  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash:

      

Policy charges and fee income

     (346,180     (346,027     (353,932

Interest credited

     277,077       269,488       301,079  

Investment gains, net

     (38,123     (73,720     (125,986

Amortization/Accretion of bond premium, net

     69,632       59,337       44,701  

Amortization of VOBA

     29,827       30,054       40,880  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Change in insurance related liabilities and policy-related balances

     29,190       52,316       (24,884

Change in fair value option and trading securities

     (100,101     (15,937     —    

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     (22,666     (2,474     23,566  

Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income

     (3,357     (1,783     5,194  

Decrease (increase) in other assets and liabilities

     7,899       (3,961     (27,417
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (87,058     (1,254     (34,145
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Fixed maturities, available for sale

      

Proceeds from sales and maturities

     2,023,946       3,806,768       4,739,792  

Purchases

     (1,952,554     (3,823,450     (3,703,237

Commercial mortgage loans

      

Proceeds from sales and paydowns

     422,241       265,414       164,658  

Originations and purchases

     (5,325     (208,580     (559,110

Purchase of common stocks

     (3,052     (5,100     —    

Net purchases, sales, maturities of derivatives

     17,265       2,642       (1,379

Net purchases, sales, maturities of other investments

     (60,263     63,097       184,107  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     442,258       116,728       824,831  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Policyholders’ account deposits

     790,230       763,748       356,916  

Policyholders’ account withdrawals

     (979,586     (905,014     (922,215

Dividends paid to shareholder

     (70,000     (42,000     (187,000

Change in overdrafts

     (20,431     22,059       (38,996
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (279,787     (161,207     (791,295
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     75,413       (45,733     (609

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     3,388       49,121       49,730  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 78,801     $ 3,388     $ 49,121  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the year:

      

Income taxes paid

   $ 5,000     $ 17,700     $ 24,000  

Interest paid

   $ 7,835     $ 7,328     $ 6,671  

Noncash activities

      

Interest income on vehicle note

   $ 26,875     $ 25,069     $ 22,880  

Interest expense on other long-term debt

   $ 26,875     $ 25,069     $ 22,880  

Increase in vehicle note and other long-term debt

   $ 36,000     $ 50,300     $ 57,100  

Change in modified coinsurance payable and deposit receivable

   $ 87,966     $ 50,791     $ 133,060  

Bond exchanges

   $ 10,959     $ 11,199     $ —    

Mortgage loan refinance

   $ 11,368     $ —       $ —    

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

20


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. General

Lincoln Benefit Life Company (the “Company” or “Lincoln Benefit”) is a stock insurance company domiciled in the State of Nebraska. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life, Inc.) (“HoldCo”), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.). HoldCo was formed on July 2, 2013 under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company (“Lancaster Re”), a Nebraska domiciled captive insurance company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln Benefit.

The Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. on April 1, 2014 after receiving all required regulatory approvals. Prior to this date, it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”).

On October 2, 2017, LBL HoldCo, Inc., the indirect parent of the Company, announced that a definitive agreement had been entered into for the acquisition of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and subsidiaries (including Lincoln Benefit) by an affiliate of Global Bankers Insurance Group. The Transaction is expected to close in 2018, subject to receipt of appropriate regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions

The Company is authorized to sell life insurance and retirement products in all states except New York, as well as in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to July 18, 2013, the Company sold interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance products through both exclusive agencies (“Allstate Financial Sales channel”) and independent master brokerage agencies. Effective July 17, 2013, sales through the independent master brokerage agencies ceased, and sales through the Allstate Financial Sales channel continued through 2017. The Company operates as a single segment entity, based on the manner in which we use financial information to evaluate business performance and to determine the allocation of resources.

ALIC reinsures and administers all life insurance business written by Lincoln Benefit through the Allstate Financial Sales channel, all immediate annuities written by Lincoln Benefit prior to April 1, 2014, and certain term life policies written by Lincoln Benefit. Lincoln Benefit’s variable annuity business also remains reinsured by ALIC under an existing reinsurance agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC. The variable annuity business continues to be reinsured and administered by ALIC under an existing reinsurance administrative services agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC.

Basis of Presentation

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below and in Note 2.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Benefit and its subsidiary, Lancaster Re. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

 

21


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market securities, highly liquid overnight deposits, discount notes and commercial paper held in the ordinary course of business and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Investments

Fixed maturities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). Certain fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls, principal payments and make-whole payments and cash received from maturities and pay-downs are reflected as a component of proceeds from sales and maturities within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Fair value option and trading securities are stated at estimated fair value and include investments for which the fair value option has been elected and investments that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively Traded Securities”). Actively traded securities principally include U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government authorities’ and agencies’ securities. Changes in estimated fair value of these securities are included in Realized investment gains, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for securities classified as AFS in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. At least quarterly, management reviews impaired securities for OTTI. The Company considers several factors when determining if a security is OTTI, including but not limited to: its intent and ability to hold the impaired security until an anticipated recovery in value; the issuer’s ability to meet current and future principal and interest obligations for fixed maturity securities; the length and severity of the impairment; the financial condition and near term and long term prospects for the issuer. In making these evaluations, the Company exercises considerable judgment.

If the Company intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, then the Company recognizes a charge to earnings for the full amount of the impairment (the difference between the amortized cost and fair value of the security). For fixed maturity securities that are considered OTTI and that the Company does not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, the Company separates the impairment into two components: credit loss and noncredit loss. Credit losses are charged to net realized investment losses and noncredit losses are charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss component is the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of its expected future cash flows discounted at the current effective rate. The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of its expected future cash flows is the noncredit loss. For corporate bonds, historical default (by rating) data is used as a proxy for the probability of default, and loss given default (by issuer) projections are applied to the par amount of the bond. Potential losses incurred on structured securities are based on expected loss models rather than

 

22


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

incurred loss models. Expected cash flows include assumptions about key systematic risks (e.g., unemployment rates, housing prices) and loan-specific information (e.g., delinquency rates, loan-to-value ratios). Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third parties, along with assumptions and judgments about the future performance of the underlying collateral.

Redeemable preferred stock is stated at fair value. Common stock is Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Chicago activity stock, which is purchased or sold based on the level of funding agreements and is also stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Commercial mortgage loans (“CMLs”) acquired at fair value are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. CMLs held by the Company are diversified by property type and geographic area throughout the U.S. CMLs are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company assesses the impairment of loans individually for all loans in the portfolio. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. The Company estimates an allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) representing potential credit losses embedded in the CML portfolio. The estimate is based on a consistently applied analysis of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration all available information, including industry, geographical, economic and political factors.

Policy loans represent loans the Company issues to policyholders. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on such loans is recognized as earned using the contractually agreed upon interest rate and reflected in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Generally, interest is capitalized on the associated policy’s anniversary date.

Short-term investments include securities, certain money market securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Derivatives

As part of the Company’s overall risk management policy, the Company uses listed equity index options and futures and interest rate swaps to economically hedge its obligation under certain fixed indexed annuity and universal life contracts. Derivatives are carried in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet either as assets within Other invested assets or as liabilities within Accrued expenses and other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company offsets the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in Realized investment gains, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these contracts.

Futures contracts are defined as commitments to buy or sell designated financial instruments based on specified prices, yields or indexes. Equity index futures contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based upon a specified index or interest rate applied to a notional amount. The Company uses futures to hedge exposures in indexed annuity and life contracts. Daily cash settlement of variation margins is

 

23


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

required for futures contracts and is based on the changes in daily prices. The final settlement of futures contracts is in cash.

Index option contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based on a specified equity index applied to the option’s notional amount. The Company purchases and writes (sells) option contracts primarily to reduce market risk associated with certain annuity and life contracts. When the Company purchases/sells option contracts at specific prices, it is required to pay/receive a premium to/from the counterparties. The amount of premium paid/received is based on the number of contracts purchased/sold, the specified price and the maturity date of the contract. The Company receives/pays cash equal to the premium of written/purchased options when the contract is established. Premiums paid are reported as a derivative asset and premiums received are reported as a derivative liability. If the option is exercised, the Company receives/pays cash equal to the product of the number of contracts and the specified price in the contract in exchange for the equity upon which the option is written/purchased. If the options are not exercised, then no additional cash is exchanged when the contract expires. Index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on the settlement is reported in Realized investment gains, net. If the option contract expires without being exercised, the premiums paid or received are reported as Realized investment gains, net and the corresponding asset or liability previously recorded is reversed. The change in the fair value of options contracts are reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to a corresponding asset or liability.

The Company employs interest rate swaps to reduce interest rate risk associated with specific investments supporting certain annuity contracts. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two counterparties in which one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another. Interest rate swaps usually involve the exchange of a fixed interest rate for a floating rate, or vice versa, to reduce or increase exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, or to obtain a marginally lower interest rate. Swaps provide returns at the reset dates based on respective interest rates applied to the notional amount with the net difference in resulting interest payments settled between the counterparties. The change in the fair value of the swap is reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to the corresponding asset or liability. Cash flows received/paid at the reset dates are reported in net investment income and consist of any differences in the amounts of contractual interest calculated due to the respective counterparties based on changes in interest rates. Swaps usually terminate upon expiration and the remaining book value is offset to Realized investment gains, net. If terminated through sale, the difference between consideration received or paid and the remaining book value is recorded to Realized investment gains, net.

The Company has derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts that are required to be separated from the host contracts and accounted for at fair value. The Company’s embedded derivatives are equity options in life and annuity product contracts, which provide equity returns to contractholders, guaranteed minimum accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts. The Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer all the risk related to guarantee minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts to third party reinsurers. None of these derivatives are designated as accounting hedging instruments and all are gross liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities. The Company also has derivatives embedded in certain inverse floater bonds which are held at fair value option. The fair value option is used for valuing these securities given the complexity of bifurcating the economic components associated with the embedded derivatives.

Investment Income and Realized Gains and Losses

Investment income primarily consists of interest and is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method. Interest income for RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs,

 

24


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received. For RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on debt securities that are over 90 days delinquent or where collection of interest is improbable and commercial mortgage loans in default if deemed uncollectible or over 180 days past due. The Company held no investments in non-accrual status as of December 31, 2017. The Company held one commercial mortgage loan that was delinquent in 2016 and accruals suspended.

Realized investment gains and losses, net, include gains and losses on investment sales and write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales, including principal payments, are determined on a specific identification basis.

Recognition of Premium Revenues and Fees, and Related Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited

Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Surrenders on traditional life and death benefits are reflected in policyholder benefits.

Immediate annuities with life contingencies provide insurance protection over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to premiums.

Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the policyholder, interest credited to the policyholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the policyholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as policyholder account balances. Fee income from policyholders consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the policy prior to contractually specified dates. These charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the policyholder account balance. Policyholder benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the policyholder account balance.

Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as policyholder account balance deposits. Policy fees for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.

Returns credited to policyholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities are generally based on an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index.

 

25


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Policy charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Policy benefits incurred for variable life and variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits.

The Company incurs costs in connection with renewal insurance business. All acquisition-related costs, including commissions, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred and reported in Other expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance accounting is applied for ceded and assumed transactions when the risk transfer provisions of ASC 944-40, Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts, have been met. To meet risk transfer requirements, a long-duration reinsurance contract must transfer mortality or morbidity risks, and subject the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss. Those contracts that do not meet risk transfer requirements are accounted for using deposit accounting. For short duration contracts, to meet risk transfer requirements the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk and have a reasonable possibility of experiencing significant loss.

With respect to ceded reinsurance, the Company values reinsurance recoverables on reported claims at the time the underlying claim is recognized in accordance with contract terms. For future policy benefits, the Company estimates the amount of reinsurance recoverables based on the terms of the reinsurance contracts and historical reinsurance recovery information. The reinsurance recoverables are based on what the Company believes are reasonable estimates and the balance is reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the ultimate amount of the reinsurance recoverable is not known until all claims are settled. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders, and failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company; consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible.

Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”)

For interest-sensitive life and annuity products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) from margins on mortality, interest, expenses, and surrenders, all of which are net of reinsurance and include actual realized gains and losses on investments. For non-interest sensitive life products, such as term life insurance, VOBA is amortized in relation to premium. VOBA is reviewed periodically for loss recognition to ensure that the unamortized balance is recoverable from future earnings from the business. The carrying amount of VOBA is adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on debt securities classified as AFS.

Separate Accounts

Separate accounts assets are carried at fair value. The assets of the separate accounts are legally segregated and available only to settle separate account contract obligations. Separate accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the separate accounts assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the separate accounts are reflected in separate accounts liabilities and are not included in cash flows.

 

26


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the separate accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives.

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities

Policy liabilities are established for future policy benefits on certain annuity, life, and long term care policies. Such liabilities are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in-force. Changes in policy and contract claims are recorded in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For ASC 944-20 Financial Services — Insurance Activities, products, benefit reserves are computed using the net level premium method for individual life, annuity and long-term care policies, and are based upon estimates as to future investment yield, mortality and lapse that include provisions for adverse deviation that were prevalent at the time the reserve was initially established. Mortality, morbidity and lapse assumptions for all policies are based on the Company’s own experience and industry standards.

Liabilities for outstanding claims and claims adjustment expenses are estimates of payments to be made on life and health insurance contracts for reported claims and claims adjustment expenses. A liability is also held for claims adjustment expenses incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. These liabilities are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not paid. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Future policy benefit reserves for fixed indexed life and annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the excess of the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component over the policyholder account balance. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivative is linked to the performance of the equity option. The host value is established as of the date of acquisition and is equal to the account value, plus the value of the unexpired options at the date of acquisition, less the embedded derivative, and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest.

The Company holds additional liabilities for its no lapse guarantees (associated with universal life) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (associated with fixed indexed annuities). These are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20. Additional liabilities for no lapse guarantees on universal life products are calculated based on the application of a benefit ratio (the present value of total expected benefit payments over the life of the contract divided by the present value of total expected assessments over the life of the contract). The level and direction of the change in reserves will vary over time based on the emergence of actual experience and revisions to future assumptions.

Policy liabilities and accruals are based on the various estimates discussed above. Although the adequacy of these amounts cannot be assured, the Company believes that policy liabilities and accruals will be sufficient to meet future obligations of policies in-force. The amount of liabilities and accruals, however, could be revised if the estimates discussed above are revised.

Policyholders’ Account Balances

Policyholders’ account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholders’ account balances primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.

 

27


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company holds additional liabilities for guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) associated with variable annuities, which are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20. The reserves for certain living benefit features, including guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) are accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of expected future benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. This methodology could result in either a liability or contra-liability balance, given changing capital market conditions and various actuarial assumptions. The Company’s GMIB, GMAB and GMWB reserves related to variable annuity business are ceded to external reinsurers. For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 10.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided for using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting date and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when realization of such assets is not likely (less than 50% likelihood). Tax positions are assessed under a two-step approach, which requires the assessment of recognition and measurement. If necessary, a liability is established to reflect the expected settlement of uncertain tax positions. The Company reports interest expense related to income tax matters and tax penalties in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Other Long-Term Debt

Effective April 1, 2014, and with Nebraska Department of Insurance (the “NE DOI” or the “Department of Insurance”) approval, Lancaster Re issued a variable funding Surplus Note (the “Surplus Note”) to its affiliate, Lanis, LLC. for $513.0 million and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513.0 million. The Vehicle Note is held to support a portion of Lancaster Re’s reinsurance obligations and has been authorized as an acceptable form of reinsurance collateral pursuant to Nebraska Rev. Stat. §44-8216(8)(c)(i) which allows a special purpose financial captive insurer to establish any method of security that the Department of Insurance deems acceptable. The scheduled maturity date of the Vehicle Note is April 1, 2034, and the scheduled maturity date of the Surplus Note is April 1, 2039, although each may be cancelled earlier or extended under certain conditions. The Surplus Note does not repay principal prior to maturity and principal payment at maturity is subject to the prior approval of the Department of Insurance. With pre-approval, the Surplus Note is increased each quarter with a corresponding increase in the Vehicle Note. With Department of Insurance pre-approval, interest on the Surplus Note for the prior quarter is paid on the first day of each subsequent quarter at a rate consistent with the rate received on the Vehicle Note of 4%. The Surplus Note and Vehicle Note increased by $36.0 million, $50.3 million, and $57.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest expense of $26.9 million, $25.1 million, and $22.9 million was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Surplus Note is unsecured and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims of Lancaster Re.

Other Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, intangible assets, the Vehicle Note and receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date. Other liabilities consist primarily of

 

28


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

accrued expenses, technical overdrafts, derivatives, and payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet been settled at the balance sheet date.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”). ASU listed below represent those that have been adopted during the current fiscal year and/or those that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the date of this filing. ASU not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material.

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on reporting comprehensive income ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from AOCI. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate or law in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“U.S. Tax Reform”) is recognized. Early adoption is permitted. Current GAAP guidance requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax liabilities or assets to be included in income from continuing operations in the reporting period that includes the enactment date, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The new guidance allows a reclassification of AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from U.S. Tax Reform. Also, the new guidance requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The Company expects the impact of this new guidance to be a decrease to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 of approximately $9.6 million with a corresponding increase to AOCI. However due to the Transaction, the Company is currently assessing the reclassification option of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on premium amortization on purchased callable debt securities (ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20)). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. However, the new guidance does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount whose discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and retrospective transition is required for each period presented in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in the current presentation. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for recording credit losses (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments). The new

 

29


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Current GAAP requires an “incurred loss” methodology for recognizing credit losses that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The amendments replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information. The revisions affect loans, debt securities, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. Credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturities carried at fair value will continue to be measured as other-than-temporary impairments when incurred, however, the losses will be recognized through an allowance and no longer as an adjustment to cost basis. The new guidance will also require purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since original issuance to be recorded based on the contractual amounts due and an initial allowance recorded at the date of purchase. Improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The Company has assessed the asset classes impacted by the new guidance and is currently assessing the accounting and reporting system changes that will be required to comply with the new guidance. The Company believes that the most significant impact upon adoption will be to its commercial mortgage loan investments. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new leasing standard (ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)). The leasing standard will be effective for calendar year-end public companies beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and requires a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Leases would be classified as finance or operating leases and both types of leases will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance except for certain targeted changes. The new guidance will also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The Company’s implementation efforts are primarily focused on the review of its existing lease contracts as well as identification of other contracts that may fall under the scope of the new guidance. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s recognition of lease expense.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments (ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10); Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, and (ii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The Company has assessed the population of financial instruments that are subject to the new guidance and has determined that the new guidance will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)) effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years and should be applied retrospectively. In August 2015, the FASB amended the guidance (ASU 2015-14) to defer the effective date by one year, effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those

 

30


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

contracts that are impacted by the new guidance, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

 

3. Investments

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed maturities and equity securities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

December 31, 2017           Gross      Gross         
($ in thousands)    Amortized
Cost
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  

Fixed maturities, available for sale

           

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 416,639      $ 5,322      $ (12,366    $ 409,595  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     741,343        37,908        (2,720      776,531  

Foreign government

     24,242        234        (1,685      22,791  

All other corporate securities

     6,169,204        258,440        (37,898      6,389,746  

ABS

     478,329        5,289        (3,395      480,223  

CMBS

     189,596        1,377        (3,148      187,825  

RMBS

     127,439        6,520        (509      133,450  

Redeemable preferred stock

     14,800        —          —          14,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 8,161,592      $ 315,090      $ (61,721    $ 8,414,961  

Common stock

     8,152        —          —          8,152  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities

   $ 8,169,744      $ 315,090      $ (61,721    $ 8,423,113  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016           Gross      Gross         
($ in thousands)    Amortized
Cost
     Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  

Fixed maturities, available for sale

           

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 508,635      $ 7,681      $ (14,979    $ 501,337  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     702,415        15,936        (8,614      709,737  

Foreign government

     31,009        303        (3,257      28,055  

All other corporate securities

     5,963,354        74,854        (151,382      5,886,826  

ABS

     512,486        5,370        (10,093      507,763  

CMBS

     385,757        1,283        (5,778      381,262  

RMBS

     180,492        5,556        (2,903      183,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 8,284,148      $ 110,983      $ (197,006    $ 8,198,125  

Common stock

     5,100        —          —          5,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities

   $ 8,289,248      $ 110,983      $ (197,006    $ 8,203,225  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

31


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Scheduled Maturities

The scheduled maturities for fixed maturities, available for sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2017:

 

($ in thousands)    Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value  

Due in one year or less

   $ 248,382      $ 249,454  

Due after one year through five years

     887,745        901,528  

Due after five years through ten years

     1,130,051        1,166,334  

Due after ten years

     4,843,874        5,042,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities

   $ 7,110,052      $ 7,359,516  

Asset and mortgage-backed securities

     1,051,540        1,055,445  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 8,161,592      $ 8,414,961  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Actual maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of calls and make-whole payments by the issuers. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because of the potential for prepayment of principal prior to contractual maturity dates.

 

32


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Commercial Mortgage Loans

The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region to reduce concentration risk. The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region was as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

($ in thousands)    December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Alabama

   $ 1,056      $ 1,287  

Arizona

     20,009        20,389  

California

     173,101        255,023  

Colorado

     57,293        57,269  

Connecticut

     —          25,317  

Florida

     103,869        123,194  

Georgia

     63,526        65,414  

Hawaii

     5,020        6,099  

Illinois

     87,957        114,549  

Iowa

     791        1,033  

Kansas

     9,200        9,200  

Kentucky

     6,538        7,154  

Maine

     —          3,686  

Maryland

     19,851        20,975  

Massachusetts

     53,605        77,772  

Minnesota

     116,923        132,395  

Nevada

     80,768        84,721  

New Jersey

     34,101        65,908  

New York

     50,691        66,502  

North Carolina

     34,022        55,851  

Ohio

     12,526        38,611  

Pennsylvania

     1,007        31,929  

South Carolina

     1,310        1,948  

Tennessee

     —          3,238  

Texas

     100,066        133,020  

Utah

     7,823        42,641  

Virginia

     975        1,676  

Washington

     77        3,681  

Wisconsin

     1,082        4,674  

General allowance for loan loss

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

   $ 1,043,187      $ 1,455,156  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

33


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment was as follows at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

December 31, 2017    Recorded Investment               
     Debt Service Coverage Ratios                             
($ in thousands)    > 1.20x      1.00x - 1.20x      < 1.00x      Total      % of Total     Estimated Fair
Value
     % of Total  

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 731,577      $ 48,895      $ —        $ 780,472        74.8   $ 782,640        74.9

65% to 75%

     222,771        39,944        —          262,715        25.2     261,891        25.1

76% to 80%

     —          —          —          —          0.0     —          0.0

Greater than 80%

     —          —          —          —          0.0     —          0.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 954,348      $ 88,839      $ —        $ 1,043,187        100.0   $ 1,044,531        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016    Recorded Investment               
     Debt Service Coverage Ratios                             
($ in thousands)    > 1.20x      1.00x - 1.20x      < 1.00x      Total      % of Total     Estimated Fair
Value
     % of Total  

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 785,149      $ 36,743      $ 11,354      $ 833,246        57.3   $ 848,702        57.9

65% to 75%

     581,188        25,317        —          606,505        41.7     601,587        41.1

76% to 80%

     10,493        —          —          10,493        0.7     10,494        0.7

Greater than 80%

     4,912        —          —          4,912        0.3     4,330        0.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,381,742      $ 62,060      $ 11,354      $ 1,455,156        100.0   $ 1,465,113        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2017, $1,043.2 million of commercial mortgage and other loans were in current status with no commercial mortgage or other loans classified as past due. As of December 31, 2016, $1,450.3 million of commercial mortgage loans were in current status and one commercial mortgage with book value of $4.9 million was 90-179 days past due. The Company defines current in its aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans as less than 30 days past due.

Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that all amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. During 2017, the Company did not record any impairments related to commercial mortgage loans. For 2016, the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell the past due loan, described above, exceeded book value.

The Company’s commercial mortgages may occasionally be involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no commitments to fund to borrowers that have been involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no new troubled debt restructurings related to commercial mortgages and no payment defaults on commercial mortgages other than as described above.

 

34


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Other Invested Assets

Other invested assets were as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

($ in thousands)

     

Low income housing tax credit properties

   $ 138      $ 457  

Derivatives

     21,045        18,949  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 21,183      $ 19,406  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

     2017      2016      2015  

($ in thousands)

        

Fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 345,299      $ 330,253      $ 334,931  

Common Stock

     224        —          —    

Fair value option and trading securities

     3,755        454        —    

Commercial mortgage loans

     56,510        69,360        63,028  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     1,718        1,007        511  

Other investments

     8,421        8,845        9,543  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross investment income

   $ 415,927      $ 409,919      $ 408,013  

Investment expenses

     14,814        12,836        9,082  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 401,113      $ 397,083      $ 398,931  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016      2015  

($ in thousands)

        

Realized investment gains, net

        

Fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 11,434      $ 66,560      $ 120,421  

Fair value option and trading securities

     1,486        (733      —    

Commercial mortgage loans

     5,935        4,037        2,325  

Derivatives

     19,360        3,856        (9,208

Other invested assets

     (92      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains

   $ 38,123      $ 73,720      $ 113,538  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were $4.4 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the year ended December 31, 2017. These securities were impaired to fair value as of the impairment date and were considered credit impairments. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

35


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and gross realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016      2015  

($ in thousands)

        

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale

        

Proceeds from sales

   $ 1,496,242      $ 3,027,998      $ 3,864,356  

Gross investment gains from sales

     29,271        109,282        142,534  

Gross investment losses from sales

     (11,893      (35,136      (16,348

Proceeds from sales excludes non-taxable exchanges of $11.0 million, $11.1 million, and $72.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses

The gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities, available for sale, by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

December 31, 2017    Less than 12 months     Greater than 12 months               
($ in thousands)    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 215,767      $ (3,499   $ 107,344      $ (8,867   $ 323,111      $ (12,366

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     38,171        (825     45,877        (1,895     84,048        (2,720

Foreign government

     296        (4     11,098        (1,681     11,394        (1,685

All other corporate securities

     740,795        (6,841     489,367        (31,057     1,230,162        (37,898

ABS

     77,050        (689     99,327        (2,706     176,377        (3,395

CMBS

     72,725        (593     36,540        (2,555     109,265        (3,148

RMBS

     6,908        (118     21,835        (391     28,743        (509
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 1,151,712      $ (12,569   $ 811,388      $ (49,152   $ 1,963,100      $ (61,721
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

36


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2016    Less than 12 months     Greater than 12 months               
($ in thousands)    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 276,025      $ (14,951   $ 1,059      $ (28   $ 277,084      $ (14,979

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     206,090        (8,314     5,274        (300     211,364        (8,614

Foreign government

     769        (34     14,632        (3,223     15,401        (3,257

All other corporate securities

     2,385,689        (94,085     512,710        (57,297     2,898,399        (151,382

ABS

     204,555        (8,456     39,450        (1,637     244,005        (10,093

CMBS

     228,303        (5,231     43,903        (547     272,206        (5,778

RMBS

     61,058        (1,659     40,454        (1,244     101,512        (2,903
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 3,362,489      $ (132,730   $ 657,482      $ (64,276   $ 4,019,971      $ (197,006
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio Monitoring

The Company has a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed maturity security whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired.

For each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings.

If the Company has not made the decision to sell the fixed maturity security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company evaluates whether it expects to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company calculates the estimated recovery value by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, and compares this to the amortized cost of the security. If the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security, the credit loss component of the impairment is recorded in earnings, with the remaining amount of the unrealized loss related to other factors recognized in other comprehensive income.

The Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all securities to identify instances where the fair value of a security compared to its amortized cost is below established thresholds. The process also includes the monitoring of other impairment indicators such as ratings, ratings downgrades and payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which the Company may have a concern, are evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairment using all reasonably available information relevant to the collectability or recovery of the security. Inherent in the Company’s evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for these fixed maturity securities are assumptions and estimates about the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer. Some of the factors that may be considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary are: 1) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and implications of rating agency actions and offering

prices; 2) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market

 

37


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

conditions which could affect liquidity; and 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in AOCI

The changes in unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

($ in thousands)    Net Unrealized
Gain (Losses) on
Investments
    VOBA     Future Policy
Benefits and
Policyholders’
Account Balances
    Deferred
Income
Tax
(Liability)
Benefit
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Related to Net
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses)
 

Balance, December 31, 2014

   $ 159,261     $ (20,287   $ (7,541   $ (45,935   $ 85,498  

Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period

     (408,019     —         —         142,807       (265,212

Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income

     79,023       —         —         (27,658     51,365  

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA

     —         57,061       —         (19,971     37,090  

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances

     —         —         60,447       (21,157     39,290  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

   $ (327,781   $ 36,774     $ 52,906     $ 83,402     $ (154,699

Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period

     160,311       —         —         (56,111     104,200  

Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income

     (81,920     —         —         28,672       (53,248

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA

     —         (30,948     —         10,832       (20,116

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances

     —         —         (28,924     10,123       (18,801
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

   $ (85,550   $ 5,826     $ 23,982     $ 19,574     $ (36,168

Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period

     332,918       —         —         (111,486     221,432  

Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income

     (6,001     —         —         2,100       (3,901

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA

     —         (21,843     —         7,645       (14,198

Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances

     —         —         (157,156     55,005       (102,151
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

   $ 253,369     $ (16,017   $ (133,174   $ (31,362   $ 72,816  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

38


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4. Derivative Financial Instruments

See Note 2 for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for derivatives and Note 5 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.

The notional and fair value positions of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

    December 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
    Notional     Gross Fair Value     Notional     Gross Fair Value  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  

($ in thousands)

               

Assets

               

Equity Options

  $ 237,250     $ 234,375     $ 39,397     $ (18,352   $ 410,500     $ 419,225     $ 34,248     $ (15,158

Futures

    —         —         —         —         16,913       —         —         (141

Liabilities

               

Policyholders account balances

               

Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts

               

Equity-indexed annuity contracts (2)

  $ —       $ 1,095,253     $ —       $ (57,531   $ —       $ 1,281,993     $ —       $ (55,871

Equity-indexed life contracts

    —         531,800       —         (29,911     —         460,261       —         (23,803

Guaranteed accumulation benefits (1)

    —         53,517       —         (4,557     —         77,212       —         (6,724

Guaranteed withdrawal benefits (1)

    —         9,939       —         (113     —         11,064       —         (111

 

(1)  These amounts are fully ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements. The corresponding receivables have been excluded from the table above.
(2)  Notional amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts

The standardized ISDA Master Agreement under which the Company’s derivative transactions are executed include provisions for payment netting. In the normal course of business activities, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, the Company will set-off the cash flows of those derivatives into a single amount to be exchanged in settlement of the resulting net payable or receivable with that counterparty. The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) have been executed. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company held $0.3 million and $0.9 million in cash and securities collateral pledged to trade counterparties, retrospectively. This cash collateral is reported in Cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

39


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance, for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

    2017     2016     2015  
    Realized
Investment Gains
(Losses)
    Policyholder
Benefits
    Realized
Investment Gains
(Losses)
    Policyholder
Benefits
    Realized
Investment Gains
(Losses)
    Policyholder
Benefits
 

($ in thousands)

           

Assets

           

Equity options

  $ 17,969     $ —       $ 2,472     $ —       $ (7,557   $ —    

Futures

    1,391       —         884       —         (1,651     —    

Interest rate swaps

    —         —         500       —         —         —    

Liabilities

           

Policyholders’ account balances

           

Equity-indexed annuity contracts

  $ —       $ (1,660   $ —       $ 8,267     $ —       $ (478

Equity-indexed life contracts

    —         (168     —         (121     —         956  

 

5. Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy for inputs used in determining fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

 

Level 1    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company can access.
Level 2    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
  

(a)   Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

(b)   Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or

 

(c)   Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the assets and liabilities.

The availability of observable inputs varies by instrument. In situations where fair value is based on internally developed pricing models or inputs that are unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value

 

40


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

is typically greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In many instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market disruption. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments.

The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure that the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers or brokers or derived from internal models. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. The Company performs ongoing price validation procedures such as back-testing of actual sales, which corroborate the various inputs used in internal models to market observable data. When fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.

 

41


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

There are no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

December 31, 2017

Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

($ in thousands)

        

Assets at fair value

        

Fixed maturities, available for sale

        

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 156,959     $ 247,739     $ 4,897     $ 409,595  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     —         776,531       —         776,531  

Foreign government

     —         22,791       —         22,791  

All other corporate securities

     —         6,371,395       18,351       6,389,746  

ABS

     —         462,290       17,933       480,223  

CMBS

     —         187,825       —         187,825  

RMBS

     —         133,450       —         133,450  

Redeemable preferred stock

     —         14,800       —         14,800  

Fair value option and trading securities

     —         109,914       —         109,914  

Common stock

     —         —         8,152       8,152  

Short-term investments

     190,376       —         —         190,376  

Other invested assets

        

Equity options

     21,045       —         —         21,045  

Separate accounts assets

     1,460,380       —         —         1,460,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 1,828,760     $ 8,326,735     $ 49,333     $ 10,204,828  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

        

Policyholders’ account balances

        

Equity indexed annuity contracts

   $ —       $ —       $ (57,531   $ (57,531

Equity indexed life contracts

     —         (29,911     —         (29,911

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits

     —         —         (4,557     (4,557

Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits

     —         —         (113     (113

Separate accounts liabilities

     (1,460,380     —         —         (1,460,380
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ (1,460,380   $ (29,911   $ (62,201   $ (1,552,492
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

42


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2016

Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

($ in thousands)

        

Assets at fair value

        

Fixed maturities, available for sale

        

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 97,836     $ 396,928     $ 6,573     $ 501,337  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

     —         709,737       —         709,737  

Foreign government

     —         28,055       —         28,055  

All other corporate securities

     —         5,867,475       19,351       5,886,826  

ABS

     —         481,628       26,135       507,763  

CMBS

     —         381,262       —         381,262  

RMBS

     —         183,145       —         183,145  

Fair value option and trading securities

     —         14,615       —         14,615  

Common stock

     —         —         5,100       5,100  

Short-term investments

     129,660       —         —         129,660  

Other invested assets

        

Equity options

     19,090       —         —         19,090  

Futures

     (141     —         —         (141

Separate accounts assets

     1,342,220       —         —         1,342,220  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 1,588,665     $ 8,062,845     $ 57,159     $ 9,708,669  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

        

Policyholders’ account balances

        

Equity indexed annuity contracts

   $ —       $ —       $ (55,871   $ (55,871

Equity indexed life contracts

     —         (23,803     —         (23,803

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits

     —         —         (6,724     (6,724

Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits

     —         —         (111     (111

Separate accounts liabilities

     (1,342,220     —         —         (1,342,220
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ (1,342,220   $ (23,803   $ (62,706   $ (1,428,729
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2017 or 2016.

Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Fixed Maturities, Fair Value Option and Trading Securities

The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices for each security are generally sourced from multiple pricing vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. The pricing hierarchy is updated for new financial products and

recent pricing experience with various vendors. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are

 

43


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. U.S. Treasury securities are included within Level 1 due to the market activity. Typical inputs used by these pricing services include but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flow, prepayment speeds, and default rates. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is deemed not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service or classify the securities as Level 3. If the pricing service updates the price to be more consistent with the presented market observations, the security remains within Level 2.

Indicative broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available, or where the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from independent pricing services is not reflective of market activity. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information with an internally-developed valuation. Pricing service overrides, internally-developed valuations and indicative broker quotes are generally included in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of private fixed maturities and redeemable preferred stock, which are comprised of investments in private placement securities, are primarily determined using discounted cash flow models. These models primarily use observable inputs that include Treasury or similar base rates plus estimated credit spreads to value each security. The credit spreads are obtained through a survey of private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, and consider, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Since most private placements are valued using standard market observable inputs and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including observed prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues, they have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are significant to the price of a security, a Level 3 classification is made. No private placement securities were classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.

Common Stock

The Company’s investment in common stock is not practicable to measure at fair value due to the redemption provisions. Therefore, carrying value approximates fair value.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are primarily money market securities valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and classified as Level 1.

Other Invested Assets

The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives.

 

44


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Separate Account Assets and Liabilities

Separate account assets and liabilities consist principally of investments in mutual fund shares. The fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Policyholders’ Account Balances

The liabilities for guarantees primarily associated with the optional living benefit features of certain variable annuity contracts and equity indexed annuity contracts are calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the optional living benefit feature. This methodology could result in either a liability or contra-liability balance, given changing capital market conditions and various actuarial assumptions. Since there is no observable active market for the transfer of these obligations, the valuations are calculated using internally developed models with option pricing techniques. The models are based on a risk neutral valuation framework and incorporate premiums for risks inherent in valuation techniques, inputs, and the general uncertainty around the timing and amount of future cash flows. The determination of these risk premiums requires the use of management judgment.

The significant inputs to the valuation models for these embedded derivatives include capital market assumptions, such as interest rate levels and volatility assumptions, as well as actuarially determined assumptions, including contractholder behavior, such as lapse rates, benefit utilization rates, withdrawal rates, and mortality rates. Since many of these assumptions are unobservable and are considered to be significant inputs to the liability valuation, the liability included in future policy benefits has been reflected within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Actuarial assumptions, including contractholder behavior and mortality, are reviewed at least annually, and updated based upon emerging experience, future expectations and other data, including any observable market data. These assumptions are generally updated annually unless a material change that the Company feels is indicative of a long term trend is observed in an interim period.

The liabilities for guarantees primarily associated with the optional living benefit features of certain equity indexed life contracts are calculated based on the fair value of the underlying hedging instrument for these contracts.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements was as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

December 31, 2017

 

($ in thousands)    Fair Value    Valuation Technique    Unobservable
Input
   Range    Weighted
Average
 

Equity indexed annuity contracts

   $(57,531)    Option Pricing
Technique
   Projected Option
Cost
   1.40% - 1.64%      1.42

December 31, 2016

 

($ in thousands)    Fair Value     Valuation Technique      Unobservable
Input
   Range    Weighted
Average
 

Equity indexed annuity contracts

   $ (55,871    
Option Pricing
Technique
 
 
   Projected Option
Cost
   1.40% - 1.84%      1.45

Excluded from the table above at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are approximately $49.3 million and $52.1 million, respectively, Level 3 fair value measurements of investments for which the underlying quantitative inputs are not developed by the Company and are not reasonably available. These investments

 

45


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

primarily consist of certain public debt securities with limited trading activity, including asset-backed instruments, and their fair values generally reflect unadjusted prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and indicative, non-binding quotes obtained from third-party broker-dealers recognized as market participants. Significant increases or decreases in the fair value amounts received from these pricing sources may result in the Company’s reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments.

The table above also excludes underlying quantitative inputs related to liabilities held for the Company’s guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. These liabilities are not developed by the Company as they are 100% ceded to external reinsurers. The development of these liabilities generally involve actuarially determined models and could result in the Company reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments.

The rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

($ in thousands)   Balance,
January 1,

2017
    Net income
(loss)
    OCI     Transfers
to

Level 3
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Purchases     Sales     Issues     Settlements     Balance,
December 31,

2017
 

Assets

                   

Fixed income maturities

                   

U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale

  $ 6,573     $ (1,308   $ (368   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 4,897  

All other corporate securities

    19,351       (8     121       —         —         —         —         —         (1,113     18,351  

ABS

    26,135       1,509       873       —         (8,828     16,817       —         —         (18,573     17,933  

Common stock

    5,100       —         —         —         —         3,052       —         —         —         8,152  

Liabilities

                   

Equity indexed annuity contracts

    (55,871     (1,660     —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (57,531

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1)

    (6,835     2,165       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (4,670

 

($ in thousands)   Balance,
January 1,
2016
    Net
income
(loss)
    OCI     Transfers
to
Level 3
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Purchases     Sales     Issues     Settlements     Balance,
December 31,
2016
 

Assets

                   

Fixed income maturities

                   

U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale

  $ —       $ (491   $ 187     $ —       $ —       $ 6,877     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 6,573  

All other corporate securities

    11,520       (123     (246     15,370       (4,483     —         (955     —         (1,732     19,351  

ABS

    14,260       (53     347       3,093       —         11,165       —         —         (2,677     26,135  

Common stock

    —         —         —         —         —         5,100       —         —         —         5,100  

Liabilities

                   

Equity indexed annuity contracts

    (64,138     8,267       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (55,871

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1)

    (7,814     979       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (6,835

 

46


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

($ in thousands)   Balance,
January 1,
2015
    Net
income
(loss)
    OCI     Transfers
to Level 3
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Purchases     Sales     Issues     Settlements     Balance,
December 31,
2015
 

Assets

                   

Fixed income maturities

                   

All other corporate securities

  $ 7,336     $ (282   $ 30     $ 13,255     $ (2,386   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (6,433   $ 11,520  

ABS

    5,250       134       (2,338     17,191       —         —         (5,000     —         (977     14,260  

CMBS

    2,693       23,506       314       —         —         —         (20,192     —         (6,321     —    

Short-term investments

    23,713       14       —         —         —         —         —         —         (23,727     —    

Liabilities

                   

Equity indexed annuity contracts

    (63,660     (478     —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (64,138

Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1)

    (6,733     (1,081     —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (7,814

 

(1)  These amounts are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.

Transfers into Level 3 are generally the result of unobservable inputs utilized within the valuation methodologies and the use of indicative broker quotes for assets that were previously valued using observable inputs. Transfers out of Level 3 are generally due to the use of observable inputs in valuation methodologies as well as the availability of pricing service information for certain assets that the Company is able to validate.

 

47


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Fair Values of Certain Other Investments

The financial instruments presented below are reported at carrying value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, in some cases, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value. The carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments not reported at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

December 31, 2017                            
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
($ in thousands)                            

Assets

           

Commercial mortgage loans

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,044,531      $ 1,044,531  

Policy loans

     —          —          178,437        178,437  

Cash and cash equivalents

     78,801        —          —          78,801  

Vehicle note

     —          —          736,925        736,925  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 78,801      $ —        $ 1,959,893      $ 2,038,694  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

           

Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts

   $ —        $ —        $ 5,439,621      $ 5,439,621  

Other long-term debt

     —          —          736,925        736,925  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —        $ —        $ 6,176,546      $ 6,176,546  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
December 31, 2016                            
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
($ in thousands)                            

Assets

           

Commercial mortgage loans

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,465,113      $ 1,465,113  

Policy loans

     —          —          178,890        178,890  

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,388        —          —          3,388  

Vehicle note

     —          —          684,855        684,855  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

   $ 3,388      $ —        $ 2,328,858      $ 2,332,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

           

Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts

   $ —        $ —        $ 5,418,188      $ 5,418,188  

Other long-term debt

     —          —          684,855        684,855  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —        $ —        $ 6,103,043      $ 6,103,043  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair values presented above have been determined by using available market information and by applying market valuation methodologies, as described in more detail below.

Commercial Mortgage Loans

The fair value of most commercial mortgage loans is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus an appropriate credit spread for similar quality loans.

Policy Loans

The fair value of policy loans was determined by discounting expected cash flows at the current loan coupon rate. As a result, the carrying value of the policy loans approximates the fair value.

 

48


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company believes that due to the short-term nature of certain assets, including sweep account balances, the carrying value approximates fair value.

Vehicle Note and Other Long-Term Debt

The fair value of the Vehicle note and Other long-term debt is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate.

Policyholders’ Account Balances - Investment Contracts

Only the portion of policyholders’ account balances related to products that are investment contracts (those without significant mortality or morbidity risk) are reflected in the table above. For fixed deferred annuities fair values are derived using discounted projected cash flows based on interest rates that are representative of the Company’s financial strength ratings, and hence reflect the Company’s own nonperformance risk. For those balances that can be withdrawn by the customer at any time without prior notice or penalty, the fair value is the amount estimated to be payable to the customer as of the reporting date, which is generally the carrying value.

 

6. Reinsurance

The Company has agreements that provide for reinsurance of certain policy-related risks. Under the agreements, premiums, contract charges, interest credited to policyholder funds, policy benefits and substantially all expenses are reinsured. The Company purchases reinsurance to limit aggregate and single losses on large risks. The Company cedes a portion of the mortality risk on certain life and long-term care policies under coinsurance agreements and yearly renewable term agreements. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, approximately 99.8% of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- or better by S&P. ALIC represents approximately 73% and 75% of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is supported by comfort trust of approximately $5.9 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The Company is party to an experience rated modified coinsurance and monthly renewal term reinsurance arrangement with an external reinsurer under which risk on certain universal life and fixed annuity products is transferred. No portion of the assets constituting the consideration has been transferred to the reinsurer. This agreement was structured to finance reserves on certain universal life and fixed annuity products, in exchange for a fee based on those reserves. The profit to the reinsurer expected on the modified coinsurance and monthly renewable term portions is returned through an experience refund. The Company has determined that this agreement does not fulfill the requirements of risk transfer under generally accepted accounting principles and is accounted for on a deposit method of accounting. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had a deposit receivable and a modified coinsurance payable of $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, related to this agreement.

 

49


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and fee income from policyholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2017     2016     2015  

($ in thousands)

      

Direct

   $ 1,294,462     $ 1,328,917     $ 1,463,472  

Assumed

     4,768       4,749       5,939  

Ceded

     (949,894     (971,047     (1,106,638
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance

   $ 349,336     $ 362,619     $ 362,773  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholder benefits for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2017     2016     2015  

($ in thousands)

      

Direct

   $ 1,668,358     $ 1,643,710     $ 1,603,724  

Assumed

     6,003       6,453       6,743  

Ceded

     (957,374     (931,557     (957,643
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholders’ benefits, net of reinsurance

   $ 716,987     $ 718,606     $ 652,824  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

7. Income Taxes

The Company is party to a federal income tax allocation agreement (the “Tax Allocation Agreement”) with Lancaster Re. The Company and Lancaster Re file a separate life consolidated federal income tax return under Internal Revenue Code Section 1504 (c)(1).

The Company does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions for its federal income tax return that would be material to its financial condition, results of income, or cash flows. Therefore, the Company did not record a liability for unrecognized tax contingencies/benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016. As of December 31, 2017, there were no uncertain tax positions for which management believes it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of tax contingencies will significantly increase within 12 months of the reporting date. No amounts have been accrued for interest or penalties.

 

50


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
($ in thousands)             

Deferred tax assets

    

Policyholder reserves

   $ 1,351,638     $ 2,139,431  

Deferred acquisition costs

     50,739       65,002  

Deferred financing costs

     2,154       6,311  

Investments

     —         29,721  

Other assets

     3,800       5,137  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   $ 1,408,331     $ 2,245,602  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Value of business acquired

   $ (28,356   $ (65,345

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers

     (1,347,620     (2,172,500

Intangibles

     (1,092     (1,820

Investments

     (54,605     —    

Other liabilities

     (1,243     (2,251
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   $ (1,432,916   $ (2,241,916
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ (24,585   $ 3,686  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance if necessary to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not expected to be realized. Considerable judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance the Company considers many factors, including: (1) the nature of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; (2) whether they are ordinary or capital; (3) in which tax jurisdictions they were generated and the timing of their reversal; (4) taxable income in prior carryback years as well as projected taxable earnings exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (5) the length of time that any tax attribute carryovers can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; (6) any unique tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets; and (7) prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. Adjustments to the valuation allowance will be made if there is a change in management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax asset that is realizable.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no net operating loss carryforwards, no capital loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards.

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016      2015  
($ in thousands)                     

Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (2,124    $ 16,135      $ 45,062  

Dividends received deduction

     (1,960      (1,960      (2,443

Tax reform

     (11,461      —          —    

Other

     (268      472        3,475  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (15,813    $ 14,647      $ 46,094  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

51


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On December 22, 2017, U.S. Tax Reform was enacted, which made significant changes to federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to: (1) reduction in the overall maximum corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%; (2) changes to the computations for the dividends received deduction, tax reserves, and deferred acquisition costs; and (3) elimination of the net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback and limiting NOL carryforward deductions to 80% of taxable income for life insurance companies.

The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address situations where a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting under ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes for certain income tax effects of Tax Reform for the reporting period of enactment. SAB 118 allows the Company to provide a provisional estimate of the impacts of Tax Reform during a measurement period similar to the measurement period used when accounting for business combinations. Adjustments to provisional estimates and additional impacts from Tax Reform must be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB 118. Because changes in tax laws are accounted for in the period of enactment, and in accordance with SAB 118, the Company provisionally remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the 21% tax rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future and has recorded a tax benefit of $11.5 million as a discrete item in the current year provision for income taxes. While we do not anticipate any significant changes to the amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017, the Company continues to analyze the effects of Tax Reform and will record adjustments and additional impacts from Tax Reform as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB 118.

The discrete tax benefit related to unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities, VOBA and reserve adjustments will not be amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company does not yet know how these federal tax law changes may affect state and local income tax provisioning, but any such impacts are not considered material to the Company’s financial position or operating results.

The dividends received deduction (“DRD”) reduces the amount of dividend income subject to U.S. tax and is the primary component of the non-taxable investment income, and, as such, is a significant component of the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate of 35%. Prior to U.S. Tax Reform, the DRD related to variable life insurance and annuity contracts was generally based on a company-specific percentage referred to as the company’s share. U.S. Tax Reform now specifies the calculation to a specific percentage subsequent to 2017. The actual current year DRD can vary from the estimate based on factors such as, but not limited to, changes in the amount of dividends received that are eligible for the DRD, changes in the amount of distributions received from mutual fund investments, changes in the account balances of variable life and annuity contracts, and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD.

The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, and local income tax authorities. While the Company is not currently under any examinations, tax years 2014 and forward are generally open and available for examination.

 

52


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8. Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities

Life insurance liabilities include reserves for death benefits and other policy benefits. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
($ in thousands)              

Traditional life insurance

   $ 1,607,149      $ 1,598,071  

Immediate fixed annuities

     466,723        520,380  

Accident and health insurance

     1,809,006        1,693,598  

Equity indexed annuities

     32,601        40,298  

Other

     1,594,571        1,259,444  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,510,050      $ 5,111,791  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Future policy benefits are generally equal to the present value of future benefit payments and related expenses, less the present value of future net premiums. Assumptions as to mortality, morbidity and persistency are based on the Company’s experience, industry data, and/or other factors, when the basis of the reserve is established. Interest rates used in the determination of present values range from 2.5% to 6.0% for setting reserves.

Accident and health insurance future policy benefit reserves include gross unpaid claim reserves of $256.7 million and $218.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts are fully reinsured as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

9. Policyholder Account Balances

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, policyholders’ account balances consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
($ in thousands)              

Interest-sensitive life contracts

   $ 5,499,037      $ 5,370,563  

Individual annuities

     4,761,155        5,298,452  

Funding agreements

     408,165        255,200  

Other

     8,554        11,157  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total policyholders’ account balances

   $ 10,676,911      $ 10,935,372  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Policyholders’ account balances represent an accumulation of account deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals, expenses and mortality charges, if applicable. These policyholders’ account balances also include provisions for benefits under non-life contingent payout annuities. Interest crediting rates range from 0.4% to 6.0% for interest sensitive contracts. Interest crediting rates for individual annuities range from 0.0% to 6.0%. Interest crediting rates for funding agreements range from 0.5% to 1.0%.

 

10. Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts

The Company offered traditional variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder. The Company also offered variable annuity contracts with general and separate account

 

53


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

options where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a return of no less than total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals (“return of net deposits”). In certain of these variable annuity contracts, the Company also contractually guarantees to the contractholder a return of no less than (1) total deposits made to the contract less any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return (“minimum return”); and/or (2) the highest contract value on a specified date adjusted for any withdrawals (“contract value”). These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death, annuitization or at specified dates during the accumulation period and withdrawal and income benefits payable during specified periods. The Company also issued annuity contracts with and without market value adjusted investment options (“MVAs”), which provide for a return of principal plus a fixed rate of return if held to maturity, or, alternatively, a “market adjusted value” if surrendered prior to maturity or if funds are allocated to other investment options. The market value adjustment may result in a gain or loss to the Company, depending on crediting rates or an indexed rate at surrender, as applicable. All of the risks associated with the Company’s variable annuity contracts are reinsured with external reinsurers.

In addition, the Company issued certain variable life, variable universal life and universal life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a death benefit even when there is insufficient value to cover monthly mortality and expense charges, whereas otherwise the contract would typically lapse (“no lapse guarantee”). Variable life and variable universal life contracts are offered with general and separate account options similar to variable annuities.

The assets supporting the variable portion of both traditional variable annuities and certain variable contracts with guarantees are carried at fair value and reported as “Separate account assets” with an equivalent amount reported as “Separate account liabilities.” Amounts assessed against the contractholders for mortality, administration, and other services are included within revenue in fee income from policyholders and changes in liabilities for minimum guarantees are generally included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For those guarantees of benefits that are payable in the event of death, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance at the balance sheet date. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including fixed income and equity market returns, contract lapses and contractholder mortality.

For guarantees of benefits that are payable at annuitization, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuity payments available to the contractholder determined in accordance with the terms of the contract in excess of the current account balance. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including fixed income and equity market returns, benefit utilization, timing of annuitization, contract lapses and contractholder mortality.

For guarantees of benefits that are payable at withdrawal, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed withdrawal payments available to the contractholder determined in accordance with the terms of the contract in excess of the current account balance. For guarantees of accumulation balances, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the guaranteed minimum accumulation balance minus the current account balance. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including equity market returns, interest rates, market volatility or contractholder behavior used in the original pricing of these products.

The Company’s contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed may not be mutually exclusive. The liabilities related to the net amount at risk

 

54


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

are reflected within Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities or Policyholders’ account balances. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type:

 

    December 31, 2017  
($ in millions)   In the Event of
Death
    At
Annuitization/
Accumulation
    For Cumulative
Periodic Withdrawals
    Accumulation
at Specified
Dates
 

Variable Annuity Contracts

       

Separate account value

  $ 543.4     $ 121.8     $ 9.9     $ 52.9  

Net amount at risk

  $ 44.1     $ 10.6     $ 0.1     $ 4.6  

Average attained age of contractholders

    62 years       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date

    N/A       None       N/A       5 years  

Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts

       

No Lapse Guarantees

       

Separate account value

  $ 396.7        

General account value

  $ 3,687.9        

Net amount at risk

  $ 71,791.0        

Average attained age of contractholders

    50 years        

 

    December 31, 2016  
($ in millions)   In the Event of
Death
    At
Annuitization/
Accumulation
    For Cumulative
Periodic Withdrawals
    Accumulation
at Specified
Dates
 

Variable Annuity Contracts

       

Separate account value

  $ 543.1     $ 116.5     $ 10.9     $ 75.8  

Net amount at risk

  $ 57.5     $ 15.8     $ 0.1     $ 6.2  

Average attained age of contractholders

    61 years       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date

    N/A       None       N/A      
5
years
 
 

Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts

       

No Lapse Guarantees

       

Separate account value

  $ 348.0        

General account value

  $ 3,684.1        

Net amount at risk

  $ 77,609.0        

Average attained age of contractholders

    49 years        

 

55


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits

The liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities are included in Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the related changes in the liabilities are included in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) features are accounted for as bifurcated embedded derivatives and are recorded at fair value within Policyholders’ account balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The changes in general account liabilities for guarantees on variable contracts were as follows:

 

    GMDB     GMIB     GMWB/GMAB     Secondary
Guarantees
       
($ in thousands)   Variable
Annuity
    Variable
Annuity
    Variable
Annuity
    Interest-
Sensitive Life
and Fixed
Annuities
    Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

  $ 8,358     $ 8,240     $ 6,733     $ 625,161     $ 648,492  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: reinsurance recoverable

    8,358       8,240       6,733       83,733       107,064  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance as of December 31, 2014

    —         —         —         541,428       541,428  

Incurred guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         217,603       217,603  

Paid guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         (118,063     (118,063
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change

    —         —         —         99,540       99,540  

Net balance as of December 31, 2015

    —         —         —         640,968       640,968  

Plus reinsurance recoverable

    8,844       5,663       7,814       100,317       122,638  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

  $ 8,844     $ 5,663     $ 7,814     $ 741,285     $ 763,606  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: reinsurance recoverable

    8,844       5,663       7,814       100,317       122,638  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance as of December 31, 2015

    —         —         —         640,968       640,968  

Incurred guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         316,344       316,344  

Paid guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         (156,067     (156,067
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change

    —         —         —         160,277       160,277  

Net balance as of December 31, 2016

    —         —         —         801,245       801,245  

Plus reinsurance recoverable

    8,626       3,440       6,835       122,608       141,509  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $ 8,626     $ 3,440     $ 6,835     $ 923,853     $ 942,754  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: reinsurance recoverable

    8,626       3,440       6,835       122,608       141,509  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance as of December 31, 2016

    —         —         —         801,245       801,245  

Incurred guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         309,455       309,455  

Paid guarantee benefits

    —         —         —         (151,946     (151,946
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change

    —         —         —         157,509       157,509  

Net balance as of December 31, 2017

    —         —         —         958,754       958,754  

Plus reinsurance recoverable

    7,516       2,248       4,670       149,618       164,052  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2017

  $ 7,516     $ 2,248     $ 4,670     $ 1,108,372     $ 1,122,806  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

56


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

11. Value of Business Acquired

The following changes to the VOBA asset occurred for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

($ in thousands)    2017     2016     2015  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 186,701     $ 247,702     $ 231,521  

Business acquired

     —         —         —    

Amortized to expense during the year (1)

     (29,827     (30,053     (40,880

Adjustment for unrealized investment losses during the year

     (21,843     (30,948     57,061  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 135,031     $ 186,701     $ 247,702  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is included in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The estimated percentages of the VOBA balance to be amortized for the years indicated were as follows:

 

     VOBA
Amortization
 

2018

     13

2019

     11

2020

     9

2021

     8

2022 and thereafter

     59

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Regulation and Compliance

The Company is subject to changing social, economic and regulatory conditions. From time to time, regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek to impose additional regulations regarding agent and broker compensation, regulate the nature of and amount of investments, and otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance industry. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations, to foster prudent business operations, and to support financial reporting. The Company routinely reviews its practices to validate compliance with laws and regulations and with internal procedures and policies. As a result of these reviews, from time to time the Company may decide to modify some of its procedures and policies. Such modifications, and the reviews that led to them, may be accompanied by payments being made and costs being incurred. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these actions on the Company’s business, if any, are uncertain.

The Company is currently being examined by certain states for compliance with unclaimed property laws, premium tax and market conduct compliance. It is possible that these examinations may result in additional payments to states and to changes in the Company’s practices and procedures, which could impact benefit payments, operating and acquisition expenses and reserves, among other consequences; however, it is not likely to have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.

The Company is assessed amounts by the state guaranty funds to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. At December 31, 2017, the Company accrued $3.3 million for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $7.5 million. At December 31, 2016, the Company accrued $3.6 million for guaranty fund assessments.

 

57


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Litigation

The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business. Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of such proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. Given the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of the Company’s litigation and regulatory matters, particularly in cases or proceedings in which substantial or indeterminate damages or fines are sought, the Company cannot estimate losses or ranges of losses for cases or proceedings where there is only a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. However, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In the normal course of its business, the Company has entered into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as contracts with advisors and consultants, outsourcing agreements, information technology agreements and service agreements. The Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers and employees in accordance with the Company’s by-laws. The Company believes any potential liability under these agreements is neither probable nor estimable. Therefore, the Company has not recorded any associated liability.

Pledged or Restricted Assets

The Company had the following restricted assets:

 

    Certain bonds were on deposit with governmental authorities as required by law with market values of $8.6 million and $8.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

    Derivative cash collateral received was reported as cash equivalents of $0.3 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

    Funds pledged on certain mortgage loans held in the investment portfolio to finance property improvements on underlying real estate totaling $8.5 million and $14.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

    The Company is a member of the FHLB and is required to pledge collateral to back funding agreements issued to the FHLB. Assets with a market value of approximately $538.7 and $339.9 million were pledged as collateral to the FHLB as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

13. Regulatory Capital and Dividends

The Company prepares its statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Nebraska. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.

The State of Nebraska requires insurance companies domiciled in its state to prepare statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the State of Nebraska Insurance Commissioner. Statutory accounting practices differ from GAAP primarily since they require establishing life insurance reserves based on different actuarial assumptions, and valuing certain investments at amortized cost. Statutory accounting practices do not give recognition to purchase accounting adjustments.

 

58


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Statutory net income was $64 million, $52 million, and $74 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was $426 million and $560 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Dividend Limitations

The ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements and other relevant factors. The payment of shareholder dividends by the Company without the prior approval of the Department of Insurance is limited to formula amounts based on net income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices, as well as, the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. In connection with HoldCo’s acquisition of Lincoln Benefit, prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance is required for the Company for any dividend or distribution for five years subsequent to April 1, 2014. The Company paid dividends of $70.0 million, $42.0 million, and $187.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other

Under state insurance laws, insurance companies are required to maintain paid up capital of not less than the minimum capital requirement applicable to the types of insurance they are authorized to write. Insurance companies are also subject to risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements adopted by state insurance regulators. A company’s “authorized control level RBC” is calculated using various factors applied to certain financial balances and activity. Companies that do not maintain statutory capital and surplus at a level in excess of the company action level RBC, which is two times authorized control level RBC, are required to take specified actions. Company action level RBC is significantly in excess of the minimum capital requirements.

 

59


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

14. Leases

The Company has a lease agreement to lease office space under a non-cancellable operating lease agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company made payments of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, pursuant to this operating lease.

The minimum aggregate rental commitments as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)       

2018

   $ 208  

2019

     213  

2020

     218  

2021

     224  

2022

     229  

All future years

     764  
  

 

 

 

Aggregate total

   $ 1,856  
  

 

 

 

 

15. Related Parties

Under the management services agreement with HoldCo, HoldCo and Lincoln Benefit provide services to each other including but not limited to compliance, legal, risk management, accounting and reporting, treasury, tax and other management related services. Services are provided at cost. HoldCo provided $18.9 million, $14.1 million, and $13.9 million in services to Lincoln Benefit for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company has a Fee Letter (the “Fee Letter”) with Lanis LLC (“Lanis”) pursuant to which the Company will pay Lanis the risk spread due on the Vehicle Note issued by Lanis to Lancaster Re. The total expense related to this risk spread for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $7.8 million, 7.3 million, and $6.7 million, respectively.

The Company reported the following receivables/ (payables) to affiliates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

HoldCo

   $ (4,715    $ (2,795

Lanis

   $ (2,015    $ (1,898

Intercompany receivable and payable balances are evaluated on an individual company basis. Intercompany balances are generally settled quarterly.

The Company’s stock is pledged as collateral on HoldCo’s term loan agreement with a syndicate of lenders (“Term Loan”). The maturity date of the Term Loan is June 15, 2018.

On April 1, 2014, the Company and HoldCo entered into a Letter Agreement whereby from and after the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement, if the Company makes any payment pursuant to the Fee Letter, within ten Business Days of such payment by the Company, HoldCo shall reimburse the Company in cash in an amount equal to such payment by the Company.

 

60


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Schedule I Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties

 

December 31, 2017  

 

Amortized

Cost

    Fair Value     Amount at which
shown in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 
($ in thousands)                  

Type of Investment

     

Fixed maturities:

     

Available for sale

     

U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

  $ 416,639     $ 409,595     $ 409,595  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions

    741,343       776,531       776,531  

Foreign government

    24,242       22,791       22,791  

All other corporate bonds

    6,169,204       6,389,746       6,389,746  

ABS

    478,329       480,223       480,223  

CMBS

    189,596       187,825       187,825  

RMBS

    127,439       133,450       133,450  

Redeemable preferred stock

    14,800       14,800       14,800  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available for sale

  $ 8,161,592     $ 8,414,961     $ 8,414,961  

Fair value option and trading securities

    110,305       109,914       109,914  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

  $ 8,271,897     $ 8,524,875     $ 8,524,875  

Other securities:

     

Common stock

  $ 8,152     $ 8,152     $ 8,152  

Commercial mortgage loans

    1,043,187       —         1,043,187  

Derivatives

    19,546       21,045       21,045  

Other long-term assets

    138       —         138  

Policy loans

    178,437       —         178,437  

Short-term investments

    190,376       —         190,376  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other securities

  $ 1,439,836     $ 29,197     $ 1,441,335  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

  $ 9,711,733     $ 8,554,072     $ 9,966,210  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

61


Lincoln Benefit Life Company

(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.)

Schedule IV – Reinsurance

 

($ in thousands)   Gross Amount     Ceded to Other
Companies
   

Assumed from

Other Companies

    Net Amount    

Percentage of

Amount

Assumed to Net

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

         

Life insurance in force

  $ 343,103,636       338,144,016     $ 4,049,125     $ 9,008,745       44.9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Premiums and contract charges:

         

Life and annuities

  $ 1,236,410     $ (895,505   $ 4,768     $ 345,673       1.4

Accident and health insurance

    58,052       (54,389     —         3,663       0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
  $ 1,294,462     $ (949,894   $ 4,768     $ 349,336       1.4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Year Ended December 31, 2016

         

Life insurance in force

  $ 365,008,309     $ 359,316,014     $ 4,180,222     $ 9,872,516       42.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Premiums and contract charges:

         

Life and annuities

  $ 1,270,770     $ (918,414   $ 4,749     $ 357,105       1.3

Accident and health insurance

    58,147       (52,633     —         5,514       0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
  $ 1,328,917     $ (971,047   $ 4,749     $ 362,619       1.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Year Ended December 31, 2015

         

Life insurance in force

  $ 390,226,197     $ 384,704,438     $ 4,601,282     $ 10,123,041       45.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Premiums and contract charges:

         

Life and annuities

  $ 1,405,005     $ (1,056,276   $ 5,939     $ 354,668       1.7

Accident and health insurance

    58,467       (50,362     —         8,105       0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
  $ 1,463,472     $ (1,106,638   $ 5,939     $ 362,773       1.6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premiums ceded in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

62


Item 11(f). Selected Financial Data

 

    5-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  
    Successor Period*           Predecessor Period*  

($ in millions)

  2017     2016     2015     For the period from
April 1, 2014
through
December 31, 2014
          For the period from
January 1, 2014
through
March 31, 2014
    2013  

Operating results

               

Net investment income

  $ 401.1     $ 397.1     $ 398.9     $ 288.6         $ 2.4     $ 10.9  

Realized capital gains and (losses)

    38.1       73.7       113.5       46.1           0.3       —    

Total Revenues

    788.6       833.4       875.2       614.2           2.6       10.9  

Net income

    9.7       31.5       82.7       30.7           1.7       7.1  

Financial position

               

Investments

  $ 9,966.2     $ 10,001.0     $ 9,845.1     $ 11,088.5         $ —       $ 346.8  

Total assets

    20,064.3       19,794.5       19,562.7       20,710.5           —         18,844.8  

Future policy benefits, other policyholder liabilities and policyholders’ account balances

    16,187.0       16,047.2       15,878.2       16,293.2           —         16,681.5  

Shareholder’s equity

    491.2       442.5       334.5       679.0           —         343.7  

 

* On April 1, 2014, all of the capital stock in Lincoln Benefit was acquired by LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life, Inc.) (the “Acquisition”). Due to the Acquisition and the application of push-down accounting, different bases of accounting have been used to prepare the Predecessor and Successor financial statements. A black line separates the Predecessor and Successor financial statements above to highlight the lack of comparability between those two periods.

 

Item 11(h). Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

The following discussion highlights significant factors influencing the financial position and results of operations of Lincoln Benefit. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes found under Item 11(e) contained herein. We operate as a single segment entity, based on the manner in which we use financial information to evaluate business performance and to determine the allocation of resources.

The most important factors we monitor to evaluate the financial condition and performance of our Company include:

 

    For operations: premiums, benefits paid, contract charges, amounts ceded to reinsurers and return on investments including exposure to market risk, credit quality/experience, net investment income, cash flows, realized capital gains and losses, unrealized capital gains and losses, stability of long-term returns, and asset/liability duration (“asset duration”).

 

    For financial condition: risk based capital ratios and stress testing of our overall capital position.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements. If management determines that modifications in assumptions and estimates are appropriate given current facts and circumstances, the Company’s results of operations and financial position as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements could change significantly.

 

63


Management believes the critical accounting policies relating to the following areas are most dependent on the application of estimates, assumptions and judgments:

 

    Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities

 

    Value of business acquired (“VOBA”)

 

    Investments — Impairments and Fair Value Measurements

 

    Income Taxes

 

    Reserves for Contingencies

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities

Policy liabilities are established for future policy benefits on certain annuity, life, and long term care policies. Such liabilities are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in-force. Changes in policy and contract claims are recorded in policyholder benefits, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For ASC 944-20 products, benefit reserves are computed using the net level premium method for individual life, annuity and long-term care policies, and are based upon estimates as to future investment yield, mortality and lapse that include provisions for adverse deviation that were prevalent at the time the reserve was initially established. Mortality, morbidity and lapse assumptions for all policies are based on the Company’s own experience and industry developments.

Liabilities for outstanding claims and claims adjustment expenses are estimates of payments to be made on life and health insurance contracts for reported claims and claims adjustment expenses. A liability is also held for claims adjustment expenses incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. These liabilities are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not paid. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Future policy benefit reserves for fixed indexed annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the excess of the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivative and the host (or guaranteed) component over the policyholder account balance. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivative is linked primarily to the performance of the equity option. The host value is established as of the date of acquisition and is equal to the total account value, plus the value of the unexpired options at the date of acquisition, less the embedded derivative, and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest.

Future policy benefits reserves for the portion of fixed indexed annuities earning a fixed rate of interest and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policyholders’ account balances before applicable surrender charges.

The Company holds additional liabilities for its no lapse guarantees (associated with universal life policies), its guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) associated with its variable universal life business, and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) associated with fixed annuities, which are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20, Financial Services — Insurance Activities. The Company’s reserves related to guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”), and GMWB associated with variable annuities are ceded to third party reinsurers with a small amount of retained GMWB coverage related to equity indexed annuities.

Policy liabilities and accruals are based on the various estimates discussed above. Although the adequacy of these amounts cannot be assured, the Company believes that policy liabilities and accruals will be sufficient to meet future obligations of policies in-force. The amount of liabilities and accruals, however, could be revised if the estimates discussed above are revised.

 

64


Sensitivity for Future Policy Benefit Reserves

The Company’s liability for future policy benefits also includes reserves based on the present value of estimated future payments to or on behalf of contractholders, where the timing and amount of payment depends on policyholder mortality. Expected mortality is generally based on the Company’s experience, industry data, and/or other factors. Interest rate assumptions are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. After the initial establishment of reserves, premium deficiency and loss recognition tests are performed using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date without provisions for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums at an acquisition deal level are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that line of business (i.e., reserves net of any VOBA asset), any provisions for adverse deviation (“PAD”), if material, would be released, then VOBA would be written off, and then, if required, a premium deficiency reserve would be established by a charge to earnings.

Value of Business Acquired

In conjunction with the acquisition of a block of insurance policies or investment contracts, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to the right to receive future gross profits from the acquired insurance policies or investment contracts. This intangible asset, called value of business acquired (“VOBA”), represents the estimated present value of future profits from the acquired policies. The estimated present value of future cash flows is based on certain assumptions, including mortality, persistency, expenses, and interest rates that the Company expects to experience in future years. For interest sensitive products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGP”) from margins on mortality, interest, expenses, and surrenders, all of which are net of reinsurance and include actual realized gains and losses on investments. For non-interest sensitive products, such as term life insurance, VOBA is amortized in relation to premium. VOBA is reviewed periodically for loss recognition to ensure that the unamortized balance is recoverable from future earnings from the business. For certain contracts, this evaluation is performed as part of our premium deficiency testing. The carrying amount of VOBA is adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on debt securities classified as available-for-sale.

Annual assumptions review and quarterly adjustments

Annually, we perform a comprehensive review of the assumptions used in estimating gross profits for future periods. We perform our annual review of assumptions during the third quarter.

Updates to assumptions may cause significant variability in amortization expense in the future. The impact on our results of operations of changes in lapse experience, mortality and revisions to expected future rates of return on investments can be offsetting and therefore we are unable to predict their movement or offsetting impact over time.

The quarterly adjustments for current period experience reflect the impact of differences between actual gross profits for a given period and the previously estimated EGPs for that period. To the extent each period’s actual experience differs from the previous estimate for that period, the assumed level of total gross profits may change. In these cases, we recognize a cumulative adjustment to all previous periods’ amortization, also referred to as an experience true-up adjustment.

VOBA Sensitivities

For our equity-indexed annuity, variable life, and universal life policies, a significant portion of our gross profits is derived from interest and mortality margins. As a result, our estimates of future gross profits are significantly influenced by our interest and mortality assumptions. Our mortality assumptions are used to estimate future death claims over the life of these policies and may be developed based on Company experience, industry experience

 

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and other factors. Unless a material change in mortality experience that we feel is indicative of a long term trend is observed in an interim period, we generally update our mortality assumptions annually in the third quarter. Updates to our mortality assumptions in future periods could have a significant adverse or favorable effect on our results of operations.

The following table provides a demonstration of the sensitivity of the VOBA balance relative to our future interest and mortality assumptions by quantifying the adjustments that would be required, assuming both an increase and decrease in our future interest and mortality margin by 10%. The information below is for illustrative purposes only and reflects only the direct effect of changes in our interest and mortality margin on the VOBA balance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and net income for the years then ended:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

($ in millions)

             

Decrease in future interest and mortality margin by 10%

   $ (6.4    $ (5.2

Increase in future interest and mortality margin by 10%

   $ 5.7      $ 4.6  

In addition to the impacts of interest and mortality experience relative to our assumptions, other factors may also drive variability in amortization expense, particularly when our annual assumption updates are performed. As noted above, however, the impact on our results of operations of changes in these assumptions can be offsetting and we are unable to predict their movement or offsetting impact over time.

Valuation of Investments, Including Derivatives, and the Recognition of Other-than-Temporary Impairments

Our investment portfolio consists of public and private fixed maturity securities, commercial mortgage and other loans, other invested assets and derivative financial instruments. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, financial indices or the values of securities. The derivative financial instruments we generally use are futures and options. Management believes the following accounting policies related to investments, including derivatives, are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions. Each of these policies is discussed further within other relevant disclosures related to the investments and derivatives, as referenced below:

 

    Valuation of investments, including derivatives;

 

    Recognition of other-than-temporary impairments; and

 

    Determination of the valuation allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans.

We present at fair value in the statements of financial position our investments classified as available-for-sale, including fixed maturities, derivatives, and embedded derivatives. For additional information regarding the key estimates and assumptions surrounding the determination of fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities, as well as derivative instruments, embedded derivatives and other investments, see Notes 2 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For our investments classified as available-for-sale, the impact of changes in fair value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (“AOCI”), a separate component of equity. For a discussion of our policies regarding other-than-temporary declines in investment value and the related methodology for recording other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturity and equity securities, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commercial mortgage loans (“CMLs”) are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. CMLs held by the Company are diversified by property type and geographic area throughout the United States. CMLs are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company assesses the impairment of loans individually for all

 

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loans in the portfolio. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. The Company estimates an allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) representing potential credit losses embedded in the CML portfolio. The estimate is based on a consistently applied analysis of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration all available information, including industry, geographical, economic and political factors.

Income Taxes

Income taxes represent the net amount of income taxes that the Company expects to pay to or receive from various taxing jurisdictions in connection with its operations. The Company provides for Federal and state income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers all available evidence including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, forecasted earnings, future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of the tax consequences of various events and transactions.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities, and in evaluating the Company’s tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under the guidance for Accounting for Uncertainty in Income taxes. Under the guidance, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. The Company’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and interest that relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing authorities. We do not anticipate any significant changes within the next 12 months to our total unrecognized tax benefits related to tax years for which the statute of limitations has not expired.

Reserves for Contingencies

A contingency is an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty that will ultimately be resolved upon the occurrence of future events. Under GAAP, reserves for contingencies are required to be established when the future event is probable and its impact can be reasonably estimated, such as in connection with an unresolved legal matter. The initial reserve reflects management’s best estimate of the probable cost of ultimate resolution of the matter and is revised accordingly as facts and circumstances change and, ultimately, when the matter is brought to closure.

OPERATIONS

Overview and strategy. Prior to July 18, 2013, we sold interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance, and fixed annuities including deferred and immediate through independent master brokerage agencies and the Allstate exclusive agency channel. In July 2013, we ceased soliciting and selling new policies through our independent agent channel as a result of the Purchase Agreement, however, we continued to sell new policies provided through the Allstate exclusive agency channel through 2017. On April 1, 2014, all of the capital stock in Lincoln Benefit was acquired by LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (“HoldCo”) from ALIC (the “Acquisition”).

In connection with the Acquisition, HoldCo. and ALIC entered into a Transition Services Agreement (the “TSA”) and an Administration Services Agreement (“ASA”), pursuant to which ALIC provided certain administrative services to the Company. Effective December 31, 2017, the TSA services have been completed. In 2015, the administration of our deferred annuity and life business was outsourced to unaffiliated third-party

 

67


service providers, SE2, LLC and Alliance–One Services, Inc. ALIC continues to reinsurance and administer business sold through the Allstate exclusive agency channel and certain payout and immediate annuity contracts, pursuant to the ASA.

In April 2014, Lincoln Benefit and its affiliates entered into two transactions with Hannover Re. Under the first transaction between Lincoln Benefit and Lanis LLC, Hannover Re provides financing for a portion of our statutory reserves associated with our universal life business with no-lapse guarantees and our level premium term life business (the “AXXX/XXX Financing”). The second transaction involved a reinsurance agreement between Lincoln Benefit and Hannover Re, structured on a combined modified coinsurance and monthly renewable term reinsurance basis.

Financial Position

The following table outlines amounts reported in the Company’s Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

($ in millions)

   December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Assets

     

Cash and invested assets

   $ 10,045.0      $ 10,004.3  

Reinsurance recoverables

     6,501.7        6,280.3  

Valuation of business acquired (VOBA)

     135.0        186.7  

Deposit receivable

     1,111.6        1,199.5  

Other assets

     810.6        781.5  

Separate account assets

     1,460.4        1,342.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 20,064.3      $ 19,794.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Future policy benefits

   $ 5,510.1      $ 5,111.8  

Policyholders’ account balances

     10,676.9        10,935.4  

ModCo payable

     1,111.6        1,199.5  

Long-term debt

     695.0        659.0  

Other liabilities

     119.1        104.1  

Separate account liabilities

     1,460.4        1,342.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 19,573.1      $ 19,352.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholder’s Equity

     

Common stock

   $ 2.5      $ 2.5  

Additional paid-in capital

     593.6        593.6  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     72.8        (36.2

Retained earnings

     (177.7      (117.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s Equity

   $ 491.2      $ 442.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

   $ 20,064.3      $ 19,794.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2017 vs. December 31, 2016

Assets

Total assets increased by $269.8 million, from $19.8 billion at December 31, 2016 to $20.1 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in total assets is a function of an increase in separate account assets, primarily related to the growth in the equity markets, and an increase in the Company’s reinsurance recoverables. This increase was offset by the continued runoff of our closed block of business, primarily from our annuities and universal life blocks.

 

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Significant variances are as follows:

Cash and invested assets increased by $40.7 million from $10,004.3 million at December 31, 2016 to $10,045.0 million at December 31, 2017. The significant components of this balance and related increase are described below.

The Company’s fixed maturities bond portfolio increased by $0.2 billion from $8.2 billion at December 31, 2016 to $8.4 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase is primarily a function of interest rate movements and the resulting increase in net unrealized gains in the current year. The fixed maturities bond portfolio is comprised of approximately 80% of publicly traded securities and approximately 20% in privately placed issuances.

Mortgage loans decreased by $412.0 million from $1.46 billion at December 31, 2016 to $1.04 billion at December 31, 2017. The decrease is related to maturing mortgage loans and paydowns.

Policy loans decreased by $0.5 million from $178.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $178.4 million at December 31, 2017. These balances are expected to continue to decline over time in conjunction with the runoff of the retained policies.

Other invested assets primarily consist of derivative balances. Derivatives increased by $2.1 million from $18.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $21.0 million at December 31, 2017. These balances are comprised primarily of options and futures that are used to economically hedge the market risk inherent in the Company’s equity-indexed products. These assets are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized as realized investment gains for GAAP reporting purposes. The increase in these balances is primarily related to the equity market movement in 2017 and slightly higher option balances.

Cash and short-term investments increased by $136.2 million from $133.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $269.1 million at December 31, 2017. The amount invested in cash and short-term investments fluctuates based on liquidity needs and the timing of investment decisions. Overall, short-term investments and cash range from 1% to 3% of overall invested assets. The increase in cash and short-term investments in 2017 is primarily a function of reinvestment activity timing.

Reinsurance recoverables arise under GAAP because reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of legal liability to contractholders, and therefore the ceding company is required to report reinsurance recoverables arising from these contracts separately as an asset while the policyholder liabilities ceded under these contracts are reported as future policyholder benefits or policyholder account balances.

Reinsurance recoverables increased by $221.4 million from $6.3 billion at December 31, 2016 to $6.5 billion as of December 31, 2017. This increase is primarily related to growth in long-term care reserves and the increase in reserves in interest-sensitive life business ceded to ALIC.

Additionally, the Company maintains reinsurance to limit aggregate and single losses on large risks. The Company cedes a portion of the mortality risk on certain life and morbidity on long-term care policies under coinsurance and yearly renewable term agreements to non-affiliated reinsurers.

Valuation of Business Acquired (“VOBA”) arises because at the Acquisition date, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed generally are required to be measured at fair value. Fair value for financial reporting purposes is defined in ASC 820 (“Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”). ASC 820 emphasizes that fair value is a market participant-based exit price measurement, and not an entity-specific measurement.

Once it has been determined that an asset exists, the VOBA as of the Acquisition date is a part of the business combination, and this asset is measured at fair value in accordance with ASC 820 (i.e., the price that would be received to sell the asset in an ordinary transaction between market participants).

 

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The actuarial appraisal method was used to determine the VOBA by lines of business and resulted in a total VOBA of $290.8 million at the Acquisition date. This was determined by projecting the present value of after tax statutory profits, discounted at a risk discount rate (“RDR”) of 12% and adjusted by projected cost of capital. This was compared to a fair deal RDR between 10% and 16% and determined to create a collar of reasonable values around this central value. This statutory value is then converted to VOBA by adjusting for GAAP to statutory accounting differences.

VOBA decreased by $51.7 million from $186.7 million at December 31, 2016 to $135.0 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease is a function of amortization of $29.8 million and the adjustment for net unrealized investment gains of $21.8 million during the year. VOBA balances before the impact of net unrealized gains were $180.9 million and $151.0 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Deposit receivable and ModCo Payable decreased by $87.9 million from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2016 to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017. The deposit receivable and ModCo payable arise from the modified coinsurance/monthly renewable term reinsurance agreement entered into with Hannover Re. For GAAP reporting purposes, a reinsurance transaction must pass significant risk to the reinsurer for a company to record a credit for liabilities ceded. The Company has determined that the reinsurance transaction with Hannover Re does not pass GAAP risk transfer requirements and therefore must account for the transaction under deposit accounting principles. Under deposit accounting, the Company is required to establish a Deposit Receivable asset on the balance sheet that represents the reinsurance recoverable with an offsetting ModCo Liability for the same amount. The decrease in the balance is consistent with the runoff of the reinsured blocks of business. We will continue to see these balances decline as the annuity blocks run off.

Other assets increased by $29.1 million from $781.5 million at December 31, 2016 to $810.6 million at December 31, 2017. The balance is primarily comprised of the intercompany note, or “Vehicle Note” that the Company entered into on April 1, 2014 with its affiliate Lanis LLC (“Lanis”) in the initial amount of $513.0 million. The net deferred tax asset of $3.7 million at December 31, 2016 became a net deferred tax liability of $24.6 million at December 31, 2017, resulting from the decline in gross unrealized losses in 2017 and the impact of the new tax legislation. This decline in the net deferred tax asset was offset by the increase in the Vehicle Note balance. The Vehicle Note balance increased by $36.0 million from $659.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $695.0 million at December 31, 2017. Please see the discussion on the related Surplus Note in the Long Term Debt section below.

Separate Account assets and liabilities increased by $118.2 million from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2016 to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily driven by increased investment income related to equity market appreciation in 2017 partially offset by variable annuity surrenders and benefits paid during the year.

The assets of Separate Accounts are carried at fair value for GAAP. Separate Accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at the fair value of the assets. In the event the asset values of certain contractholder accounts are projected to be below the value guaranteed by the Company, a liability is established through a charge to earnings.

Lincoln Benefit’s variable annuity business and a portion of the Variable Life business are reinsured to ALIC. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, all assets of the Separate Accounts that support the variable annuity and variable life business were legally insulated.

 

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Liabilities

Total liabilities increased by $221.1 million, from $19.4 billion at December 31, 2016 to $19.6 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase consists of the following components:

Future policy benefits increased by $398.3 million from $5.1 billion at December 31, 2016 to $5.5 billion at December 31, 2017. Such liabilities are established to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in-force. The increase in these liabilities is primarily related to the increase in reserves established for secondary guarantees on universal life products, long-term care reserves, and for payout annuities due to new annuitizations. Also included here are the amounts ultimately ceded to ALIC and other third party reinsurers.

Policyholders’ Account Balances decreased by $258.5 million, from $10.9 billion at December 31, 2016 to $10.7 billion at December 31, 2017 as a result of policyholder maturities and surrenders offset by funding agreements issued to FHLB. Policyholders’ account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities, and are comprised of cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.

The Company holds additional liabilities for GMIB associated with variable annuities (and a small amount of GMDB associated with variable life business), which are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20, Financial Services — Insurance Activities. The reserves for certain living benefit features, including GMAB and GMWB are accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of expected future benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. This methodology could result in either a liability or contra-liability balance, given changing capital market conditions and various actuarial assumptions. The Company’s GMIB, GMAB and GMWB reserves are ceded to external reinsurers (with a small amount of retained GMWB coverage related to equity indexed annuities). For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Long-Term Debt increased by $36.0 million from $659.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $695.0 million at December 31, 2017. This balance represents a surplus note that was initially issued on April 1, 2014 in the amount of $513.0 million. With the Department of Insurance approval, Lancaster Re issued a variable funding Surplus Note (the “Surplus Note”) to its affiliate, Lanis, for $513.0 million and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513.0 million. The Vehicle Note is held to support a portion of Lancaster Re’s reinsurance obligations and has been authorized as an acceptable form of reinsurance collateral pursuant to Nebraska Statutes.

With Department of Insurance pre-approval, (i) the Surplus Note is increased each quarter with a corresponding increase in the Vehicle Note, and (ii) interest on the Surplus Note for the prior quarter is paid on the first day of each subsequent quarter at a rate consistent with the rate received on the Vehicle Note of 4%. The Surplus Note and Vehicle Note increased by $36.0 million in 2017, primarily related to the increase in statutory universal life secondary guarantee reserves and term reserves. The Surplus Note is unsecured and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims of Lancaster Re.

Other liabilities increased by $15.0 million from $104.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $119.1 million at December 31, 2017. This balance consists of various policyholder related liabilities, other liability balances related to general expenses, the net deferred tax liability, unsettled trades, etc. The increase in this balance is comprised of a decrease in policyholder related liabilities of $9.6 million offset by the increase in the net deferred tax liability of $24.6 million, primarily related to the increase in unrealized gains offset by the reduction in tax rates resulting from U.S. Tax Reform.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table outlines amounts reported in Net Income (Loss):

 

($ in millions)

   2017      2016      2015  

Income (Loss) Before Federal Income Tax

   $ (6.1    $ 46.1      $ 128.7  

Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (15.8      14.6        46.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 9.7      $ 31.5      $ 82.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”)

     109.0        118.5        (240.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ 118.7      $ 150.0      $ (157.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Results of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

Net income of $9.7 million was primarily derived from the tax benefit resulting from the enactment of the new tax legislation in 2017. The loss before federal income tax of $6.1 million was derived from product margins offset by net realized capital gains. Product margins include investment margins earned on annuity and life products, mortality margins earned on life products, and minimal surrender and expense margins associated with all products. In 2017, the mortality margin decreased due to changes to future assumptions primarily for mortality based on our annual review of assumptions and net realized capital gains were lower than the prior year.

Other comprehensive income of $109.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily related to the increase in net unrealized gains on fixed maturities of $338.9 resulting from lower interest rates, partially offset by shadow adjustments related to VOBA and SOP 03-01 liabilities of $179.0 million, and tax effect of $50.9 million.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

Net income of $31.5 million was primarily derived from net realized capital gains and product margins. Net realized capital gains were lower than 2015 and primarily arose from strategic reinvestment and our continued investment portfolio resegmentation to better align asset and liability cash flows. In 2016, the mortality margin decreased due to higher policyholder benefits, as well as, changes to future assumptions.

Other comprehensive income of $118.5 million for year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily related to the decrease in net unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $242.2 million due to a decrease in spreads particularly for corporates, partially offset by shadow adjustments related to VOBA and SOP 03-01 liabilities of $59.9 million, and tax effect of $63.8 million.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Net income of $82.6 million was primarily derived from net realized capital gains and product margins. Net realized capital gains arose from the strategic reinvestment and investment portfolio resegmentation in 2015 to better align asset and liability cash flows. In 2015, the mortality margin improved over the prior year due to lower policyholder benefits.

Other comprehensive loss of $240.2 million for year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily related to the increase in our net unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $487.0 million due to an increase in spreads on investments, partially offset by shadow adjustments related to VOBA and SOP 03-01 liabilities of $117.0 million and tax effect of $129.8 million.

 

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The significant components of income are summarized below:

 

($ in millions)

   2017      2016      2015  

Revenues

        

Premiums earned

   $ 3.2      $ 16.6      $ 8.8  

Fee income from policyholders

     346.2        346.0        353.9  

Net investment income

     401.1        397.1        398.9  

Realized investment gains, net

     38.1        73.7        113.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 788.6      $ 833.4      $ 875.1  

Expenses

        

Policyholder benefits

   $ 439.9      $ 449.1      $ 351.7  

Interest credited to policyholders

     277.1        269.5        301.1  

Other operating expenses

     47.9        38.6        52.7  

Amortization of VOBA

     29.8        30.1        40.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 794.7      $ 787.3      $ 746.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) before Federal Income Taxes

   $ (6.1    $ 46.1      $ 128.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Premiums Earned and Fee Income

Premiums earned were $3.2 million, $16.6 million and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These premiums relate primarily to traditional life and health insurance products and immediate annuities. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Premiums earned are net of reinsurance premiums paid on the ceded business. Yearly Renewable Term (“YRT”) reinsurance premiums ceded on universal life products are shown here, while Cost of Insurance charges are included in fee income from policyholders. The YRT reinsurance premiums increase each year as our policyholders age and, as a result, our reinsurance premiums more than offset the direct premium from traditional products in 2017. Premium associated with new annuitazions also declined in 2017.

Fee income from policyholders was $346.2 million, $346.0 million and $353.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fee income from policyholders consists of fees assessed against the policyholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the policy prior to contractually specified dates. These charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the policyholder account balance. Fee income has been consistent on an annual basis. Cost of insurance charges increase as policyholders age, but are offset by lapses, as well as, to expense loads and surrender charges that grade down with policy duration.

Net investment income was $401.1 million, $397.1 million and $398.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net investment income was attributable to the following asset types:

 

($ in millions)

   2017      2016      2015  

Fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 345.3      $ 330.2      $ 334.9  

Commercial mortgage loans

     56.5        69.4        63.0  

Cash & short-term investments

     1.7        1.0        0.5  

Other

     12.4        9.3        9.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross investment income

   $ 415.9      $ 409.9      $ 408.0  

Investment expenses

   $ 14.8      $ 12.8      $ 9.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 401.1      $ 397.1      $ 398.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Overall, net investment income in 2017 remained consistent with 2016 and 2015, as a result of continued asset liability management initiatives. The investment expense increase is related to a specific investment initiative, with corresponding higher returns.

Realized investment gains were $38.1 million, $73.7 million and $113.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The net realized gains in 2017 were primarily derivative related. The net realized gains in 2016 and 2015 were related to asset liability management initiatives to improve yields and better match assets and liabilities.

Policyholder benefits were $439.9 million, $449.1 million and $351.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Policyholder benefits include both incurred claims and the change in liability for future policy benefits. The decrease in 2017 is a result of lower reserve changes in long-term care products offset by higher incurred claims. The increase in 2016 is primarily due to unfavorable mortality experience and annual updates to assumptions (including changes in economic environment, interest and mortality). A significant portion of the increase in reserves in 2016 related to the recognition of realized capital gains of invested assets supporting the universal life secondary guarantee products.

Incurred claims were lower in 2015 resulting from better mortality experience offset by an increase in the change in the liability for future policy benefits related to universal life secondary guarantee products.

Interest credited to policyholders was $277.1 million, $269.5 million and $301.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This line item represents interest credited to liabilities arising from interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products. Interest credited in 2017 increased as a result of higher interest credited to the Company’s equity-indexed annuity products resulting from the strong equity market performance and interest credited to the FHLB funding agreements. Interest credited to policyholders decreased in 2016 due to lower account values resulting from runoff of business and lower amounts credited to the Company’s equity-indexed annuity products, resulting from lower equity market performance.

Operating and acquisition expenses were $47.9 million, $38.6 million and $52.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These expenses are comprised of general operating expenses, premium taxes, and other fees associated with reinsurance. Operating and acquisition expenses were higher in 2017 as a result of higher reinsurance expense allowances, higher claim litigation expenses and higher compensation costs, resulting from the Transaction. Operating and acquisition expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 included initial separation and integration costs that were not incurred in 2016 or 2017.

Amortization of VOBA was $29.8 million, $30.1 million and $40.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. VOBA amortization is expected to decline over time as the unamortized balance is amortized with expected gross profits on specific product lines. The amortization in 2017 and 2016 were in line with expectations for those years, while 2015 amortization was higher than expected due to significant realized capital gains associated with those products lines.

Other Information

The following table presents surrender and withdrawal amounts and rates for major insurance product lines for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

Surrenders and withdrawals

 

     2017     2016     2015  

($ in millions)

   Amounts      Rate     Amounts      Rate     Amounts      Rate  

Annuities

   $ 561.4        11.7   $ 605.2        11.3   $ 784.3        13.2

Variable and interest-senstive life

   $ 82.1        2.5   $ 88.7        2.7   $ 129.5        3.8

As both annuities and life business have been in runoff since 2014, it is generally expected that the amount of surrenders (in dollars) would decrease, even if the surrender rates were to remain the same. For annuities, most

 

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products exhibit a slight increase in lapse rates in 2017. Surrender rates for annuities decreased in 2016 as a result of lower equity-indexed annuity surrenders. In 2015, higher surrenders were reported in general for products reaching the end of specific guarantee periods (e.g., expiry of market value adjustments). Surrender rates for variable and interest sensitive life declined slightly in 2017.

General Account Investment Portfolio

The General Account Investment Assets (“GAIA”) portfolio consists of a well-diversified portfolio of public and private fixed maturities, commercial mortgages and other loans and other invested assets. The General Account portfolios and investment results primarily support the insurance liabilities of Lincoln Benefit’s business operations. The following table reconciles the balance sheet asset amounts to GAIA:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

($ in millions)

             

Fixed maturities, at estimated fair value

   $ 8,400.2      $ 8,198.1  

Fair value option and trading securities, at estimated fair value

     109.9        14.6  

Redeemable preferred stock

     14.8        —    

Common Stock

     8.2        5.1  

Commercial mortgage loans

     1,043.2        1,455.2  

Policy loans

     178.4        178.9  

Cash and short-term investments

     269.1        133.0  

Other invested assets

     21.2        19.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cash and Invested Assets

   $ 10,045.0      $ 10,004.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets listed in the “Other” category principally consist of derivative assets

Investment Results of General Account Investment Assets

The following table summarizes investment results by asset category for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

     2017     2016     2015  

($ in millions)

   Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield  

Fixed maturities and Fair value option and trading securities

   $ 349.1        4.16 % (a)    $ 330.7        4.12 % (a)    $ 334.9        3.88

Commercial mortgage loans

     56.5        3.95     69.4        3.50     63.0        3.66

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     1.7        1.10     1.0        0.43     0.5        0.28

Other investment (loss) income

     8.6          8.8          9.6     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Gross investment income

   $ 415.9        $ 409.9        $ 408.0     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Investment Expense

     14.8          12.8          9.1     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Net Investment Income

   $ 401.1        $ 397.1        $ 398.9     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

(a)  Includes Fixed maturities, available for sale, fair value option and trading securities

Fixed Maturities

The fixed maturity portfolio consists largely of investment grade corporate debt securities and includes significant amounts of U.S. government and agency obligations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, GAIA held CMBS with an amortized cost of $189.6 million and $385.8 million, respectively.

 

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Fixed Maturities by Industry

The General Account fixed maturities portfolios include publicly-traded and privately-placed corporate debt securities across an array of industry categories. The following tables set forth these fixed maturities by industry category as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 along with their associated gross unrealized gains and losses:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
       

December 31, 2017

($ in millions)

              
           Fair Value  

Fixed maturities, available for sale

          

U.S. Treasury securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 416.6      $ 5.3      $ (12.4   $ 409.5  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political subdivisions

     741.3        37.9        (2.7     776.5  

Foreign Governments

     24.2        0.2        (1.7     22.7  

Corporate securities

          

Basic materials

     322.4        20.9        (3.0     340.3  

Communications

     700.0        25.0        (4.6     720.4  

Consumer, cyclical

     447.0        14.5        (4.6     456.9  

Consumer, non-cyclical

     842.2        32.4        (6.8     867.8  

Diversified

     1.0        —          —         1.0  

Energy

     655.5        28.3        (10.6     673.2  

Financial

     1,733.8        76.9        (3.4     1,807.3  

Industrial

     519.2        15.6        (1.8     533.0  

Technology

     332.9        22.1        (0.8     354.2  

Utilities

     615.3        22.8        (2.3     635.8  

ABS

     478.3        5.3        (3.4     480.2  

CMBS

     189.6        1.4        (3.1     187.9  

RMBS

     127.4        6.5        (0.5     133.4  

Redeemable preferred stock

     14.8        —          —         14.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 8,161.5      $ 315.1      $ (61.7   $ 8,414.9  

Common stock

     8.2        —          —         8.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities investments

   $ 8,169.7      $ 315.1      $ (61.7   $ 8,423.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
       

December 31, 2016

($ in millions)

              
           Fair Value  

Fixed maturities, available for sale

          

U.S. Treasury securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies

   $ 508.6      $ 7.7      $ (15.0   $ 501.3  

Obligations of U.S. States and Political subdivisions

     702.4        15.9        (8.6     709.7  

Foreign Governments

     31.0        0.3        (3.3     28.0  

Corporate securities

          

Basic materials

     331.0        10.5        (11.4     330.1  

Communications

     564.6        6.0        (17.1     553.5  

Consumer, cyclical

     505.2        7.4        (12.3     500.3  

Consumer, non-cyclical

     888.6        9.0        (29.1     868.5  

Diversified

     1.6        —          —         1.6  

Energy

     651.3        5.8        (23.9     633.2  

Financial

     1,579.5        17.7        (24.5     1,572.7  

Industrial

     522.3        7.7        (10.7     519.3  

Technology

     320.2        3.5        (7.6     316.1  

Utilities

     599.0        7.3        (14.7     591.6  

ABS

     512.5        5.4        (10.1     507.8  

CMBS

     385.8        1.3        (5.8     381.3  

RMBS

     180.5        5.5        (2.9     183.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities, available for sale

   $ 8,284.1      $ 111.0      $ (197.0   $ 8,198.1  

Common stock

     5.1        —          —         5.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities and equity securities investments

   $ 8,289.2      $ 111.0      $ (197.0   $ 8,203.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross unrealized losses decreased by $135.3 million from $197.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $61.7 million at December 31, 2017. There was also an increase in gross unrealized gains of $204.1 million, for a total change in net unrealized gain of $339.4 million. The improvement in net unrealized gains was primarily due to a decrease in treasury yields and spreads, particularly for Corporates in 2017. The 10-year treasury yield curve rates at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 2.41% and 2.45%, respectively. Blended Corporate spreads at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 200 basis points and 260 basis points, respectively.

Fixed Maturities by Credit Quality

The Securities Valuation Office (“SVO”) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) evaluates the investments of insurers for regulatory reporting purposes and assigns fixed maturity securities to one of six categories (“NAIC Designations”). NAIC designations of “1” or “2” include fixed maturities considered investment grade, which include securities rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s. NAIC Designations of “3” through “6” are referred to as below investment grade, which include securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s and BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s. As a result of time lags between the funding of investments, the finalization of legal documents and the completion of the SVO filing process, the fixed maturity portfolio generally includes securities that have not yet been rated by the SVO as of each balance sheet date. Pending receipt of SVO ratings, the categorization of these securities by NAIC designation is based on the expected ratings indicated by internal analysis.

 

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The following table sets forth the General Accounts’ fixed maturities by NAIC rating at the dates indicated:

 

December 31, 2017

($ in millions)

  Amortized
Cost
    Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  

NAIC Rating

       

1

  

Aaa, Aa, A

  $ 3,657.9     $ 147.3     $ (14.6   $ 3,790.6  

2

  

Baa

    3,213.4       143.3       (20.4     3,336.3  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Investment grade

  $ 6,871.3     $ 290.6     $ (35.0   $ 7,126.9  

3

  

Ba

    209.5       6.7       (6.6     209.6  

4

   B     29.3       —         (6.2     23.1  

5

  

C and lower

    —         —         —         —    

6

  

In or near default

    —         —         —         —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Below investment grade

  $ 238.8     $ 6.7     $ (12.8   $ 232.7  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities

  $ 7,110.1     $ 297.3     $ (47.8   $ 7,359.6  
  

Asset and mortgage-backed securities

    1,051.5       17.8       (13.9     1,055.4  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Total fixed maturities

  $ 8,161.6     $ 315.1     $ (61.7   $ 8,415.0  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

($ in millions)

  Amortized
Cost
    Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  

NAIC Rating

       

1

  

Aaa, Aa, A

  $ 3,495.5     $ 40.6     $ (76.8   $ 3,459.3  

2

  

Baa

    3,043.7       47.9       (69.7     3,021.9  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Investment grade

  $ 6,539.2     $ 88.5     $ (146.5   $ 6,481.2  

3

  

Ba

    234.0       2.8       (16.5     220.3  

4

   B     29.4       0.2       (6.0     23.6  

5

  

C and lower

    2.2       —         (0.7     1.5  

6

  

In or near default

    —         —         —         —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Below investment grade

  $ 265.6     $ 3.0     $ (23.2   $ 245.4  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities

  $ 6,804.8     $ 91.5     $ (169.7   $ 6,726.6  
  

Asset and mortgage-backed securities

    1,479.3       19.5       (27.3     1,471.5  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Total fixed maturities

  $ 8,284.1     $ 111.0     $ (197.0   $ 8,198.1  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Below investment grade fixed maturities represented 2.7% and 3.0% of total fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Equity Securities

The equity securities of $8.2 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are entirely related to the ownership of FHLB stock.

Commercial Mortgage Loans

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 10.4% and 14.6% of GAIA were in commercial mortgage loans, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of commercial mortgage loans was $1,043.2 million and $1,455.2 million, respectively.

 

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The investment strategy for the mortgage loan portfolio emphasizes diversification by property type and geographic location with a primary focus on asset quality. The table below shows the breakdown of the amortized cost of the General Account’s investments in mortgage loans by geographic region as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

     December 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

($ in millions)

             

Alabama

   $ 1.1      $ 1.3  

Arizona

     20.0        20.4  

California

     173.1        255.1  

Colorado

     57.3        57.3  

Connecticut

     —          25.3  

Florida

     103.9        123.2  

Georgia

     63.5        65.4  

Hawaii

     5.0        6.1  

Illinois

     88.0        114.5  

Iowa

     0.8        1.0  

Kansas

     9.2        9.2  

Kentucky

     6.5        7.2  

Maine

     —          3.7  

Maryland

     19.8        21.0  

Massachusetts

     53.6        77.8  

Minnesota

     116.9        132.4  

Nevada

     80.8        84.7  

New Jersey

     34.1        65.9  

New York

     50.7        66.5  

North Carolina

     34.0        55.9  

Ohio

     12.5        38.6  

Pennsylvania

     1.0        31.9  

South Carolina

     1.3        1.9  

Tennessee

     —          3.2  

Texas

     100.1        133.0  

Utah

     7.8        42.6  

Virginia

     1.0        1.7  

Washington

     0.1        3.7  

Wisconsin

     1.1        4.7  

General allowance for loan loss

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

   $ 1,043.2      $ 1,455.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Commercial Mortgage Loan by Credit Quality

The values used in these ratio calculations were developed as part of the periodic review of the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, which includes an evaluation of the underlying collateral value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

     Recorded Investment               
     Debt Service Coverage Ratios                             
December 31, 2017                                                

($ in millions)

   > 1.20x      1.00x-1.20x      < 1.00x      Total      % of Total     Estimated Fair Value      % of Total  

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 731.6      $ 48.9      $ —        $ 780.5        74.8   $ 782.6        74.9

65% to 75%

     222.8        39.9        —          262.7        25.2     261.9        25.1

76% to 80%

     —          —          —          —          0.0     —          0.0

Greater than 80%

     —          —          —          —          0.0     —          0.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 954.4      $ 88.8      $ —        $ 1,043.2        100.0   $ 1,044.5        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Recorded Investment               
     Debt Service Coverage Ratios                             
December 31, 2016                    

($ in millions)

   > 1.20x      1.00x-1.20x      < 1.00x      Total      % of Total     Estimated Fair Value      % of Total  

Loan-to-value ratios:

                   

Less than 65%

   $ 785.1      $ 36.8      $ 11.4      $ 833.3        57.3   $ 848.7        57.9

65% to 75%

     581.2        25.3        —          606.5        41.7     601.6        41.1

76% to 80%

     10.5        —          —          10.5        0.7     10.5        0.7

Greater than 80%

     4.9        —          —          4.9        0.3     4.3        0.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,381.7      $ 62.1      $ 11.4      $ 1,455.2        100.0   $ 1,465.1        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

All of our mortgage loans that have a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.0 are performing under the original contractual loan terms at December 31, 2017. The loan-to-value ratios for our commercial mortgage portfolio improved primarily from updated appraisals and certain mortgage maturities and sales in 2017. At December 31, 2017, there were no mortgage loans that were not current.

MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in interest rates or credit spreads. We also have certain exposures to changes in equity prices in our equity-indexed annuities and separate accounts liabilities.

Overview. In formulating and implementing guidelines for investing funds, we seek to earn returns that contribute to stable profits while also meeting the future cash flow requirements of our liabilities.

We use quantitative and qualitative market-based approaches to measure, monitor and manage market risk. We evaluate our exposure to market risk through the use of multiple measures including but not limited to duration, earnings- and capital-at-risk, scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis. Duration measures the price sensitivity of assets or liabilities to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates increase 100 basis points, the fair value of an asset with a duration of 5 is expected to decrease in value by 5%. Earnings- and capital-at-risk are estimates of the change in earnings or capital that might be expected to emerge over a given time horizon in various defined stress tests. Scenario analysis estimates the potential changes in the value of various financial parameters that could occur under different hypothetical market conditions defined by changes to the market risk factors of interest rates and credit spreads. Sensitivity analysis estimates the potential changes in the value of various financial parameters that could occur under different hypothetical shocks to a market risk factor. In general, we establish investment portfolio asset allocation and market risk limits based upon a combination of duration, earnings- and capital-at-risk, scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis as well as a

 

80


consideration of liquidity needs and prudent diversification. Our asset allocation limits place restrictions on the total funds that may be invested within an asset class. Comprehensive day-to-day management of market risk within defined tolerance ranges occurs as our investment advisors buy and sell within their respective markets based upon the acceptable boundaries established by our investment and other risk policies, which are overseen by our board of directors, and our investment and asset-liability management team.

Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in interest rates. This risk arises when our investments are not fully matched to our liabilities, or when characteristics of the assets or liabilities change. Interest rate risk includes risks related to changes in U.S. Treasury yields and other key risk- free reference yields.

One of the measures used to quantify interest rate exposure is duration. To estimate asset durations, we project asset cash flows and calculate their net present value using a risk-free market interest rate adjusted for credit quality, sector attributes, liquidity and other specific risks. Duration is calculated by revaluing these cash flows at alternative interest rates and determining the percentage change in aggregate value. The asset projections include assumptions (based upon historical market experience and our experience) that are intended to reflect the effect of changing interest rates on the prepayment, leverage and/or option features of instruments, where applicable. The preceding assumptions relate primarily to mortgage-backed securities, and municipal and corporate obligations. Our asset duration was 8.2 years and 7.4 years as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The increase in asset duration year over year was due to a concerted extension effort to continue to decrease the duration gap, improve cash flow matching, and reduce our exposure to interest rate risk. However, given the duration of our assets remains shorter than the duration of our liabilities, lower interest rates will result in lower investment income on assets purchased in the future.

Based upon the information and assumptions used in the duration calculation, and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2017, we estimate that a 100 basis point immediate, parallel fall in interest rates (“rate shock”) would increase the net fair value of the assets by $810 million, compared to $740 million as of December 31, 2016. The increase in the change in net fair value was due to a concerted extension effort throughout 2017 to decrease the duration gap and reduce our exposure to interest rate risk. The increase in the fair value of assets would be partially offset by the increase in the fair value of the underlying liabilities. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate, parallel change in interest rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.

To the extent that conditions differ from the assumptions we used in these calculations, duration and rate shock measures could be significantly impacted. Additionally, our calculations assume that the current relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (the term structure of interest rates) will remain constant over time. As a result, these calculations may not fully capture the effect of non-parallel changes in the term structure of interest rates and/or large changes in interest rates.

Credit spread risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in credit spreads (“spreads”). This risk arises from our investment in spread-sensitive fixed income assets.

We manage the spread risk in our assets by monitoring our spread duration. Spread duration measures the price sensitivity of the assets to changes in spreads. For example, if spreads increase 100 basis points, the fair value of an asset exhibiting a spread duration of 5 is expected to decrease in value by 5%. We manage this risk through a disciplined Asset-Liability Management process that endeavors to align expected liability cashflows with assets of a similar profile. Losses due to credit spread duration result only if there is a requirement to sell assets (for example, to pay claims) prior to maturity at a time when the fair market value of assets is low due to higher credit spreads.

Spread duration is calculated similarly to interest rate duration. For our portfolio, spread duration is close to the asset duration, and thus has a similar sensitivity. As of December 31, 2017, the spread duration of assets was

 

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8.8 years, compared to 7.6 years as of December 31, 2016. Based upon the information and assumptions we use in this spread duration calculation, and spreads in effect as of December 31, 2017, we estimate that a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase in spreads across all asset classes, industry sectors and credit ratings (“spread shock”) would decrease the net fair value of the assets by $870 million as of December 31, 2017 compared to $760 million as of December 31, 2016. While this is an increase in the interest sensitivity, this is expected due to our strategic duration extension effort to continue to reduce the duration gap in 2017. The increase in the fair value offsets would be partially offset by the increase in the fair value of the underlying liabilities.

The selection of a 100 basis point immediate parallel change in spreads should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.

Credit default risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to non-payment of principal or interest by a borrower on a specific financial instrument we own. This risk arises primarily from our investments in fixed income securities (for example, corporate bonds) and commercial mortgage loans.

We manage credit default risk through monitoring of the creditworthiness of the underlying borrowers of the securities and loans we are invested in. We use diversification to reduce credit default risk by spreading the risk across different borrowers, different industries, and different geographical locations. Furthermore, we constrain credit default risk through limits on the amount of securities and loans we own with specific credit ratings. Credit defaults may be recognized by the Company in income prior to an actual default by the underlying borrower.

A credit default loss of 100 basis points on the portfolio would result in a loss of $96 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $100 million as of December 31, 2016. The decrease is due to generally declining invested asset balances year-over-year. The selection of 100 basis points should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.

Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in the general levels of the equity markets. Equity risk exists for contract charges based on account balances as well as for guarantees for living, death and/or income benefits provided by our variable and equity indexed products.

Our variable life products are partially reinsured to ALIC. For the products that are retained, there is equity exposure to contract charges and fees that are based on separate account values, but there is only small exposure to guarantees. The present value of a 20% decrease in equity values would result in a decline in the present value of future contract charges and fees of approximately $7 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to a decline of $6 million as of December 31, 2016. The selection of 20% should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.

All variable annuity contract charges and fees, liabilities and benefits, including guarantees for death and/or income benefits, are ceded to ALIC in accordance with the reinsurance agreements, thereby limiting our equity risk exposure. In 2006, ALIC disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. and therefore mitigated this aspect of ALIC’s risk. The Company was not a direct participant of this agreement and its reinsurance agreements with ALIC remain unchanged. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had Separate Accounts assets related to variable annuity and variable life contracts totaling $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion in equity-indexed life and annuity liabilities that were not reinsured that provide customers with interest crediting rates based on the performance of the S&P 500, respectively. We maintain a hedging program that aims to offset the impact of equity market performance on the value of these guarantees. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $21.0 million and $18.9 million in market value of S&P 500 options and futures under the hedging program, respectively.

 

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Counterparty credit risk relates to the Company’s potential loss if a counterparty fails to perform under the terms of a contract. The Company manages its exposure to counterparty credit risk by utilizing highly rated counterparties, establishing risk control limits, executing legally enforceable master agreements and obtaining collateral where appropriate.

Lincoln Benefit’s counterparty risk consists of the following two types of exposures: (1) Derivative counterparty risk: The Company only holds future contracts and option contracts which are traded on organized exchanges, which require margin deposits and guarantee the execution of trades, thereby mitigating potential credit risk. Exchanges serve as a marketplace for the buyer and the seller. The associated clearing house sits between the two sides of the trade. The Company did not incur any losses on derivative financial instruments due to counterparty nonperformance in 2017 or 2016; and (2) Reinsurance counterparty risk. The reinsurance counterparty risk is the risk of the reinsurance counterparty failing to pay reinsurance recoveries in full to Lincoln Benefit in a timely manner (i.e., unwillingness to pay, not paying them in full or inability to pay.) We attempt to mitigate this risk by diversifying the risk with multiple reinsurers and monitoring their credit ratings.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Capital resources consist of shareholder’s equity. The following table summarizes our capital resources as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

($ in millions)

   2017      2016  

Common stock, retained earnings and additional paid-in capital

   $ 418.4      $ 478.7  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     72.8        (36.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 491.2      $ 442.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity increased in 2017 and 2016 primarily due to a decrease in unrealized capital losses due to lower interest rates and net income generated during the year, offset by the payments of dividends to our parent.

Financial strength ratings. Our financial strength ratings as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, were A- from A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“AM Best”) and BBB+ from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), both with negative outlook reflecting uncertainty regarding Lincoln Benefit’s ability to grow the business through closed block transactions. With the announcement of the Transaction, S&P issued a press release indicating a “CreditWatch Developing” status and AM Best issued a press release indicating “Under Review with Developing Implications” indicating that more information will be required to determine whether the rating will affirmed, upgraded or downgraded post-close of the Transaction. These ratings reflect the rating agencies’ opinions of our relative financial strength and are not a recommendation to buy or hold any investment. Ratings may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the issuing rating agency.

The NAIC has developed a set of financial relationships or tests known as the Insurance Regulatory Information System to assist state regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies and identifying companies that require special attention or actions by insurance regulatory authorities. The NAIC analyzes financial data provided by insurance companies using prescribed ratios, each with defined “usual ranges”. Generally, regulators will begin to monitor an insurance company if its ratios fall outside the usual ranges for four or more of the ratios. If we have insufficient capital, our regulator may act to reduce the amount of or deny the payment of, dividends. Our ratios are within these ranges.

Liquidity sources and uses. Our potential sources of funds principally include the following:

 

    Receipt of insurance premiums

 

    Contractholder fund deposits

 

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    Reinsurance recoveries

 

    Receipts of principal and interest on investments

 

    Maturity or sales of investments

Our potential uses of funds principally include the following.

 

    Payment of contract benefits, surrenders and withdrawals

 

    Reinsurance cessions and payments

 

    Operating costs and expenses

 

    Purchase of investments

 

    Repayment of intercompany balances

 

    Dividends to parent

 

    Tax payments/settlements

Cash flows. As reflected in our Statements of Cash Flows, net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities was $(87) million, $(1) million, and $(34) million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Fluctuations in net cash provided by operating activities primarily occur as a result of changes in net investment income, differences in the timing of reinsurance payments and other operating activities (e.g., tax payments, expenses, etc.)

Notwithstanding any reinsurance arrangements, we continue to have primary liability as a direct insurer for risks reinsured. Our ability to meet liquidity demands is dependent on reinsurers’ ability to meet those obligations under the reinsurance programs.

Our ability to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements and other relevant factors. The payment of shareholder dividends without the prior approval of the state insurance regulator is limited by Nebraska law to formula amounts based on net income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. Prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance is required for the Company for any dividend or distribution paid for five years subsequent to April 1, 2014. After receiving approval from the Department of Insurance, the Company paid dividends of $70.0 million, $42.0 million and $187.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Contractual obligations. Due to the reinsurance agreements that we have in place, certain contractual obligations are ceded to ALIC, Hannover and other non-affiliated reinsurers.

REGULATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to extensive regulation and we are involved in various legal and regulatory actions, all of which have an effect on specific aspects of our business. For a detailed discussion of the legal and regulatory actions in which we are involved, see Note 12 of the financial statements.

PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

There are pending accounting standards that we have not implemented because the implementation date has not yet occurred. For a discussion of these pending standards, see Note 2 in the consolidated financial statements. The effect of implementing certain accounting standards on our financial results and financial condition is often based in part on market conditions at the time of implementation of the standard and other factors we are unable

 

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to determine prior to implementation. For this reason, we are sometimes unable to estimate the effect of certain pending accounting standards until the relevant authoritative body finalizes these standards or until we implement them.

 

Item 11(i). Changes in or Disagreements with Accountants

None.

 

Item 11(j). Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information required for Item 11(j) is incorporated by reference to the material under the caption “Market Risk” in Item 11(h) of this report.

 

Item 11(k). Directors and Executive Officers

The biographies of each of the directors and executive officers as of April 1, 2018 are included below.

Clive Cowdery, 54, has been a director since April 2014. Mr. Cowdery is also a director of both LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. Mr. Cowdery was a director and President of Resolution Life GP Ltd. from December 2013 to September 2016, and a director of Resolution Life (Parallel) GP Ltd. from May 2014 to September 2016. Mr. Cowdery is the Founder and Chairman of The Resolution Group. Before founding Resolution in 2003, Mr. Cowdery served as Chairman and Chief Executive of GE Insurance Holdings. Mr. Cowdery currently serves as a director of Prospect Publishing Limited, and he is the Founder and Chairman of the Resolution Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to improving living standards for the 15 million people in Britain on low and middle incomes.

Jon Hack, 50, has been a director since April 2014. Mr. Hack is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and a director of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. He currently serves as the Managing Partner for The Resolution Group. Prior to joining Resolution in 2009, Mr. Hack was a Managing Director and Head of European Financial Institutions Group for Lazard. Mr. Hack qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992 and is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Ann Frohman, 54, has been a director since April 2014. Ms. Frohman is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and a director of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. Ms. Frohman is currently self-employed at Frohman Law Office LLC, a law and government relations firm. From December 2010 to March 2012, Ms. Frohman served as Senior Vice President, Government and Industry for Physicians Mutual and Physicians Life Insurance Companies. Prior to that, Ms. Frohman held a number of leadership positions with the Nebraska Department of Insurance, including Director. Ms. Frohman currently serves on the board of directors of Farmers Mutual of Nebraska. Ms. Frohman is a licensed attorney with the Nebraska State Bar Association. Ms. Frohman has advised the Company and LBL HoldCo on issues of Nebraska law from time to time and expects to do so in the future.

Robert Stein, 69, has been a director since April 2014. Mr. Stein is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and a director of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. From November 1976 to September 2011, Mr. Stein held various positions at Ernst & Young, including Partner. He currently serves on the board of directors of Assurant, Inc. From January 2013 to May 2017, Mr. Stein served on the board of directors of Aviva plc. Mr. Stein is an actuary and a Certified Public Accountant. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Grace Vandecruze, 54, has been a director since April 2014. Ms. Vandecruze is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. Since 2006, Ms. Vandecruze has been employed with Grace Global Capital LLC, where she currently serves as Managing Director. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director at Fox-Pitt, Kelton and Vice President at Head & Company LLC. Ms. Vandecruze is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

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Richard Carbone, 70, has been a director since April 2014. Mr. Carbone is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and a director of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. Prior to joining Lincoln Benefit, Mr. Carbone served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc. and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. He also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Prudential Financial, Inc. from November 2001 to January 2008 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Prudential Insurance Company of America from July 1997 to January 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Carbone held various leadership roles at Salomon, Inc., Bankers Trust New York Corporation and Bankers Trust Company. Mr. Carbone is a member of the board of directors for E*Trade Financial Corporation and is an advisor to Hudson Structured Capital Management. Mr. Carbone is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Stephen Campbell, 51, has been a director since October 2015, and prior to that Mr. Campbell had been a director from May 2014 through May 2015. Mr. Campbell is also a director of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and a director of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. From June 2015 through September 2015, Mr. Campbell was a counselor in the domestic finance office of the U.S. Department of Treasury. Since July 2013, except while he was at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Mr. Campbell has been self-employed as a consultant and investor. Prior to that, he was an Investment Banker with Lazard Freres & Co. from 2002 to July 2013. Mr. Campbell currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Hardscuffle, Inc. and American Life & Accident Insurance Company of Kentucky.

W. Weldon Wilson, 57, has been a director and Chief Executive Officer since April 2014, and was appointed President effective October 1, 2017. Mr. Wilson also serves as a director, Chief Executive Officer and President for LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. From 2010 to 2013, he was self-employed as a consultant. From July 1991 to December 2009, Mr. Wilson held various positions at Swiss Reinsurance Company, including Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. He is a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Texas.

Robyn Wyatt, 53, has been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 2014. Ms. Wyatt also serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of both LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. From March 2002 to September 2013, Ms. Wyatt held positions with various affiliates of Swiss Reinsurance Company, including Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. Prior to that, she served as Vice President and Chief Accountant of Manulife Financial Corporation. Ms. Wyatt is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

 

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Item 11(l). Executive Compensation

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive officers of Lincoln Benefit also serve as officers of HoldCo Parent and other subsidiaries of HoldCo Parent. These executive officers received no compensation directly from Lincoln Benefit. They were employees of HoldCo Parent or a subsidiary. Allocations of compensation were made for each named executive based on the amount of the named executive’s time allocated to Lincoln Benefit under the Services Agreement by and between HoldCo and Lincoln Benefit, effective as of April 1, 2014 (the “Services Agreement”). Those allocations are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table set forth below and in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosure. The named executive officers may have received additional compensation for services rendered to HoldCo Parent or other HoldCo Parent subsidiaries, including HoldCo, and those amounts are not reported.

Named Executives

This portion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes HoldCo Parent’s executive compensation program and specifically describes, for the following named executive officers (“NEOs”) of Lincoln Benefit below, the total 2017 compensation attributable to services rendered to Lincoln Benefit:

W. Weldon Wilson — Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)

Robyn Wyatt — Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Executive Vice President and Treasurer

Keith Gubbay — President and Chief Actuary(1)

Simon Packer — Chief Transformation Officer(2)

Karl Chappell — Managing Director, Investments and Mergers and Acquisitions(3)

Leigh McKegney – Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary(4)

 

  (1) Mr. Gubbay’s employment with HoldCo Parent terminated on September 30, 2017, in accordance with the Separation and Release Agreement dated August 25, 2017 (Mr. Gubbay’s “Separation Agreement”).
  (2) Mr. Packer’s employment with HoldCo Parent terminated on December 31, 2017, in accordance with the Separation and Release Agreement dated August 25, 2017 (Mr. Packer’s “Separation Agreement”).
  (3) Mr. Chappell’s employment with HoldCo Parent terminated on September 30, 2017, in accordance with the Separation and Release Agreement dated August 25, 2017 (Mr. Chappell’s “Separation Agreement”).
  (4) Ms. McKegney’s employment with HoldCo terminated on March 31, 2018, in accordance with the Retention and Separation Agreement dated August 25, 2017, as amended in March 2018 (such agreement, as amended, Ms. McKegney’s “Retention Agreement”).

2017 Compensation Philosophy

The objectives of HoldCo Parent’s executive compensation program for 2017 were to (i) create a link between pay and performance, (ii) attract, motivate and retain talented employees, (iii) align the interests of executives and other employees with the interests of HoldCo Parent’s shareholders and (iv) foster compliance and support sensible, but not excessive, risk taking. HoldCo Parent has designed the elements of its executive compensation program in order to meet these objectives.

Elements of the Compensation Program Design

All compensation and benefits paid to our officers is determined and paid or provided by HoldCo Parent. HoldCo Parent pays its executives, including the NEOs, base salary and bonus as set forth in each executive’s

 

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employment agreement, as applicable, and at the direction of the HoldCo compensation committee. In addition, the executives, including NEOs, receive employee benefits on the same terms as other similarly situated executives of HoldCo Parent and its subsidiaries. The elements of compensation for the NEOs are determined pursuant to the terms of their individual employment agreements with HoldCo Parent, if applicable. HoldCo has a compensation committee of its board of directors to oversee executive compensation matters, including advising on compensation policies and reviewing and approving the determination of annual bonus payments earned by the executives. Annually, HoldCo Parent reviews data metrics from third party vendors, the Hay Group and DW Simpson, in order to benchmark, using the Hay Group, its employees’ compensation against a broad range of industries, and using DW Simpson, its actuaries’ compensation against other life insurance companies. Mr. Wilson assists the compensation committee in setting compensation for the other HoldCo Parent executives.

Employment Agreements

Each of Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt is party to an employment agreement with HoldCo Parent. HoldCo Parent negotiated each employment agreement at the time the officer became employed by HoldCo Parent in 2013 or 2014, prior to its acquisition of Lincoln Benefit. The terms of each agreement, including salary and target bonus opportunities, were determined based on an evaluation of appropriate compensation levels in the insurance industry and the level of compensation, benefits and other entitlements that HoldCo Parent considered necessary to attract and retain the executives. The employment agreements set each executive’s base salary and provide for an annual bonus opportunity expressed as a percentage of base salary, and employee benefits on the same terms as similarly situated executives of HoldCo Parent. Mr. Wilson’s, Mr. Gubbay’s and Ms. Wyatt’s target annual bonus opportunity is 60%; and Mr. Chappell’s and Mr. Packer’s target annual bonus opportunity is 50%. The employment agreements of Messrs. Chappell and Packer also provided for reimbursement of certain relocation expenses incurred in 2014 or 2015. Mr. Gubbay’s and Ms. Wyatt’s employment agreement each provided for deferred sign-on bonuses payable in three equal amounts on the first through third anniversaries of the effective date of such employment agreement and such payments were completed during 2016. Ms. McKegney joined HoldCo in 2014 and is considered an employee at will, receiving a base salary and an annual bonus opportunity equal to 40% of her base salary. The amount of each of these elements of compensation that is attributable to Lincoln Benefit is as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.

Due to the announcement of the sale of HoldCo Parent on October 2, 2017 to an affiliate of Global Bankers Insurance Group, HoldCo Parent was deemed to have initiated a “qualifying termination” as defined in the NEOs’ employment agreements.

HoldCo Parent and each of Messrs. Gubbay, Chappell and Packer entered into a Separation and Release Agreement in August 2017 and each left the employment of HoldCo Parent on September 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. HoldCo Parent did not replace these named executives and Mr. Wilson and Ms. Wyatt assumed the relevant responsibilities previously conducted by Messrs. Gubbay, Chappell and Packer. Messrs. Gubbay, Chappell and Packer each received severance benefits in accordance with their employment agreements and the amount that is attributed to Lincoln Benefit is as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.

HoldCo Parent and each of Mr. Wilson and Ms. Wyatt entered into a Retention, Separation and Release Agreement (referred to as, Mr. Wilson’s “Retention Agreement” and Ms. Wyatt’s “Retention Agreement”, respectively). The Retention Agreements commenced August 2017 and were set to expire March 31, 2018, however in March 2018 HoldCo Parent amended the Retention Agreements (such agreements, as amended, Mr. Wilson’s “Amended Retention Agreement” and Ms. Wyatt’s “Amended Retention Agreement”, respectively) to extend the expiration to the earlier of December 31, 2018 or such earlier date as decided by the Company (the “Separation Date”). Mr. Wilson and Ms. Wyatt are entitled to receive the agreed additional compensation if they remain with HoldCo Parent until the Separation Date. HoldCo and Ms. McKegney entered into a Retention and Separation Agreement in August 2017 (as amended in March 2018), and Ms. McKegney left

 

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the employment of HoldCo on March 31, 2018. Additional information regarding Mr. Wilson’s and Ms. Wyatt’s Amended Retention Agreements and Ms. McKegney’s Retention Agreement is set forth below in the “Estimate of Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control” section.

Base Salary

For 2017, each NEO received the base salary set forth in his or her individual employment agreement, or in the case of Ms. McKegney, as agreed with Ms. McKegney pursuant to her employment at will arrangement, in each case as adjusted by prior compensation committee approvals. The amount of each such NEO’s base salary for 2017 that is attributable to Lincoln Benefit is as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. No changes were made in 2017 to the salaries of each NEO.

Annual Bonus Payments

Variable cash compensation in the form of annual bonuses is provided to reward executives for results based on the past performance year. Each NEO’s employment agreement provides for an annual performance-based bonus opportunity, with the target annual bonus amount expressed as a percentage of such NEO’s base salary. The compensation committee of the board of directors of HoldCo approved a revised annual bonus plan formula in 2017 for all employees, including NEOs, comprised of two parts: a financial corporate performance factor and an individual performance factor. The corporate performance factor is based on the financial performance of Lincoln Benefit compared to an annual financial and capital plan approved by the board of directors. The financial performance targets are the risk-based capital ratio at year end and the amount of dividends paid by Lincoln Benefit during the fiscal year. The individual performance factor is based on the achievement of individual performance objectives. Each of Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt’s annual bonus based on a ratio of 75% from the corporate performance factor and 25% from individual performance, and Ms. McKegney’s annual bonus is based on a ratio of 60% from the corporate performance factor and 40% from individual performance. As a result of the announced sale of HoldCo Parent, the compensation committee of the board of directors determined that for 2017, the corporate performance factor for all employees, including the NEOs, would be set at 100%, irrespective of the calculated factor. For 2017, the compensation committee determined that (i) Mssrs. Gubbay, Chappell and Packer were entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of their target 2017 bonus as defined by their respective employment agreements, based on the period of service rendered during 2017, (ii) Mr. Wilson should receive his target bonus for 2017, (iii) Ms. Wyatt should receive 125% of her target bonus for 2017 and (iv) Ms. McKegney should receive an individual performance factor of 150%. The amount of each such NEO’s annual bonus that is attributable to Lincoln Benefit is as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Each of the NEOs participate in Resolution’s long-term incentive compensation program, but have not received any long-term or equity-based compensation for their services to Lincoln Benefit. Grants under Resolution’s long-term incentive compensation program were made to Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt prior to the acquisition of Lincoln Benefit, and to Ms. McKegney after she joined HoldCo Parent, and are subject to satisfaction of vesting criteria based on continued service to HoldCo Parent. As a result of the decision to end the investoment period at Resolution and the announced sale of HoldCo Parent, it is assumed that no additional partners will be added to the long-term incentive compensation program and awards will be paid out at the current percentages. As such equity was awarded prior to the acquisition of Lincoln Benefit and no expense related to such equity is allocated to Lincoln Benefit under the Services Agreement, such compensation is not included in the Summary Compensation Tables or other tables below.

Other Benefits

The NEOs participate in the benefit programs available to other employees of HoldCo. These benefits include health and welfare coverage and participation in a HoldCo 401(k) plan. HoldCo matches employee contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation.

 

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation of our named executive officers for all services rendered to Lincoln Benefit for the last three fiscal years, in a manner consistent with the allocation of compensation under the Services Agreement or the Service and Expense Agreement, as applicable.

 

Name and Principal

Position(1)

  Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)(3)
    Stock
Awards
($)
    Option
Awards
($)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
    Change in
Pension  Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
    All Other
Compensation (4)
($)
    Total
($)
 

W. Weldon Wilson

    2015       650,000       351,000       —         —         —         —         18,296       1,019,296  

Chairman of the Board,

    2016       429,000       217,632       —         —         —         —         11,380       658,012  

President and

    2017       893,750       536,250       —         —         —         —         22,937       1,452,937  

Chief Executive Officer

                 

Robyn Wyatt

    2015       420,000       486,600       —         —         —         —         21,576       928,176  

Executive Vice President,

    2016       420,000       472,866       —         —         —         —         15,544       908,410  

Chief Financial Officer and

    2017       586,250       439,688               22,459       1,048,397  

Treasurer

                 

Keith Gubbay

    2015       175,000       227,750       —         —         —         —         7,593       410,343  

President and Chief

    2016       140,000       177,622       —         —         —         —         8,291       325,913  

Actuary

    2017       107,554       63,000               221,463       392,017  

Simon Packer

    2015       396,000       198,000       —         —         —         —         55,451 (5)      649,451  

Chief Transformation

    2016       352,000       148,808       —         —         —         —         26,078       526,886  

Officer

    2017       409,221       200,750               325,595       935,566  

Karl Chappell

    2015       320,000       160,000       —         —         —         —         11,680       491,680  

Managing Director,

    2016       320,000       135,280       —         —         —         —         25,434       480,714  

Investments and Mergers

    2017       248,299       120,000               267,131       635,430  

and Acquisitions

                 

Leigh McKegney

    2017       216,563       105,000               29,193       350,755  

Vice President,
Chief Legal Officer
and Secretary(2)

                 

 

(1)  Disclosure is provided in 2017 for two executive officers employed at year end 2017 (Mr. Packer and Ms. McKegney), other than the CEO and CFO. The Company had no additional executive officers at year end 2017.
(2)  Ms. McKegney was not a named executive officer in 2015 and 2016.
(3)  Amounts in this column for each of Ms. Wyatt, Ms. McKegney and Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell represent the portion of the NEO’s annual performance-based bonus that is attributable to services rendered to Lincoln Benefit, plus, in the case of Ms. Wyatt and Mr. Gubbay for 2016 and 2015, the portion of the 2016 and 2015 payment of the deferred sign-on bonus attributable to services rendered to Lincoln Benefit.
(4)  Includes severance benefits for Messrs. Gubbay, Packer and Chappell, whose employment with HoldCo Parent terminated in 2017, in accordance with their respective Separation and Release Agreements of $214,660, $301,125 and $240,000.
(5)  Includes $29,315 in relocation benefits and $18,270 in 401(k) matching contributions.

 

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Other Compensation Information

Potential Payments as a Result of Termination or Change in Control (“CIC”)

Each of Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt is party to an employment agreement with HoldCo Parent that provides for severance and/or other payments on certain terminations of employment. As a result of the announced sale of HoldCo Parent to an affiliate of Global Bankers Insurance Group, each NEO is determined to be entitled to receive the stated severance benefits upon termination. If Messrs. Gubbay’s, Packer’s or Chappell’s or Ms. Wyatt’s employment is terminated (i) by mutual agreement between HoldCo Parent and the NEO, (ii) by HoldCo Parent without “cause” or (iii) by the NEO with “good reason” (such terminations, “qualifying terminations”), the NEO is entitled to: the severance benefit described in the paragraph below; a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination, based on actual HoldCo Parent performance; and continued medical coverage at the same premium rate paid by active employees for the period during which the NEO receives the severance benefit. If Mr. Wilson’s employment is terminated in a qualifying termination, he is entitled to a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination and continued medical coverage for twelve months at the same premium rate paid by active employees. Mr. Wilson’s employment agreement does not provide for other severance payments.

On a qualifying termination of Ms. Wyatt’s or Mr. Gubbay’s employment, the NEO’s severance benefit is equal to one year of base salary plus target bonus. On a qualifying termination of Mr. Chappell’s or Mr. Packer’s employment, he is entitled to an amount equal to one-half of the sum of his annual base salary plus target bonus.

For these purposes, “cause” means (i) fraudulent statements or acts of the NEO with respect to the performance of his or her duties under the employment agreement, (ii) the NEO’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime that constitutes a felony or any crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud and that results in material harm to HoldCo Parent, (iii) willful misconduct by the NEO with respect to HoldCo Parent or any of its subsidiaries, or (iv) a material breach by the NEO of his or her employment agreement. “Good reason” for these purposes means (a) a reduction in the NEO’s base salary, annual bonus percentage, long-term incentive compensation percentage, or HoldCo Parent’s refusal to pay the NEO any compensation or benefits due, (b) a material diminution in the NEO’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action, (c) any willful breach by HoldCo Parent of a material term of the NEO’s employment agreement, (d) HoldCo Parent requiring the NEO to engage in any unlawful or criminal act or (e) the bankruptcy of HoldCo Parent. For Mr. Gubbay, “good reason” also includes a termination of employment by Mr. Gubbay if (X) HoldCo Parent requests that he relocate his residence from the Boston, Massachusetts area after the second anniversary of the effective date of his agreement, (Y) he declines such request to relocate and (Z) he continues to perform his duties from the Boston, Massachusetts area for six months following his decline of the request to relocate (or such shorter period as agreed by HoldCo Parent). In order to terminate his or her employment for “good reason,” an NEO must give HoldCo Parent written notice and HoldCo Parent shall have 30 days to cure.

Each of Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt’s severance payments are subject to such NEO signing a general release of claims. In addition, each of Messrs. Wilson, Gubbay, Packer and Chappell and Ms. Wyatt are subject to covenants not to compete and not to solicit for one year following the date of termination (two years for Mr. Wilson), a non-disparagement covenant for three years following the date of termination, and an indefinite non-disclosure covenant. Ms. McKegney’s severance payment is subject to her signing a general release of claims. In addition, Ms. McKegney is subject to a covenant not to solicit for one year following the date of termination, as well an indefinite non-disparagement covenant and a standard, indefinite non-disclosure covenant to which all HoldCo employees are subject.

Upon termination of each of Mssrs. Gubbay, Chappell and Packer, effective September 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively, each individual received the payments set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above. Upon termination of Ms. McKegney, effective March 31, 2018, pursuant

 

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to her Retention Agreement, she is entitled to receive a retention benefit equal to 16 months of base salary, plus separation pay equal to the equivalent of (i) two weeks of her base salary for each year of completed continuous service (standard for HoldCo employees) and (ii) her 2018 pro rata annual plan bonus payment for the period from January 1, 2018 until March 31, 2018. Such payments are expected to be made in April 2018.

Under Mr. Wilson’s Amended Retention Agreement, he is entitled to receive a retention benefit equal to one year of base salary, in addition to the severance benefits contained in his employment agreement, for remaining with HoldCo Parent until March 31, 2018, and the equivalent of his 2018 pro rata annual incentive plan bonus payment for the period from April 1, 2018 through the Separation Date for remaining with HoldCo Parent until the Separation Date. Under Ms. Wyatt’s Amended Retention Agreement, she is entitled to receive (i) a retention benefit equal to six months of base salary, in addition to the severance benefits contained in her employment agreement for remaining with HoldCo Parent until March 31, 2018, and (ii) an additional retention benefit equal to the equivalent of her actual salary earned from April 1, 2018 through the Separation Date, plus the equivalent of her 2018 pro rata annual incentive plan bonus payment for the period from April 1, 2018 through the Separation Date, for remaining with HoldCo Parent until the Separation Date.

Estimate of Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control

The following table summarizes estimated payments and benefits that would be provided to our NEOs pursuant to their employment agreements in connection with a termination of employment under various scenarios or a change in control and that are attributable to service to Lincoln Benefit and reimbursable under the Services Agreement, assuming such event occurred on December 31, 2018.

 

Name

  

Event(1)

   Base Salary and
Bonus($)(2)
     Health &
Welfare ($)
     Total Payments
($)
 

W. Weldon Wilson

   Qualifying Termination      1,706,250        15,447        1,721,697  
   Death or Disability      0        0        0  
   Resignation      0        0        0  
   Change in Control      0        0        0  

Robyn Wyatt

   Qualifying Termination      1,674,750        9,555        1,684,305  
   Death or Disability      0        0        0  
   Resignation      0        0        0  
   Change in Control      0        0        0  

Leigh McKegney

   Qualifying Termination      259,856        23,170        283,026  

 

(1) For Mr. Wilson and Ms. Wyatt, a “qualifying termination” is a termination by mutual agreement between HoldCo Parent and the executive, by the executive with “good reason” or by HoldCo Parent without “cause.” The amount includes the terms of Mr. Wilson’s and Ms. Wyatt’s respective Amended Retention Agreements and all amounts are calculated based on the percentage of the executive’s time that would be allocated to Lincoln Benefit under the Services Agreement based on a qualifying termination on December 31, 2017. For Ms. McKegney, a “qualifying termination” is a termination by mututal agreement between HoldCo and the executive pursuant to Ms. McKegney’s Retention Agreement.
(2) Because the termination of employment for Mr. Wilson and Ms. Wyatt is deemed to occur on December 31, 2018, the pro-rated portion of any 2018 bonus payable as a result of termination would be 100%. Ms. McKegney was terminated as of March 31, 2018, so the information is provided for such termination date and is expected to be paid in April 2018.

Risk Management and Compensation

HoldCo Parent has performed a review of compensation policies and practices for all of its employees who provide services to Lincoln Benefit and has concluded that its compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse impact on Lincoln Benefit.

 

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Director Compensation

Our independent directors receive an annual cash retainer fee for their services on the boards of directors of HoldCo Parent and its subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit, a portion of which is allocated to Lincoln Benefit pursuant to the Services Agreement. The portion of the annual retainer allocated to Lincoln Benefit for 2017 is set forth in the table below. A non-employee director may also elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her annual retainer fee into a notional percentage equity interest in Resolution Life L.P. and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership (together, the “Partnerships”). The elected percentage of the Board retainer for a calendar year of service is converted into a notional percentage interest in the Partnerships when the year-end valuation of the Partnerships for the immediately prior year is available. The notional interest will be unvested until December 31st of the relevant year of service, and, as a general rule, if the director’s Board service ends before December 31st, the unvested portion of the notional interest will be forfeited except that, in the case of a qualifying termination, a pro rata portion of the director’s unvested portion of the notional interest will vest. If a director is terminated as a result of the closing of the announced sale of HoldCo to an affiliate of Global Bankers Insurance Group, this will be considered a qualifying termination and such director’s notional interest will vest. If the Partnerships pay a distribution to their partners, the electing director will be paid, on a current basis, a distribution in cash based on notional interest (both vested and unvested) held by such director as of the record date of the distribution. Vested portions of notional interests will be settled in cash on the first to occur of (1) a liquidity event of the Partnerships and (2) termination of the director’s board service, in which case settlement would occur in the year following the year in which the director’s board service ends.

The following table summarizes the allocation of compensation of each of Lincoln Benefit’s independent directors during 2017 for his or her services as a member of the Board of Directors of Lincoln Benefit and its committees in a manner consistent with the allocation of compensation under the Services Agreement. Directors who are officers or employees of HoldCo Parent and its subsidiaries and other non-independent directors do not receive any additional compensation for their services as a director of Lincoln Benefit.

 

Name of Non-Employee Director

   Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash(1)
($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)
     Total
($)
 

Stephen Campbell

   $ 137,813        —        $ 137,813  

Richard Carbone

   $ 137,813      $ —        $ 137,813  

Ann Frohman

   $ 137,813      $ —        $ 137,813  

Robert Stein

   $ 137,813      $ —        $ 137,813  

Grace Vandecruze

   $ 137,813      $ —        $ 137,813  

 

(1) Includes the portion of the cash retainer paid in the form of a deferred notional interest in the Partnerships at the election of the director. The following table sets forth, by grant date, the allocation of the number of HoldCo Parent deferred notional interest of the Partnerships credited to each director, the grant date fair value of each award and the percentage of such notional interest held at December 31, 2017 with respect to service as a Lincoln Benefit director in 2017 in a manner consistent with the allocation of compensation under the Services Agreement. All deferred notional interests vested on December 31, 2017.

 

93


     Grant
Date
   Percentage of
Notional
Interest on
each grant
date
    Grant Date
Fair Value
on each of
January 1, 2017,
April 1, and

July 1, 2017 and
October 1,
2017
     Percentage of
Notional Interest
Held at
December 31,
2017
 

Richard Carbone

   January 1,

April 1, and July 1, 2017

October 1, 2017

    

0.0057

0.0068


   

21,329

25,594

 

 

     0.0949

Robert Stein

   January 1, 2017

April 1 and July 1, 2017

October 1, 2017

    

0.0088

0.0061

0.0074


   

32,813

22,969

27,562

 

 

 

     0.1111

Grace Vandecruze

   January 1,

April 1 and July 1, 2017

October 1, 2017

    

0.0026

0.0032


   

9,844

11,813

 

 

     0.0379

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

In February 2015, the Board of Directors of HoldCo Parent established a compensation committee, whose primary function is to assist the Board with its oversight role with respect to the compensation of HoldCo Parent’s and its subsidiaries’ executive officers and other employees, and in February 2017, the HoldCo Parent compensation committee was re-established at HoldCo, the entity with which the majority of the employees are employed. No executive officer of Lincoln Benefit serves as a member of the compensation committee of another entity for which any executive officer served as a director for Lincoln Benefit.

 

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Item 11(m). Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Security

Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table shows the number of Lincoln Benefit shares owned by any beneficial owner who owns more than five percent of any class of Lincoln Benefit’s voting securities.

 

Title of Class (a)

  

Name and Address of

Beneficial Owner

(b)

  

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

(c)

  

Percent of
Class
(d)

Capital Stock

  

LBL HoldCo II, Inc.

One Station Place

Metro Center, 7th Fl.

Stamford, CT 06902

   25,000   

100%

N/A

  

LBL HoldCo, Inc.

One Station Place

Metro Center, 7th Fl.

Stamford, CT 06902

   Indirect voting and investment power of shares owned by LBL HoldCo II, Inc.   

N/A

N/A

  

Resolution Life L.P.

Canon’s Court

22 Victoria Street

Hamilton, HM 12

Bermuda

   Indirect voting and investment power of shares owned by LBL HoldCo II, Inc.   

N/A

N/A

  

Resolution Life GP, Ltd.

Canon’s Court

22 Victoria Street

Hamilton, HM 12

Bermuda

   Indirect voting and investment power of shares owned by LBL HoldCo II, Inc.   

N/A

N/A

  

Resolution Capital Limited

2 Queen Anne’s Gate

London

SW1H 9AA

United Kingdom

   Indirect voting and investment power of shares owned by LBL HoldCo II, Inc.   

N/A

N/A

  

Clive Cowdery

2 Queen Anne’s Gate

London

SW1H 9AA

United Kingdom

   Indirect voting and investment power of shares owned by LBL HoldCo II, Inc.   

N/A

 

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Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table shows the number of shares of stock in Lincoln Benefit or its parents beneficially owned by each director and named executive officer of Lincoln Benefit individually, and by all executive officers and directors of Lincoln Benefit as a group. Shares reported as beneficially owned include certain shares held indirectly, as well as shares subject to stock options exercisable on or prior to March 31, 2018 and restricted stock units for which restrictions expire on or prior to March 31, 2018. The following share amounts are as of March 31, 2018.

 

Entity

  Title of Class of Equity
Securities
  Number of
Shares
 

Statement Concerning Beneficial
Ownership

Lincoln Benefit, LBL HoldCo II, Inc., LBL HoldCo, Inc., Resolution Life L.P., Resolution Life GP Ltd., Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership, Resolution Life (Parallel) GP Ltd.   n/a   n/a   Lincoln Benefit is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of (i) Resolution Life L.P., which is controlled by its general partner Resolution Life GP Ltd. and (ii) Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership, which is controlled by its managing partners, which includes Resolution Life (Parallel) GP Ltd. Resolution Life (Parallel) GP Ltd. is wholly-owned by Resolution Life GP Ltd. Resolution Life GP Ltd. is wholly- owned by Resolution Capital Limited, which is wholly-owned by Clive Cowdery.
Resolution Life L.P.   n/a   n/a   Clive Cowdery has indirectly invested $8.997 million in Resolution Life L.P., which currently accounts for 1.768% of the current total $509 million of aggregate investment in Resolution Life L.P. and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership.

Changes in Control

On December 31, 2013, LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. entered into a Credit Agreement with Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”), The Royal Bank of Scotland, PLC, RBC Capital Markets, RBS Securities Inc. and Lloyds Securities Inc. (the “Credit Agreement”). On April 1, 2014, LBL HoldCo, Inc. and LBL HoldCo II, Inc. entered into a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement with Royal Bank of Canada (the “Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”). Pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, LBL HoldCo, Inc. pledged the securities of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement) in order to secure a term loan to LBL HoldCo II, Inc. for the acquisition of Lincoln Benefit. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, LBL HoldCo II, Inc. also pledged the securities of Lincoln Benefit to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement).

If LBL HoldCo II, Inc. defaults on its obligations under the Credit Agreement, RBC (as collateral agent), will have the option to receive all of the LBL HoldCo II, Inc. and Lincoln Benefit stock pledged under the Credit Agreement and Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, including all voting and corporate rights to such stock.

On October 1, 2017, the indirect parents of the registrant (Lincoln Benefit), Resolution Life L.P. and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership, entered into an agreement with SNH Acquisition, LLC and Southland National Holdings, Inc. to sell LBL HoldCo, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit, to SNH Acquisition, LLC (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals. Subject to the receipt of such regulatory approvals, the Transaction is targeted to close in the second quarter of 2018.

 

96


Item 11(n). Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

Transactions with Related Persons

Lincoln Benefit is a party to certain intercompany agreements involving amounts greater than $120,000 between Lincoln Benefit and the following companies:

 

    LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (“HoldCo”), the direct parent of Lincoln Benefit.

 

    LBL HoldCo, Inc. (“HoldCo Parent”), an indirect parent of Lincoln Benefit.

 

    Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company (“Lancaster Re”), a direct subsidiary of Lincoln Benefit

 

    Lanis LLC, an affiliate of Lincoln Benefit

 

Transaction Description

   Approximate dollar
value of the amount
involved in the
transaction,  per
fiscal year
    Approximate dollar value of the amount
involved in the
transaction, per
fiscal year
 
            ($)     HoldCo
Parent
     HoldCo      Lanis LLC  

Services Agreement between LBL HoldCo II, Inc. and Lincoln Benefit effective April 1, 2014

    

2015

2016

2017

 

 

 

    

(13,864,952

(14,147,918

(18,796,724

)¹ 

)¹ 

)¹ 

   

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

13,864,952¹

14,147,918¹

18,796,724¹

 

 

 

    

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

 

1 Total expense amount reimbursed / (paid) under the transaction

The agreements listed in the table immediately below relate to a transaction that LBL HoldCo II, Inc., LBL HoldCo, Inc., Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company, Lanis LLC and Lincoln Benefit have entered into with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, an unrelated party, in order to finance a portion of the insurance reserves held by Lincoln Benefit with respect to universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees written by Lincoln Benefit.

 

Transaction Description

   Approximate dollar
value of the amount
involved in the
transaction, per
fiscal year
    Approximate dollar value of the amount
involved in the
transaction, per
fiscal year
 
            ($)     HoldCo
Parent
     HoldCo      Lanis LLC  

Surplus Note Purchase Agreement between Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company and Lanis LLC effective April 1, 2014

    

2015

2016

2017

 

 

 

    

(22,880,000

(25,069,000

(26,875,000

)² 

)² 

)² 

   

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

22,880,000²

25,069,000

26,875,000

 

2 

2 

Vehicle Note Purchase Agreement between Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company and Lanis LLC effective April 1, 2014

    

2015

2016

2017

 

 

 

    

22,880,000

25,069,000

26,875,000

² 

² 

2 

   

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

(22,880,000

(25,069,000

(26,875,000

)² 

)2 

)² 

Fee Letter between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Lanis LLC effective April 1, 2014

    

2015

2016

2017

 

 

 

    

(6,670,882

(7,328,260

(7,834,870

)3 

)3 

)3 

   

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

    

6,670,882

7,328,260

7,834,870

3 

3 

3 

 

2  Surplus/Vehicle Note Interest received (paid)
3  Payment of risk spread fee

Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions

All intercompany agreements to which Lincoln Benefit is a party are approved by Lincoln Benefit’s Board of Directors as well as by the board of any other affiliate of Lincoln Benefit that is a party to the agreement.

 

97


When required, intercompany agreements are submitted for approval to the Nebraska Department of Insurance, Lincoln Benefit’s domestic regulator, and any additional states in which Lincoln Benefit might be commercially domiciled pursuant to the applicable state’s insurance holding company systems act. This process is documented in an internal procedure that captures the review and approval process of all intercompany agreements. All approvals are maintained in Lincoln Benefit’s corporate records.

While there is no formal process for the review and approval of related person transactions between unaffiliated entities specific to Lincoln Benefit, all directors, officers and employees of Lincoln Benefit are subject to LBL HoldCo, Inc.’s Code of Conduct and its Conflict of Interest Guideline. LBL HoldCo’s Code of Conduct includes a written conflict of interest policy that was adopted by the Board of Directors of LBL HoldCo, Inc., the indirect parent company of Lincoln Benefit, and applies to all subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit. Any potential relationship or activity that could impair independent thinking and judgment, including holding a financial interest in a business venture that is similar to Lincoln Benefit and/or LBL HoldCo, Inc., or in a business that has a relationship with either entity, is required to be disclosed to Human Resources and Compliance. Human Resources works with representatives from the Law Department, including Compliance, and the Audit Committee, if necessary, to determine whether an actual conflict of interest existed. All directors, officers and employees are required to sign a Code of Conduct certification and complete a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire annually.

Independence Standards for Directors

Although not subject to the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange, for purposes of this registration statement, Lincoln Benefit has applied the independence standards required for listed companies of the New York Stock Exchange to the Board of Directors. Applying these standards, Lincoln Benefit has determined that five of its directors are independent: Stephen Campbell, Richard Carbone, Ann Frohman, Robert Stein and Grace Vandecruze.

OTHER INFORMATION

A section entitled “Experts” is added to your prospectus as follows:

EXPERTS

The financial statements of Lincoln Benefit Life Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The following change is made to the prospectuses for the LBL Advantage, Consultant II and Premier Planner:

Under the “More Information” section, the subsection entitled “Legal Matters” is deleted and replaced with the following:

LEGAL MATTERS

Matters of Nebraska law pertaining to the Contract, including the validity of the Contract and our right to issue the Contract under Nebraska law, have been passed upon by Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP, Omaha, Nebraska.

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

Allstate Distributors, L.L.C. (“ADLLC”) serves as distributor of the securities registered herein. The securities offered herein are sold on a continuous basis, and there is no specific end date for the offering. ADLLC

 

98


is a registered broker dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ADLLC is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of securities, but will use its best efforts to sell the securities offered.

ADMINISTRATION

We have primary responsibility for all administration of the Contracts and the Variable Account. We entered into an administrative services agreement with Allstate Life. Allstate Life entered into an administrative services agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“PICA”) pursuant to which PICA or an affiliate provides administrative services to the Variable Account and the Contracts on our behalf. In addition, PICA entered into a master services agreement with SE2, LLC, of 5801 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66636, whereby SE2, LLC provides certain business process outsourcing services with respect to the Contracts. SE2, LLC may engage other service providers to provide certain administrative functions. These service providers may change over time, and as of December 31, 2017, consisted of the following: NTT DATA, Inc. (administrative services) located at 100 City Square, Boston, MA 02129; Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. (compliance printing and mailing) located at 35 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601; Stacks LLC (f/k/a Jayhawk File Express, LLC) (file storage and document destruction) located at 601 E. 5th Street, Topeka, KS 66601-2596; TierPoint, LLC (f/k/a Co-Sentry.net, LLC) (back-up printing and disaster recovery) located at 9394 West Dodge Rd, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114; SOVOS Compliance (f/k/a Convey Compliance Systems, Inc.) (withholding calculations and tax statement mailing) located at 3650 Annapolis Lane, Suite 190, Plymouth, MN 55447; Veritas Document Solutions, LLC (compliance mailings) located at 913 Commerce Ct, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; Records Center of Topeka, a division of Underground Vaults & Storage, Inc. (back-up tapes storage) located at 1540 NW Gage Blvd. #6, Topeka, KS 66618; Venio LLC, d/b/a Keane (lost shareholder search) located at PO Box 1508, Southeastern, PA 19399-1508; DST Systems, Inc. (FAN mail, positions, prices) located at 333 West 11 Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105.

In administering the Contracts, the following services are provided, among others:

 

    maintenance of Contract Owner records;

 

    Contract Owner services;

 

    calculation of unit values;

 

    maintenance of the Variable Account; and

 

    preparation of Contract Owner reports.

We will send you Contract statements at least annually. We will also send you transaction confirmations. You should notify us promptly in writing of any address change. You should read your statements and confirmations carefully and verify their accuracy. You should contact us promptly if you have a question about a periodic statement or a confirmation. We will investigate all complaints and make any necessary adjustments retroactively, but you must notify us of a potential error within a reasonable time after the date of the questioned statement. If you wait too long, we will make the adjustment as of the date that we receive notice of the potential error. Correspondence you send by regular mail to our service center should be sent to P.O. Box 758566, Topeka, KS 66675-8566. Your correspondence will be picked up at this address and then delivered to our service center. Your correspondence is not considered received by us until it is received at our service center. Where this prospectus refers to the day when we receive a purchase payment, request, election, notice, transfer or any other transaction request from you, we mean the day on which that item (or the last requirement needed for us to process that item) arrives in complete and proper form at our service center or via the appropriate telephone or fax number if the item is a type we accept by those means. There are two main exceptions: if the item arrives at our service center (1) on a day that is not a business day, or (2) after the close of a business day, then, in each case, we are deemed to have received that item on the next business day.

We will also provide you with additional periodic and other reports, information and prospectuses as may be required by federal securities laws.

 

99


Supplement dated January 22, 2018, to the

Prospectus for your Variable Annuity

Issued by

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the prospectus for your Variable Annuity contract issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

We previously notified you that the variable sub-accounts listed below in your Variable Annuity were closed to all contract owners except those contract owners who had Account Value invested in the variable sub-accounts, and that we had intended to remove them as investment options and substitute new investment options under your Variable Annuity contract:

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Administrative Shares

CUSIP Number 693394405

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Advisor Shares

CUSIP Number 693394538

However, we are no longer planning to remove these sub-accounts or substitute new investment options. As a result, effective February 5, 2018, the above variable sub-accounts will be available to all contract owners.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our Variable Annuities Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time.

Please keep this supplement for future reference together with your prospectus. No other action is required of you.

LBLSUP2


Supplement dated October 30, 2017

to the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for

CONSULTANT SOLUTIONS (CLASSIC, PLUS, ELITE, SELECT) (DATED MAY 1, 2017)

CONSULTANT I (DATED MAY 1, 2017)

LBL ADVANTAGE (DATED MAY 1, 2004)

CONSULTANT II (DATED MAY 1, 2004)

PREMIER PLANNER (DATED MAY 1, 2004)

INVESTOR’S SELECT (DATED MAY 1, 2007)

Issued by

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT

This supplement updates certain information contained in the prospectus and statement of additional information for each of the variable annuity contracts listed above (each a “Contract”). All terms not defined in this supplement shall have the same meanings as the terms used in the prospectuses and statements of additional information. Please read this supplement carefully and keep it for future reference. No other action is required of you.

On September 28, 2017, Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s direct parent, Resolution Life, Inc. changed its name to LBL HoldCo II, Inc., and Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s indirect parent, Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. changed its name to LBL HoldCo, Inc.

On October 1, 2017, t he indirect parent companies of Lincoln Benefit Life Company— Resolution Life L.P. and Resolution Life (Parallel) Partnership—entered into an agreement with SNH Acquisition, LLC and Southland National Holdings, Inc. to sell LBL HoldCo, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Lincoln Benefit Life Company, to SNH Acquisition, LLC (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals. Subject to the receipt of such regulatory approvals, the Transaction is targeted to close in the 1st quarter of 2018.

The terms and provisions of your Contract will not be changed by the Transaction, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company will continue to honor all of its obligations under your Contract. The Transaction will not change the fact that Lincoln Benefit Life Company is the named insurer under your Contract. Following the Transaction, the Prudential Insurance Company of America or an affiliate will continue to reinsure the Contracts and administer the Variable Account and the Contracts.

If you have any questions about this supplement, please contact your financial professional or our Variable Annuities Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time.

LBLSUP1


Supplement dated January 9, 2017 to the

Prospectus for your Variable Annuity

Issued by

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the prospectus for your Variable Annuity contract issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

Effective close of business February 24, 2017 (the Closure Date), the following variable sub-accounts available in your Variable Annuity will be closed to all contract owners except those contract owners who have contract value invested in the variable sub-accounts as of the Closure Date:

Janus Aspen Series Global Research Portfolio – Institutional Shares

Janus Aspen Series Global Research Portfolio – Service Shares

Contract owners who have contract value invested in these variable sub-accounts as of the Closure Date may continue to submit additional investments into the variable sub-accounts thereafter, although they will not be permitted to invest in the variable sub-accounts if they withdraw or otherwise transfer their entire contract value from the variable sub-accounts following the Closure Date. Contract owners who do not have contract value invested in the variable sub-accounts as of the Closure Date will not be permitted to invest in these variable sub-accounts thereafter.

Dollar cost averaging, category models and/or auto-rebalancing programs, if elected by a Contract owner prior to the Closure Date, will not be affected by the closure unless a contract owner withdraws or otherwise transfers his entire Account Value from the sub-accounts.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial professional or our Variable Annuities Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time.

Please keep this supplement together with your prospectus for future reference. No other action is required of you.


Supplement dated July 22, 2016, to the

Prospectus for your Variable Annuity

Issued by

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the prospectus for your Variable Annuity contract issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

The following Portfolio will be liquidated effective as of the close of business on September 23, 2016 (“Liquidation Date”):

PIMCO Money Market Portfolio – Administrative Shares

On the Liquidation Date, the above Portfolio will no longer be available under your Annuity contract, and any Contract Value allocated to this liquidated Portfolio will be transferred, as of the close of business on the Liquidation Date, to the Default Transfer Portfolio, as follows:

 

Liquidated Portfolio

  

Default Transfer Portfolio

PIMCO Money Market Portfolio – Administrative Shares

  

Fidelity ® VIP Government Money Market Portfolio – Initial Class

Please note that you have the ability to transfer out of the above Liquidated Portfolio any time prior to the Liquidation Date. Such transfers will be free of charge and will not count as one of your annual free transfers under your Annuity contract. Also, for a period of 60 days after the Liquidation Date, any Contract Value that was transferred to the Fidelity ® VIP Government Money Market Portfolio – Initial Class as the result of the liquidation can be transferred free of charge and will not count as one of your annual free transfers. It is important to note that any Portfolio into which you make your transfer will be subject to the transfer limitations described in your prospectus. Please refer to your prospectus for detailed information about investment options.

After the Liquidation Date, the above-listed Liquidated Portfolio will no longer exist and, unless you instruct us otherwise, any outstanding instruction you have on file with us that designates the above Liquidated Portfolio will be deemed instruction for the Fidelity ® VIP Government Money Market Portfolio – Initial Class, as applicable. This includes but is not limited to, systematic withdrawals, Dollar Cost Averaging, and Auto Rebalancing.

You may wish to consult with your financial representative to determine if your existing allocation instructions should be changed before or after the Liquidation Date.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our Variable Annuities Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time.

Please keep this supplement together with your prospectus for future reference. No other action is required of you.


Supplement dated October 30, 2015, to the

Prospectus for your Variable Annuity

Issued by

ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the prospectus for your Variable Annuity contract issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York or Lincoln Benefit Life Company, as applicable.

Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company (the “Companies”) have filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting an order to allow the Companies to remove the PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Administrative Shares and the PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Advisor Shares (collectively, the “Replaced Portfolios”) as investment options under your variable annuity contract and substitute a new investment option, the BlackRock Total Return V.I. Portfolio – Class I Shares (the “Replacement Portfolio”), as described below.

The Companies believe that the proposed substitution is in the best interests of contract owners. The investment objectives of the Replaced Portfolios and the Replacement Portfolio are substantially similar. The Companies will bear all expenses related to the substitution, and there will be no tax consequences for you. The Companies anticipate that, if such order is granted, the proposed substitution will occur during the second quarter of 2016.

The proposed substitution and adviser for the Replaced Portfolio and the Replacement Portfolio are:

 

Proposed Substitution
      Replaced Portfolios    Replacement Portfolio
Portfolio Names   

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Administrative Shares

 

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio – Advisor Shares

  

BlackRock Total Return V.I. Portfolio

Adviser    Pacific Investment Management Company LLC    BlackRock, Inc.

Please note that:

 

●☐☐

 

No action is required on your part at this time, nor will you need to take any action if the SEC approves the substitution.

●☐☐

 

On the date of the substitution, Account Values and/or Purchase Payments currently allocated to the Replaced Portfolios will be redirected to the Replacement Portfolio unless you have changed your selection and transferred your Account Values before the substitution takes place. If you are enrolled in a Dollar Cost Averaging, Automatic Rebalancing or comparable program, your Account Value invested in the Replaced Portfolios will be transferred automatically to the Replacement Portfolio on the date of the substitution. Your enrollment instructions will be automatically updated to reflect the Replacement Portfolio for any continued and future investments.

●☐☐

 

You may transfer amounts in your variable annuity contract among the investment options as usual. The substitution itself will not be treated as a transfer for purposes of the transfer provisions of your Annuity, subject to the issuing Company’s restrictions on transfers to prevent or limit “market timing” activities by Owners or agents of Owners.

●☐☐

 

If you make one transfer from a Replaced Portfolio into one or more Sub-accounts before the substitution, or from the Replacement Portfolio after the substitution, any transfer fee that might otherwise be imposed will be waived from the date of this Supplement through the date that is 30 days after the substitution. In addition, if you make one transfer from a Replaced Portfolio into a Sub-account before the substitution or from the Replacement Portfolio within 30 days after the substitution, the transfer will not be treated as one of a limited number of transfers (or exchanges) permitted under your Annuity.

●☐☐

 

On the effective date of the substitution, your Account Value will be the same as before the substitution. However, the number of units you receive in the Replacement Portfolio may be different from the number of units in the Replaced Portfolio.

●☐☐

 

There will be no tax consequences to you.


In connection with the substitution, we will send you a prospectus for the Replacement Portfolio that contains complete information concerning the Replacement Portfolio, including information on all Replacement Portfolio fees and charges, as well as notice of the actual date of the substitution and confirmation of transfers.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our Variable Annuities Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time.

Please keep this supplement for future reference together with your prospectus. No other action is required of you.



                         LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

                      Supplement Dated September 30, 2013
                To the following Prospectuses, as supplemented

CONSULTANT SOLUTIONS (CLASSIC, PLUS, ELITE, SELECT) PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2013
                   CONSULTANT I PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2013
                  LBL ADVANTAGE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004
                  CONSULTANT II PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004
                 PREMIER PLANNER PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2004
                INVESTOR'S SELECT PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2007

The following information supplements the prospectus for your variable annuity
contract issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS ARE ADDED TO THE "LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY"
PROVISION UNDER THE "MORE INFORMATION" SECTION OR THE "DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN
BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT" SECTION OF YOUR PROSPECTUS:

On July 17, 2013, Allstate Life entered into an agreement with Resolution Life
Holdings, Inc. ("Resolution"), a Delaware corporation established by Resolution
Life L.P., pursuant to which Allstate Life agreed to sell Lincoln Benefit to
Resolution or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolution (the "Transaction"). The
Prudential Insurance Company of America or an affiliate will continue to
reinsure and administer the Variable Account and the Contracts. The benefits
and provisions of the Contracts will not be changed by the Transaction. Also,
the Transaction will not change the fact that Lincoln Benefit is the named
insurer under your Contract. Following the Transaction, Lincoln Benefit will no
longer be an affiliate of Allstate Life.

The Transaction and certain related agreements are subject to required
regulatory approvals. Subject to the receipt of such regulatory approvals, the
Transaction is targeted to close in the 4 th quarter of 2013.

Upon receipt of regulatory approvals, Lincoln Benefit will amend and restate
its existing reinsurance arrangements with Allstate Life. Lincoln Benefit will
recapture, and Allstate Life no longer will reinsure: (i) all fixed deferred
annuity, value adjusted deferred annuity and indexed deferred annuity business
written by Lincoln Benefit, (ii) all of the life insurance business written by
Lincoln Benefit through independent life insurance producers other than certain
specified life insurance policies and (iii) all of the net liability of Lincoln
Benefit with respect to the accident and health and long-term care insurance
business written by Lincoln Benefit (the "Recapture"). The benefits and
provisions of the Contracts will not be changed by the Recapture, and the
Recapture will not change the fact that Lincoln Benefit is the named insurer
under your Contract.

Pursuant to the Recapture, Allstate Life will transfer to Lincoln Benefit, for
inclusion in its general account reserves, cash and specified assets with an
aggregate statutory book value equal to net statutory general account reserves
attributable to the recaptured business, adjusted for the final settlement
amount under the applicable existing reinsurance agreements between Lincoln
Benefit and Allstate Life that are being amended and restated in connection
with the Transaction.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our
Variable Annuity Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are
available to assist you from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Please read the prospectus supplement carefully and then file it with your
important papers. No other action is required of you.




                         SUPPLEMENT, DATED JULY 6, 2011,
                  TO THE PROSPECTUS FOR YOUR VARIABLE ANNUITY
                                  ISSUED BY

                        ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                   ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                           LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY


This supplement amends the prospectus for your Variable Annuity contract issued
by Allstate Life Insurance Company or Allstate Life Insurance Company of
New York or Lincoln Benefit Life Company, as applicable.

Effective as of August 19, 2011 (the Closure Date), the following variable
sub-accounts available in your Variable Annuity will be closed to all contract
owners except those contract owners who have contract value invested in the
variable sub-accounts as of the Closure Date:

                Invesco V.I. Basic Value Fund--Series I
                Invesco V.I. Basic Value Fund--Series II

Contract owners who have contract value invested in these variable sub-accounts
as of the Closure Date may continue to submit additional investments into the
variable sub-accounts thereafter, although they will not be permitted to
invest in the variable sub-accounts if they withdraw or otherwise transfer their
entire contract value from the variable sub-accounts following the Closure Date.
Contract owners who do not have contract value invested in the variable
sub-accounts as of the Closure Date will not be permitted to invest in
these variable sub-accounts thereafter.

Dollar cost averaging and/or auto-rebalancing, if elected by a contract owner,
will not be affected by the closure.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our
Variable Annuity Service Center at (800) 457-7617.  Our representatives are
available to assist you from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Please read the prospectus supplement carefully and then file it with your
important papers. No other action is
required of you.




                         ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                   ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                          LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY


                   Supplement, dated October 18, 2010, to the
                    following Prospectuses, as supplemented:

                      Allstate Provider, dated May 1, 2002
                       Premier Planner, dated May 1, 2004

This supplement amends the above-referenced prospectuses for certain Variable
Annuity contracts issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company or Allstate Life
Insurance Company of New York or Lincoln Benefit Life Company, as applicable.

Effective as of November 19, 2010 (the Closure Date), the following variable
sub-account available in the Allstate Provider and Premier Planner Variable
Annuities will be closed to all contract owners except those contract owners who
have contract value invested in the variable sub-account as of the Closure Date:

             Goldman Sachs VIT Strategic International Equity Fund

Contract owners who have contract value invested in this variable sub-account as
of the Closure Date may continue to submit additional investments into the
variable sub-account thereafter, although they will not be permitted to invest
in the variable sub-account if they withdraw or otherwise transfer their entire
contract value from the variable sub-account following the Closure Date.
Contract owners who do not have contract value invested in the variable
sub-account as of the Closure Date will not be permitted to invest in this
variable sub-account thereafter.

Dollar cost averaging and/or auto-rebalancing, if elected by a contract owner,
will not be affected by the closure.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or our
Variable Annuity Service Center at (800) 457-7617. Our representatives are
available to assist you from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Please read the prospectus supplement carefully and then file it with your
important papers. No other action is required of you.
 


                       Supplement Dated December 31, 2009
                   To the Prospectus for Your Variable Annuity
                                    Issued By
                         Allstate Life Insurance Company
                   Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York
                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company

This supplement amends the prospectus for your variable annuity contract issued
by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York,
or Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

The following provision is added to your prospectus:

WRITTEN REQUESTS AND FORMS IN GOOD ORDER. Written requests must include
sufficient information and/or documentation, and be sufficiently clear, to
enable us to complete your request without the need to exercise discretion on
our part to carry it out. You may contact our Customer Service Center to learn
what information we require for your particular request to be in "good order."
Additionally, we may require that you submit your request on our form. We
reserve the right to determine whether any particular request is in good order,
and to change or waive any good order requirements at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact your financial representative or call
our Customer Service Center at 1-800-457-7617. If you own a Putnam contract,
please call 1-800-390-1277.

For future reference, please keep this supplement together with your prospectus.




                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company
                        Supplement dated August 14, 2009
                 To the following Prospectuses, as supplemented:

               Consultant Solutions, Prospectus Dated May 1, 2009
                   Consultant I, Prospectus Dated May 1, 2009
                   LBL Advantage, Prospectus Dated May 1, 2004
                   Consultant II, Prospectus Dated May 1, 2004
                  Premier Planner, Prospectus Dated May 1, 2004

This prospectus supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the
prospectuses referenced above for your variable annuity contract issued by
Lincoln Benefit Life Company ("Lincoln Benefit").

The "Annual Reports and Other Documents" section is deleted and replaced with
the following:

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") recently adopted rule 12h-7 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Rule 12h-7
exempts an insurance company from filing reports under the Exchange Act when the
insurance company issues certain types of insurance products that are registered
under the Securities Act of 1933 and such products are regulated under state
law. Each of the variable annuities described in the prospectuses referenced
above fall within the exemption provided under rule 12h-7. Lincoln Benefit is
hereby providing notice that it is electing to rely on the exemption provided
under rule 12h-7 effective as of the date of this prospectus supplement or as
soon as possible thereafter, and will be suspending filing reports under the
Exchange Act.

The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with
the SEC into this prospectus supplement which means that incorporated documents
are considered part of this prospectus supplement. We can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. This prospectus
supplement incorporates by reference our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on March 18, 2009, and our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on
May 12, 2009.

Lincoln Benefit will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to
whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has
been incorporated by reference into the prospectus but not delivered with the
prospectus. Such information will be provided upon written or oral request at no
cost to the requester by writing to Lincoln Benefit, P.O. Box 758565, Topeka, KS
66675-8565 or by calling 1-800- 457- 7617. The public may read and copy any
materials that Lincoln Benefit files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference
Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy,
and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC (see http://www.sec.gov).



                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company

                                 LBL Advantage
                                 Consultant II
                                Premier Planner

                         Supplement, dated May 1, 2009

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the prospectus for
certain annuity contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

Under the "More Information" section, the subsection entitled "Legal Matters" is
deleted and replaced with the following:

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain matters of state law pertaining to the Contracts, including the validity
of the Contracts and Lincoln Benefit Life Company's right to issue such
Contracts under applicable state insurance law, have been passed upon by Susan
L. Lees, General Counsel of Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

The "Annual Reports and Other Documents" section is deleted and replaced with
the following:

ANNUAL REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Lincoln Benefit Life Company ("Lincoln Benefit") incorporates by reference into
the prospectus its latest annual report on Form 10-K filed pursuant to Section
13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year
covered by its latest annual report, including filings made on Form 10-Q and
Form 8-K. In addition, all documents subsequently filed by Lincoln Benefit
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act also are
incorporated into the prospectus by reference. Lincoln Benefit will provide to
each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered,
a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference
into the prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. Such information will
be provided upon written or oral request at no cost to the requester by writing
to Lincoln Benefit, P.O. Box 758565, Topeka, KS 66675-8565 or by calling 1-800-
457-7617. Lincoln Benefit files periodic reports as required under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials that
Lincoln Benefit files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The
SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy, and information
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically
with the SEC (see http://www.sec.gov).




                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company
                  Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account

                      Supplement, dated March 31, 2008, to
                  the LBL Advantage Variable Annuity Prospectus
             and the LBL Premier Planner Variable Annuity Prospectus

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the above-referenced
prospectus for certain variable annuity contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit Life
Company.

We have received notice that the Board of Trustees of the Rydex Variable Trust
has approved the following fund name change:

     Effective April 1, 2008, the name of the Rydex VT OTC Fund will be changed
     to the Rydex VT NASDAQ-100 (R) Fund.

Due to this name change, the corresponding Rydex VT OTC Sub-Account available
for your product will change its name to the Rydex VT NASDAQ-100 (R) Sub-Account
effective April 1, 2008.

The name change does not in any way affect the investment objective of the Fund,
which remains unchanged, or the manner in which the investment advisor manages
the fund.

Please keep this supplement for future reference together with your prospectus.




                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company
                  Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account

                     Supplement, dated February 26, 2007 to

         The LBL Advantage Variable Annuity Prospectus dated May 1, 2004

        The Premier Planner Variable Annuity Prospectus dated May 1, 2004

This supplement amends certain disclosures contained in the above-referenced
prospectuses for certain variable annuity contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit
Life Company.

We have received notice that the Board of Trustees ("Board") of the Legg Mason
Variable Portfolios has approved the reorganization, on or about April 27, 2007
("Conversion Date"), of the Legg Mason Partners Variable All Cap Portfolio -
Class II into the Legg Mason Partners Variable Fundamental Value Portfolio -
Class I, which will be added as an investment choice to your contract as of
April 27, 2007.

To reflect the change in the underlying Portfolio, we will transfer any Contract
Value you have in the Legg Mason Partners Variable All Cap Portfolio - Class II
Sub-Account ("All Cap Sub-Account) into the Legg Mason Partners Variable
Fundamental Value Portfolio - Class I Sub-Account ("Fundamental Value
Sub-Account"). Contract owners will receive a confirmation of the transaction
reflecting this change.

Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. is the investment advisor for the Legg
Mason Partners Variable Fundamental Value Portfolio - Class I. The investment
objective for this Portfolio is: Long-term capital growth with current income as
a secondary consideration.

If you currently have allocations made to the All Cap Sub-Account through
automatic additions, automatic portfolio rebalancing, dollar cost averaging or
systematic withdrawal programs, any future allocations will be made to the
Fundamental Value Sub-Account as of the Conversion Date.

For additional information on how to transfer to another investment alternative,
or how to make a change to your current allocation(s), please contact your
financial representative or call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-865-5237.

       Please keep this supplement for future reference together with your
                                  prospectuses.




                          Lincoln Benefit Life Company
                  Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account

                       Supplement, dated January 14, 2005,
                                       to
                 The Premier Planner Variable Annuity Prospectus
                                dated May 1, 2004

This supplement amends certain disclosure contained in the above-referenced
prospectus for certain variable annuity contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit Life
Company.

We have received notice that the Board of Trustees ("Board") of PIMCO Advisors
VIT has approved the liquidation, on or about April 29, 2005 (the "Closing
Date"), of the PEA Science and Technology Portfolio (the "PEA Portfolio").

The Board based its decision, in part, upon the fact that the PEA Portfolio is
relatively small in asset size and has failed to garner significant exposure in
the variable contract market. In addition, the Board believes the outlook for
future growth of the PEA Portfolio is not encouraging.

Due to the liquidation of the PEA Portfolio, we will no longer accept new
premiums for investment in, nor will we permit transfers to, the PEA Science and
Technology Portfolio Sub-Account ("PEA Sub-Account") on or after April 29, 2005.

Because the PEA Sub-Account will no longer be offered as an investment
alternative as of the Closing Date, you may wish to transfer, prior to April 29,
2005, some or all of your interest in the PEA Sub-Account to the other
investment alternatives currently offered by your Contract. Any value remaining
in the PEA Sub-Account will be transferred automatically, as of the Closing
Date, to the PIMCO VIT Money Market Sub-Account, an investment alternative
already available under your Contract. These transfers are not subject to a
transfer fee.

If you currently have allocations made to the PEA Sub-Account through automatic
additions, automatic portfolio rebalancing, dollar cost averaging or systematic
withdrawal programs, your allocation in the PEA Sub-Account will also need to be
changed in these programs. If you do not change this allocation to other
investment alternatives currently available under your Policy, any allocation to
the PEA Sub-Account will be automatically allocated, as of the Closing Date, to
the PIMCO VIT Money Market Sub-Account.

If your interest in the PEA Sub-Account is transferred automatically on the
Closing Date to the PIMCO VIT Money Market Sub-Account, for 60 days following
the Closing Date, you may transfer your interest in the PIMCO VIT Money Market
Sub-Account to any other investment alternative(s) available under your
Contract. This transfer is not subject to a transfer fee.

We will send you a confirmation that shows the amount that we credited to the
PIMCO VIT Money Market Sub-Account or to the investment alternative that you
chose and the date of the transaction. For additional information on how to
transfer to another investment alternative, or how to make a change to your
current allocation(s), please contact your financial representative or call our
Customer Service Center at the number listed below.

Attached, as Appendix A, is a list of the Portfolios and Fixed Account
Investment Alternatives currently available under your Contract.

Please keep this supplement for future reference together with your
prospectuses.

Number for Customer Service Center: 1-800-865-5237

                                   Appendix A

The Premier Planner Variable Annuity contract offers a variety of Investment
Alternatives that encompass investment choices ranging from aggressive to
conservative. Below is a listing of the Portfolios and Fixed Account Investment
Alternatives currently available. Also included is the investment objective for
each Portfolio.

For more complete information about each Portfolio, including expenses and risks
associated with the Portfolio, please refer to the relevant prospectus for the
Portfolio.

                                   PORTFOLIOS

AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund - Series I Seeks long-term growth of capital.

Alger American Growth Portfolio - Class S Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio - Service Class 2 Seeks capital appreciation.




Fidelity VIP Investment Grade Bond Portfolio - Service Class 2 Seeks as high a
level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital.

Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio - Service Class 2 Seeks long-term growth of
capital.

Goldman Sachs VIT CORESM Small Cap Equity Fund Seeks long-term growth of
capital.

Goldman Sachs VIT International Equity Fund Seeks long-term capital
appreciation.

Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio: Institutional Shares Seeks
long-term growth of capital.

Janus Aspen Series Foreign Stock Portfolio: Service Shares Seeks long-term
growth of capital.

Janus Aspen Series Worldwide Growth Portfolio: Service Shares Seeks long-term
growth of capital in a manner consistent with the preservation of capital.

Lazard Emerging Markets Portfolio Seeks long-term capital appreciation

Lazard International Equity Portfolio Seeks long-term capital appreciation

MFS New Discovery Series - Service Class Seeks capital appreciation.

MFS Utilities Series - Service Class Seeks capital growth and current income.

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund/VA - Service Shares Seeks capital
appreciation.

PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio Seeks growth of capital and investment income.

PAVIT OpCap Equity Portfolio Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

PAVIT OpCap Small Cap Portfolio Seeks capital appreciation.

PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond Portfolio (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) - Administrative Shares
Seeks to maximize total return, consistent with preservation of capital and
prudent investment management.

PIMCO VIT Money Market Portfolio - Administrative Shares Seeks to obtain maximum
current income consistent with preservation of capital and daily liquidity.

PIMCO VIT Total Return Portfolio - Administrative Shares Seeks to maximize total
return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment
management.

Putnam VT High Yield Fund - Class IB

Seeks high current income. Capital growth is a secondary goal when consistent
with achieving high current income. The fund seeks its goal by investing at
least 80% in U.S. corporate rated below investment grade (junk bonds) and that
have intermediate to long-term maturities (three years or longer.)

Rydex VT OTC Fund

Seeks investment results that correspond to a benchmark for over-the-counter
securities. The Portfolio's current benchmark is the NASDAQ 100 Index.

Salomon Brothers Variable All Cap Fund - Class I Seeks capital appreciation.

Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund - Class I Seeks long-term growth of
capital with current income as a secondary objective.

Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth Portfolio, Class I Seeks long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of
large capitalization companies.

Van Kampen UIF High Yield Portfolio, Class I Seeks above-average total return
over a market cycle of three to five years by investing primarily in high yield
securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds").

Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Growth Portfolio, Class I Seeks above-average total
return over a market cycle of three to five years by investing in common stocks
and other equity securities.




Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Class I Seeks above-average total
return over a market cycle of three to five years by investing in common stocks
and other equity securities.

Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Class II Seeks capital growth.

Van Kampen LIT Growth and Income Portfolio, Class II Seeks long-term growth of
capital and income.

                              Fixed Account Options

Standard Fixed Account
Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option




                   PREMIER PLANNER VARIABLE ANNUITY PROSPECTUS

                                FLEXIBLE PREMIUM

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

                                    ISSUED BY

                          LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

                               IN CONNECTION WITH

                  LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT

             STREET ADDRESS: 2940 SOUTH 84TH ST., LINCOLN, NE 68506

            MAILING ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 80469, LINCOLN, NE 68501-0469

                        TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-865-5237

The Contract is a deferred annuity contract designed to aid you in long-term
financial planning. You may purchase it on either a tax qualified or non-tax
qualified basis. Lincoln Benefit Life no longer offers this Contract in most
states. If you have already purchased the Contract you may continue to make
purchase payments according to the Contract.

Because this is a flexible premium annuity contract, you may pay multiple
premiums. We allocate your premium to the investment options under the Contract
and our Fixed Account in the proportions that you choose. The Contract currently
offers thirty-four investment options, each of which is a Subaccount of the
Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account ("Separate Account"). Each
Subaccount invests exclusively in shares of one of the following Portfolios:

AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS

                      AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund - Series I

THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND:

                    Alger American Growth Portfolio - Class S

FIDELITY(R) VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:

Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio - Service Class 2 Fidelity VIP Investment Grade
Bond Portfolio - Service Class 2 Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio - Service
Class 2

GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST:

Goldman Sachs VIT CORE(SM) Small Cap Equity Fund Goldman Sachs VIT International
Equity Fund

JANUS ASPEN SERIES:

Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio -Institutional Shares Janus
Aspen Series Foreign Stock Portfolio - Service Shares (formerly International
Value Portfolio)

Janus Aspen Series Worldwide Growth Portfolio - Service Shares

J.P. MORGAN SERIES TRUST II:

                        JPMorgan Small Company Portfolio

LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.:

Lazard Emerging Markets Portfolio
Lazard International Equity Portfolio

MFS(R) VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST(SM):

MFS New Discovery Series - Service Class MFS Utilities Series - Service Class

OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS:

           Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund/VA - Service Shares

PIMCO ADVISORS VIT:

PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio
PAVIT OpCap Equity Portfolio
PAVIT OpCap Small Cap Portfolio
PAVIT PEA Science and Technology Portfolio

PIMCO VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST:

PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond Portfolio (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) - Administrative Shares
PIMCO VIT Money Market Portfolio - Administrative Shares PIMCO VIT StocksPLUS
Growth and Income Portfolio - Administrative Shares PIMCO VIT Total Return
Portfolio - Administrative Shares

PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST:

                      Putnam VT High Yield Fund - Class 1B

THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST:

                                Rydex VT OTC Fund

SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS INC:

Salomon Brothers Variable All Cap Fund - Class I Salomon Brothers Variable
Investors Fund - Class I

VAN KAMPEN LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:

Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Class II Van Kampen LIT Growth and
Income Portfolio, Class II

                                  1 PROSPECTUS




THE UNIVERSAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS, INC.:

Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth Portfolio, Class I* Van Kampen UIF High Yield
Portfolio, Class I* Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Growth Portfolio, Class I* Van Kampen
UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Class I**

*    Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., the advisor for the UIF
     Portfolios, does business in certain instances using the name Van Kampen.

**   Effective 9/20/2003, the Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Core Portfolio, Class I
     changed its name to Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Class I.

Some of the portfolios described in this Prospectus may not be available in your
Contract. We may make available other investment options in the future.

Your Contract Value will vary daily as a function of the investment performance
of the Subaccounts to which you have allocated Purchase Payments and any
interest credited to the Fixed Account. We do not guarantee any minimum Contract
Value for amounts allocated to the Subaccounts. Benefits provided by this
Contract, when based on the Fixed Account, are subject to a Market Value
Adjustment, which may result in an upward or downward adjustment in withdrawal
benefits, death benefits, settlement values, and transfers to the Subaccounts.

The maximum age of the oldest Contract Owner and Annuitant is age 85 as of the
date we receive the completed application. The maximum age of the oldest
Contract Owner and Annuitant for purchasing the Contract with the Enhanced Death
Benefit Rider is age 80.

Each time you pay a Premium, we will credit your Contract Value with a Credit
Enhancement. In addition to this Contract, we also offer other annuity contracts
that do not provide for Credit Enhancements. The expenses for this Contract may
be higher than the expenses for an annuity contract that does not provide for
Credit Enhancements. Over time, the amount of the Credit Enhancements may be
more than offset by the higher expenses. You and your agent should decide if
this Contract is right for you.

In certain states the Contract may be offered as a group contract with
individual ownership represented by Certificates. The discussion of Contracts in
this prospectus applies equally to Certificates under group contracts, unless
the content specifies otherwise.

This prospectus sets forth the information you ought to know about the Contract.
You should read it before investing and keep it for future reference.

We have filed a Statement of Additional Information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The current Statement of Additional Information is
dated May 1, 2004. The information in the Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You can obtain a free copy by
writing us or calling us at the telephone number given above. The Table of
Contents of the Statement of Additional Information appears on page 44 of this
prospectus.

At least once each year we will send you an annual statement. The annual
statement details values and specific information for your Contract. It does not
contain our financial statements. Our financial statements are set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information. Lincoln Benefit Life Company ("Lincoln
Benefit") will file annual and quarterly reports and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file
at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. You can obtain copies of
these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a duplicating fee. Please call
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information as to the operation of the
public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the
SEC Internet site (http:// www.sec.gov).

The Date of this Prospectus is May 1, 2004.

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2004, THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING OFFERED FOR SALE.

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES NOR HAS IT PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY IF ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY CURRENT PROSPECTUSES
FOR THE PORTFOLIOS LISTED ABOVE. IF ANY OF THESE PROSPECTUSES IS MISSING OR
OUTDATED, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WILL SEND YOU THE PROSPECTUS YOU NEED.

PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND RETAIN IT FOR YOUR FUTURE REFERENCE.

                                  2 PROSPECTUS




TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
DEFINITIONS                                                                    5
FEE TABLES                                                                     6
   Examples                                                                    7
   Explanation of the Expense Examples                                         7
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR CONTRACT                                      8
FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                         12
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS                                                  13
   Summary                                                                    13
   Contract Owner                                                             13
   Annuitant                                                                  13
   Modification of the Contract                                               13
   Assignment                                                                 13
   Free Look Period                                                           13
PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE                                                  14
   Minimum Purchase Payment                                                   14
   Automatic Payment Plan                                                     14
   Credit Enhancement                                                         14
Allocation of Purchase Payments                                               14
Contract Value                                                                15
Separate Account Accumulation Unit Value                                      15
Transfer During Accumulation Period                                           15
Transfers Authorized by Telephone                                             15
Market Timing & Excessive Trading                                             16
Trading Limitations                                                           16
Automatic Dollar Cost Averaging Program                                       16
Portfolio Rebalancing                                                         16
THE INVESTMENT AND FIXED ACCOUNT OPTIONS                                      17
   Separate Account Investments                                               17
      The Portfolios                                                          17
      Voting Rights                                                           20
      Additions, Deletions, and Substitutions of Securities                   20
   The Fixed Account                                                          21
      General                                                                 21
Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option                                      21
Market Value Adjustment                                                       23
Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Option                                    23
ANNUITY BENEFITS                                                              23
   Annuity Date                                                               23
   Annuity Options                                                            24
   Other Options                                                              24
   Annuity Payments: General                                                  24
   Variable Annuity Payments                                                  25
   Fixed Annuity Payments                                                     25

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
Transfers During Annuity Period                                               25
Death Benefit During Annuity Period                                           25
Certain Employee Benefit Plans                                                26
OTHER CONTRACT BENEFITS                                                       26
   Death Benefit                                                              26
      General                                                                 26
      Due Proof of Death                                                      26
      Death Proceeds                                                          26
      Death Benefit Amount                                                    26
      Death Benefit Payments                                                  26
   Enhanced Death Benefit Rider                                               28
   Beneficiary                                                                29
   Contract Loans for 403(b) Contracts                                        29
   Withdrawals (Redemptions)                                                  30
   Systematic Withdrawal Program                                              31
   ERISA Plans                                                                31
   Minimum Contract Value                                                     31
CONTRACT CHARGES                                                              31
   Mortality and Expense Risk Charge                                          32
   Administrative Charges                                                     32
      Contract Maintenance Charge                                             32
      Administrative Expense Charge                                           32
      Transfer Fee                                                            32
   Sales Charges                                                              32
      Withdrawal Charge                                                       32
      Free Withdrawal                                                         33
   Waiver Benefits                                                            33
      General                                                                 33
      Confinement Waiver Benefit                                              33
Terminal Illness Waiver Benefit                                               34
Waiver of Withdrawal Charge for Certain Qualified Plan Withdrawals            34
Premium Taxes                                                                 33
Deduction for Separate Account Income Taxes                                   34
      Other Expenses                                                          34
TAXES                                                                         35
Taxation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company                                      35
Taxation of Variable Annuities in General                                     35
   Income Tax Withholding                                                     37
   Tax Qualified Contracts                                                    38
DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT          41
   Lincoln Benefit Life Company                                               41
   Separate Account                                                           41
State Regulation of Lincoln Benefit                                           41

                                  3 PROSPECTUS




                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
ADMINISTRATION                                                                41
DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS                                                     42
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                                             42
LEGAL MATTERS                                                                 42
ANNUAL REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS                                            42
REGISTRATION STATEMENT                                                        43

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION                      44
APPENDIX A ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES                                           45
APPENDIX B ILLUSTRATION OF A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT                          53

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. WE DO NOT AUTHORIZE ANYONE TO PROVIDE
ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE OFFERING DESCRIBED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS OTHER THAN AS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

                                  4 PROSPECTUS




DEFINITIONS

Please refer to this list for the meaning of the following terms:

ACCUMULATION PERIOD - The period of time beginning on the day money is put into
an annuity contract and ending when the contract is annuitized or surrendered.

ACCUMULATION UNIT - A unit of measurement which we use to calculate Contract
Value.

ANNUITANT - The living person named on an annuity contact whose life expectancy
is used to calculate the annuity payments when the contract is annuitized.

ANNUITIZATION - The process by which the accumulation phase of the contract is
terminated and the conteract is converted to the payoout phase. This is
accomplished by paying the entire contract value over a period of time.

ANNUITIZED VALUE - The Contract Value adjusted by any applicable Market Value
Adjustment and less any applicable taxes.

ANNUITY DATE - The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to begin.

ANNUITY PERIOD - The period during which annuity payments are paid. The Annuity
Period begins on the Annuity Date.

ANNUITY UNIT - A unit of measurement which we use to calculate the amount of
Variable Annuity payments.

BENEFICIARY(IES) - The person designated to receive the death benefit in the
event of all of the owners' deaths.

COMPANY ("WE," "US," "OUR," "LINCOLN BENEFIT") - Lincoln Benefit Life Company.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY - Each anniversary of the Issue Date.

CONTRACT OWNER ("YOU," "YOUR") - The person(s) or entity having the privileges
of ownership defined in the Contract. If your Contract is issued as part of a
retirement plan, your ownership privileges may be modified by the plan.

CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the values of your investment in the Subaccounts of
the Separate Account and the Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR - Each twelve-month period beginning on the Issue Date and each
Contract Anniversary.

CONTRIBUTION YEAR - Each twelve-month period beginning on the date a Purchase
Payment is allocated to a Subaccount, or each anniversary of that date.

CREDIT ENHANCEMENT - An amount we add to your Contract Value when a Purchase
Payment is received. Each Credit Enhancement will be counted as earnings under
your Contract.

FIXED ACCOUNT - The portion of the Contract Value allocated to our general
account.

FIXED ANNUITY - A series of annuity payments that are fixed in amount.

GUARANTEE PERIODS - A period of years for which we have guaranteed a specific
effective annual interest rate on an amount allocated to the Fixed Account.

ISSUE DATE - The date when the Contract becomes effective.

LATEST ANNUITY DATE - The latest date by which you must begin annuity payments
under the Contract.

LOAN ACCOUNT - An account established for amounts transferred from the
Subaccounts or the Fixed Account as security for outstanding Contract loans.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT - An amount added to or subtracted from certain
transactions involving your interest in the Fixed Account, to reflect the impact
of changing interest rates.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR - The factor used to determine the value of an
Accumulation Unit and Annuity Unit in any Valuation Period. We determine the Net
Investment Factor separately for each Subaccount.

NON-QUALIFIED PLAN - A retirement plan which does not receive special tax
treatment under Sections 401, 403(b), 408, 408A or 457 of the Tax Code.

PORTFOLIO(S) - The underlying funds in which the Subaccounts invest. Each
Portfolio is an investment company registered with the SEC or a separate
investment series of a registered investment company.

PURCHASE PAYMENTS - Amounts paid to us as premium for the Contract by you or on
your behalf.

QUALIFIED PLAN - A retirement plan which receives special tax treatment under
Sections 401, 403(b), 408 or 408A of the Tax Code or a deferred compensation
plan for a state and local government or another tax exempt organization under
Section 457 of the Tax Code.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT - The Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account, which is a
segregated investment account of the Company.

SUBACCOUNT - A subdivision of the Separate Account, which invests wholly in
shares of one of the Portfolios.

SURRENDER VALUE - The amount paid upon complete surrender of the Contract, equal
to the Contract Value, less any applicable premium taxes, Withdrawal Charge, and
the contract maintenance charge and increased or decreased by any Market Value
Adjustment.

TAX CODE - The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                  5 PROSPECTUS




TREASURY RATE - The U.S. Treasury Note Constant Maturity Yield for the preceding
week as reported in Federal Reserve Bulletin Release H.15.

VALUATION DATE - Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.

VALUATION PERIOD - The period of time over which we determine the change in the
value of the Subaccounts in order to price Accumulation Units and Annuity Units.
Each Valuation Period begins at the close of normal trading on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on each Valuation Date
and ends at the close of the NYSE on the next Valuation Date.

VARIABLE ANNUITY - A series of annuity payments that vary in amount based on
changes in the value of the Subaccounts to which your Contract Value has been
allocated.

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE - The contingent deferred sales charge that may be required
upon some withdrawals.

FEE TABLES

The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when
buying, owning and surrendering the Contract. The first table decribes the fees
and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Contract, surrender
the Contract, or transfer cash value between investment options. State premium
taxes may also be deducted.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Withdrawal Charge (as a percentage of Purchase
Payments)

CONTRIBUTION YEAR   APPLICABLE CHARGE
-----------------   -----------------
        1                   8%
       2-3                  7%
       4-5                  6%
        6                   5%
        7                   4%
        8                   3%
       9 +                  0%

Transfer Fee (Applies solely to the second and subsequent transfers within a
calendar month. We are currently waiving the Transfer Fee) - $10.00

The next table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay periodically
during the time you own the Contract, not including Portfolio fees and expenses.

Annual Contract Maintenance Charge (waived if total Purchase Payments are
 $50,000 or more)                                                            $35.00
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF DAILY NET ASSET VALUE
DEDUCTED FROM EACH OF THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
     BASE CONTRACT (WITHOUT OPTIONAL RIDERS)
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charge                                       1.30%
       Administrative Expense Charge                                           0.10%
                                                                             ------
       Total Separate Account Annual Expenses                                  1.40%
     BASE CONTRACT (WITH ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER)
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charge                                       1.50%
       Administrative Expense Charge                                           0.10%
                                                                             ------
       Total Separate Account Annual Expenses                                  1.60%

The next table shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses charged by
the Portfolios that you may pay periodically during the time that you own the
Contract. Advisers and/or other service providers of certain Portfolios may have
agreed to waive their fees and/or reimburse Portfolio expenses in order to keep
the Portfolios' expenses below

                                  6 PROSPECTUS




specified limits. The range of expenses shown in this table does not show the
effect of any such fee waiver or expense reimbursement. More detail concerning
each Portfolio's fees and expenses appears in the prospectus for each Portfolio.

                                                 Minimum   Maximum
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Portfolio Annual Operating Expenses/(1)/
(expenses that are deducted
from Portfolio assets, which may include
management fees, distribution and/or
service (12b-1) fees and other expenses)          0.50%     4.31%
------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  Expenses are shown as a percentage of Portfolio average daily net assets
     before any waiver or reimbursement as of December 31, 2003.

EXAMPLE 1

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Contracts with the cost of investing in other variable annuity contracts. These
costs include Contract owner transaction expenses, Contract fees, Separate
Account annual expenses, and Portfolio fees and expenses and assumes no
transfers or exchanges were made. The example shows the dollar amount of expense
that you would bear directly or indirectly if you:

.    invested $10,000 in the Contract for the time periods indicated,

.    earned a 5% annual return on your investment,

.    surrendered your Contract, or began receiving income payments for a
     specified period of less than 120 months, at the end of each time period,
     and

.    elected the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider (with total Separate Account
     expenses of 1.60%)

The first line of the example assumes that the maximum fees and expenses of any
of the Portfolios are charged. The second line of the example assumes that the
minimum fees and expenses of any of the Portfolios are charged. Your actual
expenses may be higher or lower than those shown below.

THE EXAMPLE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY TAXES OR TAX PENALTIES YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO
PAY IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CONTRACT.

                                                   1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs Based on Maximum Annual Portfolio Expenses   $1,236    $2,406    $3,544    $6,033
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs Based on Minimum Annual Portfolio Expenses   $  845    $1,277    $1,731    $2,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXAMPLE 2

This Example uses the same assumptions as Example 1 above, except that it
assumes you decided not to surrender your Contract, or you began receiving
income payments for a specified period of at least 120 months, at the end of
each time period.

                                                   1 Year    3 Years  5 Years   10 Years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs Based on Maximum Annual Portfolio Expenses    $641     $1,896   $3,119     $6,033
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs Based on Minimum Annual Portfolio Expenses    $250     $  767   $1,306     $2,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSE EXAMPLES

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT EXAMPLES AND NOT A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. YOUR RATE OF RETURN MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN 5%,
WHICH IS NOT GUARANTEED. THE EXAMPLES DO NOT ASSUME THAT ANY PORTFOLIO EXPENSE
WAIVERS OR REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE PERIODS PRESENTED.
EXAMPLES 1 AND 2 ASSUME THE ELECTION OF THE ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER (TOTAL
SEPARATE ACCOUNT EXPENSES OF 1.60%). IF THIS RIDER WAS NOT ELECTED, THE EXPENSE
FIGURES SHOWN WOULD BE SLIGHTLY LOWER.

THE EXAMPLES REFLECT THE FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNTS, IF APPLICABLE AND AN ANNUAL
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE OF $35.

                                  7 PROSPECTUS




QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR CONTRACT

The following are answers to some of the questions you may have about some of
the more important features of the Contract. The Contract is more fully
described in the rest of the Prospectus. Please read the Prospectus carefully.

1.   WHAT IS THE CONTRACT?

The Contract is a flexible premium deferred variable annuity contract. It is
designed for tax-deferred retirement investing. The Contract is available for
non-qualified or qualified retirement plans. The Contract, like all deferred
annuity contracts, has two phases: the Accumulation Period and the Annuity
Period. During the Accumulation Period, earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred
basis and are taxed as income when you make a withdrawal. The Annuity Period
begins when you begin receiving payments under one of the annuity payment
options described in the answer to Question 2. The amount of money accumulated
under your Contract during the Accumulation Period will be used to determine the
amount of your annuity payments during the Annuity Period.

Your premiums are invested in one or more of the Subaccounts of the Separate
Account or allocated to the Fixed Account, as you instruct us. If we offer
additional Subaccounts in the future, we may limit your right to allocate your
Contract Value to up to twenty-three options under the Contract, counting each
Subaccount and the Fixed Account as one option. We will treat all of your
Contract Value allocated to the Fixed Account as one option for purposes of this
limit, even if you have chosen more than one Guarantee Period. The value of your
Contract will depend on the investment performance of the Subaccounts and the
amount of interest we credit to the Fixed Account.

Each Subaccount will invest in a single investment portfolio (a "Portfolio") of
an underlying fund. The Portfolios offer a range of investment objectives, from
conservative to aggressive. You bear the entire investment risk on amounts
allocated to the Subaccounts. The investment policies and risks of each
Portfolio are described in the accompanying prospectuses for the Portfolios.

In some states, you may also allocate all or part of your Contract Value to the
"Fixed Account", as described in the answer to Question 5.

2.   WHAT ANNUITY OPTIONS DOES THE CONTRACT OFFER?

You may receive annuity payments on a fixed or a variable basis or a combination
of the two. We offer a variety of annuity options including:

.    a life annuity with payments guaranteed for five to twenty years;

.    a joint and full survivorship annuity, with payments guaranteed for five to
     twenty years; and

.    fixed payments for a specified period of five to thirty years.

Call us to inquire about other options.

You may change your annuity option at any time before annuitization. You may
select the date to annuitize the Contract. The date you select, however, may be
no later than the later of the tenth Contract Anniversary or the Annuitant's
90/TH/ birthday. If your Contract was issued in connection with a qualified
plan, different deadlines may apply.

If you select annuity payments on a variable basis, the amount of our payments
to you will be affected by the investment performance of the Subaccounts you
have selected. The fixed portion of your annuity payments, on the other hand,
generally will be equal in amount to the initial payment we determine. As
explained in more detail below, however, during the Annuity Period you will have
a limited ability to change the relative weighting of the Subaccounts on which
your variable annuity payments are based or to increase the portion of your
annuity payments consisting of Fixed Annuity payments.

3.   HOW DO I BUY A CONTRACT?

You can obtain a Contract application from your Lincoln Benefit agent. You must
pay at least $10,000 in Purchase Payments during the first Contract Year.
Purchase Payments must be at least $500, unless you enroll in an automatic
payment plan. Your periodic payments in an automatic payment plan must be at
least $100 per month. We may lower these minimums at our sole discretion. The
maximum age of the oldest Contract Owner and Annuitant is age 85 as of the date
we receive the completed application. The maximum age of the oldest Contract
Owner and Annuitant for purchasing the Contract with the Enhanced Death Benefit
Rider is age 80.

4.   WHAT ARE MY INVESTMENT CHOICES UNDER THE CONTRACT?

You can allocate and reallocate your investment among the Subaccounts, each of
which in turn invests in a single Portfolio. Under the Contract, the Separate
Account currently invests in the following Portfolios:

                                                                            PORTFOLIO(S)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM Variable Insurance Funds                   AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund - Series I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alger American Fund                        Alger American Growth Portfolio - Class S
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity(R) Variable Insurance Products Fund   Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio - Service Class 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Fidelity VIP Investment Grade Bond Portfolio - Service Class 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio - Service Class 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust         Goldman Sachs VIT CORE(SM) Small Cap Equity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Goldman Sachs VIT International Equity Fund
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series                             Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio: Institutional
                                                Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Janus Aspen Series Foreign Stock Portfolio: Service Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Janus Aspen Series Worldwide Growth Portfolio: Service Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. Morgan Series Trust II                    JPMorgan Small Company Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lazard Retirement Series, Inc.                 Lazard Emerging Markets Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Lazard International Equity Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R) Variable Insurance Trust(SM)            MFS New Discovery Series - Service Class
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               MFS Utilities Series - Service Class
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds             Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund/VA - Service Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO Advisors VIT                             PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PAVIT OpCap Equity Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PAVIT OpCap Small Cap Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PAVIT PEA Science and Technology Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust                 PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond Portfolio (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) -
                                                Administrative Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PIMCO VIT Money Market Portfolio - Administrative Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PIMCO VIT StocksPLUS Growth and  Income Portfolio - Administrative
                                                Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PIMCO VIT Total Return Portfolio - Administrative Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putnam Variable Trust                          Putnam VT High Yield Fund - Class 1B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rydex Variable Trust                       Rydex VT OTC Fund
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Variable Series Funds Inc     Salomon Brothers Variable All Cap Fund - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc.*       Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth Portfolio - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Van Kampen UIF High Yield  Portfolio - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Growth Portfolio - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value Portfolio - Class I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen Life Investment Trust               Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio - Class II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Van Kampen LIT Growth and Income Portfolio - Class II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*    Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc., the advisor for the UIF
     Portfolios, does business in certain instances using the name Van Kampen.

Some of the Portfolios described in this prospectus may not be available in your
Contract.

Each Portfolio holds its assets separately from the assets of the other
Portfolios. Each Portfolio has distinct investment objectives and policies which
are described in the accompanying prospectuses for the Portfolios.

5.   WHAT IS THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION?

We offer two Fixed Account interest crediting options: the Guaranteed Maturity
Fixed Account Option and the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Option.

You may allocate Purchase Payments to the Subaccount(s) and the Fixed
Account(s). Loan payments may not be allocated to the Fixed Account(s). You may
not transfer amounts into the DCA Fixed Account. The minimum amount that may be
transferred into any one of the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Options is
$500.

We will credit interest to amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed
Account Option at a specified rate for a specified Guarantee Period. You select
the Guarantee Period for each amount that you allocate to the Guaranteed
Maturity Fixed Account Option. We will tell you what interest rates and
Guarantee Periods we are offering at a particular time. At the end of each
Guarantee Period, you may select a new Guarantee Period from among the choices
we are then making available or transfer or withdraw the relevant amount from
the Fixed Account without any Market Value Adjustment.

                                  9 PROSPECTUS




We may offer Guarantee Periods ranging from one to ten years in length. We are
currently offering Guarantee Periods of one, three, five, seven, and ten years
in length. In the future we may offer Guarantee Periods of different lengths or
stop offering some Guarantee Periods.

We will not change the interest rate credited to a particular allocation until
the end of the relevant Guarantee Period. From time to time, however, we may
change the interest rate that we offer to credit to new allocations to the
Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option and to amounts rolled over in the Fixed
Account for new Guarantee Periods.

In addition, if you participate in our dollar cost averaging program, you may
designate amounts to be held in the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Option
until they are transferred monthly to the Subaccounts or Guarantee Periods of
your choosing. When you make an allocation to the Fixed Account for this
purpose, we will set an interest rate applicable to that amount. We will then
credit interest at that rate to that amount until it has been entirely
transferred to your chosen Subaccounts or Guarantee Periods. We will complete
the transfers within one year of the allocation. In our discretion we may change
the rate that we set for new allocations to the Fixed Account for the dollar
cost averaging program. We will never, however, set a rate less than an
effective annual rate of 3%.

A Market Value Adjustment may increase or decrease the amount of certain
transactions involving the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account, to reflect changes
in interest rates. As a general rule, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment to
the following transactions:

1)   when you withdraw funds from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option
     in an amount greater than the Free Withdrawal Amount (which is described in
     the answer to Question 6);

2)   when you transfer funds from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option
     to the Subaccounts;

3)   when you allocate part of your balance in the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed
     Account Option to a new Guarantee Period before the end of the existing
     Guarantee Period;

4)   when you annuitize your Contract; and

5)   when we pay a death benefit.

We will not apply a Market Value Adjustment to a transaction to the extent that:

1)   it occurs within 30 days after the end of a Guarantee Period applicable to
     the funds involved in the transaction; or

2)   it is necessary to meet IRS minimum withdrawal requirements.

We determine the amount of a Market Value Adjustment using a formula that takes
into consideration:

1)   whether current interest rates differ from interest rates at the beginning
     of the applicable Guarantee Period; and

2)   how many years are left until the end of the Guarantee Period.

As a general rule, if interest rates have dropped, the Market Value Adjustment
will be an addition; if interest rates have risen, the Market Value Adjustment
will be a deduction. It is therefore possible that if you withdraw an amount
from the Fixed Account during a Guarantee Period, a Market Value Adjustment may
cause you to receive less than you initially allocated to the Fixed Account.

6.   WHAT ARE MY EXPENSES UNDER THE CONTRACT?

Contract Maintenance Charge. During the Accumulation Period, each year we
subtract an annual contract maintenance charge of $35 from your Contract Value
allocated to the Subaccounts. We will waive this charge if you pay $50,000 or
more in Purchase Payments or if you allocate all of your Contract Value to the
Fixed Account.

During the Annuity Period, if allowed in your state, we will subtract the annual
contract maintenance charge in equal parts from your annuity payments. We waive
this charge if on the Annuity Date your Contract Value is $50,000 or more or if
all payments are Fixed Annuity payments.

Administrative Expense Charge and Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. We impose a
mortality and expense risk charge at an annual rate of 1.30% of average daily
net assets and an administrative expense charge at an annual rate of .10% of
average daily net assets. If you select our optional enhanced death benefit
rider, however, we may charge you a higher mortality and expense risk charge.
These charges are assessed each day during the Accumulation Period and the
Annuity Period. We guarantee that we will not raise these charges.

Transfer Fee. Although we currently are not charging a transfer fee, depending
on your state, the Contract permits us to charge you up to $10 per transfer for
each transfer after the first transfer in each month, or for each transfer in
excess of twelve within a calendar year. The Contract also permits us to impose
a minimum size on transfer amounts although the minimum size may be limited to
$25 in some states.

Withdrawal Charge (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge). During the Accumulation
Period, you may withdraw all or part of the value of your Contract before your
death or, if the Contract is owned by a company or other legal entity, before
the Annuitant's death. Certain withdrawals may be made without payment of any
Withdrawal Charge, which is a contingent deferred sales charge. Other
withdrawals are subject to the Withdrawal Charge.

The Withdrawal Charge will vary depending on how many complete years have passed
since you paid the Purchase Payment being withdrawn.

The Withdrawal

                                  10 PROSPECTUS




Charge applies to each Purchase Payment for eight complete years from the date
of the Payment (each a "Contribution Year") as follows:

Contribution   Applicable
    Year         Charge
------------   ----------
     1             8%
    2-3            7%
    4-5            6%
     6             5%
     7             4%
     8             3%
    9+             0%

In determining Withdrawal Charges, we will deem your Purchase Payments to be
withdrawn on a first-in first-out basis.

Each year, free of Withdrawal Charge or any otherwise applicable Market Value
Adjustment, you may withdraw the Free Withdrawal Amount, which equals:

(a)  the greater of:

.    earnings not previously withdrawn; or

.    15% of your total Purchase Payments made in the most recent eight years;
     plus

(b)  an amount equal to your total Purchase Payments made more than eight years
     ago, to the extent not previously withdrawn.

In most states, we also may waive the Withdrawal Charge if you: (1) require
long-term medical or custodial care outside the home; or (2) are diagnosed with
a terminal illness. These provisions will apply to the Annuitant, if the
Contract is owned by a company or other legal entity. Additional restrictions
and costs may apply to Contracts issued in connection with qualified plans.
Withdrawals of earnings are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age
59 1/2, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty. You should
consult with your tax counselor to determine what effect a withdrawal might have
on your tax liability. As described in the answer to Question 5, we may increase
or decrease certain withdrawals by a Market Value Adjustment.

Premium Taxes. Certain states impose a premium tax on annuity purchase payments
received by insurance companies. Any premium taxes relating to the Contract may
be deducted from Purchase Payments or the Contract Value when the tax is
incurred or at a later time. State premium taxes generally range from 0% to
3.5%.

Other Expenses. In addition to our charges under the Contract, each Portfolio
deducts amounts from its assets to pay its investment advisory fees and other
expenses.

7.   HOW WILL MY INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT BE TAXED?

You should consult a qualified tax advisor for personalized answers. Generally,
earnings under variable annuities are not taxed until amounts are withdrawn or
distributions are made. This deferral of taxes is designed to encourage
long-term personal savings and supplemental retirement plans.

Withdrawals taken prior to annuitization are generally considered to come from
the earnings in the Contract first. If the Contract is tax-qualified, generally
all withdrawals are treated as distributions of earnings. Withdrawal of earnings
are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject
to an additional 10% federal tax penalty.

Special rules apply if the Contract is owned by a company or other legal entity.
Generally, such an owner must include in income any increase in the excess of
the Contract Value over the "investment in the contract" during the taxable
year.

8.   DO I HAVE ACCESS TO MY MONEY?

At any time during the Accumulation Period, we will pay you all or part of the
value of your Contract, minus any applicable charge, if you surrender your
Contract or request a partial withdrawal. Under some qualified plans, you may
also take a loan against the value of your Contract. Generally, a partial
withdrawal must equal at least $50, and after the withdrawal your remaining
Contract Value must at least equal $500.

Although you have access to your money during the Accumulation Period, certain
charges, such as the contract maintenance charge, the Withdrawal Charge, and
premium tax charges, may be deducted on a surrender or withdrawal. You may also
incur federal income tax liability or tax penalties. In addition, if you have
allocated some of the value of your Contract to the Fixed Account, the amount of
your surrender proceeds or withdrawal may be increased or decreased by a Market
Value Adjustment.

After annuitization, under certain settlement options you may be entitled to
withdraw the commuted value of the remaining payments.

9.   WHAT IS THE DEATH BENEFIT?

We will pay a death benefit while the Contract is in force and before the
Annuity Date, if the Contract Owner dies, or if the Annuitant dies and the
Contract Owner is not a living person. To obtain payment of the Death Benefit,
the Beneficiary must submit to us a complete request for payment of the Death
Benefit, which includes due proof of death as specified in the Contract.

The standard death benefit is the greatest of the following:

1)   your total Purchase Payments reduced proportionately for any prior partial
     withdrawals;

2)   your Contract Value;

3)   the amount you would have received by surrendering your Contract; or

4)   your Contract Value on each Contract Anniversary evenly divisible by eight,
     increased by the total

                                  11 PROSPECTUS




Purchase Payments since that anniversary and reduced proportionately by any
partial withdrawals since that anniversary.

We also offer an optional enhanced death benefit rider, which is described later
in this prospectus.

We will determine the value of the death benefit on the day that we receive all
of the information that we need to process the claim.

10.  WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Allocation of Purchase Payments. You allocate your initial Purchase Payment
among the Subaccounts and the Fixed Account in your Contract application. You
may make your allocations in specific dollar amounts or percentages, which must
be whole numbers that add up to 100%. When you make subsequent Purchase
Payments, you may again specify how you want your payments allocated. If you do
not, we will automatically allocate the payment based on your most recent
instructions. You may not allocate Purchase Payments to the Fixed Account if it
is not available in your state.

Credit Enhancements. We will credit your Contract Value with a Credit
Enhancement of 4% of each Purchase Payment before we allocate that Purchase
Payment among the Subaccounts or to the Fixed Account. The Credit Enhancements
will be allocated in the same proportions as the corresponding Purchase Payment.
As described in "Free Look Period" on page 13, if you cancel your Contract
during the free look period we may deduct any Credit Enhancement from the amount
paid you.

Transfers. During the Accumulation Period, you may transfer Contract Value among
the Subaccounts and from the Subaccounts to the Fixed Account. If we offer
additional Subaccounts in the future, we may limit your right to allocate your
Contract Value to no more than twenty-one options under the Contract. While you
may also transfer amounts from the Fixed Account, a Market Value Adjustment may
apply. You may instruct us to transfer Contract Value by writing or calling us.

You may also use our Automatic Dollar Cost Averaging or Portfolio Rebalancing
programs. You may not use both programs at the same time.

Under the Dollar Cost Averaging program, amounts are automatically transferred
at regular intervals from the Fixed Account or a Subaccount of your choosing,
including other Subaccounts or the Fixed Account. Transfers from the Dollar Cost
Averaging Fixed Account may be made monthly only. Transfers from Subaccounts may
be made monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Under the Portfolio Rebalancing program, you can maintain the percentage of your
Contract Value allocated to each Subaccount at a pre-set level. Investment
results will shift the balance of your Contract Value allocations. If you elect
rebalancing, we will automatically transfer your Contract Value back to the
specified percentages at the frequency (monthly, quarterly, semiannually,
annually) that you specify. We will automatically terminate this program if you
request a transfer outside of the program. You may not include the Fixed Account
in a Portfolio Rebalancing program. You also may not elect rebalancing after
annuitization.

During the Annuity Period, you may not make any transfers for the first six
months after the Annuity Date. Thereafter, you may make transfers among the
Subaccounts or from the Subaccounts to increase your Fixed Annuity payments.
Your transfers, however, must be at least six months apart. You may not,
however, convert any portion of your right to receive Fixed Annuity payments
into Variable Annuity payments.

Free-Look Period. You may cancel the Contract by returning it to us within 10
days after you receive it, or after whatever longer period may be permitted by
state law. You may return it by delivering it or mailing it to us. If you return
the Contract, the Contract terminates. In most states, we will pay you an amount
equal to the Contract Value minus the Credit Enhancement. The Owner will also
bear any expenses charged with respect to the Credit Enhancement amount incurred
prior to the return of the Contract such as any mortality and expense charge.
The Contract Value may be more or less than your Purchase Payments. In some
states, we are required to send you the amount of your Purchase Payments. Since
state laws differ as to the consequences of returning a Contract, you should
refer to your Contract for specific information about your circumstances. If
your Contract is qualified under Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code, we
will refund the greater of any purchase payments or the Contract Value.

11.  WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

You can write to us at Lincoln Benefit Life Company, P.O. Box 80469, Lincoln,
Nebraska 68501-0469, or call us at (800) 865-5237.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Attached as Appendix A is a table showing selected information concerning
Accumulation Unit Values for each Subaccount for each year since we started
offering the Contracts. Accumulation Unit Value is the unit of measure that we
use to calculate the value of your interest in a Subaccount. Accumulation Unit
Value does not reflect the deduction of certain charges that are subtracted from
your Contract Value, such as the Annual Contract Maintenance Charge. The
information in the table is included in the Separate Account's financial
statements. To obtain a fuller picture of each Subaccount's finances and
performance, you should review the Separate Account's financial statements,
which are in the Separate Account's Annual Statement dated as

                                  12 PROSPECTUS




of December 31, 2003, contained in the Statement of Additional Information. The
Statement of Additional Information also includes a brief explanation of how
performance of the Subaccounts is calculated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS

SUMMARY. The Contract is a deferred annuity contract designed to aid you in
long-term financial planning. You may add to the Contract Value by making
additional Purchase Payments. In addition, the Contract Value will change to
reflect the performance of the Subaccounts to which you allocate your Purchase
Payments and your Contract Value, as well as to reflect Credit Enhancements and
interest credited to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account. You may withdraw
your Contract Value by making a partial withdrawal or by surrendering your
Contract. Upon annuitization, we will pay you benefits under the Contract in the
form of an annuity, either for the life of the Annuitant or for a fixed number
of years. All of these features are described in more detail below.

CONTRACT OWNER. As the Contract Owner, you are the person usually entitled to
exercise all rights of ownership under the Contract. You usually are also the
person entitled to receive benefits under the Contract or to choose someone else
to receive benefits. The Contract can also be purchased as an IRA or TSA (also
known as a 403(b)). The endorsements required to qualify these annuities under
the Code may limit or modify your rights and privileges under the Contract. The
maximum age of the oldest Contract Owner and Annuitant is age 85 as of the date
we receive the completed application. The Contract cannot be jointly owned by
both a non-living person and a living person. Changing ownership of this
Contract may cause adverse tax consequences and may not be allowed under
qualified plans. Please consult with a competent tax advisor prior to making a
request for a change of Contract Owner. If the Contract Owner is a grantor
trust, the Owner will be considered a non-living person for purposes of this
section and the Death Benefit section.

ANNUITANT. The Annuitant is the living person whose life span is used to
determine annuity payments. You initially designate an Annuitant in your
application. You may change the Annuitant at any time before annuity payments
begin. If your Contract was issued under a plan qualified under Section 403(b),
408 or 408A of the Tax Code, you must be the Annuitant. If the Contract is a
non-Qualified contract, you may also designate a Joint Annuitant, who is a
second person on whose life annuity payments depend. Additional restrictions may
apply in the case of Qualified Plans. If you are a living person and are not the
Annuitant and the Annuitant dies before annuity payments begin, then either you
become the new Annuitant or you must name another person as the new Annuitant.
If you are a non-living person and the Annuitant dies before annuity payments
begin, the Beneficiary may elect to receive a death benefit as discussed in
"Death of Annuitant" on page 28. You must attest that the Annuitant is alive in
order to annuitize your Contract.

MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT. Only a Lincoln Benefit officer may approve a
change in or waive any provision of the Contract. Any change or waiver must be
in writing. None of our agents has the authority to change or waive the
provisions of the Contract.

We are permitted to change the terms of the Contract if it is necessary to
comply with changes in the law. If a provision of the Contract is inconsistent
with state law, we will follow state law.

ASSIGNMENT. Before the Annuity Date, if the Annuitant is still alive, you may
assign an interest in the Contract if it is a non-Qualified Contract. If a
Contract is issued pursuant to a Qualified Plan, the law prohibits some types of
assignments, pledges and transfers and imposes special conditions on others. An
assignment may also result in taxes or tax penalties.

We will not be bound by any assignment until we receive written notice of it.
Accordingly, until we receive written notice of an assignment, we will continue
to act as though the assignment had not occurred. We are not responsible for the
validity of any assignment.

BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES AND ERISA ISSUES ARISING FROM AN
ASSIGNMENT, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE TRYING TO ASSIGN YOUR
CONTRACT.

FREE LOOK PERIOD. You may cancel the Contract by returning it to us within 10
days after you receive it, or within whatever longer period may be permitted by
state law. You may return it by delivering it to your agent or mailing it to us.
If you return the Contract, the Contract terminates. In most states, we will pay
you an amount equal to the Contract Value minus the Credit Enhancement. The
Contract Value at that time may be more or less than your Purchase Payments. The
Owner will also bear any expense charged with respect to the Credit Enhancement
amount incurred prior to the return of the Contract, such as any Mortality and
Expense Charge.

In some states, if you exercise your "free look" rights, we are required to
return the amount of your Purchase Payments. Currently, if you live in one of
those states, on the Issue Date we will allocate your Purchase Payment to the
Subaccounts and the Fixed Account Options as you specified in your application.
However, we reserve the right in the future to delay allocating your Purchase
Payments to the Subaccounts you have selected or to the Fixed Account until 20
days after the Issue Date or, if

                                  13 PROSPECTUS




your state's free look period is longer than ten days, for ten days plus the
period required by state law. During that time, we will allocate your Purchase
Payment to the PIMCO Money Market Subaccount. Your Contract will contain
specific information about your free-look rights in your state.

PURCHASES AND CONTRACT VALUE

MINIMUM PURCHASE PAYMENT. The minimum initial Purchase Payment for a Contract is
$10,000. You may pay it in a lump sum or in installments of your choice over the
first Contract Year. You may not pay more than $1 million in Purchase Payments
without our prior approval. As a general rule, subsequent Purchase Payments may
be made in amounts of $500 or more. Subsequent Purchase Payments made as part of
an Automatic Payment Plan, however, may be as small as $100 per month. However,
each Purchase Payment made to the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account must be at
least $1200. If we receive Purchase Payments designated for the Dollar Cost
Averaging Fixed Account that are lower than the required minimum of $1200, or
purchase payments designated for the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option
that are lower than $500, such amounts will be allocated to the PIMCO Money
Market Portfolio. We may lower these minimums if we choose. We may refuse any
Purchase Payment at any time.

AUTOMATIC PAYMENT PLAN. You may make scheduled Purchase Payments of $100 or more
per month by automatic payment through your bank account. Call or write us for
an enrollment form.

CREDIT ENHANCEMENT. We will add a Credit Enhancement to your Contract Value when
each Purchase Payment is received. The Credit Enhancement is payable from our
general account. The amount of a Credit Enhancement is 4% of each Purchase
Payment. The Credit Enhancement will be allocated among the Subaccounts and
Fixed Account in the same proportion that the applicable Purchase Payment is
allocated. The amount returned if the Contract Owner exercises his or her right
to return the Contract during your Free Look period will be reduced by any
Credit Enhancements applied.

The expense charges for this Contract may be higher than the expense charges for
annuity contracts that do not offer Credit Enhancements. We expect to recoup the
cost of paying Credit Enhancements through collections of the Withdrawal Charges
on the Contract (which are contingent), as well as our legitimate profits on
this and other contracts we offer. In some circumstances - for example, if you
surrender your Contract while the Withdrawal Charge still applies to a
substantial proportion of your Premiums - your net proceeds may be lower than if
you had purchased one of our other annuity contracts that does not offer Credit
Enhancements. Likewise, over time the amount of the Credit Enhancements may be
offset by higher expenses.

Credit Enhancements are treated as "earnings" for purposes of determining
Withdrawal Charges and free withdrawal amounts on surrenders and partial
withdrawals. Similarly, Credit Enhancements are not treated as an "investment in
the contract" for tax purposes.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS. Your Purchase Payments are allocated to the
Subaccount(s) and the Fixed Account in the proportions that you have selected.
You must specify your allocation in your Contract application, either as
percentages or specific dollar amounts. If you make your allocation in
percentages, the total must equal 100%. We will allocate your subsequent
Purchase Payments in those percentages, until you give us new allocation
instructions. You may not allocate Purchase Payments to the Fixed Account if it
is not available in your state.

If we offer additional Subaccounts in the future, we may limit your right to
allocate your Purchase Payments to up to twenty-three options, counting each
Subaccount and the Fixed Account as one option. For this purpose, we will treat
all of your allocations to the Fixed Account as one option, even if you choose
more than one Guarantee Period.

If your application is complete, we will issue your Contract within two business
days of its receipt at our P.O. Box shown on the first page of this prospectus.
If your application for a Contract is incomplete, we will notify you and seek to
complete the application within five business days. For example, if you do not
fill in allocation percentages, we will contact you to obtain the missing
percentages. If we cannot complete your application within five business days
after we receive it, we will return your application and your Purchase Payment,
unless you expressly permit us to take a longer time.

Usually, we will allocate your initial Purchase Payment to the Subaccounts and
the Fixed Account, as you have instructed us, on the Issue Date. We will
allocate your subsequent Purchase Payments on the date that we receive them at
the next computed Accumulation Unit Value.

In some states, however, we are required to return at least your Purchase
Payment if you cancel your Contract during the "free-look" period. In those
states, we currently will allocate your Purchase Payments on the Issue Date as
you have instructed us, as described above. In the future, however, we reserve
the right, if you live in one of those states, to allocate all Purchase Payments
received during the "free-look period" to the PIMCO

                                  14 PROSPECTUS




Money Market Subaccount. If we exercise that right and your state's free look
period is ten days, we will transfer your Purchase Payments to your specified
Subaccounts or the Fixed Account 20 days after the Issue Date; if your state's
free look period is longer, we will transfer your Purchase Payment after ten
days plus the period required by state law have passed.

We determine the number of Accumulation Units in each Subaccount to allocate to
your Contract by dividing that portion of your Purchase Payment allocated to a
Subaccount by that Subaccount's Accumulation Unit Value on the Valuation Date
when the allocation occurs.

CONTRACT VALUE. We will establish an account for you and will maintain your
account during the Accumulation Period. The total value of your Contract at any
time is equal to the sum of the value of your Accumulation Units in the
Subaccounts you have selected, plus the value of your investment in the Fixed
Account.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE. As a general matter, the Accumulation
Unit Value for each Subaccount will rise or fall to reflect changes in the share
price of the Portfolio in which the Subaccount invests. In addition, we subtract
from Accumulation Unit Value amounts reflecting the mortality and expense risk
charge, administrative expense charge, and any provision for taxes that have
accrued since we last calculated the Accumulation Unit Value. We determine
Withdrawal Charges, transfer fees and contract maintenance charges separately
for each Contract. They do not affect Accumulation Unit Value. Instead, we
obtain payment of those charges and fees by redeeming Accumulation Units.

We determine a separate Accumulation Unit Value for each Subaccount. We also
determine a separate set of Accumulation Unit Values reflecting the cost of the
enhanced death benefit rider. If we elect or are required to assess a charge for
taxes, we may calculate a separate Accumulation Unit Value for Contracts issued
in connection with Non-Qualified and Qualified Plans, respectively, within each
Subaccount. We determine the Accumulation Unit Value for each Subaccount Monday
through Friday on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business.

You should refer to the prospectuses for the Portfolios which accompany this
prospectus for a description of how the assets of each Portfolio are valued,
since that determination has a direct bearing on the Accumulation Unit Value of
the corresponding Subaccount and, therefore, your Contract Value.

TRANSFER DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD. During the Accumulation Period, you may
transfer Contract Value among the Fixed Account and the Subaccounts in writing
or by telephone. Currently, there is no minimum transfer amount. The Contract
permits us to set a minimum transfer amount in the future. You may not make a
transfer that would result in your allocating your Contract Value to more than
twenty-three options under the Contract at one time.

As a general rule, we only make transfers on days when the NYSE is open for
business. If we receive your request on one of those days, we will make the
transfer that day. If you transfer an amount from the Fixed Account to a
Subaccount before the end of the applicable Guarantee Period or you allocate an
amount in the Fixed Account to a new Guarantee Period before the end of the
existing Guarantee Period, we usually will increase or decrease the amount by a
Market Value Adjustment. The calculation of the Market Value Adjustment is
described in "Market Value Adjustment" on page 23.

Transfers within 30 days after the end of the applicable Guarantee Period are
not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

The Contract permits us to defer transfers from the Fixed Account for up to six
months from the date you ask us.

You may not transfer Contract Value into the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account
Option. You may not transfer Contract Value out of the Dollar Cost Averaging
Fixed Account Option except as part of a Dollar Cost Averaging program.

TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED BY TELEPHONE. You may make transfers by telephone. The cut
off time for telephone transfer requests is 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Calls
completed before 4:00 p.m. will be effected on that day at that day's price.
Calls completed after 4:00 p.m. will be effected on the next day on which the
NYSE is open for business, at that day's price.

We may charge you the transfer fee or impose a minimum transfer amount as
described on page 32, although we currently are waiving it. At any time, without
notice, we may suspend, modify or terminate your privilege to make transfers via
the telephone, or via other electronic or automated means previously approved by
the Company, including, but not limited to, automated telephone services,
facsimile machine, e-mail and electronic services via online access. Among other
things, we reserve the right to limit the number of such transfers among the
Separate Subaccounts in any Contract year, or to refuse any Separate Subaccount
transfer request. We also reserve the right to restrict such transfers in any
manner reasonably designed to prevent transfers that we consider disadvantageous
to other Contract owners.

We use procedures that we believe provide reasonable assurance that telephone
authorized transfers are genuine. For example, we tape telephone conversations
with persons purporting to authorize transfers and request identifying
information. Accordingly, we disclaim any liability for losses resulting from
allegedly unauthorized telephone transfers. However, if we do not take
reasonable steps to help ensure that a telephone authorization is valid, we may
be liable for such losses.

                                  15 PROSPECTUS




MARKET TIMING & EXCESSIVE TRADING. The Contracts are intended for long-term
investment. Frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the
market can disrupt management of a Portfolio and raise its expenses, which can
impair Portfolio performance. Lincoln Benefit's policy is not to knowingly
accept any money intended for the purpose of market timing. Lincoln Benefit does
not market the Contracts to persons for the purpose of their engaging in market
timing activity.

Lincoln Benefit defines market timing activity to be the movement in and out of
a Subaccount in a short period of time designed to take advantage of short-term
market fluctuations based upon expected increases in Subaccount unit values.
Lincoln Benefit defines excessive trading activity as purchase and sale
transactions of a Contract Owner that occur with such frequency and/or such size
as to affect the Portfolio's ability to meet its investment objective, in the
judgment of Lincoln Benefit or the Portfolio.

Service center personnel seek to detect and report market timing or excessive
trading transfer activity through monitoring and review of trading activities.
Portfolios may also report suspected market timing or excessive trading transfer
activity. However, not all market timing or excessive trading transfer activity
can be prevented, as it may not be possible to identify it unless and until a
trading pattern is established. If we identify suspected market timing or
excessive trading activity, we will make further inquiry and take corrective
action as appropriate. Corrective action may include, but is not limited to,
refusing transfer requests, or suspending, modifying or terminating any
telephone, automated or electronic transfer privileges.

TRADING LIMITATIONS. We reserve the right to limit transfers among the
investment alternatives in any Contract Year, or to refuse any transfer request,
if:

.    we believe, in our sole discretion, that certain trading practices, such as
     excessive trading or market timing ("Prohibited Trading Practices"), by, or
     on behalf of, one or more Contract Owners, or a specific transfer request
     or group of transfer requests, may have a detrimental effect on the
     Accumulation Unit Values of any Variable Subaccount or on the share prices
     of the corresponding Portfolio or otherwise would be to the disadvantage of
     other Contract Owners; or

.    we are informed by one or more of the Portfolios that they intend to
     restrict the purchase, exchange, or redemption of Portfolio shares because
     of Prohibited Trading Practices or because they believe that a specific
     transfer or group of transfers would have a detrimental effect on the
     prices of Portfolio shares.

We may apply the restrictions in any manner reasonably designed to prevent
transfers that we consider disadvantageous to other Contract Owners.

AUTOMATIC DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAM. Under our Automatic Dollar Cost
Averaging program, you may authorize us to transfer a fixed dollar amount at
fixed intervals from the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Option or a
Variable Subaccount of your choosing. You may not use the Dollar Cost Averaging
program to transfer amounts from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option.
The interval between transfers from the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account may
be monthly only. The interval between transfers from Subaccounts may be monthly,
quarterly, or annually, at your option. The transfers will be made at the
Accumulation Unit Value on the date of the transfer. The transfers will continue
until you instruct us otherwise, or until your chosen source of transfer
payments is exhausted. Currently, the minimum transfer amount is $100 per
transfer. However, if you wish to Dollar Cost Average to a Guaranteed Maturity
Fixed Account Option, the minimum amount that must be transferred into any one
Option is $500. For each purchase payment allocated to this Option, your first
monthly transfer will occur 25 days after such purchase payment. If we do not
receive an allocation from you within 25 days of the purchase payment, we will
transfer the payment plus associated interest to the Money Market Subaccount in
equal monthly installments.Your request to participate in this program will be
effective when we receive your completed application at the P.O. Box given on
the first page of this prospectus. Call or write us for a copy of the
application. You may elect to increase, decrease or change the frequency or
amount of transfers under a Dollar Cost Averaging program. We will not charge a
transfer fee for Dollar Cost Averaging.

The theory of dollar cost averaging is that by spreading your investment over
time, you may be able to reduce the effect of transitory market conditions on
your investment. In addition, because a given dollar amount purchases more units
when the unit prices are relatively low rather than when the prices are higher,
in a fluctuating market, the average cost per unit may be less than the average
of the unit prices on the purchase dates. However, participation in this program
does not assure you of a greater profit from your purchases under the program,
nor will it prevent or necessarily reduce losses in a declining market.
Moreover, while we refer to this program of periodic transfers generally as
Dollar Cost Averaging, periodic transfers from a subaccount with more volatile
performance experience is unlikely to produce the desired effects of Dollar Cost
Averaging as would transfers from a less volatile subaccount.

PORTFOLIO REBALANCING. Portfolio Rebalancing allows you to maintain the
percentage of your Contract Value allocated to each Subaccount at a pre-set
level. Over time, the variations in each Subaccount's investment results will
shift the balance of your Contract Value allocations. Under the Portfolio
Rebalancing feature, each period, if the allocations change from your desired
percentages, we will automatically transfer your Contract Value, including new
Purchase Payments (unless you specify otherwise), back to the percentages you
specify. Portfolio Rebalancing is consistent with maintaining your allocation of
investments among market segments, although it is accomplished by reducing your
Contract Value allocated to the better performing segments.

                                  16 PROSPECTUS




You may choose to have rebalances made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or
annually until your Annuity Date. Portfolio Rebalancing is not available after
you annuitize. We will not charge a transfer fee for Portfolio Rebalancing. A
one-time request to rebalance the amounts allocated to the Subaccounts is not
part of a Portfolio Rebalancing program and is subject to all of the
requirements that are applicable to transfers made during the Accumulation
Period. We will automatically terminate this option if you request any transfers
outside the Portfolio Rebalancing program. If you wish to resume the Portfolio
Rebalancing after it has been canceled, then you must complete a new Portfolio
Rebalancing form and send it to our home office. You may not include the Fixed
Account in a Portfolio Rebalancing program.

You may request Portfolio Rebalancing at any time before your Annuity Date by
submitting a completed written request to us at the P.O. Box given on the first
page of this prospectus. Please call or write us for a copy of the request form.
If you stop Portfolio Rebalancing, you must wait 30 days to begin again. In your
request, you may specify a date for your first rebalancing. If you specify a
date fewer than 30 days after your Issue Date, your first rebalance will be
delayed one month. If you request Portfolio Rebalancing in your Contract
application and do not specify a date for your first rebalancing, your first
rebalance will occur one period after the Issue Date. For example, if you
specify quarterly rebalancing, your first rebalance will occur three months
after your Issue Date. Otherwise, your first rebalancing will occur one period
after we receive your completed request form. All subsequent rebalancing will
occur at the intervals you have specified on the day of the month that coincides
with the same day of the month as your Contract Anniversary Date.

Generally, you may change the allocation percentages, frequency, or choice of
Subaccounts at any time. If your total Contract Value subject to rebalancing
falls below any minimum value that we may establish, we may prohibit or limit
your use of Portfolio Rebalancing. You may not use Dollar Cost Averaging and
Portfolio Rebalancing at the same time. We may change, terminate, limit, or
suspend Portfolio Rebalancing at any time.

THE INVESTMENT AND FIXED ACCOUNT OPTIONS

SEPARATE ACCOUNT INVESTMENTS

THE PORTFOLIOS. Each of the Subaccounts of the Separate Account invests in the
shares of one of the Portfolios. Each Portfolio is either an open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or a
separate investment series of an open-end management investment company. We have
briefly described the Portfolios below. You should consult the current
prospectuses for the Portfolios for more detailed and complete information
concerning the Portfolios. If you do not have a prospectus for a Portfolio,
contact us and we will send you a copy.

We do not promise that the Portfolios will meet their investment objectives.
Amounts you have allocated to Subaccounts may grow in value, decline in value,
or grow less than you expect, depending on the investment performance of the
Portfolios in which those Subaccounts invest. You bear the investment risk that
those Portfolios possibly will not meet their investment objectives. You should
carefully review their prospectuses before allocating amounts to the Subaccounts
of the Separate Account.

PORTFOLIO                PORTFOLIO OBJECTIVE           INVESTMENT ADVISER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM V.I. Basic Value     Long-term growth of capital   A I M ADVISORS, INC.
 Fund - Series I (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Growth    Long-term capital             FRED ALGER  MANAGEMENT,
 Portfolio - Class S      appreciation                  INC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIDELITY(R) VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth      Capital appreciation          FIDELITY MANAGEMENT &
 Portfolio - Service                                    RESEARCH COMPANY
 Class 2
-------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Investment  As high a level of current
 Grade Bond Portfolio -   income as is consistent
 Service Class 2          with the preservation of
                          capital.
-------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas    Long-term growth of capital
 Portfolio - Service
 Class 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goldman Sachs VIT        Long-term growth of capital   GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
 CORE(SM) Small Cap                                     MANAGEMENT, L.P.
 Equity Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goldman Sachs VIT        Long-term capital             GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
 International Equity    appreciation                  MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
 Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series       Long-term growth of capital   JANUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
 Capital Appreciation                                   LLC
 Portfolio:
 Institutional Shares
 (5)
-------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series       Long-term growth of capital
 Foreign Stock
 Portfolio: Service
 Shares (6)
-------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series       Long-term growth of capital
 Worldwide Growth         in a manner consistent with
 Portfolio: Service       the preservation of capital.
 Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. MORGAN SERIES TRUST II
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JP Morgan Small Company  High total return from a      J.P. MORGAN INVESTMENT
 Portfolio                portfolio of small company     MANAGEMENT, INC.
                          stocks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES INC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lazard Emerging Markets  Long-term capital             LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT
 Portfolio                appreciation                  LLC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lazard International     Long-term capital
 Equity Portfolio         appreciation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R) VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST(SM)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS New Discovery        Capital appreciation          MFS(TM) INVESTMENT
 Series - Service Class                                 MANAGEMENT
-------------------------------------------------------
MFS Utilities Series -   Capital growth and current
 Service Class           income
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Main Street  Capital appreciation          OPPENHEIMERFUNDS, INC.
 Small Cap Fund/VA -
 Service Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO ADVISORS VIT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAVIT OpCap Balanced     Growth of capital and         OPCAP ADVISORS LLC
 Portfolio (4)            investment income
-------------------------------------------------------
PAVIT OpCap Equity       Long-term capital
 Portfolio                appreciation
-------------------------------------------------------
PAVIT PEA Science and    Capital appreciation
 Technology Portfolio
 (3)
-------------------------------------------------------
PAVIT OpCap Small Cap    Capital appreciation
 Portfolio
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond   To maximize total return,     PACIFIC INVESTMENT
 Portfolio (U.S.          consistent with               MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC
 Dollar-Hedged) -         preservation of capital and
 Administrative Shares    prudent investment
                          management.
-------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO VIT Money Market   To obtain maximum current
 Portfolio -              income consistent with
 Administrative Shares    preservation of capital and
                          daily liquidity.
-------------------------------------------------------
StocksPLUS Growth and    A total return which exceeds
 Income Portfolio -       the total return
 Administrative Shares    performance of the S&P 500.
-------------------------------------------------------
PIMCO VIT Total Return   To maximize total return,
 Portfolio -              consistent with
 Administrative           Shares preservation of
                          capital and prudent
                          investment management.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putnam VT High Yield     High current income. Capital  PUTNAM INVESTMENT
 Fund - Class IB          growth is a secondary goal    MANAGEMENT LLC
                          when consistent with
                          achieving high current
                          income. The fund seeks its
                          goal by investing at least
                          80% in U.S. corporate
                          bonds rated below investment
                          grade (junkbonds) and that
                          have intermediate to
                          long-term maturities (three
                          years or longer.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rydex VT OTC Fund         Investment results that      RYDEX INVESTMENTS
                          correspond to a benchmark for
                          over-the-counter
                          securities. The Portfolio's
                          current benchmark is the
                          NASDAQ 100 Index.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS INC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers         Capital appreciation through  SALOMON BROTHERS ASSET
 Variable All Cap Fund    investment in securities      MANAGEMENT INC
 (formerly Capital        that the investment manager
 Fund) - Class I          believes have above-average
                          capital appreciation
                          potential.
-------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers         Long-term growth of capital
 Variable Investors       with current income as a
 Fund - Class I (4)       secondary objective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE UNIVERSAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS, INC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen UIF Equity    Seeks long-term capital       VAN KAMPEN(1)
 Growth Portfolio,        appreciation by investing
 Class I (7)              primarily in
                          growth-oriented equity
                          securities of large
                          capitalization companies.
-------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen UIF High      Above-average total return
 Yield Portfolio,         over a market cycle of
 Class I                  three to five years by
                          investing primarily in high
                          yield securities.
-------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap   Seeks above-average total
 Growth Portfolio,        return over a market cycle
 Class I                  of three to five years by
                          investing in common stocks
                          and other equity
                          securities.

-------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid  Seeks to provide
 Cap Value Portfolio,     above-average current
 Class I (formerly Mid    income and long-term
 Cap Core Portfolio)      capital appreciation by
 (2) (8)                  investing primarily in
                          equity securities of
                          com[panies in the U.S. real
                          estate industry, including
                          real estate investment
                          trusts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VAN KAMPEN LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen LIT           Capital Growth                VAN KAMPEN ASSET
 Aggressive Growth                                      MANAGEMENT
 Portfolio, Class II
 (9)
-------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen LIT Growth    Long-term growth of capital
 and Income Portfolio,    and income
 Class II
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., the investment adviser to the
     Van Kampen UIF Portfolios, does business in certain instances as Van
     Kampen.

(2)  Effective September 30, 2003, The Universal Institutional Funds, Inc. U.S.
     Mid Cap Core Portfolio, Class I changed its name to The Universal
     Institutional Funds, Inc. U.S. Mid Cap Value Portfolio, Class I. The
     investment objective for this Portfolio has not changed.

(3)  Sub-advised by PIMCO Equity Advisers LLC.

(4)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Balance Fund, LSA Basic Value Fund and LSA Value
     Equity Fund were merged into the PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio, AIM V.I.
     Basic Value Fund - Series I and Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund -
     Class I, respectively.

(5)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Capital Appreciation Fund was merged into the
     Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares.

(6)  Effective 5/1/04 the Janus Aspen Series International Portfolio - Service
     Shares changed its name to the Janus Aspen Foreign Stock Portfolio -
     Service Shares.

(7)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Blue Chip Fund, LSA Equity Grown Fund and LSA
     Capital Growth Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth
     Portfolio, Class I.

(8)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Diversified Mid-Cap Growth Fund and LSA MidCap
     Value Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value
     Portfolio, Class I.

                                  19 PROSPECTUS




(9)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Aggressive Growth Fund and LSA Emerging Growth
     Fund were merged into the Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Class
     II.

Each Portfolio is subject to certain investment restrictions and policies which
may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the shareholders of the
Portfolio. See the accompanying prospectuses of the Portfolios for further
information.

We automatically reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions from the
Portfolios in shares of the distributing Portfolio at their net asset value. The
income and realized and unrealized gains or losses on the assets of each
Subaccount are separate and are credited to or charged against the particular
Subaccount without regard to income, gains or losses from any other Subaccount
or from any other part of our business. We will use the net Purchase Payments
you allocate to a Subaccount to purchase shares in the corresponding Portfolio
and will redeem shares in the Portfolios to meet Contract obligations or make
adjustments in reserves. The Portfolios are required to redeem their shares at
net asset value and to make payment within seven days.

Some of the Portfolios have been established by investment advisors which manage
publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment objectives.
While some of the Portfolios may be similar to, and may in fact be modeled after
publicly traded mutual funds, you should understand that the Portfolios are not
otherwise directly related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the
investment performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any similarly named
Portfolio may differ substantially.

Some of the Portfolios sell their shares to separate accounts underlying both
variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. It is conceivable that
in the future it may be unfavorable for variable life insurance separate
accounts and variable annuity separate accounts to invest in the same Portfolio.
Although neither we nor any of the Portfolios currently foresees any such
disadvantages either to variable life insurance or variable annuity contract
owners, each Portfolio's Board of Directors intends to monitor events in order
to identify any material conflicts between variable life and variable annuity
contract owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in
response thereto. If a Board of Directors were to conclude that separate
investment funds should be established for variable life and variable annuity
separate accounts, Lincoln Benefit will bear the attendant expenses.

VOTING RIGHTS. As a general matter, you do not have a direct right to vote the
shares of the Portfolios held by the Subaccounts to which you have allocated
your Contract Value. Under current law, however, you are entitled to give us
instructions on how to vote those shares on certain matters. We will notify you
when your instructions are needed. We will also provide proxy materials or other
information to assist you in understanding the matter at issue. We will
determine the number of shares for which you may give voting instructions as of
the record date set by the relevant Portfolio for the shareholder meeting at
which the vote will occur.

As a general rule, before the Annuity Date, you are the person entitled to give
voting instructions. After the Annuity Date, the payee is that person.
Retirement plans, however, may have different rules for voting by plan
participants.

If you send us written voting instructions, we will follow your instructions in
voting the Portfolio shares attributable to your Contract. If you do not send us
written instructions, we will vote the shares attributable to your Contract in
the same proportions as we vote the shares for which we have received
instructions from other Contract Owners. We will vote shares that we hold in the
same proportions as we vote the shares for which we have received instructions
from other Contract Owners.

We may, when required by state insurance regulatory authorities, disregard
Contract Owner voting instructions if the instructions require that the shares
be voted so as to cause a change in the sub-classification or investment
objective of one or more of the Portfolios or to approve or disapprove an
investment advisory contract for one or more of the Portfolios.

In addition, we may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes initiated
by Contract Owners in the investment objectives or the investment advisor of the
Portfolios if we reasonably disapprove of the proposed change. We would
disapprove a proposed change only if the proposed change is contrary to state
law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities or we reasonably conclude that
the proposed change would not be consistent with the investment objectives of
the Portfolio or would result in the purchase of securities for the Portfolio
which vary from the general quality and nature of investments and investment
techniques utilized by the Portfolio. If we disregard voting instructions, we
will include a summary of that action and our reasons for that action in the
next semi-annual financial report to you.

This description reflects our view of currently applicable law. If the law
changes or our interpretation of the law changes, we may decide that we are
permitted to vote the Portfolio shares without obtaining instructions from our
Contract Owners, and we may choose to do so.

ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS OF SECURITIES. If the shares of any of
the Portfolios are no longer available for investment by the Separate Account or
if, in the judgment of our Board of Directors, further investment in the shares
of a Portfolio is no longer appropriate in view of the purposes of the Contract,
we may add or substitute shares of another Portfolio or underlying fund for
Portfolio shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future by Purchase
Payments

                                  20 PROSPECTUS




under the Contract. Any substitution of securities will comply with the
requirements of the 1940 Act.

We also reserve the right to make the following changes in the operation of the
Separate Account and the Subaccounts:

(a)  to operate the Separate Account in any form permitted by law;

(b)  to take any action necessary to comply with applicable law or obtain and
     continue any exemption from applicable laws;

(c)  to transfer assets from one Subaccount to another, or from any subaccount
     to our general account;

(d)  to add, combine, or remove Subaccounts in the Separate Account; and

(e)  to change the way in which we assess charges, as long as the total charges
     do not exceed the maximum amount that may be charged the Separate Account
     and the Portfolios in connection with the Contracts.

If we take any of these actions, we will comply with the then applicable legal
requirements.

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

GENERAL. You may allocate part or all of your Purchase Payments to the Fixed
Account in states where it is available. Amounts allocated to the Fixed Account
become part of the general assets of Lincoln Benefit. Loan Payments may not be
allocated to the Fixed Account(s). Allstate Life invests the assets of the
general account in accordance with applicable laws governing the investments of
insurance company general accounts. The Fixed Account may not be available in
all states. Please contact us at 1-800-865-5237 for current information.

GUARANTEED MATURITY FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION. We will credit interest to each amount
allocated to the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option at a specified rate
for a specified Guarantee Period. You select the Guarantee Period for each
amount that you allocate to this option. We will declare the interest rate that
we will guarantee to credit to that amount for that Guarantee Period. Each
amount allocated to a Guarantee Period under this option must be at least $500.
We reserve the right to limit the number of additional Purchase Payments that
may be allocated to this option.

We will tell you what interest rates and Guarantee Periods we are offering at a
particular time. We may offer Guarantee Periods ranging from one to ten years in
length. We will decide in our discretion which Guarantee Periods to offer.
Currently, we offer Guarantee Periods of one, three, five, seven and ten years.
In the future we may offer Guarantee Periods of different lengths or stop
offering some Guarantee Periods.

We will credit interest daily to each amount allocated to a Guarantee Period
under this option at a rate which compounds to the effective annual interest
rate that we declared at the beginning of the applicable Guarantee Period. We
will not change the interest rate credited to a particular allocation until the
end of the relevant Guarantee Period. We may declare different interest rates
for Guarantee Periods of the same length that begin at different times.

The following example illustrates how a Purchase Payment allocated to this
option would grow, given an assumed Guarantee Period and effective annual
interest rate:

                                  21 PROSPECTUS




EXAMPLE
Purchase Payment        $10,000
Guarantee Period        5 years
Effective Annual Rate      4.50%
Credit Enhancement      $   400

                                            END OF CONTACT YEAR
                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                          YEAR 1      YEAR 2       YEAR 3      YEAR 4      YEAR 5
                        ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Beginning Contract
 Value                  $10,400.00
 x (1 + Effective
 Annual Rate)              x 1.045
                        ----------
                        $10,868.00
Contract Value at end
 of Contract Year                   $$10,868.00
 x (1 + Effective
 Annual Rate)                           x 1.045
                                    -----------
                                    $ 11,357.06
Contract Value at end
 of Contract Year                                $11,357.06
 x (1 + Effective
 Annual Rate)                                       x 1.045
                                                 ----------
                                                 $11,868.13
Contract Value at end
 of Contract Year                                            $11,868.13
 x (1 + Effective
 Annual Rate)                                                   x 1.045
                                                             ----------
                                                             $12,402.19
Contract Value at end
 of Contract Year                                                        $12,402.19
 x (1 + Effective
 Annual Rate)                                                               x 1.045
                                                                         ----------
                                                                         $12,960.29

TOTAL INTEREST CREDITED DURING GUARANTEE PERIOD = $2,560.29 ($12,960.29 -
$10,400)

NOTE: This example assumes no withdrawals during the entire five-year Guarantee
Period. If you were to make a partial withdrawal, you might be required to pay a
Withdrawal Charge and the amount withdrawn might be increased or decreased by a
Market Value Adjustment. The hypothetical interest rate is for illustrative
purposes only and is not intended to predict future interest rates to be
declared under the Contract.

We have no specific formula for determining the rate of interest that we will
declare initially or in the future. We will set those interest rates based on
relevant factors such as then current interest rates, regulatory and tax
requirements, our sales commission and administrative expenses, general economic
trends, and competitive factors. For current interest rate information, please
contact us at 1-800-865-5237.

WE WILL DETERMINE THE INTEREST RATES TO BE DECLARED IN OUR SOLE DISCRETION. WE
CAN NEITHER PREDICT NOR GUARANTEE WHAT THOSE RATES WILL BE IN THE FUTURE.

At the end of each Guarantee Period, we will mail you a notice asking you what
to do with the relevant amount, including the accrued interest. During the
30-day period after the end of the Guarantee Period, you may:

1)   take no action. If so, we will automatically keep the relevant amount in
     the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option. The new Guarantee Period will
     be the same length as the expiring Guarantee Period and will begin on the
     day the previous Guarantee Period ends. The new interest rate will be our
     then current declared rate for Guarantee Periods of that length; or

2)   allocate the relevant Contract Value to one or more new Guarantee Periods
     of your choice in the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option. The new
     Guarantee Period(s) will begin on the day the previous Guarantee Period
     ends. The new interest rate will be our then current declared rate for
     those Guarantee Periods; or

3)   instruct us to transfer all or a portion of the relevant amount to one or
     more Subaccounts. We will effect the transfer on the day we receive your
     instructions. We will not adjust the amount transferred to include a Market
     Value Adjustment; or

4)   withdraw all or a portion of the relevant amount through a partial
     withdrawal. You may be required to pay a Withdrawal Charge, but we will not
     adjust the amount withdrawn to include a Market Value Adjustment. The
     amount withdrawn will be deemed to have been withdrawn on the day the
     Guarantee Period ends.

Under our Automatic Laddering Program, you may choose, in advance, to use
Guarantee Periods of the same length for all renewals in the Guaranteed Maturity
Fixed Account Option. You can select this program at any time during the
Accumulation Period, including on the Issue Date. We will apply renewals to
Guarantee Periods of the

                                  22 PROSPECTUS




selected length until you direct us in writing to stop. We may stop offering
this program at any time.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. If permitted by your state, we may increase or decrease
the amount of some transactions involving your investment in the Guaranteed
Maturity Fixed Account Option to include a Market Value Adjustment. The formula
for determining Market Value Adjustments reflects changes in interest rates
since the beginning of the relevant Guarantee Period. As a result, you will bear
some of the investment risk on amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Maturity
Fixed Account Option.

As a general rule, we will apply a Market Value Adjustment to the following
transactions involving your Fixed Account balance:

1)   when you withdraw funds from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option
     in an amount greater than the Free Withdrawal Amount, as described on page
     33;

2)   when you transfer funds from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Option
     to the Subaccounts;

3)   when you allocate part of your balance in the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed
     Account Option to a new Guarantee Period before the end of the existing
     Guarantee Period;

4)   when you annuitize your Contract; and

5)   when we pay a death benefit.

We will not apply a Market Value Adjustment to a transaction, to the extent
that:

1)   it occurs within 30 days after the end of a Guarantee Period applicable to
     the funds involved in the transaction; or

2)   you make a withdrawal to satisfy the IRS' required minimum distribution
     rules for this Contract.

The formula for calculating Market Value Adjustments is set forth in Appendix B
to this prospectus, which also contains additional examples of the application
of the Market Value Adjustment. This formula primarily compares:

1)   the Treasury Rate at the time of the relevant transaction for a maturity
     equal in length to the relevant Guarantee Period; and

2)   the Treasury Rate at the beginning of the Guarantee Period for a maturity
     equal in length to the Guarantee Period.

Generally, if the Treasury Rate at the beginning of the Guarantee Period is
higher than the corresponding current Treasury Rate, then the Market Value
Adjustment will increase the amount payable to you or transferred. Similarly, if
the Treasury Rate at the beginning of the Guarantee Period is lower than the
corresponding current Treasury Rate, then the Market Value Adjustment will
reduce the amount payable to you or transferred.

For example, assume that you purchased a Contract and selected an initial
Guarantee Period of five years and the five-year Treasury Rate for that duration
is 4.50%. Assume that at the end of three years, you make a partial withdrawal.
If, at that later time, the current five-year Treasury Rate is 4.20%, then the
Market Value Adjustment will be positive, which will result in an increase in
the amount payable to you. Similarly, if the current five-year Treasury Rate is
4.80%, then the Market Value Adjustment will be negative, which will result in a
decrease in the amount payable to you.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION. If permitted by your state, you may
also allocate Purchase Payments to the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account
Option. We will credit interest to Purchase Payments allocated to this option
for up to one year at the current rate that we declare when you make the
allocation. The effective annual rate will never be less than 3%. You may not
transfer funds to this option from the Subaccounts or the Guaranteed Maturity
Fixed Account Option. We will follow your instructions in transferring amounts
from this option to the Subaccounts or the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account
Option on a monthly basis only, as described in "Automatic Dollar Cost Averaging
Program" on page 16 of this prospectus.

ANNUITY BENEFITS

ANNUITY DATE. You may select the Annuity Date, which is the date on which
annuity payments are to begin, in your application. The Annuity Date must always
be the business day on or immediately following the tenth day of a calendar
month.

The Annuity Date may be no later than the Latest Annuity Date. As a general
rule, the Latest Annuity Date is the later of the 10th Contract Anniversary or
the youngest Annuitant's 90/TH/ birthday. If your Contract was issued pursuant
to a Qualified Plan, however, the Tax Code generally requires you to begin to
take at least a minimum distribution by the later of:

.    the year of your separation from service; or

.    April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you
     attain age 70 1/2 .

If your Contract is issued pursuant to Section 408 of the Tax Code (traditional
IRAs), you must begin taking minimum distributions by April 1 of the calendar
year following the calendar year in which you reach age 70 1/2. No minimum
distributions are required by the Tax Code for Contracts issued pursuant to
Section 408A (Roth IRAs).

                                  23 PROSPECTUS




If your Contract was purchased by a Qualified Plan, we may require you to
annuitize by the date required by the Tax Code, unless you show us that you are
meeting the minimum distribution requirements in some other way.

If you do not select an Annuity Date, the Latest Annuity Date will automatically
become the Annuity Date. You may change the Annuity Date by writing to us at the
address given on the first page of the prospectus.

ANNUITY OPTIONS. You may elect an Annuity Option at any time before the Annuity
Date. As part of your election, you may choose the length of the applicable
guaranteed payment period within the limits available for your chosen Option. If
you do not select an Annuity Option, we will pay monthly annuity payments in
accordance with the applicable default Option. The default Options are:

.    Option A with 10 years (120 months) guaranteed, if you have designated only
     one Annuitant; and

.    Option B with 10 years (120 months) guaranteed, if you have designated
     joint Annuitants.

You may freely change your choice of Annuity Option, as long as you request the
change at least thirty days before the Annuity Date. Three Annuity Options are
generally available under the Contract. Each is available in the form of:

.    a Fixed Annuity;

.    a Variable Annuity; or

.    a combination of both Fixed and Variable Annuity.

A portion of each payment will be considered taxable and the remaining portion
will be a non-taxable return of your investment in the Contract, which is also
called the "basis." Once the investment in the Contract is depleted, all
remaining payments will be fully taxable. If the Contract is tax-qualified,
generally, all payments will be fully taxable. Taxable payments taken prior to
age 59 1/2 may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty.

The three Annuity Options are:

OPTION A, LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 5 TO 20 YEARS. We make
periodic payments at least as long as the Annuitant lives. If the Annuitant dies
before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, we will pay the remaining
guaranteed payments to the Beneficiary.

OPTION B, JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY, WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 5 TO 20
YEARS. We make periodic payments at least as long as either the Annuitant or the
Joint Annuitant is alive. If both the Annuitant and the Joint Annuitant die
before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, we will pay the remaining
guaranteed payments to the Beneficiary.

OPTION C, PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD CERTAIN OF 5 YEARS TO 30 YEARS. We
make periodic payments for the period you have chosen. If the Annuitant dies
before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, we will pay the remaining
guaranteed payments to the Beneficiary. If you elect this option, and request
Variable Annuity payments, you may at any time before the period expires request
a lump sum payment, subject to a Withdrawal Charge. We will charge a Withdrawal
Charge on any portion of your lump sum payment attributable to Purchase Payments
made within the prior eight years. The amount of the Withdrawal Charge will be
determined as described in "Withdrawal Charge" on page 32 below. If you elected
Variable Annuity payments, the lump sum payment after Withdrawal Charge will
depend on:

.    the investment results of the Subaccounts you have selected,

.    the Contract Value at the time you elected annuitization, and

.    the length of the remaining period for which the payee would be entitled to
     payments.

No lump sum payment is available if you request Fixed Annuity payments. If you
purchased your Contract under a retirement plan, you may have a more limited
selection of Annuity Options to choose from. You should consult your Plan
documents to see what is available.

You may not "annuitize" your Contract for a lump sum payment. Instead, before
the Annuity Date you may surrender your Contract for a lump sum. As described on
page 32 below, however, we will subtract any applicable Withdrawal Charge and
increase or decrease your surrender proceeds by any applicable Market Value
Adjustment.

OTHER OPTIONS. We may have other Annuity Options available. You may obtain
information about them by writing or calling us.

If your Contract is issued under Sections 401, 403(b), 408 or 408A of the Tax
Code, we will only make payments to you and/or your spouse.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS: GENERAL. On the Annuity Date, we will apply the Annuitized
Value of your Contract to the Annuity Option you have chosen. Your annuity
payments may consist of Variable Annuity payments or Fixed Annuity payments or a
combination of the two. We will determine the amount of your annuity payments as
described in "Variable Annuity Payments" and "Fixed Annuity Payments" on page
25.

You must notify us in writing at least 30 days before the Annuity Date how you
wish to allocate your Annuitized Value between Variable Annuity and Fixed
Annuity payments. You must apply at least the Contract Value in the Fixed
Account on the Annuity Date to Fixed Annuity payments. If you wish to apply any
portion of your Fixed Account balance to your Variable Annuity payments, you
should plan ahead and transfer that amount to the Subaccounts prior to the
Annuity Date. If you do not tell us how to allocate your Contract Value among
Fixed and

                                  24 PROSPECTUS




Variable Annuity payments, we will apply your Contract Value in the Separate
Account to Variable Annuity payments and your Contract Value in the Fixed
Account to Fixed Annuity payments.

Annuity payments begin on the Annuity Date. We make subsequent annuity payments
on the tenth of the month or, if the NYSE is closed on that day, the next day on
which the NYSE is open for business.

Annuity payments will be made in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
installments as you select. If the amount available to apply under an Annuity
Option is less than $5,000, however, and state law permits, we may pay you a
lump sum instead of the periodic payments you have chosen. In addition, if the
first annuity payment would be less than $50, and state law permits us, we may
reduce the frequency of payments so that the initial payment will be at least
$50.

We may defer for up to 15 days the payment of any amount attributable to a
Purchase Payment made by check to allow the check reasonable time to clear.

YOU MAY NOT WITHDRAW CONTRACT VALUE DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD, IF WE ARE MAKING
PAYMENTS TO YOU UNDER ANY ANNUITY OPTION, SUCH AS OPTION A OR B ABOVE, INVOLVING
PAYMENT TO THE PAYEE FOR LIFE OR ANY COMBINATION OF PAYMENTS FOR LIFE AND
MINIMUM GUARANTEE PERIOD FOR A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF YEARS.

VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS. One basic objective of the Contract is to provide
Variable Annuity Payments which will to some degree respond to changes in the
economic environment. The amount of your Variable Annuity Payments will depend
upon the investment results of the Subaccounts you have selected, any premium
taxes, the age and sex of the Annuitant, and the Annuity Option chosen. We
guarantee that the Payments will not be affected by: (1) actual mortality
experience; and (2) the amount of our administration expenses.

We cannot predict the total amount of your Variable Annuity payments. The
Variable Annuity payments may be more or less than your total Purchase Payments
because: (a) Variable Annuity payments vary with the investment results of the
underlying Portfolios; and (b) Annuitants may die before their actuarial life
expectancy is achieved.

The length of any guaranteed payment period under your selected Annuity Option
will affect the dollar amounts of each Variable Annuity payment. As a general
rule, longer guarantee periods result in lower periodic payments, all other
things being equal. For example, if a life Annuity Option with no minimum
guaranteed payment period is chosen, the Variable Annuity payments will be
greater than Variable Annuity payments under an Annuity Option for a minimum
specified period and guaranteed thereafter for life.

The investment results of the Subaccounts to which you have allocated your
Contract Value will also affect the amount of your periodic payment. In
calculating the amount of the periodic payments in the annuity tables in the
Contract, we assumed an annual investment rate of 3 1/2%. If the actual net
investment return is less than the assumed investment rate, then the dollar
amount of the Variable Annuity payments will decrease. The dollar amount of the
Variable Annuity payments will stay level if the net investment return equals
the assumed investment rate and the dollar amount of the Variable Annuity
payments will increase if the net investment return exceeds the assumed
investment rate. You should consult the Statement of Additional Information for
more detailed information as to how we determine Variable Annuity Payments.

FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS. You may choose to apply a portion of your Annuitized
Value to provide Fixed Annuity payments. We determine the Fixed Annuity payment
amount by applying the applicable Annuitized Value to the Annuity Option you
have selected.

As a general rule, subsequent Fixed Annuity payments will be equal in amount to
the initial payment. However, as described in "Transfers During the Annuity
Period" below, after the Annuity Date, you will have a limited ability to
increase the amount of your Fixed Annuity payments by making transfers from the
Subaccounts.

We may defer making Fixed Annuity payments for a period of up to six months or
whatever shorter time state law may require. During the deferral period, we
credit interest at a rate at least as high as state law requires.

TRANSFERS DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD. During the Annuity Period, you will have a
limited ability to make transfers among the Subaccounts so as to change the
relative weighting of the Subaccounts on which your Variable Annuity payments
will be based. In addition, you will have a limited ability to make transfers
from the Subaccounts to increase the proportion of your annuity payments
consisting of Fixed Annuity payments. You may not, however, convert any portion
of your right to receive Fixed Annuity payments into Variable Annuity payments.

You may not make any transfers for the first six months after the Annuity Date.
Thereafter, you may make transfers among the Subaccounts or make transfers from
the Subaccounts to increase your Fixed Annuity payments. Your transfers must be
at least six months apart.

DEATH BENEFIT DURING ANNUITY PERIOD. If any Contract Owner dies after the
Annuity Date, the Successor Contract Owner will receive any guaranteed annuity
payments scheduled to continue. If the successor Owner dies before all of the
guaranteed payments have been made, we will continue the guaranteed payments to
the Beneficiary(ies). After annuity payments begin, upon the death of the
Annuitant and any Joint Annuitant, we will make any remaining guaranteed
payments to the

                                  25 PROSPECTUS




Beneficiary. The amount and number of these guaranteed payments will depend on
the Annuity Option in effect at the time of the Annuitant's death. After the
Annuitant's death, any remaining guaranteed payments will be distributed at
least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the
Annuitant's death.

CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. The Contracts offered by this prospectus contain
income payment tables that provide for different payments to men and women of
the same age, except in states that require unisex tables. We reserve the right
to use income payment tables that do not distinguish on the basis of sex to the
extent permitted by applicable law. In certain employment-related situations,
employers are required by law to use the same income payment tables for men and
women. Accordingly, if the Contract is to be used in connection with an
employment-related retirement or benefit plan and we do not offer unisex annuity
tables in your state, you should consult with legal counsel as to whether the
purchase of a Contract is appropriate.

OTHER CONTRACT BENEFITS

DEATH BENEFIT: GENERAL. We will pay a distribution on death, if:

1)   the Contract is in force;

2)   annuity payments have not begun; and

3)   either:

(a)  any Owner dies; or

(b)  any Annuitant dies and the Owner is a non-living person.

DUE PROOF OF DEATH. A complete request for settlement of the Death Proceeds must
be submitted before the Annuity Date. Where there are multiple beneficiaries, we
will value the Death Benefit at the time the first beneficiary submits a
complete request for settlement of the Death Proceeds. A complete request must
include "Due Proof of Death". We will accept the following documentation as Due
Proof of Death:

.    a certified original copy of the Death Certificate;

.    a certified copy of a court decree as to the finding of death; or

.    a written statement of a medical doctor who attended the deceased at the
     time of death.

In addition, in our discretion we may accept other types of proof.

DEATH PROCEEDS. If we receive a complete request for settlement of the Death
Proceeds within 180 days of the date of your death, the Death Proceeds are equal
to the Death Benefit as described below. Otherwise, the Death Proceeds are equal
to the greater of the Contract Value or the Surrender Value. We reserve the
right to waive or extend, on a nondiscriminatory basis, the 180-day period in
which the Death Proceeds will equal the Death Benefit as described below. This
right applies only to the amount payable as Death Proceeds and in no way
restricts when the claim may be filed.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT. The standard Death Benefit under the Contract is the
greatest of the following:

1)   the total Purchase Payments, less a withdrawal adjustment for any prior
     partial withdrawals;

2)   the Contract Value on the date as of which we calculate the Death Benefit;

3)   the Surrender Value;

4)   the Contract Value on the eighth Contract Anniversary and each subsequent
     Contract Anniversary evenly divisible by eight, increased by the total
     Purchase Payments since that anniversary and reduced by a withdrawal
     adjustment for any partial withdrawals since that anniversary.

The withdrawal adjustment for the Death Benefit will equal (a) divided by (b),
with the result multiplied by (c), where:

(a) = the withdrawal amount;

(b) = the Contract Value immediately before the withdrawal; and

(c) = the value of the applicable Death Benefit immediately before the
      withdrawal.

As described in Enhanced Death Benefit Rider on page 28, you may add an optional
rider that in some circumstances may increase the Death Benefit under your
Contract.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENTS.

Death of Owner:

1.   If your spouse is the sole beneficiary:

a.   Your spouse may elect to receive the Death Proceeds in a lump sum; or

b.   Your spouse may elect to receive the Death Proceeds paid out under one of
     the annuity options, subject to the following conditions:

The Annuity Date must be within one year of your date of death.

                       Annuity payments must be payable:

i.   over the life of your spouse; or

ii.  for a guaranteed number of payments from 5 to 30 years but not to exceed
     the life expectancy of your spouse; or

                                  26 PROSPECTUS




iii. over the life of your spouse with a guaranteed number of payments from 5 to
     30 years but not to exceed the life expectancy of your spouse.

c.   If your spouse chooses to continue the Contract or does not elect one of
     these options, then the Contract will continue in the Accumulation Period
     as if the death had not occurred. If the Contract is continued in the
     Accumulation Period, the following conditions apply:

Unless otherwise instructed by the continuing spouse, the excess, if any, of the
Death Proceeds over the Contract Value will be allocated to the Subaccounts.
This excess will be allocated in proportion to your Contract Value in those
Subaccounts as of the end of the Valuation Period during which we receive the
complete request for settlement of the Death Proceeds, except that any portion
of this excess attributable to the fixed account options will be allocated to
the Money Market Subaccount. Within 30 days of the date the Contract is
continued, your surviving spouse may choose one of the following transfer
alternatives without incurring a transfer fee:

i.   transfer all or a portion of the excess among the Subaccounts;

ii.  transfer all or a portion of the excess into the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed
     Account and begin a new Guarantee Period; or

iii. transfer all or a portion of the excess into a combination of subaccounts
     and the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account.

Any such transfer does not count as the free transfer allowed each calendar
month and is subject to any minimum allocation amount specified in your
contract.

The surviving spouse may make a single withdrawal of any amount within one year
of the date of your death without incurring a Withdrawal Charge or Market Value
Adjustment.

Prior to the Annuity Date, the death benefit of the continued Contract will be
as defined in the Death Benefit provision.

Only one spousal continuation is allowed under this Contract.

If there is no Annuitant at that time, the new Annuitant will be the surviving
spouse.

2.   If the Beneficiary is not your spouse but is a living person:

a.   The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Proceeds in a lump sum; or

b.   The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Proceeds paid out under one
     of the annuity options, subject to the following conditions:

The Annuity Date must be within one year of your date of death.

                       Annuity payments must be payable:

i.   over the life of the Beneficiary; or

ii.  for a guaranteed number of payments from 5 to 30 years but not to exceed
     the life expectancy of the Beneficiary; or

iii. over the life of the Beneficiary with a guaranteed number of payments from
     5 to 30 years but not to exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary.

c.   If the Beneficiary does not elect one of the options above, then the
     Beneficiary must receive the Contract Value payable within 5 years of your
     date of death. We will determine the Death Proceeds as of the date we
     receive the complete request for settlement of the Death Proceeds. Unless
     otherwise instructed by the Beneficiary, the excess, if any, of the Death
     Proceeds over the Contract Value will be allocated to the Money Market
     Subaccount and the Contract Value will be adjusted accordingly. The
     Beneficiary may exercise all rights as set forth in "Transfer During the
     Accumulation Period" on page 15 and "Transfer Fee" on page 32 during this 5
     year period.

The Beneficiary may not pay additional purchase payments into the contract under
this election. Withdrawal charges will be waived for any withdrawals made during
this 5 year period.

We reserve the right to offer additional options upon Death of Owner.

If the Beneficiary dies before the complete liquidation of the Contract Value,
then the Beneficiary's named Beneficiary(ies) will receive the greater of the
Surrender Value or the remaining Contract Value. This amount must be liquidated
as a lump sum within 5 years of the date of the original Contract Owner's death.

3.   If the Beneficiary is a corporation or other type of non-living person:

a.   The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Proceeds in a lump sum; or

b.   If the Beneficiary does not elect to receive the option above, then the
     Beneficiary must receive the Contract Value payable within 5 years of your
     date of death. We will determine the Death Proceeds as of the date we
     receive the complete request for settlement of the Death Proceeds. Unless
     otherwise instructed by the Beneficiary, the excess, if any, of the Death
     Proceeds over the Contract Value will be allocated to the Money Market
     Subaccount and the Contract Value will be adjusted accordingly. The
     Beneficiary may exercise all rights as set forth in "Transfers During the
     Accumulation Period" on page 15 and "Transfer Fee" on page 32 during this
     5-year period.

The Beneficiary may not pay additional purchase payments into the contract under
this election. Withdrawal Charges will be waived during this 5 year period.

We reserve the right to offer additional options upon Death of Owner.

                                  27 PROSPECTUS




If any Beneficiary is a non-living person, all Beneficiaries will be considered
to be non-living persons for the above purposes.

Under any of these options, all contract rights, subject to any restrictions
previously placed upon the Beneficiary, are available to the Beneficiary from
the date of your death to the date on which the Death Proceeds are paid.

Different rules may apply to Contracts issued in connection with Qualified
Plans.

Death of Annuitant:

If the Annuitant who is not also the Owner dies prior to the Annuity Date, the
following apply:

1.   If the Owner is a living person, then the contract will continue with a new
     Annuitant as described in "Annuitant" on page 13.

2.   If the Owner is a non-living person:

a.   The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Proceeds in a lump sum; or

b.   If the Beneficiary does not elect the option above, then the Beneficiary
     must receive the Contract Value payable within 5 years of the Annuitant's
     date of death. On the date we receive the complete request for settlement
     of the Death Proceeds, the Contract Value under this option will be the
     Death Proceeds. Unless otherwise instructed by the Beneficiary, the excess,
     if any, of the Death Proceeds over the Contract Value will be allocated to
     the Money Market Subaccount. Henceforth, the Beneficiary may exercise all
     rights as set forth in the "Transfers During Accumulation Period" on page
     15 and "Transfer Fee" on page 32 during this 5 year period.

No additional Purchase Payments may be added to the contract under this
election. Withdrawal charges will be waived during this 5 year period.

We reserve the right to offer additional options under Death of Annuitant.

Under any of these options, all contract rights, subject to any restrictions
previously placed upon the Beneficiary, are available to the Beneficiary from
the date of the Annuitant's death to the date on which the Death Proceeds are
paid.

ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER: When you purchase your Contract, you may select
the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider. In certain states, this benefit may be offered
as a benefit of the base contract, rather than as a separate rider. In those
states, the expense charge will remain the same for the benefit. If you are not
an individual, the Enhanced Death Benefit applies only to the Annuitant's death.
If you select this rider, the Death Benefit will be the greater of the value
provided in your Contract or the Enhanced Death Benefit. The Enhanced Death
Benefit will be the greater of the Enhanced Death Benefit A or Enhanced Death
Benefit B. As described below, we will charge a higher mortality and expense
risk charge if you select this Rider. We may discontinue offering the Rider at
any time.

ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT A. At issue, Enhanced Death Benefit A is equal to the
initial Purchase Payment. After issue, Enhanced Death Benefit A is adjusted
whenever you pay a Purchase Payment or make a withdrawal and on each Contract
Anniversary as follows:

.    When you pay a Purchase Payment, we will increase Enhanced Death Benefit A
     by the amount of the Purchase Payment;

.    When you make a withdrawal, we will decrease Enhanced Death Benefit A by a
     withdrawal adjustment, as described below; and

.    On each Contract Anniversary, we will set Enhanced Death Benefit A equal to
     the greater of the Contract Value on that Contract Anniversary or the most
     recently calculated Enhanced Death Benefit A.

If you do not pay any additional purchase payments or make any withdrawals,
Enhanced Death Benefit A will equal the highest Contract Value on all Contract
Anniversaries prior to the date we calculate the Death Benefit.

We will continuously adjust Enhanced Death Benefit A as described above until
the oldest Contract Owner's 85/TH/ birthday or, if the Contract Owner is not a
living individual, the Annuitant's 85/TH/ birthday. Thereafter, we will adjust
Enhanced Death Benefit A only for Purchase Payments and withdrawals.

ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT B. Enhanced Death Benefit B is equal to:

(a)  your total Purchase Payments,

(b)  reduced by any withdrawal adjustments and

(c)  accumulated daily at an effective annual rate of 5% per year, until the
     earlier of:

1)   the date we determine the death benefit;

2)   the first day of the month following the oldest Contract owner's 85/TH
     /birthday; or

3)   if the Contract Owner is a company or other legal entity, the first day of
     the month following the Annuitant's 85/TH/ birthday. Thereafter, we will
     only adjust Enhanced Death Benefit B to reflect additional Purchase
     Payments and withdrawals. Enhanced Death Benefit B will never be greater
     than the maximum death benefit allowed by any nonforfeiture laws which
     govern the Contract.

The withdrawal adjustment for both Enhanced Death Benefit A and Enhanced Death
Benefit B will equal (a) divided by (b), with the result multiplied by (c),
where:

(a) = the withdrawal amount;

(b) = the Contract Value immediately before the withdrawal; and

                                  28 PROSPECTUS




(c) = the most recently calculated Enhanced Death Benefit A or B, as
appropriate.

BENEFICIARY. You name the Beneficiary. You may name a Beneficiary in the
application. You may also name one or more contingent Beneficiaries who are
entitled to receive benefits under the contract if all primary Beneficiary(ies)
are deceased at the time a Contract Owner or any Annuitant if the Contract Owner
is not a living person, dies. You may change the Beneficiary or add additional
Beneficiaries at any time before the Annuity Date. We will provide a form to be
signed and filed with us.

Your changes in Beneficiary take effect when we accept them, effective as of the
date you signed the form. Until we accept your change instructions, we are
entitled to rely on your most recent instructions in our files. We are not
liable for making a payment to a Beneficiary shown in our files or treating that
person in any other respect as the Beneficiary, prior to accepting a change.
Accordingly, if you wish to change your beneficiary, you should deliver your
instructions to us promptly.

If you did not name a Beneficiary or if the named Beneficiary is no longer
living, the Beneficiary will be:

.    your spouse if he or she is still alive; or, if he or she is no longer
     alive,

.    your surviving children equally; or if you have no surviving children,

.    your estate.

Unless you have provided directions to the contrary, the Beneficiaries will take
equal shares. If there is more than one Beneficiary in a class and one of the
Beneficiaries predeceases the Contract Owner or Annuitant, as defined above, the
remaining Beneficiaries in that class will divide the deceased Beneficiary's
share in proportion to the original share of the remaining Beneficiaries.

If more than one Beneficiary shares in the Death Proceeds, each Beneficiary will
be treated as a separate and independent owner of his or her respective share.
Each Beneficiary will exercise all rights related to his or her share, including
the sole right to select a payout option, subject to any restrictions previously
placed upon the Beneficiary. Each Beneficiary may designate a Beneficiary(ies)
for his or her respective share, but that designated Beneficiary(ies) will be
restricted to the payout option chosen by the original Beneficiary.

If there is more than one Beneficiary and one of the Beneficiaries is a
corporation or other type of non-living person, all Beneficiaries will be
considered to be non-living persons for the above purposes.

You may specify that the Death Benefit be paid under a specific Income Plan by
submitting a written request to our Service Center. If you so request, your
Beneficiary may not change to a different Income Plan or lump sum. Once we
accept the written request, the change or restriction will take effect as of the
date you signed the request.

Different rules may apply to Contracts issued in connection with Qualified
Plans.

CONTRACT LOANS FOR 403(B) CONTRACTS. Subject to the restrictions described
below, we will make loans to the Owner of a Contract used in connection with a
Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan ("TSA Plan") under Section 403(b) of the Tax Code.
Loans are not available under Non-Qualified Contracts. We will only make loans
after the free look period and before annuitization. All loans are subject to
the terms of the Contract, the relevant Plan, and the Tax Code, which impose
restrictions on loans.

We will not make a loan to you if the total of the requested loan and your
unpaid outstanding loans will be greater than the Surrender Value of your
Contract on the date of the loan. In addition, we will not make a loan to you if
the total of the requested loan and all of the plan participant's Contract loans
under TSA plans is more than the lesser of (a) or (b) where:

(a)  equals $50,000 minus the excess of the highest outstanding loan balance
     during the prior 12 months over the current outstanding loan balance; and

(b)  equals the greater of $10,000 or 1/2 of the Surrender Value.

The minimum loan amount is $1,000.

To request a Contract loan write to us at the address given on the first page of
the prospectus. You alone are responsible for ensuring that your loan and
repayments comply with tax requirements. Loans made before the Annuity Date are
generally treated as distributions under the Contract, and may be subject to
withholding and tax penalties for early distributions. Some of these
requirements are stated in Section 72 of the Tax Code. Please seek advice from
your plan administrator or tax advisor.

When we make a loan, we will transfer an amount equal to the loan amount from
the Separate Account and/or the Fixed Account to the Loan Account as collateral
for the loan. We will transfer to the Loan Account amounts from the Separate
Account in proportion to the assets in each Subaccount. If your loan amount is
greater than your Contract Value in the Subaccounts, we will transfer the
remaining required collateral from the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account
Options. If your loan amount is greater than your contract value in the
Subaccounts and the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Options, we will transfer
the remaining required collateral from the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account
Option.

We will not charge a Withdrawal Charge on the loan or on the transfer from the
Subaccounts or the Fixed Account. We may, however, apply a Market Value
Adjustment to a transfer from the Fixed Account to the Loan Account. If we do,
we will increase or decrease the amount remaining in the Fixed Account by the
amount of the Market Value Adjustment, so that the net amount

                                  29 PROSPECTUS




transferred to the Loan Account will equal the desired loan amount. We will
charge a Withdrawal Charge and apply a Market Value Adjustment, if applicable,
on a distribution to repay the loan in full, in the event of loan default.

We will credit interest to the amounts in the Loan Account. The annual interest
rate credited to the Loan Account will be the greater of: (a) 3%; or (b) the
loan interest rate minus 2.25%. The value of the amounts in the Loan Account are
not affected by the changes in the value of the Subaccounts.

When you take out a loan, we will set the loan interest rate. That rate will
apply to your loan until it is repaid. From time to time, we may change the loan
interest rate applicable to new loans. We also reserve the right to change the
terms of new loans.

We will subtract the outstanding Contract loan balance, including accrued but
unpaid interest, from:

1)   the Death Proceeds;

2)   surrender proceeds;

3)   the amount available for partial withdrawal; and

4)   the amount applied on the Annuity Date to provide annuity payments.

Usually you must repay a Contract loan within five years of the date the loan is
made. Scheduled payments must be level, amortized over the repayment period, and
made at least quarterly. We may permit a repayment period of 15 or 30 years if
the loan proceeds are used to acquire your principal residence. We may also
permit other repayment periods.

You must mark your loan repayments as such. We will assume that any payment
received from you is a Purchase Payment, unless you tell us otherwise.
Generally, loan payments are allocated to the Subaccount(s) in the proportion
that you have selected for Purchase Payments. Allocations of loan payments are
not permitted to the Fixed Accounts (Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account and
Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account Option). If your Purchase Payment allocation
includes any of the Fixed Accounts, the percentages allocated to the Fixed
Accounts will be allocated instead to the PIMCO Money Market Subaccount.

If you do not make a loan payment when due, we will continue to charge interest
on your loan. We also will declare the entire loan in default. We will subtract
the defaulted loan balance plus accrued interest from any future distribution
under the Contract and keep it in payment of your loan. Any defaulted amount
plus interest will be treated as a distribution for tax purposes (as permitted
by law). As a result, you may be required to pay taxes on the defaulted amount,
incur the early withdrawal tax penalty. We will capitalize interest on a loan in
default.

If the total loan balance exceeds the Surrender Value, we will mail written
notice to your last known address. The notice will state the amount needed to
maintain the Contract in force. If we do not receive payment of this amount
within 31 days after we mail this notice, we will terminate your Contract.

We may defer making any loan for 6 months after you ask us for a loan, unless
the loan is to pay a premium to us.

WITHDRAWALS (REDEMPTIONS). Except as explained below, you may redeem a Contract
for all or a portion of its Contract Value before the Annuity Date. We may
impose a Withdrawal Charge, which would reduce the amount paid to you upon
redemption. The Withdrawal Charges are described on page 32. Withdrawals from
the Fixed Account may be increased or decreased by a Market Value Adjustment, as
described in "Market Value Adjustment" on page 23.

In general, you must withdraw at least $50 at a time. You may also withdraw a
lesser amount if you are withdrawing your entire interest in a Subaccount. If
your request for a partial withdrawal would reduce the Contract Value to less
than $500, we may treat it as a request for a withdrawal of your entire Contract
Value, as described in "Minimum Contract Value" on page 31. Your Contract will
terminate if you withdraw all of your Contract Value.

Withdrawals taken prior to annuitization are generally considered to come from
the earnings in the Contract first. If the Contract is tax-qualified, generally
all withdrawals are treated as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59
1/2, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty.

We may be required to withhold 20% of withdrawals and distributions from
Contracts issued in connection with certain Qualified Plans, as described on
Page 39.

To make a withdrawal, you must send us a written withdrawal request or
systematic withdrawal program enrollment form. You may obtain the required forms
from us at the address and phone number given on the first page of this
prospectus.

For partial withdrawals, you may allocate the amount among the Subaccounts and
the Fixed Accounts. If we do not receive allocation instructions from you, we
usually will allocate the partial withdrawal proportionately among the
Subaccounts and the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Options based upon the
balance of the Subaccounts and the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account Options,
with any remainder being distributed from the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed
Account Option. You may not make a partial withdrawal from the Fixed Account in
an amount greater than the total amount of the partial withdrawal multiplied by
the ratio of the value of the Fixed Account to the Contract Value immediately
before the partial withdrawal.

If you request a total withdrawal, you must send us your Contract. The Surrender
value will equal the Contract Value minus any applicable Withdrawal Charge and
adjusted by any applicable Market Value Adjustment. We

                                  30 PROSPECTUS




also will deduct a contract maintenance charge of $35, unless we have waived the
contract maintenance charge on your Contract as described on page 32. We
determine the Surrender Value based on the Contract Value next computed after we
receive a properly completed surrender request. We will usually pay the
Surrender Value within seven days after the day we receive a completed request
form. However, we may suspend the right of withdrawal from the Separate Account
or delay payment for withdrawals for more than seven days in the following
circumstances:

1)   whenever the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is closed (other than
     customary weekend and holiday closings);

2)   when trading on the NYSE is restricted or an emergency exists, as
     determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the Separate Account's
     investments or determination of Accumulation Unit Values is not reasonably
     practicable; or

3)   at any other time permitted by the SEC for your protection.

In addition, we may delay payment of the Surrender Value in the Fixed Account
for up to 6 months or a shorter period if required by law. If we delay payment
from the Fixed Account for more than 30 days, we will pay interest as required
by applicable law.

You may withdraw amounts attributable to contributions made pursuant to a salary
reduction agreement (in accordance with Section 403(b)(11) of the Tax Code) only
in the following circumstances:

1)   when you attain age 59 1/2;

2)   when you terminate your employment with the plan sponsor;

3)   upon your death;

4)   upon your disability as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Tax Code; or

5)   in the case of hardship.

If you seek a hardship withdrawal, you may only withdraw amounts attributable to
your Purchase Payments; you may not withdraw any earnings. These limitations on
withdrawals apply to:

1)   salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988;

2)   income attributable to such contributions; and

3)   income attributable to amounts held as of December 31, 1988.

The limitations on withdrawals do not affect transfers between certain Qualified
Plans. Additional restrictions and limitations may apply to distributions from
any Qualified Plan. Tax penalties may also apply. You should seek tax advice
regarding any withdrawals or distributions from Qualified Plans.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM. If your Contract is a non-Qualified Contract or
IRA, you may participate in our Systematic Withdrawal Program. You must complete
an enrollment form and send it to us. You must complete the withholding election
section of the enrollment form before the systematic withdrawals will begin. You
may choose withdrawal payments of a flat dollar amount, earnings, or a
percentage of Purchase Payments. You may choose to receive systematic withdrawal
payments on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Systematic
withdrawals will be deducted from your Subaccount and Fixed Account balances,
excluding the Dollar Cost Averaging Fixed Account, on a pro rata basis.

Depending on fluctuations in the net asset value of the Subaccounts and the
value of the Fixed Account, systematic withdrawals may reduce or even exhaust
the Contract Value. The minimum amount of each systematic withdrawal is $50.

We will make systematic withdrawal payments to you or your designated payee. We
may modify or suspend the Systematic Withdrawal Program and charge a processing
fee for the service. If we modify or suspend the Systematic Withdrawal Program,
existing systematic withdrawal payments will not be affected.

ERISA PLANS. A married participant may need spousal consent to receive a
distribution from a Contract issued in connection with a Qualified Plan or a
Non-Qualified Plan covered by to Title 1 of ERISA. You should consult an
advisor.

MINIMUM CONTRACT VALUE. If as a result of withdrawals your Contract Value would
be less than $500 and you have not made any Purchase Payments during the
previous three full calendar years, we may terminate your Contract and
distribute its Surrender Value to you. Before we do this, we will give you 60
days notice. We will not terminate your Contract on this ground if the Contract
Value has fallen below $500 due to either a decline in Accumulation Unit Value
or the imposition of fees and charges. In addition, in some states we are not
permitted to terminate Contracts on this ground. Different rules may apply to
Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans.

CONTRACT CHARGES

We assess charges under the Contract in three ways:

1)   as deductions from Contract Value for contract maintenance charges and for
     premium taxes, if applicable;

2)   as charges against the assets of the Separate Account for administrative
     expenses and for the assumption of mortality and expense risks; and

                                  31 PROSPECTUS




3)   as Withdrawal Charges (contingent deferred sales charges) subtracted from
     withdrawal and surrender payments.

In addition, certain deductions are made from the assets of the Portfolios for
investment management fees and expenses. Those fees and expenses are summarized
in the Fee Tables on page 6 and described more fully in the Prospectuses and
Statements of Additional Information for the Portfolios.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE. We deduct a mortality and expense risk charge
from each Subaccount during each Valuation Period. The mortality and expense
risk charge is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.30% of the average net asset
value of each Subaccount. The mortality risks arise from our contractual
obligations:

1)   to make annuity payments after the Annuity Date for the life of the
     Annuitant(s);

2)   to waive the Withdrawal Charge upon your death; and

3)   to provide the Death Benefit prior to the Annuity Date. A detailed
     explanation of the Death Benefit may be found beginning on page 26.

The expense risk is that it may cost us more to administer the Contracts and the
Separate Account than we receive from the contract maintenance charge and the
administrative expense charge. We guarantee the mortality and expense risk
charge and we cannot increase it. We assess the mortality and expense risk
charge during both the Accumulation Period and the Annuity Period.

If you select the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider, your mortality and expense risk
charge will be 1.50% of average net asset value of each Subaccount. We charge a
higher mortality and expense risk charge for the Rider to compensate us for the
additional risk that we accept by providing the Rider. We will calculate a
separate Accumulation Unit Value for the base Contract, and for Contracts with
the Rider, in order to reflect the difference in the mortality and expense risk
charges.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE. We charge an annual contract maintenance charge of
$35 on your Contract. The amount of this charge is guaranteed not to increase.
This charge reimburses us for our expenses incurred in maintaining your
Contract.

Before the Annuity Date, we assess the contract maintenance charge on each
Contract Anniversary. To obtain payment of this charge, on a pro rata basis we
will allocate this charge among the Subaccounts to which you have allocated your
Contract Value, and redeem Accumulation Units accordingly. We will waive this
charge if you pay $50,000 or more in Purchase Payments or if you allocate all of
your Contract Value to the Fixed Account. If you surrender your Contract, we
will deduct the full $35 charge as of the date of surrender, unless your
Contract qualifies for a waiver.

After the Annuity Date, if allowed in your state, we will subtract this charge
in equal parts from each of your annuity payments. We will waive this charge if
on the Annuity Date your Contract Value is $50,000 or more or if all of your
annuity payments are Fixed Annuity payments.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE. We deduct an administrative expense charge from
each Subaccount during each Valuation Period. This charge is equal, on an annual
basis, to 0.10% of the average net asset value of the Subaccounts. This charge
is designed to compensate us for the cost of administering the Contracts and the
Separate Account. The administrative expense charge is assessed during both the
Accumulation Period and the Annuity Period.

TRANSFER FEE. We currently are waiving the transfer fee. The Contract, however,
depending on your state, either permits us to charge you up to $10 per transfer
for each transfer effected between Subaccount(s) and/or the Fixed Account after
the first transfer in each month, or for each transfer in excess of twelve
within a calendar year. The Contract also permits us to impose a minimum size on
transfer amounts although the minimum size may be limited to $25 in some states.
We will notify you if we begin to charge this fee or impose a minimum size on
transfer amounts. We will not charge a transfer fee on transfers that are part
of a Dollar Cost Averaging or Portfolio Rebalancing program.

The transfer fee will be deducted from Contract Value that remains in the
Subaccount(s) or Fixed Account from which the transfer was made. If that amount
is insufficient to pay the transfer fee, we will deduct the fee from the
transferred amount.

SALES CHARGES

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE. We may charge a Withdrawal Charge, which is a contingent
deferred sales charge, upon certain withdrawals. As a general rule, the
Withdrawal Charge equals a percentage of Purchase Payments withdrawn that are:
(a) less than eight years old; and (b) not eligible for a free withdrawal. The
applicable percentage depends on how many years ago you made the Purchase
Payment being withdrawn, as shown in this chart:

                    WITHDRAWAL
                      CHARGE
CONTRIBUTION YEAR   PERCENTAGE
-----------------   ----------
First                   8%
Second and Third        7%
Fourth and Fifth        6%
Sixth                   5%
Seventh                 4%
Eighth                  3%
Ninth and later         0%

When we calculate the Withdrawal Charge, we do not take any applicable Market
Value Adjustment into

                                  32 PROSPECTUS




consideration. If you make a withdrawal before the Annuity Date, we will apply
the withdrawal charge percentage in effect on the date of the withdrawal, or the
withdrawal charge percentage in effect on the following day, whichever is lower.

We subtract the Withdrawal Charge from the Contract Value remaining after your
withdrawal. As a result, the decrease in your Contract Value will be greater
than the withdrawal amount requested and paid.

For purposes of determining the Withdrawal Charge, the Contract Value is deemed
to be withdrawn in the following order:

First. Earnings - the current Contract Value minus all Purchase Payments that
have not previously been withdrawn; Credit Enhancements are treated as
"earnings" for this purpose;

Second. "Old Purchase Payments" - Purchase Payments received by us more than
eight years before the date of withdrawal that have not been previously
withdrawn;

Third. Any additional amounts available as a "Free Withdrawal," as described
below;

Fourth. "New Purchase Payments - Purchase Payments received by us less than
eight years before the date of withdrawal. These Payments are deemed to be
withdrawn on a first-in, first-out basis.

No Withdrawal Charge is applied in the following situations:

.    on annuitization;

.    the payment of a Death Benefit;

.    a free withdrawal amount, as described on page 33;

.    certain withdrawals for Contracts issued under 403(b) plans or 401 plans
     under our prototype as described on page 33;

.    withdrawals taken to satisfy IRS minimum distribution rules;

.    withdrawals that qualify for one of the waiver benefits described on page
     33 below; and

.    withdrawals under Contracts issued to employees of Lincoln Benefit Life
     Company, Surety Life Insurance Company, and Allstate Financial Services,
     L.L.C. or to their spouses or minor children, if these individuals reside
     in the State of Nebraska.

We will never waive or eliminate a Withdrawal Charge where such waiver or
elimination would be unfairly discriminatory to any person or where it is
prohibited by state law.

We use the amounts obtained from the Withdrawal Charge to pay sales commissions
and other promotional or distribution expenses associated with marketing the
Contracts. To the extent that the Withdrawal Charge does not cover all sales
commissions and other promotional or distribution expenses, we may use any of
our corporate assets, including potential profit which may arise from the
mortality and expense risk charge or any other charges or fee described above,
to make up any difference.

Withdrawals of earnings are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age
59 1/2, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty. The amount of
your withdrawal may be affected by a Market Value Adjustment. Additional
restrictions may apply to Contracts held in Qualified Plans. We outline the tax
requirements applicable to withdrawals on page 36. You should consult your own
tax counsel or other tax advisors regarding any withdrawals.

FREE WITHDRAWAL. Withdrawals of the following amounts are never subject to the
Withdrawal Charge:

.    In any Contract Year, the greater of: (a) earnings that have not previously
     been withdrawn; or (b) 15 percent of New Purchase Payments; and

.    Any Old Purchase Payments that have not been previously withdrawn.

Credit Enhancements are treated as earnings for purposes of determining the free
withdrawal amount. However, even if you do not owe a Withdrawal Charge on a
particular withdrawal, you may still owe taxes or penalty taxes, or be subject
to a Market Value Adjustment. The tax treatment of withdrawals is summarized on
page 36.

WAIVER BENEFITS

GENERAL. If approved in your state, we will offer the two waiver benefits
described below. In general, if you qualify for one of these benefits, we will
permit you to make one or more partial or full withdrawals without paying any
otherwise applicable Withdrawal Charge or Market Value Adjustment. While we have
summarized those benefits here, you should consult your Contract for the precise
terms of the waiver benefits.

Some Qualified Plans may not permit you to utilize these benefits. Also, even if
you do not need to pay our Withdrawal Charge because of these benefits, you
still may be required to pay taxes or tax penalties on the amount withdrawn. You
should consult your tax advisor to determine the effect of a withdrawal on your
taxes.

CONFINEMENT WAIVER BENEFIT. Under this benefit, we will waive the Withdrawal
Charge and Market Value Adjustment on all withdrawals under your Contract if the
following conditions are satisfied:

1)   Any Contract owner or the Annuitant, if the Contract is owned by a company
     or other legal entity, is confined to a long term care facility or a
     hospital for at least 90 consecutive days. The Owner or Annuitant must
     enter the long term care facility or hospital at least 30 days after the
     Issue Date;

2)   You request the withdrawal no later than 90 days following the end of the
     Owner or Annuitant's stay at the long term care facility or hospital. You
     must

                                  33 PROSPECTUS




     provide written proof of the stay with your withdrawal request; and

3)   A physician must have prescribed the stay and the stay must be medically
     necessary.

You may not claim this benefit if the physician prescribing the Owner or
Annuitant's stay in a long term care facility is the Owner or Annuitant or a
member of the Owner or Annuitant's immediate family.

TERMINAL ILLNESS WAIVER BENEFIT. Under this benefit, we will waive any
Withdrawal Charge and Market Value Adjustment on all withdrawals under your
Contract if, at least 30 days after the Issue Date, you or the Annuitant are
diagnosed with a terminal illness. Due proof of the diagnosis, as provided in
the Contract, must be given to us prior to, or at the time of, any withdrawal
request.

WAIVER OF WITHDRAWAL CHARGE FOR CERTAIN QUALIFIED PLAN WITHDRAWALS. For
Contracts issued under a Section 403(b) plan or a Section 401 plan under our
prototype, we will waive the Withdrawal Charge when:

1)   the Annuitant becomes disabled (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Tax
     Code);

2)   the Annuitant reaches age 59 1/2 and at least 5 Contract Years have passed
     since the Contract was issued;

3)   at least 15 Contract Years have passed since the Contract was issued.

Our prototype is a Section 401 Defined Contribution Qualified Retirement plan.
This plan may be established as a Money Purchase plan, a Profit Sharing plan, or
a paired plan (Money Purchase and Profit Sharing). For more information about
our prototype plan, call us at 1-800-865-5237.

PREMIUM TAXES. We will charge premium taxes or other state or local taxes
against the Contract Value, including Contract Value that results from amounts
transferred from existing policies (Section 1035 exchange) issued by us or other
insurance companies. Some states assess premium taxes when Purchase Payments are
made; others assess premium taxes when annuity payments begin. We will deduct
any applicable premium taxes upon full surrender, death, or annuitization.
Premium taxes generally range from 0% to 3.5%.

DEDUCTION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT INCOME TAXES. We are not currently maintaining a
provision for taxes. In the future, however, we may establish a provision for
taxes if we determine, in our sole discretion, that we will incur a tax as a
result of the operation of the Separate Account. We will deduct for any taxes we
incur as a result of the operation of the Separate Account, whether or not we
previously made a provision for taxes and whether or not it was sufficient. Our
status under the Tax Code is briefly described in the Statement of Additional
Information.

OTHER EXPENSES. You indirectly bear the charges and expenses of the Portfolios
whose shares are held by the Subaccounts to which you allocate your Contract
Value. For a summary of current estimates of those charges and expenses, see
page 6. For more detailed information about those charges and expenses, please
refer to the prospectuses for the appropriate Portfolios. We may receive
compensation from the investment advisors or administrators of the Portfolios in
connection with administrative service and cost savings experienced by the
investment advisors or administrators.

                                  34 PROSPECTUS




TAXES

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS GENERAL AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. LINCOLN
BENEFIT MAKES NO GUARANTEE REGARDING THE TAX TREATMENT OF ANY CONTRACT OR
TRANSACTION INVOLVING A CONTRACT.

Federal, state, local and other tax consequences of ownership or receipt of
distributions under an annuity contract depend on your individual circumstances.
If you are concerned about any tax consequences with regard to your individual
circumstances, you should consult a competent tax adviser.

TAXATION OF LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE

COMPANY

Lincoln Benefit is taxed as a life insurance company under Part I of Subchapter
L of the Code. Since the Separate

Account is not an entity separate from Lincoln Benefit, and its operations form
a part of Lincoln Benefit, it will not be taxed separately. Investment income
and realized capital gains of the Separate Account are automatically applied to
increase reserves under the Contract. Under existing federal income tax law,
Lincoln Benefit believes that the Separate Account investment income and capital
gains will not be taxed to the extent that such income and gains are applied to
increase the reserves under the Contract. Accordingly, Lincoln Benefit does not
anticipate that it will incur any federal income tax liability attributable to
the Separate Account, and therefore Lincoln Benefit does not intend to make
provisions for any such taxes. If Lincoln Benefit is taxed on investment income
or capital gains of the Separate Account, then Lincoln Benefit may impose a
charge against the Separate

Account in order to make provision for such taxes.

TAXATION OF VARIABLE ANNUITIES IN GENERAL

TAX DEFERRAL. Generally, you are not taxed on increases in the Contract Value
until a distribution occurs. This rule applies only where:

.    the Contract Owner is a natural person,

.    the investments of the Separate Account are "adequately diversified"
     according to Treasury Department regulations, and

.    Lincoln Benefit is considered the owner of the Separate Account assets for
     federal income tax purposes.

NON-NATURAL OWNERS. Non-natural owners are also referred to as Non Living Owners
in this prospectus. As a general rule, annuity contracts owned by non-natural
persons such as corporations, trusts, or other entities are not treated as
annuity contracts for federal income tax purposes. The income on such contracts
does not enjoy tax deferral and is taxed as ordinary income received or accrued
by the non-natural owner during the taxable year.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE NON-NATURAL OWNER RULE. There are several exceptions to the
general rule that annuity contracts held by a non-natural owner are not treated
as annuity contracts for federal income tax purposes. Contracts will generally
be treated as held by a natural person if the nominal owner is a trust or other
entity which holds the contract as agent for a natural person. However, this
special exception will not apply in the case of an employer who is the nominal
owner of an annuity contract under a non-Qualified deferred compensation
arrangement for its employees. Other exceptions to the non-natural owner rule
are: (1) contracts acquired by an estate of a decedent by reason of the death of
the decedent; (2) certain qualified contracts; (3) contracts purchased by
employers upon the termination of certain qualified plans; (4) certain contracts
used in connection with structured settlement agreements; and (5) immediate
annuity contracts, purchased with a single premium, when the annuity starting
date is no later than a year from purchase of the annuity and substantially
equal periodic payments are made, not less frequently than annually, during the
annuity period.

GRANTOR TRUST OWNED ANNUITY. Contracts owned by a grantor trust are considered
owned by a non-natural owner. Grantor trust owned contracts receive tax deferral
as described in the Exceptions to the Non-Natural Owner Rule section. In
accordance with the Code, upon the death of the annuitant, the death benefit
must be paid. According to your Contract, the Death Benefit is paid to the
beneficiary. A trust named beneficiary, including a grantor trust, has two
options for receiving any death benefits: 1) a lump sum payment, or 2) payment
deferred up to five years from date of death.

DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. For a Contract to be treated as an annuity for
federal income tax purposes, the investments in the Separate Account must be
"adequately diversified" consistent with standards under Treasury Department
regulations. If the investments in the Separate Account are not adequately
diversified, the Contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for federal
income tax purposes. As a result, the income on the Contract will be taxed as
ordinary income received or accrued by the Contract owner during the taxable
year. Although Lincoln Benefit does not have control over the Portfolios or
their investments, we expect the Portfolios to meet the diversification
requirements.

OWNERSHIP TREATMENT. The IRS has stated that a contract owner will be considered
the owner of separate account assets if he possesses incidents of ownership in
those assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control over the
assets. At the time the diversification regulations were issued, the Treasury
Department announced that the regulations do not provide guidance concerning
circumstances in which investor control of the separate account investments may
cause a Contract

                                  35 PROSPECTUS




owner to be treated as the owner of the separate account. The Treasury
Department also stated that future guidance would be issued regarding the extent
that owners could direct sub-account investments without being treated as owners
of the underlying assets of the separate account.

Your rights under the Contract are different than those described by the IRS in
private and published rulings in which it found that Contract owners were not
owners of separate account assets. For example, if your contract offers more
than twenty (20) investment alternatives you have the choice to allocate
premiums and contract values among a broader selection of investment
alternatives than described in such rulings. You may be able to transfer among
investment alternatives more frequently than in such rulings. These differences
could result in you being treated as the owner of the Separate Account. If this
occurs, income and gain from the Separate Account assets would be includible in
your gross income. Lincoln

Benefit does not know what standards will be set forth in any regulations or
rulings which the Treasury Department may issue. It is possible that future
standards announced by the Treasury Department could adversely affect the tax
treatment of your Contract. We reserve the right to modify the Contract as
necessary to attempt to prevent you from being considered the federal tax owner
of the assets of the Separate Account. However, we make no guarantee that such
modification to the Contract will be successful.

TAXATION OF PARTIAL AND FULL WITHDRAWALS. If you make a partial withdrawal under
a Non-Qualified Contract, amounts received are taxable to the extent the
Contract Value, without regard to surrender charges, exceeds the investment in
the Contract. The investment in the Contract is the gross premium paid for the
contract minus any amounts previously received from the Contract if such amounts
were properly excluded from your gross income. If you make a full withdrawal
under a Non-Qualified Contract, the amount received will be taxable only to the
extent it exceeds the investment in the Contract.

TAXATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS. Generally, the rule for income taxation of annuity
payments received from a Non-Qualified Contract provides for the return of your
investment in the Contract in equal tax-free amounts over the payment period.
The balance of each payment received is taxable. For fixed annuity payments, the
amount excluded from income is determined by multiplying the payment by the
ratio of the investment in the Contract (adjusted for any refund feature or
period certain) to the total expected value of annuity payments for the term of
the Contract. If you elect variable annuity payments, the amount excluded from
taxable income is determined by dividing the investment in the Contract by the
total number of expected payments. The annuity payments will be fully taxable
after the total amount of the investment in the Contract is excluded using these
ratios. If any variable payment is less than the excludable amount you should
contact a competent tax advisor to determine how to report any unrecovered
investment. The federal tax treatment of annuity payments is unclear in some
respects. As a result, if the IRS should provide further guidance, it is
possible that the amount we calculate and report to the IRS as taxable could be
different. If you die, and annuity payments cease before the total amount of the
investment in the Contract is recovered, the unrecovered amount will be allowed
as a deduction for your last taxable year.

TAXATION OF LEVEL MONTHLY VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS. You may have an option to
elect a variable income payment stream consisting of level monthly payments that
are recalculated annually. Although we will report your levelized payments to
the IRS in the year distributed, it is possible the IRS could determine that
receipt of the first monthly payout of each annual amount is constructive
receipt of the entire annual amount. If the IRS were to take this position, the
taxable amount of your levelized payments would be accelerated to the time of
the first monthly payout and reported in the tax year in which the first monthly
payout is received.

WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE PAYOUT START DATE. Federal tax law is unclear regarding
the taxation of any additional withdrawal received after the Payout Start Date.
It is possible that a greater or lesser portion of such a payment could be
taxable than the amount we determine.

DISTRIBUTION AT DEATH RULES. In order to be considered an annuity contract for
federal income tax purposes, the Contract must provide:

.    if any Contract Owner dies on or after the Payout Start Date but before the
     entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the remaining portion
     of such interest must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the
     method of distribution being used as of the date of the Contract Owner's
     death;

.    if any Contract Owner dies prior to the Payout Start Date, the entire
     interest in the Contract will be distributed within 5 years after the date
     of the Contract Owner's death. These requirements are satisfied if any
     portion of the Contract Owner's interest that is payable to (or for the
     benefit of) a designated Beneficiary is distributed over the life of such
     Beneficiary (or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of
     the Beneficiary) and the distributions begin within 1 year of the Contract
     Owner's death. If the Contract Owner's designated Beneficiary is the
     surviving spouse of the Contract Owner, the Contract may be continued with
     the surviving spouse as the new Contract Owner.

.    if the Contract Owner is a non-natural person, then the Annuitant will be
     treated as the Contract Owner for purposes of applying the distribution at
     death rules. In addition, a change in the Annuitant on a Contract owned by
     a non-natural person will be treated as the death of the Contract Owner.

                                  36 PROSPECTUS




TAXATION OF ANNUITY DEATH BENEFITS. Death Benefit amounts are included in income
as follows:

.    if distributed in a lump sum, the amounts are taxed in the same manner as a
     full withdrawal, or

.    if distributed under an Income Plan, the amounts are taxed in the same
     manner as annuity payments.

PENALTY TAX ON PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS. A 10% penalty tax applies to the taxable
amount of any premature distribution from a non-Qualified Contract. The penalty
tax generally applies to any distribution made prior to the date you attain age
59 1/2. However, no penalty tax is incurred on distributions:

.    made on or after the date the Contract Owner attains age 59 1/2,

.    made as a result of the Contract Owner's death or becoming totally
     disabled,

.    made in substantially equal periodic payments over the Contract Owner's
     life or life expectancy, or over the joint lives or joint life expectancies
     of the Contract Owner and the Beneficiary,

.    made under an immediate annuity, or

.    attributable to investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982.

You should consult a competent tax advisor to determine how these exceptions may
apply to your situation.

SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PERIODIC PAYMENTS. With respect to non-Qualified Contracts
using substantially equal periodic payments or immediate annuity payments as an
exception to the penalty tax on premature distributions, any additional
withdrawal or other material modification of the payment stream would violate
the requirement that payments must be substantially equal. Failure to meet this
requirement would mean that the income portion of each payment received prior to
the later of 5 years or the Contract Owner's attaining age 59 1/2 would be
subject to a 10% penalty tax unless another exception to the penalty tax
applied. The tax for the year of the modification is increased by the penalty
tax that would have been imposed without the exception, plus interest for the
years in which the exception was used. A material modification does not include
permitted changes described in published IRS rulings. You should consult a
competent tax advisor prior to creating or modifying a substantially equal
periodic payment stream.

TAX FREE EXCHANGES UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 1035. A 1035 exchange is
a tax-free exchange of a non-qualified life insurance contract, endowment
contract or annuity contract into a non-Qualified annuity contract. The contract
owner(s) must be the same on the old and new contract. Basis from the old
contract carries over to the new contract so long as we receive that information
from the relinquishing company. If basis information is never received, we will
assume that all exchanged funds represent earnings and will allocate no cost
basis to them.

PARTIAL EXCHANGES. The IRS has issued a ruling that permits partial exchanges of
annuity contracts. Under this ruling, if you take a withdrawal from a receiving
or relinquishing annuity contract within 24 months of the partial exchange, then
special aggregation rules apply for purposes of determining the taxable amount
of a distribution. The IRS has issued limited guidance on how to aggregate and
report these distributions. The IRS is expected to provide further guidance, as
a result, it is possible that the amount we calculate and report to the IRS as
taxable could be different.

TAXATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES. If you transfer a non-Qualified Contract without
full and adequate consideration to a person other than your spouse (or to a
former spouse incident to a divorce), you will be taxed on the difference
between the Contract Value and the investment in the Contract at the time of
transfer. Any assignment or pledge (or agreement to assign or pledge) of the
Contract Value is taxed as a withdrawal of such amount or portion and may also
incur the 10% penalty tax.

AGGREGATION OF ANNUITY CONTRACTS. The Code requires that all non-Qualified
deferred annuity contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit (or its affiliates) to the
same Contract Owner during any calendar year be aggregated and treated as one
annuity contract for purposes of determining the taxable amount of a
distribution.

INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

Generally, Lincoln Benefit is required to withhold federal income tax at a rate
of 10% from all non-annuitized distributions. The customer may elect out of
withholding by completing and signing a withholding election form. If no
election is made, we will automatically withhold the required 10% of the taxable
amount. In certain states, if there is federal withholding, then state
withholding is also mandatory.

Lincoln Benefit is required to withhold federal income tax using the wage
withholding rates for all annuitized distributions. The customer may elect out
of withholding by completing and signing a withholding election form. If no
election is made, we will automatically withhold using married with three
exemptions as the default. If no U.S. taxpayer identification number is
provided, we will automatically withhold using single with zero exemptions as
the default. In certain states, if there is federal withholding, then state
withholding is also mandatory.

Election out of withholding is valid only if the customer provides a U.S.
residence address and taxpayer identification number.

Generally, Section 1441 of the Code provides that Lincoln Benefit as a
withholding agent must withhold 30% of the taxable amounts paid to a
non-resident alien. A non-resident alien is someone other than a U.S. citizen or
resident alien. Withholding may be reduced or eliminated if covered by an income
tax treaty between the U.S. and the non-resident alien's country of residence if

                                  37 PROSPECTUS




the payee provides a U.S. taxpayer identification number on a completed Form
W-8BEN. A U.S. taxpayer identification number is a social security number or an
individual taxpayer identification number ("ITIN"). ITINs are issued by the IRS
to non-resident alien individuals who are not eligible to obtain a social
security number. The U.S. does not have a tax treaty with all countries nor do
all tax treaties provide an exclusion or lower withholding rate for annuities.

TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

The income on tax sheltered annuity (TSA) and IRA investments is tax deferred,
and the income on variable annuities held by such plans does not receive any
additional tax deferral. You should review the annuity features, including all
benefits and expenses, prior to purchasing a variable annuity as a TSA or IRA.
Tax Qualified Contracts are contracts purchased as investments as:

.    Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs) under Section 408(b) of the Code;

.    Roth IRAs under Section 408A of the Code;

.    Simplified Employee Pension (SEP IRA) under Section 408(k) of the Code;

.    Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) under Section
     408(p) of the Code; and

.    Tax Sheltered Annuities under Section 403(b) of the Code.

Lincoln Benefit reserves the right to limit the availability of the Contract for
use with any of the retirement plans listed above or to modify the Contract to
conform with tax requirements.

The tax rules applicable to participants with tax qualified annuities vary
according to the type of contract and the terms and conditions of the
endorsement. Adverse tax consequences may result from certain transactions such
as excess contributions, premature distributions, and, distributions that do not
conform to specified commencement and minimum distribution rules. Lincoln

Benefit can issue an individual retirement annuity on a rollover or transfer of
proceeds from a decedent's IRA, TSA, or employer sponsored retirement plan under
which the decedent's surviving spouse is the beneficiary. Lincoln Benefit does
not offer an individual retirement annuity that can accept a transfer of funds
for any other, non-spousal, beneficiary of a decedent's IRA, TSA, or employer
sponsored retirement plan.

In the case of certain qualified plans, the terms of the plans may govern the
right to benefits, regardless of the terms of the Contract.

TAXATION OF WITHDRAWALS FROM AN INDIVIDUALLY OWNED TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACT. If
you make a partial withdrawal under a Tax Qualified Contract other than a Roth
IRA, the portion of the payment that bears the same ratio to the total payment
that the investment in the Contract (i.e., nondeductible IRA contributions)
bears to the Contract Value, is excluded from your income. We do not keep track
of nondeductible contributions, and all tax reporting of distributions from Tax
Qualified Contracts other than Roth IRAs will indicate that the distribution is
fully taxable.

"Qualified distributions" from Roth IRAs are not included in gross income.
"Qualified distributions" are any distributions made more than five taxable
years after the taxable year of the first contribution to any Roth IRA and which
are:

.    made on or after the date the Contract Owner attains age 59 1/2,

.    made to a beneficiary after the Contract Owner's death,

.    attributable to the Contract Owner being disabled, or

.    made for a first time home purchase (first time home purchases are subject
     to a lifetime limit of $10,000).

"Nonqualified distributions" from Roth IRAs are treated as made from
contributions first and are included in gross income only to the extent that
distributions exceed contributions. All tax reporting of distributions from Roth
IRAs will indicate that the taxable amount is not determined.

REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS. Generally, IRAs (excluding Roth IRAs) and TSAs
require minimum distributions upon reaching age 70 1/2. Failure to withdraw the
required minimum distribution will result in a 50% tax penalty on the shortfall
not withdrawn from the Contract. Not all income plans offered under the Contract
satisfy the requirements for minimum distributions. Because these distributions
are required under the Code and the method of calculation is complex, please see
a competent tax advisor.

THE DEATH BENEFIT AND TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACTS. Pursuant to the Code and IRS
regulations, an IRA (e.g., traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA)
may not invest in life insurance contracts. However, an IRA may provide a death
benefit that equals the greater of the purchase payments or the Contract Value.
The Contract offers a death benefit that in certain circumstances may exceed the
greater of the purchase payments or the Contract Value. We believe that the
Death Benefits offered by your Contract do not constitute life insurance under
these regulations.

It is also possible that certain death benefits that offer enhanced earnings
could be characterized as an incidental death benefit. If the death benefit were
so characterized, this could result in current taxable income to a Contract
Owner. In addition, there are limitations on the amount of incidental death
benefits that may be provided under qualified plans, such as in connection with
a 403(b) plan.

Lincoln Benefit reserves the right to limit the availability of the Contract for
use with any of the qualified plans listed above.

                                  38 PROSPECTUS




PENALTY TAX ON PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACTS. A 10%
penalty tax applies to the taxable amount of any premature distribution from a
Tax Qualified Contract. The penalty tax generally applies to any distribution
made prior to the date you attain age 59 1/2. However, no penalty tax is
incurred on distributions:

.    made on or after the date the Contract Owner attains age 59 1/2,

.    made as a result of the Contract Owner's death or total disability,

.    made in substantially equal periodic payments over the Contract Owner's
     life or life expectancy, or over the joint lives or joint life expectancies
     of the Contract Owner and the Beneficiary,

.    made after separation from service after age 55 (applies only for IRAs),

.    made pursuant to an IRS levy,

.    made for certain medical expenses,

.    made to pay for health insurance premiums while unemployed (applies only
     for IRAs),

.    made for qualified higher education expenses (applies only for IRAs), and

.    made for a first time home purchase (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit and
     applies only for IRAs).

During the first 2 years of the individual's participation in a SIMPLE IRA,
distributions that are otherwise subject to the premature distribution penalty,
will be subject to a 25% penalty tax.

You should consult a competent tax advisor to determine how these exceptions may
apply to your situation.

SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PERIODIC PAYMENTS ON TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACTS. With respect
to Tax Qualified Contracts using substantially equal periodic payments as an
exception to the penalty tax on premature distributions, any additional
withdrawal or other material modification of the payment stream would violate
the requirement that payments must be substantially equal. Failure to meet this
requirement would mean that the income portion of each payment received prior to
the later of 5 years or the taxpayer's attaining age 59 1/2 would be subject to
a 10% penalty tax unless another exception to the penalty tax applied. The tax
for the year of the modification is increased by the penalty tax that would have
been imposed without the exception, plus interest for the years in which the
exception was used. A material modification does not include permitted changes
described in published IRS rulings. You should consult a competent tax advisor
prior to creating or modifying a substantially equal periodic payment stream.

INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING ON TAX QUALIFIED CONTRACTS. Generally, Lincoln Benefit is
required to withhold federal income tax at a rate of 10% from all non-annuitized
distributions that are not considered "eligible rollover distributions." The
customer may elect out of withholding by completing and signing a withholding
election form. If no election is made, we will automatically withhold the
required 10% from the taxable amount. In certain states, if there is federal
withholding, then state withholding is also mandatory. Lincoln Benefit is
required to withhold federal income tax at a rate of 20% on all "eligible
rollover distributions" unless you elect to make a "direct rollover" of such
amounts to an IRA or eligible retirement plan. Eligible rollover distributions
generally include all distributions from employer sponsored retirement plans,
including TSAs but excluding IRAs, with the exception of:

.    required minimum distributions, or,

.    a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over a period of at
     least 10 years, or,

.    a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life (joint
     lives) of the participant (and beneficiary), or,

.    hardship distributions.

For all annuitized distributions that are not subject to the 20% withholding
requirement, Lincoln Benefit is required to withhold federal income tax using
the wage withholding rates. The customer may elect out of withholding by
completing and signing a withholding election form. If no election is made, we
will automatically withhold using married with three exemptions as the default.
If no U.S. taxpayer identification number is provided, we will automatically
withhold using single with zero exemptions as the default. In certain states, if
there is federal withholding, then state withholding is also mandatory.

Election out of withholding is valid only if the customer provides a U.S.
residence address and taxpayer identification number.

Generally, Section 1441 of the Code provides that Lincoln Benefit as a
withholding agent must withhold 30% of the taxable amounts paid to a
non-resident alien. A non-resident alien is someone other than a U.S. citizen or
resident alien. Withholding may be reduced or eliminated if covered by an income
tax treaty between the U.S. and the non-resident alien's country of residence if
the payee provides a U.S. taxpayer identification number on a completed Form
W-8BEN. A U.S. taxpayer identification number is a social security number or an
individual taxpayer identification number ("ITIN"). ITINs are issued by the IRS
to non-resident alien individuals who are not eligible to obtain a social
security number. The U.S. does not have a tax treaty with all countries nor do
all tax treaties provide an exclusion or lower withholding rate for annuities.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES. Section 408 of the Code permits eligible
individuals to contribute to an individual retirement program known as an
Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA). Individual Retirement Annuities are subject
to limitations on the amount that

                                  39 PROSPECTUS




can be contributed and on the time when distributions may commence. Certain
distributions from other types of qualified plans may be "rolled over" on a
tax-deferred basis into an Individual Retirement Annuity.

ROTH INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES. Section 408A of the Code permits eligible
individuals to make nondeductible contributions to an individual retirement
program known as a Roth Individual Retirement Annuity. Roth Individual
Retirement Annuities are subject to limitations on the amount that can be
contributed and on the time when distributions may commence.

Subject to certain limitations, a traditional Individual Retirement Account or
Annuity may be converted or "rolled over" to a Roth Individual Retirement
Annuity. The income portion of a conversion or rollover distribution is taxable
currently, but is exempted from the 10% penalty tax on premature distributions.

ANNUITIES HELD BY INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (COMMONLY KNOWN AS CUSTODIAL
IRAS)

Internal Revenue Code Section 408 permits a custodian or trustee of an
Individual Retirement Account to purchase an annuity as an investment of the
Individual Retirement Account. If an annuity is purchased inside of an
Individual Retirement Account, then the Annuitant must be the same person as the
beneficial owner of the Individual Retirement Account.

Generally, the death benefit of an annuity held in an Individual Retirement
Account must be paid upon the death of the Annuitant. However, in most states,
the Contract permits the custodian or trustee of the Individual Retirement
Account to continue the Contract in the accumulation phase, with the Annuitant's
surviving spouse as the new Annuitant, if the following conditions are met:

1)   The custodian or trustee of the Individual Retirement Account is the owner
     of the annuity and has the right to the death proceeds otherwise payable
     under the annuity contract;

2)   The deceased Annuitant was the beneficial owner of the Individual
     Retirement Account;

3)   We receive a complete request for settlement for the death of the
     Annuitant; and

4)   The custodian or trustee of the Individual Retirement Account provides us
     with a signed certification of the following:

(a)  The Annuitant's surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary of the Individual
     Retirement Account;

(b)  The Annuitant's surviving spouse has elected to continue the Individual
     Retirement Account as his or her own Individual Retirement Account; and

(c)  The custodian or trustee of the Individual Retirement Account has continued
     the Individual Retirement Account pursuant to the surviving spouse's
     election.

SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION IRA. Section 408(k) of the Code allows eligible
employers to establish simplified employee pension plans for their employees
using individual retirement annuities. These employers may, within specified
limits, make deductible contributions on behalf of the employees to the
individual retirement annuities. Employers intending to use the Contract in
connection with such plans should seek competent tax advice.

SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLANS FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE IRA). Section 408(p) of the
Code allow eligible employers with 100 or fewer employees to establish SIMPLE
retirement plans for their employees using individual retirement annuities. In
general, a SIMPLE IRA consists of a salary deferral program for eligible
employees and matching or nonelective contributions made by employers. Employers
intending to purchase the Contract as a SIMPLE IRA should seek competent tax and
legal advice.

TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED IRAS
(TRADITIONAL, ROTH, SEP, OR SIMPLE), PLEASE REFER TO IRS PUBLICATION 590 AND
YOUR COMPETENT TAX ADVISOR.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES. Section 403(b) of the Code provides tax-deferred
retirement savings plans for employees of certain non-profit and educational
organizations. Under Section 403(b), any contract used for a 403(b) plan must
provide that distributions attributable to salary reduction contributions made
after 12/31/88, and all earnings on salary reduction contributions, may be made
only on or after the date the employee:

.    attains age 59 1/2,

.    severs employment,

.    dies,

.    becomes disabled, or

.    incurs a hardship (earnings on salary reduction contributions may not be
     distributed on account of hardship).

These limitations do not apply to withdrawals where Lincoln Benefit is directed
to transfer some or all of the Contract Value to another 403(b) plan. Generally,
we do not accept Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) funds
in 403(b) contracts.

                                  40 PROSPECTUS




DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY. Lincoln Benefit Life Company is a stock life
insurance company organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska in 1938. Our
legal domicile and principal business address is 2940 South 84th Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68506-4142. Lincoln Benefit is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Allstate Life Insurance Company ("Allstate Life"), a stock life insurance
company incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. Allstate Life is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Insurance Company ("AIC"), a stock
property-liability insurance company incorporated under the laws of Illinois.
All outstanding capital stock of AIC is owned by The Allstate Corporation
("Allstate").

We are authorized to conduct life insurance and annuity business in the District
of Columbia, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and all states except New York. We intend
to market the Contract everywhere we conduct variable annuity business. The
Contracts offered by this prospectus are issued by us and will be funded in the
Separate Account and/or the Fixed Account.

Under our reinsurance agreements with Allstate Life, substantially all contract
related transactions are transferred to Allstate Life and substantially all of
the assets backing our reinsured liabilities are owned by Allstate Life. These
assets represent our general account and are invested and managed by Allstate
Life. Accordingly, the results of operations with respect to applications
received and contracts issued by Lincoln Benefit are not reflected in our
financial statements. The amounts reflected in our financial statements relate
only to the investment of those assets of Lincoln Benefit that are not
transferred to Allstate Life under the reinsurance agreements. While the
reinsurance agreements provide us with financial backing from Allstate Life, it
does not create a direct contractual relationship between Allstate Life and you.

Under the Company's reinsurance agreements with Allstate Life, the Company
reinsures all reserve liabilities with Allstate Life except for variable
contracts. The Company's variable contract assets and liabilities are held in
legally-segregated, unitized Separate Accounts and are retained by the Company.
However, Lincoln Benefit's economic risks and returns related to such variable
contracts are transferred to Allstate Life.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT. Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account was originally
established in 1992, as a segregated asset account of Lincoln Benefit. The
Separate Account meets the definition of a "separate account" under the federal
securities laws and is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. The SEC does not supervise the management of
the Separate Account or Lincoln Benefit.

We own the assets of the Separate Account, but we hold them separate from our
other assets. To the extent that these assets are attributable to the Contract
Value of the Contracts offered by this prospectus, these assets are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business we may conduct.
Income, gains, and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to the
Separate Account are credited to or charged against the Separate Account without
regard to our other income, gains, or losses. Our obligations arising under the
Contracts are general corporate obligations of Lincoln Benefit.

The Separate Account is divided into Subaccounts. The assets of each Subaccount
are invested in the shares of one of the Portfolios. We do not guarantee the
investment performance of the Separate Account, its Subaccounts or the
Portfolios. Values allocated to the Separate Account and the amount of Variable
Annuity payments will rise and fall with the values of shares of the Portfolios
and are also reduced by Contract charges. We may also use the Separate Account
to fund our other annuity contracts. We will account separately for each type of
annuity contract funded by the Separate Account.

We have included additional information about the Separate Account in the
Statement of Additional Information. You may obtain a copy of the Statement of
Additional Information by writing to us or calling us at 1-800-865-5237. We have
reproduced the Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information on
44.

STATE REGULATION OF LINCOLN BENEFIT. We are subject to the laws of Nebraska and
regulated by the Nebraska Department of Insurance. Every year we file an annual
statement with the Department of Insurance covering our operations for the
previous year and our financial condition as of the end of the year. We are
inspected periodically by the Department of Insurance to verify our contract
liabilities and reserves. Our books and records are subject to review by the
Department of Insurance at all times. We are also subject to regulation under
the insurance laws of every jurisdiction in which we operate.

ADMINISTRATION

We have primary responsibility for all administration of the Contracts and the
Separate Account. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 80469, Lincoln, Nebraska
68501-0469.

                                  41 PROSPECTUS




We provide the following administrative services, among others: issuance of the
Contracts; maintenance of Contract Owner records; Contract Owner services;
calculation of unit values; maintenance of the Separate Account; and preparation
of Contract Owner reports.

We will send you Contract statements and transaction confirmations at least
quarterly. You should notify us promptly in writing of any address change. You
should read your statements and confirmations carefully and verify their
accuracy. You should contact us promptly if you have a question about a periodic
statement. We will investigate all complaints and make any necessary adjustments
retroactively, but you must notify us of a potential error within a reasonable
time after the date of the questioned statement. If you wait too long, we will
make the adjustment as of the date that we receive notice of the potential
error.

We will also provide you with additional periodic and other reports, information
and prospectuses as may be required by federal securities laws.

DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS

The Contracts described in this prospectus are sold by registered
representatives of broker-dealers who are our licensed insurance agents, either
individually or through an incorporated insurance agency. Commissions paid to
broker-dealers may vary, but we estimate that the total commissions paid on all
Contract sales will not exceed 5.5% of all Purchase Payments (on a present value
basis). From time to time, we may offer additional sales incentives of up to 1%
of Purchase Payments and other cash bonuses to broker-dealers who maintain
certain sales volume levels. ALFS, Inc. ("ALFS") located at 3100 Sanders Road,
Northbrook, IL 60062-7154 serves as distributor of the Contracts. ALFS, an
affiliate of Lincoln Benefit, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life
Insurance Company. ALFS is a registered broker dealer under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Lincoln Benefit does not pay ALFS a commission for
distribution of the Contracts. The underwriting agreement with ALFS provides
that we will reimburse ALFS for expenses incurred in distributing the Contracts,
including liability arising out of services we provide on the Contracts.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no pending legal proceedings affecting the Separate Account. Lincoln
Benefit is engaged in routine lawsuits which, in our management's judgment, are
not of material importance to their respective total assets or material with
respect to the Separate Account.

LEGAL MATTERS

All matters of Nebraska law pertaining to the Contract, including the validity
of the Contract and our right to issue the Contract under Nebraska law, have
been passed upon by William F. Emmons, Vice President, Assistant General
Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of Lincoln Benefit.

ANNUAL REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Lincoln Benefit's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003, is incorporated herein by reference, which means that it is legally a part
of this prospectus.

After the date of this prospectus and before we terminate the offering of the
securities under this prospectus, all documents or reports we file with the SEC
under the Exchange Act of 1934 are also incorporated herein by reference, which
means that they also legally become a part of this prospectus.

Statements in this prospectus, or in documents that we file later with the SEC
and that legally become a part of this prospectus, may change or supersede
statement in other documents that are legally part of this prospectus.

We file our Exchange Act documents and reports, including our annual and
quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q electronically on the SEC's "EDGAR"
system using the identifying number CIK No. 0000910739. The SEC maintains a Web
site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The
address of the site is http:// www.sec.gov. You also can view these materials at
the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. For more information on the operations of SEC's Public Reference Room,
call 1-800-SEC-0330.

If you have received a copy of this prospectus, and would like a free copy of
any document incorporated herein by

                                  42 PROSPECTUS




reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference into
the text of such documents), please write or call us at Lincoln Benefit Life
Company, P.O. Box 80469, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-0469 or 1-800-865-5237.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

We have filed a registration statement with the SEC, under the Securities Act of
1933 as amended, with respect to the Contracts offered by this prospectus. This
prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration
statement and the exhibits filed as part of the registration statement. You
should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits for further
information concerning the Separate Account, Lincoln Benefit, and the Contracts.
The descriptions in this prospectus of the Contracts and other legal instruments
are summaries. You should refer to those instruments as filed for the precise
terms of those instruments. You may inspect and obtain copies of the
registration statement as described on the cover page of this prospectus.

                                  43 PROSPECTUS




STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                      PAGE

THE CONTRACT

                                Annuity Payments

                         Initial Monthly Annuity Payment

                           Subsequent Monthly Payments

                          Transfers After Annuity Date

                               Annuity Unit Value

                                      PAGE

             Illustrative Example of Annuity Unit Value Calculation

                Illustrative Example of Variable Annuity Payments

EXPERTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  44 PROSPECTUS




APPENDIX A

                         ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES /(1)/

                                  BASIC POLICY

                                       Year ending December 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------
FUND                       1999      2000      2001       2002        2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM V.I. Basic Value
Fund (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
Alger American Growth
Portfolio (5)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --  $    10.00
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --  $   12.358
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --      54,381
 Year
Fidelity VIP Growth
Portfolio (5)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --  $    10.00
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --  $   12.458
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --     111,685
 Year
Fidelity VIP Investment
Grade Bond (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $   10.721
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $   10.721  $   11.094
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --     178,620     645,218
 Year
Fidelity VIP Overseas
(4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.724
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.724  $   10.895
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --       3,650      40,658
 Year
Goldman Sachs VIT
International Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  12.29  $  10.52  $     8.07  $    6.495
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 12.29  $  10.52  $   8.07  $    6.495  $    8.678
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     22,152   159,917   114,948     254,616     287,318
 Year
Goldman Sachs VIT CORE
Small Cap Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  12.19  $  12.23  $    12.61  $   10.573
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 12.19  $  12.23  $  12.61  $   10.573  $   15.223
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     32,499    94,926   230,893     127,061     199,375
 Year
Janus Aspen Series
Capital Appreciation (7)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
Janus Aspen Series
Foreign Stock (4) (8)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.755
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.755  $   10.200
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      10,251      32,987
 Year
Janus Aspen Series
Worldwide Growth (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.806
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.806  $    9.520
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      13,094      51,204
 Year
JPMorgan Small Company
(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  14.01  $  12.25  $    11.11  $    8.582
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 14.01  $  12.25  $  11.11  $    8.582  $   11.508
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     42,567   135,018   148,118     229,162     235,165
 Year
Lazard Emerging Markets
(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  13.27  $   9.41  $     8.81  $    8.555
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 13.27  $   9.41  $   8.81  $    8.555  $   12.903
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     11,803    34,832    51,868      78,720     112,391
 Year
Lazard International
Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  11.25  $  10.02  $     7.50  $    6.607
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 11.25  $  10.02  $   7.50  $    6.607  $    8.374
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     27,207    79,805   118,331     162,113     148,319
 Year
LSA Aggressive Growth
(4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.299
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.299  $    9.982
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      10,154      73,878
 Year
LSA Balanced (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.40  $  11.17  $    11.26  $    9.073
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.40  $  11.17  $  11.26  $    9.073  $   11.561
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of        386   124,389   266,745     514,929     685,220
 Year
LSA Basic Value (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.638
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.638  $   10.049
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      63,427     353,241
 Year
LSA Blue Chip (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.975
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.975  $    9.848
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      24,337     260,606
 Year
LSA Capital Appreciation
(4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    8.163
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    8.163  $   10.491
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      14,015      73,575
 Year
LSA Capital Growth (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  12.22  $  11.03  $     9.33  $    6.910
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 12.22  $  11.03  $   9.33  $    6.910  $    8.472
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of      3,394   142,502   226,920     226,041     330,980
 Year
LSA Diversified Mid Cap
(4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.783
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.783  $   10.192
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      26,268     172,288
 Year
LSA Emerging Growth
Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  17.48  $  12.04  $     9.75  $    5.589
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 17.48  $  12.04  $   9.75  $    5.589  $    8.098
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     16,191   131,445   150,128     161,610     207,970
 Year
LSA Equity Growth (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  12.49  $  10.86  $     9.05  $    6.224
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 12.49  $  10.86  $   9.05  $    6.224  $    7.627
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     34,228   160,257   240,525      85,390     619,195
 Year
LSA Mid Cap Value (10)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                                                         $    8.437
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                                                            $   11.629
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of                                                165,206
 Year
LSA Value Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  11.03  $  12.55  $    11.77  $    9.035
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 11.03  $  12.55  $  11.77  $    9.035  $   11.622
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         32   122,654   235,535     428,181     484,234
 Year
MFS New Discovery (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.473
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.473  $    9.833
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      20,998     103,156
 Year
MFS Utilities (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    8.370
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    8.370  $   11.189
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      13,969      71,175
 Year
Oppenheimer Main Street
Small Cap (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    7.839
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    7.839  $   11.151
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      28,379     251,859
 Year
PAVIT OpCap Balanced (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
PAVIT OpCap Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.62  $  11.51  $    10.56  $    8.180
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.62  $  11.51  $  10.56  $    8.180  $   10.371
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of          0    58,987   110,288     195,029     295,226
 Year
PAVIT OpCap Small Cap
(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.65  $  15.15  $    16.18  $   12.502
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.65  $  15.15  $  16.18  $   12.502  $   17.586
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of          0    49,685    75,521     140,778     232,549
 Year
PAVIT PEA Science and
Technology (3)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --  $  10.00  $     3.36  $    1.803
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --  $   3.36  $    1.803  $    2.903
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --    59,395     160,966   1,167,164
 Year
PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond
(U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.29  $  10.99  $    11.66  $   12.443
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.29  $  10.99  $  11.66  $   12.443  $   12.547
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     17,747    30,068    49,293      93,732     218,507
 Year
PIMCO VIT Money Market
(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.07  $  10.54  $    10.79  $   10.786
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.07  $  10.54  $  10.79  $   10.786  $   10.713
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     45,777   307,495   918,122   1,311,411   1,069,740
 Year
PIMCO VIT StocksPLUS
Growth and Income (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  11.64  $  10.39  $     9.07  $    7.139
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 11.64  $  10.39  $   9.07  $    7.139  $    9.179
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         21    97,992   171,296     335,810     444,281
 Year
PIMCO VIT Total Return
Bond (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.13  $  11.01  $    11.77  $   12.656
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.13  $  11.01  $  11.77  $   12.656  $   13.109
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     54,509   181,857   356,786     916,788   1,387,841
 Year
Putnam VT High Yield (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    9.568
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    9.568  $   11.939
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      14,843     151,285
 Year
Rydex VT OTC (3)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --  $  10.00  $     5.75  $    3.470
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --  $   5.75  $    3.470  $    4.976
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --     7,617      73,139     169,077
 Year
Salomon Brothers
Variable All Cap (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  11.54  $  13.45  $    13.51  $    9.987
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 11.54  $  13.45  $  13.51  $    9.987  $   13.693
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     49,256   141,167   260,699     321,536     374,930
 Year
Salomon Brothers
Variable Investors (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
Van Kampen UIF Equity
Growth (2) (9)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
Van Kampen UIF High
Yield (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  10.37  $   9.14  $     8.61  $    7.872
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 10.37  $   9.14  $   8.61  $    7.872  $    9.759
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of     17,868    68,958    94,964     148,434     259,819
 Year
Van Kampen UIF. Mid Cap
Growth (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  13.80  $  12.61  $     8.79  $    5.967
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 13.80  $  12.61  $   8.79  $    5.967  $    8.341
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of        409   170,775   213,956     302,409     426,417
 Year
Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid
Cap Value (10)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                $ 10.00  $  12.06  $  13.17  $    12.57  $    8.924
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                   $ 12.06  $  13.17  $  12.57  $    8.924  $   12.453
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of          0    85,226   189,874     301,924     324,553
 Year
Van Kampen LIT
Aggressive Growth (11)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --          --          --
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --          --          --
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --          --          --
 Year
Van Kampen LIT Growth
and Income (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Beginning                     --        --        --  $    10.00  $    8.155
 Accumulation Unit Value
 Ending                        --        --        --  $    8.155  $   10.267
 Number of Units
 Outstanding at End of         --        --        --      58,636     266,307
 Year

(1)  Accumulation Unit Value: unit of measure used to calculate the value of a
     Contract Owner's interest in a Subaccount for any Valuation Period. An
     Accumulation Unit Value does not reflect deduction of certain charges under
     the Contract that are deducted from your Contract Value, such as the
     Administrative Expense Charge. The beginning value reflects the
     Accumulation Unit Value as of October 18, 1999, the date Lincoln Benefit
     started to offer the Contract.

(2)  First offered 10/18/1999.

(3)  First offered 1/17/2001.

(4)  First offered 5/1/2002.

(5)  First offered 5/1/03.(6) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Balance Fund, LSA Basic
     Value Fund and LSA Value Equity Fund were merged into the PAVIT OpCap
     Balanced Portfolio, AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund - Series I and Salomon
     Brothers Variable Investors Fund - Class I, respectively. Accordingly, on
     4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Balanced Variable Sub-Account
     and the LSA Value Equity Variable Sub-Account to the PAVIT OpCap Balanced
     Variable Sub-Account, AIM V.I. Basic Value Variable Sub-Account and the
     Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Variable Sub-Account, respectively.

(6)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Balance Fund, LSA Basic Value Fund and LSA Value
     Equity Fund were merged into the PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio, AIM V.I.
     Basic Value Fund - Series I and Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund -
     Class I, respectively. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Balanced Variable Sub-Account and the LSA Value Equity Variable
     Sub-Account to the PAVIT OpCap Balanced Variable Sub-Account, AIM V.I.
     Basic Value Variable Sub-Account and the Salomon Brothers Variable
     Investors Variable Sub-Account, respectively.

(7)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Capital Appreciation Fund was merged into the
     Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares.
     Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Capital
     Appreciation Variable Sub-Account to the Janus Aspen Serioed Capital
     Appreciation Variable Sub-Account.

(8)  Effective 5/1/04 the Janus Aspen Series International Portfolio - Service
     Shares changed its name to the Janus Aspen Foreign Stock Portfolio -
     Service Shares. We have made a corresponding change in the name of the
     Variable Sub-Account that invests in this Portfolio.

(9)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Blue Chip Fund, LSA Equity Growth Fund and LSA
     Capital Growth Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth
     Portfolio, Class I. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Blue Chip Variable Sub-Account, LSA Equity Growth Variable
     Sub-Account and LSA Capital Growth Variable Sub-Account to the Van Kampen
     UIF Equity Growth Variable Sub-Account.

(10) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Diversified Mid-Cap Growth Fund and LSA MidCap
     Value Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value
     Portfolio, Class I. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Diversified Mid-Cap Growth Variable Sub-Account and the LSA MidCap
     Value Variable Sub-Account to the Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value
     Variable Sub-Account.

(11) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Aggressive Growth Fund and LSA Emerging Growth
     Fund were merged into the Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Class
     II. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Aggressive
     Growth Variable Sub-Account and the LSA Emerging Growth Variable
     Sub-Account to the Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Variable Sub-Account.

A brief explanation of how performance of the Subaccounts is calculated may be
found in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                  48 PROSPECTUS




                            ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

                 BASIC POLICY PLUS ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER

                                                            Year ending December 31,
                                              ---------------------------------------------------
FUND                                           1999       2000       2001       2002       2003
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
AIM Basic Value (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
Alger American Growth (5)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --   $  10.00
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --   $ 12.341
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --     30,627
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio (5)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --   $  10.00
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --   $ 12.441
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --     71,284
Fidelity VIP Investment Grade Bond (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $ 10.706
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $ 10.706   $ 11.057
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     84,421    275,877
Fidelity VIP Overseas (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.714
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.714   $ 10.858
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      8,812     22,038
Goldman Sachs VIT International Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  12.29   $  10.50   $   8.03   $  6.453
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 12.29   $  10.50   $   8.03   $  6.453   $  8.605
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     5,621     78,931    112,245    114,893    135,685
Goldman Sachs VIT CORE Small Cap Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  12.19   $  12.20   $  12.55   $ 10.505
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 12.19   $  12.20   $  12.55   $ 10.505   $ 15.095
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     3,604     24,178     35,125     59,592    108,325
Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation (7)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
Janus Aspen Series Foreign Stock (4) (8)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.744
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.744   $ 10.166
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      6,035     20,593
Janus Aspen Series Worldwide Growth (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.795
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.795   $  9.488
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     13,160     39,364
JPMorgan Small Company (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  14.00   $  12.22   $  11.06   $  8.527
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 14.00   $  12.22   $  11.06   $  8.527   $ 11.412
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year         0     53,597     58,437     83,459    115,268
Lazard Emerging Markets (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  13.26   $   9.39   $   8.77   $  8.501
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 13.26   $   9.39   $   8.77   $  8.501   $ 12.795
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     2,809     25,988     32,552     51,013     81,410
Lazard International Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  11.24   $  10.00   $   7.47   $  6.565
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 11.24   $  10.00   $   7.47   $  6.565   $  8.304
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     4,064     50,850     71,754     73,992     82,929
LSA Aggressive Growth (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.289
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.289   $  9.949
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      5,753     41,947
LSA Balanced (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.40   $  11.14   $  11.21   $  9.015
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.40   $  11.14   $  11.21   $  9.015   $ 11.464
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     7,126     69,393    144,623    221,913    419,279
LSA Basic Value (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.627
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.627   $ 10.015
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     30,010    144,113
LSA Blue Chip (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.964
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.964   $  9.816
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      9,727    122,223
LSA Capital Appreciation (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  8.152
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  8.152   $ 10.456
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      4,462     52,459
LSA Diversified Mid Cap (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.772
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.772   $ 10.158
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      7,362     76,253
LSA Emerging Growth Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  17.47   $  12.01   $   9.71   $  5.553
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 17.47   $  12.01   $   9.71   $  5.553   $  8.030
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     5,259     86,819     94,558     98,810    110,592
LSA Equity Growth (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  12.48   $  10.83   $   9.01   $  6.224
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 12.48   $  10.83   $   9.01   $  6.224   $  7.563
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     8,359     54,291     90,631     85,390   $243,908
LSA Capital Growth(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  12.21   $  11.00   $   9.28   $  6.910
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 12.21   $  11.00   $   9.28   $  6.910   $  8.401
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year    24,902    123,406    172,729    226,041    268,165
LSA Mid Cap Value (10)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                                                       $  8.246
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                                                          $ 11.591
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year                                               107,129
LSA Value Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  8.978
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  8.426   $ 11.525
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     25,180    234,745
MFS New Discovery (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  11.03   $  12.52   $  11.72   $  8.978
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 11.03   $  12.52   $  11.72   $  8.978   $  9.800
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year    17,183     62,043    130,669    179,820     46,541
MFS Utilities (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.463
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.463   $ 11.152
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     10,193     37,809
PAVIT OpCap Balanced (2) (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
PAVIT OpCap Equity (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  8.359
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  8.359   $ 10.284
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      6,880    158,681
PAVIT PEA Science and Technology (3)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.62   $  11.49   $  10.51   $  8.128
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.62   $  11.49   $  10.51   $  8.128   $ 10.284
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     5,784     61,655     97,863    115,950    158,681
PAVIT OpCap Small Cap (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --   $  10.00   $   3.62   $  1.796
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --   $   3.62   $  1.796   $ 17.439
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --     14,533     63,153    137,092
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.65   $  15.11   $  16.11   $ 12.422
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.65   $  15.11   $  16.11   $ 12.422   $ 11.113
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year         0     16,703     43,783     74,972    108,430
PIMCO VIT Foreign Bond (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)
(2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  7.829
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  7.829
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     27,890
PIMCO VIT Money Market (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.28   $  10.97   $  11.61   $ 12.364
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.28   $  10.97   $  11.61   $ 12.364
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year         0      1,231      3,605     27,152
PIMCO VIT StocksPLUS Growth and Income (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.07   $  10.51   $  10.74   $ 10.717
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.07   $  10.51   $  10.74   $ 10.717
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year    10,350    104,093    239,107    467,548
PIMCO VIT Total Return Bond (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  11.64   $  10.37   $   9.03   $  7.094
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 11.64   $  10.37   $   9.03   $  7.094
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year    12,776     82,128    112,333    161,698
Putnam VT High Yield (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  10.13   $  10.98   $  11.71   $ 12.575
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 10.13   $  10.98   $  11.71   $ 12.575
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year       224     57,774    148,500    491,013
Rydex VT OTC (3)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  9.555
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  9.555
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --      6,438
Salomon Brothers Variable All Cap (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --   $  10.00   $   5.74      3.457
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --   $   5.74      3.457
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --     14,044     83,805
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors (6)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth (2) (9)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
Van Kampen UIF High Yield (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  11.53   $  13.42   $  13.46   $  7.822
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 11.53   $  13.42   $  13.46   $  7.822
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year         0     64,958    121,931     60,785
Van Kampen UIF Mid Cap Growth (2)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  13.80   $  12.58   $   8.75   $  5.929
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 13.80   $  12.58   $   8.75   $  5.929
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     6,216     87,781    123,258    135,098
Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value (2) (10)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning            $ 10.00   $  12.05   $  13.14   $  12.52   $  8.867
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending               $ 12.05   $  13.14   $  12.52   $  8.867
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year     6,021     44,148     95,312    151,383
Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth (11)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --         --         --
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --         --         --
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --         --         --
Van Kampen LIT Growth and Income (4)
 Accumulation Unit Value Beginning                 --         --         --   $  10.00   $  8.144
 Accumulation Unit Value Ending                    --         --         --   $  8.144
 Number of Units Outstanding at End of Year        --         --         --     26,840

(1)  Accumulation Unit Value: unit of measure used to calculate the value of a
     Contract Owner's interest in a Subaccount for any Valuation Period. An
     Accumulation Unit Value does not reflect deduction of certain charges under
     the Contract that are deducted from your Contract Value, such as the
     Administrative Expense Charge.

(2)  First offered 10/18/1999.

(3)  First offered 1/17/2001.

(4)  First offered 5/1/2002.

(5)  First offered 5/1/03.(6) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Balance Fund, LSA Basic
     Value Fund and LSA Value Equity Fund were merged into the PAVIT OpCap
     Balanced Portfolio, AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund - Series I and Salomon
     Brothers Variable Investors Fund - Class I, respectively. Accordingly, on
     4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Balanced Variable Sub-Account
     and the LSA Value Equity Variable Sub-Account to the PAVIT OpCap Balanced
     Variable Sub-Account, AIM V.I. Basic Value Variable Sub-Account and the
     Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Variable Sub-Account, respectively.

(6)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Balance Fund, LSA Basic Value Fund and LSA Value
     Equity Fund were merged into the PAVIT OpCap Balanced Portfolio, AIM V.I.
     Basic Value Fund - Series I and Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund -
     Class I, respectively. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Balanced Variable Sub-Account and the LSA Value Equity Variable
     Sub-Account to the PAVIT OpCap Balanced Variable Sub-Account, AIM V.I.
     Basic Value Variable Sub-Account and the Salomon Brothers Variable
     Investors Variable Sub-Account, respectively.

(7)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Capital Appreciation Fund was merged into the
     Janus Aspen Series Capital Appreciation Portfolio - Institutional Shares.
     Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Capital
     Appreciation Variable Sub-Account to the Janus Aspen Serioed Capital
     Appreciation Variable Sub-Account.

(8)  Effective 5/1/04 the Janus Aspen Series International Portfolio - Service
     Shares changed its name to the Janus Aspen Foreign Stock Portfolio -
     Service Shares. We have made a corresponding change in the name of the
     Variable Sub-Account that invests in this Portfolio.

(9)  Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Blue Chip Fund, LSA Equity Growth Fund and LSA
     Capital Growth Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF Equity Growth
     Portfolio, Class I. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Blue Chip Variable Sub-Account, LSA Equity Growth Variable
     Sub-Account and LSA Capital Growth Variable Sub-Account to the Van Kampen
     UIF Equity Growth Variable Sub-Account.

(10) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Diversified Mid-Cap Growth Fund and LSA MidCap
     Value Fund were merged into the Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value
     Portfolio, Class I. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of
     the LSA Diversified Mid-Cap Growth Variable Sub-Account and the LSA MidCap
     Value Variable Sub-Account to the Van Kampen UIF U.S. Mid Cap Value
     Variable Sub-Account.

(11) Effective 4/30/04, the LSA Aggressive Growth Fund and LSA Emerging Growth
     Fund were merged into the Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Class
     II. Accordingly, on 4/30/04, we transferred the value of the LSA Aggressive
     Growth Variable Sub-Account and the LSA Emerging Growth Variable
     Sub-Account to the Van Kampen LIT Aggressive Growth Variable Sub-Account.

A brief explanation of how performance of the Subaccounts is calculated may be
found in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                  52 PROSPECTUS




APPENDIX B

                    ILLUSTRATION OF A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT

Purchase Payment:                          $ 40,000.00
Credit Enhancement:                        1,600.00
Guarantee Period:                          5 Years
Guaranteed Interest Rate:                  5% Annual Effective Rate
5-year Treasury Rate at Time of Purchase
Payment:                                   6%

The following examples illustrate how the Market Value Adjustment and the
Withdrawal Charge may affect the values of a Contract upon a withdrawal. The 5%
assumed Guaranteed Interest Rate is the rate required to be used in the "Summary
of Expenses." In these examples, the withdrawal occurs one year after (in the
second Contract Year) the Issue Date. The Market Value Adjustment operates in a
similar manner for transfers, except that there is no free amount for transfers.
No Withdrawal Charge applies to transfers.

Assuming that the entire $40,000.00 Purchase Payment and $1,600.00 Credit
Enhancement are allocated to the Guaranteed Maturity Fixed Account for the
Guarantee Period specified above, at the end of the five-year Guarantee Period
the Contract Value would be $53,093.31. After one year, when the withdrawals
occur in these examples, the Contract Value would be $43,680.00. We have assumed
that no prior partial withdrawals or transfers have occurred.

The Market Value Adjustment and the Withdrawal Charge only apply to the portion
of a withdrawal that is greater than the Free Withdrawal Amount. Accordingly,
the first step is to calculate the Free Withdrawal Amount.

The Free Withdrawal Amount is equal to:

(a)  the greater of:

.    earnings not previously withdrawn; or

.    15% of your total Purchase Payments in the most recent eight years; plus

(b)  an amount equal to your total Purchase Payments made more than eight years
     ago, to the extent not previously withdrawn.

Here, (a) equals $6,000.00, because 15% of the total Purchase Payments in the
most recent eight years ($6,000.00 = 15% x $40,000.00) is greater than the
earnings not previously withdrawn ($3,680.00). (B) equals $0, because all of the
Purchase Payments were made less than eight years age. Accordingly, the Free
Withdrawal Amount is $6,000.00.

The formula that we use to determine the amount of the Market Value Adjustment
is:

.9 x (I - J) x N,

where: I = the Treasury Rate for a maturity equal to the relevant Guarantee
Period for the week preceding the beginning of the Guarantee Period;

J = the Treasury Rate for a maturity equal to the relevant Guarantee Period for
the week preceding our receipt of your withdrawal request, death benefit
request, transfer request, or annuity option request; and

N = the number of whole and partial years from the date we receive your request
until the end of the relevant Guarantee Period.

We will base the Market Value Adjustment on the current Treasury Rate for a
maturity corresponding in length to the relevant Guarantee Period. These
examples also show the Withdrawal Charge (if any), which would be calculated
separately from the Market Value Adjustment.

EXAMPLE OF A DOWNWARD MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT

A downward Market Value Adjustment results from a full or partial withdrawal
that occurs when interest rates have increased. Assume interest rates have
increased one year after the Purchase Payment, such that the five-year Treasury
Rate is now 6.5%. Upon a withdrawal, the market value adjustment factor would
be:

.9 x (.06 - .065) x 4 = -.0180

The Market Value Adjustment is a reduction of $678.24 from the amount withdrawn:

$-678.24 = -.0180 x ($43,680 - $6,000.00)

A Withdrawal Charge of 7% (assuming the Withdrawal occurs at the start of the
second Contract year) would be assessed against the Purchase Payments withdrawn
that are less than eight years old and are not eligible for free withdrawal.
Under the Contract, earnings are deemed to be withdrawn before Purchase
Payments. Accordingly, in this example, the amount of the Purchase Payment
eligible for free withdrawal would equal the Free Withdrawal Amount less the
interest credited or $2,320.00 ($6,000.00 - $3,680.00).

Therefore, the Withdrawal Charge would be:

$2,637.60 = 7% x (40,000.00 - $2,320.00)

As a result, the net amount payable to you would be:

$40,364.16 = $43,680.00 - $678.24 - $2,637.60

EXAMPLE OF AN UPWARD MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT

An upward Market Value Adjustment results from a withdrawal that occurs when
interest rates have decreased. Assume interest rates have decreased one year

                                  53 PROSPECTUS




after the Purchase Payment, such that the five-year Treasury Rate is now 5.5%.
Upon a withdrawal, the market value adjustment factor would be:

.9 x (.06 - .055) x 4 = .0180

The Market Value Adjustment would increase the amount withdrawn by $648.00, as
follows:

$678.24 = .0180 x ($43,680 - $6,000.00)

As above, in this example, the amount of the Purchase Payment eligible for free
withdrawal would equal the Free Withdrawal Amount less the interest credited or
$2,320.00 ($6,000.00 - $3,680.00). Therefore, the Withdrawal Charge would be:

$2,637.60 = 7% x ($40,000.00 - $2,320.00)

As a result, the net amount payable to you would be:

$41,720.64 = $43,680.00 + $678.24 - $2,637.60

EXAMPLE OF A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL

If you request a partial withdrawal from a Guarantee Period, we can either (1)
withdraw the specified amount of Contract Value and pay you that amount as
adjusted by any applicable Market Value Adjustment or (2) pay you the amount
requested, and subtract an amount from your Contract Value that equals the
requested amount after application of the Market Value Adjustment and Withdrawal
Charge. Unless you instruct us otherwise, when you request a partial withdrawal
we will assume that you wish to receive the amount requested. We will make the
necessary calculations and on your request provide you with a statement showing
our calculations.

For example, if in the first example you wished to receive $20,000.00 as a
partial withdrawal, the Market Value Adjustment and Withdrawal Charge would be
calculated as follows:

let: AW = the total amount to be withdrawn from your Contract Value

                          MVA = Market Value Adjustment

                             WC = Withdrawal Charge

AW' = amount subject to Market Value Adjustment and Withdrawal Charge

                         Then AW - $20,000.00 = WC - MVA

Since neither the Market Value Adjustment nor the Withdrawal Charge apply to the
free withdrawal amount, we can solve directly for the amount subject to the
Market Value Adjustment and the Withdrawal Charge (i.e., AW'), which equals AW ?
$6,000.00. Then, AW = AW' + $6,000, and AW' + $6,000.00 - $20,000.00 = WC - MVA.

MVA = -.018 x AW'

WC = .07 x AW'

WC - MVA = .088AW'

AW' - $14,000.00 = .088AW'

AW' = $14,000.00 / (1 - .088) = $15,350.88

MVA = -.018 x $15,350.88 = - $276.32

WC = .07 x $15,350.88 = $1,074.56

AW = Total amount withdrawn = $15,350.88 + $6,000.00 = $21,350.88

You receive $20,000.00; the total amount subtracted from your contract is
$21,350.88; the Market Value Adjustment is $276.32; and the Withdrawal Charge is
$1,074.56. Your remaining Contract Value is $20,649.12.

If, however, in the same example, you wished to withdraw $20,000.00 from your
Contract Value and receive the adjusted amount, the calculations would be as
follows:

By definition, AW = total amount withdrawn from your Contract Value = $20,000.00

AW' = amount that MVA & WC are applied to

= amount withdrawn in excess of Free Amount = $20,000.00 - $6,000.00 =
$14,000.00

MVA = -.018 x $14,000.00 = $-252.00

WC = .07 x $14,000.00 = $980.00

You would receive $20,000.00 - $252.00 - $980.00 = $18,768.00; the total amount
subtracted from your Contract Value is $20,000.00. Your remaining Contract Value
would be $22,000.00.

EXAMPLE OF FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT

Assume that in the foregoing example, after four years $10,565.06 in earnings;
including the Credit Enhancement had been credited and that the Contract Value
in the Fixed Account equaled $50,565.06. In this example, if no prior
withdrawals have been made, you could withdraw up to $10,565.06 without
incurring a Market Value Adjustment or a Withdrawal Charge. The Free Withdrawal
Amount would be $10,565.06, because the interest credited ($10,565.06) is
greater than 15% of the Total Purchase Payments in the most recent eight years
($40,000.00 x .15 = $6,000.00).

                 (THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.)

                                  54 PROSPECTUS


PART II - INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

Registrant anticipates that it will incur the following approximate expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities to be registered:

 

Registration fees

   $ 0  

Cost of printing and engraving

   $ 96  

Legal fees

   $ 8,000  

Accounting fees

   $ 19,277  

Mailing fees

   $ 377  

 

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

The Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company (Registrant) provide for the indemnification of its directors and officers against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement as incurred by such person, so long as such person shall not have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of a duty to the Company. This right of indemnity is not exclusive of other rights to which a director or officer may otherwise be entitled.

LBL HoldCo II, Inc. has obtained directors and officers insurance, which includes indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 that the directors and officers of LBL HoldCo II, Inc. and its subsidiaries may, in such capacities, incur.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by final adjudication of such issue.

 

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

16(a)

 

Exh.

No.

   Description

  1

   Form of Principal Underwriting Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment to Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (SEC File No. 333-50545, 811-07924) filed January 28, 1999.

  1(a)

   Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014 (SEC File No. 333-180371).

  3(i)

   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company dated September 26, 2000, as amended by the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company dated January 21, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).


  3(ii)

   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Lincoln Benefit Life Company effective March 10, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed May 8, 2006. (SEC File No. 333-59765).

  4(a)

   Form of Variable Annuity Contract. Incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement on Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-82427, 811-07924) filed July 8, 1999.

  4(b)

   Form of Application. Incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement on Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-82427, 811-07924) filed July 8, 1999.

  5(a)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment to Form S-3 on Form S-1 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-88045) filed April 6, 2000.

  5(b)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Form S-3 Registration Statement (SEC File No. 333-158181) dated March 24, 2009.

  5(c)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement (SEC File No. 333-180371) dated March 27, 2012).

  5(d)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

  5(e)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 1, 2016 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

  5(f)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(f) of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 3, 2017 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

  5(g)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Filed herewith.

  8

   None

  9

   None

10

   Material Contracts

10.1

   Administrative Services Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company effective June 1, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.2

   Principal Underwriting Agreement by and among Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) effective November 25, 1998. (Variable Universal Life Account). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.3

   Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc. merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) effective June 1, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 20, 2007. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.4

   Selling Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc., f/k/a Allstate Financial Services, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) and Allstate Financial Services, LLC (f/k/a LSA Securities, Inc.) effective August 2, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

10.5

   Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)


10.6

   Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.7

   Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December 31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.8

   Administrative Services Agreement between Allstate Distributors, LLC, (ALFS, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) Allstate Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Charter National Life Insurance Company effective January 1, 2000. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

10.9

   Assignment & Delegation of Administrative Services Agreements, Underwriting Agreements, and Selling Agreements entered into as of September 1, 2011 between ALFS, Inc., Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Allstate Distributors, LLC, Charter National Life Insurance Company, Intramerica Life Insurance Company, Allstate Financial Services, LLC, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 1, 2011. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

10.10

   Reinsurance Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Lincoln Benefit Reinsurance Company effective September 30, 2012, Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2012. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

10.11

   Recapture Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) and Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”), effective September 30, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 3, 2013. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

10.12

   Voluntary Separation Agreement and Release by and between Allstate Insurance Company and Anurag Chandra, dated October 17, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

10.13

   Voluntary Separation Agreement and Release by and between Allstate Insurance Company and Lawrence W. Dahl, dated August 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

10.14

   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 1, 2016 (SEC File No. 333-203375)

10.15

   Amended and Restated Reinsurance Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

10.16

   Partial Commutation Agreement by and between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

10.17

   Form of Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.) and each of Karl Chappell, Keith Gubbay and Simon Packer. Filed herewith.

10.18

   Form of Retention, Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.) and each of W. Weldon Wilson and Robyn Wyatt. Filed herewith.

10.19

   Form of Amendment to Retention, Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. and each of W. Weldon Wilson and Robyn Wyatt. Filed herewith.


11

   None

12

   None

15

   Not applicable.

16

   None

21

   Subsidiaries of the registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

23

   Consents of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms. Filed herewith.

24

   Powers of Attorney for Stephen Campbell, Richard Carbone, Clive Cowdery, Ann Frohman, Jon Hack, Robert Stein and Grace Vandecruze. Filed herewith.

25

   None

26

   None

99

   Experts. Filed herewith.
Exhibit List for XBRL Docs:
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
16(b)   

Financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X (17 CFR Part 210) and Item 11(e) of Form S-1 are included in Part I.

 

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.


(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


EXHIBIT LIST

 

Exhibit

  No.  

  

Description

(1)

   Form of Principal Underwriting Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment to Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (SEC File No. 333-50545, 811-07924) filed January 28, 1999.

(1)(a)

   Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014 (SEC File No. 333-180371).

(3)(i)

   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company dated September  26, 2000, as amended by the Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Benefit Life Company dated January  21, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April  13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

(3)(ii)

   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Lincoln Benefit Life Company effective March  10, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed May 8, 2006. (SEC File No. 333-59765).

(4)(a)

   Form of Variable Annuity Contract. Incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement on Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-82427, 811-07924) filed July 8, 1999.

(4)(b)

   Form of Application. Incorporated herein by reference to Registration Statement on Form N-4 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-82427, 811-07924) filed July 8, 1999.

(5)(a)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment to Form S-3 on Form S-1 for Lincoln Benefit Life Variable Annuity Account (File No. 333-88045) filed April 6, 2000.

(5)(b)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Form S-3 Registration Statement (SEC File No. 333-158181) dated March 24, 2009.

(5)(c)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement (SEC File No. 333-180371) dated March 27, 2012).

(5)(d)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

(5)(e)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 1, 2016 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

(5)(f)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(f) of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 3, 2017 (SEC File No. 333-203375).


(5)(g)

   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding legality. Filed herewith.

(10)(1)

   Administrative Services Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company effective June  1, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June  30, 2006. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(2)

   Principal Underwriting Agreement by and among Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) effective November 25, 1998. (Variable Universal Life Account). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(3)

   Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc. merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) effective June 1, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 20, 2007. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(4)

   Selling Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Allstate Distributors, LLC (ALFS, Inc., f/k/a Allstate Financial Services, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) and Allstate Financial Services, LLC (f/k/a LSA Securities, Inc.) effective August 2, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

(10)(5)

   Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December  31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June  30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(6)

   Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December  31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(7)

   Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective December  31, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2002. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(8)

   Administrative Services Agreement between Allstate Distributors, LLC, (ALFS, Inc., merged with and into Allstate Distributors, LLC effective September 1, 2011) Allstate Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Charter National Life Insurance Company effective January 1, 2000. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. (SEC File No. 333-59765)

(10)(9)

   Assignment  & Delegation of Administrative Services Agreements, Underwriting Agreements, and Selling Agreements entered into as of September  1, 2011 between ALFS, Inc., Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Allstate Distributors, LLC, Charter National Life Insurance Company, Intramerica Life Insurance Company, Allstate Financial Services, LLC, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 1, 2011. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

(10)(10)

   Reinsurance Agreement between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Lincoln Benefit Reinsurance Company effective September  30, 2012, Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Allstate Life Insurance Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October  3, 2012. (SEC File No. 000-31248)

(10)(11)

   Recapture Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) and Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”), effective September 30, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 3, 2013. (SEC File No. 333-180371)


(10)(12)

   Voluntary Separation Agreement and Release by and between Allstate Insurance Company and Anurag Chandra, dated October  17, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

(10)(13)

   Voluntary Separation Agreement and Release by and between Allstate Insurance Company and Lawrence W. Dahl, dated August  1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

(10)(14)

   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement filed on April 1, 2016 (SEC File No. 333-203375)

(10)(15)

   Amended and Restated Reinsurance Agreement by and between Lincoln Benefit Life Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company, effective April 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

(10)(16)

   Partial Commutation Agreement by and between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, effective April  1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Form S-1 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement filed on April 4, 2014. (SEC File No. 333-180371)

(10)(17)

   Form of Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.) and each of Karl Chappell, Keith Gubbay and Simon Packer. Filed herewith.

(10)(18)

   Form of Retention, Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.) and each of W. Weldon Wilson and Robyn Wyatt. Filed herewith.

(10)(19)

   Form of Amendment to Retention, Separation and Release Agreement, by and between LBL HoldCo, Inc. and each of W. Weldon Wilson and Robyn Wyatt. Filed herewith.

(21)

   Subsidiaries of the registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21 to Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 13, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-203375).

(23)

   Consents of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms. Filed herewith.

(24)

   Powers of Attorney for Stephen Campbell, Richard Carbone, Clive Cowdery, Ann Frohman, Jon Hack, Robert Stein and Grace Vandecruze. Filed herewith.

(99)

   Experts. Filed herewith.

(101)(INS)

   XBRL Instance Document

(101)(SCH)

   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

(101)(CAL)

   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

(101)(DEF)

   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

(101)(LAB)

   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

(101)(PRE)

   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Stamford in the State of Connecticut on 2nd day of April, 2018.

 

  LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY (REGISTRANT)
By:  

/s/ W. Weldon Wilson

  W. Weldon Wilson
  Director, Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following directors and principal officers of Lincoln Benefit Life Company in the capacity indicated on 2nd day of April, 2018.

 

SIGNATURE    TITLE    

*Richard Carbone

Richard Carbone

   Director  
    

*Clive Cowdery

Clive Cowdery

   Director  
    

*Ann Frohman

Ann Frohman

   Director  
    

*Jon Hack

Jon Hack

   Director  
    

*Robert Stein

Robert Stein

   Director  
    

*Grace Vandecruze

Grace Vandecruze

   Director  
    

*Stephen Paul Campbell

Stephen Paul Campbell

   Director  
    

/s/ W. Weldon Wilson

W. Weldon Wilson

   Director, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)
    

/s/ Robyn Wyatt

Robyn Wyatt

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
  
*By: /s/ Robyn Wyatt, pursuant to Power of Attorney.