-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OfK7/3zjNsvp2DRBk7Y16ZlhThW4C0Cdy8AOFYKPGbFXYP8hJtcPEmEGnhL3b5vD 5BTleEymZmEdnKYfQ8QU0g== 0001193125-09-044694.txt : 20090304 0001193125-09-044694.hdr.sgml : 20090304 20090304141937 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-09-044694 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090304 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: UNION SECURITY INSURANCE CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000823533 IRS NUMBER: 810170040 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-37576 FILM NUMBER: 09654902 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 500 BIELENBERG DRIVE CITY: WOODBURY STATE: MN ZIP: 55125 BUSINESS PHONE: 6517384000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 64284 CITY: ST PAUL STATE: MN ZIP: 55164 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FORTIS BENEFITS INSURANCE CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920329 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 033-37576

 

 

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

IOWA   81-0170040

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

6941 VISTA DRIVE

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA

  50266
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (651) 361-4000

 

 

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

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes  ¨    No  x

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

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

Yes  x    No  ¨

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

x

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates is not applicable as no public market exists for the voting stock of the registrant.

As of February 17, 2009, there were 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the registrant outstanding, all of which are owned by Assurant, Inc.

THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS I(1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10-K AND IS FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

 

 

 


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UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item
Number

       Page
Number
  PART I   
1.   Business    2
1A.   Risk Factors    3
1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments    5
2.   Properties    5
3.   Legal Proceedings    5
4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    6
  PART II   
5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    6
6.   Selected Financial Data    6
7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    7
7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    8
8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    10
9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    10
9A.   Controls and Procedures    11
9B.   Other Information    11
  PART III   
10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    12
11.   Executive Compensation    12
12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    12
13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    12
14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    12
  PART IV   
15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    14
Signatures    16

Amounts are presented in United States of America (“U.S.”) dollars and all amounts are in thousands, except number of shares, per share amounts and number of employees.


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements under “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this report may contain forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events, financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters. You can identify these statements by the fact that they may use words such as “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “approximately,” or the negative version of those words and other words and terms with a similar meaning. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Our actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments.

In addition to other factors described in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those currently estimated by management: (i) general global economic, financial market and political conditions (including difficult conditions in financial markets and the global economic slowdown, fluctuations in interest rates, mortgage rates, monetary policies and inflationary pressure); (ii) a decline in our credit or financial strength ratings (including the currently heightened risk of ratings downgrades in the insurance industry); (iii) deterioration in the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value that could impair the Company’s goodwill; (iv) failure to maintain significant client relationships, distribution sources and contractual arrangements; (v) failure to attract and retain sales representatives; (vi) inadequacy of reserves established for future claims losses; (vii) failure to predict or manage benefits, claims and other costs; (viii) diminished value of invested assets in our investment portfolio (due to, among other things, recent volatility in financial markets, other-than-temporary impairments, the global economic slowdown, credit and liquidity risk, and inability to target an appropriate overall risk level); (ix) inability of reinsurers to meet their obligations; (x) insolvency of third parties to whom we have sold or may sell businesses through reinsurance or modified co-insurance; (xi) credit risk of some of our agents; (xii) failure to protect client information and privacy; (xiii) negative publicity and impact on our business due to unfavorable outcomes in litigation and regulatory investigations (including the potential impact on our reputation and business of a negative outcome in the ongoing SEC investigation of the Parent); (xiv) significant competitive pressures in our businesses and cyclicality of the insurance industry; (xv) current or new laws and regulations that could increase our costs or limit our growth. These risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors that could affect our actual results, please refer to the “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

Legal Organization

Union Security Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company formed in 1910 and organized under the laws of the State of Iowa. Since 1984, it has been an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant, Inc. (“Assurant”), which owns and operates companies that provide specialty insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets. Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.

In this report, references to “Union Security,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Union Security Insurance Company.

Business Organization

Union Security, which is licensed to sell life, health and annuity insurance in the District of Columbia and in all states except New York, writes insurance products that are marketed by Assurant’s business segments (see Assurant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for a full description of each of these businesses). We perform substantially all of the operations of the Assurant Employee Benefits segment. We directly market, sell and administer the group disability, group life and certain of the group dental insurance products, and we manage other Assurant subsidiaries that provide prepaid dental products. With respect to the Assurant Health segment, we issue small group health insurance policies that are sold through an independent agency. Finally, with respect to the Assurant Solutions segment, we issue accidental death and dismemberment policies for which the segment performs the selling, marketing, and administration functions. We discontinued marketing all pre-funded life insurance business (“preneed”) as a result of two transactions. First, in November of 2005 we signed an agreement with Forethought Life Insurance Company to sell, via reinsurance, new preneed insurance policies written as of October 1, 2005, in the U.S. via independent funeral homes and funeral home chains other than those owned and operated by Service Corporation International (“SCI”). Second, in April 2006, we transferred assets and liabilities related to our Canadian operations to Assurant Life of Canada (“ALOC”). ALOC is also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant. Of our total gross revenues, less net realized losses on investments, generated during 2008, 81% was from the Assurant Employee Benefits segment, 9% from the Assurant Solutions segment and the remaining from the Assurant Health and Assurant Corporate and Other segments.

As an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant, Union Security does not have any publicly issued equity or debt securities. We have been, however, subject to certain filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), because we have issued certain variable and market value adjusted insurance contracts, which are required to be registered with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as securities. Effective April 2, 2001, Assurant exited this line of business and sold the business segment, then referred to as Fortis Financial Group (“FFG”), to The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (“The Hartford”). This sale was accomplished by means of reinsurance and modified coinsurance. As a result, The Hartford is contractually responsible for servicing the insurance contracts, including the payment of benefits, oversight of investment management, overall contract administration and funding of reserves. If The Hartford fails to fulfill its obligations, however, we will be obligated to perform the services and make the required payments and funding.

After the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company will rely on the exemption provided by recently adopted Rule 12h-7 under the Exchange Act, and accordingly will not file subsequent annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, or any other reports required by the Exchange Act, with the SEC.

Union Security was redomesticated to Iowa from Minnesota in 2004.

As of February 17, 2009, we had approximately 1,737 employees.

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to such reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

 

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For additional information that relates to our business, we refer you to Assurant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or through Assurant’s website at www.assurant.com.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and you should carefully consider them. It is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.

General economic, financial market and political conditions may adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions. Particularly, recent developments in financial markets and the global economy may negatively affect our results.

General economic, financial market and political conditions may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. These may include, among others, insurance industry cycles, fluctuations in industry rates, monetary policy, demographics, and legislative and competitive factors. Recently, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the declining global mortgage and real estate markets, the loss of consumer confidence and a reduction in consumer spending have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and fears of a global recession. This may affect our operational results in various ways, including but not limited to the following:

 

   

individuals and businesses (i) may choose not to purchase our insurance products and other related products and services, (ii) may terminate existing policies or contracts or permit them to lapse, (iii) may choose to reduce the amount of coverage purchased, or (iv) in the case of business customers of Assurant Employee Benefits, may have fewer employees requiring insurance coverage due to reductions in their staffing levels;

 

   

disability insurance claims and claims on other specialized insurance products tend to rise; or

 

   

clients are more likely to experience financial distress or to declare bankruptcy or liquidation, which could have a material and adverse impact on the remittance of premiums and the collection of receivables such as unearned premiums.

For the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2008, the Company recognized net realized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities totaling $84,876 after tax and reported gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities of $300,233. If the current economic downturn continues to negatively affect companies, industry sectors or countries, the Company may have additional investment losses and further increases in other-than-temporary impairments. As part of the Parent’s process, our investment portfolio is regularly monitored to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and any impairments are charged against earnings in the proper period. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery. However, the determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Therefore, changes in facts and circumstances and critical assumptions could also result in management’s decision that further impairments have occurred.

A.M. Best, Moody’s, and S&P rate the financial strength of the Company, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.

Ratings are an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. A.M. Best, Moody’s and S&P ratings reflect their opinions of our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet our obligations to policyholders. These ratings are subject to periodic review by A.M. Best, Moody’s, and S&P, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain these ratings. In 2007, as a result of our Parent’s pending SEC investigation, A.M. Best, Moody’s and S&P placed a negative outlook on our ratings. In 2008, A.M. Best downgraded our financial strength ratings and issuer credit ratings from “A” to “A-” and from “a” to “a-”, respectively. Additionally, S&P lowered our counterparty credit and financial strength ratings from “A” to “A-”. Given recent economic developments that have negatively affected the entire insurance industry, we believe that we could be more susceptible to ratings downgrades.

If our ratings are lowered from their current levels by A.M. Best, Moody’s, or S&P, our competitive position in the respective insurance industry segments could be negatively impacted and it could be more difficult for us to market

 

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our products. Rating agencies may take action to lower our ratings in the future due to, among other things, perceived concerns about our liquidity or solvency, the competitive environment in the insurance industry, which may adversely affect our revenues, the inherent uncertainty in determining reserves for future claims, which may cause us to increase our reserves for claims, the outcome of pending litigation and regulatory investigations, which may adversely affect our financial position and reputation and possible changes in the methodology or criteria applied by the rating agencies. In addition, rating agencies have come under recent scrutiny over their ratings on various mortgage-backed products. As a result, they may have become more conservative in their methodology and criteria, which could adversely affect our ratings. Finally, rating agencies or regulators could increase capital requirements for the Company or its subsidiaries, which in turn could negatively affect our financial position as well.

As customers and their advisors place importance on our financial strength ratings, we may lose customers and compete less successfully if we are downgraded. In addition, ratings impact our ability to attract investment capital on favorable terms. If our financial strength ratings are reduced from their current levels by A.M. Best, Moody’s, or S&P, our cost of borrowing would likely increase, our sales and earnings could decrease and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

As of December 31, 2008, contracts representing approximately 3% of the Company’s net earned premiums contain provisions requiring the Company to maintain minimum A.M. Best financial strength ratings of “A-” or better. The Company’s clients may terminate the agreements and in some instances recapture inforce business if the Company’s ratings fall below “A-”.

Our earnings could be materially affected by an impairment of goodwill

If we experience a decline in our results of operations and cash flows, or other indicators of impairment exist, we may incur a material non-cash charge to earnings relating to impairment of our goodwill, which could have a material adverse effect on our results.

Union Security is also subject to additional risks associated with our business. These risks include, among others:

 

   

Reliance on Relationships with Significant Clients, Distributors and Other Parties. If our significant clients, distributors and other parties with which we do business decline to renew or seek to terminate our relationships or contractual arrangements, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. We are also subject to the risk that these parties may face financial difficulties, reputational issues or problems with respect to their own products and services, which may lead to decreased sales of products and services.

 

   

Failure to Attract and Retain Sales Representatives or Develop and Maintain Distribution Sources. Our sales representatives interface with clients and third party distributors. Our inability to attract and retain our sales representatives or an interruption in, or changes to, our relationships with various third-party distributors could impair our ability to compete and market our insurance products and services and materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our ability to market our products and services depends on our ability to tailor our channels of distribution to comply with changes in the regulatory environment.

 

   

Failure to Accurately Predict Benefits and Other Costs and Claims. We may be unable to accurately predict benefits, claims and other costs or to manage such costs through our loss limitation methods, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition if claims substantially exceed our expectations.

 

   

Changes in Regulation. Legislation or other regulatory reform that increases the regulatory requirements imposed on us or that changes the way we are able to do business may significantly harm our business or results of operations in the future.

 

   

Reinsurers’ Failure to Fulfill Obligations. In the past, we have sold, and in the future we may sell, businesses through reinsurance ceded to third parties. For example, in 2001 we sold the insurance operations of our FFG division to The Hartford and in 2000 we sold our Long Term Care (“LTC”) division to John Hancock Life Insurance Company (“John Hancock”), now a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation. Most of the general account assets backing reserves coinsured under these sales are held in trusts or separate accounts. However, if the reinsurers become insolvent, we would be exposed to the risk that the assets in the trust and/or the separate accounts would be insufficient to support the liabilities that would revert to us.

Similarly, we are also dependent on the financial condition of our reinsurers as it affects their ability to fund

 

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the trusts. The A.M. Best ratings of The Hartford and John Hancock are currently A+ and A++, respectively. However, A.M. Best recently placed a negative outlook on the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings of each of The Hartford and John Hancock.

We also have the risk of becoming responsible for administering these businesses in the event of reinsurer insolvency. We do not currently have the administrative systems and capabilities to process this business. Accordingly, we would need to obtain those capabilities in the event of an insolvency of one or more of the reinsurers of these businesses. We might be forced to obtain such capabilities on unfavorable terms with a resulting material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

   

Credit Risk of Some of Our Agents. We advance agents’ commissions as part of our preneed insurance product offerings. These advances are a percentage of the total face amount of coverage as opposed to a percentage of the first-year premium paid, the formula that is more common in other life insurance markets. There is a one-year payback provision against the agency if death or lapse occurs within the first policy year.

 

   

Risks related to litigation and regulatory actions. From time to time we may be involved in various regulatory investigations and examinations relating to our insurance and other related business operations. We are subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by insurance departments in jurisdictions in which we do business. These insurance departments have broad administrative powers with respect to all aspects of the insurance business and, in particular, monitor the manner in which an insurance company offers, sells and administers its products. Therefore, we may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations and practices.

The prevalence and outcomes of any such actions cannot be predicted, and no assurances can be given that such actions or any litigation would not materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we were to experience difficulties with our relationship with a regulatory body in a given jurisdiction, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to do business in that jurisdiction.

One particular area of focus which has affected our parent, Assurant, has been the accounting treatment for finite reinsurance or other non-traditional or loss mitigation insurance products. For specific details, please see the Risk Factor entitled “Our business is subject to risks related to litigation and regulatory actions in our parent’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we incorporate by reference herein. Some state regulators have made routine inquiries to some of Assurant’s insurers regarding finite reinsurance. We depend on our parent, Assurant, for certain administrative, strategic and operational support. We cannot predict at this time the effect that current litigation, investigations and regulatory activity will have on Assurant or our business, but any adverse outcome could have a material adverse affect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

For additional risks that relate to our business and additional detail on the risks outlined above, we incorporate by reference the Risk Factors in Assurant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available on Assurant’s website at www.assurant.com.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

Our principal office is in Kansas City, Missouri, where we lease office space in a building owned by Assurant. We also lease office space from an unrelated party in Birmingham, Alabama, which is used to house certain employees of our Assurant Employee Benefits segment and office space in Atlanta, Georgia used for our Assurant Solutions business. In addition, we have regional claims and sales offices throughout the U.S. We believe that our leased properties are adequate for our current business operations.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. We may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past

 

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business operations. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future litigation, examination or investigation and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not believe that any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

Part II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There is no public trading market for our common stock. As of February 17, 2009, we had 1,000,000 shares of common stock outstanding, all of which are owned directly by Interfinancial Inc., a Georgia corporation that is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant, Inc. We have no equity compensation plan. We paid dividends of $197,000 and $210,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No dividends were paid during 2008.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes which appear elsewhere in this report. It contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for more information. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed elsewhere in this report, particularly under the headings “Item 1A – Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”

The table below presents information regarding our consolidated results of operations:

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenues:

    

Net earned premiums and other considerations (2)

   $ 1,173,790     $ 1,259,930  

Net investment income

     238,451       286,235  

Net realized losses on investments

     (135,696 )     (28,219 )

Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses

     20,680       23,548  

Fees and other income

     11,449       16,395  
                

Total revenues

     1,308,674       1,557,889  
                

Benefits, losses and expenses:

    

Policyholder benefits (2)

     889,498       934,609  

Selling, underwriting and general expenses (1)

     400,452       426,681  
                

Total benefits, losses and expenses

     1,289,950       1,361,290  
                

Income before provision for income taxes

     18,724       196,599  

Provision for income taxes

     10,867       57,121  
                

Net income

   $ 7,857     $ 139,478  
                

 

(1) Includes amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) and underwriting, general and administrative expenses.
(2) Includes single premium on closed blocks of group disability business. For closed blocks of business we receive a single, upfront premium and in turn we record a virtually equal amount of claim reserves. We then manage the claims using our claim management practices

The following discussion provides a general overall analysis of the consolidated results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 (“Twelve Months 2008”) and twelve months ended December 31, 2007 (“Twelve Months 2007”). Please see the discussion that follows for a more detailed analysis of the fluctuations.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to December 31, 2007

Net Income

Net income decreased $131,621, or 94%, to $7,857 for the Twelve Months 2008 from $139,478 for the Twelve Months 2007. The decrease in net income was primarily due to an increase in net realized losses on investments of $69,860 (after-tax) driven by the write-down of other-than-temporary impairments in our investment portfolio of $70,899 (after-tax) in 2008 compared to $13,732 (after-tax) in 2007. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in net investment income of $31,060 (after-tax) of which $22,425 was from real estate joint venture partnerships, a $9,881 favorable tax settlement in 2007 and less favorable group dental experience. The decrease in real estate joint venture partnership income is due to greater sales of underlying properties in 2007 compared to 2008 given the more favorable real estate market conditions in 2007.

 

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Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $249,215, or 16%, to $1,308,674 for Twelve Months 2008 from $1,557,889 for Twelve Months 2007. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in net realized losses on investments of $107,477, driven by the write-down of other-than-temporary impairments in our investment portfolio of $109,075 in 2008 compared to $21,126 in 2007. Net investment income decreased $47,784 of which $34,500 was due to lower distributions from real estate joint venture partnerships. Net earned premiums decreased $86,140, primarily due to a decline in our small employer group health business, a decrease in disability net earned premiums due to the transfer of a closed block of business in the prior year and a decrease in group life net earned premiums. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in fees and other income due to contract settlement fee income recorded in the prior year related to the sale of marketing rights for our Independent – U.S. channel in our prefunded funeral business. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in net earned premiums in our group dental business.

Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $71,340, or 5%, to $1,289,950 for Twelve Months 2008 from $1,361,290 for Twelve Months 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in our small employer group health business, a reduction in disability policyholder benefits due to the transfer of a closed block of business in the prior year, favorable experience in our group life business and a decline in our prefunded funeral business due to run-off of closed blocks of business. These decreases were partially offset by less favorable group dental experience.

Income Taxes

Income taxes decreased $46,254, or 81%, to $10,867 for Twelve Months 2008 from $57,121 for Twelve Months 2007. The change in income taxes was not proportionate to pretax income, primarily due to a $9,881 favorable tax settlement in 2007 and an increase in 2008 income taxes due to the establishment of a tax valuation allowance against deferred taxes, which is primarily attributable to capital losses resulting from dispositions of investments of $7,195.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a provider of insurance products, effective risk management is fundamental to our ability to protect both our customers’ and our stockholder’s interests. We are exposed to potential loss from various market risks, in particular interest rate risk, credit risk and inflation risk.

Interest rate risk is the possibility that the fair value of liabilities will change more or less than the market value of investments in response to changes in interest rates, including changes in the slope or shape of the yield curve and changes in spreads due to credit risks and other factors.

Credit risk is the possibility that counterparties may not be able to meet payment obligations when they become due. We assume counterparty credit risk in many forms. A counterparty is any person or entity from which cash or other forms of consideration are expected to extinguish a liability or obligation to us. Primarily, our credit risk exposure is concentrated in our fixed income securities portfolio and, to a lesser extent, in our reinsurance recoverables.

Inflation risk is the possibility that a change in domestic price levels produces an adverse effect on earnings. This typically happens when only one of invested assets or liabilities is indexed to inflation.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises as we invest substantial funds in interest-sensitive fixed income assets, such as fixed maturity investments, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. There are two forms of interest rate risk—price risk and reinvestment risk. Price risk occurs when fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these investments. As interest rates rise, the market value of these investments falls, and conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of these investments rises. Reinvestment risk

 

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occurs when fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on expected cash flows from mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. As interest rates fall, an increase in prepayments on these assets results in earlier than expected receipt of cash flows forcing us to reinvest the proceeds in an unfavorable lower interest rate environment. Conversely as interest rates rise, a decrease in prepayments on these assets results in later than expected receipt of cash flows forcing us to forgo reinvesting in a favorable higher interest rate environment. As of December 31, 2008, we held $2,172,990 of fixed maturity securities at fair market value and $838,254 of commercial mortgages at amortized cost for a combined total of 85% of total invested assets. As of December 31, 2007 we held $2,654,969 of fixed maturity securities at fair market value and $822,184 of commercial mortgages at amortized cost for a combined total of 84% of total invested assets.

We expect to manage interest rate risk by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities.

Our group long-term disability reserves are also sensitive to interest rates. Group long-term disability and group term life waiver of premium reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is determined by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio.

The interest rate sensitivity relating to price risk of our fixed maturity security assets is assessed using hypothetical scenarios that assume several positive and negative parallel shifts of the yield curves. We have assumed that the United States and Canadian yield curve shifts are of equal direction and magnitude. The individual securities are repriced under each scenario using a valuation model. For investments such as callable bonds and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, a prepayment model was used in conjunction with a valuation model. Our actual experience may differ from the results noted below particularly due to assumptions utilized or if events occur that were not included in the methodology. The following table summarizes the results of this analysis for bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities held in our investment portfolio:

Interest Rate Movement Analysis

of Market Value of Fixed Maturity Securities Investment Portfolio

As of December 31, 2008

 

     -100     -50     0     50     100  

Total market value

   $ 2,357,853     $ 2,263,457     $ 2,172,990     $ 2,087,175     $ 2,006,964  

% Change in market value from base case

     8.51 %     4.16 %     —   %     -3.95 %     -7.64 %

$ Change in market value from base case

   $ 184,863     $ 90,467     $ —       $ -85,815     $ -166,026  

Credit Risk

We have exposure to credit risk primarily from our customers, as a holder of fixed income securities and by entering into reinsurance cessions.

Our risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer. We attempt to limit our credit exposure by imposing fixed maturity portfolio limits on individual issuers based upon credit quality. Currently our portfolio limits are 1.5% for issuers rated AA- and above, 1% for issuers rated A- to A+, 0.75% for issuers rated BBB- to BBB+ and 0.38% for issuers rated BB- to BB+. These portfolio limits are further reduced for certain issuers with whom we have credit exposure on reinsurance agreements. We use the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s ratings to determine an issuer’s rating.

We are also exposed to the credit risk of our reinsurers. When we reinsure, we are still liable to our insureds regardless of whether we get reimbursed by our reinsurer. As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks that we underwrite.

 

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For at least 50% of our $1,359,251 of reinsurance recoverables at December 31, 2008, we are protected from the credit risk by using various types of risk mitigation mechanisms such as a trusts, letters of credit or by withholding the assets in a modified coinsurance or co-funds-withheld arrangement. For example, reserves of $677,836 and $561,342 as of December 31, 2008 relating to two large coinsurance arrangements with The Hartford and John Hancock, respectively, related to sales of businesses are held in trusts. If the value of the assets in these trusts falls below the value of the associated liabilities, The Hartford and John Hancock, as the case may be, will be required to put more assets in the trusts. We may be dependent on the financial condition of The Hartford and John Hancock, whose A.M. Best ratings are currently A+ and A++, respectively. However, A.M. Best recently placed a negative outlook on the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings of each of The Hartford and John Hancock. For recoverables that are not protected by these mechanisms, we are dependent solely on the credit of the reinsurer. Occasionally, the credit worthiness of the reinsurer becomes questionable. See “Item 1A-Risk Factors—Reinsurers’ Failure to Fulfill Obligations” for further information. A majority of our reinsurance exposure has been ceded to companies rated A- or better by A.M. Best.

Inflation Risk

Inflation risk arises as we invest substantial funds in nominal assets which are not indexed to the level of inflation, whereas the underlying liabilities are indexed to the level of inflation. Approximately 21% of our preneed policies with reserves of approximately $306,000 as of December 31, 2008 have death benefits that are guaranteed to grow with the Consumer Price Index. In times of rapidly rising inflation the credited death benefit growth on these liabilities increases relative to the investment income earned on the nominal assets resulting in an adverse impact on earnings. We have partially mitigated this risk by purchasing a contract with payments tied to the Consumer Price Index. See “— Derivatives.”

In addition, we have inflation risk in our individual and small employer group health insurance businesses to the extent that medical costs increase with inflation and we have not been able to increase premiums to keep pace with inflation.

Derivatives

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices or the prices of securities or commodities. Derivative financial instruments may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter market and include swaps, futures, options and forward contracts.

Under insurance statutes, our insurance companies may use derivative financial instruments to hedge actual or anticipated changes in their assets or liabilities, to replicate cash market instruments or for certain income-generating activities. These statutes generally prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments.

We have purchased a contract to partially hedge the inflation risk exposure inherent in some of our preneed insurance policies.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules in Part IV, Item 15(a) 1 and 2 of this report are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There have been no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.

 

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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. Based on this evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in providing a reasonable level of assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports we file or furnish under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods in SEC rules and forms. Further, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing a reasonable level of assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 using criteria established in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Management, including the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, based on their evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)), have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of The Registrant

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The following table shows the aggregate fees billed to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for services rendered and the percentage of those services that were approved by Assurant’s Audit Committee, in its capacity as a committee of Assurant’s Board of Directors, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2008
    Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
Description of Fees    Amount    Percentage     Amount    Percentage  

Audit Fees

   $ 661    100 %   $ 981    100 %

Audit Related Fees

     —      —         —      —    

Tax Fees

     —      —         —      —    

All Other Fees

     —      —         —      —    

The Audit Committee of Assurant’s Board of Directors adopted written procedures for pre-approval of services by the independent registered public accounting firm, including procedures relating to the Assurant Audit Committee’s power to:

 

   

Retain and terminate independent registered public accounting firm and approve all audit engagement fees and terms;

 

   

Inform each independent registered public accounting firm performing work for Union Security that each firm shall report directly to the Assurant Audit Committee;

 

   

Directly oversee the work of any independent registered public accounting firm employed by Union Security, including the resolution of any disagreement between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting, for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; and

 

   

Approve in advance any significant audit or non-audit engagement or relationship between Union Security and the independent registered public accounting firm, other than “prohibited non-auditing services.”

“Prohibited non-auditing services” are services that Congress, the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board prohibits through regulation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pre-approval is not necessary for minor audit services if: (i) the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services provided to the Company constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by Assurant and its subsidiaries to its independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided; (ii) such services were not recognized by Assurant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Assurant Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Assurant Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Assurant Audit Committee to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the

 

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Assurant Board of Directors. The Assurant Audit Committee may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to approve in advance all significant audit or non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm so long as it is presented to the full Assurant Audit Committee at a later time.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)1. Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of Union Security Insurance Company, incorporated by reference into Item 8, are attached hereto:

 

     Page

Consolidated Financial Statements of Union Security Insurance Company

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets of Union Security Insurance Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations of Union Security Insurance Company for the Years Ended December  31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity of Union Security Insurance Company for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of Union Security Insurance Company for the Years Ended December  31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Union Security Insurance Company

   F-7

(a)2. Financial Statement Schedules

The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Union Security Insurance Company are attached hereto:

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

(a)3. Exhibits

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company has filed or incorporated by reference certain agreements as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in the Company’s public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the Company’s actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.

The following exhibits either (a) are filed with this report or (b) have previously been filed with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference to those prior filings. Exhibits are available upon request at the investor relations section of our website, located at www.assurant.com.

 

  3.1

  Articles of Incorporation of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-6 and Variable Account C filed on March 17, 1986, File No. 33-03919).

  3.2

  By-laws of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-6 and Variable Account C filed on March 17, 1986, File No. 33-03919).

  3.3

  Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated November 21, 1991 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 and Variable Account D filed on March 2, 1992, File No. 33-37577).

  3.4

  Amendment to By-laws of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated May 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(d) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2001, File No. 33-63799).

 

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  3.5

  Restated Articles of Incorporation of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated September 29, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed November 12, 2004, File No. 33-37576).

  3.6

  Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company, effective September 6, 2005 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.6 to Registrant’s Form 10-K, originally filed March 1, 2007).

  3.7

  Restated By-laws of Fortis Benefits Insurance Company dated September 30, 2004 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.6 to Registrant’s Form 10-K, originally filed March 31, 2005).

  3.8

  Amendment to the Restated Bylaws of Union Security Insurance Company effective September 6, 2005 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.7 to Registrant’s Form 10-K, originally filed March 10, 2006).

  4.1

  Form of Annuity Contract (incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 and Variable Account D filed on April 28, 1998, File No. 33-37577).

  4.2

  Form of Certificate to be used in connection with Form of Combination Fixed and Variable Group Annuity Contract filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this report (incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 and Variable Account D filed on March 2, 1992, File No. 33-37577).

  4.3

  Form of Application to be used in connection with Form of Contract filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this report (incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 and Variable Account D filed on April 19, 2002, File No. 33-37577).

10.1

  Asset Purchase and Assumption Reinsurance Agreement between Union Security Insurance Company and Assurant Life of Canada dated as of April 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-K, originally filed March 1, 2007).

24.1

  Power of Attorney.

31.1

  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

31.2

  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

32.1

  Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer of Union Security Insurance Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

  Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Union Security Insurance Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 4, 2009.

 

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY
By:  

/s/ John S. Roberts

Name:   John S. Roberts
Title:   Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
By:  

/s/ Stacia N. Almquist

Name:   Stacia N. Almquist
Title:   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on March 4, 2009.

 

Signature

      

Title

/s/ John S. Roberts

    Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
John S. Roberts     (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Stacia N. Almquist

    Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Stacia N. Almquist     (Principal Financial Officer)

*

    Chairman of the Board
Robert B. Pollock    

 

    Director
P. Bruce Camacho    

*

    Director
S. Craig Lemasters    

*

    Director
Michael J. Peninger    

*

    Director
Lesley G. Silvester    
*By:  

/s/ John S. Roberts

  John S. Roberts
  Attorney-in-Fact

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of

Union Security Insurance Company:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Union Security Insurance Company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant, Inc., and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

LOGO

New York, New York

February 27, 2009

 

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Union Security Insurance Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

At December 31, 2008, and 2007

 

     December 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
     (in thousands except per share and share
amounts)

Assets

    

Investments:

    

Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost—$2,375,702 in 2008 and $2,611,076 in 2007)

   $ 2,172,990     $ 2,654,969

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost - $213,947 in 2008 and $303,785 in 2007)

     171,327       268,672

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost

     838,254       822,184

Policy loans

     14,422       12,346

Short-term investments

     159,847       44,092

Collateral held under securities lending

     113,191       240,049

Other investments

     82,628       74,781
              

Total investments

     3,552,659       4,117,093

Cash and cash equivalents

     17,171       32,832

Premiums and accounts receivable, net

     71,534       106,229

Reinsurance recoverables

     1,359,251       1,307,646

Due from affiliates

     316       6,381

Accrued investment income

     40,610       42,352

Deferred acquisition costs

     43,020       50,575

Deferred income taxes, net

     179,413       60,624

Goodwill

     156,817       156,817

Value of business acquired

     21,461       22,816

Other assets

     32,893       36,676

Assets held in separate accounts

     1,557,313       2,867,617
              

Total assets

   $ 7,032,458     $ 8,807,658
              

Liabilities

    

Future policy benefits and expenses

   $ 2,687,488     $ 2,675,363

Unearned premiums

     35,962       40,147

Claims and benefits payable

     1,778,563       1,840,353

Commissions payable

     14,998       15,507

Reinsurance balances payable

     —         2,706

Deferred gains on disposal of businesses

     113,927       134,607

Obligations under securities lending

     124,063       240,049

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     188,053       208,809

Income taxes payable

     2,331       1,459

Liabilities related to separate accounts

     1,557,313       2,867,617
              

Total liabilities

     6,502,698       8,026,617
              

Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)

    

Stockholder’s equity

    

Common stock, par value $5 per share, 1,000,000 Shares authorized, issued, and outstanding

     5,000       5,000

Additional paid-in capital

     460,635       545,635

Retained earnings

     229,837       224,710

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

     (165,712 )     5,696
              

Total stockholder’s equity

     529,760       781,041
              

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 7,032,458     $ 8,807,658
              

See the accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

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Union Security Insurance Company

Consolidated Statement of Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

 

     Years Ended December 31,
     2008     2007     2006
     (in thousands)

Revenues

      

Net earned premiums and other considerations

   $ 1,173,790     $ 1,259,930     $ 1,366,820

Net investment income

     238,451       286,235       286,974

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

     (135,696 )     (28,219 )     8,490

Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses

     20,680       23,548       14,929

Fees and other income

     11,449       16,395       73,183
                      

Total revenues

     1,308,674       1,557,889       1,750,396
                      

Benefits, losses and expenses

      

Policyholder benefits

     889,498       934,609       1,023,627

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

     46,678       43,575       47,972

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses

     353,774       383,106       425,589
                      

Total benefits, losses and expenses

     1,289,950       1,361,290       1,497,188
                      

Income before provision for income taxes

     18,724       196,599       253,208

Provision for income taxes

     10,867       57,121       106,576
                      

Net income

   $ 7,857     $ 139,478     $ 146,632
                      

See the accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

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Union Security Insurance Company

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity

Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

 

 

     Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Balance, January 1, 2006

   $ 5,000    $ 542,472     $ 334,928     $ 119,529     $ 1,001,929  

Dividends

     —        —         (210,000 )     —         (210,000 )

Transfer of Canadian operations

     —        5,824       14,790       (18,956 )     1,658  

Capital contribution

     —        10       —         —         10  

Other

     —        (2,671 )     —         —         (2,671 )

Comprehensive income:

           

Net income

     —        —         146,632       —         146,632  

Other comprehensive loss:

           

Net change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

     —        —         —         (38,445 )     (38,445 )

Net change in foreign currency translation, net of taxes

     —        —         —         151       151  
                 

Total other comprehensive loss

              (38,294 )
                 

Total comprehensive income

              108,338  
                                       

Balance, December 31, 2006

     5,000      545,635       286,350       62,279       899,264  

Dividends

     —        —         (197,000 )     —         (197,000 )

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —        —         (4,118 )     —         (4,118 )

Comprehensive income:

           

Net income

     —        —         139,478       —         139,478  

Other comprehensive loss:

           

Net change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

     —        —         —         (56,642 )     (56,642 )

Net change in foreign currency translation, net of taxes

     —        —         —         59       59  
                 

Total other comprehensive loss

              (56,583 )
                 

Total comprehensive income

              82,895  
                                       

Balance, December 31, 2007

     5,000      545,635       224,710       5,696       781,041  

Return of capital ( Note 7)

     —        (100,000 )     —         —         (100,000 )

Capital contribution

     —        15,000       —         —         15,000  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (Note 2)

     —        —         (2,730 )     —         (2,730 )

Comprehensive loss:

           

Net income

     —        —         7,857       —         7,857  

Other comprehensive loss:

           

Net change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes

     —        —         —         (171,408 )     (171,408 )
                 

Total other comprehensive loss

              (171,408 )
                 

Total comprehensive loss

              (163,551 )
                                       

Balance, December 31, 2008

   $ 5,000    $ 460,635     $ 229,837     $ (165,712 )   $ 529,760  
                                       

See the accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

 

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (in thousands)  

Operating activities

      

Net income

   $ 7,857     $ 139,478     $ 146,632  

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

      

Change in reinsurance recoverables

     (51,605 )     (8,648 )     (42,590 )

Change in premiums and accounts receivable

     40,739       (2,976 )     (25,271 )

Depreciation and amortization

     1,173       2,124       1,519  

Change in deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

     8,910       10,512       18,501  

Change in accrued investment income

     1,742       3,980       (476 )

Change in insurance policy reserves and expenses

     (53,850 )     (73,896 )     (18,203 )

Change in accounts payable and other liabilities

     (20,638 )     (13,212 )     (339 )

Change in commissions payable

     (509 )     (681 )     (3,393 )

Change in reinsurance balances payable

     (2,706 )     (437 )     (7,386 )

Change in funds held under reinsurance

     (118 )     11       11  

Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses

     (20,680 )     (23,548 )     (14,929 )

Change in income taxes

     (22,869 )     (47,888 )     66,750  

Net realized losses (gains) on investments

     135,696       28,219       (8,490 )

Other

     (84 )     302       8,919  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     23,058       13,340       121,255  
                        

Investing activities

      

Sales of:

      

Fixed maturities available for sale

     451,988       382,557       670,674  

Equity securities available for sale

     96,375       116,117       153,615  

Property and equipment

     25       —         26  

Maturities, prepayments, and scheduled redemption of:

      

Fixed maturities available for sale

     76,593       208,303       158,376  

Purchase of:

      

Fixed maturities available for sale

     (357,887 )     (394,138 )     (702,666 )

Equity securities available for sale

     (74,181 )     (116,049 )     (198,150 )

Property and equipment

     —         (25 )     —    

Change in other investments

     (7,847 )     12,542       (26,299 )

Change in commercial mortgage loans on real estate

     (16,070 )     (72,213 )     (8,312 )

Change in short-term investments

     (115,755 )     4,049       31,206  

Change in collateral held under securities lending

     111,102       (63,112 )     207,204  

Change in policy loans

     (2,076 )     116       562  
                        

Net cash provided by investing activities

     162,267       78,147       286,236  
                        

See the accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

 

 

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (in thousands)  

Financing activities

      

Net cash received from transfer of Canadian operations

     —         —         65,894  

Dividends paid

     —         (197,000 )     (210,000 )

Change in obligation under securities lending

     (115,986 )     63,112       (207,204 )

Return of capital

     (100,000 )     —         —    

Contributed capital

     15,000       —         10  
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (200,986 )     (133,888 )     (351,300 )
                        

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     (15,661 )     (42,401 )     56,191  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     32,832       75,233       19,042  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 17,171     $ 32,832     $ 75,233  
                        

Supplemental information:

      

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

   $ 33,270     $ 104,754     $ 39,446  

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:

      

Non-cash activities:

      

Foreign currency translation

   $ —       $ 59     $ 151  

See the accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

1. Nature of Operations

Union Security Insurance Company (the “Company”) is a provider of life and health insurance products, including group disability insurance, group dental insurance, group life insurance, small employer group health insurance and preneed. The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Assurant, Inc. (the “Parent”). The Parent’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. The Company distributes its products in the District of Columbia and in all states except New York.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Amounts are presented in United States of America (“U.S.”) dollars and all amounts are in thousands, except for number of shares.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. The items on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet affected by the use of estimates include, but are not limited to, investments, premiums and accounts receivable, reinsurance recoverables, deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred income taxes and associated valuation allowances, goodwill, valuation of business acquired (“VOBA”), future policy benefits and expenses, unearned premiums, claims and benefits payable, deferred gain on disposal of businesses, and commitments and contingencies. The estimates are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, mortality, morbidity, commissions and other acquisition expenses, policyholder behavior and other factors. Actual results could differ from the estimates reported. The Company believes the amounts reported are reasonable and adequate.

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (loss) income is comprised of net income, net unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation and net unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale, less deferred income taxes.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when realized or realizable and earned. Revenue generally is realized or realizable and earned when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Foreign Currency Translation

For those foreign affiliates where the local currency is the functional currency, unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses net of deferred income taxes have been reflected in “accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.”

Fair Value

The Company uses an exit price for its fair value measurements. An exit price is defined as the amount received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In measuring fair value, the Company gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Investments

Fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale, as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“FAS 115”), and reported at fair value. If the fair value is higher than the amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or the purchase cost for equity securities, the excess is an unrealized gain; and, if lower than cost, the difference is an unrealized loss. The net unrealized gains and losses, less deferred income taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate are reported at unpaid balances, adjusted for amortization of premium or discount, less allowance for losses. The allowance is based on management’s analysis of factors including actual loan loss experience, specific events based on geographical, political or economic conditions, industry experience and individually impaired loan loss analysis. A loan is considered individually impaired when it becomes probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest. Changes in the allowance for loan losses are recorded in net realized (losses) gains on investments.

Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balances, which do not exceed the cash surrender value of the underlying policies.

Short-term investments include all investment cash and short maturity investments. These amounts are reported at cost, which approximates fair value.

The collateral held under securities lending and the obligation under securities lending are reported at fair value.

Other investments consist primarily of investments in joint ventures and partnerships. The joint ventures and partnerships are valued according to the equity method of accounting.

The Company monitors its investment portfolio to identify investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, securities whose market price is equal to 80% or less of their original purchase price or which had a discrete credit event resulting in the debtor defaulting or seeking bankruptcy protection are added to a potential write-down list, which is discussed at quarterly meetings attended by members of the Company’s investment, accounting and finance departments. Any security whose price decrease is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market level with the amount of the write-down reported as a realized loss in that period. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments and are recognized on the specific identification basis.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Investment income is recorded as earned net of investment expenses. The interest method is used to recognize interest income on commercial mortgage loans.

The Company anticipates prepayments of principal in the calculation of the effective yield for mortgage-backed securities and structured securities. The retrospective method is used to adjust the effective yield.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash on hand, all operating cash and working capital cash to be cash equivalents. These amounts are carried principally at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash balances are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine if negative cash balances exist. If negative cash balances do exist, the cash accounts are netted with other positive cash accounts of the same bank provided the right of offset exists between the accounts. If the right of offset does not exist, the negative cash balances are reclassified to accounts payable.

Receivables

The Company records a receivable when revenue has been recognized but the cash has not been collected. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for probable losses resulting from the inability to collect payments.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance recoverables include amounts related to paid benefits and estimated amounts related to unpaid policy and contract claims, future policyholder benefits and policyholder contract deposits. The cost of reinsurance is recognized over the terms of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefits reserves and are reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the life of the underlying reinsured policies. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the Company’s primary liability to insureds. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers, reinsurer solvency, management’s experience and current economic conditions.

Reinsurance balances payable include amounts related to ceded premiums and estimated amounts related to assumed paid or incurred losses, which are reported based upon ceding entities’ estimations.

Funds held under reinsurance represent amounts contractually held from assuming companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements.

Reinsurance premiums assumed are calculated based upon payments received from ceding companies together with accrual estimates, which are based on both payments received and in-force policy information received from ceding companies. Any subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined.

Income Taxes

The Company reports its taxable income in a consolidated federal income tax return along with other affiliated subsidiaries of the Parent. Income tax expense or credit is allocated among the affiliated subsidiaries by applying corporate income tax rates to taxable income or loss determined on a separate return basis according to a tax allocation agreement.

Current federal income taxes are charged to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The Company classifies net interest expense related to income tax matters and any applicable penalties as a component of income tax expense.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

The costs of acquiring new business that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business are deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Acquisition costs primarily consist of commissions, policy issuance expenses, premium taxes and certain direct marketing expenses.

Premium deficiency testing is performed annually and generally reviewed quarterly. Such testing involves the use of best estimate assumptions including the anticipation of interest income to determine if anticipated future policy premiums are adequate to recover all DAC and related claims, benefits and expenses. To the extent a premium deficiency exists, it is recognized immediately by a charge to the consolidated statement of operations and a corresponding reduction in DAC. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized DAC, a liability will be accrued for the excess deficiency.

Long Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs for preneed life insurance policies and life insurance policies (no longer offered) are deferred and amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the premium-paying period. These acquisition costs consist primarily of first year commissions paid to agents and sales and policy issue costs.

Acquisition costs relating to worksite group life and disability consist primarily of first year commissions to brokers and one-time policy transfer fees and costs of issuing new certificates. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded, thus they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

For preneed investment type annuities and universal life and investment-type annuities (no longer offered), DAC is amortized in proportion to the present value of estimated gross margins or profits from investment, mortality, expense margins and surrender charges over the estimated life of the policy or contract. The assumptions used for the estimates are consistent with those used in computing the policy or contract liabilities.

Acquisition costs on Fortis Financial Group (“FFG”) and Long-Term Care (“LTC”) disposed businesses were written off when the businesses were sold.

Short Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs relating to monthly pay credit insurance business consist mainly of direct marketing costs and are deferred and amortized over the estimated average terms and balances of the underlying contracts.

Acquisition costs relating to group term life, group disability and group dental consist primarily of compensation to sales representatives. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded; thus, they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

Acquisition costs on small group medical contracts consist primarily of commissions to agents and brokers and compensation to representatives. These contracts are considered short duration because the terms of the contract are not fixed at issue and they are not guaranteed renewable. As a result, these costs are not deferred, but rather they are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which they are incurred.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives with a maximum of 39.5 years for buildings, a maximum of 7 years for furniture and a maximum of 5 years for equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset.

Property and equipment also includes capitalized software costs, which represent costs directly related to obtaining, developing or upgrading internal use software. Such costs are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the net fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is not amortized, but rather is tested at least annually for impairment. We review our goodwill annually in the fourth quarter for impairment, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We regularly assess whether any indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows due to changes in company-specific factors or the broader business climate. The evaluation of such factors requires considerable management judgment.

The goodwill impairment test has two steps. The Company first compares its fair value with its net book value. If the fair value exceeds its net book value, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired, and no further testing is necessary. If the net book value exceeds its fair value, we would perform a second test to measure the amount of impairment if any. To determine the amount of any impairment, we would determine the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the Company were being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, we would determine the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the Company, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill were less than the recorded goodwill, we would record an impairment charge for the difference.

In the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007, we conducted our annual assessments of goodwill. Based on the results of the assessment, the Company concluded that its fair value exceeded net book value and therefore goodwill was not impaired.

Value of Businesses Acquired

VOBA is the identifiable intangible asset representing the value of the insurance businesses acquired. The amount is determined using best estimates for mortality, lapse, maintenance expenses and investment returns at date of purchase. The amount determined represents the purchase price paid to the seller for producing the business. Similar to the amortization of DAC, the amortization of VOBA is over the premium payment period for traditional life insurance policies and a small block of limited payment policies. For the remaining limited payment policies, preneed life insurance policies, all universal life policies and annuities, the amortization of VOBA is over the expected lifetime of the policies.

VOBA is tested for recoverability annually. If it is determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits are not adequate to cover related losses or loss expenses, then an expense is reported in current earnings. Based on 2008 and 2007 testing, future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits were deemed adequate to cover related losses or loss expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Other Assets

Other assets primarily include prepaid items and intangible assets. Intangible assets that have finite lives, including but not limited to, customer relationships, customer contracts and other intangible assets, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, primarily certain state licenses, are not amortized and are subject to annual impairment tests. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For other intangible assets subject to amortization, impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset. There were no impairments of finite-lived or indefinite-lived intangible assets in either 2008 or 2007.

Separate Accounts

Assets and liabilities associated with separate accounts relate to premium and annuity considerations for variable life and annuity products for which the contract-holder, rather than the Company, bears the investment risk. Separate account assets (with matching liabilities) are reported at fair value. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policy-holders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations because the accounts are administered by the reinsurers.

Prior to April 2, 2001, FFG had issued variable insurance products registered as securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These products featured fixed premiums, a minimum death benefit, and policyholder returns linked to an underlying portfolio of securities. The variable insurance products issued by FFG have been 100% reinsured with The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (“The Hartford”).

Reserves

Reserves are established in accordance with GAAP, using generally accepted actuarial methods and are based on a number of factors. These factors include experience derived from historical claim payments and actuarial assumptions. Such assumptions and other factors include trends, the incidence of incurred claims, the extent to which all claims have been reported, and internal claims processing charges. The process used in computing reserves cannot be exact, particularly for liability coverages, since actual claim costs are dependent upon such complex factors as inflation, changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. The methods of making such estimates and establishing the related liabilities are periodically reviewed and updated.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of exposure, but instead represent our best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time, of what we expect the ultimate settlement and administration of a claim or group of claims will cost based on our assessment of facts and circumstances then known. The adequacy of reserves will be impacted by future trends in claims severity, frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors. These variables are affected by both external and internal events, such as: changes in the economic cycle, changes in the social perception of the value of work, emerging medical perceptions regarding physiological or psychological causes of disability, emerging health issues and new methods of treatment or accommodation, inflation, judicial trends, legislative changes and claims handling procedures.

Many of these items are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. Reserve estimates are refined as experience develops. Adjustments to reserves, both positive and negative, are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which such estimates are updated. Because establishment of reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates of future losses, there can be no certainty that ultimate losses will not exceed existing claims reserves. Future loss development could require reserves to be increased, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings in the periods in which such increases are made. However, based on information currently available, we believe our reserve estimates are adequate.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Long Duration Contracts

The Company’s long duration contracts include preneed life insurance policies and annuity contracts, traditional life insurance contracts (no longer offered) and FFG and LTC contracts disposed. Future policy benefits and expense reserves on LTC, life insurance policies and annuity contracts that are no longer offered and the traditional life insurance contracts within FFG are reported at the present value of future benefits to be paid to policyholders and related expenses less the present value of the future net premiums. These amounts are estimated and include assumptions as to the expected investment yield, inflation, mortality, morbidity and withdrawal rates as well as other assumptions that are based on the Company’s experience. These assumptions reflect anticipated trends and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations.

Future policy benefits and expense reserves for preneed investment-type annuities, universal life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts (no longer offered), and the variable life insurance and investment-type annuity contracts in FFG consist of policy account balances before applicable surrender charges and certain deferred policy initiation fees that are being recognized in income over the terms of the policies. Policy benefits charged to expense during the period include amounts paid in excess of policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances.

Future policy benefits and expense reserves for preneed life insurance contracts are reported at the present value of future benefits to policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Reserve assumptions are selected using best estimates for expected investment yield, inflation, mortality and withdrawal rates. These assumptions reflect current trends, are based on Company experience and include provision for possible unfavorable deviation. An unearned revenue reserve is also recorded for these contracts which represents the balance of the excess of gross premiums over net premiums that is still to be recognized in future years’ income in a constant relationship to insurance in force.

For worksite group disability, which typically has high front-end costs and is expected to remain in-force for an extended period of time, the case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves are recorded at an amount equal to the net present value of the expected future claims payments. Worksite group disability reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is reviewed quarterly by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio.

Changes in the estimated liabilities are reported as a charge or credit to policyholder benefits as the estimates are revised.

Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts include group term life contracts, group disability contracts, medical contracts, dental contracts and credit life and disability contracts. For short duration contracts, claims and benefits payable reserves are recorded when insured events occur. The liability is based on the expected ultimate cost of settling the claims. The claims and benefits payable reserves include (1) case reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date; (2) IBNR reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date; and (3) loss adjustment expense reserves for the expected handling costs of settling the claims.

For group disability, the case reserves and the IBNR reserves are recorded at an amount equal to the net present value of the expected future claims payments. Group long-term disability and group term life waiver of premiums reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is reviewed quarterly by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio. Group long-term disability and group term life reserve adequacy studies are performed annually, and morbidity and mortality assumptions are adjusted where appropriate.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Changes in the estimated liabilities are recorded as a charge or credit to policyholder benefits as estimates are revised.

Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses

The Company recorded a deferred gain on disposal of businesses utilizing reinsurance. On March 1, 2000, the Parent sold its LTC business using a coinsurance contract. On April 2, 2001, the Parent sold its FFG business using a modified coinsurance contract. Since the form of sale did not discharge the Company’s primary liability to the insureds, the gain on these disposals was deferred and reported as a liability. The liability is decreased and recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the contracts’ terms. The Company reviews and evaluates the estimates affecting the deferred gain on disposal of businesses annually or when significant information affecting the estimates becomes known to the Company.

Premiums

Long Duration Contracts

Currently, the Company’s long duration contracts being sold are worksite group disability and life insurance. Revenues are recognized when earned on the worksite group disability and life insurance.

For life insurance policies previously sold by the preneed business but no longer offered, revenues are recognized when due from policyholders.

For universal life insurance contracts and investment-type annuity contracts previously sold by the preneed business but no longer offered, revenues consist of charges assessed against policy balances.

Premiums for LTC insurance and traditional life insurance contracts within FFG are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. For universal life insurance and investment-type annuity contracts within FFG, revenues consist of charges assessed against policy balances. For the FFG and LTC businesses previously sold, all revenue is ceded.

Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts are those on which the Company recognizes revenue on a pro-rata basis over the contract term. The Company’s short duration contracts primarily include group term life, group disability, medical, dental, and credit life and disability.

Fee and Other Income

The Company derives fee and other income primarily from providing administrative services. Fee income is recognized when services are performed.

Underwriting, General and Administrative Expenses

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of commissions, premium taxes, licenses, fees, salaries and personnel benefits and other general operating expenses.

Leases

The Company records expenses for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Contingencies

The Company follows FAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (“FAS 5”). This requires the Company to evaluate each contingent matter separately. A contingency loss is recorded if reasonably estimable and probable. The Company establishes reserves for these contingencies at the best estimate, or if no one estimated number within the range of possible losses is more probable than any other, the Company records an estimated reserve at the low end of the estimated range. Contingencies affecting the Company primarily relate to litigation matters which are inherently difficult to evaluate and are subject to significant changes. The Company believes the contingent amounts recorded are adequate and reasonable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Adopted

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”) which defines fair value, addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is applied prospectively for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2008 except for certain financial assets that were measured at fair value using a transaction price. For these financial instruments, which the Company has, FAS 157 requires limited retrospective adoption and thus the difference between the fair values using a transaction price and the fair values using an exit price of the relevant financial instruments will be shown as a cumulative effect adjustment to January 1, 2008 retained earnings. At adoption, the Company recognized a $4,200 decrease to other assets, and a corresponding decrease of $2,730 (after-tax) to retained earnings. Effective September 30, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Statement of Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active (“FSP FAS 157-3”). FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of FAS 157 regarding the pricing of securities in an inactive market. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 4 for further information regarding FAS 157.

        On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 provides a choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on specified election dates and requires disclosures about the election of the fair value option. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The Company has chosen not to elect the fair value option for any financial or non-financial instruments as of the adoption date, thus the adoption of FAS 159 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Statement of Position No. 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts, (“SOP 05-1”). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts. An internal replacement is a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Modifications that result in a new contract that is substantially different from the replaced contract are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract, and the associated unamortized DAC, unearned revenue liabilities and deferred sales inducements from the replaced contract must be reported as an expense immediately. Modifications resulting in a new contract that is substantially the same as the replaced contract are accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. Prior to the adoption of the SOP 05-1, certain internal replacements were accounted for as continuations of the replaced contract Therefore, the accounting policy for certain internal replacements has changed as a result of the adoption of this SOP. At adoption, the Company recognized a $6,335 decrease to deferred acquisition costs, which was accounted for as a $4,118 (after-tax) reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 (“FAS 155”). This statement resolves issues addressed in FAS 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets. FAS 155 (a) permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation; (b) clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of FAS 133; (c) establishes a requirement to evaluate beneficial interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation; (d) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and (e) eliminates restrictions on a qualifying special-purpose entity’s ability to hold passive derivative financial instruments that pertain to beneficial interests that are or contain a derivative financial instrument. FAS 155 also requires presentation within the financial statements that identifies those hybrid financial instruments for which the fair value election has been applied and information on the statement of operations impact of the changes in fair value of those instruments. The adoption of FAS 155 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Statements Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). There was no impact as a result of adoption on the Company’s January 1, 2007 retained earnings. See Note 5 for further information regarding the adoption of FIN 48.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS No. 141R, Business Combinations (“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R replaces FAS No. 141, Business Combinations (“FAS 141”). FAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements in FAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations, that an acquirer be identified for each business combination and for goodwill to be recognized and measured as a residual. FAS 141R expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. FAS 141R broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. FAS 141R also increases the disclosure requirements for business combinations in the financial statements. FAS 141R is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 141R on January 1, 2009. The adoption of FAS 141R will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, any business combinations entered into beginning in 2009 may significantly impact our financial position and results of operations compared with how it would have been recorded under FAS 141. Earnings volatility could result, depending on the terms of acquisition.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 requires that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary be separately reported within equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the non-controlling interest be presented in the statement of operations. FAS 160 also calls for consistency in reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and necessitates fair value measurement of any non-controlling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt FAS 160 on January 1, 2009. The adoption of FAS 160 will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FAS 157 (“FSP FAS 157-2”). FSP FAS 157-2 deferred the effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, which for the Company is January 1, 2009. The Company will apply the requirements of FAS 157 to its non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis which include goodwill and intangible assets. The Company does not currently have any non-financial liabilities which are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. In a business combination, the Company would initially measure at fair value the non-financial assets and liabilities of the acquired company. The requirements of FAS 157 include using an exit price based on an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date assuming the highest and best use of the asset by market participants. The Company will use a market, income or cost approach valuation technique to perform the valuations. Since the Company performs its scheduled impairment analyses of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year, the adoption of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption. However, there may be an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations when the Company performs its impairment analyses of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets due to the difference in fair value methodology required under FAS 157.

 

3. Investments

The following table shows the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2008.

 

     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities:

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

   $ 3,276    $ 386    $ —       $ 3,662

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     53,580      568      (2,671 )     51,477

Foreign governments

     40,202      2,019      (1,941 )     40,280

Public utilities

     414,978      9,790      (24,330 )     400,438

Mortgage-backed

     174,542      5,512      (4,099 )     175,955

All other corporate

     1,689,124      31,320      (219,266 )     1,501,178
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 2,375,702    $ 49,595    $ (252,307 )   $ 2,172,990
                            

Equity securities:

          

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   $ 213,947    $ 5,306    $ (47,926 )   $ 171,327
                            

The following table shows the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value

Fixed maturity securities

          

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

   $ 13,039    $ 2,342    $ (1 )   $ 15,380

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     46,799      1,271      (45 )     48,025

Foreign governments

     82,810      8,562      (243 )     91,129

Public utilities

     417,408      12,700      (4,554 )     425,554

Mortgage-backed

     174,815      1,576      (1,071 )     175,320

All other corporate

     1,876,205      62,729      (39,373 )     1,899,561
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 2,611,076    $ 89,180    $ (45,287 )   $ 2,654,969
                            

Equity securities:

          

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   $ 303,785    $ 1,184    $ (36,297 )   $ 268,672
                            

The cost or amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2008 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Cost or
Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 69,488    $ 69,491

Due after one year through five years

     281,744      261,634

Due after five years through ten years

     361,676      310,545

Due after ten years

     1,488,252      1,355,365
             

Total

     2,201,160      1,997,035

Mortgage-backed securities

     174,542      175,955
             

Total

   $ 2,375,702    $ 2,172,990
             

Major categories of net investment income were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 163,051     $ 177,108     $ 191,823  

Equity securities

     18,143       20,997       21,877  

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate

     54,535       52,990       55,112  

Policy loans

     806       459       497  

Short-term investments

     2,888       4,060       2,769  

Other investments

     6,351       38,140       23,886  

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,208       1,928       687  
                        

Total investment income

     246,982       295,682       296,651  

Investment expenses

     (8,531 )     (9,447 )     (9,677 )
                        

Net investment income

   $ 238,451     $ 286,235     $ 286,974  
                        

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

No material investments of the Company were non-income producing for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

Over the last six months of 2007 and during 2008 the fixed maturity and equity security markets have experienced significant volatility. This volatility has primarily been due to declines in the housing market, credit availability, as well as a general economic slowdown. As a result, certain securities directly exposed to these factors have had significant market value declines.

In connection with this volatility, we recorded net realized (losses) gains, including other-than-temporary impairments, in the statement of operations as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Net realized (losses) gains related to sales:

      

Fixed maturity securities

   $ (4,632 )   $ (2,495 )   $ 1,196  

Equity securities

     (16,871 )     (4,471 )     (2,129 )

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate

     (234 )     (312 )     9,756  

Other investments

     —         185       15  

Collateral held under securities lending

     (4,884 )     —         —    
                        

Total net realized (losses) gains related to sales

     (26,621 )     (7,093 )     8,838  

Net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:

      

Fixed maturity securities

     (58,283 )     (13,757 )     (348 )

Equity securities

     (50,792 )     (7,369 )     —    
                        

Total net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

     (109,075 )     (21,126 )     (348 )
                        

Total net realized (losses) gains

   $ (135,696 )   $ (28,219 )   $ 8,490  
                        

Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities were $548,341, $490,403, and $829,365 during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Gross gains of $20,231, $11,155 and $13,077 and gross losses of $44,001, $18,121 and $14,010 were realized on dispositions in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For securities sold at a loss during 2008, the average period of time these securities were trading continuously below book value was approximately 10 months.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and any impairments are charged against earnings in the proper period. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in circumstances and critical assumptions such as a continued weak economy, a more pronounced economic downturn or unforeseen events which affect one or more companies, industry sectors, or countries could result in additional impairments in the future periods for other-than-temporary declines in value. Any security whose price decrease is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market level with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized on the specific identification basis.

The investment category and duration of the Company’s gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 Months or More     Total  
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

               

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

   $ 19,525    $ (1,534 )   $ 11,085    $ (1,137 )   $ 30,610    $ (2,671 )

Foreign governments

     15,043      (1,446 )     7,443      (495 )     22,486      (1,941 )

Public utilities

     150,446      (13,661 )     81,473      (10,669 )     231,919      (24,330 )

Mortgage-backed

     12,146      (2,233 )     10,085      (1,866 )     22,231      (4,099 )

All other corporate

     626,821      (101,926 )     401,404      (117,340 )     1,028,225      (219,266 )
                                             

Total fixed maturity

   $ 823,981    $ (120,800 )   $ 511,490    $ (131,507 )   $ 1,335,471    $ (252,307 )
                                             

Equity securities:

               

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   $ 56,747    $ (18,100 )   $ 85,935    $ (29,826 )   $ 142,682    $ (47,926 )
                                             

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The investment category and duration of the Company’s gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 Months or More     Total  
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
 

Fixed maturity securities:

               

United States Government and government agencies and authorities

   $ 110    $ (1 )   $ —      $ —       $ 110    $ (1 )

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     12,203      (45 )     —        —         12,203      (45 )

Foreign governments

     16,719      (241 )     248      (2 )     16,967      (243 )

Public utilities

     112,590      (2,693 )     48,193      (1,861 )     160,783      (4,554 )

Mortgage–backed

     15,660      (310 )     63,225      (761 )     78,885      (1,071 )

All other corporate

     585,113      (28,681 )     194,650      (10,692 )     779,763      (39,373 )
                                             

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 742,395    $ (31,971 )   $ 306,316    $ (13,316 )   $ 1,048,711    $ (45,287 )
                                             

Equity securities:

               

Non-sinking fund preferred stocks

   $ 191,960    $ (31,970 )   $ 35,791    $ (4,327 )   $ 227,751    $ (36,297 )
                                             

The total unrealized losses represent less than 21% and 7% of the aggregate fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Approximately 46% and 78% of these unrealized losses have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total unrealized losses are comprised of 677 and 574 individual securities in 2008 and 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2008, 36%, 18% and 11% of the unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities were concentrated in the financial, consumer cyclical and energy industries, respectively with no exposure to any single creditor in excess of 8%, 10% and 11%, respectively.

The cost or amortized cost and fair value of available for sale fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, is shown below:

 

     Cost or
Amortized Cost
   Fair Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 24,286    $ 23,696

Due after one year through five years

     190,791      167,934

Due after five years through ten years

     319,357      266,420

Due after ten years

     1,027,014      855,190
             

Total

     1,561,448      1,313,240

Mortgage-backed securities

     26,330      22,231
             

Total

   $ 1,587,778    $ 1,335,471
             

The following table represents our exposure to sub-prime and related mortgages within our fixed maturity portfolio as well as the current net unrealized (loss) gains position at December 31, 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

     Market Value    Percentage of
Portfolio
    Net Unrealized
(Loss) Gain
 

Fixed maturity portfolio:

       

Sub-prime first lien mortgages

   $ 3,933    0.18 %   $ (350 )

Second lien mortgages (including sub-prime second lien mortgages)

     627    0.03 %     199  
                     

Total exposure to sub-prime collateral

   $ 4,560    0.21 %   $ (151 )
                     

The following table represents our exposure to sub-prime and related mortgages within our fixed maturity portfolio as well as the current net unrealized (loss) gains position at December 31, 2007.

 

     Market Value    Percentage of
Portfolio
    Net Unrealized
(Loss) Gain
 

Fixed maturity portfolio:

       

Sub-prime first lien mortgages

   $ 8,242    0.31 %   $ (246 )

Second lien mortgages (including sub-prime second lien mortgages)

     2,604    0.10 %     14  
                     

Total exposure to sub-prime collateral

   $ 10,846    0.41 %   $ (232 )
                     

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 3% and 6% of the mortgage-backed securities had exposure to sub-prime mortgage collateral. This represents less than 1% of the total fixed maturity portfolio and less than 1% of the total unrealized loss position of the fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2008 and 2007. Of the securities with sub-prime exposure, approximately 86% are investment grade rated. We have no sub-prime exposure to collateralized debt obligations as of December 31, 2008 or 2007. All mortgage-backed securities, including those with sub-prime exposure, are reviewed as part of the ongoing other-than-temporary impairment monitoring process.

The Company has made commercial mortgage loans, collateralized by the underlying real estate, on properties located throughout the United States. At December 31, 2008, approximately 40% of the outstanding principal balance of commercial mortgage loans was concentrated in the states of California, New York and Utah. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, an economic downturn could have an adverse impact on the ability of its debtors to repay their loans. The outstanding balance of commercial mortgage loans range in size from $7 to $14,345 at December 31, 2008 and from $10 to $13,360 at December 31, 2007. The mortgage loan balance valuation allowance for losses was $3,252 and $3,018 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

At December 31, 2008, loan commitments outstanding totaled approximately $5,000. Furthermore, at December 31, 2008, the Company is committed to fund additional capital contributions of $3,901 to joint ventures and to certain investments in limited partnerships.

The Company has short term investments and fixed maturity securities carried at $4,937 and $4,755 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, on deposit with various governmental authorities as required by law.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Securities Lending

The Company engages in transactions in which fixed maturity securities, especially bonds issued by the United States government, government agencies and authorities, and U.S. Corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. Cash collateral, greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities lent plus accrued interest, is received in the form of cash and cash equivalents held by a custodian bank for the benefit of the Company. The use of the cash collateral received is unrestricted. The Company reinvests the cash collateral received, generally in investments which are designated as available for sale under FAS 115. The Company monitors the fair value of securities loaned and the collateral received, with additional collateral obtained as necessary. The Company is subject to the risk of loss to the extent there is a loss in the investment of cash collateral.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 our collateral held under securities lending, of which its use is unrestricted, was $113,191 and $240,049, respectively, while our liability to the borrower for collateral received was $124,063 and $240,049, respectively. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending amounts as of December 31, 2008 is recorded as an unrealized loss and is included as part of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. The Company has proactively reduced the size of the program to mitigate counter-party exposure during the third and fourth quarter of 2008. The Company includes the available-for-sale investments purchased with the cash collateral in its evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments.

Cash proceeds that the Company receives as collateral for the securities it lends and subsequent repayment of the cash are regarded by the Company as cash flows from financing activities, since the cash received is considered a borrowing.

Since the Company reinvests the cash collateral generally in investments which are classified as available for sale under the guidance of FAS 115, the reinvestment is presented as cash flows from investing activities.

 

4. Fair Value Disclosures

FAS 157 Disclosures

FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, creates a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. FAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In accordance with FAS 157, the Company has categorized its recurring basis financial assets and liabilities based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The FASB has deferred the effective date of FAS 157 until January 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis in accordance with FSP FAS 157-2.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The levels of the fair value hierarchy and its application to the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are described below:

 

   

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain U.S. mutual funds, money market funds, common stock and certain foreign securities.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

   

Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable in the marketplace for the asset. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value for the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include corporate, municipal, foreign government and public utilities bonds, private placement bonds, U.S. Government and agency securities, mortgage and asset backed securities, preferred stocks and certain U.S. and foreign mutual funds.

 

   

Level 3 inputs are unobservable but are significant to the fair value measurement for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs include certain preferred stocks, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities that were quoted by brokers and could not be corroborated by Level 2 inputs and derivatives.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those recurring basis assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008.

 

Financial Assets

   Total    Level 1     Level 2    Level 3

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 2,172,990    $ —       $ 2,141,326    $ 31,664

Equity securities

     171,327      —         164,460      6,867

Short-term investments

     159,847      159,398       449      —  

Collateral held under securities lending

     76,916      26,211       50,705      —  

Cash equivalents

     11,724      11,724       —        —  

Other assets

     4,821      —         —        4,821

Assets held in separate accounts

     1,556,089      1,490,877   a     65,212      —  
                            

Total financial assets

   $ 4,153,714    $ 1,688,210     $ 2,422,152    $ 43,352
                            

 

a

Mainly includes mutual fund investments

The following table summarizes the change in balance sheet carrying value associated with Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2008:

 

     Total
Level 3
Assets
    Fixed
Maturity
Securities
    Equity
Securities
    Other
Assets

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 67,436     $ 57,416     $ 7,585     $ 2,435

Total net (losses) gains (realized/unrealized) included in earnings

     (1,324 )     (3,710 )     —         2,386

Net unrealized losses included in stockholder’s equity

     (7,919 )     (6,278 )     (1,641 )     —  

Purchases and issuances

     1,652       1,167       485       —  

Net transfers (out of) in

     (16,493 )     (16,931 )     438       —  
                              

Balance, end of period

   $ 43,352     $ 31,664     $ 6,867     $ 4,821
                              

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

FAS 157 describes three different valuation techniques to be used in determining fair value for financial assets and liabilities: the market, income or cost approaches. The three valuation techniques described in FAS 157 are consistent with generally accepted valuation methodologies. The market approach valuation techniques use prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. When possible, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets are used as of the period-end date. Otherwise, valuation techniques consistent with the market approach including matrix pricing and comparables are used. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique employed to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for those securities but comparing those securities to benchmark or comparable securities. Comparables use market multiples, which might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable.

Income approach valuation techniques convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. These techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts as of the period-end date. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models, binomial or lattice models that incorporate present value techniques, and the multi-period excess earnings method.

Cost approach valuation techniques are based upon the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset at the period-end date, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

While all three approaches are not applicable to all financial assets or liabilities, where appropriate, one or more valuation techniques may be used. For all the financial assets and liabilities included in the above hierarchy, excluding derivatives and private placement bonds, the market valuation technique is generally used. For private placement bonds and derivatives, the income valuation technique is generally used. For the year ended December 31 2008, the application of valuation technique applied to similar assets and liabilities has been consistent.

Level 1 and Level 2 securities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. FAS 157 defines observable market inputs as the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. The extent of the use of each observable market input for a security depends on the type of security and the market conditions at the balance sheet date. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary. The following observable market inputs, listed in the approximate order of priority, are utilized in the pricing evaluation of Level 2 securities: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. The pricing service also evaluates each security based on relevant market information including: relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Valuation models can change period to period, depending on the appropriate observable inputs that are available at the balance sheet date to price a security. When market observable inputs are unavailable, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources and are categorized as Level 3 securities.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Management uses the following criteria in order to determine that the market for a financial asset is inactive:

 

   

The volume and level of trading activity in the asset have declined significantly from historical levels

 

   

The available prices vary significantly over time or among market participants,

 

   

The prices are stale (i.e., not current), and

 

   

The magnitude of bid-ask spread.

Illiquidity did not have a material impact in the fair value determination of the Company’s financial assets.

The Company generally obtains one price for each financial asset. The Company performs a monthly analysis to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of the prices received from the pricing service, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon available market data, which happens infrequently, the price of a security is adjusted accordingly. The pricing service provides information to indicate which securities were priced using market observable inputs so that the Company can properly categorize our financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

FAS 107 Disclosures

FAS No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, (“FAS 107”) requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, as defined therein, for which it is practicable to estimate such fair value. Therefore, it requires fair value disclosure for additional financial instruments as compared to FAS 157, including financial instruments that are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. However, FAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments including those related to insurance contracts and those accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinions (“APB”) No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, such as real estate joint ventures.

Please refer to the FAS 157 disclosure above for the methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for the following line items:

 

   

Fixed maturity securities

 

   

Equity securities

 

   

Short-term investments

 

   

Other assets

 

   

Other liabilities

Fair values for collateral held and obligations under securities lending and for separate account assets (with matching liabilities) are obtained from an independent pricing service which uses observable market information.

In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments presented, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents: the carrying amount reported approximates fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans and policy loans: the fair values of mortgage loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Mortgage loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The carrying amounts of policy loans reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value.

Other investments: the carrying amounts of other investments approximate fair value.

Collateral and obligations under securities lending: the invested assets of the collateral held under securities lending are reported at their estimated fair values, which are primarily based on matrix pricing models and quoted market prices. The obligations under securities lending are reported at the amount received from selected broker/dealers.

Policy reserves under investment products: the fair values for the Company’s policy reserves under the investment products are determined using discounted cash flow analysis.

Separate account assets and liabilities: separate account assets and liabilities are reported at their estimated fair values, which are primarily based on quoted market prices.

Funds held under reinsurance: the carrying amount reported approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments.

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock: the fair value of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock equals the carrying value for all series of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock.

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
   Carrying Value    Fair Value    Carrying Value    Fair Value

Financial assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,171    $ 17,171    $ 32,832    $ 32,832

Fixed maturity securities

     2,172,990      2,172,990      2,654,969      2,654,969

Equity securities

     171,327      171,327      268,672      268,672

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate

     838,254      843,128      822,184      851,124

Policy loans

     14,422      14,422      12,346      12,346

Short-term investments

     159,847      159,847      44,092      44,092

Other investments

     3,938      3,938      4,133      4,133

Other assets

     4,821      4,821      6,635      6,635

Assets held in separate accounts

     1,557,313      1,557,313      2,867,617      2,867,617

Collateral held under securities lending

     113,191      113,191      240,049      240,049

Financial liabilities

           

Policy reserves under investment products (Individual and group annuities, subject to discretionary withdrawal)

   $ 282,175    $ 261,661    $ 304,882    $ 296,060

Funds held under reinsurance

     —        —        118      118

Liabilities related to separate accounts

     1,557,313      1,557,313      2,867,617      2,867,617

Obligations under securities lending

     124,063      124,063      240,049      240,049

The fair value of the Company’s liabilities for insurance contracts other than investment-type contracts are not required to be disclosed. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company’s overall management of interest rate risk, such that the Company’s exposure to changing interest rates is minimized through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

5. Income Taxes

The Company is subject to U.S. tax and files a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return with its parent, Assurant Inc. Prior to 2007, the Company had international operations that were subject to income taxes imposed by the foreign jurisdictions in which it operated. Information about the Company’s current and deferred tax expense follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,
     2008     2007    2006

Current expense:

       

Federal and state

   $ 37,814     $ 39,405    $ 94,368

Foreign

     —         —        274
                     

Total current expense

     37,814       39,405      94,642

Deferred (benefit) expense:

       

Federal and state

     (26,947 )     17,716      11,934

Total deferred expense

     (26,947 )     17,716      11,934
                     

Total income tax expense

   $ 10,867     $ 57,121    $ 106,576
                     

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2008     2007     2006  

Federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Reconciling items:

      

Tax-exempt interest

   (0.9 )   (0.1 )   (2.1 )

Dividends-received deduction

   (21.4 )   (1.7 )   (0.3 )

Permanent nondeductible expenses

   2.2     0.2     —    

Change in liability for prior years’ taxes

   6.0     (5.0 )   9.5  

Change in valuation allowance

   36.3     —       —    

Other

   0.8     0.7     —    
                  

Effective income tax rate:

   58.0 %   29.1 %   42.1 %
                  

The decrease in dividends-received deduction is mainly due to the decrease in the Company’s pre-tax income and an increase in the eligible dividends in our General Accounts and our Separate Accounts.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. The adoption of this interpretation had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Reconciliations of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     2008     2007  

Balance at January 1

   $ (7,271 )     (42,296 )

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

     (733 )     (1,507 )

Reductions for tax positions related to the current year

     3,717       —    

Additions for tax positions related to prior years

     (467 )     (400 )

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years

     31       9,934  

Settlements

     —         26,998  
                

Balance at December 31

   $ (4,723 )   $ (7,271 )
                

Of the total unrecognized tax benefit for 2008 and 2007, $5,260 and $8,249, respectively, which includes interest, if recognized, would impact the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest related to income tax matters in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized approximately $372 of interest expense and $4,880 of interest income, respectively, related to income tax matters. The Company had approximately $1,635 and $7,360 of interest accrued at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions. Prior to 2007, the Company also filed income tax returns with various foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2004. Substantially all state and non-U.S. income tax matters have been concluded for the years through 2002.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

 

     December 31,
   2008     2007

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net unrealized losses on fixed maturities and equities

   $ 90,579     $ —  

Deferred gains on reinsurance

     40,119       47,628

Investments

     39,459       7,957

Deferred acquisition costs

     22,350       24,866

Capital loss carryforwards

     14,446       —  

Accrued liabilities

     5,032       7,713
              

Gross deferred tax asset before valuation allowance

     211,985       88,164

Less: Valuation allowance

     (7,195 )     —  
              

Gross deferred tax asset after valuation allowance

   $ 204,790     $ 88,164
              

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Policyholder and separate account reserves

   $ 11,158     $ 7,037

Net unrealized gains on fixed maturities and equities

     —         2,788

Other liabilities

     14,219       17,715
              

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     25,377       27,540
              

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 179,413     $ 60,624
              

During 2008 the Company recognized income tax expense of $7,195 to establish a partial valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, which are primarily attributable to capital losses resulting from dispositions of investments. The calculation of the valuation allowance is made at the consolidated return group level. A portion of the valuation allowance has been assigned to the Company based on the provisions of the tax sharing agreement. Accordingly, a cumulative valuation allowance of $7,195 has been recorded because it is management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets of $204,790 will be realized. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2007.

The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on its ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the same character within the carryback or carryforward periods. In assessing future GAAP taxable income, the Company has considered all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry forwards, taxable income in carry back years and tax-planning strategies. If changes occur in the assumptions underlying the Company’s tax planning strategies or in the scheduling of the reversal of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted in the future.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had no net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes. At December 31, 2008, the Company had a capital loss carryover for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the amount of $41,273, which was generated in 2008 and will expire, if not utilized, in 2013.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

6. Premiums and Accounts Receivable

Receivables are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible items. A summary of such receivables is as follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2008     2007  

Insurance premiums receivable

   $ 60,991     $ 63,300  

Other receivables

     15,383       48,551  

Allowance for uncollectible items

     (4,840 )     (5,622 )
                

Total

   $ 71,534     $ 106,229  
                

 

7. Stockholder’s Equity

The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized 1,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $5.00 per share. All the shares are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. All the outstanding shares at December 31, 2008 are owned by the Parent (see Note 1). The Company paid dividends of $197,000 and $210,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No dividends were paid during 2008.

The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid by the Company to its shareholder without prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner is subject to restrictions relating to statutory surplus (see Note 8).

The Company received contributed capital of $15,000, $0 and $10 at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Based on current operating lines of business, management determined the Company to be over capitalized. As a result, with the approval of the Iowa Insurance Division, on June 27, 2008, the Company returned $100,000 of contributed capital to its parent company, Interfinancial Inc.

 

8. Statutory Information

Statutory-basis financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Department of Commerce. Prescribed statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules.

The principal differences between SAP and GAAP are: 1) policy acquisition costs are expensed as incurred under SAP, but are deferred and amortized under GAAP; 2) the value of business acquired is not capitalized under SAP but is under GAAP; 3) amounts collected from holders of universal life-type and annuity products are recognized as premiums when collected under SAP, but are initially recorded as contract deposits under GAAP, with cost of insurance recognized as revenue when assessed and other contract charges recognized over the periods for which services are provided; 4) the classification and carrying amounts of investments in certain securities are different under SAP than under GAAP; 5) the criteria for providing asset valuation allowances, and the methodologies used to determine the amounts thereof, are different under SAP than under GAAP; 6) the timing of establishing certain reserves, and the methodologies used to determine the amounts thereof, are different under SAP than under GAAP; 7) certain assets are not admitted for purposes of determining surplus under SAP; 8) methodologies used to determine the amounts of deferred taxes, intangible assets and goodwill are different under SAP than under GAAP; and 9) the criteria for obtaining reinsurance accounting treatment is different under SAP than under GAAP.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The Company’s statutory net income and capital and surplus are as follows:

 

     Years Ended and at
December 31,
 
   2008    2007    2006  

Statutory net income

   $ 1,754    $ 138,496    $ 212,898   (1)
                      

Statutory capital and surplus

   $ 350,383    $ 438,924    $ 515,105  
                      

 

(1) The $1,754 net income in 2008 includes realized capital losses on investments of $135,094 driven by the write-down of other-than-temporary impairments in our investment portfolio of $108,913 in 2008 compared to $21,291 in 2007. The $212,898 net income in 2006 includes a gain of approximately $31,700, after-tax, resulting from the April 2006 transfer of the Company’s Canadian insurance operations to an affiliated entity not subject to SAP and approximately $40,500, after-tax, from a settlement awarded to the Company in the fourth quarter of 2006 resulting from the successful resolution of a contract dispute with Progeny Marketing Innovations, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cendant Corporation.

Insurance enterprises are required by state insurance departments to adhere to minimum risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements developed by the NAIC. The Company exceeds the minimum RBC requirements.

Dividend distributions to the Parent are restricted as to the amount by state regulatory requirements. A dividend is extraordinary when combined with all other dividends and distributions made within the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater of 10% of the insurers surplus as regards to policyholders on December 31 of the next preceding year, or the net gain from operations. In 2008, the Company declared and paid dividends of $0. In 2007, the Company declared and paid dividends of $197,000, of which $30,442 was ordinary and $166,558 was extraordinary. In 2006, the Company declared and paid dividends of $210,000, of which all was extraordinary. The Company has the ability, under state regulatory requirements, to dividend up to $57,631 to its parent in 2009 without permission from Iowa regulators.

 

9. Reinsurance

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in both the assumption and cession of reinsurance with non-affiliated companies. The following table provides details of the reinsurance recoverables balance for the years ended December 31:

 

     December 31,
   2008    2007

Ceded future policyholder benefits and expenses

   $ 1,248,756    $ 1,216,757

Ceded unearned premium

     18,502      19,383

Ceded claims and benefits payable

     80,414      65,619

Ceded paid losses

     11,579      5,887
             

Total

   $ 1,359,251    $ 1,307,646
             

 

F-31


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned and benefits incurred was as follows:

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
  2008     2007     2006  
  Long
Duration
    Short
Duration
    Total     Long
Duration
    Short
Duration
    Total     Long
Duration
    Short
Duration
    Total  

Gross earned

                 

Premiums and other considerations

  $ 270,883     $ 980,899     $ 1,251,782     $ 293,346     $ 1,003,971     $ 1,297,317     $ 384,626     $ 1,089,002     $ 1,473,628  

Premiums assumed

    9,599       127,656       137,255       9,732       179,395       189,127       11,655       180,522       192,177  

Premiums ceded

    (204,503 )     (10,744 )     (215,247 )     (219,490 )     (7,024 )     (226,514 )     (291,700 )     (7,285 )     (298,985 )
                                                                       

Net earned premiums and other considerations

  $ 75,979     $ 1,097,811     $ 1,173,790     $ 83,588     $ 1,176,342     $ 1,259,930     $ 104,581     $ 1,262,239     $ 1,366,820  
                                                                       

Gross policyholder Benefits

  $ 614,911     $ 658,421     $ 1,273,332     $ 756,784     $ 643,161     $ 1,399,945     $ 851,688     $ 707,463     $ 1,559,151  

Benefits assumed

    33,913       117,260       151,173       31,002       177,909       208,911       36,405       179,652       216,057  

Benefits ceded

    (531,732 )     (3,275 )     (535,007 )     (671,497 )     (2,750 )     (674,247 )     (748,887 )     (2,694 )     (751,581 )
                                                                       

Net policyholder benefits

  $ 117,092     $ 772,406     $ 889,498     $ 116,289     $ 818,320     $ 934,609     $ 139,206     $ 884,421     $ 1,023,627  
                                                                       

The Company had $714,556 and $215,012 of assets held in trusts as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for the benefit of others related to certain reinsurance arrangements.

The Company utilizes ceded reinsurance for loss protection and capital management, business divestitures, client risk and profit sharing.

Loss Protection and Capital Management

As part of the Company’s overall risk and capacity management strategy, the Company purchases reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by the Company, including significant individual or catastrophic claims, which enables the Company to free up capital to write additional business.

Under indemnity reinsurance transactions in which the Company is the ceding insurer, the Company remains liable for policy claims if the assuming company fails to meet its obligations. To mitigate this risk, the Company has control procedures to evaluate the financial condition of reinsurers and to monitor the concentration of credit risk. The selection of reinsurance companies is based on criteria related to solvency and reliability and, to a lesser degree, diversification as well as developing strong relationships with the Company’s reinsurers for the sharing of risks. A.M. Best ratings for The Hartford and John Hancock, the reinsurers we have the most exposure to, are A+ and A++, respectively, although A.M. Best recently placed a negative outlook on the issuer credit and financial strength ratings of both The Hartford and John Hancock. The majority of our remaining reinsurance exposure has been ceded to companies rated A- or better by A.M. Best, although A.M. Best recently placed a negative outlook on the Life and Health insurance industry.

Business Divestitures

The Company has used reinsurance to exit certain businesses.

In 2005, the Parent signed an agreement with Forethought whereby the Company agreed to discontinue writing new preneed insurance policies in the United States via independent funeral homes and funeral homes other than those owned and operated by SCI for a period of ten years. The Company will receive payments from Forethought over the next ten years based on the amount of business the Company transitions to Forethought.

 

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Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

In 2001 the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with The Hartford for the sale of the FFG division. In 2000, the Company divested its LTC operations to John Hancock. Assets supporting liabilities ceded relating to these businesses are held in trusts and the separate accounts relating to FFG are still reflected in the Company’s balance sheet. If the reinsurers became insolvent, we would be exposed to the risk that the assets in the trusts and/or the separate accounts would be insufficient to support the liabilities that would revert back to us. The reinsurance recoverable from The Hartford was $677,836 and $700,483 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The reinsurance recoverable from John Hancock was $561,342 and $489,865 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The reinsurance agreement associated with the FFG sale also stipulates that The Hartford contribute funds to increase the value of the separate account assets relating to Modified Guaranteed Annuity business sold if such value declines below the value of the associated liabilities. If The Hartford fails to fulfill these obligations, the Company will be obligated to make these payments.

In addition, the Company would be responsible for administering this business in the event of reinsurer insolvency. We do not currently have the administrative systems and capabilities to process this business. Accordingly, we would need to obtain those capabilities in the event of an insolvency of one or more of the reinsurers of these businesses. We might be forced to obtain such capabilities on unfavorable terms with a resulting material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2008, we were not aware of any regulatory actions taken with respect to the solvency of the insurance subsidiaries of The Hartford or John Hancock that reinsure the FFG and LTC businesses, and the Company has not been obligated to fulfill any of such reinsurers’ obligations.

On April 1, 2008, the Company and an affiliate, United Family Life Insurance Company (“UFLIC”) amended an existing Agreement of Reinsurance (the “Agreement”) between the two companies. Under the terms of the amendment, UFLIC will cede to the Company 100% of its remaining reinsured liabilities, as defined in the Agreement, on a coinsurance basis. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of this amendment to the Agreement, and the Company paid a ceding fee of $8,159 to UFLIC.

 

10. Reserves

The following table provides reserve information by the Company’s major lines of business at the dates shown:

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
   Future
Policy
Benefits and
Expenses
   Unearned
Premiums
   Case
Reserve
   Incurred
But Not
Reported
Reserves
   Future
Policy
Benefits and
Expenses
   Unearned
Premiums
   Case
Reserve
   Incurred
But Not
Reported
Reserves

Long Duration Contracts:

                       

Pre-funded funeral life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts

   $ 1,237,749    $ 1,316    $ 4,076    $ 1,168    $ 1,293,369    $ 1,404    $ 3,563    $ 973

Life insurance no longer offered

     303,660      673      932      31      271,937      634      853      27

FFG and LTC disposed businesses

     1,141,011      18,277      8,451      62,945      1,105,628      18,861      7,781      48,566

All other

     5,068      290      20,499      7,767      4,429      316      16,503      6,443

Short Duration Contracts:

                       

Group term life

     —        5,988      196,875      41,470      —        6,317      214,430      47,711

Group disability

     —        2,104      1,256,171      138,956      —        2,549      1,295,878      153,265

Medical

     —        3,315      5,537      9,494      —        5,765      9,182      14,686

Dental

     —        3,995      2,600      20,207      —        4,296      2,285      16,307

Credit life and disability

     —        4      —        1,384      —        5      —        1,900
                                                       

Total

   $ 2,687,488    $ 35,962    $ 1,495,141    $ 283,422    $ 2,675,363    $ 40,147    $ 1,550,475    $ 289,878
                                                       

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

The following table provides a roll forward of the Company’s product lines with the most significant short duration claims and benefits payable balances: group term life and group disability lines of business. Claims and benefits payable is comprised of case and IBNR reserves.

 

     Group
Term Life
    Group
Disability
 

Balance as of January 1, 2006, gross of reinsurance

   $ 292,011     $ 1,431,733  

Less: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     (256 )     (14,303 )
                

Balance as of January 1, 2006, net of reinsurance

     291,755       1,417,430  

Incurred losses related to:

    

Current year

     185,501       373,609  

Prior year’s interest

     9,575       62,270  

Prior year(s)

     (54,383 )     (78,352 )
                

Total incurred losses

     140,693       357,527  

Paid losses related to:

    

Current year

     117,626       64,914  

Prior year(s)

     38,239       271,526  
                

Total paid losses

     155,865       336,440  

Balance as of December 31, 2006, net of reinsurance

     276,583       1,438,517  

Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     412       10,054  
                

Balance as of December 31, 2006, gross of reinsurance

     276,995       1,448,571  

Less: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     (412 )     (10,054 )
                

Balance as of January 1, 2007, net of reinsurance

     276,583       1,438,517  

Incurred losses related to:

    

Current year

     168,613       367,871  

Prior year’s interest

     9,150       62,073  

Prior year(s)

     (51,190 )     (93,096 )
                

Total incurred losses

     126,573       336,848  

Paid losses related to:

    

Current year

     107,361       71,413  

Prior year(s)

     34,609       289,046  
                

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Total paid losses

     141,970       360,459  

Balance as of December 31, 2007, net of reinsurance

     261,186       1,414,906  

Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     955       34,237  
                

Balance as of December 31, 2007, gross of reinsurance

     262,141       1,449,143  

Less: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     (955 )     (34,237 )
                

Balance as of January 1, 2008, net of reinsurance

     261,186       1,414,906  

Incurred losses related to:

    

Current year

     158,899       317,328  

Prior year’s interest

     8,358       62,678  

Prior year(s)

     (54,593 )     (85,403 )
                

Total incurred losses

     112,664       294,603  

Paid losses related to:

    

Current year

     104,535       77,684  

Prior year(s)

     32,204       268,345  
                

Total paid losses

     136,739       346,029  

Balance as of December 31, 2008, net of reinsurance

     237,111       1,363,480  

Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other (1)

     1,234       31,647  
                

Balance as of December 31, 2008, gross of reinsurance

   $ 238,345     $ 1,395,127  
                

 

(1) Reinsurance ceded and other includes claims and benefits payable balances that have either been (a) reinsured to third parties, (b) established for claims related expenses whose subsequent payment is not recorded as a paid claim, or (c) reserves establish

Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts are comprised of group term life, group disability, medical, dental, and credit life and disability. The principal products and services included in these categories are described in the summary of significant accounting polices (see note 2).

Case and IBNR reserves are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions that consider, among other things, contractual requirements, historical utilization trends and patterns, benefits changes, medical inflation, seasonality, membership, product mix, legislative and regulatory environment, economic factors, disabled life mortality and claim termination rates and other relevant factors. The Company consistently applies the principles and assumptions listed above from year to year, while also giving due consideration to the potential variability of these factors.

Since case and IBNR reserves include estimates developed from various actuarial methods, the Company’s actual losses incurred may be more or less than the Company’s previously developed estimates. As shown in the table above, if the amounts listed on the line labeled “Incurred losses related to: Prior year” are negative (redundant) this means that the Company’s actual losses incurred related to prior years for these lines were less than the

 

F-35


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

estimates previously made by the Company. If the line labeled “Incurred losses related to: Prior year” are positive (deficient) this means that the Company’s actual losses incurred related to prior years for these lines were greater than the estimates previously made by the Company.

The Group Term Life case and IBNR reserves redundancies in all years are due to actual mortality rates running below those assumed in prior year reserves, and actual recovery rates running higher than those assumed in prior year reserves.

Group Disability case and IBNR reserves show redundancies in all years due to actual claim recovery rates exceeding those assumed in prior year reserves.

The Company’s short duration group disability category includes short and long term disability products. Case and IBNR reserves for long-term disability have been discounted at 5.25%. The December 31, 2008 and 2007 liabilities net of reinsurance include $1,334,794 and $1,384,970, respectively, of such reserves. The amount of discounts deducted from outstanding reserves as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are $465,786 and $486,492, respectively

Long Duration Contracts

The Company’s long duration contracts are comprised of preneed funeral life insurance policies and annuity contracts, life insurance policies but (no longer offered), and FFG and LTC disposed businesses. The principal products and services included in these categories are described in the summary of significant accounting polices (see Note 2).

PreNeed Business—Independent Division

Interest and discount rates for preneed life insurance are level, vary by year of issuance and product, and ranged from 4.7% to 7.3% in 2008 and 2007 before provisions for adverse deviation, which ranged from 0.2% to 0.5% in both 2008 and 2007.

Interest and discount rates for traditional life insurance but (no longer offered) vary by year of issuance and products and were 7.5% grading to 5.3% over 20 years in 2008 and 2007 with the exception of a block of pre-1980 business which had a level 8.8% discount rate in both 2008 and 2007.

Mortality assumptions are based upon pricing assumptions and modified to allow provisions for adverse deviation. Surrender rates vary by product and are based upon pricing assumptions.

Future policy benefit increases on preneed life insurance policies ranged from 1.0% to 7.0% in 2008 and 2007. Some policies have future policy benefit increases that are guaranteed or tied to equal some measure of inflation. The inflation assumption for most of these inflation-linked benefits was 3.0% in both 2008 and 2007 with the exception of most policies issued in 2005 and later where the assumption was 2.3%.

The reserves for annuities issued by the independent division are based on assumed interest rates credited on deferred annuities, which vary by year of issue, and ranged from 1.5% to 5.5% in 2008 and 2007. Withdrawal charges, if any, can range to 7.0% and grade to zero over a period of seven years for business issued in the U.S. Canadian annuity products have a surrender charge that varies by product series and premium paying period, typically grading to zero after all premiums have been paid.

FFG and LTC

The reserves for FFG and LTC are included in the Company’s reserves in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 113, Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts. The Company maintains an offsetting reinsurance recoverable related to these reserves (see note 9).

 

F-36


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

11. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

The Parent sponsors a defined benefit pension plan and certain other post retirement benefits covering employees and certain agents who meet eligibility requirements as to age and length of service. Plan assets of the defined benefits plans are not specifically identified by each participating subsidiary. Therefore, a breakdown of plan assets is not reflected in these consolidated financial statements. The Company has no legal obligation for benefits under these plans. The benefits are based on years of service and career compensation. The Parent’s pension plan funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus additional amounts as the Parent may determine to be appropriate from time to time up to the maximum permitted, and to charge each subsidiary an allocable amount based on its employee census. Pension costs allocated to the Company amounted to $5,327, $6,902 and $8,240 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company participates in a contributory profit sharing plan, sponsored by our Parent, covering employees and certain agents who meet eligibility requirements as to age and length of service. Benefits are payable to participants on retirement or disability and to the beneficiaries of participants in the event of death. For employees hired on or before December 31, 2000, the first 3% of an employee’s contribution is matched 200% by the company. The second 2% is matched 50% by the company. For employees hired after December 31, 2000, the first 3% of an employee’s contribution is matched 100% by the Company. The second 2% is matched 50% by the company. The amounts expensed under the contributory profit sharing plan were $5,927, $5,853 and $5,688 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

With respect to retirement benefits, the Company participates in other health care and life insurance benefit plans (postretirement benefits) for retired employees, sponsored by the Parent. Heath care benefits, either through the Parent’s sponsored retiree plan for retirees under age 65 or through a cost offset for individually purchased Medigap policies for retirees over age 65, are available to employees who retire on or after January 1, 1993, at age 55 or older, with 10 years or more service. Life insurance, on a retiree pay all basis, is available to those who retire on or after January 1, 1993. The Company made contributions to the postretirement benefit plans of $1,152, $1,108 and $0 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as claims were incurred. During 2008, 2007 and 2006 the Company incurred expenses related to retirement benefits of $1,284, $1,522 and $1,532, respectively.

 

12. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Information about deferred policy acquisition costs follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2008     2007     2006  

Beginning balance

   $ 50,575     $ 63,571     $ 123,222  

Transfer of Canadian business

     —         —         (45,690 )

Costs deferred

     35,680       33,063       27,874  

Amortization

     (43,235 )     (39,724 )     (41,772 )

Foreign currency translation

     —         —         (63 )

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for SOP 05-01 (Note 2)

     —         (6,335 )     —    
                        

Ending balance

   $ 43,020     $ 50,575     $ 63,571  
                        

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

13. Goodwill, VOBA and Intangibles

Information about goodwill, VOBA and intangibles are as follows:

 

     Goodwill for the Year Ended
December 31,
    VOBA for the Year Ended
December 31,
    Intangibles for the Year Ended
December 31,
 
   2008    2007    2006     2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006  

Beginning Balance

   $ 156,817    $ 156,817    $ 164,643     $ 22,816     $ 26,667     $ 33,965     $ 27,273     $ 29,061     $ 30,622  

Transfer of Canadian Business

        —        (7,817 )     —         —         (2,692 )     —         —         —    

Dental mergers (see Note 2)

     —        —        —         —         —         —         —         —         218  

Acquisitions (dispositions)

     —        —        —         2,088       —         —         —         —         —    

Amortization, net of interest accrued

     —        —        —         (3,443 )     (3,851 )     (4,603 )     (1,788 )     (1,788 )     (1,779 )

Foreign currency translation

     —        —        (9 )     —         —         (3 )     —         —         —    
                                                                      

Ending Balance

   $ 156,817    $ 156,817    $ 156,817     $ 21,461     $ 22,816     $ 26,667     $ 25,485     $ 27,273     $ 29,061  
                                                                      

As of December 31, 2008, the majority of the outstanding balance of VOBA relates to the Company’s preneed business. VOBA in this segment assumes an interest rate ranging from 5.4% to 7.5%.

At December 31, 2008 the estimated amortization of VOBA for the next five years is as follows:

 

Year

   Amount

2009

   $ 2,678

2010

     2,086

2011

     1,863

2012

     1,729

2013

     1,550

Thereafter

     11,555
      

Total

   $ 21,461
      

Intangibles assets that have finite lives, including customer relationships, customer contracts and other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. At December 31, 2008, the estimated amortization of intangibles with finite lives for the next five years is as follows:

 

Year

   Amount

2009

   $ 1,788

2010

     1,788

2011

     1,788

2012

     1,788

2013

     1,788

Thereafter

     16,545
      

Total

   $ 25,485
      

 

F-38


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

14. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The Company’s components of other comprehensive (loss) income net of tax at December 31 are as follows:

 

     Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustment
    Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on Securities
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive (Loss)
Income
 

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ (59 )   $ 62,338     $ 62,279  

Activity in 2007

     59       (56,642 )     (56,583 )
                        

Balance at December 31, 2007

     —         5,696       5,696  

Activity in 2008

     —         (171,408 )     (171,408 )
                        

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ —       $ (165,712 )   $ (165,712 )
                        

 

15. Related Party Transactions

The Company receives various services from the Parent and its affiliates. These services include assistance in benefit plan administration, corporate insurance, accounting, tax, auditing, investment, information technology and other administrative functions. The fees paid to the Parent for these services for years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were $28,525, $27,581 and $27,803, respectively. Net expenses paid to affiliates were $25,324, $26,714 and $33,245, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Information technology expenses were $22,451, $43,369 and $44,470 for years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Administrative expenses allocated for the Company may be greater or less than the expenses that would be incurred if the Company were operating on its own.

As of April 1, 2008, the Company no longer assumes preneed business from UFLIC. The Company had assumed premiums from UFLIC of $8,146 and $9,838 in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Assumed reserves from UFLIC were $520,904 in 2007.

The Company assumes group disability business from its affiliate, Union Security Life Insurance Company of New York (“USLICONY”). The Company assumed $7,806, $6,813 and $6,916 of premiums from USLICONY in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company assumed $30,802 and $29,569 of reserves in 2008 and 2007, respectively, from USLICONY.

 

16. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries lease office space and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Certain facility leases contain escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors’ operating expenses. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate future minimum lease payments under these operating lease agreements that have initial or non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are:

 

2009

   $ 7,730

2010

     7,402

2011

     6,311

2012

     1,691

2013

     733

Thereafter

     160
      

Total minimum future lease payments

   $ 24,027
      

 

F-39


Table of Contents

Union Security Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(In thousands except share data)

 

 

Rent expense was $7,961, $8,277 and $8,713 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The Company may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to the Company’s current and past business operations. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future litigation, examination or investigation and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not believe that any pending matter will have a material adverse effect individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

F-40

EX-24.1 2 dex241.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY Power of Attorney

EXHIBIT 24.1

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers of Union Security Insurance Company, an Iowa corporation, hereby constitute and appoint John S. Roberts, Miles B. Yakre, Stacia N. Almquist, Stephen W. Gauster and Raj B. Dave, and each of them, the individual’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the person and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, to be filed by Union Security Insurance Company, required by the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any amendment to the Form 10-K, and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that all said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or the substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Signature

      

Title

/s/ John S. Roberts

     Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
John S. Roberts     
    

/s/ Stacia N. Almquist

     Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Stacia N. Almquist     
    

/s/ Robert B. Pollock

     Chairman of the Board
Robert B. Pollock     
    

 

     Director
P. Bruce Camacho     
    

/s/ S. Craig Lemasters

     Director
S. Craig Lemasters     
    

/s/ Michael J. Peninger

     Director
Michael J. Peninger     
    

/s/ Lesley G. Silvester

     Director
Lesley G. Silvester     
EX-31.1 3 dex311.htm RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, John S. Roberts, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Union Security Insurance Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 4, 2009

 

/s/ John S. Roberts

John S. Roberts
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
EX-31.2 4 dex312.htm RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Stacia N. Almquist, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Union Security Insurance Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 4, 2009

 

/s/ Stacia N. Almquist

Stacia N. Almquist
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
EX-32.1 5 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF USIC PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer of USIC pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

§ 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Union Security Insurance Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John S. Roberts, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 4, 2009

 

/s/ John S. Roberts

John S. Roberts
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
EX-32.2 6 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF USIC PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of USIC pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

§ 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Union Security Insurance Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Stacia N. Almquist, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 4, 2009

 

/s/ Stacia N. Almquist

Stacia N. Almquist
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
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