UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Commission File Number 2-40764

 

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 816-753-7000

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

 

 

 

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Amounts in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

6

 

 

 

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes to these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Kansas City Life Insurance Company include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, principally Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American).

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position at March 31, 2009 and the results of operations for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s operating results for a full year.

 

Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the prior period results to conform with the current period’s presentation.

 

The preparation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

Presented below is a summary of significant accounting policies used by the Company. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all accounting policies used by the Company. For a full discussion, please refer to the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Investments

Investment income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific security identification recorded on the trade date. Securities available for sale are stated at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred acquisition costs (DAC), value of business acquired (VOBA), policyholder account balances and deferred income taxes, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity. Unrealized losses represent the difference between amortized cost and fair value on the valuation date. The adjustments to DAC and VOBA represent changes in the amortization of DAC and VOBA that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such unrealized amounts been realized. The adjustment to policyholder account balances represents the increase from using a discount rate that would have been required if such unrealized gains had been realized and the proceeds reinvested at current market interest rates, which were lower than the then-current effective portfolio rate.

 

The Company’s fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities are determined by management, primarily by relying on external pricing services or brokers. When external sources are not able to provide prices for certain securities or when the external prices are deemed to be unreliable, the Company utilizes internally generated matrices and calculations to determine fair value.

 

The Company reviews and analyzes its securities on an ongoing basis to determine whether impairments exist that are other-than-temporary. Based upon these analyses, specific securities’ credit impairments may be written down through earnings as a realized investment loss if the security’s value is considered to be an other-than-temporary impairment.

 

Investment income on mortgage-backed securities is initially based upon yield, cash flow, and prepayment assumptions at the date of purchase. Subsequent revisions in those assumptions are recorded using the retrospective method, except for adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities where the prospective method is used. Under the retrospective method, the amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the time of purchase. Under the prospective method, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new internal rate of return. The adjustments to amortized cost under both methods are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income.

 

 

 

Mortgage loans are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less a valuation reserve for probable losses. A loan is considered impaired if it is probable that contractual amounts due will not be collected. The valuation reserve is determined based upon historical impairment experience and insurance industry studies. Such estimates are based upon the value of the expected cash flows and the underlying collateral on a net realizable basis. Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be impaired are placed on a non-accrual status.

 

Real estate consists of directly owned investments and real estate joint ventures. Real estate that is directly owned is carried at depreciated cost. Real estate joint ventures consist primarily of office buildings, unimproved land for future development and low income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) investments. Real estate joint ventures are consolidated where required or are valued at cost, adjusted for the Company’s equity in earnings.

 

Policy loans are carried at cost, less principal payments received. Short-term investments are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount.

 

Valuation of Investments

The Company’s principal investments are in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and real estate; all of which are exposed to three primary sources of investment risk: credit, interest rate and liquidity. The fixed maturity securities, which are all classified as available for sale, are carried at their fair value in the Company’s balance sheet, with unrealized gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The unrealized gains or losses are recorded net of the adjustment to policyholder account balances to reflect what would have been earned had those gains or losses been realized and the proceeds reinvested. The Company’s fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities are derived from external pricing sources, brokers, and internal matrices and calculations. At March 31, 2009, approximately 90% of the carrying value of these investments were from external pricing services while 10% were derived from brokers, internal matrices and calculations. The investment portfolio is monitored regularly to ensure that investments which may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion and properly valued, and that impairments due to credit are charged against earnings as realized investment losses. The valuation of the investment portfolio involves a variety of assumptions and estimates.

 

The Company monitors the various markets in which its investments are traded. The Company utilizes an independent third-party pricing service to determine the majority of its fair values. For values received by the Company from an independent pricing source, the Company reviews these values for validity. In addition, the Company tests a limited number of securities each reporting period to validate reliance on the fair values provided. When fair values are not available from external service providers, where possible, the Company utilizes quotes from brokers. When the Company cannot obtain reliable broker pricing a fair value is determined based upon an assessment of several factors about a specific issue, including but not limited to: the issuer’s industry; liquidity; cash flows; marketability, ratings and the ability of the issuer to satisfy the obligation; government intervention or regulations; fair value of comparable securities in actively traded or quoted markets; or other factors. The Company creates a matrix of factors from which to calculate an estimable value. However, all factors may not be known or publicly available from which to determine a value and, as such, the fair value used by the Company may not be truly indicative of the actual value available in an active market or an actual exit price if the Company were to place the security for sale in the current market.

 

The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climate, management changes, litigation and government actions, and other similar factors. This process also involves monitoring late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts, asset quality and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

 

At the end of each quarter, all securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments exist and whether other-than-temporary impairments should be recorded. This quarterly process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio. Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost. Further, detailed analysis is performed for each issue or issues having experienced a formal restructuring or where the security has experienced material deterioration in fair value or where the fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost.

 

The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

 

To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the difference between amortized cost and fair value due to credit is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

 

 

Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period. If the Company determines that a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the difference between amortized cost and fair value is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

Deferred acquisition costs (DAC), principally agent commissions and other selling, selection and issue costs, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, are capitalized as incurred. These deferred costs are then amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits of the business, depending upon the type of product.

 

When a new block of business is acquired or when an insurance company is purchased, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to a separately identifiable intangible asset, called the value of business acquired (VOBA). VOBA is established as the actuarially determined present value of future gross profits of the business acquired and is amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits, depending on the type of business acquired.

 

The Company considers the following assumptions to be of significance when evaluating the amortization of DAC and VOBA: expected mortality, interest spreads, surrender rates and expense margins. Mortality relates to the occurrence of death. Interest spreads are the difference between the investment returns earned and the crediting rates of interest applied to policyholder account balances. Surrender rates relate to the relative volume of policy terminations. Expense margins involve the expenses incurred for maintaining and servicing in-force policies.

 

 

 

At least annually, a review is performed of the models and the assumptions used to develop expected future profits, based upon management’s current view of future events. DAC is reviewed on an ongoing basis to determine that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts. Management’s view primarily reflects Company experience but can also reflect emerging trends within the industry. Short-term deviations in experience affect the amortization of DAC and VOBA in the period, but do not necessarily indicate that a change to the long-term assumptions of future experience is warranted. If it is determined that it is appropriate to change the long-term assumptions of future experience, then an unlocking adjustment is recognized for the block of business being evaluated. Certain assumptions, such as interest spreads and surrender rates, may be interrelated. As such, unlocking adjustments often reflect revisions to multiple assumptions. The balances of DAC and VOBA are immediately impacted by any assumption changes, with the change reflected through the income statement as an unlocking adjustment in the amount of DAC or VOBA amortized. These adjustments can be positive or negative. The impact of unlocking adjustments from the changes in estimates for the periods reported are included in the Consolidated Results of Operations and Operating Results by Segment sections of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained within this document.

 

The following table reflects the estimated pre-tax impact to DAC and VOBA on universal life, variable universal life, and fixed and variable deferred annuity products that could occur in a twelve-month period for an unlocking adjustment due to reasonably likely changes in significant assumptions. Changes in assumptions of the same magnitude in the opposite direction would have an impact of a similar magnitude but opposite direction of the examples provided.

 

 

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets and liabilities arise from the sale of variable life insurance and annuity products. The separate account represents funds segregated for the benefit of certain policyholders who bear the investment risk. The assets are legally segregated and are not subject to claims which may arise from any other business of the Company. The separate account assets and liabilities, which are equal, are recorded at fair value. Policyholder account deposits and withdrawals, investment income and realized investment gains and losses are excluded from the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues to the Company from separate accounts consist principally of contract charges, which include maintenance charges, administrative fees and mortality and risk charges.

 

The total separate account assets were $229.9 million as of March 31, 2009. Variable life and variable annuity assets comprised 29% and 71% of this amount, respectively. Guarantees are offered under variable life and variable annuity contracts: a guaranteed minimum death benefit rider is available on certain variable universal life contracts and guaranteed minimum death benefits are provided on variable annuities. The guaranteed minimum death benefit rider for variable universal life contracts guarantees the death benefit for specified periods of time, regardless of investment performance, provided cumulative premium requirements are met. The Company

 

 

 

introduced a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) rider in 2007 that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts. The rider provides a minimum guarantee that the owner can make annual withdrawals equal to 5% of the initial annuity deposit for twenty years, or for life if withdrawals were started at age 65 or later, regardless of market returns. The current value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider was $32.6 million and the liability for the GMWB rider was $0.4 million at March 31, 2009. The value of the GMWB rider is recorded at fair value. The change in this liability is included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Future Policy Benefits

The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance, annuities and accident and health insurance. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time. Liabilities for future policy benefits of traditional life insurance have been computed by a net level premium method based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals. These estimates include provisions for experience less favorable than initially expected.

 

Liabilities for future policy benefits of immediate annuities and supplementary contracts with life contingencies are also computed by a net level premium method, based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields and mortality.

 

Liabilities for future policy benefits of accident and health insurance represent estimates of payments to be made on reported insurance claims, as well as claims incurred but not yet reported. These liabilities are estimated using actuarial analyses and case basis evaluations that are based upon past claims experience, claim trends and industry experience.

 

Policyholder Account Balances

Policyholder account balances include universal life insurance, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type contracts. Liabilities for these policyholder account balances are included without reduction for potential surrender charges and deferred front-end contract charges. The account balances for universal life contracts are equal to cumulative premiums, less contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited. The account balances for fixed deferred annuities and investment-type contracts are equal to the cumulative deposits, less any applicable contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited. Front-end contract charges are amortized over the term of the policies. Policyholder benefits incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances are charged to policyholder benefits expense. Interest on policyholder account balances is credited as earned.

 

Recognition of Revenues

Premiums for traditional life insurance products are reported as revenue when due. Premiums on accident and health, disability and dental insurance are reported as earned ratably over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. A reserve is provided for the portion of premiums written which relate to unexpired terms of coverage.

 

Deposits related to universal life, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type products are credited to policyholder account balances. Revenues from such contracts consist of amounts assessed against policyholder account balances for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges, and are recognized in the period in which the benefits and services are provided. The cash flows from deposits are credited to policyholder account balances. Deposits are not recorded as revenue under FASB Statement No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments.” Deposits are shown as a Financing Activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

The Company measures its sales or new business production with two components: new premiums recorded and new deposits received. Premiums and deposits are subdivided into two categories: new and renewal. New premiums and deposits are measures of sales or new business production. Renewal premiums and deposits occur as continuing business from existing customers.

 

Reinsurance

Reinsurance is one of the tools that the Company uses to accomplish its business objectives. A variety of reinsurance vehicles are currently in use, including individual and bulk arrangements on both coinsurance and mortality/morbidity only basis. Reinsurance supports a multitude of corporate objectives, including managing statutory capital, reducing volatility and surplus strain. At the customer level, reinsurance increases the Company’s capacity, provides access to additional underwriting expertise, and generally makes it possible for the Company to offer products at competitive levels that could not otherwise be made available. Reinsurance is an actively managed tool that has increased in importance over recent years and will continue to play a role in

 

 

 

the Company’s future. Reinsurance receivables include amounts related to paid benefits and estimated amounts related to unpaid policy and contract claims, future policy benefits and policyholder account balances.

 

2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and established a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being the quoted price in active markets. SFAS 157 amended SFAS 107, “Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” This statement became effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements. Please see Note 3 – Fair Values for disclosures pertaining to SFAS 157.

 

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active” (FSP FAS 157-3). FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The Company adopted FSP FAS 157-3 on issuance, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted FSP FAS 157-3 on issuance, applicable to the third quarter 2008 financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of SFAS No. 115” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Under SFAS 159, entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with a few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. Once adopted, the fair value option election is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. This statement became effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007. Upon the adoption of SFAS 159, the Company was also required to adopt SFAS No. 157 concurrently. The Company elected to not measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value other than those already prescribed, such as securities available for sale, securities identified in trading portfolios and certain derivatives and hedging activity that the Company participates in. The Company adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements. Please see Note 3 – Fair Values for additional information pertaining to SFAS 159.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 161). This statement amends and expands the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS 161 requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 161 on January 1, 2009 with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Please see Note 3 – Fair Values for additional information pertaining to SFAS 161.

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS 162). SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements. This statement shall be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The Company adopted SFAS 162 on issuance, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts” (SFAS 163). SFAS 163 clarifies how FASB Statement No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises”, applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. This statement also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. This statement became effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 163 on January 1, 2009 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements as it does not sell financial guarantee insurance contracts.

 

 

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 clarifies fair valuation in inactive markets and includes all assets and liabilities subject to fair valuation measurements. This staff position requires enhanced disclosures related to fair valued assets and liabilities. This staff position shall be effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company elected early adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with no material impact on the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Please see Note 3 – Fair Values for additional information pertaining to FSP FAS 157-4.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2). FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 provide additional guidance regarding other-than-temporary impairment of debt securities and changes in the recognition and presentation of debt securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The FSP requires an enterprise to bifurcate any other-than-temporary impairment between credit and non-credit impairments and then establishes accounting treatment for each aspect, in current and subsequent periods. This staff position also requires retroactive application to other-than-temporary impairments recorded in prior periods by making a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the period of adoption. This staff position shall be effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company elected to early adopt FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with selected retroactive application effective January 1, 2009. For additional information pertaining to FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, please see Note 3 – Fair Values and Note 6 – Accumulated Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 expands the fair value disclosures required for all financial instruments within the scope of FAS 107 to interim periods. The staff position also requires entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments in financial statements on an interim and annual basis and to highlight any changes from prior periods. This staff position shall be effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company elected to early adopt FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with no material impact on the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Please see Note 3 – Fair Values for additional information pertaining to FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1.

 

All other Standards and Interpretations of those Standards issued during the three months ended March 31, 2009 did not relate to accounting policies and procedures pertinent to the Company at this time.

 

3. FAIR VALUES

 

Fair Values Hierarchy

In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the inputs and assumptions used to determine the fair value. These levels are as follows:

 

Level 1 – Valuations are based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 assets include U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds, other U.S. Government securities and certain common and preferred stocks that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.

 

Level 2 – Valuations are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services or inputs that are observable or derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 assets include debt securities, preferred stocks and asset-backed securities that are model priced by vendors using observable inputs.

 

Level 3 – Valuations are generated from techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, spread-based models, and similar techniques, using the best information available in the circumstances. Level 3 assets include corporate securities and private placements.

 

 

 

 

Determination of Fair Value

Under SFAS 157, the Company bases fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset (exit price) or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is the Company’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy in SFAS 157. Accordingly, the Company uses an independent third party pricing service to price a significant portion of its fixed maturity securities and equity securities.

 

The Company performs an analysis on the prices received from third party security pricing services and independent brokers to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The Company corroborates and validates the primary pricing sources through a variety of procedures that include but are not limited to comparison to additional independent third-party pricing services or brokers, where possible, a review of third party pricing service methodologies, back testing and comparison of prices to actual trades for specific securities where observable data exists. In addition, in accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Company analyzed the third-party pricing services’ methodologies and related inputs and has also evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate SFAS No. 157 fair value hierarchy.

 

Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data, are calculated using the Company’s own estimates, based on current interest rates, credit spreads, liquidity premium or discount, the economic and competitive environment, unique characteristics of the asset or liability and other pertinent factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique. Further, changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.

 

The Company’s own estimates of fair value are derived in a number of ways including, but not limited to: 1) pricing provided by brokers, where the price indicates reliability as to value; 2) fair values of comparable securities incorporating a spread adjustment for maturity differences, collateralization, credit quality, liquidity, marketability and other items, if applicable; 3) discounted cash flow models and margin spreads; 4) bond yield curves; 5) Trace trade quotes; 6) observable market prices and exchange quotes not provided by external pricing services; 7) statement values provided to the Company by fund managers; and 8) option pricing models.

 

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value in accordance with SFAS No.107.

 

Assets

Securities Available for Sale

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined as described in the preceding paragraphs.

 

Short-Term Financial Assets

Short-term financial assets include cash and other short-term investments and are carried at historical cost. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value because of the relatively short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected repayment or maturity.

 

Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value. As such, valuation techniques discussed herein for loans are primarily for estimating fair value for SFAS No. 107 disclosure purposes.

 

Fair values of mortgage loans on real estate properties are calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, using discount rates based on current industry pricing or the Company’s estimate of an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate for loans of similar size, type, remaining maturity and repricing characteristics.

 

The Company also has loans made to policyholders. These loans cannot exceed the cash surrender value of the policy. Fair value is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, using discount rates based on the Company’s estimate of appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates for these loans.

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

Investment-Type Liabilities Included in Policyholder Account Balances and Other Policyholder Funds

Fair values for liabilities under investment-type insurance contracts are based upon account value. The fair values of investment-type insurance contracts included with policyholder account balances for fixed deferred annuities and other policyholder funds for supplementary contracts without life contingencies are estimated to be their cash surrender values. In accordance with SFAS No. 107, the fair values of deposits with no stated maturity are equal to the amount payable on demand at the measurement date.

 

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB)

The Company introduced a GMWB rider in 2007 that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts. The rider provides a minimum guarantee that the owner can make annual withdrawals equal to 5% of the initial annuity deposit for twenty years, or for life if withdrawals were started at age 65 or later, regardless of market returns. The value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider was $32.6 million and the liability was $0.4 million at March 31, 2009. The value of the GMWB rider is recorded at fair value. Fair value for GMWB rider contracts results in a Level 3 valuation as it is based on models developed for this purpose which utilize significant unobservable inputs. These models require actuarial and financial market assumptions, which reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the contract, including adjustments for risk and issuer non-performance. The change in this liability is included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Notes Payable

There were no borrowings at March 31, 2009. All of the amounts included within Notes Payable were in short-term borrowings at December 31, 2008. The carrying amount of these borrowings was a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short time between the origination of the borrowings and their expected repayment and maturities. See Note 7 - Notes Payable for an explanation of the terms of the debt outstanding.

 

Categories Reported at Fair Value

The following table presents categories reported at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table presents the fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale by pricing source and SFAS 157 hierarchy level as of March 31, 2009.

 

 

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 are summarized below:

 

 

The roll forward of Level 3 assets begins with the prior period balance and adjusts the balance for the gains or losses (realized and unrealized) that occurred during the current period. Any new purchases that are identified as Level 3 securities are then added and any sales of securities which were previously identified as Level 3 are subtracted. Next, any securities which were previously identified as Level 1 or Level 2 securities and which are currently identified as Level 3 are added. Finally, securities which were previously identified as Level 3 and which are now designated as Level 1 or as Level 2 are subtracted. The ending balance represents the current fair value of securities which are designated as Level 3.

 

The roll forward of Level 3 liabilities begins with the prior period balance and adjusts for the realized gains or losses that occurred during the current period. These realized gains or losses are reflected as policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Issuances, or new sales, are then added and settlements are subtracted. The ending balance represents the current fair value of liabilities which are designated as Level 3.

 

 

 

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 for financial instruments, as defined by SFAS No.107. In accordance with SFAS No. 107, the Company has not included assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments in this disclosure. The total of the fair value calculations presented do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.

 

 

4. UNREALIZED LOSSES ON SECURITIES

 

The Company reviews all security investments, particularly including those having unrealized losses. Further, the Company specifically assesses all investments with greater than 10% declines in fair value and, in general, monitors all security investments as to ongoing risk. These risks are fundamentally evaluated through both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the issuer. The Company prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments with greater than 20% declines in fair value for six months or more, investments that have previously been written down and that remain in an unrealized loss position, and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost.

 

The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as the issuer’s stated intent and ability to make all principal and interest payments when due, near-term business prospects, cash flow and liquidity, credit ratings, business climate, management changes and litigation and government actions. This process also involves monitoring several factors including late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts, asset quality and cash flow projections, as indicators of credit issues.

 

The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the difference between amortized cost and fair value due to credit is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

 

 

Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period. If the Company determines that a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the difference between amortized cost and fair value is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

At March 31, 2009, the Company had gross unrealized losses of $245.7 million on investment securities, including fixed maturity and equity securities that had a fair value of $1.4 billion. In addition, included in the gross unrealized losses are securities that the Company determined had other-than-temporary impairments in accordance with FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. Accordingly, the Company bifurcated these impairments between credit and non-credit impairments. As identified in the Consolidated Statements of Income, the Company had non-credit impairments of $15.3 million on securities considered to be impaired. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had gross unrealized losses of $231.9 million on investment securities, including fixed maturity and equity securities that had a fair value of $1.5 billion. The increase in unrealized losses was primarily attributable to increased credit and liquidity risk discounts in the pricing of financial assets. Although these changes affected the broad financial markets, specific sectors, security issuers and security issues were affected differently. Also contributing to the increase in unrealized losses in the first quarter of 2009 was the implementation of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. The Company reviewed all previously-recorded other-than-temporary impairments of securities to develop an estimate of the portion of such impairments that were not due to credit. This resulted in an opening balance adjustment to increase gross unrealized losses in the amount of $13.5 million.

 

Once a security is determined to have met certain of the criteria for consideration as being other-than-temporarily impaired, further information is gathered and evaluated pertaining to the particular security. If the security is an unsecured obligation, the additional research is a top-down approach with particular emphasis on the likelihood of the issuer to meet the contractual terms of the obligation. If the security is secured by an asset or guaranteed by another party, the value of the underlying secured asset or the financial ability of the third party guarantor is evaluated as a secondary source of repayment. Such research is based upon a top-down approach, narrowing to the specific estimates of value and cash flow of the underlying secured asset or guarantor. If the security is a collateralized obligation, such as a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed instrument, research is also conducted to obtain and analyze the performance of the collateral relative to expectations at the time of acquisition and with regard to projections for the future. Such analyses are based upon historical results, trends, comparisons to collateral performance of similar securities and analyses performed by third parties. This information is used to develop projected cash flows that are compared to the amortized cost of the security.

 

If a determination is made that an unsecured security, secured security or security with a guaranty of payment by a third party is other-than-temporarily impaired, an estimate is developed of the portion of such impairment that is due to credit. The estimate of the portion of impairment due to credit is based upon a comparison of ratings and maturity horizon for the security and relative historical default probabilities from one or more nationally recognized rating organizations. When appropriate for any given security, sector or period in the business cycle, the historical default probability is adjusted to reflect periods or situations of distress by adding

 

 

 

to the default probability increments of standard deviations from mean historical results. The credit impairment analysis is supplemented by estimates of potential recovery values for the specific security, including the potential impact of the value of any secured assets, in the event of default.  This information is used to determine the Company's best estimate, derived from probability-weighted cash flows.

 

If the cash flow for a collateralized security is determined to be less than the amortized cost, the difference is recorded as an other-than-temporary impairment due to credit in the income statement.

 

The total impairment for any security that is deemed to have an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in the statement of income as a net realized loss from investments. The portion of such impairment that is determined to be non-credit-related is deducted from net realized loss in the statement of income and reflected in other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity in the balance sheets.

 

As part of the required accounting for unrealized gains and losses, the Company also adjusts the DAC and VOBA assets to recognize the adjustment to those assets as if the unrealized gains and losses from securities classified as available-for-sale actually had been realized.

 

The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, as of March 31, 2009.

 

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

 

 

 

5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the unrealized investment gains or losses on securities available for sale (net of adjustments for realized investment gains or losses) net of adjustments to DAC, VOBA and policyholder account balances. In addition, other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in the additional minimum pension liability. Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes deferred income taxes on these items. The table below provides information about comprehensive income (loss) for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 

 

The following table provides accumulated balances related to each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

The following table provides a rollforward of credit losses recognized in earnings at March 31, 2009.

 

 

 

6. ACCUMULATED EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE

 

Pursuant to FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-4, the Company reviewed all previously-recorded other-than-temporary impairments of securities and developed an estimate of the portion of such impairments using a methodology consistent with that applied to the current period other-than-temporary bifurcation of credit and non-credit. As a result, the Company determined that $13.5 million in previously recorded other-than-temporary impairments had been due to non-credit impairments.

 

The process used by the Company in estimating the portion of previously recorded other-than-temporary impairments due to credit is consistent with the methodology employed for those securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired for the three-month period ended as of March 31, 2009. Specifically, if the security is unsecured, secured by an asset or includes a guaranty of payment by a third party, the estimate of the portion of impairment due to credit was based upon a comparison of ratings and maturity horizon for the security relative historical default probabilities from one or more nationally recognized rating organizations. When appropriate for any given security, sector or period in the business cycle, the historical default probability was adjusted to reflect periods or situations of distress by adding to the default probability increments of standard deviations from mean historical results. The credit impairment analysis was supplemented by estimates of potential recovery values for the specific security, including the potential impact of the value of any secured assets, in the event of default.  This information is used to determine the Company's best estimate, derived from probability-weighted cash flows. 

 

Estimates of impairment due to credit involving collateralized securities were based upon review of projected cash flows relative to amortized cost at the time the security was determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The credit component of the impairment for these securities was determined to be the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the projected cash flows.

 

In addition, as an insurance enterprise, the Company must also consider the impact of DAC and VOBA on any realized and unrealized loss and the appropriate tax effect. The establishment of non-credit impairments to accumulated other comprehensive income in accordance with the FSPs from retained earnings also requires a netting of applicable DAC and VOBA and income taxes. The methodology by which DAC and VOBA are calculated and applied to realized gains and losses is different than the methodology employed to calculate DAC and VOBA charges on unrealized gains and losses and results in differences among the transfer between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

In the implementation of this FSP, the Company recorded an opening balance adjustment that increased retained earnings in the amount of $8.4 million and increased accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amount of $6.6 million. The adjustment to retained earnings consisted of an increase of $8.8 million related to non-credit impairments taken in prior periods, net of tax. This adjustment also included a $0.4 million decrease due to offsetting adjustments to DAC and VOBA, net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a decrease of $8.8 million related to non-credit impairments taken in prior periods, net of tax. This adjustment also included a $2.2 million increase due to offsetting adjustments to DAC and VOBA, net of tax.

 

 

 

7. NOTES PAYABLE

 

The following table provides information for Notes Payable.

 

 

As a member of the FHLB with a capital investment of $5.1 million, the Company has the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis from the FHLB. The Company received dividends on the capital investment in the FHLB of less than $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2009, while dividends received in the first quarter of 2008 were $0.1 million.

 

The Company has unsecured revolving lines of credit of $60.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding and which are at variable interest rates, currently 0.95%. Lines of credit totaling $20.0 million will expire in May of 2009 and the remaining $40.0 million will expire in June of 2009. The Company anticipates renewing these lines as they come due.

 

All borrowings are used to enhance liquidity and investment strategies.

 

8. INCOME PER SHARE

 

Due to the Company’s capital structure and the absence of other potentially dilutive securities, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per common share for any of the periods reported. The average number of shares outstanding was 11,447,494 and 11,710,608 for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

9. INCOME TAXES

 

The first quarter income tax benefit was $2.4 million or 35% of income before tax for 2009, versus an income tax expense of $2.0 million or 36% of income before tax for the prior year period.

 

The effective income tax rate in 2009 was equal to the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35%. Favorable permanent differences, primarily from the dividends received deduction, resulted in a benefit of approximately 1% of income before tax, which was offset by an expense of 1% of income before tax related to the Company’s investments in affordable housing and an increase in the tax contingency.

 

The effective income tax rate in 2008 was higher than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the tax contingency. The tax contingency increased $0.1 million, or approximately 2% of income before tax, from additional interest accrued on tax positions recorded in prior years.

 

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has three reportable business segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered: Individual Insurance, Group Insurance and Old American. The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life. The Individual Insurance segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents. The Group Insurance segment consists of sales of group life, dental, vision and disability products. This segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements. Old American consists of individual insurance products designed primarily as final expense products. These products are marketed through a nationwide general agency sales force with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads.

 

Separate investment portfolios are maintained for each of the three life insurance companies of the Company. However, investment assets and income are allocated to the Group Insurance segment based upon its cash flows and future policy benefit liabilities. Home office functions are fully integrated for all segments in order to maximize economies of scale.

 

 

 

Therefore, operating expenses are allocated to the segments based upon internal cost studies, which are consistent with industry cost methodologies.

 

Inter-segment revenues are not material. The Company operates solely in the United States and no individual customer accounts for 10% or more of the Company’s revenue.

 

The following schedule provides the financial performance of each of the three reportable operating segments of the Company.

 

 

¹ Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance were as follows: insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment and operating expenses from the Individual Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

11. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

12. SHARE-BASED PAYMENT

 

The Company has a long-term incentive plan for senior management that awards participants for the increase in the share price of the Company’s common stock through units (phantom shares) assigned by the Board of Directors. The awards are calculated over three-year intervals on a calendar year basis. At the conclusion of each three-year interval, participants will receive awards based on the increase in the share price during a defined measurement period, times the number of units. The increase in the share price will be determined based on the change in the share price from the beginning to the end of the three-year interval. Dividends are accrued and paid at the end of each three-year interval to the extent that they exceed negative stock price appreciation. Plan payments are contingent on the continued employment of the participant unless termination is due to a qualifying event such as death, disability or retirement.

 

 

 

No payments were made during the first quarter of 2009 for the three-year interval ended December 31, 2008. In the first quarter of 2008, the plan made a payment of $0.1 million to plan participants for the three-year interval ended December 31, 2007.

 

At each reporting period, an estimate of the share-based compensation expense is accrued, utilizing the share price at the period end. The change in accrual for share-based compensation that reduced operating expense in the first quarter of 2009 was $0.1 million, net of tax. The cost of share-based compensation accrued as an operating expense in the first quarter of 2008 was $0.2 million, net of tax.

 

13. COMMITMENTS

 

In the normal course of business, the Company has open purchase and sale commitments. At March 31, 2009, the Company had purchase commitments to fund mortgage loans and other investments of $1.7 million. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, the Company entered into commitments to fund additional mortgage loans of $0.5 million and purchase of affordable housing real estate investments of $3.9 million.

 

14. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

The life insurance industry, including the Company, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years. Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of policyholders and other claims and legal actions in jurisdictions where juries often award punitive damages, which are grossly disproportionate to actual damages.

 

Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these claims and actions, would have no material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.

 

15. GUARANTEES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

The Company is subject to various indemnification obligations issued in conjunction with certain transactions, primarily assumption reinsurance agreements, stock purchase agreements, mortgage servicing agreements, construction and lease guarantees and borrowing agreements whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. Generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated. Therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under the indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. While we are unable to estimate with certainty the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to these indemnifications, we believe the likelihood is remote that material payments would be required under such indemnifications. The Company believes that such indemnifications would not result in a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations.

 

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On April 27, 2009, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that will be paid on May 13, 2009 to stockholders of record on May 7, 2009.

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2009, the credit and liquidity crisis in the United States and throughout the global financial system continued to generate substantial volatility in the financial markets and the banking system. Should this environment and similar events continue, such subsequent events could have a significant impact on the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company has continued to monitor this subsequent event activity and has concluded that the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31, 2009 has not changed.

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Amounts are stated in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide in narrative form the perspective of the management of Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the Company) on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect its future results. The following is a discussion and analysis of the results of operations for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and the financial condition of the Company as of March 31, 2009. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this document, as well as the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K.

 

Overview

 

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a financial services company that is predominantly focused on sales and administration of life and annuity insurance products. The Company primarily consists of three life insurance companies. Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) is the parent company. Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) are wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

Kansas City Life markets individual insurance products, including traditional, interest sensitive and variable products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements. Kansas City Life also markets group insurance products, which include life, dental and disability products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements. Kansas City Life operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

 

Sunset Life is a life insurance company that maintains its current block of business, but does not produce new sales. Sunset Life is included in the Individual Insurance segment and its individual insurance products include traditional and interest sensitive products. Sunset Life operates in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

 

Old American sells final expense insurance products nationwide through a general agency system, with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads. Old American’s administrative and accounting operations are part of the Company’s home office but it operates and maintains a separate and independent field force. Old American operates in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

 

The Company offers investment products and broker dealer services through its subsidiary Sunset Financial Services, Inc. (SFS) for both proprietary and non-proprietary variable insurance products, mutual funds and other securities.

 

The Company operates in the life insurance sector of the financial services industry in the United States. This industry is highly competitive with respect to pricing, selection of products and quality of service. No single competitor or any small group of competitors dominates any of the markets in which the Company operates. General economic conditions may affect future results. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K.

 

The Company earns revenues primarily from premiums received from the sale of life, annuity and accident and health policies, from earnings on its investment portfolio and from the sale of investment assets. Revenues from the sale of traditional life insurance and annuity products and supplemental contracts with life contingencies are reported as premium income for financial statement purposes. Considerations for supplemental contracts with life contingencies are reported as part of other revenues. However, deposits received from the sale of interest sensitive products, namely universal life insurance products, deferred annuities, and annuities and supplemental contracts without life contingencies are not reported as premium revenues, but are instead reported as additions to the policyholders’ account balances and are reflected as deposits in the Statements of Cash Flows. Accordingly, revenues on these products are recognized over time in the form of contract charges assessed against policyholder account balances, charges assessed on the early surrender of policyholder account balances and other charges deducted from policyholders’ balances.

 

The Company’s profitability depends on many factors, which include but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

 

Strong sales competition, highly competitive products and a very challenging economic environment present significant challenges to the Company from a new sales perspective. The Company’s primary emphasis is on expanding sales of individual life products. The Company’s continued focus is on delivering competitive products for a reasonable cost, superior customer service, excellent financial strength and superior sales and marketing support to the field force.

 

The Company generates cash largely through premiums and deposits collected through the sale of insurance products, through the sale of universal life-type and deposit-type products and through investment activity. The principal uses of cash are for the insurance operations, including the purchase of investments, payment of insurance benefits and other withdrawals from policyholder accounts, operating expenses, premium taxes, and costs related to acquiring new business. In addition, cash is used to pay income taxes and stockholder dividends as well as to fund potential acquisition opportunities.

 

Starting in 2007 and continuing into 2009, negative market conditions have significantly impacted the financial markets and accordingly, the Company’s investments and revenues. The interest rate and credit environment continues to present a significant challenge to the markets as a whole and specifically to companies invested in fixed maturity and equity securities. These negative conditions may persist into the future as the credit and equity markets continue to be severely challenged, particularly in the financial services sector. The Company is broadly diversified and has high quality investments, as 95% of all fixed maturity securities were investment grade at March 31, 2009. However, as a result of the consolidations currently occurring in the financial services sector, diversification in this sector will be a challenge until greater market stabilization occurs. In addition, the U.S. Government’s entrance into private company arrangements and specific guarantees may add further complications to a variety of issues, yet to be fully determined.

 

The largest factor in the lower net income for the first quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2008 was realized investment losses. The Company had a net realized loss of $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to a $0.1 million net realized gain in the first quarter of 2008. In the first quarter of 2009, write-downs of investments due to the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments totaled $6.1 million. There were no investments written down for other-than-temporary impairments during the first quarter of 2008. In addition, the Company experienced reduced net investment income, increased policyholder benefits, increased amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, and increased operating expenses during the first quarter of 2009 versus the same the same period one year earlier. Each of these changes negatively affected earnings in the current period relative to the first quarter of 2008.

 

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

 

This report reviews the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and historical information is presented and discussed. Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed. Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” that fall within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements rather than historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” and other words, phrases or expressions with similar meaning.

 

Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risk factors listed in Item 1A. Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results as filed in the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K.

 

 

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Summary of Results

The Company incurred a net loss of $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $3.6 million in net income in the first quarter of 2008. Net loss per share was $0.40 versus net income per share of $0.31 in last year’s first quarter.

 

The primary factor in the decline in the first quarter of 2009 was net realized investment losses, which totaled $4.7 million versus a small realized gain in the first quarter of 2008. Also contributing to the decline was a $3.3 million or 7% decrease in net investment income, a $3.2 million or 7% increase in policyholder benefits, a $1.4 million or 12% increase in amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, and a $1.9 million or 8% increase in operating expenses. These were partially offset by a $2.1 million or 5% increase in premiums and a $4.4 million change in income tax expense for the two periods.

 

Sales

The Company measures sales in terms of new premiums and deposits. Premiums are included in insurance revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income, while deposits are shown as a Financing Activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The first set of tables below reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business. New premiums are also detailed by product. The second set of tables reconciles deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provides detail by new and renewal deposits by product.

 

The Company’s marketing plan has been to focus its primary growth strategies on individual life insurance business in both the Individual Insurance and Old American segments. This growth strategy includes new premiums for individual life products and new deposits for universal life and variable universal life products. The marketing plan includes strategies to grow the business through the Company’s existing sales force and the addition of new agents and general agents. The Company believes that growth in both the number of general agents and agents is essential to this strategy. Accordingly, the Company has placed an emphasis on recruiting new general agents and agents over the past two years and providing more training and direct support within the field. In addition, the growth strategy also encourages a product mix that includes both life and annuity products.

 

The Company also markets a series of group products, as identified in the Group Insurance segment discussed below. These products include group life, dental, disability, and vision products. The primary growth strategies for this segment include increased productivity of the existing group representatives and continued expansion of the group distribution system. Further, growth is to be supported by the addition of new products to the portfolio, particularly voluntary-type products which tend to be more profitable.

 

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. New premiums are also detailed by product.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated total premiums increased 5% in the first quarter of 2009 versus the same period in the prior year, as total new premiums increased 13% and total renewal premiums increased 2%. New premiums increased $1.2 million, reflecting a $1.4 million increase in immediate annuities. The Company has experienced an increase in annuity premiums in recent quarters, reflecting changes in consumer product preferences. New individual life premiums increased 4%, which includes a 10% increase in new premiums in the Old American segment. The increase in new premiums from the Old American segment reflects a combination of new products and enhanced distribution expansion. Partially offsetting these, new group life premiums decreased 12% and new group accident and health premiums decreased 8%, the latter reflecting a decrease in dental premiums.  Total renewal

 

27

 

 

premiums increased $0.8 million. This increase was due to higher group accident and health premiums, largely in the dental line.

 

The following table reconciles deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provides detail by new and renewal deposits for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. New deposits are also detailed by product.

 

 

Total new deposits increased $4.2 million or 26% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008. This increase was driven by a $9.8 million or 176% increase in new fixed deferred annuity deposits during the first quarter of 2009. This improvement can largely be attributed to changes in consumer preferences resulting from the volatility in the equity markets. This volatility is reflected in the reduction in sales of new universal life deposits, new variable universal life deposits and new variable annuities, which declined 24%, 20% and 63%, respectively in the first quarter compared to one year ago. Renewal deposits increased $1.0 million or 3% in the first quarter versus last year. This increase was due to a $0.7 million or 28% increase in variable annuity and a $0.7 million or 16% increase in fixed deferred annuity deposits. Partially offsetting these, renewal deposits declined 4% for variable universal life products and 1% for universal life products.

 

Insurance Revenues

Insurance revenues consist of premiums from traditional insurance products, and contract charges less reinsurance ceded. In the first quarter of 2009, total insurance revenues increased $1.6 million or 3%, reflecting a 5% increase in total premiums. This was partially offset by a 2% decrease in contract charges and a 1% decrease in reinsurance ceded. Total annuity premiums increased 47%, and total accident and health premiums increased 7%, while total individual life premiums were flat compared with last year. Total group life premiums increased 3%. Total individual life premiums declined 1% from the Individual Insurance segment and were flat in the Old American segment.

 

Contract charges consist of fees charged on universal life-type, deposit-type or investment-type products. Total contract charges declined 2% in the first quarter. This decline can largely be attributed to a decline in policyholder account balances, increased surrenders on variable contracts and the runoff of closed blocks.

 

Reinsurance ceded decreased 1% in the first quarter versus last year. While reinsurance ceded was relatively flat for the Individual Insurance and Group segments, reinsurance ceded in the Old American segment declined 12%, reflecting the runoff of a large closed block of reinsured business.

 

Investment Revenues

Net investment income is stated net of investment expenses. Net investment income declined 7% in the first quarter compared to a year ago. Net investment income results were negatively impacted by changes in the Company’s invested asset base and yields available on the portfolio. In addition, expenses associated with investment income declined, favorably impacting results.

 

Gross investment income is largely composed of interest and dividends on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and short-term investments, mortgage loans, real estate and policy loans. Gross investment income declined $3.8 million or 8% in the first quarter of 2009, compared with the same period in 2008. This decrease primarily resulted from a decline in gross investment income from reduced investment assets and a decline from lower investment yields. The decline in investment assets reflects declines in book value due to sales, maturities and calls. The lower yield includes reductions due to lower rate resets of floating rate notes, maturities and calls on securities with yields greater than the portfolio average.

 

Investments in mortgage loans totaled $446.0 million at March 31, 2009, up slightly from December 31, 2008. Almost all of the mortgages were commercial loans on industrial warehouses and office properties. Investment

 

 

income from mortgage loans decreased $0.1 million in the first quarter compared to one year ago. This decline was due to lower rates earned on new loans, lower prepayment fees and a lower total volume of loans.

 

Real estate investments were $101.3 million at March 31, 2009 compared to $99.6 million at December 31, 2008. Real estate investments consist principally of office buildings and industrial warehouses that are both in use and under development, and investments in multi-family and single-family residential properties, including affordable housing. The primary monetary benefit received from investments in affordable housing is in the form of tax credits, which primarily serves to reduce current and future tax expense rather than increase investment revenues. The Company also invests in unimproved land for future development. Properties have been acquired through individual purchases, build-to-suit and speculative development. The Company generally maintains its ownership interest in these properties on a direct and joint venture basis with the long-term intention of earning positive cash flow and income by leasing the properties, along with the expectation of realizing capital appreciation upon sale. The Company periodically sells certain real estate assets when management believes that the market and timing are perceived to be advantageous. Investment income on real estate increased 8% in the first quarter of 2009. Higher rental income resulted from an increase in occupancy in certain real estate properties.

 

Short-term investments totaled $32.3 million at March 31, 2009, down from $35.1 million at December 31, 2008. Short-term invested assets consist primarily of money-market funds. Income on short-term investments declined $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2009. This decline was due to reduced short-term investments and a decline in yields year-over-year.

 

Investment income is stated net of investment expenses. Investment expenses decreased $0.5 million or 14% in the first quarter compared to last year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on short-term notes payable. The Company has an investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank from which it is allowed to borrow money at favorable interest rates. The Company periodically borrows and subsequently reinvests these proceeds in higher-yielding investments. The Company had increased its borrowings during the first quarter of 2008 and subsequently reduced these borrowings. The Company had no notes payable outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

The Company recorded net realized investment losses of $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared with $0.1 million in net investment gains in the first quarter of 2008. Investment losses of $6.1 million were due to write-downs of certain investment securities that were considered other-than-temporarily impaired. These were partially offset by $0.7 million in gains on the sale of real estate and $0.2 million in gains on investment securities called. The financial sector and mortgage-related securities have been hit hard by economic pressures, but the economic stress has spread to virtually all sectors and asset classes. This has resulted in large price dislocations that have affected a broad range of securities and companies. The net realized investment gain in the first quarter of 2008 primarily resulted from gains from sales and calls of investment securities being slightly higher than losses from sales of investment securities.

 

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $6.1 million due to credit. The aggregate impairment for these securities was $21.4 million, and $15.3 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive loss. The total fair value of the affected securities after the write-downs was $21.0 million. No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

 

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the first quarter of 2009:

 

 

 

photography. The decline in the economy has negatively affected sales, as the consumer photography industry is a discretionary item. The company’s declining revenues and liquidity position led to the other-than-temporary impairment.

 

Following is information of the other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investment securities by sector for the first quarter of 2009: $1.5 million was from the financial sector; $0.7 million was from corporate private-labeled mortgage-backed securities; $2.7 million was from the industrial sector; $1.2 million was from the consumer, non-cyclical sector.

 

The following table provides detail concerning realized investment gains and losses for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

 

Investment Accounting Policy and Analysis of Investments

The Company seeks to protect policyholders’ benefits by optimizing risk and return on an ongoing basis through managing asset and liability cash flows, monitoring credit risk, avoiding high levels of investments that may be redeemed by the issuer, maintaining sufficiently liquid investments and avoiding undue asset concentrations through diversification, among other things. The Company has three primary sources of investment risk:

 

 

 

 

The Company’s ability to manage these risks is essential to the success of the organization. In particular, the Company devotes considerable resources to the credit analysis of each new investment and the ongoing credit positions. The majority of the Company’s investments are exposed to varying degrees of credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the value of the investment may decline due to deterioration in the financial strength of the issuer and that the timely or ultimate payment of principal or interest might not occur. A default by an issuer usually involves some loss of principal to the investor. Losses can be mitigated by timely sales of affected securities or by active involvement in a restructuring process. However, there can be no assurance that the efforts of an investor will lead to favorable outcomes in a bankruptcy or restructuring. Credit risk is managed primarily through industry, issuer, structure and asset diversification. In addition, the Company’s Investment Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and is responsible for establishing investment policies and approving or authorizing all investments.

 

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by sector as of March 31, 2009.

 

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

 

 

 

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by sector as of December 31, 2008.

 

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

 

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $230.1 million in gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities which were partially offset by $38.6 million in gross unrealized gains. At March 31, 2009, the Company’s unrealized losses had increased to $239.4 million and were partially offset by $42.9 million in gross unrealized gains. Approximately 61% of the gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2009 were in the category of corporate obligations. The financial sector was the single largest contributor to that category, primarily due to the direct and indirect impact of the troubled residential real estate and mortgage markets. In addition, at March 31, 2009, corporate private-labeled mortgage-backed securities, also related to the residential real estate and mortgage industries, accounted for 24% of the gross unrealized losses.

 

The following table identifies fixed maturity securities available for sale by rating.

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2009, 95% of all fixed maturity securities were investment grade compared to 96% at December 31, 2008. This high percentage reflects the high quality of securities maintained by the company.

 

Analysis of Unrealized Losses on Securities

The Company reviews all security investments, particularly including those having unrealized losses. Further, the Company specifically assesses all investments with greater than 10% declines in fair value and, in general, monitors all security investments as to ongoing risk. These risks are fundamentally evaluated through both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the issuer. The Company also prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments with greater than 20% declines in fair value for six months or more, investments that have previously been written down and that remain in an unrealized loss position, and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost.

 

The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers such as:

 

 

This process also involves monitoring several factors including late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, asset quality, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

 

All securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments should be recorded. This process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio. Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost. Further, detailed analysis is performed for each issue or issues having experienced a formal restructuring or where the security has experienced material deterioration in fair value or where the fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost.

 

The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:

 

 

To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the difference between amortized cost and fair value due to credit is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period. If the Company determines that a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, the difference between amortized cost and fair value is charged to income as a realized investment loss, resulting in a reduction to the cost basis of the underlying investment.

 

The Company may selectively determine, as part of its individual investment assessment process in relation to specific investments, that it no longer intends to hold a specific issue to its maturity. If the Company makes this determination and the fair value is less than the cost basis, an analysis of the fair value of the investment is performed and the investment is written down to the fair value and an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded on this particular position. Subsequently, the Company seeks to obtain the best possible outcome available for this specific issue and records an investment gain or loss at the disposal date.

 

Concerns arose during the second half of 2007 regarding subprime mortgage loan defaults. These difficulties deepened and have expanded through 2009. Market dislocations have exacerbated credit issues as some historically liquid markets, such as asset-backed commercial paper, auction-rate securities and bank financing have contracted. Demand for securitized investments has also fallen significantly. The Company closely monitors its investments in securities classified as subprime. Subprime securities include all bonds or portions of bonds where the underlying collateral is made up of home equity loans or first mortgage loans to borrowers whose credit scores at the time of origination were lower than the level recognized in the market as prime. The Company’s classification of subprime does not include Alt-A or jumbo loans, unless the collateral otherwise meets the preceding definition. At March 31, 2009, the Company had investments with subprime residential mortgage exposure of $18.6 million and a related $13.5 million unrealized loss. This exposure amounted to less than 1% of the Company’s invested assets. These investments fall under the Company’s normal process for evaluation of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.

 

 

 

The Company has a significant level of non-U.S. Agency structured securities. Structured securities include asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed securities, along with collateralized debt obligations, collateralized mortgaged obligations and other collateralized obligations. The Company monitors these securities through a combination of an analysis of vintage, credit ratings and other means. Identified below are tables that divide these investment types among vintage and credit ratings as of March 31, 2009.
 

 

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

 

 

The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, as of March 31, 2009.

 

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

 

 

The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, as of December 31, 2008.
 

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

 

At March 31, 2009, $187.5 million or 76% of the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities was attributable to securities having gross unrealized losses of 12 months or longer, compared to $128.2 million of 55% at December 31, 2008. The largest category was corporate obligations, which accounted for 53% at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

At March 31, 2009, $58.2 million or 24% of the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities was attributable to securities having gross unrealized losses of less than 12 months. This compares to $103.7 million or 45% at December 31, 2008. Corporate obligations represented the largest category representing 79% and 68%, respectively at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

In addition, the Company also considers as part of its monitoring and evaluation process the length of time a security is below cost. At March 31, 2009, the Company had unrealized losses on its investment portfolio for fixed maturities and equity securities as follows:

 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 by ratio of unrealized loss to amortized cost.

 

 

 

Total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2009 were $239.4 million. The Company segments these unrealized losses into three primary categories. The first category includes total unrealized losses of 10% or less of amortized cost, which totaled $32.9 million or 14% of the total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities. The second category reflects total unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%. This category totaled $59.5 million or 25% of the total unrealized losses. The third category includes total unrealized losses greater than 20%. This category totaled $147.0 million or 61% of the total.

 

 

Securities with unrealized losses greater than 20% are also monitored based upon whether the securities are investment grade or below investment grade. Securities in the investment grade category had $125.2 million in unrealized losses, while securities rated below investment grade had $21.8 million in unrealized losses at March 31, 2009.

 

In addition, securities having unrealized losses greater than 20% are further evaluated based upon the length of time that they have been above the 20% unrealized loss threshold. Securities in this classification are divided into three different categories, including less than six months, six months or more and less than twelve months, and twelve months or greater. The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $74.1 million and $42.9 million for less than six months and six or more and less than twelve-month periods, respectively, at March 31, 2009. The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater that totaled $8.2 million. The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $11.8 million for less than six months. The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for six months or more and less than twelve months that totaled $10.0 million at March 31, 2009.

 

The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $90.9 million for less than six months at December 31, 2008. This represented 71% of total unrealized losses greater than 20%. Investment grade securities with unrealized losses for six months or more and less than twelve-months totaled $17.1 million. The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $17.3 million for less than six months and $2.4 million for six months or more and less than twelve-month periods. The Company had no securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater at December 31, 2008.

 

The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by rating as of March 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by rating as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2009, 92% of the fair value of fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses was investment grade compared to 93% at December 31, 2008. However, 88% of the total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses were from investment grade securities as of March 31, 2009, the same as at December 31, 2008.

 

The following tables provide the distribution of maturities for fixed maturity investment securities available for sale with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Expected maturities may differ from these contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

 

 

 

Following is a discussion of securities whose fair value had been less than 80% of amortized cost for at least six months at March 31, 2009. The Company has evaluated 37 fixed-maturity securities from 33 issuers in this category, and prepared detailed analyses on these positions. The Company has considered a wide variety of

 

 

factors to determine that these positions were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

 

For those securities identified as other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company allocated the impairments between credit and non-credit impairments in accordance with FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. Following is a discussion of those securities with non-credit impairments whose fair value continues to be less than 80% of amortized cost for at least six months at March 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

The Company has written down certain investments in previous periods. Securities written down and still owned at March 31, 2009 had a carrying value of $45.9 million with a net unrealized loss of $31.9 million, including the impact of the cumulative effect of change in accounting estimate. Comparatively, securities written down and still owned at December 31, 2008 had a carrying value of $29.2 million and a net unrealized loss of $2.2 million.

 

Other Revenues

Other revenues consist primarily of supplemental contract considerations, policyholder dividends left with the Company to accumulate, income received on the sale of low income housing tax credits (“LIHTC credits”) and income from the Company’s in-house broker dealer, SFS. Other revenues decreased $0.2 million or 7% in the first quarter compared to last year, largely due to lower sales at SFS from the decline in the financial markets.

 

Policyholder Benefits

Policyholder benefits consist of death benefits (mortality), annuity benefits, accident and health benefits, surrenders and the associated increase or decrease in reserves for future policy benefits. For the periods presented, the largest component of policyholder benefits was death benefits. Death benefits reflect mortality results. Mortality will fluctuate from period-to-period and has remained within pricing expectations for the periods presented.

 

Policyholder benefits increased $3.2 million or 7% in the first quarter compared to a year ago. This increase was due to several factors. Other benefits, namely group accident and health, supplemental contracts, annuities and matured endowments, increased 8% during the first quarter. This increase reflects a 14% increase in group accident and health benefits and a 13% increase in annuity benefits. The increase in group accident and health benefits was largely due to higher dental benefits. Benefit and contract reserves increased, mostly due to increased immediate annuity sales, as reserves are established virtually on a one-for-one basis with premiums. Partially offsetting these, surrenders declined on traditional life products. Death benefits declined on a consolidated basis during the first quarter. While death benefits increased for the Individual Insurance and Group segments, they declined significantly at the Old American segment. The decline at the Old American segment occurred as mortality experience was less than historical normative measures during the first quarter of 2009.

 

The Company has introduced a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) rider for variable annuity contracts that is considered to be a financial derivative, and as such is accounted for at fair value. These annuity riders had a decrease in value of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2009, reflecting slight improvements in interest rates compared with year-end. The value of the riders will fluctuate depending on market conditions.

 

Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances

Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts. There are minimum levels of interest crediting assumed in certain policies or contracts, as well as allowances for adjustments made to reflect current market conditions in certain policies or contracts. Accordingly, the Company reviews and adjusts crediting rates as necessary and appropriate. Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.5 million or 2% in the first quarter compared with a year ago largely due to a decrease in policyholder account balances. Amounts credited are a function of account balances available multiplied by an appropriate crediting rate. As account balances decline, so will the amount of interest credited to policyholder account balances. In addition, the Company reduced crediting rates on selected products to remain in line with rates available in the market. Interest was credited to policyholder account balances for universal life, fixed deferred annuities and other investment-type products.

 

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) and Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)

Certain life insurance and annuity products require that DAC is amortized in proportion to the expected future gross profits. Profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience. At least annually, a review is performed of the assumptions related to profit expectations. If it is determined the assumptions should be revised, the impact of the changes is recorded as a change in DAC amortization in the current period due to an unlocking adjustment. A similar analysis is performed on VOBA at least annually and, if necessary, adjustments are made in the current period VOBA amortization.

 

The amortization of DAC increased $1.2 million or 13% in the first quarter. DAC amortization from variable products increased, reflecting higher surrenders and the impact of the negative fluctuations within the financial markets. Virtually all of the increase compared with the prior year reflects the decline in the financial markets.

 

 

This decline negatively affects the DAC asset through increased amortization.

 

VOBA is amortized in concert with each purchased block of business. Generally, as policies run off, the amortization will decline over time. In addition, VOBA is evaluated each period for unlocking adjustments. The amortization of VOBA increased $0.2 million in the first quarter.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses consist of commissions and production allowances, net of the capitalization of commission and production allowances, and expenses from the Company’s operations. Operating expenses increased $1.9 million or 8% in the first quarter compared to last year. The largest component of this increase was higher salaries and benefits, which increased $1.0 million or 7% compared to one year ago. This increase resulted from $2.2 million associated with the reduction of staff in an effort to reduce future operating costs. Legal fees increased $0.8 million, reflecting an increase in litigation costs.

 

Income Taxes

The first quarter income tax benefit was $2.4 million or 35% of income before tax for 2009, versus an income tax expense of $2.0 million or 36% of income before tax for the prior year period.

 

The effective income tax rate in 2009 was equal to the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35%. Favorable permanent differences, primarily from the dividends received deduction, resulted in a benefit of approximately 1% of income before tax, which was offset by an expense of 1% of income before tax related to the Company’s investments in affordable housing and an increase in the tax contingency.

 

The effective income tax rate in 2008 was higher than the prevailing corporate federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the tax contingency. The tax contingency increased $0.1 million, or approximately 2% of income before tax, from additional interest accrued on tax positions recorded in prior years.

 

Operating Results by Segment

 

The Company has three reportable business segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered: Individual Insurance, Group Insurance and Old American. The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life. The Individual Insurance segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements. The Group Insurance segment consists of sales of group life, group disability, dental, and vision products. This segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements. Old American consists of individual insurance products designed primarily as final expense products. These products are marketed through a nationwide general agency sales force with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads. For more information, refer to Note 10 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Individual Insurance

The following table presents financial data of the Individual Insurance business segment for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

The net loss for this segment in the first quarter was $4.6 million, a decrease of $8.3 million from $3.8 million of net income in the first quarter of 2008. The largest factor in the decline in 2009 was $4.8 million in realized investment losses. The loss was also driven by a $3.2 million decrease in net investment income, a $3.0 million increase in policyholder benefits, a $1.9 million increase in operating expenses and a $1.2 million increase in amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired. Partially offsetting these, total insurance revenues increased $0.7 million, reflecting a $1.2 million increase in premiums. Also, income tax expense decreased $4.5 million, primarily due to the realized investment losses and decrease in pretax income.

 

Total insurance revenues for this segment increased 2% in the first quarter compared with last year as total premiums increased 9%, largely due to greater immediate annuity sales. Contract charges declined 2% and reinsurance ceded was relatively flat, compared with a year ago. The decline in contract charges can largely be attributed to a decline in cost of insurance charges that have resulted from a decline in policyholder account balances due to increased surrenders on variable contracts, the decline in policyholder account balances and the runoff of closed blocks.

 

 

 

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. New premiums are also detailed by product.

 

 

 

Total new premiums increased 31% compared with the first quarter of 2008. This improvement was driven by a 47% increase in new immediate annuity premiums. The increase in annuity premiums reflects changes in consumer preferences, largely due to the difficult economic environment. Total renewal premiums decreased 1%, reflecting slight reductions in renewal individual life and renewal individual accident and health premiums.

 

The following table reconciles deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provides detail by new and renewal deposits for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. New deposits are also detailed by product.

 

 

 

Total new deposits increased $4.2 million or 26% in the first quarter of 2009, reflecting a $9.7 million or 176% increase in new fixed deferred annuity deposits compared to one year ago. This increase was partially offset by a $4.9 million or 63% decrease in new variable annuity deposits. In addition, new universal life deposits declined $0.6 million or 24% and new variable annuity deposits declined $0.1 million compared to last year. Total renewal deposits increased $1.0 million or 3% in the first quarter, as variable annuity deposits increased 28% and fixed deferred annuities increased 16%. Partially offsetting these, renewal variable universal life deposits decreased 4% and renewal universal life deposits decreased 1% compared to the prior year. The increases in fixed deferred annuity deposits reflect the shift in consumer preferences resulting from the volatility in the equity markets. The declines in variable annuities, variable universal life and universal life reflect this difficult economic environment.

 

Net investment income decreased 7% in the first quarter, primarily due to reduced investment assets and lower yields available in the market. This segment experienced a $4.7 million realized investment loss in the first quarter of 2009, versus a $0.1 million investment gain in 2008. The Company’s analysis of securities for the first quarter of 2009 resulted in the determination that investments in six fixed-maturity issuers (seven specific securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment. These securities were written down by a combined $6.0 million. The total fair value of the affected securities after the write-downs was $19.8 million. No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

 

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the first quarter of 2009:

 

 

 

downgrades, combined with the issuer’s need to raise additional capital to meet future payments contributed to the other-than-temporary impairment.

 

Other revenues decreased $0.1 million or 6% in the first quarter compared to a year ago. This decrease was largely due to fees that resulted from lower sales from the Company’s in-house broker dealer. This reduction in sales reflects the decline in the financial markets.

 

Policyholder benefits increased $3.0 million or 11% in the first quarter, compared to the prior year. This increase was largely due to an increase in benefit and contract reserves, primarily resulting from the increase in immediate annuity premiums, where reserves are established virtually on a one-for-one basis with premiums. Also, death benefits net of reinsurance ceded increased $0.7 million, reflecting a reduction in reinsurance ceded on death benefits. Partially offsetting these, surrenders declined, reflecting reduced surrenders on traditional life products. This reduction reflects the relative safety of traditional life insurance products versus other investments available in the market during the current volatile environment.

 

Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policy. There are minimum rates of crediting prescribed in certain policies as well as adjustments that can be made to the initial crediting rate. Accordingly, the Company reviews and as necessary adjusts crediting rates on policies. Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.5 million or 2% in the first quarter. Amounts credited are a function of account balances and the rate of crediting. The decrease in interest credited to policyholder account balances was largely due to a decline in policyholder account balances and reduced crediting rates on selected products.

 

The amortization of DAC and VOBA increased 16% in the first quarter. Amortization of DAC increased $1.1 million. This increase in amortization is primarily attributable to variable products, reflecting higher surrenders and the impact of the negative fluctuations within the financial markets.

 

VOBA is amortized in concert with each purchased block of business. Accordingly, as policies run off, the amortization will decline over time. The amortization of VOBA increased $0.1 million or 13% in the first quarter.

 

Operating expenses consist of commissions and production allowances, net of the capitalization of commission and production allowances, and expenses from the Company’s operations. Operating expenses increased $1.9 million or 11% in the first quarter. This increase resulted from $2.2 million associated with the reduction of staff in an effort to reduce future operating costs. Legal fees also increased during the first quarter, reflecting an increase in litigation costs.

 

 

Group Insurance

The following table presents financial data of the Group Insurance business segment for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

 

The net loss for this segment totaled $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2009, versus net income of $0.1 million in 2008. The decline was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in policyholder benefits and a $0.3 million increase in operating expenses. Partially offsetting these changes was a $0.9 million increase in premiums.

 

Total insurance revenues for the Group Insurance segment increased $1.0 million or 8% in the first quarter compared to last year. This improvement was the result of a 7% increase in premiums and a 1% decline in reinsurance ceded.

 

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. New premiums are also detailed by product.

 

 

 

Total new premiums decreased 9% and total renewal premiums increased 12%. New dental premiums decreased 11% and new group life premiums decreased 12%. These declines occurred in comparison with 2008, which experienced higher premiums as a reflection of the expansion of the group distribution system. The increase in renewal premiums was largely due to an 11% increase in dental premiums and a 16% increase in long-term disability premiums.

 

Policyholder benefits increased $1.2 million or 16% in the first quarter compared to last year. The increase was largely due to increases in benefits for the dental and life product lines. The $0.5 million increase in benefits in the dental product line reflects, in part, the increase in new dental business during 2008.  It is typical for new

 

 

dental business to report an increase in benefits in the first policy year. As the business ages, the benefit ratio falls more in line with renewal expectations. Management monitors this ratio on an ongoing basis and adjusts future renewal premiums, as necessary, in order to achieve profitability expectations on individual groups. The increase in benefits in the life product line reflects an increase in death benefits of $0.4 million or 30% in the first quarter, due to a higher volume and a greater average dollar amount of claims.

 

Operating expenses consist of commissions, fees to third party marketing and administrative organizations, and expenses from the Company’s operations. Operating expenses in this segment increased 6% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to last year. This increase was largely due to a $0.4 million release in legal contingency reserves in the first quarter of 2008 as a result of a settlement of pending litigation.

 

Improvement efforts for this segment continue to be focused in three primary areas. First, emphasis is placed on the growth of the in-force business. Increased productivity from existing group representatives and the continued expansion of the group distribution system are priorities for growth. This segment is also seeking additional third-party arrangements to advance its sales objectives. Second, improvement in administrative efficiency is targeted through the increased use of technology, which should ultimately reduce expenses. Finally, this segment added a new voluntary disability product to the portfolio in 2008 and will introduce a new voluntary life product later in 2009. Voluntary products tend to be more profitable and are expected to become a larger share of the group marketplace.

 

 

Old American Insurance Company

The following table presents financial data of the Old American Insurance Company business segmentfor the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

 

Net income for this segment was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared with a $0.3 million net loss in 2008. The increase in net income was largely the result of decreases in policyholder benefits and operating expenses. These were partially offset by a decrease in net investment income.

 

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business for the first quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

 

New premiums increased 10% and the pace of declining renewal premiums was reduced to 2%. The increase in new premiums reflects a combination of enhanced products, a competitive compensation package for agents and distribution, which continue to improve this segment’s competitive position. Old American continues to focus on the recruitment and development of new agencies and agents, along with a continued focus on improved

 

 

production from existing agencies and agents.

 

Net investment income declined $0.2 million or 5% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with 2008. These declines primarily reflect reduced investment assets and a reduction in yields available in the market. Old American also had a $0.1 million realized investment loss in the first quarter of 2009.

 

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that one fixed-maturity security had an other-than-temporary impairment affecting the Old American segment. This investment was written down by $0.1 million in the first quarter. The fair value of the investment after the write-down was $1.2 million. No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

 

Following is a description of the security that was written down during the first quarter of 2009:

 

 

Policyholder benefits decreased $1.0 million or 8% versus last year. The decrease was primarily due to a $1.4 million decrease in death benefits compared to the prior year. This decline occurred as mortality experience was less than historical normative measures during the first quarter of 2009. The decrease in death benefits was partially offset by an increase in benefit and contract reserves of $0.5 million. The benefit and contract reserve increase was largely due to the improved sales and the decline in policyholder benefits.

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired increased $0.2 million or 4% in the first quarter versus last year. The increase was due to an increase in DAC amortization as more insurance policies were issued at higher commission rates.

 

Operating expenses consist of commissions and production allowances, net of the capitalization of commission and production allowances, and expenses from the Company’s operations. These expenses decreased $0.3 million or 7% versus last year. The decrease was largely the result of a decrease in salaries and benefits expense.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Statements made in the Company's 2008 Form 10-K remain pertinent, as the Company’s liquidity position is materially unchanged from year-end 2008.

 

Management believes that the Company has sufficient sources of liquidity to satisfy operational requirements and to finance expansion plans and strategic initiatives for the remainder of 2009. Primary sources of cash flow are premiums, other insurance considerations and deposits, receipts for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, investment income and access to credit from other financial institutions. In addition, the Company has credit facilities that are available for additional working capital needs or investment opportunities. The principal uses of cash are for the insurance operations, including the purchase of investments, payment of insurance benefits, operating expenses, dividends, income taxes, withdrawals from policyholder accounts and costs related to acquiring new business. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that the ability to borrow under the current credit facilities will be maintained.

 

The current economic climate has tightened the financial and liquidity conditions of policyholders. The difficult economic environment and the credit crisis may produce the need for individual policyholder liquidity and could result in increased surrenders and policy loans on existing policies. The Company performs cash flow testing and adds various levels of stress testing to potential surrender and policy loan levels in order to assess current and near-term cash and liquidity needs. In the event of increased surrenders and other cash needs, the Company has several sources of cash flow, as mentioned above, to meet these needs.

 

Cash from operations was $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2009, an increase of $23.9 million compared to $11.3 million net cash used one year ago. Contributing to the increase were several items. Cash benefit payments, largely from death claims, decreased $1.7 million, life surrenders decreased $0.7 million and reinsurance receivables established at the time claims are paid decreased $7.5 million. In addition, income taxes recoverable

 

 

decreased $5.6 million and other trade receivables decreased $0.6 million. Partially offsetting these reductions was a $3.5 million decrease in investment income, net of a $0.8 million reduction in interest paid on borrowed money. In addition, accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $5.5 million and accrued employee and agent benefits increased $1.8 million compared to a year ago.

 

Net cash used from investing activities was $8.3 million in the first quarter, up from $4.5 million for the same period in 2008. The Company’s new investments in fixed maturity and equity securities were $69.2 million in the first quarter, a 52% decrease from $143.9 million a year ago. New investments in mortgage loans were $12.3 million, compared with $1.7 million last year. Purchases of real estate totaled $4.1 million, down from $7.0 million in 2008. Sales and maturities of fixed maturity and equity securities totaled $58.6 million for the first quarter, a 41% decrease versus a year ago. Sales of real estate investments totaled $2.7 million, down from $8.4 million a year ago. The Company had $11.7 million in mortgage loan maturities and principal paydowns, compared to $10.9 million last year.

 

Net cash used from financing activities was $6.1 million for the quarter, compared with $10.5 million in cash provided a year ago. This change was primarily the result of three items. First, the Company had net repayments of borrowings of $2.9 million, versus net proceeds from borrowings of $31.5 million a year ago. Second, withdrawals on policyholder account balances net of related deposits were $5.5 million, a decrease of $13.0 million compared to the prior year. Third, the net acquisition of treasury stock, reflecting net purchases from employee benefit plans, totaled $1.6 million, a decrease of $4.4 million versus last year.

 

The above information excludes net proceeds from variable insurance products. These proceeds are segregated into separate accounts and are not held in the Company’s general investments because the policyholders, rather than the Company, assume the underlying investment risks.

 

Debt and Short-term Borrowing

The Company and certain subsidiaries have access to borrowing capacity through their membership affiliation with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB). At March 31, 2009, there were no outstanding balances with the FHLB and there was $2.9 million in outstanding borrowings at year-end 2008. The decrease was due to net pay downs of $2.9 million in borrowings from FHLB in the first three months of the year. The Company has access to unsecured revolving lines of credit of $60.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding. Lines of credit totaling $20.0 million will expire in May of 2009 and the remaining $40.0 million will expire in June 2009. The Company anticipates renewing these lines of credit as they become due.

 

Capital Resources

The Company considers existing capital resources to be more than adequate to support the current level of business activities. In addition, the Company’s statutory equity exceeds the minimum capital deemed necessary to support its insurance business, as determined by the risk-based capital calculations and guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

 

The following table shows the capital adequacy for the Company.

 

 

The ratio of equity to assets less separate accounts has remained relatively constant. Unrealized investment losses on available for sale securities, which are included as a part of stockholders’ equity (net of securities gains, related taxes, policyholder account balances and deferred acquisition costs), totaled $88.4 million at March 31, 2009. This represents an increase of $6.1 million in losses from the $82.3 million unrealized investment losses at year-end 2008.

 

Stockholders’ equity decreased $7.0 million from year-end 2008. The decrease was largely due to a net loss, the payment of stockholder dividends and an increase in treasury stock.

 

The Company has defined contribution plans for employees and agents whereby shares of Company stock may be purchased or sold. Also, the Company makes contributions to these plans through Company stock. These transactions are accounted for as purchases and sales of treasury stock. Accordingly, in the first three months

 

 

of 2009, the benefit plans purchased 185,546 shares of treasury stock for $2.6 million and sold 159,009 shares of treasury stock for $5.5 million.

 

Through the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company did not purchase any shares under the stock repurchase program. In 2008, the Company purchased 181,661 of its shares for $8.2 million. Under this program, the Company may purchase up to one million shares on the open market through January 2010.

 

On April 27, 2009, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, unchanged from the prior year that will be paid May 13, 2009 to stockholders of record as of May 7, 2009.

 

Current legislative activities are not expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing operations of the Company.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  

 

In the most recent reporting periods, extreme occurrences of volatility beyond historical norms have impacted the markets for the Company’s fixed income and equity securities. This volatility has impacted liquidity, credit risk, fair value of investments and the term structure of interest rates. These extreme events have not abated and prolonged periods of such volatility represent a new, heightened risk for all financial institutions. These ongoing events could negatively affect the Company and policyholder activity, such as a reduction in sales, increased policy surrenders and increased policy loans. The Company has factored these heightened risks into its risk management processes and its disclosures of financial condition.

 

Please refer to the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. As required by Exchange Act 13a-15(d), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.

 

 

Part II: Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The life insurance industry, including the Company and its subsidiaries, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years. Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, often questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products.

 

In addition to the above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in, or subject to other claims or legal actions. Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages. Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these other claims and legal actions would have no material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors and Cautionary Factors that may Affect Future Results

 

Risk factors and cautionary factors have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

¹On January 26, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock. The Company did not purchase any shares under this program during the first quarter of 2009.

 

²Included in this column are the total net shares purchased or sold from benefit plans sponsored by the Company during the consecutive months of January through March 2009.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

On April 23, 2009, the Annual Stockholders Meeting was held at 3520 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri. At this meeting, there were 11,584,319 shares outstanding and eligible to vote, and 11,459,357 shares were represented at the meeting either in person or by proxy.

 

 

 

The following Directors received the number of votes indicated and were elected for a three-year term:

 

 

The following Directors continued their term of office after the meeting:

 

 

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

 

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2009, press release reporting financial results for the first quarter of 2009.

 

Kansas City Life Announces First Quarter 2009 Results

 

Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded a net loss of $4.5 million or $0.40 per share in the first quarter of 2009 compared with net income of $3.6 million or $0.31 per share for the prior year. The decline in earnings in 2009 was largely due to an $8.1 million decline in investment revenues and a $3.2 million increase in policyholder benefits. Lower investment revenues resulted from the impact of the recessionary environment, including $6.1 million in net realized losses on investments from writedowns on formerly investment grade securities that had become credit impaired. The remainder of the decline in investment revenues was the result of lower yields and a lower volume of assets in the Company’s investment portfolio.

 

Premiums from new sales during the first quarter were $10.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 13% over the same period in 2008. Sales of immediate annuities were $4.4 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 47%. The increase in the sales of new immediate annuities largely reflects consumer preferences toward more secure products that pay a fixed rate of return. New individual life insurance premiums were $3.3 million, an increase of 4% compared with the prior year. This improvement was primarily generated by the steady growth in sales in the Old American Insurance Company segment, which focuses on the senior market. Renewal premiums increased $0.8 million or 2% versus the prior year.

 

New deposits from interest sensitive products were $20.4 million, an increase of $4.2 million or 26%. These new sales were largely driven from an increase in fixed deferred annuity sales that totaled $15.3 million, an increase of $9.8 million over the prior year. This increase also reflects the changes in consumer preferences toward the safety of fixed-rate investments.

 

Total insurance revenues increased 3% for the first quarter, largely due to the increase in immediate annuity premiums. Total individual life premiums were flat and total accident and health premiums increased 7% compared with the prior year, largely due to growth in renewals on group accident and health premiums. Contract charges declined 2%, primarily as a result of lower policyholder account balances.

 

The realized investment losses were generated by write-downs of fixed-maturity securities in four different sectors, including the financial, consumer non-cyclical, industrial, and mortgage-backed sectors. This is a reflection of the far-reaching breadth of the current economic downturn. However, despite the difficult environment, 95% of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were rated as investment grade at March 31, 2009. The Company continues to maintain a strong capital position and a well diversified, high-quality investment portfolio.

 

Total benefits and expenses increased 6% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with 2008. This change was primarily due to an increase in policyholder benefits of $3.2 million, an increase in operating expenses of $1.9 million and a $1.4 million increase in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired. The rise in policyholder benefits was primarily due to higher benefits in the group accident and health products, along with increased reserves from the growth in new premiums for the period. The increase in operating expenses was due to costs associated with reduced staffing to lower future operating costs. The increased amortization of deferred acquisition costs primarily reflected a reduction of variable account balances from a decline in the market value of policyholder accounts invested in external equity and fixed-income funds.

 

The impact of changes in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Positions adopted this period was an adjustment to increase retained earnings in the amount of $8.4 million and to increase accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amount of $6.6 million. In addition, these changes had the effect of reducing net realized investment losses by $15.3 million for the period.

 

On April 27, 2009, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that will be paid on May 13, 2009 to stockholders of record as of May 7, 2009.

 

The continued economic challenges are reflected in the results recorded by Kansas City Life in the first quarter of 2009. The overall conditions remain difficult for both companies and individuals alike. However, Kansas City Life is positioned to successfully weather these conditions and offer policyholders, agents and stockholders

 

 

the confidence of knowing the Company is committed to maintaining its focus on making decisions to achieve long-term results, just as it has during other difficult times and economic cycles in the past.

 

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (NASDAQ: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company’s primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company’s revenues were $374.3 million in 2008, and assets and life insurance in force were $4.0 billion and $30.3 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

/s/R. Philip Bixby

R. Philip Bixby

President, Chief Executive Officer

and Chairman of the Board

 

 

/s/Tracy W. Knapp

Tracy W. Knapp

Senior Vice President, Finance

 

Date: May 1, 2009