0001445305-12-001564.txt : 20120508 0001445305-12-001564.hdr.sgml : 20120508 20120508154648 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001445305-12-001564 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 12 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20120331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120508 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120508 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Primerica, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475922 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: LIFE INSURANCE [6311] IRS NUMBER: 271204330 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-34680 FILM NUMBER: 12821314 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3120 BRECKINRIDGE BLVD. CITY: DULUTH STATE: GA ZIP: 30099 BUSINESS PHONE: 7703811000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3120 BRECKINRIDGE BLVD. CITY: DULUTH STATE: GA ZIP: 30099 10-Q 1 pri_10qx3312012.htm PRI FIRST QUARTER 2012 FORM 10-Q PRI_10Q_3.31.2012

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
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: 001-34680
 

Primerica, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
27-1204330
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
3120 Breckinridge Boulevard
Duluth, Georgia
30099
(Address of principal executive offices)
(ZIP Code)
(770) 381-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable.
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    ý  Yes    ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ý  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (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 Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    ý  No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
As of April 30, 2012
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
 
59,848,197 shares



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 



i


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(unaudited)
 
 
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
Assets
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,784,891 in 2012 and $1,811,359 in 2011)
$
1,948,497

 
$
1,959,156

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $24,678 in 2012 and $21,329 in 2011)
31,702

 
26,712

Trading securities, at fair value (cost: $5,824 in 2012 and $9,793 in 2011)
5,812

 
9,640

Policy loans
25,670

 
25,982

Other invested assets
14

 
14

Total investments
2,011,695

 
2,021,504

Cash and cash equivalents
155,536

 
136,078

Accrued investment income
22,904

 
21,579

Due from reinsurers
3,895,162

 
3,855,318

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
948,087

 
904,485

Premiums and other receivables
159,085

 
163,845

Intangible assets
71,077

 
71,928

Other assets
269,057

 
268,485

Separate account assets
2,541,313

 
2,408,598

Total assets
$
10,073,916

 
$
9,851,820

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
4,676,374

 
$
4,614,860

Unearned premiums
11,427

 
7,022

Policy claims and other benefits payable
248,904

 
241,754

Other policyholders’ funds
346,461

 
340,766

Note payable
300,000

 
300,000

Income taxes
88,503

 
81,316

Other liabilities
331,112

 
381,496

Payable under securities lending
142,507

 
149,358

Separate account liabilities
2,541,313

 
2,408,598

Total liabilities
8,686,601

 
8,525,170

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock ($.01 par value. Authorized 500,000 in 2012 and 2011 and issued 65,304 shares in 2012 and 64,883 shares in 2011)
653

 
649

Paid-in capital
842,613

 
835,232

Retained earnings
383,847

 
344,104

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax:
 
 
 
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains
54,585

 
51,248

Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains not other-than-temporarily impaired
107,598

 
97,082

Net unrealized investment losses other-than-temporarily impaired
(1,981
)
 
(1,665
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,387,315

 
1,326,650

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
10,073,916

 
$
9,851,820

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


1


PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Statements of Income - Unaudited
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
Revenues:
 
 
 
Direct premiums
$
561,037

 
$
552,069

Ceded premiums
(418,163
)
 
(422,238
)
Net premiums
142,874

 
129,831

Commissions and fees
103,905

 
106,116

Net investment income
26,097

 
28,626

Realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairment losses
2,131

 
327

Other, net
11,594

 
11,452

Total revenues
286,601

 
276,352

Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
Benefits and claims
67,933

 
57,635

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net
26,531

 
23,229

Sales commissions
49,717

 
50,438

Insurance expenses
22,444

 
15,798

Insurance commissions
8,496

 
8,998

Interest expense
6,910

 
6,997

Other operating expenses
41,105

 
40,001

Total benefits and expenses
223,136

 
203,096

Income before income taxes
63,465

 
73,256

Income taxes
21,709

 
25,985

Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.62

 
$
0.62

Diluted
$
0.61

 
$
0.62

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares used in computing earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
65,133

 
72,671

Diluted
66,275

 
73,826

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Total impairment losses
$
(701
)
 
$
(267
)
Impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income before income taxes
487

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(214
)
 
(267
)
Other net realized investment gains
2,345

 
594

Realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairment losses
$
2,131

 
$
327

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


2


PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - Unaudited
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
Common stock:
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
649

 
$
728

Net issuance of common stock
4

 
4

Balance, end of period
653

 
732

Paid-in capital:
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
835,232

 
1,010,635

Share-based compensation
5,424

 
5,322

Net issuance of common stock
(4
)
 
(4
)
Net capital contributed from Citi
1,961

 
1,020

Balance, end of period
842,613

 
1,016,973

Retained earnings:
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
344,104

 
194,225

Net income
41,756

 
47,271

Dividends ($0.03 per share in 2012 and $0.01 per share in 2011)
(2,013
)
 
(757
)
Balance, end of period
383,847

 
240,739

Accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
146,665

 
150,940

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax (benefit) expense of ($29) in 2012 and $0 in 2011
3,337

 
2,606

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) not-other-than temporarily impaired, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $5,664 in 2012 and $(2,078) in 2011
10,516

 
(1,780
)
Change in net unrealized investment (losses) gains other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(171) in 2012 and $0 in 2011
(316
)
 

Balance, end of period
160,202

 
151,766

Total stockholders’ equity
$
1,387,315

 
$
1,410,210

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


3


PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income - Unaudited
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
17,514

 
(3,638
)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income
(1,821
)
 
(220
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains
3,308

 
2,606

Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
19,001

 
(1,252
)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
5,464

 
(2,078
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
13,537

 
826

Total comprehensive income
$
55,293

 
$
48,097

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


4


PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Change in future policy benefits and other policy liabilities
70,976

 
43,934

Deferral of policy acquisition costs
(67,119
)
 
(64,203
)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, net
26,531

 
23,229

Change in income taxes
2,119

 
5,897

Realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairments
(2,131
)
 
(327
)
Accretion and amortization of investments
(278
)
 
(1,867
)
Depreciation and amortization
2,491

 
2,657

Change in due from reinsurers
(39,844
)
 
(11,554
)
Change in premiums and other receivables
4,785

 
(4,591
)
Trading securities acquired (sold), net
3,807

 
(23,547
)
Share-based compensation
5,027

 
5,320

Other, net
(64,244
)
 
(19,011
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(16,124
)
 
3,208

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Available-for-sale investments sold, matured or called:
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities - sold
67,354

 
29,424

Fixed-maturity securities - matured or called
75,433

 
134,252

Equity securities

 
84

Available-for-sale investments acquired:
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities
(107,467
)
 
(176,073
)
Equity securities
(3,040
)
 
(38
)
Other, net
(322
)
 
(72
)
Cash collateral (returned) received on loaned securities, net
(6,851
)
 
4,363

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments using securities lending collateral, net
6,851

 
(4,363
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
31,958

 
(12,423
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends
(2,013
)
 
(757
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,013
)
 
(757
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
5,637

 
(789
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
19,458

 
(10,761
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
136,078

 
126,038

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
155,536

 
$
115,277

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


5


PRIMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements - Unaudited
(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business. Primerica, Inc. (the Parent Company) together with its subsidiaries (collectively, we or the Company) is a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in the United States and Canada. We assist our clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. Our primary subsidiaries include the following entities: Primerica Financial Services, Inc., a general agency and marketing company; Primerica Life Insurance Company (Primerica Life), our principal life insurance company; Primerica Financial Services (Canada) Ltd., a holding company for our Canadian operations, which includes Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada (Primerica Life Canada); and PFS Investments, Inc., an investment products company and broker-dealer. Primerica Life, domiciled in Massachusetts, owns National Benefit Life Insurance Company (NBLIC), a New York life insurance company. Each of these entities was indirectly wholly owned by Citigroup Inc. (together with its non-Primerica affiliates, Citi) through March 31, 2010.
We capitalized Peach Re, Inc. (Peach Re), a special purpose financial captive insurance company and wholly owned subsidiary of Primerica Life, and Primerica Life ceded to Peach Re certain level premium term life insurance policies pursuant to a coinsurance agreement, effective March 31, 2012 (see Notes 10 and 11 for additional information).
Basis of Presentation. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect financial statement balances, revenues and expenses and cash flows as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers available facts and knowledge of existing circumstances when establishing the estimates included in our financial statements.
The most significant items that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to change in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs assets (DAC), future policy benefit reserves and income taxes. Estimates for these and other items are subject to change and are reassessed by management in accordance with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany profits, transactions, and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the statements of income, stockholders' equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or of the results to be expected in future periods.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the 2011 Annual Report).
Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-period amounts to conform to current-period reporting classifications. Concurrent with our adoption of ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (ASU 2010-26), certain expenses have been reclassified among sales commission, insurance expenses, insurance commissions and other operating expenses. These reclassifications had no impact on net income, total stockholders’ equity or income before income taxes by segment.
Significant Accounting Policies. All significant accounting policies remain unchanged from the 2011 Annual Report with the exception of our accounting for deferred policy acquisition costs which is discussed further below.
New Accounting Principles. Accounting for Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26. This update creates a more limited definition than the previous guidance, which had defined deferred


6


policy acquisition costs as those that vary with, and primarily relate to, the acquisition of insurance contracts.
We retrospectively adopted ASU 2010-26 for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. The impact of adoption was as follows:
 
(In thousands, except
per-share amounts)
Reduction as of January 1, 2011:
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
$
114,265

Stockholders' equity
74,964

 
 
Reduction as of December 31, 2011:
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net
$
146,152

Stockholders' equity
95,991

 
 
Reduction for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
 
Income before income taxes
$
7,889

Net income
5,196

Basic earnings per share
0.07

Diluted earnings per share
0.06

The adoption of ASU 2010-26 had no impact on our cash flows or required capital.
In accordance with ASU 2010-26, we only defer the costs of acquiring new business to the extent that they result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These deferred policy acquisition costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. The recovery of such costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies, which, in turn, is dependent principally upon mortality, persistency, investment returns, and the expense of administering the business, as well as upon certain economic variables, such as inflation. DAC is subject to recoverability testing annually and when impairment indicators exist. We make certain assumptions regarding persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims. These assumptions may not be modified, or unlocked, unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate. We update assumptions for new business to reflect the most recent experience. DAC is amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to annual premium income. Due to the inherent uncertainties in making assumptions about future events, materially different experience from expected results in persistency could result in a material increase or decrease of DAC amortization in a particular period. All other acquisition-related costs, including unsuccessful acquisition and renewal efforts, are charged to expense as incurred. Administrative costs, rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and are charged to expense as incurred.
Deferrable acquisitions costs for Canadian segregated funds are amortized over the life of the policies in relation to historical and future estimated gross profits before amortization. The gross profits and resulting DAC amortization will vary with actual fund returns, redemptions and expenses. The adoption of ASU 2010-26 did not impact the accounting for acquisition costs related to Canadian segregated funds.
The balances of and changes in DAC were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
DAC balance, beginning of period
$
904,485

 
$
738,946

Capitalization
67,119

 
64,203

Amortization
(26,531
)
 
(23,229
)
Foreign exchange and other
3,014

 
6,135

DAC balance, end of period
$
948,087

 
$
786,055

Fair Value Measurement Amendments. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2011-04). The primary provisions of ASU 2011-04 result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes the wording


7


used to describe the requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurement, including requiring quantitative disclosures about the unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements. The amendments in the update have been applied prospectively for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. This update did not result in a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Future Application of Accounting Standards. Recent accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable, is immaterial to our financial statements, or did not or will not have an impact on our business.
(2) Segment Information
We have two primary operating segments – Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products. We also have a Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment. Assets by segment were as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
Term life insurance segment
$
6,133,764

 
$
6,009,162

Investment and savings products segment
2,727,465

 
2,591,137

Corporate and other distributed products segment
1,212,687

 
1,251,521

Total assets
$
10,073,916

 
$
9,851,820

The Investment and Savings Products segment includes assets held in separate accounts. Excluding separate accounts, Investment and Savings Products segment assets were as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Investment and savings products segment assets, excluding separate accounts
$
187,223

 
$
183,622

Results of operations by segment were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Revenues:
 
 
 
Term life insurance segment
$
151,804

 
$
136,962

Investment and savings products segment
100,134

 
100,846

Corporate and other distributed products segment
34,663

 
38,544

Total revenues
$
286,601

 
$
276,352

Income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
Term life insurance segment
$
44,283

 
$
49,716

Investment and savings products segment
28,870

 
31,039

Corporate and other distributed products segment
(9,688
)
 
(7,499
)
Total income before income taxes
$
63,465

 
$
73,256



8


Results of operations by country were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Revenues by country:
 
 
 
United States
$
230,757

 
$
222,403

Canada
55,844

 
53,949

Total revenues
$
286,601

 
$
276,352

Income before income taxes by country:
 
 
 
United States
$
47,773

 
$
57,006

Canada
15,692

 
16,250

Total income before income taxes
$
63,465

 
$
73,256

(3) Investments
The period-end cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of fixed-maturity and equity securities in our available-for-sale portfolio follow: 
 
March 31, 2012
 
Cost or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
(In thousands)
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
10,016

 
$
805

 
$

 
$
10,821

Foreign government
105,517

 
15,352

 
(93
)
 
120,776

States and political subdivisions
26,235

 
2,980

 

 
29,215

Corporates (1)
1,239,213

 
121,364

 
(3,266
)
 
1,357,311

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
403,910

 
28,746

 
(2,282
)
 
430,374

Total fixed-maturity securities
1,784,891

 
169,247

 
(5,641
)
 
1,948,497

Equity securities
24,678

 
7,233

 
(209
)
 
31,702

Total fixed-maturity and equity securities
$
1,809,569

 
$
176,480

 
$
(5,850
)
 
$
1,980,199

____________________
(1)
Includes $3.0 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
December 31, 2011
 
Cost or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
(In thousands)
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$
10,050

 
$
935

 
$

 
$
10,985

Foreign government
97,206

 
14,818

 
(179
)
 
111,845

States and political subdivisions
28,264

 
2,671

 

 
30,935

Corporates (1)
1,250,702

 
111,346

 
(7,847
)
 
1,354,201

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
425,137

 
29,398

 
(3,345
)
 
451,190

Total fixed-maturity securities
1,811,359

 
159,168

 
(11,371
)
 
1,959,156

Equity securities
21,329

 
5,689

 
(306
)
 
26,712

Total fixed-maturity and equity securities
$
1,832,688

 
$
164,857

 
$
(11,677
)
 
$
1,985,868

____________________
(1)
Includes $2.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.


9


The net effect on stockholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities was as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Net unrealized investment gains including foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments:
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity and equity securities
$
170,630

 
$
153,180

Currency swaps
112

 
96

Less foreign currency translation adjustment
(8,254
)
 
(6,481
)
Other-than-temporary impairments
3,049

 
2,562

Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments
165,537

 
149,357

Less deferred income taxes
57,939

 
52,275

Net unrealized investment gains excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and other-than-temporary impairments, net of tax
$
107,598

 
$
97,082

We also maintain a portfolio of fixed-maturity securities that are classified as trading securities. The carrying value of these securities was as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities classified as trading, carried at fair value
$
5,812

 
$
9,640

All of our available-for-sale mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent variable interests in variable interest entities (VIEs). We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement in these VIEs equals the carrying value of the securities.
As required by law, the Company has investments on deposit with governmental authorities and banks for the protection of policyholders. The fair values of investments on deposit were as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Fair value of investments on deposit with governmental authorities
$
19,159

 
$
19,100

We participate in securities lending transactions with broker-dealers and other financial institutions to increase investment income with minimal risk. We require minimum collateral on securities loaned equal to 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. We accept collateral in the form of securities, which we are not able to sell or encumber, and to the extent the collateral declines in value below 100%, we require additional collateral from the borrower. Any securities collateral received is not reflected on our balance sheet. We also accept collateral in the form of cash, all of which we reinvest. For loans involving unrestricted cash collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability representing our obligation to return the collateral. We continue to carry the lent securities as investment assets on our balance sheet during the terms of the loans, and we do not report them as sales. Cash collateral received and reinvested was as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Securities lending collateral
$
142,507

 
$
149,358



10


The scheduled maturity distribution of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2012 follows. 
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
(In thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
118,187

 
$
120,277

Due after one year through five years
602,232

 
650,494

Due after five years through 10 years
615,184

 
693,679

Due after 10 years
45,378

 
53,673

 
1,380,981

 
1,518,123

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
403,910

 
430,374

Total fixed-maturity securities
$
1,784,891

 
$
1,948,497

Expected maturities may differ from scheduled contractual maturities because issuers of securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Investment Income. The components of net investment income were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities
$
25,762

 
$
29,014

Equity securities
223

 
188

Policy loans and other invested assets
350

 
328

Cash and cash equivalents
135

 
70

Market return on deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement
1,030

 
508

Gross investment income
27,500

 
30,108

Less investment expenses
1,403

 
1,482

Net investment income
$
26,097

 
$
28,626

The components of net realized investment gains (losses) as well as details on gross realized investment gains and losses and proceeds from sales or other redemptions were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Net realized investment gains:
 
 
 
Gross gains from sales
$
2,036

 
$
812

Gross losses from sales
(1
)
 
(325
)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
(214
)
 
(267
)
Gains from bifurcated options
310

 
107

Net realized investment gains
$
2,131

 
$
327

Gross realized investment gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
$
1,821

 
$
220

Proceeds from sales or other redemptions
$
142,787

 
$
163,760

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment. We conduct a review each quarter to identify and evaluate impaired investments that have indications of possible other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). An investment in a debt or equity security is impaired if its fair value falls below its cost. Factors considered in determining whether an unrealized loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects for the issue, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery, which may be maturity. For additional information, see Note 3 to the consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2011 Annual Report.


11


Investments in fixed-maturity and equity securities with a cost basis in excess of their fair values were as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity and equity securities with cost basis in excess of fair value
$
152,221

 
$
286,718

The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and the gross unrealized loss by length of time such securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position: 
 
March 31, 2012
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Number
of
securities
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Number
of
securities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign government
$
7,868

 
$
(93
)
 
11

 
$

 
$

 

Corporates
93,856

 
(2,073
)
 
120

 
8,260

 
(1,193
)
 
19

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
17,571

 
(220
)
 
21

 
17,975

 
(2,062
)
 
28

Total fixed-maturity securities
119,295

 
(2,386
)
 


 
26,235

 
(3,255
)
 


Equity securities
841

 
(209
)
 
14

 

 

 

Total fixed-maturity and equity securities
$
120,136

 
$
(2,595
)
 


 
$
26,235

 
$
(3,255
)
 


 
December 31, 2011
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Number
of
securities
 
Fair value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Number
of
securities
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign government
$
7,150

 
$
(179
)
 
10

 
$

 
$

 

Corporates
188,643

 
(6,979
)
 
185

 
4,092

 
(868
)
 
11

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
49,026

 
(478
)
 
60

 
25,280

 
(2,867
)
 
30

Total fixed-maturity securities
244,819

 
(7,636
)
 


 
29,372

 
(3,735
)
 


Equity securities
850

 
(306
)
 
78

 

 

 

Total fixed-maturity and equity securities
$
245,669

 
$
(7,942
)
 


 
$
29,372

 
$
(3,735
)
 


The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities in default were as follows:
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Fixed-maturity securities in default
$
3,865

 
$
5,420

 
$
3,983

 
$
5,168



12


Impairment charges recognized in earnings on available-for-sale securities were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Impairments on fixed-maturity securities in default
$

 
$
4

Impairments on fixed-maturity securities not in default
214

 
260

Impairments on equity securities

 
3

Total impairment charges
$
214

 
$
267

The fixed-maturity and equity securities noted above were considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to adverse credit events, such as news of an impending filing for bankruptcy; analyses of the issuer’s most recent financial statements or other information in which liquidity deficiencies, significant losses and large declines in capitalization were evident; and analyses of rating agency information for issuances with severe ratings downgrades that indicated a significant increase in the possibility of default.
As of March 31, 2012, the unrealized losses on our invested asset portfolio were largely caused by interest rate sensitivity and changes in credit spreads. We believe that fluctuations caused by interest rate movement have little bearing on the recoverability of our investments. Because the declines in fair value are attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because we have the ability to hold these investments until a market price recovery or maturity as well as no present intention to dispose of them, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Impairment losses related to securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell:
 
 
 
Total OTTI losses recognized
$
700

 
$

Less portion of OTTI loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
487

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company does not intend to sell or more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell before recovery
213

 

OTTI losses recognized in earnings for securities which the Company intends to sell or more-likely-than-not will be required to sell before recovery
1

 
267

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
$
214

 
$
267

The roll-forward of the credit-related losses recognized in income for all fixed-maturity securities still held follows. 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, beginning of period
$
34,072

 
$
41,129

Additions for OTTI securities where no credit losses were recognized prior to the beginning of the period

 
4

Additions for OTTI securities where credit losses have been recognized prior to the beginning of the period
214

 
261

Reductions due to sales, maturities or calls of credit impaired securities
(2,073
)
 
(760
)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized for securities still held, end of period
$
32,213

 
$
40,634



13


Derivatives. We use foreign currency swaps to reduce our foreign exchange risk due to direct investment in foreign currency-denominated debt securities. The aggregate notional balance and fair value of these currency swaps follow. 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Aggregate notional balance of currency swaps
$
5,878

 
$
5,878

Aggregate fair value of currency swaps
(2,219
)
 
(2,032
)
The change in fair value of these currency swaps is reflected in other comprehensive income as they effectively hedge the variability in cash flows from these foreign currency-denominated debt securities.
The embedded conversion options associated with fixed-maturity securities are bifurcated from the fixed-maturity security host contracts and separately recognized as equity securities. The change in fair value of these bifurcated conversion options is reflected in realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairment losses. The fair value of these bifurcated options follows.
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Aggregate fair value of embedded conversion options
$
8,893

 
$
8,583

We have a deferred loss related to closed forward contracts that were used to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates that resulted from the net investment in our Canadian operations. The amount of deferred loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income was as follows: 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)
Deferred loss related to closed forward contracts
$
26,385

 
$
26,385

While we have no current intention to do so, these deferred losses will not be recognized until such time as we sell or substantially liquidate our Canadian operations.
(4)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We classify and disclose all invested assets carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:
Level 1. Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices in active markets, such as exchange-traded common stocks and actively traded mutual fund investments;
Level 2. Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. Various inputs are considered in deriving the fair value of the underlying financial instrument, including interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rates. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed-maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities and certain non-exchange-traded derivatives, such as currency swaps and forwards; and
Level 3. Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Level 3 consists of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated


14


based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and models using significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. Valuations for this category primarily consist of non-binding broker quotes. Financial instruments in this category primarily include less liquid fixed-maturity corporate securities.
As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input (Level 3 being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Significant levels of estimation and judgment are required to determine the fair value of certain of our investments. The factors influencing these estimations and judgments are subject to change in subsequent reporting periods.
The estimated fair value and hierarchy classifications for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: 
 
March 31, 2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Fair value assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agencies
$

 
$
10,821

 
$

 
$
10,821

Foreign government

 
120,776

 

 
120,776

States and political subdivisions

 
29,215

 

 
29,215

Corporates
256

 
1,348,112

 
8,943

 
1,357,311

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

 
428,451

 
1,923

 
430,374

Total fixed-maturity securities
256

 
1,937,375

 
10,866

 
1,948,497

Equity securities
22,501

 
9,151

 
50

 
31,702

Trading securities

 
5,812

 

 
5,812

Separate accounts

 
2,541,313

 

 
2,541,313

Total fair value assets
$
22,757

 
$
4,493,651

 
$
10,916

 
$
4,527,324

Fair value liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency swaps
$

 
$
2,219

 
$

 
$
2,219

Separate accounts

 
2,541,313

 

 
2,541,313

Total fair value liabilities
$

 
$
2,543,532

 
$

 
$
2,543,532



15


 
December 31, 2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Fair value assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     U.S. government and agencies
$

 
$
10,985

 
$

 
$
10,985

     Foreign government

 
111,845

 

 
111,845

     States and political subdivisions

 
30,935

 

 
30,935

     Corporates
256

 
1,349,021

 
4,924

 
1,354,201

     Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

 
449,228

 
1,962

 
451,190

          Total fixed-maturity securities
256

 
1,952,014

 
6,886

 
1,959,156

Equity securities
18,069

 
8,592

 
51

 
26,712

Trading securities

 
9,640

 

 
9,640

Separate accounts

 
2,408,598

 

 
2,408,598

          Total fair value assets
$
18,325

 
$
4,378,844

 
$
6,937

 
$
4,404,106

Fair value liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency swaps
$

 
$
2,032

 
$

 
$
2,032

Separate accounts

 
2,408,598

 

 
2,408,598

           Total fair value liabilities
$

 
$
2,410,630

 
$

 
$
2,410,630

In assessing fair value of our investments, we use a third-party pricing service for approximately 94% of our securities. The remaining securities are primarily thinly traded securities valued using models based on observable inputs on public corporate spreads having similar tenors (e.g., sector, average life and quality rating) and liquidity and yield based on quality rating, average life and treasury yields. All observable data inputs are corroborated by independent third-party data. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, we utilize non-binding broker quotes, which are reflected in our Level 3 classification as we are unable to evaluate the valuation technique(s) or significant inputs used to develop the quotes. Therefore, we do not internally develop the quantitative unobservable inputs used in measuring the fair value of Level 3 investments. However, we do corroborate pricing information provided by our third-party pricing servicing by performing a review of selected securities. Our review activities include obtaining detailed information about the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used in pricing the security; documenting this information; and corroborating it by comparison to independently obtained prices and or independently developed pricing methodologies.
Furthermore, we perform internal reasonableness assessments on fair value determinations within our portfolio throughout the month and at month-end, including pricing variance analyses and comparisons to alternative pricing sources and benchmark returns. If a fair value appears unusual relative to these assessments, we will re-examine the inputs and may challenge a fair value assessment made by the pricing service. If there is a known pricing error, we will request a reassessment by the pricing service. If the pricing service is unable to perform the reassessment on a timely basis, we will determine the appropriate price by requesting a reassessment from an alternative pricing service or other qualified source as necessary. We do not adjust quotes or prices except in a rare circumstance to resolve a known error.
Because many fixed-maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, fair value is determined using industry-standard methodologies by applying available market information through processes such as U.S. Treasury curves, benchmarking of similar securities, sector groupings, quotes from market participants and matrix pricing. Observable information is compiled and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Additionally, security prices are periodically back-tested to validate and/or refine models as conditions warrant. Market indicators and industry and economic events are also monitored as triggers to obtain additional data. For certain structured securities with limited trading activity, industry-standard pricing methodologies use adjusted market information, such as index prices or discounting expected future cash flows, to estimate fair value. If these measures are not deemed observable for a particular security, the security will be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Where specific market information is unavailable for certain securities, pricing models produce estimates of fair value primarily using Level 2 inputs along with certain Level 3 inputs. These models include matrix pricing. The


16


pricing matrix uses current treasury rates and credit spreads received from third-party sources to estimate fair value. The credit spreads incorporate the issuer’s industry- or issuer-specific credit characteristics and the security’s time to maturity, if warranted. Remaining un-priced securities are valued using an estimate of fair value based on indicative market prices that include significant unobservable inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, market information, including the utilization of non-binding broker quotes.
The roll-forward of the Level 3 asset category was as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Level 3 assets, beginning of period
$
6,937

 
$
24,998

Net unrealized gains (losses) through other comprehensive income
168

 
(49
)
Net realized (losses) gains through realized investment gains, including other-than-temporary impairment losses
(85
)
 
595

Purchases
1,299

 
6,914

Sales

 
(5,835
)
Settlements
(354
)
 
(224
)
Transfers into level 3
2,951

 
4,501

Transfers out of level 3

 
(738
)
Level 3 assets, end of period
$
10,916

 
$
30,162

We obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs as of the end of the reporting period for all securities in Level 2. Those inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are not active, and other relevant data. We monitor these inputs for market indicators, industry and economic events. We recognize transfers into new levels and out of previous levels as of the end of the reporting period, including interim reporting periods, as applicable. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. In addition, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 2 to Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 primarily were fixed-maturity investments for which we were unable to corroborate independent broker quotes with observable market data. There were no transfers of invested assets from Level 3 to Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Invested assets included in the transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily were fixed-maturity securities and fixed-maturity securities with embedded options for which we were able to obtain independent pricing quotes based on observable inputs.


17


The table below is a summary of the fair value estimates at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for financial instruments.
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Carrying
value
 
Estimated
fair value
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities
$
1,948,497

 
$
1,948,497

 
$
1,959,156

 
$
1,959,156

Equity securities
31,702

 
31,702

 
26,712

 
26,712

Trading securities
5,812

 
5,812

 
9,640

 
9,640

Policy loans
25,670

 
25,670

 
25,982

 
25,982

Other invested assets
14

 
14

 
14

 
14

Deposit asset underlying 10% reinsurance agreement
65,981

 
65,981

 
59,975

 
59,975

Separate accounts
2,541,313

 
2,541,313

 
2,408,598

 
2,408,598

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note payable
$
300,000

 
$
330,498

 
$
300,000

 
$
329,779

Currency swaps
2,219

 
2,219

 
2,032

 
2,032

Separate accounts
2,541,313

 
2,541,313

 
2,408,598

 
2,408,598

The fair values of financial instruments presented above are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using various sources and methods, including market quotations and a complex matrix system that takes into account issuer sector, quality, and spreads in the current marketplace.
Recurring fair value measurements. Estimated fair values of investments in fixed-maturity securities are principally a function of current spreads and interest rates that are corroborated by independent third-party data. Therefore, the fair values presented are indicative of amounts we could realize or settle at the respective balance sheet date. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity. Trading securities, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities, are carried at fair value. Equity securities, including common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are carried at fair value. Currency swaps are stated at fair value. Segregated funds in separate accounts are carried at the underlying value of the variable insurance contracts, which is fair value.
Nonrecurring fair value measurements. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, which approximate fair value and are categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements. The deposit asset underlying the 10% reinsurance agreement represents the value of the assets backing the economic reserves held in support of a reinsurance agreement. The carrying value of this deposit asset approximates fair value, which is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Other invested assets have a carrying value that approximates fair value and are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our note payable is a Level 2 fair value measurement and is based on observable inputs including prevailing interest rates and an estimated spread based on notes of comparable issuers and maturity.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Consequently, such instruments are not included in the above table.


18


(5)
Reinsurance
Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not relieve the Company of its primary obligation to the policyholder. We monitor the concentration of credit risk we have with any reinsurer, as well as the financial condition of the reinsurers. Details on in-force life insurance follow. 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
(Dollars in millions)
Direct life insurance in force
$
669,390

 
$
669,939

Amounts ceded to other companies
(595,976
)
 
(596,975
)
Net life insurance in force
$
73,414

 
$
72,964

Percentage of reinsured life insurance in force
89
%
 
89
%
Due from reinsurers includes ceded reserve balances and ceded claim liabilities. Reinsurance receivable and financial strength ratings by reinsurer were as follows: 
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Reinsurance
receivable
 
A.M. Best
rating
 
Reinsurance
receivable
 
A.M. Best
rating
(In millions)
Prime Reinsurance Company (1)
$
2,462

 
NR
 
$
2,439

 
NR
Financial Reassurance Company 2010, Ltd. (1)
345

 
NR
 
335

 
NR
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (2)
251

 
A+
 
253

 
A+
American Health and Life Insurance Company (1)
167

 
A-
 
164

 
A-
SCOR Global Life Reinsurance Companies
146

 
A
 
143

 
A
Generali USA Life Reassurance Company
114

 
A-
 
115

 
A-
Transamerica Reinsurance Companies
105

 
A+
 
104

 
A+
Munich American Reassurance Company
100

 
A+
 
99

 
A+
Korean Reinsurance Company
84

 
A
 
83

 
A
RGA Reinsurance Company
68

 
A+
 
68

 
A+
All other reinsurers
53

 
 
52

 
Due from reinsurers
$
3,895

 
 
 
$
3,855

 
 
____________________ 
NR – not rated
(1)
Amounts shown are net of their share of the reinsurance recoverable from other reinsurers.
(2)
Includes amounts ceded to Lincoln National Life Insurance and 100% retroceded to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc.
(6)
Note Payable
In April 2010, we issued to Citi a $300.0 million note as part of our corporate reorganization. The Citi note bears interest at an annual rate of 5.5%, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, and matures March 31, 2015. We have the option to redeem the Citi note in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. In the event of a change in control, the holder of the Citi note has the right to require us to repurchase it at a price equal to 101% of the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The Citi note also requires us to use our commercially reasonable efforts to arrange and consummate an offering of investment-grade debt securities, trust preferred securities, surplus notes, hybrid securities or convertible debt that generates sufficient net cash proceeds to repay the note in full at certain mutually agreeable dates, based on certain conditions.
We were in compliance with the covenants of the Citi note at March 31, 2012. No events of default or defaults occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012.


19


(7)
Stockholders’ Equity
A reconciliation of the number of shares of our common stock follows. 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Common stock, beginning of period
64,883

 
72,843

Shares of restricted common stock issued, net
422

 
337

Shares of common stock issued upon lapse of restricted stock units (RSUs)
68

 
9

Common stock retired
(69
)
 
(1
)
Common stock, end of period
65,304

 
73,188

The above reconciliation excludes RSUs which do not have voting rights and are subject to sale restrictions. As the restrictions lapse during the three years following the issuance of the RSUs, we will issue common shares with voting rights. As of March 31, 2012, we had a total of approximately 2.2 million RSUs outstanding, including approximately 136,700 RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012.
(8)
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
The calculation of basic and diluted EPS follows. 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
Basic EPS
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

Income attributable to unvested participating securities
(1,357
)
 
(1,895
)
Net income used in calculating basic EPS
$
40,399

 
$
45,376

Denominator:
 
 
 
Weighted-average vested shares
65,133

 
72,671

Basic EPS
$
0.62

 
$
0.62

 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

Income attributable to unvested participating securities
(1,335
)
 
(1,867
)
Net income used in calculating diluted EPS
$
40,421

 
$
45,404

Denominator:
 
 
 
Weighted-average vested shares
66,275

 
73,826

Diluted EPS
$
0.61

 
$
0.62

(9)
Share-Based Transactions
The Company has outstanding equity awards under its Omnibus Incentive Plan (OIP). The OIP provides for the issuance of equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, RSUs, unrestricted stock as well as cash-based awards. In addition to time-based vesting requirements, awards granted under the OIP also may be subject to specified performance criteria. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 4.0 million shares available for future grants under this plan.


20


All outstanding management awards have time-based vesting requirements, vesting over three years. In connection with our granting of management equity awards, we recognized expense and tax benefit offsets as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Management equity award expense
$
4,448

 
$
3,425

Tax benefit associated with management equity awards
1,519

 
1,174

Management equity award expense reflects vesting activity related to the 2011 and 2010 management equity grants as well as management equity grants of approximately 441,900 shares awarded on February 22, 2012 at $25.45, all less a nominal forfeiture adjustment. As of March 31, 2012, total compensation cost not yet recognized in our financial statements related to management equity awards was $29.0 million, all of which was related to equity awards with time-based vesting conditions yet to be reached. We expect to recognize these amounts over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years.
Our quarterly incentive awards to our sales force leaders have performance-based vesting requirements for which the granting and the service period occur within the same calendar quarter. These awards are granted in the form of RSUs that vest upon the conclusion of the quarterly contest and are subject to sale restrictions expiring over the three years subsequent to vesting. Because the awards are subject to sale restrictions following their vesting, their fair value is discounted to reflect a corresponding illiquidity discount. To the extent they are granted in connection with successful policy acquisitions, portions of these awards are deferred and amortized in the same manner as other deferred policy acquisition costs. In connection with these awards, we recognized and deferred expense as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Quarterly incentive awards expense recognized currently
$

 
$
842

Quarterly incentive awards expense deferred
1,773

 
1,053

As of March 31, 2012, all non-employee equity awards were fully vested with the exception of approximately 87,100 shares that vested on April 1, 2012. As such, any related compensation cost not recognized as either expense or deferred acquisition costs in our financial statements as of and through March 31, 2012 is immaterial.
All of our outstanding equity awards are eligible for dividends or dividend equivalents regardless of vesting status.
(10) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Effective March 31, 2012, Peach Re entered into a credit facility agreement with Deutsche Bank (the Credit Facility Agreement). Under the Credit Facility Agreement, Deutsche Bank issued a letter of credit in the initial amount of $450 million with a term of approximately 14 years (the LOC) for the benefit of Primerica Life, the direct parent of Peach Re. Subject to certain conditions, the amount of the LOC will be periodically increased up to a maximum amount of $510 million in 2014. The LOC was issued to support certain obligations of Peach Re for a portion of the reserves related to level premium term life insurance policies ceded to Peach Re from Primerica Life under a coinsurance agreement which became effective as of March 31, 2012.
Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility Agreement, in the event amounts are drawn under the LOC by Primerica Life, Peach Re will be obligated, subject to certain limited conditions, to reimburse Deutsche Bank for the amount of any draws and interest thereon. Peach Re has collateralized its obligations to Deutsche Bank by granting it a security interest in all of its assets with the exception of amounts held in a special account established to meet minimum asset thresholds required by state regulatory authorities.
In late 2011 and in 2012, numerous arbitration claims were filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Association (FINRA) against our subsidiary, PFS Investments, Inc. and certain of its registered representatives seeking unspecified damages arising from the allegation that the representatives improperly recommended that the claimants transfer their retirement benefits from the Florida Retirement System's defined benefit plan to its defined contribution plan. In addition, two lawsuits alleging the same claims have been filed against PFS Investments, Inc. and registered representatives and are pending in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade County Circuit Courts. The lawyer representing the claimants in these matters has informed us that he intends to pursue similar claims on behalf of


21


other potential claimants and has engaged in solicitation activities directed to Florida state employees to generate interest in the cases. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims, and we intend to vigorously defend against them. We could, however, incur significant costs and liabilities defending and/or resolving these claims, and we are unable at this early stage to assess with confidence what effect, if any, the ultimate resolution of these claims will have on our business, financial position or results of operations.
The Company is involved from time to time in legal disputes, regulatory inquiries and arbitration proceedings in the normal course of business. These disputes are subject to uncertainties, including the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters. While it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial position, based on information currently known by the Company's management, in management's opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect.
(11) Subsequent Events
Effective March 31, 2012, we completed a Regulation XXX reserve financing transaction. As part of this transaction, Peach Re entered into the Credit Facility Agreement to support certain obligations for a portion of the reserves (commonly referred to as Regulation XXX reserves) related to level premium term life insurance policies ceded to Peach Re from Primerica Life under a coinsurance agreement. In connection with this transaction, Primerica Life obtained regulatory approval for the payment of an extraordinary dividend of $150.0 million to the Parent Company, which was paid in April 2012.
On April 17, 2012, we executed an agreement to repurchase approximately 5.7 million shares of our common stock beneficially owned by certain private equity funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC (Warburg Pincus) at $26.15 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $150.0 million. The per-share purchase price was determined based on the closing price of our common stock on April 17, 2012. We completed the repurchase transaction on April 26, 2012. Upon completion of the share repurchase, Warburg Pincus owned approximately 18% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to inform the reader about matters affecting the financial condition and results of operations of Primerica, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, "we" or the “Company”) for the period from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012. As a result, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with MD&A and the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”). This discussion contains forward-looking statements that constitute our plans, estimates and beliefs. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the 2011 Annual Report. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
This MD&A is divided into the following sections:
Business Overview
Critical Accounting Estimates
Factors Affecting Our Results
Results of Operations
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources


22


Business Overview
We are a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in the United States and Canada. We assist our clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. We have two primary operating segments, Term Life Insurance and Investment and Savings Products, and a third segment, Corporate and Other Distributed Products.
Term Life Insurance. We distribute the term life insurance products that we originate through our three life insurance company subsidiaries: Primerica Life Insurance Company (“Primerica Life”); National Benefit Life Insurance Company (“NBLIC”); and Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Primerica Life Canada”). Our in-force term insurance policies have level premiums for the stated term period. As such, the policyholder pays the same amount each year. Initial policy term periods are between 10 and 35 years. While premiums are guaranteed to remain level during the initial term period (up to a maximum of 20 years in the United States), our claim obligations generally increase as our policyholders age. In addition, we incur significant upfront costs in acquiring new insurance business. Our deferral and amortization of policy acquisition costs and reserving methodology are designed to match the recognition of premium revenues with the timing of acquisition costs and the payment of claims obligations, such that profits are realized ratably with the level premiums of the underlying policies.
Our Term Life Insurance segment results are primarily driven by sales and policies in force, accuracy of our pricing assumptions, terms and use of reinsurance, investment income, and expenses. In connection with our corporate reorganization in 2010, we entered into certain reinsurance transactions with affiliates of Citigroup Inc. (the "Citi reinsurers") and ceded between 80% and 90% of the risks and rewards of our term life insurance policies that were in force at year-end 2009 (the "Citi reinsurance transactions"). We continue to administer all policies subject to these coinsurance agreements. Subsequent to the Citi reinsurance transactions, the revenues and earnings of our Term Life Insurance segment initially declined in proportion to the amount of revenues and earnings historically associated with the book of term life insurance policies that we ceded to the Citi reinsurers. As we have added new in-force business, our revenues and earnings have grown from these initial levels. With each successive period, we expect revenue and earnings growth to decelerate as the size of our in-force book grows and incremental sales have a reduced marginal effect on the size of the then-existing in-force book.
Investment and Savings Products. We distribute mutual funds, managed accounts, annuities and segregated funds. In the United States, we distribute mutual fund and managed accounts products and variable and fixed annuity products of several third-party companies. In Canada, we offer our own Primerica-branded mutual funds, as well as mutual funds of other companies, and segregated funds, which are underwritten by Primerica Life Canada. Revenues associated with these products consist of commissions and fees earned at the time of sale, fees based on the asset values of client accounts and recordkeeping and custodial fees charged on a per-account basis.
Results in our Investment and Savings Products segment are driven by sales of mutual funds and annuities, the value of assets in client accounts for which we earn ongoing service, distribution and advisory fees and the number of fee generating accounts for which we provide administration functions or retirement plan custodial services. While our investment and savings products all have similar long-term earnings characteristics, our results in a given fiscal period are affected by changes in the overall mix of products within these broad categories.
Corporate and Other Distributed Products. Our Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment consists primarily of revenues and expenses related to other distributed products, including various insurance products, prepaid legal services and a credit information product. These products are distributed pursuant to distribution arrangements with third parties, except for certain life and disability insurance products underwritten by NBLIC, our New York life insurance subsidiary, that are not distributed through our sales force. In addition, our Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment includes corporate income (including net investment income) and expenses not allocated to other segments, interest expense on the Citi note and realized gains and losses on our invested asset portfolio.
Accounting Policy Change. Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted ASU 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts ("ASU 2010-26"), and will no longer defer certain indirect acquisition costs or costs attributable to unsuccessful efforts of acquiring life insurance policies. We adopted this accounting policy change retrospectively and, accordingly, our historical results have been adjusted to reflect the adoption on a consistent basis across all periods presented. As a result of this accounting change, we reduced stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2011 by $96.0 million to $1.33 billion. This accounting change


23


also reduced net income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 by $5.2 million to $47.3 million. For additional information regarding this accounting policy change, see Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and the Critical Accounting Estimates section below.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our consolidated and combined financial statements included in our 2011 Annual Report. The most significant items on the balance sheet are based on fair value determinations, accounting estimates and actuarial determinations which are susceptible to changes in future periods and which affect our results of operations and financial position.
The estimates that we deem to be most critical to an understanding of our results of operations and financial position are those related to the valuation of investments, reinsurance, deferred policy acquisition costs, future policy benefit reserves, and income taxes. The preparation and evaluation of these critical accounting estimates involve the use of various assumptions developed from management’s analyses and judgments. Subsequent experience or use of other assumptions could produce significantly different results.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there have been no changes in the items that we have identified as critical accounting estimates. However, on January 1, 2012, we retrospectively adopted the guidance in ASU 2010-26. For additional information regarding critical accounting estimates, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of MD&A included in our 2011 Annual Report.
Accounting for Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. In accordance with ASU 2010-26, we defer incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and that would not have been incurred had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. These costs mainly include commissions and policy issue expenses. The recovery of such costs is dependent on the future profitability of the related policies, which, in turn, is dependent principally upon mortality, persistency, the expense of administering the business, and investment returns, as well as upon certain economic variables, such as inflation. Our deferred policy acquisition cost asset (DAC) is subject to recoverability testing annually and when circumstances indicate that recoverability is uncertain. We make certain assumptions regarding persistency, expenses, interest rates and claims. These assumptions may not be modified, or unlocked, unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate. We update assumptions for new business to reflect the most recent experience.
Deferrable term life insurance policy acquisition costs are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium income. If actual lapses or withdrawals are different from pricing assumptions for a particular period, DAC amortization will be affected. If the number of policies that lapse are 1% higher than the number of policies that we expected to lapse in our pricing assumptions, approximately 1% more of the existing DAC balance will be amortized, which would have been equal to approximately $8.1 million as of December 31, 2011 (assuming such lapses were distributed proportionately among policies of all durations). We believe that a lapse rate in the number of policies that is 1% higher than the rate assumed in our pricing assumptions is a reasonably possible variation. Higher lapses in the early durations would have a greater effect on DAC amortization since the DAC balances are higher at the earlier durations. Differences in actual mortality rates compared to our pricing assumptions will not have a material effect on DAC amortization. Due to the inherent uncertainties in making assumptions about future events, materially different experience from expected results in persistency or mortality could result in a material increase or decrease of DAC amortization in a particular period.
Deferrable acquisition costs for Canadian segregated funds are amortized over the life of the policies in relation to historical and future estimated gross profits before amortization. The gross profits and resulting DAC amortization will vary with actual fund returns, redemptions and expenses.
As a result of the retrospective adoption of ASU 2010-26, DAC amortization and expense deferrals were lower than had been previously reported.


24


Factors Affecting Our Results
Economic Environment. The relative strength and stability of financial markets and economies in the United States and Canada affect our growth and profitability. Our business is, and we expect will continue to be, influenced by a number of industry-wide and product-specific trends and conditions.
Economic conditions, including unemployment levels and consumer confidence, influence investment and spending decisions by middle income consumers, who are generally our primary clients. These conditions and factors also impact prospective recruits’ perceptions of the business opportunity that becoming a Primerica sales representative offers, which can drive or dampen recruiting. Consumer spending and borrowing levels remain under pressure, as consumers take a more conservative financial posture including reevaluating their savings and debt management plans. As overall market and economic conditions have improved in recent periods, sales and the value of consumer investment products across a wide spectrum of asset classes have improved. The effects of these trends and conditions are discussed in the Results of Operations section below.
Recruiting and Sales Representatives. Our ability to increase the size of our sales force is largely based on the success of our recruiting efforts and our ability to train and motivate recruits to obtain licenses to sell life insurance. We believe that recruitment levels are an important advance indicator of sales force trends, and growth in recruiting is usually indicative of future growth in the overall size of the sales force. However, because new recruits may obtain the requisite licenses at rates above or below historical levels, recruiting results do not always result in commensurate changes in the size of our licensed sales force.
Recruiting of new representatives increased by 11% to 58,551 in the first quarter of 2012, compared with the same period a year ago. Recruiting strength in the first quarter led to a sequential increase over the fourth quarter, which is typically a slower recruiting quarter. New life licenses grew by 7% to 7,650, compared with the first quarter of 2011 but decreased by 6% from the fourth quarter of 2011 when licensing results benefited from the third quarter post-convention recruiting surge. The size of our life-licensed insurance sales force was 89,651 at March 31, 2012 down from 91,176 at December 31, 2011, primarily due to recruiting levels in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Term Life Insurance Segment. Our Term Life Insurance segment results are primarily driven by sales, accuracy of our pricing assumptions, terms and use of reinsurance, investment income and expenses.
Sales and policies in force. Sales of new term policies and the size and characteristics of our in-force book of policies are vital to our results over the long term. Premium revenue is recognized as it is earned over the term of the policy and acquisition expenses are generally deferred and amortized ratably with the level premiums of the underlying policies. However, because we incur significant cash outflows at or about the time policies are issued, including the payment of sales commissions and underwriting costs, changes in life insurance sales volume will have a more immediate effect on our cash flows.
Historically, we have found that while sales volume of term life insurance products between fiscal periods may vary based on a variety of factors, the productivity of our individual sales representatives remains within a relatively narrow range and, consequently, our sales volume over the longer term generally correlates to the size of our sales force.
The average number of life-licensed sales representatives and the number of term life insurance policies issued, as well as the average monthly rate of new policies issued per life-licensed sales representative, were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
Average number of life-licensed sales representatives
90,027

 
93,001

Number of new policies issued
56,145

 
51,281

Average monthly rate of new policies issued per life-licensed sales representative
.21x

 
.18x

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the increased productivity of our sales representatives was largely driven by strong sales of our new TermNow product.
Pricing assumptions. Our pricing methodology is intended to provide us with appropriate profit margins for the risks we assume. We determine pricing classifications based on the coverage sought, such as the size and term of the policy, and certain policyholder attributes, such as age and health. In addition, we utilize unisex rates for our term


25


life insurance policies. The pricing assumptions that underlie our rates are based upon our best estimates of mortality, persistency and investment yields at the time of issuance, sales force commission rates, issue and underwriting expenses, operating expenses and the characteristics of the insureds, including sex, age, underwriting class, product and amount of coverage. Our results will be affected to the extent there is a variance between our pricing assumptions and actual experience.
Persistency. We use historical experience to estimate pricing assumptions for persistency rates. Persistency is a measure of how long our insurance policies stay in force. As a general matter, persistency that is lower than our pricing assumptions adversely affects our results over the long term because we lose the recurring revenue stream associated with the policies that lapse. Determining the near-term effects of changes in persistency is more complicated. When persistency is lower than our pricing assumptions, we must accelerate the amortization of DAC. The resultant increase in amortization expense is offset by a corresponding release of reserves associated with lapsed policies, which causes a reduction in benefits and claims expense. The reserves associated with any given policy will change over the term of such policy. As a general matter, reserves are lowest at the inception of a policy term and rise steadily to a peak before declining to zero at the expiration of the policy term. Accordingly, depending on when the lapse occurs in relation to the overall policy term, the reduction in benefits and claims expense may be greater or less than the increase in amortization expense and, consequently, the effects on earnings for a given period could be positive or negative. Persistency levels are meaningful to our results to the extent actual experience deviates from the persistency assumptions used to price our products.
Mortality. We use historical experience to estimate pricing assumptions for mortality. Our profitability is affected to the extent actual mortality rates differ from those used in our pricing assumptions. We mitigate a significant portion of our mortality exposure through reinsurance. Variances between actual mortality experience and the assumptions and estimates used by our reinsurers affect the cost and potentially the availability of reinsurance.
Investment Yields. We generally use a level investment yield rate which reflects yields currently available. For 2012 and 2011 new issues, we are using an increasing interest rate assumption to reflect the historically low interest rate environment. Both DAC and the reserve liability increase with the assumed investment yield rate. Since DAC is higher than the reserve liability in the early years of a policy, a lower assumed investment yield generally will result in lower profits. In the later years, when the reserve liability is higher than DAC, a lower assumed investment yield generally will result in higher profits. Actual investment yields will impact the net investment income allocated to the Term Life Insurance segment, but will not impact DAC or the reserve liability.
Reinsurance. We use reinsurance extensively, which has a significant effect on our results of operations. Since the mid-1990s, we have reinsured between 60% and 90% of the mortality risk on our U.S. term life insurance policies on a quota share YRT basis. Since 2003, we have reinsured Canadian policy face amounts above $500,000 per life on an excess loss YRT basis. However, in the first quarter of 2012, we entered into a YRT reinsurance arrangement in Canada similar to our U.S. program that reinsures 80% of the face amount for every policy sold. YRT reinsurance permits us to fix future mortality exposure at contractual rates by policy class. To the extent actual mortality experience is more or less favorable than the contractual rate, the reinsurer will earn incremental profits or bear the incremental cost, as applicable. In contrast to coinsurance, which is intended to eliminate all risks (other than counterparty risk of the reinsurer) and rewards associated with a specified percentage of the block of policies subject to the reinsurance arrangement, the YRT reinsurance arrangements we enter into are intended only to reduce volatility associated with variances between estimated and actual mortality rates.
The effect of our reinsurance arrangements on ceded premiums and benefits and expenses on our statement of income follows:
Ceded premiums. Ceded premiums are the premiums we pay to reinsurers. These amounts are deducted from the direct premiums we earn to calculate our net premium revenues. Similar to direct premium revenues, ceded coinsurance premiums remain level over the initial term of the insurance policy. Ceded YRT premiums increase over the period that the policy has been in force. Accordingly, ceded YRT premiums generally constitute an increasing percentage of direct premiums over the policy term.
Benefits and claims. Benefits and claims include incurred claim amounts and changes in future policy benefit reserves. Reinsurance reduces incurred claims in direct proportion to the percentage ceded.


26


Amortization of DAC. Amortization of DAC is reduced on a pro-rata basis for the coinsured business, including the business reinsured with Citi. There is no impact on amortization of DAC associated with our YRT contracts.
Insurance expenses. Insurance expenses are reduced by the allowances received from coinsurance, including the business reinsured with Citi.
We may alter our reinsurance practices at any time due to the unavailability of YRT reinsurance at attractive rates or the availability of alternatives to reduce our risk exposure. We presently intend to continue ceding approximately 90% of our U.S. mortality risk on new business and approximately 80% of our Canadian mortality risk on new business.
Net investment income. Term Life Insurance segment net investment income is composed of two elements: allocated net investment income and the market return associated with the deposit asset underlying the 10% reinsurance agreement we executed in connection with our corporate reorganization. Invested assets are allocated to the Term Life segment based on the book value of the invested assets necessary to meet statutory reserve requirements and our targeted capital objectives. Net investment income is also impacted by the performance of our invested asset portfolio and the market return on the deposit asset which can be affected by interest rates, credit spreads and the mix of invested assets.
Expenses. Results are also affected by variances in client acquisition, maintenance and administration expense levels.
Investment and Savings Products Segment. Our Investment and Savings Products segment results are primarily driven by sales, the value of assets in client accounts for which we earn ongoing management, service and distribution fees and the number of fee generating accounts we administer.
Sales. We earn commissions and fees, such as dealer re-allowances, and marketing and support fees, based on sales of mutual fund and managed account products and annuities. Sales of investment and savings products are influenced by the overall demand for investment products in the United States and Canada, as well as by the size and productivity of our sales force. We generally experience seasonality in our Investment and Savings Products segment results due to our high concentration of sales of retirement account products. These accounts are typically funded in February through April, coincident with our clients' tax return preparation season. While we believe the size of our sales force is a factor in driving sales volume in this segment, there are a number of other variables, such as economic and market conditions, that may have a significantly greater effect on sales volume in any given fiscal period.
Asset values in client accounts. We earn marketing and distribution fees (trail commissions or, with respect to U.S. mutual funds, 12b-1 fees) on mutual fund and annuity assets in the United States and Canada. In the United States, we also earn investment advisory fees on assets in the managed accounts program. In Canada we earn management fees on certain mutual fund assets and on the segregated funds for which we serve as investment manager. Asset values are influenced by new product sales, ongoing contributions to existing accounts, redemptions and the change in market values in existing accounts. While we offer a wide variety of asset classes and investment styles, our clients' accounts are primarily invested in equity funds.
Accounts. We earn recordkeeping fees for administrative functions we perform on behalf of several of our mutual fund providers and custodial fees for services as a non-bank custodian for certain of our mutual fund clients’ retirement plan accounts.
Sales Mix. While our investment and savings products all have similar long-term earnings characteristics, our results in a given fiscal period will be affected by changes in the overall mix of products within these broad categories. Examples of changes in the sales mix that influence our results include the following:
sales of a higher proportion of mutual fund products of the several mutual fund families for which we act as recordkeeper will generally increase our earnings because we are entitled to recordkeeping fees on these accounts;
sales of variable annuity products in the United States will generate higher revenues in the period such sales occur than sales of other investment products that either generate lower upfront revenues or, in the case of segregated funds, no upfront revenues;


27


sales and administration of a higher proportion of mutual funds that enable us to earn marketing and support fees will increase our revenues and profitability;
sales of a higher proportion of retirement products of several mutual fund families will tend to result in higher revenue generation due to our ability to earn custodial fees on these accounts; and
sales of a higher proportion of managed accounts products will generally extend the time over which revenues can be earned because we are entitled to revenues based on assets under management for these accounts.
Corporate and Other Distributed Products Segment. We earn revenues and pay commissions and referral fees for various other insurance products, prepaid legal services and other financial products, all of which are originated by third parties. NBLIC also underwrites a mail-order student life policy and a short-term disability benefit policy, neither of which is distributed by our sales force, and has in-force policies from several discontinued lines of insurance.
The Corporate and Other Distributed Products segment is affected by corporate income and expenses not allocated to our other segments, net investment income (other than net investment income allocated to our Term Life Insurance segment), general and administrative expenses (other than expenses that are allocated to our Term Life Insurance or Investment and Savings Products segments), equity awards granted to management and our sales force leaders at the time of our initial public offering, interest expense on the Citi note and realized gains and losses on our invested asset portfolio.

Results of Operations
Primerica, Inc. and Subsidiaries Results. Our results of operations were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct premiums
$
561,037

 
$
552,069

 
$
8,968

 
2
 %
Ceded premiums
(418,163
)
 
(422,238
)
 
4,075

 
*

Net premiums
142,874

 
129,831

 
13,043

 
10
 %
Commissions and fees
103,905

 
106,116

 
(2,211
)
 
(2
)%
Net investment income
26,097

 
28,626

 
(2,529
)
 
(9
)%
Realized investment gains, including OTTI losses
2,131

 
327

 
1,804

 
*

Other, net
11,594

 
11,452

 
142

 
1
 %
Total revenues
286,601

 
276,352

 
10,249

 
4
 %
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and claims
67,933

 
57,635

 
10,298

 
18
 %
Amortization of DAC
26,531

 
23,229

 
3,302

 
14
 %
Sales commissions
49,717

 
50,438

 
(721
)
 
(1
)%
Insurance expenses
22,444

 
15,798

 
6,646

 
42
 %
Insurance commissions
8,496

 
8,998

 
(502
)
 
(6
)%
Interest expense
6,910

 
6,997

 
(87
)
 
(1
)%
Other operating expenses
41,105

 
40,001

 
1,104

 
3
 %
Total benefits and expenses
223,136

 
203,096

 
20,040

 
10
 %
Income before income taxes
63,465

 
73,256

 
(9,791
)
 
(13
)%
Income taxes
21,709

 
25,985

 
(4,276
)
 
(16
)%
Net income
$
41,756

 
$
47,271

 
$
(5,515
)
 
(12
)%
____________________
* Less than 1% or not meaningful
Total revenues. Total revenues were primarily driven by growth in net premiums, partially offset by declines in net investment income and commissions and fees. The growth in net premiums largely reflects incremental premiums on New Term policies issued subsequent to the Citi reinsurance transactions ("New Term"). Net investment income


28


was lower in the first quarter of 2012 primarily reflecting a lower level of invested assets following our $200.0 million stock repurchase in the fourth quarter of 2011. The decrease in commissions and fees was largely driven by lower average client asset values as well as a recordkeeping fee structure change that had no net effect on income before income taxes, partially offset by higher sales of variable annuities in our Investment and Savings Product segment. The decline in commissions and fees also reflects the ongoing decline in and discontinuation of our lending business.
Total benefits and expenses. Total benefits and expenses were higher primarily as a result of the growth in our Term Life business and higher overall operating expenses. Benefits and claims and amortization of DAC increased as a result of the continued growth in New Term. The decline in sales commissions was in line with the decline in revenues. Insurance expenses increased primarily as a result of higher, premium-related expenses and prior-year favorable expense items including the release of management incentive compensation accruals for 2010 and lower expense allowances due to the continued run-off in the block of business ceded to the Citi reinsurers.
Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate was 34.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with 35.5% for the same period a year ago reflecting a lower statutory income tax rate in Canada and lower tax reserves on Canadian earnings.
For additional information, see the Segment Results discussions below.
Segment Results
Term Life Insurance Segment Results. Our results for the Term Life Insurance segment were as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct premiums
$
542,157

 
$
532,167

 
$
9,990

 
2
 %
Ceded premiums
(414,559
)
 
(418,653
)
 
4,094

 
*

Net premiums
127,598

 
113,514

 
14,084

 
12
 %
Allocated net investment income
16,660

 
15,794

 
866

 
5
 %
Other, net
7,546

 
7,654

 
(108
)
 
(1
)%
Total revenues
151,804

 
136,962

 
14,842

 
11
 %
Benefits and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and claims
57,509

 
47,351

 
10,158

 
21
 %
Amortization of DAC
23,933

 
20,127

 
3,806

 
19
 %
Insurance commissions
3,577

 
4,063

 
(486
)
 
(12
)%
Insurance expenses
19,717

 
12,833

 
6,884

 
54
 %
Interest expense
2,785

 
2,872

 
(87
)
 
(3
)%
Total benefits and expenses
107,521

 
87,246

 
20,275

 
23
 %
Income before income taxes
$
44,283

 
$
49,716

 
$
(5,433
)
 
(11
)%
____________________
* Less than 1%
Net premiums. Direct premiums grew largely as a result of growth in New Term business and premium increases for policies reaching the end of their initial level premium period. In the first quarter of 2011, ceded premiums included $8.7 million of ceded premium recoveries for post-issue underwriting class upgrades. Excluding the $8.7 million of ceded premium recoveries, net premiums grew by 22%, primarily as a result of incremental New Term business. Persistency was consistent with the prior-year period.
Benefits and claims. The increase in benefits and claims was consistent with net premium growth excluding the ceded premium recoveries noted above. Mortality, which was consistent with prior year, was slightly unfavorable in both periods.
Amortization of DAC. The increase in amortization of DAC was also consistent with net premium growth excluding the ceded premium recoveries noted above. In the first quarter of 2012, amortization of DAC included a reduction of approximately $2 million for commission payments previously incurred but not billed on in-force business ceded to the Citi reinsurers. In the first quarter of 2011, amortization of DAC included a one-time DAC adjustment of approximately $2.2 million largely related to in-force business ceded to the Citi reinsurers.


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Insurance expenses. The growth in insurance expenses primarily reflects the impact of premium-related increases in taxes, licenses and fees and the run-off of expense allowances received under the terms of the Citi reinsurance agreements as well as prior-year favorable expense items including the release of management incentive compensation accruals for 2010.
Product Sales and Face Amount In Force. We issued 56,145 new policies during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with 51,281 new policies for the same period in 2011. The increased sales of our term life insurance products primarily reflect an increase in the number of applications received and a higher rate of converting applications to issued policies largely as a result of TermNow, our new rapid-issue term life insurance product. The average face amount of policies issued during the first quarter of 2012 was approximately $244,100, compared with approximately $260,000 in the first quarter of 2011.
The changes in the face amount of our in-force book of term life insurance policies were as follows: 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in millions)