10-Q 1 phlvic_10q.htm 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

—————————

FORM 10-Q

—————————


(Mark one)

 

 

þ

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: 333-20277


PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Connecticut

06-1045829

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

One American Row, Hartford, Connecticut

06102-5056

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

(860) 403-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   YES þ    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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES þ    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 definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer þ Smaller reporting company ¨

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   YES ¨    NO þ


PHL Variable Insurance Company is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., and there is no market for the registrant’s common stock. As of May 10, 2012, there were 500 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.


The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by that General Instruction.

 

 

 













TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

Item 2.

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

34

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

47

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

48

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

48

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

48

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

48

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

48

Item 5.

Other Information

48

Item 6.

Exhibits

49

 

 

Signature

50





2





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Item 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Balance Sheets

($ in thousands, except share data)

March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011


 

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31,

 

2012

 

2011

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $2,691,299
  and $2,496,830)

$

2,761,240 

 

$

2,546,392 

Limited partnerships and other investments

 

5,505 

 

 

4,965 

Policy loans, at unpaid principal balances

 

60,656 

 

 

62,502 

Derivative investments

 

131,906 

 

 

113,222 

Fair value option investments

 

7,422 

 

 

7,299 

Total investments

 

2,966,729 

 

 

2,734,380 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

90,826 

 

 

67,465 

Accrued investment income

 

23,366 

 

 

18,602 

Receivables

 

367,022 

 

 

382,383 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

517,278 

 

 

524,052 

Deferred income taxes

 

22,387 

 

 

15,524 

Receivable from related parties

 

459 

 

 

4,830 

Other assets

 

58,204 

 

 

52,599 

Separate account assets

 

2,688,630 

 

 

2,547,007 

Total assets

$

6,734,901 

 

$

6,346,842 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Policy liabilities and accruals

$

1,368,761 

 

$

1,355,078 

Policyholder deposit funds

 

1,884,803 

 

 

1,721,219 

Payable to related parties

 

53,037 

 

 

30,024 

Other liabilities

 

124,806 

 

 

89,138 

Separate account liabilities

 

2,688,630 

 

 

2,547,007 

Total liabilities

 

6,120,037 

 

 

5,742,466 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $5,000 par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 500 shares issued

 

2,500 

 

 

2,500 

Additional paid-in capital

 

802,152 

 

 

802,152 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

12,359 

 

 

4,766 

Accumulated deficit

 

(202,147)

 

 

(205,042)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

614,864 

 

 

604,376 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

$

6,734,901 

 

$

6,346,842 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




3



PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income

($ in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011


 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums

$

712 

 

$

163 

Insurance and investment product fees

 

96,533 

 

 

101,830 

Net investment income

 

30,263 

 

 

21,398 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

  Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses

 

(1,086)

 

 

(880)

  Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”)

 

427 

 

 

386 

    Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

  Net realized investment losses, excluding OTTI losses

 

(7,113)

 

 

(3,968)

Total net realized investment losses

 

(7,772)

 

 

(4,462)

Total revenues

 

119,736 

 

 

118,929 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits

 

63,675 

 

 

50,278 

Policy acquisition cost amortization

 

28,735 

 

 

32,283 

Other operating expenses

 

23,298 

 

 

18,696 

Total benefits and expenses

 

115,708 

 

 

101,257 

Income before income taxes

 

4,028 

 

 

17,672 

Income tax expense

 

1,133 

 

 

2,448 

Net income

$

2,895 

 

$

15,224 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

2,895 

 

$

15,224 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

7,871 

 

 

3,502 

Non-credit portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income

 

(278)

 

 

(251)

Other comprehensive income

 

7,593 

 

 

3,251 

Comprehensive income

$

10,488 

 

$

18,475 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




4




PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Statement of Cash Flows

($ in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011


 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

2,895 

 

$

15,224 

  Net realized investment losses

 

7,772 

 

 

4,462 

  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

 

28,735 

 

 

32,283 

  Policy acquisition costs deferred

 

(28,919)

 

 

(36,147)

  Undistributed equity in earnings of limited partnerships and other investments

 

(106)

 

 

(95)

Change in:

 

 

 

 

 

  Accrued investment income

 

(5,403)

 

 

(3,216)

  Deferred income taxes

 

(10,953)

 

 

1,679 

  Receivables

 

13,581 

 

 

(21,615)

  Policy liabilities and accruals

 

25,662 

 

 

14,259 

Other assets and other liabilities , net

 

17,958 

 

 

26,628 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

51,222 

 

 

33,462 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of:

 

 

 

 

 

  Available-for-sale debt securities

 

(280,413)

 

 

(339,099)

  Limited partnerships and other investments

 

(631)

 

 

(247)

  Derivative instruments

 

(19,001)

 

 

(16,212)

Sales, repayments and maturities of:

 

 

 

 

 

  Available-for-sale debt securities

 

107,010 

 

 

111,547 

  Limited partnerships and other investments

 

199 

 

 

-- 

  Derivative instruments

 

1,792 

 

 

15,575 

  Fair value option investments

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Policy loans, net

 

1,846 

 

 

(1,020)

Cash used for investing activities

 

(189,198)

 

 

(229,456)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder deposit fund deposits

 

214,831 

 

 

214,496 

Policyholder deposit fund withdrawals

 

(53,494)

 

 

(32,142)

Capital contributions from parent

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

161,337 

 

 

182,354 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

23,361 

 

 

(13,640)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

67,465 

 

 

51,059 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

90,826 

 

$

37,419 


Included in cash and cash equivalents above is cash held as collateral by a third party of $7,510 thousand and $7,510 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company received no capital contributions.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




5




PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Unaudited Interim Statement of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity

($ in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011


 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

COMMON STOCK:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

2,500 

 

$

2,500 

Balance, end of period

$

2,500 

 

$

2,500 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

802,152 

 

$

802,152 

Balance, end of period

$

802,152 

 

$

802,152 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

4,766 

 

$

(12,456)

  Adjustment for cumulative effect of accounting change

 

-- 

 

 

(3,577)

  Other comprehensive income

 

7,593 

 

 

3,251 

Balance, end of period

$

12,359 

 

$

(12,782)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED DEFICIT:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

(205,042)

 

$

(182,041)

  Adjustment for cumulative effect of accounting change

 

-- 

 

 

(53,362)

Net income

 

2,895 

 

 

15,224 

Balance, end of period

$

(202,147)

 

$

(220,179)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

604,376 

 

$

553,216 

  Change in stockholder’s equity

 

10,488 

 

 

18,475 

Balance, end of period

$

614,864 

 

$

571,691 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




6




PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011




1.

Organization and Operations


PHL Variable Insurance Company (“we,” “our,” “PHL Variable” or the “Company”) is a life insurance company offering variable and fixed annuity and life insurance products. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PM Holdings, Inc. and PM Holdings, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Phoenix Life Insurance Company (“Phoenix Life”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (“PNX”), a New York Stock Exchange listed company.


Since 2009, our ultimate parent company, PNX, has focused on selling products and services that are less capital intensive and less ratings sensitive. In 2011, PHL Variable product sales were primarily in annuities and 94% of those sales were fixed indexed annuities.


Our ultimate parent company, PNX, provides employees with post-employment benefits that include retirement benefits, through pension and savings plans, and other benefits, including health care and life insurance. This includes three defined benefit pension plans. We incur applicable employee benefit expenses through the process of cost allocation by PNX. Phoenix Life provides services and facilities to us and is reimbursed through a cost allocation process.



2.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies


We have prepared these unaudited financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which differ materially from the accounting practices prescribed by various insurance regulatory authorities. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.


These financials include all adjustments (consisting primarily of accruals) considered necessary for the fair statement of the balance sheet, statements of comprehensive income, and statements of cash flows for the interim periods. Certain financial information that is not required for interim reporting has been omitted. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of full year results.


Adjustments Related to Prior Years


Net income of $2,895 thousand was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012. This reflects approximately $3,700 thousand associated with the correction of errors related to 2011, which decreased net income recognized in 2012. We have assessed the impact of these errors on all prior periods and previously issued annual and quarterly financial statements and have determined that the errors were not material.


Use of estimates


In preparing these financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in the determination of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with universal life and annuity contracts; policyholder liabilities and accruals; valuation of investments in debt securities; limited partnerships and other investments; valuation of deferred tax assets; and accruals for contingent liabilities. We are also subject to estimates made by our ultimate parent company related to discount rates and other assumptions for our pension and other post-employment benefits expense; and accruals for contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.




7




2.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)


Adoption of new accounting standards


Amendments to the Presentation of Comprehensive Income


In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued amended guidance to ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, with respect to the presentation of comprehensive income as part of the effort to establish common requirements in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This amended guidance requires entities to present all non-owner changes in stockholder’s equity either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not affect which components of comprehensive income are recognized in net income or comprehensive income, or when an item of other comprehensive income must be classified to net income. The disclosures in Note 9 reflect the retrospective adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2012. Other than additional disclosures, adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.


Amendments to Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements


In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, with respect to measuring fair value and related disclosures as part of the effort to establish common requirements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. The amended guidance clarifies that the concept of highest and best use should only be used in the valuation of non-financial assets, specifies how to apply fair value measurements to instruments classified in stockholder’s equity and requires that premiums or discounts be applied consistent with what market participants would use absent Level 1 inputs. The amendment also explicitly requires additional disclosures related to the valuation of assets categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Additional disclosures include quantitative information about unobservable inputs, the sensitivity of fair value measurement to changes in unobservable outputs and information on the valuation process used. The disclosures in Note 7 reflect the prospective adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2012. Other than additional disclosures, adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.


Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts


In October 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to ASC 944, Financial Services – Insurance, to address the diversity in practice for accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The amendment clarifies the definition of acquisition costs (i.e., costs which qualify for deferral) to incremental direct costs that result directly from, and are essential to, a contract and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transaction not occurred. Therefore, only costs related to successful efforts of acquiring a new, or renewal, contract should be deferred. This guidance was retrospectively adopted on January 1, 2012. The cumulative effect of retrospective adoption reduced deferred policy acquisition costs and beginning stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2012 by $52,505 thousand and $41,388 thousand, respectively, primarily related to lower deferrals associated with expenses not directly related to new policy sales.




8




2.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)


The tables below show selected financial data as adjusted for the retrospective adoption noted above. Adoption of the standard did not affect the previously reported totals for net cash flows provided by (used for) operating, investing or financing activities.


Summarized Selected Annual Financial Data:

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, as previously reported

$

576,557 

 

$

594,126 

 

$

837,567 

 

$

1,065,128 

Impact of adoption

 

(52,505)

 

 

(75,262)

 

 

(123,592)

 

 

(154,991)

Deferred policy acquisition costs, as revised

$

524,052 

 

$

518,864 

 

$

713,975 

 

$

910,137 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability, as reported

$

(6,762)

 

$

(13,371)

 

$

(26,678)

 

$

(33,291)

Impact of adoption

 

22,286 

 

 

30,659 

 

 

48,000 

 

 

59,441 

Deferred tax asset, as revised

$

15,524 

 

$

17,288 

 

$

21,322 

 

$

26,150 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy liabilities and accruals, as reported

$

1,343,909 

 

$

1,283,034 

 

$

1,363,818 

 

$

1,386,611 

Impact of adoption

 

11,169 

 

 

12,336 

 

 

13,550 

 

 

14,839 

Policy liabilities and accruals, as revised

$

1,355,078 

 

$

1,295,370 

 

$

1,377,368 

 

$

1,401,450 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity, as previously reported

$

645,764 

 

$

610,155 

 

$

613,964 

 

$

532,441 

Impact of adoption

 

(41,388)

 

 

(56,939)

 

 

(89,142)

 

 

(110,389)

Total equity, as revised

$

604,376 

 

$

553,216 

 

$

524,822 

 

$

422,052 


Summarized Selected Quarterly Financial Data:

Quarter Ended

($ in thousands)

Dec 31,

 

Sept 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar 31,

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits, as previously reported

$

59,339 

 

$

61,832 

 

$

73,879 

 

$

50,569 

Impact of adoption

 

(292)

 

 

(292)

 

 

(292)

 

 

(291)

Policy benefits, as revised

$

59,047 

 

$

61,540 

 

$

73,587 

 

$

50,278 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition cost amortization, as reported

$

25,401 

 

$

39,815 

 

$

28,896 

 

$

39,052 

Impact of adoption

 

(4,673)

 

 

(4,586)

 

 

(4,672)

 

 

(6,769)

Policy acquisition cost amortization, as revised

$

20,728 

 

$

35,229 

 

$

24,224 

 

$

32,283 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses, as previously reported

$

34,329 

 

$

19,406 

 

$

18,061 

 

$

18,381 

Impact of adoption

 

312 

 

 

315 

 

 

314 

 

 

315 

Operating expenses, as revised

$

34,641 

 

$

19,721 

 

$

18,375 

 

$

18,696 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, as previously reported

$

(4,222)

 

$

(2,273)

 

$

3,119 

 

$

10,927 

Impact of adoption

 

4,653 

 

 

4,563 

 

 

4,650 

 

 

6,745 

Income before income taxes, as revised

$

431 

 

$

2,290 

 

$

7,769 

 

$

17,672 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit), as previously reported

$

(296)

 

$

(13,780)

 

$

4,377 

 

$

287 

Impact of adoption

 

1,628 

 

 

1,597 

 

 

1,828 

 

 

2,161 

Income tax expense (benefit), as revised

$

1,332 

 

$

(12,183)

 

$

6,205 

 

$

2,448 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss), as previously reported

$

(3,926)

 

$

11,507 

 

$

(1,258)

 

$

10,640 

Impact of adoption

 

3,025 

 

 

2,966 

 

 

2,822 

 

 

4,584 

Net income (loss), as revised

$

(901)

 

$

14,473 

 

$

1,564 

 

$

15,224 




9




2.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)


Summarized Selected Annual Financial Data:

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits, as previously reported

$

245,619 

 

$

213,366 

 

$

249,457 

 

$

218,415 

Impact of adoption

 

(1,167)

 

 

(1,214)

 

 

(1,289)

 

 

(478)

Policy benefits, as revised

$

244,452 

 

$

212,152 

 

$

248,168 

 

$

217,937 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition cost amortization, as reported

$

133,164 

 

$

192,504 

 

$

139,243 

 

$

262,132 

Impact of adoption

 

(20,700)

 

 

(28,090)

 

 

(30,243)

 

 

(57,636)

Policy acquisition cost amortization, as revised

$

112,464 

 

$

164,414 

 

$

109,000 

 

$

204,496 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses, as previously reported

$

90,177 

 

$

99,094 

 

$

120,986 

 

$

97,504 

Impact of adoption

 

1,256 

 

 

1,968 

 

 

12,223 

 

 

55,966 

Operating expenses, as revised

$

91,433 

 

$

101,062 

 

$

133,209 

 

$

153,470 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, as previously reported

$

7,551 

 

$

(35,583)

 

$

(15,146)

 

$

(282,691)

Impact of adoption

 

20,611 

 

 

27,336 

 

 

19,309 

 

 

2,148 

Income (loss) before income taxes, as revised

$

28,162 

 

$

(8,247)

 

$

4,163 

 

$

(280,543)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit), as previously reported

$

(9,412)

 

$

(10,707)

 

$

6,007 

 

$

(87,497)

Impact of adoption

 

7,214 

 

 

3,968 

 

 

6,758 

 

 

25,660 

Income tax expense (benefit), as revised

$

(2,198)

 

$

(6,739)

 

$

12,765 

 

$

(61,837)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss), as previously reported

$

16,963 

 

$

(24,876)

 

$

(21,153)

 

$

(195,194)

Impact of adoption

 

13,397 

 

 

23,368 

 

 

12,551 

 

 

(23,512)

Net income (loss), as revised

$

30,360 

 

$

(1,508)

 

$

(8,602)

 

$

(218,706)


Accounting standards not yet adopted


Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities


In December 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to ASC 210, Balance Sheet, with respect to disclosure of offsetting assets and liabilities as part of the effort to establish common requirements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. This amended guidance requires the disclosure of both gross information and net information about both financial instruments and derivative instruments eligible for offset in our balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This guidance is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with respective disclosures required retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2013 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements.


Significant Accounting Policies


Our significant accounting policies are presented in the notes to our financial statements in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.





10




3.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs


Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs:

Three Months Ended

($ in thousands)

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy acquisition costs deferred

$

28,919 

 

$

36,147 

Costs amortized to expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

  Recurring costs

 

(25,452)

 

 

(32,125)

  Realized investment gains (losses)

 

(3,283)

 

 

(158)

Offsets to net unrealized investment gains or losses included in AOCI(1)

 

(8,738)

 

 

(4,677)

Other

 

1,780 

 

 

3,859 

Change in deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(6,774)

 

 

3,046 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning of period

 

524,052 

 

 

518,864 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, end of period

$

517,278 

 

$

521,910 

———————

(1)

An offset to deferred policy acquisition costs and accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) is recorded each period to the extent that, had unrealized holding gains or losses from securities classified as available-for-sale actually been realized, an adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs amortized using gross profits or gross margins would result.


Incremental direct costs related to the successful sale of new or renewal contracts are deferred. Incremental direct costs are those costs that result directly from and are essential to the sale of a contract. Costs incurred related directly to acquisition activities performed by the insurer are also deferred. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, deferred expenses primarily consisted of third-party commissions related to fixed indexed annuity sales.


We amortize deferred policy acquisition costs based on the related policy’s classification. For universal life, variable universal life and accumulation annuities, deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized in proportion to EGPs. Policies may be surrendered for value or exchanged for a different one of our products (internal replacement). The deferred policy acquisition cost balance associated with the replaced or surrendered policies is adjusted to reflect these surrenders. In addition, an offset to deferred policy acquisition costs and AOCI is recorded each period for unrealized gains or losses on securities classified as available-for-sale as if they had been realized, an adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs amortized using gross profits or gross margins would result.


The projection of EGPs requires the use of extensive actuarial assumptions, estimates and judgments about the future. Future EGPs are generally projected on a policy-by-policy basis for the estimated lives of the contracts. Assumptions are set separately for each product and are reviewed regularly based on our current best estimates of future events.


In addition to our quarterly reviews, we conduct a comprehensive assumption review on an annual basis, or as circumstances warrant. Upon completion of these comprehensive assumption reviews, we revise our assumptions to reflect our current best estimates, thereby changing our estimate of EGPs in the deferred policy acquisition cost amortization models. The deferred policy acquisition cost asset is then adjusted in a process known as “unlocking,” with an offsetting benefit or charge to income.


During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, it was determined that an unlocking was not warranted.





11




4.

Investing Activities


Debt securities


We invest in a variety of debt securities. We classify these investments into various sectors using industry conventions; however, our classifications may differ from similarly titled classifications of other companies.


Fair Value and Cost of Securities: (1)

March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

OTTI

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Recognized

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

in AOCI(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

178,179 

 

$

9,028 

 

$

(541)

 

$

186,666 

 

$

-- 

State and political subdivision

 

102,021 

 

 

9,322 

 

 

(580)

 

 

110,763 

 

 

-- 

Foreign government

 

46,424 

 

 

2,897 

 

 

(165)

 

 

49,156 

 

 

-- 

Corporate

 

1,337,635 

 

 

86,889 

 

 

(39,310)

 

 

1,385,214 

 

 

(1,505)

Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)

 

275,439 

 

 

16,355 

 

 

(2,882)

 

 

288,912 

 

 

(5,148)

Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)

 

553,053 

 

 

14,222 

 

 

(19,246)

 

 

548,029 

 

 

(20,805)

CDO/CLO

 

76,667 

 

 

1,326 

 

 

(9,691)

 

 

68,302 

 

 

(6,220)

Other asset-backed

 

121,881 

 

 

2,834 

 

 

(517)

 

 

124,198 

 

 

-- 

Available-for-sale debt securities

$

2,691,299 

 

$

142,873 

 

$

(72,932)

 

$

2,761,240 

 

$

(33,678)

———————

(1)

Net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and certain other assets are included in our balance sheet as a component of AOCI. The table above presents the special category of AOCI for debt securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired when the impairment loss has been split between the credit loss component (in earnings) and the non-credit component (separate category of AOCI).

(2)

Represents the amount of non-credit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI excluding net unrealized gains or losses subsequent to the date of impairment.


Fair Value and Cost of Securities: (1)

December 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

OTTI

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Recognized

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Value

 

in AOCI(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

163,132 

 

$

12,653 

 

$

(457)

 

$

175,328 

 

$

-- 

State and political subdivision

 

77,323 

 

 

5,518 

 

 

(444)

 

 

82,397 

 

 

-- 

Foreign government

 

30,473 

 

 

1,825 

 

 

(421)

 

 

31,877 

 

 

-- 

Corporate

 

1,169,209 

 

 

83,310 

 

 

(44,142)

 

 

1,208,377 

 

 

(1,505)

CMBS

 

281,616 

 

 

12,283 

 

 

(3,944)

 

 

289,955 

 

 

(5,131)

RMBS

 

562,186 

 

 

14,106 

 

 

(22,773)

 

 

553,519 

 

 

(20,396)

CDO/CLO

 

77,456 

 

 

1,240 

 

 

(10,680)

 

 

68,016 

 

 

(6,220)

Other asset-backed

 

135,435 

 

 

2,333 

 

 

(845)

 

 

136,923 

 

 

-- 

Available-for-sale debt securities

$

2,496,830 

 

$

133,268 

 

$

(83,706)

 

$

2,546,392 

 

$

(33,252)

———————

(1)

Net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and certain other assets are included in our balance sheet as a component of AOCI. The table above presents the special category of AOCI for debt securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired when the impairment loss has been split between the credit loss component (in earnings) and the non-credit component (separate category of AOCI).

(2)

Represents the amount of non-credit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI excluding net unrealized gains or losses subsequent to the date of impairment.



12




4.

Investing Activities (continued)


Aging of Temporarily Impaired

As of March 31, 2012

Debt Securities:

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

($ in thousands)

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

Debt Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

 

$

3,401 

 

$

(541)

 

$

3,401 

 

$

(541)

State and political subdivision

 

15,619 

 

 

(179)

 

 

928 

 

 

(401)

 

 

16,547 

 

 

(580)

Foreign government

 

1,544 

 

 

(165)

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

1,544 

 

 

(165)

Corporate

 

137,870 

 

 

(3,289)

 

 

76,033 

 

 

(36,021)

 

 

213,903 

 

 

(39,310)

CMBS

 

20,065 

 

 

(487)

 

 

6,107 

 

 

(2,395)

 

 

26,172 

 

 

(2,882)

RMBS

 

89,313 

 

 

(1,882)

 

 

104,953 

 

 

(17,364)

 

 

194,266 

 

 

(19,246)

CDO/CLO

 

3,762 

 

 

(87)

 

 

41,557 

 

 

(9,604)

 

 

45,319 

 

 

(9,691)

Other asset-backed

 

3,847 

 

 

(41)

 

 

7,782 

 

 

(476)

 

 

11,629 

 

 

(517)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

272,020 

 

$

(6,130)

 

$

240,761 

 

$

(66,802)

 

$

512,781 

 

$

(72,932)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below investment grade

$

17,987 

 

$

(1,247)

 

$

72,932 

 

$

(45,364)

 

$

90,919 

 

$

(46,611)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

 

132 

 

 

 

 

 

169 

 

 

 

 

 

301 


Unrealized losses on below-investment-grade debt securities with a fair value of less than 80% of amortized cost totaled $41,643 thousand at March 31, 2012, of which $37,576 thousand was below 80% of amortized cost for more than 12 months.


These securities were considered to be temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012 because each of these securities had performed, and is expected to perform, in accordance with original contractual terms. In addition, management does not have the intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, these securities prior to their recovery.


Aging of Temporarily Impaired

As of December 31, 2011

Debt Securities:

Less than 12 months

 

Greater than 12 months

 

Total

($ in thousands)

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

Unrealized

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

 

Value

 

Losses

Debt Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

 

$

3,485 

 

$

(457)

 

$

3,485 

 

$

(457)

State and political subdivision

 

15,419 

 

 

(28)

 

 

913 

 

 

(416)

 

 

16,332 

 

 

(444)

Foreign government

 

7,231 

 

 

(421)

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

7,231 

 

 

(421)

Corporate

 

113,623 

 

 

(3,707)

 

 

74,192 

 

 

(40,435)

 

 

187,815 

 

 

(44,142)

CMBS

 

59,478 

 

 

(1,240)

 

 

6,924 

 

 

(2,704)

 

 

66,402 

 

 

(3,944)

RMBS

 

74,575 

 

 

(2,809)

 

 

106,890 

 

 

(19,964)

 

 

181,465 

 

 

(22,773)

CDO/CLO

 

3,735 

 

 

(110)

 

 

40,638 

 

 

(10,570)

 

 

44,373 

 

 

(10,680)

Other asset-backed

 

22,944 

 

 

(190)

 

 

15,194 

 

 

(655)

 

 

38,138 

 

 

(845)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

297,005 

 

$

(8,505)

 

$

248,236 

 

$

(75,201)

 

$

545,241 

 

$

(83,706)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below investment grade

$

26,187 

 

$

(1,515)

 

$

76,237 

 

$

(49,711)

 

$

102,424 

 

$

(51,226)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

 

193 

 

 

 

 

 

180 

 

 

 

 

 

373 


Unrealized losses on below-investment-grade debt securities with a fair value of less than 80% of amortized cost totaled $44,536 thousand at December 31, 2011, of which $40,125 thousand was below 80% of amortized cost for more than 12 months.


These securities were considered to be temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011 because each of these securities had performed, and is expected to perform, in accordance with original contractual terms. In addition, management does not have the intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, these securities prior to their recovery.




13




4.

Investing Activities (continued)


Maturities of Debt Securities:

March 31, 2012

 

December 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Amortized

 

Fair

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Cost

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

134,834 

 

$

135,084 

 

$

111,027 

 

$

111,279 

Due after one year through five years

 

296,767 

 

 

314,940 

 

 

268,596 

 

 

284,081 

Due after five years through ten years

 

682,827 

 

 

721,615 

 

 

572,731 

 

 

604,800 

Due after ten years

 

549,831 

 

 

560,160 

 

 

487,783 

 

 

497,819 

CMBS/RMBS/ABS/CDO/CLO

 

1,027,040 

 

 

1,029,441 

 

 

1,056,693 

 

 

1,048,413 

Total

$

2,691,299 

 

$

2,761,240 

 

$

2,496,830 

 

$

2,546,392 


The maturities of debt securities, as of March 31, 2012, are summarized in the table above by contractual maturity. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities as certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties, and we have the right to put or sell certain obligations back to the issuers.


Other-than-temporary impairments


Management exercised significant judgment with respect to certain securities in determining whether impairments are temporary or other than temporary. In reaching its conclusions, management used a number of issuer-specific quantitative indicators and qualitative judgments to assess the probability of receiving a given security’s contractual cash flows. This included the issue’s implied yield to maturity, cumulative default rate based on rating, comparisons of issue-specific spreads to industry or sector spreads, specific trading activity in the issue, and other market data such as recent debt tenders and upcoming refinancing requirements. Management also reviewed fundamentals such as issuer credit and liquidity metrics, business outlook and industry conditions. Management maintains a watch list of securities that is reviewed for impairments. Each security on the watch list was evaluated, analyzed and discussed, with the positive and negative factors weighed in the ultimate determination of whether or not the security was other-than-temporarily impaired. For securities for which no OTTI was ultimately indicated at March 31, 2012, management does not have the intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, these securities prior to their recovery.


Fixed income OTTIs recorded in the first quarter of 2012 were primarily concentrated in structured securities. These impairments were driven primarily by increased collateral default rates. In our judgment, these credit events or other adverse conditions of the issuers have caused, or will most likely lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to the investment. Therefore, based upon these credit events, we have determined that OTTIs exist. Total debt impairments recognized through earnings related to such credit-related circumstances were $659 thousand in the first quarter of 2012 and $494 thousand in the first quarter of 2011. There were no limited partnership and other investment OTTIs in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011.


In addition to these credit-related impairments recognized through earnings, we impaired securities to fair value through other comprehensive loss for any impairments related to non-credit related factors. These types of impairments were driven primarily by market or sector credit spread widening or by a lack of liquidity in the securities. The amount of impairments recognized as an adjustment to other comprehensive loss due to these factors was $427 thousand in the first quarter of 2012 and $386 thousand in the first quarter of 2011.




14




4.

Investing Activities (continued)


The following table presents a roll-forward of pre-tax credit losses recognized in earnings related to debt securities for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in OCI.


Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings on Debt Securities for

Three Months Ended

which a Portion of the OTTI Loss was Recognized in OCI:

March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

(18,614)

 

$

(17,335)

  Add: Credit losses on securities not previously impaired(1)

 

(374)

 

 

(250)

  Add: Credit losses on securities previously impaired(1)

 

(235)

 

 

(244)

  Less: Credit losses on securities impaired due to intent to sell

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Less: Credit losses on securities sold

 

-- 

 

 

958 

  Less: Increases in cash flows expected on previously impaired securities

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Balance, end of period

$

(19,223)

 

$

(16,871)

———————

(1)

Additional credit losses on securities for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI are included within net OTTI losses recognized in earnings on the statements of comprehensive income.


Limited partnerships and other investments


Limited partnerships and other investments are made up of private equity investments of $5,159 thousand and $4,620 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and common stock of $346 thousand and $345 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.


Net investment income


Sources of Net Investment Income:

Three Months Ended

($ in thousands)

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities

$

29,595 

 

$

20,442 

Policy loans

 

782 

 

 

720 

Limited partnerships and other investments

 

165 

 

 

200 

Fair value option investments

 

96 

 

 

274 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

-- 

 

 

Total investment income

 

30,638 

 

 

21,640 

Less: Investment expenses

 

375 

 

 

242 

Net investment income

$

30,263 

 

$

21,398 




15




4.

Investing Activities (continued)


Net realized investment gains (losses)


Sources and Types of

Three Months Ended

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses):

March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary debt impairment losses

$

(1,086)

 

$

(880)

Portion of loss recognized in OCI

 

427 

 

 

386 

Net debt impairment losses recognized in earnings

$

(659)

 

$

(494)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt security impairments:

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. government and agency

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

  State and political subdivision

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Foreign government

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Corporate

 

-- 

 

 

(250)

  CMBS

 

(88)

 

 

-- 

  RMBS

 

(521)

 

 

(244)

  CDO/CLO

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Other asset-backed

 

(50)

 

 

-- 

Net debt security impairments

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

Limited partnerships and other investment impairments

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Impairment losses

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

Debt security transaction gains(1)

 

107 

 

 

631 

Debt security transaction losses(1)

 

(48)

 

 

(325)

Limited partnerships and other investment gains (losses)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Net transaction gains

 

59 

 

 

306 

Derivative instruments

 

(23,528)

 

 

(13,341)

Embedded derivatives(2)

 

16,356 

 

 

9,067 

Net realized investment losses, excluding impairment losses

 

(7,113)

 

 

(3,968)

Net realized investment losses, including impairment losses

$

(7,772)

 

$

(4,462)

———————

(1)

Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale debt securities were $191 thousand and $14,570 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(2)

Includes the change in fair value of embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity GMWB, GMAB, GPAF and COMBO riders. See Note 5 to these financial statements for additional disclosures.


Unrealized investment gains (losses)


Sources of Changes in

Three Months Ended

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses):

March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities

$

20,379 

 

$

13,571 

Other investments

 

40 

 

 

107 

Net unrealized investment gains

$

20,419 

 

$

13,678 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains

$

20,419 

 

$

13,678 

Applicable deferred policy acquisition cost

 

8,738 

 

 

4,677 

Applicable deferred income tax

 

4,088 

 

 

5,750 

Offsets to net unrealized investment gains

 

12,826 

 

 

10,427 

Net unrealized investment gains included in OCI

$

7,593 

 

$

3,251 




16




4.

Investing Activities (continued)


Non-consolidated variable interest entities


Entities which do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristic of a controlling financial interest are referred to as VIEs. We perform ongoing assessments of our investments in VIEs to determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in the VIE and therefore would be considered to be the primary beneficiary. An entity would be considered a primary beneficiary and be required to consolidate a VIE when the entity has both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly affect the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses, or right to receive benefits, that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We reassess our VIE determination with respect to an entity on an ongoing basis.


We are involved with various entities that are deemed to be VIEs primarily as a passive investor in private equity limited partnerships and through direct investments, in which we are not related to the general partner. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are included in limited partnerships and other investments on our balance sheet. The carrying value of assets and liabilities, as well as the maximum exposure to loss, relating to significant VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary was $5,159 thousand and $4,620 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The asset value of our investments in VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary is based upon sponsor values and financial statements of the individual entities. Our maximum exposure to loss related to these non-consolidated VIEs is limited to the amount of our investment.


Issuer and counterparty credit exposure


Credit exposure related to issuers and derivatives counterparties is inherent in investments and derivative contracts with positive fair value or asset balances. We manage credit risk through the analysis of the underlying obligors, issuers and transaction structures. We review our debt security portfolio regularly to monitor the performance of obligors and assess the stability of their credit ratings. We also manage credit risk through industry and issuer diversification and asset allocation. Maximum exposure to an issuer or derivative counterparty is defined by quality ratings, with higher quality issuers having larger exposure limits. As of March 31, 2012, we were not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer greater than 10% of stockholder’s equity other than U.S. government and government agencies backed by the faith and credit of the U.S. government. We have an overall limit on below-investment-grade-rated issuer exposure. To further mitigate the risk of loss on derivatives, we only enter into contracts in which the counterparty is a financial institution with a rating of A or higher.


As of March 31, 2012, we held derivative assets, net of liabilities, with a fair value of $84,441 thousand. Derivative credit exposure was diversified with nine different counterparties. We also had debt securities of these issuers with a carrying value of $20,019 thousand as of March 31, 2012. Our maximum amount of loss due to credit risk with these issuers was $104,460 thousand as of March 31, 2012. See Note 6 to these financial statements for more information regarding derivatives.



5.

Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features


Separate account products are those for which a separate investment and liability account is maintained on behalf of the policyholder. Investment objectives for these separate accounts vary by fund account type, as outlined in the applicable fund prospectus or separate account plan of operations. Our separate account products include variable annuities, fixed indexed annuities and variable life insurance contracts. The assets supporting these contracts are carried at fair value. Assets supporting variable annuity and variable life contracts are reported as separate account assets with an equivalent amount reported as separate account liabilities. The assets supporting fixed indexed annuity contracts are reported within the respective investment line items on the balance sheet. Amounts assessed against the policyholder for mortality, administration, and other services are included within revenue in insurance and investment product fees. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no gains or losses on transfers of assets from the general account to a separate account.




17




5.

Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)


Separate Account Investments of Account Balances of Variable Annuity Contracts with Guarantees:

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities

$

392,001 

 

$

395,540 

Equity funds

 

1,648,370 

 

 

1,537,736 

Other

 

55,488 

 

 

58,300 

Total

$

2,095,859 

 

$

1,991,576 


Investments of Account Balances of Fixed Indexed Annuity Contracts with Guarantees:

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities

$

1,144,172 

 

$

972,354 

Equity funds

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Other

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Total

$

1,144,172 

 

$

972,354 


Variable annuity guaranteed benefits


Many of our variable annuity contracts offer various guaranteed minimum death, accumulation, withdrawal and income benefits.


We establish policy benefit liabilities for minimum death and income benefit guarantees relating to certain annuity policies as follows:


·

Liabilities associated with the guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used for calculating the liabilities are generally consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs.

·

Liabilities associated with the guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) are determined by estimating the expected value of the income benefits in excess of the projected account balance at the date of annuitization and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used for calculating such guaranteed income benefit liabilities are generally consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs.


For variable annuities with GMDB and GMIB, reserves are calculated based on 200 stochastically generated scenarios. The GMDB and GMIB guarantees are recorded in policy liabilities and accruals on our balance sheet. Changes in the liability are recorded in policy benefits, excluding policyholder dividends, on our statements of comprehensive income. We regularly evaluate estimates used and adjust the additional liability balances, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.


Changes in Guaranteed Liability Balances:

As of

($ in thousands)

March 31, 2012

 

Annuity

 

Annuity

 

GMDB

 

GMIB

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability balance as of January 1, 2012

$

4,892 

 

$

17,200 

Incurred

 

(293)

 

 

1,522 

Paid

 

228 

 

 

-- 

Liability balance as of March 31, 2012

$

4,827 

 

$

18,722 




18




5.

Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)


Changes in Guaranteed Liability Balances:

Year Ended

($ in thousands)

December 31, 2011

 

Annuity

 

Annuity

 

GMDB

 

GMIB

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability balance as of January 1, 2011

$

4,570 

 

$

17,457 

Incurred

 

(1,608)

 

 

(257)

Paid

 

1,930 

 

 

-- 

Liability balance as of December 31, 2011

$

4,892 

 

$

17,200 


For those guarantees of benefits that are payable in the event of death, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the benefit payable in excess of the current account balance at the balance sheet date. We have entered into reinsurance agreements to reduce the net amount of risk on certain death benefits. Following are the major types of death benefits currently in-force:


GMDB Benefits by Type:

 

 

Net Amount

 

Average

($ in thousands)

Account

 

at Risk after

 

Attained Age

 

Value

 

Reinsurance

 

of Annuitant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GMDB return of premium

$

856,720 

 

$

8,944 

 

 

62

GMDB step up

 

1,365,176 

 

 

44,381 

 

 

63

GMDB earnings enhancement benefit (“EEB”)

 

42,161 

 

 

104 

 

 

63

GMDB greater of annual step up and roll up

 

28,123 

 

 

7,232 

 

 

66

Total GMDB at March 31, 2012

$

2,292,180 

 

$

60,661 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GMDB return of premium

$

825,573 

 

$

21,576 

 

 

62

GMDB step up

 

1,307,870 

 

 

110,666 

 

 

62

GMDB earnings enhancement benefit (“EEB”)

 

39,715 

 

 

400 

 

 

62

GMDB greater of annual step up and roll up

 

27,106 

 

 

8,759 

 

 

66

Total GMDB at December 31, 2011

$

2,200,264 

 

$

141,401 

 

 

 


Return of Premium: The death benefit is the greater of current account value or premiums paid (less any adjusted partial withdrawals).


Step Up: The death benefit is the greater of current account value, premiums paid (less any adjusted partial withdrawals) or the annual step up amount prior to the oldest original owner attaining a certain age. On and after the oldest original owner attains that age, the death benefit is the greater of current account value or the death benefit at the end of the contract year prior to the oldest original owner’s attaining that age plus premium payments (less any adjusted partial withdrawals) made since that date.


Earnings Enhancement Benefit: The death benefit is the greater of the premiums paid (less any adjusted partial withdrawals) or the current account value plus the EEB. The EEB is an additional amount designed to reduce the impact of taxes associated with distributing contract gains upon death.


Greater of Annual Step Up and Annual Roll Up: The death benefit is the greatest of premium payments (less any adjusted partial withdrawals), the annual step up amount, the annual roll up amount or the current account value prior to the eldest original owner attaining age 81. On and after the eldest original owner attained age 81, the death benefit is the greater of current account value or the death benefit at the end of the contract year prior to the eldest original owner’s attained age of 81 plus premium payments (less any adjusted partial withdrawals) made since that date.


We also offer certain separate account variable products with a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”), guaranteed payout annuity floor (“GPAF”) and combination rider (“COMBO”).




19




5.

Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)


Additional Insurance Benefits:

 

 

Average

($ in thousands)

Account

 

Attained Age

 

Value

 

of Annuitant

 

 

 

 

 

 

GMWB

$

560,987 

 

 

62

GMIB

 

445,099 

 

 

63

GMAB

 

400,854 

 

 

57

GPAF

 

14,398 

 

 

77

COMBO

 

10,457 

 

 

61

Total at March 31, 2012

$

1,431,795 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GMWB

$

529,027 

 

 

62

GMIB

 

428,058 

 

 

63

GMAB

 

374,423 

 

 

57

GPAF

 

18,446 

 

 

77

COMBO

 

9,756 

 

 

60

Total at December 31, 2011

$

1,359,710 

 

 

 


The GMWB rider guarantees the contract owner a minimum amount of withdrawals and benefit payments over time, regardless of the investment performance of the contract, subject to an annual limit. Optional resets are available. In addition, these contracts have a feature that allows the contract owner to receive the guaranteed annual withdrawal amount for as long as they are alive.


The GMAB rider provides the contract owner with a minimum accumulation of the contract owner’s purchase payments deposited within a specific time period, adjusted for withdrawals, after a specified amount of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract.


The GPAF rider provides the contract owner with a minimum payment amount if the variable annuity payment falls below this amount on the payment calculation date.


The COMBO rider includes the GMAB and GMWB riders as well as the GMDB rider at the contract owner’s option.


We have entered into a contract with Phoenix Life whereby we reinsure 100% of any claims related to GMWB liabilities on variable annuity policies issued after April 30, 2008 and 100% of any claims related to GMAB liabilities on variable annuity policies issued after December 31, 2008. This contract qualifies as a freestanding derivative. The fair value of the derivative is reported within amounts due to or due from related parties. The balance was $1,804 thousand payable as of March 31, 2012 and $3,522 thousand receivable as of December 31, 2011. By agreement dated March 29, 2012, all ceded policies under this contract will be recaptured from Phoenix Life on July 1, 2012.


The GMWB, GMAB, GPAF and COMBO represent embedded derivative liabilities in the variable annuity contracts that are required to be reported separately from the host variable annuity contract. These investments are accounted for at fair value within policyholder deposit funds on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in realized investment gains on the statement of income. The fair value of the GMWB, GMAB, GPAF and COMBO obligation is calculated based on actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows, including benefits and related contract charges, over the lives of the contracts, incorporating expectations concerning policyholder behavior. As markets change, contracts mature and actual policyholder behavior emerges, we continually evaluate and may from time to time adjust these assumptions. Embedded derivative liabilities for GMWB, GMAB, GPAF and COMBO are shown in the table below.


Variable Annuity Embedded Derivative Liabilities:

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

GMWB

$

6,047 

 

$

16,313 

GMAB

 

14,442 

 

 

24,665 

GPAF

 

600 

 

 

1,865 

COMBO

 

(815)

 

 

(312)

Total variable annuity embedded derivative liabilities

$

20,274 

 

$

42,531 




20




5.

Separate Accounts, Death Benefits and Other Insurance Benefit Features (continued)


There were no benefit payments made for the GMWB and GMAB during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011. There were benefit payments made for GPAF of $59 thousand and $44 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In order to manage the risk associated with these variable annuity embedded derivative liabilities, we have established a risk management strategy under which we hedge our GMAB, GMWB and COMBO exposure using equity index options, equity index futures, equity index variance swaps, interest rate swaps and swaptions.


Fixed indexed annuity guaranteed benefits


Many of our fixed indexed annuities offer guaranteed minimum withdrawal and death benefits. Liabilities associated with the GMWB for the fixed indexed annuities differ from those offered on variable annuities in that there is less exposure to capital market risk due to the fixed nature of the underlying contract. These liabilities are determined by estimating the expected value of the withdrawal benefits in excess of the projected account balance at the date of election and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used for calculating such guaranteed withdrawal benefit liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. Some of these riders also offer a GMDB in addition to the withdrawal benefits.


The GMWB and GMDB guarantees are recorded in policy liabilities and accruals on our balance sheet. Changes in the liability are recorded in policy benefits, excluding policyholder dividends, on our statements of comprehensive income. We regularly evaluate estimates used and adjust the additional liability balances, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised.


Changes in Guaranteed Liability Balances:

Fixed Indexed Annuity

($ in thousands)

GMWB & GMDB

 

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability balance, beginning of period

$

5,614 

 

$

204 

Incurred

 

2,893 

 

 

5,410 

Paid

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Liability balance, end of period

$

8,507 

 

$

5,614 


Fixed indexed annuities also offer a variety of index options: policy credits that are calculated based on the performance of an outside equity market or other index over a specified term. The index options represent embedded derivative liabilities that are required to be reported separately from the host contract. These investments are accounted for at fair value within policyholder deposits within the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in policy benefits, excluding dividends, in the consolidated statement of net income. The fair value of these index options is calculated based on the impact of projected interest rates on the discounted liabilities. Several additional inputs reflect our internally developed assumptions related to lapse rates and policyholder behavior.


Fixed indexed annuity embedded derivatives were $93,554 thousand and $78,331 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In order to manage the risk associated with these fixed indexed annuity options, we hedge using equity index options.


Universal life


Liabilities for universal life are generally determined by estimating the expected value of losses when death benefits exceed revenues and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used in estimating these liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. A single set of best estimate assumptions is used since these insurance benefits do not vary significantly with capital market conditions. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we held additional universal life benefit reserves in accordance with death benefit and other insurance benefit reserves of $136,341 thousand and $134,015 thousand, respectively.





21




6.

Derivative Instruments


Derivative instruments


We use derivative financial instruments, including options, futures and swaps as a means of hedging exposure to interest rate, equity price change, equity volatility and foreign currency risk. This includes our surplus hedge which utilizes futures and options to hedge against declines in equity markets and the resulting statutory capital and surplus impact. We also use derivative instruments to economically hedge our exposure on living benefits offered on certain of our variable products as well as index credits on our fixed indexed annuity products.


The Company seeks to enter into over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative transactions pursuant to master agreements that provide for a netting of payments and receipts by counterparty. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $7,510 thousand and $7,510 thousand, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents were held as collateral by a third party related to our derivative transactions.


Our derivatives generally do not qualify for hedge accounting. We do not designate the purchased derivatives related to variable annuity living benefits or fixed indexed annuity index credits as hedges for accounting purposes.


Derivative Instruments:

 

 

Fair Value as of March 31, 2012

 

Fair Value as of December 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

 

 

Notional

 

 

 

 

 

Notional

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity

 

Amount

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Amount

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

Non-hedging derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Interest rate swaps

2017-2026

 

$

101,000 

 

$

9,432 

 

$

3,404 

 

$

101,000 

 

$

10,792 

 

$

3,472 

  Variance swaps

2015-2017

 

 

935 

 

 

-- 

 

 

2,186 

 

 

935 

 

 

3,202 

 

 

-- 

  Swaptions

2024

 

 

25,000 

 

 

100 

 

 

-- 

 

 

25,000 

 

 

254 

 

 

-- 

  Put options

2015-2021

 

 

200,000 

 

 

43,099 

 

 

-- 

 

 

200,000 

 

 

54,833 

 

 

-- 

  Call options

2012-2017

 

 

508,531 

 

 

66,821 

 

 

41,875 

 

 

354,933 

 

 

27,956 

 

 

18,985 

  Equity futures

2012

 

 

131,567 

 

 

12,454 

 

 

-- 

 

 

66,347 

 

 

16,185 

 

 

-- 

Total non-hedging
  derivative instruments

 

 

$

967,033 

 

$

131,906 

 

$

47,465 

 

$

748,215 

 

$

113,222 

 

$

22,457 


Derivative Instrument Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings:(1)

Three Months Ended

($ in thousands)

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

Derivative instruments by type

 

 

 

 

 

  Interest rate swaps

$

(1,291)

 

$

(546)

  Variance swaps

 

(5,388)

 

 

(1,375)

  Swaptions

 

(154)

 

 

(189)

  Put options

 

(11,734)

 

 

(7,275)

  Call options

 

9,865 

 

 

1,723 

  Equity futures

 

(14,826)

 

 

(5,679)

Total derivative instrument gains (losses) recognized in earnings

$

(23,528)

 

$

(13,341)

———————

(1)

Excludes realized gains of $16,356 thousand and $9,067 thousand on embedded derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


Interest Rate Swaps


We maintain an overall interest rate risk-management strategy that primarily incorporates the use of interest rate swaps as hedges of our exposure to changes in interest rates. Our exposure to changes in interest rates primarily results from our commitments to fund interest-sensitive insurance liabilities, as well as from our significant holdings of fixed rate financial instruments. We use interest rate swaps that effectively convert variable rate cash flows to fixed cash flows in order to hedge the interest rate risks associated with guaranteed minimum living benefit (GMAB/GMWB) rider liabilities.




22




6.

Derivative Instruments (continued)


Interest Rate Options


We use interest rate options, such as swaptions, to hedge against market risks to assets or liabilities from substantial changes in interest rates. An interest rate swaption gives us the right but not the obligation to enter into an underlying swap. Swaptions are options on interest rate swaps. All of our swaption contracts are receiver swaptions, which give us the right to enter into a swap where we will receive the agreed-upon fixed rate and pay the floating rate. If the market conditions are favorable and the swap is needed to continue hedging our inforce liability business, we will exercise the swaption and enter into a fixed rate swap. If a swaption contract is not exercised by its option maturity date, it expires with no value.


Exchange Traded Future Contracts


We use equity index futures to hedge the market risks from changes in the value of equity indices, such as S&P 500, associated with guaranteed minimum living benefit (GMAB/GMWB) rider liabilities. Positions are short-dated, exchange-traded futures with maturities of three months.


Equity Index Options


We use equity indexed options to hedge against market risks from changes in equity markets, volatility and interest rates.


An equity index option affords us the right to make or receive payments based on a specified future level of an equity market index. We may use exchange-trade or OTC options.


Generally, we have used a combination of equity index futures, interest rate swaps, variance swaps and long-dated put options to hedge its GMAB and GMWB liabilities and equity index call options to hedge its indexed annuity option liabilities.


Contingent features


Derivative counterparty agreements may contain certain provisions that require our insurance companies’ financial strength rating to be above a certain threshold. If our financial strength ratings were to fall below a specified rating threshold, certain derivative counterparties could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions, or trigger a termination of existing derivatives and/or future derivative transactions.


In certain derivative counterparty agreements, our financial strength ratings are below the specified threshold levels. However, the Company held no derivative instruments as of March 31, 2012 in a net liability position payable to any counterparty (i.e., such derivative instruments have fair values in a net asset position payable to the Company if such holdings were liquidated).



7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


ASC 820-10 defines and establishes the framework for measuring fair value. The framework is based on inputs that are used in the valuation and a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of those inputs used to measure fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.




23




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels, from highest to lowest, are defined as follows:


·

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds and exchange-traded equities.

·

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Examples of such instruments include government-backed mortgage products, certain collateralized mortgage and debt obligations and certain high-yield debt securities.

·

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Securities classified within Level 3 include broker quoted investments, certain residual interests in securitizations and other less liquid securities. Most valuations that are based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3 due to a lack of transparency in the process they use to develop prices.


A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.


Investments, in which fair value is based upon unadjusted quoted market prices, are reported as Level 1. We receive quoted market prices from an independent third party, nationally recognized pricing vendor (“pricing vendor”). When quoted prices are not available, we use a pricing vendor to give an estimated fair value in which amounts are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. If quoted prices, or an estimated price from the pricing vendor are not available or we determine that the price is based on disorderly transactions or in inactive markets, fair value is based upon internally developed models. These internal models use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, our own creditworthiness, liquidity and unobservable parameters that are applied consistently over time. The majority of the valuations of Level 3 assets were internally calculated or obtained from independent third-party broker quotes.


Management reviews all Level 2 and Level 3 market prices on a quarterly basis. Level 2 prices are grouped by asset class validated by using any combination of the following:


·

Yield curve analysis

·

Published index data

·

Ratings data

·

Spread data

·

Sector specific economics / performance

·

Alternative / comparable price sources (if available)

·

Price stratification to prior price

·

Similar traded securities


Level 3 prices are validated on an individual security basis using multiple indicators which may include any combination of the following:


·

Coupon rate

·

Maturity data

·

Quality ratings

·

Comparison price analysis

·

Sector / asset class specific index data

·

Vintage year / seasoning of issue (structured products)

·

Cash flow analysis

·

Alternative / comparable price sources (if available)




24




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


Following is a description of our valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Such valuation methodologies were applied to all of the assets and liabilities carried at fair value.


Available-for-sale debt securities


We use a pricing vendor to estimate fair value for the majority of our available-for-sale debt securities. The pricing vendor’s evaluations are based on market data and use pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. For investments that are not priced by the pricing vendor, we estimated fair value using an internal matrix. The internal matrix uses underlying source data from independent third parties for treasury yields, market spreads and average life calculations. Because our internal matrix prices are derived from observable market data, we include these estimates in Level 2 of our hierarchy.


Structured Securities


For structured securities, 90% of the fair value estimates are provided by our pricing vendor. When pricing is not available from the pricing vendor, we obtain fair value information from brokers or use internal models. These models consider the best estimate of cash flows until maturity to determine our ability to collect principal and interest and compare this to the anticipated cash flows when the security was purchased. In addition, management judgment is used to assess the probability of collecting all amounts contractually due to us. After consideration is given to the available information relevant to assessing the collectibility, including historical events, current conditions and reasonable forecasts, an estimate of future cash flows is determined. This includes evaluating the remaining payment terms, prepayment speeds, the underlying collateral, expected defaults using current default data and the financial condition of the issuer. Other factors considered are composite credit ratings, industry forecast, analyst reports and other relevant market data are also considered, similar to those the Company believes market participants would use.


To determine fair values for certain structured, collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”) and collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) assets for which current pricing indications either do not exist, or are based on inactive markets or sparse transactions, we utilize model pricing using a third-party forecasting application that leverages historical trustee information for each modeled security. Principal and interest cash flows are modeled under various default scenarios for a given tranche of a security in accordance with its contractual cash flow priority of claim and subordination with respect to credit losses. The key assumptions include the level of annual default rates, loss-given-default or recovery rate, collateral prepayment rate and reinvestment spread.


Fair value is then determined based on discounted projected cash flows. We use a discount rate based upon a combination of the current U.S. Treasury rate plus the most recent gross CDO/CLO spreads (including the corresponding swap spread) by original tranche rating, which is representative of the inherent credit risk exposure in a deal’s capital structure.


The majority of the internal valuations calculated for structured securities are reported in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.


Derivatives


Exchange-traded derivatives valued using quoted prices are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. However, few classes of derivative contracts are listed on an exchange. Therefore, the majority of our derivative positions are valued using internally developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters. These positions are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivatives include basic interest rate swaps, options and credit default swaps.


Fair values for OTC derivative financial instruments, principally forwards, options and swaps, represent the present value of amounts estimated to be received from or paid to a marketplace participant in settlement of these instruments (i.e., the amount we would expect to receive in a derivative asset assignment or would expect to pay to have a derivative liability assumed). These derivatives are valued using pricing models based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows and directly observed prices from exchange-traded derivatives or other OTC trades, while taking into account the counterparty’s credit ratings, or our own credit ratings, as appropriate. Determining the fair value for OTC derivative contracts can require a significant level of estimation and management judgment.




25




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


New and/or complex instruments may have immature or limited markets. As a result, the pricing models used for valuation often incorporate significant estimates and assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, which may impact the results of operations reported in the consolidated financial statements. For long-dated and illiquid contracts, extrapolation methods are applied to observed market data in order to estimate inputs and assumptions that are not directly observable. This enables us to mark to market all positions consistently when only a subset of prices is directly observable. Values for OTC derivatives are verified using observed information about the costs of hedging the risk and other trades in the market. As the markets for these products develop, we continually refine our pricing models to correlate more closely to the market risk of these instruments.


Retained interest in securitization


Retained interests in securitizations do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, we estimate the fair value of certain retained interests in securitizations using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) models.


For certain other retained interests in securitizations, a single interest rate path DCF model is used and generally includes assumptions based upon projected finance charges related to the securitized assets, estimated net credit losses, prepayment assumptions and contractual interest paid to third-party investors. Changes in the assumptions used may have a significant impact on our valuation of retained interests and such interests are, therefore, typically classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.


We compare the fair value estimates and assumptions to observable market data where available and to actual portfolio experience.


Private equity investments


The valuation of non-public private equity investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, an inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. Private equity investments are valued initially based upon transaction price. The carrying values of private equity investments are adjusted either upwards or downwards from the transaction price to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties, or when determination of a valuation adjustment is confirmed through ongoing reviews by senior investment managers. A variety of factors are reviewed and monitored to assess positive and negative changes in valuation including, but not limited to, current operating performance and future expectations of the particular investment, industry valuations of comparable public companies, changes in market outlook and the third-party financing environment over time. In determining valuation adjustments resulting from the investment review process, emphasis is placed on current company performance and market conditions. Private equity investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.


Private equity investments may also include publicly held equity securities, generally obtained through the initial public offering of privately held equity investments. Such securities are marked-to-market at the quoted public value less adjustments for regulatory or contractual sales restrictions. Discounts for restrictions are quantified by analyzing the length of the restriction period and the volatility of the equity security.




26




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


Valuation of embedded derivatives


We make guarantees on certain variable annuity contracts, including GMAB and GMWB as well as provide credits based on the performance of certain indices (“index credits”) on our fixed indexed annuity contracts that meet the definition of an embedded derivative. The GMAB and GMWB embedded derivative liabilities associated with our variable annuity contracts are accounted for at fair value using a risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology with changes in fair value recorded in realized investment gains. The inputs to our fair value methodology include information derived from the asset derivatives market, including the volatility surface and the swap curve. Several additional inputs are not obtained from independent sources, but instead reflect our internally developed assumptions related to mortality rates, lapse rates and policyholder behavior. The fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities associated with the index credits on our fixed indexed annuity contracts is calculated using the budget method with changes in fair value recorded in policy benefits. The initial value under the budget method is established based on the fair value of the options used to hedge the liabilities. The budget amount for future years is based on the impact of projected interest rates on the discounted liabilities. Several additional inputs reflect our internally developed assumptions related to lapse rates and policyholder behavior. As there are significant unobservable inputs included in our fair value methodology for these embedded derivative liabilities, we consider the above-described methodology as a whole to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.


Our fair value calculation of embedded derivative liabilities includes a credit standing adjustment (the “CSA”). The CSA represents the adjustment that market participants would make to reflect the risk that guaranteed benefit obligations may not be fulfilled (“non-performance risk”). In analyzing various alternatives to the CSA calculation, we determined that we could not use credit default swap spreads as there are no such observable instruments on the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries nor could we consistently obtain an observable price on the surplus notes issued by Phoenix Life, as the surplus notes are not actively traded. Therefore, when discounting cash flows for calculation of the fair value of the liability, we calculated the CSA that reflects the credit spread (based on a Standard & Poor’s BB- credit rating) for financial services companies similar to the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries. This average credit spread is recalculated every quarter and, therefore, the fair value will change with the passage of time even in the absence of any other changes that would affect the valuation. The impact of the CSA related to variable annuity GMAB and GMWB embedded derivatives at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was a reduction of $20,090 thousand and $34,679 thousand in the reserves associated with these riders, respectively.




27




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


The following tables present the financial instruments carried at fair value by ASC 820-10 valuation hierarchy (as described above).


Fair Values of Financial Instruments by Level:

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. government and agency

$

117,456 

 

$

69,210 

 

$

-- 

 

$

186,666 

  State and political subdivision

 

-- 

 

 

110,763 

 

 

-- 

 

 

110,763 

  Foreign government

 

-- 

 

 

49,156 

 

 

-- 

 

 

49,156 

  Corporate

 

-- 

 

 

1,344,341 

 

 

40,873 

 

 

1,385,214 

  CMBS

 

-- 

 

 

269,315 

 

 

19,597 

 

 

288,912 

  RMBS

 

-- 

 

 

541,496 

 

 

6,533 

 

 

548,029 

  CDO/CLO

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

68,302 

 

 

68,302 

  Other asset-backed

 

-- 

 

 

116,673 

 

 

7,525 

 

 

124,198 

Derivative assets

 

12,454 

 

 

119,452 

 

 

-- 

 

 

131,906 

Separate account assets(1)

 

2,538,046 

 

 

99,080 

 

 

-- 

 

 

2,637,126 

Fair value option investments(2)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

7,422 

 

 

7,422 

Total assets

$

2,667,956 

 

$

2,719,486 

 

$

150,252 

 

$

5,537,694 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

$

-- 

 

$

47,465 

 

$

-- 

 

$

47,465 

Embedded derivatives

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

113,828 

 

 

113,828 

Total liabilities

$

-- 

 

$

47,465 

 

$

113,828 

 

$

161,293 

———————

(1)

Excludes $40,549 thousand in limited partnerships and real estate investments accounted for on the equity method as well as $10,955 thousand in cash and cash equivalents and money market funds.

(2)

Fair value option investments at March 31, 2012 include $7,422 thousand of available-for-sale debt securities in which the fair value option has been elected. Changes in the fair value of these assets are recorded through net investment income.


There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.


Fair Values of Financial Instruments by Level:

As of December 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. government and agency

$

138,947 

 

$

36,381 

 

$

-- 

 

$

175,328 

  State and political subdivision

 

-- 

 

 

82,397 

 

 

-- 

 

 

82,397 

  Foreign government

 

-- 

 

 

31,877 

 

 

-- 

 

 

31,877 

  Corporate

 

-- 

 

 

1,179,889 

 

 

28,488 

 

 

1,208,377 

  CMBS

 

-- 

 

 

269,514 

 

 

20,441 

 

 

289,955 

  RMBS

 

-- 

 

 

546,975 

 

 

6,544 

 

 

553,519 

  CDO/CLO

 

-- 

 

 

1,044 

 

 

66,972 

 

 

68,016 

  Other asset-backed

 

-- 

 

 

128,861 

 

 

8,062 

 

 

136,923 

Derivative assets

 

16,185 

 

 

97,037 

 

 

-- 

 

 

113,222 

Separate account assets(1)

 

2,419,655 

 

 

78,325 

 

 

-- 

 

 

2,497,980 

Fair value option investments(2)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

7,299 

 

 

7,299 

Total assets

$

2,574,787 

 

$

2,452,300 

 

$

137,806 

 

$

5,164,893 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

$

-- 

 

$

22,457 

 

$

-- 

 

$

22,457 

Embedded derivatives

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

120,862 

 

 

120,862 

Total liabilities

$

-- 

 

$

22,457 

 

$

120,862 

 

$

143,319 

———————

(1)

Excludes $40,086 thousand in limited partnerships and real estate investments accounted for on the equity method as well as $8,941 thousand in cash and cash equivalents and money market funds.

(2)

Fair value option investments at December 31, 2011 include $7,299 thousand of available-for-sale debt securities in which the fair value option has been elected. Changes in the fair value of these assets are recorded through net investment income.


There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2011.




28




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


Level 3 financial assets and liabilities


The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. For example, a hypothetical derivative contract with Level 1, Level 2 and significant Level 3 inputs would be classified as a Level 3 financial instrument in its entirety. Subsequently, even if only Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are adjusted, the resulting gain or loss is classified as Level 3. Further, Level 3 instruments are frequently hedged with instruments that are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 and, accordingly, gains or losses reported as Level 3 in the table below may be offset by gains or losses attributable to instruments classified in Level 1 or 2 of the fair value hierarchy.


Level 3 Financial Assets:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

Asset-

 

 

 

Corp &

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Total

 

Backed

 

CDO/CLO

 

Other

 

CMBS

 

RMBS

 

Options

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

8,062 

 

$

66,972 

 

$

28,488 

 

$

20,441 

 

$

6,544 

 

$

7,299 

 

$

137,806 

Purchases

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

12,186 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

12,186 

Sales

 

(536)

 

 

(882)

 

 

(1,297)

 

 

(1,407)

 

 

(98)

 

 

-- 

 

 

(4,220)

Transfers into Level 3(1)

 

-- 

 

 

1,262 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

1,262 

Transfers out of Level 3(2)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Realized gains (losses)
  included in earnings

 

44 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

(1)

 

 

-- 

 

 

43 

Unrealized gains (losses)
  included in other comprehensive
  income (loss)

 

(47)

 

 

857 

 

 

1,476 

 

 

561 

 

 

57 

 

 

-- 

 

 

2,904 

Amortization/accretion

 

 

 

93 

 

 

20 

 

 

 

 

31 

 

 

123 

 

 

271 

Balance, end of period

$

7,525 

 

$

68,302 

 

$

40,873 

 

$

19,597 

 

$

6,533 

 

$

7,422 

 

$

150,252 

———————

(1)

Transfers into Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily represent private securities for which Level 2 input assumptions for valuation pricing were no longer applicable.

(2)

Transfers out of Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily represent private securities for which reliable Level 2 input assumptions for valuation pricing became obtainable.


Level 3 Financial Assets:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

Asset-

 

 

 

Corp &

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Total

 

Backed

 

CDO/CLO

 

Other

 

CMBS

 

RMBS

 

Options

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

19,671 

 

$

63,184 

 

$

30,060 

 

$

10,308 

 

$

7,437 

 

$

7,289 

 

$

137,949 

Purchases

 

2,600 

 

 

-- 

 

 

29 

 

 

11,295 

 

 

4,500 

 

 

-- 

 

 

18,424 

Sales

 

(994)

 

 

(2,027)

 

 

(9)

 

 

(122)

 

 

(197)

 

 

-- 

 

 

(3,349)

Transfers into Level 3(1)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Transfers out of Level 3(2)

 

(6,411)

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

(6,411)

Realized gains (losses)
  included in earnings

 

48 

 

 

(71)

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

119 

 

 

96 

Unrealized gains (losses)
  included in other comprehensive
  income (loss)

 

(32)

 

 

2,960 

 

 

2,683 

 

 

600 

 

 

(21)

 

 

61 

 

 

6,251 

Amortization/accretion

 

 

 

66 

 

 

16 

 

 

-- 

 

 

48 

 

 

13 

 

 

150 

Balance, end of period

$

14,889 

 

$

64,112 

 

$

32,779 

 

$

22,081 

 

$

11,767 

 

$

7,482 

 

$

153,110 

———————

(1)

Transfers into Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily represent private securities for which Level 2 input assumptions for valuation pricing were no longer applicable.

(2)

Transfers out of Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily represent private securities for which reliable Level 2 input assumptions for valuation pricing became obtainable.




29




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


Level 3 Financial Liabilities:

Embedded Derivatives

($ in thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

120,862 

 

$

26,484 

Net purchases/(sales)

 

14,636 

 

 

13,301 

Transfers into Level 3

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

(1,585)

 

 

-- 

Realized (gains) losses

 

(20,992)

 

 

(12,160)

Unrealized (gains) losses included in other comprehensive loss

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Deposits less benefits

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Change in fair value(1)

 

907 

 

 

(543)

Amortization/accretion

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Balance, end of period

$

113,828 

 

$

27,082 

———————

(1)

Represents change in fair value related to fixed index credits recognized in policy benefits on the statement of income.


The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of CDO/CLO and fair value options are prepayment rates, default rates, recovery rates, and reinvestment spread. Significant changes in any of these inputs on its own may result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, particularly for subordinated tranches. Generally, for a CDO/CLO whose collateral’s weighted-average spread is higher than the assumed reinvestment spread, an increase in prepayment rates would decrease the fair value while the deal remains within its reinvestment period. If the weighted-average spread is lower than the assumed reinvestment spread, an increase in prepayment rates would increase the fair value. Keeping all other inputs unchanged, a significant increase in the annual default rates would likely result in a decrease to fair value.


The following tables present quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of internally priced assets and liabilities.


Level 3 Assets:

 

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

 

Fair Value

 

Valuation Technique(s)

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CDO/CLO

 

$

66,618 

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Prepayment rate

 

20% (CLOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Default rate

 

2.3% (CLOs), 0.5% - 0.7% (CDOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recovery rate

 

65% (Loans), 35% (High yield bonds),
  45% (Investment grade bonds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment spread

 

3 mo LIBOR + 400bps (CLOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value options

 

 

7,422 

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Prepayment rate

 

20% (CLOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Default rate

 

2.3% (CLOs), 0.5% - 0.7% (CDOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recovery rate

 

65% (Loans), 35% (High yield bonds),
  45% (Investment grade bonds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment spread

 

3 mo LIBOR + 400bps (CLOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed

 

 

1,289 

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Prepayment rate

 

20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Default rate

 

2.53% for 48 mos then .33% thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recovery rate

 

65%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment spread

 

3mo LIBOR + 400bps (CLOs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Level 3 assets(1)

 

$

75,329 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

———————

(1)

Excludes $74,923 thousand of Level 3 assets which are valued based upon non-binding independent third-party broker quotes for which unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to us




30




7.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)


Level 3 Liabilities:

 

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

 

Fair Value

 

Valuation Technique(s)

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives
(GMAB / GMWB)

 

$

19,674 

 

Risk neutral stochastic
  valuation methodology

 

Volatility surface

 

11.72% - 48.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap curve

 

0.15% - 3.21%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate

 

75% of A2000 basic table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse rate

 

0.00% - 60.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CSA

 

5.44%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives
(GPAF)

 

$

600 

 

Real world single scenario
  cash flow projection

 

Interest rate

 

3.46%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate

 

70% 1994 MGDB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embedded derivatives

 

$

93,554 

 

Budget method

 

Swap curve

 

0.15% - 3.21%

(Index credits)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortality rate

 

75% of A2000 basic table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lapse rate

 

1.00% - 35.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CSA

 

5.44%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Level 3 liabilities

 

$

113,828 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Fair value of financial instruments


The Company is required by U.S. GAAP to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The following table discloses the Company’s financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differ:


Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments:

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

($ in thousands)

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment contracts

$

1,884,803 

 

$

1,890,428 

 

$

1,721,219 

 

$

1,728,887 


Fair value of investment contracts


We determine the fair value of guaranteed interest contracts by using a discount rate equal to the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus 100 basis points to calculate the present value of projected contractual liability payments through final maturity. We determine the fair value of deferred annuities and supplementary contracts without life contingencies with an interest guarantee of one year or less at the amount of the policy reserve. In determining the fair value of deferred annuities and supplementary contracts without life contingencies with interest guarantees greater than one year, we use a discount rate equal to the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus 100 basis points to calculate the present value of the projected account value of the policy at the end of the current guarantee period.


Deposit type funds, including pension deposit administration contracts, dividend accumulations, and other funds left on deposit not involving life contingencies, have interest guarantees of less than one year for which interest credited is closely tied to rates earned on owned assets. For these liabilities, we assume fair value to be equal to the stated liability balances.



8.

Income Taxes


It is our policy to estimate taxes for interim periods based on estimated annual effective tax rates which are derived, in part, from expected annual pre-tax income. However, the federal income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 has been computed based on the first three months of 2012 as a discrete period due to the uncertainty regarding our ability to reliably estimate pre-tax income for the remainder of the year. Due to this uncertainty, we are unable to develop a reasonable estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year 2012.



31




8.

Income Taxes (continued)


As of March 31, 2012, we performed our assessment of the realization of deferred tax assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and, in particular, any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. Our methodology for determining the realizability of deferred tax assets involves estimates of future taxable income and consideration of available tax planning strategies and actions that could be implemented, if necessary. These estimates are projected through the life of the related deferred tax assets based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable and consistent with current operating results. Changes in future operating results not currently forecasted may have a significant impact on the realization of deferred tax assets. Based on the scheduling of gross deferred tax liabilities, a valuation allowance is not required at March 31, 2012, as we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be recognized.


Tax expense of $1,133 thousand was recognized in the income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily related to current year pretax income.


We are included in the consolidated federal income tax return filed by PNX and are party to a tax sharing agreement by and among PNX and its subsidiaries. In accordance with this agreement, federal income taxes are allocated as if they had been calculated on a separate company basis, except that benefits for any net operating losses or other tax credits used to offset a tax liability of the consolidated group will be provided to the extent such loss or credit is utilized in the consolidated federal tax return.


Within the consolidated tax return, we are required by regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to segregate the entities into two groups: life insurance companies and non-life insurance companies. We are limited as to the amount of any operating losses from the non-life group that can be offset against taxable income of the life group. These limitations may affect the amount of any operating loss carryovers that we have now or in the future.


The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.


In accordance with the tax sharing agreement, we had an intercompany current tax payable of $28,547 thousand and $15,514 thousand as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.


To the extent required under the relevant tax law, we recognize interest and penalties related to amounts accrued on uncertain tax positions and amounts paid or refunded from federal and state income tax authorities in tax expense. The interest and penalties recorded during the three month period ending March 31, 2012 were not material.



9.

Other Comprehensive Income


Sources of Other Comprehensive Income:

Three Months Ended March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on investments

$

19,819 

 

$

7,816 

 

$

13,490 

 

$

3,133 

Adjustments for net realized investment (gains) losses on
  available-for-sale securities included in net income

 

600 

 

 

(223)

 

 

188 

 

 

118 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

20,419 

 

 

7,593 

 

 

13,678 

 

 

3,251 

Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Other comprehensive income

 

20,419 

 

$

7,593 

 

 

13,678 

 

$

3,251 

Applicable deferred policy acquisition cost amortization

 

8,738 

 

 

 

 

 

4,677 

 

 

 

Applicable deferred income tax expense

 

4,088 

 

 

 

 

 

5,750 

 

 

 

Offsets to other comprehensive income

 

12,826 

 

 

 

 

 

10,427 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

$

7,593 

 

 

 

 

$

3,251 

 

 

 




32




10.

Contingent Liabilities


Litigation and Arbitration


We are regularly involved in litigation and arbitration, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The litigation and arbitration naming us as a defendant ordinarily involves our activities as an insurer, investor or investment advisor.


It is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all legal or arbitration proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses. Based on current information, we believe that the outcomes of our litigation and arbitration matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. However, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation and arbitration, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our financial statements in particular quarterly or annual periods.


Regulatory Matters


State regulatory bodies, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the IRS and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries of us and, from time to time, conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with laws and regulations related to, among other things, our insurance and broker-dealer subsidiaries, securities offerings and registered products. We endeavor to respond to such inquiries in an appropriate way and to take corrective action if warranted.


Regulatory actions may be difficult to assess or quantify. The nature and magnitude of their outcomes may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. It is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all pending inquiries, investigations, legal proceedings and other regulatory actions, or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses. Based on current information, we believe that the outcomes of our regulatory matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. However, given the inherent unpredictability of regulatory matters, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our financial statements in particular quarterly or annual periods.


Unclaimed Property Inquiry


On July 5, 2011, the State of New York Insurance Department issued a letter (“308 Letter”) requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. Additionally, the insurers are required to report on their success in finding and making payments to beneficiaries or escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws. We estimate the remaining amount of claim and interest payments to beneficiaries or state(s) to be $60 thousand ($21 thousand after deferred policy acquisition cost offsets).



11.

Subsequent Events


On April 5, 2012, Standard & Poor’s affirmed our financial strength rating of BB- and maintained their stable outlook.





33




Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


The discussion in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to trends in, or representing management’s beliefs about our future transactions, strategies, operations and financial results, and often contain words such as “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “is targeting,” “may,” “should” and other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning trends and future developments and their potential effects on us. They are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual business, financial condition or results of operations may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, among others: (i) unfavorable general economic developments including, but not limited to, specific related factors such as the performance of the debt and equity markets; (ii) the potential adverse affect of interest rate fluctuations on our business and results of operations; (iii) the impact on our results of operations and financial condition of any required increase in our reserves for future policyholder benefits and claims if such reserves prove to be inadequate; (iv) the possibility that mortality rates, persistency rates, funding levels or other factors may differ significantly from our assumptions used in pricing products; (v) the effect of limited access to external sources of liquidity and financing; (vi) the effect of guaranteed benefits within our products; (vii) potential exposure to unidentified or unanticipated risk that could adversely affect our businesses or result in losses; (viii) the consequences related to variations in the amount of our statutory capital could adversely affect our business; (ix) the possibility that we may not be successful in our efforts to implement a business plan focused on new market segments; (x) changes in our investment valuations based on changes in our valuation methodologies, estimations and assumptions; (xi) the impact of downgrades in our debt or financial strength ratings; (xii) the availability, pricing and terms of reinsurance coverage generally and the inability or unwillingness of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us specifically; (xiii) our ability to attract and retain key personnel in a competitive environment; (xiv) our dependence on third parties to maintain critical business and administrative functions; (xv) the strong competition we face in our business from banks, insurance companies and other financial services firms; (xvi)  tax developments may affect us directly or indirectly through the cost of, the demand for or profitability of our products or services; (xvii) the possibility that the actions and initiatives of the federal and state governments, including those that we elect to participate in, may not improve adverse economic and market conditions generally or our business, financial condition and results of operations specifically; (xviii) regulatory developments or actions may harm our business; (xix) legal actions could adversely affect our business or reputation; (xx) changes in accounting standards; and (xxi) other risks and uncertainties described herein or in any of our filings with the SEC. Certain other factors which may impact our business, financial condition or results of operations or which may cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements are discussed or included in our periodic reports filed with the SEC and are available on our website at www.phoenixwm.com under “Investor Relations.” You are urged to carefully consider all such factors. We do not undertake or plan to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in plans, assumptions, estimates or projections, or other circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-Q, even if such results changes or circumstances make it clear that any forward-looking information will not be realized. If we make any future public statements or disclosures which modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this Form 10-Q, such statements or disclosures will be deemed to modify or supersede such statements in this Form 10-Q.



MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


This section reviews our financial condition as of March 31, 2012 as compared with December 31, 2011; our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011; and, where appropriate, factors that may affect our future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim financial statements and notes contained in this filing as well as in conjunction with our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.




34




Executive Overview


Business


We provide life insurance and annuity products through independent agents and financial advisors. Our policyholder base includes both affluent and middle market consumers, with our more recent business concentrated in the middle market. Most of our life insurance in force is permanent life insurance (universal life and variable universal life) insuring one or more lives. Our annuity products include deferred fixed and variable annuities with a variety of death benefit and guaranteed living benefit options.


Since 2009, our ultimate parent company, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (“PNX”), has focused on selling products and services that are less capital intensive and less sensitive to its ratings. In 2011, 94% of PHL Variable Insurance Company (“PHL Variable”) product sales were fixed indexed annuities.


Earnings Drivers


Our profitability is driven by interaction of the following elements:


·

Fees on life and annuity products. Fees consist primarily of (1) cost of insurance charges, which are based on the difference between policy face amounts and the account values (referred to as the net amount at risk); (2) asset-based fees (including mortality and expense charges for variable annuities) which are calculated as a percentage of assets under management within our separate accounts; (3) premium-based fees to cover premium taxes and renewal commissions; and (4) surrender charges.


·

Policy benefits include death claims net of reinsurance cash flows, including ceded premiums and recoverables, interest credited to policyholders and changes in reserves for future claims payments. Certain universal life reserves are based on management’s assumptions about future cost of insurance fees and interest margins which, in turn, are affected by future premium payments, surrenders, lapses and mortality rates. Actual experience can vary significantly from these assumptions, resulting in greater or lesser changes in reserves. In addition, we regularly review and reset our assumptions in light of actual experience, which can result in material changes to these reserves.


For fixed indexed annuities, policy benefits include the change in the liability associated with guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits and the fair value of an embedded derivative liability. The assumptions used to calculate the guaranteed minimum withdrawal liability are consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. The fair value of the embedded derivative liability is calculated using significant management estimates, including (1) the expected value of index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, (2) the interest rate used to project the future growth in the contract liability, (3) the discount rate used to discount future benefit payments, which includes an adjustment for our credit worthiness; and (4) the expected costs of annual call options that will be purchased in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. These factors can vary significantly from period to period.


Certain of our variable annuity contracts include guaranteed minimum death and income benefits. The change in the liability associated with these guarantees is included in policy benefits. The value of these liabilities is sensitive to changes in equity markets, equity market volatility and interest rates, as well as subject to management assumptions regarding future surrenders, rider utilization rates and mortality.


·

Interest margins. Interest margins consist of net investment income earned on universal life, fixed indexed annuities and other policyholder funds, gains on options purchased to fund index credits less the interest or index credits applied to policyholders on those funds. Interest margins also include investment income on assets supporting the Company’s surplus.


·

Non-deferred operating expenses are expenses related to servicing policies, premium taxes, reinsurance allowances, non-deferrable acquisition expenses and commissions and general overhead. They also include employee and other benefit costs allocated to us by PNX.




35




·

Deferred policy acquisition cost amortization is based on the amount of expenses deferred, actual results in each quarter and management’s assumptions about the future performance of the business. The amount of future profit or margin is dependent principally on investment returns in our separate accounts, interest and default rates, reinsurance costs and recoveries, mortality, surrender rates, premium persistency and expenses. These factors enter into management’s estimates of gross profits or margins, which generally are used to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs. Actual equity market movements, net investment income in excess of amounts credited to policyholders, claims payments and other key factors can vary significantly from our assumptions, resulting in a misestimate of gross profits or margins, and a change in amortization, with a resulting impact to income. In addition, we regularly review and reset our assumptions in light of actual experience, which can result in material changes in amortization.


·

Net realized investment gains or losses related to investments and hedging programs include transaction gains and losses, OTTIs and changes in the value of certain derivatives. Certain of our variable annuity contracts include guaranteed minimum withdrawal and accumulation benefits that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. The change in fair value related to these embedded derivatives is also included in net realized gains or losses.


·

Income tax expense/benefit consists of both current and deferred tax provisions. Computation of these amounts is a function of pre-tax income and the application of relevant tax law and GAAP accounting guidance. In valuing our deferred tax assets, we make significant judgments with respect to the reversal of certain temporary book-to-tax differences, specifically estimates of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are expected to reverse, including consideration of the expiration dates and amounts of carryforwards related to net operating losses, capital losses, foreign tax credits and general business tax credits.


Under GAAP, premiums and deposits for variable life, universal life and annuity products are not recorded as revenues. For certain investment options of variable products, deposits are reflected on our balance sheet as an increase in separate account liabilities. Premiums and deposits for universal life, fixed annuities and certain investment options of variable annuities are reflected on our balance sheet as an increase in policyholder deposit funds. Premiums and deposits for other products are reflected on our balance sheet as an increase in policy liabilities and accruals.


Recent Trends on Earnings Drivers


·

Fees on life and annuity products. Fees on our life and annuity products decreased $5,297 thousand in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Lower fees were primarily a result of cost of insurance charges which decreased $5,726 thousand related to declining universal life insurance in force.


·

Policy benefits. Policy benefits increased $13,397 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The increase in policy benefit expense was primarily due to higher death claims on universal life products for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2011. In addition, interest credited on annuities increased as a result of growth in fixed indexed annuity funds under management.


·

Interest margins. Interest margins on universal life and annuities were $14,299 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to $6,322 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Universal life interest margins increased $1,505 thousand primarily as a result of lower interest credited consistent with declining funds under management, as well as higher investment income. Annuity interest margins increased $6,472 thousand primarily as a result of higher investment income attributable to increases in investments backing fixed indexed annuities.


·

Operating expenses. Non-deferred operating expenses increased $4,602 thousand to $23,298 thousand from $18,696 thousand in the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in operating expenses was a result of additional expenses associated with a previously announced policy administration system conversion and higher employee benefit and compensation related expenses.




36




·

Deferred policy acquisition cost. Excluding the impact of net realized investment losses, policy acquisition cost amortization decreased $6,673 thousand to $25,452 thousand from $32,125 thousand in the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization decreased primarily related to variable annuities as a result of improved market performance. In addition, amortization decreased related to universal life as a result of lower mortality margins. Partially offsetting these declines was higher amortization related to fixed indexed annuities as deferred expenses related to new sales continue to amortize.


·

Net realized investment gains or losses on our investments. Net realized investment losses increased $3,310 thousand to $7,772 compared to $4,462 thousand for the quarters ended March 31 2012 and 2011, respectively. Realized investment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 primarily related to a net loss of $7,172 thousand on derivative assets and embedded derivative liabilities. This was primarily attributable to a $10,547 thousand loss associated with derivatives related to variable annuity guarantees which included a realized loss associated with the non-performance risk factor of $19,815 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. In addition, realized losses of $5,665 thousand related to our surplus hedge, which utilizes futures and options to hedge against declines in equity markets and the resulting statutory capital and surplus impact were recognized. Partially offsetting these losses were realized gains of $8,023 thousand related to fixed indexed annuities embedded derivatives. Realized investment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 primarily consisted of $4,274 thousand in net losses on derivative assets and embedded derivative liabilities.


·

Income taxes. The Company recorded an income tax expense of $1,133 thousand and $2,448 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The expense as of March 31, 2012 was primarily driven by current year pretax income.


Strategy and Outlook


Since 2009, we have taken significant actions to reduce expenses, effectively manage our in force business, reduce balance sheet risk, increase liquidity and pursue new growth opportunities. These actions are beginning to have their intended effect and, we believe, position us for profitability in 2012 and beyond. However, our business and results from operations are sensitive to general economic conditions as well as capital market trends, including equity markets and interest rates.


We expect to continue to focus on the following key strategic pillars in 2012:


·

Balance sheet strength;

·

Policyholder service;

·

Operational efficiency; and

·

Profitable growth.


We believe there is significant demand for our products among middle market households seeking to accumulate assets and secure lifetime income during retirement. The current low interest rate environment provides limited opportunities for consumers to protect principal and generate predictable income. Our indexed annuity products are positioned favorably vis-à-vis traditional investments such as bank certificates of deposits.


Recent trends in the life insurance industry may affect our mortality, policy persistency and premium persistency. The evolution of the financial needs of policyholders, the emergence of a secondary market for life insurance, and increased availability and subsequent contraction of premium financing suggest that the reasons for purchasing our products changed. Deviations in experience from our assumptions have had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on the profitability of certain universal life products. Most of our current products permit us to increase charges and adjust crediting rates during the life of the policy or contract (subject to guarantees in the policies and contracts). We have made, and may in the future make, such adjustments.


Impact of New Accounting Standards


For a discussion of new accounting standards, see Note 2 to our financial statements in this Form 10-Q.




37




Critical Accounting Estimates


The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates are reflective of significant judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.


A complete description of our critical accounting estimates is set forth in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that those critical accounting estimates as set forth in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K are important to understanding our financial condition and financial statements.


Results of Operations


Summary Financial Data:

Three Months Ended

 

Increase (decrease) and

($ in thousands)

March 31,

 

percentage change

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012 vs. 2011

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums

$

712 

 

$

163 

 

 

$

549 

 

NM 

Insurance and investment product fees

 

96,533 

 

 

101,830 

 

 

 

(5,297)

 

(5%)

Net investment income

 

30,263 

 

 

21,398 

 

 

 

8,865 

 

41% 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses

 

(1,086)

 

 

(880)

 

 

 

(206)

 

(23%)

  Portion of OTTI losses recognized in
    other comprehensive income (“OCI”)

 

427 

 

 

386 

 

 

 

41 

 

11% 

    Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

 

 

 

(165)

 

(33%)

  Net realized investment losses, excluding OTTI losses

 

(7,113)

 

 

(3,968)

 

 

 

(3,145)

 

(79%)

Total net realized investment losses

 

(7,772)

 

 

(4,462)

 

 

 

(3,310)

 

(74%)

Total revenues

 

119,736 

 

 

118,929 

 

 

 

807 

 

1% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy benefits

 

63,675 

 

 

50,278 

 

 

 

13,397 

 

27% 

Policy acquisition cost amortization

 

28,735 

 

 

32,283 

 

 

 

(3,548)

 

(11%)

Other operating expenses

 

23,298 

 

 

18,696 

 

 

 

4,602 

 

25% 

Total benefits and expenses

 

115,708 

 

 

101,257 

 

 

 

14,451 

 

14% 

Income before income taxes

 

4,028 

 

 

17,672 

 

 

 

(13,644)

 

(77%)

Income tax expense

 

1,133 

 

 

2,448 

 

 

 

(1,315)

 

(54%)

Net income

$

2,895 

 

$

15,224 

 

 

$

(12,329)

 

(81%)

———————

Not meaningful (NM)


Three months ended March 31, 2012 vs. three months ended March 31, 2011


The Company recorded net income of $2,895 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with net income of $15,224 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in results reflects lower insurance and investment product fees and higher policy benefits and operating expense. These items were partially offset by higher net investment income, lower realized investment losses and lower policy acquisition cost amortization.


Insurance and investment product fees declined $5,297 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with March 31, 2011 primarily as a result of lower cost of insurance charges related to declining universal life insurance in force.


The increase of $13,397 thousand in policy benefit expense was primarily attributable to higher death claims on universal life products for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2011. In addition, interest credited on annuities increased as a result of higher fixed indexed annuity funds under management.


Operating expenses increased as a result of additional expenses associated with a previously announced policy administration system conversion and higher employee benefit and compensation related expenses.




38




Net investment income increased $8,865 thousand as a result of larger asset balances from growth in fixed indexed annuities funds under management and higher returns on alternative investments.


Net realized investment losses increased $3,310 thousand to $7,772 compared to $4,462 thousand for the quarters ended March 31 2012 and 2011, respectively. Realized investment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 primarily related to a net loss of $7,172 thousand on derivative assets and embedded derivative liabilities. This was primarily attributable to a $10,547 thousand loss associated with derivatives related to variable annuity guarantees which included a realized loss associated with the non-performance risk factor of $19,815 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. In addition, realized losses of $5,665 thousand related to our surplus hedge, which utilizes futures and options to hedge against declines in equity markets and the resulting statutory capital and surplus impact were recognized. Partially offsetting these losses were realized gains of $8,023 thousand related to fixed indexed annuities embedded derivatives. Realized investment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 primarily consisted of $4,274 thousand in net losses on derivative assets and embedded derivative liabilities.


Amortization decreased primarily related to variable annuities as a result of improved market performance. In addition, amortization decreased related to universal life as a result of lower mortality margins. Partially offsetting these declines was higher amortization related to fixed indexed annuities as deferred expenses related to new sales continue to amortize.


The Company recorded an income tax expense of $1,133 thousand and $2,448 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The expense as of March 31, 2012 was primarily driven by current year pretax income.


Debt Securities


We invest in a variety of debt securities. We classify these investments into various sectors using industry conventions; however, our classifications may differ from similarly titled classifications of other companies. We classify debt securities into investment grade and below-investment-grade securities based on ratings prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). In a majority of cases, these classifications will coincide with ratings assigned by one or more Nationally Recognized Standard Ratings Organizations (“NRSROs”); however, for certain structured securities, the NAIC designations may differ from NRSRO designations based on the amortized cost of the securities in our portfolio.


Our debt securities portfolio consists primarily of investment grade publicly traded and privately placed corporate bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and other asset-backed securities. As of March 31, 2012, our debt securities, with a fair value of $2,761,240 thousand, represented 93.1% of total investments.


Debt Securities by Type and Credit Quality:

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

Investment Grade

 

Below Investment Grade

 

Fair Value

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

186,666 

 

$

178,179 

 

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

State and political subdivision

 

109,835 

 

 

100,692 

 

 

928 

 

 

1,329 

Foreign government

 

42,270 

 

 

40,125 

 

 

6,886 

 

 

6,299 

Corporate

 

1,315,071 

 

 

1,239,408 

 

 

70,143 

 

 

98,227 

CMBS

 

285,475 

 

 

270,931 

 

 

3,437 

 

 

4,508 

RMBS

 

515,546 

 

 

512,114 

 

 

32,483 

 

 

40,939 

CDO/CLO

 

35,871 

 

 

37,937 

 

 

32,431 

 

 

38,730 

Other asset-backed

 

113,954 

 

 

112,045 

 

 

10,244 

 

 

9,836 

Total debt securities

$

2,604,688 

 

$

2,491,431 

 

$

156,552 

 

$

199,868 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of total debt securities

94.3%

 

92.6%

 

5.7%

 

7.4%


We manage credit risk through industry and issuer diversification. Maximum exposure to an issuer is defined by quality ratings, with higher quality issuers having larger exposure limits. Our investment approach emphasizes a high level of industry diversification. The top five industry holdings as of March 31, 2012 in our debt securities portfolio are banking (4.8%), electric utilities (4.3%), diversified financial services (3.5%), oil (3.1%) and insurance (2.8%).




39




Eurozone Exposure


The following table presents exposure to European debt. We have focused on the countries experiencing significant economic, fiscal or political strain that could increase the likelihood of default.


Eurozone Exposure by Country

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

Sovereign

 

Financial

 

All

 

 

 

% of Debt

 

Debt

 

Institutions

 

Other

 

Total

 

Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain

$

 

$

1,027 

 

$

8,721 

 

$

9,748 

 

 

0.4% 

Italy

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

 

2,130 

 

 

2,130 

 

 

0.1% 

Total

 

-- 

 

 

1,027 

 

 

10,851 

 

 

11,878 

 

 

0.5% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other Eurozone(1)

 

-- 

 

 

9,365 

 

 

38,235 

 

 

47,600 

 

 

1.7% 

Total

$

-- 

 

$

10,392 

 

$

49,086 

 

$

59,478 

 

 

2.2% 

———————

(1)

Includes Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands.


Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities


We invest directly in RMBS. To the extent these assets deteriorate in credit quality and decline in value for an extended period, we may realize impairment losses. When making investment decisions, we have been focused on identifying those securities that could withstand significant increases in delinquencies and foreclosures in the underlying mortgage pools before incurring a loss of principal.


Most of our RMBS portfolio is highly rated. At March 31, 2012, 94.1% of the total residential portfolio was rated investment grade. We hold $110,422 thousand of RMBS investments backed by prime rated mortgages, $107,791 thousand backed by Alt-A mortgages and $47,712 thousand backed by sub-prime mortgages, which combined amount to 8.7% of our total investments. The majority of our prime, Alt-A, and sub-prime exposure is investment grade, with 69% rated NAIC-1 and another 19% rated NAIC-2. We have employed a disciplined approach in the analysis and monitoring of our mortgage-backed securities. Our approach involves a monthly review of each security. Underlying mortgage data is obtained from the security’s trustee and analyzed for performance trends. A security-specific stress analysis is performed using the most recent trustee information. This analysis forms the basis for our determination of whether the security will pay in accordance with the contractual cash flows. RMBS impairments during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 totaled $521thousand. These impairments consist of $217 thousand from prime, $63 thousand from Alt-A and $241 thousand from sub-prime.


Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities:

($ in thousands)

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC Rating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

3

 

4

 

5

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CCC

 

In or

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

% General

 

AA/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And

 

Near

 

Cost(1)

 

Value(1)

 

Account(2)

 

A

 

BBB

 

BB

 

B

 

Below

 

Default

Collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency

$

270,547 

 

$

282,104 

 

9.2% 

 

100.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

Prime

 

111,604 

 

 

110,422 

 

3.6% 

 

75.6% 

 

18.5% 

 

5.4% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.5% 

Alt-A

 

113,446 

 

 

107,791 

 

3.5% 

 

60.4% 

 

25.4% 

 

14.2% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

Sub-prime

 

57,456 

 

 

47,712 

 

1.6% 

 

74.6% 

 

3.2% 

 

11.7% 

 

4.3% 

 

5.2% 

 

1.0% 

Total

$

553,053 

 

$

548,029 

 

17.9% 

 

85.1% 

 

9.0% 

 

4.9% 

 

0.4% 

 

0.4% 

 

0.2% 

———————

(1)

Individual categories may not agree with the Debt Securities by Type table on previous page due to nature of underlying collateral.

(2)

Percentages based on Market Value.




40







Prime Mortgage-Backed Securities:

($ in thousands)

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year of Issue

 

 

S&P Equivalent

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

% General

 

Post-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003 and

Rating

 

Designation

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Account(1)

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Prior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC-1

 

AAA/AAA/A

 

$

83,584 

 

$

83,519 

 

2.7% 

 

0.0% 

 

1.1% 

 

5.9% 

 

21.8% 

 

43.1% 

 

28.1% 

NAIC-2

 

BBB

 

 

20,672 

 

 

20,364 

 

0.7% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

1.7% 

 

66.2% 

 

32.1% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-3

 

BB

 

 

6,097 

 

 

5,997 

 

0.2% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

29.6% 

 

23.8% 

 

36.7% 

 

9.9% 

NAIC-4

 

B

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-5

 

CCC and below

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-6

 

In or near default

 

 

1,251 

 

 

542 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

23.0% 

 

1.6% 

 

75.4% 

Total

 

 

 

$

111,604 

 

$

110,422 

 

3.6% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.8% 

 

6.4% 

 

30.1% 

 

40.5% 

 

22.2% 

———————

(1)

Percentages based on Market Value.


Alt-A Mortgage-Backed Securities:

($ in thousands)

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year of Issue

 

 

S&P Equivalent

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

% General

 

Post-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003 and

Rating

 

Designation

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Account(1)

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Prior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC-1

 

AAA/AAA/A

 

$

67,974 

 

$

65,112 

 

2.1% 

 

7.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

6.5% 

 

25.2% 

 

34.1% 

 

27.1% 

NAIC-2

 

BBB

 

 

29,186 

 

 

27,329 

 

0.9% 

 

0.0% 

 

10.2% 

 

7.1% 

 

12.8% 

 

57.9% 

 

12.0% 

NAIC-3

 

BB

 

 

16,286 

 

 

15,350 

 

0.5% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

5.5% 

 

33.2% 

 

42.6% 

 

18.7% 

NAIC-4

 

B

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-5

 

CCC and below

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-6

 

In or near default

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

Total

 

 

 

$

113,446 

 

$

107,791 

 

3.5% 

 

4.3% 

 

2.6% 

 

6.6% 

 

23.2% 

 

41.3% 

 

22.0% 

———————

(1)

Percentages based on Market Value.


Sub-Prime Mortgage-Backed Securities:

($ in thousands)

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year of Issue

 

 

S&P Equivalent

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

% General

 

Post-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003 and

Rating

 

Designation

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Account(1)

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Prior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC-1

 

AAA/AAA/A

 

$

38,573 

 

$

35,583 

 

1.2% 

 

0.0% 

 

5.7% 

 

13.6% 

 

27.0% 

 

16.5% 

 

37.2% 

NAIC-2

 

BBB

 

 

1,577 

 

 

1,534 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

65.2% 

 

0.0% 

 

20.5% 

 

0.0% 

 

14.3% 

NAIC-3

 

BB

 

 

10,035 

 

 

5,578 

 

0.2% 

 

0.0% 

 

93.1% 

 

6.9% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-4

 

B

 

 

2,701 

 

 

2,045 

 

0.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

49.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

50.9% 

NAIC-5

 

CCC and below

 

 

2,994 

 

 

2,494 

 

0.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

100.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-6

 

In or near default

 

 

1,576 

 

 

478 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

100.0% 

Total

 

 

 

$

57,456 

 

$

47,712 

 

1.6% 

 

0.0% 

 

17.2% 

 

11.0% 

 

28.1% 

 

12.3% 

 

31.4% 

———————

(1)

Percentages based on Market Value.


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities


We invest directly in CMBS. To the extent these assets deteriorate in credit quality and decline in value for an extended period, we may realize impairment losses. When making investment decisions, we have been focused on identifying those securities that could withstand significant increases in delinquencies and foreclosures in the underlying mortgage pools before incurring a loss of principal.



41





Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities:

($ in thousands)

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year of Issue

 

 

S&P Equivalent

 

Amortized

 

Market

 

% General

 

Post-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 and

Rating

 

Designation

 

Cost(1)

 

Value(1)

 

Account(2)

 

2007

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Prior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAIC-1

 

AAA/AAA/A

 

$

267,937 

 

$

283,645 

 

9.3% 

 

48.7% 

 

9.0% 

 

14.9% 

 

12.1% 

 

15.3% 

NAIC-2

 

BBB

 

 

3,479 

 

 

2,252 

 

0.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

81.2% 

 

18.8% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-3

 

BB

 

 

3,608 

 

 

3,122 

 

0.1% 

 

0.0% 

 

50.7% 

 

49.3% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-4

 

B

 

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

NAIC-5

 

CCC and below

 

 

1,831 

 

 

1,262 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

100.0% 

NAIC-6

 

In or near default

 

 

900 

 

 

315 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

100.0% 

Total

 

 

 

$

277,755 

 

$

290,596 

 

9.5% 

 

47.6% 

 

9.3% 

 

15.7% 

 

11.9% 

 

15.5% 

———————

(1)

Includes commercial mortgage-backed CDOs with amortized cost and market values of $2,316 thousand and $1,684 thousand, respectively.

(2)

Percentages based on Market Value.


Realized Gains and Losses


The following table presents certain information with respect to realized investment gains and losses, including those on debt securities pledged as collateral, with losses from OTTI charges reported separately in the table. These impairment charges were determined based on our assessment of factors enumerated below, as they pertain to the individual securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.


Sources and Types of

Three Months Ended

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses):

March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other-than-temporary debt impairment losses

$

(1,086)

 

$

(880)

Portion of loss recognized in OCI

 

427 

 

 

386 

Net debt impairment losses recognized in earnings

$

(659)

 

$

(494)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt security impairments:

 

 

 

 

 

  U.S. government and agency

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

  State and political subdivision

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Foreign government

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Corporate

 

-- 

 

 

(250)

  CMBS

 

(88)

 

 

-- 

  RMBS

 

(521)

 

 

(244)

  CDO/CLO

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Other asset-backed

 

(50)

 

 

-- 

Net debt security impairments

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

Limited partnerships and other investment impairments

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Impairment losses

 

(659)

 

 

(494)

Debt security transaction gains(1)

 

107 

 

 

631 

Debt security transaction losses(1)

 

(48)

 

 

(325)

Limited partnerships and other investment gains (losses)

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Net transaction gains

 

59 

 

 

306 

Derivative instruments

 

(23,528)

 

 

(13,341)

Embedded derivatives(2)

 

16,356 

 

 

9,067 

Net realized investment losses, excluding impairment losses

 

(7,113)

 

 

(3,968)

Net realized investment losses, including impairment losses

$

(7,772)

 

$

(4,462)

———————

(1)

Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale debt securities were $191 thousand and $14,570 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(2)

Includes the change in fair value of embedded derivatives associated with variable annuity GMWB, GMAB, GPAF and COMBO riders. See Note 5 to our financial statements in this Form 10-Q for additional disclosures.




42




Other-than-Temporary Impairments


Management exercised significant judgment with respect to certain securities in determining whether impairments are temporary or other than temporary. In reaching its conclusions, management used a number of issuer-specific quantitative indicators and qualitative judgments to assess the probability of receiving a given security’s contractual cash flows. This included the issue’s implied yield to maturity, cumulative default rate based on rating, comparisons of issue-specific spreads to industry or sector spreads, specific trading activity in the issue, and other market data such as recent debt tenders and upcoming refinancing requirements. Management also reviewed fundamentals such as issuer credit and liquidity metrics, business outlook and industry conditions. Management maintains a watch list of securities that is reviewed for impairments. Each security on the watch list was evaluated, analyzed and discussed, with the positive and negative factors weighed in the ultimate determination of whether or not the security was other-than-temporarily impaired. For securities for which no OTTI was ultimately indicated at March 31, 2012, management does not have the intention to sell, nor does it expect to be required to sell, these securities prior to their recovery.


Fixed income OTTIs recorded in the first quarter of 2012 were primarily concentrated in structured securities. These impairments were driven primarily by increased collateral default rates. In our judgment, these credit events or other adverse conditions of the issuers have caused, or will most likely lead to, a deficiency in the contractual cash flows related to the investment. Therefore, based upon these credit events, we have determined that OTTIs exist. Total debt impairments recognized through earnings related to such credit-related circumstances were $659 thousand in the first quarter of 2012 and $494 thousand in the first quarter of 2011. There were no limited partnership and other investment OTTIs in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011.


In addition to these credit-related impairments recognized through earnings, we impaired securities to fair value through other comprehensive loss for any impairments related to non-credit related factors. These types of impairments were driven primarily by market or sector credit spread widening or by a lack of liquidity in the securities. The amount of impairments recognized as an adjustment to other comprehensive loss due to these factors was $427 thousand in the first quarter of 2012 and $386 thousand in the first quarter of 2011.


The following table presents a roll-forward of pre-tax credit losses recognized in earnings related to debt securities for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in OCI.


Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings on Debt Securities for

Three Months Ended

which a Portion of the OTTI Loss was Recognized in OCI:

March 31,

($ in thousands)

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

(18,614)

 

$

(17,335)

  Add: Credit losses on securities not previously impaired(1)

 

(374)

 

 

(250)

  Add: Credit losses on securities previously impaired(1)

 

(235)

 

 

(244)

  Less: Credit losses on securities impaired due to intent to sell

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

  Less: Credit losses on securities sold

 

-- 

 

 

958 

  Less: Increases in cash flows expected on previously impaired securities

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Balance, end of period

$

(19,223)

 

$

(16,871)

———————

(1)

Additional credit losses on securities for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI are included within net OTTI losses recognized in earnings on the statements of comprehensive income.




43




Unrealized Gains and Losses


Net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and certain other assets are included in the balance sheet as a component of AOCI. The table below presents the special category of AOCI for debt securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired when the impairment loss has been split between the credit loss component (in earnings) and the non-credit component (separate category of AOCI).


Fixed Maturity Non-Credit OTTI Losses in AOCI, by Security Type:

Mar 31,

 

Dec 31,

($ in thousands)

2012(1)

 

2011(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency

$

-- 

 

$

-- 

State and political subdivision

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Foreign government

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Corporate

 

(1,505)

 

 

(1,505)

CMBS

 

(5,148)

 

 

(5,131)

RMBS

 

(20,805)

 

 

(20,396)

CDO/CLO

 

(6,220)

 

 

(6,220)

Other asset-backed

 

-- 

 

 

-- 

Total fixed maturity non-credit OTTI losses in AOCI

$

(33,678)

 

$

(33,252)

———————

(1)

Represents the amount of non-credit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI excluding net unrealized gains or losses subsequent to the date of impairment.


The following table presents certain information with respect to our gross unrealized losses related to our investments in debt securities as of March 31, 2012. Applicable deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred income taxes reduce the effect of these losses on our comprehensive income.


Duration of Gross Unrealized Losses on Securities:

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

 

 

0 – 6

 

6 – 12

 

Over 12

 

Total

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

Debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fair value

$

512,781 

 

$

206,805 

 

$

65,215 

 

$

240,761 

Total amortized cost

 

585,713 

 

 

209,982 

 

 

68,168 

 

 

307,563 

Unrealized losses

$

(72,932)

 

$

(3,177)

 

$

(2,953)

 

$

(66,802)

Unrealized losses after offsets

$

(17,183)

 

$

(1,653)

 

$

(1,319)

 

$

(14,211)

Number of securities

 

300 

 

 

79 

 

 

52 

 

 

169 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses

$

(26,321)

 

$

(2,234)

 

$

(2,649)

 

$

(21,438)

Unrealized losses after offsets

$

(7,369)

 

$

(1,198)

 

$

(1,157)

 

$

(5,014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses

$

(46,611)

 

$

(943)

 

$

(304)

 

$

(45,364)

Unrealized losses after offsets

$

(9,814)

 

$

(455)

 

$

(162)

 

$

(9,197)


Total net unrealized gains on debt securities were $69,941 thousand (unrealized losses of $72,932 thousand less unrealized gains of $142,873 thousand).


For debt securities with gross unrealized losses, 42.9% of the unrealized losses after offsets pertain to investment grade securities and 57.1% of the unrealized losses after offsets pertain to below-investment-grade securities at March 31, 2012.




44




The following table represents those securities whose fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost (significant unrealized loss) that have been at a significant unrealized loss position on a continuous basis.


Duration of Gross Unrealized Losses on Securities:

As of March 31, 2012

($ in thousands)

 

 

0 – 6

 

6 – 12

 

Over 12

 

Total

 

Months

 

Months

 

Months

Debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost

$

(53,545)

 

$

(2,306)

 

$

(4,704)

 

$

(46,535)

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost after offsets

$

(11,066)

 

$

(453)

 

$

(1,185)

 

$

(9,428)

Number of securities

 

48 

 

 

 

 

11 

 

 

34 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost

$

(11,902)

 

$

(1,650)

 

$

(1,293)

 

$

(8,959)

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost after offsets

$

(2,602)

 

$

(324)

 

$

(513)

 

$

(1,765)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below investment grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost

$

(41,643)

 

$

(656)

 

$

(3,411)

 

$

(37,576)

Unrealized losses over 20% of cost after offsets

$

(8,464)

 

$

(129)

 

$

(672)

 

$

(7,663)


Liquidity and Capital Resources


In the normal course of business, we enter into transactions involving various types of financial instruments such as debt securities. These instruments have credit risk and also may be subject to risk of loss due to interest rate and market fluctuations.


Our liquidity requirements principally relate to the liabilities associated with various life insurance and annuity products and operating expenses. Liabilities arising from life insurance and annuity products include the payment of benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans.


Historically, we have used cash flow from operations, investing activities and capital contributions from our shareholder to fund liquidity requirements. Our principal cash inflows from life insurance and annuities activities come from premiums, annuity deposits and charges on insurance policies and annuity contracts. Principal cash inflows from investing activities result from repayments of principal, proceeds from maturities, sales of invested assets and investment income.


The primary liquidity risks regarding cash inflows from our investing activities are the risks of default by debtors, interest rate and other market volatility and potential illiquidity of investments. We closely monitor and manage these risks.


We believe that our current and anticipated sources of liquidity are adequate to meet our present and anticipated needs.


Ratings


Rating agencies assign financial strength ratings to Phoenix Life and its subsidiaries based on their opinions of the Companies’ ability to meet their financial obligations.


On January 13, 2012, A.M. Best Company, Inc. affirmed our financial strength rating of B+. They changed their outlook on our ratings from stable to positive. On February 8, 2011, A.M. Best Company, Inc. affirmed our financial strength rating of B+ and changed their outlook from negative to stable.


On December 16, 2011, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed our financial strength rating of Ba2 and changed their outlook from stable to positive.


On April 5, 2012, Standard & Poor’s affirmed our financial strength rating of BB- maintained their stable outlook. On March 24, 2011, Standard & Poor’s affirmed our financial strength rating of BB- and changed their outlook from negative to stable.




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The financial strength ratings as of May 11, 2012 were as follows:


 

 

Financial Strength Ratings of

 

 

Rating Agency

 

Phoenix Life and PHL Variable Life

 

Outlook

 

 

 

 

 

A.M. Best Company, Inc.

 

B+

 

Positive

Moody’s

 

Ba2

 

Positive

Standard & Poor’s

 

BB-

 

Stable


Reference in this report to any credit rating is intended for the limited purposes of discussing or referring to changes in our credit ratings or aspects of our liquidity or costs of funds. Such reference cannot be relied on for any other purposes, or used to make any inference concerning future performance, future liquidity or any future credit rating.


Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments


As of March 31, 2012, there were no significant changes to our outstanding contractual obligations and commercial commitments as disclosed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Obligations Related to Pension and Postretirement Employee Benefit Plans


Our ultimate parent company provides employees with post-employment benefits that include retirement benefits, through pension and savings plans, and other benefits, including health care and life insurance. This includes three defined benefit pension plans. We incur applicable employee benefit expenses through the process of cost allocation by PNX.


The employee pension plan, covering substantially all employees, provides benefits up to the amount allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. The two supplemental plans provide benefits in excess of the primary plan. Retirement benefits under the plans are a function of years of service and compensation. The employee pension plan is funded with assets held in a trust, while the supplemental plans are unfunded. Effective March 31, 2010, all benefit accruals under our funded and unfunded defined benefit plans were frozen.


Employee benefit expense allocated to us for these benefits totaled $930 thousand and $727 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Phoenix Life made contributions to the pension plans in the first quarter of 2012, of which $1,147 thousand has been allocated to us. By December 31, 2012, Phoenix Life expects to make contributions to the pension plans, of which approximately $4,384 thousand will be allocated to us.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.


Reinsurance


We maintain reinsurance agreements to limit potential losses, reduce exposure to larger risks and provide additional capacity for growth. We remain liable to the extent that reinsuring companies may not be able to meet their obligations under reinsurance agreements in effect. Failure of the reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. Since we bear the risk of nonpayment, we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk.


Statutory Capital and Surplus


Our statutory basis capital and surplus (including asset valuation reserve (“AVR”)) increased from $320,107 thousand at December 31, 2011 to $338,280 thousand at March 31, 2012. The principal factors resulting in this increase were net income of $38,860 thousand offset by unrealized capital losses of $11,357 thousand.




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Enterprise Risk Management


Our ultimate parent company, PNX, has a comprehensive, enterprise-wide risk management program under which PHL Variable operations are covered. The Chief Risk Officer reports to the Chief Financial Officer and monitors our risk management activities. It has an Enterprise Risk Management Committee, chaired by our ultimate parent company’s Chief Executive Officer, whose functions are to establish risk management principles, monitor key risks and oversee our risk-management practices. Its risk management governance consists of several management committees to oversee and address issues pertaining to all our major risks—operational, market and product—as well as capital management. In all cases, these committees include one or more of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Risk Officer.


See our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding enterprise risk management. There were no material changes in our exposure to operational and market risk exposure at March 31, 2012 in comparison to December 31, 2011.



Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


For information about our management of market risk, see “Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Enterprise Risk Management.”



Item 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, these officers have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.




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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We are regularly involved in litigation and arbitration, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, various regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries of us and, from time to time, conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting our SEC registered products. It is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses. We believe that the outcomes of our litigation and regulatory matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. However, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation and regulatory matters, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our financial statements in particular quarterly or annual periods. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item A of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 9 to our financial statements in this Form 10-Q for additional information.



Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS


The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties, any of which could have a significant or material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity or financial statements. Before investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks described therein are not the only ones we face. This information should be considered carefully together with the other information contained in this report and the other reports and materials the Company files with the SEC.



Item 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


We have omitted this information from this report as we meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by that General Instruction.



Item 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


We have omitted this information from this report as we meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by that General Instruction.



Item 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.



Item 5.

OTHER INFORMATION


(a)

Not applicable.


(b)

No material changes.





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Item 6.

EXHIBITS


Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of James D. Wehr, President, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Peter A. Hofmann, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32

 

Certification by James D. Wehr, President and Peter A. Hofmann, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.


We will furnish any exhibit upon the payment of a reasonable fee, which fee shall be limited to our reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit. Requests for copies should be directed to: Corporate Secretary, PHL Variable Insurance Company, One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5056.




49




SIGNATURE


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



 

PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

Date: May 11, 2012

By:

/s/ Peter A. Hofmann

 

Peter A. Hofmann

 

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




50